THE BIRTHDAY

All through the day Michael assisted in the birthday shopping spree that Jenny had planned. To enable him fully participate, he called his secretary to cancel all his appointments for the day and without haste joined Jenny in going to the various local market alongside Deji.

He was supportive in carrying items from one store to the car with a carefree attitude. His status at that point did not seem to bother him. He even assisted in carrying the tomatoes to the blenders store. When his security aids saw him, they ran to help but he waved them off. Citing that he was exercising his muscles.

Jenny had a budget and worked with the strict budget meticulously but Michael overhauled everything. He ended up buying three cows as against the one Cow Jenny wanted to buy. He also bought six goats as against the two goats she had planned to purchase.

Furthermore, he bought two rams specifically for suya, cartons of Crocker fish and cartons of turkey meats. The two Hilux vehicles they took to the market was filled to the brim with the groceries. Jenny was overwhelmed with his largesse because he paid out of his own pocket for everything she had bought.

Mrs Bose was left alone at home to play grandma duties and watch over Stephanie who wanted to accompany Jenny to the market. Usually, her grand daughter would sulk and complain all day about the refusal. But she saw a new Stephanie. The young girl read the story books laid out for her by her nanny and even offered to make lunch for her. Mrs Bose was compelled to swap stories of her International travel experiences with her and shared some jokes.

By 3 pm, when the entire squad returned from the market, Jenny quickly prepared lunch for everyone. Michael wondered where she got the strength from after all the rigorous shopping in the market. After having a meal of spaghetti and beef balls, she ordered Stephanie to take a nap. Even Mrs. Bose was glad to take the offer of a nap but Stephanie wasn't. She wanted to work with Jenny in preparing the cooking items. But Jenny explained that Stephanie needed enough sleep for the activities of the next day.

Deji's girlfriend Nina came around, hoping to help in the cooking but Jenny declined. She told them to go out and have fun. Nina was quick to accept the offer and Michael suspected that it could be because she does not know how to cook. Michael also wanted to spend time with Jenny but he had no idea how to go about it. The young lady was outside working with the hired caterers who had begun to kill and clean the cows.

Seeing his indecision, Deji asked him to approach Jenny and ask if she needed any help. When he did, Jenny politely declined. So, Nina asked him to come along with them. She promised to call Matilda to meet up with them at the club.

At the sound of Matilda's name, he was not quite comfortable but Since Jenny looked as though she wanted to be alone, he obliged to go along. He walked up to Jenny before leaving and said

" You are a bloody young lady who should rest. I don't want you to break down because of this party. Call me if you need any help and I will be right here." Jenny smiled at his request and convinces him that she would call them if she needed any help.

Recognizing that the activities for the birthday party could be overwhelming, Jenny quickly began to delegate assignments among the hired caterers. The young men in no time had killed all the goats, cows and had the meats washed clean. The cooking pots were set on fire and they began boiling the meats. Jenny had spiced each pot to perfection and afterwards, they prepared the ingredients to be used in the various meals the next day. The young men who worked with her admired her efficiency and promised to always be available when she needed their services. Jenny also called the ice cream truck to remind them to be on time for the event the next day.

By 9 pm, everything was set and she bade them all good night. While she worked outside in the cooking tent, she also made dinner for Stephanie and Mrs Bose. When Deji and Michael returned to the house in the evening, They commented on the savoury aromas they could perceive from the compound and especially the cooking tent.

Michael moved over to the makeshift cooking tent that has been fixed solely for the event and was amazed at how arranged and in order, everything was. It was late in the night and Stephanie had gone to bed, so he quickly bade Deji a good night while he retired for the night.

When the day dawned, it was a surprisingly dry and cool Saturday morning for the Oladokuns. When Michael woke up, he could hear the sounds of blazing trumpets serenading the "happy birthday" song. The sound was annoying to his ears so he frowned. His perfect morning rest had been interrupted.

He wondered who would bring a singing saxophonist for small 13-year-old. Definitely Jenny!

Glancing at the bed side lamp, he found his phone and checked the time to see that it was just 7 am. Why so early? he asked himself. Going downstairs, he discovered the entire family was already downstairs.

Stephanie was wearing a light pink in colour pajamas and so was Jenny, but in much bigger size. Grandma wore a dark blue gown with her hair wrapped in a silky scarf and besides her was Deji as well. It was nice to see them all singing for Stephanie but he was stunned to see Priest Okafor.

Right in his living room was the same preacher who officiated during Laura's funeral. He has had a fracas with a man and did not expect he would be around his family anymore. Hence his utter shock to see him in his living room as the priest who came to pray for his little girl. The young saxophonist came with not just a surprise singing trumpet but a group of vocalists.

After the saxophonist had finished playing, the priest prayed for the entire family, anointing them and sprinkling the holy water around the house. Everyone knelt on the floor immediately the prayers began. Michael saw Jenny give Stephanie a brown envelope filled to the brim, probably with money to present to the priest after he had rounded up the prayers.

When the prayers ended, Jenny asked her to present it the priest. Priest Okafor hugged the child and poured more blessings upon the child. He also encouraged the household to continue coming to church as they have been doing in recent times. Furthermore, he booked them for a thanksgiving session the next day, being Sunday. He admonished them to return glory to God for the success of the event. Mrs Bose was overwhelmed with joy that she shed some tears. She thanked the Priest for coming to the household after such a long time. Priest Okafor simply told her that he could not deny Jenny's persistent and appealing request to come and pray for the family. He also shook hands with Michael assuring him that he never stopped praying for them. Michael became emotional. He did not know how to react but he knew in his heart that Jenny had won a special place of honour in him.

Stephanie had several presents given to her by the special surprise team that morning. There were 13 different gift boxes from Jenny and a large box from her grandmother. The young teenager was excited to open them all. However, Jenny assured her that they will need to wait until after the party is over to open the boxes. Stephanie was in total agreement. She asked her father and uncle for help. Together, they moved the boxes upstairs to Stephanie room.

Since it was early, Jenny asked them all to take breakfast and watch some television program as the party was slated to start by 12 noon. They honored her request and had a small breakfast together while Jenny went out to begin cooking.

At about 11:50am, Michael could see his compound from his bedroom window where he stood, literally buzzing with the Dj music and a life band. Popular songs were played and loud noises everywhere. Fro. shrieking children, parents driving in exotic cars and even his uncles were around. He was surprised to see people he had not seen for years. He wore a white T shirt and a blue jean trouser. Wearing a designer glasses, he walked out with his smart sneakers looking like a boy in his 20s.

Mrs Bose was dressed in an elegant pink gown and gold sandals. She looked graceful when she came out of the mansion to greet the guests. Jenny had a small tent designed and decorated for her to sit with her friends and fellow grandmas.

Michael went over to say hello to them as they all looked surprised to see him interacting with people. He greeted his uncles who were more amazed to see him hosting a party after such a long time. He apologized for his absence in certain family functions, using his work as an excuse.

Yes! he had been a sort of monster when he lost his wife and hid himself from the public. But recently, he discovered he was different, better and not bitter. Matilda also arrived with Nina as he was greeting the guests. She walked over to him, giving him a hug. She held a small blue teddy bear in her hand. Presumably, that was her gift to his daughter. He was dismayed at the sight of it.

"I know you don't want me here so let's just try and be civil to one another "she said to him. He wondered if she had any sense at all in the things she said and the way she behaved. Trying to ignore her, he continued greeting and welcoming the guest. At the same time, his eyes searched for someone.

The first highlight of the event was when the Mc asked for the celebrant. Stephanie looked like a goddess as she descended from the stairs wearing a pink princess fluffy gown, a tiara, a skin coloured leggings and black boots. She was elegant. From the hair do to the lips gloss on her lips, Michael knew he gave birth to the most beautiful girl in the world. He silently wished Laura was alive to see her 13 year old princess.

Everyone cheered as she came out of the house to join the party, waving at all her guests as Jenny had taught her too. Her school principal Mrs Kate walked up to Michael to congratulate him on officially being the father of a teenager. Michael laughed at the compliment until Stephanie pulled him aside.

"Daddy I can't find my mummy and I am supposed to cut the cake with her." She whispered.

He glanced quickly at the surrounding and discovered that he had not seen her since the party actually started.

"I thought you guys were together?"

"We were, but after she finished dressing me, she told me she wanted to go downstairs and talk to the caterers to begin serving the starters" . He indeed noticed the plates of goat meat pepper soup going around. There was also trays of suya, smoothies and fruit drinks going around.

"Okay princess, I would go and check the house and find her."

The MC, a popular radio presenter and comedian talked about the celebrant while the other teenagers were cheering her. Jenny had given him a list of beautiful thing about Stephanie and he asked her friends to talk about her. The games began around the teenagers tent. Jenny wanted everyone to have as much fun as they could in the party. So, she brought in the Mickey mouse and Barney characters for little children. They had bouncing castles, water slides to the pool and trampoline ball pen to play with. The teenagers had a rock and roll stand, pool table, with musical characters to sing and play games. Even the parents and grand parents had their corner of fun and comedy. The party was designed with such a couple of demarcation around the kids so they could interact with themselves.

The more the game show, the more foods were flowing. As Michael walked back to the house to begin his search for Jenny, he could hear the compliments about the food beginning with the starters which was goat meat pepper soup.

Entering the house, he saw the caterers taking the cakes outside. He asked them for Jenny and they pointed upstairs. Climbing and moving straight to her room upstairs, he found the door slightly opened. Peeking through, he saw her trying to zip her pink dress.

She looked so gorgeous, like a queen. She was certainly looking like the mother of Stephanie as they wearing the same outfit. The only difference was Jenny's gown was up to her knees so she did not wear a hose or a leggings. She also did not wear a boot but a nude coloured sandal. She had her hair wrapped up in a tiara and all Michael could imagine was marrying this girl. Her skin glowed. He watched her struggle tirelessly with the zip at the back of her dress. The fact that she was not cussing out despite being frustrated, amused him.

"Can I help you zip it?" she was instantly astounded. She did not recognize when he entered the room or how long he had been there.

"Don't worry, you were fully clothed before I walked in. He could see her visibly relaxing. He slowly sauntered towards her as she turned to her back. When his hands began reaching for her neck, he gently moved them towards her back. He could see goosebumps everywhere on the skin as he hands touched her skin. Her breathing also became irregular.

"Relax Jenny I'm not going to rape you" he assured her and she chuckled, visibly relaxing.

"I wasn't thinking about that sir."

"Call me Michael. I've said several times already. Even if it is just today, call me Michael He whispered". She nodded. He lingered more because she smells lovely. Her necklace was also on her neck but she had not put the latch on.

"Should I fix the necklace too?" He asked.

"Yes please" Her voice sounded lower than expected. When he had finished fixing the necklace, he had no other excuse but to take a step backward and Jenny turned. She was a complete vision of perfection for him. She was everything he wanted.

"You are beautiful"

"Thank you sir" she blushed, sucking in her bottom lip which was painted with lipgloss. It looked so inviting that Michael took a step further.

"I mean you're gorgeous. Your outfit is spectacular. It's simple but it is lovely. I wonder how you were able to put all these together Jenny. You are amazing."

"Thank you sir". He did not realize that his hands had moved to push one disobedient strand of her hair that had found it's way to face. While he touched her, she kept swallowing saliva as though she was thirsty. This was his cue as he could not hold back. Moving his lips closer to hers, he saw her reach for his with her eyes closed and they touched in a brief moment.

"Mummy!!!" the sound of Stephanie's voice made them pull apart.

"Yes..... yes.. honey I am here." Stephanie appeared in front of her door.

"Mummy you look so beautiful. Have you through dressing?"

"Yes Stephanie I have."

"I know you were struggling with the zipper. Did daddy help you?"

"Yes I did Stephanie." Michael answered.

"Okay lets go downstairs, Grandma said I should come down with my mummy and Daddy "

"Okay then" Michael said.

Suddenly Jenny froze. She realized that everyone would see her as the woman in Michael's life. Stephanie already calls her mummy and she became nervous.

"Mummy are you alright?"

"Jenny are you okay?"

"Yes I am fine. I just need a few minutes to myself and I will be downstairs with you guys. I promise" Jenny assured them

Stephanie obliged her but Michael could guess where her nervousness was coming from. As he descended the stairs, he met his mother.

"I was coming to call you guys. Where is Jenny?" MRS Bose asked.

"Mummy suddenly seems nervous. She said we should give her a few minutes "

"Okay! You guys can go to the party and I will be down with her shortly"

"Please convince her to come down. This would have been impossible without her mum " Michael whispered to his mother and she nodded. She could see the plea in his eyes and hear it in his voice.

She knocked on Jenny's door and in a few second, it was opened. She admired the young lady's outfit and smiled.

" You looked exceptional Jenny"

"Thank you ma. You look good yourself "

"Oh Jenny, it's time to cut the cake with Stephanie and I would hate that the special person in her life is not by her side right now. You do know that you are that person right?"

Jenny smiled.

"Motherhood is not just about birthing a child but loving, caring for the child without reservation" Mrs Bose added.

Giving her a hand, Jenny took it as they both walked downstairs to the party.

Everyone talked about her identical outfit with Stephani as she walked into the party. Deji stood up to snap her several times with his phone. He hugged her and gave her kisses by her cheeks for organizing the amazing event as he calls it. Michael was filled with so much pride as Jenny walked up to his side at the cake stand. Maltida kept her focus on Michael'eyes and watched how he held Jenny by the waist in the photographs. Michael's uncles were glad he was with a Woman and congratulated Mrs Bose for doing her work well as a mother.

They cut the cake together and invited Deji and grandma who were excited to join them. Afterwards, the Mc asked Stephanie to make a wish before she proceeded to cut the rest of her cakes by herself, friends and guest. She made the wish silently. When the Mc asked her what she had wished for, "It's personal!" she screamed and everyone laughed.

After the cutting of the cake, Jenny wore an apron and signaled the caterers to serve the main meals. Bowls of egusi soup, Gbegiri, ewedu, amala, barbeque fish and roasted plantains and oha soups were moving into the various tents with all kinds of swallow. Plates of fried rice, coconut rice, banga rice and jollof rice also followed. Pepper turkey sauce and yams were also plated. People kept asking for more and the caterers kept serving more. The children were not left out as they were packs of noddles, chicken and chips, pizzas, banana muffins, chocolate candies and fruit salads for them.

The second highlight of the event was amidst the heavy flow of food,

the owner of Stephanie school Mrs Kate came up to Michael a second time for the day.

"I'd like to get your Caterers number sir. This food is so delicious and my daughter's birthday is coming up next month. I like the menus. I like the package and I want the same ideas. I don't even mind hiring your event planner."

"You would have to ask Jenny as we did not hire any caterer or event planner."

"Please who is Jenny?" Michael pointed towards her and she began to walk closer.

"Oh you mean your new wife?" He was puzzled. He did not think people will confuse the relationship to that extent.

"Yes" he said as he couldn't offer an explanation.

"Mrs Jenny are you the one who cooked all these meals?" Mrs kate asked Jenny as she walked closer to them.

"Yes I did. Please call me Jenny ma'am. I had a catering team who followed my instructions and they made everything way easier.

"What about the event planning?"

Jenny smiled.

"The truth is I definitely wanted it to be special for my girl. She had specifications concerning the day and I also wanted to save cost. From the native delicacy to the dessert, Stephanie had an input. Even to the lighting system and decorations" Jenny said.

"You have done so well. This food is so delicious. Especially the swallow. I know every parent here desires second round of swallow but because they are all forming big men and women, they would not ask" Mrs Kate teased.

"Please don't worry ma, after the dessert is served, every parent will get a take home pack of soup, swallow and pepper soup" That's a plan.

"Mr Michael this is the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. Not just in words but in cooking too" The three of them laughed.

" Thank you ma for the compliment. Please just sit and I will get your packs across"

Nina at that moment walked up to Jenny.

"I don't know how you cooked it but I am leaving you with all of the soups in little packs. Your food is bursting my brain right now" Jenny laughed out.

"Okay I can definitely arrange that. It's coming right up"Jenny said

"I like this girl Nina said as she returned to her seat with Deji who was eating suya and having a smoothie. Matilda was eating amala and ewedu soup frowning her face.

"I can see that you are enjoying Jenny's food in this house my love. The girl can cook. No wonder you are so chubby!" Nina teased Deji.

"My love, she doesn't just know how to cook, she is respectful too." Deji said.

"Exactly and very friendly. See the way, Stephanie calls her mummy up and down. And see Stephanie, she is so chubby." Nina added.

"You can see for yourself. Less than six months of working here and it's not junk she is cooking. I mean real food" He said.

"Deji I want to ask you a question, this one you and Nina is busy praising this house help up and down, can you confidently say that Michael is not a sleeping with her?"

"Matilda what is wrong with you? Why are you being sultry calling Jenny a house help." Nina fired back

"Is that not what she is? What's the difference between a nanny and a house help? Besides, when I will start my own craze, I will scatter this bottle of drink on her head."

"Matilda, I didn't know you were like this." Deji said as he has being watching her rant.

"How am I? Is it because I am saying the truth? Your billionaire cousin is fucking his cook and parading her as a good wife on top her useless food that any body can cook.

"This will be the first and last time, you will insult my cousin in my presence. Jenny is an amazing woman and my brother owes you no explanation on what is relationship is with Jenny. Please excuse me" Deji said as he got up from their midst.

"Mati what is wrong with you? why will you say such things to my boyfriend?, Do you want to scatter my relationship?"

"Which useless boyfriend? I thought you didn't like him before?"

"That was before he came back from America. He has matured so much and I am trying to build a family with him. Please you have to keep this your anger and bitterness for Jenny far. That girl is a nice person. See how well dressed she is, yet, tying apron and serving food even when there are caterers" Nina defended.

"It is so much easy to see good in her to please your fucking boyfriend. Michael treats me like a piece of trash. He sees me as a dumping ground for his worthless sperm but when this small brat entered this place, his eyes never left her body for one second. What does she have that i don't have? Bloody Nanny for his ugly daughter. if you leave me, I will poison that girl, let her die today because Michael eyes is already in her body."

"God forbid! What sort of evil talk is this?Please its too expensive for a joke. Stop it" Nina asked.

"Am just telling you, I will kill that Jenny and nothing anybody will do me" She boasted.

Mrs Bose heard everything from the garden were she stood and she was shocked!

Jenny indeed fulfil her promise! Immediately after serving dessert and giving party packs to all the children, bowls of soups were packaged for the parents and adults. At that point in the party, the Mc asked for the celebrant to come out and dance.

It was at this point in the party Jenny started looking for Stephanie. She wanted to dance with her and when she turned, she bumped into Michael. He held her against his chest from falling.

"I am sorry I was not looking. My focus was lost" She apologized.

"Collide into me at any time and I will gladly be your focus" Jenny busted into laughter and the photographer choose that moment to snap the both of them.

"Where is Stephanie?" she asked.

"I was told she is at the teenagers slide playing.

Together they walked towards the tent and saw Stephanie laughing with a young boy who looked about 16 years of age.

"Who the fuck is that boy touching my daughter's hair? asked Michael who was suddenly furious.

"Listen, calm down, don't embarrass our daughter on her special day.

"I just want...."

"Calm down Michael, you are angry and you are cussing and I don't like it. It seriously frightens me". Suddenly the anger disappeared. The sound of her soothing voice calmed him. Choosing to walk like husband and wife who were checking up on the children, they both strolled towards Stephanie and the unsuspecting teenage boy.

"Hi Mummy and Dad!" Stephanie exclaimed innocently in joy when she saw them.

"Abdul this is my mum. You already know my Dad"

"Good evening ma, Good evening sir"

"It's so nice to meet you young man. Its Abdul right? Are you in the same school as Steph?" Jenny inquired.

"Yes ma. I'm in SS 3 ma"

"Wow! You are almost through with secondary school. I wish that for my girl soon. How old are you?"

"Am 16 ma"

"Mummy he even got me a gift. It's a beautiful necklace." Stephanie said smiling.

" I thought we agreed we will open your present together. Where is the necklace?"

"Here is it" Jenny give her the small box.

"Thank you so much for this. You must be rich boy"

"I am not really ma'am. My mum just gives me regular allowance"

"And I hope you're very appreciative towards your mum?"

"Yes I am ma" he replied looking away

Michael was fuming in anger behind Jenny but he tried to smile when Stephanie looks at him. He wanted to slap Abdul across the face but he pretended he was not upset over the unholy alliance.

"Stephanie honey, Why not take Abdul to the cake stand and give him some cakes."

"Okay mummy. Come let's go" Stephanie said holding the boy by the hand.

"What are you doing ? Give him Cake? for what reason?" Michael stuttered.

"The guy likes your 13 year old daughter and you are calm." He questioned Jenny.

"He likes her but she's my 13 year old and we have had the talk. She knows what she is doing. She is matured and God-fearing. I trust her." Michael smiled instantly looking at her lips.

"Can I say know you're thinking?" Jenny said.

"Is it obvious?"

"Of course it is"

"Good! Keep it to yourself" she smiled

"You're so beautiful " He touched her cheeks.

"Thank you"

"Can I have a word with you?"Matilda interrupted with a hiss

"Good afternoon ma" Jenny greeted but she did not respond.

"I've told you to stop showing Jenny attitude. She is not the reason for any of your frustration. I won't warn you again" "Okay" She responded frowning the more.

"So what do you want to talk about?" He asked her, without looking at her face.

"What is your problem Michael? You are so mean to me because your bloody cook is not only serving you intercontinental meals but international perfect tight cunt to fuck right?"

"For heavens sake, would you stop? I have always been mean to you."

"But you are not to her. I was your fiancee for almost two years"

"Did I propose to you?i beg you in the name of God, don't ruin my daughter's party with your madness"

"Michael you are an animal and you don't deserve good. I treated you very well when we were together "

"For crying out loud, Matilda you're not kind of woman I want to be with. For example, You don't even have time to my child. You don't love her. Look at a horrible birthday present, you gave to a 13 year old. A blue bunny teddy bear?"

"But she accepted it and was very grateful"

"Because my Jenny has taught her to be polite and appreciative" Michael said and she noted the word "my" in his statement.

Michael saw Damilola approaching with Deji. He did not even remember that she was invited.

"Hi Michael " She smiled.

"Hi Damilola." He replied.

"Its honourable now. This is a grand celebration and the food is good"

"Thank you Honourable"

Matilda hissed and walked away at the mention of good food. It was just too much to hear of Jenny's prowess.

"Bro, mummy says she wants to see us right now before the vote of thanks" Deji said as he rolled his eyes at Matilda walking past.

"Do you have any idea why she would want to see us?"

"I don't know oh, but she seemed very angry.