Night Out

"Baby, kindly take over the driving. I think what that woman gave me have sedative effect" Alhaji Kareem said.

Jewel looked at him thoughtfully, then unbuckled her seatbelt and went to the driver's side.

"Hmmm, why don't we find some cool place to park so you can enjoy your sleep?" She suggested with her arms on hood of the car.

"It will soon get dark and we still have long way to go. You know I don't fancy moving at night."

"Nothing will happen, Dad. No one will dare to stop us."

Alhaji Kareem seem to understand immediately and gave in to her suggestion.

It was weekend, so Jewel was able to find an empty mechanic shed. She parked under a tree in the workspace and helped her Dad to recline the seat.

"Thank you." he muttered.

"Dad, I need to pick this call. Brb."

"Alright dear."

Jewel then moved away from the car and started chatting excitedly.

"Babes...I've really missed you!" Jewel exclaimed.

"So, if I didn't call you, you won't call shey?" Lizzy replied half angry and playfully too.

"I am sorry, bestie. I will make it up to you. I promise."

"Wait o. Jewel, you're glowing a lot. I could have said you are pregnant, but you don't even fancy men at all. Did you change your skincare brand?" Lizzy asked

"No, I still use MJM organics set. Maybe it's cos I'm with my Daddy." Jewel replied pouting her lips and then burst into laughter.

"So, you know you're really capping. You can't intimidate me, I've got my Daddy too. But he doesn't dote on me like yours." Lizzy couldn't help but laugh too.

"If you can get me MJM organics set, I will accept your apology." Lizzy made a funny face and Jewel laughed again.

"Alright, babes. Deal. You'll get it once I am back to work. Kindly extend my regards to Larry." Jewel replied.

"Thank you! Chop kiss! Mmwaah!" Lizzy couldn't hide her excitement.

"I have to go now. Love you too, Babes."

Jewel ended the face time and joined her Dad in the car.

He was fast asleep and snoring lightly. Jewel smiled and reclined the driver's seat to relax as well. As she closed her eyes, the words of the woman chimed in her head:

"You are a God....at the mention of your very existence, the universe tremble."

*****

It was around 7pm when Alhaji Kareem finally woke up. He stretched, yawned and looked at his side to find Jewel eyes closed but tapping on the steering wheel gently.

"Sorry for keeping you waiting for long, Baby. Can we go now?" He said

"Wow, you're awake. Of course, we can." She replied finally opening her eyes, straightened the seat and started the car.

Back on the busy road, Jewel kept her eyes focused on driving, trying her possible best to make her Dad to feel safe. They then reached a checkpoint. A lanky and dark policeman approached them and lazily told them to park.

"How are you, Madam?" He asked with his gun slung on his shoulder.

Jewel wind down the glass and exchanged pleasantries with him.

"Your vehicle's particulars and driving licence, please?" the policeman asked.

She gave him all he requested for and was later asked to open the Booth. She obliged and after checking, she was allowed to go.

"But madam, you fine o. I am very sorry, Sir. But you're really taking care of her." he smiled widely exposing his crooked dentition.

"That's my Dad. But thank you. I'll take my leave now." Jewel replied respectfully.

"Okay madam." He replied not smiling this time after realizing his mistake.

All the while, Alhaji Kareem kept quiet and minded his business like nothing happened.

Jewel continued to drive and sighted a fanciful restaurant.

"Dad, I want to get some food. What should I get for you?"

"Barbecued chicken and water is okay."

"Alright Dad. I'll be back in a jiffy."

As she stepped out of the car, she noticed light smoke coming from top of the bonnet.

"I think we need to top up the water in the radiator." She said.

"I filled it this morning and also before we left the seer's place. I think the smoke is a resultant effect of the rain drizzling lightly on the hot bonnet." Alhaji Kareem replied.

"Oh! That's true! But let me check, Dad."

She opened the bonnet and found everything in a sound condition. She lowered the bonnet and left for the restaurant.

She later came back with three takeaways.

"Who owns the third plate, baby?" Her Dad asked

"Me,of course." She replied

"We'll share it. Don't be greedy." Her Dad said and drew two plates closer to himself.

"Oh my Goodness! I've missed the real you. You've been serious for some days now and it really got me worried. Welcome back, Daddy." Jewel said laughing.

"Your old man's got to be serious once in a while, you know?" He replied smiling.

"Did you just say the three plates are for me?" He asked again.

"No! I never said that, Dad. You're really tripping tonight." Jewel replied and started another bout of laughter.