Of All You Could Ask.........

The following day, Lanre woke up to see that she had missed the alarm she set to wake her up in the morning. Worst was that she woke up pretty late. It was already past eight when she woke up. She got out of her room only to find Eno seated in the living room with her legs crossed. She was already prepared for service. She told Lanre she was waiting for her. And that she had made breakfast for her as well.

“It is because of the baby! You are not supposed to eat on a Sunday morning”. Lanre thanked Eno and turned towards her room.

“Aunty Lanre!” Eno called. Lanre turned to look at her. And asked Eno why she called.

“Please do not forget my five thousand naira when you are coming out. In case you don’t have, bring your ATM card along so you can withdraw. If you are too lazy, I will help you. I know your pin”. Eno said with a mischievous smile.

“Of all you could ask, it is common five thousand naira you could ask for. And you won’t let me wake up first before disturbing me”. Lanre said. She left the living room and went back into her bedroom. She took off her clothes and went on to take her bath. After which she came out and apply cream. Done with this, what to wear became an issue to Lanre.

“Aunty Lanre! Please hurry up o. We are already late”. Eno said. Lanre had to rush and picked a gown to wear from her box of abandoned clothes. But it didn’t fit. It was too tight for her.

“Eno, does the church welcome ladies who wear trousers? My dress won’t fit”. Lanre said. Eno walked into Lanre’s room.

“But you have skirts na”. Eno said. Lanre told her they were too tight. Eno placed a finger on her chin as though she was thinking about it.

“Even Jesus welcomed Mary Magdalene. Who are they to cast you out. As long as it is your first time. They can’t chase you out. They will be chasing you from God if they do”. Eno said. She told Lanre she could wear the trousers as long as it would be decent enough to cover her skin. And she that she wears a long top over the trousers. Lanre wore a big size polo over her trousers and told Eno she was ready.

Eno told Lanre to eat first. And like she would do whenever she had the time, Eno gave Lanre her routine drugs. If she had not, Lanre would not have taken it. Sometimes she wonders if Lanre forgets she is pregnant or she is just negligent.

They left for church afterward. The place of worship was not exactly far from their house, so it took them less than fifteen minutes to get there. Eno did not forget to collect the five thousand naira from Lanre before they left.

Lanre felt shameful throughout the service as she seemed to be the only one wearing trousers. And she felt as though all eyes were on her.

Then during the time for tight, she noticed Eno put all the money she gave her in an envelope and went on to drop it in the tithe box.