Mind Changer

" My Sunday Would be a lil busy, a friend of mine is hosting an event"

"A house opening. So there's a lot of preparations i would have to be present for"

"The event won't start till maybe 3pm"

"Are your lil cousins still around"

"Lol are you seeking? How would you be able to hide successfully without them noticing"

"Last I checked I was 6.7ft so I always seek when playing such games with my youngers"

With a house opening on the horizon, the day unfolded with the realization that there were numerous preparations I needed to be present for. The event itself wasn't scheduled to commence until around 3 pm.

The morning beckoned me at 6:09 AM. Rising from bed, I initiated my deep breathing technique while tidying up my bed.

A ritual of rejuvenation unfolded — a series of exercises including cobra stretches, the steadfast resolve of planks, and the stable balance of side planks.

Each posture was held for a disciplined 30 seconds. Alternating with the dynamism of mountain climbers and burpees, I committed to 15 repetitions of each exercise. As the last set concluded, I found myself both sweaty and blissfully fatigued.

Following the invigorating session, I made my way to the shower for a refreshing cleanse. Emerging revitalized, I ventured to my room, I brought out my black bag, placed it on my bed, and loaded it up with the outfit I would wear to the event. With a keen sense of style, I curated the outfit that would seamlessly blend into the setting of the house opening.

Stepping out of my room at 7:24 AM, I adorned a light blue T-shirt and black shorts, ready to face the day's events. My path led me downstairs to my parents' room, Simultaneously a quick check on Vibly revealed that Siri hadn't replied to my last messages yet.

With the certainty that my parents were still tucked away in their room, I lightly tapped on the door, promptly greeted by my mom's familiar inviting "Yes, come in" voice.

The master's bedroom, the largest in our house, had four windows, two positioned perpendicularly, allowing ample natural light. The expansive space dwarfed even the king-sized bed, which sat a few meters from the door. My dad occupied a sofa, engrossed in morning news updates on his phone.

Upon entering, I observed the scene unfolding. My mom perched on the edge of the bed, facing the door, while Favour occupied a low stool, engrossed in getting her hair fixed. "Good morning, family," I cheerfully greeted, ensuring the door clicked shut behind me.

My mom looked up, responding with her signature smile.

"Good morning, Daniel!" Favour acknowledged warmly, Favour, always bubbling with energy.

"Good morning, How was your night?" My dad, still immersed in his phone, casually replied.

"It was nice. I missed my bed. I slept like a baby."

Seizing the moment, I joined them in conversation, eager to share the details of my morning plans and the impending event preparations. The room, suffused with the warmth of family setting laying the groundwork for a day filled with connections and shared moments.

"I hope you would be going to church with us today, Dad isn't feeling too strong and it would be nice if you drove us" my mom inquired.

As my mom inquired about my attendance at church, a subtle attempt to convince me using my dad's health as leverage, my sister chimed in, asserting her plan to drive. Whipping her head toward my mom, she complained, "But I said I would drive us!" My mom retaliated by instructing her to stay still.

Caught in the familial banter, I observed my dad's indifferent expression, unchanged by my mom's words; he remained immersed in his phone. Despite being aware of the subtle persuasion, I willingly agreed to join them for church. It wasn't about religious inclination; rather, I saw it as an opportunity to deepen our family bond.

"I would love to," I responded, acknowledging the chance to spend quality time together. My mom approved, setting a departure time before 8:30 AM, noting my readiness.

In a playful exchange, a light-hearted retort, I jokingly stated, "I think I should be the one to tell you and Favour that. I hope you both don't still take a whole hour to get dressed."

My dad joined in the banter, stating, "Tell them, ohh, because I'm tired of complaining," as he scrolled through his phone.

Laughter filled the room, with my mom throwing my dad a bombastic side-eye.

Exiting the master bedroom, I witnessed my parents engaged in lighthearted banter, my sister serving as an amused audience. In these moments, surrounded by laughter and shared jokes, I couldn't help but cherish the warmth and connection within our family. I chose not to inform them about the event yet. Although I initially intended to leave this morning, well plans change, and I've always been an indecisive mind changer.

As I strolled out of the passageway leading to the master's bedroom and into the living room, the lively sounds of a heated Mortal Kombat battle reached my ears. Tim and Theo, already donned in their Sunday attire for church, were engrossed in the game, having gotten ready early to indulge in their gaming session until departure time.

Ascending the stairs to my room, a sudden thought struck me, and I swiftly grabbed my phone. I realized the girl I had expected to text me upon her arrival home hadn't done so. Dialing her number, she answered after a few rings.

"I'm gonna text you as soon as I get home, do those words sound familiar?" I teased.

A wild laugh echoed from the other end. "Oh, please," Precious responded, "I actually forgot. I got really busy. I'm sorry."

"If you knew you weren't gonna text me yesterday, you shouldn't have said so. I would have really called you," I replied.

"Awn, I'm sorry now. I really am. I'm glad you didn't take it personally and checked up on me. Thanks for calling," Precious apologized in a sheepish tone.

"It's okay. I'm not mad, just glad you're alright."

"So, how's your Sunday? I hope you'll be going to church today? I'm getting ready right now," Precious inquired.

"Yeah, I should be in church in about an hour or so. Which church do you attend?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

"I worship at Grace Ministries. How about you?"

"Oh, a Pentecostal church. I'm Catholic. I'll be attending Mass at St. Thomas Aquinas."

"Okay, that's nice, as long as you go to church. Sundays are to worship the Lord."

"Okay, Mom," I retorted, rolling my eyes, as a giggle came from Precious. Taking advantage just then, I decided to ask if she would be free to join me at Greg's house opening.

"So what would you be doing after church, any plans?"

"Hmmm, not really. What? Do you want to take me out on a date or something?" Precious replied with sarcasm evident in her tone.

"Yeah, something," I responded. "A friend of mine is hosting a house opening party, and arriving with a +1 would be nice."

"What? You actually have friends? Oh my God, I thought you were pretty much a loner," she teased.

"So, loners don't have friends? Is that what you're saying?" I argued. "Well, sorry to burst your bubble. I have lots of friends, matured friends," emphasizing the word "matured." "Agreed, we don't always see each other all the time. Sometimes we meet after several years, but when we link up, the vibes remain the same." There was a moment of silence. "Haha, cat got your tongue? Once again, I made this wild mouth hush up."

"How about a +4?" Precious asked. "I still haven't made up for the missed outing with my friends Friday night. I was super busy yesterday making a host of deliveries. I had promised them that this evening we would get together."

"Sure, why not? They're welcome to join us. Oh, before I forget, there will be a pool party, so in case you're interested, bring a swimsuit along, and tell your friends too."

"Okay, I will. Also, you and I might not get much time to spend with each other because I have to keep my friends' company," Precious trailed off.

"Hey, it's alright. I'll be a good host. It's no bother."

"Okay then," she replied excitedly. "I'll call you when I get back from church for further info."

"Would you?" I said deftly. "I'll text you when I get back," I added without waiting for a reply.

"Kk," she replied with a light giggle. "Take care. I need to go now. I'm already running late for service."

"Alright, see you soon," I hung up.