Chapter Six

Back at her own apartment after returning from Bola's, Teni ate a quiet dinner and then told Bella to go to her bed. Despite it being a Sunday, the day had been eventful, and she craved a moment of peaceful relaxation before sleep.

 She lay down and dialled her mother's number, the last promise she had made to herself for the day.

 "Hello, Dolly," Rhoda's voice greeted her, punctuated by laughter.

 "Hello, Mum. What's so funny? Sounds like you're having a good time," Teni could hear her stepfather's laughter in the background as well.

 "It's your little sister cracking us up. She got into her nappy, smeared it on her nose, and then got angry about it!" Rhoda said, still chuckling.

 "That's hilarious. It just goes to show she has no idea what Mummy goes through cleaning up after her all the time," Teni laughed.

 "That's precisely what makes it so funny, dear," Rhoda agreed. "How's Jim's hospital doing after all that trouble?"

 "It's doing great, Mum," Teni replied, the good news bubbling up inside her. She glanced at the ring on her finger, extremely pleased with its presence. 

 "Mum?" Teni began.

 "Yes, Dolly? What is it?" Rhoda asked.

 "Jim proposed today," Teni announced, dropping the news her mother had waited so long for like a joyful explosion. Rhoda's excitement was palpable.

 "You're kidding me! Finally?" Rhoda exclaimed. "He finally found the nerve to ask?" she added with a laugh.

 "I have the ring right here on my finger as we speak," Teni said proudly, turning her hand to admire the sparkling diamond.

 "Oh, congratulations, my baby! It won't be long before I'm a grandma now," Rhoda said happily. "Andrew's here, he wants to say hello," she added, handing the phone to her husband.

 "Hi Teni, congratulations!" Andrew said. It had been some time since they had last spoken.

 "Thanks, Andrew," Teni replied, looking at her ring again, deciding that Jim indeed had excellent taste. She adored it.

 "We're looking forward to having you both for the holidays," Andrew said, holding his wife as their little daughter played nearby.

 "We'll definitely consider it. Thank you so much," Teni replied. Andrew seemed like a genuinely kind man, she thought.

 Feeling the pull of sleep, she decided it was time to end the call. Andrew had returned the phone to Rhoda, who was immediately back on the line.

 "Did you hear that? We expect you and Jim for your vacation!" Rhoda reiterated her husband's invitation.

 "Yes, we'll think about it. I need to go now, Mum. I'll talk to you again during the week," Teni said, stretching out on her bed. She watched Bella curled up asleep on her couch.

 "Alright, Dolly. I'm going to bed a very proud mother tonight. Goodnight, and give my best to Jim," Rhoda said warmly.

 "Okay, Mum, bye," Teni placed the phone on the bedside table and settled comfortably into her pillows, the day's incredible events replaying in her mind until sleep finally claimed her.

...

THE CONFERENCE TABLE hosted six individuals: Edward, Bola, Teni, Jane (the bilingual secretary), the company's senior accountant, and the print manager. Their meeting focused on the upcoming International Journalism Convention in Paris, France. The Voice Newspaper, the Nigerian media house representing Nigeria , needed to select its delegation.

 The Editor-in-Chief, leading the meeting, was the ultimate decision-maker. His selections for the Paris trip were himself, Teni, Eric (the senior accountant), and Jane, his bilingual secretary. Bola, who was also present, would step in to lead the company in their absence, becoming the acting Editor-in-Chief upon the team's departure. The print manager would support her as her assistant.

 Unbeknownst to the others, Edward was acting on Bola's private request. She had pleaded to be excluded from the trip to France, her desire being to remain and care for her daughter, whose health demanded her attention. Her daughter's health and well-being was more paramount than a travel to see the world, she thought. 

 Leaving the conference room, Teni couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss regarding Bola's exclusion. On most international trips by the staff, their team was consistently four, and Bola was always a key member.

 "What made you decide not to go on the trip?" Teni asked as she and Bola walked together down the passage to their offices. A genuine concern for her friend coloured her question.

 "I don't want to go. Remember, Mary needs me here," Bola responded simply.

 "Oh! That's right, I'd forgotten. So, this was your plan with Edward?" Teni inquired, a hint of understanding dawning.

 "Yes, absolutely. I went to him personally to ask to be excluded," Bola confirmed.

 She reached her office door, turned the knob, and stepped inside. Teni followed, pulling a chair closer to Bola's desk.

 "Now it makes sense. I felt terrible thinking you were being left behind. The trip won't be the same without you though . I'll even miss your little dramas," Teni said with a smile.

 "Don't worry about me, my friend. But will you do me a favour while you're in Paris? Could you buy us some beautiful shoes and dresses? You know Paris is the fashion heart of the world!" Bola requested.

 "Oh wow, I hadn't even considered that. That's a fantastic idea, but only if you trust my fashion choices," Teni replied, making a playful face.

 "You have much better fashion sense than I do. So, yes, I trust your judgment completely, and video calls can certainly help if you're unsure," Bola said, opening her laptop and connecting it to the power outlet under her desk.

 Their conversation flowed between the upcoming trip to France and Bola's mother's burial, punctuated by shared jokes and quiet gossip, until Teni eventually returned to her own office.

…

A DRIZZLE DECORATED the window, mirroring the chill in the air. In the dim warmth of Jim's living room, Teni lay with her head nestled in his lap, the muted glow of the television screen reflecting in her eyes.

 She'd detoured to Jim's after work, knowing he'd be off duty, likely having spent the day asleep in preparation for his night shift. She found him sprawled on the floor, his back against the leather sofa, the familiar drone of the world news filling the quiet space – a ritual he rarely missed.

 His fingers traced soft patterns in her hair as they spoke in hushed tones, the television now silent. A tender ache bloomed in Jim's chest as he pictured a future brimming with laughter and shared joy with his fiancée.

 Teni gazed at her engagement ring, the faint melody from the stereo a gentle counterpoint to their conversation. Contentment settled over her, her head a comfortable weight in Jim's lap.

 "How will I manage a whole week without you?" Jim's voice was a low murmur, his hand now resting lightly on her chest, his thumb stroking gently.

 "You make it sound like a lifetime," Teni replied, her gaze drifting to her phone, which she scrolled through absently.

 "Seven days is an eternity," Jim insisted softly, his touch a constant presence.

 "Darling, it's the 21st century. We have video calls," Teni said, her attention still partly on her phone.

 A wry smile touched Jim's lips. "Ah, the 21st century. How could I forget? Imagine the bliss of holding and kissing my lady… digitally." A hint of playful sarcasm laced his tone.

 "I'll miss you too, babe. But duty calls," Teni sighed, finally setting her phone aside. "Oh, that reminds me, I need to bring Bella over, as planned."

 "She's always welcome. Clarus will look after her as he does Bolt and Toks," Jim leaned down, pressing a warm kiss to her forehead.

 "You're a sweetheart. Thank you," Teni lifted his hand and kissed his knuckles.

 His gaze held hers. "When you return from Paris, we absolutely must begin discussing the wedding."

 Teni's breath caught. Had she heard him correctly? She turned fully, searching his eyes. "What did you just say?" she asked, needing confirmation.

 "You heard me," Jim affirmed, his voice firm. "We need to start planning our wedding as soon as you're back from Paris." Teni felt greatly elated. This felt real, tangible. Could his recent trouble have truly changed him? Had he encountered some positive influence during his detention? Only time will tell, she thought, a flicker of hope igniting within her.

 "You mean it?" Teni sat up, a surge of excitement coursing through her, and leaned back against the sofa beside him.

 "Yes, I mean it. I want more of you, Teni. I want us together, our life to begin as soon as possible. Let's start our family," Jim said, his eyes holding a newfound seriousness.

 His words were a balm to her soul. Teni moved closer, her lips finding his in a tender kiss that quickly deepened. Jim responded with an intensity that surprised and thrilled her, holding her tight, showering her with kisses that spoke of longing and desire.

 In a heartbeat, the quiet intimacy escalated, and they found themselves entwined, making love on the living room floor. Passion surged, their bodies moving as one, soft moans escaping their lips. In that moment, Teni surrendered to the pleasure, pushing aside the small voice of her earlier vow.

 It was only in the aftermath, the echoes of their lovemaking fading, that the weight of her broken promise crashed down on her. The night of their engagement, she had made a solemn vow, a rededication of her life to God, promising that her next intimacy would be within the sanctity of their marriage bed. She had told Jim, and he hadn't been pleased.

 A wind of guilt rushed over Teni. She offered a silent prayer for forgiveness before rising to use the bathroom, needing a moment alone. Jim, though sensing her shift in mood, couldn't decipher the reason.

 "What is it, honey?" he asked, still on the floor, watching her retreat.

 "I told you… no more until we're married. We need to be strong," Teni said, her voice barely above a whisper as she walked away.

 "Yeah, but… but we're practically married, Teni. Can't you feel it?" Jim stammered, trying to bridge the sudden distance between them. He couldn't understand her distress. It wasn't as if this was their first time, and his proposal was a testament to his commitment.

 "Practically isn't married, Jim. Engagement isn't marriage," Teni stated firmly as she entered the bathroom and turned on the shower, the rush of water a sudden comfort.

 "Okay, but… I don't know how that's going to work, babe. I love you," Jim said, reaching for the remote and turning up the television volume, the noise filling the space she had just vacated.

 "If you love me, help me keep my promise. I love you too," Teni called out over the sound of the water, the warmth a small comfort against the sudden chill she felt.

 "I'll try, honey. All the more reason we should get married as soon as possible," Jim replied earnestly, his voice carrying a note of pleading.

 "Then, when I return from Paris, as you said, we'll discuss it and set a date. If that's what you truly want, then I want it too," Teni responded from behind the closed bathroom door.

 "It's a deal then. Let's make this happen," Jim said, standing up, intending to join her, but he stopped short.

 "Not now, Jim. You can shower when I'm done. No more showering together, no more sleeping together until we're married," Teni's voice was firm, and a chuckle escaped Jim's lips. He reluctantly turned towards the kitchen, the thought of milk and cookies a small consolation.

 How he would navigate this new boundary Teni had erected was a perplexing challenge. Yet, a smile played on his lips as he opened the refrigerator. After his snack, he returned to the living room, settling onto the couch to wait for her, a mix of amusement and anticipation swirling within him.

 Teni emerged from the bathroom moments later, a sky-blue sackcloth and a red beret clutched in her hands. Her brow was furrowed in confusion.

 "What is this?" she asked, holding out the strange garments. A metal crest of a black snake glinted on the beret.

 "Oh! That?" Jim's mind raced. He stammered for a moment before a plausible explanation surfaced. "The church. It's a costume for the drama group." He stood quickly, placing the milk jar on the table and snatching the items from her hands.

 "You haven't been to church once since we arrived, Jim. Two years. When did you start?" Teni walked to the table, reaching for the milk and cookies.

 "I finally decided to heed your spiritual guidance. Since we're getting married, we need to share some things, and spirituality is important. Is that so bad?" Jim said, turning towards the bedroom with the sackcloth and cap.

 "It's wonderful, of course. I'd love for you to connect with God. I just… wonder why you didn't mention it," Teni said, sinking onto the couch, the milk and cookies about to fill her mouth as she watched him disappear into the bedroom.

 Jim entered the bedroom, pulled a suitcase from the wardrobe, opened it, and carefully placed the sackcloth and red beret inside. He snapped the latches shut, a silent sigh of relief escaping his lips. He had managed to convince Teni. He vowed to himself never again to leave those items exposed. It was a strict violation of the Black Mambas' code.

…

AT WORK, the distinctive rhythm of Bola's knock echoed through Teni's office. Teni knew instantly who it was. Some people had a signature knock, and Bola's was unmistakable.

 "Come in," Teni called out.

 "Hey! Babe, what's up?" Bola breezed in, her usual playful energy filling the room. She pulled the chair in front of Teni's desk and settled down, watching her friend meticulously file her nails while punctuating the silence with the crunch of peanuts.

 "I'm good," Teni replied, her focus unwavering. "Next time you feel like knocking, just bring a sledgehammer," she added dryly, her gaze still fixed on her nails.

 "Why do you always have an issue with my knocking?" Bola asked, reaching for the bottle of peanuts and pouring some into her hand.

 "Because you knock like you're trying to demolish the door," Teni exaggerated with a slight smile.

 "So, sledgehammer it is next time?" Bola helped herself to more peanuts.

 "Yes, it would certainly get the job done," Teni finally looked up, a genuine smile gracing her lips.

 "I will always knock the way I want. You can't infringe on my right to express myself," Bola retorted with a grin, and Teni's laughter finally bubbled up.

 "Express yourself by causing structural damage? With that… percussive entry?" Teni's laughter grew louder, attracting the attention of Tina, who was passing by. Tina stopped and tapped lightly on the door, curious about the laughter outburst.

 "Come in," Teni said, and Tina opened the door.

 "I heard the merriment and had to come investigate," Tina stepped into the office.

 "Tina, tell me honestly, what did you do just now before entering?" Teni asked, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

 "I knocked," Tina replied, waiting for the punchline.

 "Precisely! That, my dear Tina, is what's known as knocking in a civilized society. But do you know some people bang and call it a knock?" Teni's smile erupted into another peal of laughter, and Tina's gaze fell on Bola, who continued to munch on peanuts, a knowing smile on her face.

 "Of course, banging isn't knocking. Anyone who does that in a professional setting needs to stop. It's dreadful manners," Tina joined in the gentle teasing of Bola.

 "No amount of complaints will reform me. I am who I am, knocking style and all," Bola declared, then swiftly changed the subject. "Anyway, the real reason I'm here: you're both cordially invited to my mother's burial ceremony and the celebration afterwards. It's next Saturday. You know how we honour our elders in Africa – it's a time for joy and remembrance, not just sorrow."

 "Thank you for the invitation," Tina took a few steps towards the desk, scooped some peanuts into her hand, and turned back to leave.

 "Where will it be?" Teni asked, setting aside her nail file and reaching for the peanut bottle.

 "The burial is at the public cemetery near the governor's office, and the reception is at Mama's house. The formal invitations are on Tina's desk downstairs," Bola concluded, standing up to leave with Tina.

 "My first burial party. Someone passes, and we celebrate. Thank goodness I'm African," Teni quipped, shaking her head with a smile.

 "That's our culture for you," Bola chuckled, following Tina out of Teni's office.