We agreed that night to rent a place first then build a bungalow before the main structure. I showed the girls the design by our in house Architect, it is a master piece and totally achievable. I am an optimist and have always believed that with God all things are possible. We decided to fix a fund raising event some time towards the end of July or August. Life is beautiful and is what you make of it. The girls have been very supportive and for this I am grateful. All their financial support was given instantly.
“Ok, now that we are done with that can we now talk about boys? My chest is doing me somehow,” Jasmine said, making us all burst into laughter. She told the girls how she and I had taking off a year to see the World just before going to the University. Our parents were initially reluctant but eventually gave their blessings when we agreed to call home at least twice a week. Cancún, a Mexican city on the Yucatán Peninsula bordering the Caribbean Sea, was one of our first ports of call. It is known for its beaches, numerous resorts and nightlife. Cancun is also a famed destination for students during Universities’ spring break period and that is how we met Luis. He had the kind of face that stopped you in your tracks. I guess he was used to that, the sudden pause in a person’s natural expression when they looked his way. Of course the smile that accompanied it was a dead give-away. It didn’t help that he was so modest about it, it made the girls fall for him all the more. He was handsome alright and with hind sight was beautiful inside too. Luis was our first friend and eventually became our Tour guide. He loved his Country; I wish all Nigerians will take more pride in ours. I know you are eager to know what happened on the beach in Mexico; well Jasmine and Luis almost got intimate, I walked in on them and Jasmine never ceases to remind me that I rained on her parade and that she could have settled with Luis and probably had some Latino babies by now. I usually respond with, if it was meant to be they will still be together by now and we will both laugh. I also used to tell her that Latinos are hopeless romantics; will she have been able to cope, with hot Nigerian blood coursing through her veins. The girls decided to sleep over and we had a slumber party, yes at that age! I don’t know what other word to call it. We had popcorn, deemed the lights and watched a series movie together until we all fell asleep. It was pretty relaxing, when we got up in the morning; we had breakfast in bed courtesy my Mom. By the time the girls left I felt better and more ready to focus on my work.
“Good morning Tobs, how was your night? I hope you haven’t forgotten that I am expecting you today?” Rick’s grandmother asked as soon as I answered the phone. Still hazy from sleep, my befuddled mind couldn’t process immediately but I mumbled acquiescence. It was when I was brushing my teeth I suddenly realised I had accepted to be at Ricks’ family house that night. Grandma said Thanksgiving, I am wondering what type of Thanksgiving takes place at night? I pleaded with Jasmine to accompany me. When we got there, the house was all lit up and beautiful. Rick’s Grandma received us herself; she was adorned in an A-Line 3-4 length sleeve, knee-length jewel satin Mother of the Bride dress with zipper back and looked very beautiful and elegant. There were a handful of people there and it took Jasmine and I a minute to realise it was a small and very private party. A Pastor was present to speak briefly and pray, it was a beautiful Thanksgiving ceremony. All through I didn’t see Rick; where could he have gone at such an important time, I wondered. Just when I felt it was polite to leave Rick sauntered through the door and made a beeline for me, I hurriedly joined the conversation of 3 elderly women standing next to me. He smiled knowingly which was rather annoying but did not interrupt. I finally managed to get away after several failed attempts. “Tobs, why are you avoiding me?” Rick whispered in my ears. “Me, avoid you?” I asked feigning surprise.