“do we seal our deal with a kiss?”

“Actually I am done for the day, tonight was not one of my best nights. Tobs, I am truly sorry for tonight I spoilt it for everyone and I hope the girls can forgive me. I think I will call it a day,” Kaycee said getting up wearily. I walked her to her car in silence, each of us deep in thought. “Kaycee do not worry, the girls will understand when we eventually explain things.

Talk tomorrow? I promise,” I finished with a smile. When I got back in, Dennis was sitting at our table, lost in thought. “Hey, a penny for your thought,” I whispered in his ear jolting him to the present. “Tobs, I remembered that Domestic Violence Anonymous is this Monday, I would like to be a part of some of your activities, in memory of my sister,” he said soberly.

Dennis had lost a sister to domestic violence some time ago. It was a dark period in Dennis’s life and will forever remain in his family’s memory. “Yes Dennis, you are right; Warien Rose Foundation was supposed to have Domestic Violence Anonymous on the last Monday of the month like we have been doing since 2014 but because of the elections, it did not hold.

We also hope to mark international Women’s Day but United Nations Information Centre where the Event usually takes place has moved to Abuja so even though we are still partnering with them we are looking for another venue,” I said tiredly. “Yes I can imagine, how are you holding up?” Dennis asked in concern. “Actually I am feeling a bit overwhelmed, it’s been hectic.

A lot of our women are in dire straits and I can only do so much. The girls have been very helpful but any additional help will be welcome,” I said soberly. “Ok, we will talk about what the issue is but this evening I want you to forget about what is bothering you and let me help you relax, ok? Do we seal our deal with a kiss?” Dennis asked mischief dancing in his eyes. “Nope, that will not be necessary,” I said haughtily. “You sure you don’t feel the vibe? He persisted. “No I don’t!” I responded laughing. “Liar!” He whispered.

It was a fun evening despite the earlier shenanigan with the girls; I hadn’t laughed so much in a long time. Dennis set himself out to be charming. I sneaked into my house, in the wee hours of the morning after my frolicking time with Dennis. “Wake up sleeping beauty,” I heard Jasmine’s voice in my dream.

I thought if I ignored her, she will finally go away but that was not the case. Jasmine jumped on the bed and pulled the duvet off me. “Seriously Jaz, that is so juvenile,” I said crossly. “Get up kid, we need to talk,” Jasmine said with determination, not a tone one can ignore coming from Jasmine.

I finally got up in frustration rubbing my eyes in what she later termed a most adorable way. “Ok Jaz, I am all ears,” I said sleepily. “No you are not,” she reiterated and put a hot cup of scalding coffee in my hands. “Yikes! Jasmine, that is not nice,” I yelped petulantly. “At least you are awake now. “Where the hell does Kaycee get the nerve to talk to me about my relationship with men?” Jasmine asked her anger fuelled by my seemingly lethargic moves to sit up. “Kaycee should f**king stay out of my business,” she stated infuriated. “Tsk, tsk, tsk what’s with the swear words this morning Jaz?” I asked suddenly alert.

It took me forever to calm Jasmine, as she spoke she paced up and down to the point that I got dizzy and asked her to put a muzzle on it. Jasmine showed no sympathy after my explanation, she still felt Kaycee was way out of line. The week was hectic as usual, “Sleeping at work?” I heard an all too familiar voice. Rick as usual walked in unannounced. Sighing I opened my eyes reluctantly.

I needed that five minutes sleep, it was the type that gripped you and caught you unawares and if care is not taken you might forget to close your mouth while sleeping. I hope my mouth wasn’t open when he came in, I grimaced.

When we were younger, we would mischievously put a morsel of bread or pour quinine syrup in the mouth of the unsuspecting victim, of course we always got a good hiding for our mischievous and unrepentant feat but we did it again and again. I smiled in nostalgia as I remembered the fun and laughter.