“What about marriage? You’re not thinking of settling down yet?”
It was one of those things I liked about my grandfather. He never wasted time to get down to business and say what he was thinking.
“No grandpa. It’s not really on my mind.”
“But it should be,” the old man protested. “It should be. Your sister already has two kids.”
“I know.”
“Don’t you want children of your own Simi?”
“I do, but I’ve not found the man worthy enough to be called husband.”
The old man sniggered. “When I married your grandmother, I only knew her name, nothing else about her. Neither her hobbies nor what she liked. But after years together, love came into the equation. I know you youngsters want to fall in love, but other factors still apply.”
“I will never agree to an arranged marriage.”
“I know you too well to suggest that.” He settled more comfortably on the sofa. “You’re just like your grandmother.”
“I’ve heard that before.” From my mother.
“When your parents found each other, we all knew it was a match made in heaven. They were an exemplary couple.”
The old man sighed and came to sit beside me.
“You need a husband,” he said, and that got me laughing. “I’m serious.”
“I’ll look for one. Even if I have to drag him to the altar,” I joked.
“Are you hungry, Simi? I have fish stew and rice if you are.”
“I’m not hungry grandpa, thank you.”
I decided to ask. “Grandpa…”
“Yes?” His voice was laced with emotion. I could tell he had been thinking deeply.
“What do you know about the god Sango?”
“Why…”
“I just want to know,” I told him trying to sound vague.
“Well, I know he’s the god of thunder and lightning in the Yoruba religion. He’s the most popular Orisha or a god among the others.” He spoke slowly, counting each word. “Sango was also the third king of the Oyo kingdom, and he married three wives. There is a popular tale involving the first and second wife. I’m sure you’ve heard of this story.”
“I read that story from a textbook in secondary school.”
“Yes. The second wife Oshun out of jealousy tricked Oba the first into using her ear to cook for Sango. She was driven away by him because of this.”
“And what about Oyá?” I asked.
My phone rang, it was Nadia. I ignored it.
“That would be Sango’s third wife. She is popularly known as the goddess of magic, the Orisha of change. She is a warrior goddess and very powerful. And it is said that she brings about destruction through her ability to cause storms, tornadoes and hurricanes alike. My grandmother was a devout worshipper of Oyá.”
“I did not know that.”
“I remember when she would dress in white and do her rituals. Her usual sacrifices were eggplants, to her mother of nine as she liked to call her. The goddess was called ‘Mother of Nine’, Oyá–Iyansan because the Niger River is known to have nine tributaries. My grandmother also had nine marks on her face.”
“That’s fascinating.”
“It is good you are asking all these questions. It is good to know your roots.” He paused. “Do you have any other questions?”
“Yes… what do you know about people who turn to beasts? Shape-shifters. Like werewolves.”
“I don’t know about werewolves, but I do know about an old Yoruba tale of 'Were-Hyenas'. These beasts were called Kpelepke. They usually preyed on cattle and sheep, even humans. These men and women would turn into their beast forms and howl in the night to compel people to meet them in the bush so they can eat them.”
“Is that true?”
“No, all these creatures are mythical. They were tales my grandmother told us, children, to keep us inside the house at night.”
Myths are born from the truth I nearly said out loud. I did not want to tell him about what happened to me and what I suspected. Shape-shifters in Orient City? It sounded so ridiculous.
“Why all these questions? Are you taking a class in African studies?”
“No grandpa. I was just curious.”
I rechecked my phone to find a text from Nadia telling me to come to the hospital if I could. She said she needed emotional support, and the hospital needed extra hands. Nadia knew me well. She knew I would come once she mentioned the hospital.
“Grandpa I have to go.”
"You're not staying?"
"No, but I will make sure to be back before New Year."
"I will be at your sister's house for the new year."
"Even better."
He stood up with me but only at a slower pace and I could see how much age had affected him.
“This back is not what it used to be,” he commented laughing. On impulse, I hugged him, and I was a little girl again holding on to him for protection from Ava. I smiled when that wave of nostalgia washed over me.
“Oh my child,” he said in between chuckles. “God bless you.”
“Thank you, Grandpa. I’ll call you when I get home.”
On my way back to Orient city, in the cab and staring out into the terrain of the countryside I thought about all my grandfather had spoken of, and one question kept bugging me; Was Aiden a Shape-shifter?
Chapter 6
The New Year celebrations came and passed quickly. I had no resolutions because I didn’t think anyone needed it. If you didn’t start your weight loss journey in December, then you won’t in January. It was time to settle back into my job. It took my mind off other things; a welcoming situation I relished. Nevertheless, I dreaded what was to come the following month, but just like death, it was inevitable.
Two days before Valentine’s Day, nearly everyone in the hospital already had its fever. Flowers exchanged hands like it was money, and the chocolates were abundant.
“I don’t see any reason why you should pick out one special day to commemorate your love for someone,” I said to Nadia and Nurse Onyeka who were with me in the Nurses’ station that evening. “Your love should be shown every day.”
“Valentine’s Day is my favourite day,” Nadia announced.
“Mine too,” Nurse Onyeka added. He was staring at a girl who seemed to be lost in the waiting room. “I’ll be back.”
He walked up to the girl and whispered something into her ears, and she laughed.
“Valentine’s Day makes me sick,” I spat.
“Of course it would. I remember the exact Valentine’s Day when this jaded thinking started.”
Nadia had been there when it happened. A break up on such a special day for lovers tends to remain in one’s memory for a long time.
“Valentine’s Day should be banned.” I did not give up.
“That's just your loneliness talking,”
Nadia laughed, handing me a patient’s file. A young boy no more than nineteen parading a wide-brimmed hat walked in carrying a bouquet of flowers in his arms.
“You see that?” I pointed at the boy. “Obligations upon obligations.”
Nadia let me ramble on.
He walked up to us and asked, “Is Nurse Simi on duty today?”
“Who’s asking?”
“Mr Femi Bamidele asked me to give her these.”
Nadia was trying her best to hold back her laughter.
“I’m Simi. Thank you.”
I took the flowers from him.
“They’re beautiful,” Nadia said, laughing out loud now.
“Don’t tease me. I’ll send these back.”
“You will do no such thing Oladeji. Give them to me.”
“Don’t bother yourself. I’m keeping them.”
I searched around the flowers and found a card. It read ‘Happy Valentine’s Day in advance, Femi.’
“Is it the same Femi you told me about? Tall, dark and handsome?”
“Yes”
“Wow, he must really like you.
He must really like you in a Valentine way.”
“You’re mad.”
As I pondered on the reason that prompted such behaviour from Femi, another surprise came walking through the front door of St. Cloud.
“Oladeji, it’s Aiden Essien,” Nadia let me know.
He looked debonair in his navy blue suit. It was difficult not to notice the heads that turned towards him. Clearly a natural reaction from the people he was around.
“I can see that. I think he came to see the medical director,” I told her looking away from the door.
“I don’t think so.” I could hear the laughter in her voice again.
“Good evening, ladies.”
“Hello Mr Essien,” Nadia answered him with unbridled joy. “I loved the party at your mansion, the Christmas party. I hope I get to go again this year.”
“Anything is possible,” Aiden answered with one hand in his pocket. His beautiful eyes flashed in my direction.
“Hello,” I said, puzzled by his presence in the hospital. Our parting had not been so smooth, and I figured that had been the end of our awkward relationship.
“I came to ask you to have dinner with me Simi.”
“You do not waste any time, do you? Just straight to the point.”
“I’d rather not waste your time.”
“Why?” I tried not to sound rude.
“I'm sure after a long day of helping people you must be hungry.”
I had to admit he had perfect timing on that part.
“She’s hungry. She’s only had breakfast,” Nadia chimed in.
“Maybe I am, but what makes you think I would have dinner with you?”
I caught Nadia's gaping mouth. She looked positively stunned.
“I’m not so sure, but I’m here asking and hoping you would humour me.”
“I can’t leave my patients.”
“I made a call your boss a few minutes ago, and he’s approved of you taking the night off.”
I was both flattered and angry at the same time.
“You can’t go about doing that,” I spat.
“Will you humour me? I won’t take no for an answer,” he continued as if he had not heard me.
“I’ll have to make a quick call.”
I dialled the Medical director’s office number and was given a straightforward reply. ‘Take the night off Nurse Simi’.
“It seems you’ve charmed your way into having me for company. I’ll get my bag.”
“Thank you.”
He did not come with his driver that evening.
“Where are we going?”
“Somewhere nice,” he responded with a bedazzling smile.
Cafe Claude was a high-end cosy restaurant in the heart of Orient City. Only the elite could afford to eat at such a place. Soft music played in the dimly lit room, and I felt a little embarrassed as I looked down on the sundress I was wearing. A waiter came around to usher us to our table after checking our reservation. I stared at the vase on the table, which held a single white lily to keep my eyes from roaming.
“What would you like to order?” Aiden asked, picking up the menu in front of him. He put it back on the table almost immediately.
I took up my menu and examined it.
“I think I’d like the stuffed chicken. I’m starving.”
At the corner of my eye, I could see someone who looked a little bit like a famous soap opera actress. I soon realised it was her.
Another waiter came over, and he offered us another table away from prying eyes, but Aiden kindly declined. Soon after he left, the manager came over to ask us, no, pleaded with us to be placed next to the indoor fountain. To this, Aiden politely declined. The manager himself took my order and left. I was glad the theatrics were over.
"I'm sorry about all that," Aiden apologised. "It comes with the name."
"I understand." I smiled to put him at ease. Or was it to put me at ease? I already felt so out of place.
A different waiter walked to our table and handed Aiden a leather-bound book. He flipped it open and said a number. The waiter smiled and left. Soon after he was back with a bottle of wine and a plate of something bite-sized.
"Some amuse-bouche," he spoke directly to me.
"What is it?"
"Cheese and bacon stuffed mushrooms."
I tried some, and my taste buds came alive. Also, with the wine, I could have sworn I had gone to gourmet heaven. Aiden drank wine and said nothing. The main dish was brought in the finest of China, and I dug in.
“What?” You’ve never seen a woman eat before?” I inquired when I caught Aiden staring.
He replied, leaning over a little.
“That’s not it.”
“This isn’t much of a dinner if you’re not eating.” There was no food item on his side of the table, save for a bottle of wine.
“I’ll eat.”
“If you say so.”
He leaned back, crossing one leg over the other. He cleared his throat to jumpstart his words. He looked a bit uneasy.
“The flowers…” he began to say.
I cut him short. “You presumed they were for me.”
“Yes.”
“Yes, yes, they are.”
“From anyone special?”
“Not that I know of,” I replied with a quiet voice. “Are we going to talk about flowers or are you going to tell me the reason why I’m actually here?”
“More wine?” he offered.
“No, thank you.”
“To the point then. Indeed there is an ulterior motive for you being here.”
“Go ahead,” I urged him.
“I know the last time we were together, there was a bit of tension between us and I acted poorly.”
A bit?
“For that, I’m sorry. I truly am.”
“You are forgiven.”
“That was easy."
I shrugged and kept on eating.
"There’ll be a fundraiser at The Phantom hotel the day after tomorrow for the renovation of the state’s museum and for children with Down Syndrome. A simple event, nothing big. I want you to accompany me.”
“I thought you rich people don’t attend such events. Don’t you usually send a lackey?”
“Not for this one I’m not. This one I want to attend.”
“The day after tomorrow, that’s Valentine’s Day.”
“It’ll be a Fundraising slash Valentine’s Day event.”
“I’ve never been to The Phantom,” I voiced under my breath. I was deep in thought for a few moments. Attending one of the elite’s shindigs would be nice. It wasn't like I had any plans that day other than to eat junk food and watch anything I could find on cable.
“Why me Aiden Essien? Again. Why not some model? I'm sure you have a few on your speed dial.”
“I know no model except the one that’s sitting opposite me.”
“Is that flattery I hear from you?”
“Apparently yes. I hope it works.”
“Maybe if you try harder.”
I ate a few forkfuls of my dinner.
“If I wanted some model, I would not be here, on the verge of begging. But here I am.”
A faint tingling sensation crept up my arms.
“I’ll come to pick you up at 7.”
“I haven’t even said yes.”
“You did.”
I cleaned my mouth with a napkin.
“You read minds now?”
“No, just your mind.”
I gazed into his bright blue eyes, unable to make out his thoughts.
“I’ll be waiting,” I told him.
***
The next day when the doorbell rang, it was Henry who stood outside the door, a permanent scowl still etched to his face.
“Mr Essien asked me to bring you this,” he said, handing me a carton covered package and a box with a pink bow on top. He turned around and left before I had the time to give a response.
I wasted no time in opening the
carton. Inside it was the Ovo painting he had in his gallery. I smiled and laughed and smiled again, just staring at the picture. Remembering the box, I carefully removed the bow to reveal the contents. There was a strapless red dress, lush and soft and beneath it was an ankle strap pair of heels which I doubted would be seen under the flowing dress. There was a smaller box which held a necklace of intricate design. My mouth flew wide open by its sheer brilliance.
“These cannot be real diamonds, right?”
I peered at the necklace through and through.
“They can’t right?” I asked myself and came up with the right answer. They were.
Later that afternoon at my sister’s spa, I made sure I kept the reason for getting my hair and nails done to myself when she asked who I was looking beautiful for. She would blow things out of proportion if she knew the truth.
***
“I guess I was right again,” Aiden said as I stepped out of my house. The time was 6:59pm. He was standing beside the white Hermès limousine. His hair had been neatly cut, and he was cleanly shaven. “You look stunning Simi.”
“You look stunning too,” I threw his compliment back at him as he adjusted his red cravat. He extended his hand, which I took. His touch made me light headed.
“As a great man once said, ‘clothes don’t make the man, but they go a long way toward making the businessman’.”
My giggling welled.
He pulled me closer and said, “Words cannot describe how perfect you look tonight.”
“You’re getting good at this.”
“What?”
“Flattery.”
He gently let go of my hand. “You are beautiful Simi. It’s about time someone told you.”
“People do.”
"As they should."
He opened the door to let me in.
When we settled in, he spoke into the car’s intercom. “The Phantom Hotel, Wallace.”
“Right away, sir,” the chauffeur replied.
“You’re not wearing it.”
Aiden’s gaze was directed at my bare chest.
I brought the necklace out of my Furla clutch purse.
“I’m sorry. I couldn’t. It looks so goddamn expensive.”
“So?”
“So I can’t go strutting about with it.”
“It belonged to my grandmother. My grandfather gave it to her on their thirtieth anniversary.”
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