The weekend was great for Claire but it was not for Bolaji if only her mum did not call. Claire was back with Nathaniel and they were quite okay because it's call upon calls just to check up on themselves. Claire being a free minded person did not feel the same with Tosin. There was something off about her that she couldn't comprehend.
It was on a Tuesday morning that Claire got to work and found Tosin on the stairway looking at her like a dummy despite her warm smile. Claire was forced to walk up to her and ask if there was a problem.
"Tosin, I know you are new here and you can use all the help anyone has to offer here but if you continue like this, I don't think you can go far."
"I did not come to you to ask for help ma."
"But peradventure you might be forced to come to me."
"I am sorry ma but I might not be needing your help. Not now not ever."
"I know what you want Tosin but mark my words and read my lips. He can never choose you over me. Be careful how you look at me and be mindful of your speech. If you misbehave I will make life difficult for you that you will even regret the day we met. I can be angel most of the time but believe me there is a devil on the inside." Claire said and turned back facing the way to her office.
Tosin was right on the spot pissed but couldn't defend herself. She dared not after seeing the other version of Claire.
Bolaji on the other hand was not having the vibes at home. She had been receiving visitors upon visitors lately and these people are the ones she couldn't disrespect. The family Pastor's wife called her over to have a talk with her. Her mum being one of the Women leader in Church and her dad being one of the respected elders in the church could not allow her to disrespect the Pastor's wife.
"Bolaji, what are you doing about what your mum told you?" The woman asked with eyes blinking under her big old fashioned hat and her short heels black cover shoe.
"Mummy Pastor I don't know what my mum told you exactly because she said quite a lot and I am very bad at guessing." Bolaji replied as she focused on her phone.
"Friendliness with the world is enmity with God. Sister Bolaji you can't afford to continue living your life like this. It is better to know the Lord at your youth and serve the Lord with all your heart."
"I am sorry ma. But did my mum told you that I am not save or what?"
"Sister Bolaji, I am very sure you understand me. I saw the picture you took for the cover picture of Slay Queen magazine and what you wore is not befitting for a child of God."
"Okay ma. Please can I go now? I have had enough for a day."
"But we have not even started our conversation."
The woman spoke for almost an hour before she released Bolaji and it was written all over Bolaji that she was tired of the woman's persistence in seeing her change immediately.
"So, I will arrange a deliverance session for you because what happened between you and your fiance is not ordinary. It is spiritual and for you to be set Free we have to do it spiritually."
"You know what ma. I am tired and I need enough rest. My mum will see you." Bolaji stood up and left the woman."
Little did Bolaji know that she was going from frying pan to fire. Aunty Laide and Aunty Agnes were at home waiting for her return. And when you are talking of the first class witches, nobody can take their trophy away from them. It was like her mum just made her come home to suffer.
"Have you not received the invitation?" Aunty Laide asked with her big goggles sitting on her nose. Her expression is that of a tormentor on earth.
"What invitation?" Bolaji grumbled without looking into their face and arms furled around her chest in frustration.
"Bolaji, when did that one started? We are talking to you and you are folding your arms." Aunty Agnes asked angrily as Bolaji quickly unfold her arms nonchalantly.
"Busayo is getting married. The girl that was born after you is getting married Bolaji." Aunty Laide said as she shook her head in disappointment that her niece is not married.
"Congratulations to her o." Bolaji replied.
"Shameless she goat, you are not even ashamed of yourself. Do you know you took two years away from that girl and now she is getting married?" Aunty Agnes asked.
"Aunty, it is not my fault now. My own husband will come when the time is right." Busayo replied.
"The husband you sent away or what? Tell me" Aunty Laide asked.
"Do you know the most annoying part about this whole thing? It is the fact that you are comfortable buying aso ebi up and down. Or will you tell me you did not go last week Saturday?" Aunty Laide added.
"It was a friend that was doing her wedding. I had to be there." Bolaji replied.
"When exactly will your friends come for your own wedding too Bolaji. See I am tired of shouting but I will not keep quiet on this matter. I can't allow you bring shame upon this family. Do you think age is on your side?" Aunty Agnes said.
"Aunty please can we stop talking about age? I am happy with my life and I know I will have my own man when I am ready." Bolaji pleaded.
"Can you just hear yourself speak? You are happy with the kind of life you are living? This your smelly and ugly life is the one that you enjoy isn't it?" Aunty Agnes asked angrily.
"Aunty please let me decide and design my life the way I want it. I am tired of living according to your principles." Bolaji replied frustratedly.
"Do you know what it takes to design a life? How old are you that you are making decisions by yourself?" Aunty Laide asked as she jokingly.
Listen to me, listen and listen good. We want to see a man before the end of this year. I don't care if we are in the middle or quarter of the year, I don't care." Aunty Laide added with a stern voice.
"I don't think that one is possible ma. I am not ready for marriage." Bolaji disagreed.
"Is this a joke or what? You are not ready or what exactly are you saying?" Aunty Agnes asked curiously.
"I am not ready for marriage. You heard me right." Bolaji repeated,
"So tell us. When will you be ready?" Aunty readjusted her sitting as she scrutinized Bolaji right from her seat.
"I don't know." Bolaji replied ad the aunties looked at themselves shocked by Bolaji's response.
The day was an hectic one for Claire because she has been going from one ward to another to have her patients checked. "I am very fine. I am better now." One of the patients had said earlier. Claire made her way to Nathaniel's office after running the checks and met him busy with his students.
"So you guys are not doing well enough. I need to put your best." Nathaniel said as Claire opened the door in."
"Hey Babe." Nathaniel smiled when he saw her coming through.
"You guys should excuse us please." He dispatch the students immediately.
Claire waited for the students to leave first and gave Tosin a stern face when she walked past her. Rivalry is real but it would have been better if it was not with a small teenage girl who doesn't know where her destination was yet.
"Hey Babe." She said after closing the door behind her properly.
"How was work today?" He asked caringly.
"It was hectic as usual. I am tired." Claire whined as she sat on a chair in front of Nathaniel.
"Sorry hun but I know you would not mind a cool shower and massage after work."
Claire was very happy at the offer. "Sure, I love that but I have to get home first to take few things before going to your place."
"Say no more babe. I will give you a ride." Nathaniel winked.