CHAPTER3: THE SPECIAL VISIT.
Two months since Dooter was almost hit by a car driven by an handsome young man on her way home from the market, the young man had promised to pay Dooter and her parents a visit but it wasn't stated when he'll be coming until he showed up unannounced and yet it was initially announced from the very first day he dropped Dooter from the market on that fateful and fate-filled day.....
While Dooter and her mother were at the farm harvesting tubers, the young handsome man did pay a visit out of the blues but met the absence of Dooter and her mother who, by Dooter's father, who was rather at home explained to the young man that in no time sooner, Dooter and her mother would be back.... They were having a conversation underneath the mango tree when Dooter and her mother saw the same car that brought her home exactly 2months ago.... Dooter and her mother hastened their strides this time to get home but Dooter's heart had raced home in anticipation of meeting and seeing the young man again after what seemed like decades ago..... Although the young man did promise to be paying them visitations, Dooter and her mother were still shocked amidst the open expression of happiness to be seeing him once again..... At a point when he was about leaving the last time he came, Dooter, her mother and father expressed doubt of the young man ever visiting or stepping foot in their home again.... They finally got home, dropped the yams with lightning speed, fidgeted with their next action of what to do before almost stumbling over each other as their foot tripped each other while stepping out of the kitchen to greet the young handsome man..... He replied with the warmest of all smiles, stood up and walked straight to his car after exchanging greetings, opened the boot of his car and began offloading the contents in the boot.
The young handsome man had brought gifts for Dooter and her parents which by the looks of what he was bringing out and placing them next to him, there were not just small items neither were the gifts fewer in number. First, he handed gift items to Dooter's father which were a golden walking stick to support his walking around without stress and fatigue, a solar rechargeable headlamp and torch for alternative light when it's dark at night, a well tailored expensive suit and also expensive pairs of shoes.... He then began to present Dooter's mother her gifts which were expensive pairs of cover shoes, embroidered lace for her to sew, a bag of rice, a jerrican of Turkey refined oil and a lot more gifts...
As for Dooter, he gave her lots of pair of shoes, a very expensive diamond necklace, an expensive gold wristwatch and a portmanteau of elegant clothes including a handset which he still kept with him until he would present it... While everyone had received their gifts accordingly, the family couldn't help but express their gratitude and happiness as they danced to the tune of the gifts and the beats of their hearts.... Mrs Mzamber and her Daughter(Dooter) danced and thanked the young man while Ayaaga (Dooter's father) after looking and appreciating what he was beholding as his gifts then chose to ask what the young man's name was and where he came from... Been ushered back under the mango tree by Ayaaga, the young man introduced himself duly, stating that he is called Mr Martins all the way from Lagos but hailed from Benue State and also a Tiv man... He carefully stated that his mother hailed from a Yoruba speaking State (Oyo State) and ever since he was born, he had never been to his paternal homeland..... He gave reasons to his being in Lagos State since fate had it that his father started his working career in Lagos State where fate also made his father met his mother In the same state.
Both his parents got married and they were blessed with his arrival into this world as their son...All these he said happened in the state slogan, "center of excellence".... He had taken a decision to visit his father who had retired back to Benue State and there Dooter happened..... He looked at Dooter admiringly and was almost lost in Dooter's gaze when he heard a mild involuntary action (a voluntary clearing of Mrs Mzamber's throat) which made him continued his introduction.... Reading between the lines, Mr and Mrs Ayaaga apologetically excused themselves saying they were in a hurry but would be back very soon as they turned to leave with both of them holding their baskets respectively going to the farm they had just visited.... This startled Dooter a bit while Mr Martins, who stood claimed he would definitely be of help should he follow them was lightly suppressed back to his seat by Ayaaga not to worry at all..... Dooter on the other hand was about stating that they had just returned from the farm not long ago when her mother cut her words short saying that they had forgotten to harvest a few tubers which they thought they had harvested.... Still puzzled at that statement made by her mother, she snapped out of her thoughts only to see her parents walking leisurely to a supposed farm to harvest some supposed forgotten tubers.
Dooter, now alone with Mr Martins was quite nervous but Mr Martins broke the silence by asking her to take him out... He felt like she was unsteady and uneasy being alone so his suggestion hit the right cord as she shyly told him there was a nearby school they could visit which in truth was a quiet and conducive environment. They had almost stepped out when they saw both parents making preparations for dinner.... Amazed, Mr Martins and Dooter almost spoke together asking when they came back from the farm.... Her mother only replied by asking where they were heading to which Mr Martins replied that she was taking him on Site seeing... Ayaaga halted their further steps with an invitation to Mr Martins in joining for a game of draughts as Mrs Mzamber now called on her daughter to come help with the cooking.
Few minutes into the game with Ayaaga finding it quite difficult to best defeat Mr Martins in the game, Mrs Mzamber called on both men that dinner was ready..... A special and separate table was set for Mr Martins to settle down and eat but feeling a bit unsatisfied, he insisted that the food should be placed right on the family's table where they would all eat together and possibly from the same plate.... The idea pleased both parents..... While they had their meal in from the same plate, Dooter couldn't help but pause a bit to steal a peak as Mr Martins ate... Mr Martins also replicated what Dooter was doing till their eyes met at intervals..... They at one point almost giggled when their eyes met but Dooter made it so obvious that she had to fake a cough to cover up for her audible voice, then took a gulp of water while Mr Martins rather teasingly asked if she hadn't swallowed a bone.
They ate their food in silence until Dooter cleared the dishes.... Mr Martins then commended Mrs Mzamber's magical touch to the food they had eaten..... She laughed, appreciated the compliment and saved some for her daughter who also helped in the cooking too....
4 hours had gone but it seemed too soon as Mr Martins sadly but inevitably had to announce his departure.... This time, Dooter, after been through with the dishes, sitting next to Mr Martins was now beginning to feel awkward at Mr Martins announcing his departure.... Ayaaga who actually had began to enjoy Mr Martins' company and noticing his daughter's facial and body expressions towards Mr Martins' departing told him to stay the night.... This wasn't just an invitation but an honor and also a wish if Mr Martins would not decline to Ayaaga's hospitality.... Dooter, with pleading eyes looked at Mr Martins as if communicating with him telepathically to stay wanted to ask the same favor.... Mr Martins never hesitated as to say a yes although he knew he never planned staying, didn't see such invitation coming and would never had anticipated such but alas, here it was- presented to him on a platter... Who wouldn't grab such open, warming and heart fulfilling invitation to stay the night.... He repeated yes almost twice in succession and then felt a bit shy for replying twice... Mr Martins would later not spend the night at the Ayaaga's house but 2 wonderful and adventurous days at their place.....
A day before his departure on a cool evening with Mr and Mrs Ayaaga having their siesta, Dooter came out from her room and called out to Mr Martins who before getting up was also resting when Dooter, putting on the necklace he had given to her stood at the entrance.... Mr Martins needn't to be told how truly Dooter looked dashingly and smashingly beautiful just wearing the necklace alone.... She reminded him of the interrupted or rather forgotten if not postponed site seeing.... He had almost turned towards her parents right beside him to grant the pleasure of going out with their daughter when Ayaaga nodded his approval while the request hadn't escaped his mouth from the first word.... Mrs Mzamber, without opening her eyes complemented Ayaaga's nod by telling Dooter not to expose Mr Martins to any form of harm or whatsoever on their way out site seeing which Dooter rather responded casually.... She couldn't wait to take Mr Martins out.... It's been the second day and to her, every seconds count and should be spent wisely if not stingily to make their guest feel welcomed.
They left the compound and Dooter led the way as Mr Martins at first followed her from behind.... The cut corners through narrow and wide bush paths before linking to a wider road path that led to their destination of site seeing- a school with trees of varieties which looked quiet and conducive.... Walking side by side this time, they headed towards a partially secluded spot and there they sat on the grassy floor..... Dooter spoke out first expressing surprises on his return after 2months which she had doubted at first but Mr Martins smiled and told her that part of being a man is doing what one had proposed to do.... He did say he would visit and he did visit..... Mr Martins then confessed how hard it was for him to concentrate while he went back to Lagos.... He narrated how he also couldn't sleep much because of her... Mr Martins couldn't stop expressing how also he had frequent dreams about her to the point of madness.... He only waited that long before he had to come back to pay his first visit.....
His testimonies got Dooter short of words While Mr Martins thought it wise to let her catch her breath (give her a moment and chance to either say something or anticipate his intent). The silence was expected but Mr Martins proceeded telling her that within those 2months' absence he would have called her a and then he remembered he actually was going to surprise her with a gift.... He then asked Dooter if she had a phone.... She said she doesn't have a phone and probably doesn't need it since she would have no use of it..... Mr Martins didn't let her last statement bother him as he pressed to the point of asking her if she, having or been given a phone would make use of it... She hesitated a bit before she replied with a wry yes..... Mr Martins then asked her to close her eyes (he wanted to bring out a surprise gift).... She peered through his eyes with questioning looks but he read well her thoughts and assured her with a smile that said all was well.... She closed her eyes and then she felt Mr Martins' hands touching and opening her balled fist while sensing his other hand placing something on her palm.... She opened her eyes and discovered that Mr Martins, after she unwrapped the wrapped item, had presented her an amazing handset.
She couldn't hold back the tears of joy that trickled down her dimpled face.... She looked at Martins and expressed her silent but unspeakable gratitude which he acknowledged with a tap on her shoulders, saying that he had done just little a thing for her to have expressed so much emotional appreciation.....
While Dooter was still staring joyously at the gift she was holding and Martins still tapped lightly on her shoulders, some certain ladies noticed two people standing in what seemed to be a more secluded spot.... They happened to be Dooter's mockers who when approaching the two persons standing, they had to do a double check because they knew it was Dooter but couldn't believe it was her especially when standing next to her was an handsome looking young man..... Dooter, still fixing her eyes on the gift while Martins couldn't and wouldn't take his eyes off her didn't notice the passers by and their little drama of surprise with their mouths almost wide open with disbelief... To satisfy and affirm their doubt, one of the ladies couldn't take in the surprise any more as she almost marched towards Dooter and Martins' corner when the other ladies pulled her back.... They had seen enough and didn't need to make a mockery of themselves through their nosing around under the pretense of curiosity.... The ladies, now already at a bow shot distance away from the lovebirds (Dooter and Martins) then began to chat about the man they saw with Dooter as being a victim who was definitely not aware of what was happening.....Dooter finally got her eyes off the phone, looked straight at Martins who had all along been staring at her.... It had been silent between them for almost 2minutes and this time, their feelings began to betray their expressions but none of them could take the bold step to go at it first.... Dooter wanted to say how she felt towards Martins while he in turn was burning with desires of her too.... She somehow felt she had too much attached to her predicament which she later allowed to hinder her in expressing her feelings for him.... They later chit chatted casually before setting for home because it was getting dark (they had spent 3 momentous hours together).... On.getting to home, Martins told Ayaaga of his intent to leave the for Lagos probably earlier the next day..... Ayaaga told him never ever to hesitate visiting them and very soon since Martins was now considered family to them.... On the other hand, Martins wanted so bad to state his real intentions towards their daughter but he kept it to himself with the believe that it was quite too early to say it..... He yawned and went to his room after telling Dooter's parents that he would be waking up early.... They greeted him and wished him sound sleep... Dooter then took Martins to his room as if he would be lost locating the room he had slept the previous nights, wished him a blissful night rest, lingered a bit longer with Martins still standing at the entrance of his room before she finally took backward steps away from Martins.... She got to her room, landed on her bed and couldn't really close her eyes.... She argued with herself as to not been bold to open up to Martins her feelings for him.... She also pitied herself and conditions which she believed would be a problem for her if she had said her feelings....
Early the next day, Martins was already wide awake but he laid down and anticipated Dooter coming to his room to wake him up.... Dooter had also woken up early, got out of her bed and went to fetch a cup of water for Martins to wash his face... She approached his room, tapped on the door which opened as Martins had anticipated welcomed her with a smile as she greeted him. He greeted her in return and then asked her to come in..... She went in and handed the cup to him.... She then asked how his night was which he replied that it was a once in a lifetime experience to have slept in their home. He said he would give anything in this world to always spend the night in Dooter's home.... Dooter wryly smiled and took her turn to reply how her night was.... Martins then apologized for not asking how her night rest was. She took no offense but still told him she couldn't sleep throughout the night.... Martins, taken aback asked what and why she had a sleepless night..... She said it was nothing but Martins knew better than taking her for her word... He went out to brush his teeth and wash up his face.
While their conversation took place on how well they had rested during the night, Ayaaga and his wife were also awake. Both parents overheard Dooter and Mr Martins conversation without leaving their room.... Mrs Mzamber then told Ayaaga even if she were blind, her ears would have heard the message of Mr Martins' heart beating his show of expressions towards their daughter.... But good enough, she isn't blind to see how Mr Martins seem to be showing intimacies towards their daughter and yet she isn't quite sure if it's what she feels it is.... Ayaaga told Mrs Mzamber that such exhibited traits of feelings are quite normal with the likes of their daughter and Mr Martins and as such, they should just wait for either of the two to come openly and state their intentions instead of either them assuming what may not be...
Mr Martins had brushed and washed his face and dashing to his room, he got dressed and then went straight to Mr and Mrs Ayaaga's room to greet them... They seeing him greeted him in return and asked about his well being after a supposed sweet sleep.... Mr Martins then announced his leaving immediately for Lagos which Ayaaga acknowledged saying that he was free to come by any other day.... Mr Martins almost jumped into his car but something propelled him to look back and there he saw Dooter at the door.... He smiled and waved at her. She waved back as he drove off till she saw no more of the car from beyond..... Dooter went straight to her room, brought out the phone and went straight to her parents' room to show the gift which Mr Martins gave to her.... Both parents were happy and blessed Mr Martins in his absence..... Dooter then went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast....
Few days after seeing Dooter with a man, her fake friends Saw Dooter along the road and then they approached her with the intent on asking her questions..... Greeting her as they approached her, Dooter responded with little or no surprises.... They were speaking in succession asking after her well-being and she also responded casually. They would have dilly dallied but one of them who happened to be the froward mouthed type went ahead in asking Dooter who was the man they had seen her with few days ago along the school.... Dooter was almost caught unawares because she didn't notice their presence that day and neither did Mr Martins say something of such.... Calmly, she stated that that young handsome looking man was just a friend from out of town... Not being satisfied with her response they all asked in accordance if he was just a friend or seriously looking for a relationship type of friend.... Dooter knew what they were up and about doing so she had chosen to keep quiet when the phone with her buzzed out loud and then rang melodiously.... Dooter almost fidgeted with her body parts until she brought out the phone, received the call which happened to be Mr Martins on the other side of the call..... Her fake friends looking stunned saw her with the phone and listened all through as she talked with Mr Martins till the call was ended from the other side.... They then asked her where she got such a sophisticated phone and she replied them saying her friend whom they saw with her bought it for her.
They cynically envied her by telling her she was lucky but all the same she thanked them all and stated how she was in a haste...
She had scarcely left the group when the froward mouthed lady began to speak ill with the rest of her members.... They mocked and envisaged a soon yet to happen tragedy looming towards Dooter like the previous ones which, after being said, they all laughed gleefully..... Dooter knew them too well as intimidators and bad minders.... On getting home she told her mother of the hypocritical mockers she met on her way who all pretended to be concerned friends concerned about her.... Mrs Mzamber then told Dooter never to mind them and that soon, nemesis of shame would visit them.... Dooter thanked her mum and then remembered that Mr Martins had called which she told her mum... Mrs Mzamber asked what Mr Martins had called to say..... Dooter told her mum that Mr Martins had call to ask about her faring and well-being.... Mrs Mzamber was delighted about such loving concern towards her daughter.... She then asked how Mr Martins was faring at which Dooter replied saying that he was fine and wanted to hear her voice... Mrs Mzamber paused for some seconds, seeming to be lost in deep thought before airing out what the old man had said would happen.... Dooter nodded slowly and would have smiled when her mother intercepted Dooter's smile with taking things easy as it is way too early to be assuming things that may haven't kick started yet....
Few days after arriving to Lagos at exactly 9pm, Mr Martins called Dooter again and sent his warmest regards to her parents.... They talked heart to heart for a while before disconnecting the call..... The following day when Dooter and her mother were on the farm, she told her mother of the conversation she and Mr Martins had yesterday.... She narrated how Mr Martins told her of his recent sleepless nights and how vulnerable he was without seeing her.... She told her mother that Mr Martins confessed of dreams about her and then promised to pay another visit in just a month time.... Dooter continued by telling her mother that she told him to come over when he felt like seeing her anytime he wanted..... Mr Martins was now having deep insatiable feelings for her..... Her mother, after listening to all what her daughter had said about Mr Martins reminded Dooter one of the things the old man said had actually began to surface..... Dooter nodded towards her mother's last words and this time she smiled from ear to ear as they picked up their hoes to weeding.