"Oh my God! That's mommy!" Tabitha screamed and dashed out of the car, running towards the alighted plane, with the rest of the family members following behind.
Who could it had been that should have presented the flowers, other than the beautiful, outspoken and elegant Joy; the girl with a beautiful countenance.
The crew that stormed the airport for the reception wasn't just Tabitha's Family but head of companies, government officials, partners and friends.
It wasn't a mammoth one, yet classic, sort of was the reception given to Mr and Mrs Eze, alongside their daughter, Tera.
Tabitha's excitement was beyond description, as she hugged Mrs Eze Ngozi and bent a knee, greeting Mr Eze. She embraced Tera thereafter. The two hugged passionately, resonating memories and relieving the density of time apart.
After all the clearance at the airport, the convoy drove and alighted the Abuja residence of the Ezes, where a mini party was organized, awaiting their return.
After eating and much jubilation, those who came from afar departed, leaving the family to the much required privacy, so they could observe rest and be properly refreshed.
All through their reception, Mrs Eze Ngozi had Joy beside her, telling her the tales of life in her absence, while abroad.
Such a day captured great memories, never to be forgotten.
The day after wasn't much of an engaging one. Everyone spent time indoor, refreshing and attending to things that had been left undone the previous day.
Towards evening, the Ezes had a meeting together, bridging discussions about life and experiences while they were apart. This again brought to union a beautiful fellowship.
When the general meeting ended, Mrs Eze Ngozi called Tabitha and had a mother to daughter discussion, covering on how she had been able to manage her empires and domestic activities.
Responding, Tabitha gave glory to God for the wisdom that had been guiding her, in ensuring that everything was accorded with diligence and propriety.
Shifting from the angle of dialogue, she then broke the news to Tabitha that they were going to embark on a tour, the week following. It would commence on a Wednesday and they would be back on Saturday evening.
The tour would cover traveling to her brother's place, Visiting Tabitha's parents and home town, as well as opening a business branch in Benue state of the nation.
The news took Tabitha to shock, especially the part where they would be visiting her home town.
She could not fathom the sort of blessing the Lord had blessed her, that in the space of about three years, her life had taken a dramatic turn.
"...Oh, my God! Thank you mommy. Thank you mommy. I can't believe what i am hearing. This is more than I have ever imagined." She went on her knees, controlling her tears.
"That's not all my child. There is something bigger coming on the way, but it's a secret for now." She told her.
"Thank you for being who you are. You coming into this family has lessen a lot of burdens on me. I will also be taking you to my mom's home after we have visited your people. We have become a family, I want us to know each other better." She finalized and stood up to ease herself, because they had been talking for long.
"Thank you so much mommy. Thank you for accepting and loving me the way you do. Thank you and and daddy. I am grateful." She expressed her gratitude and took her glasses after her.
When she came into her room, she could not control her tears. She broke out and wept joyfully. She could not fathom why God was fast blessing her.
Then, the thoughts of Dike flashed back into her mind, causing her heart to skip from its place.
How was she going to handle her love for Dike, seeing that she has fallen deeply in love with him?
This hunted her for a moment, then she remembered that she was praying about the matter, hence there was no need her getting worried.
If it is God's will, he would have a way to bring it to fulfilment. If it is not his will, then there would be no need under heaven for going ahead with Dike in the regard.
"Tabitha! Why are you afraid?" A voice spoke to her from nowhere.
She turned to see who just spoke to her, but there was no one.
"Tabitha! Why do you allow your heart to be troubled?" The voice spoke again. It was inaudible, but clear and resounding.
"At this moment, she knew that the Lord was speaking to her, through her inner mind. Falling upon her knees, joy overwhelmed her and she praised the God of heaven and earth.