Beside a Spirogyra lake, grew a flower hedge. The yellow blossoms thrived and the thick green leaves clustered together. It was a rich garden that looked good. But beneath the branches, was an army of giant snails, breeding and feeding on the young shots below. The carcasses of dead leaves, TD a different story. And in-between the branches, weeds grew....
Blue Brewed Blew Bloom expanded and choked the stronger trees. The soil was under pressure and the rains drowned the trees. But the Gardner, ignored the signs. The harmful smell of weed repellant, he could do without. The snails that thrives, climbed out to the surface when mature and made his wife happy with its succulent tastes. This was no garden of Eden, it was a garden of doom. Soon to be an array of leafless branches with dried snap twigs. And the empty shells of snails that never made it to maturity, line the roots of death. A reminder of life ignored, untamed, unmaimed, shinning like silk on a damask curtain. A support cushion for a blooming weed, bright blue with yellow anthers on sticky filaments. Attracting Everything to it, s that the life of the destroyer continues as it searches for its next plant colony to destroy. Enticing it's protectors with gifts of giant snails to ensure its survival in this cruel, cruel world. A true beauty and a beast....
Today was supposed to be about us three ladies, dancing and sipping on fresh coconut juice and honey from carved coconuts, still wrapped by its natural casing. Ajoke laughed and giggled as she moved her head to French lyrics she did not recognize.
'What is he saying?'
'Par un personne', Ajoke adds in her French accent.
I translated in my head and then spoke.
'By a person?', it didn't sound right.
Ajoke laughed and tried to listen beyond the drums and pianos.
'I heard what he said... Pardon personne'
You would think they were giving a price for it.
'Pity person?', Ajoke asked.
'Forgiving person', I add.
'Aaah, nice', Ajoke adds as we both get messages from Celine.
'Celine won't relax', Ajoke grumbled.
'She's bored and wants me to upload videos of the concert'
'Oya', Ajoke urged me to record and we do.
We swing our hands and dance to the music and upload the videos.
Just like that, the name appears and i knew the drama had just begun. I got a call from Nnoye and I immediately feel guilty. I did not even invite her and she had just watched the video.
Amidst the loud music and noise, I pick up her call.
'Ade, not this time. Eh, eh oh'
I liked how she said those three defiant words, every Nigerian understands.
'Eh, eh oh', means, no way ooooo.
'Where is the concert?', she asked in a stern voice and I could tell she was driving.
'Are you driving and calling?', I tried to stall.
'Ade it's hands free and fitted in my car. I synched my phone to my car, don't be ridiculous'
'Your friend Don catch you', Ajoke was giggling and could tell what Nnoye was saying.
'Ade, don't be naughty', she screamed and I moved away from my naughty friend.
'Kofo Abayomi Street', I add eyeing Ajoke.
'Thought you two lovebirds would be too busy for a concert in a language you don't understand', I tried to justify not telling her.
'I have Google translate, I am in good hands', Nnoye reassured me.
I cut the phone and almost hit Ajoke on the head with it.
'Dont touch my hair ooo, do you know how long it took to get my thirty two inch human hair weave into perfect curls? With the twins tugging at me?'
I looked at the hair, it was beautiful and reminiscent of the Ajoke I met. While I was still with Mr. H.
'It reminds you of me right? I mean, me all intimidated by natural Ade with her natural hair. And sweet innocent eyes and warm personality'
'Yes', I add admiring the perfect synchronized curls.
'What did you think of me then?'
Ajoke's question was easy and I gave her my sincerest answer.
'Gold digger'
Whack! She smacked my bum and I screamed. My scream attracts everyone's attention and I wanted to enter the ground. In fact, I was more embarrassed than shocked.
'They will think we are a couple...', I said watching people watching us.
As if it could not get awkward enough Ajoke gave me a deliberate peck and I shoved her. She was acting drunk and enjoying getting me angry. Then we both start to laugh.
'You are such a prude', Ajoke announced.
'You know, please don't encroach on my personal space'
She tried again and I whacked her on the face with the invitation card in my hand.
'What are you two doing?', Nnoye asked.
'Ajoke is just been childish', I grumbled.
'Selfie ladies', Nnoye announced.
And took a top view picture of all three of us.
'I knew you thought I was a gold digger', Ajoke adds smiling and sticking out her bum to emphasize her hips.
'But like the one in that American series, Hit The Floor.... Only I was never a stripper'
'What are you two talking about?', a confused Nnoye asked.
'Perception', Ajoke adds more mystery to our talk.
Our night together was fun and now, it's time to go home.
The drive home was great and Nnoye had insisted that she must go with us. She didn't want to miss the updates... Been a part of the updates we were giving Celine, I mean. Who was enjoying her bed rest with our real-life drama.
Ajoke's driver swerved and I looked to my right to see three armed policemen. One aimed his weapon at Ajoke and it feels like a dream.
Next thing that happened was I ducked and prepared for the worse as Nnoye, Ajoke and I dived and latex down. Shielding our bodies with our hands and praying the guns do not go off.
And if they do, that one of the bullets will hit us . I cup my womb and pray and ask myself if the car was bullet proof or if the men were real or fake policemen.
Either way, my heart is pounding fast and my life flashes before my very eyes .
**Season 2, Episode 38**
*"ADE'S JOURNAL", 38, COPYRIGHT 2017*
**BUSOLA ELEGBEDE, COPYRIGHT 2017**
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