The fine dust particles float and then land all around, the temperature drops and the wind stands still. It only means one thing, it's almost Christmas. And I am excited, I can't wait to get the grill going and to start to see the jollof rice sticking together to make a delicious meal. The cake would be soft and fluffy and as I slice into it, the joy it radiates just makes me whole again.
I stretch and smile at the meaning this holiday holds in my dear heart. It's another opportunity to just be with Friends and family. Although most of my friends and family have plans today.
The reduction in firecrackers gives me better peace of mind, but what does it mean? Are children more introverted than we were at their age? I hope they are enjoying today because I am.
My doorbell rings and I clasp at my fragile heart, Daniel has his two children with him and my gifts in their twin pram. I touch the gifts and usher them all in and help him with their baby bag.
Behind me, I hear his voice and turn to see that his belly is bigger and he taps it.
'I hope the food is ready', Bala announced and then Ajoke steps out of the tour bus with gifts.
'Look at the heels you have on', I protest.
We hug and I could tell one of the gifts was fabric and I do a little dance.
'I thought you said no more fabrics', Ajoke says rolling her eyes at me.
'I did, but I can't help but love them'
I tell her resting my head on the wrapped fabric.
'This is my personal gift to you...'
'Thanks dear, I could Tell'
'How?'
'The unprofessional gift wrap'
'Wrapped with love'
'Wrapped with friendship.. Celine's gift is the fabric... Bala's the furniture...'
Ajoke points at men stepping out from her tour bus and then she points at Nnoye's car.
'Her gift is with her...'
The friend I tried all year to cut off, the one that broke the girl code, the mother of one of the man I cherish children.
Nnoye parks the car and then I smile at her and the tiny gift she has with her and the short man that accompanied her.
'Merry Christmas day, I am Afeez' he says. 'Nice to meet you, I am Ade'
'I know, I read your online journal'
'Thanks', I add feeling a little guilty I have not posted in a while.
'So who is here?' he asked.
And as he starts to, I spot my brother and his his wife and my nephew's..
'We brought small chops and drinks', the wife announced hugging me.
My nephew's almost knock me off my feet, running into my arms.
Ola points at the car and my mum and dad are in there, I run and hug them.
This is a pleasant surprise and having all my loved ones with me is the best Christmas gift in the world.
'I hope you have our gifts', my mum asked.
'Underneath my natural Christmas tree'
I was planning to give them the shift gowns and shirts and Ankara socks I made later on, but it's better they all enjoy this today.
I walk my fragile looking mum into my house as my active dad watched us and I smile as a whiff of Henrik's perfume fills the air. I look back and see him smiling at me with the twins in his arms and I stare at them and my eyes fill up with tears.
'Oya, let's all go inside. It's getting cold out here'
The stagnant wind picked up and blew cold air at us and I stare and search but he is no longer there. I touch my heart and inhale hard, they are in here and will always be and Henrik whispered for the last time in my ears.
'Merry Christmas'
Ajoke, Daniel and Nnoye rush out to greet my parents and then Ajoke hands me her massive phone, it was Celine.
We air kiss and start to talk as I wipe away the silent tears from my eyes.
Ajoke hugs me and I hug my mum and we all go into my house that for the first time since I moved in feels like a home.
**"ADE'S JOURNAL", Season 3, Episode 79**
*"ADE'S JOURNAL", 79, COPYRIGHT 2018*
**BUSOLA ELEGBEDE, COPYRIGHT 2018**
No comments:
Post a Comment