Nathaniel helped them kill and dress the chickens while Ogechi and Shalom cooked and caught up on things that happened while Shalom was in school. The kids also helped in their little way.
About two hours later, Pastor Tade and Pastor Mrs. Tayo walked in with Gbade and another church member.
Ogechi suddenly felt self-conscious when she saw Gbade. She had taken off her wig and jewelry, she was sweating and she smelt like pepper and fried chicken. She hurried upstairs and washed her face, applied white powder, changed her dress and sprayed some perfume. She looked into the mirror and frowned.
"What is wrong with me? It's just Gbade, not a special guest… Okay?"
"…It's not as important as spending time with people I love…" His words re-echoed in her mind.
"Of course, he loves everyone in this family! Ogechi, I think you're hungry and you need to go downstairs to eat" She laughed at herself and went back to the kitchen.
Mummy T.Y was already dishing the food for everyone. "Well-done girls, this looks really good. People kept us in church longer than we planned…"
"Thank you ma" Ogechi and Shalom chorused.
Soon everyone sat at the dining table to enjoy the Christmas brunch. Gbade took a forkful and sighed in delight.
"This meal is really delicious" Pastor Tade commented and everyone nodded in agreement.
"Yeah. It was Ogechi that did most of the cooking, I just helped out" Shalom added.
"I thought as much" Pastor Tade replied and everyone burst into laughter.
Shalom placed her hand on her chest dramatically. "Dad, what do you mean? Are you saying I can't cook?"
"I didn't say that, my princess. I'm just saying that this meal tastes quite different but in a good way"
"Okay o" Shalom replied in a way that made everybody laugh again.
"Thank you sir" Ogechi smiled shyly. She stylishly checked to see Gbade's reaction to the comments on her cooking and their eyes met briefly.
After the meal, they watched a nice movie. When the movie ended, Gbade announced that he was leaving. After bidding everyone goodbye, he turned to her. "Will you escort me?"
She nodded and they walked out of the living room to the compound.
After a minute of awkward silence, Gbade cleared his throat. "Um, I actually called you outside because I wanted to give you something"
He dipped his hand into his pocket and brought out a small velvet bag and handed it to her. He was glad he had pulled through with the idea of getting her a gift. The expression on her face was priceless.
"Thank you so much! What's inside?" She smiled.
"Open it" He replied.
She did as he said. It was a pretty silver necklace with a heart-shaped pendant. It had the inscription "God's beloved"
"Oh my goodness, I don't even know what to say. This is so thoughtful and beautiful. Thank you so much"
He spread his arms and she went into them without thinking too much. She felt safe and warm. Then she caught herself and let go.
"Why did you get this for me?" She asked.
"Take it as a Christmas gift and also the beginning of our friendship…"
"But we're already friends…"
"I know... I just want us to be more intentional about our friendship. I like to give my friends gifts". Lord, what am I even saying? What am I even doing? He thought to himself.
"Okay… Thank you very much" She replied, not knowing what else to say.
"You're welcome. Goodnight"
"Goodnight" She watched him as he went out of the gate.
She clutched the velvet bag and smiled again.
To be continued...
Happy New week guys!🤭
Hope you're enjoying the story? And taking notes?🌝😂
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