Lara got dressed in a red gown and comfortable shoes. Her braided hair looked beautiful. Mike wore a white polo shirt on black jeans by Denim. They drove off in his car.
At the restaurant a comfortable place was reserved for them in a corner.
“Champagne for two please,” Mike ordered. While they chatted the song that was played, Marc Anthony’s I need you reminded them of Lara’s birthday. Memories of the past came rushing back to their minds.
“Hmm remember I still owe you a dance,” Michael said putting smile on their faces. “You know Lara, when you left I never thought I’d see you again.”
“Me too. The mails kept you and Nicky a little close to me. I didn’t imagine we’ll meet again in such manner.” Lara answered.
“Anyway, let’s do away with all the story of the past. It’s been ten years now. Tell me about you,” he said.
“Oh well, I’m still me. I still like chocolate, skimpy gown. I love cookies and I’m scared of heights.” Lara replied laughing.
Mike smiled, “you know what I mean Lara do tell me.”
“Alright, I dated two guys in the University but nothing seemed to come out of it. I got fed up and left the first but the other broke my heart. What about you, any secret in that cupboard of yours?” She said with narrowed eyes.
“Not really, I’ve only dated once, but she left me for a scientist she met when we went on a trip to Paris.”
“Oh I’m sorry.” Lara looked at her fingers as her words came out.
“It’s okay. I’ve left that behind me. There’s this girl, Tracy I met in school but it’s nothing. Just friends,” Mike said.
"There’s this guy Dan a very good buddy. He helped throughout Uni days and still sticks around from time to time,” Lara replied.
“Okay! I sure hope to see more of you.”
“No problem. Well. I think it’s time to go because I have a busy day tomorrow.”
“Not too fast Lara, can we have our dance before we go.”
“Sure” Lara answered happily.
The DJ was smart in knowing the right music for such a mood. Couples held one another and danced. It was like a competition as the beat got faster, the song was changed. Men moved to one side, the ladies were all agog, they screamed with excitement. The men stopped, ladies moved faster, moving their hips left and right. The curves were noticed, their eyes blinked, Lara made some moves she learnt from Stella. The men and the ladies came together in the middle, ran into their partners’ hands and danced the Tango once again. The guys mimicked Michael Jackson and danced with glad hearts but it was quite late, so, the show ended. Mike paid for the drinks then they left.
As they drove home, they sat in silence. Getting to the door, he hugged and wished her a goodnight rest. He drove off, while Lara locked the door and went to bed.
It was a calm morning. The world was really having fun. Felix woke up, Nike had cooked breakfast. He grabbed his rake from the store and cleared the leaves that had littered the garden. As he planted flowers, a bird thought it was time to show its appreciation by dropping a stain on Felix’s shirt.
“What is this?” Felix reacted. Nike rushed out of the house with sliced watermelon, pineapple and fresh apples in a bowl.
“Honey, what’s wrong?” seeing what upset her husband she handed him an apple, pulled off his shirt and kissed him.
“I’ll do something about it.”
“And that too,” Felix said pointing at the bird. He smiled, looking at the bowl in his hands. He was glad he didn’t have to live with a quarrelsome girl like Tina, his first girlfriend. Nike was so nice to him. “I just hope it continues this way,” he murmured to himself.
One night, after working long hours, it was getting dark, and Lara decided to walk home. She enjoyed the murmuring of the wind through the trees in the evenings. As she walked alone, she remembered the 4.00 pm news. A robbery incident occurred last night at the particular spot where she was. Suddenly, she noticed a car following her. At first Lara thought it was someone she knew but became frightened when the car stopped behind her. She wanted to scream. It followed her slowly. Oh no she walked faster.
“Lara it’s me! Come in let me take you home.”
She turned still shaky “who are…” then she relaxed “so it’s you.”
“My car developed a fault. I had to drive slowly. I was about stopping to check the engine when I saw you. So, I decided to move closer.” Mike said stepping out of the car to check the tyres and opened the bonnet to be sure thing were alright.
“Thanks, what are you doing out at this time?” Lara questioned.
“I should be asking you. You’re the lady here. It’s not safe.” He commented putting on the car engine. Lara entered and relaxed.
Mike told her about his mission to Paris. He was sent by his manager to Paris to get some stuff. On his way back, he met his ex. She wanted him back. Her scientist lover boy left her and never paid her attention.
“I simply told her it was too late. What goes around comes around,” Mike concluded.
“So, what have you been working on lately?” Lara asked.
“I run a consulting firm. I train people and manufacture electronic goods.” Mike talked while Lara listened.
“We could partner and also bring Nike’s team in. Let’s change the world and clear hippies off our streets.”
“So, Nike knows all about what you do?” Lara asked.
“We brainstorm together sometimes. It’s strange that these new offsprings love fun. It might leave the next generation with nothing to inherit.”Mike said frankly. “We are home. Call me when you’ve thought it through.” Mike dropped her in front of her house and left.
Entering into the house, she saw Alex who had grown older. He was in high school and Funmi too. They came over to spend some days with her since they were on holiday.
“Has Michael gone home?” Alex asked quietly.
“Yes. Why?” She asked.
“Guess what? He took Funmi and I out. He said we could come one of these days to see his latest invention. I kinda like him.”Alex divulged.
“He did?” Lara responded surprised.
“We had fun sister.” Funmi appeared from a corner.
“As long as you enjoyed yourselves I have no problem with that. Goodnight, you both.” Lara replied.
Michael got more contracts which kept him longer in the U.S. His company was doing fine in Nigeria. He and Lara went out more often. They went to see the movies, visited new friends and went shopping together. They called each other more and remembered old times.
Another Friday came; Mike came to pick her up. It was one year since he appeared at the Candies and Talents Conference. She wore a green gown with thin straps. They complimented each other’s dresses while driving to the restaurant. Arriving there, they ordered for some food and drinks, then, Mike went to a waiter and whispered into his ears.
Mike opened his bag and brought out three files. They contained photographs of over one hundred teenagers and youths that were brainwashed into planting bombs, in different locations in Nigeria. All of them had died. News reached him that thousands were still being trained at unknown locations. It is a pity to note that youths with bright future could direct their potentials and inner strength to destructive ideas rather than nation building.
It is a sure thing that many of them are now trained all over the world. They are used because of lack of employment by ill minded politicians for personal interests. While he talked, the waiter came with a tray covered with cloth.
Lara imagined and wondered what it might be. To her surprise, it was an engagement ring. Mike brought it out from the box. He cleared the file off the table and allowed the waiter place the plates on the table. Still holding the ring Lara exclaimed smiling. “Wow! It’s lovely.”
“I know, I just want you to know I’m serious about this. We can work together just like old times.” Mike replied then asked, “Will you marry me?”
“I can’t say I won’t but I don??
?t want to rush things. Please be patient. Give me time.”
“Ok,” Mike said.
“Really I don’t know why I can’t take this ring. It’s so beautiful but I can’t have it,” she responded.
“Alright I give you all the time you need. I understand. I’ll wait hmm! Let’s drink up so I can take you home.”
Lara got home grinning foolishly “Mum! Mum!” She shouted as she strolled into her family house. “Guess what?”
“I’m not good at guessing,” Helen said.
“Okay then, let me give it to you this way. Mike asked me to marry him.” Lara let it out with white teeth.
“Wow! That’s good news. I’m happy for you. Why the sudden frown on your face?” Helen noticed sitting down close to her now.
“We’ve been apart for ten years, Mum. He could have changed. Mama what do you think?”
“Darling, Michael seems to be a good boy. You’ve spent a whole year with him. He’s been good to your siblings and parents. He doesn’t look like he has changed to me. I understand what you mean. I know he cares. Give him the chance to prove it. Her mum convinced her.
“Thanks Mama. I love you.” Lara answered.
After breakfast one Saturday morning, Lara made her way to an open field nearby. She sat on a small stone to think, playing with grasses. The birds gathered for choir rehearsals and stayed on the left and right side. Lara watched with wonder as they whistled and made melodious sounds. She had wandered to the world of imagination. Reality is not the same.
“Lara I’ve searched for you all over the place.” Michael whispered from behind. The knowledge of the presence of someone scared the birds away. He had watched her for a few minutes, as she smiled at the birds that tried their best to impress her.
“I just thought I should be alone,” Lara said as Mike sat on the grass beside her. She continued, “I miss Nicky.”
“I know. I understand.” Mike whispered, nodding.
“I know she’s married but may be one of these days, we can all spend some time together again,” she replied.
“That’s why I want to spend my whole life with you. Marry me and grow old with me. Please accept this ring,” Mike pleaded as he pulled it out of his pocket.
“Yes, I said yes. I will,” she answered tearfully, throwing her arms round his neck. Mike wore the ring on her finger and jumped up in excitement.
Michael’s parents invited Lara’s family over for some nice time in Nigeria.
“Mike, I can remember when you were still a new guy in school then you often walked around with rough hair.” Lara made jest of him as they had lunch together.
“That’s a lie. Alright, what of you Lara, your hair hung up from time to time as if you just woke up,” Mike teased. Everyone within seconds burst into laughter. Both families enjoyed the meal and chattered all day.
Lara and Mike spent the remaining weeks in the month of May shopping in preparation for their wedding, inviting old friends including Nike, her husband and her two kids. They were happy to see Lara and Mike together especially Nike who initiated the match making.
Everyone got to church early so as not to miss anything. The service started around 8.00 am in Nigeria. Mike was ten minutes late. The priest was allowed to do everything while the congregation watched him.
“We are gathered here, to join these two lovebirds together,” he started.
Meanwhile, Lara prayed in her heart for no disaster but Mike’s ex-girlfriend actually showed up. Dan also did. The priest read from the Scripture and some hymns were rendered. Then he asked for silence in the church. He prayed, and then turned to Lara.
“Do you take Michael Damola Davis as your loving husband to love and cherish, to obey and care for him forever?”
“Yes I do” Lara answered nodding in affirmation.
“You Michael, do you take Lara Mariam Williams as your darling and loving wife to love, cherish and care for her forever?”
“Yes I do.” Mike replied with a smile.
There was total silence. All breath stopped.
“Whoever is against the joining of these two in holy matrimony should stand up or forever hold your peace,” the priest announced sternly. Florence, Mike’s ex gave her a smile as their eyes met. Lara’s heart skipped a beat. Mike had shown her the lady’s photograph, so she knew her well.
She was troubled though no one raised a finger.
Suddenly a voice was heard, someone’s finger was raised. Lara trembled as the congregation turned to see who it was. Fear gripped everyone. It was a little boy who just woke up that stretched. He was in the midst of people, on his mother’s laps which made him look taller. He was dozing and unconsciously pushed his hands up. When everyone realized what had happened, they laughed. It was just a kid. With silence restored, the priest continued.
“I join you both in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.” After the exchange of the rings, they said “Amen!” sealing it with a kiss. Though Lara abhorred facing the crowd, today was her day. Nothing else mattered except Love. Florence had not come to break up their wedding, she came with her husband just to witness the wedding. Dan, in fact arranged the place used for the entertainment of guests.
Everyone was happy. Alex and Funmi were filled with joy.
After the wedding, they all moved home. Nike had a surprise for them. In Mike’s house in Nigeria, she had decorated the garden with flowers. She invited her band members and team mates who played the trumpet, flute and sax. Felix played the drum while she played the guitar and sang “Cool baby love” their favourite song.
Mike and Lara danced while Nike’s kid ran and danced round with flower in their hair and around their necks. The players, the kids, the couples were all in white giving a romantic look.
After the celebration, Funmi and Alex tucked the younger ones in bed. They came back to the parlour chatting, and watched late night movies together with popcorn and chilled chocolate drink in hand. In the dead of the night, Felix, Nike, Mike and Lara knelt down in the garden.
Then Felix prayed:
“Lord, let your purpose for our existence be fulfilled. Let your reason for making us friends be accomplished.” And they all said, “Amen.”
Lara and Mike both left Nigeria for their honeymoon. They went to the Caribbean and settled at the ranch near the beach, visited various tourist sites where they had a fulfilled time together. The love-filled couple continued to bask in their love and happiness, vowing to love, nurture and care for each other till the end and forever. Mike looked at his wife,
“How do you feel spending the next sixty years with me, Mrs. Davis?”
“Yeah honey, I think it sounds great” and they sealed it with a kiss.
EPILOGUE