The Shit Hits The Fan Part 2

Papa, I am sorry I haven't written in a little while, but with practicing for the London to Paris bike ride, work and church, I was struggling to find time. Where did I stop? Oh I remember, I let you lead me back into the house. When my dad saw you, his eyes lit up. He was fond of you. I know it didn't really seem like he did, but he was always telling Toks that he needed to be more like you.

"Seun my boy, How are you? I have been meaning to call your dad. How is he"........My dad's voice trailed off as soon as he noticed that we were holding hands. The penny slowly dropped and he stared at us (for what seemed like ages) in disbelief. I swallowed the lump that had lodged itself in my throat. Silence. My mum came out of the kitchen and embraced you warmly. My dad had still not said a word.

Momsi noticed the tension and looked at my dad. "Toks, kilode? Is anything the matter?" she asked. I gulped. My dad clapped his hands together in disbelief. "This is who your daughter has brought to us. Or am I wrong? "He asked, directing his gaze at me. I wanted the ground to swallow me. "Yes dad" I answered. I looked at you, you were looking at the ground. I was so angry with you in that moment. I knew this was a bad idea. but you always felt that the two year jump start you had on me allowed you a certain wisdom. Sorry Papa, but that is bullshit. You should have listened to me. But you know what they say about spilt milk....

It was my mum that reacted first. she reached over and pulled my hand out of yours with such force that it hurt for days after. "My friend will you get serious. so this is who you want to marry abi? Did I do something to you that you would want to shame this family. eh? If I have wronged you Atinuke, let me know. A muslim. abi ori awon omode o da? I didn't kill my mother, you will not kill me." My dad was still silent. Its like he was waiting for you to say something. And then you did.

Aunty Bunmi, I know this situation is far from ideal, but I love your daughter and she loves me. We have weighed the pros and cons and we are prepared to fight the odds. We...

"Come on will you shut up" my dad roared, cutting you off mid sentence. You will marry my daughter over my dead body, now get out of my house" You hesitated, I could see that you didn't want to leave me to face the wrath. "Get out of my house" Popsi shouted again. I had never seen him so angry. You looked at me. I nodded that it was okay. There was nothing you could do. You would only make things worse. So you left. As I heard the door slam shut, I knew there would be hell to pay.

My dad turned to look at me. The venom in his eyes was frightening. I thought he was going to slap me, so I braced myself. "Tinuke, you are an adult so I will give you a choice. Either you stop seeing this boy or you stop living under my roof. The choice is yours" and with that he left the lounge. My mum was sitting on the sofa with her hand on her head. "Mummy, I began. "Tinuke, your father has said all that there is to say. I am very disappointed in you, but I am going to let your dad handle this matter" I burst into tears, she kissed her teeth and left the room.

I sat on the floor. What was I supposed to do. Leaving you was out of the question. Leaving home was another matter entirely. How could they make me choose. My head was a mess. I didn't know what to think. I heard the front door open, then Toks jnr came into the lounge. He looked at me but didn't say anything, he sat on the sofa. I was still crying. "Tinuke, he began, stop crying, it is not going to solve anything. You need to think logically. I just spoke to dad and he is angry. He will be calmer in the morning. For now, lay low and let things blow over. Why you decided to red flag the bull is beyond me, a softer more subtle approach would have been better." "Like what?" I asked. "Tinu, I don't know, but whats done is done. Bottom line is daddy can't chuck you out. He is just trying to scare you. You are the apple of his eye. He isn't going to just throw you away like that. Right

Wrong.

Always
Me