All In God's Timing (Part 5)

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Saturday finally came. Labake's mom would be arriving in about 2 hours and she was yet to finish cleaning her house. She had woken up that morning with a long list of things to do on her mind. She had to go to the bank, run to the post office, pay her bills online, and clean her house. Her mother makes a big deal out of an untidy house even if it's a speck of dust. It's two hours to her mom's arrival and she just finished cleaning her kitchen. Now the question is should she continue cleaning or should she take her shower and start heading out considering she has an hour's drive to the airport. Making up her mind, she hopped into the shower.

As Labake stood by the railing in the arrivals area, she noticed her mother pushing her baggage cart searching for her. Labake stood and watched her mother, amazed at how although her mom is in her late 50's she still looks stunning. Her mother looked fit and her outfit was very chic. When her mom drew closer, she walked up to the "No entry" door and called for her mom. Her mother turned to her right and waved. Quickly, Labake walked over and they hugged. How long had it been since the two of them held each other like this. She truly had missed her mother.

"Mom, I'm so glad you're here."

Her mom pulled back and looked into her eyes, "oko mi, it's good to see you."

"Ah let me push your cart mom." She takes the baggage cart from her mother. "How was your flight?"

"My dear it was okay. I still can't get used to that flight food. They need to do something about it. Can you imagine these oyinbo people trying to serve us yam poridge because we're coming from Nigeria?"

Labake laughed. "Ah mommy! I hope you didn't give them a hard time."

"At all my dear."

They got to the car and put her mom's bags in the trunk.

"Eya mommy, how is everyone back home? What about Daddy agba?"

"They're all fine o, they send their love. Daddy agba is as healthy as ever. He really misses you."

"Eya. I miss him too. What about your friends?"

"They're good o. Iya alaso's daughter even got married last Saturday. You should have seen the wedding. Trust my friend she went all out."

Labake smiled and shook her head.

"Yes o, that little girl has gotten married and she's only 22. What about you oko mi, is there anyone in your life?"

"Ah mommy, what do you mean anyone in my life?"

"Omolabake you know what I mean. Any man?"

Again Labake laughed. "Mommy you're funny o. We haven't even gotten to the house and you're already asking about a man. Can this wait?"

"Hmmm Okay o."

At that moment, Labake's phone started ringing. She picked up her phone from the cup holder and looked at the caller ID; it was Prince Osa. She paused not sure what to do. she didn't want her mum knowing she was talking to any man. Not yet anyway.

"Aren't you going to answer that?"

"Umm yea."

She rolls her eyes and answers the phone. "Hello?"

"Hey... I hope I'm not catching you at a bad time. How are you?"

"I'm good and you?" She sounded almost impatient. Should she tell him she's with her mom?

"I'm okay. I'm actually rounding up business up here and I was thinking of coming down to your area. Hopefully we can meet up?"

"Umm suuure... When were you thinking of coming?"

"I should be in by Monday night. So Tuesday evening dinner?"

Who does he think he is? She hadn't said it was okay to come down to see her.

"Okay yea that works. Give me a call to let me know where to meet you."

"Actually I'll be coming to pick you up. If that is okay with you?"

"Ok yea. That works." What was she doing agreeing to let him pick her up from her house? Has this guy jazzed her?

"Then Tuesday it is! So I'll talk to you soon?"

"Yea sure. Alright take care."

"Yea you do the same."

She hung up.

"Who was that?" Her mother asked.

All In God's Timing (Part 4)

Throughout the next day, Labake made a conscious decision not to return Prince Osa's call. She didn't want him to think she was desperate, besides she really didn't know what to say. Okay so they would go through the usual introductions and after that what next? How could she hope for a relationship with a guy that was royalty, so much responsibility rests on his shoulders. Would he really be interested in the little things she's involved in when he rubs shoulders with movers and shakers. Really she just couldn't muster up the courage. And she definitely doesn't want to tell Toke about the call. Her friend would only make her more nervous by pressuring her to call him. She just needs to clear her head and take her time. If he's really interested, he might call again.

As the thought settled in her mind, her phone vibrated in her cup holder in her car. She picked up her phone and looked at the caller ID. It was his number! Out of panic she pushed the answer button while her mouth hung open; speechless. How is it that as she was thinking of him calling her again he calls?
"Hello?" His voice souded tentative.
"uh uh hello..." Her voice sounded panicky.
"Is this a bad time? I was just following up on my call last night. I can..."
"Oh um yes.... yea.... it's a bad time. I'm in traffic. Can I call you back when I get home?"
"Oh sure. I'm sorry for catching you off guard. I'll be looking forward to your call."
"Okay thanks. Bye!"
And without even waiting for him to reply, she hung up. This is just too much for her. She couldn't even handle herself properly on the phone. She wanted to jump over all the cars ahead of her and speed home so she could redeem herself. Now what's he going to think of her?

As Labake hung up, Osa was a bit amused. He didn't know what to make of the conversation he just had. Should he bother pursuing Labake or should he just let her go? His decision wouldn't be based on any emotions since he's just getting to know her. Really it was curiousity that was driving him. He really wanted to know what made Labake tick, and why Toke called her a sight to behold. If he lets go he may never get the answers he wants, and if he did pursue her further, he could be disappointed by the outcome. It really was a gamble. But what if he called Toke and asked her a bit more about Labake, that would help decide his next course of action. He picked up his phone and dialed her number. On the third ring she answered.
"Ossy! How are you?"
"Hey babe. I dey o. You?"
"I'm alright... trying to fix something for dinner. Long day.. long story. So What's good?"
"I called your friend o, left her a message last night, she didn't call me back. I just called her again and she sounded a bit flustered on the phone, almost like she wanted to get me off the phone. Is that how she normally is?"
Toke laughed. "Osa... please don't mind her o. She was probably panicking. Give her some time to come around. After all it's not every day that a prince calls her phone."
"Is she a shy person?" Osa had to know.
"She could be shy especially around guys. She's also very churchy... she was sheltered growing up. She dated once but it didn't work out and I think it's left her a bit suspicious of men. Even though she won't admit it."
"Wow... okay... hmm interesting. I have a lot of thinking to do. I'm not sure she's what I'll call my type."
"Aaah Osa.. you want to give up? You have to show her you're serious and make her feel comfortable engough to trust you. What is it with all you men? Y'all want the easy way out."
"Like I've been doing with you and you keep refusing me? Let's just say I know you women."
soft chuckle. "Look Osa for real I think you should go after Labake. I have to run now... got a hot date with my egusi and rice."
"Alright... we won't go there. Save egusi for me o!"
"Yea I will silly... talk to you later!"
"Yea later! Bye Tokes!"
"Bye!"