GRUMPY AND THE PRIEST : EPISODE 11 – 20
Episode 13
By Faith Lucky.
“I invited him to eat with us” Nina replied quickly before Alvin could say anything.
“You brought someone else to join us?” Theo asked as he took his seat.
“Well, you brought your friends along. So, I see no reason I shouldn’t bring mine” Nina replied blatantly and turned to Alvin.
“I’ll get you something to eat” she said to him and left.
She ordered some greese cheese for him together with a soft drink but by the time she returned to the table, she met him standing up.
“I’m sorry Nina, but there’s no space here for me”:he said icily and left.
Nina stared at Theo and his friends and could comprehend the silence on their faces.
They had definitely said something to Alvin that sent him away.
She dropped the cheese and soft drink on the table as she stared angrily at Theo and ran after Alvin.
“Alvin! Alvin! Wait!” She called after him and finally stood in front of him.
“Alvin, I…I don’t know what they said to you but I’m sorry. Please don’t be mad” she told him with a pitiable look and he forced a smile.
“I’m not mad at you, Nina; I just don’t want to be there. Maybe we could meet later at the cathedral. What do you think?”
“Okay. that’d be perfect”
and he left.
She sighed disappointed as she could still notice the anger in his voice.
She turned around and saw Theo coming close to her and she tried walking away.
“Nina, wait!” He called as he ran up to her and held her by the wrist.
“Let me go, Theo. What was the meaning of that?”she asked in an infuriated manner.
“But I didn’t do anything wrong. We were just talking” he replied and sighed.
“Fine! I’m sorry, okay? Today’s lunch was a mess. Let’s have a date at Olive garden; 5 pm. I’ll make it up to you.”
Nina wriggled her wrist out of his hand and scoffed.
Theo was asking her out on a date?
“I’ll. ..I’ll think about it” she replied desposently and walked away.
GRUMPY AND THE PRIEST : EPISODE 11 – 20
Nina was going through a book in her grandmother’s house as she awaited her to return from the bathroom.
She was having a quite time when her grandpa returned.
“Granny!” She called excitedly and ran into his arms.
“Hey Nina. The princess’ here. Howre you doing?” He asked.
“I’m fine granny. You came a bit early today.”
“Oh yeah. Just dropped by to do something .I’ll be leaving immediately. Where’s your granny?”
“And who’s looking for me?” Grandma Molly asked as she came into the sitting room, tying her head with a band.
“Hey beauty.” Granpa Peter called. “It’s a good thing you still retained the beauty even after bathing.
“Funny you. What’re you doing home so early? And what do you have there with you?”she asked and tried collecting the bag from him but he withdrew it from her.
“On my way to the site, I ran into some supernatural cookies that took me to the gates of heaven the moment I tasted them. They were so delicious that I could only bring back just a piece”
He brought out a packet of cookies and brought out the last piece in it.
“You’re so selfish, Peter. How could you eat all of it?” Grandma molly asked and tired collecting the last piece from him, but surprisingly, he threw it into his mouth.
“What? How dare you Peter?” Grandma molly shrieked and spanked him on the head.
“Hey chill, okay? You’re too finicky. You should know there’s no way I’d eat a fly without giving as little as the feathers to you.” Grandpa said and gave the polythene bag to him.
Grandma molly opened the bag and found three packets of cookies in it
“Oh my God, Peter! You’re unbelievable. Thanks love”
“Hm. Now she can call me love. Anyway, bye. See you later” grandpa Peter said as he gave her a parting kiss and left the house.
Nina watched in anusment and marveled at the Romance of her grandparents. She couldn’t believe they were also part of the arranged marriage, but still looked that happy. She wandered if she could ever have such a happy married life with someone like Theo.
And talking about Theo, she was having a date with him in less than an hour but she was feeling so reluctant about it. He was too arrogant for her taste and she wandered if she could get used to him and get to like him
.
“Hope I didn’t keep you waiting Nina?” Grandma molly asked as she took a seat and took a piece of the cookie.
“Not at all granny” replied Nina. .
“Okay. So, how’s school?”
“School’s fine”
“And how’s Theo?”
“Theo? He’s. ..he’s fine.” She was a little surprised.
“You should know what I’m referring to Nina”
Nina remained silent and grandma molly smiled.
“Help me out in the kitchen, Nina. Let’s make some pumpkin pie”
Theo stood in front of the mirror and brushed his hair. He smiled at his charming outfit and had no doubt Nina would be impressed by it.
He waked over to the bed and ran his eyes through a piece of paper, reading aloud.
“How to make a lady fall in love with you in seven days; make a good impression, be unique, watch your language, be a man of good habits, get her her favorites ”
The time WAS just 4:30 pm but he wanted to get in time before Nina. He didn’t want to keep her waiting.
He took in a deep breath and went back to the wall mirror.
“I think you’re good to go Theo” he said as he kissed himself on the mirror and left the room.
He passed the sitting room and found Harmony with his laptop. His mother was there as well.
“What’s wrong with you Emily? Haven’t I warned you to stay clear of my laptop? And how the he.ll did you get my password?” Theo asked angrily as he snatched the laptop from her and took it to his room.
“I thought you had your own system Harmony? Why do you keep meddling with your brother’s?” Mrs Sidney asked.
“There’s a fashion game I love so much mom and I’ve searched for it everywhere on the net but can’t get that particular version in Theo’s system. So that’s why I love handling his laptop a lot. It’s not like I have any bad intentions” Harmony replied with a frown.
Theo returned to the room and headed for the door.
“Listen up, Theo. I only wanted to play games on your system, okay? So don’t think I had any intention of going through your tips on how to make a lady fall in love with you in seven days” Harmony groused.
Theo stood by the opened door and laughed.
“This evening was meant for me Harmony. It is my evening and no one can ruin it; no one. .not mom, not dad, not even the devil and definitely not you, Harmony”. He replied irrepressibly and walked out.
“Help me out with the cinnamon Nina” grandma molly said as they both got busy in the kitchen.
Nina took the cinnamon while grandma molly mixed the floor and salt.
“There was a certain guy named Connor” she started. “Connor was my buddy and when I say buddy, I mean he was more than my best friend. We grew up together and attended the same high school and college. We were so fond of each other and were nicknamed by our friends as the crazy couples.
GRUMPY AND THE PRIEST : EPISODE 11 – 20
“On one fateful day, I had a secret look In his bag and noticed box with a dazzling ring in it. I pretended not to see anything but that same evening, he asked me out on a date and that was when I knew he had plans of proposing to me.
“I was excited that evening but unfortunately back then, I might say that was when my engagement with Peter Sidney was announced.
“I had felt like running mad when I heard the whole stuff and I couldn’t even make it for my date with Connor. As expected, the news got to Connor and he cut off communication with me. I felt he was heartbroken.
“I knew nothing about Peter Sidney and getting married to him was frustrating at the very start. I disliked him so much most especially because he ruined my relationship with Connor. For long we acted like strangers to each other. We’d just wake up in the morning, make our separate breakfast and go our separate colleges. He was so quiet and my hatred for him increased as I felt he was ignoring me.
I and Connor attended the same college and after some time we resumed with little conversations and one day, Peter caught us kissing. Although, it wasn’t intentional, it just happened. I was so worried that I was scared of returning home and as a result, I was beaten by the rain.
“I finally gathered up courage and went home and when I did, Peter didn’t say a word to me about it. He noticed I was wet and made me a hot cup of coffee and bid me goodnight.
“Are you done with the cinnamon?” She paused and asked.
“Oh yes” Nina replied and handed the cinnamon to her.
“Here. Beat the eggs” grandma molly said and gave some eggs in a bowl to her.
“So,” she continued. “For long, I carried so much guilts in my heart for what happened. I had expected Peter to get mad at me and worst, report the issue to my parents, but he just remained silent as usual. I thought of apologizing to him but felt so scared to do so.
“Then one morning, I finally brought it up on myself to apologize and when I did, the reply he had given me got me speechless. He said; ‘I perfectly understand, molly. Connor’s your ex and I wasn’t expecting you to leave him so easily.
You were forced into this and I know you need some time to let go of your past.’
“That was when I got to understand the kind of person he really was. I got to understand me wasn’t really ignoring me all those while but was just the shy type.
“Afterwards, we became friends. Yes, we became friends. Every morning , he’d make pizzas and send them to me in college. His pizzas were nut exactly the best but I never complained and that was because I liked him. And today, even you can testify of my love life with your grandpa. Even in death, I’d never stop loving him.
“And what was the reason behind all these? Mutual understanding.
“So, you see, Nina; all a couple needs in a relationship is understanding. A union that lacks understanding lacks value and there’s no way it could progress. Peter got to understand I needed some time to let go of my past and I got to understand he was the shy type and didn’t really have any bad intentions for me. I got to understand his character and got used to it.
“So Nina, I perfectly understand you’re passing through a similar case with Theo and I know you’re still finding it difficult. But all you have to do is understand him. Humans differ in characters and some of them find it tasky to change from it. I know Theo might harbor some characters you may not really like, but you just have to understand him and get used to him the same way I did with Peter and I’m sure In no time you may be able to change him. Get used to him and you’ll get to love him, Nina. Trust me, I’m speaking from experience.
“So give Theo a chance.” She concluded wit a smile.
GRUMPY AND THE PRIEST : EPISODE 11 – 20
Nina remained calm as she listened to everything grandma molly had to say. They dived into her soul and left a hole in her heart.
She couldn’t believe her grandparents once shared a terrible moment in their relationship and understanding had been the remedy.
She needed to do same with Theo and see if things could change.
She looked at the time and noticed it was already 5pm. She was definitely going to be late.
“Granny, I need to leave. I have an appointment” she said in a hurry.
“Okay dear. I’ll see you later” she said in her usual sweet voice.
Nina ran to the door but stopped and ran back to grandma molly, embracing get.
“Thank you grandma” she said to her, still wrapped in an embrace and grandma molly laughed.
“Hurry up. Don’t keep him waiting” she whispered to Nina.
Nina gasped and released herself from the embrace. She stared at her in surprise and finally busted into laughter with her.
“Bye” she said as she ran out the door.
GRUMPY AND THE PRIEST : EPISODE 11 – 20
Immediately she got home, she found something spiffy to wear and applied a little makeup. She wore one of her pretty necklaces to match her black gown and gold colored heels together wit her all-side hair do.
She took her phone and texted Alvin:
“Sorry dear. Can’t make it tonigh”
And after that, she hurried out of the room and on her way to the garage, she ran into Denise who was with tow ladies at the balcony, drinking noisily.
She’s been acting bossy since she came in and Nina was running out of patience.
“Wow! Where to Nina? It isn’t your wedding yet” Denise said and her pesky friends laughed along.
“I think you should search for an antidote that shuts people up” Nina replied bluntly and walked away and she could read the shock on Denise’s face as she did.
She dropped at olives garden and immediately she did, two men dressed in suit walked up to her, beaming with smiles.
“This way, miss” one of the men said to her as he stretched his hand to a direction.
She followed them and found Theo in a quiet place, looking anxious.
There was just one table in the middle of the garden with two seats placeplaced opposite each other around the table.
Theo was sitting on one of the seats and couldn’t notice her presence since he was backing her. He’s been waiting for a very long time and was becoming scared she might not show up again.
“Thank you” Nina mouthed to the men who left as she budged forward to meet Theo.
“Hi” she greeted him from behind and he quickly turned around to look at her.
“Nina!” He called elatedly and stood up. “You’re finally here. Please, take a seat”.
He adjusted the chair for her to sit and afterwards, went back to his.
“Sorry I’m late” Nina said as she sat properly.
“Oh not a problem” replied Theo.
Her eyes caught the sight of the flowers at the middle of the table and she gasped.
“How did you get these?” She asked in amusement as she picked then up and perceived it’s fragrance.
They were red carnation and poppy flowers – Spanish flowers.
“I’m glad you like them” Theo said chuffedly.
“Of course, I do. How did you get them?”
‘Well, nothings impossible.”
Nima was still admiring them when a waitress showed up with a book and pen.
“Uhn…Nina, make a chose from the menu. They have Spanish dishes”.
Nina’s eyes grew wild as she quickly kept the flowers and grabbed the menu.
“Are you kidding me? They have Spanish dishes?” She asked with disbelieve as she ran her eyes through the list.
“Oh my God! They have croquettes, Tortilla Española, Pon con tomate, apple gazpacho…”
“Nina,” Theo cuts In playfully. “I’ll fix a date for Spanish lectures but for now, make a choice”.
“Fine!” She sighed and laughed.
“I think I’ll go with Con garbanzos.”
“Okay. And drinks?” The waitress replies and asked as she scribbled in her book.
“Oh great! Get me rebujito”
“And you, sir?” The waitress asked referring to Theo.
Theo clicked his tongue and smiled.
“Just get me everything she ordered.” He replied and the waiter left.
“Everything I ordered?” Nina asked, surprised. “You also wanna eat Spanish Meal?”
“Well, I just feel u should try something new”.
Shortly, two waitresses returned with their orders in trays and placed it In front of them, respectively.
“What did you say this is called again?” Theo asked, referring to the drink.
“It’s rebujito; one of my favorites” replied Nina as she started eating.
Theo also took his cutleries and fixed them in the food.
“Are you sure it’s better using the cutleries? It looks like it’s gonna eat me up if I do something wrong.” Theo said grimly and Nina laughed.
He took in a piece of it and drank a little quantity from his drink.
“Why do I have a feeling most people in Spain are eating bunk?” He asked, squeezing his face.
“You’re crazy Theo. It isn’t bunk.”
Whatever! You know, I earlier thought of showing up in a Spanish dress – the red Bull fighter. But when I wore it and stoked in front of the mirror, I was like: Theo? Theo where’re you? Where’s Theo? I seriously couldn’t believe I was staring at my face.”
Nina laughed again, almost uncontrollably.
“You’re unbelievable, Theo” she said and paused to laugh again.
“Well, it’s a good thing yy change your mind cause I’m not really a fan of the bull fighter.
“Wow! Are you serious?” Hs asked and chuckled.
“So how was Spain?” Would you prefer going back?”
“Well, I think so. It was so much fun and I made a lot of funny friends.”
“Hm. Tell me about Spain Nina. What’s it like?”
She paused and gulped down some water.
“Well, ” she started. “Spain’s supercool. Thy have a lot of festive periods such as the epiphany which comes up 6th January. It indicates the visit of the three wise men to Christ.
“They also have the municipal day, Castille and Leon community, Hispanic day, our Lady of Africa…”
“Tell me about the Hispanic day”.
“The Hispanic day? Well, it comes up on every 12th October and it indicates the exact day Christopher Columbus first set foot in the Americas.”
“Christopher Columbus? He was the first man to spot land, right?” Theo asked.
“Yes, he was. And on the day of the celebration, they’d be a huge military parade in Madrid.”
“Wow! Quite interesting”
“Yeah. So, tell me about France.”
“France? France is preferable to Spain. Seriously, you’re gonna love France and hate Spain forever.
“The festive period I love most is the whit Monday. It’s the day after Pentecost and it’s so much fun . I get to out with my friends and enjoy a picnic or a more convenient place and sometimes we’d attend a cultural or sporting event”
“Whit Monday? Never heard of it before” Nina said.
“Well, how would you ? You’re not in France right? The only event I dislike is the Armistice day. It’s the day we remember the people who died in world War 1. I find I so boring because everybody has to be in soberness. Churches organizes services just to mourn them. That’s the only event I don’t like.
“By the way, Nina. How about we spend our honeymoon in France?”
“Honeymoon?” Nina thought and bent her head
She felt uncomfortable talking about it and Theo noticed.
“Have you ever noticed a situation where a man died from eating Spanish foods?” He asked, changing the topic.
“Not that I’ve heard of” replied Nina, brightening up again.
“Better. Cause I feel like some road construction is going on in my tummy. Please can I order for something else?”
“Always cut your coat according to your size Theo” Nina said after laughing at him.
They spent the evening blissfully and Theo felt pleased with himself, knowing fully well he had impressed Nina.
Alvin sat all alone in the church,still wishing Nina would show up.
He had gotten her text but was hoping she was only playing pranks on him. He really needed her around.
He waited for her but couldn’t find her and so, he went home, feeling dejected.
GRUMPY AND THE PRIEST : EPISODE 11 – 20
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