Mended Wings
Episode 5
Ella stood from the sofa as the knock on the door became
louder. Not now, when she was enjoying her time alone watching her favourite program, would she expect anyone to intrude. Couldn’t people stay in their own homes on weekends? she thought.
“Who is it?” she said with a frown. It had better not be Mama
Dee, her aunt’s friend, who frequented the house as though hers were flooded, or she would get a bit of her…
“It’s me, Kunle,” the man at the door said, interrupting her
thought.
“Uh.” She gave a soft sigh and rolled her eyes. “I’m on my way.” She opened the door and stood behind it, glowering.
Kunle Adedoyin entered, a broad smile livening his oblong face.
“Hello, Princess.”
“Good afternoon. You didn’t tell me you’ll be here,” she said,
holding the door open as though expecting him to change his mind and leave.
“I’m sorry about that, dear. I was in the neighbourhood and I
decided to check on you. Besides, it’s been a while we spent time together.”
“But you could have informed me still. I could be out of the
house, you know.”
“Well, thank God you’re in.”
She shut the door and walked to the living room. “That doesn’t
mean you’re welcome,” she muttered.
“You said what?”
“Never mind. Please have your seat.” She pointed her hand to the chair opposite hers.
“Thank you.” He sat in the chair. “How’re you?”
“I’m fine.”
“What’s happening? It’s been a while. You seldom pick my calls,
and when you do, you’re always eager to end the call. What have I done wrong?”
She shot him a piercing stare. Her eyes captured it all—the ill?ironed grey suit he wore with a pair of black shoes thirsting for polish,
the boil on his eyelid, which exaggerated the size of his eye, and the scar on his forehead like lightening on a cold night. Irritation welled up her
throat. “I’ve been very busy at work. The little time I have off work, I give to church and my bed. You know how hectic my work is, don’t you?”
“I know. It’s just that I feel something is wrong. We haven’t been communicating as we used to.”
“I said nothing is wrong. The time is just not enough.”
“Hmm. Okay.” He nodded. “I’ve been thinking and praying. I
think it’s high time we solemnized our relationship before God and men. It’s been over a year we started courting. We aren’t getting any
younger. And I strongly believe God wants us to take the bold step and marry. When we’re together, we’ll be able to manage our time better.”
He looked at Ella, who was staring blankly into space. “Treasure, you’re Elizabeth: the beauty with which God has complemented me. You’re the special gift of God to me. And I intend to treasure you all my days and to love you as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her. Let’s get
married.”
All his statements sounded like woe story in her ears. “Thank you.
I understand your point but I’m not ready to take that step. I’ve not heard God concerning that.”
“Treasure! But you heard God before the courtship. He hasn’t
changed His mind about us.”
“You’re not God to determine that. It’s true that He gave a go?ahead before we started seeing each other, but that was for courtship.”
“He has told me you’re the right person for my life. I’ve prayed
about marriage and I have peace in my heart. I believe it’s time.”
“I need to pray about it also. At least, I’m also a party in this relationship. If God told you it’s time, He’ll tell me too.”
“Alright. I don’t mean to pressurize you. Take time and pray about it. When should I be expecting a response?”
“I don’t know. I’ll let you know when I hear anything. Until then, please give me some space. I don’t want anything clouding my vision.”
“Space as in?”
“As in you should stop calling and reaching me incessantly until I receive an answer from heaven. I don’t want to hear from my thoughts or feelings.”
“But it’s not as if we’re just starting a relationship, why should it be that serious? We were prayed into this courtship in the first place, so why do you need to…”
To pray?” she interrupted and shook her head. “Courtship is not marriage. Marriage is a covenant. If I say I want to confirm what I heard
before, should it be a crime?”
“No. You’re getting me wrong. I’m just saying we don’t need to
cut communication just because you want to pray about an issue. I don’t even know how many days that will take.”
“As many months as I need, I’ll take. And I expect you to display understanding by not calling or tailing me around.”
He sighed. He knew something wasn’t right. Not that Ella had
been excited about him from the start, but she had been getting along very well after a few months of cold treatment. His thought had always been that she’d change for better as time went by and she had, until
lately that the tide turned against him. He fell on his knees and clasped his hands.
“Treasure, please, forgive me if I’ve wronged you in any way. I’ll desist from doing anything that will annoy you. Just forgive me this one time.” His eyes searched hers.
“Please sit. You’ve done nothing wrong. I only need some time to
pray and put my thoughts together. Marriage is a journey of a lifetime, no break, no divorce. I must have a strong word from God before
entering.”
He rose up reluctantly. “I love you very much, Ella. I want you to keep that in mind. Go and pray about it. I’m confident you’ll get a go ahead.”
“Well, let’s hope so.”
“So, what’s on your mind?”
Nothing, I just need to rest. I’ve been up since very early this morning.”
“Please try to rest more. May God continue to…”
The door handle turned and the creaking sound interrupted him.
Mrs Evelyn Olawoye entered the house, her husband, and her two
children following closely behind.
“Hello,” Evelyn said, smiling, as she walked into the living room.
“Good afternoon, ma. You’re welcome, sir,” Kunle said, having risen to his feet.
“You’re welcome. Tim, come and hug me,” Ella said and smiled.
Tim, the younger of her aunt’s children rushed toward her. He was her favourite. She carried him in her arms and kissed his forehead, tickling
him thereafter.
“Kunle, I’m glad to see you. It’s been so long since you came here.
I hope you’re fine.”
Kunle nodded. “Yes ma, I am. I…”
Ella shot him a pregnant glance. And he immediately understood
what she meant.
“Uh, I’ve been busy,” he said.
“I see,” Evelyn said.
“I hope you’ve entertained your guest,” Mr Olawoye said, as he
left for his room.
Ella smiled. “He was just leaving before you came in. It’s been a while he came.”
Really. Thank God, we arrived on time. I’d have missed you.
Thanks for visiting. I appreciate and do want to see you more often,”
Evelyn said.
“Alright, I’ll try my best. Thanks for your hospitality.”
Ella sat Tim on the chair and faced Kunle. “Let me walk you to
the door.”
“Okay, thanks.”
She walked him to the door, said her goodbye, and shut the door.
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