Post by Being Ready And Stable (BRAS) (@brashub)

NNEKA'S DIARY IX

At some point, I stopped praying and thinking about Kunle. I got so busy with work, my business, and church activities. One thing I'm sure of is that Mrs. Chucks wouldn't stop praying, because she's been on my case to give men a chance. But I need to move on from this love thing before it ties me down.

Surprisingly, Priscilla hasn't stopped being nice, even long after the burial. I know we can't be friends because she's not my kind of person, but I just have to be nice to her. Who knows? It could make her start seeing life differently.

Exactly four months after the burial, on a Saturday morning, I got back from jogging and decided to shower. My phone rang several times. When I came back, I realized I had missed four calls from Kunle. What could be so important that he can't just call and wait? Should I call him back or not? While I was there thinking whether to call or not, the phone rang. It was a strange number. I picked up and heard a male voice that was definitely not Kunle's. He said, "Nneka, good morning. This is Philip, Priscilla's husband."

I said, "Good morning, Mr. Philip. How's the family?" I heard Priscilla in the background saying, "Tell her now."

"Family is good, thanks," he said. "Kunle has been calling you since yesterday and you aren't picking. Hope all is good?"

I exclaimed, "Yesterday? Not sure about yesterday, but I missed his calls just now because I was bathing, and I was about to return them before you called."

He said, "Okay, please do, dear. Regards." And the line went off.

What just happened? I thought. Called yesterday? Four missed calls and Mr. Philip calling? I decided to check if there was a call I missed yesterday. I went to my call log and realized I had missed some calls from Kunle and others yesterday evening. I looked at the time and realized it was when I entered the church premises to see Mrs. Chucks. I had put the phone on silent, but I later reset it. Why didn't I see it?

Oh — my cousin's child could have taken it. Their house is close to my church, and anytime I leave the church and there's still time at my disposal, I try to check on them. I remember Chichi going for my bag as I was talking with the mum. We were so engrossed in the conversation that I didn't know when the three-year-old girl took my phone and started pressing everything. She even called Grace because she was the last person I called before I entered the church — to tell her I was going to be home late.

Now it all makes sense. While I was trying to figure out what happened before calling to explain, Kunle's call interrupted my thoughts. I picked up immediately and heard, "Thank goodness." The relief in his voice caught me off guard. Despite everything I had told myself over the past few months, my heart still responded.

I said, "I'm sorry I missed your calls. It wasn't intentional."

He said, "I know. I just got off the phone with Philip."

"Did you have to complain to Mr. Philip?" I asked.

He said, "I didn't know what to think. Besides, I was desperate."

I asked, "Why?"

He said, "Can we see tomorrow after service? Say between two and three?"

"Where?" I asked.

He said, "Anywhere you wish."

I told him, "I don't know anywhere I can suggest, except Chicken Republic beside my house and the eatery close to my office."

"Okay, I will send you an address. Come at 3 p.m. tomorrow. Please don't stand me up," he said.

The line went off.

What is happening? Am I dreaming? Kunle desperate? Why do I sense so much urgency in this call?

As I dropped the phone on the bed, a strange feeling settled in my chest. Whatever he wanted to tell me was important enough to make him call repeatedly, involve Philip, and practically beg for a meeting.

To be continued...

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