Faithfully, Yours

THE SURPRISE

It's not easy to be in a long distance relationship and for Patty that was her first relationship and she was trying her best to make it work. It was almost a week since she had heard from Joel. He wasn't answering her calls or returning her missed calls which caused her to worry. He wasn't replying her messages as well so she decided to ask Blessed to pay him a visit to check up on him to see if everything was fine with him. Patty phoned Blessed for her help and she promised to visit him. Blessed phoned her the next day to inform her about her visit to Joel's house.

"He wasn't home when I went and he hasn't been picking my calls too. I asked their security if everything was okay with him and all he said was they had traveled" Blessed informed Patty.

"But why is he not picking my calls or returning my missed calls?? He could at least reply to my text messages. I just hope and pray that he is fine" Patty's voiced out sounding worried.

"Don't worry he will call you. Maybe he just needs space" Blessed said consoling Patty.

"Space for what?Hmmm....okay....thanks for your help, I will talk to you later" Patty replied.

"Don't mention babes....take care" Blessed said ending the conversation.

Even though Patty sounded cool on the phone with Blessed she was still worried deep within her and she just didn't know what to do. She asked herself soo many questions. 'Did I say something or do something? Is he tired of me already? Do I stress him?' All sort of questions popped up in her mind but she had to brush them off and face reality. She believed that no matter the problem they had to talk it out to be able to solve it amicably. But just like Blessed had told her she concluded that maybe he needed space.  Patty still couldn't let what was happening slide so she informed her mum about it. Her mum advised her to take it lightly even though a week was way too much for him to ignore her. Patty's mum advised her not to trust people easily especially since her relationship was still fresh. Even though her mum sounded soo casual she was really worried especially for the fact that it was her first relationship. She didn't want to see her daughter heart broken. No parent would want that for their child. Patty decided to focus on her job since she could do nothing about the situation.

It was Saturday and Patty was always happy when it was weekend since she could have enough time to rest. She also did her laundry and cleaned the house on Saturday's since Sunday's where for church service. She was taking out her laundry just like any other day when her mother visited her room to ask her to go the the beauty salon. 

"Good morning my bhabu baby girl" her mum greeted

"Good morning mum, how are you doing and when will you and Dad stop calling me baby girl"  Patty asked.

" I'm good and you will always be my baby girl" her mum replied while sitting on her bed.

" Okay but please make sure you don't call me that in public or around my friends else they will tease me to death" Patty replied giving up.

"I can see you are taking out your laundry. I want you to go the the beauty salon afterwards because you look a mess" her mum said getting up from the bed.

"Why do you want me to go to the beauty salon?? I can wash my hair at home" Patty asked inquisitively.

"I will be having some visitors coming over tomorrow and I need you to look extra. I know you can wash and style your own hair but I want you to go to the salon because you need a professional once in a while. And you can't decline this offer because I have already booked an appointment for you and it's in about two hours from now so just hurry up and go" her mum said concluding the whole conversation.

"Okay" Patty gave in.

Patty wasn't surprised because her mum always wanted her to look extra anytime she was having visitors coming to the house. Patty finished her laundry and was about to set off to the salon but decided to try calling Joel's number and once again it went straight to voicemail. She waited for almost thirty minutes with hopes that Joel will return her call after listening to her voicemail message. She headed to the salon. The salon was a very big one and they had sections. They had the section for the nails, the face, the hair and other beauty stuff. It was a very expensive place and even though Patty and her family could afford it she always did her own her hair instead of visiting the salon on regular basis to spend huge amounts of money just to enhance her beauty. She would rather save that money. But since her mum had already booked an appointment and had already paid she had to go else that money would go waste.  She gave her card to the receptionist upon reaching the salon and was directed to a seat. She was informed by the lady that she had to fix her nails(both finger nails and toe nails), wash and style her hair and also had to visit the face treatment section. It was at this point that she phoned her mum to ask her why she was supposed to do all that especially the face treatment but her mum only told her that it was okay for one to give himself or herself a special treatment. Her mum also told her that it was a reward for her hard work. She thanked her mum and excused herself since it was her turn to start with her nails. 

After what felt like forever in the salon Patty went home and slummed her tired body on her bed. Sunday came and Patty and her family went to church. They fellowship at the Fountain of Glory Assemblies of God, Ghana. After service and their other departmental meetings, Patty and her family left for their house. At home Patty helped her mum to prepare their lunch and some other delicacies since her mum was expecting some visitors. She informed Patty that she was expecting only two people so they didn't have to prepare a lot. 

Patty was asked by her mum to freshen up and look good since their guests would be arriving during lunch time. Her mum informed her that she had picked an outfit for her so she should wear that and Patty agreed. Patty still didn't have an idea about their visitors and her mum only informed her that they were friends from her workplace. 

Patty returned downstairs and was surprised at who was in her house and she couldn't help but scream down the house. She was soo happy.

Patty: You should have just told me you were coming instead of giving me this surprise. Wow I missed you sooo much, you have no idea.

Blessed: I missed you too and that's why I'm here.

Patty: But how did you plan this whole surprise.... wait... mum was that why you asked me to visit the salon yesterday??? I could have just washed and styled my hair at home since it's just Blessed.

Patty's Mum: well yh. But it's not just Blessed. She didn't come alone. The second visitor is here to see you and meet your Dad and I.

Patty: Really?? Oh okay I guess your friend from your work....pl...ace.

Patty concluded stuttering at the sight of Joel. She was filled with both anger and happiness. She was relieved too. But just passed him by to sit at her side of the table. Blessed and Patty's parents excused themselves to the living room, making conversations with Blessed. Joel sat next to Patty and broke the silence between them.

Joel: How is my baby doing and how is she taking in my surprise visit.

Patty: Are you for real??? Do you think this is funny??? You haven't been picking my calls not to talk of returning my missed calls let alone reply my text messages. And you did this for a whole week??? And if you think traveling all the way from Kumasi to this place is going to make me forget all that I passed through these few days then you must be joking.

Joel: I'm sorry for putting you into such a situation. I just wanted to surprise you in a grand way. I didn't plan to tell Blessed but she came over to my house and I had no choice than to spill my plans to her so we decided to inform your mum. I told her I wanted to surprise you and also inform your Dad about our relationship. I'm sorry for making you feel the way you do.

Patty: you could have at least texted. I was worried about you. I thought something had happened to you. At a point I even thought you were tired of me.

Patty's Mum: sorry for interrupting but the food is getting cold. You love birds can catch up after lunch.

Patty: Okay mum. But Blessed you owe me big time.

Blessed: okay madam. I just couldn't ruin this opportunity okay.

Patty's Dad: so I finally meet the young man after my baby girl.

Patty: Daddy you know you can't call me a baby in front of my friends.

Patty's Mum: Just get used to it. Okay let's dig in and observe table manners . We have the rest of the day to talk about everything. 

Patty's Dad: yeah, I'm famished.

They had their food in silence and stole few glances at each other. After the meal, Patty's Dad and Joel had a man to man conversation which Blessed, herself and her mum joined later. Patty's Dad actually approved of their relationship and everyone was happy especially Patty.  Patty's parents gave them a few advices.  Joel and Blessed were spending three days at Patty's end. Patty insisted on Blessed spending the night with her but Joel was to sleep in one of the guest rooms. Patty and Joel were both cool with it because her parents were typical African parents.  The three retired to Patty's room but Blessed turned to watch Tv while Patty and Joel resumed their conversation. Patty eventually forgave Joel and made him promise never to do that again. They talked about a lot and FaceTimed Tony. Tony promised to visit them the next day. Patty had to phone her office that she wouldn't be able to make it to work the following day but Joel informed her that her mum had already taken care of it. Patty wasn't surprised because she knew her mum always had her way with such things.