UN-BROKEN

TIDES OF CHANGE

I adjusted the papers on my desk, stealing a glance at the clock. It was almost lunchtime, and I was still waiting for my boss's final approval for my leave. Zoe's wedding was fast approaching, and I couldn't afford to miss it. The thought of the upcoming celebration brought a small smile to my lips.

As I organized my documents, my phone vibrated. A message from Becca lit up the screen: "Make sure you get that leave! The bride-to-be is counting on you." I chuckled before typing back: "Working on it!"

I sat at my desk, typing out the final details of a client report when a notification popped up on her screen. "Meeting with Mr. Adebayo – 11:40 AM." I sighed, smoothing my navy blue blazer. I had submitted my request for leave a week ago, but my boss had yet to respond.

With Zoe’s wedding just around the corner, I needed confirmation.

A few minutes later, my office phone rang. "Olivia, can you step into my office?" Mr. Adegbite's voice came through the receiver. I took a deep breath and stood, smoothing my fitted navy dress before heading towards the glass-walled office.

I adjusted the strap of my handbag as I stepped into my boss’s office. The air-conditioning was turned up too high, as always, sending a slight shiver down my spine. Mr. Adegbite barely looked up from his computer and the document in front of him as he gestured for me to sit. "Olivia," he greeted, "I assume you're here about your leave request?"

“Yes, sir. My best friend Zoe’s wedding, is this weekend, and I need to travel for the traditional rites and the white wedding. I wanted to confirm if my request has been approved." I replied with a hopeful smile.

He tapped a pen against his desk, pretending to think it over. “You know we’re closing the quarter soon, and there’s a lot of work to be done.”

“I do, sir. But I’ve already structured my reports to ensure everything is in place before I leave.”

Mr. Adegbite leaned back, studying me a few moments before nodding. “I've reviewed your leave request. "I understand this is important to you, and given your track record here, I'm approving it." He smiled slightly. "Just make sure all your reports are up to date before you leave."

Relief washed over me. "Thank you, sir. I’ll make sure everything is in place before I leave."

"Good. Enjoy the wedding." He nodded, already turning back to his laptop.

As soon as I was about to head back to my office, I was met with smirks from two of my colleagues, Regina and Nathan.

“So, we heard you are running away for a wedding,” Nathan teased, spinning his chair towards me.

Regina grinned. “You better catch that bouquet, Olivia. It might be your turn next.”

I rolled my eyes but smiled. “You people should leave me alone, please.”

Back at my desk, I shared the news with Becca via text. Just as I was about to start replying my emails, Juliet appeared “Ah, wedding things! Olivia, don’t dull yourself o. You better make sure you catch that bouquet. I’m expecting a wedding invitation soon.”

I raised a brow at her. “You and all these unnecessary wahala. Let me enjoy my friend’s wedding in peace.”

Juliet laughed. “No problem. Just make sure you look stunning. Who knows, maybe your own Prince Charming will be waiting at the wedding.”

After much tease she left and I headed to the break room for coffee. I found Desmond already there, stirring his cappuccino and grinning.

"Ah, the bride’s right-hand woman," he teased. "So, did you get the leave?"

"Yes! Finally, I can focus on the wedding."

"Nice thank God the boss gave you the green light?" he asked.

I rolled my eyes. "Yes, finally. I was worried for a moment."

Desmond leaned on my desk. "You know what that means, right? You're officially next in line."

I rolled my eyes. "Please, spare me."

Desmond smirked. “Now you can go catch the bouquet. You know the tradition, right? Whoever catches it is next in line to get married."

I laughed. "Please, Desmond. Let’s not start."

"I'm just saying, Olivia," he continued. "Time is ticking. When should we expect a wedding invitation from you?"

I threw a crumpled piece of paper at him, laughing. "If you’re so interested, maybe you should catch it instead." He laughed while I shook my head sipping my coffee.

⁕⁕⁕⁕⁕⁕

The trip to Zoe’s family house was filled with excitement. Becca and I arrived a day before the traditional wedding to help with last-minute preparations. The compound was buzzing with activity. A canopy covered the yard where women prepared dishes of jollof rice, pounded yam, and egusi soup.

Zoe rushed towards us, beaming. "You made it! Finally!"

We hugged her tightly. "Of course, we wouldn’t miss it for anything!" I said. The evening passed in a blur of laughter, music, and preparations.

The sun shone brightly on the morning of Zoe’s traditional wedding. The compound was bustling with activity. Drummers played in the background while guests dressed in vibrant lace and Ankara fabrics filled the space. The air smelled of jollof rice, grilled meat, and freshly tapped palm wine.

The elders gathered to begin the traditional marriage rites. Becca and I stood together, admiring Zoe, who was draped in an elegant red lace iro and buba, adorned with coral beads.

“You look stunning,” I said, squeezing Zoe’s hand.

“I still can’t believe today is the day,” Zoe whispered, smiling.

Zoe, adorned in a stunning ase-oke outfit, was led out by her aunties. Her fiancé, Richard, and his family sat on the other side, awaiting the formal introductions. During the ceremony, the elders showered them with prayers, proverbs, and blessings.

When Zoe was asked to find her husband among the seated men, she giggled, walking past Richard playfully before finally settling beside him. Cheers erupted as she handed him a cup of palm wine, symbolizing her acceptance of the marriage.

The ceremony was beautiful. The elders exchanged greetings, the groom’s family presented gifts. The cheers were deafening when she knelt before him, and he lifted her up, placing a kiss on her forehead.

Amidst the laughter and dancing, Becca and I were cornered by a group of elderly women, including my mom. As expected, we weren’t spared from the elderly women’s scrutiny. My mother nudged me. "You see how Zoe has found her own? When will you introduce us to someone?"

“When are we going to celebrate yours?” one of the women asked, patting my arm.

Becca’s aunt chimed in. "Yes o, Becca! You people are not getting any younger. We want to eat wedding rice too!"

"Ah, Olivia, Becca," one of them started, "when will we gather for your own weddings?"

“Abi o! Olivia, Becca, you girls are not getting any younger.”

"Ah, Mummy," I said, laughing nervously. "One step at a time."

Becca laughed nervously. “Don’t worry. God’s time is the best.”

My mother scoffed. “God’s time? My dear, we need to help God a little. Have you even found someone?”

“Mummy, please let’s enjoy today’s wedding first,” I said, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks.

Becca groaned, exchanging glances with me. "Mummy, we are focusing on our careers for now. Let us breathe!"

"Focus on career and still find a husband," her aunty countered. "You know women don’t have the luxury of time."

I sighed. "Mummy, let’s enjoy Zoe’s moment, please."

The older women shook their heads. "We’re not getting any younger o!" another woman chimed in, wagging a playful finger at us.

⁕⁕⁕⁕⁕⁕

The church was decorated beautifully in white and gold. Zoe walked down the aisle, radiating happiness. The church ceremony was grand, with Zoe looking radiant in a fitted white gown with intricate lace detailing and floral lace patterns. I stood beside her as one of the bridesmaids, feeling emotional as Zoe and Richard exchanged vows. As Zoe walked down the aisle, I felt an unexpected pang in my heart. Would I ever have this? Someone to hold my hand, to promise forever?

At the reception, the bridal party entered in synchronized dance steps, hyping the couple. The event hall was adorned with sparkling chandeliers and floral arrangements. The MC kept the atmosphere lively, calling out single ladies for the bouquet toss. I stood at the back, hoping to avoid the spectacle, but Becca pulled me forward. Zoe turned with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "This one is for you, Liv!"

Zoe tossed the bouquet, and it landed right in my hands. The hall erupted in cheers and laughter as Becca screamed, “It’s a sign!” I turned to find Desmond grinning at me. I’m still surprised he called saying he was coming. It was so thoughtful of him to say he came to represent the company.

I playfully threw the flowers at Becca. "Let’s share the luck, shall we?"

"Told you," he said, raising his glass.

I shook my head, laughing. Maybe life had plans I wasn’t expecting.

He walked up to me with a smirk. “See? What did I tell you? Start planning, Olivia.”

I rolled my eyes, laughing despite myself.

The evening continued with music, laughter, and heartfelt speeches. As Zoe and Richard had their first dance, I felt a twinge of something hope, perhaps? Maybe love wasn’t so far-fetched after all. The night ended with good food, music, and speeches, and by the time I got back to my hotel room, I was exhausted but happy.

This wedding had stirred something in me, a feeling that maybe, just maybe, her own love story wasn’t over yet.

The following Monday, back at work, I found myself thinking about Desmond’s teasing remarks. Maybe it was time to open myself up again. Maybe, just maybe, I was ready to heal.