THE REUNION
1008 Words
It was another weekend, but not just any weekend—it was a public holiday for the Eid el-Maulud celebration. As Andrew sat contemplating his plans for the day, his phone rang, interrupting his thoughts. He glanced at the screen—an unknown number. Who could this be? he wondered.
Swiping the green accept icon, he answered, “Hello, who am I speaking with?”
“It’s me, Michael.”
He paused, trying to figure out which Michael it was—after all, he knew quite a few. “Which Michael, please?”
“Michael Okundayo,” the caller clarified.
“Miko, my gee! How far na?” Andrew greeted excitedly.
“I just dey o, like Dele,” Michael responded with a chuckle.
“How e come be you na? Hope say things legit for your area?” Andrew inquired.
“Omo, my guy, na God oh! Na Him dey run am normally. He dey on top my matter steady steady,” Michael replied.
Their conversation, laced with Delta State Pidgin, carried on with lighthearted banter.
“How’s the family?” Michael asked.
“They’re doing great,” Andrew responded. “How about yours?”
“Married keh? My brother, I still dey enjoy life o. Girls Dem Daddy, na dem dey rush me,” Michael joked.
Andrew burst into laughter. “Miko my man! You never cease to amaze me. So, you’re still living that campus life? You dey old o!”
Michael laughed. “Men don’t get old, women do. Even at 50, my body go still be machine normally.”
They both erupted in laughter.
Michael then got serious. “Andrew, I don’t know if I told you, but I traveled out some time ago. Just came back from the States a few days ago. I’d love for us to meet up and chill like old times.”
“That’s a splendid idea,” Andrew replied. “I was just thinking of where to go this weekend.”
“I know say you like enjoyment, my guy. I’ve been out of town for a while, so I don’t know any classic spots anymore. Any suggestions?”
Andrew nodded as if Michael could see him. “Yeah, there’s a new place—Flowers and Essence Hotel. It’s along Old Palmer Road, just across from Nnaemeka and Sons Investment Plaza.”
“Sounds great! Let’s meet there by 1 p.m. Also, I don’t have Emmanuel’s or Chuks’ contact anymore. Help me reach them. I’ll call Bernard and Francis myself.”
“Alright, my gee,” Andrew confirmed before Michael ended the call.
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THE GATHERING
Michael quickly showered and requested a heavy breakfast, knowing full well that a gathering of men meant more bottles than food. Before leaving, he instructed Fatima to take good care of Mira.
By 12:30 p.m., he was on the road. The drive to Flowers and Essence Hotel took about 30 minutes. When he arrived, three of his friends were already there, making him the fourth.
“Oh my!” he exclaimed. The sight of his old friends together again after so long was unforgettable. They exchanged warm greetings and launched into casual chit-chat as they waited for the others.
When the full squad finally assembled, they placed their food orders. A few minutes later, the waitresses served their meals and presented the bill—₦45,000. Michael covered it without hesitation.
After eating, they ordered drinks—another ₦20,000, which Francis gladly footed. As the drinks flowed, so did the conversations.
Andrew, curious, asked who among them was married. Only Francis admitted to it.
The others laughed, defending themselves. “We’re still young,” Chuks said. “Marriage is about funds. Once you have money, women will be at your beck and call. They love sweet, luxurious, soft life.”
Francis chuckled and turned to Andrew. “How’s your family?”
Andrew sighed. “It’s been all lovey-dovey—until my wife fell ill. She’s currently in a coma.”
Everyone’s mood shifted. They sympathized with him.
Michael, concerned, asked, “How have you been coping without her?”
Andrew exhaled. “I try to stay disciplined, but it’s not easy. Sometimes, the thought crosses my mind to… you know, approach my daughter’s nanny, Fatima. But I just can’t. I love my wife too much and pray for her quick recovery.”
“Nna eh… It’s not easy at all,” Andrew admitted.
“E no even easy for Ezekiel,” Chuks chipped in, making them laugh.
“So what’s the plan?” Michael asked. “Abi your Odogwu nor dey work again?”
Andrew shook his head. “Honestly, the whole situation drains me. Fatima has been great—especially to Mira—even before my wife’s health deteriorated. And I can’t mess with hookup girls. Too many risks, infections and all.”
Ben shrugged. “Forget that thing, joor. Some of them are clean.”
Andrew scoffed. “Na so! How you wan take know? You eh… Casanova.”
They all burst into laughter.
“You fit use protection na,” Emmanuel suggested.
Andrew waved it off. “That’s one thing I can never consider. I love it raw.”
Another round of laughter erupted.
“I be dey think say I bad,” Michael joked, “but you worse pass me! All hail the baddest!” They chorused in unison.
Michael then turned serious again. “It’s high time you drop all these holy thoughts. As a guy man, you need to groom your garden, whether with Fatima or another babe. Abi you wan turn Reverend Father Andrew overnight?”
Andrew, shaking his head, replied, “Frankly speaking, I can’t and won’t do that. I love my wife and still honor our vows. For God’s sake.”
Michael smirked. “Dey there dey do Promise Keeper of the Most High.”
Feeling a bit overwhelmed, Andrew simply finished his drink in silence.
By 7 p.m., they all parted ways, still basking in the nostalgia of their reunion.
- Writer
