Amaka (Part 4)

I call this painting "Amaka".

As Amaka got into her car, she call me immediately. Nnenna, we need to talk urgently. Makas, (the nick name I gave her), you are scaring me, I said. I will come as soon as I finish from work. Amaka and I were room-mates in Nnamdi Azikiwe University. She was the only daughter of her parents so she took me as a sister she never had. We were close and could tell each other the truth even when it hurts. She was a sister, a friend and sometimes acted as a mother. She was too smart and a great adviser. It was difficult to focus at work so I closed earlier and rushed home to prepare some meal for Richard. I called Richard to let him know that I would be spending the night at Amaka's place and go from there to work in the morning. Richard would be home alone as our daughters had gone back to school. He knew Amaka was more than a Sister to me so there was no questions.

I called Amaka to let her know I was on my way. The traffic congestion is much today, said Amaka, but Sarah is home, I have asked her to prepare your favorite dish, "Nkwobi", chuckled Amaka. Makas "biko" leave "Nkwobi" for now "jare", let's focus on you, I said. Nobody died so relax, said Amaka.

When Amaka finally got back, we "faced" the "Nkwobi". We then got talking in her bedroom. Nnenna, I am in love with a stranger, said Amaka. I laughed so loud and fell to the floor. Iron lady in love? I teased her. Nnenna "biko" stop, this is not a laughing matter, said Amaka. I have a meeting with him tomorrow I can't think straight.

Start this story from the beginning, I teased her still laughing.

She narrated it and I said Makas, this is tough as we don't know anything about Shola. He may be a married man with kids or an errand man for the Abuja based businessman, who knows.

What would people say? I asked. After waiting all these years and not remarrying, why now? What about your late husbands name and your company in his name? How do you tell Felix and Kanayo? This situation is rough, I said.

How do I find out about him Nnenna? asked Amaka. I need you to help me find out all the details about Shola.

I knew Amaka so well, once her mind was made up, it was.