Bolaji: I've packed your things… so let's go.
Sarah: Why? I thought we already discussed this — that I'm not following you home tonight.
Bolaji: We just got married, and you're done with your WAEC. You should understand, nah.
Sarah: I can't follow you like this. Even if I'm going, it should be with just a few clothes, not everything… Abi? (I stared at my parents.)
My dad: You have to follow your husband. Didn't you see Aliyah's sister? When she did her engagement, she also followed her husband home. It's not a big deal. You're not a baby. Good night… Bolaji, take care of your wife.
And just like that, they left us and went inside.
My siblings came to hug me one by one — but the hug felt more like a goodbye.
Bolaji opened the car door for me, and I entered.
My heart was full. I wasn't sad, but I was scared.
People cheered as the car left the neighborhood.
Bolaji kept smiling at me as he drove.
After some minutes, I asked quietly:
Where are we going?
Bolaji: To our house.
Sarah: In Lagos?
Bolaji: Yes.
Sarah: This night?
Bolaji: It's not that far. We'll get home before nine. Or… do you want us to lodge in a hotel?
Sarah: No, there's no need.
Bolaji: Alright. How do you feel?
Sarah: (I forced a smile.) Okay.
Bolaji: Good. I hope you were able to eat earlier.
Sarah: Yes.
Bolaji: Good.
He drove for about two hours before we finally arrived.
It was a big, moderate duplex. The moment I stepped inside, it felt like heaven. I had only seen such beautiful houses in movies.
Bolaji: Do you like what you're seeing? You'll have plenty of time to look around.
He must have noticed how I was staring. My eyes went straight to the big plasma TV, and I smiled.
Bolaji: I want to have a shower. You can use the other bathroom.
He showed me the way, and I quickly went in to freshen up. The bathroom was beautiful too, and that made me happy.
After a while, I changed into a simple gown.
There was no one at home except the security guard.
I asked if anyone had lived in the house before, but he said no — just him.
Bolaji: I'm hungry. warm one of the foods we brought. You must be hungry too.
Sarah: Okay.
Bolaji: Come, let me show you the kitchen.
The kitchen was huge — even bigger than my parents' room. It was filled with modern appliances I had only seen in pictures.
I brought out the food but didn't know how to operate the hotplate, so I called him to come and show me.
Bolaji: I forgot you're not familiar with things like this.
Still, he showed me patiently.
After we ate together, I packed the plates and returned them to the kitchen. I decided to wash them immediately before going back.
When I was done, I asked him for my room.
Instead, he held my hand and told me to follow him, smiling all the way.
He opened a beautifully decorated bedroom in purple.
Bolaji: You said your favorite color is purple?
Sarah: Yes… I love this.
I admired the room and thanked him sincerely.
After a while, I expected him to leave for his own room, but he didn't. So I asked:
What's the color of your room? Or do you prefer mine? Maybe I should go and sleep in yours.
Bolaji: Which room?
Sarah: I mean your room. This is my room, right?
Bolaji: No. (He said it straight.) There's nothing like "your room." This is my house, and this is our room. We're sharing a room together. You're now my wife.
To be continued…