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It began like a whispering in the air. The day had been beautiful and the sky cloudless. I had finished grinding the millets at the backyard and stored the flour in an airtight containers which I had kept in the refrigerator.
My son, Laide was playing with the rest kids at the square while my husband, Adekunle was yet to return from the mill.
I drove the goats from the garden to the shed and locked them, for them not to get missing. I was exhausted and sleepy when I heard a pitter patter sound. I gazed at the sky, large pillows of cloud were formed, which blotted out the gold colour of the sun.
That was the sign of rain.
I dashed to the front yard where the clothes were spread on a large stone to get dry. I hurriedly removed them and raced to the house. My slippers made a slap sound on the marble floor as I walked to the sofa and dropped the clothes.
I shut the window and drew the curtains low. I heard tapping on the window, the rain had begun. I remembered Laide and sprinted out, I got the first splatter of rain when I was halfway across the square.
I took shelter under an oak tree and stared at the direction of the square, there were few boys still playing. I'd guessed Laide was one of them.
"Laide," I screamed, hoping he could hear me.
Droplets of moisture began to drop from the leaves. They sprinkled on me and I shivered as cold ran down my spine. I looked at the square once more and anger thrummed in my veins when my gaze settled on Laide dancing in the rain.
I was ready to spank him for his childishness and foolishness. He was not a little child who couldn't think straight; a wise child would have arrived home before the rain had started.
I tied my wrapper which was soaked with water and pranced to the square in the rain. Laide froze with fear in his eyes when they settled on me. He was fixed to the spot.
"Mama!" He exclaimed.
"Laide, what are you still doing here?"
"Nothing." He shook his head.
I held him by the short and smacked his buttocks with my hand. He yelped in pain.
"Shut up. I wonder when you are going to act matured. You should be at home, not here in the rain. Always use your sense," I said.
" Yes, mama," he replied, with cheeks flooded with tears.
" Now, let's go." I held him by the hand and the other boys gave way as I strutted out of the square with Laide.
When we got home, I removed his wet clothes and wrapped his body with a towel. I boiled water so he could have a warm bath and wore him new clothes. He slept off as soon his back touched the raffia mat.
The rain had subsided and drizzled when I opened the window. I folded my arms across my chest and gazed at the women who had just returned from the market. They were all drenched by the rain, including their goods.
I waved at Mama Ayo, my next door neighbour as she greeted me.
"Welcome, how are you today?" I asked, beaming.
"Fine. What about you?"
"I am good," I told her. "How was sales today?"
"Fine. The rain distrupted our sales. We couldn't sell everything."
"I understand."
"But it went well. Let me go prepare dinner for my family," she said.
"Okay. Bye," I said, as I watched her leave.
I looked at my son Laide, who was still asleep on the raffia mat and shifted my gaze outside. My husband Adekunle was yet to return and I was worried. It was late already, why was he taking long?
Lines of worry appeared on my forehead as I kept waiting. He was taking too long. Laide cackled on the raffia mat which attracted my attention. I walked up to him, bent low, and woke him up.
"Laide. Laide. Wake up."
He stretched a hand and rubbed his eyes with the other hand.
"Are you hungry?"
"Mama," he called, when he opened his eyes.
"Are you hungry?"
He nodded. "Yes."
"Would you eat rice?"
"Yes. Rice."
"Okay. Let me serve you rice to eat."
I rose to my feet and edged to the pots arranged on a cupboard in the room. I took a blue plastic plate which was Laide's plate and dished out some rice. I opened the other pot, scooped some red stew, and poured on top of the rice.
I closed the pots and felt someone wrapped his hands around my waist. A small smile spread across my face for I knew it was Adekunle. I turned around and he planted a kiss on my cheeks.
"What took you so long?"
"I am sorry, my wife. I was at Adio's place when the rain started. I didn't want to get drenched so that's why I decided to wait behind," he told me.
"Okay. I was worried," I said, as I dropped the plate on the table.
" I knew you would be. How are you today?" he drew me close to him.
I placed my hand on his shoulders and replied, "I am fine, was a bit exhausted."
"So sorry." He kissed my forehead.
"What about you? How was work?"
"It was great. I had less work to do today."
" That's good to know." I let out a soft breah. "Why don't you freshen up while I get your food ready?"
" Hmmm... I don't think I am hungry. I just want to be by your side tonight." He tickled my waist.
I laughed and tried to flee from him, but he held me back. "Stop, Laide is here," I said, in a quiet voice.
"He is asleep."
"I don't think so. I had woken him up to eat, before you came in."
"Okay. Let's find out."
He tiptoed to the mat, squatted, and discovered Laide's eyes were half closed. He tickled him In his armpit and he bursts into laughter.
"Naughty boy."
I shook my head as I watched father and son play together. Laide jumped on him and he carried him In his arms. There was a striking semblance between them, anyone who sees them would know there was a relationship between them.
I left them both to serve Adekunle's food. I knew what he wanted at the moment, but wasn't ready. He had to wait till it was midnight.
The crickets chirped and the leaves rustled as the wind blew. The night was cold and everyone had retired to bed. My stomach fluttered and my skin tingled as I laid in bed, waiting for my husband.
His perfume teased my nose when he entered my room, his eyes gleamed as he joined in bed. I shifted and raised my buttocks as he wrapped his hand around my waist from behind.
"Are you ready for me tonight?" he whispered into my ears.
I chuckled and answered, "I don't know."
"What do you mean you don't know?" he kissed my neck.
"Maybe I am not."
" Don't do this tonight. The night is cold." He pleaded.
I laughed softly and turned to face him, his hand found the knot of my wrapper and he loosened it. He blew the lamp off as he climbed on top of me, I spread my legs and allowed him entry.
It was a sweet thing being in the arms of my lover.