“Just be cautious my friend, take your time. Men like us don‘t just get married. We have to measure how it would affect our professional future. A partner should be able to add value to your business, not take it away. I‘m not saying this against Gladys, but think carefully before you make up your mind. Feeling so strongly about a wife may be harmful in the long run.” Edward let the curtain drop. “I‘ll think about what you said. I really think I need time to sort out my thoughts. I‘ll get back to you. Sorry for disturbing your sleep.”
“No problem at all, any time.” They soon said their goodnights.
**********
“Gladys, aren‘t you going to work today?”
“No, I finally decided to take my annual leave so I got ten days off.” Gladys came out of the adjoining bathroom to see Aunt Isioma sitting on one of the twin beds. It was late morning on the Monday after her stand-off with Edward, and he was yet to call.
“That was a sudden. I thought you said it was too soon to be entitled to vacation time.”
“I was able to get my manager to agree. The team has a minimal workload.” Gladys sat down opposite her aunt and began to fold the clothes beside her.
Aunt Isioma‘s gaze went to the suitcase sitting in the corner. “Oh I didn‘t notice that. Are you traveling too? You never told me. Where are you going?”
“I‘m sorry, that was also a quick decision. I want to spend Christmas with my family, so I‘ll be going up to Enugu for a couple of weeks till the New Year.”
“Bunmi left yesterday and now you. When do you leave?”
Bunmi‘s father was very sick and her family had asked her to return and help her old mother in their village. Gladys knew her aunt would miss both of them for the Christmas period. “I‘ll go and by a bus ticket later today. I‘ll be travelling tomorrow.”
“That‘ll be fine. Ade will drive you to the bus station and pick up the new girl on your way back.” Her aunt came over to sit beside her. “But tell me Gladys, are you OK?”
“I‘m fine; I just realized that I miss home, Mama and my brothers.” After the blow up with Edward, she was really missing home and needed to recharge.