WARNING: THESE BONUS EPISODES ARE FOR MATURE AUDIENCE ONLY!

Gwen’s marriage to Enzo(the Italian -American) Chris introduced her to will be taking place in a villa in Amalfi, Italy from Thursday through to Sunday.

The itinerary for the weekend goes like this- Thursday evening is a welcome dinner for bridal party and a few guests, Friday is the wedding followed by an after party. Saturday is filled with scheduled activities in the town and Sunday is a thanksgiving lunch for the bridal party and close family relatives.

This bonus episodes revolve around the events of the wedding.

What happens in Amalfi, stays in Amalfi…

THURSDAY

 In a huge mansion in Oyarifa, Dede was done packing the tools needed for Gwen’s wedding look as well as the bridesmaids’. She was excited about this trip, even though Prince expressed his displeasure. This time around, no one is stopping her from securing this bag. She arranged for her younger sister Korkor, to drop her at the airport and then babysit her son, Papa Yaw during her absence. This was her first time outside the country, in fact her first time in an airplane. She stared at her reflection in the mirror, despite everybody insisting she looked good as a mother of one, she missed the slim, size-8 model she used to be.

DEDE

I wore a pair of African print palazzo pants with an unflattering oversized shirt to match. I was ready, waiting for Korkor. Prince had washed his hands off this journey. All his concerns and disagreements to prevent this trip have been averted. Food? I had meals prepped with time stamps and instructions in the fridge and freezer. Papa Yaw? My sister, Korkor will be using my car and is ready to babysit him. After all, she is his favourite aunt. The House? I cleaned and the help who comes thrice a week will pass through on Saturday.

I wake up today morning only for Prince to say that he will be travelling to Takoradi this weekend hence no need for the meals and cleaning arrangement. I believe he is the weapon fashioned against me. In no time, Korkor’s knock interrupted my thoughts.

‘’Is that what you are wearing?’’ she asked as soon as she set her eyes on me. She was holding a big tote bag.

‘’Why? What is wrong?’’ I asked straightening my attire.

‘’This is good for a casual hang out, but try small. This trip is to level up your brand. Why do you insist on dressing like a 60 year old when you are just 31?’’ She lamented.

‘’Prince says..’’ I started

‘’Oh My God! Prince again, he is busy dressing you like this but will be pouring champagne for baddies in the club’’ my sister blurted, interrupting me.

Two days ago, she sent me a snap of Prince enjoying himself with one of the popular Instagram influencers with the nicest BBL, clad in what I would call a mosquito net.

‘’Watch your tone, he is my husband’’ I warned.

‘’As he is enjoying himself, you too, enjoy yours. My sister, you haven’t enjoyed life ooo. You didn’t date your whole life and married Prince at 24. I know he is a good father, but this trip even though is for business. It is for you too. Dress up, take pictures, Enjoy. It is like…I knew Prince will break your spirit this week, and you will dress like a fellowship leader not to annoy him. Oya, open your bag and let me see the clothes you packed’’ she instructed.

Since it was the summer, I had packed about three different boubous. She was right, I was excited about this trip and even went shopping with Elorm to change my wardrobe. But Prince’s constant disapproval of everything scared me a bit so I packed the clothes he liked.

‘’Dede, I know you used to look like a light-skinned Naomi Campbell. You might not get that size back, embrace your Thick Beyoncé era. It is here to stay, it is not like you don’t have shape’’ she pleaded as she changed my the ill-fitted shirt into a fitted one.

Korkor was right, this is the make-over I need. We packed some of the clothes I bought with Elorm including others she carried in the huge tote bag.

‘’You can wear the boubou when working on Gwen’s hair but this weekend, you have to eat with all these looks. Who knows? We can get you a new husband’’ she said.

‘’Not at all, please let me go and work in peace’’ I said.

‘’So you are really coming back on Monday?’’ she asked.

‘’Yes, who will prepare dinner for Prince?’’ I asked and she rolled her eyes.

‘’Extend it, you even have to visit France to check some of the cosmetic shops for your make-up business. You have never travelled before, and you get a free trip via work and you are doing shakara. You mentioned Gwen booked a flexible return ticket, right?’’ she asked

‘’Yes’’

‘’What time is today’s departure before we miss your flight?’’  she asked

‘’10, so we have to leave’’ I said

‘’Dede! you should have made me come at 6am, we have to get to the airport two hours earlier, lets go’’ she started panicking.

‘’I am joining the Riversons’ private jet my dear’’ I boasted and she squealed in excitement.

‘’My sister, take pictures, I know Nuerkie always says act like you have been there before. Chale! Only you know what you have seen. Let Instagram cryyyy, if you are shy to post, send me the pictures and let me post on your behalf’’ she joked as we dragged my suitcases to the corolla I bought from Nuerkie. Papa Yaw joined us, so excited about going to the airport.

We got lost at the airport because Korkor and I did not know that private jets had a special terminal. Thank God Elorm’s man, Chris, was already around to direct me to the correct one. After an emotional farewell with Papa Yaw, I wiped my tears as I walked to the private lounge. Korkor reminded me one more time to put myself first this weekend and enjoy the trip.

Everybody was waiting for two people named Carmen and Izzy. I was the only stranger, everybody knew one another. I observed them, I noticed how Chris was doting to Elorm’s every need. Making her feel comfortable and holding her hand, I looked over to his father and he was doing the same to his wife. I took a deep breath, there are sweet men out there and I ended up with…Prince. I comforted myself that he was the one who funded Korkor’s university education and provides for our son, that makes him a good man.

We finally boarded the plane, I sat at the far end so the family members can sit together and interact. I started feeling anxious a bit. Not long, one of Chris’ cousin who they called Izzy walked towards me and sat beside me.

IZZY

Carmen was the reason why we were late. She had to do some last minute rounds before the trip. This time, I was not travelling with the girls, this was a trip for me. I need to wind down especially with the new hotel building project I am working on. As soon as we got to the lounge, I saw the most beautiful woman I have ever seen since my wife passed. Carmen mentioned she was Gwen’s loctician and make-up artist, only the beautiful can really beautify.

In the plane, I noticed she looked anxious so I went to her side. Carmen can chat with her parents during the flight. I introduced myself and asked for her name.

‘’Dede’’ she answered with the softest and sweetest voice.

‘’First time on a flight?’’ I asked

‘’Is it that obvious?’’ she asked in a shy tone.

‘’Not really, you are doing well. Relax, I got you’’ I reassured.

I helped her with the seatbelt and placed my noise-cancelling headphones over her ears and played music as the plane began to taxi.

I held her hand cause she seemed a bit scared when we took off.

Finally, when we were in the air, she calmed down a bit.

‘’You have great taste in music’’ she complimented as she handed me the headphones.

‘’Thank you, you can have it back when you are ready. I hear you are a loctitian. I have twin daughters, one wants to lock her hair like Auntie Gwen and the other wants short hair like Auntie Carmen’’ I said, I noticed she was not wearing any wedding ring.

‘’And what about their mother’s hair?’’ she asked.

‘’She passed away, five years ago so this is like my first solid vacation. I love my girls but daddy needs some me-time’’ I said to lighten the mood.

‘’Sorry about your wife, amen to the me- time. I have a son too, but this is business for me. I hope to get some me-time soon’’ she said.

‘’Let see if we can make it happen’’ I said and nudged her gently with my shoulder.

I showed her pictures of the girls and we spoke about music. It was crazy how we both had the same tastes in music. We ended up curating a jamming session on Spotify. She used my headphones and I took out my ear buds which I carry around as a buffer. It was lovely finally meeting someone who loves music as much as I do.

I realised she was cold when goosebumps appeared on her arms. I had a bomber jacket in the bag I carried, I took it out and covered her. She was so grateful, it was a 6 hour flight. Mid-way, she tried stifling her yawns, I then reclined the seat for her to sleep. I stole glances at her as she slept, admiring her physical features. It has been so long since someone made me feel this way.

The villa was an hour drive from the airport, Dede ended up sitting beside Elorm on the drive and I noticed them laughing and giggling.

‘’Izzy, she is here to work. Don’t distract her’’ Carmen joked.

‘’I will try’’ I answered.

‘’I get why you are attracted’’ she whispered.

‘’Why?’’ I asked

‘’There is something about her that reminds you of Diane. But be careful, don’t go breaking someone’s heart’’ she advised.

The hotel is comprised of two villas, one with the old architecture as the wedding venue and the second one, which was a bit modern with nice hotel rooms. The groomsmen were on the ground floor, bridesmaids on first floor and couples on third floor. The ground floor overlooked the pool and a nice yard, but the other floors had a nice view of the ocean.

We got to the villa at 7:00pm and the welcome dinner was starting at 8. Hence there was not enough time to hang with Dede, she had to rush and style Gwen.

The welcome dinner was intimate and special, Dede really made Gwen look more beautiful. She must have magic in her hands. We had to meet the other bridal party members and bond with them. I was paired with one of Enzo’s cousins. Throughout our conversation, all I could think about was Dede. I envied Chris who was paired with his girlfriend, I looked at him and saw him ogling Elorm as she walked towards the bathroom. He had passed a comment about abstaining in this relationship but from the look of things, my brother will definitely fail this weekend. With how Elorm is looking in that dress and knowing Gwen, she has planned the most romantic destination wedding and I can feel it from this dinner alone.

Dinner was over and it was time to leave, I definitely have a huge crush on Dede. There were tubs of gelato as take-away desserts. I took two, one for her and one for me. I found her room and knocked on the door. When she opened it, she looked teary-eyed.

‘’Is everything okay?’’ I asked

‘’Yeah, it will be fine. Did you come for your jacket?’’ she asked

‘’Not at all, I brought you ice cream. I did not see you at the dinner’’ I said.

‘’Is the dinner over? Unfortunately, I have to go start work on Gwen’s hair for tomorrow’’ she said as she rushed in to to pick some tools.

‘’How long will that take?’’ I asked.

‘’Thirty minutes’’ she answered.

‘’Then I will see you after, just keep them in your hotel fridge. I will be back’’ I handed them over and walked away before she had the chance to refuse.

ELORM

I noticed Dede and Izzy were chatting during the flight. I am sure they were comparing parenting notes. The welcome dinner was over and I was so exhausted from the day already. Gwen is definitely having her dream wedding, being paired with Chris for the bridal party is a fun experience.

I took my bath and wore a big tshirt to sleep. Just as I was about text Chris goodnight. There was a knock on my door, I opened it and there he stood in a simple t-shirt and shorts. He held a bottle of wine up…

‘’Nightcap?’’ he asked with a smile. I let him in.

‘’We have to be up early’’ I protested

‘’The wedding is starting at 3pm, there is a planner, you are not the one baking the cake. Give or take, you can wake up at noon’’ he said.

‘’No, I have to be around Gwen to see what she will need’’ I said.

‘’Carmen is there for that, you know something. I will wake you up, you can have just a little. Come on, let’s launch our holiday the right way’’ he pleaded.

‘’Okay, just a little’’ I agreed.

We spent hours chatting and talking about the dinner, how Izzy was bored with his partner and Carmen who was dozing off because she barely understood the bestman’s words. True to his word, Chris made me drink a little.

‘’It is 3 a.m, time for you to sleep Sunshine, since you want to be up and early’’ he said in a mocking tone.

We got up from the room chairs and I walked him to the door. He hugged me, this hug lingered before our lips met in a deep passionate kiss. With the way we have been handsy lately, I already knew where this was headed. Ten months is a long time, God knows we have tried our best. He has been working out for some months now and his body felt solid against mine. He lifted me up easily and I wrapped my legs around his waist. He carried me to the bed, laying on top of me while the kissing continued. Suddenly, he stopped midway.

‘’I promised your mother’’ he whispered, pulling away.

‘’Yeah, goodnight’’ I said in a disappointed tone. He stayed seated for a moment, waiting for things to settle before blowing me a kiss and saying goodnight.

I was a bit sad about not having sex but slightly proud of him for maintaining self-control.

Friday (wedding day)

Chris was right, I should have drank more. Gwen did not need me at all, the planner had everything under control. I tried looking for Chris to spend time with him, but he and Izzy were working out with the other groomsmen. I went back to my room and called Nuerkie and Anna so we chat.

Dede then called me back to Gwen’s suite to style my braids and apply my make-up. I wore my bridesmaid dress which was a red halter neck fitting dress with a low back. Every bridesmaid had a unique style and colour that accentuated their stature and complemented their skin tone, everything was curated by a stylist. The groomsmen were in suits with boutonnières matching the bridesmaid’s dresses. All befitting a floral theme wedding, Gwen looked ravishing in her white Kente gown with beaded flowers on the bottom and train. Dede styled her hair so beautifully, she really was the diamond of the season.

The ceremony was held on a cliff facing the beautiful ocean sunset with beautiful, colourful floral decor. The wedding was straight out of a fairytale, their vows were so beautiful, it made Carmen and I shed tears.

The reception was held in one of the halls, the lights were warm and low with beautiful floral center pieces. There was a live band singing slow renditions of Highlife love songs, Gwen’s favourite. Watching Gwen and Enzo in love will make you want to fall in love.

Now the reception was over and it was time for the after party. Most of the elderly guests were already knackered and retired to bed. What fascinated me the most was Chris, I never knew he was such a stepper. My jaw kept dropping at how busy he was on the dance floor with the couple and other guests.

‘’Surprised?’’ Carmen asked as she stood beside me.

‘’Yess’’ I answered.

‘’He has never taken you to the club before? What do you guys do?’’ she asked.

‘’We are both so busy with work, so we tend to do activities of relaxation. Either watch a play, art exhibition, movies or dinner. One time, we actually booked a nap date, we met up and took a nap together’’ I said and she burst into laughter.

‘’You should try a nap date, they are the best!’’ I added.

‘’He used to be the party organiser in university. He definitely had a future in the club business but real estate stole his heart I guess’’ she said.

Just then, the best man pulled Carmen to the dance floor as well. I noticed Izzy was nowhere to be found, probably retired to bed.

When the tempo changed, Chris caught my eye and held out his hand, inviting me to the dancefloor. The band at this time has switched to singing slower versions of afrobeat love songs. The song I heard on our first date was being sung, ‘love don’t cost a dime’ by Magixx.

‘’She no want the Gucci bag or the fendi..’’ Chris sang into my ears as he held me close.

‘’Please I want’’ I whispered back and we both laughed.

We slow danced, his hands rested on my waist while mine hang on his shoulders with our foreheads occasionally touching. We were interrupted by Carmen who came close to us and whispered

‘’Stop chopping love at someone’s wedding’’ making us laugh.

The party was over and Chris walked me to my room. He planted a quick peck on cheek.

‘’Sleep over?’’ I asked and he shook his head.

‘’Goodnight sunshine’’ he blew me a kiss and walked away to his room.

DEDE

Friday night was a mixture of feelings, I video called Prince to check up on him after saying goodnight to Papa Yaw. To my surprise, another lady answered. She was half-naked and I noticed he was fast asleep beside her in bed.

‘’Why are you calling my odogwu at this time? He is with me tonight, go and find yours!’’ she answered rudely when she picked up.

‘’Never mind’’ I hanged up, confused.

I sent a text saying ‘’wrong network’’. My worst fear has manifested, I always suspected he was cheating. People whispered it, alluded to it but there was no way my super religious husband will do that to me. After all these years! Just then Izzy interrupted my thoughts by bringing gelato. I have to tell him I am married or…..

I instantly remembered I had to fix Gwen’s hair and help cleanse her face for the big day. The perfect escape I needed from Izzy but he promised to come back so we chat. True to his word, I was surprised to see him waiting at my door when I returned.

I brought out the gelato and we walked to the garden. We sat on one of the garden swings and ate the ice cream which was molten by then.

He then brought out his earbuds and gave me one, we listened to music in silence. It was like he read me, he knew I did not feel like talking. The music comforted my troubled heart, after he walked me back to my room.

‘’I don’t know what problems you have Dede, but learn to let go and live in the moment. You are in one of the most beautiful locations on earth and you are letting it pass you by. All because you are sulking. Crying at this time will not solve your problems’’ he said.

He was right, I had spent the whole evening sad about my life. I need to enjoy myself, after all I will be facing reality on Monday. He inched closer and spread his arms.

‘’Now come here and give big zaddy a hug’’ he joked and I did. He took my arms and wrapped it round his neck, pulling me closer by the waist.

‘’This is how you hug a tall man’’ he muttered in my ear and I smiled. He hummed the chorus to ‘’Crush’’ gently in my ear, I started singing along under my breath. I could not stop smiling like an idiot.

‘’You have a lovely voice’’ he said softly.

‘’Thank you’’ I said.

He planted a soft kiss on my forehead before pulling away. Who is Izzy and who sent him to remind me about the things I love. The things that made me Dede, my identity and passions. The woman I was before becoming a wife and a mother. I remember winning singing competitions in senior high school and university. I was the lead soloist of my church choir till Prince made me stop. He said me singing in church will give me unwanted attention, and my new ministry was being a wife and a mother. Even when I sing at home, he complains that I disturb so I only sing to Papa Yaw when he is absent.

Saturday was hectic, Prince called me. I ignored and asked him to text me instead. He had nothing to say. After fixing Gwen up for the wedding and then touching her up for the reception. I took a few pictures and snuck out before the dancing began. I changed into a crochet blouse by EBLA. I paired it with a short pair of shorts and took a stroll round the villa with my camera and its environs. I took pictures not only of myself but of things I found interesting. I stopped by a small bistro and ordered a drink. I sat there and called Korkor. I told her about the call with Prince, she shook her head and then shared all the stories she heard about him. How he always gifted money bouquets worth 10,000ghs and more to younger women. He gives outsiders this amount but had the audacity to reduce my allowance and complain whenever I ask for something. Thank God I ignored him and started working. Tears welled up in my eyes.

‘’But the other guest is right, enjoy yourself. Crying will not stop Prince from leaving the baddies. In fact extend your days and enjoy proper. When you come back, we will talk about Prince’’ she encouraged, I mentioned Izzy’s advice earlier. I did not tell her about the feelings for Izzy that were brewing in my chest.

‘’But what about Papa Yaw?’’ I asked

‘’This one that is happy playing here. He hasn’t even cried, madam, one week will not kill him’’ she added.

I tried talking to my son and she was right, he was so distracted playing with the other children from the neighbourhood. He even hung up before I could say goodbye. Nobody misses me I guess.

After finishing my drink, I made my way back to the villa. I stopped by the restaurant, had a good meal and walked back to my room. At the door, there stood Izzy still in his groomsman attire holding a plate. A smile crept unto my face as I got closer

‘’Damn!! You look hot!’’ he said and I smiled ‘’ I miss you’’ he added.

‘’That is nice, at least someone misses me’’ I said.

‘’I brought you a part of the wedding cake’’ he said and offered me the paper plate covered in tissue.

‘’So thoughtful, thank you, come in’’ I said as I took it and he entered.

We sat on the bed and shared the cake and he complimented my work on the bride and bridesmaids.

‘’You are a true artist, Dede and you sing too. Wow!’’ he said.

‘’Thank you’’ I replied shyly.

‘’I am happy you are in a better mood today. So where did you go?’’ he asked and I took out my camera and showed him the pictures I took.

‘’You are such a creative, a woman of so many talents. Okay now let’s have a photoshoot of me’’ he handed me the camera and posed. I took a few portraits of him, they came out well. My eyes lingered on his tall, well-built frame, the richness of his dark skin, and the way his beard framed his face so perfectly.

‘’Now give me your number so I can get my pictures, and also I do not have to wait at your door every time I want to see you’’ he said and we exchanged contacts.

‘’Music?’’ he asked taking out his ear buds

‘’Always’’ I answered and reached for mine.

We both lay quietly side by side on my bed with a reasonable distance between us as he shared his playlist. We listened to Enya in silence. This was our form of intimacy, our world where we could both get lost with no one around. After a while, we took a break and spoke about my walk and the observations I made.  The second round of music was different, it was a playlist of flirty songs that shifted the mood in the room. He reached for my hand and held it for a moment. When we turned to face each other, he lifted himself slightly and moved closer, leaning for a kiss. I instantly remembered the atrocities of Prince, pulled Izzy closer and kissed him passionately. After, he stopped the music and we both took out our earbuds.

‘’I need to go freshen up, don’t sleep yet’’ he said and left the room.

I had to shower too after that walk. I jumped into the bathroom, took a shower and wore a lacy satin nightwear Korkor threw into my things. Prince hated lingerie, he preferred it when I wrapped an African cloth to sleep. I remember being eager to try all the styles Elorm demonstrated at my bachelorette and finally experience sex. Prince liked one style and it was missionary, a quick five minutes and he is done. For seven years, that has been my sex life and he has the audacity to cheat on me. I hope he is at least satisfying his concubines.

CHRIS

Gwen planned her wedding too well, it was everything and more. I had a great time but my highlight was slow dancing with sunshine. She looked so beautiful in that red dress. Should I have slept over at her place? Here I am all showered and ready to sleep but I cannot get her out of my mind. My thoughts were interrupted by a gentle knock on the door. I looked through the peephole expecting Elorm but it was Izzy.

‘’Hey Bro, do you have condoms?’’ he asked as soon as I opened the door.

‘’Let me check, I barely use them’’ I said and inspected the compartment of my suitcase where I usually kept them and there were about four packs of SKYN condoms. I handed him two.

‘’Quality stuff, just hand me the rest since no action on your side?’’ he joked.

‘’Why the fuck will you need twelve condoms tonight? Whose child are you going to kill? Take the six and then buy the rest yourself in town tomorrow’’ I said and we laughed before he left.

Even this virgin widower is getting some and here I am. I lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling, a few moments later a message popped up from Elorm

‘’You up?’’

The booty call greeting is what I call messages like these at this time. I sprung up from my bed, put the condoms in my sponge bag and brisk walked to Elorm’s room.

When she opened the door, she looked lovely in her blue pajama shorts set.

‘’Why the sponge bag?’’ she asked.

‘’I am sleeping over’’ I answered and she smiled.

After brushing our teeth, we got into bed and started making out.

‘’Are you sure about this?’’ I asked

‘’Yes my love’’ she answered.

And there it was, ten months of restraint was over. The promise made to Auntie Dee was somehow broken. At least, we do not plan on getting pregnant. It was even better than that rainy night because there was no doubt. It was like the perfect song and dance, I nearly forgot how pleasurable intimate moments made me feel.  After clothes were thrown carelessly on the floor, moans, groans, nails dug into my skin, tender strokes and passionate kissing, we were done and as she walked naked to the bathroom to wash up.

‘’Elorm’’ I called out.

‘’Yes’’ she replied.

‘’See how we have disgraced our family names’’ I joked alluding to her mother’s warning to lighten the mood and she burst into laughter.

We showered together, the warm water pouring on us sparked something. The small space drew us close again which led to another intense session of love-making before settling into bed. I held her close, hoping when morning comes, neither of us would wake up with regret.

When you allow feelings to take over, all the promises and prayers at that moment are forgotten. I hope she doesn’t run away this time, being fearful of the pattern her stupid ex created or let guilt break down what we have built.