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Dave organised an intervention for Zoe that made her angry and she stormed out of the house. After hours, Yaw returned her and is yet to face Dave.

Remember Kojo? who received an interesting list of activities from Ndi, his new friend?

Well, in this episode, we find out the aftermath of Zoe’s displeasure and Kojo’s decision after Ndi’s list.

YAW

 After Zoe’s narration of how Dave staged an intervention for her with her mother and that pastor, I know they will be the last people she would want to see. The moment I opened the gate, Dave stormed out through the front door and rushed to me.

“Where is my wife?” he asked in a stern voice, I noticed another woman frantically following him.

“Easy, I want everybody to relax first” I said, trying to calm them down.

“Hi, I am Ewoenam. Were you able to find her?” she asked.

“I am Yaw, yes I…”

“WHERE IS SHE?” Dave interrupted, trying to make his way outside and I blocked him.

Just then, Zoe’s mother and another grown woman stepped out, rushing towards us asking of her well-being. The older lady looked oddly familiar…I cannot remember where I have seen her before.

“Zoe is fine, but she needs a moment, alone preferably. I will advise only for Dave to stay behind. Everybody, kindly go home” I said. Everybody looked puzzled, except Dave, he looked furious.

Immediately, the gate opened and here comes Zoe. The shift in Dave’s attitude was astounding, even Ewoenam raised an eyebrow. He went from the fuming man to the most emotional apologetic person, it was like there was a director present on a film set who screamed “ACTION”

“Oh, my Love, why did you leave me like this? I am so sorry, I will do everything to prove my love for you. Why? how can I live without my missing rib?” he knelt in front of Zoe and held her legs.

“Awwwww, see how your husband is sorry” the older woman commented. Zoe shot me a ‘get rid of them’ look.

“Mamas, kindly leave the couple alone, I know you must also be tired and have to return to your homes. If anything changes which we hope doesn’t, I will personally contact you” I said as I led them away, hearing Dave in the background being emotional around Zoe. Ewoenam and I exchanged suspicious looks as we escorted the women outside.

We returned and Dave was still being dramatic over Zoe.

“Dave, I am tired, just allow me to go sleep. We will talk later” Zoe said, trying to break free from Dave’s embrace.

“No, I will not leave, I wrestle like Jacob till you forgive me” he said, clinging on to her.

“Rev, don’t worry, she will eventually forgive you. But right now, let her go and sleep. Tomorrow morning, you two can figure out what to do” Ewoenam pleaded before Dave let Zoe go.

She turned to me and thanked me before going. Ewoenam asked me to wait behind as she followed Zoe indoors, leaving Dave and I alone.

“Thank you for bringing my wife. How did you find her?” Dave asked.

“I have a guy for everything” I answered.

“Okay…I guess for my own legal safety, I am not supposed to know. Apologies for earlier, interrupting your…thing” he stuttered at the last sentence.

“Just the interruption?” I asked

“Ermmm…well, if anything, I saved you from fornication but …” he was struggling to realise his error.

“You accused me of harboring your wife in my house. Look, I know my relationship with Zoe is close but give your wife some respect” I said.

“Ah! that! Sorry, I am sure it was the work of the devil. I am usually calm. Did she say anything on your way here?” he asked.

“Please leave me out of your marital troubles” I said

Not long Ewoenam appeared and whispered into Dave’s ear before walking me to my car. I had called the driver to park Zoe’s car back in the house.

“So, you are the famous Yaw Djima?” Ewoenam asked.

“I guess so. Unfortunately, I know you as the rogue Pastor Ewoenam” I answered.

“It’s alright, I just hope you are not trying to ruin Zoe’s life” she said.

“Oh, straight for the jugular! Wow! No, I am not. I genuinely care about her’’ I said.

“Noted, I will be watching you” she said as she watched me enter my car and drive away.

I kept trying to remember the first time I met Mama Odame, her face is so oddly familiar. I know she is popular on television but that is not it…

Next day

ZOE

I slept in the guest room, I did not join our daily morning devotion. I was still not ready to listen to Dave or engage him. Yaw suggested I take the day off but I need to work to get my mind off things. Work is the perfect distraction for me right now. I woke up to voice notes from my mother, praising Dave for being a caring man, a gentleman. She was impressed at how he was able to bare himself and apologise.

I just cannot wait for my birthday getaway, Ewoenam has confirmed her presence. I later called Shika and Esinam to lie to them, that I stepped out for a run and forgot my phone.

I got to the office and two hours later, Dave dropped by with the biggest bouquet of flowers. I wonder where he got the money to buy it, trust him to come with Frank, one of the media guys from the church. He kept taking pictures and videos. According to Dave, they were on their way to buy new equipment for the new branch when he felt the Holy Spirit’s direction to surprise me. In his words, all this is ‘coincidental’. I did not want to be rude, so I smiled, hugged and kissed him in appreciation as Frank and my colleagues were oohing and aahing with random shouts of ‘God when?’. If only they knew…

Hours after, Yaw came by my office.

“I guess there is peace in paradise now” he commented as he eyed the bouquet…

“Not really, I am still processing. I am not ready to just forget everything. I think that makes me a bad Christian but I just can’t…” I admitted.

“Then take your time, make Dave aware, because the whole office thinks you have the most perfect marriage after that kiss…” he said, clenching his jaw after.

“I hope you are not jealous…” I joked.

“Oh no, I mean he is your husband, he is allowed to kiss you whenever. Anyway, your birthday weekend has been organised. Here is the key to the three-bedroom apartment I spoke about. I know you like being miss. independent so feel free to pay rent if you want. When Dave messes up, it is available” he said and handed me a keycard.

“If Dave messes up…” I corrected.

“Hahahahaha, trust me, it is a matter of when not if” he stated before leaving.

Later in the day, Mama Odame called me, giving counsel on how I need to be more patient and not quick to anger. I held my breath and allowed her to rant for an hour. After her speech, I thanked her for the advice. Work was over and I dreaded going back home.

Home

 I finally made it home safely to the aroma of goat pepper soup. Dave’s apology meal, I guess. I refused to eat and rather spent time with the children as we watched some movies before preparing for bed. I carried my iPad and phone, on my way to the guest room when Dave walked in.

“Are you leaving me here alone today too?” he asked in a sad tone.

“Dave, I need time please” I said.

“Don’t let the sun go down on your anger my love. I have pled, begged, bought you the flowers you love, prayed. What do you want?” he asked.

“I need you to be more financially prudent and manage what we have” I answered.

“Is that all?” he asked

“Yes…and be nice to me all the time, not just when you want something” I added.

“Noted, I will do my best. This can only change once I get that money for the car business”

“This again! Money which I do not have Dave! I cannot take a loan from my pension, I am still repaying two loans from my salary. It does not make financial sense!” I explained, my voice shaking.
“I have heard you. We will figure something out! I mean I will but please, spend the night here. I miss you” he said, came closer and started kissing me.

I eventually gave in, had sex with him and stayed in our bedroom.

For the next five days, Dave was the romantic and doting husband. He was present, attending to all my needs. One more week to my birthday getaway, Dave has been trying to insert himself in that vacation but I have refused, this is strictly me-time with the girls.

Day of Birthday trip

I got back from work on Friday afternoon, excited for the weekend. Thank God Monday too is a holiday, this makes this trip more refreshing. My birthday is actually on Sunday. I was busy packing for the trip, I had to hurry up since the car will be arriving in two hours.

“I am just surprised an osofo maame has decided not to spend her birthday, a Sunday for that matter in church” Dave blurted.

“Well, this is a once in lifetime opportunity, don’t worry in the next 6 or 7 years or so, it will fall on a Sunday again and I will be there” I replied.

“And Pastor Ewoenam too is joining, Shika as well?” he asked.

“Definitely” I replied as I folded the clothes.

“All women of God with ministries and gifting” he scoffed.

“Yes, and the church will be fine. Okay, if we call it a spiritual birthday retreat, will that comfort you?” I asked.

“Comfort who? Me? Who am I? I am not God. I just hope it doesn’t become a regular occurrence” he replied.

“Look, church is basically like a second job at this point. Let’s just say I am taking my leave. You also need to take a break one of these days. Like a vacation” I suggested.

“Well, I will rest when I start providing for my family. Aha! You mentioned you will be paying for the fridge end of month, right?” he asked. What a way to ruin my day.

“Nope, I said, after buying Davida’s stuff and my car then I will consider it” I replied.

“Oh…okay…Emm…I noticed the money in the joint account is not enough, what about my fuel for the weekend?” he asked

“3000 is a lot for the weekend. The electricity and water bills have been paid as well as WIFI and DSTV, even fuel for the generator is available. Fiona and I have cooked enough meals for two weeks and the fuel tank of my car is full, you can use it” I replied, I have decided not to cough out another Cedi till midweek. We are on a strict budget.

“Oh…I hear you”

In no time, Shika arrived in a comfortable minivan and Davida and I hopped in, very eager and ready for the weekend.

Saturday

REVEREND DAVE

I don’t know what has come over Zoe, I am sure it is Ewoenam that is causing all this. I used to have authority over every pesewa she earns but of late, she has grown wings and has started drawing boundaries.

Her birthday is tomorrow, it would have been a good opportunity to raise funds from members. I have an idea, I know what to do tomorrow at church. The 3000 is still in the joint, I have no money on me. It is important to have money on oneself at all times.

I decided to pass by the church premises and check on the youth clean up exercise going on. The number of members was larger than expected, I was excited but unfortunately the food served was not enough. I called Fiona to bring out all the soups and stews they prepared during the week and carry to the church premises. There was some left over banku that was eaten with the soups and Imelda quickly organised rice to be cooked and eaten with the stews. Everybody ate to their fill and kept praising Zoe’s cooking.

It will be too late for Fiona to go to the market, I guess we will be ordering or buying food till Zoe comes back.

I sent her images and videos of the empty containers, as well as videos of church members thanking her for feeding them. After all, Proverbs 11:35 says ‘A generous person will prosper, whoever refreshes others will be refreshed’.

Sunday

The church was filled, the new branch will be operational soon. Pastor Isaac is suggesting that we move Pastor Jordan to start that branch. I disagree, I need my best youth pastor and singer with me. Maybe, I will go start that branch myself for some months, and let Zoe take care of this one, or should I let her start the new branch? A lot of young working women will follow her, the tithes are necessary here. Decisions, decisions, …

Aha! The campus ministry has like three pastors, I will move Pastor Danny to start the new branch, it will be easier and it will even grow faster because most of the graduates will follow him. Problem solved.

After a wonderful sermon from Pastor Jordan with Imelda singing exceptionally well this time, it was time for announcement.

I grabbed the microphone, led a small powerful worship session before speaking…

“Today is our Mama’s birthday but she wanted to spend this birthday alone, like a retreat with powerful, like-minded women of God. I have told her, this is her first and last, I miss her already” there were giggles from the congregation as the pianist played a funny key.

“Now, I know we love Mama Zoe and would like to do something nice for her. Every year, she has warned you, our beloved people, not to buy her anything and rather give your contributions to the needy or buy items for the Sunday school. This year, let us change the narrative, she has done so much for us. Her prophecies, her time, even yesterday when she was supposed to be resting. When I mentioned I was carrying food from the house to the church, meal prep for the next two weeks ooo, for the youth. She was pleased, she did not complain. That tells you the kind of heart she has. She never asks for money; how many times has she reached out to some of you and offered personal prayers? she doesn’t even take one Cedi. The counselling, support, Our Mama Zoe is amazing! Hallelujah”

“Amen” they chorused.

“Now, today is her birthday! I wanted to ask us to buy her a new car but I know that is too much and she will fight me. But I believe in you, I know you can do it. Let us start with something so she can top up and buy a new car. I will not mention any amount, look within your heart. Remember what the Lord has used the prophetess to do in your life, after all Galatians 6:6 says ‘The one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor’. Some of you have had marvelous breakthroughs from divine direction given to you from Zoe, this is your time to show appreciation. Show love…”

Imelda started singing, and the rest of the choir joined in as members flocked to give their offering.

At the end of service, the church was able to raise 70,000ghs cash and pledges amounting to 40,000 ghs. That means 110,000 in total. What a lovely congregation we have. Yaw was absent today, I will ask him for his pledge later.

Now, Zoe will have no excuse to give me money for the business. I have helped solved our problems.

Meanwhile, in a beautiful five-bedroom beach house with the ocean view and rustic feel in Prampram. Zoe, Davida, Shika and Ewoenam are seated at a picnic table, under a shade on the beach as the chef serves them banku with an assorted seafood platter.

ZOE

As soon as we stepped into the villa, I felt my worries disappear by thirty percent. Ei! Yaw and his hidden gems! where did he find this place too? I can imagine the women he has brought here already. There was a caretaker and chef ready to welcome us and attend to our needs. We spent Friday night watching movies and discussing life.

Saturday was spent at the beach, playing games and running around. Sunday which was my birthday, I was awoken by mini concert organised by Yaw, a guitarist came and we had a short worship session.

We then streamed the service online in the huge cozy living room as we ate breakfast. I was upset with the appeal for funds organised by Dave. I tried to stifle it but Davida and Shika noticed it.

Yesterday, when Dave sent me the message and images of the empty food containers. I just ignored him, I have decided that nothing is going to steal my joy this weekend.

Service was over and it was time for lunch.

“Mum, you can always give the money back” Davida said, noting the frustration written on my face.

“Honey, it doesn’t work like that. Some members will not mind, some will find it disrespectful. I have had my fair share of insults for rejecting presents” Ewoenam answered.

“Maybe, you can channel it elsewhere. Like a scholarship fund for the Sunday school children” Shika suggested.

“That’s a good idea, the academic year is about to start. Parents need money and school fees” I added.

“Jay…sorry…Pastor Jordan knows a few brilliant but needy members. He mentioned some of them don’t think they can make it to university so speak to him. He will gladly assist with that” Shika added.

“Thank you…” I reached and squeezed her hand.

“I am having fun, can I also come here with my friends for my birthday next year?” Davida asked.

“If you can afford it, why not?” I replied and they all laughed.

We finished our meal and Davida left us to go lounge in her room.

“Well, how is counselling going?” I asked Shika, who was attending Ewoenam’s marriage counselling classes with Jordan.

“Good so far” she answered.

“They are my favourite couple of the year” Ewoenam added

“Then Jordan is doing something right, I guess. I am happy for you. A good man is hard to find. Now, I know you earn more than him, kindly ensure he does his part. Because down the road, it takes a lot to carry a family” I advised and she nodded her head.

“Yes, never start what you cannot continue” Ewoenam added.

I then went on to pour out everything I was dealing with, Ewoenam was aware but not Shika.

“I am not telling you this so you lose respect for our pastor. But we have crossed being just business partners, we are friends too” I added.

“I mean, a lot of things make sense now. Especially when you asked me not to tell him we were business partners. And just over the past two months, Rev has been asking about how much I pay you whenever you consult for the business. I kept on postponing my answer or finding excuses because it is not my place” Shika answered.

Dave has definitely been snooping around. I need to be more careful and circumspect with my dealings. What is all this? All this stress and overthinking all because I am married. No wonder Yaw totally abhors marriage, look at him living at peace with his baby mamas and children.

Later that night, they all presented their gifts to me. Ewoenam got me wig bundles, Davida and the boys got me a bath set they bought with their savings and Shika got me a beautiful pair of shoes. We proceeded to enjoy a night of karaoke and games. We had a beautiful conversation where Davida was free to ask any question. I was happy about the counsel she was receiving from us. This is one of the best birthdays I have had.

I retired to my room to see a gift from Yaw, it had the Chanel logo. I already knew what it was before opening it. I have always wanted a Chanel classic flap bag in white, I opened it and voilà. I just realised Dave hadn’t gotten me anything for my birthday. Probably when I return home.

I woke up the next morning to the 3000 in the joint gone with the reference ‘food for the weekend’. I just put my phone away and made my way downstairs to the masseuses Shika had arranged. Nobody is stealing my joy this weekend.

KOJO

I kept rereading the list Ndi sent, especially the last point

Kojo’s Discovery List

• Go on a road trip with a motorcycle
• Party all night and watch the sunrise at the beach
• Compose a song and record it
• Go surfing in Kokrobite
• Paragliding in Kwahu
• Learn a skill with a local artisan (braiding, beading, sewing, plumbing)
• Learn to cook something new
• Food crawl at Osu night market
• Go for a boxing class in Jamestown
• Sex with a view (the beach or any mountain range or a balcony)

Sex with a view. I remember replying with a thumbs up and went on to avoid Ndi for two weeks. I go to the gym in the mornings and just laugh at the reels she sends. Whenever I answer her calls, I make an excuse.

I finally went to the first counselling meeting with Sena. It was basically introduction, learning about God’s design for marriage and we were given homework to write a shared marriage vision. Sena agreed we meet up tomorrow afternoon and work on it together. Madam Jessica is very interesting and makes marriage sound nice, like an honourable and prestigious club.

I went to shop for provisions at a mart nearby, I saw a brand of nuts Ndi mentioned she loved. Just like that, I started thinking about her… her smile, voice, dance, skin, body…lips.

I finished making payment and as I got to my car.

“So, you are alive?” a voice called out to me. I know that voice, it was her. the person I was just dreaming about.

“Yes, I am” I replied and watched her step out of a car, it was filled with other ladies. She looked lovely in her jean shorts and crochet top and her signature afro.

“Did my list scare you that much? I didn’t even add substance abuse” she joked.

“Not really, especially the last point. I don’t…know…” I stuttered.

“Kojo. Just say the word. SEX. look, the list was a suggestion as I stated earlier. What stopped you from just crossing it out?” she asked.

She was right, she did say it was a suggestion and open to editing. She inched closer to me, her breast lightly brushing my chest. My palms became sweaty all of a sudden.

“Why are you over thinking it? It doesn’t have to be with me” she said in a gentle voice.

“Yeah, I thought I should let you know, I have a girlfriend” I blurted. She didn’t move.

“I thought so but that is not an issue. You can invite her so we perform all the activities together” she said, still close to me.

“I don’t think she will be…interested” I stuttered, flustered because she kept glancing at my lips.

“Edit the list and let me know what you want to do. Relax Kojo, I don’t bite” she said, gave me a hug before departing. Thank God the grocery bag was hiding the gentle rise in my pants before I entered my car.

I looked at the list and edited it (sex with a view with my woman) and resent it to Ndi. She replied with a thumbs up emoji. Touché.

Next day (Saturday morning)

I was relaxed at home watching movies when a message from Ndi popped up asking for my location. I sent it to her and she texted a dress code back. I was so confused, wondering what activity she is planning.

In twenty minutes, as I was dressing up, I heard the roar of a powerful motorcycle. It cannot be her! I peered outside the window, and when the rider took off the helmet, it was Ndi, her hair was styled in neat all-back cornrows.

I noticed she was calling, I hurried up, switched off all devices, locked up and ran downstairs.

“Rapunzel finally got out of her tower I guess” she greeted and I laughed.
“Wow!, you own a bike too? This is crazy! What can’t you do?” I asked.

“It’s my dad’s. What can’t I do? Take it in the ass” she joked and we laughed. She handed me a helmet.

“Where are we going or doing?” I asked as she helped me wear it.

“You’ll see” she replied.

Initially I was scared for life and clung onto her waist too hard. With time, I felt more comfortable and held the handles at the back. She was such a smooth and professional biker. She rode to the mall first and bought me swimming trunks and some items. She placed them in a backpack and made me carry it as we continued our journey.

In forty minutes, we arrived at Kokrobite. Judging the place, it was surfing on the list. I insisted and paid for the surfboards we rented. She had already scheduled a one-on-one lesson.

It was exhilarating and a bit scary, but I enjoyed myself more than I imagined. After hours of trying and falling, I was hungry.

She then rode to another resort, where we had the best fried yam and grilled tilapia.

“So, two things on the list gone, road trip on a motor cycle and surfing. Next is party all night and watch the sunrise. That can be arranged, cause our next stop is a house party at Gomoa unless you have something else lined up” Ndi said as we made our way to her motorcycle.

 Shoot! I have the assignment thing with Sena, but I am having such a great day.

“I can always send you back, we can do the partying later in the week at Twist then end up at Polo” she added.

“I have gone clubbing before, that was with Nana and Logo. It is not my scene but I haven’t been to a house party yet, especially a beach house” I replied.

“Then Gomoa it is” she said.

I took out my phone and sent a message to Sena, postponing our assignment.

Our counselling session is at 4pm, we can do it right after church before we meet Mama Jessica.

“But I need to shower “I replied.

“What do you think is in the backpack? Let’s go” she said as she handed me the helmet and off we zoomed to Gomoa.

The beach house had 6 bedrooms and Ndi had reserved one prior. I made a mental note to refund her, I paid for our lunch and surfboard but I hate owing people. She made me shower first, and I wore my shirt and clothes which were not musty or dirty. The bathroom adjoining the room had all the toiletries even brand-new toothbrushes.

I went downstairs and waited, the party started slowly. It was not as packed as I thought it would be. Ndi eventually finished and descended the staircase looking hot, in a cute playsuit, she had undone her cornrow, leaving out her afro. I noticed her pierced nipples through the light material of her attire. Everybody’s attention was on her, I felt lucky to be her plus one.

We played a lot of games, there were edibles available. I wanted to try but Ndi refused because she did not trust the source and wanted to get me home safe. The games were fun and slightly naughty, I got two lap dances from some of the girls, Ndi kissed another guy who pretended to faint after, causing everybody to laugh.  I didn’t find it funny, I felt a twinge of jealousy.

Later, a bonfire was set up at the beach where we all went to sit. One guy had a guitar and played songs, others acted a skit and some went skinny-dipping in the ocean. That was when I found out they were a group of creatives Ndi knew and worked with. With time, fatigue or drugs depending on what you did or ate took a better of us, we calmed down and dozed off listening to the crashing of the waves and the cackling of the firewood. Some made their way to the main house.

Ndi and I sat outside for a while till one couple started getting handsy and it was our cue to leave. We went to the room she reserved, it was 5:45 am already.  I cannot believe I barely slept.

She led me to the balcony adjoining the room, there was a beautiful couch there.

“The sky is beautiful here” she said and we sank into it. I placed my arm around her, she still smelled great. She snuggled close to me, I could feel her body against mine.

True to her word, the morning light peeked through the clouds, she mentioned the sunsets were the best but we missed it. But to the west, I noticed the sun. It was so peaceful and beautiful. I looked down and our eyes met, by the time I realised, I was kissing her. The moment was too perfect to let it go by. Her lips were exactly how I pictured it, she did something to my tongue that made me want more. She then stopped midway.

“We can have sex with a view but you have a woman” she said, got up and sashayed to the door.

“Would you like tea or coffee?” she added with a smug smile, pretending nothing happened.

“T… t… tea” I stuttered.

We spent the rest of the morning chatting. She then dressed up and we made our way to her bike. We said our goodbyes; some people were staying till Monday.

“3 out of 10 for the list, at this rate we can finish this in two months” she commented.

“Yeah…Ndi…about…the …kiss” I stuttered again.

“Forget it happened, okay? I got you. friends?” she offered a fist bump and I returned it.

She handed me the helmet and I mounted the bike. I could have held on to the back handles, but I held her waist instead, inhaling her scent.

I made it home on time, Sena was not yet back from church.  I showered, used Gemini to do the assignment and edited it in my own words. I even had the time to make a powerpoint presentation before Sena arrived. She was so impressed and we compared notes and edited accordingly.

 I couldn’t stop thinking about Ndi’s lips, I wanted to distract myself by kissing Sena after counselling but she pushed back after our lips touched and rebuked me.

“This is the final run Kojo, let’s not ruin the perfect record we have. I know we have kissed a couple of times in the past. But remember, last days are dangerous” Sena said to me.

Author’s note

Apologies for the long episode but I just had to. What is Ndi playing at? What will be Zoe’s next move?