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Kojo and Sena are still taking a break from counselling, with Sena remaining somewhat distant as Kojo stays occupied with the many activities of his life.

Meanwhile, Shika and Jordan are preparing to travel for their nuptials and couldn’t be more excited and ready to take the first step, the traditional marriage ceremony. Imelda, on the other hand, is still reeling from the marriage announcement and trying to decide what her next move should be.

Three months later

The traditional wedding ceremony of Jordan and Shika will be held in Ruby’s house (Shika’s mother). The couple wanted a small, intimate ceremony but Ruby was insistent on throwing a luxurious one. One thing about Ruby, she will get what she wants. After all, Shika is her only daughter and deserves the world. Though, she was not present emotionally during her childhood, this is her chance to show her love. They can have their intimate ceremony in the states when it comes to the civil wedding. Traditional ceremonies are for the family, Jordan’s parents also seconded this decision. As business owners, they need their partners and friends present.

Not forgetting Jordan and Shika being devoted members of the church.

The night before…

IMELDA

I kept staring at their pre-wedding photos, I hate to admit that they suit each other. Tomorrow is the trad ceremony and next week they will be on their way to USA for the official civil wedding. Mama Zoe was supposed to attend as well, but she mentioned some last-minute issues with her passport and visa.

My heart is burdened and heavy, so Jordan is really going through with this. After the warnings, and is my God asleep? I thought he was meant to be the one for me. What about the dreams I had? The prophecies random people uttered concerning my wedding ever since Jordan came into my life. Was it all a fallacy?

I placed a call to him. After several tries, he finally picked up.

“Hello Imelda, how are you?’’ he answered.

“I am blessed and you? Are you alone? I want to speak with you privately” I said, as I could hear chatter in the background.

“Give me a moment, let me step away from the guys” he said and moved to a quieter location.

“How are plans going?” I asked

“Great! you know how Shika is thorough and the wedding planner has been nothing short of astute”

“I don’t mean any disrespect or any ill wishes. You are already aware of my sentiments towards this whole thing. At the end of the day, as your friend and someone who cares deeply about you and your salvation. This call is just to check in on your mental health and spiritual wellbeing as you take this huge step tomorrow. Is everything alright? Nervous? Anxious?” I asked.

“Yes, but in a positive light. I just want everything to go smoothly and I can’t wait!” he sounded excited.

“Oh…okay…just wanted to say it is never too late. The spirit has not changed the message, I feel you are rushing but then again, you are an adult who obviously knows what is good for you. Just keep in mind that, a broken engagement is better than a broken marriage” I cautioned.

“Noted Imelda, but the spirit tells me I am on the right path” he said.

“Alright…I will keep you in prayers. And if it is your heart desire that everything goes well tomorrow, I pray the same. Take care and I am always here for you…”

“Good to know…” he said, unsure.

I prayed for him and we ended the call. I do hope he knows what he is doing.

Next day

Ruby’s new house was beautifully decorated, sponsored by her of course. Opening a jazz café took a dent in her finances, but you cannot put a price on the things we do for our children. After all, her only daughter was getting married and that happens only once in a lifetime. Looking at everything so far, it was good she insisted on a big traditional ceremony to celebrate. See all these people present with their positive energy to celebrate the lovely couple. Family, business partners and church members genuinely happy for the couple. It was so evident and one can feel it in the air.

The colour theme was blush pink and gold, Shika’s favourite colours. She looked gorgeous in her kente, which was complemented by Jordan’s kaftan. The ceremony went well, with Jordan’s groomsmen also looking handsome, draped in kaftans. Shika chose Zoe, Melody, Nuerkie, Agnes and Davida to be her bridesmaids. There was great music provided by the choir members and Ruby of course, not to mention enough to eat and drink. The event was well coordinated, enough seats and servers to attend to everybody.

Jordan and Shika really went through with this, the choir members were excited. I can see Shika is already transforming him! I have never seen him wear earrings and here he is with pierced ears. I understand why Shika dresses the way she does, look at her mother. Which bride’s mother has her shoulders out with red lipstick! The apple really does not fall far from the tree.

I guess it is really over. A few choir members decided to stay behind for a while. There was some chatter about an after party at Shika’s mother’s jazz club. I wonder what believers intend on doing there but it is not my place to judge. I would like to speak to Shika alone before I leave, or even Jordan. I entered the main house and found her in one of the rooms going through some leftover wedding souvenirs.

“Shika, I would like to speak with you alone” I said and she signaled her friend to leave us.

“Alright Imelda, you have my full attention” she said as we stood alone in the room.

“Congratulations once again, you look beautiful. The cleavage is a bit too much but hey, it’s your day!” I complimented.

“Thank you but Jay is not complaining” she said haughtily as she straightened her bosom.

“I just want you to know that God has really blessed you with a man like Jordan. Someone who serves God well and wholeheartedly. Someone who God has a plan for in life and ministry. I mean, he is important to us all and I will advise you to…”

“Shut up” she interrupted me in a calm but stern voice.

“Did you just…”

“Shush! I am too old to fight over men. It is not a good look on me, honestly. But this is not going to be about Jordan, I will tolerate the snide comments you pass behind my back. I will tolerate you whispering to people not to deal with me because I have ‘some’ spirit… correction… lying to people that ‘some spirit’ follows me. In fact, I will tolerate you calling my fiancé, Jordan, the night before our trad ceremony, talking about ‘a broken engagement is better than a broken marriage’. But what I will not tolerate is you, walking into my space, my mother’s house, ON my wedding day to PRETEND to ADVISE me. Shut up Imelda, shush it” she warned, leaving me dumbfounded.

“I do not have any ill intentions towards you honestly, I just do as the spirit says…” I was talking when Jordan entered.

“What’s happening here?” he asked, noticing the upset look on Shika’s face, he faced me “What are you doing to my wife?!” he shot at me.

“No, I am not dealing with this Jay, deal with this bitch” Shika said and walked out.

“Just stay away from us!” he warned before I could say another word and ran after her.

Just then, the bathroom door adjoining the room opened and Agnes slipped out quietly without uttering a word. Why did the church gossip have to hear everything?

I went back outside, walked towards the couple and apologised. Shika just rolled her eyes, and Jordan did not even look at me. Quietly, I sneaked into my car and exited, driving with tears streaking down my face.

KOJO

It has been three months since my mother’s one year funeral anniversary and five months in total since Sena and I put counselling on hold as we figure things out. Sena has grown increasingly distant, I try to reach out but whenever I call, she is cold and aloof. She has even stopped driving my car and I wonder why. She just dropped the keys off one day after work and that was it. She lives with her elder brother, his wife, and their three children. Hence, I try not to visit too often or make surprise visits. I’ve gone there unannounced twice, and she wasn’t there. Today, she finally decided to come over once again after church.

“Sena, what is wrong? Have I done something?” I asked after several attempts to make the visit less awkward.

“When we decided to pause counselling, I did not think you will pause going to church too” she said.

“Is that it? if you wanted us to go together, you could have just said it” I said.

“No, Kojo, you know how I feel about your refusal to attend church. I have expressed my sentiments a million times! I don’t want a family where I beg my husband and father of my children take church seriously” she ranted.

“Alright, Problem solved. We will go to church together” I said.

“Sometimes, I feel you just say these things to end our arguments with no plan of changing. What about the pause on our counselling? I was waiting to see when you will ready? It has been five months Kojo, do you want to get married or not?” she asked.

“I do, but remember, you asked for the pause. I am just waiting for your green light” I said.

“So, if I don’t give it, you won’t?” she asked.

“Sena, I am ready when you are” I replied.

“No, I want you to be ready not because I am. I will wait for your green light. Just know that I will not wait for long…”

“Come on Sena, don’t let four years go down the drain. I am yours, you can have me whenever” I said as I reached for her hand.

“Do you want me?” she asked.

“Of course,” I reassured.

“Well, it does not feel like it. If I don’t call, you wait and call after two days. You don’t ask about my work or anything I am involved in. When we spend time together, all you want to do is make out. We do not have any detailed and proper conversations about our future. If I don’t ask, you will not be the one to suggest. I feel like I am the only one carrying this relationship. You barely visit and when you do, you are in a hurry to leave or you want us to sit on your car and chat.”

“Your brother’s place is not exactly comfortable” I remarked.

“I know, but try and get to know them more. They are going to be your family if we are going to be together”

“And there is more time for that Sena, let’s just see till the end of the year. I am sure we will figure something out, like we always do” I said as I planted a kiss on her cheek.

“Kojo, you haven’t even asked about seeing my parents for the list or even a proposal! I should not ask or beg for these things. You should know!” she lamented.

“Sena, why the rush? Just relax, when do you want us to resume counselling?” I asked.

“When do YOU want us to resume?” she asked.

“Such a Ghanaian, answering a question with a question. Just as I stated earlier, I am ready when you are. Just tell Mama Jessica and I will be there” I said.

“Okay, I will notify you then” she said.

“That’s my beloved!” I hugged her.

“Anyway, I will be travelling on Wednesday to Tanzania, work related. I will be back in two weeks”

“Okay, just send me your flight details, I will do the airport runs”

“Alright”.

We spent the afternoon cooking together. After, we watched a movie and I took her home.

 Later in the week

Sena told me her elder brother insisted on dropping her at the airport. Well, I guess there will be no need to see her off. Two weeks will be over soon.

Ndi and I continued to pursue the activity list. We went on the Osu food crawl the previous night. Today we are in her apartment, I will be learning how to prepare dzɛŋkplɛ_¹. After, I will compose a song and record it. From the last two encounters, Ndi has been very nice to me, friendly and funny as usual but no flirtation or sexual innuendos in our conversations which is unusual on her part.

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 (with, my woman)

The dzɛŋkplɛ tasted amazing, I am definitely preparing it for Sena as a surprise. It was time to compose a song. Ndi brought out a guitar and a small recording equipment she attached to it.

“Is creating songs one of your side gigs as well?” I asked, amused in an attempt to tease her.

“No, I borrowed the equipment. I can play the instrument, thanks to home-schooling. Plus, I once dated a musician”

“Dated? You barely talk about your love life. Is it anybody famous?” I asked.

“Yes, AceKing”

“What!!! Did you break up with him or the other way around?”

“What do you think?” she asked, amused.

“You broke up with him, Wow…Ndi. So, was “Odo kaeme²” about you? cause that song is so soulful and deep, and he mentioned in an interview that it was inspired by true events. He doesn’t even like performing it because of the memories” I rambled.

“Yes, but forget me. What do you want to sing about?” she changed the topic.

“Ermmm…anything…what do you think?” I asked

“It’s your song Kojo, not mine. Anything that makes you happy? Or excited?” she asked.

I thought for a while and we made a beautiful song about my mother. Ndi wanted to uplift my mood and played a funny song for me while we were seated in her sofa.

“What can’t you do?” I asked mid-conversation, a question I always ask when she does something new.

“I am yet to find out” she replied.

“What happened to the usual reply, that the only thing you can’t do is fuck me?” I asked and she smiled.

“Why have you stopped flirting with me?” I asked after a while

“Because unlike most men, I know when to take a hint. I have pulled out all my tricks and you stated you want to be friends. I am respecting your wishes” she said.

“Well, the list is almost done. Paragliding will be next year, but is sex with a view with you still open?” I asked.

“Ouch…unfortunately no. Once I tuned my mind to just friendship, all the emotions fizzled out. I usually do not care when I meet a guy’s girlfriend but there was something about Sena. I cannot pinpoint exactly what it is, but I don’t want to be the one to break her man’s virginity. I am not religious or anything, but she has a beautiful aura. Keep her, she is good for you” Ndi advised.

Ndi was right, Sena is special… she has always been there for me. I may get distracted and all, but Sena has been my constant pillar.

I made my way home and texted Sena that I cannot wait to see her. When she landed in Tanzania, she mentioned the resort was in a remote area, hence internet was unstable. One more week and I get to see her, I have a surprise planned. I will prepare the dzɛŋkplɛ, go to her brothers’ and then propose to her in front of them. I am ready to resume counselling and forge forward with our future

Monday afternoon…

Six days more to see my darling Sena, we were able to text a bit yesterday. To show her I was serious, I went to another church and even sent her a picture. She has been very busy at the work conference. I got so engrossed with work, I did not check my phone till the day was over.

I noticed I had received several texts from a group chat I share with Logo and Nana. I opened it and there was this picture, then a video. This was unbelievable, it better be AI! I kept rubbing my eyes, my palms became sweaty and my heart rate increased. My throat suddenly dried up and I felt hot all of a sudden! What does this mean? How did this happen? When? But… A million questions started flooding my brain.

It was Sena, she had just tied the knot with this familiar looking gentleman. I can’t place where I know this face from. It looked like a civil wedding in Canada!  The Instagram photo and caption were unbelievable!

Instantly, I tried calling her, number blocked, I was blocked from all her other social media accounts as well. I tried calling her brother, he did not answer, not even her friends. Everybody ignored me, even her mother whose contact I have had for years. I called Mama Jessica too, she also ignored my call. This feels like a movie, people talk about this happening to them all the time but from Sena? Damn!

Sena, Sena, this was not time to deal with the boys. I switched off my phone, sat on my bed, and toyed with the ring I had bought to propose to her.

First, I lose my mother and now, my girl…

Two years ago

SENA

After a long day at work, I headed to the hospital, where Auntie Hilda had been admitted. I was exhausted by the time I returned home. There sat my elder brother’s childhood friend, Jesse, eating kelewele with him.

My family grew up in Keta, but my father’s job at the Central Bank eventually transferred him to Accra. We moved to a nice neighbourhood and changed schools when my brother, Edem, was twelve and I was ten. Jesse was the first friend my brother made at our new school, and he did so much to help two innocent children feel at home in a completely unfamiliar place. I have always considered him a brother.

It wasn’t until my final year at university that Jesse started making advances towards me. I found it strange; he had always been like a brother to me. After university, he relocated to Canada with his father and has been visiting Ghana every year since.

After retirement, my parents moved back to Keta to enjoy the country side and farm. They always loved the peace, calm and beautiful sandy beaches there. My brother now works in the same bank and inherited the house we lived in.

“My wife, you are welcome ooo” Jesse greeted.

“Who is your wife? And when did you land?” I asked

“Just now, your brother picked me up from the airport. I told him I wanted to see you first”

“I see, welcome back” I said, joined them at the dining table and ate with them.

“How was work?” he asked

“Tiring, I just can’t wait to sleep. Will you be staying with us?” I asked.

“Just for tonight, the hotel had a booking error. So, Edem offered”

“Where will he sleep?” I asked my brother.

“In your room, you will join the children just for tonight. You know the guest room is now Fakor’s work station” my brother stated, referring to his wife who is a fashion designer.

“Don’t worry, I will not go through your stuff” Jesse teased.

 We spoke for a while before I went to my room to grab what I will need for the night.

The next morning

I forgot to pick a pair of under shorts for my attire. It is too early to wake Jesse up but who cares. I knocked and he responded, he was awake.

“Can’t sleep?” I asked.

“System is still on Ontario time my dear. So how is your lil boyfriend?” he asked.

“Great, he is doing well” I replied.

“When is the wedding?” he asked.

“We were looking at this year, but he got laid off and now his mother too is unwell so we have postponed it. What about you? Any wedding bells on your side?” I asked.

“Not seeing anyone at the moment. I am waiting for you to come and marry me” he joked.

“Come on Jesse, we are basically siblings at this point” I remarked.

“Stop saying that, we do not share the same DNA. I just happen to be good friends with your brother. He knows how I feel about you and approves, your parents love me as well. Bebiara a setti³, it’s just left with you, the bride” he said and I rolled my eyes, picked some items and walked away.

I returned from work later in the evening to meet a huge tote bag filled with presents_ perfumes, handbags and clothes. All from Jesse.

A year ago, …

I was busy at work when I received a call from Edem, my brother.

“I am supposed to pick Jesse up from the airport but work got in the way. Can you do that?” he asked and I obliged.

“I am such a lucky man! My wife is picking me up from the airport!” he exclaimed immediately we met at the arrival entrance. I rolled my eyes as we hugged, he looked handsome with his new look, an afro with streaks of grey. I rarely find light-skinned men attractive, not to think of mixed-race guys. Probably because the ones I’ve met in my lifetime seem to think they’re the next best thing since sliced bread.

“New car?” he asked as he took a seat in Kojo’s car.

“Yes, but it is for my beloved. He makes me drive it most of the time” I replied.

“Oh! Has he gotten a job now?” he asked.

“Yes, at this high paying remote company” I answered with pride.

“Good for him, and my condolences once again concerning his mother. I heard you two were quite close”

“Thank you”

“How is wedding planning going? From our conversations, first you postponed because of his job, then his mother’s illness, then her passing away so right now. What is stopping you guys?” he asked.

“We are planning to start counselling soon, so let see how it goes” I said.

“You and this man are always planning, no actionable steps. Well, if there is no real progress in six months, I am marrying you” he said.

“Ei! Massa! Why the aggression?”

“Have you tried the Canadian Express Entry website I sent you?” he asked.

“No ooo, but why should I? Kojo and I will get married and stay here”

“Sena, just try. I have a good feeling about it. I mean if you get the PR, you can file for Kojo and then you guys have a chance at dual citizenship. Moreover, his job is remote so you guys are good. Just try my dear, what do you have to lose? If you don’t get married to him, you can just marry me, no need to for all this palaver” he said.

“Jesse, be serious”

“Look, you’ve already taken the IELTS, right? That was for your master’s last year, so it should still be valid, and you got good scores. I’ll be in Ghana for three months, so I can help you prepare for the TCF, the French-language test, to increase your chances. The next draw should be coming up soon. You already speak French, so we’ll just sharpen your skills and get you ready. Sena, you be sharp girl, look sharp” he advised.

Jesse was serious, we spent two hours after work each day to study for the French exam. I did quite well and we submitted my details. He further went on and coached me on my promotion interview and how to climb the corporate ladder at work. He extended his stay in Ghana, we kept spending more time together.

This time around, he was genuinely pursuing me, determined to make me his girlfriend. It was no longer the usual banter between us. He started arranging occasional spa dates, randomly dropping lunch at my workplace, and eventually chauffeuring me everywhere except to counselling and to Kojo’s house. The more time we spent together, the more he gradually broke down the walls I had built around myself.

One afternoon, he sent me the reel of Kojo at the beach party with this message

“Are you sure this man wants to marry?”

The day Kojo agreed to take a pause on counselling, Jesse’s shoulder was there for me to cry on. The more I pulled away from Kojo, who did not even notice, the closer life pulled me towards Jesse. He was already deeply ingrained in my family, he attended midweek services with me and occasionally, Sunday service. It was time for him to return and I was so emotional. For the past four months, we had grown closer than friends. Before we stepped out of his car which he handed over to me, we shared our first kiss and I knew I wanted more.

“Is this how you kiss your siblings?” he teased in the middle of our kiss. And he was right, siblings don’t kiss like this.

I prayed about it, and consulted Mama Jessica privately on this dilemma. She was immediately Team Jesse, because she could sense that Kojo was not serious. She then took his number and called him a couple of times. She wanted to interrogate him as my spiritual mother. Later, we met up and she stamped her approval. She advised me not to discuss it with Mama Zoe. According to her, Mama Zoe has a soft spot for Kojo and might only become a distraction. Besides, Kojo is old enough to decide for himself whether he wants to get married or not and shouldn’t be coddled.

Six months later, I received the email confirming that I had been selected for Canadian permanent residency. Jesse was over the moon and immediately began making arrangements for my documentation, flight, and accommodation. We had gotten very close at this point, constantly calling each other.

“Sena, what are we doing? We are not getting any younger, we both know what we want. Just say the word, I will send drinks to your parents and then we have our wedding in Canada. We can always have a bigger celebration later, but we need to act now” he said.

“okay, I am ready when you are” I answered, amused at myself.

The next two days, his parents travelled from Accra to Keta to ask for the marriage list and arrange a date. I was in shock but excited. I know Jesse is a man of action, but damn! Nutsu yia⁴ is moving fast!

Two weeks ago, I had a small quiet intimate traditional ceremony in my parents’ mansion in Keta. Jesse was unable to be present in person due to a work emergency, so he had to join virtually. His family members were there and that was alright. Three days later, I was on a flight to Canada to meet my husband.

Jesse is everything I dreamed and prayed for and more. I cannot believe I nearly made Kojo block my blessing. So, it is true, sometimes what you want is right in front of you the whole time. I tried my best with Kojo, I did everything right. I was the perfect girlfriend but I guess I was not enough for him. Jesse was not pleased with the manner I broke up with Kojo. According to him, ghosting him after almost five years together is cruel. But deep down, I know breaking up in person might make me fall for Kojo’s empty promises again.

Jesse had kept every promise and he makes me happy.

AGNES AND TETTEH

“Ei!!!! See! it’s raining civil weddings in RLM! Sena is married but that doesn’t look like Kojo ooo” Tetteh exclaimed as he showed the picture to his wife, Agnes.

“Ei, before we move to Sena and this gentleman. I forgot to gist you” Agnes narrated the whole Shika and Imelda saga she overheard while in the bathroom.

“My wife, it is the way you are always at the crime scene! God really orders your steps! But Imelda too has gone too far! Aha! I overhead Shika talking about reporting her to Mama Zoe! There is going to be fireworks!!!” Tetteh exclaimed

“Back to the freshest couple. But I have seen her with this guy a couple of times in church ooo, she introduced him as a family friend or brother or so. Honestly, I did not think too deeply because the whole church knows Kojo is her beloved” she stated.

“And they were going for counselling too. Everybody is shocked!!! Look, let me text Shika” Tetteh texted.

“She looks beautiful and happy. The man too is handsome ooo, Sena has taste ampa, only fine boys on her arm” Agnes exclaimed.

“Chale, even Mama Zoe didn’t know ooo. Shika just told me, they are also in shock. Nobody can reach Kojo. Mama Zoe will be going to his place. Wow! Sena shock we all” Tetteh remarked.

“Ah well, that is why you should not let your boyfriend stop you from finding your husband…”

Author’s Note

So you guys really just ignored my last request in the previous story! WoW! Anyway, two more episodes and we close the season!!!! Hope you enjoyed the read.

Lexicons

1. dzɛŋkplɛ (Ewe) — A traditional Ewe dish made from roasted corn flour and palm nut soup, eaten with stew or pepper.
2. Odo kaeme (Twi) — “Remember me, my love”.
3. Bebiara a setti (Twi) — A colloquial expression meaning “everything is set” or “everything is sorted/ready.” Bɛbiara means “everywhere/everything,” while setti is an English-derived colloquialism from “set.”
4. Nutsu yia (Ewe) — translates to “This man”.