The Student Teacher Affair

Chapter 8: The Owambe

Joshua’s POV

The day of my uncle’s 60th birthday party arrived with the sun shining brightly, casting a warm glow over the bustling preparations at our family compound. My parents had flown in from Europe just the day before, bringing with them the usual excitement and chaos that accompanied their visits

I greeted them at the airport, their faces lighting up with joy as they saw me. My mother, always affectionate, enveloped me in a tight hug. “Joshua, my dear! We’ve missed you so much.”

“I’ve missed you too, Mom,” I replied, genuinely happy to see them.

My father, a man of few words but great presence, patted my shoulder with a firm hand. “It’s good to be back, son.”

The next morning, the house was a whirlwind of activity. The smell of jollof rice, fried plantains, and various Yoruba delicacies wafted through the air. The sounds of laughter, conversations, and traditional Yoruba music filled every corner. Everyone was dressed in vibrant traditional attire, the men in agbadas and the women in stunning lace gowns and geles.

I was dressed in a royal blue agbada, intricately embroidered with gold threads, feeling a mix of pride and nostalgia. It was always special to be surrounded by family and to partake in our rich cultural traditions.

As the party kicked off, I made my rounds, greeting family members and old family friends. The atmosphere was electric, filled with the joyous spirit of celebration. I was in the middle of a conversation with my cousin when I spotted Mercy across the courtyard.

She was wearing a gorgeous lace gown in a deep shade of emerald, her gele perfectly tied. She stood out, not just because of her beauty but because of the way she carried herself. For someone who had just been invited to the party, she blended in seamlessly, her attire a perfect match for the occasion.

I couldn’t help but mutter to myself, “She looks stunning.”

Mercy was at my uncle’s table, and as I approached, I could see Professor Adeyemi proudly introducing her to everyone. I joined them just as he was about to introduce her to my parents.

“Ah, Joshua, there you are,” my uncle said, beaming. “I’d like you to introduce you to Mercy properly.”

Before I could say anything, my mother chimed in, “Oh, I know Mercy! She’s the one who’s been showing my stubborn son that she can be just as stubborn.” She laughed, and everyone joined in.

Mercy blushed slightly but maintained her composure. “It’s nice to meet you, ma’am,” she said, smiling warmly.

My mother reached out and hugged her. “You’re so pretty, Mercy. It’s lovely to finally meet you.”

My father, always more reserved, gave a nod of approval. “Welcome, Mercy. It’s good to see young people with such determination.”

Mercy thanked them graciously, and soon we found ourselves sitting together at a nearby table, away from the main hub of activity.

“You look really beautiful, Mercy,” I told her, unable to hide my admiration.

“I know,” she replied, with a touch of playfulness. “But thank you.”

I chuckled. “You’re welcome. And for the record, you’ve done a great job impressing my parents.”

She rolled her eyes. “Well, your mom seems to think I’m here to compete with you in stubbornness.”

We both laughed, our earlier tensions melting away. Despite our constant bickering, there was an undeniable camaraderie between us. We spent the next hour chatting, making sarcastic remarks about some of the more eccentric guests, and generally enjoying each other’s company.

At one point, I excused myself to greet some more guests. As I was making my way back, my mother intercepted me.

“Joshua,” she said, her tone serious but affectionate. “Mercy is such a lovely girl. For someone you claim not to like, you two seem to get along very well.”

I sighed, knowing where this was heading. “Mom, it’s not like that. We’re just...working together.”

She gave me a knowing smile. “You might want to reconsider. You two look good together.”

“Mom, please,” I said, trying to keep my voice calm. “Mercy and I have a strictly professional relationship. She’s my student.”

My mother just smiled, clearly not convinced. “Alright, Joshua. But remember, sometimes the best things come from the most unexpected places.”

I watched her walk away, shaking my head. Parents always had a way of seeing things that weren’t there. Or maybe they saw things that we couldn’t see ourselves.

Returning to the party, I found Mercy right where I’d left her. As soon as I sat down, she gave me a curious look. “What was that about?”

“Just my mom being my mom,” I replied with a shrug. “She seems to think we’re more than just student and lecturer.”

Mercy laughed. “Well, she’s not entirely wrong. We do spend an inordinate amount of time arguing with each other.”

“True,” I admitted. “But that’s just because you’re so insufferable.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Oh, I’m insufferable? That’s rich coming from you.”

We continued our banter, drawing amused glances from those around us. Despite the sarcasm and the snark, there was a genuine ease between us that I hadn’t experienced with anyone else. It was confusing, but also oddly comforting.

As the evening wore on, I couldn’t help but steal glances at Mercy. There was something about her that drew me in, even as I tried to push her away with my sharp words. Maybe my mother was right. Maybe there was more to this than I was willing to admit.

For now, though, I was content to enjoy the party, surrounded by family, friends, and one very intriguing student who seemed to have a knack for turning my world upside down.