𝟑𝟎 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐥

~~ 87. ~~

"Thanks, Dad." She appreciated it sincerely.

He pulled her closer to him. "Nothing is settled yet because he still has bride price to pay but I am happy for you dear. Congratulations to you."

Lola grinned excitedly and relieved.

"Thanks, Daddy. Thank you."

He shook his head, meaning she doesn't have to thank him. "You don't need to thank me. I am happy for you." She leaned closer to him. "You know... I was thinking about it yesterday... The day you were born. Even your mother talked about it." He chuckled. "Your pregnancy was very complicated for her. She labored for seventy-two hours." He reminisced with a small smile on his face. "We were both restless. I was scared. Really scared. I was finally able to breathe well when I first laid my eyes on you and carried you for the first time in my arms." The man said quietly. A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "You were so tiny and.... fragile. I kept wondering how.... how you happen..... It's just....." The man chuckled. "I was so damn scared of how I will raise you and how I can be a good father to the gift I received that day. I am... I am so glad it is turning out well. I did my best and... I am proud just like the first time I carried you in my arms. I'm proud of you, Tiwa."

Lola chuckled and she wiped away the tears that were about to fall down her eyes. And she sniffed, smiling.

"Thanks, Dad. I love you too."

He replied by patting her shoulder with a nod.

§§§§

Lola and Demilade were having lunch at his house. He wanted to eat out but Lola wasn't in the mood and she had asked Deborah to make food for them.

So they were settled to eat.

Demilade noticed his girlfriend was a bit quiet. She had been too quiet since she came two days ago. She hardly says anything but just listens to him. He asked her the previous night about it but she told him she was fine and he was just overthinking things. So he let it be even though that wasn't true.

On a normal day, Lola would have had something to say to him while they eat. Especially the fact that her brother just returned to Canada after his short holiday back home and that she was already good at driving. But she concentrated on her food without looking up at him or saying anything.

"You're leaving today?"

"Yes," Lola answered without looking up.

"I'm sorry that I have been so busy since you came. I have a lot on me right now."

"It's okay."

"Is something wrong Lola?" Demilade asked not pleased with her monotone answer. It was unlike her.

"No, I'm fine." She glanced at him before going back to her food. "How was the meeting you had yesterday?" She started a conversation to drive his attention away from her mood.

"Fine. It went well. The client had made up his mind before coming to see the proposal. He already heard about us and saw some of our work. And he signed the deal." He said to her.

She nodded as she continued with her food.

"Are you sure there is nothing wrong?" Demilade asked again. He wasn't so comfortable with her quiet mood. "You are barely saying anything. What is it?"

"It's nothing."

"Nothing? But you are acting differently. You've been so quiet since you came. Did I say or do something you don't like?" He asked, concerned.