UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER (EDITED VERSION)

CHAPTER FOUR: Reunion

-Shelley-

"Wake up, wake up!" We are going to be late.

In the midst of my slumber, I heard a distinct voice urging me to wake up. As I opened my eyes, I stretched and yawned in bed, only to find my brother standing next to me with an angry expression. Ignoring his frown, I asked, "Late for what?" and "What time is it?" I was enjoying a peaceful sleep and didn't have to worry about waking up early for work. It was irritating to have my brother disrupt my restful night.

"What's all the commotion about?" I casually glance at the alarm clock next to my bed. "It's just 8:00 a.m. Way too early for this kind of drama."

"I see Dad did not inform you about today's plans," he says as he folds his arms on his chest.

'What plans?' I ask.

"Hey, there is a dinner reservation at the Bridge View Resort with Agyapong's family this morning. I've been really looking forward to this and I won't let anything ruin it for me."

Seated up in bed, I glanced over at my brother, who seemed surprisingly excited about the upcoming dinner. "Ok, I'm up. It's just dinner," I reassured him, still puzzled by his reaction.

As his fingers pinched my arm, a sudden jolt of pain shot through me, causing me to involuntarily let out a piercing scream. "Why on earth did you just do that?"

"I had to make sure you were awake. It seems like you didn't hear me mention Bridge View Resort," I exclaimed, feeling frustrated. "I did hear you. What's so special about this place anyway?"

"I can't believe you just asked me that. Why don't I Google that for you? he said with mock seriousness. Here! Read it."

I squinted at the screen as he held the phone in front of my face. "It says here that it is known for its captivating views of the Adomi Bridge and the Volta River due to its location on a hill, its delicious food, outstanding architecture, friendly staff, and great live band musicians. It's one of the nicest hotels here in Atimpoku."

"Well! Quiet the four-star review, if I may say so."

"Yes! You may. Up! Get ready quickly. We don't have all day. I'll let our parents know you'll be ready soon." With that, he storms out of the room.

'Great.' Just when I thought I had a whole four days to myself before getting back to my busy life, instead, I got to spend it with the Agyapong family and only God knows what else.

Don't get me wrong; I am not complaining about a chance to get out often and have fun, but fun doesn't have that family name attached to it.

I have known that family since infancy. They have been close friends of ours. I am not looking forward to Mr. Agyapong's constant bragging about how well-off his son is and how proud he is that he joined the US Navy.

"For his wife, I can tolerate her. She is so down-to-earth and graceful. Sometimes, I wonder how a lady like her ends up with a man as rude and undignified as Mr. Agyapong. I sighed as I emerged from the bathroom in my robe, with a towel in hand, drying out my hair. As I made my way to my bed I wondered which dress I should go for."

I laid out several options on the bed. I wanted something simple yet chic. Which one should I choose? With my finger on my lip, I contemplated my options.

"What if I wore this olive green long-sleeve one-shoulder top with black jeans and white sneakers? And a golden clutch to complement my studs. Or will this plain black dress do? Shrugging, I decided that the first option would do. For my hair, an updo will suffice."

"Nice."

As I checked myself in the mirror, I realised that I hadn't done anything to my lips. Picking up my brown lip liner, I carefully trace it along my lip and finish it off with a lip gloss. "Perfect! Now I am good to go. Let's not keep them waiting any longer."

***

Upon arriving at the resort, we pulled into the parking lot and checked the time - it was exactly noon. Stepping out of the car, we were welcomed by a refreshing, strong breeze that carried the sound of lively music drifting from what seemed to be the lounge area.

"Wow! This place is absolutely stunning." The view from this hill is breathtaking - you can see the village below, the Adome Bridge, and the Volta River. And the natural scenery behind us is just magnificent.

"Right this way, please," said the waiter, leading us to our table.

As we ascended a seemingly never-ending flight of stairs to the opulent lounge, I found myself captivated by the grandeur of my surroundings, unable to contain my excitement. In a hushed tone, I couldn't help but express, "I can definitely envision spending my honeymoon here." Suddenly realizing that I had vocalized my private thoughts, I was taken aback and quickly covered my mouth in disbelief. However, my parents found my slip amusing and chuckled, relieved that I hadn't soured on the idea of marriage altogether.

As we neared a table that I assumed to be ours, a lady in a short, sparkling red dress called out to me. "Shelley! Is that you? Wow! My goodness, you have changed so much." Just when I thought there would be less drama at the table, Mr Agyapong managed to include one more member.

"'Sarah!' What are you doing here?" I embraced her. "The last time I heard, someone informed me that you had joined your brother in the state. How come you are here?"

"Yes, that's true." She responded, "But you know me, I can't be kept in one place for long."

"Well! Surely I wasn't expecting to run into you here."

Sarah Adwoa Agyapong is the second child of Mr. and Mrs. Agyapong. Rumour had it that she was engaged to be married to Daniel Safo. A multimillionaire who is the CEO of the Safo Solar Enterprise at Aburi. As to why they did not tie the knot well, I am not one for gossip. She has been my close friend since high school, but unfortunately, our paths have changed since we both went to different universities. As to how we became friends, please don't ask.

"So! When did you get back? You know, anytime I ask of you from your parents, their expression changes. Saying something about how they don't know when you might drop by, but I do like the new you. Back then, you hated make-up."

"Well, I still do," I replied bitingly.

"Not all of it I can see, but I love the little things you have going on."

Right! Did I forget to tell you that Sarah owns her own boutique and cosmetic shop? I can't wait to see her judge my fashion choices.

"Ladies, we have a whole day for you to gush up." Please shall we sit, says my brother.

As I listened in on Sam's complaints, we settled into our various seats, and I heard my father address the man to whom all this was made possible.

"James, I must extend my heartfelt gratitude for inviting us to this outstanding venue. Me and my family are very appreciative of the opportunity to dine here."

"Come on, George, what are friends for? Besides, it is a festive month. A day to hang out with friends and family. Come on, Let's just sit and enjoy each other's company."

There he is, Mr James Kofi Agyapong - the man of the hour. He's the one who made all this possible: my father's partner in crime. Those two are inseparable; they've been friends since their youth. Did I fail to mention that Sarah and his brother are not the only children he fathered? According to rumours, he has other children with other women.

As we sat at our table, immersed in the vibrant ambience, with the soulful tunes of Ayra-Starr's rhythm-blues setting the perfect tone in the background, Mr James called over the waiter to ask for a selection of red wine, following his request for each of us to place individual orders. Around us, the restaurant hummed with the animated chatter of other diners engaged in lively conversations at neighbouring tables, creating a lively and convivial atmosphere.

Meanwhile, the waitstaff gracefully navigated through the dining area, expertly delivering an array of delectable dishes and beverages to eager patrons. This delightful combination of music, conversation, and culinary delights has undeniably set the stage for an exceptional dining experience. I must say we are off to a great start.

'I'm looking forward to seeing how today's outing with the Agyapong family unfolds!'