Table For Two

Something was wrong. I could feel it but I couldn't tell the reason or why Mama Chinedu stopped checking up on me.

Ever since I moved to Lagos, she has been like a mother to me. Her frequent knocks on my door with steaming bowls of soup or her firm advice about life in the city plus her constant care and support for me. It made me feel something, something in me that comforted me knowing that steadily someone thought the best of me.

But for the past few days, it felt like it all vanished into thin air without a reason why.

I had searched myself and our interactions these past days to figure out if I had in any way offended her. But nothing seems to be wrong. I know to accord respect to who deserves it, and Mama Chinedu was one of the many people I respected a lot, so I was sure I hadn't offended her in any way.

I recall bumping into her one day on my way to work. She was arranging fabrics in the back of her car. A combination of beautiful lace and colour Ankara materials. They reeked of quality and eloquence.

"Good morning, Ma'am", I greeted her cheerfully.

Without even staring at me, she replied, "Zerah".

I waited for her to ask me how I was just as she normally does. But when she didn't say anything again, I asked, "Ma'am, you've been scarce lately. Hope all is well?".

"Yes, all is well. I've just been busy" she replied again without looking at my face. She was just focused on neatly arranging her fabrics in the trunk of her car.

I opened my mouth to ask questions, to know if she was angry at me but all that came out were whispers other than tangible words. "I'm off to work," I said instead.

I watched as Mama Chinedu replied to me with only a nod.

Confused and unsettled in my heart. I walked out of the compound into the streets. I had never seen Mama Chinedu be so distant from me, even when she was busy. Somehow, she will always find a way to chip in-jokes with her lovely nature. Maybe something was bothering her, I thought. Maybe it was her husband? But I had seen her smile with her husband and kids the other day.

That thought alone convinced me that she was upset with me or probably avoiding me. Maybe I had said something wrong to her. Or maybe I hadn’t shown enough appreciation for all her kindness.

This continued for days as Mama Chinedu no longer stopped by for chats or the tiny gossip we texted over WhatsApp. When I tried checking up on her, she was either not home, had slept off or was tired.

I remember discussing it with my mother over the phone one night.

"What if she's busy this time?" My mother had suggested.

"But she could at least let me know. I feel I did something wrong" I pressed on. Still confident I was at fault.

"You sound like you miss her so much?" my mother had asked.

"Yes, na", I replied.

"Oh, so you now miss another woman more than your mother, eh Zerah." I could sense a bit of jealousy in my mother's voice.

I laughed. "Mummy calm down. Nobody can take your place in my life. My Mama the Mama" I teased her as she giggled over the phone. "It's just that Mama Chinedu has been helpful and we've built this bond that I miss". I added.

"Okay o". Mama said. "Anyways, since you miss her that bad and you're sure you must have done something wrong. Why not try apologizing and starting on a clean sweep with her?" my mother said.

"How do you mean Mama?" I asked, listening attentively.

"Maybe make her favourite dish and invite her over as a surprise. Then you apologise and ask you guys to start on a clean slate,' my mother advised. "Look, I have to go now. Your father is back and I need to serve him his food. We'll talk tomorrow. Love you".

"Love you too," She dropped the phone even before I could finish.

I thought about what my mother said and realised she wasn't wrong. I had to make it right. By the weekend, I got to work. I wanted it to be the perfect dinner. I made a nice pot of Egusi soup with so many proteins inside. My tiny kitchen was filled with the aroma of love and determination

I did my best to set the table to look inviting. Then at exactly 7 p.m., I walked over to Mama Chinedu's apartment and knocked on her door. She opened it, looking surprised. “Ah, my daughter, what is it? Hope all is well?” she asked, concerned.

"Please, ma'am, I need you to come with me", I pleaded with a shaky voice. Pretending that something was wrong all on hide to trick her into my apartment.

She quickly put on her flip-flops and followed me. We got to my appointment and her eyes widened at the sight of the table. "Zerah, are you expecting a guest?" She asked.

"Yes," I replied, looking at her.

"Who? Your boyfriend?" She joked, tapping me playfully.

I smiled and replied "I wish. The guest is you" I stared her in the eye. I could see the surprise on her face.

She laughed. "But why?".

"Ma'am," I called her. "I just wanted to apologize… for whatever I did wrong. I feel like I upset you, and I don’t want us to be distant. You’re like a mother to me, and I miss you.”

Her eyes deepened in surprise. Then she laughed again; this time, she slumped into the dining table. "Distant? Upset me? Zerah, what are you talking about? I've been busy, that's all".

"But the other day I greeted you, you barely answered and looked me in the face".

"Because I was counting those fabrics before putting them in the trunk of my car. I didn't want to gist with you and lose count of it".

"You barely stop by any more", I complained like a baby.

Mama Chinedu sighed with a smile on her face. "Oya, sit down. Let's talk".

I pulled a chair and sat down.

"I told you my shop was raided by thieves. So, these few days, I've been trying to restock, and it's been hectic. Business has to go on as usual. When I get back I'm so tired that I can't even make meals for my husband. He helps himself in the kitchen."

I nodded, a smile curving on my lips.

"Zee, you didn't upset me to warrant making me a peace offering dinner. But that doesn't mean I won't eat it. Because Egusi is my favourite soup, and the proteins in it are inviting." She smiled as she washed her hands and dug into the meal.

I watched her eat with relief washing over me. Although I felt stupid for assuming the worst. But I was also glad I’d gone through with the dinner. It gave me a chance to reconnect with her again, this time on a clean slate.

"Are you going to sit there and watch me eat? Join me" she said with her mouth filled with food.

"I'll join you, but first, let me get some juice" I got up and walked to the fridge happily.

Glossary
Oya - *Okay.
Egusi soup - Melon Seed.

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