SUNDAY
AKANNI POV
I woke up to the intense stare of the sun, its rays forcing their way through a tiny gap in the curtain and piercing straight into my eyes.
Sleep hadn't been restful—not with the sleeping beauty lying beside me.
I stretched and glanced at my wristwatch. Almost 6:00 a.m.
Quietly, I slipped into the restroom and cleaned up. When I came out, fully dressed and ready to leave, I hesitated. Should I wake Bukky to let her know I was heading out?
I decided against it.
Just as I picked up my phone, she stirred and raised her head.
"Good morning," she said, rubbing her eyes.
"Good morning, Bukky."
"You're ready to go already?" she asked, surprised.
"Yeah. I've got a few things to handle before daybreak."
"It's too early," she said. "My parents aren't even awake yet. You should at least eat before leaving."
"Oh, your parents are the last people I want to know I'm leaving this early," I said casually.
I noticed the flicker of annoyance on her face.
"So now you're dodging my parents?"
"No," I replied quickly. "I just don't want to disturb them this morning."
Before she could reply, we heard footsteps outside.
"Aunty Bukky, are you up? It's time for morning devotion."
It was Toke—her little sister.
"Yes, I'm up," Bukky replied. "I'll join you soon. I just need to freshen up."
She headed into the restroom.
"Good morning, Mom. Good morning, Dad," Bukky greeted as we walked downstairs.
"Morning, baby," Mrs. Derin replied warmly.
"Morning, dear," her husband added.
"Good morning, sir. Good morning, ma," I greeted, half-prostrating.
"A good morning to you, Akanni," Mr. Derin said.
"I trust you enjoyed your night?" Mrs. Derin teased.
"Very well, ma," I replied politely.
Morning devotion ended some minutes later—it was already 13 minutes past 8.
"We're ready, ma," the cook announced from the dining area.
"Alright, let's head to the table," Mrs. Derin said. "Simi is done."
"What are we having?" Mr. Derin asked.
"Coconut bread, tea, and beef, sir," the maid replied.
Bukky held my hand as we sat down.
"I don't want beef," Toke pouted. "Why not chicken?"
"That's what's available," the maid replied gently.
"Must you explain everything to her?" Bukky snapped. "Are you going to eat chicken every day?"
"I would've preferred fish," Toke muttered.
"Enough!" Mrs. Derin snapped. "If you wanted something else, you should've cooked it yourself. Eat or fast till church."
The maid dished everyone's food. I had toast instead.
After breakfast, I said my goodbyes before they went upstairs to dress for church. Bukky and Toke walked me out.
By 8:30 a.m., I was home.
Mira was already dressed for church.
"Good morning, sir," she greeted.
"Morning, Mira. How was your night?"
"It was fine," she replied. "You didn't say you'd return this late."
"Yeah, me too, I did not actually plan it though. At least I told you where I was," I said calmly.
"Oh. I already prepared your breakfast. I'm heading to church."
"We'll keep it for lunch. I've eaten," I said, walking past her.
"You ate outside?" she asked, frowning.
"Yes. At Bukky's place."
She smirked. "I see. New rules, new habits."
"It's not just any place, Mira."
"Sure. Bukky's place," she mocked. "One week and everything about you has changed."
"Mira, this conversation isn't necessary. I'll meet you at church," I said firmly, heading inside.
I felt her stare burning into my back.
While dressing for church, my phone chimed.
Bukky.
Bukky: You're home already?
Me: Yeah. Getting ready for church.
Bukky: Thanks for staying. I really appreciate it.
Me: Anytime. Even though you forced me 😂
Bukky: Who would let you leave at that hour?
I chuckled.
Me: You know the time I usually return from the studio
I sat at the dining table. Mira had made pancakes and fried chicken. No way I was waiting till noon.
Bukky: Hope Mira is cool with you?
Me: Same old cold attitude.
Bukky: She's there with you?
Me: No. She left already.
Bukky: She'll adjust. Things change.
Me: Like what? 😊
Bukky: Anything, Mr 😂 what are you doing now? she asked
Me: Eating. Join me, pancakes and fried chicken
Bukky: you must be kidding me! I mean you ate already
Me: I can't help it
I almost slipped when I typed:
Me: Mira's food is better.
Too late. It's marked Read.
Bukky: Even better than ours? 😊
I froze.
Bukky: You hurt my feelings, Mr.
Me: I'm too blunt.
Bukky: I actually like that about you.
I smiled, started my engine, and headed out.
After church, Mira met me at the parking lot.
"Are we going together, sir?"
"You brought your car."
"I'll follow behind you."
"Mira," I called.
"Yes, sir?"
"I'm sorry about earlier."
"Sorry for what?" she asked playfully.
"You know what."
She sighed. "I'm not angry. I just overreacted."
"You won't even look at me."
She glanced up, then away again.
"I'm sorry," I said softly.
She scoffed. "People shouldn't hear you apologizing to a maid."
"And who cares?"
She shook her head. "It's fine."
I called Dominion Mall on my way to my parents'.
By the time I arrived, the packages were ready.
Thirty minutes later, I reached my parents' estate.
"Who dey there?" Kamo shouted.
"It's me, Akanni."
"Ah! E don tey!" he laughed.
Inside, Charles—my younger brother—greeted me.
Busayo, my sister, was already around. Mira was in the kitchen with my mum and the maids.
The house was alive—laughter, teasing, warmth.