Wing Of Change
Chapter 35

*

Lunch time with Frank turned out better than she has thought. It was a proposal in disguise. Not a marriage proposal but she got the kind of offer no one has extended to her before.

Frank had requested that she accompany him to go see his mom at the Okoji resident at Ikeja.

Aria went from being surprised to having a nervous break down within a blink of an eye as she sat there staring at Frank and hoping for it to be a joke but he was dead serious because he seemed to be wearing one of those his facial expression that screamed ‘am serious’

She didn’t know how to react to the news and Frank seem too excited for her to turn him down. Aria wasn’t ready and she knew it.

Going to meet his mother could be a big deal if not the real deal. She continued to bite down against her lower lips in silent panic as she stared at the couple occupying the next table to their left.

They seemed so in love.

Was she in love?

She took a minute to access her thought carefully with every beat of her heart bringing her to the realization of one thing.

Her heart would beat faster against her ribcage whenever he smiled at her even though he rarely ever smiled, and the whole world would seemed to be in a better place whenever he does.

Frank was the only one capable of making her want and hate him at the same time. There was never a comfort zone around this man.

But one thing was certain. She loved that man more than she could even comprehend. Aria has loved him longer than she could even remember.

She didn’t dwell much on her own thought before she was pulled out of it.

“Are you nervous?” Frank voice had jolted her back to reality.

She took a deep breath and gave a small nod.

“My mom doesn’t bite. I can promise you that you will replace her really accommodating and sweet”

“Really?”

“Yes! She has been itching to see you ever since she heard rumors that I got myself a girlfriend”

“Did you say rumours?” Her brow furrowed in confusion.

“Let just say, the only thing that fly faster than a jet around here is gossip and my mother can’t wait to finally meet you and to be honest I can’t wait for you to meet her as well”

“Okay”

Aria was nervous no doubt. The thought of Frank wanting her to meet his mom was anything but relieving.

What if she doesn’t like the sound of her voice or nail polish or the shape of her nose or that she was too ordinary for her son.

Was she ordinary?

She couldn’t help but wondered before staring down at her plate of food. Self awareness was taking over her consciousness really fast with several questions making the rounds in her head.

Will Frank leave her if his Mom replaces her unworthy?

The look in his eyes told her otherwise. Maybe she really has nothing to worry about and everything was all in her head and causing her unnecessary panic.

Even though Frank has already assured her that his Mom will like her, hasn’t stopped her from worrying still.

She decided she would speak with her friend Lizzy as soon as she got home.

And the moment she got home that evening, she kicked off her shoes and speed dialed Lizzy’s number right away. One would think that she’d answer with the same urgency but it took a series of dial and redialing before her friend finally came through on the sixth ring.

“Hey girl, you are starting to make me feel like you miss me”

“Oh Liz, I miss you no doubt and I seriously wish you were here because I really need your help”

“What happened? You sound worried. Did something happened?”

“Something happened but not in a bad way. I’m just feeling nervous and a little bit unsure”

“Let me guess, it has something to do with your boyfriend?”

“He wants me to accompany him to go see his mom” she said and waited for her reaction.

“And?”

“And nothing. I’m just scared she might not like me you know?”

“No I don’t Ari, please enlighten me. Why do you think his mom won’t like you”

“I don’t know okay? Am just saying what if she doesn’t like me”

Oh, if only Lizzy can see how frustrated she looked.

“Well listen carefully because am only going to say this once. Anyone who get to know you and don’t end up liking you is not capable of liking anyone”

“Oh Liz, are you sure about this one?”

“Hundred percent sure my friend. I’m pretty sure she will not just like you but immediately ask you for grandkids”

“Okay, I think that’s too much exaggeration now. good night and thanks for your help”

“You’re welcome and least I forgot. I’m coming back this weekend. I hope to get the full gist by then”

“See you soon”

**

And as expected Mrs Okoji turned out to be an interesting old lady with a really sound mind. She was a little bit intimidating at first but after a while she began to unfold like a rose bud that was blooming in spring.

She hasn’t stopped talking her new book ever since she found out Aria was an editor .

She has tons of questions to ask Aria of course.

Mrs Vivian Okoji has a thing for books as well and Aria seemed to have the same interest as well. They turned out to be a perfect match.

She even went on to narrate Frank’s childhood stories to Aria, much to her son annoyance of course, who saw her tales as nothing but humiliating but his mother will always beg to differ.

Anyone could see that it was her favorite topic at the moment. The embarrassing look on her son’s face was priceless and Aria couldn’t hide her laughter anymore.

She never saw this scene topping her list of worries of course.

“Mom please, don’t tell me you wanted to see her so you could humiliate me with those childhood stories that I don’t even remember anymore”

“That’s because you choose to forget my dear and these fun memories are no way close to humiliating as you put it but anyways. I will drop the topic for later” she turned to Aria with a curious stare and whispered.

“How do you cope with his boring nature my dear”

“He isn’t exactly boring. Just a little stuck up to be honest” Aria had admitted quit frankly with a giggle.

The old lady only laughed at her comment. The sound of her voice filled the atmosphere and she couldn’t help but realized who Frank took after.

Mrs Vivian Okoji was a woman in her early sixty with hardly any visible wrinkles on her oval shaped face. It was as if she was aging backward, hence her level of energy.

Her beautifully curly hair on the other hand was showing sign of aging as highlights of gold hair was threatening to overtake the black ones scattered around.

She looked so pretty with her head thrown back when she is laughing.

“My dear, you looked like a brave one. At some point I was beginning to wonder if my son will replace himself a woman who is not afraid to speak her mind but I can see that you are perfect…don’t let him intimidate you with that cold facade. There is a gem hidden in there” the old lady had told Aria matter of fact.

Frank only g*****d in frustration at his mother comment. He rather not listen to their conversation at this point but he has nothing better to do because he had to canceled all his appointment for this day.

“Tell me something dear. Does my son treat you like a lady? And oh I know how moody he can get so don’t lie to me”

“Yes ma’am, he does”

“I’m right here you know? You can just ask me Mom” he grumbled.

Sparing her son a single glance and ignoring his protest all together, she turned her attention back to Aria.

“You are just as pretty as the rumors have said” she said honestly and reached for her hand . She gasped the moment her eyes met with the bracelet around her wrist.

“Thank you ma’am” Aria had replied sheepishly throwing Frank a glance as he just sat there watching her interaction with his mom with keen interest.

“Call me Mom dear. You are going to be my daughter in-law anyways”

She let go of Aria’s hand but not after winking at her son.

Aria on the other hand was clueless on the exchange between mother and son. She didn’t realize what she was implying until it finally sank in and her head snapped at Frank direction.

Daughter in-law?

That could only mean one thing right?

Marriage!

Her breath got caught in her throat as she searched Frank’s rather calm features for clues but got nothing as he was suddenly staring at his phone.

“Come my dear, you must be hungry” she said pulling her towards the main entrance leading to the house.

The Okoji resident was quite a beauty to behold. Aria didnt realize how massive the place was until they stepped into the main wing.

Their Estate holds not less than two double duplex and three flats on the west wings. Several cars were parked outside with numerous servants going about their duties.

Aria always knew the Okoji’s were involved in other businesses but she didn’t realized it was this huge. I guess that was why they were so popular in the media.

As they continued to make their way into the building, Aria couldn’t help but marvel at the interior decoration that trailed the corridor leading towards the living room.

The flower vases looked beautiful yet frail. The wall papers were nothing but thoughtful work of art giving the passage way a kind of rose flower entry.

The sitting room itself has a different view and vibe all together. Everything was decorated with only the finest of furniture. The staircase connecting the upper floor to where they stood was a sparklingly white.

It was really grand, knocking the remaining air right out of her lungs.

“Welcome to our home dear” Mrs Okoji had said still leading the way to the dinning area.

Six chairs were arrange around a large table with cutlery and varieties of dishes waiting to be eaten.

Frank pulled out a chair for his Mom, followed by Aria on his left and him in the middle before they all settled down to eat.

Mrs Okoji had quite a lot of interesting dish for her to try out and even promised to teach her when next she come visiting because she expect her to be visiting her quite often now that they are going to be family.

“Mom! Let not forget Aria sometimes get pretty occupied at her work place, right?” Looking at Aria for confirmation.

“Is that true dear?” Her voice laced with disappointment.

“Oh no, I don’t mind. I can always make out time to come visit” she assured her with a smile.

“That’s so kind of you dear. Am looking forward to spending more time with you…Alone!” She practically whispered the last part and the two ladies exchanged glances among themselves and giggle softly.

“Am I missing out on something funny?” Frank had asked looking between his mom and Aria who only shrugged.

Frank should have known they will be a conspiracy against him the moment he introduced this two.