It's a tradition that's not common for people to fix their wedding on Saturday, and the reason is because it is the weekend and most people are free from work, but I guess that's not the case with my dad.
After Aunt Mary announced her wedding date, everyone in the family was so excited except me because I was trying to avoid extra expenses after just getting away from being a groomsman. I spent a lot, and now Aunty Mary wants to be part of the groomsmen for her husband while my dad will act as the chairman for the day. The family all agreed, and there was nothing I could do to it.
Yesterday, the 17th of August, marked the date of the wedding, and where was my dad? The supposed chairman of the day was at the office for an emergency meeting. Since no one was home to force me to attend the wedding, I sat like a prince in the palace waiting for my meal to come until the disgusting ring tone of my phone got me up.
"Demola, are you on your way already?" that was my dad speaking on the other side of the phone. I told him "no," saying "I'm no longer interested in going." The next word that came out of his mouth gave me a chill, and I plan to use that tactic for my future kids. He said my mom forgot to pick up his clothes, and he doesn't mind if I come or not, but I should bring his clothes to the reception, and I should also put on the groom's attire. He is my dad, and I have to obey.
The place I was going to was very far, and the traffic in Lagos can't be explained with words. The BRT bus was filled up, but I made sure I entered, and I was standing all through the journey. Ikorodu to Iyana Ipaja was a 3-hour journey in Lagos due to the traffic. Normally, without traffic, you would get there in an hour.
I got to the reception hall. I went to say hi to my mom and my aunts. I was happy to see them, and this time I was thinking it was a good choice I made for coming to the wedding.
"So where is Daddy?" I asked my mom, and she told me he is still at the office due to his meeting. After waiting for some minutes, the event started in full, and my dad was yet to be found at the reception ground. Well, I wasn't too worried because it has nothing to do with me until my mom came to me telling me my dad won't be able to make it to the wedding and I was to stand in for him as the chairman of the day.
At that point, I felt like the ground should open and shallow me. I was sitting at the high table without knowing. Some ladies came to sit with me while one was being rude when she wanted to ask me to shift for her. I did not say anything, but a man came to chase them or move them to another table, saying the tables were reserved for high dignitaries. They were all looking at me as I sat still without moving an inch, and no one was saying anything.
It was time for the welcome speech, and by this time, my table was already filled with old men and women. I was the youngest on the table, and all I did was bury my face in my phone. The Mc started with, "We would start the program by inviting the chairman of the event to give an opening and welcome speech to the guest."
I was still seated waiting for the chairman until the Mc called my name. I jumped up, and all eyes were on me. A young boy being the chairman of the day. Anyways, as a writer, I never disappoint. With shaky hands, I had a good speech, and a clapping ovation came after I was done. I did a lot as the chairman that day, but after one event in the wedding to another, I was able to build up my confidence.
Im still at home waiting for my dad. 🥲🥲Thanksks for reading.
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