“So, it’s really over between Adaeze and Aamin,” Dushan said.
“Unfortunately, yes,” Chioma replied.
“So, you think this guy she met last month is the reason?”
“Yes!”
“He must be someone very special for her to end her relationship with Aamin.”
“I guess so. Poor Aamin.”
“Yes, I feel so badly for him.”
“He’s such a sweet guy. I really thought that they were going to get married.”
“Maybe, it’s better it happened now rather that later. Could you imagine if she met this Merrick guy after Aamin and she got married?”
“I don’t think she would have met him because she wouldn’t have been working at the garage anymore. That’s where they met.”
“I suppose you’re right and she would have been far away in Dubai.”
“She told me that Dubai’s the reason why she broke up with Aamin. She said she didn’t want to leave her family, job and life here in London but I know that her new boyfriend is the reason why she didn’t want to leave. She was willing to throw her future with Aamin for this guy.”
“How did your parents take the news?”
“They were extremely disappointed because they love Aamin and was looking forward to him being a member of the family. My mother, especially, is very upset with Adaeze. When I spoke to her, she asked me about Merrick but I could only tell her the little I knew. She was shocked to know that you and I’ve never even met him.”
“Do you want to meet him, though?”
“I don’t know.”
“I wonder if he hadn’t come along, if Aamin and Adaeze would have split up for another reason.”
“I guess we’ll never know.”
“I must admit that I’m very curious to meet this guy who has replaced Aamin.”
“I’m not at all curious to meet him.”
“Not even a little?”
“No.”
“What if he turns out to be the right man for Adaeze?”
“I suppose I will have to accept that.”
“Anyway, I don’t want you to be upset over this. Let’s talk about something else. I was thinking that we could spend this Christmas in Bratislava. We could go for two weeks. I’ll be very happy to show you around the city and we could take day trips to Austria, the Czech Republic, and Hungary.”
Chioma stared at him. “Do your really want us to spend Christmas in Bratislava or are you only doing it because of me? You don’t want me here worrying about Adaeze.”
“Yes, I really want us to spend Christmas in Bratislava. I’ve been thinking about it for a while but now I think it would be good for you to get away but, if you would rather stay here, then, that’s what we’ll do. It’s up to you. I just want to make sure you have a merry and worry free Christmas.”
“I think Christmas in Bratislava is a wonderful idea. I’ve always wanted to see where your family is from.”
“Good. I promise you will love Bratislava. The Christmas Market is a popular event in Slovakia. It attracts a large number of locals and tourists every year.”
“That sounds good. Thanks, Dushan.”
“You’re welcome.”
“When would you like us to go?”
“How about December 16 to 30?”
“That works for me.”
“I’ll make the travel arrangements.”
Chioma sighed. “Adaeze could have been celebrating Christmas with Aamin in Dubai.”
“Don’t worry about Adaeze. She’ll be spending Christmas with her new man.”
“And what if things don’t work out between them?”
“Then, she’ll spend Christmas alone or she could spend it in Abuja. Adaeze is a grown woman, Chioma. She can take are of herself.”
“You’re right. I’m her older sister, not her mother. She’s old enough to make her own decisions even if they are bad ones. As our grandmother used to say, we all have to live our own lives.”
“Your grandmother was a very wise woman.”
“Yes, she was.”
“Now, how about some lunch?”
“Sure. What’s it today?”
“Your favorite, Slovakian Goulash.”
“Hmm. I could eat two bowls of that.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll give you it in a very large bowl and as many slices of Slovak bread as you want.”
Sources: My Wanderlust; Travelling Dany; Taste Atlas
Notes to Women 