Chapter 8

Today was the day of the baby shower. The day we have all been waiting for. The shower starts at 2 pm at hotel Royale. I was surprised when I got an invite for the baby shower from none other than Marcus . He and I were not exactly on talking terms. We have not talked for the longest time.

In fact we have not had a conversation since he kicked me out of his house. So it came as shock to me that he of all the people was the one inviting me. The text also said that I should not tell Zuri about it as it was a surprise.

It was so sweet that they put so much effort into this event. Zuri was going to love it. I could already imagine her turning into a crying mess in front of everyone. This would make her extremely happy.

I called John about the text and he assured me that I was allowed to attend. Not that I would miss my best friends baby shower. That baby was mine too. I could never miss it for anything in this world. I'd rather they send security to kick me out, but I was going to attend it either way.

I woke up early and did all the cleaning, I know ,I was still a neat freak . I don't mind cleaning as it relaxes me sometimes. After I was done with chores ,I ate a late breakfast and washed the dishes. I didn't want to leave dirty dishes on my sink, can you imagine everything is clean except for my sink.

I took a quick shower and started getting ready. I knew everyone will wear their best couture . This was like a fashion show but disguised as a baby shower. People will be wearing their most expensive jewelry as they finally had an opportunity to show off.

I on the other hand went for a simple look. An off shoulder crop kitenge top and a kitenge skirt with a slit that reaches up to my thigh. I paired the clothes with some lovely black comfortable heels. I don't need to repeat the incident of falling down again.

I didn't need the focus to be on me today ,I have always hated the spotlight. Todays focus was Zuri and John, this was their big day. And I will do whatever I can to make it special for them.

I never wanted to be famous or known, I always wanted to be comfortable in my small circle of friends. I wore minimum makeup and some natural colored lip gloss. I laid my edges for the gods since I had black long braids that reached my butt. After I was done preparing, I chose a black YSL bag that goes well with my blue outfit.

Looking at the mirror one last time I set off to the baby shower.

***************************************

I arrived at the gates of hotel Royale exactly at 2pm . The gatemen allowed the Uber to get in the parking lot and drop me off. The parking lot was full of cars, not just any cars, like fancy cars. Cars that I could never afford in this lifetime or the next one.

I walked slowly towards the reception, careful not to trip on my floor length skirt. At the entrance their was a billboard with John and Zuri's name. The billboard was blue in color and the writings were in gold.


* Twinkle twinkle little star.
How we wonder what you are!

Join us for a

Baby shower

In honor of

Zuri and John

Saturday ,June 12th

2:00 pm

At Hotel Royale

*



This was the digital invitation I got on my phone. The billboard had one difference from the invitation I received, on the background was a picture of John and Zuri displaying their baby bump. It looks beautiful and so expensive. One of the hostess led me to where the baby shower was being held after I showed her my invitation. Apparently no invitation meant no access to the shower.

The place looked amazing and magical. A table was at the entrance where all the gift were supposed to be placed and I placed mine with the rest of them. The place was full of brown ,white, blue and different shades of brown balloons. A big twinkle sign was hanging above the balloons. A photo area was secluded that had a picture of John and Zuri on it, well decorated with more balloons. Some of the guests were already busy taking pictures.

A long table was right next to the decorations. The table had white chairs and different colored balloons all around and above it. The table was set with every cutlery needed for lunch. The cutlery was gold, yep I said it, they were going all out. Gold spoons, knives, champagne glasses and white napkins.

On the left side was another table filled with cupcakes, cakes and other snacks. The chefs woke up too early for this. The snacks were meticulously arranged making them more desirable. Back to the table we were all supposed to sit, on the table there were cards with names showing where each of us were going to seat.

Most of the guests had already arrived and taken their seats while I was among the last. If I got here later than this, I could have missed the whole thing. Although our guests of honor were yet to arrive . A waiter handed me a champagne glass before I took a sit at my designated chair.

They really went all out for this. Everything looked beautiful and fancy. The other guests were already seated waiting for our guests of honor. I sipped my drink slowly as I looked at how everyone was dressed.

As I predicted, everyone looked flashy. From the beautiful backless dresses, to the very high heels, expensive wigs, shinny necklaces and earrings. Compared to them I looked pretty normal, like I was not attending a high end event. The men were no different with their expensive suits and shoes.

Our guest of honor John came in and requested everyone to be quiet. Zuri knew nothing about this and we didn't want to ruin the surprise for her. He left and came back a few minutes later guiding Zuri carefully to the table. Her eyes were blindfolded.

No one made a sound until they reached the big billboard with their announcement. As soon as he opened the blind fold everyone shouted surprise. Zuri seemed sincerely astonished, she obviously knew nothing of this.

Her eyes watered with tears of joy as she inspected the venue. She was visibly shaking. Her hand would occasionally wipe her tears as she looked at her guest. Her eyes light up when she saw me among her guest. She made her way towards me and grabbed me for a big warm hug.

I carefully tapped her back as she cried. This was really important to her. I knew about the insecurities that came with being pregnant but at the moment all that was behind her. She was enjoying her surprise. She moved away from me but still held to one of my hands .

" Why didn't you tell me?" She gently hit me with her free hand.

" I couldn't and you know that"

" You are supposed to be my best friend" she whined.

" I am and that's why I didn't tell you. Look at how genuinely surprised and happy you are"

" Okay I get that. This is a beautiful surprise. Did you plan it?" She asked.

" Nop, I was invited . John planned it"

" That rascal, I'll get him for this"

" He did good though. Look at how beautiful everything is" I stated.

" Yes it is"

We both took our seats, thankfully Zuri was sitting next to me and John was at the head of the table. Only two chairs remained vacant. Zuri and I started catching up immediately we sat.

We haven't seen each other in a while.

" So how is the baby?" I asked

" He or she is doing great when he or she is not kicking me " she groaned.

" Babies are supposed to kick, that shows they are active and healthy"

" I know but sometimes it kicks me all night and I barely have time to sleep"

" Oh, sorry about that" I empathized with her.

" You will experience that when you get your own" she declared

" Wewe ebu tema iyo mate" I commanded (take it back)

" apana! " she refused (no!)

She was as stubborn as I was , so I let it go. After all this was her day.

" I don't know about that but what I do know is, you are glowing" I complimented capping her face before I placed a kiss on her forehead.

" You look pretty too. You decided to show off your flat tummy huh" her eyes had a hint of playfulness.

" This is the only time I get to show off. We both know after you give birth to this baby ,you will be back in the gym trying to get that flat tummy back"

" I can't wait for that. I am already tired" she confessed.

" 2 months to go. You are doing great" I squeezed her hand to comfort her.

" The good thing is, I get to eat anything I want without worrying about adding weight"

" You found the silver lining. Good for you"

We continued with our conversation with John occasionally joining us. I was so wrapped up in what I was saying that I didn't notice the people sitting opposite me. The hand that still held Zuri was grabbed painfully for a second before she let go.

I wanted to ask her what was wrong but my eyes were drawn elsewhere. I blinked in surprise at the image before me. Sitting opposite me was Marcus and none other than his fiancé Katelyn.