Sunday. Dami drove her mom to church. They were a little late, and Mabel didn't miss the opportunity to lecture her on all the ways arriving late to places could ruin her life.
As the service began, Dami scanned the congregation, her eyes searching for Helena, but there was no sign of her. Disappointed, she tried to focus on the service, but her thoughts kept drifting.
When the service ended, Dami stood by her car, waiting while her mother exchanged greetings with what seemed like the entire population of the church. Scrolling absentmindedly through her phone, she felt a presence approaching before she saw her.
"Hi," Helena said, waving as she smiled.
"Hey," Dami replied, barely containing her joy. "I didn't see you, in there." She gestured toward the church building.
"I teach the children's class whenever I'm here," Helena explained. "You were looking for me?"
Dami blushed, caught off guard by the direct question.
Before she could respond, they spotted their mothers walking toward them, side by side.
"Good morning, ma," they greeted in unison.
"How are you, Damilola?" Lara asked, looking her over.
"I'm fine, ma. How are you?"
"I'm good."
Mabel turned to Lara. "I just need to go home and change, then I'll come over."
"Alright. And Damilola, thank you for agreeing to take Helena out of the house and spend the day with her."
"It's fine. I don't mind at all," Dami said, glancing briefly at Helena.
The moment they pulled into Lara's compound, Dami knew the house was packed. Cars lined the driveway and spilled onto the street. Dami could imagine how chaotic it must be inside.
"You don't have to go in," Helena said softly, already stepping out of the house and closing the door behind her.
Dami couldn't hide her relief. "Thank you," Helena added as Dami opened the car door for her.
They both got in, and Dami started the engine.
"This is your car?" Helena asked, her tone laced with surprise.
"Yeah," Dami replied, shrugging casually.
"Wow."
"It was a gift from my mom when I turned twenty."
"Where are we going?"
"My house."
"Cool."
When they pulled into Dami's driveway, Helena gasped.
"Your house is huge! What do your parents do again?"
"It's just my mom. She's a judge," Dami explained. "My dad left us when I was five."
"Oh, I'm sorry," Helena said softly.
"It's fine. His loss."
Helena smiled faintly. "So, what do you have planned for us?"
"Well, we can continue watching Stranger Things if you haven't already finished it. We have games. Basically, anything you want," Dami said, trying to hide the nervous edge in her voice.
They entered the house through the kitchen back door.
"Want a tour?" Dami asked.
"Yeah."
Dami walked her through the house, showing her room by room, skipping only her mom's bedroom. When they reached the last door, Dami hesitated.
"What's in here?" Helena asked, already stepping inside.
"My studio," Dami replied awkwardly. "It's nothing much."
The motion-sensitive lights flicked on as they walked in. Helena's eyes widened as she looked around.
"You painted all these?" she asked, her expression unreadable.
"Yeah. Mostly still life. There are some portraits at the back though."
Helena wandered through the studio, her expression changing as she examined each piece. She stopped at the portraits: a self-portrait of Dami, one of Mabel, and one of a girl Helena didn't recognize. The girl was wrapped in a white bedsheet, her body bare beneath it.
"Who is this?" Helena asked, her tone curious.
Dami hesitated, then decided not to lie. "My ex."
Helena's face betrayed nothing. "What's her name?"
"Olivia."
Helena nodded thoughtfully, then smiled. "She's pretty."
Dami couldn't quite read her tone, but Helena moved on, and the moment passed.