If You Are Rich, Flaunt It?

I ve always viewed my distant neighbors with much admiration. Their house alone tells a story of opulence. The closest I got to it was a day I followed a very fancy car l had seen often on my road to see where it was heading. To my supprise it stopped at a gate not too far up my lot (if you can call 2miles away still a neighbour) though beyond the gate I didn't see a house but a winding road leading to what I imagined would be a mansion. Hey this could be my only chance of entering here...the gate even opened with a remote control. I promised myself that the next time I come across that car, I will follow to the house uninvited....I didn't have to wait long as a friend casually told me of Aunty Ere' fiftieth birthday party. Under her breath she whispered as though talking to herself ' that woman is so cool' ...Cool? I asked curious. ' Yes cool she repeated. Where? I asked. Oh not too far from your area she said that's why am telling you. What does she do ? I asked .A lot and she has such a lovely family. A true socialite. When will it be ? I asked ; this weekend and was hoping you would accompany me she said quickly.

Oh Yah? Where will I keep my kids do they allow children? I don't think so please get someone to take care as they may just be a hand full there. Not interested I said a little startled by her frank response...I know my kids could be a handful but hearing it from a friend made me feel bad and aside from that I had often used my kids as shields and pathfinders when I want to explore someone's house by allowing them to run around and pretend am looking for them..how can I possibly explore 'Aunty Ere' house without them. She interrupted my thoughts when she said' you will hate yourself if you miss it believe me' what's her address or will you pick me? I asked. When the address was given, a light bulb went on in my head and my face lit up..why are you smiling ? She asked puzzled. Why? Have you been there before? I retorted having a clear picture of that address still in my mind. No she said...ok no problem, we will go I assured her.

We drove in my car with my 3year old in toe whose presence my friend protested but when she heard the role our mascot was to play she became more accommodating and even showed a little respect to her. The respect grew when we got to the remote control gate and the winding road led us up to all I expected.....a place oh sorry...a palace. How can you possibly explore this place without pretending you are looking for your child ? l asked her.....I hear you ehh she said quickly. Turning to the child she said you will stay with Aunty ok? No she won't l said quickly you will probably loose her for me, you are not used to the game.

It was early evening and the temperature was cool. Looking up ahead we saw clusters of people standing with long champaign glasses in hand and many looked quite sophisticated....funny how we can so easily switch from being Nigerians to looking like Europeans in black skin...we must be the most versatile people in the world. Is it a cocktail ? I asked. We will find out she said. The lawn was well trimmed and and flowers looked imported. Wow l thought as we made our way from the parking lot. Seeing the model of cars there l wished I had allowed my friend pick me in her newer car. There were no familiar faces as we approached but suddenly a benevolent looking lady stepped out of a group and walked towards us with her arms open in a welcoming manner. Aunty Ere!! my friend made a few quicker steps towards her. You look wonderful ,my friend said to her. Aunty Ere wore the palest blue Adire hulta dress with a head tie of the same material and her very firm arms were visible. She looked much younger than I imagined. Hello she said to me searching my face....I quickly introduced myself before my friend would pile on other attributes to make me uncomfortable.

Is this your daughter? She asked yes I said quickly, thanking her for the invitation. Your house is lovely I managed to chip in as she wisked us away. Come she said let me show you the play pen so your daughter can play with other kids. Thanks I said as we went into the house......wow....wow..wow was what I couldn't stop saying . Never knew there are such places in Nigeria. I would certainly be comfortable peeping into this woman's life on a daily basis like the Kadashians. As we passed th dinning room I saw that the table could easily sit 26 persons if not thirty two....wow I said again. You must have a large family I said . She laughed and pointed to enlarged frames along the long corridor. Beautiful I said as I gazed at what could easily be Another Kadashian story. Her daughters stood tall, fair and gorgeous. She has a son who definitely wasn't over weight. As she opened the door to the play pen it became obvious that many other mothers were thinking like me but Aunty Ere had also played that game in the past as she knew exactly where to cage all the kids so no one would explore her house looking for their kid. Feeling defeated I had to ask to come back anytime after the party for a special tour of the mansion.

The African Kardashians 

Aunty Ere' daughters stepped out in the coolest dresses....all made of Ankara and immediately I was sold on the idea that Aunty Ere and family could be the next Kadashians...naija style. Enjoy yourselves she said as she brought us back out. Thank you Aunty my friend said as I muttered , You bet.

Generated by Itomie.