My Friendly Enemy Chp X

Chapter Ten: Welcome to My Home Our reunion at the summit rekindled something I had thought time had buried forever.For the next few weeks, Andrew and I spoke almost every day. Sometimes we talked about business, sometimes about our childhood, and other times we laughed over memories that only the two of us could understand."Do you remember the mango tree?" I asked during one of our phone conversations.Andrew laughed."How could I forget? That's where you promised you'd come looking for me if we ever got separated.""And I kept that promise.""So did I."There was a brief silence."You know," I continued, "our wives are beginning to think we're exaggerating these childhood stories."Andrew chuckled."Mine said the same thing yesterday.""Then let's settle it.""How?""Bring your family to Abuja this weekend."There was a pause on the other end."You mean it?""Of course I do.""You've never met my wife or son, and I've never met yours. It's about time our families knew each other."Andrew laughed."I was actually thinking of inviting you first.""Well, I've beaten you to it.""Alright.""So, is that a yes?""It's a yes.""Good. I'll send you my home address.""And don't worry," Andrew joked. "We won't overstay our welcome.""You couldn't if you tried."After ending the call, I leaned back in my chair with a smile.It felt good to have my best friend back. Saturday arrived sooner than expected.From early morning, my wife, Bukunmi, had transformed the house into a hive of activity.The chefs were busy in the kitchen preparing different delicacies. The aroma of jollof rice, fried rice, peppered chicken, grilled fish, and assorted pastries filled every corner of the mansion.The housekeepers polished every surface until it sparkled.Fresh flowers were arranged in elegant vases.Even my twin daughters refused to sit still."Daddy!" one of them shouted excitedly."When is your friend coming?""Soon," I replied with a smile."Is he really your best friend?""The very first one I ever had.""Will he play with us?"I laughed."I think he's coming to visit me."The second twin folded her arms."Then we'll borrow him."Their innocence reminded me so much of Andrew and me when we were children.Around noon, the security intercom buzzed."Sir," the chief security officer announced, "Mr. Ikebukwu and his family have arrived."A smile spread across my face."They're here."I walked outside just as a black SUV drove slowly into the compound.The vehicle came to a gentle stop.Andrew stepped out first.The moment he saw me, he opened his arms."CEO!"I laughed."You still remember that nickname?""How could I ever forget?"We embraced warmly.He then turned toward the passenger side."My wife."A beautiful woman in an elegant blue dress stepped out, wearing a warm smile."Clement," Andrew said proudly, "meet my wife, Chinelo."I greeted her warmly."It is a pleasure to finally meet you.""The pleasure is mine," she replied politely. "I've heard so much about you."Andrew then opened the rear door.A cheerful little boy climbed out."This is our son, Ethan."The boy greeted respectfully."Good afternoon, Uncle."I smiled."You're very welcome."Just then, my wife walked out of the house.She smiled warmly as she approached us."Andrew..."He turned."This is my wife, Bukunmi," I said proudly.Andrew shook her hand."It's an honour to finally meet the woman who stole my friend's heart."Everyone laughed. "So where are my friend's beautiful princesses." His eyes softened as he asked of them."They're inside,impatiently waiting for you guys.""Ahhh,ahhhhh." He laughed but for a brief second, something flickered across his face.It disappeared so quickly that I dismissed it as nothing.Perhaps admiration.Perhaps surprise.Or perhaps... Something else.I had no reason to question it.Not after everything we had shared.I placed my hand on his shoulder."Come inside.""This house is your house."Andrew looked around the magnificent mansion before smiling."I've missed you, my brother."I smiled back without hesitation."I've missed you too."As we walked into the house with our wives and child chatting happily, I felt complete.The little boy who had once cried beneath a mango tree had finally welcomed his best friend back into his life.I believed God had restored what time had stolen from us.I didn't know...I had just opened the doors of my home... To the man who would one day destroy my peace.

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