Madison looked at her wristwatch. It was about 12pm In the afternoon. She was so excited at the thought of seeing Dave today.

He had earlier informed her that he was on his way to Nigeria already. She was getting ready to go to the airport to pick him up when the door to her room opened showing her mom.

"You're getting dressed to pick a man up from the airport and yet you can't get dressed to go out with a man for a date" Her mom said, sarcastically

"Mom!" Madison called as she gave her mom a surprise look. "I'm expecting the man of my dreams" She said, turning away

"There are no such thing as a dream man dear, anyways your dad wants to have a word with you" Mrs Thompson said

"I'm coming," She said without looking at her mom.

Mr Thompson was at the garden eating some garden eggs when mother and daughter walked in.

"Hello daughter," he said smiling

"Dad," Madison called, as she hugged him. She pecked him on the cheek and sat close to him on the armchair beside him

"I heard you are going to pick your friend from the airport" he said smiling

"ummm my man precisely" She corrected

"You don't have a man except Jason" Her mom cut in

"Mom!" Madison frowned

"Hey it's enough," Mr Thompson said, frowning at his wife.. "So baby, like I was saying, um I wouldn't want you to go pick him up from the airport…"

"Dad!" Madison cut in immediately.

"Wait for me to finish what's wrong with you!" Mr Thompson yelled

"I'm sorry dad," she apologized and heaved a sigh

"You are changing you know," He said as he looked into her eyes

"I'm sorry dad," She apologized with guilt. The thought of getting married to Jason is actually driving her crazy, she thought.

"I want the driver to go pick him up instead. You'll stay in the house and get ready to welcome him home" He said

"But dad," I can....

"Listen to your father," Her mom interrupted

"Fine," She said and walked out.

She walked into her room and wondered why they wouldn't let her go. Just then, the door opened showing Alex.

"I'm glad you came" Madison said happily

Alex smiled and sat on the bed. "You look sad," she said

"They said I can't go to the airport to pick him up" Madison said sadly

Alex smiled. "It's not in your position to do that, cause he's just a visitor" Alex remarked

"He's not a visitor, he's my man!" Madison yelled

"The family doesn't recognize him yet. So in our tradition, a visitor can only be picked up by someone who's not a member of the household while the rest of the household stays and welcome him" Alex explained

"Oh I see, very soon he will no longer be a visitor" she said smiling and Alex smiled back.

At about 1:30 pm, Dave arrived at the Thompson's mansion. He was given a warm welcome by the whole family. Madison was so happy to see him as she gave him a warm hug as soon as he arrived. They all settled for lunch after which he settled down with the family.

"I miss Nigeria" He said, smiling

"Now you're here, it's still the same as you left it, I guess" Mr Thompson said and Dave laughed

"Where does your family live?" Mrs Thompson asked immediately

"They live in the east. I'll visit them tomorrow. But for now I'll be lodging at a hotel" He said

"Oh you're from the east? Wow" Mr Thompson remarked

"Yes Dad, east meet west" Madison said excitedly and her mom frowned. Her smile disappeared immediately.

"So son, what's your occupation abroad?" Mr Thompson asked

Am a banker, I work precisely with Woodbrugh bank" he said

"OK, that's a good one. You are welcome son" Mr Thompson said smiling. Madison looked at her dad. He wasn't going to say anything more.

She shifted closer to Dave and whispered something into his ears. He looked at her and smiled

"Um sir, I have something to tell you" He said

"OK son, go ahead" Mr Thompson said, smiling

"You see, Madison and I have been friends for a long time now. And I really like her a lot. We've been dating for sometime now and I really want to make her my wife. So,I came to seek your permission" Dave stated and silence fell into the room.

Mr Thompson looked at his wife and smiled while Madison shifted uncomfortably as she looked at her parents. She placed her palm on Dave's palm and they both looked at each other with fear in their eyes.

"It's a good thing son, but I'm afraid you didn't come earlier. She had been engaged already to someone else" Mr Thompson said

"No dad, I'm not engaged to anyone!!" Madison flared

"Shut your mouth up!" Her mom yelled at her

Dave tried to hold her but she shoved him away.

"Dad, mom, Dave and I are in a serious relationship. I'm getting married to him or no one else!" She yelled

"Madison it's enough," Dave said as He looked at Mr Thompson with disappointment written all over his face.

"Sir I know I came late but please I just need a chance. I promise to take good care of her. I'm not a bad person. Madison and I have been through a lot and we love each other so much please don't deny us of our right to be happy" He said sadly

"Son, you heard my husband right. There is no space for you here except as a friend. My daughter is engaged" Mrs Thompson cut in

"Mom!" Madison cried and rushed upstairs. Alex, who was watching from upstairs with Jenny, ran after her.

"Son we are really sorry. I pray you find a woman you would love just like my daughter," Mr Thompson said to Dave who was already picking up his bag

"It's fine sir, bye for now" He said and walked out angrily.

Madison rushed out of her room and stood at the balcony. She watched Dave going out of the house.

"Dave!!!!" She screamed in tears.

He stopped and turned to look at her with tears in his eyes.

"l love you Madison" He said and hurried out at once. Madison sat on the floor slowly as tears poured out from her eyes. Alex and Jenny held her up. They took her back to the room as she cried uncontrollably.

"It's Dave or no one else!!!!" she screamed.