When he opened the door, he saw the chubby looking Patrick holding a bucket of ice cream with a bow placed on the top and a smile that flattered when he saw it wasn't Ife who opened the door.

"Hi there, is Ife in?"

Tomiwa crossed his arms and looks him up from his head to his toe then back up to his face.

"She lives here, so yeah" he answered, trying to look intimidating.

Patrick managed a smile and took a step forward then rose a brow when Tomiwa made no move to step away for him to get in.

"May I?" he asked.

Tomiwa rolled his eyes and moved away for him to get inside.

When Patrick got inside, he looked around and to see if If was in the living room but when a delicious aroma hit his nose, he knew she was cooking something and he was happy because he missed her cooking even though it has been a little over a week.

He put the ice cream on the table and went inside the kitchen to see Ife's back turned to him as she was stirring something on the stove.

"It's Patrick, right?" she asked, her back still facing him.

"Yes, it's me" he answered and she turns around, her lips broke into a smile and she was going to walk towards him when her eyes went to the person behind him, so she just stayed where she was and offered him just a smile as greeting.

"How are you?" she turns back to what she was doing.

"Pretty awesome, can I help with anything?" he asked, moving closer to the counter.

"Uh..." she turns to look at him but was interrupted by Tomiwa who came to stand beside her with his arms around her shoulders.

"That's no problem, I am helping her already" he told him with a slight glare directed at him.

"More hands less work" Patrick folds his sleeves but Tomiwa stopped him.

"I can help my girlfriend"

"Tomiwa"

"It's okay Ife, I'll wait at the table" he said and turned to leave but she stopped him.

"You can set the table since it's almost time"

Patrick turns then offered a smile, with his dimples popping. "Sure" he took the necessary plates and utensils to the dining area and arranged them.

He came back with the ice cream bowl and put it in the fridge.

Soon, everything was ready and set and the fishing plates that held the food was now on the table.

Her dad, mum and sisters had come in some minutes before seven and they were already freshened up and seated at the table waiting to eat what was made.

Her dad led the prayer which lasted nothing less that a minute and they all began eating, Tomiwa served her, her dad and himself. Patrick tried to help her sisters and mum but they stopped him and helped themselves while he waited for them before dishing some on his plate.

"Thank you for honoring my invite Patrick, I appreciate" her dad thanked him when there were halfway.

"It was an honor sir, so thank you for the invite" Patrick made a small bow.

"Ife my dear," her dad faced her with a huge grin on his face.

"Sir?" she looks at him too, expecting what he wanted to say.

"You did a great job here, weldone. I am really enjoying this meal" he comment and she blushed at that.

"Ese, sir" she thanked and locked eyes with Patrick for a moment then she looked away quickly when he winked at her which furthered the heat in her face.

"I said it that you did well my love" she faced Tomiwa who spoke now and grinned.

"You did thank you" she said then put her fork down on her plate and looked at Patrick who nods his head for her to go ahead and not overthink things.

She was for sure expecting a bad response from mostly her mum and sisters but she wanted to be confident enough to blow it out to them.

'Dad will be happy, just say it's. She encouraged herself.

"I have something I need to say" she began then looked at her dad for support, she could feel everyone's attention now on her but kept looking at her dad so that she doesn't fumble with words.

She could still hear the clanging of spoon on the plates as some of them on the table still ate.

"What's that my dear?" her dad asked.

"I will be taking my masters in the US after I graduate next year" she announced and the clanging stopped, everywhere became quiet.

She saw her dad's lips form a huge grin as he help out his arms for her to come in his embrace which she did "I'm proud of you dear, keep that with you and don't let anyone stop you from what you want to do, I am here for you and will keep rooting for you" he whispered to her ear and it brought her to tears.

Theses encouraging words her dad tells her, most of the time keeps her from falling even when the problem is knit-close to her... this makes her happy and she is glad she has the father she has, a supportive one.

"Thank you daddy, I love you" she leaned back to look at him and he raised his hand to wipe the tears off her cheeks.

"I love you too my dear" he smiles.

She went back to her seat and hugged her boyfriend then shook Patrick who mouthed congratulations to her.

Her dad, boyfriend and best friend were really happy for her but no form of congratulations came from the opposite side of the table where her mum and sisters where seated. She dared not look at them and just went on with her eating.

She knew they don't approve of it and are probably boring envious glares at her but nothing will stop her shine. She had her dad, boyfriend, best friend and two amazing twin besties that loves and appreciate her, that's all she need.