The drive to the hospital was quiet as none of us said anything to ourselves.

But I couldn’t stop looking at Mr Williams. We exchanged glances at a point, and his facial expression spoke volume. I didn’t want to think of what his facial expression meant.

One thing that was for sure was that Mr Williams was concerned about my family which only means he likes us, me in particular. But I don’t want to dwell on that now.

We got to the hospital shortly, google map wasn’t needed anymore has Mr Williams was already familiar with Adams hospital.

So, getting there wasn’t difficult at all. We came down from the car, I was impatient because I wanted to see my mum. Somehow, I was terrified and

Mr Williams noticed as goose bumps filled me up. He held my hands tight as we walked in. We got to the reception where Mr Williams asked a nurse at the reception about mummy.

They gave us the information we needed that she was upstairs in ward 3. We rushed there and I immediately saw my mother who laid on the bed covered with bandage.

Hot tears ran down my cheek, as Mr Williams and I moved close to mummy.

Her eyes were shut and I wasn’t sure she could see us. I was scared I was going to lose my mum. I was crying really hard while Mr Williams watched me in confusion.

“I don’t want to lose my mother”, I said to him.

“You won’t”, Mr Williams said, As he came close to me hugging me and wiping my tears. I felt comfort inside me. It felt like he was the messiah we’ve been waiting for in our family. I just felt safe with him and I wanted to make his body my place of abode.

We went lose after some time while we both stared at mummy in silence. Mr Williams got busy with his phone after sometime. It was obvious boredom was taking control of our lives.

Suddenly, I heard my phone beep. I took it out of my jean pocket, only to realize it was a text message. I was about shoving it back into my pocket when something told me to check it.

I did, it was a message from Mr Williams. I was thrilled at his actions for he was sitting right in front of me. He could have just told me what he wanted, instead of sending a text message.

I looked into the message anyway; “Hey sunshine, I don’t want you beating yourself up over this because mummy is going to be fine. You know everything happens for a reason right? Don’t cry too hard, I don’t want you getting sick.

Mummy won’t be happy about that and I’m sure we don’t want to make her sad in this condition. Let’s just focus on helping mummy get better.

We’re going to pray for her speedy recovery and Mr Williams is going to be here through it all. Just call on me if you ever need anything or if you need someone to talk to. I’ll be right here. With love, Tayo Williams”

I smiled at the end of the text as happiness consumed me. I looked over at where he was seated, he wasn’t looking at me at all, he kept sight on his phone as if he did nothing.

I smiled at his act while I replied him with ; “Thank you Tayo Williams, it’s good to know you’d be here for mummy and I”

He received the text message while he replied with;

“I should get you something to eat now, you must be hungry”.

I replied saying I wasn’t hungry.

He replied saying; “I insist”.

At the end of the text conversations, we both looked up at ourselves and gave each other a big smile. The look on Mr Williams’ face meant a lot.

He was on his way out when a woman walked in. She looked elegant and gorgeous, it was obvious she’s very wealthy. Her face didn’t look familiar though

“Aunty mi, what are you doing here? Mr Williams called out. Are you stalking me now?” He asked with a big smile on his face.

“Omotayo, the question should be what are you doing here?” she asked with a smile.

Wow! So this is Mr Willams aunt ? Oh no! She looked young and pretty and her composure was amazing . If Mr Williams Aunt should look like this, I can only imagine how his Mum would look like, I thought to myself.

Was this what mr Williams meant when he said he wasn’t teaching for the monetary aspect? They must be really wealthy then, I thought to myself.

“Aunty mi, this is kunbi, and that’s her mum”

“Are you serious? This world is really a small one. I was the one who called you today. I was on my way to the shop when I saw people around her car.

It was so bad that no one wanted to help because they were scared she’d give up the ghost. I just had to help because I could see she was struggling.

Thank God she didn’t give up the ghost. I told the nurse to let me know if any of her family comes by. I’d understand if she didn’t call because she wasn’t the same person on duty then”. She said calmly.

“But why didn’t you call me though?” she asked me.

“I’m sorry ma, it escaped my mind”.

“It’s fine dear. Her car ran into a wall, So, I went back to the scene to help get it out of there. It’s at the mechanic”, she said.

God, this woman is far too kind. How could I ever repay her? I went close to her and knelt down, saying; “Thank you ma,” while Mr Williams prostrated saying; “thank you ma”.

“You’re not Serious,” she said jokingly to Mr Williams.

She took me by my arm and said to me;

“don’t thank me, thank God I passed through that route at that time. It was just by God’s might that I passed through that way”. She said calmly.

Tears filled me up. She pulled me in for a hug and said; “sweetheart, your mummy is going to be fine. Doctor said it’s a minor thing and she should be out of here in a week”. She said.

“Oh by the way, I put a call through Alhaji Sanni, I got his number from her phone because you weren’t picking up. He should be here by now,” she added.

I know Alhaji Sanni, he’s mummy’s man friend, I thought to myself.

“Don’t worry, Omotayo is going to take care of you,” she said to me.

Mr William looked at her, shaking his head.

She reached out to her purse while she pulled out wads of notes and thrust it into my palm.

“It’s getting late, I would have to leave now,” she said to me.

I immediately went on my knees thanking her for her kind gesture. I kept on saying thank you repeatedly. She and her nephew burst into laughter.

I was confused as to why they were laughing, as I looked at them suspiciously.

“We’re sorry, your actions are so funny” she said.

“My Aunty doesn’t like it when one thanks her repeatedly, just the way you are doing now,” mr Williams said.

They seemed and acted like friends, just like I and mummy.

The woman reached for the door, while she said;

“Tayo a ma pe de nile o, Mummy e ni ki ba won send nkan” (Tayo, we’d meet at home. Your Mummy asked me to send things to her)

“and if you need anything, call me okay?” She said to me.

I answered “yes ma”.

She left while mr Williams saw her off.

Immediately after her departure, the doctor came in with Alhaji Sanni, we all exchanged pleasantries while Alhaji Sanni patted my back. I don’t really like the man but he makes my mum happy so I have to like him.

The doctor checked her and said she’d wake up soon, as she was placed on sedatives but before then, he needs us to get her food and some of her things from home. By now, Mr Williams was back inside.

“We’d go get them,” Mr Williams said to the doctor and Alahji sanni.

“Okay then, I’d be with her while you go get the stuffs. Get food on your way back for us all.” Alhaji Sanni said as he extended wads of naira notes to us.

“Don’t worry sir, I’ll take care of that” Mr Williams said.

“It’s fine dear, take it from me,” Alhaji Sanni said to Mr Williams.

He took the money while we both went out of the ward to get the stuffs we were asked to.

The drive to the house was very quiet as I and mr Williams didn’t exchange words. Aside from the song playing from the car, nothing else was making a sound.

I didn’t know Mr Williams was a fan of Asa, as we’ve heard two of her tracks now; “jailer” and “bamidele” Mr Williams got engrossed in the song as he began to sing along. I watched him silently but I couldn’t get any words out of my mouth too.

We soon got to the house and we both made our way out of the car. I opened the door while mr Williams turned on the light. I was about going upstairs to get mummy’s clothes and other things when Mr William said;

“Can you go alone” he asked ?

Tears rolled down my cheeks. I really don’t know why. I didn’t give any answer but he followed me in anyway.

We got into mummy’s room, ready to pack her stuffs. The room wasn’t that bright, it was more of being dark than bright because of the kind of bulb mummy uses.

I sat on the bed close to her closet so I could get ready to pack her stuffs. Suddenly, a huge lump blocked my throat. Apparently, I’ve been holding back my tears for so long. I started to cry hard and I could feel my hot tears flow down my cheeks.

“Kunbi what’s wrong” mr Williams asked? as he rushed down to me holding me. I fell in his arms and I began to speak my mind to him.

“If my daddy was here, mummy won’t have to work so hard just to make us happy. My mummy has gone through a lot and I can’t wait for her to reap the fruit of her labor. Can you imagine this accident taking her life?

What’s going to become of me? If it wasn’t for your aunt who saved her life when others were scared would she have been alive? I know the doctor said it’s not a major problem but then anything could have gone wrong.

It’s just a thin line between being dead and being alive. I don’t want my mum going through this. I’ve never thought of my dad until today.

Not because I miss him but because I wish he was here so mummy won’t go through all these. I’m tired!” I said as I got exhausted.

All these while, mr Williams watched me quietly as his face already turned sour. I could tell from his eyes that he was about tearing up but he held himself back.

“Kunbi! he called out as he moved closer to me. Everything happens for a reason. I don’t want you hating your dad because you never can tell what he did wrong for them to be apart” he said.

“I know everything Omotayo!” I said as I forgot to add “mr” to his name. I didn’t realize my mistake until I was done

“I’m sorry,” I said.

“It’s fine” he said back to me.

“My daddy was a cheat and a woman beater. He brings different women home and always ask mummy to take care of them. I always watch mummy suffer in silence because I couldn’t do anything to help.

Daddy has beaten her severally that she landed in the hospital. He broke her leg one time all because she told him she couldn’t kept on laying her matrimonial bed for his girlfriends to sleep on.

The last straw that broke the Carmel’s back was when daddy beat mummy and she was in coma for two weeks. We left the house after that and we started afresh.

I hate daddy, I hate men but mummy always tell me not say that. She says just because one egg is rotten doesn’t mean all eggs are bad. She says we’d never know if you don’t try,” I said in tears.

“That’s why I want her to be with Alhaji Sanni because he makes her happy” I added.

“I wished I could have helped mummy then. I promised she wasn’t going to go through any pain again and here I am, I still can’t help her,” I said as I started to cry again.

“Shhhhhh Kunbi, you’re doing the best you can for now. Don’t push too hard. All you owe your mummy is your success so that she won’t regret being with you. I’m sure you don’t want to disappoint mummy yeah?” He asked calmly.

“No I don’t want to”

“Good, now you’re going to stay focus and do well in all your endeavors so that you can show your dad that he made a mistake of letting go of both of you”

“Yes I’ll do that”

He smiled at me. At this point, we were so close that we were already exchanging breath. Any slight movement would mean we would lock lips together.

He raised my chin up and said ; “see me as a family, anything you want, ask. I’ll always be here for you”.

I felt moved by his words and tears rolled down my cheek. I looked down at his lips which was very close to mine. I closed my eyes as tears rolled down my eyes while I pressed my lips on Mr Williams own. He didn’t refuse me as he kissed me back.

We exchanged a long passionate kiss, the whole room felt different and our body language read a different one. I could tell that Mr Williams felt something different for me. But I don’t know if it’s love.

Our drive to the hospital was a short one but during that period, we both couldn’t stop holding hands and exchanging glances. Mummy was already awake by the time we got in. I was so happy to see her in that position. I ran into her arms for a hug even though she wasn’t so strong yet.

“I’m famished”, she said.

We brought out the food we got on our way. Mr Williams paid for the food and gave me the money Alhaji Sanni gave us. He asked me to hold on to it.

Mummy devoured her plate of rice and chicken which we got from sweet sensation while she told us how the accident happened.

“I was rushing to get to work, I didn’t know I was going to end up in a hospital instead. Thank God I didn’t hit the okada man that ran into me which made me lose control and I ran into a wall. God is very merciful. These things happen to some people and they die. Yet he chose to spare my life. I’m very grateful and grateful to whoever brought me here.” She said as she heaved a sigh of relief.

“Did you see who brought me here?” She asked.

“Yes we did, it was Mr Williams’ Aunt.” I replied.

“Wow! Really?” She asked in excitement.

“Yes Mum… she’s really nice” I said smiling.



It was 6am in the morning, when my alarm rang. I stood up to check on my mum but she wasn’t awake yet. I went back to the chair only to see a message on my screen.

It was from Mr Williams ; “Good morning love, I hope you had a good sleep? Well I’m almost at the hospital, so get ready. I’m sure you’d be awake by the time you’d be reading this message. See you soon.”

I smiled at his use of words especially when he called me love. I remembered how smooth and sweet last night was and how Mr Williams got me angry when he refused me seeing him off. I was till in thought when I heard a knock on the door.

I stood up to open the door, and it was Mr Williams I saw standing in front of me, looking as cute as ever. I didn’t know if I was to hug him seems we’re now like a thing or wait! Aren’t we a thing already?

I didn’t want to get sad so I just said “Good morning”

“Good morning Adekunbi”

I made way for him to go in. Mummy was already awake at this time

“Ekaaro ma” (good morning ma)

“Kaaro Tayo, o se ana o! Omo a to ju iwo na.” (Morning Tayo, thanks for yesterday, your children will look after you)

“Ko Tope ma. Se ara ba le die?” (It’s not a big deal ma, do you feel better?)

“Yes dear, I think I’m better now.” Mummy said looking better than yesterday.

I looked at them in silence. I already love the kind of bond between Mummy and Mr Williams. I moved closer to mummy’s bed to greet her too seems she wasn’t awake before now.

“Good morning Mummy”

“Good morning my love, did you sleep well?”

“Yes Mum, I did”

“Sorry about the inconvenience”

“It’s fine Mum, the sofa wasn’t that bad after all. Remember I’ll do anything for you.”

“Thank you Adekunbi, God will reward you abundantly”

“Amen Mummy”

“I think you should get ready for school now,” my mum said

“No Mum, maybe I should just stay with you instead. I’ll go to school once you’re discharged”

“No baby, that’s a long time. Just go okay? Alhaji Sanni will be here soon. By the time he’d be leaving, you’d be back. I won’t be alone after all.”

“Okay Mum, just promise you’ll be okay”

“I’ll be fine Adekunbi.”

I kissed her on the cheek saying “I love you Mum”

“I love you too,” she said.

“Okay get going, it’s half past 6 already.”

“Tayo, thanks a lot for everything, please drop your Aunt’ contact before leaving.”

“Okay ma.”

We left the hospital for my house so I could get dressed. The drive to the house was quiet as I was mad at Mr willams, maybe he didn’t know what to say to me also.

We got home in no time. I rushed up stairs to get dressed while Mr Williams was downstairs waiting for me.

It was half past 7 when I got downstairs, there was Mr Williams sitting patiently on the chair. I cleared my throat so I could announce my presence. He noticed me and he looked up at me. He smiled at me but I didn’t smile back.

“Kunbi what’s wrong with you?” he asked.

“Nothing is wrong,” I said

“Okay then.”

“Won’t you fix yourself something to eat?” he asked.

“I’m not hungry,” I said to him.

He looked worried but he didn’t say it. He just said “okay”

We headed towards the door when he grabbed me by my arm. I felt goose bumps all over me. I don’t know why he did what he did but whatever the reason was, it sent electric feelings down my spine. I don’t know what this thing between us is, but I like it like that.

“You know you can always tell me whatever it is,” he asked looking into my eyes.

I couldn’t reply him, because I was lost in his eyes. But I’m sure he could tell what my answer was already.

He let go of me and told me to put a smile on my face.

We got out of the house into his car. While he played a trap song by 2chains. It was so loud. I couldn’t ask him to reduce the volume because I enjoyed watching him dance to the song. I kept on smiling and the thought of “will this last forever filled my heart.”

We got to school in no time. He gave me a goodbye look without forgetting to say good luck in your classes today. I didn’t answer him because I was angry still. I really don’t know why I’m holding on to this anger for too long, I guess all women are like that.

It was almost time for assembly, so I didn’t bother going to my class to drop my bag. I just stayed downstairs instead. The bell for assembly came up and all students were out in no time even the teachers too.

I went to stay on our line like we call it. The daily assembly routine was taken and information was passed to ss3 students by mr Ajala.

The assembly was dismissed after some time so we could move to our class. Although Mr Williams was not on the assembly ground but I was not bothered seems we came together.

The rest of the day went by so fast and there was no sign of Mr Williams at all. It was almost closing hour and we had free period. I said to myself that I was going to see him in his office. I packed my bag and I left for Mr Williams office.

His door was closed I wasn’t worried over that though because it could be that the Ac was on. I began to hear loud laughter all of a sudden. I was confuse because it sounded like that of Mrs Azuko. Anger filled me up as I wondered what she was doing in his office.

I was about knocking or just wait outside when I heard “ oh my God, Tayo you’re a clown”

I couldn’t hold it anymore as anger filled me up. I opened the door to his office and I saw Mrs Azuko sitting so close to Mr Williams looking at him the same way I’d look at him if I wanted him to touch me.

She readjusted her self as if she was caught in the act. Mr Williams didn’t look shocked as he just said “I’ll be with you shortly, wait for me”

My heart broke into a million pieces as I heard this. Really? How would he talk to me like I’m just anybody. I thought we meant something now.

Was the love and affection he showed a while ago a sham? I was dumbfounded as I stared at Miss Azuko as if I wanted to cut her into pieces.

I left the office quietly and I went downstairs to wait for him thinking of all sorts of thing. Were they having sex? Is that how people sound when having sex?

Soon, the bell for the close of school rang and Mr Williams Came downstairs shortly. He looked scared or sad. I couldn’t place his look because I wasn’t okay too. We went into his car not saying a word to each other.

“I want to pick something at home before dropping you, do you mind?” He asked calmly

I didn’t say a word but he drove to his house anyway. Soon we arrived at a gigantic mansion but I was too sad to say a word.

I came down and went inside with him. I sat downstairs at the small sitting room. He came back to

Meet me shortly and we set to leave.

“Kunbi, about what you saw, it was nothing I promise” he said

“Why are you explaining to me?” I asked him.

“Calm down Kunbi and listen to me”

“No! There’s nothing to hear from you. I saw you. I saw how you both looked at each other. You’re dating her right? You both had sex right? You’re not even afraid, you’re having sex With your colleague in your office.

What if someone sees you. I guess you don’t mind. After all, you’re not teaching for the money. You have the whole money to buy the school if yo so desire. You’re just like every other guy. God!” I said angrily

“God Kunbi you’re impossible, you won’t even listen to me. Why are you making this difficult. That’s why I don’t want to get into something serious with you. You’re full of trouble and you nag a lot, “ he said angrily.

“I nag a lot?” I asked him as tears rolled down my eyes.

He didn’t realize the damage he had done until I stormed out of his building.

“Kunbi wait! I didn’t mean it that way,” he said.

I didn’t look back nor did I wait. I kept on going like I knew where I was. Even though I didn’t know the way back to the hospital or

My house, I was determined to leave that vicinity without his help. I was angry and sad as tears filled my eyes, making my vision blurry.

So all that happened between Mr Williams and I meant nothing to him.


“Oh my God, this world is a short one. Your Aunt is my savior, “ she said looking at Mr Williams.

He smiled sheepishly

She wanted to stand up and give him a hug or probably kneel down for him but Alhaji Sanni stopped her “baby you’re not strong for that yet”

Tears rolled down her eyes as she sang “be mi o ba le dupe, a je pe mi o more…..” (if I don’t give thanks, it means I’m ungrateful)

Alhaji Sanni watched her in silence as he was filled with smile. It’s was obvious that he’s in love with her.

I looked at Mr Williams too, he watched my Mummy in silence as smile filled his face. He noticed I was staring at him, while he turned to look at me. He smiled and winked at me making me smile foolishly.

It was past 10. Mummy asked Mr Willimas to take me home. I protested saying I was going to stay with her. She smiled and muttered I love you. Alhaji Sanni and Mr Williams wanted to stay also but Mummy told them there was no need for that. As they both have to go to work tomorrow.

“Adekunbi, how would you go to school tomorrow?”

Mummy asked me.

“I’d come and pick her very early ma,” Mr Williams answered Mummy as if he was waiting for her to ask that question.

“Ha, o ma seun mi, Ina ogo re o ni ku” (thanks a lot, your glory will keep shining) Mummy prayed.

“Amin ma, Mr Williams said.

I’ve never heard him speak Yoruba, he sounded foreign to me as I smiled at his reply.

The men were set to leave while Alhaji Sanni said; “Call me if you need anything.”

He gave Mummy a peck on her cheek and he said goodbye.

I was happy Alhaji Sanni was in mummy’s life. I’ve never seen her this happy. Even at the point of dying, she still smiles for him. I wish my soul mate will come too.

Mr Williams was also set to leave. I wanted to see him off, but he protested saying it was late.

“But it’s not late, is it not just downstairs here?” I asked in anger.

“Kunbi, it’s late and you know this. Just stay with Mummy, “ he insisted.

Mummy smiled at us. I wonder why she smiled at us.

“O daaro ma” (good night ma)Mr Williams said.

“O daaro oko mi” (good night my dear) Mummy replied.

I wasn’t too happy, so I just looked away while he was leaving . Mummy noticed this and she gave me a look as if she was mocking me. I was embarrassed as I sat quietly on the chair.

I ate my food quietly. I was expecting Mummy to say something but she didn’t, so I kept quiet too.

I was done with my food in no time and I was about going to bed when Mummy said; “how was your day”

“Fine” I replied sharply.

“Fine?”

“Yes Mum,fine.”

“Why do you sound angry?”

“Nothing Mum”

“Adeeeekuunbi, do you have someone else you share your worries with?”

“No Mum”

“Then tell me what’s wrong”

How would Mummy feel if I tell her about what I feel for Mr Williams, will she get mad? I and Mummy are so close. Infact I was the one who detected she was in a relationship with Alhaji Sanni. At that time, she usually hide to answer his calls and she was always smiling around like a secondary school girl. I caught her making one of her phone calls one day and I couldn’t hold it anymore.

“Mummy you look happy, “ I said to her.

She smiled at me, and asked me to come sit beside her.

“I’m sorry kunbi”

“You’re sorry for being happy? Don’t be Mum, just tell me Why” I said calmly.

So she began to tell me

everything on how she met Alhaji Sanni and how their love story started. She didn’t forget to tell me that he’s a widower also.

I was happy that she was happy and I was willing to give

Alhaji Sanni my blessing. Although I didn’t like him when he started coming here but I couldn’t afford seeing my mom being sad.

So will Mummy understand me also if I tell her I love

Mr Williams? I don’t think she would.

“Nothing is wrong Mum” I said concealing the truth from her.

“Okay,” she said.

“Good night,” she added.

“Goodnight Mum”

I laid quietly on the sofa,thinking of Mr Williams and what the future holds for us.

Too long to read for lazy reader like me.

Your should have broken a post up to 2 posts