The "she murdered his mom" had me hooked.

More please

Chapter 29


It's a very cold and dark night, except for the street light…. Just one by the way. I looked around but can't seem to recognize where I'm at. And why am I dressed in a white robe?. Am I dead or what?. This is certainly not one of my dresses.

I turned around, fear suddenly gripping me. Why is everywhere drop dead quiet?.

“Anyone here?!” I screamed. That's all I could think of.

The echoing of my voice made me realize I'm all alone.

“Dear Lord, please help me” I muttered beneath my breath as I hugged myself.

Feeling something grip my dress, I jerked away, turning abruptly to see what it was.

Surprisingly it was a little girl, possibly six years of age.

“Please, I want to go home…” I pleaded with her.

She too is dressed in a white robe and her hair is beautifully adorned with ribbons. She looks so much at peace unlike me that's trembling so much like a leaf.

She smiled sweetly at me, surprising me.

“Who are you?” I asked.

“Mommy”

Really?, Mommy?. Has she gone knots?. If I'm dead and on my way for judgment, can't she at least let me know?. Which one is mommy again?.

“Don't be scared. I thought to come see you after so many years and say goodbye”. She spoke so fluently and softly. Smiling all the way.

“What are you talking about?”

Make nobody use me catch cruise oh.

She tried to come closer but I shifted backwards.

“Please don't be scared mommy”

Why the hell is she calling me that?!.

Again she moved closer, this time I didn't move backwards, even though I'm still scared and confused.

Getting to me, she slowly took my hands.

Having her little soft hand touch mine made me relaxed a little.

She opened my palms and dropped three fruits in it.

“Those are my gifts for you,” she said, smiling again. Now I got to see how clean her tooth's are. A smile formed on my face unknown to me.

“I left you…… I had to. Your life would have gotten even more difficult and complicated if I hadn't……” hope it's not what I'm thinking?

“..... And whenever the weather is so cold or something bad happens to or around you, the memory of the day I left comes to taunt you….” I could feel my heart beat increase.

“...... I'm sorry, I know you missed me. I'm all grown now….” She turned around like a little princess, laughing heartily.

“..... Your life is perfect now and I'm so happy”

“Goodbye mommy”

Just like that? Without thinking twice I grabbed her, hugging her so tight like my life depended on it.

“Oh my child, my princess” I breathed heavily as I held onto her. All these years I've been taunted by the memory of that rainy night and today I managed to see her, she wants to leave?.

We remained in that position with me running my hand through her hair. Finally I let go.

“You are so beautiful”

She smiled. “You too mommy. I have to go now”, she said, creating some distance between us.

“Go where?, Please don't leave”.

“I have to, you have my sister and brothers with you. Never think of me again” she said as she kept taking steps backwards.

I shook my head in disapproval, hoping she wouldn't leave me. But that didn't help, slowly she faded into the wind.

“Noooo, please come back………”

I looked at the fruits in my hands, what am I supposed to do with them now?

“Baby…”

I turned around looking for the voice that said that. Why does it sound so familiar?

“Baby?!” Again…..

“Nora”.

In a jiffy, my eyes snapped open. Oscar was peering down at me.

He chuckles softly.

“It's raining heavily and thunderstorms are roaring outside but you aren't sweating, calling on your baby or holding on the sheets…… mmmm, that's a good one” he said, sitting beside me.

I looked around. So all that was a dream?. It felt so real, so so real.

“You okay darling?”

“Yeah, yeah I am” I nodded aggressively, swallowing the saliva that had formed in my mouth.

His fingers got to my eyes and wiped something off, tears……

“You only cried, quietly, '' he said softly.

“Come here” slowly pulled me into his arms. While I held onto him tightly.

That dream…… that dream felt so real.

Pinkdimples:
Forgiveness is good.

...... Very good

Chapter 28


The sounds of cutleries meeting, glasses clicking, people talking and laughing, and soft music playing in the background filled the place. The place looks different than what I'm used to. The event planner had done a great job with the decorations of the large living room that one would think it's an event center. The beautiful ribbons, balloons and some stuff I don't know what it's called…… abeg make una no laugh me. No be everything person dey know. All I'm saying is that the place is beautiful.

Funny enough, my dad and his other family are here. Odd right?Well, for my sake he decided to put his political and personal dislike for Mr Tobias aside and welcome the invitation.

My Aunty Joy, her daughter Tamuno and her son, Olamide are here too. Mrs Douglas is here too. She surprised me at how she embraced my father and began gushing like she has always liked him from the beginning. I know she isn't just faking it. I'm grateful she decided to be nice to him. This life is too short to be having beef. For me?, This is a new life and I want to live it happily and peacefully. That brings me to the next person to mention. Zainab!!!! Yes, I invited her and she did come. Before then she has been stalking all my social media handles. Pleading that I should forgive her.

“I was just jealous of you. You were everything I wanted to be. In character, looks, charisma and achievement. You were just so good and I didn't even know when I began to nurture so much hate for you until it consumed me” she had confessed one of the days.

Looks, you may say that I'm stupid for forgiving just like that but that's not it. Yes, I forgive her with all my heart. But that doesn't mean we have to be as close as we were before. Now, I have new goals, visions and targets. I'm also in a new environment now, I've got a different life to live. Outside my very big perfume store, I've gone back to school to continue finishing up. You see?I have many more things to do and maintaining a friendship is not one of them. I just want to be at peace with everyone.

Ah, I no even tell una wetin we dey celebrate. Does it even matter?. Here in Nigeria, just put canopy, call one dj, cook rice, buy drink….. omo people dun full oh. Whether Dem know wetin you dey celebrate or not. Wetin concern them. As far as there's food and merriment, my lovely people will mount. Forget I love my people.

But that's not the case here though. I and Oscar just decided to throw a little party, we said little but my dear…. Little is far from what we've put up here oh. Since there's been so much beefing and controversy amongst us, we decided it was necessary for all of us to come together and vibe together. Letting go of all our hurt, dislike and sentiment and moving on. So you see?Even my significant other thinks so too.

“What about Jaja?..... Is he allowed to come?” I had asked Oscar on purpose the day we were planning this event.

With him seated on the bed and I on his lap, with my hand refusing to stay at a place as it found it's way on him, caressing anywhere it felt like. This man smells like heaven, sometimes I feel like entering inside of him and remaining there.

“Jaja…..” he shrugged uncomfortably.

I couldn't help but laugh at his reaction. Shey na us wan make peace with everybody….. oshey, the peace making couple.

“C'mon baby…. In two weeks, we will be getting married. I'm yours okay, so….. let go of whatever you have against him”

He looked down at him lovingly. Then turned his face the other way. Wetin be the problem?..... Is it jealousy or what?

I laughed again.

“I don't know why I can't seem to forgive that guy no matter how I try” he confessed. Twisting his cute face like something disgusts him.

“He's not going to try that again”

“And how are you sure about that?” He asked, bringing his face closer that I could feel his breath fan my face.

“Because he knows you are here. This time you may even have his bones broken” I said, smiling at the thought of him breaking Jaja into multiple pieces. Ah God forgive me for this kind of evil thought oh.

“Really?”

“Uhhum”

“Mmmmm?”

“Yeahhhhhhhhhh”

Our voices were almost in a whisper now as our lips were moving in the direction of each other. In no time they met as there was only little space keeping them apart. He pulled me in and deepened the kiss.

Oya e dun do, we no even do anything serious sef. Una too like that kind gist. Back to the main gist jor………


~~~~

When, as I was saying before I rush go bedroom talk. The get-together gang is here too. They were all very happy for us, funny enough, Emeka got us a gift as he won't be able to make it to the wedding.

Kendra came with her husband and little Nora. Funny how children grow so fast. You need to see how grown she is now.

When I say all the get-together gang, I mean all. Amanda is here too, though we didn't invite her but she said she heard the news from Sonia and decided to invite herself.

“Look I know we had a rough path all thanks to me. I'm sorry, okay. And trust me, I just came here to say I'm sorry and merry with the others. Who knows, I may find my husband here……” she laughs.

“Trust me, I would never plan on coming between both of you okay” she assured sincerely. “He didn't even love me sef, na me just dey gum body”.

She seems very different today and just as she had said, she was busy mingling with others. Guys mostly. Seems she got what she wanted as she was later seen leaving with someone.

Pinkdimples:
Wow! Nice one Zara.

Bring it on!!

Thanks plenty❤️🙈

Chapter 26


“Baby”

“Uumm?”

“Where are we going?” I asked, looking at him as he stared into the quiet road. One could think it's day as bright lights shone all around.

He only smiled at me, he looked so worried. Seems he's not in the mood to say much.

The drive seemed like the longest journey I've embarked on all my life. I don't know if it's because the atmosphere is just so dull and quiet or the fact that I don't even know where we're going.

We got to a large gate which was opened after some…….. is that….

“Louisville hospital?” I read out aloud.

A hospital. Who's in a hospital. I gazed at him quizzically, he smiled sadly again.

Getting out of the door, he turned around and opened mine for me.

Always a gentleman.

We walked hand in hand.

“Which room is he in?” He asked the reception. A chubby lady on a low cut. She looks pretty with that haircut.

From the look of things it seems like the staff here knows him as they seem to familiarize with him.

“His usual” she replied, smiling broadly and winking at me. A gesture I don't understand the reason for but smiled in response.

Grabbing my hands like a little girl, he led the way. In a few seconds, my mind has thought of one million things as of who were here to see. One thing is for certain, whoever we're here to see is someone very important to him.

Getting to a certain door, he opened it and we walked in to see his mom, seated on the chair, she looked healthy and okay. If she's not the one, is it the twins?...... Just like that the both girls walked in from another door, chattering and laughing, then who's possibly…….. his father??!!

How come I never thought of him.

There he was, lying on a bed too large to be a sick bed. In Fact this room looks like a comfortable living room.

“Son” he called out immediately he saw us.

“How are you feeling?” Oscar asked as he went closer. The gentleness in his voice is so comforting. The care and concern written all over him would make one wonder if he was the same person, who was very mad at his father before now.


~~~~

I don't know if in my narrative I've called Oscar's dad by his name but I'm officially doing so now. I was told that Mr Tobias had a heart attack. Thank God he was rushed to the hospital on time.

Right now I'm left alone with just him, wondering where everyone is at the moment, I thought to go out and search for them. Sitting here all alone with him is kind of awkward.

“Sit child…. I want to have a talk with you” he said just as I made to leave. He sat up on the bed and kept his phone aside.

Some time ago he looked so weak but now?He seems perfectly fine to me.

I sat back on my seat and paid attention. I wonder what this talk is about. It'll probably be about me and Oscar.

For some seconds he said nothing but just stared at me.

Does he want to make a last wish?, Probably to leave his son?. I just hope that's not the case oh.

Out of nowhere a large smile appeared on his face, making me more confused than I already am.

“I won't be making a huge mistake by letting you into my family and into my son's life”..... He paused.

What exactly is going on?

“I see the love both of you have for each other, and I admire it. With this little friction between me and my son, I got to see the kind of person you are, and though I've known him all his life, I still confirmed the kind of person he is. Oscar is my only son, he has been a good son and a good brother and one thing I was scared of…. Is he getting married to someone who will take him far from his family. That may sound selfish but that's the truth. You know, the power of a woman is so strong that she can divide a once strong and loving family and also, I wanted to know how much you love him. You are the first woman he has ever brought home even though he has dated other women. I saw how much he loves you and wanted to know if you love him the same, I wanted to be sure he hasn't just fallen hard for someone who doesn't even give a cent about him or his family…..” he paused and got out a ludo, signaling me to join him.

Who plays a ludo in a hospital, at this time of the night?. They're some things I can't just explain when it comes to them.

Honoring the invite, I joined him in the game. Picking out the blue and green seeds to my side. He played first and had a double six, played again and got the same. I opened my mouth in awe. He played again and still got a double six. Seeing how awed I am, he laughed heartily.

“I'm very good at this” he stated the obvious.

Finally, he played again and got a three and a two. I watched him count the numbers until he was done. I played mine and had one a four and a two. Na wa oh.

“So…..”

Back to our discussion.

“When my son came to me trying to make me approve of you two, I saw how much he values my opinion and my decisions. He really wanted me to accept you but at the same time is not willing to let you go. And you?, I saw how disturbed you were. You wanted father and son to be like they've always been”.

I chuckled.

“How did you know that?” I asked, amazed.

He laughed again.

“I had it all planned with my wife, she was my spy. Didn't you notice she was always visiting you guys?”

I opened my mouth.

“No wayyyyyyyy!!”

“You remember the last day she visited?” I nodded aggressively that one would think my head would fall off.

“You were so restless, you pleaded and pleaded” He laughed. “You were even crying” he laughed so hard.

God, these people dun use me catch cruise.

“You know, she recorded it and sent it to me, oh child….” He bursted into laughter again.

Chai, I dun see something. I couldn't help but join him in laughter.

“It sounds crazy but that's it. We were just trying to be sure, I hope you understand”

“Yeah I do”.

“I love Oscar, I love him very very much. And I love you guys too” I said, meaning every bit of it.

“I know”.

“But what about the news?.... You went on TV-”

“Ah, forget that one. That one is just for show. I needed to make it look real now, besides I also wanted to shake your father a little, that man is a strong politician who seems unshakeable, it did shake him though.... And also, give hungry Nigerians something to talk about. Don't you see I've been trending all this while. You too” he asked, nudging me playfully.

This is so crazy and funny too. I'm just relieved and glad all this was just a prank.

“Another thing, I didn't have any heart attack oh. I just lied. It's part of the game. I wanted to see if Oscar would turn his back on me. You know we've never really had any major argument before. This is like the first, and it turned out that my son values his family”.

Even though this feels childish in some way, I kinda understand him though. One thing I've learnt is that parents are always protective of their children even though they're grown, just that….. Some take it to the extreme.

“And lastly…… let this be our secret okay. He mustn't know about this” he said, winking at me.

I frowned in a playful manner.

“He may get really angry if he finds out we just stressed him for nothing,” he explained.

“I don't think he will”

“Alright then….. I'll tell him over a glass of wine”.

Pinkdimples:
Okay. I sent a mail

Alright

Pinkdimples:
Good morning Zara! Hope you are good?

I'm good my dear.... Just one or two on my table. Thanks for always checking up on me 💜💜

Pinkdimples:
Maybe his dad is involved in an accident? Or something more serious or unserious?

Waiting for more! Well done

🙈🙈

Chapter 25


“Don’t stress yourself on this matter okay” Mrs Douglas said over the phone. I was just coming out of the bathroom when her call came in.

Releasing a sigh, I said. “ I don't know if I can. I mean, the whole things is getting worse as the -”

“What exactly are you afraid of?” She cut in sweetly.

I paused for a while. How do I explain this in a way she'd understand me better. Opening my mouth to speak, I shut them back again.

“Are you afraid Oscar will call things off between you both?”

I inhaled. Is that really what I'm scared of?

“No, no… that's… that's not it”

“Then what is it? He has shown you over and over again that it's you he wants and he's standing by you no matter what. Why don't you just trust him on this” she urged.

“Look mommy…..” calling her made me feel like a little girl, which just makes it easier for me to express my innermost fears.

“...... I'm just scared that this marriage may go on without his father which is obviously resulting in that and that's not what I want ....” The other side of the line was quiet but I knew she's listening.

“..... I just want a happy and united family. I never had that while growing up, and my greatest wish is to be married into a family that's united, filled with love and care for each other. Besides, they were like that before I came into the picture,it seems like I want to bring a division into the family. Now everything-”

“No child. They were like that until your father came into the picture. You know I never really liked the idea of reuniting with him and that aunt of yours. I just kept quiet cause that's what you wanted”.

“C'mon mom don't be like this. You're just making things worse”. I heard her exhale.

“Look my darling, I know he's your father but you were getting along with Oscar's family until he showed up”.

“I am still getting along with them even till now”.

“And his father?” I mentally pictured her raising her brows at me. Urging me to counter what she had just said.

I remained quiet, what can I possibly say. Having to see Oscar and his father argue over and over again about the same thing just robs me of my happiness. I missed how happy we were. It felt real, like one big happy family.

“Child, I'm sorry, okay. I should be helping you feel better, not the other way round”.

“It's okay. I understand…… How's Jaja?” I changed the topic just as the door opened and Oscar walked in. He has told me not to worry about anything and would be mad if he gets to know that I'm super worried about it. But then, the unimpressed glance he directed at me reminded me of the understandable dislike he has towards Jaja. Funny he still holds a grudge against him

“He's okay…… He's seeing a therapist two times a week”

“That's good. Please take good care of yourself okay…. I'll hang up now”

“Alright my darling. Be happy”.


💖💖💖💖


¶ Come on over in my direction ¶

¶ So thankful for that, it's such a blessin’, yeah ¶

¶ Turn every situation into heaven, yeah
Oh, you are ¶

¶ My sunrise on the darkest day ¶

¶ Got me feelin’ some kind of way ¶

¶ Make me wanna savor every moment slowly, slowly ¶

¶ You fit me, tailor-made love, how you put in on ¶

I don't understand, is Justin Bieber and Daddy Yankee perhaps performing in the house?. I keep hearing their voices but can't see them anywhere close. All of a sudden they stop singing. In no time they began singing again, repeating the same lyrics. That's when realization hit me and my eyes snapped open.

I looked at the mini table and saw Oscar's phone, that's his ringing tone. Silly me. How come he didn't wake up at the sound of it and who would possibly be calling at this time?.

Some weeks back was an ex of his, she called begging and pleading he take her back….. you need to hear the level of desperation from her voice. I picked the call cause he was deeply asleep and had given me the go-ahead to answer his phone whenever it rings, besides it's not his official line.

I looked at the screen to see it's his mother.

“Baby…..” I said tapping him to wake up.

“Yeah” he replied with a raspy voice. Showing him the screen, he took the phone from me.

I don't know what he heard but he got up abruptly and began to search for something.

“My keys….. where are my keys?” He asked hastily. I pointed at the mirror stand.

“Are you coming with me?” He asked as he grabbed the keys.

Not bothering to ask where or why, I nodded and followed him out of the room without the knowledge of our destination, on a cold night.