Of course, I felt very happy about the News. It was almost as if I had preempted the entire outcome of the situation. Hmmm, I felt the sense of gratification. However, my cake still looked beautiful. Kunle and I sat down to some kind of celebration. I had hurriedly made some salad and more lemonade. We listened to some inspiring music. It was indeed, a day to remember. That night, as I retired to bed, I kept looking at my phone the entire time, waiting for Victor's call....
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It was a very beautiful cake, I could see lots of colors on the cake; ranging from pink, red, blue and of course my favorite color, gold. I was short of words. Here I was thinking that something had happened to Kunle, only for him to have come up with this surprise, o.k.a.y, not a bad one! "Kunle, I am so grateful, I mean...when did you have time to put this together?" I managed to speak. "Well, Trish, this was just my very own well kept secret and a way of saying 'Thank you'. Kunle replied. I was a little confused. " em...did you say 'Thank you'? I asked. "Yes Trish, your advice eventually paid off. Mum is out of the loan trouble" Kunle announced.
It was a very beautiful cake, I could see lots of colors on the cake; ranging from pink, red, blue and of course my favorite color, gold. I was short of words. Here I was thinking that something had happened to Kunle, only for him to have come up with this surprise, o.k.a.y, not a bad one! "Kunle, I am so grateful, I mean...when did you have time to put this together?" I managed to speak. "Well, Trish, this was just my very own well kept secret and a way of saying 'Thank you'. Kunle replied. I was a little confused. " em...did you say 'Thank you'? I asked. "Yes Trish, your advice eventually paid off. Mum is out of the loan trouble" Kunle announced.
With a swift prompting, I stood up to listen up again for the door bell, just to be double sure that I wasn't just imagining things. There, the door bell rang again, even louder. Very expectant that, that would be Kunle, I moved towards the door and opened it. I got one of the most lovely surprise of my life. [3/28, 11:47 PM] ejiro: It was Kunle, standing as one of those cartoon characters with a very big cake on his head. "Happy birthday, Trishia!" He said as he smiled from ear to ear. Oh mine!, it was my birthday and I had forgotten! Kunle placed the cake on the table.
As I dialed Kunle's number, my heart throbbed like it was running a marathon race. I really did not know what to expect. Kunle's number rang for a while undisrupted but suddenly there was dead silence. I tried his line again and then there was a prompt that said the phone was switched off. I gasped in total disbelief! Time was ticking and I was completely clueless on what to do. Here I was, all alone in a house that wasn't mine. I wondered if I had not added more trouble to myself. Who was I to turn to? Who was I to present my complaint to? In fact, somewhere within, I knew I was doomed. By this time it was already 5.00am in the morning, before long, I slept off again. Suddenly the door bell rang.
I don't know if it's me or just some sort of personal instinct but one thing I'm sure of is that I woke up startled, like I had some kind of nightmare or so. Anyway, just as I mentioned before, I had slept off and by the time I became conscious, I noticed it was some few minutes pass 2.00am. I couldn't believe my eyes. Now I really became worried, very worried. Kunle was yet to return. I decided to give him a call.
Quickly, I put on my phone to see if there was any chance of a message from Kunle but there was known. Slowly, I began to grow weary. My mind pondered on Kunle's whereabout. It was quite unusual of him not to be home by that hour, in fact he had never stayed so long. Well, I thought, there was There was a first time for everything. I was exhausted so I helped myself with some lemonade, very chilled lemonade. I was also lucky to spot some cookies beside a lamp stand. Bits by bits, I consumed my little snack while I quietly prayed for Kunle's return. I couldn't even imagine me just left alone in the house; what if his people stumped the house, what explanation would I give. I took some more lemonade just to step down my tension and then I slept off.
I was kind of nervous about my 'New Idea' but first I really wanted to seek a second opinion and naturally, Kunle crossed my mind thus I had to wait for him to return. The entire day suddenly grew longer and I almost passed out with anxiety. It was almost midnight, yet Kunle had not returned. At least he would have called, so I thought until I remembered that I had not switched on my phone.
Really, I had no idea on how to answer that question but certainly, Zainab was waiting for a reply. After a long confusing silence, I simply switched off my phone. It became even more scary for me, faced with the reality of breaking the bad news to Zainab. How was I to tell Zainab that her baby was dead? More than ever before, I just felt like vanishing! While still lost in thought, an idea suddenly came to my head but I really did not know if it was a wise or foolish idea, I thought I should give it a shot.
Really, I had no idea on how to answer that question but certainly, Zainab was waiting for a reply. After a long confusing silence, I simply switched off my phone. It became even more scary for me, faced with the reality of breaking the bad news to Zainab. How was I to tell Zainab that her baby was dead? More than ever before, I just felt like vanishing! While still lost in thought, an idea suddenly came to my head but I really did not know if it was a wise or foolish idea, I thought I should give it a shot.
"Okay..em..Zainab, where are you..I mean...you did not even drop any address.." I quickly responded. Zainab cleared her throat countless times before responding...."You know I can't tell you where I am now, l will in due course, so how is my daughter?" Zainab said suddenly. At that moment, it was like a sharp spear pierced through my heart.
[3/24, 3:49 AM] ejiro: " Hello, please, is that Trishia?" The voice spoke. A bit surprised, I managed to answer. "Yea, who I'm I speaking to? [3/24, 4:17 AM] ejiro: I could sense some uneasiness. "Well, Trishia, it's me, Zainab..." At the last word, I almost screamed but a little part of me remained composed. I think for the next few seconds everything in me wanted to jump out. "Please, which Zainab" I asked calmly just to be double sure........Trishia, Zainab nau! Your neighbor, I know what I did was not proper but I just wanted the best for my baby and I thought you would provide that platform. Trishia, I am so sorry" Zainab said. I just began to wonder if she had been following the NEWS.
[3/23, 3:26 AM] ejiro: "Please stay, just stay with me. I feel so safe with you, like I can't explain it" Kunle added. It was really an awkward moment; you know that awkward moment when something hits you and you never saw it coming. [3/23, 3:55 AM] ejiro: It was already two months since my 'asylum' and one could only keep hoping for the best. I had hardly heard from my parents, not that, that came as a surprise though but I was literally beginning to loose faith in their sense of duty as my parents, I just found their attitude strange. Victor! My very own Victor, for some unknown reasons had had consistently engaged all my calls, then at a point it became permanently switched off. Not even to mention my unstable friend, Sade. Kunle(Who I never expected) seem to be the only one there for me. We had even grown closer, much closer than I had envisaged. I had settled down, one afternoon, when I got the most interesting call of my life!
It was a very emotional moment for Kunle. As we went through the form, so many clauses attached to the loan granted his mum, were discovered, everything seem to be in her favoured afterall , if well tabled. "Seriously, Trish, you're a life saver, I didn't even think of this" Kunle uttered. At least, we had only me to worry about now, I was still 'A wanted case'. Well, I felt I had done my bid so I headed out of the room. "Trish!" Kunle called out.
A wooden frame photograph fell out of one of the drawers I was frantically searching. Slowly, I picked it up and began to stare at it critically. The image in the picture looked very familiar but I couldn't place the face at that moment. Almost immediately, Kunle took the photograph away from me and said nothing. I thought it strange, very strange. Anyway, we continued searching for the loan form, after few more hours, I spotted a file. Hurriedly, I checked through and there, I saw the loan form.
A wooden frame photograph fell out of one of the drawers I was frantically searching. Slowly, I picked it up and began to stare at it critically. The image in the picture looked very familiar but I couldn't place the face at that moment. Almost immediately, Kunle took the photograph away from me and said nothing. I thought it strange, very strange. Anyway, we continued searching for the loan form, after few more hours, I spotted a file. Hurriedly, I checked through and there, I saw the loan form.
[3/21, 12:53 AM] ejiro: Really, I had even become very exhausted with the entire walk up stairs and Kunle was yet to search for his mum's loan form. "Trish, don't me to bother you but I could make do with some help here, if you could assist me search for the loan form. [3/21, 12:58 AM] ejiro: I almost thought Kunle was pushing his request too far, however helping him to find a solution to his mum's predicament wouldn't be so much considering how far he had accommodated me thus far. I began to search the entire room until I found something very interesting.
Hmmm..That green bottle explained so much. I know emotionally Kunle was drained but his physical frame was taking a toll on him as a result of some booze, at least the bottle proved it. "Trish, can you see me to the room, please, I'm not really feeling too well. I wasn't too sure if I could grant that request or more like, I was not open to it, however what happened next made me reconsider; Kunle almost missed his steps but for my intervention. Slowly but steadily, I assisted him to his room.
Kunle, still sitting on the stool, adjusted a bit and gave that stare that appeared like he had just remembered something. "You know Trish, you might be right. I haven't even bothered to check those clauses in the loan form." Kunle said. Of course at this point, I felt like a hero who had just saved the day from the bad guys! " So where are the forms?" I asked curiously. Kunle pondered for a while. "I guess they are in my room" Kunle replied. "Fine, just go throw them and definitely you will see something" I said. Slowly Kunle stood up and just when I began to wonder why he fidgeted, a green bottle fell from his pocket.
Kunle, still sitting on the stool, adjusted a bit and gave that stare that appeared like he had just remembered something. "You know Trish, you might be right. I haven't even bothered to check those clauses in the loan form." Kunle said. Of course at this point, I felt like a hero who had just saved the day from the bad guys! " So where are the forms?" I asked curiously. Kunle pondered for a while. "I guess they are in my room" Kunle replied. "Fine, just go throw them and definitely you will see something" I said. Slowly Kunle stood up and just when I began to wonder why he fidgeted, a green bottle fell from his pocket.
Kunle, still sitting on the stool, adjusted a bit and gave that stare that appeared like he had just remembered something. "You know Trish, you might be right. I haven't even bothered to check those clauses in the loan form." Kunle said. Of course at this point, I felt like a hero who had just saved the day from the bad guys! " So where are the forms?" I asked curiously. Kunle pondered for a while. "I guess they are in my room" Kunle replied. "Fine, just go throw them and definitely you will see something" I said. Slowly Kunle stood up and just when I began to wonder why he fidgeted, a green bottle fell from his pocket.
"My mum just informed me that the family would be loosing everything soon, everything my late dad ever worked for." Kunle said. I tried to wrap my mind round the situation but I couldn't. " Kunle, what are you talking about?" I asked further. "My mum had actually taken some loan to float her business some years ago and she has been doing well until two years ago when she lost some very big clients who had relocated abroad. Now the Bank wants to cease everything." Kunle said. I really wished I could say something that would change the situation but I was lost for words. "..but your mum can't just give up easily, I mean...let's look at it this way, she must have some certain leverage accrued her by the Bank" I said defensively and seriously, I didn't know where that came from.
Kunle kept mute for a while and just stared at his fingers like a child that was just scolded for doing something wrong. I waited patiently. Just like an impulse, Kunle's tears ran down his cheek uncontrollably. Literally, he shook all over and I couldn't help but wondered if he would ever come out of it so I picked up a tea cup from one of the cup rack I spotted in the kitchen and managed to make tea for him. "Take, Kunle. You can do with this" I said as I handed him the tea.
I think Kunle appreciated my gesture. He drank like his throat was on fire. So much so, the tea evidently made quite a difference. Literarily he had stopped shivering and his eyes kind of lit up s bit. Need I say, I was relieved. Kunle sat up and this time, he looked at me more cheerfully. "Trish, I'm really sorry for my countenance" at last, Kunle spoke. Okay, at least I could now hear the whole jist. I responded with a smile and waited on him for a response. This took quite a while though. "Em...Trish, there is trouble" Kunle said trying to hold back tears. At least Kunle had set my mind for an unpleasant news but 'What was it?" I thought.
[3/17, 10:43 AM] ejiro: He stole a glance at me for a while and turned his face away. Really, I was still rooted on my spot but slowly, I found courage to move towards Kunle's direction. I finally got to him, by this time, Kunle had hurriedly cleaned his eyes to prevent me from seeing his tears. "Kunle, are you alright?" I asked. [3/18, 12:43 PM] ejiro: Kunle kept mute for a while and just stared at his fingers like a child that was just scolded for doing something wrong. I waited patiently. Just like an impulse, Kunle's tears ran down his cheek uncontrollably. Literally, he shook all over and I couldn't help but wondered if he would ever come out of it so I picked up a tea cup from one of the cup rack I spotted in the kitchen and managed to make tea for him. "Take, Kunle. You can do with this" I said as I handed him the tea.
[3/16, 10:13 PM] ejiro: As I navigated my way to another entry point, I was unsure whether to continue moving or not so I stayed still for a while to listen up for any sign of Kunle. Obviously, (I thought)Kunle must have left the house much earlier than I thought. I decided to make brunch. I searched for the kitchen earnestly. The worms in my stomach were striking some cords. I eventually bumped into a kitchen and to my greatest surprise... [3/17, 10:05 AM] ejiro: I saw Kunle all coiled up on a small stool crying profusely. He had not seen me though, I stood there for quite a while, a little confused. 'Why would Kunle be like this?' I asked myself. 'What in the world was going on?" 'Was it because he found me loitering round the small room?" So many questions on my mind but I really had to gather courage to even speak. Sincerely, lately, Kunle had been acting really strangely but this was even more serious than I envisaged. "Kunle" I finally gathered the boldness to talk. Immediately he realized my presence, he was startled.
[3/16, 5:15 PM] ejiro: By the the time I was awake, I heard a consistent noise stemming from the back of the house. I could not determine what it was but it certainly was very noisy, more like a hammer on a brick wall. Sluggishly, I stood up from my bed to check outside the window. [3/16, 5:19 PM] ejiro: As I peeped, I saw hefty men all clothes in blue. They were breaking up the main roads and I wondered what the reason could be. Of course if there was one person I could ask, It was Kunle so I headed to find him, at least even ask him why we had not eaten. Carefully, I stepped out of my room.
I was still uneasy since I spotted that little room in the house, but for the interruption by Kunle, I almost pushed the door..'but what could that room be?' I kept pondering. Kunle had simply walked out angrily after my response, Hmm...I just hoped that I had not stretch my limits. Up to that moment, he hasn't even called up for breakfast. I was really famished. I thought of what to do but had no slightest clue. Subsequently, I dozed off.
Of course I couldn't afford to 'spill the milk' yet. So I did the wisest thing. " Sade, I'm not in town oo" I quickly replied. Sade gasped. "I understand sha, especially now that you have been declared wanted..Hmmm..na wa oo..anyway, I will keep you posted on any useful information. Just take care of yourself. I have an international call now." She replied and dropped the call. Yea, very typical of Sade, unpredictable.
Well, what could I do, nothing but to just live with her excesses. "Sade, how are you, quite a while" I responded. It was pretty obvious that Sade was in the middle of something that took her attention because it took quite sometime for her to respond back. "Ohhh..my dear, I never knew you were the Trishia that mad man was talking about on T.V oh!" Sade exclaimed. I was a bit hesitant to say anything but I know Sade, she would keep "drawing water out of rain"! " Sade, I will explain everything to you once I'm back, Okay?" I said in a hurry. There was another interlude. "...but where are you now?" Sade continued.
[3/14, 10:39 PM] ejiro: Of course, I was startled by Kunle's sudden appearance. Quickly I came out of my nervousness. "Hi Kunle, I thought you had gone out" I said quickly. Kunle did not respond immediately, I just noticed that his countenance had changed, trust me, it wasn't a good one! [3/15, 3:57 PM] ejiro: "Were you looking for something?" Kunle asked sternly. I wondered if I had the right answer to that question, however I was being careful not to annoy him further. After a brief silence, I managed to mumble some words. "Not really, I thought you were behind" I doubt if Kunle believed me but he managed to lighten up a bit. Later that day, I got a call from Sade. Yes oo, my runaway friend, Sade. "Babe, where you dey nau? Ahan..you've been so scarce" Sade said hysterically. In fact ehn, I just got a bit tired of this my friend, Sade
[3/13, 6:58 PM] ejiro: "You don't have to worry about a thing, Trishia. My mum is a private person as well, whatever she handles stays with her, you can be assured that there would be no carelessness." Kunle said persistently. Reluctantly, I managed to let him have the painting. Not that I was pessimistic but I never expected much from Kunle's offer. [3/14, 10:44 AM] ejiro: It was already morning and I think I must have slept in a very bad position cause I woke up to a strained arm. It really hurt. I tried to massage my arm but I guess that was not effective enough..Anyway, I knew I'll be fine, it was just a matter of time. Talking about time, I glanced at the wall clock and it was already, 10.00am. 'Wow!' I exclaimed. Time was already fast spent. Okay..that understood but what was a bit surprising was the fact that Kunle( in his usual manner) had not even showed up so on my own discretion, I sought to find him. [3/14, 4:29 PM] ejiro: This would be the first time I actually made my way in the entire house. Usually I would have still confined myself in the room, probably starring at the ceiling or probably the waterfalls. As I walked a little swiftly around the house, I realized I had bumped into a small room, adjacent to another big brown room that looked like another detached house in the entire building. I became a bit curious. Slowly, I moved towards the room.
This would be the first time I actually made my way in the entire house. Usually I would have still confined myself in the room, probably starring at the ceiling or probably the waterfalls. As I walked a little swiftly around the house, I realized I had bumped into a small room, adjacent to another big brown room that looked like another detached house in the entire building. I became a bit curious. Slowly, I moved towards the room.
..but it was a mixed feeling, I did not want to get exposed, I became scared suddenly. "Kunle, I appreciate your evaluation but I really think, I want to be careful. I am a wanted person, I will need to be careful. "You don't have to worry about a thing, Trishia. My mum is a private person as well, whatever she handles stays with her, you can be assured that there would be no carelessness." Kunle said persistently. Reluctantly, I managed to let him have the painting. Not that I was pessimistic but I never expected much from Kunle's offer.
Kunle kept smiling like that for a long time. I guess he was really fascinated by my painting. "Trishia, you are really gifted. Wow! One would have thought you bought this" He said excitingly. I was really flattered, so much so that my craft had really gone to such extent of acceptance. "Thanks" I responded. " You know what? My mum loves paintings a lot, can I give this to her for an amount? She would gladly have it" Kunle said. Okay, I know Kunle was appreciative of my talent and all that but what he suggested was not really in the picture, besides I did the painting out of mere inspiration. "Kunle, this is just a rough painting, I really don't think this is good enough for presentation" I quickly responded. "You really have no idea what you're talking about. This painting is a masterpiece already" Kunle responded. Really if there was something I appreciated about Kunle, is his ever encouraging spirit. Well if he really wanted...
I wondered how long I would be in isolation and while I continued admiring the beautiful waterfalls, I had an idea! Yes! I thought it quite useful to do an art work of a sort. I brought out my paintbrush and began to sketch the waterfalls on my board. I really don't know how long I had spent but it was sure long enough that I did not realize Wale's presence. He just starred at my painting and smile.
I wondered how long I would be in isolation and while I continued admiring the beautiful waterfalls, I had an idea! Yes! I thought it quite useful to do an art work of a sort. I brought out my paintbrush and began to sketch the waterfalls on my board. I really don't know how long I had spent but it was sure long enough that I did not realize Wale's presence. He just starred at my painting and smile.
He received the call. "Hello mum...yes ma...today?...Okay ma....will be there" Kunle responded and hung up. Judging from his looks, one could tell there was something amidst. "Well, that was my mum. She wants me to see her later today." Kunle said as if he could see how curious I was. "Did she tell you why?" I asked (just to be part of the conversation). Kunle shook his head to the negative. "..but I'm sure it's nothing serious" He quickly added. I had thoroughly enjoyed my meal and minutes later I was in my room. I had excused myself. I stood by the window and gazed upon the beautiful water falls
I had hurriedly ate the entire meal in anticipation of Kunle's story. He handed me a glass of water and continued talking. "Well, Anwili ran away with a friend of mine after she had stolen so much from me. I searched for her all over town but to no avail. She had told everyone that I was not her type and that she was only using me to while away time." Kunle said with a despair countenance. I really did not know how to react initially but it really then, dawned on me that it was quite a pathetic story. "Hmm Kunle, I'm so sorry about that" I said. He simply smiled and gulped a glass of water. Almost immediately, Kunle's phone rang.
Honestly, I kind of perceived that question would come up but didn't expect it quite soon. I kept munching my food relentlessly, feigning I had not heard the question the first time but I guess Victor was ready to wait. He kept staring at me but I avoided his eyes deliberately. "Please do you have more of this" I said, referring to the food. At this point, Kunle must have observed my reluctance to answer his question then he decided to change the direction to himself. "Okay, have you not wondered whatever happened between Anwili and me?" He asked. This time, he caught my attention.
..but for the light that kept blinking ceaselessly. Quickly, I stopped the music and received the call. This was the up tenth time that I had received a call from one 'Sule' who claimed to be a press man or whatever you call them. I kept wondering who had been giving my number away. Of course, I cut the call again just as I did to Zainab's husband's call...Few hours later, Kunle had served Dinner. He had returned much earlier than other days. There have been times he suggested I accompanied him to his store but I declined considering the situation at hand despite his promise to protect me. "I hope you will like this meal, it's from the southern part" He said as we settled to eat. It sure smelt fine and looked fine as well. These few days had brought I and Kunle quite close. Who would have thought this could happen!? As those thoughts crossed my mind, Kunle sought to find out if I was enjoying the food. "Yea" I barely uttered as my mouth was filled with food. Whatever this food was made of, it sure tasted good, I thought to myself. There was silence for a while as we continued eating, then Kunle spoke. "So what's happening to Victor?" He asked without notice.
Well, the following days seem to get tougher and tougher as the police began in search of me. Hmmm..I was declared: 'Wanted'! Yea, I know, bad News, right? So I was stuck with Kunle(my ex)..very weird situation, you may say. The entire time, I just keep to myself and stayed within the confinement of my room. I couldn't afford to be careless. I decided to listen to some inspiring music while I laid on the bed. Of course some of my favorite songs easily came to my mind; the likes of Helen Baylor and Fred Hammond. I was so engrossed that I did not hear my phone ring...
My life was being threatened on daily basis by Zainab's husband and he was even making the matter worse by mentioning my name to the press all the time. Everyone out there definitely believed that this 'Trishia' must be some kind of 'monster', otherwise, who would kidnap a baby? Yes, these were the lies Zainab's husband was feeding the press with. I sensed Kunle had noticed my countenance. " Don't worry Trishia, everything will be fine, with time everything will fall in place. Well, I really couldn't tell if that would happen anytime soon. Things were not only crumbling for me but they were crumbling successively. The Baby is gone, my parents seem not to be cooperative, and now my fiance has a new receptionist who wouldn't allow me speak to him. Where was I to begin?
[3/9, 10:47 AM] ejiro: "Hello" Kunle said with a smile. "Good day, sorry I delayed" I quickly apologized for getting the door late. "No problem. I just thought you should see the headline." Kunle said as he handed me some News papers. I slowly viewed them and the News was still the same, in fact I even thought it had become worse. As I held those News papers, I just froze into oblivion
Kunle had given me a very cute and portable room which I settled in quickly. Maybe because I was fascinated by the site of the waterfalls just opposite the room. It was a very sunny and breezy day and you could feel the serenity that tagged along with the cool and refreshing flow of the waterfalls. It was just an amazing site second to none. For once, as I starred earnestly, I felt so light and detached from the grossed reality that was hovering all around me. I just let my mind travel through the entire serenity. I think I had actually been like that for a long time because a sudden knock on the door made me snap out like lightening bolt. Quickly, I came back to my senses. The knock was persistent thus I quickly got the door. I opened the door and realized it was Kunle.
Kunle had given me a very cute and portable room which I settled in quickly. Maybe because I was fascinated by the site of the waterfalls just opposite the room. It was a very sunny and breezy day and you could feel the serenity that tagged along with the cool and refreshing flow of the waterfalls. It was just an amazing site second to none. For once, as I starred earnestly, I felt so light and detached from the grossed reality that was hovering all around me. I just let my mind travel through the entire serenity. I think I had actually been like that for a long time because a sudden knock on the door made me snap out like lightening bolt. Quickly, I came back to my senses. The knock was persistent thus I quickly got the door. I opened the door and realized it was Kunle.
What appeared like a simple Joke eventually turned out to be more serious than my parents had thought. Literally, I lost my tongue. Do not ask me how because I really have no idea how that happened! It took quite some weeks for me to come by. I had actually taken refuge with Kunle! Yes! Kunle! Of course the same Kunle nau! How? and why? It was the only way I could get out of sight pending when all the crazy accusations by Zainab's husband died down. I was gradually coming out of my shock when my parents had to travel to Dubai for a case. Kunle had suddenly appeared and suggested that I kept myself away from the police and all for a while. I had no choice, in fact, that was about the best suggestion so far for me.To be candid, Kunle's place was very beautiful. I felt he must have spent a whole lot on the interiors. Of course as an artist, I could tell. His blend of colors spoke volume of his taste for bold Decors. Anyway, I somewhat felt at home.
My parents actually (as expected) were taken aback. They stole glances at each other, like they were clueless as to what to make out of my 'Sudden Silence'. "em..Trishia, is there still something you want to tell us?" Mummy asked as she pulled me closer. All I did was nod my head in affirmation. "Okay. .why don't you go ahead? We're listening" Daddy added. I responded by gesticulating but my parents did not get it. "Trishia, can't you talk?" Mummy asked.
It was already 8.00am and I could hear all the steps and movements in my parent's room. "Yes! they were obviously getting ready for work. I knew I couldn't just wait until they returned home so I prepared myself to break the latest News to them. It took several more hours for my parents to get out of the room. I guess they were discussing some court case or so. Mummy was the first to come out, then Dad. I hurriedly stepped forward. " Mum, dad, we need to talk" I said.
It was already 8.00am and I could hear all the steps and movements in my parent's room. "Yes! they were obviously getting ready for work. I knew I couldn't just wait until they returned home so I prepared myself to break the latest News to them. It took several more hours for my parents to get out of the room. I guess they were discussing some court case or so. Mummy was the first to come out, then Dad. I hurriedly stepped forward. " Mum, dad, we need to talk" I said.
Suddenly, my hand grew cold and my heart began to throb. Of course I wasn't expecting s lady's voice(just in case you think I am paranoid!). One million and one questions went through my head and my mind at the same time , however I still maintained a calm disposition. "Well, can I speak to the owner of this phone" I said with some demanding tone. Silence followed briefly and I just felt so irritated that she really took her time on the phone. She eventually responded: 'Please who are you" She asked. Can you imagine!!? This time around, I became more irritated. "...but you are not the owner of this phone, how come you are asking so much questions?' I responded. Seemed like she had made up her mind to really bring it on. " Well do you really want to know who I am?" She asked. Of course I would have love to know who she was! and she was just torturing me with curiosity. "Please whoever you are, just let me speak to the owner of this line" I said reluctantly and just as I ended my last sentence, she hung up.
[3/5, 4:38 PM] ejiro: There, I saw Zainab's husband granting an interview. The same guy who had bumped into our Thanksgiving party at the house and attacked Zainab. Still anxious to know what he was talking about, I increased the volume. [3/5, 7:27 PM] ejiro: To say the least, I was still in shock over what I heard on the station. Zainab's husband had claimed that one Trishia had kidnapped his daughter in conspiracy of his wife and that he wanted the police to be on the alert. I knew somehow I had to inform my parents of the latest development. Of course, that wasn't good news but I still had to break it all the same. Things were turning out to be quite interesting and scary for me and then I felt the urge to just call Victor, afterall i [3/5, 8:18 PM] ejiro: hadn't heard from him for a while save for when he sent the last message through one....can't even remember his name..anyway I dialed Victor's number and waited for a response, initially there was none but as I was about dropping the call, a lady's voice spoke: "Hello, may I be of help?"..
Really, at this point, Sade got me on my toes with curiosity. "I'm listening nau Sade, talk if you want to talk, abeg" I said eagerly. Sade cleared her throat countless time. "Okay, they said that one Zainab has been missing from home with her baby. In fact, her husband is granting an interview with one of the correspondence! You can check 'The News station nau!" Sade said emphatically. Those words suddenly kept me on edge, I felt a swift rush of cold sweat on my nose, a sign that I had even become more nervous than I thought. I dropped the phone without responding. Hurriedly, I ran down to the living room and I put on the 'The News' station.
By now, I had gotten use to Sade's 'wondering' ways, I think I remember seeing her last on my sister's Thanksgiving... She just disappeared without a word. "Sade, I'm fine" I managed to respond. "Hmmm..if you see what I am seeing on the headlines now ehn!" Sade exclaimed. I became curious. "Okay. What is it?" I inquired further. "You won't believe it!" Sade went on.
I think I slept off almost immediately but not for long. I sat up on my bed and for a moment I was engrossed in deep thoughts with so many questions on my mind. Literally, I felt I was sinking and very fast at that! What if Zainab returned? What if she gets back with her husband and they both return for their child? Hmmm...My head grew bigger with so many presuppositions..I knew one way or the other, I needed help. I wasn't sure how this help would emerge though. Yea! My phone was still in pieces, lying on the floor. I simply picked it and was very lucky to have fixed it back in one piece. I had hardly finished when I got a call from Sade. "Hello babe, how far?" She said.
"Dad" I called out just before he could take another step. He turned around quickly."Hmm" he mumbled uncomfortably. "I was just wondering what you would say about this issue?" I said, sobbing. Daddy took a deep breath and tilted his face towards my direction. He cleared his throat for the up tenth time. "Well, my daughter, the matter is a very delicate one now..em..more than ever before, you need to thread carefully before it gets out of hand" Daddy responded. Actually, to say I was disappointed, is an understatement. I was practically being left to sail alone by my(once again, for emphasis) 'Barister' parents. Literarily, I became completely worn out. "Mum, Dad, excuse me" I said as I left for my room. As I laid on my bed, my phone rang, this time I grew anxious and with a rush like a hurricane, I grabbed the phone and smashed it on the floor!!
While mum attempted consoling me, dad was trying very hard to avoid the entire situation! See ehn, there is something about my dad and pressure, yea, pressure. He is one person I have grown to understand that cannot handle pressure, despite all his years in 'practicing' Law, he was yet to overcome his 'Phobia' for pressure. I soon noticed that he was practically sneaking up stairs in the course of my discussion with mum.
She actually had something in her eyes that seemed like she had something to say. "em, yea...what did he say?" Mum asked nervously. "Well, He wants his family back, his child and his wife. Zainab" I replied. Of course as expected, I noticed, Mummy grew even more uncomfortable. Okay, that, well understood but I wondered if she had any suggestions but the next thing she said, really surprised me. "So what do you intend to do?" Mummy asked. One would really expect that my 'BARISTER' parents would figure a way out or at least rub minds but it appeared like I was going to sail this ship alone. "..Mum, the baby is gone, Zainab is no where to be found, this is going to be difficult! As it were mum, I know I'm in trouble" I lamented as I broke down again.
"Look! Trishia or whatever you call yourself, I want my family back! I want my child, Laraba! and my wife, Zainab!" The voice said angrily. I quickly ended the call. I could perceive my parents eyes peeping through the car mirror, checking out on my countenance. I kept quiet reflecting on the outcome of the baby's demise. I'm sure by now, that was the main concern on everyone's mind. We eventually got home. Sluggishly, I laid my head on the couch, closed my eyes and slept off. .
*The ringing tone of my phone made me more alert than ever..This time I recognized the number, it was that strange person who had threatened me earlier over Zainab and her baby. Hmmm! Did I sense trouble? That was one question I was about to find out. I actually was not yet in the mood to answer any call so I let the phone ring. "em...Trishia, your phone is ringing" Mum notified me. 'I know mum. She stared at me curiously but I avoided her eyes. The phone rang continuously. " em..Trishia, I think you should answer the call" Daddy suggested. By now, I was very agitated so I angrily picked up the call.
[3/2, 6:43 PM] ejiro: I had actually been discharged. My parents took me home. The entire time we rode, there was silence with mummy stealing glances at me through the rear mirror. I guess she was simply checking on me. Nevertheless, that did not make much difference as my heart was filled with so much pain and grief. If there was one thing more resounding in my head, it was the guilt that made me feel: "Maybe, I should have done more! or even be more careful " Well, these thoughts kept creeping in. Then with what appeared like a calculated pace of time, the ringing tone of my phone made me more alert than ever...
[3/2, 5:39 PM] ejiro: "Madam, please, wait, what are you doing?" The Doctor said as he attempted preventing me further but I guess I was more determined on my quest. Soon, I bumped into another ward and there! Laid the little Baby! My heart suddenly leaped with joy. I stood by the door with mouth opened in awe as I watched this baby I had become fond of. Oh! That smile on her face again each time she sleeps was very glaring. I moved towards her bed and stood beside her, breathing a sigh of relief. Next, I bent over to kiss her chubby cheeks that looked just like a rose. In fact, I had christened her 'Rose'..Yes I called her baby Rose. As I pecked her cheek, I suddenly realized it was cold! The Doctor had given up on stopping me from seeing her but he still stood beside me, watching. "Doctor, she is very cold, can I take her home, I'm sure she is very tired and would love to be taken home, I will take care of her" I said desperately. The Doctor took a s...
"Okay, just give me a minute" The Doctor said as he turned to a patient he had been attending to. Eventually, he got back to me. "...but I thought you were also admitted" The Doctor pondered. I nodded my head in affirmation. The Doctor had a small frown. "Well, ain't you suppose to be in your ward by now?" He asked. Trust me, to say the least, I became quite impatient but I knew better. "Well Doc, I think I'm fine already" I responded with a grin. Not quite convinced, the Doctor picked up his phone and dialed. "Hello Lambart, is by chance one miss Trishia discharged already?....oh...OK..not yet..alright..thanks" The Doctor said over the phone and ended the call. "Miss Trishia, you are still under observation for now, Let's finish your treatment first" The Doctor responded. I think I became desperate..yea..so desperate that I began to move from ward to ward like a 'wounded Lion' who just got beaten from a b...
I felt the urge to inquire from one of the nurses immediately so I approached one of them... "Excuse me, excuse me!" I called out to get her attention as she hurried down the pathway but I guess I wasn't fast enough, she had entered another ward. Still desperate for some sort of information about the baby, I searched frantically for a Doctor. In not less than three minutes, I sighted one. He appeared to be very busy though but once I drew closer, I got his attention. I smile rather sheepishly considering the awkward moment."em...good day sir, I am Trishia, I brought a baby here, few hours ago and was told previously that she had convulsion, sir is it possible to see her now? What is her condition? Why is it taking so long to discharge her!?" I said, all in one breath. The Doctor paused for some moment and gave me quite a stare. "Are you the young lady who brought the little baby earlier in the day with a young along with a young man?" Well, even if t...
There was a little pink toy I saw lying on the floor and I thought it looked quite familiar. Still curious, I bent over to see more clearly and I soon realized that it was the same toy I had earlier given Zainab's daughter. "How did it get there?" I thought. Uncertain whether to pick it or not, I hesitated for a while before I eventually picked it up. After I used the bathroom, I headed straight for the children's ward, this time around, more determined to see the baby(After all, practically, she had become my responsibility). As I arrived the ward which I had seen earlier, I noticed the baby's bed was vacant!
In an instant, Daddy pulled Mum by her arm and took her outside. Okay! Maybe I'm missing out something here but It pretty obvious now, that something was really amidst here. Well, I said to myself, Trishia! no matter how long it would take, I'll be patient enough to wait for this News. Maybe it was the drug or something, suddenly I was so hungry that I could eat a horse! Just beside me was a giant cooler, I guessed Mum had brought it along so without hesitating, I opened it, of course! It was my favorite dish...wait a minute, I guess I still haven't mentioned it..ohhh..It's just simply 'Plantain and pepper fish'. Well, I sat upright and launched into my meal, very nice! *********************I had finished eating and was still waiting to hear the News from my parents, however they appear to be so engrossed in their 'sudden' discussion outside. I wondered what the urgency was. While waiting on them, I felt pressed and needed to use the bathroom. As I g...
Silence followed for a while until I asked the second time. "Trishia, there is a new development and I want you to see it as part of life" Mum said as she held my hands, believe me, I became very scared. I turned to my Dad and he avoided my eyes, then I knew there was certainly bad news coming. I turned back to Mummy and starred into her eyes, ready for the News she had to tell me. "So, what is it mum?
The voice did not sound familiar in anyway thus I was reluctant to give a reply. I waited further for the person to speak. "Well, I believe you know one Zainab.." Still I kept quiet and the person continued. "Anyway, I just want to inform you that You cannot do away with my family. I will come for my wife and my daughter, no matter what you do to prevent me from seeing her. I will take this case up legally" At this point, I hung up the phone. 'Hmmm! What was I to make up of this?" I began to think. My mind drifted away for a while, then my parents returned. I noticed their faces wore some heaviness. "Mum, Dad, what's the problem?" I wasted no time in asking.