PART 27
“NWALA: THE BITTERSWEET STORY”
©️ Opeyemi Akintunde.
As Inspired by the LIVING WORD.
“Aunty” Timo was the one who opened the door.
I am sure you remember who Timo is; The boy I knocked down and Reuben adopted.
Reuben had handed him over to the Head of Education at the church. The church had, a nursery and primary school right in the church premises. Timo was living with the Head of Education, so as to brush him up in English language before enrolling him in the school system. He came occasionally to see Reuben.
“Timo… so good to see you” I said really excited to see him. He was looking good.
“I am also happy to see you ma” Timo said
“Oh wow! I like the sound of that” his English was sounding so well.
“Thank you ma”
“Good afternoon, Sir! Ma!” I said surprised to see Bishop and his wife in the living room.
“Nwala! How are you? Bishop said with an excited voice.
“Good afternoon” His wife managed to murmur…
The atmosphere was very awkward.
“Uncle is in room” Timo said trying to save me from the awkwardness.
“Ok… Can you please tell him I am around” I said trying to respect his parents.
“That would be a lot of stress for him bearing in mind his state” Reuben’s Mom said with an angry, judgmental and murdering voice, but trust Bishop to always come to my rescue.
“So it will be better you go to his room… That’s what mummy is trying to say” Bishop said…
“Ok sir, thanks ma, thanks sir” I said following Timo up the stairs.
“Since he is yet to have his own place where will he marry into?” I asked myself.
I was pleasantly surprised when I got to his room. His door was wide opened. Timo called his name in excitement.
“Uncle” but his back was to the door, and he had his earphone plugged in.
He was sweating, he was praying in tongues though in a low tone…
Timo ran to him and tapped his shoulder, Reuben opened his eyes and flashed Timo a very genuine smile…
“You want to join me?” He asked
Timo shook his head in the negative and pointed to the door…
Reuben turned and I could count the emotions that flashed at me… Surprise, Joy, unhappiness, sadness, longing.
“Hi Nwala” Reuben said. He quickly got back himself and flashed me a smile…
“I will be downstairs” Timo said rushing out of the room.
“And so to what do I owe this pleasant visit my heart has been longing for?’
Reuben just had a way with words.
“I am sorry about the last time” I said
“Ok…”
“I shouldn’t have thought the way I did… the truth is I want to be with you, but fear got a hold on me”
“And now?”
“I am ready to go on the journey with you”
“Regardless if I never walk again?”
“Yes, but I have faith you will walk again”
“What if I really never walk again?” Reuben asked intentionally
“I am ready” I said
“What if after marriage, I am not able to perform well on bed?” He asked
“I have thought about it, and I have realized marriage is not just about sex, but love, friendship and peace and I believe you will give me all that!”
Reuben wheeled his chair to meet me at the entrance.
“Is this you speaking or your Mum?” He asked with teary eyes.
“Me” I replied
“I will understand if you leave me, I won’t want you feeling like you had no choice”
“Reuben, you don’t want to marry me?’ I asked because I was afraid Amara would take him from me.
“Nwala, there is nothing else I want in this life than to be loved by you and raise a family with you”
“Then let’s do it” I said planting a kiss on his lips. At first Reuben’s emotion got him flowing with me, but he pulled back…
“Can we save that for church?” he said laughing.
“Church?” I asked
“When the Pastor says you may kiss the bride…” He said with a big excited and satisfying smile on his face…
To be continued.
