HER BABYs SECRET Episode 21- 25 by Ebunoluwa Ademide

HER BABYs SECRET Episode 21 by Ebunoluwa Ademide

Theme: My baby’s secret

              Arike’s POV

I sat on my bed with a pillow popped up behind my back to make me comfortable. I have been in this position for about two hours,only getting out of bed whenever I needed to pee. 

I was too tired to even wash my dirty clothes in my laundry basket. I was too engrossed in browsing online about “pregnancy symptoms,how to stay healthy,how to be a good mother. I have read so much about being pregnant and motherhood.” I already embraced the fact that I would be a mother soon.

Busayomi had called like five times to check up on me. Her mind was on me and she promised to come with me.

My phone beeped next to me. Maybe Busayomi was calling again. I thought. I checked the caller’s ID only to see “Big Mommy” on the phone screen. Uncle Badejo’s wife was calling.

“Hello Ma.” I greeted when I picked the call.

“Arike -” her voice trailed off.

I leaned forward and dropped my laptop next to me. “Ma? Ki lo sele ma?” I asked, knowing something was wrong.

(What happened ma?)

She sounded like she was crying.

“It’s…your…dad…” She sobbed.

My heartbeat fastly. She was talking about Uncle Badejo.

“What happened to him?” I asked in a worried tone.

She sniffed. “Actually he was involved in a car accident.”

“What?!” I gasped out. But soon tried to relax when I remembered my condition.

I have been advised not to stress myself too much. Tears welled up in my eyes.

“He’s really in a bad shape, unconscious and…laying lifeless. I don’t know what to do, I am so scared right now.” She cried.

“You have to calm down, when did it happened?” I asked

“I got a call from the cops yesterday so I have been at the hospital since last night. And I just called to inform you about it.”

“Oh my God..” I breathed out heavily.

“Look Arike, I know you have a life of your own but you really have to come and see your dad. I am sure he will want to see you once he regains consciousness. Please come I don’t mind to talk to your boss to give you some time off and I will pay for your flight too.”

“There’s no need for that..” she interrupted me.

“I just need someone to be with me right now,I can’t bear this alone.” She cried.

“I understand and I will call you soon. Please just take care of yourself Ma.”

“Okay..okay..I will be expecting your call.” She disconnected the call

Dear God, please protect uncle Badejo..my Dad. Don’t let anything be happen to him. He’s the only family I have left and I don’t want to loose him. Please heal him. I prayed loudly as I paced the room.

I searched for my passport in the drawer I had dropped it. I have to leave the country to be with him.

Uncle Badejo and Aunty Sade relocated to America some years back,after I gained admission into University. They don’t have a child of their own but two adopted children. Their love for children made them established a Foster home and also running a Daycare services too which was going well.

I don’t have much time left. I have to travel out before I regret not leaving. I prayed against every bad thought.

Dear God I can’t lose Uncle Badejo now.

After much thinking,I realized that perhaps this could be the answer to my prayer.

Busayomi came over after I called her up to inform her about Uncle Badejo and my plan to leave the country.

“So you’re going to leave me?” She repeated for the umpteenth time.

I sighed. “This is the only way to hide my baby…that way Dayo won’t have to know.”

“No there must be another way.” She whispered. A sad look on her face.

I could see the tears welling up at the corners of her eyes.

“I don’t want you to leave.”

“I have to -“

She held my hands. “Listen..you can go to Uncle Badejo for a while and then when you return we will move to another state where Dayo will never find us. I promise to help you raise your child.”

I shook my head in disagreement. “This is my problem so I have to deal with it. You have your life and…I want you to be happy.”

“I want to be happy with you by my side.”

“No..it pains me too but I have to go.”

She embraced tightly. I am already missing her.

“I have to ask you for a favor.” I pulled away from her.

“What is it? Tell me…I will do anything.”

“It’s about Dayo.” I replied.

“I promise to never tell him about the baby. I will keep your baby secret forever.” She  said.

“Thank you but aside that don’t tell him I am leaving the country.”

She dropped my hands “You know..it’s impossible.”

“Why?” I asked with a raised eyebrow.

“If he doesn’t see you then he won’t let me rest and I’m afraid that I might spill the whole truth.”

“No, you can’t tell him about the baby.”

“Sure..but you have to inform him you are leaving the country.”

“Okay.” I nodded in agreement.

“And you need to talk to Bamidele too.”

“Sure..I will talk to him.”

“When?” She asked

“Tonight.” I answered.

“That’s good. I will go ahead and prepare dinner for us while you talk to the traveling agent.”

“Thank you.”

I carried her bag to the room and settled to talk to the agent who booked my ticket the last time I travelled to America. I made it a compulsory vacation to visit them during December. That’s the only time I get to see them.

I spoke to my agent and some minutes later he called to inform me that I should be ready to travel in a week time. I texted Aunty Sade, _uncle Badejo’s wife_ the way my mom used to call her. I told her when I would be coming over to America and she in turn promised to take care of Uncle Badejo,that I shouldn’t worry too much.

A whatsapp message notification from Dayo popped up on my screen. I decided to open all the messages he had sent over the past few days.

(I know you are busy that’s why you haven’t replied my messages. I am back to Nigeria now.)

That was the last messages he sent about two days ago.

(How have you been? I just wanted to tell you that I resumed work today as the CEO. Daddy stepped down so I am running things at the office now. I hope to see you soon.)

He sent this one on Monday.

(I miss you)

The message that just came in now. I closed the message and scroll down to look for the chat with Bamidele.

(Hi,we need to talk.) I sent it to him.

I went back to Dayo’s message to reply him.

(Hi, sorry for the late replies, I haven’t been online lately.) I texted him.

(I understand. How are you?) he replied me immediately.

I wasn’t expecting one from him soon.

(I am fine. But isn’t the CEO supposed to be working?)

(I am a bit free now. I am Just waiting for my secretary to bring some files I can sign and then close from work.)

He responded.

(Okay I hope you enjoyed your honeymoon?)

(Not really but it would have been better if it was with you.)

I heaved a sigh after reading the message,not knowing what to believe after everything I saw on Shalewa’s Instagram. I read all the caption under each photos she posted until I got tired. I thought they’ve settled their differences and decided to be  happy together. Dayo looked really happy in those pictures,making hard for me to believe him. No one would ever detect that he doesn’t want the marriage.

A beeping sound from my phone jolted me out of thought. It was an incoming video call from Dayo. I declined it. I can’t let him see my puffy face. I was afraid he would see through me and I would end up talking about my baby..our baby.

(I can’t pick up right now,still at the office.)

I sent a message to him. It was lie.

(I just want to see your face.)

(Maybe some other time.)

(My schedules are tight but I will always make out time for you whenever you want to see me.)

We won’t be seeing each other anytime soon. I wanted to type back but I stopped myself.

(Okay) I replied instead.

(I have to go. Talk to you later.)

I didn’t know a tear had dropped while I was chatting with Dayo. And I found myself crying that I had gotten myself into a situation no one can save me from. Though at the same time I was happy for Dayo. He got what he wanted – to be the CEO of Awosika Empire.

I wiped my face and headed out of the room.

EPISODE 22

Theme: I don’t love you

Arike’s POV

“Are you okay?”  Busayomi asked when I entered the kitchen.

“Yes..I am fine.”

“Rice or swallow?” She asked.

“Rice…no.. I’d prefer swallow.” I answered.

“Okay..I will prepare Eba.”

“That’s cool. Thank you.”

I brief her about the agent response and all she did was heave out a huge sigh. She wasn’t happy.

I grabbed an apple from the refrigerator.

“Have you thought about the gender of your baby?” She asked.

“No, I haven’t given it a thought.”

“A boy would definitely look like Adedayo.” She said.

“I don’t want a boy.” I resorted Immediately.

She laughed. “So no one would know the truth.”

“I want a baby girl.” I whispered.

“Any gender is fine by me as long as I get to be called big mommy.” She said.

We laughed.

I would definitely devote my life to raising my child.

“Will you be needing a new box?” She asked

“Oh Yes! The zip of the old one has worn out.”

“Okay..we’ll go probably on Friday or Saturday to get a new one.”

I nodded. “I will text my boss to let him know I want to resign.”

“He won’t be happy.”

“I have to go anyways.” I shrugged.

The doorbell sounded. “Are you expecting someone?” She asked.

“No, I am not expecting anyone. But -” I paused.

“I had a chat with Dayo and texted Bamidele too.”

“Maybe it’s Bamidele.” She said.

“What if it’s Dayo?” I panicked. “Is it obvious that I am pregnant?” I touched my face. “Do I look different?”

She eyed me. “See if you don’t stop acting like this everyone will know that you’re pregnant.” She hissed.

I relax a bit. “It can be Bamidele.”

“I will get the door while you pull yourself together. Relax okay?” I nodded and Busayomi walked out of the kitchen.

“I am coming!” She shouted to calm whoever was at the door.

Dayo won’t be stupid enough to leave work and come here. I just hope he is not the one at the door. I am not ready to face him.

“Arike, Bamidele is here!”

I heaved a sigh of relief. Oh thank Goodness! Now I have to deal with Bamidele.

I went into the sitting room to meet Bamidele smiling brilliantly at Busayomi as they talked.

“I didn’t expect to meet you here,” he said.

“I wasn’t expecting to see you too.” She replied with a laugh. “How is work?”

“Stressful..but I have no choice.” He laughed.

“ABI o..we have to work to put food on the table.” Busayomi answered while Bamidele and I exchanged glances.

“I am preparing dinner,would you like some food?” She asked.

“Well..I am not sure. I am okay for now.”

“Okay so.. I’ll just leave you two to talk.” She shot me a compose yourself look before walking away.

“Are you alright?” He asked.

“Yes..I am fine. Please take a seat.”

“Thank you. I finished up my work at the office so decided to drop by since you wanted to talk.” He said.

I rubbed my palms together.

“Ahm..I am leaving the country.” I announced.

He shot me a shocked look. “Why? And how long have you been planning it?”

“I received a call from my Aunt today. My uncle was involved in an accident.”

He came to sit beside me on the couch. “Is that why you texted saying we needed to talk?”

I nodded. “It’s alright. You have to go and see your uncle.” He held my hands. “I can help with the flight ticket.”

“No..it’s all sorted out.”

 “So when will you be back?” He asked

Now here is the main issue! I withdrew from his touch and stood up from the couch.

“The truth is that…” I paused.

“What truth?” He asked.

“I am not coming back. I will be staying for a really long time.”

He raised his eyebrows. “Why do you have to relocate abroad? Is it something that serious?”

He came to me.

“I just want to be with my dad.” I responded without looking up at him.

“No..no..you can’t leave like that. What about me? What about us?”

I breathed out heavily. “That’s why I think we should break up.” I blurted out.

“Just like that?” He gasped out.

I could see the hurt in his expression. I should have been more careful with my words.

“Our relationship isn’t even up to a month and you just want to end things just like that?”

“I am sorry.”

“Tell me the truth…Arike this is not just about your dad!”

I turned away from him. “It’s..It’s about him.” I lied

“No… we’re not ending things like this. Look -” he swirled me to face him. “I am coming with you.”

What?! My jaw dropped completely.

“I’ll arrange for my papers and then..we can leave together.”

He is Insane! Definitely! He is funny to think that I would allow that to happen.

“No, Bamidele you can’t come with me.” I objected.

“Why not?” He cupped my face. “My girlfriend is relocating abroad so why can’t I do the same?”

“You can’t -“

He interrupted me. “There’s no point in staying back when you’re moving out.”

“You have a work here.”

“I can get one over there too. We are not breaking up.” He said seriously.

What do I do?

“Why would you want to relocate abroad without talking to me about it? Don’t you care about me?” He asked.

“I care about you.” I answered.

He sighed and rubbed his face with his palms. “I need you to be honest with me..” he stopped.

My heartbeat accelerated. Does he know I am pregnant?

“Do you truly love me?” He asked.

“Why are you asking me?”

“Because you can’t just make a decision to relocate abroad without telling your boyfriend? If you truly love me..then you would have waited for my say before even booking a ticket.”

“My dad is in coma!”

“Not an excuse to want to leave just like that!” He said defensively.

We lapsed into silence for some seconds.

“Do you love me,Arike?” He asked again.

 This is the point! I can’t continue deceiving him.

“No,I don’t love you.” I said honestly.

He turned away from me. “I knew it.” He snorted under his breath.

“I am sorry.”

“No..don’t be please.” He forcrd a smile to appear on his face.

“I really tried to but-“

“Nothing worked..you possibly can’t feel the same way I feel because of who I used to be.”

“No..no..that’s not true.” I countered.

“Stop lying to me. I could tell you doubted me when I said I wasn’t gay anymore.” He said.

“No! That’s not true! I swear..I never really cared about your sexuality.” I said sincerely.

“So why can’t you love me?”

“Bamidele -“

“Oh! Ouch! I think I know -” he hit his forehead.

How do I explain things to him without involving Dayo or my baby.

“It must be because of him. Dayo is the one you love.” He gritted.

“No…”

“Don’t deny it. I have my reasons for concluding that it’s him. Aside from being his best friend, you feel something for him. And you and I both know the truth.”

I dare not utter a word. I just let the tears flow freely. I know Bamidele was deeply hurt and angry but he was trying to act cool and calm.

“From your silence..I guess am right. So which means you only got along with me to distract yourself from whatever you’re feeling for Dayo.”

“No…” I tried to deny but he cut me off by raising his hand up.

“Okay you find it easy to leave because you don’t think about me. Arike,for a moment,I thought we were real. I thought I was finally having this happiness I have always wanted but -”  he paused and shook his head.

“I was wrong.” He completed.

“I am sorry.” I muttered.

“Don’t be sorry,it’s my fault. I will assume that I was too forward with you. And I should have respected your decision to remain just friends.” He said

“Bamidele?” Busayomi called him

Thank Goodness,maybe she could help me talk to him.

EPISODE 23

Theme: Goodbye

Arike’s POV

Bamidele turned to face her.

“It’s not what you think…” She added.

“So what should I think?” He asked.

“It’s my fault.” She said.

I looked up at her. Now she wants to take all the blame.

“I was the one who pestered her to give you a chance..”

“So it was against her will to date me?”

“Kind off..” she scratched her neck.

That was partly untrue.

He shook his head. “You know what? I think this is where I have to accept the break up.”

“I am sorry.” I mumbled again.

“Can you stop saying sorry?!” He snapped.

“Calm down Bamidele…” Busayomi cautioned him in a soft tone. “I know you are hurting but -“

He interrupted her. “Well..I hope you have a good life abroad,Arike.”

One last look at me and then he was on his way out. Bamidele was heartbroken but he did a great job at hiding it.

Busayomi hugged after he left.

“Don’t worry everything will be fine..soon.”

I hope everything will be fine soon.

FIVE DAYS LATER

I would be leaving Nigeria tomorrow, and I haven’t gotten the courage to tell Adedayo about it. I wanted to leave without informing him but Busayomi kicked against it.

I haven’t heard from Bamidele ever since he left my home. I tried to text him, apologizing for my wrong deeds but he read the messages but never replied. I knew that I had lost a very good friend though I wished things didn’t turn out this way between us.

Busayomi went out to buy some items which Aunty Sade asked me to bring along. And everything would be set for me to leave.

I picked up my phone to get things done once and for all. An incoming video call came in as soon as I switched on my data connection. Talking of the Devil – Dayo. I declined but later switched to Voice Call.

“Hi Adedayo,” I said

“Hi Arike,how are you?” He asked.

“I am good. What about you?”

“Bored…” He grumbled.

“And Shalewa?” I asked.

 “Shalewa isn’t home.” He replied.

“Where is she?”

“Working on a new movie.” He replied

“Okay.”

“I just finished up some files and decided to call to check on you.”

“I was just about to call you too.” I muttered.

“Sounds like we were thinking about each other.” He said

“I need to tell you something.” I said after breathing in and out heavily.

It’s getting late,why hasn’t Busayomi returned from the store? I thought within as my gaze flickered to the time.

“What’s wrong?” He asked.

“I am relocating abroad.”

“What?! Are you serious?” He sounded surprised.

“Yes..” I explained the reason to him. Uncle Badejo was still in coma.

“Listen..why relocate when you can just be with them for some time and then return?”

“No…I think it’s better to stay there with him. It’s the less I can do to repay him for everything he has done for me.”

“Okay.. you’re right. And if that’s what you want,no problem. So do you want me to arrange the private jet for you?”

“No, that won’t be necessary. I already booked a flight.” I answered.

“When are you leaving?”

“Tomorrow morning. My flight is at 7:00am”

“Tomorrow? How long have you been planning it?” He gaped.

“Almost a week.”

“Wow! Seems like you were planning to leave without telling me.”

I thought of what to say without him thinking I didn’t want to tell him about it. “I have been busy arranging things.”

“Arike?” He called after a few seconds of silence. “I know things has been really awkward between us since we got intimate sexually. But I don’t want think that you’re relocating because of me or what happened between us.”

“No it’s not -“

He cuts me off. “I know it’s hard…I mean to see me married to someone else.”

I am leaving because I am carrying your child. I said within.

I sighed. “Dayo,I am not leaving because of what happened. I Just want to be close to my dad. And now that he’s sick, his wife would need extra help running the Foster Home.” I explained calmly so he won’t detect that I wasn’t completely honest with him.

“Okay..I understand. I will call you tomorrow.”

And with that he disconnected the call. I fought the cry to break down and cry as I placed my hands on my belly, caressing it gently.

NEXT MORNING

At 6:00am, I was set up to leave for the airport.

“Have you taken your diary?” Busayomi asked.

“Yes,I already packed everything into the box.” I pointed out.

“Good,the Uber driver is almost here.”

“Maybe we should bring the bags outside.” I suggested.

“Yes so we won’t keep him waiting when he comes.” She agreed.

I grabbed one box while she took the other one. We made our way out of the apartment.

Busayomi checked her phone. “Let’s bring it outside the gate, he’ll be here in two minutes.” She said.

I locked the doors and handed her the keys before we motioned towards the gate.

My heart beat skipped beats at a time when Dayo stepped out of the car. I wasn’t expecting to see him before leaving the country.

Busayomi and I exchanged glances. Is Dayo the Uberman? I wanted to ask but she was surprised as I was.

“Good Morning,Dayo.” She greeted.

“Good Morning.” He answered. “I just thought that I should take you to the airport.” He added.

“Thanks but there’s no need. We already booked Uber since last night.” Busayomi replied.

The Uberman was Busayomi’s course mate in school. So it was easy to talk him into driving us to airport very early today.

A car horn caught our attention.

“Oh! He’s here!” Busayomi announced.

She took the boxes from me. “I’ll put the boxes in the car.”

“Okay.”

“So…this so where I have to say goodbye.” He huffed.

“Text me your address and phone number when you get there. So I can always check on you whenever I am out for a business trip.” He added.

I nodded but in my mind I won’t be doing anything of what he asked of me. I already envisioned a farther apart as I decided to cut ties with Dayo completely. It’s the only way to protect my baby.

“I am going to miss you.” He stepped close to me.

I forced a smile on my face. “Likewise.” I muttered.

Then he embraced me. “I am still going to keep to my promise.” He whispered into my ear.

“I don’t want to ask too much. I love you,Arike.” He added.

I love you too. I wanted to say it out but I kept my words at Bay.

I withdrew from the hug. “You take care of yourself okay?”

He shook his head. “Stay Safe. Goodbye.”

“Goodbye.” I said before walking towards the car.

One last glance at Dayo,he waved and I did the same too before entering the car.

The engine roared into life as the driver made a u-turn. I let down the tears that had threatened to spill in front of Dayo. I felt Busayomi touch on my hands.

I looked up to see her arms spread for me to hug her. And I adjusted into them.

“It’s alright, don’t cry.” She Pat me.

I hoped that I was doing the right thing. I am just doing everything from my unborn child.

EPISODE 24

Theme:He is awake

              Arike’s POV

UNITED STATE OF AMERICA

“Arike!” I heard a familiar voice that didn’t call my name the right way.

I whipped around in the airport,a smile spreading across my face as I saw aunty Sade and Daniel waving at me.

Daniel was the designated driver working at the Foster Home. I have known him for four years now and he was pretty close to my uncle.

“I missed you so much!” Aunty Sade said with an half smile.

“I missed you too!” I hugged her.

I exchanged pleasantries with Daniel who was about my age.

“Good to see you again,Arike!” Daniel grinned as he collected my boxes.

“Likewise Daniel.” I replied.

We made it out of the airport to the car. I hopped into the back seat with Aunty Sade while Daniel loaded the boxes in the booth.

“You must be really tired.” Aunty Sade said.

“Not really ma,I am okay.”

I am more concerned about my uncle who was still unconscious in the hospital.

“What about Busayomi?” She asked

“Oh she’s good! And she sent her greetings too.”

“I am sure she won’t be happy about you coming over.”

I shook my head. “She promised to visit soon.” I responded.

Daniel started the car. “What about Adedayo?”

My heartbeat accelerated at the mention of his name. I fiddled with my fingers trying to keep calm.

“I heard he got married.” She added.

I nodded. “It’s a good thing and I am happy for him.”

My hands were shaking. “He’s gonna miss you too!” She let out a soft laugh. “Ah! Dayo the troublesome boy! Playful Dayo is now a married man!”

She called him troublesome Dayo when we were little. Whenever he comes over to say hi at our home,he was always everywhere, talking to my uncle and his wife, keeping their company while I spend my time doing our homeworks or helping him with his notes. Those moments came crashing into my mind – Days I had spent with him as a best friend.

I reopened my eyes when I felt a touch on my hand.

“Are you alright?” She asked.

“Me? Yes! Yes…I am fine.” I withdrew from her.

“You don’t look too well. Are you sick?” She examined my palms with a worried look on her face.

“I am okay…let just worry about dad.” I said

“He’s going to be fine.” She gave me a reassuring smile.

Aunty Sade doesn’t know that I wasn’t returning back to Nigeria. She thought I was here for a vacation like I used to. But sooner she would find out because I have to tell her I am pregnant.

“Is there something bothering you?!”

We exchanged glances. I know I looked distracted and disturbed and distant. I was lost in thought.

“Talk to me…” She smiled.

“Actually…a lot of things happened back home.” I mumbled.

“What is it?”  She asked looking straight in my eyes as if she was starting into my soul.

I broke the eye contact and looked out the window. No! I wasn’t ready to tell her about it. She already had so much to handle. Definitely not with Daniel here…maybe later I’ll summon the courage.

“I will tell you everything when we get home.”

I noticed Daniel looking at me through the mirror but I didn’t pay attention to him.

“You look tired.” He said.

“I will like to visit daddy before going home.” I said ignoring Daniel.

“No,you need to rest we can check in tomorrow.”

I shook my head in agreement. “You need to rest too.” I pointed to the dark circles beneath her eyes.

No doubt,she hasn’t had a good rest since Uncle Badejo got admitted.

Finally we reached the house. The children rushed towards me, screaming my name. “Miss Arike!!”

“Hello Babies!” I laughed, hugging each one of them.

I noticed new faces amongst the children and was ready to get to know them.

“Miss Arike,it’s good to have you back here again! The children really missed you!” Isabella,one of the workers around said excitedly.

“I missed you all too!”

Aunty Sade Introduced the children and two new staffs to me.

“Miss Arike,what about your best friend?” A five years old girl named Daniella asked. “What’s her name?” She tried to remember.

“The one that was here last year!” Steven clapped his hands.

“Miss Bu-Bu-” Daniella stopped with a sigh. I decided to help her out after seeing the look of frustration on her face.

“My friend,Busayomi is doing okay!”

“Is she coming tomorrow?” Another girl asked.

“No but she promised to visit us soon!” I replied.

The children screamed, excitement on their faces.

“You should rest now.” Aunty Sade whispered to me after I have spent a good time with the children. I nodded in agreement. I was tired.

She beckoned to two staffs to help me with my boxes into my room.

“Take a shower while I ask someone to prepare something for you.”

“Thank you ma”

I went into my room,searched for the line I always switch into whenever I was here. It was still intact as I had kept it in the drawer. I would change the number so that Dayo won’t be able to reach me. And I had warned Busayomi to never share it with him.

It is so sad that I didn’t get to see Bamidele before leaving Nigeria. He must be really angry at me for using him.

I slipped out of my clothes after fixing the line into the phone. I deleted Dayo’s number, promising myself that I would never call him even though I know his number by heart.

I sent a text to Busayomi to let her know I was home. I went into the bathroom to shower and did my thing.

As soon as I finished wearing my nightie, knock sounded on the door.

“Come in,” I said.

Aunty Sade walked in with a tray in her hand.

“Dinner,” she said

I went to collect the tray from her. “Thank you ma.”

“You’re welcome.” Then she walked away.

*********************************

I woke up to feeling nauseous and sick. I managed to get out of bed before I messed up the whole place. I threw up in the toilet. God! This feeling is sickening! Tears pooled up in my eyes.

“Arike! Arike! Are you in the bathroom?!” I heard Aunty Sade’s voice in the room.

“Yes Ma!” I responded.

I rinsed my face and flushed the toilet before moving out to meet her.

“Good morning ma,” I greeted.

“Bawo ni? Se o sun dada?” She asked in our native language.

How are you? Did you slept well?

“Yes Ma.”

“Breakfast is rea -” she was interrupted by a beeping sound. I looked around.

“Oh sorry…it’s my phone.” She reached for her apron where she kept her phone.

“Hello…yeah..I am Mrs Sade….” She looked at me. “I am his wife..is everything okay?”

I moved closer to her,my heart pounding hard against my chat. It must be a call from the hospital.

“Please…how…is my husband?” She asked shakily.

Soon a smile broke out on her face. “He is awake!” She said.

Relief rushed through me. “Yes…I will be on my way!”

Then she disconnected the call. “Your dad is awake!” She said, tear dropped down her cheek.

EPISODE 25

Theme: I quit my job

Arike’s POV

“Thank God!” We said in unison as we hugged each other.

“I am coming with you.” I said when she pulled away from me.

“Yes…I am sure your dad would be happy to see you. Get dressed while I change too.”

“Yes Ma.” She rushed out of my room.

I had the quickest bathe, feeling excited to see my uncle and thankful that he had made it through. I could see the smiles on everyone faces when I stepped out of my room. They are definitely happy the boss was awake.

“Let’s go..” she gestured to me.

“Isabella,take care of the kids. We won’t stay too long okay?”

“I understand ma’am.” She replied.

We got into the car and made the trip to the hospital.

*******************

Aunty Sade hurried to the reception desk. “Please,I am here to see my husband who has been in ICU for some days now.”

“What’s the patient name?” The lady asked.

“Mr Badejo Thompson.”

“Oh! He has been moved to ward 206. Just go down the corridor and look -“

Aunty Sade didn’t wait for the receptionist to finish giving directions. I tried to keep up with her but she was moving too fast.

“Walk fast Arike.”

Finally we got to the ward where the doctor was just stepping out. “Excuse me, doctor.” Aunty Sade stopped him. He stopped to look at us.

“Oh ma’am…” A look of recognition registered on his face. “Your husband is awake.”

“How is he doing now?” I asked.

The daughter gave me a who-are-you look.

“She’s my daughter.” Aunty Sade said.

“Oh! Miss! Your dad is doing just fine.”

“Oh..thank goodness.” I mumbled.

“He should be discharged In few days time.”

“Thank you doctor. Can we go in to see him?” She asked.

“Yes…you can go in.”

We both thanked the doctor again before he walked away.

I was relief by the doctor’s words. I was thankful to God for giving my uncle a chance to live again.

“I am so happy he made it. ” She said happily.

I looked at the face of the woman who treated me like her own child. I don’t have a memory of her maltreating me when I was little. I could remember the day she said that I was the child she never had. And I don’t know if I would ever be able to repay them for their kindness.

I saw the tears in her eyes when she pulled away from me. I could imagine how she had felt this past few days. She must have been scared of losing her husband. You can only understand this feeling if you’ve had a loved one who was at the point of death or that pain of losing a loved one to the cold hands of death.

“Let’s go in -” she held the knob of the door and opened it for me to walk in.

A shocking look appeared on his face when his eyes fell on me.

“A…ri..ke” he called me in a low tone, stretching his forward for me to hold him.

He was in a bad shape. Bandage wrapped around his head stitches on face and bruises on some part of his body.

“Dad…” My voice trailed off as I held his hand, tears dropping down my cheeks. His wife adjusted the bed for him to sit up.

“Honey.” He managed to smile.

“Yeah…I know you asked me not to pester her about visiting us this year but I didn’t have a choice.”

“Dad, she did the right thing by letting me know about your situation.”

“And the next thing you did was fly over. What about your work?” He asked.

“Darling it’s not time to scold anybody.”

I nodded in agreement. “Everyone is happy that you survived the crash.” I added.

He squeezed my hands gently. “I am so happy to see you.” He smiled.

“See you now o…father and daughter aren’t you glad that I called her.”

“Please mommmyyy.” I laughed.

“Always acting stubborn… Let me tell you something, he planned to visit you in Nigeria since he couldn’t reach you for a while.” She laughed out.

“Is that true?” I asked him.

“I was just worried about you. The network was so bad.” He stopped.

“I missed you.” He admitted.

“Oh..someone is emotional now.” She teased.

“Please I am talking to my daughter.” We all laughed.

It was a good one. I watched aunty Sade being touchy with her husband.

“Ouch…this stitches has spoiled your handsome face.” She said soberly

“I am still going to heal..” He mumbled.

“I don’t care about the scars as long as you are with me.” She kissed him.

I smiled when he looked at me.

“Hey..haven’t you been eating well?” He asked me.

“Ermm..I have been -“

“You look pale,are sick my dear?” His eyes examined me.

“No,I am not sick.”

“Maybe it’s work stress.” Aunty Sade added.

I was sure this wasn’t the right time to talk about my condition. In the last few days,my mind has been on what their reactions would be if I told them I was pregnant. What would they say when I break the news that Dayo was the father of my child? Would they accept my decision to keeping my baby a secret?  Series of questions has stomped my mind. To be honest I wasn’t ready to tell them.

“Arike,how long would you be staying?” He asked.

“Ahm…the truth is that -“ I paused to study their expression – happy. “ I will be staying for a long time.” I added,still looking at them. Now their expressions wasn’t happy anymore. It was filled with mixed emotions. Confusion and surprise.

“Why? But you didn’t tell me you would be staying for a long time,” Aunty Sade said.

“What about your work?” Uncle Badejo asked.

I avoided making an eye contact with them. “I resigned at work too.”

“What?!” They both said in unison.

“Why? Is it because of me?” Uncle Badejo asked. A hint of guilt in his tone.

There’s something else but I bit back my words.

“No,you shouldn’t have done that,being a lawyer is what you’ve ever wanted. Why quit now?” He argued.

“I am sorry. I..I..just thought it would be best to be with you..that’s all” I mumbled. It was partly true.

Then we lapsed into silence for some seconds before uncle badejo spoke up again.

Tears flowed down my cheeks as I fiddled with my fingers.

“It’s alright…you can stay.” He said.

“Thank you sir.”

“Now stop crying…” Aunty Sade rubbed my back to calm me down.

TWO WEEKS LATER

Uncle Badejo was discharged from the hospital about a week ago. Some stitches on his face has been taken out leaving minor scars on the surface. He doesn’t look sick with the energy he is giving to the children at the home. He was back to working at the home.

I need to talk him. I can’t keep hiding forever and my mind was made up to tell them everything. At this point I don’t mind what they would say,how they would feel or what they would think of me. I can’t hide my baby from them forever,moreover they are the only ones who can help me.

“Oh! You’re awake!” Uncle Badejo beamed when he saw me.

“Yes sir.. where is mom?” I asked.

He looked around to find her but she wasn’t anywhere near.

“I saw her with Juan not quite long,maybe she’s in the kitchen now.” He said. “Is everything okay?” He asked as he studied my face.

“Yes…we need to talk.”

He gave the toddler he was carrying to one of the female staffs. “Take care of him.”

“Okay sir..I’ll put him in the crib.” The lady responded.

“Very good…Let’s talk in my office.”

“Breakfast is ready!” Aunty Sade announced as she came walking towards us.

“I’ll eat after I talk to Arike.”

“Is everything alright?”

“Yes…I just need to talk to the both of you.”

“Okay…let me just drop this in the kitchen.” She removed her apron and motioned towards the kitchen.

“Meet us in my office.” He shouted behind her.

We went into his office and it didn’t take long for Aunty Sade to join us.

“You can talk now.” He said.

“I have done something wrong and I know you’ll both be angry once I tell you what this is about.”

They exchanged glances. “You haven’t done anything wrong since you got here.” Aunty Sade said.

“Except that you resigned without consulting me.” Uncle Badejo added.

HER BABYs SECRET
#OpraDre

Drop your comment