In The Dark

In The Dark – Episode 15

In The Dark – Episode 15
A Story By Stanley Oluwatosin
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Nelly sat on kh0le’s bed and looked down at her feet, i did not know if i was doing the right thing listening to her but i wanted to clear things ones and for all.
Nelly cleared her throat and said “Am sure you that my genotype is SS,my parent told your late mom the day we had dinner with your family.They also told her that i inherit it from my dad and i was going through some serious treatment.Yes i was going through treatment then but the treatment did little or nothing to help my health condition.The fact is that I am a chronic sickler and this has lead to a lungs injury, which is called “Chronic acute injury”.The chronic lungs injury causes a fibr*t*c lungs which causes the right side of the heart giving out from pumping against the higher pressure. (cor pulmonale). Due to my lungs injury, i was also diagnosed with asthma as well, which is also a disease of the lungs caused by the swelling and production of mucus by the bronchioles and tiny airways.
Five years ago i was diagonised with this two diseases and my world crashed.I am an only child and the thought of leaving my parent behind made me want to cry myself to death.I was a walking corpse but you would’nt know that” nelly said with a teary voice.
I felt for her and the fact that she was crying almost made me cry.I knew she had more to say since all she said had no connection with the reason why she had to cheat with Jordan but she was silent for awhile, probably trying to get a hold of herself.
“sorry about the silence, that how i react whenever i am talking about my health condition” Nelly said with a sad smile and i noded in return, she adjusted herself and continued. “When i found out about my health condition, at first thought that was the end of the world for me but after a period of time i decided to fulfil all my desire with the little time i had left instead of going around like a walking dead. You might remember i once told you i was into a forced relationsh¡p without love? The major desire of mine then was falling inlove and making love. I really wanted to feel love, i looked forward to finding love and the day you introduced Jordan to me, i felt like my world was complete”
At this point i felt like slapping nelly but instead i walked to a corner of the room and faced the wall, backing her in the process to suppress my anger. “I know you are beginning to get angry but please you have to listen to the end” Nelly said and i nodded without turning back.
“After introducing Jordan to me at the gym, i also met him in a super market the following week. Knowing i was your friend, he was friendly with me and that was when i was able to have his contact. At first i took Jordan’s friendliness for love but after days without him getting serious with me, i became desperate. I asked him out and confessed my love for him, hoping he would’nt turn me down. Unfortunately he did and that made my condition worse. He told me i might have the same physical feature with you but i could never be you,that really brooke my heart.I could’nt imagine making love with any other guy apart from him and the thought of him not wanting me made me sick. The following day, you told me in school about Jordan asking you out and k-ssing you at his party, if you noticed i was not happy and that only made me more desperate. I decided to stay calm for a while and make my advances later. Not long after then your mom died and jordan had little or no time for me,he was bussy taking care of you. The care and love he showered you made me seek for love the more. Since Jordan did not tell you about my advances toward him, i concluded he was a good guy and he could fulfil my desire out of pity. I came strong on him that fateful sunday afternoon with my medical report and told him my story in tears. He felt bad for me and in a bid to console me he hugged me. I held him tight and told him about my heart desire, i pleaded with him to help make my dream come through and with much pleading he fell for my tears and he made love to me out of pity.Unfortunately, you caught us and that made me realise my mistakes, the fact that i implicated Jordan made me regret all my actions. He was too scared to come for you knowing how betrayed you would feel but he never stopped loving you, a feeling he never had for me. After that incident i felt seriously ill and he stood by me.On one of his visit he held my hand and said ‘Stop blaming yourself for what happened and concentrate on your health, its not entirely your fault and i hope you believe in fate.I hope you know that i can never be with you,but if my fate is to make you happy throughout the time you have left,i promise to stay with you’ his words made me feel love and we agreed to be friends.That was why you saw us together at the supermarket. Jordan is innocence and All the blame is on me. Am just a sick girl trying to get the best out of life before i wil say my final goodbyes”
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Nelly ended her story in tears. The anger that was boiling in me knew no bound. I rushed at her to give her a hot slap and she shut her eyes, i stopped my raised hand half way when i remembered her last statement “Am just a sick girl trying to get the best out of life before i will say my final goodbyes” that last statement she made, subdued my anger. Beating her might lead to her fainting or her condition might get worsened and i was not ready to let a murder case tie me down half of achieving my goal in life.
Nelly opened her eyes and i was sure she was shocked at me not hitting her but her next statement shocked me. “Go ahead and hit me! You think you are the only one been hurt? How do you think i feel carrying this guilt with me for the past five years? How do you think it feels loving someone that can never love me back just because he loves you? How do you think Jordan feels? You tagging him guilty all this while? He never had a relationsh¡p for the past five years just because he believed you are the only one that can occupy the space in his heart? It took him five years! Five good years Nancy to gather his act together and come searching for you. If not for the love you shared, for the sacrifices he made, for the friendsh¡p we once had which was approved by your late mom, for me to finally die peacefully whenever death comes knocking, please forgive Nancy, I am begging of you” Nelly ended her speech and went on her kneels. I was close to her but i could not help her up, there was alot going on in my head and i could not place what to do. She brought my late mom into the wh0le of this and now i can’t go back disrespecting my mom. When she was alive, i never for ones disrespect her or go against her wish when she was alive. I would not start to disrespec her because she was six feets below the ground. I decided to let go and allow peace to rein. Wherever my mom was, i knew she would be proud of the baby she raised.
I helped nelly up and wiped her tears. I could see the surprise in her eyes as i took her into my arms. She wept like a baby and i was able to treat her like a baby since she was smaller now. I released her from my grip and said to her “Everything is over, welcome back twinny” Nelly could not utter a word, she only hugged me tight again.
I finally released myself from the hug and i told her we should go meet others and we left for our house in my car.
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During the drive home, myself and nelly chatted alot, she did most of the talking and it was as if she had nobody to share her thought with for the past five years. In the middle of the talk i asked nelly why she could not travel abroad for treatment since they have better equipment over there, she gave a sad smille and said “only God gives health twinny, i have been to abroad for treatment more than ten times for the past five years, but the last treatment i went for made me stop going. The doctor personally told me they have tried there possible best and the best i could do was move closer to God because only a miracle can save me” nelly was in tears when she finishes talking, i was in tears too and i could not help but thank the lord. Although i went through rough times as well but nothing can be compared to having it all but health. I placed a hand on Nelly’s lap and the other on the wheel while i faced the road and said some comforting statements to her.
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Thirty minutes later, we got to home. We met kh0le, Josh and Jordan in the living room. They were all staring at us and waiting for my next reaction, i knew kh0le would be expecting me to lash her with words for setting me up but reverse was the case. Myself and nelly burst into laughter and hugged eachother, i could see everyone of them smilling most especially Kh0le. I released Nelly and hugged kh0le, she held my cheek and said “I knew you won’t let me down daughter” i hit her playfully and moved to josh. Josh hugged me and said “You made the right decision” i smilled and said thank you. I moved to Jordan and stood infront of him, he held my hands and said “I am deeply sorry angel” i nodded and told him its okay before hugging him. Nelly and kh0le joined the hug while josh was clapping and scre-ming “Woah”.
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“Its time to party!!” Kh0le shouted and ended the hug before turning the music player on. I got a bottle of red wine with five glasses and we all pop the wine open after spelling the word “Unity”.
“You are coming to my house tomorrow” Nelly whispered into my ears and i was happy to have my friends back…………. I wished Kelvin will appear in front of me just the way Jordan did. Its been more than five years!
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The excitement in the house was more than anything i have witnessed before, everybody was bussy chatting and there was laughter everywhere, its was a beautiful night.
Myself, kh0le and nelly were sitted together while Jordan sat with Josh. We were still having our girls chit-chat when Josh cleared his throat loudly. We all turned our gaze on him, Jordan was also looking suspicious as if they had something up their sleeve. Since we knew nothing about their plan, we await the guys to open up. Josh cleared his throat for the second time and he stood up from the couch. He deep his hand into his pocket and did as if he was trying to find a pin. “OMG is it what am thinking?” i murmured. Josh came close to kh0le and held her hand. “My life can never be complete without you, you are my reason of existence. You came into my world and made it colourful. Words alone cannot express how much you mean to me. I have always loved you, i still love you now and i will always love you till eternity. Forever is just a start baby, there will be no end to this love. I want you to stay with me Kh0le, from now till eternity……….. Will you please……….. Ehmmm… I want you to please…….ehmmm…. I mean please marry me….” Josh said with a naughty wink and brought out a ring case from his pocket before going on one kneel.
Though i was not kh0le but the excitement i felt was beyond this world. Josh words are just so perfect and the proposal was just every girl’s dream. Nelly and Jordan were video recording the event while i stood rooted to a point full of excitement. Kh0le covered her mouth with her hands and i could tell she was crying, everything was too good to be real. Josh was on one kneel for more than ten minutes before kh0le got over her emotions, it was alittle bit funny but it was rom-ntic. “Dont keep a gentle man waiting, he has been on his kneel for the past ten minutes” Nelly shouted. Kh0le smilled and streched out her hand. Josh fixed a beautiful diamond ring on her finger and hugged her. I never knew kh0le was this emotionally, probably it was because this was too good to be truth. Josh held kh0le hand and led her outside the house while we all followed the newly proposed couple out. “Oh my God! Josh this is too much” kh0le shouted.
“Woah! This is super beautiful” Nelly said
“You are the man Josh” Jordan said.
Me? I could not say a thing out of surprise. Standing infront of us was a beautifully decorated red Rangeover sport with the inscription “Marry me kh0le”.
This was the most rom-ntic moment of my life, though it was not my moment but i was happy for my sister. Kh0le jumped over Josh and the dual k-ssed for some minutes before the proposed bride jump in and out of her new ride scre-ming “Yes!!!”
We took turn to congratulate the couple and we eventually went into the house. Kh0le was too excited and she could not wait to share the good news with her parent. We decided to talk to mom and dad on skype. We talked to mom first and she could not hide her excitement when kh0le show her diamond ring to her. Who would’nt be happy to see her only child getting an engagement ring from a man of her dream. It is every mother dream. Mom showered josh and kh0le prayers from the other end and she promised to throw a party when she arrives. We talked to dad after mom and he did alittle of shakiti bobo dance to show how excited he was. Dad told us the wedding would commence in three months time. We kept the range part away from mom and dad and intended to make it a surprise pack for the dual. We had a beautiful girls night together later while Josh slept in the guests room with Jordan. There was alot to be done in three months, i knew i was the unchallenged maid of honour. I was so happy for kh0le.
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The following day was exciting as well, we had breakfast together and later in the day, i went to visit Nelly’s parent. Mr and Mrs Stanley accepted with open arms and they questioned me about my whereabout for the past five years. I told them i changed my location ever since mom died and they sympathized with me again. I still felt my mom’s absent but with everybody around me, they made me strong.
I had a lovely time with nelly, i missed the old days we had together. I did not remember work until late in the day, all that was on my mind was kh0le’s wedding.
I wonder how she would feel walking down the altar with the man of her dream. Love is a beautiful thing! Work can wait.
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Dad and mom arrived the following day, i knew they were not done with whatever bussiness they went for but they could not wait to celebrate Kh0le’s proposal. Myself and kh0le picked mom up from the airport while a driver picked dad up later. When mom saw kh0le’s proposal ride she thought we had a visitor, she asked who the visitor was and we told her the ride was kh0le’s. At first mom thought we were joking, she playfully told us she won’t be fooled. “Mom he proposed with this ride!” kh0le excitedly told mom and jumped into the ride. Mom scre-med out of surprise as she also jumped into the range, i also did the same. Mom came out of the car and did some local dance before asking kh0le to kneel down for prayers. “This is a good thing girls, i can trully say with my wh0le mouth that I am a proud Mother, God bless your union baby” mom said and we all had a group hug. We were just putting the hug to an end when the driver drove dad in. Dad came out of the car full of smile and he started a local dance with a song. Mom joined in the singing while myself and kh0le watched the old couple. Dad suddenly stopped the dance and asked who was with us. He thought Josh was around and he did not want to show his dance step in the public till during the wedding. We all laughed at dad and kh0le proudly held the car keys out to dad. Dad was like ‘I do not get you?’ “Its my proposal ride!” Kh0le shouted. Dad covered his mouth with his hand and murmured “Oh my baby” kh0le jumped into dad’s arm and they both did a short slow dance before finally bursting into another round of laughter. Dad walked up and down and paraded himself has a proud father. He blessed kh0le again and thanked her for making him proud. Dad patted me on the back on our way in,side and said “You are the next sunshine” i was sort of shocked but i faked a smille. ‘I do not even have a relationsh¡p yet’. I thought.
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The following day, dad followed me to work, dad wanted to take a three months permission because of kh0le’s wedding. There was alot of travelling to be done for the event. The permission was granted since the request was made by dad. I was free from work for three months, money and power rule the world i must say.
As soon as i got back from work, mom forced me into the car. She had to shop for the proposal celebration that was scheduled for the following day. Before hand i already promised kh0le i would be going with her to get a dinner gown for the event but mom overruled all my plans.
Going for shopping with mom was really exhusting, we got back home 4:00pm. I had little or no time to rest. “If a wedding proposal preparation can be this exhusting, how will the wedding preparation be?” i thought in my head as i laid on my bed exhusted. I did not know when sleep took me away.
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The ringing of my phone woke me up minutes later, the caller I.D was nelly, reluctantly i accepted the call and whispered hello. “Hi twinny, come and join myself and Jordan. We are waiting for you in my house, we wanna hang out, please come over Asap” nelly said and ended the call without waiting for me to respond. This girl sure knows how to make an unrejectable offer. I somehow found it difficult to trust the dual again, but i did not want my doubt known so I stood up lazily and dressed for the outing.
I wore a simple armless polo shirt and a flowing gown. I had little makeup on and a matching foot wear. I picked up my purse and left for the outing. I met kh0le and Josh outside of the house on my way out, according to kh0le josh came to to visit mom and dad and they were on their way out. Kh0le asked where i was heading to and i told her i was going to hangout with nelly and jordan. Kh0le decided we should all hangout and we left in kh0le’s new ride. The ride was beautiful and lively.
Nelly’s mom welcomed us warmly when we arrived, she offered us drinks but we rejected the offer claiming we were full. Soon after, we all headed to bourvina in our separate ride. Myself, josh and kh0le were in kh0le’s ride while Nelly and jordan followed us in Jordan’s ride. We decided to go to bourvina before leaving the house.
The night started on a light mood, we occupied a table and ordered drinks with assorted meat, we discussed about different kind of things and of course the discussion was majorly based on the upcoming wedding.
I was still battling with my meat when Jordan came close to me and whispered “i want to see you privately” at first i looked left and right to confirm if he was talking to me and in the process my eyes met nelly’s. She noded and urged me to go with Jordan. I reluctantly stood up and followed Jordan to a secluded area.
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I settled in an empty chair while Jordan sat beside me.I waited for him to start a speech for more than ten minutes but he remained silent.When i could not take the silence anymore i asked him if he had something to say, else he should excuse me.Jordan held my hand and said “Have got nothing to say but i can talk from now till eternity. I just want to be alone with you in a quiet place like this and inhale your saint. That is the one thing i miss the most about you” i could not help but laugh at what jordan said “How can you call me out here just to inhale my saint?” i asked him. He did not give a response, he only smilled and placed his head on my shoulder. “Feels like home” he said with a smille.
I looked at him and folded my arms.I could not help but remember the love we once shared, even if it was for awhile, the memories was still fresh.I felt like my place was with Jordan, but I still comtemplated on what was right to do, giving Jordan another chance or shutting my doors to his love, he might end up cheating out of pity again.I looked at Jordan again and decided everybody deserves a second chance. He was my first love and no matter how betrayed i felt, first love they say never dies. I promised myself there and then to give him a second chance when the time comes.”Did you miss me?” Jordan brought me back to reality with his question.The fact was that i missed him over the years, but the hatred i had for him never made me admit to the fact.I could not give a response so i only sighed. Jordan removed his head from my shoulder and asked if i missed him again, now with full seriousness. The look on his face was like his life depend on my response. I smilled and said yes, i did. Jordan breathe a sigh of relief and looked into my eyes. He held my cheek and said ” A second chance is all i can ask for right now because you hold the key to my life. Finding love was more difficult than bringing down the highest mountain for the past five years but immediately i set my eyes on you again, i felt love. I just want to let you know that There is no love without you Nancy and if only i can get another chance to be with you, i will be the happiest man on earth. I promise never to bleep up sunshine”
I could see the love in Jordan’s eyes and i could feel the emotions in his words. At that particular moment, my head was scre-ming yes, if only he could read thoughts.
“So you abandon your only sister to be with a guy? There is God o. Pick up your tiny ass and lets go home asap” Kh0le voice interupted, stopping me from giving Jordan a response. I pushed kh0le playfully and left with Jordan holding hands. Jordan left with nelly, while i left with Josh and Kh0le.
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I woke up feeling lazy the following morning, i felt as if the wh0le of Nigeria problem was on my head. Kh0le wanted me to come with her that morning while mom wanted me to go shop for drinks with her after which i would join the interior decorator to decorate the house and join the maids to cook. I rushed out of my bed and said my prayers before rushing to take my bath. I dressed in a simple blouse and jean trouser and i rushed to mi mom and mi dad’s room to say my morning greetings. Kh0le was waiting for me in the car already when i quickly had my breakfast and dashed to the car.
Nelly joined us at “Head to toe ladies boutique” minutes later and we all went in to shop. After kh0le’s several rejection of selected dresses, she finally settled for a peach dinner gown. The short peach dress was body hug and it fitted kh0le perfectly. The dress did close to nothing to hide kh0le’s s€×y curve and it made her look like a beauty queen. ” I hope Josh won’t go gaga tonight” i joked as kh0le checked herself out in the mirror. We all laughed as we went to the shoes section. After much persuasion and rejection, kh0le finally picked a blue heels and a matching blue jewelry. Kh0le looked drop dead gorgeous when she wore her choosen dress, even nelly could not hide her surprise. “Am sure alot of guys will commit tonight” Nelly said as kh0le paid for her purchase. We all laughed and bid nelly goodbye as i left for home with Kh0le.
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Immediately we got home, mom asked to see kh0le’s dress, at first we refused, but with much persuasion kh0le gave in. “Woah! Am ordering the same dress right away” mom said when she saw kh0le’s dress, we both laughed at mom and made her know she was old and out of fashion. Mi Mom took it as a challenge and she walked round the living room swinging her h¡ps to show that she was still energetic.I was still having fun watching mom do her catwalk when Jordan called and i excused myself to my room.
“I just want to know what you will be wearing, it wont be bad to look like a couple”
I could not help but laugh at Jordan request.
…to be continued

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