In The Dark

In The Dark – Episode 17

In The Dark – Episode 17
A Story By Stanley Oluwatosin
¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤
I went back to the house and assisted in packing the leftovers. I noticed that mi dad was sitting alone in a corner of the livingroom while mi mom was bussy saying farewell to the guests, i walked to mi dad and said “Hi dad”. He smilled at me and said “Our baby, how are you, where did you disappear to?” i sat close to mi dad, placed my hand across his shoulder and said “have been around dad. I need to talk to you about something”. Mi dad chuckled and said “I know its about money madam, we are listening”. I smilled and told mi dad about Mr. Joe, emphasizing on how good he was then and how bad his condition is. I told dad about nelly’s assistance and how much i would love dad to give him a permanent solution.
Dad sighed and told me to call Mr. Joe. I looked at mi dad with a pleading eyes and he said “Just call him, we can’t just employ him like that”. At the hearing of employment i became happy and rushed to the kitchen to get Mr. Joe.
I came back with Mr. Joe not long after and i sat with dad while Mr. Joe was on his feet answering dad’s question. He was a degree holder so mi dad finally offered him an employment with an official house and car, a good pay and other working benefits. For his wife’s treatment, mi dad gave him half a million in addition to Nelly’s cash give. Mr. Joe prostrated and thanked my dad profusely before leaving.
**********************
Time checked 9:00PM, all the guests were gone already and the house was put to order by the maids, Josh had left as well and i was alone with kh0le. Myself and kh0le went to bid my foster parent goodnight in there room, after which we returned to kh0le’s room.
Immediately we got to kh0le’s room, i received a message alert. I settled on kh0le’s bed and checked the message, it was from Jordan. “Words enough cannot express how happy i am right now. You made me the happiest man on earth and am going crazy out of excitement. The ring is so beautiful and precious, i know its special to you and i promise to keep it safe for the rest of my life with you. I could not hide my excitement, i had to show the ring to my parents. They can’t wait to see you again as their daughter inlaw. Goodnight baby, i love you from the sky down to earth (heart my words)” that was the content of the message. I could not help but smile at my phone as i read the message over and over again. “Who is that?” kh0le’s voice brought me back to reality. I smilled and told kh0le it was Jordan. “Jordan? Are you two up to something again? You both disappeared at the party”. I moved closer to kh0le on the bed and told her everything that has happened, of course i skipped the rom-ntic part. Kh0le let out a loud breathe, held my hand and said “Nancy am happy you found love again but are you sure it is with the right person? This is the same guy that cheated on you with you best friend five years ago.Fine! his excuses were good enough and that is the reason why we are giving them another chance in our lives, but i expect you to study him more and determine if he really worth this love you are showering him with. He is still super close with nelly you know? They looked like a couple today. Nancy i just do not want to see you go through emotional trauma again”. Kh0le ended her speech and i felt love. I smilled and told kh0le, i felt Jordan deserve a second chance and i was inlove with him again. I told her i was still trying to build the trust but no matter what, i wanted to give the love a chance to blossom. Kh0le smilled again and said “If thats what you want, i support you girl. Just be careful don’t be blinded by love and do not shut your heart to love as well. Do whats right and be a good girl my child” i hit kh0le playful and i thanked her for the care. We had a tight hug and i was so happy i had a family to share my feelings with. “Truly there is nothing like family” i thought in the middle of the hug.
Kh0le ended the hug and we sat hand in hand on bed still in our party dress. “gist me about the preparation” i said breaking the silence. “Actually you and mom will be doing most of the preparation, i was given just a month break at the bank. You will go on a tour with mom for like the next two months while i will take care of things that will be done here. I have registered a month wedding counsel with Josh and i will travel with you for a week later.We will be getting the wedding gown and ladies dress together,we will return a week to the wedding”
“Wow you have everything planned out” i said.Kh0le smilled and said “Am sorry babes, i cant just wait to get married to Josh, he is my everything”. “Just the way Jordan is my world” i said and we both laughed. “come to think of it, there names start with the letter J. Am sure J is a super letter” Kh0le said.
We laughed out loud and both head to the bathroom to change into our night dress.
¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤
The introduction was done the week after the celebration and mi mom had to go on a bussiness trip before embarking on the planned trip. I had two weeks break to myself before travelling with mom. I was alone with Mi dad at home but he always go out in the morning and returns at night. I spent most of my time with Jordan. We would go out for lunch, go for shopping, go to the zoo and any other place that interest us. Sometimes we stay in Jordan’s house whenever we do not feel like hanging out. Jordan’s parent accepted me into their family and in less than a week i became familiar with his family.
Goodbyes are always difficult to say, especially to love ones. Mom returned from her trip and it was time for us to embark on a month Jorney together for the wedding.
Jordan and nelly saw me off to the airport and i had an emotional hug with Jordan before finally departing. I had no other choice than to endure a distance relationsh¡p till the end of the kh0le’s wedding. Leaving Jordan with nelly was a bit difficult for me, i was getting use to been with him always. Truthfully, i still had trust issues with the duo but i had no other choice than to give fate a chance. What is mine will always come back to me. I told myself.
Mi mom questioned me about Jordan in the middle of the flight. From the emotions we shared before departing, she gussed we were lovers. At first she was angry with me for not trusting her enough to share my love life with her but she later forgive me and gave me a piece of relationsh¡p advice. I told mi mom everything about my relationsh¡p with Jordan, not skipping what happened, five years ago. Mi mom told me not to give up because of what he did in the past and i should never trust men completely as well. She also told me to work on my trust and do what is best for me. I was glad to share my emotions with mi mom and i felt relived sharing my emotions with an elder.
We got the aso-ebi from dubai and the traditional dress we would be wearing for the engagement.
Different clothes were picked for different set of people, ranging from the highly important guests,to the close family friends and the regular people that will be in attendance. Mi mom sent the clothes to Nigeria through a friend, who will be helping to distribute them before our arrival.
From dubai we went to china where mi mom ordered for different kind of electronic machines for kh0le’s personal use after the wedding.According to Mi mom China has the best electronic home appliance.
From chain we went back to dubai again, where we got expensive jewelry for the wedding. We arrived Nigeria after Dubai and it was good to be home again.
Throughout my absence, Jordan kept to his promise, he would call me in the morning and in the night before going to bed but nothing felt like been with him. All in all it was good to be home again, even though it was for a while.
The following week after my arrival from the trip with mom, i traveled with kh0le to Canada to get the ladies wear and wedding gown from “House of diva collection”. We were supposed to go with Nelly, but before the trip she had an attack. I witnessed how terrible an asthma attack could be that very day. She got everybody scared and worried. Not until she was healthy did i stop to worry about her.
We decided she should rest at home instead of travelling with us. Jordan also travelled with Josh for the men suit and traditional dress. They had it booked with “Yomi casual” in Nigeria.
It was fun to be alone with Kh0le, she was a happy bride. We finally got a wedding gown worth two million naira in nigeria currency. The bridal train comprised of ladies and kids from the wealthy class. It was not difficult to get a beautiful cream gown for the ladies while we got another design for the kids. Each dress cost two hundred thousand and the price of the shoe ranges from a hundred and fifty thousand to two hundred thousand. According to the seize. Since the dress code was cream and red, we got red heels for everybody. We shopped for all the needed items including the makeups and finally we had everything needed.
We arrived Nigeria in just a week to Kh0le’s wedding. Jordan and Josh were back already but everybody was too bussy making plans for the wedding. The wedding plan was changed and the engagement was scheduled for Saturday at “Stella Obasanjo multi purpose hall” at 4:00pm.
The registery marriage was to begin by 7:00am-8:00am.
The church wedding was to commence by 10:00am-12:00pm and finally
The reception was scheduled for 1:00pm till the party ends.
We prayed, planned and made preparations for a successful wedding. This is one of the most important things to be done in Life, getting married is everybody’s dream and most especially to the right partner. We had a bridal shower on Tuesday evening and we had a all night party with the female friends.
**********************
ITS HER WEDDING DAY!!!!
YOU LOOK SO LOVELY
JUST STANDING THERE
HE’S SO LUCKY TO HAVE YOU
AS A WIFE
JUST COUNT YOUR BLESSING
AND FEEL INLOVE
MAY YOUR LOVE BE BLESSING
FOREVER.
COZ YOU LOOK SO LOVELY
STANDING THERE
HE’S SO LUCKY TO HAVE YOU
HAS A WIFE.
ITS YOUR WEDDING DAY/3x
BAYASHADA NAMHLANJE
ITS YOUR WEDDING DAY- HALLALA
NTOMBAZANE
BAKU NNYALA
KA JENNYU!
(its your wedding day by: Brenda Fassie)
¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤
It was kh0le’s wedding day! She looked so beautiful in her wedding gown and her diamond jewelry.Her flower bouquet was beauty and everything was just perfect.I was dressed in a red gown and a cream heels.Everybody was ready to walk with kh0le down the hill.There was video recorder everywhere to capture the wh0le event.The house was filled with guest and there was merriment everywhere.It was time for celebration.
There was a brief time of emotion,when kh0le’s parent were showering her with prayers just before we had the first picture of the day.
After the picture we went to the registry with my foster parent and other close family members.
Jordan was looking dazzling in his blue suit when we met him at the registry.He looked drop dead gorgeous. I felt proud to be his girl and if not for the crowd, i would’nt mind k-ssing him immediately.Josh also looked breathe taking in his suit and again it was difficult to tell who was more handsome between the duo.
The bride and the groom were in the front, while myself and Jordan followed them from behind as the best man and the best lady.The bride and groom parents followed us as we went into the registry for a court wedding.Vows were exchanged and the legal marriage certificate was presented to the couple. Kh0le legally became Josh’s wife, For better for worst. It was a really happy moment for everybody.
After the court wedding the bride had a little makeup touch and we all head to the church for the white wedding. Myself, kh0le and nelly were in the beautifully decorated Limousine.The s€×y divas followed closely from behind in a white Gwagon.The little braids and the cute bridal kids followed in the range Josh got for kh0le and finally, mom and dad were in a beautifully decorated Prado.It was a grand entry as the cars filed into the church compound.
The groom and his followers arrived the church before us and the service commenced immediately we arrived.
The congregation were asked to raise on their feets while the groom and the best man stood infront of the altar as the braid was led in by her father.It was a very emotional moment for kh0le and Mi dad, as he proudly led his daughter to the altar. Kh0le could not stop crying when she got to the altar, mi dad had to give her a long hug which was later ended by the reverend in charge of the wedding.I could see mi mom burry her face into her handkerchief as well, i could not help but let a tear roll down my cheek as well.
Vows were made, rings were exchanged, k-sses were exchanged, songs were presented and offerings rendered. I was sitting next to Jordan through out the wh0le time in church.Sometimes he would squeeze my hand and i would laugh and sometimes he would whisper something naught into my ears.He could not take his eyes off me throughout the church wedding.
Finally Kh0le was religiously Josh’s wife. To love and to cherish, for better for worst, till death bring them apart. It was a beautiful event.
**********************
Kh0le was more lively after the church wedding. We drove together with Josh to the reception and they were all over each other during the ride. Jordan also k-ssed me and made some sweet promises as we cuddled. I was glad nelly was not with us, she had joined the other girls in the Gwagon.
The reception took place at Romhics hall and before our arrival it was beautiful decorated in the dress code.
We made a grand entry into the hall as 2face performed for the entry. Bridal train and the men in suit, followed by the newly weded couple.
My favourite moments were when Gfresh performed “Awelewa” for the couple slow dance. It was a beautiful moment as they k-ssed passionately during the dance. The couple danced with each parent while Tiwa savage performed. Mi dad stole the s₱0t light as he show off his shoki skill.
It was also a beautiful moment when the couple fed themselves cake and wine, kh0le teased Josh by dancing round with the cake before feeding him with it. Gifts were presented and picture were taken by Josh Collage Photography according to arrangement.
Finally it was time for the couple to leave.They were scheduled for a night flight to Jeju island for their honey moon.It got emotional when mi mom burst into tears as they were about to leave. I had to take her into my arms and assure her that Kh0le would be fine before she let go of her daughter. It was difficult to say goodbye to a best buddy! A sister!! And a friend!
¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤
A week after the wedding the house was free from guest and close family friends. Throughout that week i remained indoor with my phone. I was so tired and exhausted from all the journey i made before the wedding and all the things i did during the wedding.
Kh0le and Josh called immediately they got to their destination and it was so sweet to hear her voice again, tho it was over the phone.
During my period of been indoor, Jordan would call, message and sometimes he would bring me food or snacks for lunch. He was no more a visitor in my house. Mi dad also welcomed him whenever he was around, i gussed mi mom told him about Jordan already.
I had a week rest after the wedding and i had a week left before work. I decided to have fun with Jordan during the period of the remaining one week.
We went shopping together on a Wednesday afternoon when we came across Nelly. Truth be told after the wedding, i did not ask after her. She blamed me for not having time for her and i apologised. I promised to spend the week Sunday with her and she became happy, a decision Jordan frown at. He wanted us to be together always after the long break.
¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤
It was Sunday, time checked 11:00AM, i dressed up in a simple outfit and had alittle makeup on. I took permission from my foster parent and left for Nelly’s house in my car.
Nelly was happy to see me, so was her parent. They told me how lonely she was and pleaded with me to come more often. Nelly’s mom personally told me to plead with Nelly to continue taking her drug, according to her, nelly was giving up on life.
I promised to do my best in keeping intouch and i left with Nelly to her room.I had fun with Nelly, she offered lots of video games, movies, gist and other interesting things.
Time checked 2:00pm, we were both hungry,since we were yet to have lunch. Instead of placing an order or buying food outside, we decided to make Jollof Rice ourselves, in order to have quality time together. Nelly informed her mom of our decision and after much mockery from her, she provided all the ingredient we would be need.
Nelly was slicing the beaf while i was frying the pepper for the rice. The kitchen atmosphere got thick due to the pepper on fire, i myself had to cover my noise after sneezing for sometimes. I was still talking to nelly when she sneezed at first. I told her to take care and she replied with a nod.She sneezed again,and then she started to cough.At first i went to get her water, thinking all she needed was water.I returned with the water and Nelly was on the floor already, coughing consecutively, that was when i remembered her health status. Before i could put off the gaz and literally drag her out of the kitchen to get fresh air, she was struggling for breathe. I became too scared and lost on what to do.I rushed to call her parent and her mom practically ran down stairs. She told me to hurry to her room and get her inhaler.I rushed to the room and i ran back without the inhaler, i had no idea of where it was. According to her dad she had alot of it,her dad rushed to search for her inhaler as well while her mom held her to herself on the floor.Nelly’s dad came back without the inhaler as well,he quickly bent beside Nelly and tried to make her tell him where the inhaler was.Nelly kept on pointing at her room,her eyes were blood red and her chest was going up and down as she made a wired sound, trying to struggle for breathe.
I could not take to see her in her present condition anymore.I stood up and ran to her room upstair, determined to get the inhaler and put an end to her present predicament.I flung her wardrobe open, i scattered all the books on her reading shelf, i searched her shoe closet and scattered all the bags.Finally i found a pack of inhaler underneath her bed. I took one from the pack and ran downstairs.Nelly’s mom was crying already,and tho she was in a bad situation then,i could see tears run down nelly’s cheek as well. I hurriedly gave gave the inhaler to Mr. Stanley and he placed it in her mouth immediately. Nelly opened her mouth for the inhaler and shut her eyes permanently, she took a deep breathe and her hand fell from the inhaler in her mouth. The inhaler fell as well and she stopped to breathe for a while as she became unconscious.
Just like a movie, i watched as her mom carried her to herself in tears as she scre-med her name. Her dad shouted the names of the maids and driver and they all assemble to help carry Nelly to the hospital. I stood rooted to a point, lost on what to do and thinking of what might happen to her. ‘If she dies i will never forgive myself’ I said to myself, i should have cared more about her health, i should’nt have agreed to us cooking when she brought the suggestion, I should’nt have allowed her to stop using her drug,but i never knew she even stopped cos i cared less about her! I blamed it all on myself! I was never there for her!
****
I hurriedly got into my car and followed Mr. Stanley’s car to the hospital. Throughout the drive i was scared and i had a shaky hand. Immediately we got to the hospital which i gussed to be their family hospital, The workers accepted the Stanleys immediately and Nelly was rushed to the emergency room. We had to stay behind at the reception. Nelly’s mom wouldn’t stop to cry, i knew how she must have felt, i knew how loosing someone dear to you was, and loosing an only child would be the worst feeling ever. I moved close to her and said some peaceful words to her in a bid to console her but she held my hand and said “Nancy, where is Nelly, promise me she will come back to me, promise me she won’t leave me like this, promise me you will make sure she takes her drugs when she gets better, promise me Nancy! She is your twinny right? You should know that she will be fine, she will be fine right?” Nelly’s mom asked and i could not help but cry. I left her when i could not stop the tears running down my cheek. Since i could not console Nelly’s mom, her dad composed himself and took his wife into his arms, as she continued to weep. I thought it was necessary to inform Jordan of the situation at hand, so i excused myself and went back into my car to place the call.
Jordan picked my call at the first ring and from his voice i could tell he was happy. I knew i was about to ruin his mood but it was something i had to do. I took a deep breathe and said “babe Nelly had an attack, we are in the hospital”. I could hear Jordan scre-m “What?” from the other end. I repeated myself and he asked for the name of the hospital. I gave him the hospital details and he promised to be there in a while. I went back to the reception and tried to console Nelly’s mom again, i was scared on what might happen to her but i had to be strong just as my mom told me before her death.
Jordan arrived shortly after my call, i rushed at him at sight and he took me into his arm. Jordan released me from the hug and asked how i was feeling before we both walked up to Nelly’s parent. They were familiar with Jordan and Nelly’ s mom did not hesitate to tell Jordan all that happened when he asked.
Time checked 5:30pm the doctor incharge of nelly’s operation, came out of the ER and we all rushed at him. Mr. Stanley immediately questioned him on his daughter’s health. The doctor told everybody to be calm and he promised nelly would be fine. The doctor said she had been moved out of the ER and taken to the intensive care and her condition was not as critical as before. I was relieved and so was everybody else. The doctor asked to see her parent privately and they followed him to his office. I remained with Jordan at the reception.
**********************
Nelly’s parent did not tell us what the doctor told them but i could see worry and sadness on their face when they returned, I did not expect them to feel less, she was there only child.
Time checked 6:45pm, mi mom called and asked of my whereabout, i told her i would be home shortly. I remembered i had to resume work the following Monday. I informed nelly’s parent of my departure and they thanked me for my time. Jordan saw me off to my car, he was moody during the walk and he told me he would stay till Nelly would be discharged when i asked him when he would be leaving.I left the hospital for home with a scared body and a scared heart.I was scared of what would happen to nelly.I was scared of loosing her.
¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤
Immediately i got home, i told my foster parent about nelly when they asked about my outing, they wished her a quick recovery and i went into my room.I could not eat neither could i sleep. I kept on tossing on my bed, i would go on my kneels and pray, then i would walk to and fro and sing, sometimes i even lay on the floor to pray for Nelly.I kept on praying for her wellbeing till past 3:00am. That was when sleep took me away.
I woke up 6:00am the following day.I called Jordan immediately i woke up but his line was not reachable. I took my bath and prepared for work after which i had breakfast.I informed my foster parent of my departure and left for work. Mom packed wedding gift in my car for my co workers before i left.
It was good to resume work, my co workers asked for their wedding gifts immediately I resumed and i shared the prepared gift among them. My mind was still not at rest during work. I could still not reach Jordan, i took permission from Mr.larry and i rushed to the hospital. I prayed my greatest fear was yet to come to reality during the drive.
The sight that graced me at the hospital was terrible ,from the gate i heard crying everywhere,i prayed it was not nelly people were weeping over, i really prayed. I looked around for Jordan but he was no where to be found, i tried his number over and over again but it did not go through.I summon courage and went into the hospital. What i saw was a rude shock!
…to be continued

Back to top button
Close

Adblock Detected

We plead you off your AdBlock on this site, as it kills the only source of it income.