Showing posts with label Relationship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Relationship. Show all posts
Awesome Letter From Husband
No matter how much you love your
spouse, arguing with them is pretty much inevitable — especially when you have
kids.
When you both work hard to do what’s
best for your family, the stress and frustration may become too much to bear.
So when this wife felt unappreciated
by her husband, she got tired of fighting with him. She tearfully left him
alone with the children without any sign that she’d come back. Just two days
later, though, her husband decided to write her a letter about his feelings,
and you need to see what it says.
“My darling,
Two nights ago, we had a huge
argument. I was exhausted when I got home from work. It was 8:00 p.m and all I
wanted to do was to lie down and watch the game.
You weren’t in a good mood, and you
were clearly tired after having a long day. You were trying to put the baby to
sleep as the other kids were fighting, and all I did was turn the volume up.
“Would it kill you to play a more
active role in your children’s upbringing?” you asked, turning the television
volume back down. “You can help out more around the house, too.”
“Hey,” I said defensively. “I work
hard all day just so you could play in the doll’s house all day.” The argument
just kept going like that. I said terrible things to you that I can never take
back, and you screamed, saying that you were sick of it all. So you tearfully
ran out of the house, leaving me to take care of the children on my own.
I was forced to feed the kids and
put them to bed all by myself. When you didn’t come back the next day, I was
forced to ask my boss if I could take a day off so I could take care of the
children.
I experienced the crying and the
tantrums. I experienced having to run around so much all day that I didn’t even
have a chance to shower.
I experienced being forced to heat
the milk, getting the kids dressed, and cleaning the kitchen all at once. I
experienced being cooped up all day without speaking to an adult. I experienced
the inability to sit calmly at the table to have a relaxed meal whenever I
wanted, because I had to run after the kids.
I experienced feeling so physically
and emotionally drained that I just wanted to sleep for 20 hours straight, but
had to get up a few hours after falling asleep because the baby was crying. I
lived two days and two nights the way that you do, and I think I get it now.
I get your exhaustion. I get that
being a mother is all about sacrifice. I get that it is more tiring than being
among corporate bigwigs for 10 hours and making economic decisions.
I get how frustrated you must be to
have to sacrifice your job and financial freedom so that you can provide for
your children. I get how uncertain you are about the fact that your economic
security now depends on your partner and not just you. I get how hard it is to
not be able to hang out with your friends, exercise, or get a good night’s
sleep.
I get how challenging it is, being
locked up and being forced to to watch the children while imagining what you
must be missing in the outside world. I also get that you become upset when my
mother criticizes how you choose to raise our children, because nobody in the
world knows what is best for children like their own mother.
I get that being a mother means
carrying society’s greatest burdens. Being the person that nobody appreciates,
values, or remembers. I write you this letter not just to tell you that you are
missed, but additionally because I don’t want to go another day without telling
you: “You are strong, doing an excellent job, and I admire you.”
Awesome Letter From Husband
Nora feared it would come to this. Toni stared at her. Nora swallowed painfully
as she watched Toni wipe her own tears. “We have talked about this before.”
Nora said quietly. “About me dying peacefully, right?” Toni asked as she
approached her sister slowly. “I am afraid, Nora. I want to live.” Nora firmed
up as she tried to fight back her tears. “Stop it, Toni.” Toni wanted to stop
the tears but she couldn’t. “Nor…Nora.” She stuttered amidst her tears. “Nora…Nora.”
Toni cried and brokedown into her arms. Nora shut her eyes as she hugged her sister close. “We can do this, Toni. We would.” She said and kissed her scalp. “Let’s do
chemo, Toni.” She whispered to her. Toni broke away from Nora. “NO! I don’t want it. I can’t afford to fade away before my own eyes.” “Toni, listen, we can survive chemo. I know this. You are a fighter. You will survive it, you can’t take another surgery. You are too weak for it.” Nora replied. Toni sniffed. “I want to love Jerry. I can’t do that in chemo.” Nora sighed. “So, you are willing to risk everything for him? What about me, Toni? Toni, you can do this Chemotherapy once and for all, and come back and love your man. You do the surgery now, you have seizures, and you get weak, then stronger…then weaker again. Is that what you want?”
“That way I won’t have to
fade away before his eyes.” Toni replied. “That way you get to kill him inside.
You would break everything that is left of him. Is that what you want and…and
most importantly, he would never forgive you for doing this to him. Let’s live
through this and never look back.” Nora pleaded.
Toni smiled faintly. “Let’s? There is only one person in this room with Cancer, Nora, and it isn’t you.” Nora nodded. “Yes, it isn’t me and yes, most times, I wish it were me. I can’t watch you lose your spirit. I can’t watch you fade
away.”
“Let me have the surgery.” Toni replied. Nora shook her head. “No, Toni. I can’t.” Toni sank into a chair. “What do you want, Nora?”
Toni smiled faintly. “Let’s? There is only one person in this room with Cancer, Nora, and it isn’t you.” Nora nodded. “Yes, it isn’t me and yes, most times, I wish it were me. I can’t watch you lose your spirit. I can’t watch you fade
away.”
“Let me have the surgery.” Toni replied. Nora shook her head. “No, Toni. I can’t.” Toni sank into a chair. “What do you want, Nora?”
“Let’s go in for chemo. I
will be with you every step of the way, I would never leave your side.” Nora
said. Toni smiled. “Is there a part where you get to share in my pain? Because
sitting and watching my pain can be pretty useless, don’t you think?” she asked
with a soft chuckle. Nora didn’t understand how Toni did it. She had changed
the whole situation in a flash with a laugh. Little wonder Jerry was enchanted
by her, who wouldn’t be? Toni was a beauty. She ravished from the inside such that
what people saw on the outside as beautiful was only a compliment. With
thoughts in her heart, she snuggled up on Toni’s lap. For a split moment, she wondered
who needed comforting…it should be Toni, but then, she knew she did too.
***
“Hi Doctor Jerry.” A nurse greeted as Jerry walked in with Emeka.
“We have missed you around here.” She added as she turned into
one of the private wards.
“I don’t get it.” Jerry started. Emeka stared at him. “What?”
“How can people look into your eyes and lie?” Jerry asked. Emeka chuckled. “That’s rich, coming from you.” Jerry stopped. “Dude, that nurse just lied that she missed me. Clearly no one did. Survival rates have gone up, how could I be
missed?”
Emeka smiled. “You are not the only problem that the Hospital has, besides, mentality is very important in saving a patient. Both from you and the patient, so sometimes, you might be doing your best and the patient isn’t. And most importantly, it is God who saves lives. We are just the tools.”
“I am such a faulty tool then.” Jerry said as he pushed his office door open. “So, the director wanted me back because the patients have increased here at the hospital or because you put in a good word for me?”
“Me? I had nothing to do with it. Why would I want to ruin your honeymoon?” Emeka asked as he took a seat. “Patients have increased. With all the happenings in town, casualty rate has gone up and as such, the tendency for mortality rate too is upped. This is where we as Doctors come in, we try to reduce the mortality rate.” Jerry nodded. “Toni thinks I should join a help support group for my drinking issue.” Emeka smiled. “Interesting. The fact that you think it is an issue means it is an issue. I am happy to learn that you are going to stop.”
***
“Hi Doctor Jerry.” A nurse greeted as Jerry walked in with Emeka.
“We have missed you around here.” She added as she turned into
one of the private wards.
“I don’t get it.” Jerry started. Emeka stared at him. “What?”
“How can people look into your eyes and lie?” Jerry asked. Emeka chuckled. “That’s rich, coming from you.” Jerry stopped. “Dude, that nurse just lied that she missed me. Clearly no one did. Survival rates have gone up, how could I be
missed?”
Emeka smiled. “You are not the only problem that the Hospital has, besides, mentality is very important in saving a patient. Both from you and the patient, so sometimes, you might be doing your best and the patient isn’t. And most importantly, it is God who saves lives. We are just the tools.”
“I am such a faulty tool then.” Jerry said as he pushed his office door open. “So, the director wanted me back because the patients have increased here at the hospital or because you put in a good word for me?”
“Me? I had nothing to do with it. Why would I want to ruin your honeymoon?” Emeka asked as he took a seat. “Patients have increased. With all the happenings in town, casualty rate has gone up and as such, the tendency for mortality rate too is upped. This is where we as Doctors come in, we try to reduce the mortality rate.” Jerry nodded. “Toni thinks I should join a help support group for my drinking issue.” Emeka smiled. “Interesting. The fact that you think it is an issue means it is an issue. I am happy to learn that you are going to stop.”
“I just want to make her
happy. I don’t want to do anything that would hurt her.” Jerry said. Emeka
shook his head. “You just missed a vital step to redemption.” “And that would
be?” Jerry asked. Emeka sat up. “You are doing this because it is best for you.
It is obviously going to be good for her too, but first, you are doing it because
it is the right thing to do.” Jerry sighed. “I guess you have a point.” “I
always have a point.” Emeka replied as he relaxed in his seat. “So, what is
your plan for the new girl? When do I get to meet her?” “Which of the questions
should I answer first?” Jerry retorted. Emeka grinned. “You would make a very
jealous lover. So, when do I get to meet Miss?” Jerry cleared his throat. “I
don’t know. I am not ready to have you tell me that you saw her in your dream
in a wedding gown and that you know she is for you.”
“Guy! I am not that kind of guy. I won’t do that to you, but if she is for me, you can’t put asunder.” Emeka replied with a smile. “You are not her type.” Jerry replied as he hung his stethoscope around his neck. Emeka smiled. “You are not a very good judge of character.” “Case closed. You are not meeting her. About my plans? I really do want to be with her and I’d do everything to be the perfect man for her.”
“Jerry, you are a good guy. That I know. And I think you have found someone special but I must remind you, you are walking on a thin line with the little lies you have started building, you might want to break it all down, you still have the time.” Emeka said, standing up. “When I eventually meet her, I would introduce myself as a Doctor. At least that way, you won’t have told too
many lies.” He said and gave Jerry a light tap. Jerry swallowed at Emeka’s words. Emeka’s words had a way of turning into a nightmare for him from the little he had seen. “Let’s go do some rounds, bro.” Emeka called as he walked out of the office. Jerry took a deep breath and followed him.
***
Nora shot a wicked glance at Toni. “Are we really watching this?” Toni chuckled. “We just finished the first half. A few minutes break and they will be up and running for the second forty five.”
“Guy! I am not that kind of guy. I won’t do that to you, but if she is for me, you can’t put asunder.” Emeka replied with a smile. “You are not her type.” Jerry replied as he hung his stethoscope around his neck. Emeka smiled. “You are not a very good judge of character.” “Case closed. You are not meeting her. About my plans? I really do want to be with her and I’d do everything to be the perfect man for her.”
“Jerry, you are a good guy. That I know. And I think you have found someone special but I must remind you, you are walking on a thin line with the little lies you have started building, you might want to break it all down, you still have the time.” Emeka said, standing up. “When I eventually meet her, I would introduce myself as a Doctor. At least that way, you won’t have told too
many lies.” He said and gave Jerry a light tap. Jerry swallowed at Emeka’s words. Emeka’s words had a way of turning into a nightmare for him from the little he had seen. “Let’s go do some rounds, bro.” Emeka called as he walked out of the office. Jerry took a deep breath and followed him.
***
Nora shot a wicked glance at Toni. “Are we really watching this?” Toni chuckled. “We just finished the first half. A few minutes break and they will be up and running for the second forty five.”
“I don’t like football.”
Nora replied angrily. Toni nodded. “But Mommy, you said I can watch whatever I
want and that you would be by my side all the way. Did you forget?” Nora
groaned. “This is cheap blackmail, Toni. It is ridiculously
cheap.”
cheap.”
“Wrong. It isn’t cheap. If
it was, it won’t be costing you this much discomfort.” She replied with a
smile. Nora frowned. “I think you should learn to like football. I bet James
likes football and if you want to warm your way into the heart of that guy, you
should know a little more about the sport. Start by picking a team.” Toni
advised. Nora hissed. Toni nudged her in the waist. “Dear Nora, this advice is
priceless. I can assure you that most ladies that lose their guys to the sport don’t
understand that they could actually enjoy the sport together. If she is so
unwilling to love the game, she can love the boys.” Nora stared at her with a
raised eyebrow. “I am being honest here. There are a lot of cute guys that play
football.” Toni replied. “So, let me bring you up to speed with football. To
start with, the team in the red jersey is Arsenal and the team in the blue
jersey is Everton-”
“-Not interested.” Nora replied. The doorbell went. Nora sprang to her feet in delight. “I’ll get it.”
“Why do you hate football so much?” Toni asked, laughing. Nora ignored her and hurried to the door. Toni focused on the Television as the players from both teams returned to the field. “Hello, Toni.” Toni turned round and smiled. “Hey! James! How are you?” James smiled. “I made it in time for the second half, so I am great.” He said, taking a seat. “What do I offer you?” Nora asked. James shook his head. “Nothing. I just need to focus on my boys.”
“Arsenal.” Toni asked James nodded with a smile. “We are the best.” Toni hissed. “Let me guess, Chelsea?” he asked. Toni smiled. “Atta boy! Jose’s Army.The Roman empire!” Nora fumed as she watched her sister bond with James. “I think Arsenal will win.” She said, jumping into the discussion. Toni turned her head at Nora with a cynical smile. “I see…” Nora nodded and took her seat beside James. “You know, th best thing about football is the passion. I think they put a lot of passion into it.” Toni sneezed. James stared at Nora and then at Toni. “That was awkward.” “Was it?” Toni asked. James nodded and turned back to the Television. “Goal!” Nora shouted as she watched the ball roll into the net. James stared at her. “I thought you were in support of Arsenal?” “They scored, right?” she asked, dumbly. “They are wearing the blue jersey, right?” Toni stared at James with a smile. “Now that is Nora’s sense of humour. She knows that Everton scored, but she just wants to troll you.” James stares at Nora. “You are mean.” Nora nodded with a smile. “I know.” Toni winked at her and walked away. Nora watched the rest of the game in silence. Toni had just covered up for her. Once again, she found herself competing needlessly with Toni who was in no competition with her. James was enjoying the game, but Nora’s silence was worrisome, so he turned to her. “Are you okay?” “Yeah…sure.” She replied. He shook his head. “You are lying to me.” “No. I am fine.” She replied. James stared at her. “I don’t care if you don’t know jack about football.” “Really?” she asked. James smiled. “For now… After a while, you can start supporting Arsenal, so we can tease Toni together.” She smiled back. “It sounds like a good idea.” “I want you to go out with me.” James said. He stared at Nora. “Officially, I want to be your boyfriend.” Nora stared at him. “I don’t know about officially.” “Is that a yes?” he asked. She shrugged. “I think so.” James smiled.
***
Jerry replaced his stethoscope around his neck as he took his seat beside a patient. “I heard you haven’t been taking your medications, ma’am.”
Mrs. Aiyenugba turned away from him. “Where have you been?”
Jerry smiled faintly at Emeka and then back at the woman. “I had to go away for a while. I am surprised you are still in the hospital.”
“I like it here.” She replied and then turned towards Jerry. “I really do.”
Emeka gestured to Jerry and walked out. Jerry stared at her.
“Why would you love it here? You should be with your kids and grandkids.”
MrsAiyenugba scoffed. “They don’t care about me.”
“Why not? Your daughter brought you here, remember?” he asked. She nodded. “I do, but, they don’t want me at home. I caught them saying they have booked me in at Victoria’s Homes. They are just waiting for me to feel better, so I would just stay here till I die. You would let me, right?”
Jerry hesitated. “I…I don’t think so.”
“Why not? I have my own room here, there is a Television too and I am sure you would visit me every day, right? Well…when you are not spending time with that cute girl.”
Jerry stared at her. “What girl?”
“Don’t think I haven’t noticed the smile on your face since you walked in here, you hardly smile like that. Who is she?” she asked with a smile. Jerry smiled at his favourite patient. She was a comic relief and was known for pulling silly jokes, but then she was right about his smile. The thought of Toni made him happy. He was going to go home to see her no matter the time he closed from work. She really did light up his world.
“So, who is she?” she asked again. Jerry drew closer to her. “Toni. And yes, she is amazing.” Mrs. Aiyenugba nodded with a smile. “I know she is. My husband
thought I was the most amazing woman in the world too…and I thought he was, until he left me. I then knew he was the most selfish man. He decided to cheat me by dying first.”
“-Not interested.” Nora replied. The doorbell went. Nora sprang to her feet in delight. “I’ll get it.”
“Why do you hate football so much?” Toni asked, laughing. Nora ignored her and hurried to the door. Toni focused on the Television as the players from both teams returned to the field. “Hello, Toni.” Toni turned round and smiled. “Hey! James! How are you?” James smiled. “I made it in time for the second half, so I am great.” He said, taking a seat. “What do I offer you?” Nora asked. James shook his head. “Nothing. I just need to focus on my boys.”
“Arsenal.” Toni asked James nodded with a smile. “We are the best.” Toni hissed. “Let me guess, Chelsea?” he asked. Toni smiled. “Atta boy! Jose’s Army.The Roman empire!” Nora fumed as she watched her sister bond with James. “I think Arsenal will win.” She said, jumping into the discussion. Toni turned her head at Nora with a cynical smile. “I see…” Nora nodded and took her seat beside James. “You know, th best thing about football is the passion. I think they put a lot of passion into it.” Toni sneezed. James stared at Nora and then at Toni. “That was awkward.” “Was it?” Toni asked. James nodded and turned back to the Television. “Goal!” Nora shouted as she watched the ball roll into the net. James stared at her. “I thought you were in support of Arsenal?” “They scored, right?” she asked, dumbly. “They are wearing the blue jersey, right?” Toni stared at James with a smile. “Now that is Nora’s sense of humour. She knows that Everton scored, but she just wants to troll you.” James stares at Nora. “You are mean.” Nora nodded with a smile. “I know.” Toni winked at her and walked away. Nora watched the rest of the game in silence. Toni had just covered up for her. Once again, she found herself competing needlessly with Toni who was in no competition with her. James was enjoying the game, but Nora’s silence was worrisome, so he turned to her. “Are you okay?” “Yeah…sure.” She replied. He shook his head. “You are lying to me.” “No. I am fine.” She replied. James stared at her. “I don’t care if you don’t know jack about football.” “Really?” she asked. James smiled. “For now… After a while, you can start supporting Arsenal, so we can tease Toni together.” She smiled back. “It sounds like a good idea.” “I want you to go out with me.” James said. He stared at Nora. “Officially, I want to be your boyfriend.” Nora stared at him. “I don’t know about officially.” “Is that a yes?” he asked. She shrugged. “I think so.” James smiled.
***
Jerry replaced his stethoscope around his neck as he took his seat beside a patient. “I heard you haven’t been taking your medications, ma’am.”
Mrs. Aiyenugba turned away from him. “Where have you been?”
Jerry smiled faintly at Emeka and then back at the woman. “I had to go away for a while. I am surprised you are still in the hospital.”
“I like it here.” She replied and then turned towards Jerry. “I really do.”
Emeka gestured to Jerry and walked out. Jerry stared at her.
“Why would you love it here? You should be with your kids and grandkids.”
MrsAiyenugba scoffed. “They don’t care about me.”
“Why not? Your daughter brought you here, remember?” he asked. She nodded. “I do, but, they don’t want me at home. I caught them saying they have booked me in at Victoria’s Homes. They are just waiting for me to feel better, so I would just stay here till I die. You would let me, right?”
Jerry hesitated. “I…I don’t think so.”
“Why not? I have my own room here, there is a Television too and I am sure you would visit me every day, right? Well…when you are not spending time with that cute girl.”
Jerry stared at her. “What girl?”
“Don’t think I haven’t noticed the smile on your face since you walked in here, you hardly smile like that. Who is she?” she asked with a smile. Jerry smiled at his favourite patient. She was a comic relief and was known for pulling silly jokes, but then she was right about his smile. The thought of Toni made him happy. He was going to go home to see her no matter the time he closed from work. She really did light up his world.
“So, who is she?” she asked again. Jerry drew closer to her. “Toni. And yes, she is amazing.” Mrs. Aiyenugba nodded with a smile. “I know she is. My husband
thought I was the most amazing woman in the world too…and I thought he was, until he left me. I then knew he was the most selfish man. He decided to cheat me by dying first.”
Jerry chuckled. “Come on…”
“I am serious, why would you leave anyone you love to suffer? The one who hurts is not the person who dies, it is the one they live behind.” She said. Jerry nodded. “But won’t it be selfish of you if you had died first and left him behind?” he asked. “I am the woman.” She replied with a smile. Jerry smiled. “Seriously?”
She nodded. “Yes. Ladies first, it is.”
Jerry laughed. “You are unbelievable, Mrs. Aiyenugba.”
“Betty.” Jerry smiled. “I would never call you by your first name.”
“Why not? It is my name and I am giving you the right to call me by it.” She replied.
Jerry shrugged. “I choose not to. You could be my Mom.”
She nodded. “Speaking of families, how is your family?”
“They should be fine.” He replied. She stared at him in a puzzling manner. “They should? When last
did you phone them?”
He sighed. “I don’t know.”
“Your mom is going to end up in Victoria’s Home too.” She cooed as she picked up a newspaper. “Mothers are a gift from God. They are your first defence. She is the mother lion, she is ready to tear apart the hyenas for her cub. Why won’t the cub love her when he should?” she asked. Jerry swallowed. “I…I love my mom.”
“Show it.” She replied. He nodded. “I would call my family.” He said, standing up.
“You won’t. I know that look.” She replied. He bit his lower lip, “I will prove you wrong.”
“This is not about me. This is about you, Jerry. It is about you. Just you and you alone, no one else.” She replied and dropped the newspaper by her bed. “Tell the Doctors I am not going home.
I have no place to call my home. I will just stay here till I die. At least, I will have a casket to call my home when I am gone.” She said, sliding down to rest. Jerry took a deep breath and walked out. He was lost in his thoughts about what Mrs. Aiyenugba had said that he didn’t see Emeka approaching him.
“Guy!” Emeka said as Jerry walked past him. Jerry stopped and apologized. “I am sorry.”
“This Toni girl will be the death of you.” He said with a smile. Jerry smiled faintly. “When last did you call your parents?”
Emeka shrugged. “I don’t know. My sister keeps in touch with them, so that should cover for both of us, right?” he asked with a grin.
“Love your parents when they are alive.” Jerry said.
“ Oshey, Aristotle!” Emeka mocked. “You shouldn’t spend too much time with Mrs. Aiyenugba, that woman pollutes the mind.” Jerry frowned. “She is a good woman. She made me realise how unfair I have been to my parents.”
“We are busy, Jerry. We have a lot to do. Even our parents know that.” Emeka replied. “Please ignore that woman, besides, the hospital is tired of her consuming space. I think they are calling her family in tomorrow.”
Jerry blinked. “Her children don’t want her.”
“That’s understandable. Look at how quick she has poisoned your mood. She is a venom.” Emeka said with a smile. Jerry ignored him and turned to walk away. Emeka hurried up to him. “What do you want, Emeka?” Jerry asked.
“Why are you so serious, Jerry?” Emeka retorted. “I think you are paying her too much attention.”
Jerry pushed his office door open. “Why shouldn’t I?”
“I don’t know. She is just a patient.” He replied. “You don’t owe
her anything, do you?” Emeka asked.
“I know I don’t, but she has given me a reason to think about my
family and myself too.” He replied.
“I think you should think more about the surgical cases that we
have this night. From what I heard, you are leading a surgery.”
Jerry’s face fell. “No.”
“Look, man, I want you to believe in yourself. You have to save a life today. Save another tomorrow. And then, next tomorrow…and then, you won’t have to worry no more.” Emeka said with a smile. Jerry swallowed. He had a lot to worry about. The nurses always looked defeated before any of his case. The mere sight of Jerry made them believe they were fighting a lost battle, he had never proven them wrong. They talked in groups in the hospital and he was sure he had a role to play in it. Emeka always inspired him, but then, he still felt defeated. The nightmare of his first case
never let him be.
***
Toni struck the keys of her laptop as she typed. Nora stared at her. Toni had not said a word to her since James left.
“Are you not going to talk to me?” Nora asked. Toni had her headphones on, but Nora knew she could hear her. “Toni.
Please.”
Toni turned at her. “How much longer?” she asked. Nora swallowed. “I don’t know what came over me. I…I was jealous.”
Toni smiled. “Nora, I can never hurt you. I hope you know that.”
“I do. But what about James? He can hurt me.” She replied. Toni shook her head. “No, he can’t hurt you. You have control over your heart, you decide what comes and what goes and in this situation, it is hard to decide because of the emotions, but
still, you decide.”
Nora drew closer to her. “Forgive me.”
“I hold no grudge against you.” Toni replied. “I wish I knew how to, but I don’t.”
Nora grinned. “Thank God,”
“Yeah.” Toni replied. “I am going to church tomorrow. Are you
coming?”
Nora stared at her. “Oh…no. I will just stay here.”
“Why? Still fighting with yourself?” Toni asked with a smile.
“Because if you think you are fighting with God because we don’t have our parents with us, you are wasting your time. Job lost everyone and everything, yet, he trusted God and He didn’t fail. He never does.”
Nora turned her face away. She had avoided Church ever since their parents died. She was angry. Toni’s diagnosis gave her more reason to be angry, she didn’t understand why all these were happening to her. Toni never stopped praying. Nora quit.
Toni continued typing on her laptop. Nora stared at her. “What are you doing?” she asked.
“Writing.” Toni replied.
“Writing? When did you become a writer? I know you have always
been one at heart, but when did you start putting it to some use?”
Nora asked.
Toni smiled. “A week ago.”
“That’s recent. So, what are you writing?” Nora asked.
Toni stared at her. “My novel.”
“Novel?”
Toni nodded. “My life is too much excitement to stay bottled in…I want the world to read.”
Nora smiled. “That’s lovely.”
“Thank you.” Toni replied and closed her laptop. Nora stared at her. “James asked me out.”
“And you said yes?” Toni asked.
Nora nodded. “That’s what I want.”
Toni smiled. “I know.”
“Do you think I am right?” Nora asked. Toni shrugged. “I really don’t know, but, I just think that you should be happy. If he makes you happy and you make him happy,
then, it is fine.”
“You are not so convinced about James, are you? He is a great guy. He even sensed that I didn’t know jack about football.” She replied. Toni smiled. “Still you should know.”
“Whatever.”
Toni took a deep breath. “Nora?”
“What is it, Toni?” she asked.
Toni stared at her. “I phoned the Hospital. I am starting Chemo.”
“I am serious, why would you leave anyone you love to suffer? The one who hurts is not the person who dies, it is the one they live behind.” She said. Jerry nodded. “But won’t it be selfish of you if you had died first and left him behind?” he asked. “I am the woman.” She replied with a smile. Jerry smiled. “Seriously?”
She nodded. “Yes. Ladies first, it is.”
Jerry laughed. “You are unbelievable, Mrs. Aiyenugba.”
“Betty.” Jerry smiled. “I would never call you by your first name.”
“Why not? It is my name and I am giving you the right to call me by it.” She replied.
Jerry shrugged. “I choose not to. You could be my Mom.”
She nodded. “Speaking of families, how is your family?”
“They should be fine.” He replied. She stared at him in a puzzling manner. “They should? When last
did you phone them?”
He sighed. “I don’t know.”
“Your mom is going to end up in Victoria’s Home too.” She cooed as she picked up a newspaper. “Mothers are a gift from God. They are your first defence. She is the mother lion, she is ready to tear apart the hyenas for her cub. Why won’t the cub love her when he should?” she asked. Jerry swallowed. “I…I love my mom.”
“Show it.” She replied. He nodded. “I would call my family.” He said, standing up.
“You won’t. I know that look.” She replied. He bit his lower lip, “I will prove you wrong.”
“This is not about me. This is about you, Jerry. It is about you. Just you and you alone, no one else.” She replied and dropped the newspaper by her bed. “Tell the Doctors I am not going home.
I have no place to call my home. I will just stay here till I die. At least, I will have a casket to call my home when I am gone.” She said, sliding down to rest. Jerry took a deep breath and walked out. He was lost in his thoughts about what Mrs. Aiyenugba had said that he didn’t see Emeka approaching him.
“Guy!” Emeka said as Jerry walked past him. Jerry stopped and apologized. “I am sorry.”
“This Toni girl will be the death of you.” He said with a smile. Jerry smiled faintly. “When last did you call your parents?”
Emeka shrugged. “I don’t know. My sister keeps in touch with them, so that should cover for both of us, right?” he asked with a grin.
“Love your parents when they are alive.” Jerry said.
“ Oshey, Aristotle!” Emeka mocked. “You shouldn’t spend too much time with Mrs. Aiyenugba, that woman pollutes the mind.” Jerry frowned. “She is a good woman. She made me realise how unfair I have been to my parents.”
“We are busy, Jerry. We have a lot to do. Even our parents know that.” Emeka replied. “Please ignore that woman, besides, the hospital is tired of her consuming space. I think they are calling her family in tomorrow.”
Jerry blinked. “Her children don’t want her.”
“That’s understandable. Look at how quick she has poisoned your mood. She is a venom.” Emeka said with a smile. Jerry ignored him and turned to walk away. Emeka hurried up to him. “What do you want, Emeka?” Jerry asked.
“Why are you so serious, Jerry?” Emeka retorted. “I think you are paying her too much attention.”
Jerry pushed his office door open. “Why shouldn’t I?”
“I don’t know. She is just a patient.” He replied. “You don’t owe
her anything, do you?” Emeka asked.
“I know I don’t, but she has given me a reason to think about my
family and myself too.” He replied.
“I think you should think more about the surgical cases that we
have this night. From what I heard, you are leading a surgery.”
Jerry’s face fell. “No.”
“Look, man, I want you to believe in yourself. You have to save a life today. Save another tomorrow. And then, next tomorrow…and then, you won’t have to worry no more.” Emeka said with a smile. Jerry swallowed. He had a lot to worry about. The nurses always looked defeated before any of his case. The mere sight of Jerry made them believe they were fighting a lost battle, he had never proven them wrong. They talked in groups in the hospital and he was sure he had a role to play in it. Emeka always inspired him, but then, he still felt defeated. The nightmare of his first case
never let him be.
***
Toni struck the keys of her laptop as she typed. Nora stared at her. Toni had not said a word to her since James left.
“Are you not going to talk to me?” Nora asked. Toni had her headphones on, but Nora knew she could hear her. “Toni.
Please.”
Toni turned at her. “How much longer?” she asked. Nora swallowed. “I don’t know what came over me. I…I was jealous.”
Toni smiled. “Nora, I can never hurt you. I hope you know that.”
“I do. But what about James? He can hurt me.” She replied. Toni shook her head. “No, he can’t hurt you. You have control over your heart, you decide what comes and what goes and in this situation, it is hard to decide because of the emotions, but
still, you decide.”
Nora drew closer to her. “Forgive me.”
“I hold no grudge against you.” Toni replied. “I wish I knew how to, but I don’t.”
Nora grinned. “Thank God,”
“Yeah.” Toni replied. “I am going to church tomorrow. Are you
coming?”
Nora stared at her. “Oh…no. I will just stay here.”
“Why? Still fighting with yourself?” Toni asked with a smile.
“Because if you think you are fighting with God because we don’t have our parents with us, you are wasting your time. Job lost everyone and everything, yet, he trusted God and He didn’t fail. He never does.”
Nora turned her face away. She had avoided Church ever since their parents died. She was angry. Toni’s diagnosis gave her more reason to be angry, she didn’t understand why all these were happening to her. Toni never stopped praying. Nora quit.
Toni continued typing on her laptop. Nora stared at her. “What are you doing?” she asked.
“Writing.” Toni replied.
“Writing? When did you become a writer? I know you have always
been one at heart, but when did you start putting it to some use?”
Nora asked.
Toni smiled. “A week ago.”
“That’s recent. So, what are you writing?” Nora asked.
Toni stared at her. “My novel.”
“Novel?”
Toni nodded. “My life is too much excitement to stay bottled in…I want the world to read.”
Nora smiled. “That’s lovely.”
“Thank you.” Toni replied and closed her laptop. Nora stared at her. “James asked me out.”
“And you said yes?” Toni asked.
Nora nodded. “That’s what I want.”
Toni smiled. “I know.”
“Do you think I am right?” Nora asked. Toni shrugged. “I really don’t know, but, I just think that you should be happy. If he makes you happy and you make him happy,
then, it is fine.”
“You are not so convinced about James, are you? He is a great guy. He even sensed that I didn’t know jack about football.” She replied. Toni smiled. “Still you should know.”
“Whatever.”
Toni took a deep breath. “Nora?”
“What is it, Toni?” she asked.
Toni stared at her. “I phoned the Hospital. I am starting Chemo.”
TO
BE CONTINUED
The Beautiful Stranger - EPISODE 7
EPISODE 6
JERRYGod can be funny. If he was going to let nemesis catch up with me, he should have at least given me some time. Why today? Why now? On the first date?Mr. Aziz’s son was my patient. The lad had to remember me. For the next split second, I had arranged all the lies in my head and I couldn’t go wrong. If I did, Toni would have questions to ask me. Emeka’s bad mouth had caught up with me too early. I smiled at Mr. Aziz and then at his son. “Rasheed, how are you?” “I am fine, Doctor!” The kid replied. ‘Did he have to include ‘Doctor’ again?’ I thought with a stern frown. “Rasheed!” A woman called. Mr. Aziz turned to his left as he wife beckoned. I thanked the Heavens as Rasheed dashed off to meet his mother, it could only mean that the discussion was over. Mr. Aziz stretched out his hand to Toni. “Good evening.” I frowned. He ought to take his leave and not make an acquaintance. Toni took his hand calmly. “Good evening, Sir.” I cleared my throat. “Nice to see you, Sir.” Mr. Aziz nodded. “Have a nice evening, you two.” He said and walked away. Toni stared at me with a smile, but I knew there were lots of questions beneath the smile. “Shall we?” she asked. No way! There was no way I was going to let her off without any explanation. That would just give her the opportunity to start investigating and then, I would be damned. I smiled back. “They call me Doctor because I helped out with his cut some weeks back. He is aneighbour. I thought you might want to know that.” I said confidently. She shrugged. “That’s good, Doctor.” “A lot of kids in my compound call me doctor, I volunteered for paramedical jobs as a youngster so I have a good knowledge of these things.” She nodded with enthusiasm. “Paramedic?”“Yeah.” I said as we approached the door to the cinema. “You should switch jobs.” She said as she nudged me. I stared at her. “Really?”She pulled my hand. “The movie is about to start. Let’s go, man.”
***************
NORA
I picked up Toni’s diary. It might not be right, but experience has taught me (actually, I have had no experience, but it is a cliché saying, right?) that you might want to sneak up on a diary. You might actually be saving someone from depression. (True story).
I took a deep breath as I prepped myself to read from Toni’s diary. I turned to the first page of her memoirs and her picture from her first surgery fell out. I wasn’t sure that I wanted to see more of it if it pertained to her operations, it might just make me sad and I wasn’t ready for it. I braced myself and flipped through a number of pages and then something interesting caught my eye. CANCER HAS A BROTHER…his name is Jerry So I just met this guy named Jerry…and yes, I like him. But then, who am I to like him? He is smart, but also so dumb (why would anyone waste their time in a bar?), not like I didn’t do it in thepast, but it is not just right. I am not sure I can stick around Jerry for too long, he is worse than my Cancer. I might just be in love with him too. I liked him from day one and it doesn’t happen with me like this! Okay, I have got to go.
***
I picked up Toni’s diary. It might not be right, but experience has taught me (actually, I have had no experience, but it is a cliché saying, right?) that you might want to sneak up on a diary. You might actually be saving someone from depression. (True story).
I took a deep breath as I prepped myself to read from Toni’s diary. I turned to the first page of her memoirs and her picture from her first surgery fell out. I wasn’t sure that I wanted to see more of it if it pertained to her operations, it might just make me sad and I wasn’t ready for it. I braced myself and flipped through a number of pages and then something interesting caught my eye. CANCER HAS A BROTHER…his name is Jerry So I just met this guy named Jerry…and yes, I like him. But then, who am I to like him? He is smart, but also so dumb (why would anyone waste their time in a bar?), not like I didn’t do it in thepast, but it is not just right. I am not sure I can stick around Jerry for too long, he is worse than my Cancer. I might just be in love with him too. I liked him from day one and it doesn’t happen with me like this! Okay, I have got to go.
***
I
took a deep breath as I dropped her diary. She didn’t have eyes for James.
Good. That unsurprisingly brought relief to my soul. Now, I would focus on
James and his feelings. But then back to Toni, could she really be in love? Or
maybe she was infatuated by Jerry. The guy has got good looks, but I really
didn’t want Toni to be in that stage of falling hopelessly in love and hoping
that life would allow her enjoy those moments. I relaxed in my seat as I prayed
that Toni would tell Jerry about the cancer so that she would work on getting
over him and it would help Jerry stay away from her too. My phone buzzed and I
reached for it. James was the caller. I ignored his call. I smiled gallantly as
I did this and prayed silently that my little theatrics won’t bore him.
****************************************************************
Jerry and Toni walked out of the movies looking sober. All other viewers had the same look. The protagonist had died, it was a good movie, but a sad one too. “Take my advice, we should see Alien World next time. This movie was too depressing.” Jerry said as they walked into the car park. Toni took a deep breath. “I didn’t want him to die either.” There was a momentary silence between them. “There is something I would love to tell you.” Toni said. “Cancer is a b---h!” Jerry said angrily. Toni swallowed painfully as her heart skipped a beat. “Oh!” Jerry nodded. “Yeah…” he then sighed. “What did you want to tell me?” Toni stuttered. “Err…Cancer is a b---h!” she said with a very unconvincing grin. “Do you think I believe you?” he asked. She shrugged. “You know me. I have no reason to lie…although, those were not going to be my exact terms, but Cancer sure had something to do with it…and of course, Cancer being a bane! I think that was my term.” She added hastily. Jerry nodded with a smile as he got to the car. “Do…do you want to walk?” Toni asked. Jerry smiled. “Of course.But, what about the car?”“The park is never closed.” She replied. “Let’s go.” He nodded and walked with her. “So tell me, what really do you do?” “I run my own NGO. Just something for the kids.” She replied. “Just keep people off the streets and reduce the menace in the society. More like contributing my quota to development.” Jerry smiled. “That’s really noble.” “So, how was being a paramedic for you?” she asked. Jerry shrugged. “Nothing serious, I wasn’t going to pass as a good Doctor anyway, so I just enjoyed the brief stint then.” “Why did you think you won’t do well as a Doctor?” He stared at her. “Do I look like a good Doctor to you?” “I think you are a good person and that could be translated into any field you find yourself.” She replied. “Anyway, how is your family?” “Family? Err…they are fine. They live in Abuja.” He replied. “What about yours?” She shrugged. “Nora is the only family I have and I think you know that part. Folks died and I have only had my sister and their money.”
“I am sorry.” He said.She smiled. “It’s okay. It’s a long time ago, we have passed thatstage now. So, what plans do you have for yourself?” Jerry slipped his hands into his pockets. “Plans? Hmm…I might want to quit the bank job someday, it is not really forthcoming. I want to raise a family too, if I find the right conditions.” “What do you mean by ‘right conditions’?” She asked with a soft chuckle. He shrugged. “You know how it is around here, there is a lot of drama and marriage is a big deal. Kids are a big deal. They tend to play around a lot and get injured, so many responsibilities.” Toni smiled. “I think you are just being evasive of the point that these things are bound to happen, and good thing is you have the paramedic experience, so that should cover up for the kids and their injuries, don’t you think?” Jerry nodded, “Yeah.” “I think a family is beautiful. You should really look forward to it.” She added. He smiled. “And what about you? How many kids do you want to have?” Toni threw her face away as she walked on. “Err…I think we have sort of walked too far from the car.” “Really?How many kids?” Jerry insisted. Toni had never thought about having children, they were not in her plans. Men were not either. Until Jerry happened. “I really don’t know. I just want to be happy.” She replied. Jerry smiled, surprised at her statement. “But you are happy. Right?”She nodded. “I am. I meant a happy mother.” Jerry nodded. “If a woman marries the right man, and I mean in me in this context, all will be well.” He said with a smile. “Are you trying to sell yourself?” she asked with a smile. “It won’t be such a bad idea, right now, would it?” he asked. Toni shook her head with a smile. “It is a terrible idea.” “But I will make a good husband, won’t I?” he asked. She shrugged and walked along. Jerry stopped and watched her walk on. He had built another lie to cover up his lie. He knew his life was all messed up now Emeka had predicted. He knew he had to find a way to be honest with her before the lies caught up with him. Toni battled with how she would tell Jerry about her condition in
her mind, she had painted different scenarios and had finally chosen the best one. She would just turn to her left and say it to him and run. That seemed easy. It was always easy to run. She turned to her right, no one was there. She looked back and Jerry stood away from her. She swallowed as he had ruined her perfect moment.
Jerry started to walk towards her. She watched him and thought of another way of telling him. She didn’t see it forthcoming. She would just keep quiet. “Hi.” Jerry said.
Toni smiled. “Why did you stop walking?” “Are you in love with someone else? Like, do you have someone waiting on you?” he asked. Toni smiled. “This…this is the first time someone has asked me a question like this.” “I don’t want to lie to you for a minute. I…I have…I…” Jerry stuttered. Toni raised an eyebrow. “Chill…this is not a professional exam. What do you want to say?” “I know we have not known each other for long and I know that I am terribly jumping the gun by saying what I am saying, but I don’t want to leave here today without telling you how much I like you.” Jerry started.
Toni folded her arms and pulled a face. He smiled. “Can you please be less tensed up?” she asked. He took a deep breath. “I am struck by you. I guess that is the
best way to put it.”“No. That is not the best way.” She replied.He rubbed his forehead. “It’s getting late, Jerry. I want to go home.” She said. He nodded and took her hand. “Let’s go.” “Tell me about your childhood.” Toni said breaking the silence between her and Jerry as he drove. She was tired of wishing she had told him she had Cancer and she was now afraid of losing him to the silence. Jerry stared at her with a smile. “What is there to tell?” “I had a lovely childhood.” Toni started. “I never got the best grades from my High School, but I was the school diva. I had this group of girls, we went everywhere and terrorized other girls in school.” Jerry stared at her. “Seriously? You don’t seem that type of girl to me.” “Everything is never as it seems and oh, that was High school. It was crazy, man. I had fun! We bullied girls. Pitch girls of a sort.” She replied. “What kind of guy were you in High School?” “Regular guy.The nerd.” He replied. “Guys called me a freak. I knew the Multiplication tables off heart.” “You are a freak!” she replied laughing. He nodded. “I enjoyed it, I must say. I got a lot of awards and teachers definitely loved me. I carried on the feat to my university. Class guru! Top of the class…straight A’s.” he sighed. “Wow! So, what happened?” she asked. Jerry stared at her. “What do you mean?” “Microfinance Bank?” she asked. He smiled. “Life happened.” “I think you should quit.” She replied. “Try to chase a better future, Jerry. I am not saying that Microfinance banks are not good, but this one in our hood is really obsolete. No one patronizes them.” She added. He sighed. “I would work on it.” “You should.” She replied.
****
****************************************************************
Jerry and Toni walked out of the movies looking sober. All other viewers had the same look. The protagonist had died, it was a good movie, but a sad one too. “Take my advice, we should see Alien World next time. This movie was too depressing.” Jerry said as they walked into the car park. Toni took a deep breath. “I didn’t want him to die either.” There was a momentary silence between them. “There is something I would love to tell you.” Toni said. “Cancer is a b---h!” Jerry said angrily. Toni swallowed painfully as her heart skipped a beat. “Oh!” Jerry nodded. “Yeah…” he then sighed. “What did you want to tell me?” Toni stuttered. “Err…Cancer is a b---h!” she said with a very unconvincing grin. “Do you think I believe you?” he asked. She shrugged. “You know me. I have no reason to lie…although, those were not going to be my exact terms, but Cancer sure had something to do with it…and of course, Cancer being a bane! I think that was my term.” She added hastily. Jerry nodded with a smile as he got to the car. “Do…do you want to walk?” Toni asked. Jerry smiled. “Of course.But, what about the car?”“The park is never closed.” She replied. “Let’s go.” He nodded and walked with her. “So tell me, what really do you do?” “I run my own NGO. Just something for the kids.” She replied. “Just keep people off the streets and reduce the menace in the society. More like contributing my quota to development.” Jerry smiled. “That’s really noble.” “So, how was being a paramedic for you?” she asked. Jerry shrugged. “Nothing serious, I wasn’t going to pass as a good Doctor anyway, so I just enjoyed the brief stint then.” “Why did you think you won’t do well as a Doctor?” He stared at her. “Do I look like a good Doctor to you?” “I think you are a good person and that could be translated into any field you find yourself.” She replied. “Anyway, how is your family?” “Family? Err…they are fine. They live in Abuja.” He replied. “What about yours?” She shrugged. “Nora is the only family I have and I think you know that part. Folks died and I have only had my sister and their money.”
“I am sorry.” He said.She smiled. “It’s okay. It’s a long time ago, we have passed thatstage now. So, what plans do you have for yourself?” Jerry slipped his hands into his pockets. “Plans? Hmm…I might want to quit the bank job someday, it is not really forthcoming. I want to raise a family too, if I find the right conditions.” “What do you mean by ‘right conditions’?” She asked with a soft chuckle. He shrugged. “You know how it is around here, there is a lot of drama and marriage is a big deal. Kids are a big deal. They tend to play around a lot and get injured, so many responsibilities.” Toni smiled. “I think you are just being evasive of the point that these things are bound to happen, and good thing is you have the paramedic experience, so that should cover up for the kids and their injuries, don’t you think?” Jerry nodded, “Yeah.” “I think a family is beautiful. You should really look forward to it.” She added. He smiled. “And what about you? How many kids do you want to have?” Toni threw her face away as she walked on. “Err…I think we have sort of walked too far from the car.” “Really?How many kids?” Jerry insisted. Toni had never thought about having children, they were not in her plans. Men were not either. Until Jerry happened. “I really don’t know. I just want to be happy.” She replied. Jerry smiled, surprised at her statement. “But you are happy. Right?”She nodded. “I am. I meant a happy mother.” Jerry nodded. “If a woman marries the right man, and I mean in me in this context, all will be well.” He said with a smile. “Are you trying to sell yourself?” she asked with a smile. “It won’t be such a bad idea, right now, would it?” he asked. Toni shook her head with a smile. “It is a terrible idea.” “But I will make a good husband, won’t I?” he asked. She shrugged and walked along. Jerry stopped and watched her walk on. He had built another lie to cover up his lie. He knew his life was all messed up now Emeka had predicted. He knew he had to find a way to be honest with her before the lies caught up with him. Toni battled with how she would tell Jerry about her condition in
her mind, she had painted different scenarios and had finally chosen the best one. She would just turn to her left and say it to him and run. That seemed easy. It was always easy to run. She turned to her right, no one was there. She looked back and Jerry stood away from her. She swallowed as he had ruined her perfect moment.
Jerry started to walk towards her. She watched him and thought of another way of telling him. She didn’t see it forthcoming. She would just keep quiet. “Hi.” Jerry said.
Toni smiled. “Why did you stop walking?” “Are you in love with someone else? Like, do you have someone waiting on you?” he asked. Toni smiled. “This…this is the first time someone has asked me a question like this.” “I don’t want to lie to you for a minute. I…I have…I…” Jerry stuttered. Toni raised an eyebrow. “Chill…this is not a professional exam. What do you want to say?” “I know we have not known each other for long and I know that I am terribly jumping the gun by saying what I am saying, but I don’t want to leave here today without telling you how much I like you.” Jerry started.
Toni folded her arms and pulled a face. He smiled. “Can you please be less tensed up?” she asked. He took a deep breath. “I am struck by you. I guess that is the
best way to put it.”“No. That is not the best way.” She replied.He rubbed his forehead. “It’s getting late, Jerry. I want to go home.” She said. He nodded and took her hand. “Let’s go.” “Tell me about your childhood.” Toni said breaking the silence between her and Jerry as he drove. She was tired of wishing she had told him she had Cancer and she was now afraid of losing him to the silence. Jerry stared at her with a smile. “What is there to tell?” “I had a lovely childhood.” Toni started. “I never got the best grades from my High School, but I was the school diva. I had this group of girls, we went everywhere and terrorized other girls in school.” Jerry stared at her. “Seriously? You don’t seem that type of girl to me.” “Everything is never as it seems and oh, that was High school. It was crazy, man. I had fun! We bullied girls. Pitch girls of a sort.” She replied. “What kind of guy were you in High School?” “Regular guy.The nerd.” He replied. “Guys called me a freak. I knew the Multiplication tables off heart.” “You are a freak!” she replied laughing. He nodded. “I enjoyed it, I must say. I got a lot of awards and teachers definitely loved me. I carried on the feat to my university. Class guru! Top of the class…straight A’s.” he sighed. “Wow! So, what happened?” she asked. Jerry stared at her. “What do you mean?” “Microfinance Bank?” she asked. He smiled. “Life happened.” “I think you should quit.” She replied. “Try to chase a better future, Jerry. I am not saying that Microfinance banks are not good, but this one in our hood is really obsolete. No one patronizes them.” She added. He sighed. “I would work on it.” “You should.” She replied.
****
Nora
read from a novel as she watched the time. She had given Jerry up until
midnight to return her sister and she wasn’t kidding. She had the phone number
of the Estate police on speed dial. If she didn’t see Toni at midnight, she was
going to create a scene in the neighbourhood. She had also hoped that Toni
would have cleared up her emotions with Jerry by now and that her sister could
now face a new life and possibly, a relocation. She heard a car drive in. Toni
was back. She smiled and closed her eyes as she pretended to be asleep. She was
in the mood to play with her sister.
****
****
The
door opened and Toni walked in with Jerry. Toni sighted Nora on the chair and bent
over her. She then stared at Jerry. “You are lucky you made it here before
twelve.” “I am fifteen minutes early.” He replied. Toni nodded with a smile. “I
have the herculean task of carrying her upstairs, but never mind, I am
capable.” “I could help you.” He replied. Toni smiled. “No. Thank you. You
should be on your way home
now. Thank you for today.” “We would see Alien World next time.” He replied. “You made us see that depressing movie.” He said with a smile. Toni shrugged. “Maybe next time, we don’t see a movie.” “Hmmm…good idea. We should do something spontaneous. Something more fun than the movies. Horseback riding?” he suggested. Toni stepped away from Nora. “I don’t want us to wake her, you should go now. Horseback riding sounds like fun anyway, I mightconsider it.”He nodded and walkedaway. He stopped at the door and stared at her. “You were right.” “About?” she asked. “I didn’t say it the right way.” He replied. Toni stared at him. “Say what?” He blinked and clenched his fists together. “I love you.” Toni’s shoulders fell. Nora’s eyes popped out. “Yes, Toni. I love you.” He affirmed. “That’s it. Goodnight.” Toni watched him as he closed the door and she took a deep breath. “Would it have killed you to tell him that you loved him too?” Nora asked. Toni stared at her sister. “I thought you were faking to be asleep.” “Well, now you know.” Nora replied. “Why didn’t you tell him how you feel?” Toni stared at her. “How would you know how I feel?” Nora shrugged. “Did you go through my diary, Nora?” Nora nodded. “I don’t have to lie. So, what are you going to do about this? You possibly can’t fight it.” Toni took a deep breath and took a seat. “I don’t know.” “Did you tell him?” Nora asked. Toni shook her head. “Come on, Toni. You were supposed to. That would have created the gap.” Nora replied. Toni shrugged. “I…I just couldn’t.” “Well, you have to find a way to.” Nora replied. Toni relaxed in her seat. “He is a really good guy. He used to be a paramedic, he used to be your type of person in High school and university.” “What do you mean by my type of person?” Nora asked. Toni smiled. “Class guru.”“Then what is he doing at the microfinance bank?” Nora asked as she rose to her feet. “He should be in some prestigious place.” “What are you doing as a customer care representative?” Toni retorted. Nora smiled. “Service to humanity. I am charitable like that.”
Toni laughed at this. Nora smiled faintly. “Let’s go to bed, darling. I am tired.”Toni nodded. “Thanks for waiting up for me.” “You are all I have.” Nora replied as she took Toni’s hand.
****
“So, you are telling me that she wore something simple?” Emeka asked with a smile. Jerry frowned. “That was the least of my problems last night.” Emeka grinned. “Whatcould be worse than you showing up like her father?” “I ran into a patient at the Mall. His son called me Doctor!” Emeka gaped. “Wow!” “That is not wow! That is trouble!” Jerry replied as he poured himself some tea. “I had to come up with something.” “Dude! You should have just told the truth!” Emeka yelled. Jerry stared at him. “You dey mad? How would I tell her? Is that even the right avenue to tell her something I have been hiding?” “That was your best opportunity to throw the can open and forget it. She would either forgive you or not, and it is not something that can’t be forgiven.” Emeka retorted. Jerry shrugged as he took a seat. “Well, I didn’t and that is that about that.” “Man, I don’t know if I am comfortable with this. I am beginning to feel sorry for you already.” Emeka replied. “Why?” Jerry asked as he sipped his tea. Emeka took his seat. “You love this girl. She might just like you back and when we keep a lie for too long, it always has a way of hurting the ones we love when they realise. She would feel she was not worthy of the truth.”
“I am protecting her.” Jerry replied. Emeka hissed. “From what?From who?Look, thatis just a sillyline to use. She doesn’t need you to protect her from anything. Itis notlike you are an assassin and you need to really protect her so she is not killed by a gang. You are a doctor. You save lives.” “How many have I saved? It’s like I am carrying a curse. Ever since my first case, it has always been like this. I can’t get over it.” Jerry replied. Emeka nodded. “I know how you feel.” “You don’t! I was just a surgical intern and they placed a woman’s life in my hand. She had kids! They were crying for their mommy and she died in my hands.” “You are a doctor. You might have been an intern then, but still, lives will go. You just have to let it go.” Emeka replied. Jerry shook his head. “I don’t know about that.” “How long are you going to carry this cross around? Liquor has been your friend since then and it is pointless that you continue like this. People lose their first patients.” Emeka replied. “You never forget your first, Emeka. You never.” Jerry replied. Emeka sighed. “So, do you think running away will save you from it? I was not the best student in the University, but I know that it has always been my passion to save lives and I am doing it in the best way I can. You are a good man, Jerry. Find that joy in you and rekindle your passion for the profession.” Jerry took deep breath. “You know I am just glad I am out of the hospital for now. I am just happy I can sleep and not worry about killing someone’s son, daughter, wife, husband, brother, or sister.” Emeka smiled faintly. “And to think that the director has cut your suspension off…” “What?” Jerry shouted. Emeka nodded. “You are to return to the hospital tomorrow.”
***
Nora stirred her coffee as she read from the dailies. She had left Toni in the room, it was her guess that Toni must have stayed up for a very long time as she didn’t wake up when Nora did. Honestly, she couldn’t sleep much either. She had been thinking about this new step in Toni’s life. Toni was in love. Jerry was in love (at least she had heard him say it). It should have been simple if the circumstances were a lot different. She sipped some coffee. Toni had been stable for a while so she didn’t see the need to check her into the Hospital anytime soon. She, however, did pray that Toni wasn’t ruminating on her new emotions and discarding their plans for her to go into chemotherapy. Surgery was also an escape route but it did come with a lot of negatives for her sister. Nora knew she didn’t want Toni to go through another near death experience for a brief period of normalcy. She turned her heart away from the thoughts and focused on the newspaper, but then, the dailies too could be really depressing… from rape cases to strike actions by the working class and disappointments in the sports world. What really could make onesmile? She thought as she folded the paper and rose to her feet. She turned in fright as she stared at Toni. Toni was standing before her motionless and without the wig. She looked frail. Her eyes were sunken. Her sister had been crying. She knew it. “What is it, Toni?” Nora asked. “I want a surgery.” Toni replied.
TO BE CONTINUED
now. Thank you for today.” “We would see Alien World next time.” He replied. “You made us see that depressing movie.” He said with a smile. Toni shrugged. “Maybe next time, we don’t see a movie.” “Hmmm…good idea. We should do something spontaneous. Something more fun than the movies. Horseback riding?” he suggested. Toni stepped away from Nora. “I don’t want us to wake her, you should go now. Horseback riding sounds like fun anyway, I mightconsider it.”He nodded and walkedaway. He stopped at the door and stared at her. “You were right.” “About?” she asked. “I didn’t say it the right way.” He replied. Toni stared at him. “Say what?” He blinked and clenched his fists together. “I love you.” Toni’s shoulders fell. Nora’s eyes popped out. “Yes, Toni. I love you.” He affirmed. “That’s it. Goodnight.” Toni watched him as he closed the door and she took a deep breath. “Would it have killed you to tell him that you loved him too?” Nora asked. Toni stared at her sister. “I thought you were faking to be asleep.” “Well, now you know.” Nora replied. “Why didn’t you tell him how you feel?” Toni stared at her. “How would you know how I feel?” Nora shrugged. “Did you go through my diary, Nora?” Nora nodded. “I don’t have to lie. So, what are you going to do about this? You possibly can’t fight it.” Toni took a deep breath and took a seat. “I don’t know.” “Did you tell him?” Nora asked. Toni shook her head. “Come on, Toni. You were supposed to. That would have created the gap.” Nora replied. Toni shrugged. “I…I just couldn’t.” “Well, you have to find a way to.” Nora replied. Toni relaxed in her seat. “He is a really good guy. He used to be a paramedic, he used to be your type of person in High school and university.” “What do you mean by my type of person?” Nora asked. Toni smiled. “Class guru.”“Then what is he doing at the microfinance bank?” Nora asked as she rose to her feet. “He should be in some prestigious place.” “What are you doing as a customer care representative?” Toni retorted. Nora smiled. “Service to humanity. I am charitable like that.”
Toni laughed at this. Nora smiled faintly. “Let’s go to bed, darling. I am tired.”Toni nodded. “Thanks for waiting up for me.” “You are all I have.” Nora replied as she took Toni’s hand.
****
“So, you are telling me that she wore something simple?” Emeka asked with a smile. Jerry frowned. “That was the least of my problems last night.” Emeka grinned. “Whatcould be worse than you showing up like her father?” “I ran into a patient at the Mall. His son called me Doctor!” Emeka gaped. “Wow!” “That is not wow! That is trouble!” Jerry replied as he poured himself some tea. “I had to come up with something.” “Dude! You should have just told the truth!” Emeka yelled. Jerry stared at him. “You dey mad? How would I tell her? Is that even the right avenue to tell her something I have been hiding?” “That was your best opportunity to throw the can open and forget it. She would either forgive you or not, and it is not something that can’t be forgiven.” Emeka retorted. Jerry shrugged as he took a seat. “Well, I didn’t and that is that about that.” “Man, I don’t know if I am comfortable with this. I am beginning to feel sorry for you already.” Emeka replied. “Why?” Jerry asked as he sipped his tea. Emeka took his seat. “You love this girl. She might just like you back and when we keep a lie for too long, it always has a way of hurting the ones we love when they realise. She would feel she was not worthy of the truth.”
“I am protecting her.” Jerry replied. Emeka hissed. “From what?From who?Look, thatis just a sillyline to use. She doesn’t need you to protect her from anything. Itis notlike you are an assassin and you need to really protect her so she is not killed by a gang. You are a doctor. You save lives.” “How many have I saved? It’s like I am carrying a curse. Ever since my first case, it has always been like this. I can’t get over it.” Jerry replied. Emeka nodded. “I know how you feel.” “You don’t! I was just a surgical intern and they placed a woman’s life in my hand. She had kids! They were crying for their mommy and she died in my hands.” “You are a doctor. You might have been an intern then, but still, lives will go. You just have to let it go.” Emeka replied. Jerry shook his head. “I don’t know about that.” “How long are you going to carry this cross around? Liquor has been your friend since then and it is pointless that you continue like this. People lose their first patients.” Emeka replied. “You never forget your first, Emeka. You never.” Jerry replied. Emeka sighed. “So, do you think running away will save you from it? I was not the best student in the University, but I know that it has always been my passion to save lives and I am doing it in the best way I can. You are a good man, Jerry. Find that joy in you and rekindle your passion for the profession.” Jerry took deep breath. “You know I am just glad I am out of the hospital for now. I am just happy I can sleep and not worry about killing someone’s son, daughter, wife, husband, brother, or sister.” Emeka smiled faintly. “And to think that the director has cut your suspension off…” “What?” Jerry shouted. Emeka nodded. “You are to return to the hospital tomorrow.”
***
Nora stirred her coffee as she read from the dailies. She had left Toni in the room, it was her guess that Toni must have stayed up for a very long time as she didn’t wake up when Nora did. Honestly, she couldn’t sleep much either. She had been thinking about this new step in Toni’s life. Toni was in love. Jerry was in love (at least she had heard him say it). It should have been simple if the circumstances were a lot different. She sipped some coffee. Toni had been stable for a while so she didn’t see the need to check her into the Hospital anytime soon. She, however, did pray that Toni wasn’t ruminating on her new emotions and discarding their plans for her to go into chemotherapy. Surgery was also an escape route but it did come with a lot of negatives for her sister. Nora knew she didn’t want Toni to go through another near death experience for a brief period of normalcy. She turned her heart away from the thoughts and focused on the newspaper, but then, the dailies too could be really depressing… from rape cases to strike actions by the working class and disappointments in the sports world. What really could make onesmile? She thought as she folded the paper and rose to her feet. She turned in fright as she stared at Toni. Toni was standing before her motionless and without the wig. She looked frail. Her eyes were sunken. Her sister had been crying. She knew it. “What is it, Toni?” Nora asked. “I want a surgery.” Toni replied.
TO BE CONTINUED
The Beautiful Stranger - EPISODE 6 - The Achievers Foundation Blog
***
Toni brushed Nora’s hair backward. “You should feed your hair more.” She started. “The hair needs to be healthy and to be healthy, it needs food.” “Rice and Beans?” Nora asked. Toni pulled a grimace. “Is that you being funny?” Nora nodded with a smile. “I try.” “No. Failed effort.” Toni retorted. “Anyway, how much do you pay Ehis for the wigs she supplies you?” Nora turned her head over her shoulder quickly. “Are the wigs of low quality?” Toni smiled. Her sister might just have Ehis’ head for dinner if she had even pulled a joke at the moment. “Chill babe, I just think you are spending too much on buying me wigs. I want to leave my scalp.” Nora swallowed painfully. “No, Toni. You can’t do that.” “Why not, Nora? Eventually the whole world will see the scalp.” Toni replied as she continued with Nora’s hair. “I just think the money could be channelled to other things.” Nora scoffed. “Toni, stop being modest. I am not buying wigs of fifty grand, you pump enough money into your charity organization monthly, and we don’t need to donate the money for your beautification too.” Toni giggled. “What is funny?” Nora asked. Toni smiled. “Beautification is funny. The context I mean.” She replied. Nora sighed. “I just want you to be happy.” “I am happy. You should sing that hymn in reverse.” Toni replied. Nora nodded. “I am trying to be happy.” Toni smiled as she packed the hair. “Your hair is looking lovely. You should pay me for this.” She said as she stepped away an took her seat on the edge of the bed. “Nora…” “Yeah…” Nora replied sloppily as she checked the hair in the mirror. Toni stroked her eyebrow gently, at least, she still had that. “Do you think that I…I might live?” Nora’s face fell as she turned to her sister. “I know you would live. People get through Cancer every time. You are a fighter and I know that you would.” Toni nodded slowly. “Why then do you stare at me every night? Why do you waste your time keeping vigils over me every night?” Nora took her seat beside Toni. “I…I just love watching you sleep.” Toni’s eyes started to get wet. “You don’t have to lie to me. You think I might just go.” Nora cleaned her sister’s eyes. “You are not going anywhere…I have to go first, remember? I am older than you, it should be turn by turn.” she said with a soft chuckle. Toni smiled. “Death is not a respecter of any one.” “God gives life.” Nora replied as she kissed her sister’s forehead. “I love you, Toni.” Toni pulled herself away from Nora. “Don’t get all mushy on me.” Nora chuckled. “So…what do you want for breakfast?” “Your head.” Toni replied as she crawled up on the bed. Nora frowned. “Babe, I don’t have time for your jokes this morning. I need to get your food ready now. So, tell me what you want to eat.” “I really don’t know. I would have whatever you decide to cook.” Toni replied. Nora nodded as she approached the door. “I’ll be back then.” She said and walked out.
Toni pulled out her diary and started to scribble. “New Guy: His name is Jerry and yes…I really like this one.” She shut the diary and left the bedroom. “What are you doing here?” Nora asked as soon as she saw her sister. Toni took a seat. “Watching you cook.” “You know that you don’t have to be here.” She replied. Toni nodded. “I know I don’t have to be here, but, I want to be.” Nora sighed. “Fine. Have it your way.” The doorbell went. Toni stared at the wall clock. “Early visitor. Hmmm…doesn’t James sleep at night?” Toni asked with a grin as she strolled out of the kitchen to the door. Jerry stood before her with a smile as soon as she opened the door. “Good morning.” Toni closed the door after her as she shoved Jerry outside. “Morning, Jerry.” “I see you don’t want me inside.” He replied. She folded her arms. “Why won’t I want you inside? I am just surprised that you are here this early instead of being at work. Don’t they miss you there?” “I…I don’t think I can lie about what I want to say.” He started. Toni smiled faintly. “Don’t worry, Jerry. It is a thing of the mind.” “Can…Can you just quit with the…the sarcasm…I am trying to say something serious here.” Jerry said as he stuttered. He placed his hand behind his back as he crossed his fingers. “Okay, I am listening.” She replied. The door opened and Nora joined them. “Look at who we have here.” She said as she stared keenly at Jerry. “Mr Nice outfit!” “The name is Jerry.” He said, stretching out a hand. Nora took the hand calmly and turned to Toni. “Why did you leave your guest standing outside?” Toni gaped. “We were-” “-No. I was just leaving.” Jerry said hastily. Nora gripped him by the arm. “No way, you just got here. Please come in with us. Breakfast is ready.” Toni sighed. Nora smiled at her. “Let the gentleman come in. Won’t you?” Toni flashed an awkward grin at her. “Of course, I will.” She said and turned in Jerry’s direction. “Please eat with us.” “I already had breakfast.” He replied. Toni smiled. “You would love this one. “Besides, you can’t turn two ladies down. It so ungentlemanly.” Nora added quickly. Jerry nodded. “Okay then.” Nora smiled and led the way into the house. “So, tell me, what do you do?” Nora started as she stared at Jerry. Jerry cleared his throat as he prepped himself to continue his lie. “I am a Banker. I work in the Microfinance bank down the lane, the sort of investment bank that we have here.” Nora nodded. “I know that bank. Does anybody still visit there? I think you should consider a switch of jobs.” Jerry smiled. “I am happy to help there. I am doing someone a favour by being there.” “Oh…that’s noble. But, I am more concerned about what the bank does for you than what you do for the bank.” She replied. Toni watched her sister interrogate Jerry as though she was her mother. She didn’t contribute to their discussion and continued to eat her meal. “I work in the Customer Care unit of the leading service provider in this nation.” Nora bragged. Toni hissed. Nora flinched at her. “It is…” Toni nodded cynically and reached for her phone. She dialled her sister’s number on it. Nora’s phone rang to Toni’s delight. Nora smiled as she saw her phone ring. “Private Caller. I have to take this, guys.” She said and picked the call. “Hello…Hello… Hello…” “Talk about leading service provider.” Toni said with a grin. “That is a traditional network problem with them, you can call endlessly and not hear anything from the other end.” Toni concluded. Nora dropped the phone on the table. “This is just a slight hitch, Jerry. It doesn’t always happen like that, I can assure you.” Jerry nodded with a smile. “I quite agree with you.” Nora smiled at Toni. “In your face, Toni. In your face.” She said
and then turned towards Jerry. “Just so you know, Banking is a good profession and I have nothing against it, but I just think you should consider a change of jobs.” “Mom, he has heard you.” Toni interrupted. Nora nodded. “So, off to the main question. What are your intentions for my sister?” Toni spilled her drink from her mouth. “Nora!” Jerry smiled. “It’s okay. I want to take her out this Friday, if you don’t mind.”
Nora nodded. “I don’t mind. Toni, you are going out this Friday.” Toni rolled her eyes. “This is just amazing.” She muttered. Jerry smiled at Toni. “Do we have a date?” “Of course, you have a date.” Nora replied. “Ensure you bring her back home by midnight.” Toni shook her head. “I have my own mouth, you know?” “Yeah…and I also know that you have a way of making the wrong decisions when I don’t wave my magic wand in your direction.” Nora replied. Jerry sighed. “You are really cool together.” Nora smiled. “We try.” Toni stared at Nora. Her sister was unnecessarily excited and this worried her. She had always wanted to rub off some goodness on Nora, but something seemed to have gone wrong somewhere, Nora was overjoyed and jumping in and out of every conversation that she would naturally not want to have.
“Quit staring at me.” Nora said to Toni. Toni smiled. “Done.”
***
FRIDAY NIGHT
Emeka handed Jerry a blue tie. “I think this should go.” “It is just the movies, right? I think I am overdoing it.” Jerry replied as he stared at the tie. Emeka shrugged. “I don’t know, but you might get to her house and see her in a dinner gown, so, you better at least match up.” Jerry sighed. “I should have told her that we were going to the movies. Do you think I should call her and tell her that now?” he asked. Emeka hissed. “Guy, wear something jare. First impressions matter.” “But…But it’s not like I am proposing to her, right?” Jerry asked. Emeka nodded. “Either way, you might want to be prepared, she might propose to you.” Jerry stared at him with a grimace. “Haha…I was trying to be funny.” Emeka replied. Jerry nodded. “I observed.” Emeka took a seat as he watched Jerry fumble with the tie. “So, which new lie have you told to her?” “Still on the same.” He replied. Emeka nodded. “That’s good. Remember to keep the lies simple, and beware, she will ask a lot of questions about your family when you guys go to eat, try not to lie about that. I don’t think she would forgive any of that.” Jerry took a deep breath and sank into a chair. “Man, I am scared. I don’t want to hurt her.” “Bro, you have already started the lie trend, try to see it out to the end…and maybe you can just come up with you have decided to switch jobs, you know?” Emeka suggested. Jerry laughed. “You don’t just switch to being a surgeon.” Emeka nodded. “You are in soup bro.”
***
“Nora, I think I am okay.” Toni protested as Nora stared at her make-up box. Nora ignored her as she picked up a brush. “We are going to apply a little more powder here and there.” Toni jumped up. “Okay baby, I am fine. I am not going to let you turn me into a Chinese dragon.” She replied as she slipped into her jean trousers. “I was thinking you would wear a gown.” Nora said as she stared at the gowns on the bed. “I already picked out that black gown for you.” Toni stared at the gown. “Hmmm…I’ll pass. Besides, I know it is just the movies and I can bet that he won’t be doing more than a top and denims. I am not going to show up like someone who is about to get proposed to.” “Oh come on, Toni!” Nora said. Toni smiled. “Don’t worry, I am wearing that top you have been dying to see me wear for ages.” Nora didn’t smile.
Toni shrugged. “Whatever, man.” The doorbell went. Nora stood up. “I would go and see Jerry in.” “I am going to tell him.” Toni said as she picked up her purse. Nora stared at her. “Are you sure?” “It’s better not to let them get close and get hurt later on, he would know about my condition tonight.” She replied. “Let’s go.” Nora nodded and opened the door as they walked downstairs. Jerry was already standing in the Hallway after being let in by a maid. Nora stared at Toni with an evil grin as they stared at Jerry’s suit. Jerry swallowed painfully as he stared at Nora’s simple wear. “Emeka, you devil!” he cursed in his heart. “Good evening, ladies.” Jerry greeted. Nora smiled. “Good evening to you, Jerry. You look dashing.” Jerry smiled at Nora. “Thank you.” He then walked up to Toni. “You are beautiful.” “Everybody knows.” Nora cooed. She then shoved both of them out. “Now be on your way, avoid the late night traffic.”
***
“Do I look seriously dressed?” Jerry asked as they walked into the mall. Toni smiled. “Do you think you look seriously dressed? “Yes, I do.” He replied. She nodded. “Then, you do.” “I…I hope this doesn’t embarrass you.” He said. She paused and stared at him seriously. “Why would it?” Jerry smiled. “I don’t want people thinking I am your Daddy.” Toni smiled. “In that case, I have one cute Daddy.” He smiled. “That’s…that’s a compliment?” She stared at him. “What century are you from, Jerry?” “Alien world.” He replied. “Is that a century?” she asked. He shook his head. “No, that’s the movie we are going to be see. It is amazing! I mean, you need to see the aliens and their tricks at getting humans to submit to their will.” He said with a glow. “So we are going to see sci-fi?” she asked. He nodded. “It is one of the coolest things you would ever see.” “I think we should see Cars.” She replied. He stared at her. “Cars? That’s a cartoon. It should be for kids” She nodded. “And young adults. Did you see your face when you were talking about Alien world?” He shrugged. “I was kidding though, you get to choose the movie.” “Of course. No way am I going to let you torture me with alien world.” She replied as they stepped on the escalator. Toni looked around the movie section while Jerry got the popcorns. He returned to her as she flashed two tickets before him. “I got us a good movie.” “Is there any part where you get to cry on my shoulder?” he asked with a smile. She paused to think. “Erm…” “Dr Jerry!” A man with a young boy called out as he joined them. “I didn’t know it was you, but my son kept on telling me that it was you. Children” He said as he ruffled his son’s hair with a
smile. Toni stared at them and then at Jerry who managed a smile at the man.
TO BE CONTINUED
The Beautiful Stranger - EPISODE 5 - The Achievers Foundation Blog
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