The battle has just began. He should prepare for my side of “Double Punishment”.
When he saw me seated at the dining table, I sensed that he was surprised. It’s been ages since we actually saw each other. We practical hated each other so we didn’t even try to catch up with old times or even exchange pleasantries.
All he did was to greet, got himself seated very close to Shela, trying to indirectly express his dominion over her with that look “I have won her” look on his face. Well, indeed, he got me jealous though. That was the exact moment I had a phone call from my uncle’s place. I excused myself to receive it, only to hear that my uncle had just passed away.
My heart got broken. I couldn’t even see him before he died. He was practically the only one I have until today. Shela noticed that I wasn’t myself anymore. Without informing anyone, I just left their presence and headed to my uncle’s house. Shela saw me leave but decided to let me be. Besides, she didn’t feel comfortable with Jojo around. In a very smart way, she however covered up for me.
To Jojo, he thought I was a coward, he thought I had actually left because of him. If only he knew what was in stock for him.
I got home to my uncle’s place, to see all sought of sympathizers and family members gathered around mourning. Some family members who have neglected him while he was alive, now crying their hearts out as if they really cared. The worse part was my uncle’s neighbor who happened to be his best friend.
I remember, one time my uncle was so broke that he asked him for loan but he deliberately refused. My uncle knew very well that he had the money but for some reason he didn’t give him. Now that he is dead and gone forever, he just volunteered to buy his coffin for the burial. Hypocrites.
Upon my arrival, there came this aunty of mine, crying and all that. She hugged me and tried to console me. But what actually got my attention was that she made mention at least the death of my uncle will give me the opportunity to unite with my father.
Apparently, my father and my uncle were close friends even before he got married to my mother. It was through my uncle that my father got involved with my mother. But as to why he disappeared even before I was born, only God knows. Well, I don’t know what good it will do to me if he decides to show up now. He hasn’t been present in my entire life and honestly I prefer it stays that way. He wasn’t there to play the father’s role and be a good husband to my late mother.
Perhaps, my mother would have been alive by now if he was around. I remember day in and day out my mother keeps hoping that one day he was going to show up and take up his responsibility. However that never happened. She really did love him.
“I don’t need him now” That was the exact words I told my aunty. “What happened to uncle, He looked strong and healthy, what really happened?” I asked her.
“He was fine until he complained of headache and the next thing we knew he had passed away. He really wanted to see you. It was as if he had something to tell you in connection with your father. As a matter of fact, he gave me his number to contact him. He is already on his way here as am talking” Said my Aunty.
“Honestly Aunty, I really don’t want to see him. I have nothing to do with him. If I was no good for him when mother was alive, I won’t be good to him now” I said.
“Obi, you need to listen to his side first. At least….” Said My Aunty
“Aunty I want to be alone now. This is too much for me to take in a day. I just pray that God will grant him a resting place” I said and left her behind.
At this moment the only person that came to my mind was Shela. I didn’t tell her I was leaving so I had to call her that instant and inform her the reason behind my actions. Surprisingly, I don’t know what had happened she kept hanging up on me. I was so sure that Jojo was behind that. There came my Aunty again.
“Obi, your father is in” My Aunty said.
“I don’t want to see him Aunty, I don’t” I said.
“Obi, listen to me, after all these years your father have finally decided to show up, why won’t you go and listen to him” She said.
I nodded my head and she took me to the yard where all the rest of the family gathered. To my surprise, that was where I met Shela’s father standing right there with his driver.
“That’s your father over there” my Aunty said.
I couldn’t believe my ears. Shela’s father is actually my Dad?
To be continued.
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