Katherine
I watched as the poor lad scrambled off the floor and fled for his dear life. How could this be? Why him? He is always there to rescue me from problems? I thought out loudly. * why? I asked , when the thought transformed to words.
‘Why what? Andy said. He wore a brown packet shirt , with a well ironed pitch black trousers. I was impressed by the shiny shoes he wore. They reflected the rays of the sun and I thought I saw them glow- probably a mirage or something.
‘Sorry…. I meant thank you, but why? I said .
‘Why what ? He replied again, and gave me my hang bag which he got back from the thief.
‘Are you in anyway , following me? I said.
‘Obviously not and you’re welcome’ He scoffed. ‘I just happened to be at the right place and time’ He said. This is the second time he did me a favour, and I hoped dearly that he wouldnt asked for anything in return.
‘ Thank you…for this… I… I really appreciate’ I said ,feeling shy and took my eyes off his direction.
‘No problem Kate’ He said ‘ Now you owe me two cups of coffee’ Is that all? He must be a comedian indeed. I grinned and gave a hearty smile thinking of reasons why he wanted to have a coffee date with me.
Damilola.
”What? Kemi’s voice echoed in my ear drums.
‘, Kemi please help me out here, I’m confused’ I said. — fondling with my pen on the table, and my other hand held the phone to my ear. The Sunday morning was blissful. Birds chirped from a distance and I could still hear their melodies. The air smelled fresh. I used to be a Kirk- a bornafide church goer- but all that changed the day my mother was humiliated by her so called fellow members. I never wanted to remember the past, but it kept hunting me both in dreams and reality. *
‘ I just got an e-mail yesterday’ I said.
‘ what were the contents?
‘Kemi ,it is so horrible..’ I began
‘How do you mean, is it that bad?’ She said.
‘ Kemii!!, my mom was arrested for drug trafficking in New york, and you are asking me if it is that bad? I couldnt believe her.
‘Listen to me Dami, dont get too fused up, we can still do something’
‘What, ? What can we do? I’m confused’. The tears began to roll down my cheeks as I wiped them off gently.
‘So how did you get the pictures?
‘Remember I hired a private investigator to keep watch over her? I said.
‘Yes..yes, I remember. John Foster, right? Kemi said.
‘yea, thats him. The one we met at the convention in New York’ I said. The tears became unbearable. I just had to let it all out. ‘ Kemi why are all these happening to me? ‘ I said ‘ Why me? Just when I thought everything was getting better’
‘ Its not your fault, Lola please stop blaming yourself’
‘ It is.. ‘ I sobbed’ If only I didnt allow Mum to stay back in the states, knowing fully well she was now a drug addict’ Kemi sighed. I could feel her breathe deeply on the other end of the line.
‘ You had to. She requested it, besides the humiliation from St. Jude’s members, left a dent on her personality. Nigeria became too unbearable for her. She needed a change in environment’
‘ I cant take it anymore, I cant , I just cant. Before it was Funmi who suffered, now even my mum is in a deeper mess’ I cried.
‘ It will be fine.’ Kemi said. ‘So where is Mami Funke now? ‘ She asked.
‘She is in the police net , undergoing detainment’ I said
’ I will try and pull some strings to get her released on bail, I’m always on your side. Remember’ she said.
‘OK. Thank you Kemi. You are a true friend’
‘ Awwwn! What are friends for? She joked.
‘ok bye’ I hung up the line. Thoughts flash into my head like thunder bolts stabbing the very essence of my existence.
‘ Mummy? Are you ok? Funmi came into the room and I didnt notice her presence.
‘I’m fine. Mummy is ok ‘ I said.
‘ You’re crying mummy. Did daddy leave us again? I wiped away my tears and smiled.
‘No baby. Daddy didnt leave us. Mummy just has alot on her mind , it will be fine’
‘OK mummy. I promise you, I wont ever make you cry. I will take care of you, mummy’ Funmi said and cleaned my face with her arms. Joy overwhelmed me. My cheeks came alive again . I hugged my daughter and held her firmly.
‘I love you Funmi’ I said’ You are really God-sent. You are mummy’s angel’
‘ I love you too mummy’
Tbc
