'Please,have your seat.' he said pointing to the leather seat in front of his table.
Mrs Smith sat trying as much as she could to hide the worry on her face,she placed her bag on the other chair.
'I hope there is no problem Doc?' she asked.
'There is a little problem,after you left yesterday,Mr Jacob insisted on seeing Jane,his sister i assume.'
Mrs Smith nodded him on,
'I told him,she'll be here first thing this morning,but he refused his drugs last night,and that might affect him.So,i'll urge you to call her in so that we can administer his drugs.We had to station a guard by his room,as he tried to leave twice,before daybreak. ' The Doc finished.
Mrs Smith sighed,what was she going to do about this,she thought.Jane hadn't showed up since Jackie informed her.
And from the little she knew about her,the young girl seemed to be the caring type,so what happened to her.And to think Jacob had grown to love her immersely.She would have no choice than to allow him have his way.she thanked the Doc.Before leaving his office.
............
Jacob opened his eyes slowly,the scent of fresh flowers filled the room.He smiled,Jane must have brought them,he knew.
'Where is she?' he managed to speak.
'Jane?' Jacob nodded.
'She's fine'
'I know......she brought the flowers' he said clutching his sides as he spoke.
'Speak no more,you're weak.'She said touching his arms.'And Jane didn't bring them,Katherine did,she left some minutes ago' Jackie explained.
'Your secretary brought you those ones,while Jaiye brought you the last basket'.
Jacob closed his eyes,placing his hand on his face.
'Jane' he murmured quietly.
Jackie stared at his brother on the bed,he seemed to be getting better yesterday,and now he looked pale again.she wondered what was going to happen.
'God forbid' she said aloud,as a dark thought crept into her mind.
Funmi came in,placing a chair by his bed,she sat down like a bag of beans.she wasted no time in explaining to her daughter,what the Doc. told her.
'Mother,what do you suggest we do then?'
'Perhaps,we call her again.' Funmi said.
'Perhaps,we go to her place.'
'Her place?'
'Yes,lets find out,what happened,its very unlike her.'Jackie said.
'I can't bring myself to do that.'she paused.'I've got a name to protect,or have you forgotten who we are in this society.'
'The Smiths.' Funmi said as anger seared into her face.
'Mother,you'll be doing your son a favour and not someone else.'Jackie pleaded softly.
'I can't stoop low,i'll do anything for my son,but....'
'But what?is any thing too much for you to sacrifice?'
'Jackie,you will speak about this no more.' Funmi warned.I wonder how one woman can capture the heart of my son this much.
........
Jane crouched on the couch,she had been like that for hours,weeping silently.She could hear Bibi's voice from the kitchen,and Rose walking about the house.Her mother was yet to return her phone nor her car keys.
She hadn't had anything to eat all day,her eyes were red from crying.
A car horned in front of their gate,she ignored it.The horn grew louder,Kenneth would have opened the gate,if it were him.When she could bear it no more,she called Rose to go and check,who was at the gate.
She balanced herself on the couch,when Rose came in to inform her that she didn't know the people at the gate.
'Go and tell mother' Janet hissed before walking inside.Aarhg!
...............
Rose went in to inform Bibi of the strangers parked at the gate.'Ask them in' she said without looking up,resuming her solo.
Rose returned again,'They're in the sitting room now' she said.
Bibi washed her hands clean,toweled it before going to the sitting room to attend to the strangers.
The two women stood backing the kitchen,that Bibi a some seconds to study them,one was young and the other a bit old,probably her mother.They dressed fashionably
'Good afternoon' she said as the strangers turned to meet her.
The other woman stared at her as if,she just saw a ghost,the wall clock stood to a standstill,and everything seemed to fade into oblivion,as recognition dawned on her.
'Funmilayo!' she almost shouted.
'Abiola!' the other woman shouted too.
In a split seconds,the women were in each others arm,embracing and laughing like long lost sisters.
Jane heard the laughter from her room,she didn't want to badge in,so she peeped from a distance,she could bag the most surprised woman on earth award at the moment at the sight of Mrs Smith and Jackie.And much more,her mother just hugged ''The iron lady''.she rushed to the bathroom to wash her face,but they were still there,infact she hugged her mother like a long lost sister.what could be happening?she thought.
The younger woman stared at the women's display not knowing what to make of it.she found herself a seat.
'No,no,no,is this you Abiola?' Funmi asked surprised written all over her face as she tried to take it all in.
'Its me,Funmi you have really changed,i can see money all over your body.' Bibi said holding Funmi's hands.
'Look,who is talking o,you're looking good as always my dear.' Funmi said.
'Please have your seat.'
'Thanks.' Funmi said sitting by Jackie.
'What do i offer you?'
'Cold water will do for now.' Funmi answered looking around the sitting room.
Bibi beckoned to Rose,who soon returned with two glasses of water.
'How did you find me?' Bibi asked.
'I didn't even know you live here,we're actually looking for a young lady whom my son is dating,he's sick and requesting to see her,he gave us this address.' Funmi said drinking some water.
'Whats the name?'
'One Janet Odenuga or so?'
'Are you serious?' Bibi asked.
'Yes i am,we don't know if you by any chance know her.'
'I know her so much.' she replied smiling.
'Thank God,Please does she live in this compound?' Jackie asked.
'Yes she does.'
'How can i reach her?'
'She's my first daughter!' Bibi replied.
'What?' Jackie and Funmi screamed in unison.
'That can't be true.'Funmi said.
'Well,it is,infact she's resting inside.she's not been feeling well too.' Bibi lied,raising her voice so that Jane could hear.
Jane smiled,she couldn't believe that her mother was lieing outrightly.It seemed the two women knew each other.
'I'm surprised,Jacob is your son,i never knew.' Bibi sighed.
'I'm surprised as you,our children are dating.' Funmi said,as the two women burst into laughter again.
'I need to take her with me to see my son.'
'Let me get her.' Bibi said getting up.
She knocked before entering her daughters' room.Mother and daughter embraced each other,understanding the unspoken words.Jane kissed her mother.
'You know Mrs Smith?'
'Yes,we were like twins during our school days,its a long story,i can't wait to share.' Bibi smiled.
Jane laughed too,things were beginning to fall together at last.
'Jacob needs you now,pls you have to go with them,i'm coming with you.' she said.
'How kind of you,mother' Jane smiled.'You're the best in the world.'
'Now,get dressed,they're waiting.'
Funmi kept giggling,Jackie wondered what had come over her mother,this evening.
Soon,Bibi emerged,
'She'll be with you shortly,i'm coming with you.' she said,disappearing inside again.
Jane came into the sitting wearing a shiffon blouse on a pair of blue jean,she looked simple yet beautiful.she was at a loss of what to say or do.
'Jane!' Funmi and Jackie exclaimed.
'Good afternoon ma' she replied.
Funmi stood up,and embraced her,'I didn't know you were my child.' she said,as a tear escaped her eye,she wiped it away swiftly.
'Jane,you're my daughter' she smiled.
Jackie wished Jacob was here to witness all that was happening.How happy he would be,she couldn't wait to see the expression on his face,when he learns that Funmi and Janet's mother are childhood friends.
Funmi was still holding Janet,when Biola came in wearing a pink long sleeve gown,she held her purse in one hand.
'Janet,here is your phone,you left it in my room.' she said,giving her daughter a knowing smile as she returned her phone and car key.
'Thanks mother' she smiled in returned.
'Rose,finish up at the kitchen,you can leave when you're done.' Bibi said.
'Shall we?' Funmi asked smiling.
'Ofcourse,lets go' bibi said.
Jackie and Jane led the way,holding hands,while Funmi and Biola held hands too.Only God knows,what kept them smiling as Jackie drove all the way to the hospital.
..........
Funmi sat gallantly on a chair,in an eatery,she was wearing a wine shirt over a white jean trouser,waiting her friend Biola.
The waiter brought her water,and poured her a glass.she was checking her watch for the tenth time in two minutes.
She picked the glass and drank some of its content,tapping her finger lightly on the table.when a finger touched her back,she turned in one swift moment.
'You're late Biola.' Funmi said pointing her long time friend and confidant to a seat with a warm smile spread across her face.
'Old habits never go.' Biola smiled,placing her black purse on the table.
'I'm yet to get over our meeting last week.' Funmi said.
'Same here o ore'
'My son is coming home,i have convinced him to stay a while with us.'Funmi smiled,she was feeling very happy since Jacob was discharged from the hospital.
'Its been years,i saw you Funmi,to think you have a son who's in love with my daughter mesmerizes me.'
'Me too' she pressed a bell on the table and a waitress appeared in time.
'Please serve us Jollof rice and chicken with a bottle of eva' Funmi said returning her attention to her friend.
'You haven't forgotten my best food and drink.'Biola smiled.
'How can i?'
The waitress served their meal before leaving.
'So tell me,how did you become Mrs Smith?'Biola asked,cleaning her fork.
'Thats a long walk down memory lane' Funmi laughed,'You know i was the proud girl,back then.No man was worth me,and most of the guys didn't want troublesome Funmeme'
'Hmmmm,hmmm i remember that.' Biola smiled.
'I didn't have any serious man,i met John two months after we graduated,and after two months of courtship,he proposed and i married him,he's the kind of man i have always dreamt about,he's funny and understanding and he knows how to tease a woman and i was so much in love with him,he prefers Jamaica to Nigeria.'Funmi paused.'And when Jacob finished his studies,he handed over all of his business in Nigeria to him.He only comes here at will,i do most of the travelling.'
The contented smile on her face was enough evidence of her happy life,Biola needed no second assurance that her friend was enjoying a fulfilled marriage.
'That was an handful.'Biola smiled.
'So tell me what happened to Kalu?'Funmi asked.
'I was very much in love with Kalu then,my parent even approved of him,until he put someone in the family way,that was how it ended o.I met my husband at an interview,and that was it,till he met his untimely death in an accident two years ago.'Biola answered.
'I'm so sorry about your husband.'Funmi said touching Biola's hand.
'All that is bygone,i'm seeing someone new.'
'Tell me something'
'He's Kenneth Okonkwo'
'The same Kenneth fashion house?'
'You know him!'
'Yes,he designed some of my wears before he dropped women clothing some years ago.'Funmi explained.
'Would you believe it,if i say i am in love with him.'
'I'm happy you found love again.'Funmi said.
'I'm glad i did' Biola sipped wine from her glass.
'It still awes me,that our children are in love,each time i think about it.'Funmi said.
'The world is a small place o' Biola smiled.
'And to think,i was being hostile to my own daughter,what a shame.'Funmi lamented.
'All is well,i've missed you so much dear.'
'Me too.'
'I can't wait to become your in law.'Biola laughed.
................
Jane sat by her mother in the sitting room gisting.
'So,that was it?'Jane asked.
'Yes,thats the whole story.'Bibi smiled.
'You and Jacob's mother are childhood friends,i'm still finding it hard to believe.'Jane said smiling.
'When last did you speak with him?'
'Some minutes ago,he's better now,but has refused to rest at home,saying work was essential.'Jane explained.
'I have always loved him as my child,he's the man i want for you' bibi said holding her daughter's hand.
'Thanks mother,i know you mean the best for me.'Jane said.'Hannah was very excited too,after i explained all that happened to her.'
'I trust her.'
'Mother,Jacob's mother has invited me over to her place tomorrow.'Jane said.
'You're free to see her anytime you wish,Jacob too'Bibi smiled.
...............
Everytime she remembered the look on Jacob's face,the day they visited him at the hospital.Her heart slammed in Joy.It was as if,all forces were working together to make her happy.
And every night,when Jacob confessed his undying love for her,she knew she had found peace again.
Now,that Funmi is her mother,she is always welcome to their home.She couldn't wait to see Jackie,Funmi and Jacob.It's high time,she launched her membership into the family.
No water could drown her love for Jacob,no mountain could stop her from attaining her place in his heart.Love is such a beautiful thing.
She clutched the pillow tighter to her chest as Jacob bade her good night on the phone.She sent a silent prayer of thanks to God in heaven.And blessed the day Funmi and her mother met.......
Things would work out afterall.......
Or maybe not...........
The moment she stepped into the spacious sitting room,she felt her spirit grow warm,she hoped it was for good.
The maid smiled at her as she was shown to a seat.she glanced around the tastefully furnished room,money was good,and the Smith had plenty of it.
'You're here.' Jackie said coming to hug her.
'Yes,Good pm.'Janet smiled.
'I like your purse.'
'Thank you.'she smiled.
'So what do i offer you?Why am i asking? You can go into the kitchen or call any of the maids.'Jackie said.'I'll be right back.'
Jane stood to her feet,she walked around the sitting room,touching everything she saw.Who would have believed,she could be here today,free and accepted.She trotted into the big kitchen,it was a U-shaped kitchen,with large built in cabinet,a freezer and a refridgerator,dish washer,a microwave,mixer,and many modern kitchen equipment.She opened the fridge,picking a pack of 5alive and a cup,she had just returned into the sitting room when Funmi came in.
'Good afternoon ma.' she cutsied.
'Pls stand up,and i'ld prefer you call me Mother.'Funmi said sitting by Janet on the couch.
This was indeed a dream come true for her.
'So,how's Biola?'
'She's fine.'
'I'm glad you're making yourself comfortable.'Funmi smiled.
'Jacob will soon be here,but before then,i'd like to apologise to you.'Funmi said.
Janet stylishly touched her ears,to check if she was indeed hearing well.
'If you were in my shoes,you'll do the same,all i want is the best for you and my son.Please forgive me,if i have made you angry.You're free to come here,and ask me if you need any thing at all.'
Funmi spoke with sincerity,what could she do.
'Mother,i have nothing against you.'Janet smiled.
'Thank you my daughter,see me before you go dear.'Funmi made to stand up when Jacob came in.
Mother and son embraced,
'Take good care of each other.'she smiled moving towards the hallway.
'Hello sweet'Jacob said,falling into seat with her.
'Hi dear.' Janet smiled.
'Sorry,i kept you waiting.'He said kissing her on the lips.
'Come to my wing'he pulled her up and took her to his wing.....
They ate and drank,laughing and chatting as they spoke.Jacob was so happy that his mother had come to accept Janet.He so enjoyed her company and he wished things would get better than this.
...............
'I'm not surprised,she gave you all this.'Biola said checking the clothes Funmi gave Janet.
'I was reluctant at first,until Jacob asked me to take them.'Jane explained.
'I'm glad you took them,Funmi is a cheerful giver.'Biola said.'Back in school,she loved buying things in excess and then giving out to others.'
'She's been so good to me this past week.'Jane said,packing the clothes into the shopping bag.
'Janet'Biola called,Jane noticed the mood swing instantly.
'I want to ask you a question'she said.
'Ask'
'Are you truly in love with Jacob or his money?'
That was a milliondollar question,she wondered why her mother would ask such.
'Mother,i love Jacob,i don't know what i'll do without his love,i love him and i trust every word of his mouth.'
Biola sighed in relieve,
'I'm glad to hear that,i just wanted to be sure you love him,because,the way he looks at you and smile,when he thinks no one is watching.'
'I don't want you to let him down.'
'I won't,i promise you.'
The lady walked quietly down the road,there were trees on each side of the road,she clutched an handbag to her side.An earpiece was in her ears.She couldn't wait to get out of the campus.
She was glad lectures was over for the day,she hadn't eaten,and it was 4pm already,she needed to get to the market.Thinking of what to prepare,she hummed along the song she was listening to.
Most students passed her by,she was in no hurry with the way she walked.After walking a while,the breeze were having a field day with her hair,so she packed them to a side.
She was a beautiful young girl,and she was graceful in everything.she was brilliant too.
She got to the bus park,and boarded a bus home,as she stayed off campus.
She got off the bus,and trekked the short distance to the market,she didn't stay long,as she bought only fresh meat and fresh pepper.The other ingredients were fully stocked in her kitchen at her apartment.
In no time,she took a bike home,she paid the biker before walking tiredly inside.
'I told you,she'll soon be back.'A young man said sitting in the car with his friend.
'I can't believe,you've been stalking that innocent girl.'His friend said worried and surprised at the same time.
'I have her day schedule,when she leaves and when she returns,she's a bit late today,probably she went to the market.'The man explained to his friend.
'I still don't think this is a good idea'His friend said.
'Don't try convincing me,i know what i'm doing.'He replied sternly.
'You'll wait in the car,while i go in.'
'Wait.'His friend said as he made to get out.
'Do you know her name?'
'Ofcourse,she's Adetoun Adepoju.'he said smiling.
..........................
Adetoun entered her one room self contained apartment,dropping the pepper on the table,her bag followed too.
She got herself a glass of chilled water,gulping it down at once.
She eased the shoe off her feet,packed her bag and shoes,heading to the room when the lights came on her phone,she had a call,she only had to guess,it was either Adekunle or Jacob.It was the latter,he spoke at lenght with her,filling her in on necessary info. and asking about her welfare.
She entered her room,dropped her back when she heard a soft knock on the door,she almost jumped out of her skin,as she stood rooted to the spot.She rarely had callers.she listened and the knock was louder this time,it seems the person knew too well,that she was in.
Opening the door slightly,she stared into the eyes,of a dark,smooth skinned young man,she noticed he was handsome as she peered at him,and he was confident too...
'Good afternoon' he said politely.
Adetoun nodded in reply.
'I'm Kelvi.n'he smiled.
'What can i do for you?' she asked,sizing him up.
'Can i come in?'
'You can't,i've got work,what can i do for you?'she asked again,feeling irritated.
'Actually,i came to see you.'
'What for?'
'I'm ....'
'Please leave.' she said.
'Wait a minute,i mean no harm,i just want to talk to you.' he said.
Adetoun shut the door in his face,nearly hitting him.She sighed when she regained her breath,whatever did the want from her.she hadn't heard him leave,until he knocked again.Adetoun went into the kitchen and returned to the door,opening it wide,she poured him a bowl of water,
'Leave.' she said,before bolting the door again.
After recounting the episode to his friend,he laughed again.
'That girl must be a handful,you should take the hint by now.'His friend Tade said,kick starting the car.
'I think i'm beginning to like her more.'Kelvin laughed again,as his friend drove off.
Adetoun heaved a sigh,as he watched the car leave through her window.She had reacted badly,she knew.But,it was usually hard to control her mind in such situation.She had better things to do with her time.
Exam would commence on monday,and Jacob had told her to put in her very best,she hoped she would not disappoint him.The light came on and she hurried to her small kitchen to prepare dinner.
Hannah picked her book to read,butthe only thing she saw was Ade's beautiful smile when he presented her the xmas gift and how he smiled when she saw him on val night.
She was careful not to lead him on,but she was struggling with her feelings for him.
Needless to say,Rukayat had promised to roast whoever stands as impediment to her love with Ade.
She closed her book,and dozed off.she would read at night,she had 8 more papers to go.
................
Rose wished her employee a good night as she left for home.
Biola sat on the sofa reading a magazine,she was hungry but was waiting for Jane to come down for dinner.
Jane walked in just in time,laughing as she dropped her phone on the sofa.
'Hello mum' she smiled,flashing her white tooth.
'Hi dear,you came just in time,pls get d table ready for dinner.' Biola said.
'I thought,you had a date with Kenneth for seven.'Jane asked her mum.
'He called to cancel,he's stuck in traffic as i speak.'Bibi explained.
'Too bad.'Jane said,moving into the kitchen.
Her phone rang,
'You have a call Jane.'
Jane hurried in,just on time before the call ended.All of a sudden Jane screamed happily,congratulating whoever it was she was speaking with,and promising to call back to get the full gist.
'You scared me dear.'Bibi said facing her.
'Mum,you won't believe it.' she said happiness dancing in her face.
'I know,its Hannah and her troubles.' Bibi said nonchallantly.
'Far,from it,its Ajoke.' she said out of breath.
'I think you should calm down.'Bibi said.'Is that not the same lady you lived with during your service year?'
'You got it mum.' Jane clapped her hands.
'So?'
'She's getting married!' jane smiled heartily,she was so excited as she spoke.
'wow! I'm happy for her.' Bibi said hugging her daughter.
'She was already engaged,now she's getting married next month,and she has named me as her maid of honor,i'm excited.'
'Oh,such a sweet thing to hear.'
'She'll be coming over by the weekend,so that we can talk better and make plans.' she said giggling.
Jane finally set the table,an hour after,as she went on and on about Ajoke and how lively she was,just like Hannah.Later in the night,she kept thinking about her friends proposed marriage,she was so happy for her.
She wondered,if and when Jacob would propose,would she able to say yes,she dreamt on and on,before the cold hands of sweet sleep closed her eyes.That night,she had a beautiful dream,where Jacob proposed to her in colour and style,he had popped the question,she was about to answer him,when she woke up sweating.It was a dream afterall,she said before going back to sleep...
Who would have believed,it would be this fast.It never occured to him that it would come soon.
Jacob sat with Jaiye and two of his other friend in his room,at their house.
The house was agog with activity,as it was his and his mother's birthday,yes,they are birthmate.But,he had a feeling something was wrong,although,he was unabe to place it.
Jane and her family were here to celebrate with them,even his father had come home for the celebration.
'Jay,calm down,i have a feeling its going to be as planned.'Jaiye said,knotting Jay's tie.
'I hear you man,i just think....' Paul caught him off.
'Its time you stop thinking and act.'Jacob heard him say.
'Alright guys.'
The men began to dress up.when a knock came on the door.
'Come in.'Jaiye answered.It was Adetoun and Hannah who came in giggling.
'Its done.'Hannah laughed.
'I was afraid at first.'Adetoun said smiling.
Jacob sighed,'Thanks girls.'
'Thats so unlike you'Adetoun said coming to sit by him.
'I'm worried.'
'Don't be.' she said planting a kiss on his cheeks.
'You guys should hurry up,every one is movng to the hall already.'Hannah said.
..............To be continued at 3pm.
