BEING ALONE
EPISODE 13
The next morning, just after Kamsi had helped me shower and put back the hospital cloak on me, Ken c@m£ in. I looked at the clock and it was some minutes past 8.
Me: Good morning.
Ken: Yes dear. Good morning.
Kamsi just waved and entered the bathroom.
Me: You’re early. Didn’t you drop mummy anymore?
Ken smiled and I realised I had taken the first step in accepting that I was now p@rt of the Kalus’ family.
Ken: Her flight was scheduled for 7:30. So sis, I dropped mum off before coming.
It was my turn to smile.
He handed me the minibox he was carrying and helped me open it. There were towels, clothes and some sli-ppers.
Me: We’re not living here are we?
He laughed out loud
Ken: Now I knew you would say that. I didn’t know which of them to bring so I decided to come with as many as possible for you to choose from.
Me: Nice. But I don’t see any food with you.
He hit his forehead with his palm.
Ken: Give me twenty minutes. I’ll be right back.
Kamsi c@m£ out,changed her clothes and made tea for us while we waited for Kenneth and Ted.
Ken was the first to come back. He bought rice and ban-ga soup(ofe akwu) with lots of meats and fried fishes and plantain. We all ate and chattered away. We were busy with our meal when a knock c@m£ and the door opened. Ted walked in with the doctor and we all greeted them
Doc: Ander how are you?
Me: I’m very fine doctor
My mouth was filled.
Doc: Of course I can see that.
We all laughed and he checked my pulse.
Doc: Do you still feel pain anywhere?
Me: No. Just my th!ghs.
Doc: Its normal. With the injections and drugs you’re taking, it’ll disappear in a couple of days. You’re really a very strong woman.
Me: Thank you sir.
Doc: I’ll leave you all now. The nurses will come to you soon.
Me: Okay.
Everyone in the room thanked him before he left. That was when I took a closer look at Ted and realised he was carrying a bag. He noticed me staring and frowned his face.
Ted: Its wrong to stare I hope you know.
Me: I’m sorry.
Ted: Good. So you all didn’t tell me there was a food p@rty going on.
We all laughed.
Ken: Join us then. There’s still enough in the cooler.
Kamsi: Yes. We’ll have yours later.
Ted: If you all insist.
Kamsi stood up and Ted replaced her. She served him and joined me on the be-d while we all chartered away.
Ted told us about himself. He was 26, born and raised in California. He worked with a telecommunications company there in California and was just home to see his parents who lived at Enugu but somewhere I couldn’t remember the name. He said his own house was in TransEkulu and he was just going home from his parents house the morning he had hit me. I wanted to ask him why he would leave his parents house that early but I thought against it. We all said a thing or two about ourselves and that was how we all bec@m£ friends. Surprisingly, Ken paired him with Kamsi and said they would be perfect together and he laughed, admitting that he liked Kamsi. The conversation flowed so well that we didn’t know that it was afternoon till the nurse returned to give me my injections and drugs. And she c@m£ in with Gospel.
He ignored every other person in the room and enveloped me in a warm embr@ce. I had never received such show of emotion from a male before who isn’t related to me so I was shy…..very shy, as all eyes were on us including that of the nurse.
When he finally re-leased me, it was to look at me with loving eyes.
Gospel: I’m sorry
Me: I…..
Kamsi: I thought you won’t say that.
That was when he remembered that there were other people in the room. He began talking with them while the nurse gave me my medications and left.
Gospel: Thank you Ted for bringing her here. So many people would have left her and disappeared. To think that you’ve even being around all this while, helping the doctors take care of her.
Ted: I did what every normal human being would do.
Gospel: Thanks once again.
Ted: You’re welcome.
We spent the rest of the day chatting and eating away our lives. They would take turn to help me walk around the room. It bec@m£ the normal routine; Ken would bring breakfast,Ted would handle lunch while Gospel would take care of dinner. At night before they all left, we’ll put a call to mummy throu-gh Skype and we’ll all talk for long. Then when they finally leave, Kamsi and I would help ourselves to some provisions from the cu-pboard.
I experienced so much love and affection like I’ve never experienced before but one thing kept on bothering me; Nenye and her mother,
I was in the school canteen with Kamsi one afternoon after lecture, munching our meaty meatpie with a can of lacasera when I felt I was being watched. Its being two weeks since I resumed school. I had spent three more weeks at home after I was discharged, perfecting myself and learning to walk and talk like I’m royalty (trust Kamsi nau). Gospel had taken us shopping, buying me clothes I’m sure I wouldn’t finish wearing in six months, shoes (combination of heels, snickers, flats and boots), handbags, make up box (I didn’t even know they used to exist), deodorants and so many things. I was taken to a spa where goodness knows the magic they did with my skin and my entire looks. I bec@m£ a princess in three weeks. At first, I wasn’t comfortable with all that but mummy (Mrs Kalu) and Kamsi always encouraged me.
While I was being transformed to Chimamanda Kalu, Kamsi got admission throu-gh the supplementary form and we resumed school the next week.
Did I say that Ted and Kamsi were now d@t!ng? Forgive me. Everyone approved of their relationsh!pand they were perfect for each other. He and Gospel took turns to take us out for lunch. Ted had applied for a transfer to one of their companies in Nigeria (I think it was because of Kamsi). His transfer was not granted so he had started ma-king plans to start his own company here in Nigeria. Life was so much fun and back to the pres£nt,I felt I was being watched.
Me: Kammy, look behind me plea-se and see if you’ll notice anyb©dy giving me an odd look.
Kamsi: Why?
Me: I feel like I’m being watched.
Kamsi stylishly looked around before resuming her eating
Kamsi: I see no one babe. Besides, who wouldn’t stare at you,with all these your h0tness.
She was right. I had started receiving more than enough glances and “hi” from girls who I’m sure were from rich homes. It was good to be rich and clas-sy but in all that, I never let it get into my head. I still remembered who I was and I had promised myself that once I graduated from school,I’ll take back everything that belonged to me.
We had finished eating and was about stepping out when four girls walked in and st©pped in front of us. I looked up at there faces and was I surprised to see Nenye with them?
Kamsi: And what’s the meaning of this?
I stood there, staring at each of their faces. I remembered two of the girls. They used to visit Nenye back then at home.
Nenye: I’m not here for you. I’m here for my sister.
Kamsi scoffed and shook her head. Everyone in the cafe had turned there attention to us.
Kamsi: Did you just call her your sister?
Nenye: Of course she is my sister who your family took away from us.
Kamsi looked at me and smiled. She held my hand and we walked away. We got to the door and she left me and returned to them.
Kamsi: You’re lucky. Very lucky that I’m in a good mood today, if not,I would have beaten you black and blue here and this nitwits you call friends won’t do anything about it. Spoilt daughter of Jezebel.
Nenye: Never you call me or my mother names or….
Kamsi: Or what? What will you do? I’ve even forgotten that you’re a student of this school so watch closely. I’m sure you ba-rely recognised Amanda. That’s what love and care can do to someone so stick your f!ngersinto your as-s and watch how beautiful her life is now. St©p us any other day and I’ll have you locked up. Bi’tch.
Kamsi approached me and we walked out of the cafe and headed towards school gate.
Kamsi: That girl! I’ll so deal with her. Because we didn’t file a case against them right.
Me: You’re angry. Calm down.
We got to the bus stand and sat down.
Me: Kammy, why are you angry now? She’s not worth it.
Kamsi: I know but a p@rt of me tells me that they’re up to something. My instinct can never lie to me.
Me: I….
Rose: Excuse me plea-se.
Kamsi and I turned to see a girl of our age. She was pretty and average in height. She was dressed in a jean short, jean snicker and a while crop t©p. Her jean jacket was tied to her w@!st. She had money written all over her.
Kamsi: Hi.
Rose: I’m Rose, from the dep@rtment of social sciences.
Kamsi: I’m Kamsi. This is my sister and best friend, Amanda, we’re both studying radiology.
Rose: Oh wow. Nice meeting you.
We shook hands with her and she sat down between us.
Rose: So, I was sitting down at the cafe where the show down had happened. You’re a br@ve soldier girly.
Kamsi and I laughed.
Rose: So I’ve being following you girls, thinking of a way to start a conversation but you st©pped here and I decided to st©p as well.
Kamsi: Oh!
Me: Hope there’s no problem
Rose: Not at all. I’ve just being seeing you girls around for some days now and I love your clos£ness. I just want to be friends with you two.
My phone rang and I brou-ght it out from my handbag. It was a blackberry which Gospel had gotten me two weeks ago. It was Kenneth calling.
Me: Hi Ken.
Ken: Hey sis,where are you two? Being calling Kammy but she didn’t pick up.
I glanced at Kamsi but she was saying something to the new girl.
Me: Uhm, she turned it off before we went in for lecture but we’re on our way home now.
Ken: Okay. Hope you both are safe?
Me: We’re at the bus stand beside school gate actually.
Ken: I c@m£ around to see someone. Wait for me there and I’ll come and pick you both.
Me: Okay then. Don’t keep us waiting.
I hung up and let the girls in on what’s happening. We decided to take pictures before he arrives. We were having fun with ourselves when our (I’m now p@rt of the family so everything is ours now) red spider st©pped just in front of us and Kenneth c@m£ down. We all turned to him and Rose stared at him for a while before shouting;
Rose: Ken!
Ken: Rose
It was our turn to stare as we looked at them hvg each other like long lost friends.
Ken: Where in God’s name have you being?
Rose: Sweetheart, I’ve being here. Its you who just disappeared.
Ken: Baby its not that. What……
Kamsi: Hello! Like you both have forgotten that we’re here.
Me: I don’t know for these two.
Ken and Rose smiled.
Ken: Sorry girls. Meet Rose, my sweetheart from forever. Rose, those are my sisters, Kammy and Amanda.
Rose: They’re your sisters?
Kammy and I nodded with smiles on our faces.
Ken: So how come you all are here? Like you know each other?
Kamsi: We just met here. She schools here as well, dep@rtment of social sciences.
Ken: Wow. Wow. I’m glad to hear that you’re finally in this our Enugu.
Rose: Come on. I’ve always being here. You know online d@t!ngdoesn’t work this days.
Finally I got it, they had met online. Kamsi and I just shifted and got busy with our own t©pic and left the two lovers to talk for a while. After about thirty minutes, they remembered they were with us.
Ken: Girls, let’s go home. Rose lives at GRA so we’ll go there and drop her before going home.
We all agreed and got into the car, leaving the front seat for our new friend/brother’s girlfriend.
Personally, I was glad that Ken had gotten over Nenye. Goodness knows how they even fell for each other sef.
School bec@m£ fun for me. Rose, Kamsi and I were the talk of the school, among the 100 level students. People who didn’t know us started seeking our attention. We were not only beautiful but intelligent. I never for once allowed all that get into my head. My only problem now was Nenye. She seemed to be in a competition with me and try as ha-rd as I could, I couldn’t figure out what the competition was all about.
On the other hand, Gospel had travelled and we were kind of distant. His calls c@m£ once in a blue moon and I was very worried.
I was in my room,going throu-gh a magazine when my phone rang. The number looked so familiar but I couldn’t place it.
Me: Hello.
Mummy Joy: Yes. Hope you figure out who you’re speaking with.
Me: Mummy?
Mummy J: Save that. Heard you’re now living the life of a goddess. Don’t forget who you are and what you are. Your life is made to be miserable and so….
Me: God forbid that. I’m the image of God and whosoever declares war on the anointed shall get war in tenfold
There was silence from the other end so I continued.
Me: I can’t forget who I am. I can’t do that because I have people who feed from my wealth. You should be grateful I’ve not come for my properties.
Mummy J: Wow. The girl has learnt to talk. I wonder what they feed you….
Me: Love mummy. They feed me with love, the love that you never gave me, that is what they feed me with. I’ll advice that you st©p calling me so I won’t get angry and remember all you did to me.
I hung up and walked out of the room. I was angry, very angry with myself. I stormed into the sitting room and met mummy (Mrs Kalu). She was taking a call and immediately she saw me, she ended the call.
Mrs k; Young woman, what’s the matter?
I went close and sat down beside her
Me: Its mummy.
Me: The twin’s mother?
I briefly told her about the call and she flared up, threatening thun-der and brimstones. I felt relieved, at least, she’s got my back and I was sure that she’ll never let anything happen to me.
BEING ALONE
EPISODE 14
Mrs k: Is that why your face is like that? You should know that those words are empty threats. Look how beautiful and healthy you’ve become. They’re just jealous of your progress.
Me: Thanks mum. But I wish to get back my things, my money, my house, I wish to get everything back.
Mrs k: No my child. There are some decisions you shouldn’t make while angry. Come to think of it, is there any proof to back up your claims to those properties?
I never thought about it. I didn’t even know where daddy’s lawyer lives or where his office was. Did I even know his name?
Mrs k: I want to as-sure you, so long as you’re with us, you’ll never lack anything. You’re my child and I’ll treat you with so much love and care. By the time all these is over, you’ll get back everything that you’ve lost in greater digits.
Her phone rang and she picked it.
Mrs k: ……Tuesday?….. I’ll be there…..just book a flight for me….thank you.
She ended the call and looked at me with a smile.
Mrs k: Hope you heard what I said to you?
Me: Yes mummy.
Mrs k: I’ll be travelling on Tuesday.
Me: I heard that. Hope everything is fine.
Mrs k: Yes. They’re done with the designers I ordered from London. I just nee-d to go and check if they’re complete.
Me: What about your manager? She should be handling all these things. You shouldn’t be travelling all the time.
Mrs k: I know my dear. She’s on maternity leave.
Me: Oh! I forgot.
We spent more time discussing till Ken and Kamsi c@m£ back. I excused myself and went into Kamsi’s room.
Kamsi: Hey BF
Me: Hi!
Kamsi: I got you grilled checked from KFC. Ted and I went out.
Me: Oh! Thanks very much.
I opened her bag and brou-ght it out. I made to go out but she st©pped me.
Kamsi: Can I talk to you for a minute?
Me: Sure. Why not.
I c@m£ back into the room and sat on the be-d.
Me: What’s it all about?
She c@m£ and sat down beside me.
Kamsi: Its about you and Gospel. What’s happening.
I heaved a sigh
Kamsi: Do you both have time for yourselves at all? He’s always at the other side of the house or out of the country. What’s happening?
Me: Kammy I don’t know. I really don’t know if I offended him in some way. He doesn’t pick my calls anymore neither does he return it. Maybe its because he’s used to seeing me in this house.
Kamsi; Don’t say that Amy. But,do you mean that you both don’t have a problem or disagreement?
Me: None that I know of. And I’ll be lying if I say I’m not disturbe-d about it.
There was an unusual silence in the room.
Kamsi: Call him now.
Me: He won’t pick it.
Kamsi: Use my phone.
She pas-sed me the phone and I dialled Gospel’s number. He picked it immediately
Gospel: Hello sis
Me: Its me.
Gospel: Amanda?
Me: Yes. Good afternoon.
Gospel: Same to you. Can you call me back? I’m busy at the moment.
Me; That’s always your excuse. Do you ever have time for me these days?
Gospel: I said I’m busy. I’ll call you back once I’m done.
He hung up before I could say any other thing. Tears flooded my eyes and I let them fall.
Kamsi: Don’t do that. We’re going to his quarters now.
There (our) compound housed four mansions. Gospel has one which is the first. The second one which was the smallest housed the servants,cooks and drivers. Mrs Kalu, Kenneth, Kamsi and I stayed in the third one which was the biggest. The fourth one was still empty. Plans are being put in place for Kenneth to move over.
I had never being to Gospel’s quarter before and hearing Kamsi say it now caused me to shiver in freight.
Me: I’m not going. I can’t go.
Kamsi: Why? He can’t make you fall for him and then start treating you like trash. I won’t let him do that.
Me: Kamsi let it go. It’s his life after all
Kamsi: And what about you? How do you feel? Amanda get up. We’re going there now, except you want me to inform mum about it.
Me: Okay. I’ll go with you.
My heart was beating fast, missing several beats and ma-king me swallow ha-rd . Mum was no longer in the sitting room and I was grateful. We walked out of the house and met Rita, she was the second cook.
She greeted us with a smile.
Kamsi: Is my brother around?
Rita: Yes but he has a visitor.
Kamsi: Its alright. Thank you.
We continued walking towards his house till we got to the door.
Me: Don’t you think we should go back since he has a visitor?
Kamsi: We’re here alre-ady.
Kamsi opened the door and we walked in. There was nob©dy in the sitting room but we confirmed that he had a guest because there was a Gucci handbag on a sofa and a heel beside it. My heart started beating fas-ter than before.
Me: Kamsi plea-se let’s go.
She didn’t speak to me. I saw the frown and anger on her face as she raced up the stairs that led to Gospel’s room I guess while I followed in h0t pursuit.
She pushed the door to a to open before I could get to her but I noticed that she froze on the sp©t. I c@m£ closer and took a look. I g@sped in shock at what I saw.
WATCHOUT FOR EPISODE 15