Beautiful Stranger – Episode 14

Here is the download link to the amazing single by Kemi Falola, an ardent reader of this blog. Please download and show her some love and support. Thanks guys

Music title        : None like God

Artiste             : Oluwakemi
Producer         :Tope Olaopa @motechmusic
Download link : http://t.co/dt1owX4Jpw

Sure you’ll love it.. Be kind enough to share with friends #NoneLikeGod

EPISODE 14

JERRY

I turned off the engine as I pulled up under a big tree. I took a deep breath and stepped out of the car to take a walk. The vacation had turned out to be longer than forever. We had lived more than a week. I know I am supposed to be excited about Toni seeing a month since the proposed one week, and I am, but I am also worried. I don’t know if getting my hopes up would be appropriate. I have spent the last one month watching Toni sleep and wake up. I have also spent it on my knees praying that she should see the next day and not just leave me. We have all kept vigils around her bed hoping that she didn’t give up anytime soon, and she really is giving it a fight. It looks like she’ll be staying. I can’t help but smile at the thought that she might actually be here with me.

“Hey, man!”

It took a tap from Emeka to bring me back to reality. I turned at him with a frown from the effect of the tap. “What is it?” I asked.

“I saw you pull up and I decided to join you, and now I find you smiling to yourself. Is everything okay?” he asked.

I nodded. “It couldn’t be any better.”

“Great.” He replied and walked by my side.

I stared at him. “Emeka, it’s a month today. Toni is still alive.”

Emeka smiled. “Man, I understand your joy.”

“I don’t think you do, this is beyond joy. This is like a miracle.” I said. “One month and counting. She is still here.”

He nodded as he stared at me. “I know.”

Emeka was silent. I sighed as I stared at him. “Am I wrong to get my hopes up?”

“No, I think it is fine. I think we are right to stay optimistic.” Emeka replied.

I smiled. “I am going to ask her to marry me.”

“Jerry?”

I nodded. “I think it’s the right thing to do. When two people love each other, they should be together.”

Emeka took a deep breath. “Jerry, I don’t think you do this right now. Do you have an idea what the proposal might do?”

“She would accept it. I know.” I replied.

Emeka took a deep breath. “Toni won’t want to marry you.”

“Why are you so sure?” I asked.

He shrugged. “I am not sure. But, I just know she won’t want to do that to you.”

“What are you trying to say?” I asked.

Emeka stared at him. “Jerry, you know better. Don’t do this to you…and to her.”

“Do what?!” I shouted.

“What hopes are you trying to give her? Toni is living every day so positively that we can’t see the traces, but they are there. Don’t weigh her down by presenting a ring now. She doesn’t need it.” He replied.

I swallowed painfully.

“I am sorry if I came off harsh.” He said. “You don’t need this now, enjoy the days.” He added.

“Well, you just ruined my day.” I replied and walked away.

***

NORA

I don’t know what I am doing in a very unfamiliar environment. I am at the back pew in a church and staring at the altar. Toni thinks I should talk to God and she wants me to do it for me. I don’t even know where to start or what to say to Him. All I know is I am really thankful for this last one month. I just thought I had a week more to spend with my sister, but I have enjoyed a lengthier period and I am thankful to God for it. Toni might not know this, but I am glad God has given her more to write about in her book.

I took a deep breath and approached the altar. I have nothing else to do than to give thanks to God for what I had, what I have and what I hope to still have. Toni has been more than a sister to me, she has been a gift. One I’d forever be thankful to have had.

“We have to go.” James called from the back.

I turned and stared at him. “Why?”

“Toni is alone.” He replied. “She shouldn’t be left alone for a minute.”

I nodded. “Give me one minute.” I replied.

James walked out.

“Thank you, Lord, for sending James my way.” I said.

 

***

TONI

What would I love to do before I die? I guess I have done a lot of that already. Most of all, I have only cared about one thing after my purpose on earth is fulfilled, and that is, making Heaven. What would life be if I didn’t get to meet God after all? Meeting God would be amazing, I would like to ask him what I am still doing in Obudu three weeks after the Doctors say I would be gone? Isn’t it just amazing? One week was the set time and I am still here. It is true that God is not a respecter of any man.

I loved being here. It was fun while it lasted.

Till we meet again,

Toni.

***

With that, I slipped into the bed and drew the blanket over me. A lot seemed to have changed in the last one month. I felt the necessary strength and courage to go through each day.

‘They say you know when your day comes’ I don’t know why, but every passing day in the last one month seemed like a date with Heaven, but yet, it didn’t come. Maybe today seemed more like the day.

I took a deep breath and rolled over to my right. I stared into my mirror. Surely, I have seen a lovelier Toni than who I see now, but then, I have never seen a more ready Toni than the one I see today. It has to be today.

The door opened and Nora walked in. “Hey.”

“Hi.” She replied and joined me on the bed. “How are you feeling?”

I took a deep breath. “I don’t feel at home anymore.”

Nora nodded. “I understand.” She said. “I went to Church today.” She added.

I smiled. “Thank God.”

“Toni, I love you so much and there is nothing that could ever change that.” She said.

I chuckled. “Of course, it’s not like you have a choice.”

Nora blinked. “Toni, when you see Jesus, tell Him I am grateful.”

“Of course.” I replied and pulled her close for a hug. “I’ll tell him just that.”

Nora smiled. “What about Jerry?”

“You’ll take care of him for me.” I replied. “I am sure he would find someone beautiful too.”

Nora broke down in tears. “Toni.” She muffled amidst tears. “Toni.”

The door opened and Jerry stood by the door.

She nodded as she pulled away. “I love you.” She said and kissed my forehead. She turned in Jerry’s direction. “Hello.”

“Hey.” Jerry replied with a faint smile.

Nora hugged Jerry and shut the door after him.

Jerry took a deep breath as he walked over to me. “Hey, Stranger.”

“Hello.” I replied with a faint smile.

He took his seat beside me. “How did it go?”

“I am done.”

He took a deep breath. “So, what’s next?”

“I have sent it to the editor and from there, they’ll take care of the rest.” I replied.

He drew me close and hugged me. “How are you?” Jerry asked.

I stared at him. “Ready.”

“Are…Are you saying-”

I shrugged. “Maybe.”

Jerry blinked as a tear drop rolled down his eye. “Don’t do this.”

I raised a finger and wiped the tear from his eye. “I love you, Jerry.”

“And I love you, Toni.” He replied and hugged me tight…till I knew I was truly done.

 

***6 MONTHS LATER***

JERRY

“Toni was a really special woman and we are here to celebrate her. Her lovely and only Novel titled “I WAS HERE” is officially launched today.” Nora announced over the microphone. “As earlier announced, Doctor Jerry and I would be signing the autographs on behalf of the Late Toni in the next forty-five minutes down the hall. Thank you all for coming.” Nora said and descended the podium.

The hall roared with applause.

I smiled from a corner of the room as I watched Nora leave the podium.

James joined me from the right with a drink. “Isn’t she lovely?” he asked.

“She is. Nora is my sister, you can’t mess with her.” I replied.

Emeka joined us. “Are you set for the interview? The press is here.”

“Almost ready.” I said

He nodded and hurried back to meet the press. James tapped me. “I’ll go and help him out. Later, man.”

Yes, I assumed the role of being Nora’s brother and friend, just as Toni wanted it. James was really going to make her happy and I knew it. They were in love.

Toni was everything for me and the last six months have been painful for me. It’s as though I have had a portion of my life taken from me, but every little moment we had together was enough for me to hang on to. The last months have all been about thinking, shedding a tear for the pain but I hang on to the hope that someday I’ll wake up and it won’t have to hurt so much. That, I know.

Toni came into my life and gave meaning to everything that had no meaning. It was all in the little things she did. My gift from God was Toni and I could not question that.

I know I’d find love in another woman someday, Maybe not today or tomorrow or the next, but I know I will.

I turned to the wall and stared at the giant portrait of Toni that stood there and smiled.

I love her.

***

 

“To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die” – Thomas Campbell

 

THE END.

Beautiful Stranger – Episode 13

Yippee ! Finally, it’s here !

Here is the download link to the amazing single by Kemi Falola, an ardent reader of this blog. Please download and show her some love and support. Thanks guys

Music title        : None like God

Artiste             : Oluwakemi
Producer         :Tope Olaopa @motechmusic
Download link : http://t.co/dt1owX4Jpw

Sure you’ll love it.. Be kind enough to share with friends #NoneLikeGod

EPISODE 13

Jerry pushed the door open as he walked into the bar. He had not set his feet there in a long time. He didn’t know if he would be in the right frame of mind to help her live the desperate days and he was sure that he needed an encouragement. What better friend than alcohol at this moment? He had said to himself as he stepped into the bar.

“Jerry!” Tunji called as he saw. “Where have you been?”

Jerry smiled faintly. “I have been everywhere but here.”

“That’s good. Working on your addiction, right? That’s good.” Tunji remarked as he cleaned a glass. “How’s that pretty girl?”

Jerry sighed. Toni was dying. How best could he respond to Tunji? Traditionally, it was almost ‘Nigerian’ to say ‘fine’ or ‘I am fine’ regardless of your situation. Maybe it was optimism, maybe hope, maybe faith…our words oozed more positives than our actions.

“Are you so struck by her?” Tunji asked, noticing Jerry’s silence. “Say something, this place opens in about an hour.”

“Yeah…words are not enough. Toni-is-is the complete package.” Jerry said as his voice broke.

Tunji stared at him. “What is it, man? What happened?”

“I am just scared.”

“About what? Did Toni break up with you?”

Jerry sighed. “Honestly, I am not here to talk. I just want a drink. Can you at least do that for me?”

Tunji took a deep breath. “No.”

“Really? There are a thousand and one competitors and you refuse me a drink?” Jerry asked.

Tunji nodded as he took a seat beside Jerry. “The other guys, yes, they want to sell liquor to you. I want to sell too, make no mistake, but not when you can do the right thing…if you are running away from something and you think this place is going to shelter you, bro, you are wrong. You have got to face it.”

Jerry clenched his fist. “I am not running, Tunji. I just the need the courage to face it.”

“Trust me, courage isn’t in the bottle. It’s in you.” Tunji replied and returned to his desk. He poured a glass and placed it before Jerry. “Have some courage.” He said and continued cleaning the glasses.

Jerry stared hard at the glass. He swallowed painfully as he fought his inner desire to just drink his pains away. He abandoned the drink and rose to his feet.

“Good choice.” Tunji said.

Jerry stared at him. “Toni is not doing fine. We are going away for a while.”

“What is it?” Jerry asked.

Jerry blinked. “Cancer.”

Tunji cringed. “I am sorry, man.”

“Yeah…I know.” Jerry replied.

Tunji sighed. “You know I would be here for you, right?”

“Yeah. Thanks.” Jerry replied. “I’ve got to get going.”

Tunji stretched out his hand to him. “Jerry?”

Jerry stared at him. “Yeah?”

“Make it count.” Tunji said.

Jerry took his hand firmly. “We will.”

***

Toni pushed Nora out of the way as they walked into the suite. “No way!!! Seriously, Nora?” Toni said as she surveyed the room in one glance. “This is a presidential suite.”

“Only the best for you my darling, only the best.” Jerry said as he pushed the boxes into the room with Emeka. “Why are you complaining? You want a vacation and we are here to give it to you.” He added immediately.

Toni stared at him. “And that includes bringing us here? We can save a lot of money with some other regular suite. How much is this place per night?” she asked.

Jerry and Nora started to whistle.

Toni gaped. “Seriously guys!”

“Oh Toni, you whine too much! The money is nothing, if you have got it, you spend it.” Nora replied.

“Or you invest it!” Toni retorted.

“Would it make you happy if I told you that Jerry is paying for all these?” Nora asked.

Toni widened her eyeballs as she stared at Jerry. “What?!”

“Are you going to spank me for spending my own money?” he asked with a smirk.

Emeka nodded. “Ladies take these things too personal. I mean, it’s a brother’s money.” He replied with a smile.

“He should learn to invest in his future.” She retorted at Emeka.

“I am spending some of my dividends too…don’t be worried.” Jerry replied with a smile.

Toni sighed. “You should save that…argh…men! Anyway, where is James anyway?”

James walked into the room carrying a box of pizza and a pack of juice. “Food is here!” he announced with a grin.

“Food?! But we ate on the plane.” Toni protested.

Jerry stared at Emeka. “She is going mummy on us all. Duck!” he said and they hurried out.

Toni turned to James. “Why do we have to eat Pizza now? We had something to eat about thirty minutes ago.”

“Err…I thought we could make do with in-between meals.” He replied with a smile.

Toni turned to Nora. “In-between meals? Since when did we start in-between meals?” she asked.

“You don’t remember? We absolutely love to eat as many times as possible.” Nora replied as she picked up her purse. “James, we should go and see the landscape.”

Toni stared at them. “And what about me?” she asked.

Nora stuttered. “Erm…you can stay here and have some pizza and juice while James and I make a quick look of the environment.”

“Why do I get the feeling that you all are trying to push me away?” she asked.

James gaped. “No…Not at all. We just want you to get some rest, you know. Jet lagged.”

“And you all aren’t jet lagged from Lagos to Calabar? I won’t get any rest if you all keeping flipping on me. First, Jerry and Emeka and now, you and Nora. Am I such a bad habit?”

“When you start whining like this, you could be a real pain.” Nora replied as she took James hand. “For once, Toni, enjoy your money.”

“Well, this is Jerry’s money and I am allergic to spending his money.” Toni replied as she sprawled on the bed. “But damn…this is the real life.”

“See…it didn’t take long to bring out the hidden you which is the real you. We’ll be right back. Take care, love.” Nora replied and walked out with James.

Toni took a deep breath and pulled the Pizza close. “The only reason why I am having you is to prevent wastage, I am not a fan of people wasting money or resources, so here we go…” she said and took a bite.

***

“Good thing you guys were able to escape from her.” Jerry said as Nora and James joined them in the restaurant. “So, what’s the next plan?” he asked.

Nora pulled out her journal. “I was thinking we could do a road trip round the town, we would camp wherever night falls.”

“I have the sketch books for the photos and other important documentation.” James said. “There is also a map just in case we get lost.”

“I was thinking we should rent a space bus.” Emeka said. “Big enough for all of us.” He added.

“I was thinking a convertible. I mean, it is so much fun when you go on road trips with convertibles. That way we can get to spread our hands and head into the sun.” Nora replied.

“That’s the effect of seeing too many movies. Hollywood.” James cut in.

“Are you kidding me, James? It would be fun!” she echoed.

“We are five in number. It won’t be very comfortable.” Jerry replied. “Maybe the space bus isn’t such a bad idea after all.”

Nora frowned. “It is a terrible idea. Who goes on road trips in a space bus?” she stressed as she sulked.

James kissed her forehead. “Get used to this one, babe.”

“I think I agree with Nora.” Emeka said cutting in. “We could actually use the convertible.”

Jerry turned at him as he widened his eyes. “Dude!”

Nora smiled. “See…even Emeka agrees with me.”

Jerry stared at his friend. “We are taking a space bus whether you like it or not.”

“What have I done wrong? I only think it is right that we make the lady happy.” Emeka added.

James nodded. “True, we could get an Audi or BMW, there might be some space at the back.”

Nora smiled at James. “Now you are talking.”

“Or we could just take the Space bus.” Emeka said, staring at Nora and James.

Nora frowned. “Why are you teasing me?”

Jerry smiled. “That’s who Emeka is…very funny guy. A tease.”

Emeka nodded. “Yeah…my friends say I am Kevin Hart.” He said laughing. Jerry frowned and so did James and Nora. Emeka stopped laughing. “I know…I know.”

Jerry rose to his feet. “I am going to the bar, please come with me, Emeka.”

Emeka stared at him. “Oh really?”

“Yes!” Jerry said pulling him along.

“I thought you quit alcohol.” Emeka said as they got to the bar. “It didn’t take long for you to backslide.” Emeka chuckled.

Jerry nodded. “Sure I did quit booze, but I couldn’t help but notice how you were hitting on Nora there.”

“Me? No o…I…I was just making a conversation.” Emeka replied defensively.

Jerry hissed. “I don’t even believe you! Emeka, you have a fiancée, respect yourself so James doesn’t beat you up. He is fit, you know?”

“But you are also fit. Won’t you defend your man?” he asked.

Jerry nodded. “If you were right, fine. But you are scoping another guy’s babe, my hand no dey there o.”

“I…I just like her. That’s all.” Emeka replied. “Just like.”

Jerry nodded. “Put a leash on it, else, I am calling your babe.”

“Guy, you can’t do a brother like that na.” Emeka protested.

Jerry scoffed. “Watch me.” He replied and returned to the others.

***

TONI

“I am racing against time. Officially, the Doctors think I would be here for about five more days, but I don’t see myself leaving anytime soon. I mean…that soon. My book would be done before I leave this place, that, I am sure of. My whole life has been one huge fairy tale. Finding love in the strangest places and wishes for more than I could get. To be fair, I have done my part here, so, I don’t feel nervous about going away…it’s just that I am allowed to be human sometimes and let fear creep in as I think of my loved ones.

Nora is the best sister in the world, she is my father, my mother, my sister and my brother. I couldn’t have wished for a better sister. She had fewer nights than myself as she would sit and watch me sleep, keeping silent and lonely vigils while I enjoyed my sleep. Honestly, I had fun putting Nora through all that. Family is everything and even though my own family was Nora, there were no boundaries for us. With Family, you have no idea how much you can do.

I have come across tonnes of guys in my journey in life, but I had never really given anyone a second thought until I met Doctor Jerry. Jerry was the first person to make me dread my situation. Every battle I fought from the day I met him was all about survival. The thought of seeing him, talking to him made the difference. I always thought I was the only one with that special effect on people, but then, Jerry held me spell-bound. I might not have been smitten outwardly, but thanks to him, I knew what it was to be more beautiful on the inside.”

**********

I shut my laptop as I took a deep breath and took another bite from the Pizza. It had kept me company since the last hour. I didn’t want to bother them with my calls, so I just turned on the Television and fed my eyes. What could a girl do?

The door opened and Jerry walked in with a smile. “Hey, stranger.”

“Hi, stranger.” I replied with the warmest smile I could produce. “I love that name, you know?”

Jerry nodded as he joined me on the bed. “What are you watching?”

“Documentary channel. Amazing how these Giraffes neck.” I said.

He nodded. “It is lovely.” He replied. “It’s a sign of strength.”

“They are necking to prove strength, most of us depict it as love…who knows what else we misinterpret about animals?” I asked with a smile.

Jerry shrugged. “I am sure that we are not mistaken about the peacock’s pride.”

I chuckled. “Jerry…what are you guys planning?”

“Planning? What do you mean?” he asked.

I smiled. “I am not stupid. You all disappearing in groups can only mean there is a plan in the offing. Come on, tell me.”

Jerry shook his head. “There is nothing other than the ordinary.”

“Go on…you can tell me everything. I promise not to tell Nora.” I said as I blinked my eyes playfully.

Jerry tripped. “Fine. We are doing a road trip.”

“Wow!” I exclaimed.

“B…But you can’t tell the others I told you, else, they’ll just think I am fickle.” He replied.

I nodded. “But then you are fickle. It didn’t take you a minute to tell me the truth.”

He scoffed. “Seriously? Is that what I get?”

“For betraying your team, that is what you get.” I replied.

Jerry sprawled on the bed. “So, are you now teaching me life lessons?” he asked.

I smiled. “Not exactly, but, teams should come first. I might even rat you out to them.”

“No, you won’t.” he replied. “I should come first.”

I grinned. “The truth comes first for me.”

“You are such a kill joy, Toni.”

I nodded. “I know.”

“How is the novel coming?” he asked as he tried to pick my laptop. I immediately shielded it from him. “Are you not going to let me see it?” he asked. “I should read it before everyone else.”

“That’s after my editor has read it and the publishers have it ready for sale.” I replied. “Trust me, it would be soon, besides, I am not yet done with the novel.” I concluded.

Jerry nodded. “Fine. Mrs. Aiyenugba called while I was on my way up here.”

“How is she doing?” I asked.

He smiled. “She has made very important friends. She told me to lay emphasis on ‘important’, that you’ll understand.”

I nodded. “Of course, I understand.”

“So…what did she mean by important friends?” he asked.

I sighed and pecked his forehead. “You really don’t get it, do you? I don’t tell on friends.” I said and grabbed my towel. “I am off to the bathroom…be gone before I am back…and don’t think about touching my laptop, it is password protected.” I concluded and shut the door to the bathroom.

****

“What do you want to talk about?” James asked as he strolled with Nora.

Nora sighed. “Nothing. When is the car coming so we can get on with the road trip?”

“In about an hour or so. Jerry and Emeka went to get it.” He replied.

She nodded. “That’s good. I should go to Toni.”

“She wants to be left alone, I checked on her earlier.” He replied. “Now, about Emeka.”

Nora stared at him. “What about him?”

“I think he likes you.” James said.

“Is it wrong?” She replied.

James smiled. “Nice touch with the humour there, but, I think you know what I mean.”

“I do?” Nora asked. “Are you getting touchy here, James?”

James stopped walking. “I am not getting touchy. I just think that he is showing too much interest in you…and you are taken.”

Nora stared at her finger. “I am not engaged.”

“But we have something, right?” he asked.

Nora grinned. “My sarcasm has definitely improved.”

James sighed. “For once, I thought you were for real.”

“James, if another guy hits on your girl, you should be happy.” She started. “It can only mean that she is really attractive.”

James scoffed. “How attractive is that? That is scary. What if you fall in love with him?”

“Then something is actually boring about you.” She replied with a smirk.

“Is that a joke too?” He asked.

She raised an eyebrow. “Does it sound like one?”

“I am not joking, Nora.” James said.

She nodded. “I know.”

“So?” James asked.

Nora smiled. “You are making a big deal out of it. The fact that he likes me in the direction you feel doesn’t mean I am on the same lane as he is.”

“That’s very comforting.” James replied.

Nora smiled. “Now let’s go find the others.”

***

TONI

“I knew it, we should have taken the convertible!” Nora groaned as we all got off the space bus for the third time. “This bus isn’t in its right frame of mind.” She added.

I fetched my camera and started making a video coverage of everyone as they reacted to the event.

Nora wasn’t going to stop grumbling. Ever since the space bus arrived at the hotel, she thought it was a bad idea. She was dreaming of cruising in a convertible as we travelled across the beautiful town and its landscape. “This is a terrible idea. I knew it. We are so not going to pay them in full.”

James chuckled at her last statement.

Nora flipped at him. “What’s funny?”

“Apart from the fact that you are acting like Toni was when we initially got here, you pay in full to rental services and even an increase for guarantee.”

Nora cringed. “No!!! They have robbed us of our money.”

For Jerry and Emeka, it was more of who has got the cleaner abs contest. There was a clear winner though. Jerry. Tada!!! But seriously, did they need to take off their shirts to check the car’s radiator and some other things I don’t know that a car has? I can make a case for Jerry. He is putting on a white t-shirt, so it is understandable that he wants to take it off and also, if you have got it…you are permitted to show the world. Besides, he is my Jerry. Now, about Emeka, I don’t know why anyone who is still in the process of denial regarding differentiating between fat and crops would take off his shirt? That has me confused and slightly sorry too.

Can I blame him for efforts? No. Nora and I have countless numbers of push-up bras and many ladies too. I am not making an excuse for the female gender, but we have got to look ‘it’.

Back to the matter….the car is now fixed and we are ready to go…and guess who takes over the wheels? Yours truly.

***

Jerry took his seat beside Toni in front as she fixed the keys into the ignition. “Are you sure about this?” he asked.

Toni smiled. “I am not redundant, babe. I can drive a car.”

He nodded and focused on her as though she was the road. “Toni…” he muttered. “Let me drive.”

“No!” she replied sharply and stepped on the pedal. “Here we go people! Hold your breath, ladies and gentlemen…it is Toni time.” She echoed and wheeled off.

Jerry watched her every turn and every step on any of the pedals.

“You are starting to freak me out.” Toni said.

He sighed. “I can’t help it.”

“Well, I am not going to kill all of us, so you can relax.” She said with a smile. “We are here everybody!” she announced as she pulled up.

Jerry looked into the car. “It’s camp fire time.”

They all carried their bags as they walked into the woods. Finding a spot for their camp fire wasn’t hard, they were all well-equipped.

***

Jerry wrapped his arms around me as we passed cards. Emeka was the only without anyone to cuddle. I felt guilty having Jerry around me, after all, Emeka was here for us too. He didn’t need to feel alone, besides, Jerry says he has a fiancée, I am wondering why Emeka didn’t ask her to tag alone, but then, I couldn’t feel sorry for Emeka…Jerry was going to miss me. That would be more devastating than this.

“So, you all know the rules, as we pass the cards, we fulfil the command of the game. If the card stops with you, you answer whatever question it presents you.” He said. “Are we clear? As the moderator, you all know I am not allowed to participate in this game, so, I would just watch from the side lines. After the first turn, we change the cards.” He said and passed the first card.

As soon as the card got to Nora, Emeka called. “What says your card?”

Nora flipped it open and stared at it and then at James before reading. “Do you really love the person you are with?”

James clenched his teeth. “What is this?”

“Hey bro…it’s just a question. It could have fallen on anyone, no offense intended.” Emeka said.

Jerry stared at Emeka and then at James. “Yeah, man, it’s just a question for the lady.”

“I think Emeka is hitting on Nora.” James said. “I don’t like it.”

I chuckled. This seemed to be more interesting than I had envisaged. Emeka was really causing a rift. “Guys, I think we should chill. I don’t think it is a big deal. It is just a question and I think that dragging it longer than necessary is actually going to mean something else.” I said, cutting in.

Jerry nodded. “Toni is right. Let Nora answer the question and we all could just move on from here.”

All eyes were now on Nora. “Nora?” I called. “Answer your question.”

Nora smiled as she read through the card again. “Yes, I do love James.”

James smiled victoriously.

Emeka scoffed. “Pass the next card.”

“What’s in your card?” Emeka asked as I held the passing card for too long on the second time of passing.

I stared at it. “What would you love to do before you die?” I read with a smile.

Jerry’s face went stone as he stared at Emeka. I took Jerry’s hand before he could make any statement.

“What I want to do before I die?” I said. “I have accomplished a lot of things I want to do before my dying day. I have lived, I have laughed, I have loved.” I said and stared at Jerry. “I am glad to have met you, Jerry. You are everything and much more than I wanted and you may think that life hasn’t given us enough time, but I think it is just perfect, every step of the way with you has been worth it. Jerry, I wish you love, peace, happiness and most importantly that you find yourself in God and be true to who you are. Jerry, I would always love you and I am happy for every love you have for me.”

Jerry looked away.

“I hope not to break your heart in the end, I hope to leave a stronger man with a braver heart behind, should I have to…and trust me, you deserve to read my novel first, and you would.” I said as I drew his face closer. “I love you, Jerry.”

“I love you too.” He replied.

Emeka, Nora and James stared at us quietly.

“And to what I want to do before I die? I damn right want to kiss you, Jerry.” I said and we kissed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beautiful Stranger – Episode 12

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EPISODE 12

Nora shut the door after the lawyer and turned in Toni’s direction. Toni smiled faintly at her and slipped into the bed.

“How do you feel?” Nora asked as she took her seat beside her sister.

Toni sighed. “Tired, but I am optimistic. What about you?”

“I am okay. I just think that calling the lawyer today speaks a lot about your optimism, Toni. How optimistic is drawing up a will?” Nora asked, feeling sad.

Toni shrugged. “I am being realistic here, Nora. We have gone over this before…I don’t think we need to do it again.”

Nora nodded. “Sure.”

“I haven’t seen Emeka or Jerry around here today. Have you?” Toni asked.

Nora shook her head. “Neither have I.”

“That’s strange.” Toni said. “Anyway, let’s talk about my book and the big plans I have for it.” She said.

Nora stared at her. “Can we go on holidays first? We would discuss the massive book launch during the holiday.” She replied.

“You are still offended because of the will, right?”

Nora shrugged. “Why would I be offended?”

“Why won’t you be offended? You think I am throwing everything away by drafting that will, right? You think I don’t have the zeal to live and all I want to do is disappoint everyone?” Toni asked.

Nora sighed. “I don’t think you aren’t fighting hard enough.”

“What do you see when you look at me, Nora?” Toni asked.

Nora took a deep breath. “Don’t start asking questions like this, Toni. I love you and that’s all that counts.”

“Nora, what do you see when you look at me?” Toni asked as she swallowed.

Nora stared at her. “A beautiful, strong woman.”

“Then give me some credit. I am making efforts to live, and I am fighting with everything in me to make sure that you don’t come in here and realise that I am gone. I am afraid to die, I am not feeling better, but yet, I want to be here for you…and I will keep fighting. So, Nora, don’t you dare give up on me…because, I am not giving up on myself.” Toni blurted and then wiped her eyes.

Nora took a deep breath. “I am sorry.”

“You don’t have to be.” Toni replied.

Nora exhaled. “It’s been tense for me. You…you don’t understand how it feels to be in my shoes.”

Toni chuckled. “Trust me, Nora. It feels better to be you.”

Nora smiled faintly. Her sister had made a joke out of it and it made her feel better.

“Life is precious, Nora. You have to enjoy it while you have it. There are a lot of people who would rather have these days, don’t waste it.” Toni said.

Nora blinked as she took Toni’s hand. “Save the pep talk for later.” She said with a smile.

Toni laughed. “You have a crooked sense of humour, you have got to work on it.”

“Was I trying to be funny?” Nora asked.

Toni nodded with a grin. “And you suck at it.”

Nora exhaled with a smile. “Stay with me, Toni.”

“Have you booked our flight tickets? I’ll soon be out of here, you know? That vacation has to rock.” Toni replied as she smiled.

Nora nodded. “It’s going to be a perfect holiday.”

“Yeah…I know it will be.” Toni replied. “Now, where is Jerry?”

Nora smiled. “You are missing him already, aren’t you?”

Toni nodded. “I don’t know, it’s unlike him or Emeka not to have at least dropped in by now. That has me worried.”

“I suggest you get your mind off it. I will go and ask the Nurses if they have seen any of them this morning.” Nora replied.

Toni shrugged. “Don’t worry about it. Maybe, they are busy with surgery or something. I don’t want you bothering yourself about it. I am just paranoid.”

“Paranoid? You miss the guy you love and you call it being paranoid? That’s not paranoid, lady. I will go out and find anything I can regarding his whereabouts.” Nora replied.

Toni smiled. “Thank you.”

***

Emeka and Mrs Aiyenugba rose to receive Jerry as he walked out of the Police station.

“Thank you.” Jerry said to Mrs Aiyenugba.

She smiled. “It’s okay, dear. I am sorry for everything I put you through. I didn’t know Shola would do this.”

“It’s okay. It’s nothing serious.”

Emeka grinned. “How was it?”

“Did I go there to eat food?” Jerry replied harshly.

Mrs Aiyenugba smiled. “It’s okay, boys. I have to go now, my son is waiting.” She said staring in the direction of her son.

Jerry nodded and walked over to meet Mrs Aiyenugba’s son. “Hey!”

“You do know who you are talking to, right?” Mr Aiyenugba replied.

Jerry nodded. “A stupid and ungrateful man.”

Mr Aiyenugba stared at him. “Are you sane?” he asked.

“Yes. But to me, you are quite insane.” Jerry replied.

Emeka and Mrs Aiyenugba rushed over to them. “Jerry, stop this.” Emeka said.

“No.” Jerry replied. “Let me teach this man how to respect his mother.”

Mrs Aiyenugba took Jerry’s hand. “It’s okay. You don’t have to tell him anything.”

“Kini gbogbo radarada yi? (What is all these rubbish?)” Mr Aiyenugba voiced in Yoruba (A Nigerian Local dialect.)

“You have suddenly lost your ability to speak English?” Jerry asked. “You don’t care enough about your own mother and when another man cares about her, you want to punish me for it?” Jerry asked angrily as he drew closer to him.

Emeka pulled his friend back to avoid another detention. “Dude! Think about Toni. Do you want them to lock you up again?”

“On what grounds?! Have I even assaulted him yet?” Jerry shouted.

“You won’t dare to touch me.” Shola retorted. “I will have them lock you and your family up for good.”

“Shut up!” Mrs Aiyenugba yelled at her son. “Who are you? What power do you have to lock up anyone and his family? I am under the impression that you have completely lost it.”

Mr Aiyenugba took a deep breath and stared at his Mother. “Mum, let’s go.”

“I am not going with you, Shola…at least, not yet. If I am going to be put away in that facility permanently, I want to make a quick stop at the Hospital to see someone.” She replied.

Mr Aiyenugba nodded. “Fine, I’ll drive you down there.”

***

“I heard what happened to you.” The Director said as Jerry walked into his office. “I told you to give up that woman, but you wouldn’t.”

Jerry sighed. “It was worth it.”

The Director nodded. “Toni had her session an hour ago. She is resting at the moment.”

“I know. I saw her sister outside.” He replied as he took a seat.

“We would have to stop the treatment.” The Director said.

Jerry stared at him. “Why? What is going on?”

“I have been consulting with the specialist here all day and he thinks she has to go home now.”

“What do you mean?” Jerry said as he jumped at the Director.

The Director sighed. “The cancer is competing with her brain mass.”

“Let me cut it!” Jerry shouted.

“This is not about cutting anymore, you can’t even get in if you tried to cut, but, we can only hope that the effect of the radiation melts it away. If we put her under more radiation, you know the adverse of that.” The Director replied as he placed his hand on Jerry’s shoulder. “Son, I am sorry, but this time, you have done so much.”

“I have not done anything and I am going to come back with something on this case. I am not pulling away.” Jerry replied.

“Listen to me, Jerry. I know how you feel-”

“-You don’t! You don’t know what it is like to love someone and not be able to help her. I won’t let her down, I swear I won’t.”

The Director sighed. “Jerry, you might need some time off from here to go and take care of her, she has medications which she needs to take every time. These drugs will be very useful to her and from time to time, she has to come here for other treatments.”

Jerry buried his head in his hands. “This can’t be happening to me.”

“Listen to me, Jerry. There is a slight chance.”

Jerry stared at him. “I understand. I…this, this is just not right.”

“All that is left for us is to pray. We would discharge her tomorrow.” The Director said and returned to his seat. “You should go and be with her.”

Jerry nodded. “Does she know about this?”

“Not yet, we would talk to her in the evening.”

Jerry exhaled. “Let me do it.”

“Jerry? Are you sure about this?” The Director asked.

Jerry nodded. “I am, Sir. I can handle this one.” He replied.

“But you do know that you can’t lie to the patient, Jerry? You have to tell her everything, we have reached the stage where we prepare her mind.” He said.

Jerry nodded. “I’ll do just that.” He replied and approached the door.

“And about the leave…take two weeks off from here, please.” The Director said. “I need you in good condition.”

Jerry sighed and walked out.

***

“What’s up, man?” Emeka asked as Jerry walked into the office.

Jerry stared at him. “It’s time to prepare Toni.”

“I am sorry. I also spoke to the Oncologist and he didn’t sound too positive about her chances.” Emeka replied.

Jerry took a seat. “How do I start? Where do I go from here? This is too much for me, Emeka.”

“Jerry, I know this is hard for you and I wish I could say something or do something to make it all go away-”

Jerry stared at him. “-but you can’t. There is nothing you can do or say to me right now, it’s just sour.”

“Do you want me to be there when you break the news to her?” Emeka asked.

Jerry shrugged. “I don’t know. I think I want to do this alone.”

“I don’t think you should let Nora know about it yet. Toni seems more prepared than she is.” Emeka replied. “Maybe Nora can learn about this later, after she is discharged? Just not to bring it to her as it is, this would hurt her more.” Emeka said.

Jerry nodded. “You have a point, but we can’t exactly keep it away from her. Maybe, she should know about it first, before we talk to Toni. We owe it to her as Toni’s relation.” Jerry replied.

“True. Nora was talking to me about taking Toni on a vacation, you think I can come with you guys?”

Jerry stared at him. “You want to come?”

Emeka nodded. “I have grown attached to her in these last days and I think you are going to need me there.”

Jerry sighed. “Thanks a lot for the help, man.”

“It’s nothing, bro.” Emeka replied as they hugged. Jerry’s grip was firm and his chest pounded hard. Emeka knew he was scared. “It’ll be fine, Jerry. God’s got this.”

Jerry stared at him. “I am losing her.”

“Trust me, man. You’ll be fine, pull it together.” Emeka said. “You want something to eat?”

Jerry shook his head sadly. “I can’t eat anything, man. I don’t know what to do without her. I just need to breathe right now. ”

“Take it easy, okay? Please, man.” Emeka said.

Jerry nodded. “I would do everything I can. Anyway, where’s Mrs Aiyenugba? I haven’t checked on her since she came down here with us. Has her son taken her away?”

“No. She is waiting to see Toni, but since Toni is asleep, she is somewhere at the reception.” Emeka replied.

Jerry nodded. “I’ll go and see her now. If the Director asks for me, just page me, okay?”

“Okay.” Emeka replied and watched his friend leave the room a downcast man. He swallowed painfully as he took a seat. He had not known Toni for a very long time, but he couldn’t imagine losing her.

***

“How are you, Jerry?” Mrs Aiyenugba asked as he approached her.

“I am not doing fine.” He confessed. “It’s time to prepare Toni.”

Mrs Aiyenugba swallowed as she held her chest. “Oh God.”

“I don’t know why this has to happen to her. If I could at least find some answers… why would I have her for such a short time and it seems like I have known her all my life? She came and made everything that didn’t make sense to me, make sense. How can I come to terms with losing such a woman? I can’t.”

She nodded. “Jerry, in this life, we are always going to meet people like that. Maybe for a short moment, or maybe for a lifetime, but the truth is, we have to learn to cherish every moment we have with them, don’t ever forget to tell them that you love them and in the end, you won’t have to regret anything.” She said.

Jerry sighed. “She’ll be glad to meet you too.”

Mrs Aiyenugba nodded. “Of course.” She replied. “Jerry, make every moment count.”

“I will.” He replied.

“Have you called your mother? Else, you would have been throwing the wrong stones at Shola.”

Jerry sighed and pulled out his phone. “I am calling her now.”

“Good boy. Love your parents now that you can.” She replied.

Jerry dialled. “Hello, Mom…”

***

James handed Nora a paper. “Receipts from the bookings. Flight leaves tomorrow evening.”

Nora nodded as she stared at it. “I hope Toni enjoys this vacation.”

“I bet she will. We all will make it the best for her.” He replied and took Nora’s hand. “How are you doing?”

“I am not fine, but I guess I have to look the part of the sister that is doing fine.” Nora replied. “The Doctor says they are discharging her tomorrow morning.”

James nodded. “That’s a good thing, right?”

“Seems more like a bad thing to me. Toni doesn’t look like she is doing better, yet, they want to discharge her. It can only mean one thing.”

James waved it off. “No, babe, don’t see it that way. It could also be a better avenue for her to go home and complete the recovery. You know, sometimes, the doctors think it is better to have the patient go home for a better atmosphere.”

Nora chuckled. “Do I look like I am five? Even five-year-olds don’t believe that crap.”

James sighed. “I don’t know what else to say to you.”

“Say nothing, James. Let’s just sit and watch it all pass by.” She replied.

He nodded. “Fine. I can do that with you.” He replied as he sipped his drink. “Is Toni awake?”

“Yes. She has a guest. Jerry’s friend is with her.” She replied.

James smiled. “She can make do with all the family necessary right now.”

“I know…she needs us now more than ever…and, I need her too.” Nora said as tears rolled down her eyes.

James went over to her and hugged her.

***

“You are as amazing as Jerry says you are.” Mrs Aiyenugba said as she laughed.

Toni smiled. “I think I can be a little more amazing than I am right now.” She replied.

“Yes, I think you are.” Mrs Aiyenugba said with a smile. “I hear you are going home tomorrow.”

Toni nodded. “I am happy about it. I get to finally finish my book and go on a vacation. I am quite excited.”

Mrs Aiyenugba smiled. “You should be. You need to have fun.”

“I always do have fun…in on own little way. Jerry told me about Victoria’s Home, are you ready for it?” Toni asked.

Mrs Aiyenugba rose on her feet. “I am not ready for it. But, I don’t have any choice, besides, I don’t think it would be so bad in there. Who knows, I might pick up a new profession from there?”

“New profession?” Toni asked with a smile.

Mrs Aiyenugba nodded with a smile. “I bet there would be lots of bitter women there, I could get close to them.”

“Oh! And touch their lives? That’s noble.” Toni said with a smile.

Mrs Aiyenugba scoffed. “Not that. I would find out who they are and who their children are and why they were put in there, then, I would pass scoops to journalists and help get mud on those that have important children.”

Toni gaped as she laughed. “Seriously?”

Mrs Aiyenugba nodded. “Why not? It would act as a stress reliever for me and also earn me a few bucks.”

Toni smiled. “This is interesting…and good too.”

“See…good thing you understand.” Mrs Aiyenugba replied as she returned to her seat. “Are you planning towards a book launch?”

“I will ask Nora to help me with it.” She replied as she relaxed in her bed. “I am glad I met you.”

Mrs Aiyenugba took her hand. “Same here. I have to go now, my son is waiting to take me to the facility.”

Toni nodded as she hugged Mrs Aiyenugba. “Do take care.”

“Be strong, Toni.” She replied and walked out.

Jerry walked in almost immediately. “Hey there.” He said as he pecked her forehead. “How are you?”

Toni stared at him. “Prepared.”

“Prepared?” he asked.

She nodded. “I am getting discharged tomorrow and I still feel like this, don’t I know what it means?” she asked.

Jerry swallowed. “Toni, I…I want you to know that I am doing everything I can to-”

Toni sighed. “-Babe, let it be already. What did the Doctor say?”

He blinked. “You want me to tell you?”

She nodded. “Why not? I would like to know.”

“Erm…”

“You have to tell me the truth, you know?” she said.

He nodded. “Toni, this is hard for me, but, I won’t want anyone else to let you know this, we have tried so hard and I swear I want to try harder, I am going to do everything I can and I promise you, I am not giving up on you yet, I-”

“-Stop it. Just talk.”

He blinked as he took her hand. “They have to stop the radiotherapy because the cancer is well spread into the brain and now, we actually can’t cut it, also, further therapy is quite dangerous as we have implemented the regular dose required for this treatment and we can’t go overboard with it.” He said as he squeezed her hands. “Toni, I want you to know that there is a slight chance that the medications that you are going to be placed on from tomorrow are going to help melt the tumours and you can survive.”

She nodded. “Okay, how long do I have? Medically?”

Jerry swallowed and closed his eyes. “One week.”

“Wow!” Toni said. “Wow! Wow!” she reiterated as her eyes were wet. “One week, Jerry. Man, this is so fast.” Toni said as she looked away. Her heart raced fast. It was like a ticking bomb was tied around her waist. “Oh my God.”

Jerry took her hand. “Look at me, babe. Don’t care about what they say, okay? Babe, look here.”

Toni swallowed and stared at him. “I thought I’d have more time. I thought we’d be able to have a nice vacation and stuff, I really thought we’d enjoy the holidays.”

“Toni, it is okay to be vulnerable. Don’t hold it all in, just let it go.” Jerry said as he lifted her face to his. “You have held it in for me, for               Nora, for your foundation, for everyone. Just let it go now.” He said.

Toni couldn’t hold back her tears. “I don’t want to die, Jerry. Please.” She said as she cried and wrapped her hands around him. “I am so scared, I don’t want to go.”

Jerry closed his eyes tight. This couldn’t be happening to him. He had asked Toni to let it all out and her tears frightened him. He was scared as it loomed that he was going to let her down. “I am sorry.” He said.

“Jerry, please.” She cried.

He stroked her hair. “It’s okay, Toni. It’s going to be alright. Don’t do this, please.”

She stared at him with tears. “This will pass, right?”

He nodded. “Yes, it will. It is just a phase, everything will pass.” He replied as he wiped her tears. “Don’t cry anymore, please.”

“Jerry…” she called.

“Yeah?!” he asked.

She blinked. “One week is too close, but I am going to buy me more time…because I am not going to give up easily on us, we might not have a month left, but we are going to make it memorable and special.”

Jerry stared at her looking confused.

Toni smiled. “This is it, Jerry. Nora has the tickets we need for our flight, we are going to leave tomorrow evening.”

“Are you serious?” he asked, still feeling off the place. A moment ago, she was in tears and now, she had worn another personality. “Are you okay, Toni?”

Toni nodded with a faint smile. “Right now, I just want to live the rest of these desperate days in the best way, and that’s what we are going to do. So, would you come with me?”

Jerry stared at her and nodded. “Let’s make it count.”

 

 

Beautiful Stranger – Episode 10

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EPISODE 10

“Come on, man. Think like a Surgeon. Let’s cut!” Jerry said as he dropped an envelope on the table. He bent over and flipped a Surgical Textbook open.

Emeka took a deep breath. He had never seen Jerry so enthusiastic about something and maybe that was a good sign but at the same time, someone had to be reasonable here. Jerry had just stepped out of Toni’s room with the ‘get me on my feet’ rule and he didn’t seem to be thinking straight here. All he wanted was to get her on her feet in its literary context, but that was not going to give a lasting solution. He sighed as he watched Jerry look through a book. “Bro, I think we should talk about this” Emeka said.

Jerry was engrossed in the textbook he was looking through. “Not now.”

“Jerry, I know you feel you can go all Ben Carson on her right now, but we have to be logical here. She has had epileptic seizures from her history and I don’t think we should take that chance again.” Emeka started.

Jerry closed the book. “You are not getting the point. We can cut through and remove the mass of the tumour, do you know what that will do for her?”

“That will buy her more time and in the end, you will still lose her.” Emeka replied. “I think she should start the treatment as soon as possible. Besides, it is the patient and her sister’s wish that she does Chemo and since we know it is the brain we are focusing on, we can switch to Radiotherapy for effectiveness. Don’t start putting your emotions into this thing.”

“You and I know how Radiotherapy works…I can’t watch her go through it. It is so much pain.” Jerry retorted.

“You don’t have to watch. You just have to be there for her, man. I think we shouldn’t waste any more time with these decisions. It is obvious the tumour is escalating to other parts of the system and if we keep dilly dallying about it, we would get nothing done.” Emeka replied.

Jerry shook his head. “The Director asked me what I think we should do and I think surgery is fine, I would go over to him and tell him about my decision and I would try to make Toni and Nora see reason. Besides, AEDs can be given for the seizures.”

“Jerry, you and I know that cytoreduction of the tumour is the best we would get out of this. You have seen the neoplasm, it is better to let her do radiotherapy. Besides, I think we are going to have problems gaining access to the tumour because of the size and location. It is at the skull base, man. Think. There are many possible outcomes of the surgery, we could tamper with her brain tissues, she could suffer memory loss or something worse, are you willing to take that chance?” Emeka asked.

Jerry took a deep breath and leaned against the table. Emeka was right, but he still believed he could remove as many tumour cells as possible, but he had a very slim chance because of the size and location of the tumour. He fumed as he sank into a chair. His eyes were soon wet. “I am out of ideas, bro.”

“Look, Jerry, radiation therapy will kill the tumours but won’t harm her brain tissues. Let’s take a chance on this.” Emeka replied as he took a seat beside him. “Toni is trusting you to get her back on her feet, but not for a month or two. She wants it to be forever.”

Jerry nodded. “This isn’t going to be easy for her.”

“Well, we both know it is not going to be, but she is a fighter. Let’s believe.” Emeka replied.

The door opened and the Director walked in. “What would it be?” he asked as he picked up a copy of the scan that was lying on the table. “Hmm…this is big.” He said and replaced the scan on the table. “Jerry, do you think we can cut?”

Jerry blinked. “Err…Sir, I…I was thinking-”

“-We are thinking radiotherapy would work.” Emeka said, staring at Jerry. “We can’t cut this.” He said through clenched teeth.

The Director nodded as he stared at Jerry. “I hope you know that you would be off most of her treatment.”

“No way!” Jerry objected.

Emeka took Jerry’s hand. “Man.”

Jerry blinked. “Sir, I can’t afford to be kicked off her case. You know what she means to me.”

“And it is exactly for that reason that you have to sit out of this one. I would get you tonnes of cases-”

“-I don’t want anything. I just want her.” Jerry replied, cutting in.

Emeka cleared his throat. “Sir, I think Jerry can be on the team for the Radiotherapy since we won’t be doing surgery.”

“No. I won’t bend the rule even a bit. There is a surgery in about an hour. He is the lead surgeon.”

Jerry fumed. “Sir! Don’t do this.”

“I can’t have you mixing emotions with this.” The Director replied.

Jerry clasped his hands together. “Sir, I have put my emotions aside. I am just a surgeon and her Doctor.”

“It is not so easy, Son. Sit out of this one, we’ve got it.” The Director replied and stared at Emeka. “Come with me, we need to go and prep the patient.” He said and walked out.

Jerry pulled Emeka back. “He can’t do this to me. Please beg him. Toni wants me to do this.”

Emeka blinked. “Jerry, you know how it is. You can’t. You need a right frame of mind.”

“Don’t give me that crap! You can convince him. It is not surgery.” Jerry replied angrily.

“This is why he won’t let you in on it. Cool off, man.” Emeka said and walked out.

Jerry fumed as he kicked the door.

***

Toni brushed Nora’s hair. “So, I want to draw up my will.”

Nora flipped her head over her shoulder. “What is that?”

“A will. Legal statement showing who I give my share of our family’s fortune to.” Toni replied with a smug smile.

Nora frowned. “I know what a will is, I just don’t know what you need it for right now.”

“Oh come on, Nora. You and I know that it is only necessary I do this now, besides, amendments can be carried out in the nearest future should events change.” Toni replied.

Nora took a seat opposite her. “Are we being less optimistic now? Jerry is doing everything he can and you are here throwing it all away with wanting to draw up a will.”

Toni sighed. “Nora, why are you talking like this? I want to live, but in case I don’t, I want to leaveve something behind for my foundation and stuff.”

“Are you saying I am going to collapse your foundation in the event of your death? Give me some credit, Toni.” Nora said, standing up.

Toni sighed. “I didn’t mean it that way, sis.”

“I don’t care how you meant it, but it hurts.” Nora replied.

Toni nodded. “I am sorry.”

“Yeah. I have got to take a walk.” Nora replied.

Toni sighed. “Are you for real? I said I am sorry.”

“I know you are. I just didn’t expect you to have that sort of opinion of me.” Nora replied.

Toni smiled. “Are you trying to pick up a fight with me? I promise I will be dead before you are back from your walk and you are going to carry the feeling that you fought with your sister before her death to your grave.” She concluded with a wide grin.

Nora rolled her eyes. “Don’t start guilt tripping me.”

“Oh yeah…it worked. I am sorry.” Toni said with a smile.

Nora sighed and took her seat. “Don’t start scaring me, Toni. You have to be in the right frame of mind for any treatment to be effective on you.”

“Trust me, I am motivated to live.” Toni replied.

Nora smiled. “James would be here to see you in the evening. He left early this morning.”

Toni nodded. “Hmm…that’s cool. I need to have a talk with him anyway.”

“What talk could that be?” Nora asked.

Toni shrugged. “It’s personal.”

Nora folded her arms. “Personal?”

Toni nodded. “It is important I talk to him, that’s all. Don’t be scared.”

The door opened and the Director walked in with Emeka. “Good morning, ladies.”

“Good morning, Director.” Nora greeted.

Toni stared at the door expecting it to open but it didn’t. She stared at Emeka looking for an answer.

Emeka cleared his throat. “Jerry is not coming.”

The Director stared at her. “As you understand, Doctor Jerry can’t be let in on this due to his emotional attachment to the patient.”

Nora nodded and took Toni’s hand. “Okay, so, what’s going to happen now?”

“We are going to start the radiotherapy by tomorrow. We can’t have any more surgeries as the tumour is in a delicate position of the brain. So, are you ready?” The Director asked.

Nora stared at Toni. “You ready?”

Toni nodded. “Yes. I have always been.”

Emeka smiled. “Okay. So, we would move you into a new room tonight and we can start off from there.”

“Can I see Jerry?” Toni asked.

Emeka nodded. “I’ll tell him to come.”

“No. I want to go to him.” Toni said.

The Director shrugged. “We’ll get a chair for you.” He said and walked out.

“I’ll go with him.” Nora said and walked out.

Emeka took a deep breath as he sat beside her. “I have heard a lot about you and I…I am honoured to finally meet you.”

Toni smiled. “Trust me, I am more beautiful than this. I am just allergic to Hospitals.” She said with a smile.

“Of course, you are.” Emeka said with a soft chuckle.

Toni stared at him. “Jerry is a good guy.”

Emeka nodded. “I know. He is one of the best men around. I am glad he found you.”

“Me too…”

Emeka took her hand. “Would you please not leave him?” he asked as a teardrop rolled down his eyes.

Toni gasped. “Oh…I think you are also emotional. You can’t be on this case too.” She said as she laughed.

Emeka laughed as he wiped his eyes. “You have a good laugh.”

“I know. I can’t help being a diva.” She replied.

He nodded. “You stay alive, okay?”

“I am alive.” She replied.

Nora returned with a wheelchair. “Let’s go, baby.”

Toni smiled as she got on the wheelchair.

***

Jerry sipped his cup of coffee as he stared at his wristwatch. He had a surgery in about thirty minutes. “Make this count, Jerry.”

The door opened and Toni wheeled in.

“Toni?” he gaped as he went over to her. “How did you…?”

Toni smiled. “Never mind…not like you don’t know how I got here.”

“Emeka.” He replied.

She nodded. “So…you won’t be my Doctor?”

He nodded. “Yes. I…I am sorry. I wanted to be there, but the Director won’t let me.”

“Neither would I.” she replied.

He knelt before her. “The session starts tomorrow. I will be by your side every step of the way. I promise to hold your hand throughout.”

Toni rolled her eyes. “Don’t get all mushy okay. Besides, it means you would hold one hand while Nora holds the other. How am I going to cope with two of you professing love?” she asked with a smile.

“I love you.” Jerry said.

She shrugged. “The question is, who doesn’t love me?”

“Are you going to class me with the majority?” Jerry asked with a smile.

She shook her head. “No. You make up the vast minority.”

“Vast? Minority?” Jerry asked.

She grinned. “You are everything…and much more than I wanted.”

“Oh my…I am honoured.” Jerry said as he kissed her hand.

She nodded. “You should be.”

“I have a patient who is due for surgery now.” He said, staring at his wristwatch.

She smiled. “Oh really?”

He nodded.

“Come here.” She said as she kissed his forehead. “Go save a life.”

Jerry smiled. “You got it.” He said and walked out with a smile.

Tears rolled down Toni’s eyes as the door closed after him. “God please…allow me love this man.”

***

JERRY

Who knew surgery could be fun? Tearing…sewing…tearing…sewing…fixing…smiling. I didn’t understand that it could bring me so much joy…until today. Being a surgeon is everything I have always wanted and I forgot what it was to have that dream until today. They say love can do a lot for you…much more than a lot for you. It gives life. It gives light. It gives hope. It gives much more than you have ever expected.

As I walked into the theatre with optimism, my team lit up. I had never seen them smile. It was as though I was ready to lead an army into battle and they were willing to fight with me…for the first time. Toni. It all came from her. Maybe Magic…maybe a fairy tale, but Toni is pure and true. I couldn’t ask for anything more, the gift of Toni to my life was something I couldn’t question.

And yes, my patient lived.

***

“Hey…”

Toni rolled over to see Jerry. “Hi. How was it?” she asked.

He smiled as he took his seat beside her on the bed. “Patient is fine. I am fine.”

“That’s good to know.” She replied. “I am nervous about radiotherapy. At first, I thought it was going to be chemo…but now it has a different name.” she said with a soft chuckle.

Jerry nodded. “Yeah. Radiotherapy is more effective and it is a better option.”

“So I heard.” Toni replied. “I pray I survive this.”

“You will survive it. I know that you are strong and you can go through this. I am here for you…every step of the way.”

Toni stared at him. “Would you?”

He nodded. “I am not going anywhere…you just have to promise me that you will stay.”

“That is not in my power, is it?” she asked.

He looked away.

“Do you love God, Jerry?”

Jerry shrugged. “He created us, right?”

“That’s not the question. Do you love God?” she asked.

He turned in her direction. “I don’t know.”

“You don’t know?” she asked.

He nodded. “He doesn’t have much love for me either.”

“Why would you say so?” Toni asked as she sat up.

He stared at her. “Frankly, I have never had the best things of life except for good grades.”

“Good grades are something.” She said, cutting in.

“They didn’t save my first patient.” He replied.

She smiled. “You lose some, you win some.”

“Not your first. It is unforgivable.” He replied.

“By who?” she asked.

He stared at her. “I don’t understand.”

“By whose standard is losing your first patient unforgivable?” she asked.

He was silent.

“I know the pain hurts so much, but, we tend to take ourselves too serious and important that we forget the essence of being human.” She started. “Would saving your first patient have mattered if you went on a failure streak afterwards?”

He stared at her. “You don’t understand.”

“Make me.” She said with a smile. “Look, Jerry, we are allowed to lose, but the only thing you are not allowed to do is give up. You saved a life today because God was with you.”

“Why didn’t he save my first patient? Why did he let you have Cancer? Isn’t he God?” Jerry asked. “You talk so much about him, and it is obvious you love him…why did he let that happen to you? Why?”

Toni sniffled. “I am writing a novel. I don’t know if I would have all the time in the world to tell you who Toni was before I got Cancer…but I want you to know that there isn’t so much of a difference. I am still happy. I am still alive. I just have Cancer…and oh, I quit drinking.”

“You used to drink?” he asked.

Toni smiled. “Heavy boozer!”

He smiled faintly. “Toni, I want to understand God the way you have come to understand him, but he has to keep you alive for me to like him.” He said.

“Giving God conditions, are we?” she asked with a smile.

He shrugged. “I don’t know. Let him keep you alive, then, we have a deal.”

“Ever heard of Job in the Bible?” she asked.

He nodded. “Sort of.”

“Try to read the Book of Job in the Bible. I am in no way comparing this situation to his, but that is a man that never stopped loving God. I am living proof that God cares about you and I. Talk to him. He listens, Jerry.”

Jerry blinked. “I don’t know about that…what am I going say to him?”

“First, you ask him to forgive you of your sins and give him your life. Let him be in charge of it all.” She said.

He smiled. “I think you should rest, Toni.” He said as he rose to his feet. “I have to go home to get a change of clothes and then I would be back for the night. Nora is outside. I would tell her to come in.”

Toni smiled. “You can run, but you can’t hide.”

He blew her a kiss and walked out.

***

“So, you ran away because she was telling you about God?” Mrs Aiyenugba asked as they ate.

Jerry shrugged. “Not exactly. But, I don’t understand why she is so passionate about him when clearly he isn’t about her.”

Mrs Aiyenugba dropped her spoon. “Jerry???”

“Yes! You don’t let Cancer come near someone you love…I know he is God and he can do everything. Why can’t he take it away?” he shouted.

She sat back as she watched Jerry rant.

“All I want is for her to be fine…he should know that.” He shouted as tears rolled down his face. “He doesn’t have to take her away from me. I thank him for bringing her my way, but I want to have her.” He shouted as he broke down in tears.

Mrs Aiyenugba nodded and walked over to him. “When I lost my husband, I felt God was unfair too…he knew I loved him, but God loves him more and I had to understand that.”

“Just like that? No disrespect, but you have had the best days with your husband, but God isn’t even giving me a chance with her…” He protested.

She smiled. “The best days are yet to come. As long as you live, you make the most of each day and every moment and who told you that Toni has not had the best of her days with you already?”

“Don’t try to patronize me.” He replied.

She nodded. “Not my plan to do that, but I feel you should give yourself some credit already. Every man has his purpose and duty to fulfil, and when we are done, we are done.”

“Toni can’t be done.” He replied.

She stared at him. “Jerry, talk to God. He listens.” She said and dug her spoon into the food.

***

“So James, what are your plans for Nora?” Toni asked.

James stared at her. “I like her a lot. I know we can make it work.”

“Really?” she asked.

He nodded with a smile. “Am I on the hot seat here?”

She nodded. “Yes. I love my sister and I want to be sure that I am leaving her in the right hands.”

“You are not suggesting that you are going to die, are you?” he asked.

She shrugged. “We would all die someday…or face rapture.”

“Look Toni, I know it seems I hit on you the first day we met, but-”

She raised a finger. “I don’t care about that. I want to know your intents.”

“I want to be there for Nora. I want to love her, protect her, and take care of her. I know I can do it and I want you to trust me to be able to.” He said.

“James, I have nothing against you…Nora would do this to Jerry if she were in my shoes. I wish you guys the best.” She said.

“Are you saying goodbye already?” he asked.

She sighed. “I don’t know…but for as long as I am here, I am here.”

***

“God, I know I am not a good guy. I have not been to church in a long time. I have been drinking too much and maybe a little more than too much. But, I have found a good girl and I can’t let you take her away from me. The Director already said I won’t be treating her, but I don’t believe we even treat anyone, I think you do. Please, God, can you treat Toni for me? God, I…I won’t be able to go on without her…If you knew that you won’t keep her alive, why did you bring her my way? Were you trying to tease me? God, please…I can’t do this on my own…Teach me your ways, help me to understand you and everything that happens around me. Let me love you and help me to be a better man.” Jerry said as he knelt down in his room.

“God, forgive me for all the wrong things I have said to you, but I am hurting so much and I want you to fix me. I want you to take care of Toni. I can’t do this on my own…God, please.” He cried as he slid into the floor.

***************************************************************************************************

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Beautiful Stranger – Episode 7 plus ‘All Fun And Games’ the ebook

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EPISODE 7

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 broke down 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?”

“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.”

 

“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.”

 

“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.”

“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, the 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.”

Mrs Aiyenugba 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.”

***************************************************************************************************** Hey, don’t forget to download my ebook ‘All Fun And Games’ at http://wp.me/pQQm3-15xs

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