In The Dark – Episode 38


A Story By Stanley Oluwatosin

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I woke to the beautiful smell of a well brewed coffee. Though I was a bit I could not fight the urge to get out of bed and see the surprise Kelvin was cooking.

I slowly opened my eyes and turned to the other side, Kelvin was standing right in front of me, with a tray in his hand. He smiled and said

“a beautiful morning to my beautiful wife. Everyday marks the beginning of new things in my life just because you are here with me. Please get out of bed your highness and have a taste of this special cup of coffee, it’s the little this guy here can make”

Kelvin dropped the try on the table and offered a hand to help me out of bed. I could not help but burst into laughter. “why are you acting like we are still on honeymoon? It’s really unlike you” I said, making funny faces at him.

Kelvin kissed my forehead lightly and said “that’s because I’m mad over you girl”

“then when will your madness enter market? ” I replied and made to run out of bed, for getting my condition. Kelvin went through no stress before catching up with me. He lifted me off my feet and took me to the bathroom. We cleaned our teeth and had a little water fight before we eventually went back to the room. I sat inbetween Kelvin’s legs and sipped my coffee as he gently rubbed my stomach.

“baby, you are due for scan. I wanna know the sex of my kid so I can set up the nursery” Kelvin said.

I thought for a while and decided I would have my scan test that very day, after visiting Nelly’s tomb. Kelvin happily volunteered to place a call through to the hospital on my behalf. I could not help but feel special, just because of all the people present in my life.

I was about to leave for the kitchen when I received an incoming call from my dad. I happily accepted his call and said “hello”.

“my girl, how was your night? ” my dad said and I replied I was fine. We talked about this and that before he eventually informed me that he would be coming over by 10:00am. I agreed with his time schedule and we ended the call, looking forward to seeing each other. I placed a call through to Attorney Berry and informed her of my intention to sign over Nelly’s share of the will to my dad’s adopted child. She agreed and promised to be at my place by 9:00am.

Kelvin and I had our breakfast and cleaned up. We order for a bouquet of flower and got prepared for the day’s event. I was happy I would be visiting Nelly’s tomb, it was something I had always wanted to do but I was a bit scared of what the repercussions might be.

I was fully dressed when Attorney Berry arrived. We had a little business chat before the arrival of my dad. He came over with his wife and their adopted daughter. I didn’t plan for everybody to be there but the whole situation turned out to be perfect. After a long exchange of pleasantries, I cleared my throat and said

“dad, this is Attorney Berry, my mom’s private lawyer. According to the will, my mom handed one of her company over to Nelly. Kelvin and I have decided to hand this property over to your adopted child. It’s the little I can do for her”

My dads face lightened up and I could see the excitement in his wife’s eyes too. The girl in question had little idea of what was going on but she also went on her kneels to appreciate the kind gesture. My dad was almost in tears when he was thanking me. He praised me about having a heart of gold and I transferred the whole praise to Kelvin.

The property was signed over to the little girl and without wasting time, we left for Nelly’s tomb.

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

The drive to the graveyard was smooth and quiet. Throughout the ride, I placed my head on Kelvin’s chest and went through Nelly’s photo album. I wasn’t sure if I would be able to hide my emotion when we arrive her place of rest, but I was determined never to go back.

My dad parked after about thirty minutes drive and we also follow suit. Kelvin helped me out of the car and we walked up to my dad. My dad decided that his wife and their little girl should stay behind while myself, Kelvin and him would visit Nelly’s tomb.

I took the flowers and followed my dad’s step,as we walked into the cemetery. The cemetery belonged to the church my dad attended and he was well recognized by the workers. It got a little scary as we walked pass hundreds of tomb. I thought about life, how lots of people die daily and how the ground swallows their remnant without a difference. Even after the death of million souls, life goes on. For once, I was grateful for life.

“Here we are…” my dad said, interrupting my thought.

I looked right in front of me and I saw a tiled tomb with the bold inscription “Stanley Nelly”.

My legs were shaky already as I felt a strange coldness. I gently went down and placed the flower on her tomb. I traced the inscription with my hand and I could not help but remember who she was to me before she was laid six feet down. We loved, we fought and we loved again. All are signs of great friendship. Even after the big fight over Jordan, fate brought us together again. Just when I was beginning to feel safe around her, death snatched her away.

With tears in my eyes,i looked at my dad, his eyes were blood red already. I did not want to open my mouth, cos I knew all that would come out of my mouth will bring about nothing but tears. I took a last glance at Nelly’s tomb and walked out with a heart filled with regret. “if only I could bring back the hands of time” that was the only statement on my lips.

I stared at the floor as I walked aimlessly. My dad and Kelvin finally caught up with me and helped me to the car. I could not even respond to Nelly’s mom rhetoric question. I only got into the car and buried my head in my hands. I cried for the lost of my friend, my sister and my blood. Without been told, I knew my day was spoilt already.

After a brief talk with my my dad, Kelvin joined me in the car. I felt his hand on my back and I sniffed, Kelvin gently rubbed my back and said “your scan test is scheduled for the next 30minutes”

I shook my head and said “no”. I wasn’t ready for a scan test, the only thing I wanted to do was to lay on my bed and wallow in my sorrow.

Kelvin gently brought my face to his and said “I know you are sad right now but I do not want to be the husband that will keep on rubbing your back and urging you not to cry while you will wallow in your sorry. I see nothing better to cheer you up with than to see the cute little thing growing in you with me holding your hands. Now will you Please quit acting the stubborn wife and let me have my way? “

Seeing the care and concern in Kelvin’s eyes made me force a smile. I nodded in agreement and Kelvin kissed my forehead, calling me a good girl. I smiled and placed my head on his chest, listening to his steady heart beat helped me focus on the present. I shut my eyes and allowed the cool breeze blow through my face as the driver drove out of the cemetery.

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

The softness of Kelvin’s lips on mine woke me up. He kissed me lightly and said “we are at the hospital ma’am”

I stretched my body and looked around to confirm our destination. Kelvin fixed my rough hair and placed a call through to the doctor incharge. We alighted from the car after Kelvin confirmed that the medical practitioners were ready for me.

We were welcomed by the doctor in charge and we signed some documents before we changed our wears. The doctor and the nurses led us to a private ward. Kelvin helped me lay on the provider bed and I could not let go of his hand as the doctors prepared the machines for the test. “will you be happy with any sex? ” I asked Kelvin in a low tone.

Kelvin kissed my hand and said “all I need is a child like you, any sex is fine by me”

I smiled and squeezed kelvins hand.

The doctor incharged “DR. Frank” told me to ease up and he brought the scanner forward. Myself and Kelvin had our eyes fixed on the screen in front of us as the doctor went on with his work. Not long after, an unclear image appeared. I stared at the screen without understanding what was on it. I dimmed my eyes and looked harder before the doctor smiled and said

“ma’am it’s easy. I’m honoured to be the first to congratulate you on the sex of your kids. Congratulations Mr and Mrs Smith, you are carrying a set of twin boys. I wish you a happy delivery”

The doctor’s words came as a rude shock “twin boys? ” I asked myself repeatedly. I could not believe my eyes as I stared at the screen harder. my mom had her set of twins out of wedlock but I was happy to have mine while married to my soul mate.

Kelvin could not hid his excitement aswell, he kissed me deeply regardless of the people present.

Meeting my bundle of joy made me feel on top of the world. Just like Kelvin would say “they were the cutest set of twins. Right from the womb! “

I only watched as the doctor’s lips moved as he explained the images on the screen to us. I didn’t even hear a word from all he said, all that was on my mind was the joy of carrying a set of boys twin. I could not wait to inform my family of the bundle of joy I was carrying . My excitement knew no bound when the doctor finally said we could take our leave, his long talk was beginning to bore me.

Kelvin carried me to the car after we changed into our dresses,according to him, he didn’t want me to stress myself. I saw the excitement in his eyes and I could not help but feel special for been the source of his happiness.

Throughout the ride home, Kelvin placed his hand on my Tommy. He kept on rubbing it gently as he suggested different names for our babies. Before we arrived home, he had suggested more than twenty names, I could not help but laugh at his childishness.

Finally we arrived home after about forty minutes drive, I was about hurrying out of the car when Kelvin held me back. I made faces at him and he said

“ma’am, maybe you weren’t informed before, I’m using this medium to inform you that you are not allowed to walk on your own, until after delivery”

I laughed and said “so who/what will carry me around? What if I want to pop? “

“Right here madam, I’m your new personal bodyguard” Kelvin said and took me into his arms. I laughed out loud as he carried me into the house. He eventually placed me on the bed and kissed my Tommy severally before he allowed me make the phone calls I wanted to make.

The first person I called was Khole, she was super excited when I informed her of my scan result. She pleaded with me to come over to Abuja and I promised to see her first when I arrive.

After talking to khole, I called my foster parent. They were both happy to hear the news. Mi dad almost blocked my ear when he started singing loudly with his cracked voice. My foster parent invited me over to their house and I promised to be with them for dinner.

The third person I called was my dad. He almost broke down in tears when I told him I was carrying a set of twin boys. According to him, having a twin boys had always been his dream. He got emotional and remembered my mom and my late sister. Just like me, he wished they were both alive to share in my joy.

I was still on the phone with my dad when Kelvin rushed into the room, he handed his phone over to me and informed me that his dad was on the line. I quickly hung up on my dad and accepted the president’s call.

“afternoon dad” I said into the phone.

Just like Kelvin, the president did nothing to hide his excitement. He sang my praise on the phone and even went to the extent of singing (something I never expected)

He told me he heard about all that happened and he was happy with the way I handled the whole situation. I never knew Kelvin was keeping his dad updated but I was happy he was proud of me. After the whole daughter and father advice, the president cleared his throat loudly and said “my dear, I already told Kelvin that the both of you should come back home tomorrow. I want to see you and feel my grandchildren. I also want to hold a small party and celebrate the goodness of God. The both of you will be taking the first flight to Abuja tomorrow morning by God’s grace”

I was surprised at the sudden travelling arrangement and wanted to give an excuse to stop the journey but the president gave no room for any excuse. Seeing the way the to be grandfather was excited looking forward to meet his grandchildren, I agreed to come with Kelvin the next day. The president was so happy when I agreed to come over the next day. I also spoke with Kelvin’s mom and Loretta before we finally called it a day.

I pretended to be mad at Kelvin for agreeing to the sudden journey without my knowledge. He apologized and explained that his dad was o in a hurry to see us. I accepted his apologies and he tried to bribe me by volunteering to pack my bag.

I informed Attorney Berry and my foster parent of my urgent journey. My foster parent were happy for me and Attorney Berry promised to look after the company in my absence. Kelvin and I had a big diner and saw a movie before we eventually called it day. We slept early in order to make early journey that awaited us.

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At exactly 9:00am the next morning, We were already on our way to Abuja. The flight was smooth and peaceful as I slept soundly throughout the flight. Kelvin allowed me rest and he did nothing to wake me until we arrived Abuja. He blew breeze into my ear and said “Sleeping Beauty, we are here”

I slowly opened my eyes and discovered that we were in Abuja already. I threw a fist at Kelvin for not waking me up and he grabbed my hands. He playfully hit himself with my hand and told me to hit him as much as I wanted. We both laughed as we head out of the plane.

Kelvin caused a scene at the airport, he swept me off my feet immediately we got down from the plane. I pleaded with him to put me down but He reminded me of his promise and payed no attention to my plea. Without considering the crowd filled with reporters and lots of people with cameras, Kelvin carried me to the tinted car provided to pick us up. I opened my mouth and stared at Kelvin as he settled beside me in the back sit.

“I’m a stubborn husband, I know, you do not have to tell me” Kelvin said and we both burst into laughter.

I wrapped my hand around his neck and said ” thank you for loving me like this” before I claimed his lips. We kissed and made beautiful promises to each other through out the drive home. Kelvin was more of a best friend than a husband.

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

The president welcomed us like a king. He invited my favourite band and they woahed us with their beautiful performance. He hugged me for a long time and later his hand on my Tommy before he started his prayer session. Kelvin was exactly like his father. The father and son did nothing to hide their joy as they pampered me and turned my Tommy into a mirror. My mother in-law also could not stop asking after my health. She practically wanted me to tell her all the food I had eaten ever since we left Abuja. She went on and on to give me the full list of all the nutritious food best for pregnant women. I was eventually saved from the long chat with my mother in-law by Loretta. She was all over me and wanted to be alone with me. I immediately knew that loads of gist was waiting for me. I excused myself and made to leave with Loretta when the president called me back.

He walked up to us and said “Nancy my dear, I have decided to throw a welcome party for you. It’s won’t be an elaborate one but I will try my best to make it special. All you have to do is to go shopping and rest. At exactly 8:00pm, I want you fully ready for the event. I will personally walk you down to the party”

I smiled and looked at Kelvin for a clue about the unannounced party, instead of giving me an answer, he only stared at the ceiling to avoid my gaze. I thanked the president for his kind gesture and went into the house with Loretta.

Loretta Welcomed me with lots of gist. Everything she talked about revolved around Jordan. Without been told, I knew she was madly in love with him but I wasn’t sure Jordan felt the same way for her. I shared in her joy and gave her candid advice before we decided to go shopping.

The rest of the day was filled with nutritious talk with my mother in-law, relationship talk with Loretta and kids talk with Kelvin. The whole Smith family made my day exceptional fun.

…to be continued

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