The Pain – Chapter 7

Everyone at the table was busy eating and chatting away and didn’t seem to notice anything amiss. Abayomi however had watched Motun while she made the phone call and was a bit concerned at Motun’s reaction and expression. As soon as she sat down, he leaned towards her and asked “Are you alright?”

“I think so.” Motun replied as she took a sip of her non-alcoholic chapman drink.

“So why do you look so worried and who were you talking to?” He asked again.

“I was talking to Mike. He said he wouldn’t be making the party after all that something came up.” She answered. “I asked him why and he didn’t give me any reason. He just said there was nothing he could do about not coming. I’m a bit bothered, that’s all.” She continued.

“And that was all he said? No explanation?” Abayomi asked finding it a little hard to believe that Mike could just decide not to come anymore without any reason. Especially since Motun had earlier said that he was on his way.

“Yea that was all he said.” She replied. “He actually sent an sms to inform me.” She said as she gave Abayomi her phone and showed him the sms. “Since he didn’t give any tangible reason, I decided to call him to find out what went wrong. Apparently, his not giving me any reason and I’m more perplexed now.” she said.

“This is really strange and unlike him. I guess I would have to call him myself then” He said. He stood up, excused himself from the table and went to put a call through to Mike.

 

Mike was standing over Tina watching and waiting anxiously when Abayomi’s call came through. He knew exactly why Abayomi was calling and he wasn’t ready to explain anything to him. It was his birthday, and knowing Abayomi, he would come right over to the hospital if he told him and he didn’t want him to do that. Besides, letting him know about the accident would also dampen the mood of the party. Abayomi deserved to enjoy the day he thought. Mike allowed his call to ring out and immediately switched his phone off. He knew Remi would call soon, so he picked up Tina’s phone, which was with him, and sent an sms that read:

Hi Remi, this is Mike. My phone is off, so if u need to call, call me on this line. See you soon bro.

Mike put both phones in his pocket and he resumed his watch over Tina.

 

Abayomi waited anxiously for Mike to pick up. When it rang out, he tried again and he was told the line was switched off. He tried three more times and he got the same message. He became really worried that something must have gone seriously wrong. He walked back to his party and sat down.

“What did he say?” Motun asked immediately he sat down.

“I didn’t get through to him. It rang out the first time without him picking, and the other times, it said it was switched off. Maybe his battery is out” Abayomi said as he fiddled with his phone wondering what to do.

“Hey, let’s believe all is well. I believe he’s not ready to share what went wrong. Let’s believe the best.” Motun said as she held his hand and squeezed gently. “Come on, cheer up and enjoy the party. Remember this is your day and we wouldn’t want people wondering what’s up” She said as she nudged him gently with her shoulders.

Abayomi nodded absent-mindedly as he picked up his cutlery and continued eating. Although he had lost appetite, he felt he should at least put up a show for the sake of his guests. He didn’t want anybody worrying unnecessarily. I would check Mike up after we’re through He thought.

 

Not long after, Remi got to the hospital with a friend. He called Mike to know exactly where he was. He hurried to the emergency section and saw Mike walking towards him.

“Hey man. How are you? And how is she?” Remi asked a little breathless as he got to where Tina was lying. He looked her over with a worried expression on his face. He did a quick assessment of her situation and he knew it was quite bad. Tina’s head was wrapped in a bandage, so were certain parts of the right side of her body, including her hands and legs. He felt slightly apprehensive and started praying in the spirit. “By the way, this is James. James this is Mike, a very good friend of mine” He said making a quick introduction. Both men nodded at each other in greeting.

“Nice meeting you.” Mike said as he nodded his greetings to James. “I’m ok Remi. I don’t know exactly how she is doing cos nobody has said anything to me yet. I’m scared man.” Mike replied Remi suddenly looking tired and sad.

Remi picked up his phone and called Dr Rasaq to let him know he was around. Dr Rasaq was Remi’s friend and he worked at Gbagada State Hospital. Remi knew that knowing someone from the inside was the best way to get better care and treatments in hospitals. This was Nigeria, and that was how things worked. Remi was through with his call and faced Mike to ask what happened. Mike explained how the accident happened and how they were taken to the hospital.

“I feel so guilty and sad.” Mike said afterwards. “I shouldn’t have insisted she came along” He continued as he put his hand over his forehead and leaned against the wall looking really sad.

“Hey bro, you don’t need to beat yourself over this. It has happened already, we just need to pray and hope that she comes out fine.” Remi said.

“I know, I know” Mike replied. “She actually didn’t want to go. I really pleaded with her to come with me and now this. I really hope nothing is wrong with her cos I don’t think I can forgive myself” He continued as he walked towards where Tina lay.

“It would be alright man, I believe so” Remi said as he faced Mike and put a hand on his shoulders. “Let’s pray.” He said as he beckoned to James and Mike to move closer. They all held hands and Remi began to pray.

“Our Father, we thank you for today. We thank you for the gift of life, and we thank you for Tina and Mike whom you spared today. We appreciate your name for this deliverance. Lord, we pray for Tina that you perfect her healing in Jesus name.”

“Amen!” Mike and James chorused in unison.

“Lord, your word says that by your stripes, we are healed. Your word also says that the power of life and of death is in the tongue, and with that understanding, I declare life to Tina’s body in Jesus name”

“Amen!” replied Mike and James.

“Tina, you would not die but live to declare the glory of the Lord in the land of the living”

“Amen!” they replied.

“Your healing and recuperation would be quick and complete in Jesus name!”

“Amen!”

“There shall be no complications in Jesus name”

“Amen!”

“Lord we thank you for answered prayers, in Jesus name we pray”

“Amen!” chorused Mike and James as they all loosed their hands and turned once again towards where Tina lay.

Just then, Dr. Rasaq walked briskly into the Emergency ward and went straight to where they were. He had spotted Remi from afar. They all exchanged greetings as Mike once again launched into the story of how the accident happened. He looked Tina over and turned to them and said.

“We can’t do much for her today cos it’s already night time. Most of the test centres would be closed and tomorrow is Sunday. She needs to have some parts of her body x-rayed and do some other tests. I’m actually more concerned with her head. She might have a slight concussion which is nothing to worry about, or it may be more serious than that which can be very serious.” He said “Has she been conscious since she got here?” He asked Mike turning to him.

“Yes, she has.” Mike replied. “She came around briefly while I was on the phone not too long after we got here. Although, she slipped back into unconsciousness almost immediately” He said.

“Okay. I guess that’s a good sign. But we can’t be very sure till we run tests on her. We would just monitor her and continue to keep her in a stable condition. You know the drills now.” He said as he turned to Remi. “Guy, let’s just hope for the best.” He said.

“Okay.” Remi replied. “But do you think she can be transferred to another hospital like tonight?” he asked. As a doctor, it was unethical to treat ones relatives especially if there are other doctors around. Tina was his only sister and his father’s favourite, he couldn’t imagine anything happening to her. He was yet to tell his parents because he didn’t want them coming down that night. But knowing them, especially his dad, they would want an immediate transfer to their family hospital which also happened to be where he worked.

“Yea, she can be transferred.” Dr. Rasaq replied. “You’re thinking of taking her to your hospital?” he asked.

“Yes. My folks wouldn’t want it otherwise. Also, I think that would be for the best too so I can also follow her progress easily.” Remi replied.

“Okay then. I understand. I would help prepare a transfer for her then.” He said as he called a nurse to get her case note so as to get the process started. “This might take a while cos of all the authorities needed to sign the necessary papers. In fact, I hope you can take her with you today” Dr. Rasaq said as he faced Remi.

“I really hope so too.” Remi replied.

 

The party was over and everyone began to leave for home. Abayomi’s parents were among the last to leave. His mother called him aside to talk to him.

“Abayomi! Abayomi!! Abayomi!!! Ee melo ni mo pe e?(How many times did I call you?)” She said as she pulled her ears.

“Three times ma” Abayomi replied. He knew where his mum was going whenever she spoke to him in Yoruba. He was however prepared for the barrage of questions and suggestions she had to say.

“You’re now 31 years old o. O ma ki n s’omode mo o. (You’re no longer a child). Igba wo lo ma muyawo wale? (When would you bring a wife home?)” She asked him bluntly.

“Ma, I will when the time is right. I haven’t found a wife yet. Just keep praying for me mum” He replied her with a smile.

“Okay. So, you’re still searching ehn? What happened to Motun?” She asked as she raised her eyebrows at him. “She can’t make you a good wife abi? You both have been good friends for years now, what’s stopping you from making a move at her?” She asked.

“Muuummmm!” Abayomi said in exasperation. “How can you even think that?” He said. “Myself and Motun are just good friends, that’s all. God hasn’t spoken to me concerning her and besides, a marriage relationship between us just can’t work. We’re too familiar with each other” He said.

“Really? You’re too familiar with each other?” His mum re-echoed incredulously. “You this children of nowadays are just so funny! So, familiarity is now the issue?” She asked as she shook her head in wonder. “Familiarity is an added advantage to having a successful marriage. It helps you understand each other better. ” She said. “If you’re complaining about familiarity, what would you say about me and your dad? We were classmates for our 4 years at the University, and has it affected our relationship in any way?” She asked him pointedly. “No, it hasn’t.” She replied. “You know our story, so your excuse isn’t tenable at all. As long as you both don’t allow your familiarity to breed contempt, there’s no problem.” She said. “Motun is a very nice girl, and I know she cares about you very much. In fact, I like her and wouldn’t mind having her as a daughter-in-law. If you’ve never thought about her as a potential spouse, please start to see her in that light. Pray about it to God and take this issue very seriously. You have our blessings in advance.” She said as she smiled at him. “And we are praying for you.”

Abayomi sighed as he smiled back at his mum. This wasn’t the first time he was told to consider Motun as a wife. At this stage, he needed to do take this seriously to know exactly what to do. The thought of having Motun as his wife was funny. He had never seen her in that light. But seeing what Motun did today was enough proof that she might want more from their relationship. He needed to pray about it he thought.

“Okay mum. I’ve heard you. I would actively start doing something about it.” He said

“That’s my son” His mum said as she smiled at him. His dad walked to where they were standing carrying his mum’s purse with one hand. He had been waiting for his wife and was ready to leave.

“Happy birthday once again son, I so proud of you.” He said as Abayomi’s mum collected her purse from him. “Darling, are you through now? We need to start to go now.” Abayomi’s dad said as he turned to his wife.

“Yes, I am through now.” She replied him. “So, Abayomi, bye love. See you later.” She said to Abayomi as she hugged him and pecked him on the cheeks. “Happy birthday” She said again.

“Alright mum, dad, bye” Abayomi said as he returned his mum’s hug and hugged his dad as well.

“Bye” His parents replied as they both walked out.

By this time, everyone had left except himself and Motun. He wondered why that was so because he felt she was supposed to follow Emeka especially since she had an early flight back to the UK the next day.

“Birthday boy, I decided to stay back cos I was thinking we should go check Mike up at home to know why he didn’t come any more.” Motun said as she walked towards him, answering his unasked question.

“Okay, no problem. I had planned to do that earlier. I was already wondering why you didn’t follow Emeka back home.” He said with a smile.

Motun laughed in reply. In reality, she wanted to be close to Abayomi as much as possible. She was leaving the next day, and she wanted to be sure her planned worked.

“Can we go now then?” Abayomi asked.

“Yes, we can.” Motun replied as they both walked towards the reception. Motun had paid all the bills and given the waiters tips for their services. They got outside the hotel, got into Abayomi’s car and drove towards Mike’s house at Surulere.