Ada - Episode 10

 

Ada sat beside him, with his left palm looked in hers. She had been here three weeks and he was still in coma, sometimes she read him stories or sang him songs. She was losing faith. She bowed her head in prayer for the third time that morning.

"Dear God, I don't know what you are up to, but I know you are aware that I love Tunde. Give us another chance and i promise, we would not have a fight . I'd love him more and love you exceedingly more. God, I need a miracle." She raised her head and beheld his face; he looked different, body pale, chapped lips, hands feeble, he was like a breathing vegetable, the blue gown the hospital insisted he wear made him look even frailer; this person, was a weaker version of her Tunde…. Suddenly, she felt the movement of his finger, she ran to towards the door shouting

“Doctor! Nurse!”

 She ran into the doctor who was obviously confused by her scream.

“What happened to him?” The doctor asked holding her Ada’s hand.

Ada said nothing. She had lost her ability to talk. She pointed to the door. The doctor left her and ran to the ward; there he met a conscious Tunde.

“Welcome back Mr. Tunde.”

Tunde said nothing; he only looked from left to right with a blank reflection registered on his face.

The doctor cleared her throat, walked to the end of the bed

All episodes of this story can be found here >> https://www.ebonystory.com/story/ada

. She then brought out her pen from her pocket.

“Tunde, if you can hear me, nod your head”

Tunde nodded.

“Good.” the doctor continued, “I’d use this pen to rub the back of your foot, if you feel it nod.” The doctor rubbed his foot and Tunde nodded.

“Ms. Ada, Please, I want to see you in my office.”

Ada walked to Tunde’s bedside and kissed his nape. The doctor had blabbed about a lot of things. She was happy with the Doctor’s summary; Tunde needed just a few weeks to gain a stable hold of himself. She had asked the Doctor to discharge him tomorrow; the bills were already feeding on her. She had decided to move in with him, just for a couple of weeks. They did need to bind. Work can wait. She smiled at herself. God does answer prayers.

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

Ada heard a gentle tap at the door; she rushed to open the door and their stood Bernard and Cleo. She’s been with Tunde for five days. She missed her friend and work, but she had a man to take care of- her boyfriend. Ada couldn’t take her eyes off Bernard, she gulped her saliva, she was not comfortable with the effect he had on her, yet she was glad he made her daydream.

“Nhmm! Nhmmm!” Cleo cleared her voice, shattering Ada’s fantasies, “Clear road, let us enter and see better person jorh”

Ada jolted from her taught; her face showed rage when she noticed Bernard’s hands on Cleo’s waist, he was even carrying her bag. Crab! So all these while, I’ve been drooling and he has been giving love to Cleo…..Am a bad person! I am fantasizing about my friend’s man! She walked into the house giving them space to come in.

“Hey man!” Bernard said letting go of Cleo and walking to Tunde.

“What are you doing here” Tunde asked with face betraying no emotions.

“I have to be sure you are doing well”

“Now you know. Leave”

Ada could not understand the conversation, she could not place Tunde being so acquainted with Bernard; he never mentioned his name nor had she seen him if not for the anniversary, thanks to Cleo. “Have you met any of his friends?” the voice in her head asked her. She heard Tunde speak at the top of his voice and she decided it was time to act. She had missed the whole argument for she was lost in her own world trying to solve the “friendship puzzle.”

“Enough! I can’t stand another headache. Bernard, Cleo. I think this is a wrong time.” Ada said with arms akimbo.

“Come, what is wrong with you? You are asking me to leave this house on what grounds? Abegi.” Cleo said and threw herself on a sofa. “You’ll have to drag me out. I am not leaving till these little boys make peace.” She said pointing at Tunde and Bernard.

Ada looked at Tunde, he was boiling in fury, but Bernard was as calm as can be….what is not to be loved about Bernard? 

"Iyawo Tunde, let’s move to your room and give these grown children space to kill themselves." Cleo said breaking rthe silence and pushing Ada out of the sitting room.

“You laid your filthy hands on Ada and you say you are sorry” Tunde said aggressively after the ladies had left them.

“Bernard’s hands aren’t filthy, they are reassuring” she muttered to herself. She could not stop herself from eaves dropping, probably it was curiosity but she knew of a certain that it was the fine baritone of Bernard that had turned her to a gossip. “Damn! The things he does to her”

“I had no idea she is your girlfriend. Moreover it was just a dance”

“Just a dance? And you were all feeling like a king and she was all over you?”

“Deal with it. It’s your fault. You never mentioned being in a relationship to any of the guys. You’re just being difficult. I am sorry man!” Bernard said and moved to a seat, he just had no idea what was wrong with Tunde.

“Why are you eavesdropping? So, I just decided to make use of the restroom and you run down here to gossip... Kai!” Cleo could not believe Ada left the room to the kitchen and she did not hear the door jam.

“You know I don’t gossip. Plus you were practically sleeping in the rest room as is your custom and I can’t be wasting my sitting perceiving the odour of your defecate” Ada said and then made a face at Cleo.

“Not like I wasted time sef. I have missed you plenty. How is life with you?” Cleo said sounding like a mother who just visited her married daughter for the first time.

“We are fine.

Read " Scars " by the same author ( Helen Nnamani )

. So, you and Bernard….”

“Naaaaa. We are just friends.”

Ada’s eyes glittered she leapt for joy within. She hated the pang of jealousy that flooded her vein when she saw Cleo and Bernard earlier.

“Don’t think it; you have a boyfriend who you are living with. One thing at a time.” Her conscience reprimanded her.

“My mum has finally pulled me into a relationship” Cleo said fiddling with her fingers. “You know, I am not in a rush to get married, they just want me married and the pressure….” Ada pulled her to herself and hugged her like she was a big teddy. “Cleo, we’d be fine. You will be fine” 

“Cleopetra, your phone! Mum’s been calling

Cleo wiped the tear and they both walked to the sitting room. Beautifully, the men had settled the drift, and were playing a sport game and laughing.

“See you some other time. Take care man”. Bernard said standing to leave. He shook Ada’s hand and she could swear she saw and felt a spark.