Hotel Palava - Episode 34

 

Lillian's POV
I went along with Felecia to get the test result. It came out positive. "What would you do?" Felecia asked and I shrugged. 
"I don't want to get an abortion"
"I'm not advising an ab*rtion Lilian. The father of the child, let him know"
"I can't tell him"
"Why?"
"Cause we broke up, he's ashamed of who I am, of my job. Why should I give a damn whether he knows or not?"
"Cause whether you like it or not you have to let him know . He has every right to know you're having his baby"
"I don't think I can go through any form of denial from him, I'll just break down" "Then we'll take care of your child with or without his help. First thing first Lilian, let him know"

****
I went to work, i met Mr. Henry walking through the admin block close to the manager's office. "Good morning Sir" I greeted, "Good morning Lilian, how are you?" He asked and I nodded.
"Deji.." he stalled, "With all due respect Sir, I don't want to talk about him. I want to see Adesuwa"
"She's at Mrs. Haruna's office" he answered and my bowed head.
"Thank you Sir"
***
I knocked on Mrs

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. Haruna's office then I walked in. I had tears in my eyes. "Lilian are you okay?" Adesuwa asked and i shook my head. I removed the letter from my handbag then I handed it over to her.
She refused to collect it. She already knew what had happened. Mrs Haruna collected the test results.
"Don't tell me this result belongs to you" she asked and I cried. "My life has finished" I blurted out and Adesuwa hugged me.
"It's okay. Are you going to tell him?" She asked and I shook my head. "I don't know"
"What's going on here?" Mrs Haruna asked.

Tosin's POV

After the kiss with Fatai, I've had Taye and Kehinde on my neck. They wanted to know why I kissed him. 
I slept like a baby, I've never felt this way about anyone in a long time. I like Fatai and I wasn't ashamed to admit it.
My criteria in a man is one that must be loved by kids, one who would also in the same vein love them as much as I do. 
Fatai is the man I'm willing to start and continue my life with.
I woke up to see both my kids over me. "What's it again?" I whined and they laughed.
 " it's morning, "Thanks for the observation, I didn't notice it was morning" I added sarcastically.
"Will Uncle Fatai marry you?" Kehinde asked and I shrugged. "But you two kissed, that means he would get married to you"
"And I'll gladly say yes I do"
"Can I call him Daddy?" Taye asked and I laughed. 
"I don't know, why don't you ask him personally?" I joked and they both looked at each other. "Okay" they both answered. 
I stood up in my jammies. 
"Oya take off your clothes, let's take our bathe" I yelled going into the bathroom to urinate. 
When I came out, I heard my twins talking on the phone with someone. It was clearly on loudspeaker. "Are you guys talking to Grandpa?" I asked and Kehinde laughed.
"Can, can we call you Daddy?" Taye asked, "Mummy said we should ask you if we can call you Daddy"
I heard Fatai laugh and I shut my eyes a bit embarrassed. "If that's fine by your mom" he answered and I collected the phone from them.
"Jesus! I didn't tell them to ask you or maybe I did but I didn't mean it that way. Can't you guys just take a simple joke?" I asked and Fatai continued laughing.
 "Hey baby" I called out, "I hope that's fine with you?"
"It is, how was your night?" He asked and I smiled. "Mommy is blushing, look at her she's blushing" Kehinde teased and I laughed.
"It was fine, slept like a baby." I answered, the twins were still talking and I had to move into the bathroom.
"These girls can talk!"
"They said you're blushing, I heard that"
"Yeah... I hope you know you will have to share me with them and it might be annoying and frustrating" "I'll be more than honoured to"
"Where are you?"
"At the hotel"
"Already?" I asked and he laughed. 
"I dreamt of a recipe" he answered, "And I haven't taken my bathe yet" I answered and then girls walked in naked.
"That's a cue for I have to go" I added.
"Have a lovely day" he laughed. "You too baby"
"Mommy said you too baby" Taye laughed.
"Uncle Fatai has turn into a baby just like that" Kehinde added and I rolled my eyes. 
"It's not Uncle Fatai, it's Daddy" Kehinde corrected and I laughed. 

****

Dad called me up, he didn't sound too happy. I told him I had gone to drop the kids at their school so we agreed to meet at a park.
I watched dad gaze at some kids playing on a swing. He laughed unconsciously and then I sat close to him.
"What's bothering you?" I asked and he chuckled.
"Your mom" he answered. 
"Anything new?" I asked and he laughed. 
"We had an argument last night, I was really angry and maybe I said what I shouldn't have"
"It's okay to be angry, trust me I know Mom and I sometimes wonder how you do it. She's annoying"
"I love your mother and I didn't mean to cheat on her, it just happened"
"I understand, there's no point crying over spilt milk. You have to let Henry know beat her at her own game"
"Why do you hate this woman so much?" Dad asked and I laughed. "She's my mother, I don't hate her, I just want her to change. I miss the soft part of her, the fun part not this..." I hesitated and dad laughed.
"I even suggested taking her offer to file for a divorce"
"Perfect" I answered and dad glared at me. "Do you want me away from your mom?"
"Not exactly Dad. I want you to use it against her. Mom would never agree to a divorce, she'll breakdown. Your divorce proposal might humble her a bit"
"What if she signs the divorce settlement? Your mom might be annoying most times but I love her. She has always been the love of my life"
"It's worth the try Dad. She's getting controlling and out of hands"
"I guess I have to make some calls then." He added and I smiled. 
"I hope this works" he brought out his phone and i smiled. 
"I'm dating" I announced and dad raised his brows in surprise.
 "Who's the man that's making my daughter blush this way? The man you met the other day at the hotel?" He asked and i laughed.
"He's an amazing man, full of wisdom"
"He's also the same person you came with to the party?" He asked and I nodded.
 "I wouldn't have gone to that stupid party if not for him" I snapped, "Dad I wish you can get to know him. The kids love him"
"You seem in love"
"Dad I am. I am forever indebted to him for saving Kehinde from that pervert."
"Seriously? He was the one" He asked and I nodded.
"That was the first time we met. He had just been given a proposal to be the head in the hotel kitchen that was when he saved the twins. I like him and it's not because he saved my kids. He's just amazing and he's a good cook"
"He's currently a chef?" Dad asked and I glared at him. I recognized that tone.
"Princess you should know that I care less about titles, it's your mom I'm worried about.  She'll have a heart attack" Dad assumed and we laughed.

Henry's POV

I received an incoming call from Mom, I was surprised but I picked it anyways. "Good morning Mom" I greeted looking at my wrist watch, it was almost twelve.
"There's nothing good about today Henry" 
"What complains do you have again?"
"Wunmi Coker just called me now. Jummy got involved in an accident" she announced to my shock.

****
I informed Adesuwa then I rushed over to the hospital where Jummy was admitted. Both her parents were there, Emmy and Ayo were also present.
The look her father gave me was enough to send me running away but I didn't.
Mom had left already, she had to attend to work. Jummy's mom was sitting around the corner.
"How's she?" I asked and she raised her head at me, her eyes were all red and swollen.
"Hey Henry, your mom just left"
"She told me. I was asking about Jummy" 
"Why are you asking like you care she even dies" Mr. Coker snapped and I ignored him.
"How's she?"
Mrs. Coker blew her nose into a handkerchief she held. "The doctor said she's battling with her life" 
"When did this happen?" I asked, "The people who rushed her said it happened in the morning before seven"
I shut my eyes in guilt, the accident definitely occurred after she left the house.
"Why do you care Henry?" Emmy snapped and I rolled my eyes. "Do you have any idea you're talking to your Boss"
"You can take your damn job! The only reason why I needed the job was to be Jummy's eyes and ears. Now she's lying in that bed because of you!"
"How is it my fault?"
"You were the last person Jummy saw before the accident" she blurted out and Mr. Coker turned to me. "Is that true?" He asked and I tightened my fist.
"Answer now, Mr. Manager, you guys better ask him what he did to your daughter"
"Emmy!" Ayo shouted and she hissed.
"I didn't do anything to Jummy"
"Why was she at your place then?" Mr. Coker asked and I looked down. "Answer me boy!"
"She came to see me, I was with Adesuwa so she left" 
"If anything happens to my daughter," Mr. Coker grabbed my shirt.
"I promise you Omo oshi yii (You this nonsensical child), I will make sure you rot in jail"  he pushed me away and I sighed.
"Please get away, I don't want to see you here"
"Sir"
"Get out!" He yelled and I walked away.

***** 
I waited for hours, I didn't want to leave without hearing a news that Jummy was out of danger. I called Adesuwa from time to time to let her know what was going on.
Ayo walked towards me, she looked really sad. I just hoped to God the worst hasn't happened.
"Any news about Jummy?" I asked and she nodded.
"She's out of danger" she answered and I sighed. "Thank God"
"However..." She paused and I glanced back at her as she sat on the chair busting into tears.
"The doctor said she may not be able to walk again" she added and my legs felt weak. 

****
I couldn't bring myself to leave anymore, I wanted to wait till Jummy was fully awake. I wanted to talk to her.
"Are you sure that's advisable?" Adesuwa asked after she came visiting.
 "You'll be the last person she would want to meet"
"I just have to see her. You have no idea how consuming this has been. I feel really guilty"
"I feel the same way too Henry, I saw her before the accident." 
" To think that I saw her before this and I could have stopped this"
"There's nothing you could have done" she said and I sniffed. "Have you been crying?" She asked and i nodded. 
"This is last thing I wanted for her"
I noticed Emmy coming down the stairs with Mr. Coker who was on a call. Suddenly two policemen walked in and Emmy pointed at me.
"He even had the guts to bring his dirty girlfriend" Emmy snapped and the officer walked towards me and I stood up.
"What's going on?" Adesuwa asked, "Officers arrest him immediately, he's a murderer!" Mr Coker pointed at me.
"Mister Man, you're under arrest" "For what?" Adesuwa and I asked and he held my hands, "You have the right to remain silent, anything you say will be used against you in court" the police man attempted to cuff my hands and I dodged.
"I haven't done anything"
"Mister Man I said"
"I have my rights!" I yelled and the police man cuffed me by force. I signalled that Adesuwa remove my phone from my pocket and she did. 
At least she could make some calls with it.

Adesuwa's POV
I called Mrs Babalola and she picked up. "Henry I'm not in a good mood to" "This isn't Henry" I cut in and she hissed.
"Before you hang up, why don't you just take time and listen to me. I wouldn't call you through Henry's number if it wasn't important"
"What's going on?"
"Henry has been arrested by Mr. Coker" I announced and she immediately hung up.
I called the father to also let him know the situation, I called Tosin afterwards.

 ****
At the police station, Henry was released after Mr. Babalola placed one or two calls- the power of influence.
 "What right does that idiot have to have you arrested?" He asked outside the station and Tosin scoffed. 
"Family of mad people" she answered and Mrs. Babalola scoffed.
"Do you think they're not hurt by what happened to Jummy?"
"So are you saying their action of arresting your son was right?" I asked unconsciously and Mrs. Babalola hissed.
 "Just keep your dirty mouth shut there, we're talking family matters here one useless tramp is putting her mouth"
"Mom would you stop insulting her?" Henry snapped and she scoffed again. I should have kept my mouth shut, I thought within.
"After all she's family now and besides she made a good point" Tosin added and I exhaled.
"I should have kept shut" I said and Mrs Babalola hissed. "Adesuwa you're part of the family, you shouldn't feel left out" Mr Babalola said to me and she glared at him.
"Is this a gang up?" She asked. 
"Where are you going to?" Mr Coker asked arranging his agbada. He slammed the door of his car. "Who let you out?" He asked and Mr. Babalola moved close to him.
"Festus, it must have been a misunderstanding but I learnt you had my son arrested" he began and Mr. Coker shrugged.
"You're wrong, it wasn't a misunderstanding, it was intentional. I arrested your stupid son because of the situation he put my daughter in. He's a bloody murderer"
"And you're a bloody illiterate!" Mr. Babalola snapped back. 
"Have you ever opened your dictionary to know what the term murderer means? Have you ever owned a dictionary"
"It's your father than doesn't have dictionary!" Mr. Coker retorted. "Festus don't even make me angry"
"Me that I'm angry nko?"
"How is it my business? I'm I the cause of your daughter's paralysis?" He asked.
"Your son is"
"Did he manipulate her brake? Or was he the one driving? Festus you had no right whatsoever to arrest my son"
"I will make him rot in prison"
"Wo' o bi e da! (You're not capable!)" Mr. Babalola stormed, I've never seen him that angry.

Read " The Picnic " by the same author ( Essien Eno )

. "E mi?" He asked patting his chest and Mr. Babalola hissed. 
"Who are you? I've had enough of your rubbish"
"Me, rubbish? Festus Coker son of Ogunlana Coker" he tapped his chest again like a ragging gorilla and I just gazed in awe.
"Where were you guys when I started making money in this Lagos? The money that I have, even your grand father has never made such. Your children, your entire family has never made such, your generation can never make it"
"Please Sir, don't even bring generation to this matter at all" Tosin snapped.
"What's this idiot saying? People are talking you're also talking, ordinary teacher that you are. What have you obtained? Useless family!"
"Gbenu dake jhoor! (Shut up!)" Mrs. Babalola yelled in her high pitch tone.
"And I'm keeping quiet and he's still vomiting rubbish"
"Ha han, ireti, it's me oh"
"Who? If you don't respect anything in this life at least respect the useless grey hair on your hair"
"Doyin" he called out again.
"Eh hen? What are you feeling like Festus, do you know when i started making money in Lagos" she micmiced him and I almost laughed.
"How old are you gan? Are you older than my father? Is it not this same Lagos we all started making money. We all know your source we all know how you started. So why are you bragging?"
"I make my money"
"You think we haven't heard that you've used the children in your wife's womb? Do you want me remind. Onika oshi ( Wicked man)"
"Cheap gossip! I hope you know it's me you're talking to Ireti"
"Let this be the last time you insult my family. You can mess with anything, my business, don't even dare insult my family"
"I'll ruin you!" Mr Coker yelled leaving.
"Ruin oshi, spell the 'ruin' now. Educated Illiterate!" She chipped in.
Afterwards she turned to us then hissed at us as though she has been possessed. Afterwards she entered into her car then she drove off.