Jasmine - Episode 10

 

Less than three weeks after Dave and I re-established contacts, I noticed we were becoming too
close for my liking.
“I need to do something about it, I can’t afford to be emotional traumatized because of him, and
boundaries need to be set” I said to myself and decided to take a stand.
Though I cherished his friendship I needed to set boundaries before I get too emotionally
attached to him. I didn’t even know if he had someone back in London.
“But how do I distance myself from him?” I was still thinking about the manner I would go
about creating some distance between myself and Dave when a call came in.
It was my mum and she had called to confirm if I went to the hospital as I promised and I
assured her that I did . After speaking with my mum, I watched a movie and slept off while at it.
The sound of a knock on a door woke me some minutes later, but when I opened my eyes, I
realized it wasn’t my room.
I glanced around my room and my eyes fell on the calendar hung beside the door. It was only
then that I saw the date read ‘20th' and immediately, it occurred to me that the previous day was
19th.
”Oh my God! Yesterday was Kemi’s birthday” I shouted.
I had totally forgotten she would be clocking 21 despite her constant reminders and countdowns.
I quickly dialled her number but she didn’t pick up, I tried three more times before she answered
the phone.
“I am so sorry I forgot your birthday, there is no justifiable excuse that I can even give, please
forgive me” I pleaded as soon as she picked.
“Please, please, please, I am so sorry” I continued to beg, but Kemi still didn’t say a word.
“Okay, give me any punishment you like, should I kneel down or do frog jump?” I asked.
“I think 100 Frog jumps will do” Kemi finally spoke.
“But seriously how could you forget my birthday, I waited till midnight yesterday thinking that
you would remember before the day runs out, I should disown you as my friend” she said.
“I am sorry dear, I can’t even explain how I forgot, I probably wouldn’t have remembered today
if didn’t see the date on my room’s calendar” I explained.
“What are you doing in the room, didn’t you go to work?” she sounded very concerned.
“I couldn’t, I was not feeling too well this morning, so I decided to stay back in the room”
“Eeya, sorry dear, but that doesn’t mean I will forgive you” she said jokingly.
“Please forgive me“ I pleaded again and then sang a birthday song.
“You want to bribe me with a song abi, it won’t work” Kemi said, but she was laughing.
“Okay, what can I do then?” I asked.
“Send 21 cakes to my office now, then I will think about forgiving you” she answered.
“Just 21 cakes, you don’t want 50 cakes?” I teased her as we laughed.
“21 cakes will do, since it’s my 21st birthday”
“Don’t worry, I will send it to you through WhatsApp, it will be delivered in a minute” I said
jokingly.
“You are not serious” she said and laughed.
“I have a gist for you, but I won’t tell you since you refuse to send the cakes” she added.
“What type of gist?” I asked, already curious.
“I won’t even give you a clue unless you beg me“ she said.
“Ok…you know I love gist, please, please, I am begging you tell me”
“It’s about Samuel” she said and paused.
“Which Samuel?” I asked, hoping it wasn’t the same Samuel I know.
“Bro Samuel now, the rapist” Kemi shouted.
“What about him?”
“He was caught red handed last week raping another sister in his room” she said.
“My Lord!” I exclaimed.
“The sister is a fresher and he asked her to come to his room for tutorials, and that was how he
drugged this girl again and raped her” she continued.
“Oh my Lord! So how was he caught?” I asked for details.
“There was an inspection in his hall of residence that week, so the hall warden and the potter
were going around the hall to check each room and to see to it that each room has the necessary
facilities and to repair things that were damaged. So on that particular evening, the hall warden
and the potter were inspecting Samuel’s block and they got to his room as he was doing the evil
act

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. They called the school security to arrest him and he has been transferred to the police station
from there. The girl’s family refused to sweep the case under the carpet, they are determined to
take him to court and send him to prison” Kemi explained.
“Wow! That Samuel guy is really a beast; I think it is high time he was caught. He deserves to
spend a few years in prison. I’m sure my Dad will be pleased to hear this news.” I said with
excitement.
“The news is all over the social media and newspaper, the girl’s father is a close friend to the
governor of the state, so I am very sure justice will prevail” Kemi added.
“I really pity that young girl, I hope she will be able to cope in school with the way the news has
spread” I felt empathetic.
“She’s just in 100level, so she can just go to another school if she can’t cope” Kemi said.
“I guess so” I agreed.
“To make matters worse for Samuel, three other ladies whose identities were not disclosed have
also filed a rape complain against him at the police station, can you imagine?” she said.
“What? Three ladies! This Samuel guy is a pervert and a major jerk, only God knows how many
ladies he has raped. I am so happy he has been caught” I felt so relieved.
“Okay Jasmine, I need to go now. We will talk later” Kemi said.
“Alright dear, and happy belated birthday once again”
I never knew the news of Samuel getting caught would bring me so much joy. Though the Bible
says we shouldn’t be rejoicing over the downfall of someone else, but I couldn’t just help it, I
was so happy. I hoped he spends at least, 5years in jail. But when I remembered that he was the
father of my unborn child, I felt a little sad for my baby.
“I don’t care if he is the father of this child, the baby will never know him anyway, so he can rot
in jail for all I care”, I said to myself.
I couldn’t keep the good news to myself so I called my Dad. I knew he would also be delighted
to hear the news.
“Hello dad, how are you doing today?” I asked when he picked.
“I am fine my baby girl” My dad replied.
“I hope work isn’t stressful too” I said.
“No, it’s not stressful at all, the effort is worth it, considering you all, my family.” he replied.
“Thanks dad, I have some good news for you.”
I narrated the story to my dad and he sounded excited on the phone and even promised to go
back to the police station where he filed the complaint against him concerning my own case, so
that they can link it up with the one I just told him.
“I will make sure he spends up to 10 years in jail” my dad said before we ended the call.
I couldn’t wait to share the good news with Dave too since he was another person who I knew
would be very happy about the news of Samuel’s nemesis. I checked the time and it was just past
3pm; Dave would still be at work till 6. Staying all alone in the room became very boring and
discouraging. I kept checking the clock, wishing it was faster, until I slept off again.
I didn’t wake up until my phone rang, it was Dave calling, I checked the time and it was just few
minutes past 5pm.
“Hello Jas, are you in the room?” he sounded like someone in haste.
“Why?” I asked.
“I am in front of your room, if you are inside, please open the door” he said.
I was confused and doubtful but I stood up and opened the door for him anyway.
Before he could sit down and feel comfortable, I asked him, “What are you doing here at this
time, it’s not even closing hour yet.”
He looked around the room before answering, “Don’t mind me, I am sorry to disturb your sleep
because you look like someone that just came back from the dreamland.”
“I couldn’t concentrate at work; the office was so boring without you. I couldn’t wait till closing
hour to see you” he added.
“Really?” I asked.
“Yes, I am serious” He answered.
“So how are you feeling now? Hope you took your drugs like you promised?” he added.
“I am fine, and I used my drugs, I’m feeling much better now. Thank you. ” I replied.
“That’s good, my dear.” He said and smiled.
“I am not your dear, that word should be used for someone you love” I said, already becoming
strangely uncomfortable.
“I use that word for very special people, and you are one of those few special people in my life”,
he smiled again.
“So, if you are using ‘dear’ for me, what will you use for your girlfriend?” I asked him,
determined to know more about him.
“Well, for your information, I don’t have a girlfriend, because I don’t believe in dating. When I
am sure that I have found the right person for me, there is no point doing trial and error, I will
propose to her without delay and we will court and get married and have kids” he face looked
bright as he spoke.
“Okay. Spare me the details of your future plans, just don’t use that word for me again, it makes
me feel uncomfortable” I said.
“Okay, I will try” he answered, looking disappointed.
“But what if you are the one that will be in that future plan of mine?” he asked and avoided my
eyes.
“Is that supposed to be a question for me to answer or what?” I asked him, searching his face for
answers.
“No. it’s an open question, anyone can answer it”
“No, only God can answer it” I corrected him.
A brief silence passed between us and then I spoke, “Anyway, I have got good news for you.”
“Good news? What kind of good news?” he asked excitedly.
“You remember the story I told you about the guy who raped me…?” I asked.
“Is he dead?“ He asked before I could even finish my statement.
“No he isn’t dead; do you really hate him that much?”
“Yes I do. He is an animal and I really don’t care if he lives or not” he said bluntly.
“That’s unbelievable, especially coming from your mouth. What if God didn’t save you on time,
do you know you could have gone deeper into sin too, and probably rape girls too?” I asked.
“God forbid, I can never rape anyone” he declared boldly.
“Well, God is a God of second chances. And Samuel is not dead, he was arrested for rape, and
this time he won’t be able to go scot-free, there are witnesses and evidence too” I explained.
“Wow! That is really a very good news, I hope he rot in jail forever” he said.
“I think 5 years will be enough though” I said.
“5years is too small Jas, it is too small” Dave answered.
“Thank God you are not God Dave, you would probably sentence him to death” I said and
laughed.
“So what happened in the office today?” I asked, trying to change the direction of the
conversation.
“Nothing much, just normal routine, and everyone was asking me about you” he answered.
“They kept asking about my girlfriend” he added.
“So what did you tell them?” I asked.
“I just told them you are fine, that’s all.”
“Jasmine, I am really going to miss you”
“Why?” I asked.
“Have been posted to an offshore location for the next one month” he said.
“Wow! That’s good; you are going to learn a lot on the field, I was offshore for 3months too” I
said excitedly.
“Why are you so excited, when I am here feeling bad because I’m going to be all alone there and
I’m going to miss you badly” Dave said.
“Eeyah sorry, but I am not going to miss you at all” I said jokingly and laughed and he did too.
We chatted for a little while before he went to his room.
I was secretly glad for his change in location; at least, the distance would help us slow down.
A month passed but Dave and I were still as close as before, though he was far away, he always
called at least twice a day just to check on me. I thought distance would help, but I was wrong.
I was just drowsing from sleep when I heard the wailing voice of my roommate, Eniola.
She got a call from home that her father was involved in a fatal accident that claimed his life. She
had always talked about her father in such good terms that I had liked the man and planned to
meet him, not knowing he would be gone so soon.
I couldn’t find words to console her and all I could say was “It will be well“.
She left for home that morning and I didn’t stop praying that God comfort her entire family and
be their father in such trying times.
Dave had told me he would be back from offshore that same day and though I wished we were
still far from each other, I sincerely couldn’t wait to see him. I knew I missed him, though I
didn’t mention it to him.
I planned to be frank with him and ask him to define our relationship when we meet. He had
already called to say he would be coming with the evening flight. I couldn’t keep calm anymore,
though I couldn’t say I was in love with him, but I knew if we continue our friendship, I would
soon fall over head-over-heels for him. Around 7pm, I was about calling Eniola to ask how her
journey went when I heard a knock on the door, and I knew immediately that it was Dave. I
opened the door and before I could even say ‘Hello’, he entered and gave me a hug.
“I have really missed you my Jas.” He said has he hugged me more tightly.
“I am happy you are back too”, I said as I tried to release myself from his hug.
“How have you been?” he asked and looked me over.
“I am good, as you can see. Come in and sit down” I replied and ushered him in.
“So how was your trip and experience? “ I asked him as we took our seat.
“It was boring without you” he said and smiled.
“I am not talking about boring or not boring, I am talking about practical experience you learnt
on the field”
“Yes. It was a good experience, I was able to see the things we have been learning in class on the
field.“
“So how is the baby, hope he is kicking” he said and tried to touch my stomach.
I held his hand and told him to stop.
He was surprised and looked at my face, “Why? I just want to feel his kicks; that’s all. I don’t
have any bad intentions” He explained.
“I know you don’t have any bad intention, but what type of intention do you have exactly? Let’s
define our relationship” I told him.
“I like you and I think I am falling in love with you, my intentions for you are for good, I am not
planning to harm you in anyway. You are very special to me Jasmine” He withdrew his hand as
he spoke.
“Well, well, well… There is no crime in loving someone, but you are not even sure yet, because
you just said you ‘think’ you love me. So until you are sure of yourself and the direction
relationship, I think we should remain as casual friends”, I said bluntly.
“Wow! That’s harsh Jasmine, so you can be blunt like this”, he said.
“I have learnt my lessons, so I need to be blunt with you and myself at the same time. I don’t
want a case where you will break my heart or I will break yours. So let’s just be friends from
now on, and friends don’t need to call each other twice a day and follow each other about”, I
added.
“That will be very difficult Jasmine. In fact, this rule is like a punishment. Why are you doing
this?”
“It is not punishment, it’s called principles”, I replied.
“Okay, I will try to understand you, but please let me be your friend in every little way I can, no
one knows the future, we might end up getting married, you know” he said.
“Maybe, maybe not, but till then let’s just be friends”, I said calmly.
“Alright, no problem” his countenance fell.
“I think I should go now, we will see later.“ He added and turned towards the door.
“Alright. Thanks for checking on me, make sure you rest well” I said.
He left my room looking dejected and sad, and it made me feel bad to see him like that.
“Did I say something wrong “ I began to doubt.
It was one month to the end of my Industrial Training and I was grateful for the wonderful
experience. I had learnt a lot both on the field and through office work, and I was obligated to
write a report on my experience and present same in the office. The presentation would include
all that I had learnt for the period of six months, the activities I did and the values I added to the
company. I was never good at speaking in front of people and though it was few weeks to the
presentation, I was still unprepared and nervous.
Dave tried to keep a distance from me for a few days, but I guess it was too hard for him to do.
He just couldn’t stop calling me, and he always stopped to greet me at my office though we
stopped going for lunch together as we did before.
“How are you Jas?” Dave stopped at my office and sat down in the one seat he always used.
“I am good” I replied and looked up from the Laptop in front of me.
“How is the preparation for your presentation going, hope you are almost done?” he asked.
“Yes, I am working on it. But I’m really very nervous, I don’t like presentations“ I sighed.
“Presentations are not that difficult, once you know what you want to discuss and you are sure of
yourself, all you need is to do a lot of practice before that day” he explained.
“I can help you in any way, if you don’t mind and if that won’t be considered as overstepping my
boundaries”, he smiled and I understood what he meant.
“I don’t mind, please help me” I replied quickly.
“Alright, let me see the slides that you have put together” he asked and drew his chair towards
me as I turned the Laptop over to him.
I showed him my presentation slides, he removed some slides and added more information that I
forgot to add. When he was done, I was very impressed and was grateful for his help and
concern.
I went to my supervisor’s office to show him the presentation and he also checked and added
more input and did some necessary corrections.
“Have you fixed a date for your presentation?” My supervisor asked.
“Not yet sir, but I will be rounding off by the end of this month” I replied.
“Okay. That means your presentation should be schedule for the last week of this month. Let’s
see if Monday will be free” he said as he checked the calendar.
“Monday is not free, I think Wednesday by 2pm will be good, remind me tomorrow to book a
room for the presentation before all the rooms get booked” he added.
“Okay sir” I answered and bowed my head a little in appreciation.
My baby bump was growing bigger by the day, and the bigger it became, the more severe my
back and body pains became. I couldn’t wait for nine months to be over. My mum called almost
every day to check on me, she even offered to visit me.
“No mum, don’t stress yourself. I will be just fine” I told her, determined not to add to her
burdens.
“Are you sure dear? I am very worried about you” she said.
“Don’t worry mum, everything is fine. But seriously mum, is this all the pain you passed through
just to bring us to this world. Women are really stronger than people think” I added and shook
my head.
“Yes baby, we are strong even in our weakness, I pray God gives you a smooth delivery” she
said and I said “Amen”.
“When last did you visit the hospital?” Mum asked.
“The last time you advised me to do so” I replied.
“You don’t like yourself Jasmine, don’t you know the check-ups are very important for you and
the baby?” she spoke, a bit angry at me.
“That is why I need to visit you and drag you to the hospital myself” she added.
“Don’t worry mum, I will go to the hospital this week” I assured her.
“Please do, don’t joke with your health to avoid unnecessary complications for you and the
baby” she said.
“Send my regards to Daddy and Joel”, I said as I hung up the call.