MY VERY OWN G.I. JOE

"Why don't you guys come over with the kids to hang out with us over the weekend", Jane suggested as they all stepped out of the Principal's office after two hours of waiting to hear what the verdict on Miss Grace and her accomplice would be by the school's disciplinary panel.

The day had been a hectic one. It was also an eye-opener, a shocking experience in general. For all that happened to occur at this level of the children's lives, it was heartbreaking. Jane especially took it to heart. It had taken her and her husband years to groom Jay from a total recluse to a really lively boy at home though it has not extended to his school life, it was a work in progress.

To have Jamil and Jamal now stand up for him is the only encouragement she needed to work more on him and that is mainly the reason she wanted them to hang out with him more, hence the invitation.

"Of course, we'd like that", Kam said smiling and moved closer to hug her while holding Zaara's little hand. Their husbands were on the side too talking, the business most likely, Alyssa on Damola's arms. When they saw the ladies hug, they shook hands and said their goodbyes. The school was on, so they left the boys as they'd be brought home by the school bus.

Moments earlier....

After the whole drama in the class, the Principal had immediately set up an impromptu disciplinary panel including the Proprietor who had been notified by the school's secretary earlier, the Chairman of the PTA and the headteachers.

The Proprietor is ex-military and to him, his name and reputation is everything. After about an hour with the parents of the students right outside the doors of the meeting room, it was concluded. John would be punished for the remainder of the term by helping the gardener to reflect on his actions or be expelled.

Miss Grace on the other hand was sacked on the spot and was handed over to the police for abusing the rights of the kids entrusted in her care. Mr Davis was ousted of a months salary for covering up for her too.

Mrs Stevens, upon hearing the verdict stated, she started creating a ruckus on the premises and was forced to leave in shame with her son in tow when the proprietor threatened to arrest her, her head tie now off her head.

Going home, Jane couldn't keep up with the pretence anymore, her emotions in shambles. Damola tried consoling her as he was driving, it was always like this for Jane he knew, especially when t came to Jay. Jane's whole world had revolved around Jay before Alyssa to the extent she barely had any time for her husband. Jay needed extra care than any normal child, he was closed up completely. He was just like a tunnel without any light and now it seems there is light, a breakthrough which is the reason she's so emotional now.

Damola decided to prompt a conversation to stop his wife's emotional meltdown. Alyssa is sleeping in her babysit at the rear of the car and Jane crying is something he hates whether for Joy or otherwise. Still rubbing her hand, he asked;

"Did you notice the semblance between Jay and Amid's daughter?

"If it was not that Zaara is biologically their's, I could have sworn they're siblings", he continued.

"yes, it was uncanny and they were drawn to each other, Jay rarely smiles as genuinely as he did with her", she answered

sniffling.

"It was a wondrous thing to behold", She said now smiling, cleaning the mess of the mascara on her face.

"I saw Ami pregnant till the last minute, Zaara is hers's no doubt", she said

"Of course, I did too", Damola said

"So what do you think happened for them to look so much alike," Jane asked smiling already cause she knows he never let something be, they need to have a conclusion.

"I think we could call it a case of doppelgangers of the opposite sex", he said grinning, that is the craziest scenario that played in his head and since his wife was enjoying it, why not.

"Of course, my very own G.I. Joe" she said laughing pinching his cheeks.

"That could be possible though, Jay's biologically mother died, so was his younger sister", She concluded in a serious tone repeating what Sarah, Jay's aunt had said.

Sarah. She had not come to visit Jay since the day she brought him which though is good for them somehow, not serve as a reminder for the adoption as they wanted Jay to completely forget that, Jay doesn't seem to forget a certain aunty Sarah.

Jane often hopes Jay was just happy, that is all that matters, nothing else. Hopefully, he'll forget his hideous past.

"Madame, I think you're thinking for him", Damola said cutting her memory hunt short.

"What?!" Jane asked confused.

"I can read you, you know", He said rubbing her hands trying to soothe her while she still has the confused look hitched on her face.

"Don't think for him, Jay is fine", He said smiling briefly at her before facing the road.

"The fact that he's a recluse does not make sad nor does it imply that he wants to go back to his runaway aunt", He continued.

"Do you think Jay is happy with us? She asked worriedly.

They were now at a red light which gave Damola a moment to look at her squarely. He caressed her face using his hand to smoothen the creases on her face and said;

"You'll grow old quickly if you continue frowning and I know I won't mind, but you will", he said laughing while she playfully brushed his hand off her face.

"Jay is happy that I know for sure, you worry for nothing, I worry too, but I see things as they are", He said smiling at her affectionately.

"He now plays basketball and has never missed the court every Thursday for about six months straight, He uses the railing instead of the stairs every morning when he feels nobody is watching and he enjoys it immensely, his joy with Alyssa is unbridled and I particularly took notice of how relaxed he is with Jamil and Jamal", He said driving, as the light had turn green but is still holding her hand.

"Yes, he was more reserved than usual this morning because he thought he was in trouble, that didn't stop him from using chocolate spread instead of mayonnaise that you asked him to for his bread this morning", He said chuckling when Jane scoffed in surprise.

"You just let yourself worry so you're not enjoying the ride, he might not be biologically mine, but as long as I'm the one raising him, he's mine and a son has to take after his father", he said proudly.

"You mean proud and brilliant like you? She said laughing at his tone.

"Of course yes, you can see that already", he said laughing too.

"I guess all I've been seeing was his pain, I have to be more open-minded", She concluded a little bit teary.

"Exactly, You have to be more open to seeing beyond that pain of his, he knows we'll have his back always and now he has friends, he is fine", He said pulling her in for a hug right after parking the car. After they stayed that way for a while, they turned to look at Alyssa after she cooed as if she was watching a romantic movie. She has been awake for a while and they didn't know too engrossed in their talk.

It was when she started baby talking they got out of the trance the heaven's gift had put them in. They took her out of the car seat and stepped out walking hand in hand into the house while Alyssa was in Damola's arms.