Michael's HEART

Watching Deji talk about Jenny awakened something in him. With the way Michael felt about the entire complicated situation involving Jenny, he wanted to tell his younger cousin right there and then that night, to lay off Jenny for a while. They were both men and it would be an easier conversation with Deji as he was his a younger one.

He imagined himself coming clean to the young man, telling him of his desires to bed the young nanny of his daughter. He wanted to fuck her till she was senseless and docile. He was so good in that department and he knew based on his experiences. It was not a sin to feel the way he did and he needed to express himself. Jenny plagued his thoughts night and day. It was literally becoming an obsession that he needed to break free from. Having sex with her could help liberate his mind or so he thought.

But after a brief second of his mind running like a wild cat with sexual thoughts of only Jenny, he cancelled such ideas from his imagination. He was not a child. He was the CEO of a mega crypto company, a shareholder of a foreign jewellery firm, a high level investor in the Fintech world, a real estate owner in the wealthy city of Maitama, Abuja. He was a king by all levels and standards and women worshipped at his feet.

Therefore, he could not loose his cool guy facade. He can not afford to stoop so low by telling his cousin of such desires. Jenny was a bloody nanny! A half educated cook and a village breed with a little modern knowledge. She did not come up to match his standard. He was simply feeling this way because of the proximity they find themselves in.

"Is anything the problem bro?" The young man asked staring at Michael who had drifted into deep thoughts, looking so lost for a second.

"Everything is fine Deji. it's just work. It has been quite overwhelming these days".He replied the young man smiling.

"But you are making the money bro and that's most important"

"You are right Deji. As long as there is money, I can't complain"

At that moment , Deji 's phone rang.

"Bro she's already calling me back. I cannot thank you enough for this. I will not forget this in a hurry" Deji said looking at his phone. Michael smiled at the young man, waiving him off to take his phone call. Deji hurriedly left the living room to take yet another phone call of his presumed crush for the night.

"I thought I heard Sir Deji's voice?" Jenny asked as she descended the stairs.

"Yeah he went to take a call"

"Alright sir. Should I get you some fruits?" She asked when she got closer to him.

"You don't have to. I am very full. The food was delicious as usual"

"Thank You sir" and she smiled.

"That reminds me, shall we go upstairs to get your laptop. You might as well choose the one you prefer"

"Okay sir. I will join you, let me first clear out the table. "

Jenny had moved closer to him and began clearing the dishes he had used for dinner. They could hear Deji laughing upstairs as he was in the balcony. Michael smiled at the outburst of laughter. Jenny kept a straight expression so he was not sure if she was angry, jealous or indifferent.

When she returned from dropping the plates in the kitchen, she proceeded to clean the table. She was such a neat fellow and it was obvious, that hygiene matters a lot to her. The kitchen has never been dirty or in disarray since she arrived. Watching her work, made him admire her the more.

"It's obvious you guys ate out after church service."

"Oh yes. Sir Deji took us to an African restaurant and it was a wonderful experience" Jenny said and one could tell she totally enjoyed it.

"That's my cousin for you. Deji sure knows how to make the ladies feel special" Michael murmured.

Together, they both climbed upstairs and straight to his room. Michael had an inbuilt office space in his large bedroom. It was not such a grand office space but it housed a desk, filled with devices and some executive chairs which exuded the office vibes.

As soon as they entered inside his room, he closed the door gently and directed Jenny to sit beside him as he presented her with the options of choosing the one she wanted. Facing the three beautiful devices, Jenny was confused.

"Sir, i do not mean to trouble you but i cannot make a choice on the one i would prefer. I have very limited knowledge in regards to tech and computers. But you on the other hand is vast, which is better. You have an advantage over me in such knowledge".

"Well, they're all very good systems. As a matter of fact, they were all produced this year. I should inform you that I regularly update my devices as often as possible." Michael declared boastfully.

"Wow. That's interesting and very expensive "

"It is not just about the expenses. There are different purposes of these devices. Some have better and faster internet capabilities that aids research purposes, large memory space, swift programming, longer battery life and durability"

"I think i would prefer the one with longer battery life and a faster Internet access" Jenny grinned.

"Okay then Jenny. You made a great choice, so I'll give you this MacBook. It'll be useful to you in your academic pursuit" he handed a gold colored mac Book device to her.

"Thank you so much sir. I really appreciate this. This is more than i ever imagined"

"You are welcome Jenny. I would also like to thank you for taking care of my daughter very well. You can imagine that she is calling you mummy Jenny. That tells me the height of love and care you have showered on her".

"Stephanie is a wonderful child and I'm glad to have her and be around her".

"Jenny if you don't mind, i would like to ask you some personal questions."

"Okay sir. I do not mind at all" She responded with such innocence that threatens the very fabric of his comprehension capacity.

"Do you like my younger cousin? and by that I mean, would you like to date him?"

" With all due respect sir, I do not hate him. I mean I appreciate the young man and I only met him a couple of days ago, so I cannot speak on such matters.But honestly, I would like you to know that I am not settled yet sir. This is not a time for me to venture into relationships in life. I also think it's inappropriate and disrespectful to You sir and your family to have a such relationship with a member of the family" She said soberly.

"Like seriously? I didn't know you thought that way". Michael said. It was very obvious the girl wanted nothing to do with them. The way one can get laid with such women is to rape them and Michael was not a fan of such. It was clear they would have to go back to their regular ways of relating. Boss and employee!

"Anyways thanks for everything you do for my girl once again" Michael said, concluding the meeting and the issue of wanting Jenny his mind.

"You are welcome sir"

Jenny got up from the chair and suddenly she turned around in a second facing him.

"Sir can I ask you a personal question?"

Smiling, he thought at last, this was the moment of intimacy that he was seeking. She looked nervous and it excited him.

"Yes you can. I told you that we are cool and I meant it. So ask me"

"How did your late wife Laura die? And why haven't you remarried? I know it's quite hurtful but i'd like to know sir."

The smiles on Michael's face instantly disappeared. It was such an unexpected question and he was not ready to walk down that hurtful memory lane. Nobody had spoken to him about Laura in the last 6 years as he would not allow it. It was clearly still a no-go area. Everyone relation and friend of his knew that. Jenny could tell that the entire atmosphere changed. Michael suddenly became conflicted within him as the trailer load of emotions inside of him was waiting, waiting like a ticking bomb to explode. He felt an instant dislike brewing slowly for Jenny.

"Why do you want to know and please sit down?" He ordered glaring at her with a stern look. Jenny sat down, clasping both her hands together against the macBook she was holding. She was getting more nervous.

"When I first started working, a couple of months ago, Stephanie usually have nightmares, where she would say over and over again these words "when are you coming back?, mummy won't you come back soon?" but now, the night mares have stopped and she sleeps so well. I just wanted to know the genesis of the issue".

"Did you ask my mother? Because It is clear that you're closer to her than I am" Michael said with his voice becoming lower. Sensing his anger, Jenny stood up at once. He knew his mother had sent her as no one had the guts to ask these delicate questions.

"I'm so sorry sir. I did not intend to offend you with my line of questions."

"I am not offended. I just want to know, why you want to know, how the fuck did Laura die?" Michael growled.

"You're swearing again. I thought that we agreed you shouldn't swear sir"

" I can swear if I wanted to bitch!. What is the fucking reason you want to know how my wife died?" Michael yelled.

"I apologize. It's just out of curiosity to understand you all and the grief you have gone through so I can be of help. I am so sorry if I let my inquisitive nature get the best of me." Jenny pleaded looking tearful but her presence annoyed him the more.

"You want to help huh? do we look pitiable to you? Did I tell you I needed any help? yeah I think you allowed Your fucking nature to get the best of you and now you can get the fuck out of my room"

"Am so sorry sir" Jenny apologized

"I said get the fuck out of my room and keep your bloody apologies to yourself idiot "

Jenny could not understand the very reason for the violent outburst. She quickly hurried towards the door taking the Macbook with her as she exited in such a hurry. Michael followed her behind and he slammed the door instantly almost hitting her legs. Jenny had tears in her eyes as she walked briskly into her room.

"Can you imagine that bitch, the bloody idiot wanted to talk about Laura who was so above her in all ramifications. I should send her out tonight." Michael soliloquize aloud.

After she left, she sat at her desk in her room wondering how she had offended him in such a manner. She thought to herself, should I apologize via a tex message right now? She hated him being angry with her. Slowly she began to cry. She mourned her father and she missed her Step mother the more. She decided she would apologize properly not over a message. She probably should not have asked the question. But Mrs Bose had told her that night while they were upstairs to ask him. The woman definitely knew this was going to be his reaction.

But why would his mother want his emotions rattled up like this. It was obvious she had overstepped her boundaries in the house. She had clearly forgotten that they had a boss and employee relationship. That night, Jenny cried a lot while praying till she fell asleep.

Michael hissed after he locked the door. He thought of going out that night. But,

he did not want to take any bit of a alcohol before bed. It usually leaves him with a banging headache in the morning. Making him unfit for duty at the office.Sitting on his bed, his mind went back to that very night over six years ago.

Michael was a young Christian active in church and in his early 30s. He had a certain men's Fellowship meeting in church on that very day of the ordeal. Laura had told him to order another set birthday cake for his daughter who is turning 7 the very next day. They had planned a strictly by invitation birthday party and Laura was heavily pregnant.

Michael had ordered the cake and the vendor had not delivered by night time. He was supposed to pick it off but he had forgotten.

His wife Laura was a young and successful lawyer. She had connections in Abuja more than he could boast off. She had introduced him to some South Africans jeweler earlier that week for a contract. His crypto company was just kicking off and he purposely went to the men's fellowship to pray to God for the expansion and establishment of his business.

He was also there because he was made the president of the men's fellowship. Michael took his service to God very seriously. He invited a lot of people for his daughter's 7th birthday. He was also hoping to throw a surprise baby shower for his pregnant wife who is expected to deliver soon.

While he was sharing the word at the meeting in church, his wife called his phone but he put it on silent mood. She sent him a text message but he did not check his phone. She sent another tex to inform him that she would go out to pick up the cake herself since he was not picking the phone or responding to her message. It was raining heavily that night.

After fellowship, he saw the messages, he hoped in his heart that she would allow the driver, drive her in the heavy downpour. Calling her number to inform her that he was on his way home, Stephanie picked up the phone. She informed him that her mum forgot the phone. His daughter also told him that her mother drove herself as the driver was still at home.

He was troubled as he drove in to the traffic that night amidst the heavy torrents of rain. On getting to the cake vendor, he was told, she had not arrived. He picked up the cake and yet again called home. He was also told that she had not come home. Turning his car, He drove home.

Five kilometers to his house, he saw an

an accident scene involving Laura's car. A bus had collided with the car and straight into the opened drainage along the road. He knew the car so well that he did not need a closer inspection. Instead, He parked his car with trembling hands to join the people who were busy rescuing the affected persons, in bringing out the victims from the cars.

Reaching her car first, Lo and behold, there was Laura, bleeding profusely as they were trying to cut her seat belt. He joined in bringing her out. Identifying himself as the husband with tears running down in eyes, he begged her repeatedly to hold on for him as he was

taking her to the hospital. He could not drive, so someone drove him while he held his wife at the back seat.

Laura did not survive the trip to the hospital. She died with the baby in her womb while in his car. Arriving at the first hospital, she was declared as BID. (Brought in Dead). But, he refused the verdict. the good Samaritan who accompanied him tried to reason with him but he refused. She was taken to another hospital and the same was declared. He persisted in getting to the third hospital and by then, she was looking blue and feeling so cold. It took a struggle and the conscious effort of the driver, the good Samaritan to pry him away from her body. The doctors and nurses tried placating him but he was uncontrollable.

That was such a gloomy season of his life. His daughter who turned 7 the next morning, was so sad as the security at the gate turned away party guest who did not know the celebrant's mother had died the previous night. Michael had not stepped in a church after the burial of his wife in over six years.

He wondered why Jenny wanted to know what happened to Laura. That was not a discussion opened to anybody not even his mother. She had not heard him talk about the trauma he had experienced in Laura's last moments on earth. He saw the fear in her eyes. She did not want to die.But still she did.

Mrs Bose had to relocate home four years ago from England when she discovered Stephanie wasn't speaking and Michael was leaving as though no one existed. He buried himself in his work. He was a brick wall of arrogance and grief.

It was a tough time for Michael and still is, as he refuses to talk about his pain. His eyes suddenly filled with tears and a certain hot bitter taste crept into his mouth. He wanted to sack Jenny that night. No one knew the extent to which his anger ran deep the last six years till now. No one dares to bring up Laura's death in any conversation. Not even his uncles who he warned severely after the burial.

Michael wondered what made Jenny so bold. He realized that he must have shown her a side to which she thinks she could talk to him as she wishes. Was it because he paid her compliments about her useless food? Was it because he asked her about a meaningless sex? He cussed out aloud. She told him she wanted to help. He does not remember asking her for any form of help.

She probably wanted to preach and pray for him. The tears poured down and he wailed out aloud. Jenny wanted to help him when God couldn't help him. He was a fervent servant of the Lord. He bought the buses his parish uses for free transportation. He was a man of prayer and fasting. He taught the word but yet, God could not help him as Laura bled internally that night.

She was pregnant yet God could not show mercy! Laura was kind, beautiful, soft hearted and well educated. She had two master's degree and a PhD was on the way. She was a generous soul. She made marriage so beautiful. They were married for only eight years. He did not offend God but his reward for service was the death of his wife and his eight month old pregnancy inside of her! Michael's bitterness and anger increased. It was obvious Jenny overstepped and he would put her back in her place.

He wiped his eyes and remembered who he was. He was Michael Oladokun. A heartless bastard and Jenny would regret crossing him. Jenny had probably forgotten the Michael she met when she arrived. It was obvious she is taking this one who lived in peace with her for granted. As he thought about wicked ways to punish the young nanny, his face suddenly looked very strong, hardened and angry.

The next morning while Jenny was in the kitchen by 6:30am making breakfast for everyone. She heard the entrance door open and was shut. Walking out of the kitchen, she saw that Mr Michael had left for work. She wondered why so early. She said a word of prayer, asking God to intervene. Her father had taught her to always pray for those who mourned as they needed comfort even when they do not understand.

All through the day, she visited several vendors alone. She gave Stephanie a task of cutting the Confetti's. The young lady was happy as she ate the muffins Jenny had made for snacks while she worked. Michael had sent his driver to give Jenny his ATM card so she could use for the birthday with a budget of 10 million naira. Jenny wondered why so much money on the birthday party but she decide to be prudent to spend even less than what he imagined.

By dinner time, she expected Michael home but he was still not home. Mrs Bose asked her if she questioned Michael about Laura and she told him that she did. The woman told her that he won't come for dinner. Jenny was perplexed. Stephanie had asked her about her dad but she covered for him. Deji teased and chatted with everyone as usual.

However, Jenny was not interested in talking to anyone. When everyone went to bed before the hour of 10 pm, Jenny stayed up til 11 pm praying fervently in the living room. She felt helpless. She did not come into the family to destroy it. She carried her sleepy self upstairs and by 11:30pm, Michael arrived home.

Jenny rushed down to put out his dinner but he did not answer her greeting, as they met, neither did he come down to eat. Jenny slept with her head on the dining table. The next morning being a Tuesday, the same circle repeated itself. Jenny could not get over it. Michael left before breakfast and did not come home for dinner.

Realizing that he could still be offended by her presence, Jenny sent him a text message which reads

"Mr Michael I'm sorry. I know I overstepped my boundaries with you sir. Please give me another chance sir. I promise I would not mess it up. Your daughter hasn't seen you for two days and you have not eaten at home. It hurts. I am sorry once again. Please find it in your heart to forgive me"

Michael read the message and didn't reply. He hissed as he deleted the message. The girl irritated him. By Wednesday morning, Jenny decided to take a step further. She woke up so early as she could not recognize when he came home at night.

By 5 am,she went to sit in the living room after making breakfast hoping to catch him leave for work.

As predicted, by 6:30am Mr Michael was downstairs. Dressed for work in a brown suit and he frowned the more as he saw her.

"Good morning sir" Jenny stood on her feet.

The man walked right past her like she was an artificial structure. He did not answer the salutation, neither did he respond to her offer of breakfast.

By dinner time, Stephanie looked so gloomy that Jenny offered to take her out the next day being Thursday to cheer her up. Mrs Bose neither talked about the issue.It was as though she had given up on her son.

When everyone had gone to bed, She went opposite Mr Michael's room to sit down on the floor. She felt like she was in a war zone. She needed her boss to forgive her. She promised God that whatever family took her in, she would give it her all. This was what she wanted to do.

By 11pm, Michael returned home. He was not expecting anyone to be awake by that time. He walked straight upstairs . He was surprised to see Jenny seated on the floor opposite his room door by that time. The girl was persistent and he liked that. But he wanted her far away. He did not like the kind of emotion she stirred in him.

"Good evening sir" She greeted hastily.

"I am so sorry sir".

He ignored her as he opened his door.

"Jenny good night" He finally said as he wanted to close the door

"Can i serve your dinner sir?"

"What the fuck is wrong with you? Do I look hungry to you?"

Straight to his room, he slammed the door so hard. Jenny wondered why he was so cold hearted. She hated that heartless part of him, knowing it will indirectly affect Stephanie.

As promised, she got set the next day to take Stephanie out. During breakfast time, Stephanie was acting all sad.

"Honey what is it?" she asked

"Nothing mummy" Stephanie answered slowly.

"You know you've not been smiling since you woke up this morning" Her grandmother said.

"Did something happened to my daddy. I haven't seen him since Sunday" Stephanie complained.

"Oh I'm so sorry Stephanie, Daddy's work has been so serious." Jenny said smiling as she served everyone pancakes.

"Oh Jenny tell her the truth. Your father has gone back to acting as though everyone is dead." Mrs Boss said.

"Oh my God! Is it true Mummy Jenny? Its because my birthday reminded him of his sorrow. Please me the truth" Stephanie asked.

The tears Jenny had been holding spilled down from her eyes.

"That means that he doesn't talk to anyone right" Stephanie asked.

"Yes he has not spoken to anyone" Mrs Bose agreed.

"I don't think that is the issue honey.Your Daddy is swarmed with work & he misses you so much. We were even planning more surprises for your birthday on Saturday" Jenny maintained and Mrs Bose was surprised.

"Do you promise that is the case?"

"I promise you my love. Your daddy is fine. Just overworked."Mrs Bose smiled at the young nanny who had succeeded in making the child smile.

"Now you know we have to go and pick up some party packs today. So if you cheer up, you can choose any ice cream flavor and some pedicure at a spa."

"That's why i love you Mummy. You know how to bribe me." Mrs Bose chuckled. Jenny's heart melted at Stephanie's smile. She wanted Michael to see what he was missing with his stony heart. She said a word of prayer for him, hoping he would change his ways.