HOME

As they left the hospital that Friday afternoon, Jenny wondered who Michael was talking to on the phone. He had excused himself to answer a phone call as Mrs Bose aided her to the car gently.

Although she was fine, she still felt weak. The bruises were darkened and left marks on her face. The doctor attributed her weekness to the anemia caused by the malaria fever. Mrs Bose informed her that she would need adequate rest to recover. All Jenny really wanted was to go home and she was glad to be discharged.

Michael walked towards them after his phone call. He directed Deji to take them home in a different car. He held her hands for a few second through the window of the car. His driver had brought another car for him. He told them he had something important and urgent to address. Jenny was curious but she did not know if she should ask him of such matters in public. He had not been to the office since she had was woken up. Deji also told her that he did not go when she was unconscious either. Such devotion was worthy of admiration and she wanted to show him her gratitude privately.

When they left the hospital, she thought about a lot of things. Michael had kissed the top of her head twice in the presence of his mother while they were in the hospital. Mrs Bose did not look surprised. Does it signify that their relationship is official? She asked herself.

When she arrived at the house, Deji assisted her in coming down from the car despite her multiple protesting of being fine. She was amazed at the level of affection she was receiving from the Family she works for. As he opened the front door, Jenny was surprised at the perfect welcome home party the Oladokun's were throwing for her. The house was beautifully decorated with balloons and party props.A beautiful handmade banner was designed and hung before the big screen. It reads "Welcome home Mummy" She was moved to tears because this had Stephanie's doings all over it. She was overwhelmed as she hugged Nina, Stephanie and Mrs Bose.

She grinned as she thanked Deji for all the times he spent with her in the hospital. She held unto Stephanie's arms who appeared to be the architect of the design.

As they laughed and toasted to her good health, a beautiful young lady emerged from the kitchen. Mrs Bose introduce her to young lady.

"Sarah this is our Jenny. She is the mummy of the house" Mrs Bose said as Sarah gazed at Jenny.

"Jenny dear, this is Sarah she will be the new cook. Regina brought a better one this time. I think you should handover those amazing recipes of yours to her" Mrs Bose narrated.

"Nice to meet you Jenny" Sarah said. Jenny suddenly did not know what to do. She smiled and shook the lady's hand but her heart was greatly troubled. If they have gotten a new cook, it means she was definitely going to be replaced.

Mrs Bose further told her that the doctor said Jenny needs rest as her blood level needed to be elevated. In order for them to achieve that, she requested that Jenny should stay on the bed as a form of bedrest for at least two weeks.

Stephanie quickly offered to be bringing her meals, medications and even taking care of her more than a nurse.

Everyone laughed at the young teenager. They knew she missed having Jenny around.

The new cook Sarah brought in small chops, fried beef and chinchin as snacks for the family as they chatted in the living room. Jenny was sad inwardly but she was not the ungrateful one, hence she appreciated Mrs Bose over and again for all the care.

In the midst of their celebrations, Michael returned home. Jenny noticed that He looked a lot happier than he was when they were being discharged. He quickly sat at the edge of the chair Jenny was cuddled in and she was shy. He kept his hands to himself as he chatted with Deji and the rest of them.

"Good evening sir. Welcome home" Sarah greeted as she brought fresh juice to the sitting room.

"Is this the new cook" Michael asked his mother, whilst ignoring the lady. This was the first time he was coming home. Sarah is light in complexion, 5ft 3inches, with a curvy body. She wore makeup and walked elegantly. She had a wig on and looked to be in her 30's. For a woman, she was very beautiful and comely.

"Yes this is Sarah Olugbenga. The new cook" Mrs Bose affirmed.

"How's her food like?" he asked.

"She's trying but you can't compare it to our greatest here. " Deji said while pointing to Jenny and Sarah instantly frowned but no one noticed.

As Deji pointed to Jenny, Michael looked at her.

"How are you feeling now?" He asked her softly. Jenny's heart skipped a beat. Stretching his hand, he held unto her left hand and she became more nervous.

"The truth is, am much better and I can resume my chores" She quickly said.

"I have told her that she is not going to work but she keeps insisting." Mrs. Bose interfered. "

"Jenny you have to rest, you took a big hit and you need rest. You are really lucky to be alive" Deji said as Nina nodded. "Mummy you need rest, my school will resume soon and I need your help so I can make better grades" Stephanie added.

Hearing Stephanie's version gladdened her heart. It meant she was still useful. Signaling the teenager, Jenny called for her to sit by her side. The girl agreed in haste and placed her head of Jenny's thigh. They began to tease her but she was not bothered.

Sarah came into the sitting room to ask Mrs Bose what to make for dinner. The elderly woman was used to Jenny making the decision so she asked Jenny.

"I think you should make dinner simple. Boiled yams and egg sauce. You should include the smoked mackerel fish in the labelled bag in the fridge. Watermelon as fruits. That's all" Jenny said.

"I missed you so much" Mrs Bose said out of the blues to Jenny who smiled.

"I miss you too mummy" Stephanie added.

"You see how easy it is for her to make a choice for dinner and I am truly craving Yams. It's good to have you home. Sarah, take time to learn from Jenny, it will greatly profit you" Deji said. Sarah nodded and headed into the kitchen to begin the dinner preparation.

The family spent the Friday night chatting even after dinner. Deji drove Nina home afterwards while Sarah closed for the day and went to the guest house located outside of the main house building but still inside the mansion. Mrs Bose had told Jenny that henceforth, any other new staff should stay in the guest lodge. Michael escorted Jenny to her room after they had walked Stephanie to hers. He ensure she took her remaining multivitamins and antibiotics. He tucked her in bed and kissed her on the head, bidding her goodnight before going to his room.

On Saturday morning as Jenny woke up early, she wanted to go and prepare breakfast for the entire family. As she opened her door she saw Mrs Bose also coming out of her room at the same time.

"Good morning ma"

"Good morning gorgeous. You can go back inside your room and breakfast will be brought upstairs shortly. Bed rest my darling"

Jenny was mortified. Not wanting to offend and disrespect Mrs Bose, she turned and returned into her room to rest. Downstairs, Mrs Bose informed Sarah who had resumed duty to make a healthy protein-filled breakfast. She quickly returned to her room, hoping to come down when the meal was ready.

The lady made a meal of fried eggs, bread, akara and smoothie. Michael came downstairs without his shirt as Sarah was setting the table. The sight of a light-skinned, gallant, 6ft, great body man made her stare.

"Good morning sir" She curtseyed adjusting her short skirt. Without looking at her, he gazed at the table.

"Good morning Sarah. Where's the breakfast, this is very small if you made this for the entire family?" he said.

"The rest is in the kitchen sir, let me bring them out" Michael waited as she brought out a tray of fried eggs and veggies, akara, bread and smoothie.

"You can keep the smoothie. We take teas and coffee." Michael said as he began to dish the food into a plate. "Sir, please let me do it" Sarah said as she moved to his side.

"Dont bother, I can arrange this" he insisted. After setting some bread, eggs, akara and two cups into a tray, he carried it upstairs. Sarah wanted to help him bring the bottle of water to his room but she waited for him to ask.

Much to her surprise, Michael returned back for the water and asked for apples as well.

"Sir I don't mind bringing you breakfast in bed. All you have to do is ask me sir and I will quickly get it donr" Sarah said as she gave him the fruits. "Thanks for the offer" He said as he walked upstairs into Jenny's room where he planned to spend his entire day.