Chapter 46: Colliding Anniversary Gifts!

Colliding Anniversary Gifts!

When the drive was given to me, I never for once checked on it, I ignored. The reason was because I didn't want to involve in Jada's affairs just yet and I didn't tell Jamal about it. While i was in the Living room upstairs where just me and Jamal occupied. I got a call from Carol, I was surprised she called out of her busy schedules with women and children affairs.

  "Mother!"

  "Darling. How's the family? Not easy being a wife and mother, right?" Carol teased

  "All great, I've been keeping up lately. And you?"

  "I'll be fine! I'd like to invite you over specially to the residence for our anniversary this weekend." 

  "Ok. That's exciting you know, we'd be there. How's the governor?"

  "Dealing with state's affairs, it's a lot."

  "Yes, I couldn't imagine." I added

We discussed briefly then hung up. 

                       ***************

On a sunny day, Just when I decided to do the grocery shopping, I pulled over at a fuel station. There was a queue of about five vehicles ahead if mine. I waited patiently listening and lip syncing to Westlife 'Uptown Girl', since I couldn't dance any to any music, my hobby. The car behind me honked, at first I assumed it was someone trying to play pranks, when it got persistent I yelled

  "Who the hell is that? You don't own this station, yes man!" I screamed

That car owner wouldn't give up just yet, my tank was filled then I pulled over at the lot waiting for that prankster. He pulled over next to my car as well

  "Good timing, bissh!" I said out loud

I went to car owner, I knocked on the glass for him to wind down. I couldn't let him finish whatsoever that held him back

  "Yes Mister, I'm Danni... I hate to meet you! Why the horn? Do you even have a license or some legit paperwork? You don't own this fuel station so what's up bro!" I scolded almost yelling. Then he wounded down the glass.

  "Danni?" West called with a grin

I was embarrassed and pissed as well.

  "Holy Molly! West!!! Get out of the car man!" I jeered

He got out excitedly as we hugged tightly

  "I knew there was something about that horn. I wanted to rip someone's head off the body" I teased

  "You didn't have to be rude, yelling at the top."

He teased as well as we laughed. We got into a nearby coffee shop to talk and luckily he was married to his therapist without kids at the moment but he seemed happy and normal. He asked about Jamal 

  "We're good. Blessed with a son, Jordan!" I explained

  "That's sweet! I'm still jealous though, this Jamal-guy is really doing some work..." He teased, his white teeth glared

  "C'mon West, you know how its been a long time ago."

  "And Lola? Where's she?"

  "Oh her. She's good too, preparing her  wedding as well....We'reare perfect right now, the past remains the past." I added

  "Danni! Girl with the big heart. You should come around soon enough. I hope he doesn't get mad." He jilted

  "Nah. Jamal's got a big heart too." I defensively added with a smile.

We Exchanged cards and I was happy we parted happy and fulfilled. I was happy that West had his sobriety and his attitude described a gentle man but the good looks including the dark shiny afro still maintained its pace. I was excited.

I drove back homewith excitedly, I met Jamal asleep with Kareem on his chest. They looked awesome. I turned on the TV to see a movie. Jamal's eyes opened gently meeting my gaze.

  "You're back!" He asked sleepily

  "Oh yeah." My smiles were endless, I knew it

  "Tell me about it!" He said, i looked confused. He continued "Your day? The shopping! Why didn't you let Bella do the shopping? Danni, that's why she's paid, for that." He scolded laying down Kareem next to him. "I hate it when you do that, when you leave him." He looked pissed. I tried to understand what the misunderstanding was all about. I didn't expect that reaction.

  "....Honey! I don't understand why you're mad right now. I took it on me just once and its bad? I needed to get something personal....that's all...." I explained then I blurted out unconsciously "Good thing I did the shopping, I would've missed a chance to meet an old friend" I smiled turning away

He stared at me with distaste

  "Really? Our son don't matter at all?" He asked

  "Good heavens, Jamal! I'm sorry if I left Jordan for a 2 hour 45 minutes shopping and all. I'm so so sorry, ok? I was only excited that i met West after a very long time. That's all." I explained again

  "What West. That West? How did y'all meet again? You've been keeping his contact, haven't you? " He was mad, he came towards me, I slapped him on the face. He was jealous again, what I hated about him.

  "Yes that West. What's wrong with you? Every man I hang out with is a sin to you now? You're an idiot." I walked out, I headed to the bathroom, I sat on the closed toilet seat. He followed me after realizing his unruly behavior.

  "Babe! I'm sorry. I overstepped. I overreacted. Danni, please.... I was jealous over nothing....I'm an asshole, I know!" 

  "Just stop with the 'Over shit'. Yes Khaleef! I'm getting you help, you need a therapist....you need some sessions." I concluded dialing Dr Brownie's number. He stood there confused

  "Da...Danni! What's that for, I could work on myself...I'm working on it, remember!"

  "No, you're not! Trust me, you'd love every moment. I had countless sessions with her and so are you." I concluded

  "I don't like this idea, Danni...."

  "Do you have a better choice? Hmm?" I asked tilting my head towards his direction

  "I don't! Ok. I'll do it, for you!" I concurred

He stood hopelessly staring at me

  "Good. I love you, ok!" I said almost yelling, it didn't sound romantic or lovely like always

  "I love you too....More than anything in the world including therapy!" He answered reluctantly, he didn't want it obviously. I kissed him on the cheek and dropped a smile then I walked away. I hopped on the bed turning to the TV. He met me still looking sad and hopeless.

  "Babe, can we talk about this therapy thing?" He asked gently

  "Nope, we could only see this movie together. Its a blockbuster!" I ignored his gaze

  "I don't like this. I got so much work to work on, I got..."

  "I got. I got...just stop it. She'd come home, 6pm. I'll handle that trust me!" I opted

  "I don't like this, Danni! Every loving husband does this....jealousy! I know what I got that's why!"

  "It doesn't give the right to yell at me about nonsense only because you're my husband, I could back out and live normal with Kareem...."

  "You're not taking Kareem...Jeez! We're talking divorce when we're never getting divorced! We're stuck on each other for ever and ever and ever!" He pointed out

  "Yeah whatever! I emailed her and she responded. Session starts tomorrow." I turned away.

  "I hate the freaking idea!" He almost yelled

  "And I'm so proud of you, darling!" I smiled regardless focusing on the screen. He sat next to me with a long face. I wondered why a harmless therapy. I shrugged.

  "C'mon Jamal, you're still thinking about some therapy, are you?"

  "I'm not. I'm a grown ass Man." He sat next to me. I told him About Carol's invitation to the anniversary party.

                  *****************

08:34pm,

The lights were Colorful, the decor was the best in the city. What do you expect from the classical Carol, anything could work out with Carol.

Of course, few family and friends were invited, it was really subtle. The music played was some old classical songs like that of the Oprah's.

  "Oh mother, you look beautiful. Hot for  the governor" I gave a flirty compliment

She flushed in flattery, she blushed.

  "C'mon Danielle, don't flatter me. I've had enough tonight!"

  "Mine is special. Happy 31st anniversary! How about Sabrina and Sam" I hugged her and asked 

  "They'd be here any minute and maybe early morning tomorrow, depending on the flight they can get access to." Carol said. I remembered Ada telling me the same thing

  "Ok...Jamal and I and of course Kareem got you this, I hope you like it." I smiled. I got a 24 carats golden jewelry in its box, she adored such fancy.

  "The best gifts I've received tonight. Thank you darling!" She hugged me again

  "Anything for you. I should meet Ada now, we got a lot to talk about! Take care."

  "You too, darling!" She answered willfully. Then I left. A woman around her 40s approached with a glass of champagne.

  "A very overwhelming party, Carol. I'm proud of you. 31 years of marriage must be a lifetime, isn't it?"

  "Of course, embedded with good biddings!" Carol proudly added

  "I saw that young lady to talking to you earlier, was she not Hunter's Fiancée?" Lisa Calvin Peters asked

  "She was. She's moved on and happily married and blessed with a son! I'm proud of her!"

  "And your own daughter? Are you proud of her or Is she happily married or not?" Lisa fired back

  "Are you taunting or making a problem out of nothing, Lisa? Last time I remembered you stepping some rackety foot into my home, you cried out like a mockingbird about your husbands' infidelity. How about the promises our husbands made, did Calvin keep to his?"

  "What's that supposed to mean anyway?"

  "Learn how to talk to me, I'm still the governor's wife. Can we talk about something better than snooping into our family's business!" Carol requested with a smirk. Lisa scratched her neck in guilt.

  "Of course. What about the children's agency? Did you find out about the displaced ones? I feel so sad, terrorists wouldn't Spare even children!" She digressed

  "Yes. Its pathetic! The case is being handled amicably. And that's why you are  here as Minister of women and children affairs in this state, anyways, they'll be reprimanded!" Carol assured with a faint smile, she hated anything that had to do with children getting hurt.

Meanwhile, at the other side, Jamal met the governor who was talking to Dr Thompson Hart and Dr Calvin Peters.

  "Excuse me. Mr governor? Dr Thompson....Dr Calvin." He shook them in turns as they returned the gesture with good impressions.

  "Are you not Dr Khaleefa's son?" Calvin asked for confirmation

  "Oh....Yes I am." Jamal answered with an affirming smile

  "How could you not know him? This is Jamal Khaleef Khaleefa, the tycoon after his very own father!" Pete added proudly as the men laughed. Jamal interrupted

  "I thought of something explicit and exclusive to get you but I couldn't. What could i possibly give to the Governor that he wouldn't have? I... Just hope you'd like this!" Jamal handed two black boxes to Pete. It was a golden 24 carats Rolex and AP wristwatches.

Pete was proud and excited about the gifts

  "I was about to get myself some wristwatches last week. Your father has indeed taught you the specialties of wealthy men. I'm honored."

  "I'm glad that you are. I should see Tommie, my friend. Your elected adviser!!" Jamal teased as they chuckled

  "Yes, you can. Er...I wanted to talk to you about the game we play, right?" Pete turned the others as they nodded positively

  "Really! Like what?"

  "You see, my son...." Pete patted Jamal "Politics has once occured to Khaleefa but all he did was support and not partake. He was engulfed in a lot. How about you make you father's wish come through, I'm sure he'd be proud of you. I know you'd  do something extremely unexpected, just as you've started" 

  "It sounds marvelous. I'd have to think about it, I hope you all don't mind?" Jamal said politely

  "Take your time son, I know you'd turn tables. We're here to put all our resources to support you, not just as godfathers but as family." Thompson added as they all concurred

  "I'll get back to you soon! Thanks a lot." Jamal appreciated with a hug all in turns then he left. Thompson turned to Pete

  "This boy would fit in, what do you all think? We've nothing to worry about! I'm pretty sure the party's chairman would speak highly of him"

  "I know. Who wouldn't acknowledge A Khaleefa blood. Very good breeds. I wished I had spoken to him earlier instead of that useless champ called Eric." Pete groaned

  "We thought so too. Let's merry to 31 years of uninterrupted and invincible marriage." Calvin added as they clinked their glasses in merriment.

10:47pm,

The celebration kept alive and sound. Everyone seemed not to get enough not everything provided. The party went on with a heart warming vibe, every gift presented was nothing below $350,000 worth of gifts. I really didn't know they had much influence on the outside world, I underestimated their capabilities.

Everyone began to exit the premises little by little until it remained just family which included Jamal and I and our little boy who was fast asleep in the cradle Carol provided for him times we visited. Little Kayla was asleep as well. The workers in the residence began to clean up while all of us where at the living room meant for the governor only, listening to their earlier stories and events.The securities came up with a box. It was a very big box like that of a coffin. Robin whispered to Pete first then Pete acknowledged by excusing himself to the other side

  "What's wrong Robin, not a minute with a family time out right?" Pete said

  "I'm so sorry to interrupt. There's a gift box at the corner but its been locked up with a big lock and the source insisted you and your wife sees it first. I suspected it to be a gift from your mother. Just as always!"

  "That's ok Robin, let's see it. Mother promised a gift anyway." Pete said reluctantly

  "Sir, would you want us to check it our before..." Robin suggested 

  "No....Ah...I guess its fine, you'd help us open it..." Pete inquired

He returned to us a carol asked

  "What's wrong, Pete? Mother's gift again?"

  "I think so! She keeps wrapping up my dad's army suits and some old books and rings... she's extra!" He said with a smile

  "That's sweet, let's see it." 

They agreed on that. Robin and two others broke the lock and Carol abd Pete decided to open it just as the sender strictly instructed. I couldn't believe my eyes from a short distance of my tilted head that hung in the air. All I heard was very sharp high pitched scream from Carol while Pete stood there almost paralyzed in shock. Robin and the two men summoned courage to take it away as their job demands. Ada demanded that we see what had scared her parents to an intense shock

  "Ma'am, I don't think its a good idea! Please stay back!" He said

  "Shut the hell up!" Ada rudely said

Ada went ahead as Jamal and I followed as well, to our shock we saw our the worse nightmare we could ever imagine. Jamal turned me away gently while Robin dragged Ada away, her tears were uncontrollable. Robin gave his instructions as other securities took it out silently not to escalate amongst anyone in the residence. I regretted why I came over for the party, I never imagined what I saw could really occur.