CHAPTER 13 : SURPRISE PACKAGES

SURPRISE PACKAGES

We have already done the traditional marriage,we were doing the white,after we've said the vows,we kissed ,He whispered in my ears that he had a surprise for me. "Surprise?" l asked. He called on the little groom and told him to his friend. The little groom came with who I could not believe,it was Afufumagu ,he was dressed like a little groom. It was my mind maybe.l screamed .

"Afufumagu, I'm sorry, he's a ghost ". I let out a very sharp shout and fainted.

My mom fainted immediately , at the sight of Afufumagu. I was sprinkled water to regain consciousness. Mum was awake holding Afufumagu crying.

"Afufumagu,is that you"I called.

"Yes, mummy"he said and ran to me.

I held him tight and cried ,l said am sorry ,l let you down,l almost killed you am sorry .he was a lot bigger and more handsome.

"Afufumagu,how old are you now ?"I asked .

''Am 10years now'', he replied.

I looked at Emeka who was smiling, before I could asked him he said after the wedding he was going to tell me how Afufumagu survived.

I was just too happy to see my son living I held Afufumagu closely as I shed tears of joy

Dad was smiling, I wondered why he was smiling, maybe he's glad about Afufumagu survival.

"Mummy, brother Emeka told me you were the one who asked him to save me but grandpa told me you do not know am alive that's because you hate brother Emeka,which is true?," Afufumagu asked.

"Grandpa knew you were alive?" I asked looking at my dad being shocked.

"Surprise!" my dad said

After the wedding and reception has taken place, we already rented an apartment so we went there with Afufumagu. When we retired to bed, Emeka narrated everything.

*. *. *.

"Emeka, I spoke to her but she turned your request down. Ijeoma told me on phone after telling Ebere about my request on helping Afufumagu.

"Did you say I was ready for lesser cost?'' I asked.

''Yes, I did but she is adamant she hates you with passion" ijeoma said.

'Did you explained for the sake of her son?', I asked again.

"Emeka, I did but like I said she was adamant and unwilling to accept your kind gesture"Ijeoma said.

'I can't let that boy die due to his mother's hatred', I said.

"But you have no way to save him, his mother is the obstacle, I think I will ask his grandparents instead" Ijeoma suggested.

"No, we should not influence her, let's see the result of this', I said.

"But if Afufumagu dies..." Ijeoma was still talking when I interrupted.

"Text me the address of the hospital, the name and the number of the doctor" I demanded.

"Why, Ebere won't let you anyway close to Afufumagu', Ijeoma said curiously.

"I know, just do it and stop being curious.' I ordered.

'Ok, fine', Ijeoma surrendered.

"Don't tell your parents about my offer" I said.

"Yes, I will text you once I hung up. Ok", ijeoma said

'Yea, bye'

Ijeoma texted the details to me, coincidentally the doctor was a colleague to me before I specialized. They used to be very close. Emeka came down to the village secretly and went to the doctor's office.

"Emeka, ha, is this you?', the doctor said excited when he saw me as we shook each other's hands and hugged.

"Collins, long time oh", I said.

"So why are you paying me a visit after all these years", the doctor said after offering me a seat.

"Ah, I can't visit my old friend again?", I said.

"Who do you think you are deceiving, you visit me after all these years for just a visit" I know you better than that", the doctor said.

"This may sound strange, but I came for a child in room 5, Afufumagu Chuka, I said.

"I told the mother that he has few days to live" the doctor said.

"Few days, really?' I asked.

'Yes, why are you so interested in him?' the doctor asked.

I then explained how Ebere and I were in a war path since Ebere was raped, now he want to help Afufumagu and Ebere is proving stubborn.

"So, what are you suggesting to do?", the doctor asked after the narration.

"it might sound awkward but I want to transfer him to my hospital without the knowledge of the parents and I'll treat him but you will announce him dead before I bring him back", I said.

"In as much as you are my trusted friend and your idea sounds good, I will be in a lot of trouble, if it is found, I will be sacked , in jail and have licence revoked." the doctor explained.

"But he might die", I said.

'Yes, but I might be in hell lot of trouble. If we are going to do that we need you and at least a relation of the child to sign some documents, try and talk to Ebere in person', Collins suggested.

"You don't understand she hates me with passion, it will be a cold day in hell if she allows me to help", I said.

"Then, am sorry', Collins said.

"It's okay, I will find another way", I concluded.

"So how about grace, how's she doing? Are you guys still an item?", Collins asked.

"no oh, I don't even know her whereabouts, do you know she tried doing away with all my assets, everything I've worked for but I out played her", I said.

"Grace, how could she after all the righteous here and there?" Collins said.

"Yes, that the pretense", I said.

As they were chatting Ebere's dad came into the office.

"Emeka, what are you doing here?' Ebere's dad asked.

"Ijeoma told me about Afufumagu," I replied.

"I don't know where to get help from" Ebere's dad said sadly.

I and the doctor winked at each other. I told Ebere's father the plan as the doctor went to prepared the documents. Ebere's dad signed the documents without reading then or thinking twice.

"So, are you treating for free?'' Ebere's dad asked.

''Well, how much do you have?" I asked.

''2.5 million naira'', Ebere's dad answered.

''Ok, send 2 million naira, keep the rest''. I said as I wrote my account number on a sheet of paper.

''But what are you going to tell them, how can we stop them from seeing the body?'' Ebere's dad asked.

"We'll announce him dead, then you say they took him straight to the cemetery because of you are living in a rented apartment andl you don't want anything to bring sad memories'', I said

''Okay", Ebere's dad agree

"Just don't tell anyone'', I said.

''Yes, I won't'' assured Ebere's dad.

"But how are you transferring the boy to Edo, without notice because if anyone other than us notice and spills the milk innocently", Ebere's dad asked

"That's a fact that means three of us can't execute it out ourselves we need some nurses', I said looking at the doctor passing a message.

"Well, we don't need more people to know about the secret', the doctor said

"Why?" I asked

"If a secret exceed 3-4 person's knowledge, the lesser the chance of keeping it secret, it's an irony', the doctor said

''Then how can it be unnoticed?'' Ebere's dad asked.

"I think, we transfer him at night, I'll add a sedatives in his drips', Collins suggested.

"That's true but night's shift nurses", I said

"I'm the manger here, the owner won't be back in 2 months', Collins said

'Yes, so?', Ebere's dad asked

"I can call off the nurses for that period" the doctor said.

"Won't it raise suspicious?, because if the nurses, come back and notices the boy is gone', Ebere's dad said

"I will say he's dead the next morning, his dad insisted on taking him to the cementary because of his rented apartment, he doesn't want any sad memories", Collins said

"But how can I keep Ebere from coming here",? Ebere's dad asked.

"that means you won't be present you just have to keep Ebere and her mom far away from the hospital" I said.

"but how will I see my grand son? ", Ebere's dad asked

"I'll keep in touch after the surgery" I said

"when are you operating the child" Collins said.

"The day that follows after we transfer him", l said

"when are we transferring him asked Collins.

"tonight, don't want anyone to know I came, so what's the time?' I asked

'2:30pm' said Collins

'that means i will find a hotel to rest before execution' I said

'when exactly are you taking the boy', asked Ebere's dad

"9;45pm" I answered

"that's very late', Ebere's said

"yes," Collins said

"that means I won't bother in keeping ebere away as it would be too late", dad said

'but don't let her stay her for too long' Collins said

'got it', Ebere's dad said.

We executed the plan as they planned and l took him to his hospital at mid night. The following morning Ebere's dad went to the hospital and came back with the bad news. While Afufumagu was undergoing surgery.

*. *. *. *

"that's why I didn't see his body", I said after the narration

'yes', emeka replied

'but how come you didn't tell me when you see that I almost commited suicide, you would have told me to help sooth the pain', I asked

'do you think is usual for me to just want to see you, Afufumagu was ok at first but later we discovered that the arrhythmias was still there and he was at the verge of dying. He started disturbing me to see you because in his dream he saw you stabbing yourself. I couldn't tell because if you were told and I couldn't save him, you will go through the trauma again.' Emeka explained

I owe a lot to you', I said

"no need, your boy is very intelligent and creative. You have to see what he did with the use of milk and drinks.' Emeka said.

'what did he do?', I asked

'he made an aero plane', Emeka said

'wow!, what can I say, he Is my boy, I said proudly

'lets sleep, in the morning you get more details about Afufumagu then we make plans for our honey moon.

'more details?', I asked as Emeka was already about to cover himself with the duvet

Yes, more details, I know you want more details in fact everything now but I'm dizzy and exhausted from the weeding', Emeka said yawning.

'honey moon? I thought we had a pre-marital honeymoon in Enugu', I asked.

"you and curiosity are twins, I want to sleep tomorrow your questions will be answered. This same curiosity is in Afufumagu', Emeka teased.

"I've always know Afufumagu to be curious, so what question did he ask?. Tell me everything, I mean every details. I said emphasizing the every and adjusting well.

'Ebere, don't you sleep at night?, am tired, tomorrow please. Are you a vampire that don't sleep?', Emeka asked playing.

"Did you marry a vampire? 'I asked playfully.

'I don't know for you', just sleep. Good night' Emeka said.

'fine, I'll sleep. Good night. I said and turn off the light switch.

*. *. *. *

Afufumagu come and have breakfast', I said  as I set dinner table

'good morning mom', Afufumagu greeted and sat on the dining chairs, and I responded

'good morning brother Emeka', Afufumagu greeted as he moved to the dinning.

'hey, sweetie, morning', I greeted as Emeka sat down.

"good morning darling', he responded, we were having oatmeal and bread for breakfast. I noticed Afufumagu was just fiddling his food, he wasn't eating.

"what's the matter, you don't like oat?', I asked

'

"I do but I just remembered a question that teacher asked', Afufumagu said with countenances sullen.

'What question?', Emeka asked

'she was teaching and describtive essay and she said we should write about our dads, everyone was describing their dads in their notes while I describe my mom. When I submitted, she called on me. She asked me why I didn't write about my dad, I told her that I stayed with my mom. She further asked where's your dad .I couldn't say anything. I've been thinking ever since I could remember, I've never seen my dad. Who is he?, where is he?' don't he know about me?, what's his name?, is he alive?, Afufumagu narrated.

"well, I….em..he….em….i…..', I stammered, I couldn't tell him he's a bastard.

''why are you stammering is brother Emeka my dad?, Afufumagu asked,

I and Emeka stared at each other for a long time. None of us could make up a lie for Afufumagu's ears, he is way to smart. I stood up and left for the room. In the room, I overheard them talking.

'do you think I should have asked her that question?, I ruined her breakfast', Afufumagu told Emeka

'there's nothing wrong in asking about your father', Emeka said

'

but she's pissed', Afufumagu said

'no, she's just,....eat your food

I'll talk to her later', Emeka said

'you told me when I asked you that mom is the person I should ask. Now she's pissed. Please I need to know the truth of my father, are you my dad?' Afufumagu asked.

I heard the noise of dinning chair being shifted Emeka must have left too. He came to the room.

I was in tears and he held me and said 'darling, you don't need to cry, its not your fault', he consoled.

"how can I explain to him that I don't know his father, how can I narrate he's a result of fruit of rape, a bastard, how?', I said in tears.

'I know. Its hard but...I interrupted him',

'I know you believe in telling the truth but his heart is too tender, his mind is too tender to know the truth', I said

"no, I don't want him to know either, but he will keep on asking and it will be bad if he finds out from another person, it's better he finds out from you', Emeka said

"so you are saying I should tell him the truth', I asked.

"no, don't get me wrong, I think you should make up and excuse because Afufumagu is a very curious boy. Make up something." Emeka said

"em, I should say his father is dead or maybe what he thought"', I reasoned

"what did he think?', Emeka asked

"I say you are his dad', I said

"fine but you need to make up a story', Emeka said

Afufumagu was at the door

"brother Emeka, I'm ready for school, I don't want to be late, its exam remember', Afufumagu said.

"I'm coming, get inside the car', Emeka said

"ok', Afufumagu replied

"just think, I'll be back soon', Emeka said and left

'I was lost in thinking of a story, I wasn't good at making up stories, I didn't even notice Emeka's presence

"thought of anything yet?', he asked.

I panicked

'

"you scared me, how long have you been there?', I asked

"for over a minute, anything?' he asked again

"no, I don't… I cant think credible story that don't have hole, he is a sharp kid he will be able to detect hole or mischief, we need a credible story. Oh God, why ,why ,why now?' I said in tears

"calm down you are not in this alone, am with you', he said trying to console me.

We thought of a story believable for him, it was 12pm before we could come with a story. After we planned how the story could be it was then I remembered I didn't have breakfast neither did Emeka, I cleared the dining table and prepared yam porridge, we talked and dined.

"so what more details about Afufumagu?, I asked

"well, I didn't finish the story. Afufumagu was in my apartment in edo after he undergoed surgery for the second time. So when you informed me about your posting I went back and carried him to my friends place in another part of edo. During the two weeks we fought in calabar, I used the opportunity to go and see Afufumagu he was ok and alright and arrhymias was gone', he said

"so much conspiracy', I said

"yes, that was the only way I could have saved him', he said

"so zi, education how is he?", I asked eating.

"well, he's a bright kid, he's very good in calculation, he always reads his books and never get anything lower than first position each term', Emeka said and I smiled

'I almost forgot, Afufumagu's school is vacating next week Friday. We could travel on Saturday', Emeka said

'travel to where?, for what and why?' I asked

'For our honey moon' he said

'honeymoon?', what about afufumagu, where's he going to stay?', I asked

'with his grandparents of course', Emeka said

'but I want to spend more time with him', I said

'come on, your mum should spend some time with her grand child. Afufumagu has a month plus holiday. 2-3 weeks out of it in honeymoon.' Emeka said

'you have money to spend abi?, abeg lemme leave joor', I said playfully

'you have agreed?, ehn? Emeka asked

'yes, fine', I agreed

'was the question that afufumagu asked, was it the curiosity you talked about?, I asked

'yes, he asked me that question a lot', Emeka said

I cleared the table. Mom called me but I missed her called, later I put a call back to her

'mom?', I called

'Ebere, how's my son-in-law and my grandson?'

'they're fine, Afufumagu is in school, am so happy he's alive', I said

"me too, your dad narrated everything to me, it all explains why he always left home 2-3 times a week', mom said

'

so much conspiracy, I thought he was dead, I said

"me too, bye bye," she hung up

"was that mummy?"Emeka asked.

"yes, she asked of you" I said

"What is the time?" He asked

"let me check, it's 2.45pm" I said

"let me go an pick Afufumagu from school" he said

"its time already?" I asked a little bit tensed.

"calm down, just like  what we planned"he said and left.

When Afufumagu came back he was not happy', what is it' I asked.

"Mom, my classmates were talking about their parents, I was talking about my mom then my friends asked what about your dad, I couldn't talk.

"Mom?, who is my dad?" He asked.

"come and eat, I said digressing," Emeka just sat down mute.

"I will not eat, if you don't tell me" he threatened.

"come and eat after I will tell you" I said.

"I know that trick, I demand the truth", he said.

"go and eat after, she will tell you", Emeka said.

"don't I deserve to know my dad?, don't I deserve to know the truth?" he said crying.

"fine, sit", I said, he did it as i narrated.

"bro emeka is your dad, when I was pregnant with you he left the village so he ran, grandpa was right, I hated him because he abandoned me but he later asked for forgiveness, I didn't forgive him at first but later I did because he saved you', I narrated.

"so he is my dad?, but why did you find it hard to tell me when I asked this morning', I was throwaback from his question Emeka came to my rescue.

"Because she doesn't want to paint me black for you, I am sorry I ran, forgive me', Emeka said.

'I owe you my life, I love you, I forgive you dad', Afufumagu said and hugged emeka. I and Emeka winked. The story he believed it, I was almost crying when I held it back.

'come and eat now', I said

'yes mom, dad are you coming to eat?', Afufumagu asked

'yes, Emeka said

'what about me, won't you invite me?', I asked

'mom please come and eat', afufumagu invited

"Jealousy is not good oh", Emeka said playfully

"Leave my mom alone', Afufumagu said

"Let's eat', I said