Till Death Do Us Part- Episode 3

                                                                           

                                                  3

I let the tears come out now. I haven't cried for 3 years since that incident. I think the tears are long overdue. Besides, I have already been humiliated, might as well complete the cycle. 

The last thing I remember is seeing Jeff say something to Stan who slowly walks away like the coward he is and I faintly remember thinking, Babe???. But i'm too tired to say anything now and so when Jeff took the keys from me, escorted me to the passenger's seat and said;

Let's get you out of here. I knew that arguing with him would be a waste of the energy I do not possess. 

When I come to myself, we had stopped driving and we were parked at the entrance of Sarius Palmetum. I hear Jeff calling me my name but I'm just too weary and embarrassed to say anything. 

Jess. Jess. He calls again with force.

Jess , you're scaring me and I don't know what to do.  I called Niyi but his number is unreachable. Please say something. Anything! 

I hear the panic in his voice and I feel like punching myself in the guts for being the cause of that. I cannot possibly shutdown like this, at least not now and definitely not in front of him. 

I'm very well, Jeffery. Thank you for driving me. If you'll give me the key, I can take you to where your car is. I responded coldly. There really isn't any other response I can give as this coldness is the only protective barrier I have left. 

*************************************SUNDAY*************************************

*knock knock*

*knock knock*

Jess honey, it's your dad. Are you okay? Silence. 

Open the door. I had forgotten daddy was returning from his journey this week. Shit!

I finally shuffle to the door and unlock it. 

Hi daddy. Good evening. Welcome back. When did you return? I say with as much enthusiasm as I can muster hoping that daddy doesn't notice the puffy eyes. 

Forget all of that. Your mom says you have refused to leave your room since Friday?! That was quick from my mom. 

What's wrong? Mummy and amebo are 5 & 6. Why did she have to tell him now? I had told her when she came that I was only tired from the travels and needed to use the weekend to rest. Apparently, she didn't believe me else she wouldn't have sent in the calvary. 

30 minutes after and 2 handkerchiefs later.

I don't know what to do, daddy. I just want to lay in bed and die from embarrassment! I continue in a whiny tone. 

I am very sure that I didn't bring you up to be a whiny baby. Maybe your mom did when I traveled?  Lol. Trust dad to make me smile even at this time. I laugh drily. Mom spoil me? If I hear!

I'm allowed to be sad and to cry, Dadddddd. I respond. 

Yes, you are. However, you are not allowed to wallow in self-pity which is exactly what you have been doing. Dad says calmly. 

It has always been very easy for me to talk to my dad. He listens attentively, pays close attention and calmly speaks to you in such that you become extremely reflective. Not in a condescending way, more in a Yoda advising you way. 

So, get up, shake it off and move on. What will work, will work and what won't, won't. No need crying over spilled milk. Dad continues. 

Getting up from the side of the bed, he continues animatedly; 

Let me go and meet my real baby. She said she prepared my favorite meal today and you know I cannot eat cold food. Do and come down o. I brought something for you. 

This man knows exactly how to get to my heart! 

Thanks daddy. I'll be right down. Watching him leave I am struck by the childlike smile he has on his face just because he is going to meet mum and at the same time, I am curious to know how he and mom have managed to still be giddy teenagers in love after 25 years of marriage while I'm still languishing in Singletown. 

************************************** 8:45 PM ************************************

Jess!!! My mom shouts my name, piercing through the headphones I have on. Jesus!

Yes mommyyyyyyy!! I scream back because, like mother, like daughter. 

Can you come down please? She says in her normal voice. 

So, I get up very sluggishly, not wanting to, pause this badass podcast I recently discovered!

Yes mommy, how far? I say as I reach the base of the stairs while pressing my phone. When my question is met with silence, I remember that mummy hates it when I fiddle with my phone while speaking to her and so I lift my eyes and I am met with 4 sets of eyes. 

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Hi everyone,

I trust you're enjoying the series so far?

Who do you think are the 3 set of eyes excluding mom?? I'm eager to hear from you

Love always, 

Princess 💕