Just like Adel 10

Henry flew to Denmark for his treatment the next week. We skyped every night and he told me all about his experience. Everything was going as he planned it. We communicated so much I felt like I was Dean. I was glad he was getting another chance. I seemed to be the only one he really kept in the loop because Adel called me regularly to ask about him. I encouraged Henry to talk to his family more but I sort of understood them.

One Sunday afternoon, I heard a knock at my door and walked to it. When I opened it I saw Henry standing there with the most attractive smile in the world. "Henry! I thought you were arriving on Tuesday!" I screamed and hugged him. I couldn't control my excitement. He told me he just wanted to surprise me. We went inside and he showed all the cute Danish souvenirs he bought me. They were really pretty and I was really glad he was back. "There's one more thing." Henry said. I looked at all the presents on the table and looked back at him. "Really, after all these?" I asked. He nodded and leaned in closer. Before my heart started racing he kissed me. I always wondered how it would be to kiss him and I was right. His soft lips were amazing. "I've always wanted to do that." He said and we both giggled. I wanted to scream 'me too' but I played it cool. "I know my treatment isn't permanent and I'm in a weird condition and all but will you go out with me? If you don't want to I completely understand. So what do you say Miss Doris who looks just like Adel?" He asked smiling. How on this big beautiful earth could I say no?

Henry felt like a totally different person when we started dating. He wasn't cold and rude like he used to be. He was more positive and cheerful. His treatment had brought him new hope. One afternoon at work my boss asked me to go for a meeting at Brock Pharmaceuticals. I smiled when my boss told me and did some quick makeup before I left. Dean teased me when he noticed. The meeting was with Lestor Brock himself. I smiled when I saw him. He smiled back and signalled for me to sit down. I took out my note book and pen but he signalled for me to put them away. "No, you won't need those. This isn't that kind of meeting." He said. I sat up more attentively. He asked how I was doing and I instantly knew the meeting was about his son.

Lester Brock stared at me for a while and said "has anybody told you that you look very much like my daughter Adelaide?" I smiled and nodded. He leaned back into his chair and smiled. "She has told me a lot about you actually. You two have similar strengths too if you ask me and the only ones that can get through to my son." He added and giggled. I smiled at him even though I was getting a little tired of being compared to Adel. He leaned back in his chair. "How is Henry's Danish treatment going?" He asked. I could see the concern in his eyes. "Doctor Olsen is actually doing a good job according to Henry. He said heart burns are less intensive these days." I said. Mr. Brock nodded, staring straight at me.

Before he could open his mouth someone opened his office door. It was Henry. He looked straight at me and then to his father. "What's going on here?" He asked. "We are just talking." Lester Brock replied. "Henry." Adel called. She also walked into the office. She tried to escort him out but he wouldn't listen. He walked to me and tapped me on the shoulder. "Your boss has sent for you. Dad Doris has to leave." He said sharply. I turned to look at his father who was busy writing something. "Very well. It was nice meeting you Doris." He said. I nodded and got up to leave. "Doris you left your note book." Mr. Brock said. "My notebook is in my..." I started but then I saw him raise the book he was writing in to me and I immediately got it. "Ah yes, thanks." I said and quickly collected it. "Let's go." Henry whispered in my ear. I had no idea what was going on.

When we got to the parking lot I felt it was safe to talk about why Henry was acting funny. "Hey what's up? You are acting funny." I asked. Henry turned to me. "I don't want my father interfering in my personal life." He replied. I noticed from much earlier that Henry didn't like his father very much but I strongly felt it was because he unfairly made Adel, his much younger sister the next ceo of his company but now I knew it was his only choice. "Your father loves you. He's just concerned." I said. Henry laughing sarcastically. "He gave up on me. Do you give up on someone you love? I have been diagnosed with Orgosis for 4 years now and what did he do? Nothing. I don't need that kind of love Trust me you won't understand." Henry explained. I put my hand on his shoulder and it happened. He held his side and slowly fell to the ground. I could see him losing consciousness as he went down. I screamed as hard as I could to get help. "Help!"



To be continued... 

Just like Adel 6

That weekend I stayed indoors. I wanted to have some me time. I would admit that I missed having a boyfriend to share things with but because Dean was always available I never felt it until Adel came. My phone rung and I couldn't believe who it was. It was Henry. I stared at the phone and contemplated answering it. I shook my heard and decided that if he called the second time I would answer. I watched the phone quietly to see if it would ring again but it didn't. Instead there was a knock at my door that startled me. I walked to it and saw Gilly standing there with a rubber bag.

"I hope this isn't a bad time." He said with a smile. I shook my head and stared waiting to hear his agenda. He handed me the rubber bag which contained a bunch of goodies. Gilly said they were from Henry. He was a bit busy at the office so he asked him to bring it over as a thank you gesture for the other day. I was surprised. To be honest I had a deep feeling Adel was behind this.

I asked Gilly why they were working on a Sunday and he said he had to work on something with Henry urgently. He said a workaholic joke and we both laughed. Before Gilly rushed off he turned to me and said "This is the first time I've seen Henry buy something for someone." I smiled and laughed to my head. I dumped my sympathy gifts in a corner and walked to my room.

After lots of convincing during the week Dean managed to get me to go to Adel's birthday party. I really didn't want to go but I realised I had to get over Henry and maybe this was my chance to have some fun and meet some new guys. I went shopping the day before so my outfit was spanking new. Just so I wouldn't look lonely I went with my coworker, Sedem. She felt so under dressed when she saw me. We got to the party just in time for the fun parts.

"Isn't that the Henry guy Dean is setting you up with?" Sedem asked. I turned around and saw him. He was in a black long sleeve shirt and a pair of jeans. Black really suited him. I turned around immediately he turned our way and Sedem laughed. I think her laughter attracted him because he walked to us. "Hi." Henry said. Sedem conveniently excused herself to get another drink. He was looking a bit pale. Probably from over working. He looked straight at me. "Hi." He said and I nodded. He went ahead and complimented me. I smiled briefly and excused myself.

I saw Sedem eating a slice of cake. It looked so good. I asked her where she got it and she pointed to the kitchen. "I got lost and saw a huge tray of cake so I picked one." She said. I scolded her for not getting a piece for me as well and made my way to the place she was pointing to. Adel's house was so big. I saw an opened door and walked into it. Unfortunately it wasn't the kitchen. It was a little office.

Just before I turned around to leave something caught my eye. On the desk there were a bunch of old pictures of what looked like Henry and Adel. Some had their parents in them. I smiled when I went through them. Henry looked very happy and normal. Time had really changed him. I heard a sound and instinctively turned to look at who it was. I saw Adel and her father. He handed a big brown envelope over to her. "That's the expenditure list for the new branch." He said. What kind of father brings work to his daughter's birthday party? That's right, Henry's Father.

I hid behind some bookshelves where I could hear more. "Dad this could have waited till Monday." Adel said shaking her head. "You need to learn to give the company importance. When you take over the company next year you will have to make sacrifices. " Her father said. My jaw dropped. It was true Lestor Brock was old but Adel? "Is Henry here?" Lestor asked and his daughter nodded. "He still won't talk to you?" She asked. He turned away. "Dad, I'm sure he will come around. You need to understand how he feels." She added. Her father nodded and walked away. Adel walked into the office and my heart missed a beat. I sat very still behind the bookshelves. She dropped the envelope on the table and walked out.



To be continued... 

Being Francis

Francis saw his older brother packing his bags. "Hey Dan, where are you off to?" He asked curiously. Dan looked at him and continued packing. "I don't know how you manage to be happy here." Dan finally replied. He picked up a T-shirt and threw it into his small suitcase. Francis did not see that answer coming. He enquired further and Dan made it clear he was leaving their new home. His brother was even more surprised.

 Just then their sister walked into the room. "What's going on here?" She asked. Francis turned to her and explained Dan's intentions. She shook her head and turned to walk out like nothing was happening. "Pat, won't you tell him to stop this and stay?" Francis called out. Without turning Pat said, "He's not a child. He can do as he pleases." Then she left.

Francis asked his brother why he wanted to leave one more time. "Why should I stay? Father doesn't love me, he expects me to follow so many rules and what do I get in return? Constant disappointment. He says “ask me for anything and you'll have it” but he doesn't honour his words. My friends in the South are living very happy lives free from strict parents. That's where I'm headed." Dan let out. It looked like he had given this a lot of thought.

"Daddy loves us so much. Don't you see that? He gives us a lot of food and everything we need and his rules are just meant to protect us." Francis said. "I'm 25 years old, I need more than food. I have asked him for so many things and he just did nothing." Dan said, beginning to get angry. His little brother tried to calm him down but it was useless. He picked his suitcase and walked out with Francis running behind him. "I have one last thing to say. Count all the things Dad has gotten for you and see if they are worth more than the things you are asking for. I will tell Dad you'll be coming back because I know you will." Francis said almost in tears. "Good luck with that." He said and left the house.

If Pat, Dan and Francis’ father was God and they were normal Christians like you and me, can you relate to their actions? Pat is the Christian who believes but does not spread the word nor help others out. She prefers to be a Christian on an island. Dan is the Christian who loses his faith because he thinks God is asleep or maybe just picky because his prayers are not being answered. He feels all he is doing for God is in vain.

 Francis is the Christian we all want to be. The one who believes in God with all his heart and wants everyone to do same so he calls people to God and encourages them. We have probably been all these people at one point or the other in our journey with Christ. It's time to be Francis in our own little way. If you are not sure how, just pray and an idea will pop into your head, completely unique to you. God bless you :-)

What matters most

0ne night my wife and I had a terrible fight. It was very late and I he was just coming home. “Frank you need to seriously decide what is more important, your family or your work!”  She yelled. She was furious because our only son was very sick and I rarely had time to spend with him. “Mercy, we are two parents. When I’m not here you are here. Have you forgotten I have paid a nurse to come and take care of him here? Where do you think this money comes from?” I snapped back. “Jackson, are you listening to yourself? He is your son for heaven’s sakes! What the hell is wrong with you?!” She shouted even louder. I was really tired of hearing her nag every night. She would shout at the top of her voice too. I turned around and took off my glasses. 

This had to stop. “You know what? I will just quit my job and stay at home with the two of you. How about that? So who will pay for Junior’s medical bills, you?” I asked, trying to stay calm. She opened her mouth and closed it again. “I didn’t think so.” I said and walked off. Then she said something to me. “The medicine keeps him alive but love makes him feel alive.” I turned around to look at her. “Mercy, I love my son and he knows it.” I said and went into the bedroom. I passed by Junior’s room. He was asleep in bed. I noticed the toy car I bought for him two days ago on his wheelchair. I smiled and went into our bedroom. 

When I was in bed and ready to sleep I had a call. It was my boss. He wanted me to get ready for a meeting in Nigeria. I was to take the first flight out. I quickly agreed and jumped off the bed to pack my bag. I had to print certain documents too. Mercy came into the room and said nothing. Don’t get it wrong, I love my wife but I feel she can get very exaggerative about certain things. “Mercy, I’m going to Nigeria tomorrow. Quashie was supposed to go but he is sick. I will be back on Saturday.” I said after I finished putting my things together. She didn’t reply. I got into bed, next to her and slept. Things had gotten cold but I was doing my part. 

I was ready to leave at about 4am. I turned to look at my wife. She was still asleep. I wrote a note and put some money in an envelope for her. If I woke her up she would either argue or even cry. It was too early for that. I stopped over at Junior’s room and put a 20 cedi note under his pillow. I looked at the pile of drugs on his table and my heart cried. He was just 6 years old. Just then my phone rang. I quickly answered it and walked out. It was my boss. He was already at the airport and wasn’t very pleased that I was now leaving my house. “Jackson, if you make us miss the first flight I’m cutting down on your travel allowance!” He thundered. I rushed off as fast as I could to the airport.

I got there just in time. My boss still wasn’t thrilled. Immediately we took off I remembered I had to finish some typing I was doing the night before. I took out my tablet. Junior had been playing games on it the last time. I just had one bar of battery left. I had to be quick but something caught my attention. There was a recording on it. I pressed play. I heard a rambling sound. My poor son must have hit the record button by accident. Then I heard some voices. I plugged in my earphones to try and hear what was being said. The nurse was leaving the house and was talking to Junior. “I will see you tomorrow ok?” She said. There was a brief silence and Junior responded. He was trying to convince her not to leave and she explained that she had to go. Then he said it… “You are the only person who loves me. Ok, you and my mum. Everybody else thinks I am weak so they don’t love me.” 

When we got to Nigeria, all I could think about was my boy. The meeting went smoothly. We had the rights to sell our products across Nigeria but I wasn’t happy. I would be receiving a travel bonus of 1000 Cedis but I wasn’t happy. Unfortunately I had to stay for another three days to give some of their workers some training. My boss left for Accra the next day. All the time, I kept calling my wife but she wouldn’t respond. I knew she was angry with me. I left at the time she said she needed me. I decided to let her cool off. The first day when I was doing my training a man came late. “Sir, I’m sorry I’m late.” He said. “My mother wouldn’t let me stop eating her food, so sorry.” He added. “Be careful oh. If you eat her food so much your wife’s food won’t be nice to you.” I teased. The whole class laughed but he gave a quick comeback before he sat down. “Oh the same way I love them differently I’m sure I will love their food same.” Some people giggled some more and I had to ask. “How would you do that?” He smiled at me and said. “Sir, when you love someone your brain always thinks of ways to fix things. I’m sure if my wife’s food is too salty I will eat it and take a sweet drink to balance it.” Everyone burst out into laughter again. This guy was pretty funny, and then it hit me. He was right!

Instead of teaching for two hours and doing another two hours the next day, I did all the training in one day so I could go home the next day. I booked the first flight to Ghana and felt so proud on my way back. I bought a bouquet of flowers for my wife and toy car for my son. I had thought and found out ways to squeeze in time to spend with my family. When I got home I rushed into the house and called my son’s name. There was no response. The nurse met me in the hall and said my wife was in the kitchen and my son was in the bathroom. I smiled at her and gave her a tip. I rushed to the kitchen. My wife was cooking. I sneaked up on her and handed the flowers over to her. She gave a feeble smile and said thank you. My show wasn’t over. I lifted her off her feet. She shouted in excitement and asked me what was going on. “Did you get a promotion?” She asked. I shook my head and kissed her. She was overwhelmed. “Mercy I love you. I know I haven’t been the best of husbands and fathers but please give me another try.” I said. She smiled and hugged me. It’s like she could feel my sincerity. “Jackson you are a good husband and father. I just want you to show that to Junior.” She said. 

Then a loud shout cut in. I dropped everything I was holding and rushed into the bathroom. Junior was on the floor. There was blood on the floor. He was attempting to get into the bath himself and he fell, hitting his head on the bath. The trip to the hospital felt longer than ever. Waiting for the doctor’s report in the waiting room felt even longer. He was taken straight into surgery. I prayed to God and asked him to save my boy. I closed my eyes to pray some more. When I opened my eyes, I saw the doctor walk to us.

The funeral was quick and simple. My wife and I wanted it that way. “Jackson, I’m sorry for your loss.” My boss said shaking my hand. I nodded and he left. I had spent days blaming myself and my work for the death of my boy. What was the point of working so much and making so much money if there’s no on to buy that Play Station, toy gun or even perfumes for? What eats me up the most is the fact that my son died thinking his father didn’t love him. I turned to my wife. She was crying. I held her hand and she put her head on my shoulder. She mattered very much to me and I made sure I would let her see that till the day she died.