Routine Love 35 (Season Finale)

She didn’t even make to cover herself up or duck or whatever and that’s when I realize this was what she wanted. She wanted to rub it in my face that she and Tom Stiles are now an item. As much as I want to tear across the room and tear into her, I won’t. I won’t because I don’t want to give her the joy of any emotions from me. She obviously wants to hurt me for some not so fathomable reason. I cinch my baby carrier tightly and turn away. I’m a few steps away from the door before I realize Ronke is not beside me. It would give me so much joy if she is beating Tito into a pulp. Tito? Of all people. I must say I never saw this coming. Soon, I hear a loud voice. No, two. It’s Ronke’s and Akintomide’s. I don’t want to be part of that conversation. I’m sorry but Akintomide’s firewood is long burnt out. It’s just ashes left. Then, I hear my baby cry and remember Ronke is with the second twin. The moment it occurs to me that I have to go get my baby is when the siblings come out the door. For several seconds, Akintomide and I just stare at each other. I hope I’m trying hard and successfully enough to show him that I am doing well without him. My gaze remain unwavering but his flickers and soon he is smiling tenderly at me. I don’t need this bullshit.

I walk to Ronke, collect my second baby from her astonished fingers and glide away. I’m so proud of myself.

The two of them deserve each other.

“Tife! Tife, Wait!”

I hear his voice and hurried steps behind me but I don’t comply.

He is running now and I don’t know why he hasn’t caught up with me. Then, I look down and I realize I’m running too. 

You’re carrying two babies! 

My head screams but I can’t stop myself from running. I want to get as far away from him as possible.

Then, I feel an arm pull me to a stop.

“Do you want to kill yourself?..!!” He shouts as he turns me to face him. I’m only glad none of my babies can see his face right now. “What is wrong with you? You almost gave me a heart attack.” He says and I start to laugh.

For all the major heart attacks you gave me…

“Listen, you can’t just run away like that. At least, give me a chance to redeem myself. I love you…”

“Well, I don’t.” I say with all my heart and at that point, I realize we’re in the middle of the road and Ronke is just rounding the corner.

“You don’t mean that.” He says, holding me tightly. “I’m here to stay, Tife.”

My heart starts to beat fast- stupid heart- and I try to get busy to dispel the warmth seeping through my body. I adjust Tolulope who is slung over my shoulder and he gasps.

He looks at me and looks back at the baby. “Oh my God. Can you ever forgive me?” He says, taking a step back in what looks like shame and guilt.

Just then, a truck rams into him.

It may take hours for a child to be born or months for a relationship to be begin but it takes just a second for it to be gone.

A split second.

Everything you’ve built gone in a moment.

“No!” I scream even though I don’t recognize the voice wretched out of my soul.

I watch as he hit the ground and everything shows like a movie from there.

*****

When the doctor announced him BID, I didn’t believe it or rather, didn’t want to.

I mean, there were times I wished him dead in my head but never in my wildest imagination…

Akintomide is dead? 

It has been few weeks now and it still feels like a dream. I actually stil have dreams of before his death and those feel more real than this life I’m living.

When I went to see his parents, I could see the look they were trying so hard to hide.

The hatred buried in their heart for me. The accusation.

I don’t know what would have happened if Ronke was not there to witness the whole thing or if my children didn’t look like their son.

I can’t even watch TV again as his obituary is everywhere and people are erecting bonfires in his name.

I blame Tito for all these and I hope she gets her own very soon.

Friends.

My phone rings and I pick it.

“Tife”

I say.

“Feyisara?”

An uncertain voice asks.

The End.

!(~~)asketball

I guess this is why this episode has not been hungrying me to write for months.