by Osar Adeyemi
Yemi stood up from the bed and began to pace the room. And yet, Stephen had prayed for his persecutors instead of cursing them. What gave him that strength? she asked herself. It had to be God.
She thought of her in-laws, of Akeem. Could she do the same? It seemed so difficult. The tears flowed down her cheeks, and she wept with all her heart.
"Lord, I choose to forgive," she said brokenly. "I choose to forgive Akeem, Nadia, my mother-in-law, and Adil. I choose to forgive them all, but please help me!"
As she prayed and wept before the Lord, she felt the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit flooding her. It was as if God had wrapped her in a warm embrace, and she gradually stopped crying. She just lay on the floor and allowed the presence of God to bathe her.
Over the next few days, Yemi felt as if a heavy weight had rolled off her heart. She knew something had definitely happened to her that night. She still had the old memories, but she did not have the bitterness or the desire for vengeance that she had held on to for so long. She was able to pray, study the word, and worship again, and she knew within herself that she had won a major victory.
Chapter 23
Yemi bit into a strawberry, relishing the sour and sweet taste as she thought about the styles she had seen at the London fashion week. Purple was the colour of the season, and many of the fashion houses had paraded models wearing the colour.
She was in England for two weeks. She had flown in to attend the fashion show and tied it in with a little holiday. So far, she had been enjoying herself. She planned on going to central London the next day. She would leave the Bluewater shopping until the weekend.
She heard her phone ringing and fished it out of her bag. It was Sara.
"Hi girl, how're you doing?" she sang into the phone when Yemi connected the call. "How is it going over there?"
"Great! The fashion week was so very inspiring!"
"You've got to put that inspiration to good use for me when you get back," Sara replied. "I got so many compliments about the dress you made for me for Fayona's birthday, and I want more of those!"
Yemi had deliberately avoided the party. There would have been too much attention directed at her. They talked some more. Sara wanted Yemi to get shoes and some other little bits for her.
"You know your mother-in-law is in the hospital, right?" Sara asked Yemi towards the end of their conversation. "She had to fly in to the UK for treatment three days ago."
Yemi's default response was to say that she didn't have a mother-in-law, but she pushed the thought away. She was a changed person, and she didn't have enemies.
She bit into another strawberry. "Aleena told me yesterday."
"I learnt it's quite serious. They're even thinking of doing surgery, a quadruple bypass or something like that. Fadel was talking with Akeem about it yesterday."
"Oh, that's a major heart surgery."
"Sounds like it is. Akeem was sounding so frustrated because they couldn't get a flight out of Asia yesterday. That ash cloud stuff."
Yemi had heard about it. Akeem and Adil were in China. She had planned her trip before his and could not cancel, so she had taken Aleena to Ayo's place for the period that she would be away.
"I'm sure everything will clear up soon. Anyway, they have a lot of relatives in England that can look in on her."
Yemi forgot about the conversation until later that evening when she was talking with Tola.
"No doubt she's suffering for all her evil ways," Tola said unsympathetically when Yemi told her about Akeem's mother. "But anyway, she's rich, so she can afford the best medical care possible."
"I've forgiven her though," Yemi said. The words still sounded like a wonder even to her own ears. "I can hardly believe it, but I've truly forgiven her."
Tola made a face. "You're something else these days."
Yemi smiled. She knew Tola was still trying to get her head around her newfound "born againism," as Tola called it.
Yemi watched the news that night. There were still problems with flights in and out of Asia. There had been a volcanic eruption, and it had spread to form an ash cloud. The cloud was considered damaging to the engines of the jets, causing most airlines to pull their flights in and out of that region.
Yemi knew that Akeem would be feeling really bad about not being able to get to his mum. As rocky as their relationship was, he still took her health concerns very seriously. He said his dad had always emphasised that responsibility to him while he was still alive.
She found herself praying for her mother-in-law that evening when she had a bit of time to herself.
Why don't you go and see her in hospital? The thought came to her quietly.
She was already shaking her head before the idea could take root. It was ludicrous. She, Yemi, go see the matriarch of the Kadiri family? That could not happen because, ill or not, Mrs. Kadiri would very likely walk her out of the room.
That would show her that you truly hold nothing against her. The thought came again, quietly and unobtrusively.
But I have forgiven her, Yemi argued. I don't have to go and see her to prove it. She is ill. She will not want me to see her like that.
She shook the thoughts away. This couldn't be God. She had listened the first time, and she had forgiven them, but this was outright ridiculous. Akeem might not be around, but he had people he could ask to look in on his mum for him.
She pushed the thoughts out of her mind, spent the evening playing with Tola's kids, and then watched a late-night movie with Tola and her husband.
The next morning, she woke up early and helped Tola's kids get ready for school.
"What do you have planned for today?" Tobi asked Yemi as he prepared to drop Tola off at the train station. He worked in Kent and drove to work.
"Going to central London for some shopping," Yemi said.
"Wish I could come along," Tola said wistfully, and her husband playfully tweaked her ear.
They left a few minutes later, and Yemi went back upstairs to have her morning devotion. She prayed again for Akeem's mother, asking God to heal her.
What if she died today?
But I'm no longer in enmity with her, Yemi began to argue again, wondering where these troublesome thoughts were coming from. And anyway, she may not even agree to see me. I may have forgiven her, but she still hates me for thwarting the plans she had for her son. She didn't know whom she was actually talking to, God or her conscience, but she was not letting up. She was going to argue this one through.
What have you got to lose by seeing her? Another thought came in quietly, as she ironed her clothes.
Being humiliated? Labelled a hypocrite? That I've possibly come to gloat in her moment of weakness? No, I can't do it. The stakes are too high.
She didn't get any response this time, and she felt like she had made her case. She took her bath and went back downstairs for breakfast. Being away from home had given her a healthier appetite, and she found herself enjoying the buttery scones, bacon, and eggs.
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.
Yemi almost jumped. That particular thought had come like it was from within her, and yet it was as if it was external too. This time around, she didn't argue. She was 90 percent certain that it was God talking to her. She only had her pride to lose, after all, and she loved God enough to do that for Him.
She called Sara to get the details of the hospital where Akeem's mother had been admitted. Sara didn't know it either and had to call Nadia. Yemi had sworn Sara to secrecy, so Nadia had no idea that it was Yemi who was requesting the address. A surprised Mrs. Kadiri would be easier to deal with, and hopefully she would be able to make her escape before she recovered from it.
"You mean you're actually going to see her?" Sara asked again incredulously, after giving Yemi the details.
"Yes, I am," Yemi replied grimly. And heaven help me if God has nothing to do with this. She would have just walked into the lion's den presumptuously.
She thought of dressing up in something classy to boost her confidence. An armour, as she used to call it those days when she had to meet with the Kadiris. She brought out all her new designer gear and looked at them.
"Lord, you're my armour," she said, discarding the idea.
She dressed simply in blue denim pants and a fitted, short-sleeved, blue and red striped, button-down shirt. She slipped on her black loafers and appraised herself in the mirror. All good and simple, she thought to herself as she slung her duffel bag over her shoulder.
∞∞∞
She got off at the tube station closest to the Royal Brompton Hospital, where Mrs. Kadiri was being treated. It was a ten-minute walk, and she had thought that she would walk to steady her nerves. However, upon exiting the station, she changed her mind and took a taxi. She didn't trust herself not to turn tail and run if she had too much time to think.
Several emotions played in quick succession across Mrs. Kadiri's face when she saw Yemi. Initially she looked dazed. Then a frown appeared, and then she looked wary.
"I was wondering which Yemi was here to see me," Mrs. Kadiri said as Yemi came farther into the room. "I'd never have thought it was you."
"Hello, ma'am," Yemi said. She had deliberately left her surname out when filling the visitor's slip. But despite Mrs. Kadiri's somewhat hostile words, her voice did not sound very strong, and the fact that she was ill was apparent. She also looked like she had lost some weight. "I learnt you were in hospital, and I thought to look in on you."
Mrs. Kadiri still looked slightly confused. "I didn't know you were in England," she finally said.
"I came in about a week ago," Yemi replied. She didn't know whether to sit or remain standing.
"You can sit down," Mrs. Kadiri said, as if reading her mind. "Kande just left to get some things for me."
That was good, Yemi thought to herself. Akeem's aunt had never hidden her feelings about her.
"She should be back in a couple of hours," Mrs. Kadiri continued. She closed her eyes briefly as an expression of pain crossed her face.
"Are you okay, Ma?"
She nodded. "That happens intermittently. That's one of the reasons why they want me to do the surgery."
Yemi felt sorry for her. Akeem had told her in the past that his mother dreaded the thought of surgery because she had lost an elder brother through it.
"Have they fixed a date yet?"
"In a couple of days," she replied, looking a little pensive.
"I'm sure everything will be okay," Yemi said. "I learnt Royal Brompton is one of the best for heart conditions."
"That's why I use them," Mrs. Kadiri said, a hint of her old arrogance in her tone. She inhaled deeply. "But I've always hoped I wouldn't ever need surgery." She looked into space as she spoke.
She suddenly looked very frail, a look of anxiety flashing across her face. Yemi could sense her fear. It was so unlike her strong and haughty mother-in-law.
"I'm sure everything will be fine," Yemi said gently.
Mrs. Kadiri didn't look very convinced. She looked towards the television in her room. CNN was on, and they were talking about the ash cloud. Her face fell as she listened to the not-so-cheery news. Airlines were still cautious about flying. Mrs Kadiri heaved a sigh. "I wish my son were here. He has a way of instilling confidence in me…just like his father."
Yemi did not have to ask which son she was referring to. Akeem was her son, the "buy one," and Adil was the "get one free." Unhealthy way for a mother to treat her children, but that was Mrs. Kadiri for you. She liked Akeem's strong character, yet it was that same character she sought so much to control. Yemi forced herself to push the thoughts away. There was no point in dwelling on them anymore.
The silence stretched between them, and she was beginning to think that it was time that she made her exit. She had been there longer than she had thought she would be able to stay, anyway.
"Who's Aleena with? Your parents?" Mrs. Kadiri asked, just as Yemi was about to tell her she would be on her way.
"She's with my elder brother, Ayo. Going to school from there would be easier than if she was on the mainland with my parents."
"She's growing so fast. It seems like it was just yesterday that she was born," Mrs. Kadiri mused.
"She is," Yemi replied, smiling genuinely for the first time. "I can hardly believe it myself."
"Just wait until she gets to be a teenager, and then you will wonder even more." Mrs. Kadiri smiled slightly. "Kids? They grow too fast." She tried to sit up a little and winced, her face contorting with pain.
"Are you okay, Ma?"
"My chest is hurting a lot more now. Maybe the painkiller is wearing off," she replied, breathing in and out slowly as if the effort was hurting her.
"Should I speak to the nurse outside?"
"I'll just press the bell," Mrs. Kadiri said.
Yemi had to wait outside while the nurse administered some new medication. She came back into the room after the nurse left and stayed for another twenty minutes before she finally left.
"When are you going back to Nigeria?" Mrs. Kadiri asked her just before she left.
"This weekend."
"Okay, then," she said. "Akeem should be here before then, hopefully."
"I'm sure he will," Yemi replied. She could sense the fear in Mrs. Kadiri again and prayed inwardly for the success of the surgery.
Yemi gave thanks to God with all her heart on her way back to the tube station. The visit had gone better than she had even dared to hope.
She found herself going back the next day. She felt so much bolder the second time. She didn't think she could ever be afraid or intimidated by Mrs. Kadiri again. By taking the step to visit her, she had also set herself free. She had no enemies—not Mrs. Kadiri nor any member of the Kadiri family.
This time around, Akeem's aunt was there. She didn't appear too surprised to see Yemi. Mrs. Kadiri must have already told her that Yemi had been there the day before. She was acting scared too at the thought of the impending surgery. That obviously was a weightier matter for her to consider than a visit by her nephew's estranged wife. That suited Yemi just fine.
She learnt from them that the surgery had been scheduled for the next day and that Akeem had managed to get a flight and would be in England that evening. Yemi was not planning to return for another visit. She felt she had obeyed God, and she still had things to sort out before her trip back home that weekend.
"Akeem was not aware that you came to see me," Mrs. Kadiri told her during the visit. "He was surprised when I told him over the phone. I thought he asked you to visit."
"No, he didn't," Yemi replied, shaking her head.
Mrs. Kadiri and her sister looked at her a little strangely. Yemi maintained a neutral face as she met their eyes. Maybe Akeem's mum felt that she and Akeem were still seeing each other secretly. She wished she could tell her that her son had categorically told her that he was no longer interested in her. How had he put it that day in her kitchen?
"You no longer hold any appeal for me," he had told her brusquely before leaving her house with Aleena.
They had attended two open days together at Aleena's school since then, but he had been cool and distant to her all through.
∞∞∞
The sky was aglow with the golden rays of the setting sun as Yemi parked her car in front of the church auditorium. She sat for a few minutes and admired the beautiful view before getting out of the car. She had barely taken a few steps when she heard her name. She turned round and saw Sesan getting out of his car a few yards away. They swapped stories on how their day had gone as they walked towards the church auditorium. Just before they got to the entrance, they saw Tanya, the new teacher that had just joined the teens department, which Sesan headed. Yemi smiled and waved at her.
"We are a little early, aren't we?" Tanya asked after they had all exchanged greetings. "But I didn't want to get stuck in traffic, so I left the office early."
"Same th
ing here," Yemi replied. "But well, we can just sit in the auditorium until it's time." She turned towards Tanya. "So how are you finding Nigeria?"
"That question again!" Tanya groaned. "I wonder why people don't recognise my Abeokuta accent," she said, referring to one of the suburban towns around Lagos.
Yemi laughed. The only Nigerian thing about Tanya was maybe her skin tone and even then, she was very fair complexioned.
"You can't even pronounce 'Abeokuta' the right way," Yemi teased.
"Or maybe Abeokuta is a borough in England," Sesan added.
"It's part of Essex! But all right, I give up. I came into the country about four months ago. I was recruited from England for a telecoms company."
"Hmm…cool, so how is the job going?" Yemi asked.
"It's been an amazing experience, and I'm loving it so far!" she said enthusiastically.
"Where do you actually work?" Sesan asked.
"Ka-Tell," Tanya replied. "It's a telecommunications company and part of the Kadiri holdings group."
There was an awkward silence that lasted for a moment.
"Interesting…" Sesan finally said, shooting Yemi a quick glance.
"Glad you're enjoying yourself," Yemi said, ignoring Sesan. What did he expect her to do, give Tanya her autobiography on the spot?
"I sure am," Tanya replied. "I had my reservations before I came in, but that's all disappeared now." She began to tell them some more about Ka-Tell and the expansion going on in their networks. Yemi saw Sesan almost begin to squirm with discomfort when Tanya started describing her brilliant CEO. She knew he was expecting her to say something about her connection to Ka-Tell, but the words wouldn't come.
"So sorry, Tanya, but please excuse me for a moment," Yemi said, cutting in and turning to Sesan. "Since we are a bit early, Shez, why don't you take a look at my satnav? Remember I said it was slow in picking up signals?"
Sesan shot her a hard stare before he turned to Tanya. "Well, I guess we'll see you later."
