DAY 12 (LOLA'S 12 DAYS OF XMAS) THE END

Morning

I think I'm beginning to love Christmas. I'm loving the feel of being pregnant, I'm sort of happy with the fact that Jeff is here lying beside me in a deep sleep. Somehow, I'm loving the feel of being engaged not just to some random man but to Jeff Oku. He totally fits the picture. Okay; not the successful picture now but, he is my perfect match. He knows me completely and no matter how many times I've pushed him away or been cruel to him, he still comes back loving me harder than before. I remember once I quarreled with him for no reason as usual. That day, I asked him to leave my house at about 2 am in the morning. He left and showed up the next day at my office after work hours, asked my driver to take my car home and waited until I finally agreed to go with him. He had taken me home, prepared me dinner and we had moved on like nothing happened.

Several times, I have tried to make our relationship all about sex so there won't be any strings attached but Jeff had managed to escape that. He always knew how to fill up every moment with something. I thought I would never have any need for him but now, as I look down at his face sleeping peacefully, my hand moved up to my stomach and I'm filled with overwhelming joy cos I know now that this is right. My being pregnant is the best thing to have happened to me at this point in my life and what's more special about it is the man with whom I'll be raising this big bundle of joy that God has blessed me with.

Jeff will be the best Dad ever. If he can tolerate my excesses and accept me for who I am no matter how horrible I've been to him, then he can nurture our child to be as kind, loving, caring, thoughtful and gorgeous as he is. How lucky can one get? No, I'm blessed. There's my family; Mom, Tinu, Darey, my aunts and relatives, all of whom are great people. They're extra but, they are amazing. I am so blessed.

I still haven't told Jeff of the pregnancy yet so as I watched him turn on the bed with his arm searching for me, I took it and placed it on my stomach. He slowly opened his eyes and when he saw me, he smiled. I laughed and said,

"Hey... searching for something?"
"Hmm, you of course" he replied as he kissed my hand on his
"I love you Jeff Oku" I said

I felt him stiffen in shock but he relaxed almost immediately. I understood the reason and smiled. You see, for the five years I have known Jeff, I have never used that phrase except now. He sat up and brought his face close to mine.

"Say it again... please..."
"I love you Jeff" I whispered

He sighed heavily with relief and drew me into a warm hug.

"I love you more" he said
"I know and that's scary. Why do you love me so much Jeff? I mean, you can have any woman you want yet, you choose to remain with a hard nut like me." I asked

Jeff leaned back. He looked away and the next things I heard made me weak. 

"Lola, I was once like you. I was really mean to girls. I knew I had the looks, the wealth and all so I really used it to the detriment of the ladies that wanted my affection. I had fun doing it. Then I met you, I was stoned the moment I saw you and was bent on having you at all cost. But I never knew I was in for a bumpy ride. All of your meanness only made me love you more. You weren't like the other ones; you were strong with a mind of your own, you were successful, never needy, and you took what you wanted when you wanted it.

All you did to me was exactly what I was doing to those other women in my life. At some point, I realized I couldn't let you go, no matter what cos no matter how bad we fight, I still saw in you the woman I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. It was like you had bewitched me to punish me for my crimes and I was ready to take it all so long as you were mine. So you see, I've got a story too"

I felt guilty all at once "Jeff, I'm so sorry. I never meant to hurt you. I had trust issues and I wasn't ready to let anyone in so I built my defenses high enough to ward off any ounce of affection. I'm so sorry. One day, you'll know my story too"

He took my face in his and said seriously, "Listen Lolly, everyone has a story to tell and I don't care how bad yours is, all I care about is you. The you I see now is enough for me. I don't need any more conviction"

With that, I knew I had to tell him about the pregnancy. I took his hand again and placed it on my stomach without leaving his eyes. I circled the little bump down there with his hand continuously while he looked at me with a confused expression. Then realization dawned on him and he laughed.

"This is unbelievable!"
I laughed too as I nodded in affirmation "It is so real Jeff! I'm almost three months gone"
"And I've been wondering what's come over you ! I should impregnate you every two years so you'll be this mushy all the time"

That cracked me up and I hit his head playfully,

"You're so silly Jeff"
"I know!" he exclaimed still surprised. "Thank you Lola. You've made my wish come true. I promise you, we'll be so happy" he said and lay his face on my stomach as if in supplication then he asked,

"Can I touch you though? I've never made love to a pregnant woman before. I'll love to try now"

I giggled and pulled off my nightie. I had nothing underneath and that made things easier but slow, sweet and passionate.

....................

Evening

We were back from church and the moment we all got out of our cars, Mom made the big announcements to my aunts and the shouts of joy was so loud that it got the attention of nearby neighbors including Mama Ireti. Yes about her, she has been MIA. Her children came to visit so she had been fully booked with no time for her regular dose of gossip but tonight, we all gathered outside the compound for the fireworks that the estate usually organized. As the fire crackers went up the skies letting out powerful explosions, we all screamed "Happy New Year". We hugged and kissed and congratulated each other for seeing a new year alive, well and together in love.

......................

It hasn't been a terrible 12 days has it? Though, it had started on the wrong foot but it has ended in blessings, more love and peace most importantly. I'm definitely looking forward to another 12 days of Xmas with my family; both old and new of course. Till then, Happy New Year to you as well.

BURNT (EPISODE 21) THE END

Tunji carried Mila to another room. It was equally as furnished and sophisticated as the other one she was familiar with. He laid her gently on the huge bed and left for the bathroom to run a warm bath then he left for the kitchen downstairs. When he returned, he had with him a bowl of ice and a small towel. He turned on the bedside lamp and knelt in front of her as she lay on her back. Then he carefully wrapped some of the ice in the towel before using it to massage her neck.

Mila winced when she felt the freezing touch of the ice on the bruises around her neck. Lily's fingers had done a good number on her and her face hurt as well from the well aimed punch she had received during their tussle. She was able to bear it because Tunji kept whispering to her words that worked faster than the effect of the ice and towel. When she held on to his hand out of pain, he stopped and dropped the bowl on the bedside table and then removed his shoes before joining her on the bed.

He hugged her, short of words to express his shock at what had happened that evening. He still couldn't believe that Lily had pulled such a stunt. He knew she was a wild one but he couldn't believe that such violence she displayed that evening had always laid low beneath that cool exterior and air of sophistication she always had on. He shut his eyes tight and whispered to Mila,

"Babe, if anything had happened to you, I never would have forgiven myself. I'm so sorry Sunshine. How badly did she hurt you?"

Mila whimpered and raised her hand to indicate that it hurt terribly. It felt numb cos Lily had exerted so much pressure and force while they struggled with each other. So Tunji stood up and said,

"Come. I've run you a hot bath. Let's get you cleaned up and then, we'll do something about the aches. Okay?"

Mila nodded and he carried her in his arms to the bathroom. There, he removed her under wear and led her into the bathtub. He didn't join her inside; instead, he took another small towel, lathered it and used it to wash her in a circular motion. He didn't scrub, just a little rub here and there then he left her to soak in the warm water that smelt of aromatic ointments to soothe the mind. Mila closed her eyes in gratitude as she allowed the scent to ride her senses. When she opened her eyes, she saw Tunji smiling down at her, she smiled back and he bent down to kiss her on her fore head.

"I love you Mila. You've got no idea" he said

Mila didn't reply. Her entire being could attest to the fact that she was head over heels in love with this man. He kept showing her in so many ways how much he loved her and the extent to which he would go to secure and keep her affections for him. That, she couldn't and wouldn't take for granted. It was rare to meet a young, successful, wealthy, and powerful man like Tunji who loved hard . It baffled her and it excited her. She had never felt this way with anyone before and she was glad that her love was finally requited.

Tunji led her back to the bed and gently massaged her with the same aromatic ointment he had added to her bath. He gave so much attention to the task that whenever he heard her wince in pain, he would stop and whisper sweet nothings to her. This touched Mila so much that she allowed the tears that had been threatening to escape her eyes flow. Then she sat up, prompting Tunji to stop. He was a bit surprised and asked,

"What's wrong Sunshine? Did I hurt you?"

"No. I'm just scared"

"Babe, I understand. You're safe with me now. Lily's gone. I promise, no one will ever hurt you again"

"That's not why I'm scared T. It's more than that"

"Then tell me. What is it?"

"I just don't understand. Why do you love me?"

Tunji sighed and said after a moment "I've asked myself that same question over and over again Mila but I can't seem to place my finger on the reason. But one thing I know for sure is that, you complete me Mila"

That took Mila unawares. She knew he loved her but not to that extent. That was too deep for her to comprehend so she asked "How?"

Tunji knelt in front of her and said "Look at me Mila. Anyone would look at me and see an accomplished young man who's got it all but I know where there's a vacuum in my life and you filled it up the moment you walked up to me at Zenbah that fateful day. Ever since, I promised myself I wasn't ever letting you go"

Mila was overwhelmed with so much emotions she couldn't describe. She held her head in her hands and said quitely,

"Oh Tunji! You've got no idea what I've been through this before in the hands of men. The most horrible experience happened a year before I met you and I've been treading carefully with men ever since. I got burnt and stung by my love. I don't want that to happen again. That's why I'm scared"

"Shhh" Tunji said and raised her face to look at him gently "Look at me Mila, look at me" he said

Mila looked at him and he held her face in place so she could meet his deep piercing gaze.

He said "I'm not going anywhere Mila. I'm not. I'm here now, I'll be with you whenever and wherever you need me. It's us now. Just us always. Do you understand that?"

Mila stared deeply into his eyes as if searching for the truth or any inclination at all if her was lying but he had his soul in his eyes and all she could see was a man who was ready to ride or die with her. She nodded as she said "Yes, yes, I believe you"

He leaned in to her and kisses her softly. He withdrew and added, "You won't ever get burnt with me Mila. I promise. Okay?..."

Mila nodded. She felt tipsy, tipsy with every emotion that could describe her joy and love for Tunji Jacobs. She loved him. Yes she did and he loved her more. That was all that mattered. Nothing else matters. As he drew her into a tight hug, she laughed out loud as she imagined Simi''s reaction when she gave her the full gist. She mouthed a "Thank you Simi" as she thanked her stars as well for the boldness to walk up to this man that fateful day. She had always been one that quoted Sefi Atta's "Everything Good Will Come" to herself when things turned sour with her. Now, her "Everything Good" has come in a cocktail style. She had an amazing family that supported her, a great job that has helped her grow in so many capacities and the best man ever.  Her everything good has come. She laughed happily as Tunji kissed her loudly on the cheek and all over her face playfully.

.........................

The photo album still laid opened on the floor in the living room.  The whole place still had traces of the scuffle that had happened. The cleaner will come in the morning to clean up. And everything would go back to normal.