"Where is Femi? What happened? Who did this to you?" These and
many more were the questions Layo's mum asked her as she entered into the ward.
"Ma, please take it easy, she is not strong enough to talk yet. Her
husband told us she was involved in a motorcycle accident. But she'll be
fine." Replied the nurse while adjusting the IV.
"HA! okada ke? She was never comfortable with bikes, even when she was
in Abeokuta, how come she got involved with them here in Lagos?
What happened
to her car? Or was she in her car when all these happened? Her mum said while
looking frantically at her sleeping daughter's body.
"She will explain better to you when she wakes up ma, right now, let's
not disturb her sleep. She needs all the rest she can get."
"OK ooo. I'll just sit here and watch her. Thank you nurse."
"Did I just hear motorcycle accident? When? How? Femi has killed me. So
he lied that I had a motorcycle accident? I'd better keep pretending to be
sleeping so I don't have to answer all these questions."
These thoughts kept going through Layo's mind as she feigned sleep.
She is confused as to whether to tell her mum the truth or just go with the
flow.
What if Femi repeats this dastardly act?
For how long can or would she continue to hide his abuse?
Hmmmm.
_____________________________________
"Something doesn't seem right about this story, Layo and motorcycles
are two parallel lines that never meet.
In fact, while we were in school, Layo
would rather trek 5km than board a motorcycle. Why now? Now that she even has
her own car?"
Sade was perplexed. She was beyond confused.
"Mummy, have you seen Femi since you arrived? What did he say about
this whole thing? Isn't he supposed to be here?"
"My daughter, I'm as confused as you are. I'm yet to see him; talk of
the devil."
"Ekasan ma, you got here so fast, I had to get somethings hence my
absence since you arrived. " Femi prostrate in greeting Layo's Mum.
"How are you my son? How did this happen? I left Abeokuta as soon as
you called."
"Sade, hi, how did you know? Didn't know you were here as well, thanks
for coming."
"Hmm. Hello Femi."
"Sade, Mummy, I think we should go to the reception so we don't disturb
her. We can talk better there. "
All three of them leave the ward and go to the hospital reception.
"I think I left my phone in the ward, excuse me ladies while I go get
it."
_____________________________________
"Layo, open your eyes, I know you are awake. Open your eyes and ears.
Do not try to tell your Mum and nosy friend that I beat you. If you do so, I
will make you miserable.
I will tell them you've been sleeping around, got
pregnant for another man and when I knew, I lost my patience.
I will tell them
you hurt me especially when you aborted the pregnancy.
They might get angry
that I hurt you but they'll never look at you the same way. They will be so
disappointed in you. Do you understand?"
Layo could not utter a single word. Tears flowed freely like springs of
water. She could not even cry. But the tears won't stop coming.
Of a truth, she is in trouble!
Big trouble!
"What happened, why is she shedding tears? What did you do to
her?" Sade came in asking as she had a feeling Femi was up to no good.
"I think she's just in pains. I didn't touch her. What could I have
done to her? I'll get the doctor to give her something for the pain." He
stormed out of the ward.
"Layo, talk to me, please, what's happening? Who did this to you? Did
Femi hit you again? If you don't talk to me, I'll tell your Mum about the first
time he hit you."
"Sade please, He didn't do this. Don't tell my mum. I'm too weak to
talk. But he didn't do this. It was really an accident."
______________________________________
Layo has been discharged from the hospital. Sade suggests she spends a few
days in her house before she goes to her place. Seeing that Femi could care
less what becomes of her.
Ever since Layo's mum left for Abeokuta, He stopped visiting her in the
hospital. He neither called nor picked up her calls. He didn't care what became
of her.
Sade was with her all through the ordeal and now more than ever, she is more
convinced that Femi was responsible for her injuries.
"I'll be fine, you can go back to work. Thanks for everything. Just
drop my bag by the door and go. Thanks for everything. You're the best."
"I could stay and get you settled in, I don't mind."
"Don't worry, I'll be fine. Thanks again."
"Alright, just call me if you need anything. Bye."
All Layo wanted was a few hours of quiet before Femi comes home. She needs
to put her head in the right place. She needs to map out her plan. She needs to
act fast.
She opens the door with her keys and step in. What greets her is beyond
shock!
It is the mother of all shocks!
All rights reserved
Written By Tolulope Fakayode-Faniran
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