ABUSED
Episode 27
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It’s been three weeks since Ella opened her eyes which brought happiness to us all but our hearts were sad when we learned that she won’t be able to walk again. It was a bitter pill to swallow for everyone; but she smiled through it all. She complained of pains all over to which the doctors prescribed different drugs to help ease her pains.
It was a tough path for Ella but I was determined to make her life her at all times. I fed, cleaned her up and helped her around.
Maxwell’s leave was off; I finally got to meet with his sister, Adaora, she is pretty and conservative.
She kept asking questions to know me and seemed not too please with me but I cared less. Maxwell helped me feel at ease all the time.
I had lunch with his family one time, they all seem free with me except for Adaora. She speaks in Igbo sometimes probably asking more about me.
Maxwell assured me all was well. Though I think she is uncomfortable with me because I am not from their tribe. His parents and elder brother made me feel comfortable but she had her reservation about me.
Our relationship is waxing strong everyday and everyone can tell it’s leading somewhere as he never ceases to acknowledge me in front of his friends and church members.
I joined the choir and disciple class to learn and grow in faith. Though cumbersome due to Ella’s condition but I still find time to go since her siblings were still around.
After spending over two months in the hospital I made arrangements for a home nurse to look after her. I hired a house help to help us around since her siblings would return to school.
Ella’s wishes all her siblings to be overseas; with two already in Canada, it was easy for Oliver to join them.
It wasn’t easy for Ella to adjust to her new life but I encouraged her, we went for physiotherapy to see if she had chances to walked again but it was draining and torturous to her I could tell.
I prayed with her, encouraged her and try as much as I could to make her happy. She was getting depressed each day. It wasn’t easy.
One time I drove her to church as we were having a mid week service. It was as if Maxwell’s dad saw through her pains, as his homily centered on ” Hope in every circumstances”. It was impactful I could tell as Ella was becoming her playful self again.
Maxwell parents prayed for her when I wheeled her to greet them; I introduced her as my sister. Adaora felt for her and encouraged her as well.
We were still talking when Bisi walked up to me, she greeted us and told me she wanted to tell me something. I left Ella with Maxwell as I took an excuse to know what’s Bisi had to say.
She lodged a complain our goods being delayed, increase in prices and other business related stuff. I assured her I would see to it.
I got back to get Ella who was laughing at Maxwell, and Adaora looking at me as if suspecting something. Maxwell wheeled Ella to the car as both kept laughing at each other jokes.
We left home with Ella being in a jolly mood, the ride home was joyous as Ella kept telling how happy she feels to be in the Lord’s house after all these years☺️.
” Ruth”
” Yes dear”
” It’s been ages but I felt at home. Your in-laws are nice o😍”
” In-laws? ” I was puzzled
” Hmmm. You don’t know! The way Maxwell looks at you and treat you like an egg you think it’s for nothing”
” Ella!!”
” Ruth!! Don’t you like him”
I chuckled
” You are even blushing. Love o😅”
” Yes I like him. He is so nice and makes me feel at peace”
” Ewo. Love nwatiti”
” You know while you were unconscious, he was there. He prayed for you and led to Christ”.
” Sister Ruth Hallelujah”
” And you?”
” Lost souls on the wheelchair”
” No. He gave you another chance, the driver didn’t survive”
She felt said when I talked about the driver
” I thank God for this chance”
” Yes”
” But I am unhappy Ruth. I am stuck to this wheel for life and I feel pain all over my body. The drugs don’t help much😩”
” We go overseas for more treatment”
” No. you know how much I despise being in the hospital”
” So?’
” I will manage probably this for life”
” I don’t want you to manage when the money is there”
” It’s not about the money”.
” Ok”
I could see she is getting moody again so I had to digress to get happy
” I love him😋🙈”
She laughed
” Ruth just said she loves him. so sweet of you. You both look great🥰”
” I know. I am just scared”
” About what?”
” His family. I don’t know if they will fully accept me if they get to know about my past”
” Ruth! They like you”
” I think Adaora…”
‘ Abeg. No be everybody go like you for this life. Leave her matter jare besides she is married. she will soon go back. She came for three months study here…. ehn so she will soon leave”
” He wants me to reach out to my mother’
” No be small thing o. You told him everything”
” Yes. I don’t want surprises”
” He truly loves you Ruth. Don’t loose him out of fear”
” I don’t want to reach out”
” But Ruth after all these years and with a man such as Maxwell, God brought him your way as a means of reaching out to you. I think it’s time you reconcile with your past and set your self free from this emotional wound”
Ella is right, I truly feel horrible inside after all these years. I have lived like an orphan in pretense to make my heart forget everything but I still feel hurt knowing I don’t have a family.
What if she still detest me and abuse me if I reach out. I truly don’t feel this is a good idea.
We finally got home, the house help ran out as soon as our car came to halt. He got the wheelchair from the boot while I helped Ella out of the chair.
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Today I plan to go check out our business, spend time and tie every loose ends. I made sure Ella had her meal, drugs and bathe her before leaving. The nurse has really been helpful, she keeps Ella company most times when I am out.
I first went to our jewelry store which Ella and I co-owned; things were going on well. Then I proceed to the boutique, things were a bit messy, costumers were laying complains about not receiving their orders on time and Bisi was having a difficult time handling them. I had to sort things out, re – check orders and settle everyone.
I called all my staff, thanked them for keeping the business well giving them gift to show my appreciation.
I left for my fashion house, they were all busy with work. Having skillful workers is a blessing, I joined them adding one or two to the almost finished work.
It’s truly been a busy day, I missed severally calls mostly from Maxwell retiring to my office I called back. Hearing from him brightens my day.
” Hello”
” Hello”
” Guess you had a busy day”
” Yes dear”
” where are you?”
” I’m at still at work. my fashion house”
” I shall be there in twenty minutes. Need something?”
” Yes. Rice and plantain please😋”
‘ ok”
” Bye”
” Bye”
I returned other call I missed mostly business related. I also called Ella to check on her and asked her if I should get anything for her which she declined.
Maxwell soon came in while I was still talking with her. I ended the call facing a smiling Maxwell
” How was work today” I asked
” Hectic”
” typical of doctors”
He placed the food in front of me, a plate with two spoons
” why two spoons?”.
” Because I am hungry”
” One plate?”
” You eat one, I eat one”
” Doctor Maxwell”
” Miss Ruth”
We laughed , I opened the food, he prayed and funny enough we both ate alternatively. I enjoyed very bit of it.
I cleared the table said my thanks
” How is Ella”
” She is good”
“Any plans for tomorrow”
” Hmmm not really”
” Ok. I will be off duty tomorrow so do you mind I take the whole of your day… with Ella too.’
” Any celebration?’
” Hmmm. I don’t want to share till tomorrow”
” Max…. what are you planning this time”
” To sell you both”
I laughed Maxwell is so hilarious and can turn a gloomy face bright.
” Ok. As long as you are selling us both I am ok”
” Don’t worry, I follow you home to negotiate with Ella”
” Better”
I spoke to the manager before leaving with Maxwell. We both drove to my house.
We met Ella watching television, she welcomed us with a smile
” Doc”
” Ella, how are you’
” I’m fine just battling with the pains though it’s subsiding ”
” You will be fine”
‘ I can see that you both had a nice time’
” sure we did! though I came to see you and inform you that I want to sell your friend”
” You are free😁”
” Hah. Judas Iscariot” I yelled
We all laughed
‘ Tomorrow I would love to take both of you out’
” wow. are you proposing?”
Maxwell smiled, I was left slightly embarrassed Ella
‘ Well, I don’t know if she loves me” he said feigning sadness.
” She does jare! Don’t mind her”
I couldn’t say anything and worse off I couldn’t maintain eye contact with him. I feel shy all of a sudden
” Really! Do you Ruth?” he asked with a tone of seriousness this time
” Hmmm. I need to relieve my self” I finally found my voice as I ran through the stairs like a teenager who just saw her crush.
I do love him but I am scared of what his family would think of me especially Adaora who has been keeping an eye on me.
I was panting when I reached my room, Ella made me feel uncomfortable. He has professed his love for me severally but I can’t just find my voice to tell me I feel the same way too.
I changed swiftly into something more comfortable. I wasn’t feeling pressed I just wanted to leave I couldn’t face him.
I walked down the stairs quietly
” There you are dear”
” I was about leaving”
” Some people dey sleep for toilet o”. Ella said sarcastically
I gave her a nasty look and she laughed loudly
” So? Are you going to see me off or not”
” She has no choice”
I felt shy to speak I just nodded and led they way.
We walked silently to his car
” Ruth” he called out softly as we got to his car
” Yes”
” Do you love me? ”
How earth won’t I love you? I couldn’t even find my voice to say a word first, I am undeserving of him😩
To be continued..
