Verdict Episode 125

She called Chidinma by video and said I had a horrible day at work today, Chidinma said you look like it. I also said goodbye to my father today and she broke down in tears.

She said I refused to be at his funeral because I felt attending it will amount to acknowledging he had died and I wasn’t ready to accept. I never even watched the video but I did that today and I was torn to shreds.

I’m in so much pain. I spoke to my mum and my brother today to get their perspectives but I feel so pained.

Chidinma said its okay, you are doing great. I think you should try to get some sleep; you’ve taken up a little too much today. Ij sobbed and said I don’t think I can sleep tonight. Chidinma said please try.

Ij said you know I don’t know if I’m just imagining but all these years I feel like I see my dad but he says nothing to me. I saw him today when I was sobbing at work.

 Chidinma said you never really accepted that he is gone so he still exists in your subconscious. So he keeps appearing to you in your mind at the times you feel you need him most.  Like if he was alive he could come to your rescue at that time.

Ij was so surprised to see Chika and Chuks. She stood up and hugged them both when she saw them and said my father is gone, I don’t have a father anymore.

Now I understand better why you’ve found it so difficult to let him go. You still see him and felt like if you let go you won’t see him anymore.

But Ijeoma as difficult as it is no one can ever take your father’s place and you can say good bye to him and still keep him alive.

By doing things he’ll approve of, by keeping his legacy alive. You can name a cause after him or a foundation or register a business with his name just anything that will keep his name alive.

You’ve really done great today by taking the first step. The days ahead will be difficult because though he died ten years ago you just acknowledged he died today.

So for you your grief starts today until you heal. You will be okay but please always reach out don’t do this alone.

You’ve got a loving family and great friends so please talk to people and you will feel better. Ij said I’ll try, thank you. Chidinma said good night and remember I’m one call away.

Ij hung up and called Chika and said I said good bye to my dad today I’m in pain. Chika said will you like me to come over? Ij said I’ll love that but I know you can’t but I just wanted you to know.

Chika said accept my heartfelt condolences. I don’t know how you feel so I can say it’ll be alright but I hope you find the strength to get through this difficult moment.

Chika hung up and got out of bed with so much difficulty and went to meet Chukwuka and said I need to go see Ij. Chuks said is she okay?  Chika said no she said good bye to her father today.

She’s not okay. Chuks said are you serious? Chika said she just called me sobbing. Chuks said but are you sure you can go see her? Chika said forget the fact that you are so caring and doing everything for me.

There are still more miserable pregnant women who no one cares for who have to do things for themselves so please can you drive me to see her she needs us.

Ij was so surprised to see Chika and Chuks. She stood up and hugged them both when she saw them and said my father is gone, I don’t have a father anymore.

Chuks said it’s okay, you will be fine and your Dad lives on. Chikezie was so emotional just looking at her. Chika went to meet him and introduced herself and said I believe we’ve not met before; you must be her brother she speaks so fondly about.

My name is Chikadibia Chinaza and we work together. Kezie said I’ve heard so much about you my name Chikezie Umezuruike I’m pleased to meet you.

I’ve met your husband before. I’ll like to thank you for all you’ve done for my sister. Chika said so how are you holding up? With all that’s been going on?

 Chikezie wiped a tear from his eyes and said I’m trying to be strong. But today’s incidents have been intense. I feared for this day because I knew she had been pretending, refusing to come to terms with the truth.

I hope things look up from now onwards because it’s been like a shadow over our heads. Chika said I can imagine. You must have gone through a lot but you came out strong.

Chika said if you don’t mind can you take a few of your belongings and come stay with us, I think your sister needs some company and familiar faces.

Kezie said I think I’ll like that but will she agree!? Chika said she doesn’t really have a choice. We’ll take her with us because she can’t stay here alone. You are hurt and emotional too no matter how you put up a brave face so I can’t leave you with her.

Chuks consoled Ij and said please pack a few things let’s go stay in our home until you feel better. We can’t leave you here alone.

They arrived Chuks and Chika’s home and Chuks called Gozie and said Ij needs a few days off, she said good bye to her father today and she’s broken.

Gozie said so that’s why she was crying today at work. Well it’s okay she can take a few days off. I feel bad that I can’t be there for her. Chuks said well you can be. She may have blocked you but you can still use another phone number.

Look she needs you now. She needs all the love she can get and you had her say she took interest in you because she felt you could fill the void of her father.

So just send her a few words of comfort and satisfy your conscience. Gozie said okay, thanks for the heads up. Please let her take a few days off and get better. Chuks said thank you so much.

Gozie said please beg your wife for me. She’s really mad at me because of Ij. I know I let her down but please plead with her to forgive me.

Chuks said she’s irritated at so many things now. She hisses a lot when I even try to touch her, so I guess it’s compounded by the pregnancy. Gozie said yes I’m sorry I’ve not congratulated you on becoming a father to be.

Forgive me I’ve running from pillar to post. Chuks said its okay. Chika will come around like this present situation will good night. Gozie sent Ij a text message with a number she didn’t recognize and included his name at the end.

Ij barely slept at night. By morning she had a throbbing headache. Chika told her she had the week off to get herself together. She told her to call her if she needed her. Then she told Chikezie to ensure she didn’t leave the house and not let her out of his sight and call her if the need arose.

As Chika’s pregnancy progressed she became more irritated even with Chuks. If Chuks even came close to her at night while at sleep she’ll hiss and become irritated.

Chuks learnt to grab a pillow and sleep on the floor where he couldn’t touch her by mistake. He didn’t want to leave her alone in case she needed him. Sometimes she’ll even his when she touches a pillow.

Chuks continued to ask God for the grace to cope and not lose his mind. Ij felt a little better and returned to her apartment by the weekend. For the rest of the week Chidinma had to meet her in person as she wasn’t going to work to help her make sense of her feelings.

She spoke to Chikezie too because of the fallout from Ij’s own feelings. He was putting up a brave face but deep down he was hurting. They returned on a Sunday evening and Chikezie said why did we have to leave that house it was too soon.

Imagine been served three meals and you didn’t have to cook it, now I’ll start cooking and doing dishes. Ij said please go back there, who asked you to leave? Kezie said sis how do you feel? Ij said good but I could be better. Kezie said how that gladdens my heart.

Then he said therapy really did help me put everything in perspective and that lady is good too and cute. Ij said Chikezie respect yourself. Kezie said what? I can’t admire someone again. I know I’m just 21 but I’ve got good taste you know.

Ij said I see good luck. I need to get my act together for work tomorrow. You can keep dreaming. Kezie said you see your sense of humor is returning.

Ij said I received a text from Gozie on another line but I didn’t respond. Kezie said sis why now? Ij said it was the day we left with Chuks and Chika. I wasn’t in the frame of mind to respond. I guess he was informed I was there.

Any way this house needs cleaning. Kezie said sis are you serious? Why can we hire help? Ij said we can but you’ll pay.

Kezie said that’s not fair now, I think I’ll apply for a job with Chuks and Chika. Ij said you can but we’ll clean the house today before you apply.

By morning Ij was leaving for work and met Kelvin. Kelvin was so surprised to see her too and said you live here? I just moved within the week. Ij was still astonished when Chikezie came out and said guy you moved in already?

Ij said you know him? Kezie said yes that’s the new neighbor was excited about. Kelvin said to Kezie you know her? Kezie said she’s my elder sister.

Kelvin said wow small world. I met her at the bank a few weeks ago and she was so ruthless with a straight face.

Imagine my surprise seeing her here this morning. Kezie said very nice story but please bros please tell me you are home today?

Kelvin said I’m sorry bros I’m heading out to work soon. Kezie said why now I’m bored. Ij said good bye both of you. I’ll be late for work.

As she was leaving Kelvin please if you don’t mind when you get back from work can we talk? Ij turned and said oh okay but you mind giving me an idea of what this is all about?

Kelvin said I’m sorry I can’t but I assure you it’s not what you think. I’m sorry I’ll have to keep you in suspense till then. Chikezie cleared his throat and Ij said I guess I’ll see you both later. Have a great day…