MORE THAN A CARVING CHAPTER 23

MORE THAN A CARVING
CHAPTER 23
Weeks turned to months, Covid 19 has now reduced to the minimum, in fact, and there are days when the National Center for Disease Control had no cases. People were still advised to put on their nose masks; few still adhere to these instructions while many don’t. As for Imisi, he was still unconscious, Iwalade was still in the hospital with him, she never stepped foot out of the hospital ever since the day they rushed Imisi to the hospital. She has started her antenatal in the same hospital; she also visits the doctors whenever she has appointments. Iwalade’s family members have been very supportive including her older sister, Funke who lives in Ghana. Temidun, her friend relocated after the wedding, so she knew nothing about what was going on. Whenever she called, Iwalade pretended as if all is well, the same goes for all the people she knows, the only people who knew about what was going on in her life was her close relatives. As for the church she attends, she was new in the church; she was even planning to join the workforce of the church before she entered into the predicament she found herself. She started worshipping in the church when she moved to her new house, so the members did not really know her, although the Pastor noticed her absence reason been that the few times that she spent in that church, she has really helped financially because the Church was embarking on a project as at that time. Mrs. Williams and Iwalade are still not in good terms despite that the two are always together in Imisi’s hospital room. Iwalade tried all her possible best to be in her good book but she refused to reconcile with her. Mrs. Williams can’t still wrap her head around the fact that Iwalade was sleeping with her son. There was a day Iwalade have to open up to her that they only had sex just once to make her feel better but still, Mrs. Williams didn’t budge. Iwalade decided to let her be, she had enough on her plate and she wasn’t ready to add more to it. Iwalade has gone slimmer since she hardly eat, she fast most of the time despite her present state. Her mum had warned her severally but she won’t listen, she had vowed she will continue like that until God show up for her. The doctors, Grandma and her close family members have complained as well but she kept on telling them “Temi yemi” which means ‘I know why I am doing this’ Her own child must grow up to have a father, what happened to Imisi’s father and grandfather must not happen to her own child and she knew the only person that can make that dream come true is God. ****** Ireoluwa was in the kitchen cooking, she was listening to a danceable gospel song, and she was really moving her body while the cooking was going on. Ireoluwa just finished her second semester exam, her department finished early because some departments are not yet through with their own exams but everyone will finish that very week. The school is actually vacating the following week. She has just a year left in school, which means by the time they resume for the new session, she’ll be in her finals. Fullhouse returned from work and the whole house was filled with aroma. “This woman…..” He said and went into the kitchen. “Welcome hubby.” Ireoluwa greeted with a charming smile, pregnancy really looks good on her despite the fact that she has added weight. Ireoluwa eats a lot; you can’t use food to play with her at all. “How’s my beautiful wife doing?” He asked lovingly as he planted a kiss on her cheek. “As you can see, I’m fine….” She replied. “Of course, I can see you dancing.” “I’m trying to keep myself lively, plus, dancing is an exercise.” “That’s true.” He nodded. “You didn’t wait for me today; we would have done the cooking together nau.” “I returned from school early, I just went to submit my assignment, the lecturer said if we don’t submit, then we should kiss our continuous assessment goodbye. So, when I came back, I ate and slept, so I’m well rested.” Ireoluwa explained. “Okay, let me go and change. I’ll join you soon.” He said and left the kitchen. Fullhouse returned and join her in the kitchen, his wife was almost done, so he just helped cleared the used cooking items, washed them and arranged the kitchen. The door bell chimes, he was wondering who could be at the door, and then his wife spoke up. “That should be the mechanic.” “Mechanic! What happened to your car?” “I had difficulty starting it today in school, in fact, it was Seth and two other course mates of mine that helped me out before it could start. So I called the mechanic to come check it.” “Okay, let me go attend to him then.” He said and left the kitchen. He took his wife’s car key on the dining and went outside. He exchanged greetings with the mechanic and then explained the problem to him just as his wife related. The mechanic opened the bonnet to start work; then Fullhouse went back into the house. Some minutes later, the mechanic announced that he was through; Fullhouse went out to meet him. The mechanic explained the problem and told him he has fixed it. Fullhouse ignited the engine and it started once and the sound was perfect. He asked for the bill and he paid the Mechanic and the man left. The couple settled to eat, Ireoluwa didn’t feel like eating on the dining and so they ate on the floor in the sitting room. She wasn’t comfortable still, so Fullhouse went to the bedroom to get a pillow for her, so he placed the pillow on the floor and she sat on it. “Thanks.” She said and he nodded as they continued eating.
“Why did you call the mechanic without informing me about the faulty car?” He queried. “I’m sorry; the first thing that came to my mind was to call the mechanic. I actually wanted to call you but I thought I shouldn’t disturb you at work.” “Don’t ever call any male worker into this house. Ireoluwa, the world is something else now. The rate at which women are being sexually molested in the country is really alarming, these abusers rape and even kill their victims.” “I understand I’ll take note of that.” “I beg of you, please be careful around people especially strangers. May we not fall victim in Jesus name.” “Amen. I won’t do that again.” “If you need anyone to fix anything in the house be it plumber, mechanic, electrician or whoever, let me handle it. The fixing will be done only when I’m around.” “Alright, thanks for looking out for me.” “Don’t thank me, it’s my job. May the Lord protect us all.” “Amen.” When they finish eating, Fullhouse helped her up from the floor and cleared the dishes, he returned to the sitting room to relax with his wife. Ireoluwa later left for her library. The place was untidy because of the exam she just finished, so she had to clean up the place. When she was through, she went back to the sitting room and it was time for them to have their night prayer, they prayed and then went to their bedroom. Fullhouse bathed his wife, he had his bath too and they went back to the room to sleep as they both lay on the bed. “Sweetheart.” Ireoluwa called out. “Hmm.” He was already feeling sleeping. “How may I help you my love or you want food again?” Fullhouse said and she laughed. “So, it’s only food I know abi. Is it my fault that I eat a lot?” She smacked him and feigned anger. “Did I complain about you eating a lot, I’m only asking if you want food? Am I not working because of you?” He said trying to tickle her. “Leave me jo. Who are you working for; you are working for your unborn children.” She eyed him playfully. “You are right; I’m working for our unborn children and you.” He said. Truthfully, Fullhouse had bought everything needed for the baby; they are already set for the baby’s arrival. He even over bought baby things and the nursery has been beautifully decorated. “Jokes aside now, what do you want?” He asked his wife. “It’s about my holiday?” She sat up.“What about it?” He asked. “I want to spend it in Lagos.” She said and Fullhouse sat up. “Ire, don’t start, don’t give me that. You want to travel when you are eight months gone!” “I’m heavy, fine, but it’s no big deal now.” “Who are you missing in Lagos? Your parents visited last month, last two weeks, my mum was here and last weekend, my friend and his wife checked on us when they were returning from a function in Oshogbo. So, who are you missing in Lagos?” He pointed out. “Aunty…… Iwalade………” She drawled blinking her eyes like a little girl. Ireoluwa had some funny faces that when she put them on, Fullhouse will fall for it. “What happened to Aunty Iwalade?” He said feigning ignorance. “Fullhouse nau…..” “You speak with her every now and then, must you go see her.” “I miss her and I want to see her before the baby arrive.” “You’ll see her after you’ve put to bed. I can’t allow you travel.” He said and lay back on the bed. “You visited her once, let me go too nau….” She said but he didn’t answer her. “Fullhouse, you want to sleep abi.” She said tapping him continuously. “Ire, you know you just want to stress me this night.” “Please…..I’m craving her.” “Jesus, see scope.” Fullhouse’s eyes widened in surprise. “Your own pregnancy is not just craving food but it’s also craving to see people abi.” He said and she nodded. “You know I wanted to go when we heard our first semester break but you didn’t allow me.” She pointed out. “That was because of Covid nau, more so Iwalade is not at home, she’s at the hospital.” “Shebi Covid has died down; in fact, you can hardly see people with nose masks. New cases are no longer recorded.” Ireoluwa pointed out. “See lecture o, all because you want to go to Lagos.” “Ehn nau, I’m trying to let you see…..” “Whatever.” He cut in. “When are you going?” “It’s a lie,” She widened her eyes, surprised at what she just heard. “You will let me go to Lagos!” “Imagine, you requested something and you don’t even have faith that you will get it. Oh ye men of little faith.” He teased her.“Fullhouse, are you saying I can go?” “Yes.” He smiled and then she hugged him on the bed. “You are a super darling husband.” She said and gave him a peck. “Okay, when did you want to travel, so I can plan my schedule?” Fullhouse asked. “Next week Tuesday.” She replied. “Okay, I’ll take you.” “Thank you….” She giggled and hugged him again. “Come over here, if you want to thank me.” He said and pulled her to himself gently and kissed her, he freed her and the two went to sleep. The following week, the couple prepared to travel, by the time Ireoluwa was through packing, Fullhouse saw her bag and screamed. “I thought you just want to see Iwalade and come back.” He said to his wife. “No, I want to keep her company for a while; I plan on spending one week with her.” “One what!” He took another look at his wife. “That your plan cannot work for me, I need to return to Ife to work.” “I’m not asking you to stay; you can come back to Ife. Of course I know you will work.” “A week….is that not too much. Fine, I know, they are in a luxurious private ward but will you be able to cope by staying there for a whole week.” He asked his wife. “I have no choice; you know what Aunty Iwalade did for me. I can’t just afford not to show up for her, when she needs people around her.” “I know and I understand. I’m just after your wellbeing.” “I’ll be fine, also, I’ll check on our parents too before I return to Ife.” “Ire, it’s like you are forgetting that you have just one month left to deliver this baby. Do you plan to have this baby in Lagos or what’s with this excursion?” He said with a very serious tone this time. “Excursion! Fine, if that’s what you want to call it. See, I’m spending just three weeks in Lagos and I’ll be back before my due date.” “Ire read my lips, if you have this baby in Lagos, I won’t show up, just know that.” He said and left the room to prepare the car. Ireoluwa followed him and pleaded with him, explaining that she wants to spend the remaining two weeks with her parents and his, because she may not have time to visit Iwalade once she put to bed. She knew she will be busy with the baby and her final year program.Fullhouse later calmed down, he thought maybe she was actually missing home because Ireoluwa hasn’t stepped foot in Lagos since they got married. He helped her moved her things into the car including the things they bought for their parents which included bunch of unripe plantains, two gallons of palm oil and pack of snails and variety of fruits which is much cheaper in their area compared to Lagos. They took off and headed for Lagos. Now the two were back to their good mood, the journey was interesting with music blasting from the car’s sound system. “Fullhouse, play my song nau….it’s your own favourite songs that we’ve been listening to since.” Ireoluwa said folding her arms across her chest. “Wait nau, it will get to the song.” “I can’t wait.” “Oya, search for it and play it then.” He said and she did so. In no time her song was playing, she even put it on repeat. It was Dunsin’s song ‘Yah’ and the two sing along. They had some few stopovers to allow pregnant Ireoluwa pee despite the fact she ensured she didn’t take much water. She packed some food along with her so she ate that in the car. Finally, they entered Lagos and Fullhouse drove straight to the hospital. That was his second visit to the hospital, so he knew the way around. Fullhouse parked in the hospital parking lot, he and his wife alighted. He opened the booth and brought out a fruit basket they packed for Iwalade. The couple wore their nose masks, he took his wife’s right hand and the two walked into the hospital building. Fullhouse had called Iwalade the previous day that he was coming that very day but he didn’t mention that Ireoluwa is coming with him; Ireoluwa wants to make the visit a surprise. They got to Imisi’s hospital room and he told his wife to sit on one of the chairs outside; he knocked lightly and then entered. The hospital room is like a suite, rich people know how to make the best out of everything. “Fullhouse……” Iwalade said calmly, she was so happy to see her dear cousin. Seeing her people come around to visit her give her strength. She stood up gently and Fullhouse gave her a side hug.” He removed his nose mask and placed the fruit basket on a table. “That’s for you and the baby.” He said pointing to the basket. “Thank you….” “So, how’s my wonderful cousin doing?” He asked. “I’m doing fine by the grace of God.” “And the baby?” “Kicking too, I bless God.” She replied. He walked down to Imisi’s bed and sighed, he was still the way he left him, and the monitor beside him was beeping. “How is he?” Fullhouse asked Iwalade. “He is still in there. We bless God.”“We are praying for him, he will come back to us.” “Amen, thank you. How’s your wife doing, she will be heavy by now.” “Yea, she’s fine by the way.” “I really miss her, you know.” “She missed you too. Her heart is always here.” “I understand. I know she would have come visit me if not for school and her condition.” “You are right.” “She’s really trying o, joggling academics with pregnancy is big work, even me that I’m just sitting around here doing nothing is not finding it funny not to talk of someone who is still schooling.” Iwalade said. “God has been faithful, you need to see my wife, and she is so agile! I can’t just help but to thank God.” “That’s good to hear, by the way, let’s go to the balcony.” She said. The balcony is where she used to receive her visitors most time, the place is spacious, cool and beautifully decorated with flowers, since the hospital room is upstairs; one will also get to see the whole environment. “Before we go to the balcony, someone wants to see you.” He said. “You came with someone.” Iwalade said surprisingly. Fullhouse didn’t wait to reply her, he went to the door. Ireoluwa looked up immediately the door opened; she stood up and stepped into the room. Iwalade almost screamed when she saw her. “It’s a lie……” She then turned to Fullhouse. “I’m dreaming, right.” “It’s for real ma.” Ireoluwa said. “Aww…..Come my love.” She said and the two side-hugged each other because of their baby bumps. The two cried on each other, their love for each other is unexplainable. Fullhouse watched the two and tried to calm them and make them stop. “Aunty Iwalade, I’m so sorry for all that you are passing through right now, you did not deserve this.” Ireoluwa said as they refrained. “Nobody deserves it, but God understands.” Iwalade replied her. Ireoluwa then walked to Imisi’s bed to check on him, she muttered some words of prayers and then turned to Iwalade. “How is he doing?” Ireoluwa asked with a concerned look. “There is still life in him, so I bless God.” Iwalade replied her. “Aunty Iwalade, don’t loose hope.” “I won’t dear, God helping me.” She said with a sad smile.The three went to the balcony using the connecting sliding glass door. There is a table in the balcony surrounded with chairs; the three sat down and with Fullhouse in the building, Iwalade was lively again. Iwalade took another look at the glowing Ireoluwa and couldn’t help but commend her. “Pregnancy looks good on you sweetheart.” She said and Ireoluwa smiled. “Thank you ma, you are not looking bad yourself, it’s just that you are slimmer.” “Why won’t she be slim, when she won’t eat, the last time I came here, her mum was practically begging her to eat.” Fullhouse tackled Iwalade. “That was then nau; I think I’m trying now.” “I know you have a lot on your mind but you have to consider the baby too by staying healthy.” Ireoluwa said. “And reduce the fasting. God sees your heart and he will grant you the desire of your heart.” Fullhouse added and the two women chorused ‘Amen’. “Aunty Iwalade, I really feel for you but I believe that God knows all things.” Ireoluwa said to Iwalade. “Hmm…..”Iwalade sighed and smiled sadly. “Well, I know what I was going into before I signed up for it.” “Maybe that was why fate made you carry his baby, if not…..” Fullhouse was saying. “I would have run, right.” Iwalade said. “Maybe.” He said, raising his shoulders in gesture. “My own belief is that there is nothing like accident or coincidence in this life, it is predestinated.” Ireoluwa said. “You are right dear. Anyway, on a lighter mood, who would have thought that you and I will be pregnant at the same time?” Iwalade said and they all laughed. Fullhouse turned to her, “I remember you pleading with me to get my wife pregnant.” “You can say that again.” Iwalade said. “That reminds me Aunty Iwalade; I finally told him that I opened up to you.” “Really!” Iwalade said and then tilted her body towards Ireoluwa and said in a very low pitch. “I hope he didn’t get mad at you?” “I can hear you. Anyway, I didn’t.” Fullhouse answered instead. “Well, it’s because it was you o.” He added. “Aww…..I’m flattered.” Iwalade said. Fullhouse excused himself and went back inside; he picked some fruits from the basket and washed them. He asked Iwalade for plates and forks and she directed himto the cabinet where they kept them. He sliced the fruits and served Iwalade and his wife. They thanked him and started eating. He settled down and watched the two eat. “Join us nau.” Iwalade said. “I’m okay.” Fullhouse said. “He won’t eat.” His wife chipped in, caressing her baby bump. “Why?” Iwalade asked. “Because this is a hospital.” Ireoluwa replied her with a smile. “Really, this your Fullhouse, ehn.” “Iwalade, I just remembered that we didn’t ask after your mother inlaw ever since we got here.” Fullhouse said and his wife nodded too. “You mean Imisi’s mum.” Iwalade corrected. “Huh! Is she not your mother in-law?” Fullhouse asked. “I’m not married to his son.” “But you are carrying her grandchild.” “See, I don’t want to talk about her. Anyway to answer your question, she went home this morning and she said she will be back tomorrow.” “Hold on, don’t tell me she’s still acting cold towards you.” Fullhouse said to Iwalade. “At least, she made herself clear that we can never be friends again, so I stayed in my lane.” “Is that the reason why you don’t see her as your mother inlaw?” Ireoluwa asked. “Ireoluwa, let me be frank with you, I don’t have the energy to waste on getting her on my side. I only pray for Imisi to regain consciousness and for me to deliver this baby safely and then move on with my life.” She stated. “Do you hear yourself, what about the baby?” Fullhouse asked. “I’ll take care of my baby of course and when the child grows up, I’ll let the child know the father.” She replied. “You are only saying this because Imisi is still unconscious, if he regains consciousness, do you think he’ll let his mum dictate to him!” Fullhouse pointed out. “Fullhouse is right, that guy that chased you and ensured he got what he wanted will not let go easily once he wakes up. You think he will sit back and watch you leave his life.” Ireoluwa said.” “That’s my point, especially now that you have a child together.” Fullhouse added. “I’ve heard the two of you o……….” Iwalade stressed her words. “But one thing I know is that I can never force myself on a man whose mother is against our relationship. I’m too young to fight that kind of battle.”