Make It Rain

TWENTY-SIX

Death is a stranger that comes with so many companions; pain, grief, anger, sorrow, disappointment. The one thing that leaves a bitter taste in your mouth that never goes. 

The death of someone can easily be compared to a bomb blast, those closest to it feel the effect of the blast more than others farther apart. 

Both Mr. Joel and Junmi were gone, two bomb blasts. And there was one person in the center of them both, Shola, standing in the middle of the blast radius and taking full effects of both losses.

For others it could be easy for to move on from this, After all it was just another death.

Well not to Shola, the death of those two people was going to change her life completely. She was going to notice her life take a totally different course than before, things were going to change drastically for her and everyone around her and they will never be the same.

It was the day of their funeral, both Junmi and Mr. Joel were going to be buried on the same morning after a long week and a few days. 

The golden beam of light from the sun seeping through the air and between the leaves of the tree standing above them came like it was carrying a message. Hitting everyone softly with a tenderness that not only warmed up the empty spaces in their grieving hearts but also created new hopes for them. Telling them it was going to be okay.

The burial was coming to a close and the bodies were to be returned to the earth, everyone was called to bid their final goodbyes, a moment that was always the hardest for anyone.

Shola walked out first. Standing between both caskets, she placed her hands on them both while looking to the ground, allowing her tears to fall free. She had told herself countless times that she wouldn't cry anymore, but who was she kidding?

Next to her was Seun, gently making his way to the caskets and bowing his head before them.

'It was truly unfortunate, what I had to do. You two were very special to Shola and it kills me to see her in so much pain, especially knowing I am the cause of the pain. But this will be the end, from now onward I will bring her only joy for sure. Rest in peace father, friend.'

Slowly making his way from the caskets, he met up with Shola as they carried on to his vehicle. Shola couldn't witness her father being put into the ground, she wasn't that strong.

"Your father was a good man." A voice came from behind, stopping them in their trails.

Turning around, Seun greeted the person; "Ahhh lawyer... Thank you."

'What took you so long fool?!'

"My condolences."

"Thank you." Both parties greeted.

"I know this is a little inappropriate but I need to hand these papers to you and Shola."

"It's a funeral! Couldn't you have at least waited till evening?!" Seun challenged the lawyer.

Like it wasn't his plan.

"Please just collect it, let's go." Shola curt, continuing to the car.

With a wink accompanied with a wicked smirk, Seun snatched the envelope from the lawyer before turning on his heels to follow Shola who was probably already halfway to the car.

The lawyer's job was half done, now it was on to Seun.

Quickly making their way back to Shola's home, they settled in almost immediately. It wasn't unusual for the house to be very quiet with very few people around, but this time it was something else. With a completely different feel to it.

Shola had made it clear to everyone that she didn't want any visitors coming, clearly her father's death was still going to have its effects on her for a very long time.

"Here, have some water." Seun sat beside her with a glass in his hand.

"Thank you." Her lower lip puckered in.

"You don't have to hold your pain in."

Getting off the chair with a sniff, Shola reached out for the envelope on the coffee table, "I am fine Seun."

"Shola..."

"Let's see what's in the envelope."

"Hmm..." Shola's reaction was something he didn't predict. It almost made him regret.

Attempting to open the envelope Shola could already guess it contained property documents belonging to her dad and other legal papers of his, but what exactly were written in the paper she didn't know.

Keeping a subtle gaze at her, Seun managed his breathing to remain cool, a trait he often used. Shola mustn't catch even the slightest hint that he had something to do with what she was about to see.

"I... I don't understand." Her eyes tore open, throwing a confused look at Seun.

He reached out to the papers in her hand, "What does it say?"

With a crease in his brows Seun looked back at Shola, "This doesn't make any sense, I can't accept this."

"Did father think I can't...?" He voice trailed off.

"It doesn't matter. Look I don't deserve any of it and..."

She cut him short, "He didn't trust me to be his successor." Her eyeballs shook from side to side.

"Shola!" Seun snapped at her, bringing back her focus. "All his properties might be in my name now but I don't want it, okay?"

"What?..."

"Yes I don't want it. I will return all in your name right away." 

What was he doing? Did he just kill Mr. Joel and take his properties just so he could return it to Shola? 

Or was it his guilt? Was he beginning to feel regret after seeing the effects everything had in Shola?

"It belongs to you Shola."

"No, if daddy gave it to you then he must have had his reasons." She knew her daddy too well, only if this was truly his doing.

"But..."

"No buts Seun." She never had too much interest in her father's wealth anyways.

"They are all in my name but just know they all belong to you." 

What a fox!

First making Samuel the bad guy and then making himself look so good. This was all he wanted, now Shola would be closer to him than ever before and he was going to show her all his 'good' sides.

I must say, this is more than I expected. Shola doesn't want the properties back, now I get to keep both the properties and her. Excellent!

Ding Dong!!!

"I thought you said no visitors?" Seun strode to the door.

"I wonder..."

"Hello." Seun curt upon opening the door.

"Urrr... You must be Seun."

"Yes?"

"I am here to see Shola."

"You are?" Seun's hostility was not hidden.

"Ezekiel."

Shola's sad voice came from behind, "Let him in, he was Junmi's boyfriend."

Was. As much as Ezekiel hated to hear that, it was true.

"Thank you." He walked in.

Seun subtly allowed his eyes to follow Ezekiel as he walked into the house. A stare that Ezekiel quickly notice.

'I didn't know she had a boyfriend. I should keep my eyes on him too.'

Slowly making his way to Shola, Ezekiel threw his eyes to the side taking a quick peek at Seun.

'This man, he has to be Seun. There is a certain feeling about him that I don't get. Shola said she left him alone with Junmi that day. If her death wasn't an accident then it had to be one of them, Seun or Shola. And I will find out for sure!'