I Believe!

Part Ten

"Hi, I'm Dr. Mfonido. Um, Mr. Okoro, that's his name right?" she asked Michael while scanning through the form in her hand.

"Yes, we're his sons. I'm Michael and my brother, David. Is he going to be alright?"

"Well, he's in a stable condition now. Although I have my guesses from what I can see, I'd still like to observe him for a couple of days and carry out more tests before coming to a conclusion. I have to say, he has suffered a lot, seems to me he was left unattended for quite some time."

"Yeah," Michael tried to control his emotions, "he was in jail and we just bailed him out." He could barely continue. "Do you think it's serious?"

"I can't really say Michael. Can I call you Michael?" He nodded.

"I can't say but we can boldly hope for the best. And let God do the rest."

Michael looked up at her. "You believe in God."

It wasn't meant to be a question but she nodded. "I just started to believe. Talk about a little too late."

Michael chuckled bitterly. Thank God for His mercies.

Dr. Mfonido gently put her hand on his arm. "I've learnt it's never too late to talk to God. Go home and rest a little. You can come see him tomorrow. The sedative should have worn out and he'll hopefully be conscious by then." She smiled at David and left.

"Let's go home." David's shoulders slouched heavily as he preceded Michael out if the hospital.

***

"David." Bidemi called the next morning. "There's someone on the phone to talk to you."

He came down the staircase sleepy-eyed. "What's wrong with the extension in your room?" She lifted an eyebrow with a smile. She was getting along wonderfully with the teenage boy.

"It's disconnected but my mobile is on. Who is it?"

"Sara." she smiled patiently as he trudged sleepily over to where she stood with the phone.

"Thanks." He stretched before collecting the phone. "Hello." He rubbed his eyes as he let out a short yawn.

"Hi, Dave. Who's the female?" Sara asked coolly

"It's Bidemi, Michael's wife. She's..."

"Wait a minute." she said cutting him off. "What's Michael's wife doing in the house?"

"As I was saying, she's," he stressed the word, "here with Michael and they're married, get used to it Sara. Anyway, I'll tell you all about that when you get back. We got Dad out yesterday and he's terribly ill so he's in hospital. We're going to see him this morning."

Sara snorted, "What's he ill from? Drunkenness?"

"Quit being sarcastic, Sara. He's really sick." He snapped angrily, his eyes completely cleared of sleep.

"Whatever. So how have you been?"

David rolled his eyes trying to control his anger. "Sara, he's also your Dad for Christ's sake."

"What do you want me to do, David? Say I'm sorry to hear it when I'm not? Say I feel bad for him when I don't?"

'Do you really hate him that much?"

"The trip has been cut short. I'll be coming back towards the end of next month, hopefully." She changed the topic expertly in her unique Sara-fashion. "They might just find a silly reason to extend the trip once more."

David heaved a sigh, deciding to let it go for now. "That's good. Michael can't wait to see you."

"You say he's actually married?"

"Yes, don't worry about him, Sara. When you come, you'll see how much he's changed."

"Hmm, what could possibly have changed him or have you forgotten how bad he was?"

"Nothing is impossible with God. He found Jesus."

"Anyway," She started, once again ignoring his statement, "say hi to them from me. I hope your exams are going well."

"Yeah, we'll be done with exams next week."

"Okay, don't let anything distract you. Study hard."

By 'anything', David knew she meant Jim. "Of course, just take care and come home safe."

"Of course, I will. It's just a flight." She said with a smile in her voice. "Bye, I love you."

Feeling frustrated, David sat at the table and watched as Michael brought in the breakfast he'd prepared.

"How's Sara? Bidemi said she was the one on the phone."

David's sighed dejectedly "She's good. She's coming home next week."

"What's wrong?" Michael asked, concerned, as they walked back to the kitchen.

"Her attitude toward Dad or God hasn't changed in the least."

"Don't worry, Dave. God's time is always the best. If He can change me, then He can change anyone. Come now, shake off the melancholy and let's eat and then go to the hospital. You have an exam tomorrow, don't you? And I don't want you failing." Michael teased, a smile in his voice.

David laughed. "Don't worry about that." He slid into a chair at the dining table.

"What paper do you have tomorrow?" Bidemi asked from her seat at the table where she had been waiting for them. She had the most gentle voice and always wore a smile.

"Biology."

"Ah, it was my favourite subject in secondary school. Don't worry, you'll be fine."

"Yeah, you will. I trust you." Michael smiled at him as he dug his fork into the egg on his plate.

Bidemi swiftly but gently hit his hand. "Do you mind leading us in prayer?" she asked sweetly.

The three of them laughed as Michael grabbed her hand and placed a hasty kiss on it before he began to pray.

David looked at both of them, heads bowed, the three of them holding hands as Michael prayed. This is what a real family looks like, he thought. Thank God for my family.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hi people! Thanks to everyone reading my story :D. I hope we all have an amazing journey together.Hit the star if you enjoyed this part and let me know what you think in the comments. I'd appreciate suggestions.