Best of Both Worlds

Chapter Thirty-one

Two weeks had gone past and it was safe to say I was doing well. I had even been cleared by my therapist. My mother flew in four days ago for the 'Omugwo'. The moment she stepped foot into the house, I wasn't allowed to do anything. I got the full postnatal care package. She changed, bathed and fed Kosiso without complaints. All I had to do was relax and keep my feet up.

I knew she was making so much fuss over me because of the traumatic early delivery. I could still remember how hysterical she had been when I gave her the abridged version of the labour and delivery story. She converted our phone call into a long prayer session. My father called later that day to ask about my well-being. We were finally back on speaking terms.

It was a Saturday. Nicholas may not have gone to work but he definitely brought work home. After breakfast, he went into his office and hadn't come out since. It was past twelve now.

I stood before the office and placed two rapt knocks on the door then awaited a response before pushing the door open. Nicholas looked up from his laptop, behind his fine polished desk. I rubbed my palms against the jean material on my thighs as I advanced forward.

I tried not to look around the office and focused solely on his desk. I hadn't been in this room since the big fall out between us and from I tried not to see, not much had changed. I came to stand in front of his desk.

"Sorry to disturb," I clasped my hands down, in front of my thighs.

He shook his head and pushed his laptop to the side. "No, not at all. What's up?"

"Uhm, I was thinking about moving back, to my place –" I began

"Why?" His forehead creased and his brows took a downward dip. He stood to his feet and crossed the distance to stand a few feet away from me.

I hooked my thumbs into the pockets of my jeans and rocked forward to my toes. "Well, with my mother around, it kind of feels like we're taking advantage. I'm not sure she feels comfortable being here . . . you know, given that we're just co-parents"

His frown deepened as he shook his head. "You're not taking advantage of anything . . . I-I don't mind any of you staying here"

I gave him a small smile. "Thank you, but this decision is for me as well. It has been weeks and I'm much better now. I can't keep living here forever . . . it sends a confusing message to people."

His brows furrowed as he shifted his weight to one foot. "What people?"

I rubbed my hand against my forehead and dropped it against my thigh. "People. Me, my family, your family . . . I don't want to send the message that we're back together when we're not. Plus, I don't want to keep depending on you"

He released a deep sigh. "Have you been to your apartment since that incident? D-do you think you can handle being in that environment?"

I shrugged my shoulders. "I don't know, but I wouldn't ever find out if I'm here"

"Okay, how about you wait awhile before you go back? Just a little while" he said

I folded my arms over my chest. "Why?"

He ran a hand over his face and rested his hands on the band of his jeans. "Just to be safe. Until we can confirm that it's safe to be back at that apartment"

I narrowed my eyes at him and lifted a brow. "Why wouldn't it be safe? What's going on?"

He released a sharp breath and raked his hand through his hair. "I don't want you to worry about it. Just trust me,"

I scoffed. "It's too late for that," The hurt expression that flashed across his face made me feel bad. I cleared my throat and dropped my hands down. "Just tell me, what is going on?"