HEALING BONDS

THIRTY TWO

Pendo, having tried to contact James regarding their conversation, found him to be avoidant of the whole situation. She confronted him, saying, "James, we need to talk about this."

James, in a somewhat defensive tone, responded, "Can't we just focus on us and our love? I know things got complicated, but I'm sure we can work through it."

Frustrated and overwhelmed, Pendo, feeling cornered, finally flipped out. She firmly stated, "No, James. I need some time apart. I need space to think, to concentrate on Mara's growth and my business. This is too much for me to handle right now." It was a request born out of a need for clarity and a chance to assess her feelings amidst the complexities of her relationship with James and the unexpected feelings she'd stirred in Dr. Femi.

Heartbroken and filled with anxiety, James couldn't help but let insecurity creep into his voice as he asked Pendo, "Is there someone else, Pendo? Is it that doctor, Dr. Femi?"

Pendo, feeling the weight of the moment, sighed deeply before responding, "James, it's not about someone else. It's about me needing time to sort out my feelings and priorities. This isn't about Dr. Femi or anyone else. It's about us and what's best for Mara and me."

Feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what else to say, James reluctantly nodded and said, "Alright, Pendo, we'll talk later. I have a lot on my plate right now. Just... take your time and think things through. We both need that."

With those words, he turned and walked away, leaving Pendo to contemplate the future and the choices that lay ahead.

Dr. Femi, amidst his busy schedule, finally mustered the courage to text Pendo. He wrote, "Hey Pendo, I've been thinking... Would you like to meet up sometime? No pressure, just a casual get-together."

Pendo, receiving his message, was a bit taken aback but intrigued. She replied, "Sure, a meet-up sounds nice. Is it a date?"

Dr. Femi couldn't resist a playful reply, "Well, we did have that car ride back, so this would be the second, right? And who knows, I wouldn't mind if it were."

Pendo, laughing nervously, replied, "Alright, a second date it is then. When should we meet up?" She wanted to keep things light and friendly, avoiding any hint of flirtation. Femi thinking about how Mara had talked about Spiderman asked about her and how she was doing. and that, 's how their conversation had turned to Mara. Pendo couldn't help but smile as she texted him about her daughter.

"Spiderman is her absolute favourite," she confessed. "She has this Spiderman costume she insists on wearing everywhere, and always pretending to shoot webs."

Dr. Femi chuckled, a warm and affectionate sound. "She sounds like an incredible little girl."

Pendo nodded, her eyes reflecting her love for her daughter. "She is. And you, Dr. Femi, you're her superhero."

The doctor's gaze softened, and for a moment, he seemed to forget the busy world around them. "Well, if I'm her superhero, then I should do something heroic, right?"

Pendo raised an eyebrow, curious. "What do you mean?"

Dr. Femi grinned, a mischievous glint in his eye. "I mean, how about a Spiderman game kit? I think Mara would love that."

Pendo was taken aback by the unexpected offer. It wasn't about the gift itself; it was the gesture, the genuine care behind it. "That's very kind of you, Dr. Femi. Mara would be thrilled with a Spiderman game kit. It's more than okay; she'd love it."

"I must admit, Pendo, I find myself looking forward to our date. You're captivating," he said with a smile.

Pendo blushed and replied, "You're not so bad yourself."

But just as things were getting flirtatious, Dr. Femi's phone buzzed with an urgent message. "I'm on call tonight," he apologized.

Understanding the demands of his profession, Pendo nodded. "Of course, duty comes first."