Bolanle

Chapter 26- Dad

After our engagement I moved in  with Marlon again. My mom wasn't happy about our engagement nor me moving in again. I loved my mom but I couldn't live to please her. I had my own life to live. We still kept close though.

As before I took care of the house and because I resigned from Bernard's Architect Ltd I had all the time to do so. Cynthia wasn't needed so Marlon made her to get another job.

I resigned from my job so we could start our own architecture firm. This will be our children's inheritance alongside other investments. For now though we were focused on the wedding so all these plans will be after.

"Will you like to meet your dad?" Marlon asked me one day.
"Why?"
"Though I'm ostracized from my friends and family, I've known your dad for a long a time and I think I could get you to meet him." Despite the trauma the absence of my dad causes me to face I would love to meet him to have a conversation.
"I don't think he'll be willing."
"I'll try though."

Two weeks after this conversation, he popped up with my dad. He looked the same as the picture I've seen of him. As they entered Marlon introduced us to each other and then left. I stood there awkwardly looking at everything in the house except him.

"I was told you were supposed to be my daughter." He said breaking the silence first.
"And I was told you were supposed to be my dad."
"Can we sit and talk please?" he asked leading us to the sofa. "I knew I had an outside child but I wasn't sure as I told the mother to abort the child."
"What if the mom didn't?"
"It seems she didn't if you're my daughter." At this he looked intently at me before saying, "You have some features of me."
"My mom told me you didn't want me  because I was black and poor." I stated getting straight to the point.
"Yes and because I had a family."
"You shouldn't have gotten involved with my mom then!" I shouted angrily.
"I knew I've made a mistake." He said calmly.
"Why did you agree to see me?"
"Though I may be prejudiced, it eats me alive sometimes knowing I may have a child out there that I could have given a better life."
"Since you felt so guilty why didn't you try to find me?"
"I wanted to but I am afraid of my family and friends reaction to a news like this. I'm scared of being ostracized and left broke."
"What is wrong with you men, always being afraid of rejection?! Where is your strength to fight?!"
"You don't understand."
"I don't."
"I'm sorry for leaving you and I'm glad you came out to something good."
"I know you rich people expect the poor to be a menace to society but luckily I'm not even without your help my mom tried with me."
"Your mom is a great woman and she has done a lovely job with you. I thank her that she has not aborted you and for making you the woman you are today without my help."
"She has done a wonderful job without the help of my rich father. How ironic it is to have a wealthy father yet still living in poverty."
"I'm sorry, I can't turn back time but from now on I want to be in your life. I know it's too late for this as you've already grown up without me. But we can give this relationship a try."
"I've spent almost my whole life without you and your absence has caused me trauma. Do you know the pain of your father not wanting anything to do with you?"
"To be honest I don't but now I'm willing to be in your life. My presence may help you to heal."
"I'm willing to give our relationship a try. I have to allow myself to heal and forgive."
"I'm just sad that our relationship will be a private one and you won't be able to meet your other siblings or stepmom."