OMARI

36: OMARI

"And that will be all for today. I will have a nurse check in every now and again incase anything changes ." The doctor smiled at Omari as he made some notes on his clipboard.

"Thank you, doctor," Omari replied. He was about to ask on when he would be ready to be discharged , but his mother beat him to it.

"When can he be discharged to recover from home?"

The doctor skimmed through his notes, clicking his tongue. "We're still monitoring him but once we get results back tomorrow it will give us a better judgment to release him."

Mrs Saidi nodded , turning back to her son as the doctor made his exit.

"I'm going to recover at my place," Omari spoke up, his voice firm. He knew after everything that had happened his mother probably expected him to go with them to their family home.
"Omari, your house is no good. I know you mentioned its an apartment- that's no living space for recovery. You have a fractured leg. You are going to live with your father and I and come for your PT until you recover. End of discussion," she countered in a clipped tone.

Omari exhaled softly, clenching his jaw for a moment. "Ma, you don't get to decide that. I already have my place. I appreciate your concern and all because you're family but I can recover from my place. I have Yandi to help me-"
"Oh you can't be serious!" She scoffed loudly, "Omari you will not be living with her if it's the last thing you do."

"Please don't. Just- don't," Omari raised his hand, "You have always been good to Yandi, but the moment Laurie bad mouths her, you suddenly decide to take sides. Why?" Omari gazed at his mother.

"You know Yandi, Ma. You know she has done nothing but be a supportive and selfless person - even outside of me having deep feelings for her. She has integrity, she's respectable and unlike any of you right now, she has grace.

So what if her and I are together? Where's the wrong there, Mum? What exactly is your problem with her?" He asked firmly.

She sighed, crossing her hands over her chest. "She is older than you, Omari. What business do you have with each other when she's taking advantage of you being younger?"
"She's not taking advantage of me, ma. Don't tell me Laurie made you believe that ?" He scowled at her.

"Mum, I have for the longest time, admired Yandi. And at some point I couldn't care less what anyone thought of me pursuing her. Laurie has just always been territorial and strict about who she wants around her people. And I want to respect that but I couldn't help it," he expressed.

"Do you understand the dynamic of your relationship? And how that translates to how everyone else feels about it, Omari? I do not care what justifies you two being together but your father and I will not have it!" She hissed.

"I am a grown man, did you ever consider that? That I'm not some teenage boy that needs to be taught how to live? See, this is why I rather not involve you and dad into my affairs because I lose my independence. You're not going to dictate how I live my life the way you did to Laurie," he retorted, leaving no room for further debate.

Just then, the door opened, and Yandi walked in. "Oh, sorry I didn't mean to interrupt you-"
"Nah, babe. Come in," he beckoned.

"Good afternoon, Mrs Saidi," she greeted politely.
"Good afternoon," she muttered, glancing briefly at her son. "Omari and I were just having a chat. Have a seat."

Yandi sat on the opposite side of his bed, her eyes flickered at him. "Is everything alright?" She asked, trying to read the room.