The next few weeks passed like I wasn’t even there. Jason had gone back to Lagos to wrap up things with school and also to face the judgement on his father’s case. My Aunty came down, and she was just as devastated as everyone else to find out that her husband, the father of her children, was a criminal. She wasted no time filing for divorce and demanding sole custody of her children.
My uncle was arraigned in court, and so his legal battle began.
Meanwhile, my father’s family, who had once despised us, suddenly came around. Even though they had never truly liked my mother, the revelation that my uncle had been involved in my father’s death broke everyone. The weight of betrayal was too heavy to ignore.
It was eventually decided that my mother and I should be flown abroad, both so she could receive better medical care and so I could continue my education. Because of everything that had happened, I would have to repeat the school year.
Aunty Valerie, the only family member my mother truly trusted, made a huge sacrifice. She resigned from her job and moved with her children to Abuja, preparing to relocate with us abroad. She wanted to start afresh too, away from the shadow of my uncle’s crimes.
⸻
It was the weekend of our travel. That evening, I sat quietly in the parlor while the television droned on. Suddenly, the newscaster’s voice caught my attention.
“Breaking news, Chief Lawanson, former Permanent Secretary of Finance, has been sentenced to five years imprisonment without option of fine after being found guilty of tax fraud and financial misappropriation.”
I froze. My heart squeezed as Jason’s father’s face appeared on the screen.
I looked down, sadness clouding my chest, not for myself, but for Jason and his family.
Aunty Valerie sighed and put a hand on my shoulder. “Don’t worry, my dear. They will probably appeal the case. These things… sometimes they don’t end the way the media makes it sound.”
I shook my head. “But… what if he doesn’t appeal?”
She gave me a weak smile. “Then it means he’s accepting his fate. Call Jason. At least let him hear your voice tonight. I’ll call Joana too. We’ve both been leaning on each other these days, you know, with everything the men in our lives have done.”
Her voice broke a little. I saw the hurt in her eyes.
I pitied her, she didn’t sign up for this. At least everyone wasn’t too surprised about Jason’s dad, but Uncle Henry… he shocked the whole family. Who would have thought? To think she lived with him all those years… sleeping beside a criminal every night…
“It would be fine Tiara,” she forced a small smile. “Go upstairs. Call Jason.”
---
I went to my room and dialed his number. He picked up almost immediately.
“Tiara?” his voice was low, tired.
“Yes, it’s me.”
There was silence for a few seconds before he said, “The lawyers… they had prepared us for this outcome. My father told us not to appeal. He said he was guilty as charged, and… he doesn’t want to drag it on.”
My chest tightened. “Jason… I’m so sorry. I can’t imagine how this feels for you.”
“It’s fine,” he said softly, though I knew it wasn’t. “I’ll survive.”
“I wish I could comfort you properly,” I whispered. “But I don’t even know what to say.”
“You’ve already comforted me by calling,” he said. “At least I know I’m not alone.”
Tears filled my eyes. “Jason…”
“Will I get to see you before you travel?” he asked suddenly, his voice trembling slightly.
I bit my lip. “I don’t think so. We’re leaving very soon, and I can’t leave my mother’s side right now.”
There was a pause. Then he said, “What about the alumni fundraising party? You should come. After all, your dad was one of the honored guests on the list. You could represent your family. It would also give me the chance to say goodbye.”
I closed my eyes. “Jason, I don’t think I can. Everything is happening so fast. I just… I need to stay close to my mum.”
His tone grew quiet, sad. “I understand. It’s just… I’ll miss you. But Tiara, this isn’t the end. You know that, right?”
I nodded though he couldn’t see me.
When the call ended, I sat on the bed crying silently. Aunty Valerie came in and found me.
“Tiara, what is it?” she asked, rushing to me.
“I just wish I could see Jason one last time before I go,” I sobbed.
She cupped my cheek. “What if I told you we could make it happen?”
I blinked at her. “How?”
“I spoke with Joana earlier. She said Uncle Lawanson was planning to come to Abuja to be with the family. If you want, you can tag along with him.”
“I don’t know, Aunty,” I whispered. “I need to stay with Mum.”
“I’ll take care of her,” she promised. “Besides, the school sent me an email. They’re inviting our family to the event. They’re naming the new school library after your father. Apparently, through his lawyer, he donated a huge sum towards its construction. Someone from the family has to be represented. Who better than you?”
My tears flowed harder. “They’re naming it after him?”
“Yes, darling.” She hugged me tightly. “And you’ll see Jason too. You can say goodbye properly.”
I buried my face against her shoulder. “Thank you, Aunty.”
She smiled and wiped my tears. “Don’t thank me. Just be brave. That’s what your father would want.”
