K.C Philips

Chapter Twelve

The Present Day

K.C would be lying if he claimed to remember what happened at Club Quilox on the 19th of October the previous year, two months before his trip to Canada, two months before he crossed paths with Jessica.

K.C was in Club Quilox for a Friday night out. In reality, he was trying to get over the shocking news he received earlier that day.

My father has stroke.

Truly, K.C was shaken by the gravity of his dad's condition. However, he was going to contend with a lesser but equally important issue. He had to return to Port Harcourt, not to continue with his job, but rather to resign his appointment. He remembered the conversation that ensued between himself and his father....

"Dad. You're lucky I happened to be in Lagos when you called. Is your situation serious?" K.C asked as he entered the ward.

His dad looked frail. He was to turn seventy in a month. Even at that, he looked ten years older than his age. When he began to talk, he sounded ten years older than his age.

He began, "I need you to listen to me. I need you to listen to me very well. I have been diagnosed with stroke." K.C stood up, his mouth agape with shock. Then he winced.

"Stroke? How? Why?" K.C's vibe died the moment he heard 'stroke' from his dad's mouth.

His dad went on, "Even if I recover...."

K.C cut him short and began "You will recover!!! No worst case scenarios! You can't just....."

Even with the pain in him, Mr Philips managed to shout "K.C!!! Listen!"

K.C fell silent.

"My expected recovery doesn't change the fact that I'm already too old to head BOG. I already called Ikenna to come two days ago. He should be here by...."

At that moment, Ikenna barged in and ran to his dad, brushing K.C aside.

"Dad! What's wrong?"

K.C clearly didn't appreciate being pushed away so rashly. "Hey! Come on, that wasn't nice at all."

But Ikenna didn't seem to hear. He went on, "What's wrong with you, dad?"

K.C wanted to shut Ikenna up. "He's got stroke."

Ikenna released his grip on his dad. He sank to his knees, covered his mouth and began to cry softly, much to his father's disgust.

"Ikenna! Be a man!" Mr Philips rang out. Then he continued, "Ikenna, I need you to take over BOG with immediate effect."

Ikenna turned his head to his father slowly. "That...that's not possible."

His dad coughed. "What do you mean 'that's not possible'? Aren't you the first son? Am I not already too old? Isn't this a family business?"

Ikenna shouted as he stood, saying "That can't happen!!! I'm already close to starting my company in Baton Rouge and you're telling me this. I just can't walk in your shadow!"

At that moment, K.C broke his silence

"Why can't you just fulfil a dying man's wish?" Ikenna turned to him, walked towards him and said "Are you out of your mind? Do you want him to die? Why don't you head the company yourself then?"

Mr Philips said softly, "I am going to die. Ikenna. I need you to take K.C under your wing until he turns 30. After that, you're free to walk away. Please." Ikenna turned back and barged towards the door. He wouldn't be seen again until the next Monday, where he addressed the board.