COME WHAT MAY

CHAPTER SEVEN

All of Ryan's efforts to console Lolita failed miserably. Chocolates, flowers and the worst one a long human hair wig. The last one provoked Lolita so much that she screamed until some nurses came to check out what the problem was. Her new found strength after waking up from her coma amazed Ryan who was the only victim of her anger. Lolita bombarded him with questions. Why did he not operate her? Whose decision was it to shave all her hair off? It must have been some jealous nurse! The questions were accusative and her tone of voice terribly disrespectful but Ryan kept his cool. If he was ever going to marry her, he must understand the kind of person she is and why her father detested her.

Lolita ignored all her visitors and just stared into space or just simply pretended to be asleep. She cringed inside at the thought of those coming in seeing her bald head. Shaven to the root! Then her mother and brother finally arrived. Shame and guilt suddenly plagued her heart at the tired sight of her mother. She looked sleep deprived and depressed. Her usually vibrant brother looked like he had not slept for days either. Pain shot through her chest and her heart became heavy. Tears ran down her face uncontrollably. She began to sob quietly and could not raise her head to look at them. Grace sat next to her daughter on the bed, took her hand and began rubbing it back and forth.

"Lolita Ayo Badmus." Grace said as tears streamed down her own face. She seemed to have rapidly aged over the four days Lolita was hospitalized. David sat on the sofa in the medium sized room. He hoped his father will be ready to pay the bill once his sister got discharged. The room was immaculate with large glass windows and cream coloured blinds. The cream coloured ceramic floor tiles perfectly matched the cream painted walls. Everything in the room scream "money."

"You didn't even spare a thought for your mother." She choked back tears. "I think I have watched enough of  this horror film you and your father are starring in." Lolita still did not look up.

"What were you thinking? Was God's love, mine and your brother's not enough for you? But, I am grateful to God for saving your life."

"I'm sorry mum. I wasn't thinking. I am sorry. Please ask the Lord to forgive me." Her brother held her hands, reassuring her she was forgiven.

"It is alright Lolly. I failed as your mother to protect you. When your father started behaving strangely three years ago, I thought it was a phase you know especially since you were nearing a marriageable age. I felt he was trying to detach himself slowly so he won't miss you too much after your wedding but I was wrong."

"Me too big sis. I hated seeing you so weak and vulnerable but I did nothing about it either." David said meekly. Lolita smiled and said

"It is nobody's fault. I failed God when I made the decision not to trust Him with my situation. I gave the Devil a legal ground through my fear and absolute dependence on Dad's love. God already made a way out - I just didn't see it." Grace looked blankly at her daughter.

"She meant Ryan Mum." David said with a mischievous smile on his face.

Grace could not believe her ears? Chidi has been the only man her daughter ever loved. Is she really letting him go? "You like him?" She asked with a hint of surprise in her voice.

Lolita was grateful for the change of subject. She did not want to go over the suicide attempt. Her father didn't even bother to come and see her. She bit her lip to prevent the tears gathering from deep within and replied "I don't know. He's kind, caring, loves Jesus and is successful."

"You left out handsome." Grace added quickly. Lolita smiled and her face brightened.

"But isn't it too soon? Why a marriage proposal?" David asked with a frown on his face. Grace laughed and replied

"I guess your father isn't the only one attached to Lolita. Anyway..." her voice trailed off as she went into a fit of laughter. Lolita and David exchanged blank looks.

"What's so funny?" Lolita asked and let out a little chuckle. Laughter can be contagious.

Grace wiped the tears flowing down her face. "I remembered how long this has been. Your graduation party!" She exclaimed joyfully. "Mr. Johnson is one of your father's closest friends." Lolita and David just shrugged. They had no idea about it.

"He told your father he fell in love with you." Grace said in a low voice. David snickered. Lolita gave him a dirty look, raising her left hand as if to smack him on the head.

"Your father really tried to remain calm but he was obviously confused and unimpressed. Mr. Johnson later explained he felt in his spirit that you are Ryan's wife."

"Just like that?" David asked in disbelief.

"Yes. He knew and told us to pray about it."

"That explains why you didn't protest against dad's decision to go on that date with Ryan." Lolita said thoughtfully.

"You were twenty-one then and Ryan was twenty-nine. Your Dad complained about the age gap although Ryan as we all know is blessed with youthfulness. He refused the proposal to court you then. Until he met you face to face at the charity ball three years ago. He fell in love at first sight too although I dare say you were not the most beautiful or best dressed in that hall."

David was ecstatic. If Lolita gets a job then gets married to Ryan, she could certainly start working on obtaining Citizenship and thereby remaining within their eye cover. He silently prayed Ryan's Dad was right about God confirming Lolita as his son's wife.

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Later in the evening after her mother and brother went back home, five of the Sunday school children came to visit Lolita. Tears of joy filled her eyes as they sang and danced for her. Her spirit was lifted and felt foolish for trying to leave these innocent and precious ones behind. Their love for her radiated through their smiles and words of encouragement. Ryan had called Lorato earlier in the day when his ideas to cheer Lolita up failed. Her best friend had suggested the Sunday school children and immediately arranged to call some close parents of the family to bring their kids that Lolita taught at church. They brought her a single red rose and their Bible. The group composing of two girls and three boys all between ages seven and eleven dramatized the story of how Jesus brought back to life the son of the widow of Nain. Lolita felt truly blessed as they surmised that God brought her back alive from the comatose state she was in and that shows God loves her and watches over. Lolita silently praised God for not allowing his glory to be shamed because of her and also strengthening the faith of the little ones through her healing.