K.C Philips

Chapter Fifteen

The citizens of Lagos had been, for many years now, accustomed to the icy Harmattan period which dominated the local December-to-January climate. This year wasn't an exception, only that the citizens had not yet gotten the full shivering effect of the Harmattan-until that very Thursday.

Frozen to the driver's seat of his saloon car, K.C tuned into to his favourite frequency for their daily morning package. As expected, a man's voice rang out with all effervescence.

"Good morning Lagos. We welcome you all once again this station's morning feature!!! I remain your host, Tolu Adams. Like my colleague here, Saheedat, rightfully told me this morning, the volcanic Harmattan mountain has finally erupted. What do you think guys? Call us up on any of our lines!"

K.C phone rang. Already on general receiver mode, he picked it up. It was Mr Melitus Nebo.

"Good morning, Mr Nebo. How's everything going?"

"Good." Mr Nebo replied. He continued, "It could have been better if you had let me in on your dad's deteriorating-in fact, helpless situation."

K.C was silent. He managed to muster "I intended my Dad's situation to be a private one. Sorry for not letting you know earlier."

"Look, it's okay. The thing is, we already know what is going to happen. The question now is how you're going to inform our staff and the rest of the world."

"Arrange a media briefing for tomorrow afternoon. Invite all the media houses to the premises. Ikenna will do the rest. For now, I have to pick him up, and Vivian as well."

"That means you won't be at work today."

"Exactly." K.C said.

"I'll handle everything. Don't forget to be strong, K.C"

"Thanks a lot, Mr Melitus." After that statement, Mr Melitus hung up. The end to all of K.C's issues became clearer to K.C with each passing second. He arrived in the Murtala Mohammed Airport, got down from his car and went straight to Arrivals. Sitting on an unoccupied bench, he crossed his fingers as he awaited his siblings. Their arrival didn't take long; Vivian and Ikenna approached K.C.

K.C stood as his siblings halted. He looked at Ikenna for a moment. "I'll be in the car. You need to sort out things with Vivian." Ikenna said to K.C before adding, "I'll be waiting in the car", after which he left, leaving Vivian and K.C. The duo gazed at each other before entangling themselves in a hug.

"It's pretty cold out here," Vivian said as K.C drove. "Still doesn't compare to Canada." Vivian had virtually lost her Nigerian accent.

"The Harmattan. It decided to hit the city hard today for unknown reasons." K.C said as he passed through the last toll gate, handing out a fee to the official. Ikenna decided to break his silence.

"I need to clear something up with you, K.C. Lauryn and the kids have been complaining about me not being an available father. I just had to go see them for a week or two. If I tell you I'm happy Vivian called, I'm lying to you."

K.C pulled up at the most convenient place possible. Then he let it out,"With all due respect Ikenna, you really think I wantedyou back this soon? Dad is dying and you still place your totally healthy family above them. For goodness sake, consider your immediate family for just a moment. Dad won't be around for much longer. Your family will. I don't know why you just-"

"You just don't understand!" Ikenna cut K.C. He continued "I never wanted a part of dad's company. I was forced into it. So if I-"

"This is not about dad's company!!!!Dadis dying! Of stroke. He's on life support. The least you can do is stay by his side as he breathes his last. God!" K.C said as he hitthe steering. Silence followed. A moment later, Vivian spoke up, slowly