Strong Attraction

Chapter 8

CHAPTER 8
Stephanie rested in his embrace, as she felt all tiredness dissipate. Being in his arms felt like returning home after a long time. Femi was her definition of home. She breathed in his warm scent as she felt at peace, she almost forgot why she was so tired, upset and irritated. Almost. She couldn’t let him into her life, their life so easily. She knew she was ready to let him in, but she wouldn’t make it too easy. She slowly pulled away, hurriedly wiping her eyes. She placed her hands in the pocket of her hoodie as she pulled it tighter around her.
“Why are you here so late at night?” she asked as he frowned.
“Because of this.” He said holding up the envelope.
“So you decided to come see me after almost a month.”
“It’s not like that, come on give me the benefit of doubt.”
“Then what is it like? You seem to be fond of blowing me off.”
“Steph…let’s go inside and talk.” He suggested as she shook her head.
“I’m not going to risk a meeting between you and the kids when I’m not sure you’re ready for it. I don’t want to confuse them.”
Femi was ready to protest, but if he wanted to get back into her, Rheas and Ruth’s life, he was going to play by her rules.
“Fine. Let’s meet up tomorrow for lunch. I’ll pick you up by two?” he asked as she nodded.
“Ok.” She breathed as he gave her a kiss on her forehead.
“Goodnight.” He mumbled as he entered into his car and drove off. Steph sighed as she watched him drive off, her face hot from his kiss. She was totally looking forward to tomorrow.
*********
“I ran into your girlfriend yesterday.” Balogun, Femi’s dad said as they sat in the living room just as the news was coming to an end. Femi let out a breath. This wasn’t what he wanted to talk about not withstanding how much love he had for Stephanie.
“What even happened between you two?” he asked as Ifeoluwa walked into the room. “One day you two were inseparable, the next thing you were asking to go to Canada for your masters.”
“That’s one thing I’d also like to know.” She inserted. “He threw a huge tantrum when we wanted to send him to the States for his university, and they weren’t even a couple then.”
“It’s not like I totally supported their relationship at the beginning, but she was such a good influence on him, I had to give in.” he said
“She’s the only girl I approve of for Femi.”
“You didn’t say anything when I brought Amanda.” Femi inserted.
“I knew the relationship wasn’t going to work. You love Stephanie too much to marry another girl.” She responded.
“I’m glad I was able to run some sense into his block head.” Greg said as he strolled into the house.
“Hello aunt. You look stunning this morning.” Greg said as he joined Ife at the table.
“Gregory get away from there. No need to finish the food before we get to it.” Balogun commented as Greg walked over to him.
“Uncle B, you look amazing.” He said as he came to hug him.
“How old are you again?” he asked with a smile.
“Considering how strong those two were going, I suspected they’d be married with kids by now.” Ife said as she returned from the kitchen with a plate of scrambled eggs.
“Oh they are… with kids I mean.” Greg said as Femi shot him a look that said clearly “Shut up or lose your balls.”
“What do you mean?” Ife asked, the conversation suddenly losing all playfulness.
“What’s he talking about Olufemi?” his dad asked as Femi let out a deep breath.
“Steph may have twins for me? A boy and girl?” he asked unsurely as he shot his annoying best friend another look.
“Why didn’t we know about this?” Balogun asked in annoyance.
“I just found out myself. Stephanie and I needed to sort out things between ourselves before I came out with the information.”
“How old are they?” he asked
“Five by June.” He muttered.
“I always knew you were foolish, but not to this extent.” His mother scolded “Femi five long years have passed and these kids don’t know their father!”
“No wonder she was looking so exhausted. I thought it was company stress, but now I know better.”
“I don’t care what plans you and Stephanie may have, but I want to meet my grandkids soonest.” His mother commanded.
“Yes ma.” He responded as they assembled at the table.
*********
Femi had just begun eating when his phone rang.
“These people don’t seem to understand a day off.” He muttered as he picked up the call. His frown turned into a brilliant smile once he saw the caller ID.
“Hey...” he breathed.
“Femi, please could you run down here? Rheas is unwell, and I’m too nervous to drive. Could you please come, now?”
“There’s no need to ask, I’ll just grab my keys and I’ll be there in a jiffy.”
“Thanks Femi.”
“There’s no need for that. I’m his dad, it’s my responsibility. I’ll hang up now, I'm on my way.” He said as she responded with a small okay and the line went dead.
“It’s Steph, I need to run.” He said before running down the stairs as a smile rested on the face of everyone at the table.
*********
“What’s going on?” I asked as I met a panicky Stephanie sitting beside a sleeping or was it unconscious Rheas.
“It started last night, now he’s burning up.”
“Why didn’t you take him to the hospital” I asked in exasperation as Ruth looked at me with confusion in her eyes.
“You know I can’t drive when nervous.” She said as I rolled my eyes.
“Ruth, go with your dad to the car, I’ll bring Rheas down.”
“Let me carry him down, I’ll move faster.” I suggested as she nodded. We quickly loaded ourselves in the car as Stephanie sat beside a sleeping Rheas and crying Ruth. I drove down to the hospital faster than I thought possible. He was quickly admitted. The doctors ran a few tests, before confirming that he had Malaria and typhoid fever. Stephanie had finally managed to calm down as I engaged Ruth in a small discussion to get her mind off of her crying.
“So… you’re Ruth.” I said as she looked at me shyly, holding on to her mother’s hand. She responded with a nod.
“How old are you?”
“Five” she responded showing me five fingers on her right palm. “By June”
“Who’s older, between you and Rheas?”
“Rheas.” She said. As she slowly came closer to him. He felt his heart warm as she did so.
“When did you come back?” she asked quietly. “Mummy said you travelled.”
“Yesterday.” He responded looking at her. It was technically the time he took a conscious decision to pursue her.
“Really?”
“Yes.” I said as she came closer to me. “I came to the house, but you were sleeping.” I could see Stephanie stand up to approach the doctor.
“Our classmates at school always make fun of us. And say that you don’t love us. Also, Rheas is very mad at you.”
“Why?”
“You weren’t there to run with him during our school’s annual sports day. I and mummy ran and came first.” She said proudly.
“Really…” he said with a smile. “I’m so proud of you.” He said as he gave him a kiss on her forehead. “And your dad loves you and your brother very much, no matter what anyone says, and nothing is going to change that.”
“Sweet heart, Rheas is awake, do you want to see him?” Stephanie asked as her daughter gave an over enthusiastic nod.
“Go ahead, tell him about daddy okay.” She said as she ran into the room.
“Are you okay?” he asked as she rested her head on his shoulder.
“Exhausted.” She said as she closed her eyes. “I’ve been up all night.”
“No one’s at home?” he asked as she nodded.
“You know, I’m really proud of the mother you’ve become, and I couldn’t have wished for anyone else to take that position.” He said as a tired smile took over her face.
*********
The family is finally coming together.
#Author_goals. It feels totes awesome seeing your work come together.
Vote. Comment. Share.