BROKEN MIRAGE

CHAPTER ELEVEN

I woke up with a feeling of anxiety. My joints ached really badly and I could barely get out of bed and oh... there was this siren-like sound in my head. It landed me back on my bed. I felt dizzy instantly. I managed to sit up and rested my back on my pillow. It took me a while to notice there was someone in the room with me.

I looked by my right and there was Tinuke lying on the floor with her protruded belly facing my bed.

I cleared my throat trying to wake her. She slowly sat up, stretched and yawned.

"Oh, you're already awake" she said with a smile as she rubbed her eyes.

"Yeah" I said. I helped her up as I found she was finding it difficult to stand.

"You slept on the floor all through?"

"Uh... I had to watch you".

"So, nobody else could watch?" I asked feeling concerned. I couldn't believe I was showing her some concern.

"It's okay Helene. I volunteered anyway. So, how do you feel?"

"Better. Just a slight headache. What actually happened? Did drake collapse? Cos, I don't know what's real anymore"'

She laughed. "Yes, Drake did collapse. You passed out at the hospital"

"Passed out? I remember I felt quite okay"

"The doctor said you have anemia.
You lack blood".

"Really? How did that happen?"

"Well, here is some medicine for you". She went to the drawer and handed over the medicines to me.

"Thanks"

"Make sure you use them, so you can get better. I'll go check on Drake".

I nodded and she left the room.

She had really changed.

I had my bathe and used the medicines. I also needed to check on Drake but, before that, I wanted to call my mom.

I picked my cell phone and dialed her number. I bit my lips. My hands and feet became cold instantly.

"Hi" a male voice said.

I was caught by surprise. Why do a lot of people pick mom's phone?

"Hello... my name is Helene"

"Helene? I'm sorry. I know no one by that name"

"Uh... yeah. I need to speak with uh... Melrose"

"Melrose? My ..."

"Hello... hello". The service cut off.

'Oh shit! I hate this country".

I wore my flip flops and headed to Drake's room with a feeling of total disappointment. By the lobby, I heard sniffing. It was like someone was crying. Shit! Can't tears ever run dry in this house? Are we cursed to cry forever? I traced the sniffing sounds and located Tinuke talking to Richard. I quickly hid myself behind a bookshelf.

"I never knew you had a girlfriend"

"I'm sorry, Tinuke but, I don't love you".

Richard obviously felt uneasy saying that to Tinuke in her present condition.

"My girlfriend is at England and we will leave for England soon. It's just the baby that binds us Tinuke."

He held Tinuke's hands. Her head was bent as she cried life out of her.

"You were a virgin. Yes, I know. I'm very sorry for doing this to you. Look, you are extremely beautiful, well shaped. Every guy wants someone like you. I..."

She withdrew her hands and dried her tears.

"It's okay, Richard. I'll leave after we have the baby so, you can devote time to your girlfriend. Thank you Richard". She gave a sly smile and walked away with her hands on her belly.

I felt pity for her and the condition she was in. So, she was a virgin?

Hmm... Richard.

He was already developing feelings for Tinuke but, he still felt attached to his white lover, Claire.

Poor Richard.

"Helene?"

I gasped and turned around. It was my dad. Oh God! What was I going to say?

"What are you doing here?"

"Uh... I... I... misplaced a book so; I came here to search for it"

"Hmm... Helene?" he already suspected more.

"Dad, I swear. I'm serious". I turned around and pretended to continue searching. "It should be somewhere..." "I can't find it. Perhaps, I'll check my room more. Bye dad". I ran back to my room.

I ran in and shut the door panting.

"What's wrong Helene?"

I screamed in shock. I turned around and saw Tinuke staring at me with this look of 'are you in your senses?' She was holding a bowl of fruits.

"Umm... nothing. I think I need some rest".

I noticed her eyes were swollen. She must have continued to cry her life out.

"How are you?" I asked as I climbed my bed.

She looked at me and smiled. "You ask as though I'm sick". She laughs and I giggle in return. "But, yes. I'm very fine. Thanks". She drops the bowl and sat on a chair.

"Have you actually changed or you are pretending to have?"

She exhaled and smiled. I think she just cultivated the habit of smiling always.

"Well, I know I've been a pain in the neck and I'm sincerely sorry for all the things I and my mother did to all of you. I really want to be nice to you all. Trust me, I'm not faking this". She laughed and I joined.

'We'll be leaving for England soon. Are you coming with us?" I picked up an apple and had a chunk.

"Uh... I don't think so. I and the baby will remain here in Nigeria. Don't worry about us. We will be fine". Her eyes became heavy but, she kept on smiling.

She was strong!

"Oh, guess you have your reasons. Do you like?" I handed her an apple."Have some".

'Thanks Helene"

"You're welcome"

I was starting to really like her. It's been a while I've had someone to chat with like this. She was not bad after all. All she ever did was just to smile and be positive about situations. Wow. She must have gone through some kind of therapy. We continued our discussion for close to thirty minutes with a lot of 'wows' and 'whats!' in between. It was cut short by dad's knock.

"Come in", I said in between laughter.

"Oh. You both are having a great time". He smiled as he entered.

I guess Tinuke must have brought some 'smile' along when coming. Everyone smiled.

"I've been looking everywhere for you. You shouldn't be roaming about in your present condition", Dad said.

She smiled again. "Here I am sir".

'Get dressed. Come with me to the embassy. You are going to be issued a visa to England"

'Sir?!" she stood in outmost surprise. I was surprised as well.

'You are coming with us".