VILE

Chapter 12: The Present

Tomike stood at the terrace of her highrise office building as she sipped hot coffee from a paper cup. She watched the city below her, buzzling and alive. People walking, cars honking their horns, police sirens piercing through the air.

She thought of how she spent her Christmas and how it didn't all turn out as bad as she had anticipated.

Todd had spent Christmas in Boston, and thankfully she didn't have to put up with Linda. Apparently she had to travel to Mexico to spend the holidays with her family. It was a relief to Tomike that she didn't have to spend her entire holiday pretending and acting.

Although she didn't feel like it, Todd made her decorate her apartment. She put up lights, a few decorations she had gotten from a Target store, and she even put up a small Christmas tree in her living room. She exchanged gifts with Todd, Annalise, and a few of her co workers.

Christmas wasn't perfect, but it was good. She didn't have any memorable experiences of Christmas while growing up. That was until she moved in with her grand-aunt, Iya Bose. Her children would come around with their children, and they'd cook outside with firewood and large pots. The smell of Jollof rice and fried beef would fill the air. There was so much to eat and drink.

Iya Bose's children would buy all sorts of goodies for the kids, and everyone got what they wanted. New clothes, new shoes and even brand new hair cuts and hairdos. There was candy and chocolate galore, varying different brands. Iya Bose's son, Uncle Jide, who visited from London with his family would make sure of that.

Tomike couldn't help but smile at the thought. Her childhood would have been a total disaster if not for Iya Bose who was her saving grace. She was like a guardian angel that entered her life and saved her. Tomike knew she owed her more than she could ever repay.

She'd always tell her, "Tomike, if you want to pay me back for all I've done for you, just do one thing for me; be the best. Work hard and show this wicked world that you are much stronger, and that their evil did not stop you from being a child of destiny, you hear. Just keep shining, keep climbing, until there is no higher place to reach."

A smile spread on Tomike's face again as she remembered her beloved grand-aunt's words. Just then, she received a call.

Aunty Bose

Why was Iya Bose's first daughter calling her? She hadn't received a call from her in months. Tomike knew it could only mean two things -something really good was happening or something was seriously wrong.

She took a deep breath and then picked up the call. "Good day ma" she said in Yoruba.

"Good day my dear, bawoni?"

"I'm fine ma. Hope everyone is fine at home?"

"It is well." Tomike didn't like that response. Bose continued.

"Mummy was rushed to the hospital yesterday morning. She slumped while she was in her warehouse."

Tomike felt something nudge at her heart. She said a silent prayer.

"Is she okay? Will she be fine? What happened?" Her heart rate was increasing now.

"She is fine, for now. They were able to stabilize her. They say it was a stroke. But they are running more tests"

"Will she be okay?"

"She is seventy-eight. The doctors don't know if her heart can take it"

Tomike couldn't help but think back on her last conversation with Iya Bose. A few weeks after new years. They spoke on the phone for almost an hour. She sounded okay, she sounded fine. Tears now threatened to fall from her eyes.

"To be honest with you Tomi, she might not make it. I'm really afraid she might not make it..." She was now sobbing. "Don't you want to see her before that happens? Just even once. I know she means a lot to you, and it's been four years since she laid eyes on you. I think you should come home Tomike"

Her chest tightened, she looked around for a place to sit and landed on a bounce chair that was playfully used to decorate the terrace. Aunty Bose was not one to exaggerate, she always said it as it was. And if she was implying her mother might die soon, there was a high possibility it was going to happen.

"Okay. Okay Aunty Bose." She held her eyes shut. "I'll come, I'll come even if it's just to see her one last time." The tears freely flowed down her face.

"Ok dear. We'll be expecting you. Goodbye"

Tomike was now crying, her hands across her chest. She was bent over, trying hard not to bring any attention to herself. Afterall she was still in a work environment.

A soft wind blew, and soon it was drizzling. It seemed like winter was finally over and it was now the beginning of spring.

Bawoni- How are you?
Btw, Iya Bose means Bose's mother.

*******
Who else is excited Tomike is going back to Nigeria? I know I am. Can't wait to share with you guys all that happens when she gets there.
So guys, I've been meaning to ask, which part of the story do you like best? The past, the present or the blend of both?
I'd love to hear what you think in the comments. Don't forget to vote!
Xoxo 💕💕
Val.