Chapter 10: Chapter 10

Valor had his thoughts on Alice, how he will start a life, being a father of many children. He became happy knowing the success ahead.

Alice had already written to him promising to come visiting. Valor became very happy and could not wait for the month to end. His joy was full, he treated patients with care and love in his heart no matter how bad the condition was, he remained positive.

After a long day work, about to leave the clinic, Valor saw a lady walking in his direction. Immediately they both smiled at each other she ran and hugged him. Valor tried to detach her from his body, but she was too tight. He called her name “Mboutidem” “what a long-lost time” she said. Valor asked, “where have you been?” “I’ve been around. I’ve missed you” “me too,” he said. She asked, “so what are you doing here?” He replied, “I work here.” “you mean you work here in this clinic,” she said, he answered, “yes, as a doctor.” “Wow, you have made it!” she exclaimed. valor asked how, she said “you are being paid well, up and doing, all the same, you deserve it. are you married?” “very soon, like a few months away. And you?” “I’m not yet married.” “I suspected by now you should have 5 children.” she giggles, “I’m not yet settled” “that’s okay, so where do you work?” “I have a saloon; I plait hair” Valor exclaimed, “impressive, self-paid.”

Valor was exhausted and wanted to end the discussion, he asked her where she was going, to which she replied, “to my saloon, it is two streets away from here. Maybe I’ll pay a visit. In case you need me, I’m always present.” “Thank you dear” She left valor there and continued her way.

***

End of the month, Alice had made her way to visit Valor almost two years after leaving her. Valor picked her from the park to the place he lived. She was happy with the nice environment they had, “nice place you live.” Valor brought out his keys and opened the door and made her comfortable. He asked her, “am I not caring?” she dropped her bag, placing her hands on his shoulder and they looked at each other’s eyes and she answered, “you are caring.” They made vows to themselves and promised to keep it. It was one of their happiest days.

After such enthusiastic mode, she requested for something to eat. Valor said, “we barely cook here, Richard is always busy with school and I’m always busy with my work, so we eat out most times.” “Sorry about that. Now that I am here, at least you could show me a nearby market so that I can prepare something for you guys.” “Yes, Cook coconut rice with crayfish. She asked “where is the money? “Oops, I forgot.” Valor lifted his bed and brought out a polythene bag, he removed ₦1,500 and gave it to her. Being shocked, she asked Valor, “why can’t you use the bank?” He replied, “I’m always occupied and have no chance to go to the bank” “I was thinking you are one of those people who don’t believe in banks,” she continues, “it’s okay. I hope you have a grater for the coconut.” He answered, “no I will borrow from a neighbor”. “Okay then, give me some space.” Valor left her to get the grater, while she changed her dress.

***

Richard came back from work, Surprise to see Alice improved in body appearance. She looks good. “wow, what a wonderful improvement.” “Thank you.” “so how is Calabar?” “Calabar is fine.” “what of the family?” “Everybody is fine. greetings from my family to you and Valor.” Richard asked, “do they know me?” “yes, I told them about you and Valor.” “that’s nice of you.”

Richard perceives something, “you brought coconut, something smells like coconut, maybe it is your hair conditioner.” “Nope, I prepared coconut rice, there, is your share on the table.” “Okay, thank you. I could not discern it earlier because it’s been a long time since we cooked here.”

He walked to the table and opened the plate; the aroma went directly to his nose. “Hmm crayfish, this is very enchanting.”