Chapter 35: Chapter 35

It was not what I had seen coming. When Cameron had come to me trembling in fear and saying he had hit a man with his ball, I had never expected the man he hit to be Amsey... He was back in my life but how come? Why did he come here?

I was left startled and utterly shocked to the bones.

"You should close your mouth," He said.

"I see you haven't changed," I said, my arms akimbo.

"Was that supposed to be a compliment or what?" He asked.

"Compliment? Not at all, but you do deserve compliments though. For instance, you're pretty good at being deceitful and ummm... What else? Right! Betraying people," I said.

"I didn't betray you, Cas," He said.

I looked around dramatically, "Who's that?"

"Who's who?"

"Who's Cas?"

He chuckled, "I know you're angry, Cas, but we can sit and talk about everything that happened...."

"I don't think you understand me, Mr Amsterdam. My name isn't Cas," I said to him.

"We need to talk but not here. We need to sit and discuss about how you and our son have been faring...."

I held up my left hand, "That's enough! I don't care about your explanation and I really don't want to sit and talk about anything. All that happened was in the past and as you can clearly see, I've moved on with MYYYY son," I said, stressing the "My" very clearly.

"Listen, Cas, I had to do what was important back then. I never knew...."

"I don't want to have anything to do with you, go back to whatever pit you crawled out from," I said and turned my back at him to walk away.

I soon remembered something and turned back to face him, "Ohh... And don't come anywhere near my son nor I or I'd be forced to take legal actions," I told him, facing him squarely with unwavering eyes.

"Cas, you're pushing this matter too far. This is too extreme," He said.

I grabbed my son's hand and walked away with him. I saw my bodyguards who had been discussing only God knows what with him looking at us, probably trying to figure out what everything was for.

I didn't take so much as a glance back and went all the way upstairs to my duplex.

Inside, I left Cameron in the living room and rushed off to my bedroom shutting the door behind me.

I collapsed on my bed and sobbed uncontrollably. I couldn't remember when last I had cried except when I got a BET award and that was even tears of joy.

Why had he come back? Why did he show up out of nowhere? What were his intentions this time around? Why did he open up old wounds with his return? Why? Why? Why?!!!

I had loved Amsey, I had trusted him but he had played so badly with my feelings. I had felt broken when he had left and it had taken me time to forget all about him but now, he just had to come back and ruin my perfect life.

I didn't want to know about him or ever hear from him ever again but fate always had a way of doing unreasonable things. Gosh! Why now? Why was it when I was already at the peak of my career? Why now?? I didn't want any distraction at this point of my life, I was at the pinnacle of success and I was supposed to be doing fine. What wrong did I commit in my past life to be bestowed with such an ill-fated life?

I thought I had it all but I felt awfully bad that something was bound to happen that will change things with Amsey's return.

"Mum?" I heard Cameron's voice say.

I quickly wiped my tears with the back of my hand and cleared my throat, "Darling, what is it?" I asked, not facing his direction.

"Aunt Rita's calling," He said.

I turned to face his direction and he climbed unto the bed, handing over my phone to me.

I answered the call, "Hey Rita."

"Hi sweetie. You won't believe what just happened," She squealed from the other end.

"What happened?"

"Come on, you should ginger me to give you the good news. Like, you'd be totally shocked and left speechless," She said.

I scoffed, "As it is, nothing can shock me more than who I saw today," I told her.

"Who did you see?"

"Someone you know. I'll give you the details when you get back. What's the good news?" I asked.

She cleared her throat, "You know your favourite singer, Laura Nutshell?"

I became suddenly interested, "Yes? The super cute Canadian singer with red hair and five Grammys? Why not?"

"Well, guess what?"

"Ummm.... Is she on a world tour cause I'm gonna attend it, baby," I said excitedly.

"She's not on a world tour. Try another guess."

"Ummm.... You found out where she goes for a spa treatment in Canada cause I'm definitely gonna be there ASAP," I said.

She groaned frustratedly, "Okay, fine!! It's no use asking you to make guesses,"

I sighed, "I know, right?"

"So the thing is Laura Nutshell was at your concert yesterday, can you even believe that?"

I squealed with excitement, "You don't mean it. Girl, you're kidding, right?"

"I'm not, sweetie. Here's even bigger knews: She loves your music and wants to do a collaboration with you," She said.

I climbed out of the bed, "No way! What?!!!"

"I was like that when I heard the news too," Rita said.

"Well, I'm a great singer. Who wouldn't want to sing with me?" I boasted.

"Hey, don't start now," She said.

I chuckled, "But I'm too good and you know that too."

"Of course. Anyways, Laura Nutshell will like to have a discourse with you over lunch so go get dressed. She'll be at the RSVP restaurant in Victoria Island by 3pm. This is 1:30, hurry up cause I'm sure you don't wanna keep her waiting," Rita said.

I was highly delighted and filled with glee, "Of course. I'll go get dressed and be there before you know it," I said and hung up.

I placed my phone on the dressing table and sat on the bed.

"God, thank you. Whoo! This is the best day of my life," I muttered.

"Mum, are you going out?" I heard Cameron ask.

I looked at him, "Yes, baby. There's this huge Canadian singer that wants to do a song collaboration with me. Can you believe that?"

He looked moody, "I can, you're really good at what you do."

"Awwwn. Thanks darling. So will you help mummy get dressed?" I asked.

"Yeah, but you should probably get a shower first," He said.

"Why?" I asked.

"You've not had your bath."

"Ohh, that's true. I'll be back in a jiffy, okay?" I said and kissed his forehead.

I grabbed my towel and was about going into the bathroom when a thought crossed my mind.

"Wait! Did you say I've not had my bath?" I asked.

"You haven't," He responded, swinging his legs back and forth.

Oh my goodness! I had seen Amsey without having my bath? I stared at myself in the mirror. I had on a pair of baggy shorts and a big t-shirt with a wig cap on my head and I hadn't even had my bath!! Gosh, why did we have to meet on a day I was literally dressed like a maid?

"Is anything wrong, mum?" He asked.

"Darling, do I stink?" I asked.

He grinned revealing his missing tooth.

"What's funny?" I asked.

"Nothing," He replied.

"Be honest with me now. Do I stink?" I asked again.

"Umm... A little...."

"My goodness!!"

"You told me to be honest," He shrugged.

I heaved a deep sigh. I shouldn't care about how Amsey saw me, he's not important. He's as good as dead to me.

"Mum?"

"Yeah?"

"Didn't you promise not to go out?" He asked, sulking.

I sighed, "Baby, this is really important. I'm doing this for us...."

"I understand," He said, forced a smile and stood up.

"Baby, I'll finish up quickly and get back to you, okay?"

He shook his head, "No! Do not make promises you can't keep. You're never around, you're always having important things to do. Am I not important as well? You keep saying you'll make out time but when will that time ever come?"

"Cameron...."

"My friends' mothers tell them goodnight, assist them in their assignments, cook for them, take them out, bring them to school. Are you really my mother?"

"Cameron!!"

"I wish I had a better mother, you're so unfair. You're a bad mum," He said as tears rolled down his eyes and then, he ran out of the room.

I sunk back in the bed and pondered over what Cameron had said to me. Was I a bad mother? Everything I'd done till now was for his sake. I knew what I had gone through and I wanted a better life for my son, was that a bad thing? I had provided him with all the necessities of life, what more could I give him?

I was just 25 and a young lady. Did he think it was an easy task playing both motherly and fatherly roles? I had my own life as well. I had denied myself many things just because of him, what more did he want?

"Madam," I heard Mary's voice say.

"Yeah?" I replied absent-mindedly.

"I've come back from the supermarket, I bought all the groceries you needed," Mary said.

"Good! You should prepare lunch, Cameron's probably hungry," I said.

"That's why I came, ma. I asked him what he'll eat but he told me to leave his room and said he's not eating," She said.

"Really? Why is that?" I asked, sitting up.

"Madam, this isn't the first time. He hasn't been eating well for about six months now but anytime I want to tell you, you'll say you're busy and you'll give me money to buy what he needs," She said.

"What?!! How come I didn't know? So my son hasn't been eating well? He's my son, how come I wasn't informed?" I asked, pacing around.

"I tried to tell you on several occasions, ma, you just didn't listen," She said.

"Are you saying it's my fault? Are you saying I don't have time for my son? I love my son and you should have found one way or another to tell me about this whole thing," I said.

"I'm sorry, ma," She said.

"God! He lost so much weight but I didn't know something was wrong," I said.

"Ma, sometimes he doesn't eat in a day. He'll just pick at his food. I can't try to force him because he'll threaten to get me fired," She said.

"My poor baby," I said and started sobbing.

"Madam, don't cry."

"He's such a young child, he shouldn't be missing meals at this age," I said, still sobbing.

"Madam, there's something else I even wanted to tell you," She said.

"What's that?"

"Cameron's grades have been dropping," She said.

"What? My son is a very intelligent child. He's gotten so many prizes, hasn't he?"

"Exactly why his teachers are concerned. His class teacher has been asking to see you in person but I've been postponing it. Cameron told me you'll be home for a week so I thought it wise to inform you," She said.

"I'm really a bad mother. All I've ever wanted was to give my son the best life but I ended up ruining his life," I said.

"No ma, you're a good person. Everyone loves you."

"I only want the love of my son," I said.

"Muuuuuum!!' I heard Cameron scream.

My heart skipped, "Where's he?"

"In his room," She replied.

We both left my room and ran to his.

There, I saw my son on the floor, clutching his stomach.

"Muuuuuum!" He yelled.

I ran to where he lay and knelt beside him, tears trickling down my eyes, "What's wrong, baby?"

"My stomach hurts, mum. It hurts really badly," He said.

My baby was crying and his body was terribly hot.

"Baby, I'll take you to the hospital. You're a big boy and big boys don't cry. You'll be fine," I told him, crying too.

I took him in my arms and left the room with Mary following me closely in a panic mode to the living room. Then, I opened the door and shut it behind myself and Mary.

"We have to go to the hospital," I said.

I saw Amsey come out of the duplex opposite mine. Gosh! How could he have moved directly opposite to me?!! Well, this wasn't the time for that.

"Cas, are you fine?" He asked.

"Mind your business. Mary, lock the door," I said and rushed downstairs with my son in my arms.

"Is Cameron fine? What's wrong with him?" Amsey asked, following me.

"Mind your freaking business!" I yelled at him.

I got downstairs and to my greatest surprise, my cars weren't in sight.

"Oh my goodness! Where are my cars? Here, hold him," I said and handed over Cameron to Amsey who appeared startled.

I ran to my guards flat and knocked on the door till I saw the padlock that signalled they weren't home.

Mary came downstairs and I approached her.

"Where's my phone?" I asked.

"But you didn't tell me to bring your phone, madam," She said, looking puzzled.

"Well, I'm telling you now," I said to her and she nodded then ran back upstairs.

I heaved a sigh and paced about.

"Cameron, you grew up fast," Amsey said.

"Do not speak to him," I retorted.

"Why then did you give him to me?" Amsey asked.

"Cause I had something to do."

"Didn't you say you didn't need me?"

"Mum, my stomach hurts," Cameron said softly, interrupting us.

I looked at him and cried the more, "Baby, I'm sorry. Be strong for mummy," I said.

Mary came back with my phone and I collected it hastily and dialled Michael's number and he picked up the call after the third ring.

"Where's my car?" I asked, immediately he answered the call.

"Umm... We...umm...."

"Did you take my car out? My baby? My sweet ride? How dare you!"

"You gave us the day off," Michael said from the other end.

"I gave you the day off, did I tell you to use my car? Whatever, what about the Camry?"

"Franklin took it to the mechanic to service it," He responded.

"Oh, great! Well, you just know one thing, I need my cars and you're in for big trouble," I said and hung up, feeling so frustrated.

"Mum?" Cameron called.

"Darling," I responded.

"I'm feeling weak and tired," He said.

I collected him from Amsey and patted his back. He was already burning up and I didn't know what to do but I knew I had to reassure him that he'll be fine.

"Sorry, baby. I'll find a way for us to go to the hospital. Just stay strong for mummy," I told him.

I heard a phone ringing then I saw Amsey remove the phone from his pocket then answer it.

"Okay then," He spoke into the receiver and hung up.

"Umm... I called an Uber driver and he's outside the house," He said.

"When did you?"

"When you came downstairs and your cars were nowhere to be found," He said.

"Let's go then," I said and we went outside.

There, we saw a blue Mercedes Benz I perceived was the Uber and I was actually right about that.

Amsey got into the passenger seat and Mary, myself and Cameron went into the backseat.

"Oh, hi sir," The driver said in a hoarse voice.

"It's you again," Amsey said, sounding surprised.

"Yes sir, how are you doing?"

I felt my son's body become hotter and I saw him staring at me faintly. I was so scared.

"Please, stop the chitchat and take us to a nearby hospital," I said to him.

"Okay madam," He said and started the engine.

The drive seemed slower than it actually was due to the tension within the atmosphere but we finally made it to a small nearby hospital where I rushed into the reception without waiting to pay the driver.

"Where's the doctor? My son's burning up and his stomach is hurting him badly," I said worriedly to the nurses I met at the reception.

"Aren't you Cassie P?" One of the nurses asked, her eyes lighting up a spark.

"I am. Now, get me a doctor to attend to my son, please," I told them, slightly raising my voice.

"Wow!! You look so much beautiful even without makeup. What kind of cream do you use?" The second nurse asked.

"We should take a selfie. I can't believe you're actually here in flesh and blood," The first nurse added.

"Are you stupid? Can't you see my son is dying?" I asked, rage tearing me up.

"I'm sorry for their nonchalant attitude," A doctor said, coming into view and flashing the nurses a threatening glance.

I rushed to meet him, "Doctor, my son's...."

"Is he unconscious?" The doctor asked.

"What?" I looked down at my son and saw his eyes were closed.

I could feel tears already falling from my eyes.

"Oh, no! His eyes were open a little while ago. Doctor, is my son alright? Is he okay?" I asked.

"Let's go to the ward where I'll examine him," The doctor said and I hurried after him to a small ward where I placed my son on the bed.

He used the stethoscope to check my son's heartbeat.

"How's he? Is he breathing?" I asked, panicking.

"Yes, he's fine. He's just unconscious," The doctor said.

I felt relieved and sighed, "So what's wrong with my son?" I asked.

"I'd have to run some tests on him to determine what is wrong with him but I'd give him an injection for the time being till we are able to find out the cause of his ailment," The doctor said.

"But will be be fine?" I asked.

"Yes, he will," The doctor assured me with a smile.

"Thank you, doctor," I said.

"I'll get the nurses. Just wait in the reception, okay?" The doctor said.

"Yes, doctor. Thank you," I told him.

I went to my son and kissed his forehead, "I love you, baby. Please, get well," I said.

I left the ward and saw Amsey and Mary waiting in the reception.

"You're here," I told Mary, ignoring Amsey.

"Yes ma, how's Cameron?" She asked.

"The doctor said he'll be fine," I told her.

"What exactly is wrong with him?" Amsey asked.

I swallowed, "I don't know yet, just mind your business."

I went to sit on one of the chairs really confused and worried. What could be wrong with my son? He meant the world to me so why were things like this for him? My poor baby.

I couldn't cry anymore, my head ached and I couldn't think straight.

About an hour later, the doctor came into the reception with the test reports in his hands.

I stood up, "Do you know what's wrong with him?" I asked.

"He's suffering from Stomach ulcer," The doctor responded.

I gasped, "Jesus! Is it bad?"

"With proper treatment, the ulcer will be eliminated in three months at most," The doctor said.

"My baby's too small to have ulcer," I told the doctor, crying again.

"He'll be fine. You just need to pay attention to his meals and make sure he takes his medication and come to the hospital regularly for medical checkup," The doctor told me.

"Okay sir. Is he awake?" I asked.

"Yes, he's been asking to see you," The doctor said.

"Umm... I'll go there now," I told the doctor.

"Of course. By the way, you're well-known and I'm even a fan. I believe you have the resources to take care of your child so I don't see why he's suffering from ulcer due to lack of nutrition and skipping meals. I mean, it's none of my business but I believe you should take care of your child better," The doctor said.

I felt really bad but I knew he was telling the truth, "I understand you, sir," I said with my head bowed low.

"You should go and see him," The doctor said and I left with Mary and Amsey tagging along.

I opened the door of the ward and I saw my son lying on the bed just looking around.

"Mum!" He screamed on seeing me come in.

"Baby," I said and ran to his bedside.

"Mum, where were you? Did you go out again?" He asked.

"No, baby. How could I have gone out knowing fully well that you're not okay?" I said to him.

"I'm sorry, mummy, for all the bad things I said to you," He told me.

"I deserved it," I told him with a smile.

"Do you forgive me?" He asked.

"Of course. By the way, you've not been eating and why is that? I give you good food, don't I?" I asked, crying gently.

"Mum, is that why you're crying?" He asked.

"Yes, baby. I was worried about you. How could you reject food? I love you and if you're sick, I won't be able to live well, " I said.

"I don't want to eat Mary's food anymore, I want your food alone," He said.

"What?"

"I've never eaten anything made by you. And I skipped meals on purpose just so I'd fall sick and you'll be around," He told me.

"Darling, you should have just told me you wanted me to stay around...."

"But I kept telling you and that didn't work," He said.

"I'm sorry," I told him and pulled him into my arms, hugging him.

The sound of my phone ringing made me withdraw from the hug.

"Madam, Miss Rita is calling," Mary said and gave me my phone.

I answered the call.

"Hey, Laura Nutshell has been at the restaurant for some minutes now. Where are you? Are you at home? Don't tell me you're not on your way, please," She said rapidly from the other end.

"I'm not at home," I said.

"Good! I'll inform her you're on your way and you're stuck in a traffic," She said.

"I'm not on my way either," I told her.

"Gosh! Where the hell are you?" She sounded pretty much annoyed.

"At the hospital," I replied.

"Why? Are you sick?" She asked, sounding kind of concerned.

"No, Cameron's sick," I responded.

"So? That's not a problem, just pay the doctor, money's not an issue," She said.

"He has stomach ulcer," I said, struggling not to cry.

"That's bad and I'm sorry for that but you need this, okay? You have to leave that hospital and go see Laura, this is gonna be your biggest collaboration so far and you don't want to lose this opportunity. Forget about Cameron, he has Mary," Rita said.

"You don't understand! I'm his mother not Mary!! I can't leave my son, he needs me more than ever. I've neglected him since he was a baby and I can't continue doing that. I knew how tough it was to not have a father but my mum was there and I felt loved. I have to make my son feel loved as well, I owe him that much," I yelled, tears rolling down my eyes.

"You need to calm down...."

I didn't let her finish and just hung up.

No one spoke to me and they just let me brood in peace silently. How dare Rita! How dare she tell me to pick work over my own son!! I was so done with this shit.

"Mary, could you make a video of me? I want to go live on Instagram," I said.

"Okay ma," She responded.

She got the phone and began to record.

I was in such a bad state because I looked so unkempt and shabby but nevertheless, I knew it was high time I took control of my life.

My voice was so unclear as I spoke, "Hi Nigeria, hi world. Umm... As you all know, for over five years now, I've been making music and I don't need to explain my story to y'all, it's something everyone knows. I've been too busy making money and doing what everyone expects me to do that I abandoned my own son.

"I've never had the time to take care of him the way a mother should because of my career and it's been affecting my son badly. As you can see, my son is in the hospital. He's suffering from Stomach ulcer at his young age because I couldn't regulate his meals and also, his grades in school have gone low because I'm never there for him.

I know you guys are angry that I'd left my concert but I've never had time for myself since I started this music career. I had just completed a world tour and I was scheduled with a concert I didn't even plan and I felt so weak while performing; that's why I left the concert yesterday. Can you believe yesterday was even my son's birthday and I didn't know?"

I sniffed, "I don't care about what you guys will say, you can judge or condemn me, it's absolutely fine. And I also know my agency will want to probably strangle me right now but I won't be deterred this time around. I want to be in charge of my life and that of my son as well.

In essence, for the next six months, I'd be off music. I cannot jeopardize my son's life for the sake of music. I've been a bad mother to my son but I want to set things right and I hope you guys understand. Thanks for your love and support, I'm forever grateful to you guys," I said and nodded at Mary.

She ended the live video and smiled at me expressing that what I'd done was great.

"Mummy, thank you so much. I love you," Cameron said.

"I love you more," I told him and hugged him tightly.

"Mr Amsey?" I heard a gruffy voice say.

"What are you doing here?" Amsey asked.

"Sir, you forgot your phone in the cab," The voice said.

The voice sounded so awfully familiar like I'd heard it before and I turned to look at the person who had spoken.

"Oh, thank you sir, honest people like you are rare," Amsey said to the person.

The person..... The person was a short and ugly man with grey hair and grey beards. Even though he smiled, he looked like a grumpy fellow.

That intimidating look..... Mr Grumpy?

Our eyes met and he shuddered.

"Madam Helen's daughter?" He said after a long dreadful minute.

"Pathetic bastard," I said, through gritted teeth.

Another person I detested was back.

Why was the universe so unfair??