Chapter 36: Chapter 36

There was an awful silence in the room as our eyes met and memories flashed through my mind, reminding me of the disgusting things I had done with the monstrous excuse of a man.

I remembered him forcing those crude lips of his on mine and peeling off my worn out clothes off my skin. I had cried and begged him to treat me like I were his own child but he was just going to have his way anyway and I had no choice at the time.

When I couldn't beg him anymore, I had just lay back motionlessly while tears fell from my eyes but he had been too emotionless to care that I didn't want a fifty something year old man riding me and will have opted for a better life provided I had the resources to make that possible.

He had had this evil satisfying look as he saw me crying while he took pleasure in my barely mature body, sweating like the goat he actually was.

"Cas, what are you thinking of?" Amsey shouted at me, bringing me back from reality.

I swallowed as I saw Mr Grumpy still standing, instead of running for his dear life. Wait! His life wasn't dear.

"Do you two know each other?" Amsey asked.

"What are you doing here?" I retorted, staring at Amsey.

"Are you okay? I came to the hospital with you because Cameron wasn't feeling well...."

"Who asked you to come?" I asked him.

"Are you just seeing me? You didn't care before that I was here," Amsey said.

"I cared but I didn't want to say anything because Cameron was unconscious at the time. Your presence disgusts me, you should leave," I told him.

"I'd do what I want to. If not for me, he wouldn't have made it to the hospital in time," Amsey said.

"Says who? And by the way, I don't remember asking you for a favour," I slammed him.

"You put him in my hands," He said, slightly raising his voice.

"You were standing right there, not minding your business. I thought you were one of my servants and that's why I gave him to you but you could have declined; you didn't have to collect him," I said, with a smirk.

He groaned in frustration, "Cas, for God's sake!!"

"We both know that's not my name or were you talking to someone else?"

"You're annoying!" He said.

"At least, I'm not a backstabber," I said, staring daggers at him.

"Enough! You shouldn't be doing this in front of the kid," Mr Grumpy interposed in a loud voice.

I looked at him in amazement and burst into a mock laughter.

"Coming from a pig like you, this is quite funny," I said.

He bowed his head in shame, "Could we talk outside?"

"I have nothing, absolutely nothing, to say to you," I retorted.

"Mum, could you keep it down? I'm trying to sleep," Cameron said softly.

I stared back at him. He looked bleary and he looked like he had been asleep but someone had disturbed his sleep.

"You heard my son, he wants to sleep," I told both of them.

"What are you implying?" Amsey asked.

I sneered, "Don't you get it? Leave!"

"Mum, you should leave with them," Cameron said, avoiding my gaze.

"Darling, you honestly want me to leave?" I asked, feeling slightly embarrassed.

"Yeah. I don't like sleeping when people are around, no offence, mum," He said.

"Offence taken," I said, eyeing him.

"Sorry," Cameron offered.

"It's fine," I said to him then turned back to look at Mr Grumpy and Amsey, "You guys, party's over, get out."

Amsey sighed while Mr Grumpy shook his head then they left.

Mary had gone home to get Cameron something to eat and a change of clothes, so she wasn't present at the scene.

I heard the door open.

"I thought I told you to leave!" I yelled, then quickly regretted it as it was the doctor that had entered not Amsey nor Mr Grumpy.

"Are you alright, madam?" The doctor said.

"Yes, I am. I thought it was someone else who had come in," I responded.

"Okay, that's fine. I'm here to tell you that your son has been discharged and he can go home with you," He responded.

"Really?" I asked, bewildered.

"Yes."

"Will he be fine?" I asked.

"Of course, as long as he takes his medication properly. Here's the list of drugs you should get at the pharmacy for him. You should bring him to the hospital every week though, for a check-up so as to determine if he's making progress in his treatment," The doctor explained, giving me a sheet of paper.

"Thank you, doctor. I'm extremely grateful for your help," I told him, collecting the paper from him and examined it.

"I'll leave you then," He said.

"Okay, thank you again."

"Please, endeavour to sign the discharge papers on your way home," Ths doctor said.

"I will, sure."

"Bye," The doctor said and left the ward, shutting the door gently behind him.

I glanced back at Cameron and saw he was already fast asleep. So much for not sleeping in the presence of people, I grinned.

My phone rang. I glanced at the caller ID and saw it was Michael who was calling my line. I hissed then picked up the call, "Yes?"

"I'm sorry, madam, for what happened today," He apologised.

"You took my baby out and something could have happened to my son because of that, sorry won't cut it," I retorted.

"Please, madam, I just wanted my girlfriend to....."

"Whatever, where are you right now?" I asked.

"Umm... We're at home," He responded.

"Sure?" I asked.

"Yes," He replied.

"Okay, I need you to come to the hospital. I'm leaving with my son, he's been discharged. I'd text you the address," I told him.

"Okay ma," He replied then I hung up.

I needed to go outside the ward to see the address of the hospital which was on one of the placards right outside the ward but I had unfortunately not been able to cram it.

I kissed Cameron's forehead and left the room, closing the door behind me.

I stared at the placard just outside Cameron's ward and got the address which I typed and sent to Michael's number.

About five seconds later, I received a response from him, "I've seen it, we'll be there soon," He said.

By "we", I knew he meant him and Wale.

I turned around and my heart jumped on seeing the most hideous-looking man on earth, staring at me.

"What are you still doing here?" I asked, on seeing Mr Grumpy.

He had been standing right behind me, waiting for me to be done apparently. Gosh! He had scared me to the bones.

"Can we talk?" He asked.

"I already told you in clear words that I have nothing to say to you. Don't you get it?" I retorted.

"Please, I know I offended you and I don't know how to ask for your forgiveness but...."

"Find a place in your heart to forgive me," I completed his statement for him.

"Exactly," He said.

I folded my arms below my breasts, "The thing is you're not even sorry if what you could come up with as an apology is the same old lame line," I said.

He scratched his hair, "I don't know what you mean but I'm sorry and that's one thing I'm sure of," He said.

"You don't deserve forgiveness," I told him.

"I made a big mistake and it cost me all I ever had. As you can see for yourself, I'm now a taxi driver. I've already been punished by God; please, don't punish me again by refusing my apology," He said, looking extremely remorseful but I wasn't gonna buy that.

I laughed, "How the mighty has fallen. You thought you'd be rich forever and you treated me like trash, but just look how the tables turned. Mr Grumpy, a taxi driver. Who would've thought?" I asked, dramatically.

"Is it me you're referring to as Mr Grumpy?" He asked.

"Of course, that's who you are. Isn't it?" I retorted.

"Listen, my name is Mr Okorie Johnson," He said, looking quite angry.

"Who asked you? Nobody. And I don't even care what your name is. Let's get this over and done with; you're sorry, apology not accepted. You may go now," I said.

"Please, I don't mind kneeling to beg you in public. Just forgive me, I made a grave mistake and I need your forgiveness. I promise not to bother you ever again," He said.

"You can't even bother me even if you tried. Now, get out or I may be forced to take legal action," I said.

"Cas, what's wrong with you?" Amsey asked, coming into view.

"What do you mean by that?" I asked.

"I get why you can be rude to me but certainly, not to this nice old man," Amsey said.

I grimaced, "You'd be shocked."

"Shocked concerning what? Did he ask you for a favour? If you couldn't give that to him, why talk down on him? He's a human being and he's old enough to be your father," Amsey raised his voice.

"Well, he should have thought about that seven years ago," I yelled back at him.

"Seven years ago?" Amsey brought down his voice and looked thoughtful.

He looked back at me, like he had figured something out.

"Was he one of those men?" Amsey asked.

"Will I just go around shouting at anyone I come across?" I fired back.

Amsey stared at Mr Grumpy like he was going to kill him from any moment onwards and Mr Grumpy looked terrified. Of course, he knew his game was up.

"Which one of the men is he?" Amsey asked, with gritted teeth.

I only looked away.

Some patients and nurses had gathered around, wanting to know what exactly was going on. That was when I regretted even talking to the pathetic man in the first place; I had forgotten who I was and that I was in an open area.

"From his looks, I can tell with the way you had described him that he's the grumpy employer," Amsey said, his voice had thickened.

"Leave it be," I told Amsey.

Gosh! But I was so good with descriptions that Amsey had guessed who the man was correctly at the first try.

"I'm not joking, Cas. Is he the one?" Amsey yelled.

I didn't want people to start asking silly questions and for that, I needed Amsey to die the whole issue.

I nodded in the affirmative.

But that had been my mistake because before I could even think of blinking my eyes, Amsey lunged at Mr Grumpy with a blow on the nose which sent the latter crashing down to the floor with a groan.

I saw camera lights, people were recording what was going on.

Good Heavens! The scene I had been avoiding was right in my face, all thanks to Amsey.

Amsey kicked Mr Grumpy in the stomach and dealt him with several blows that he started bleeding from his nose and the corner of his mouth.

I tried to make Amsey stop fighting but he didn't listen and practically ignored me.

The people around didn't even help matters at all. The hospital didn't even have security guards so I was helpless. Well, it was a small and disorganized hospital? What could you expect?

Just then, Wale and Michael appeared out of nowhere.

I felt relieved, "It's a good thing you guys are here. Please, stop them from fighting," I said.

Trust Wale to jump at that sort of situation, he loved action and wasn't much of a talker. While Michael was trying to stop Amsey from beating Mr Grumpy to a pulp by talking sense into him, Wale just lifted Amsey off Mr Grumpy's body with one hand and flung him to the floor.

I giggled at that point, Wale was a vicious person, he acted like he had no humane feelings.

"Wale, please, get Cameron. He's sleeping so be careful so as not to wake him up," I said.

Wale nodded and went into the ward, carried Cameron out in his arms and after giving him the nod, he left the hospital for the car apparently.

Amsey got up, looking quite offended, "How could you ask them to stop me from beating up this idiot?"

"Remember what happened with Ken? I don't think you'd want a repeat of that. I can assure you that this time around, there'd be no miracle to save you. You'd be thrown behind bars," I told him.

"You care?" He seemed flustered.

"Of course not, you can rot in jail for all I care. My only issue is you're the one who said he's old enough to be my father so respect his age at least," I shouted.

"This man deserves no respect," Amsey sneered.

"Wow! Thought you were cool with him. Weren't you the one defending him?"

"That was before I knew the disgusting thing he did," Amsey spat.

"You changed your mind so quickly then," I mocked.

"You've made your point, okay?" He yelled.

"Amsey, stop acting like you're even concerned. Stop butting in on my business," I told him, pointing my index finger.

"Your business is my business," He retorted.

"You're wrong and you're no less a monster than he is," I said.

"You can't seriously be comparing me to this old fool," He said.

"You're right, I shouldn't compare both of you. He's better than you are. At least, he stated his intentions from the get-go unlike you, who pretended to be loving and nice and ended up hurting my feelings," I said, looking at him fixatedly.

He looked overwhelmed, "You mean, you'd rather forgive this man than me?" He asked, hurt written on his face.

"Yes," I answered.

"Did I hurt you that much?" He asked.

"You know the answer," I replied, eyeing him irritably and walked out, with Michael walking behind me.

We got outside where I saw Wale sitting in the driver's seat, Michael joined him by staying in the passenger seat and I squeezed myself into the backseat, where Cameron lay, oblivious of his environment.

I heaved a deep sigh, reminiscing over the past incident that had taken place in the hospital. People had videoed what had happened with Amsey, Mr Grumpy and I.

I was scared of what the outcome will be and how the world will react knowing fully well I had just taken some time off due to my son's health condition and soon afterwards,  I had supposedly stirred up a fight between two men.

"Ma, everyone's talking about your live video," Michael said, scrolling through his phone.

My heart skipped, "What are they saying?" I asked, acting unperturbed when I actually was.

"They are sorry for judging you, they're saying you're a good mother and your son will be fine and you're doing the right thing," Michael said.

I felt elated, "Really?"

"Yes, they're a few hate comments though but the majority are in your favour," Michael said.

"Wow! This is good news. Now, Mr Muffin can't say something shitty to me," I said.

"Yeah. They're wishing your son a safe recovery, ma," Michael added.

I felt proud. At least, the world agreed with my view on things and Mary and Mr Muffin could go to hell for all I cared.

[Amsey's POV]

I sat in a cab on my way to the restaurant Barrister Chidi had told me to meet him at which was on the Island as well.

I had received his text when I was still in the hospital with the address of the restaurant; we made our move to destroy my father from this evening.

When my father had threatened me two weeks to me leaving Nigeria, it was when I had known it was Barrister's Chidi who had helped my mother get the documents to my father's property.

I had never known how my mother got those documents but in my father's rage, he had revealed it to me. I also hadn't known my mum wasn't mentally unstable, it was then I had also known.

I had no one to turn to for help. I had remembered the barrister's full name and had searched for him on Facebook where I had finally come across him. It had been easy for me, due to the fact that he was the one on his profile picture.

I had sent him a message which he responded to and had explained who I was to him. He had been so happy on seeing that I was still alive and hale.

I had informed him of the situation at hand and he decided to help me. He had processed my Visa and travel tickets in less than a week due to his connections and that was how I had been able to leave the country.

Although he wasn't all that financially stable, he made sure I left the country to where his family was. He had told me that his family had left Nigeria because of the threats from my father.

Barrister Chidi had told me he never stayed in one place for too long and couldn't even practice his profession. He couldn't get a Visa for himself because of my father and stayed back in Nigeria to work and send money to his family abroad.

His wife had treated me like I was her own son while his two daughters who were younger than I was treated me like I was the elder brother they never had.

It was overwhelming how they had treated me with so much love despite the fact that I wasn't blood related to them.

A year after I had settled in England, Barrister Chidi hit a huge jackpot from gambling on an online betting app I had introduced him to via Skype. I had lost a lot of money from it but Barrister Chidi struck gold on his first try.

Barrister Chidi immediately started an electronic business where he sold electronic accessories and his business bloomed. He was able to pay off all his debts and things changed smoothly for him.

His wife was so sure that I was a blessing to them but it was the other way round for me. They were the ones who had been blessings to me and I didn't know how my life would've been without them there.

Sure, I had missed Cas and Cameron but Barrister Chidi's family had made my stay with them worthwhile.

The driver pulled the car to a stop at the garage of the three storeyed magnificent-looking restaurant I had never seen before.

Barrister Chidi had already wired the fare to the driver's account so all I had to do was thank the driver for the smooth ride and alight from the cab.

I stared at the restaurant in awe, it was huge and fancily built.

The doorman opened the door of the restaurant and ushered me in.

The place was lit with fancy chandeliers and was posh in every sense of the word. I had never been to a restaurant of this kind and I had only seen such on the television.

Thankfully, I had put on an expensive blue suit I had gotten during my stay in England and had worn nice Italian shoes, so I actually fit into the calibre of people who were there, sipping wine and eating chic food; probably discussing business matters or having a classy celebration for only close relatives or something like that.

I held my glasses in my hand and adjusted my tie. I was actually nervous but I couldn't show that I was, I had to pretend like I belonged.

I looked around and saw the barrister who had been loyal to my mother and had been the one who had been helping me out wave at me.

I nodded and went to sit opposite him.

"Good evening sir," I told him, with a smile.

"How have you been? It's been six years since I saw you last," Barrister Chidi said, beaming.

"I've been well and you?" I asked.

"I'm fine as you can see," He said.

"Of course, I can see," I grinned.

"Do you like the apartment I got for you?" He asked.

"Very, it's a beautiful and neat environment," I said.

"I'm glad to hear that," He said, with a smile.

"Daniella and Tracy told me you must go see them this year," I told him.

He sighed, "You know that's impossible till you get what's rightfully yours and we're free from the clutches of your father," He said.

"I understand you don't want to put your family in danger but they don't get that. I believe your wife even thinks you're seeing someone else," I said to him.

He groaned, "Women!"

I grimaced, "I'd think the same thing if I were in her shoes," I said.

"Thank you for being the brother Daniella and Tracy never had and for not giving my wife any trouble. My family members speak so highly of you; how you help out with things and treat them like they were own family," He said.

"It's me who should be thanking you for helping me out even though we're not blood related," I told him with a smile.

He nodded and took a sip from his wine.

"I looked into your girl's matter. She didn't get help from Folorunsho, I learnt that a man recognised her talent and took her in, something of the sort, but you can be rest assured the man that helped her out isn't your father," Barrister Chidi told me.

I heaved a sigh of relief and didn't say a word.

"You seem uneasy," Barrister Chidi told me, sensing my mood.

"It's just Cas," I told him.

"Your girlfriend?" He asked.

"Yeah, she hates me," I responded.

He chuckled, "You haven't even met her yet, do not overthink things."

"I've met her."

"How?"

"She's my next-door neighbour," I responded.

"In your new apartment?"

"Yes."

He sighed, "That's surprising but I guess that's just fate at work. All you just have to do is explain things to her."

"That's the problem, she's not even ready to listen to me, she feels I betrayed her," I said, my tone indicating helplessness.

"I'm sorry about that," He said.

"I don't know what to do....."

"How come they're all here?" Barrister Chidi interrupted me.

"What are you talking about? I'm saying something very important here," I said, befuddled.

"We were so engrossed in our conversation that we didn't even notice they're already here as we had been informed," Barrister Chidi said, looking elsewhere.

"Who's here?" I asked.

"Folorunsho Holland Ibitoye."

I swung my neck in the direction Barrister Chidi's gaze rested upon and saw the supposedly most generous man on earth and present Lagos State governor, serving in his second term in office, in all his glory pour wine into his glass.

He had worn a flowing white agbada with expensive designer shoes and had on a cap to match his outfit.

He was with his wife, Mariam and their three children, Jordan, Tennessee and Florida. There were also ministers with them and paparazzi that had gathered around, taking pictures of the events.

There were also armed soldiers standing next to him and everyone in the restaurant had on smiling faces, happy to see the father of the people, Folorunsho Holland Ibitoye.

Barrister Chidi had been informed by his private eye that my Father will come to the restaurant to celebrate his only daughter's graduation from Harvard University and that's why we had decided to make our move from this night where the news reporters and paparazzi were sure to be at to make the news spread like wildfire.

They all stood up for a toast to the completion of Florida's studies.

My Father drew Florida who was beaming happily, to his side.

"I'm honoured to be here with my family today to celebrate the successful completion of the studies of my only daughter and the last of my children, Florida. Let's raise a toast to Florida," My father said, raising his glass for a toast.

"Cheers," They all said and their glasses clinked.

I stood up and walked to where they were, announcing my presence by clearing my throat and they turned to look at me.

"Why wasn't I invited?" I asked, looking at my dad who looked like he had just seen a ghost.

"Am....ster...dam," He breathed out.

"Why are you shocked, Father?" I asked and that roused exclamations and awes from the people present and I saw flashes of camera lights.

I grinned, that was exactly what I had wanted.

"Amsterdam, this is not the time nor place for this," My father's wife said in a firm voice.

"Mariam, it's been years. How have you been faring?" I asked, acting like I was delighted to see her.

"You won't call my mother by her name," Jordan warned, pointing a finger at me.

"Why? She called me by my name, didn't she?" I retorted.

"Amsterdam, you should go. You're creating a scene," Florida said.

"I don't understand. Can't I decide to grace my own sister's graduation celebration?" I asked, sarcasm laced in my voice.

"You should get out," Mariam said.

"I was planning on doing that because I'm not welcome here apparently. Anyways, since your husband is too awestricken to speak, just relay a message to him that I'm back for my inheritance so you all should be ready," I said, gave a mock smile and walked out of their midst.

"Sir, sir, one more word," "Are you truly Governor Holland's son?" "Are you an illegitimate child?" "Sir, please, say something."

Those were questions the reporters asked as they ran after me as I stepped out of the restaurant but I didn't stop to give them a reply.

I had seen Barrister Chidi leave the restaurant as planned and I knew he was outside waiting in his car.

He waved at me and I nodded and went to the car, which I opened and got in.

Barrister Chidi nodded in approval and I grinned.

This was just the beginning.