Chapter 37: Chapter 37

It had been a week since I was told that my son was suffering from Stomach ulcer much to my dismay. It was Monday but Cameron was at home with me because the doctor had advised he stayed at home and get better for about one month instead of going to school seeing how bad it was for a child of his age to be faced with ulcer. Also, I needed to regulate how well he was eating.

If not for the support of my fans, Mr Muffin would have smothered me for taking six months off music. To settle things with him, I had told him I'd release my fourth studio album under his agency but I still wasn't sure if I'd renew my contract with them.

I'd been with "Muffin agency" for a long time now. Yeah, I know the name of the agency sounded wack but that agency changed my entire life for the best.

Yes, I had issues with Mr Muffin most of the time and he probably had just used me for his personal gain but he had made me who I am and that's all that mattered.

I was just tired of being in the same ol' place when I was getting better offers from better agencies.

Now wasn't even the time to think about music. I had said I was taking a break and I wasn't going back on my word.

"Hey," Rita said, collapsing into the couch I was sitting on.

She had been sleeping inside her bedroom and had obviously just woken up.

"Gosh, Rita. You've added so much weight, just look at how your weight nearly broke the couch," I teased.

"You're crazy," She laughed, hitting her fist on my arm.

"Ouch!" I pretended that it hurt me.

"Sorry," She said.

"It's fine."

"What's up with you?"

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"You're watching the news channel, that's rare," She said.

I chuckled, "It's just that fight I told you about that happened between Mr Grumpy and Amsey. No one's said a word even though people video recorded it that day, I'm somehow nervous," I told her.

"Just let it roll off your back, don't think about a problem that hasn't even occured yet,' Rita advised.

"You're right. By the way, did you speak with Laura Nutshell?" I asked.

"Yeah. She can't wait for six months and she was hurt you stood her up at the restaurant so you just lost what may have been the biggest collaboration of your life," She said, looking sorry.

I heaved a sigh, "Well, I expected that."

"So aren't you hurt?" She asked, concerned.

I shrugged, "It feels terrible, sure, but I'm not gonna let it bother me. If she can't be sentimental enough to understand why I did what I did, I don't think she's worth working with."

"Wow, that's surprising. I mean, you're Laura's biggest fan. I'd have expected you to break down and you know..." She said.

I grinned, "Forget about that issue, my only concern is my son. Laura Nutshell can go to hell for all I care."

"Where's Cameron by the way?" She asked.

"He's in his room watching TV," I replied.

"He must be very happy to have you around," Rita said.

"Happy is an understatement, he's elated," I said, smiling.

"Awwn, I'm happy for him," She said.

"I'm angry with you though," I blurted out.

"Why? What did I do?"

"I still can't believe you wanted me to choose going to see Laura over being with my son," I told her.

Rita rolled her eyes, "I thought we've forgotten and buried this issue. It's been a week now and I apologised to you. What more do you want from me?" She retorted.

"I'm sorry," I said in a calm tone.

She straightened up, "Look, Cassie, you're my best friend and I've always been loyal to you. I know how much you've wanted to sing with Laura Nutshell and I saw her offer as a once in a lifetime opportunity. I thought you were overwhelmed by what your son was going through and you'd end up making a terrible mistake because of that. I may have acted unconcerned but honestly, I was just looking out for you," She explained.

"You've explained this a million and one times, I absolutely understand," I said.

"You're the one who makes me explain it by bringing up this matter each and every single time. Just forgive and forget, okay?"

"Yes, I won't bring up this matter ever again. Happy now?"

"Definitely," She said and gave a warm smile.

"It's been so long since I saw you smile," I commented.

"Life's stressful. How will I smile while undergoing so much stress?" She retorted.

I grinned, "We won't need to work our asses out someday," I assured her.

"Yep, cause we'd have already saved up so much money," She agreed.

A pregnant silence fell upon us for a while as we had nothing left to say.

"Speaking of forgiveness, Cassie, how about Amsey?" She asked.

"Who's that?" I retorted.

She burst into laughter.

"I'm serious, who is that?" I asked again, feigning pretence.

"Your boyfriend that year and your present neighbour," She replied.

"Ohhh, you mean Amsterdam, the betrayer?" I asked.

"Yes, that one," She affirmed, with a grin.

"What about him?" I asked.

"Have you decided to hear what he has to say?"

"Hear what who has to say?"

Annoyance was written on her face, "This thing you're doing isn't funny. Didn't you say he told you he wants to sit and talk with you?"

"Didn't I also say I don't want to sit and talk with him?"

She laughed, "But he's your neighbour. You can't avoid him forever," She reminded.

"I'm not avoiding anyone, I just don't want to create a scene and that's why I've been staying indoors and trying not to see him. At least, till I get out of this apartment," I told her.

She clapped her hands dramatically, "So you're planning to stay indoors for how long exactly?"

"Till I get a new apartment," I responded.

"You're not okay at all. So you want to leave this apartment because of Amsey?"

"Not really. I've been thinking lately about moving into my own place. I can afford to build or buy a house after all. I've even been looking at beautiful land spaces in Ikoyi that are pretty affordable," I told her.

"Cas, you can run but you certainly cannot hide," Rita said, with a smirk.

"I'm not running, it's high time I stopped staying in a rented apartment. Is it wrong for me to want to move forward in life?" I questioned.

"It's not wrong ohh, not at all. So we're moving out of this place then, isn't it?"

"You and who?" I retorted.

"Both of us now," She responded.

"Will you contribute to the building of the house?" I asked.

She burst into laughter, "That's not possible now. You're the one who's a star, I'm just an underling."

"So what's your point?" I asked.

She grinned, "You have more money and less expenses compared to me who's not making as much money as you and still has a number of family members to take care of."

I rolled my eyes, "Again, Rita, what's your point?"

"Aunty, calm down. My point is I don't have enough money to build a big house so I'd have to move in with you," She said.

I grimaced, "I thought you had a boyfriend who can provide for your needs."

"Which boyfriend? Is it Stanley you're talking about?" She asked, looking indifferent.

"Who is Stanley again? It's Femi I was asking of," I responded, a little confused.

"Femi is who you were asking of?" She laughed out loud, "Femi and I have been over and done with for about three weeks now," She added.

I looked at her in disbelief, "That means you guys didn't even date for up to a month."

"Don't mind that guy, he's always busy. He couldn't give me enough time and attention so I cut him off," She bragged.

"Just like that?" I asked, still in shock.

"Just like that," She affirmed.

"Wow! But I thought you guys were into something serious," I noted.

She shrugged, "That's what I thought as well."

"So if you and Femi are done, where do you spend some of your nights these days?" I asked.

"At Stanley's place," She replied.

I raised my brows, "Who is Stanley again?"

"Your Sound technician," She responded.

I racked my brain and realisation soon hit me, "Wait, you mean Stanley, my Sound technician?"

"That's what I said."

I guffawed, "Stanley.... This is soooo funny. How did it happen?"

She shrugged, "It just happened."

"Do you love him?" I asked, curiosity at its peak.

"Love who? Ple....ease. My own is to have fun, what's love?" She asked, looking quite irritated.

I gave a short laugh, "I trust you. But honestly, you really need to settle down," I said to her.

"There's a whole lot of time for that. I've suffered enough to not want to enjoy my youth to the fullest," She said.

"You're not getting any younger, just so you know," I said.

"I'm just 25!" She yelled.

"You'll be 26 in March and that's in less than two months from now," I said, deliberately to get on her nerves.

"Mademoiselle, you seem to be forgetting you'll also be 26 this year. At least, I'm in a relationship unlike you that's on your way to being alone forever," She said.

"I was just joking, why'd you have to insult me in that manner?" I chided.

"I was joking as well," She retorted.

"That was an expensive joke," I said.

"You just lack a good sense of humour," She told me.

My expression became sullen. I really didn't like being teased about the fact that I hadn't engaged in any relationship for the last six years. It wasn't like I didn't get relationship proposals, sure I did, even from top celebrities.

The thing was I just couldn't bring myself to trust anyone and in all honesty, I hadn't felt so much as a little crush for anyone since Amsey had left.

"You still like Amsey, don't you?" Rita suddenly asked.

"Why'd you say that?" I asked, staring blankly.

"You keep on rejecting guys for no particular reason, you've never even pulled on a publicity stunt by going out on a date with a guy. Is it that you hate guys or you still love Amsey?" She asked.

I scoffed, "That's preposterous!"

She shrugged, "Whatever. Anyways, it's funny I still haven't seen him even though he lives right opposite us."

"I know, right? You're rarely at home, that's why," I said.

"So how's he like? I'm sure he must be cuter than he used to be," She said, with teenage humour.

I shrugged, "I don't know about that. Why will I pay attention to his looks? That's not my problem."

She bopped my shoulder with hers playfully.

"What?" I groaned.

"Could you hook a sister up?" She suddenly asked.

"What do you mean?" I asked, arching my brows.

"Help me out with Amsey," She said.

"Why?"

"I like him and since you're out of the picture, I'd love to have a shot," She said.

I scoffed, "You can't be serious!!"

"Well, I am."

I gave a nervous chuckle, "Well, he lives just opposite us. You can go and see him and hook up if you want to."

"Okay then. Are you sure you won't be bothered about it?"

"Why would I? Carry on," I said, rolling my eyes.

"Thanks sweetie, you're the best," She said and gave me a peck on the cheek.

"Yeah, whatever."

She stood up and disappeared from the living room in a matter of seconds, leaving me wondering what she was up to.

She soon came back to the living room putting on a skimpy tight black dress. She had applied a moderate makeup and wore golden sandals and carried a golden purse.

"Where are you going?" I asked.

"To see Amsey, of course," She said, beaming excitedly.

"You can't actually be serious," I blurted out.

"Why did you say that?" She asked.

"You're.... You're going out with... With Stanley," I stuttered.

"We both know that relationship is just for fun," She said.

"He's... He's my ex. Why would you wanna go out with him?" I asked.

"Thank God you said he's your ex, I wouldn't mind becoming his present," She said, a smirk playing around her lips.

"But that means you're breaking the girls code. How would you go out with your own best friend's ex?" I asked, desperate.

"Forget that girls code trashy talk, it's a free world. Besides, it's been six long years and you've said you don't wanna rekindle the love you guys once shared so what's the big deal if I want him?" She asked.

"Listen, Rita, Amsey is not whom you think he is," I tried another angle.

"Let that be my problem," She said, with a smile.

"I'm just looking out for you as a friend," I said.

"And I appreciate that," She rolled her eyes.

"He's Cameron's father, how would you want Cameron to feel?"

"We both know Amsey is not Cameron's biological father and Cameron believes his father is not alive so I don't get you," She said.

I couldn't take it anymore, "Why are you so desperate to get Amsey?" I yelled.

"And why are you so desperate to thwart my mission?" She yelled back.

I stood up from the couch and pointed my index finger at her, "Listen, Amsey loves me and not you."

She shrugged, "That'll change soon," She grimaced and walked out of the house, shutting the door behind her.

I sunk back into the couch. How could Rita have done this to me? Why did I even care if they were together or not? It wasn't my problem so why did it hurt so much?

"You still like him," said my mind.

I scoffed, "He hurt me badly, I do not like him."

"Well, I think you do."

It wasn't my mind this time around, it was Rita's voice that had spoken.

I turned around and saw her standing there with a smile on her face.

"When did you get in?" I asked, flustered.

"Long enough to hear you doubt the feelings you have for Amsey," She said.

"I'm not doubting anything, it's true that I don't like Amsey anymore," I said, unsure.

"If you really didn't like him, you wouldn't care if I went out with him or not," She said and flashed me a knowing smile.

I heaved a sigh thoughtfully.

"Anyways, I'm off to Stanley's place so keep calm," She winked and walked out for the second time.

For reasons unknown to me, I felt immediate relief as she disclosed the location she was headed to.

"I must be crazy," I muttered to myself.

"Next, we're live at His Excellency, Governor Folorunsho Holland Ibitoye"s press conference. It's no longer news that one Mr Amsterdam Ibitoye has claimed to be the son of the popular Governor of Lagos State. Today, after a week of Mr Amsterdam's accusation, the Governor has decided to hold a press conference to say what he terms as the entire truth," The newscaster's voice echoed from the television.

I glanced at the wall clock in the living room, it was already 2pm.

"That's true, it's time for the conference," I mumbled to myself.

The video of when Amsey had approached his father at his sister's graduation celebration had gone viral and people had started to question if even the great Folorunsho had skeletons of his own.

The video had already begun to put his well built reputation in disarray which served him right. After all, the man had nearly had me killed. He had enjoyed fooling the people for a while now, it was time for the law of karma to take its course.

I saw Governor Folorunsho take his seat with his wife and two ministers by his side and there were flashes of Camera lights. There were also armed officials standing beside him for protection.

Soon, a series of questions followed such as: "Did you cheat on your wife?" "Is it true that you're not the good man everyone think you are?" "Is Mr Amsterdam really your son?"

I straightened up in my chair, very eager to hear his replies to the questions. I secretly prayed today marked the end to his lies.

Mr Folorunsho raised his hand to stop them from asking more questions.

He was putting on a green flowing agbada with a black fila (cap) to match.

He looked really downcast and removed the pair of reading glasses he had on, shaking his head.

He spoke into the microphone, "Everyone knows I'm a very respectable and generous man..."

"Sir, how does that relate to the matter at hand?" A news reporter interrupted him which erupted a series of laughter from the audience.

I couldn't help but laugh as well; it was quite obvious he was trying to throw a pity party.

He cleared his throat, "I'm a man of the people, how will I have the guts to cheat on my own wife?" He asked, shaking his head.

"That's left for you to answer, sir," The same news reporter said which brought about another round of laughter from the crowd.

Mr Folorunsho Holland Ibitoye looked so pissed, like he could beat up the reporter and drag her into the mud if it were up to him.

"Just go straight to the point, sir," Another reporter chipped in.

Mr Folorunsho's wife, Mariam Holland Ibitoye gave his palm a warm squeeze and smiled, obviously trying to reassure him.

It seemed like not only me but the entire nation was taken aback when Mrs Mariam spoke up, "Amsterdam is truly my husband's son," She said.

Wow! I was puzzled; that had been so easy. I was absolutely sure there was a motive behind her revealing the truth so easily.

Well, she wasn't done with her speech yet.

Mrs Mariam Ibitoye smiled, "Amsterdam will always remain our son even though he betrayed us."

I had known they were up to something.

"What do you mean he betrayed you?" A stout male reporter from a TV station asked.

"My husband came across Amsterdam as a little boy abandoned in the streets by his own mother who had left behind just a note. My husband adopted Amsterdam and he became our son," Mrs Mariam explained.

"What?!! That's gibberish!" I yelled, like they could hear me.

"If what you're saying is true, how come we never knew about him?" The first news reporter asked.

"And what's funny is the fact that The Ibitoyes always put their lives out on social media so how come we never knew about Amsterdam?" The second news reporter added.

Mr Folorunsho played with his fingers idly, obviously nervous while Mrs Mariam looked like she was trying so hard to wear a smile on her face.

Mrs Mariam spoke up again, "After taking good care of Amsterdam, he ran off with important documents of my husband's properties and that was the last time we had seen him before Florida's graduation celebration."

That was a lie and I was well aware of that fact. Gosh! Those people were so good at lying.

"That must have been tough for you, seeing someone you helped deceive and betray you just like that," A reporter I hadn't taken note of said.

"It was a terrible experience for all of us," Mrs Mariam said.

"How come you've never said a word about this issue before?" The first reporter asked.

"Because... it's...umm... It's a sensitive issue," Mrs Mariam said.

"Why is your husband not saying a word? Why are you answering the questions on his behalf?" The second reporter asked.

"That's because I'm... I'm too crestfallen to speak," Mr Folorunsho finally said.

"But you just spoke," The first reporter said and that aroused another round of laughter from the audience.

That reporter acted like she didn't even like the man in the first place with the questions she threw at him.

"If there's no other question, I beg to take my leave," Mr Folorunsho said, frustration written all over him.

Mr Folorunsho stood up but just then, the stout male reporter spoke for the second time:

"Sir, how do you intend to win the case against Mr Amsterdam?" He asked.

"What case?" Mr Folorunsho looked as shocked as I was.

"Haven't you heard? Mr Amsterdam has filed a lawsuit against you," The reporter responded.

Mr Folorunsho fell back into his chair looking visibly shaken.

"Since he's the one who betrayed you, I believe you have nothing to be worried about," One other reporter said.

Mr Folorunsho only nodded his head, still looking shocked.

"Wow! Amsey really means business," I thought to myself.

I heard someone open up my door and turned to see it was Cameron who had just entered and had even left the door wide open.

"Darling, I thought you were in your bedroom watching TV," I said to him.

"I was, then I got bored and went downstairs to play football with Michael and Wale," He said to me.

"Why didn't you tell me when you were leaving?" I asked.

"You weren't in the living room," He replied.

"Wait! That means you've been outside for quite some time. You should've called for me to tell me you were leaving instead of just going out like that," I chided.

"Sorry," He said, sulking.

"You'll resume school by next week," I said.

"Mum!!"

"If you have enough energy to play football, you should also have the strength to learn," I said, with a smile.

"It's not funny," He said.

"I never said it was," I told him.

"Mum!!!" He yelled.

"Your grades dropped drastically and you're less concerned," I said, feeling really annoyed.

"He's a kid, what does he know? You just have to explain things to him," I heard Amsey's voice say.

Was my mind playing games with me?

"Who's there?" I hollered.

"Come in," Cameron said, smiling at someone who was apparently outside the door.

"Who's there? Show your face," I said.

Amsey stepped into my house in just normal jeans and a sweatshirt but boy, he still looked as ravishing as always.

"Why are you here?" I asked.

"You told me to show my face," He responded, with a smirk and Cameron giggled.

I felt so irritated and really annoyed with myself for asking him to show his face and with Cameron for giggling. I was sure that'd most definitely heighten Amsey's ego.

"I already warned you to stop butting in on my business," I said.

"Mum, be nice. He's my new friend," Cameron said.

"Are you saying I'm not nice? And how is he your friend?" I retorted.

Cameron rolled his eyes, "Wale and Michael weren't around..."

"Is my baby around?" I quickly interrupted.

"Yeah," Cameron replied.

"You have another child?" Amsey asked, his eyes almost popping out of their sockets in disbelief.

"No, dummy, her car is her baby," Cameron explained.

"Hey, he's older than you. I know he's a dummy but you shouldn't call him that," I reprimanded.

Amsey looked pretty offended at what I had just said but he was a dummy and I wasn't gonna lie about that.

"Sorry," Cameron apologised.

"Carry on with your explanation," I urged him.

"Well, I saw him around and asked him to play with me and he did. That's how we became friends," Cameron explained.

"Go to your room," I told Cameron.

"Why?" He asked.

"Just go, I'll be there with you shortly," I said.

"But I don't want to," He said.

I gave him my "you're in big trouble" look and the next minute, he was scowling and left the living room for his bedroom.

"Why'd you send him away? Want some alone time with me?" He asked.

"Will you ever desist from your cocky nature?" I retorted.

"It's hard for old habits to die," He said, with a smirk.

"You could've declined when my son asked you to play football with him," I said.

"I couldn't, he's just so adorable and he actually has good football skills. If not that I cheated, he'd have won me," He said, with a grin.

"Whatever. I'm grateful that you played football with Cameron but please," I clasped my hands together, "Please stay away from my son and I."

He looked at me like he was really apologetic but I wasn't gonna fall for that.

"I'm really sorry, Cas, for everything," He said, shook his head sadly and walked away, closing the door softly.

Things were becoming so bad. How come my good fortune was only short-lived? First, Amsey showed up, then my son was diagnosed with stomach ulcer, than I saw Mr Grumpy and now, Amsey and my son were friends. Will all these ever come to an end?

I heard a knock on the door.

"Yeah, who is it again?" I yelled.

"We're from Cameron's school, we came to see how he's faring," A lady's voice said.

I strode to the door and opened it wide for the visitors.

I saw a very tall smart looking lady clad in a blue knee-length skirt and a flowery shirt with black wedged heels. Her hair was tied up in a ponytail and she had on mild makeup.

"Good afternoon ma, I'm a huge fan," She said with a broad smile.

"Good afternoon," I responded with a smile.

"I'm Miss Tina, Cameron's class teacher. We heard about Cameron's condition and we came to say hi to him," The lady said.

"Oh, that's so lovely, thank you," I said, feeling really touched.

"You're always welcome, ma," She responded.

"I believe you have company because you said 'we'," I told her, looking sideways.

"I'm with Christie and Mr Lawrence, they're outside," She said.

"Who are they and why are they outside?" I asked.

"Christie is Cameron's classmate and his closest friend in school so she came along, Mr Lawrence is her uncle, her parents insisted he came with us," Miss Tina explained.

"Ohh," I said, reaching an understanding.

"So why are they outside?" I asked.

"I think Christie's shoe is...."

She was interrupted by footsteps walking noisily up the staircase.

"There they are," She said, looking at the direction the staircase was.

A small bubbly girl of about the same age as Cameron skipped to meet me.

"Are you Cameron's mother? You're pretty, my mum doesn't stand a chance," She said, giggling.

"Thank you," I said to her, stroking her lovely long hair.

"My mum is so busy working abroad and she left me with my boring old uncle, can you even believe that? He acts like a dummy," Christie said.

"Christie!!" Miss Tina yelled.

Now, I saw where Cameron learnt to call his elders a dummy. The girl seemed adorable but she needed parental guidance.

"It's wrong to insult your elders," I scolded her.

"But my mum said he's a good-for-nothing and he shouldn't be treated way less than an animal," The girl argued.

"Your mum said that?" I was bewildered.

"Exactly. My uncle has done many bad things, my mum only pitied him and let him stay in our house. I don't like him at all, all he ever does is read the Bible and pray," Christie said.

"Where's your uncle now?" I asked.

"He probably lost his way, told you he's a dummy. Hey! What are you still doing down there?" She yelled.

"Maybe you should help him get up here," I told her.

"He's so annoying," She mumbled and ran down the stairs.

I shook my head sadly, "She needs a good upbringing," I told Miss Tina.

"I know, ma. She talks way too much and says things that exceeds her age group," Miss Tina affirmed.

"Can't you talk to her parents?" I asked.

"I've tried my best, I don't want to lose my job," She responded.

"When Cameron resumes school, ensure he doesn't stay close to that girl. I don't want my son to be badly influenced," I confided in the teacher.

"Of course, ma," She said to me.

We heard light and heavy footsteps walking on the stairs. The light were surely Christie's footsteps while the heavy ones probably were her uncle's.

"Walk fast," I heard her tiny voice yell.

I saw Christie come back up, then I saw her uncle.

He was in his early forties and looked like a loner who lived a serene life, but how could I ever forget those compassionate eyes that had looked at me with so much pity but weren't as innocent as they had looked?

"Cassandra," He said, looking utterly stunned.

I couldn't believe my eyes. Why was fate playing dangerous games with me? I couldn't look shocked, I had to pretend everything was under my control.

"Reverend Lawrence, long time no see," I said to him, my arms akimbo.

"You two know each other?" Miss Tina asked, quite surprised.

"More than you think," I responded.

Reverend Lawrence bowed his head looking ashamed.

"It's appalling how a rapist like you was allowed to take care of a little girl," I noted.

"He's a rapist?" Miss Tina asked, her mouth agape.

"I'm sorry but I can't let you see my son," I said to Miss Tina and began to walk in.

"Ma, what's going on?" Miss Tina asked.

I didn't say a word and just shut my door behind me.

I shuddered when I got in. All the happenings lately couldn't be just a mere coincidence. The past was back to haunt me.

Fate was dealing with me intentionally.

And I didn't have a single idea why.