Story

The Village Gardner

*Episode 24*

Anabel; I shouted *mouth open*. She was silent staring at me with a smile. I went more closer, she was looking as beautiful as ever.
ANABEL; Hi dear.
ME; How did you know my address. Who told you to come. I mean how and (she cut me in).
ANABEL; You ask a lot of question. Aren’t you happy to see me, or won’t you welcome me to your house?.
I got no choice than to ushered her to our poor home. I was still surprise to see Anabel of all people in my home, wonders shall never end indeed. God my life is in your hands o. I gave her one of our plastic chair to sit at the compound, coz no sitting room.
ME; Anabel, welcome to my poor home.
ANABEL; Thanks dear. (this dear dear she dey call me go cause small wahala o when that one start now).
ME; So what can i get for you.
ANABEL; Don’t worry dear. I’m fine for now.(another dear.hmmm).
ME; Noo i insist, atleast you are my visitor. I need to offer you something.
ANABEL; I’m okay but if you insist just get me water.
I went inside and fetch a glass of water for her. She drank and said.
ANABEL; Please Tobe, please take me to your room, the sun is much here.
My room ke! I stood for a while before leading to the room. Atleast i swept it this morning and is very neat. When we got in, i offered her the only plastic chair in my room but she refused. She preferred to sit on the bed coz is very soft. After she settled down on the bed.
ANABEL; You have a nice room here.(continue mocking me, this thing you called nice).
ME; Thanks. *straight face*
ANABEL; I know you are surprise to see me here. Aren't you?.
ME; Surprise is an understatement. I must say.
ANABEL; Yea i know. I came back yesterday and i couldn’t find you. I asked Isabella about you and she said you traveled down to the village. I was surprised coz you didn’t tell me that you were traveling. I wanted to see you again so i asked jumbo to give me your address. He did and today i decided to visit you and at same time to know your house.
ME; Hhmmm, thanks for coming. But did you tell Isabella that you were coming to visit me.(i pray she will say no, coz Isabella is the jealous type).
ANABEL; Why did you asked.(nothing) Anyway i didn’t tell her, not even my dad coz he won’t let me come. Any other question?.
ME; Hmmm.
ANABEL; So tell me. Where are your parents and siblings or are you leaving here alone?.
ME; My parents died long time ago and i have no siblings. I only stay here with my grand mama.
ANABELL; I’m very sorry for that. You never told me that your dad and mom are dead. What about your grandy.
ME; At the hospital. She is sick, that was why i came back. To take care of her.
ANABEL; Is a pity dear. I wish i could see her, but i wish her quick recovery.
ME; Thanks for your care and thanks for coming. Is my pleasure having you in my poor home.
ANABEL; Thanks. You know what?. I missed you. *smiling* (haa, missed me ke. When did that one start na, for how many days. Chai! I wish that Isabella was the one telling me i missed you).
ME; Really, thanks.
ANABELL; Aaah Tobe. You are not romantic o. Didn’t you miss me?. Anyway i got some new clothes for you.
She went inside her car and brought out a small bag. She came back and handed the bag over to me. I collected it and thank her.
ME; Thanks for the clothes. *fake smile*
ANABEL; You are welcome. I’m glad that you like them. *smiled*.
Some minutes later we became silent staring at each other. I wondering what was going on in her mind. Hope is not what am thinking o. I looked into her eyes and found out that Anabel is a damsel. She was beautiful was just a word. (I must tell, this girl fine no be small). She came very closer to me and held my hand and the same time she was looking into my eyes. (abeg make this girl no charm me o). She smiled at me and said.
ANABEL; Tobe please i’m very sorry the way i treated you earlier. I didn’t know what came over me then..forgive me. (she wanted to kneel down but i pulled her up).
ME; Please don’t kneel down for me. I’m not God, beside i have nothing against you. i forgive you, we are cool. *smiling* (is this truly the Anabel of all people that i use to know, begging me to forgive her. Haa i’m surprise o and afraid).
ANABEL; *smiling* thank you dear. I don’t know what has been happening to me. You are always on my mind. I think i like you Tobe.(no be only like.) Do you have a girl friend?.
ME; *yes your sister* Eerm not really. I mean yes.
ANABEL; *straight face* Who is she. I mean where is she leaving at. Do you love her?.
Many questions that i hate to answer. But before i could answer her, her phone started ringing. She excused herself to answer the call. After the call, she told me that she will be leaving now. She beg me to come back soon.bla bla bla. Finally she left, but what shocked me most was she peck me before leaving. I was asking myself, Tobe what was the meaning of that na?. I became afraid to go back to the city.

TWO DAYS LATER. My G.mama was discharged from the hospital. I paid the balance and the doctor gave her some medication and how she will take it.
Weekend finally came. I started preaparing for my journey back to the city.

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ToBeContinued...