STARTLED

EPISODE SIX.

LJ was discharged a week after the incident. On our way out of the hospital, I carried LJ, while Sheryl took care of the bag.

He was fast asleep and weighed so much but he was alive and sound, the joy of that out weighed anything.

Sheryl took to the steering  as I sat at the back seat with him. For the first time in a week I could watch him sleep without getting scared.

"Kate...we need to sue that school ".

Sheryl said as she made a U turn on the express way. I smiled. She was just being herself. A legal practitioner.

" Did you hear me? "

"Ermmm...what would we charge them with? "

" Negligence of course".

I knew she was angry, I was angrier but I didn't want to get into a legal feud, especially in this country where the system was virtually inactive. There was no doubt that we would win if we tried but it really wasn't worth it. It was time consuming. 

I had already made up my mind to change his school. It would be better off that way. However, I still didn't understand what really happened to LJ. " Do you know that teacher's story made no sense at all. She couldn't even account for LJ."

Sheryl said as though she was reading my mind.

" I've been thinking about it too. She said they were on recess and she didn't notice when LJ wandered away from them. Then the next thing she heard was a scream. That was when she saw a man bringing LJ towards her but he had already collapsed. "

" I know. I heard the fool when she narrated the story. My point is, why didn't she try to find out who that guy was?" Sheryl asked, her eyes fixed on the road.

I looked at LJ, " She claimed she was preoccupied with LJ. I don't even understand. I'm just glad he's alright." I stroked his hair. " He has never had an attack this severe before. Suddenly, this whole asthma thing is beginning to get scary. "

Sheryl was quiet now. She focused on the road. We were a few minutes away from my house. I knew she was bothered also, she just didn't want me to hear it in her voice."

Adamu opened the gate the moment Sheryl blew the horn the first time.

He rushed to the door of the car once we had driven in.

" Ahh madam, welcome. What of small oga?"

" He's alright. " I said as I carried the sleepy LJ out of the car.

" Thank God oooo"

Adamu helped to carry in our bags, while Sheryl and I slowly made our way into my house.

I put LJ on a couch and walked to the kitchen to get a glass of water. Sheryl was already helping herself with a bottle of wine. I didn't bother asking if she needed water.

When I came out of the kitchen, the TV was already turned on. She was watching entertainment news.

I sat down and closed my eyes. The past week had been terrible. I had not gotten enough sleep and my whole body ached. And then there was work. I hadn't reported to work in a while and I had a lot of deals and contracts I had to take care of. Owning a company was a great deal. Especially, when it was one that had to do with electronics. I remembered I had received a call from Cletus the day before, informing me that my goods were seized at the port. It wasn't a big deal. I just had to put in a call and that would be solved. What I didn't understand was why it kept happening. The customs officials were beginning to get on my nerves.

Just as I was about to make the call, a call came through. It was Dan!

"Hello "

The other end of the line was quiet but I knew he was listening. I could hear him breath.

"Dan?"

" Yeah babe!! Just missed you so much, wanted to take a moment to relish your voice."

I knew what he was trying to do. We had gotten into a fight the day before  and hadn't spoken to each other since then. He was trying to make peace but I really wasn't in the mood.

" Look Dan, I just came in from the hospital. I'm really tired. Let's talk later."

"Wait!! Wait!! K, I'm sorry for what happened. It's been a day bae. A day without  hearing from you. I'm dying here. Please forgive me for what ever I did or said wrong. Please."

It then occurred to me that I didn't even know why we were fighting. I tried to remember but nothing came. It also occurred to me that I was taking out my frustration on Dan. I was angry he was not here when I needed him.

" K... say something."

" When are you coming back? Don't you know I'm like this because I miss you? "

I heard a sigh of relief from him. I really didn't want to fight.

" On Friday. I'm cutting my trip short. I need to come and see you and LJ."

I smiled. I was happy. I missed him. Really needed him around.

" I love you K. With everything in me. Don't ever forget that. "

" I won't. I love you too. Can't wait to see you. "

We spoke for a few more minutes before we ended the call.

When I was done, I noticed that Sheryl had fallen asleep. LJ was still sound asleep. My best option was to join them. I laid on the couch and gave in to the tiredness I felt. As I drifted off slowly to sleep, I could hear myself ask. " Why hasn't Detective Ifeanyi called me and who the hell was the guy that carried LJ?