HER LAST WISH Chapter 81

(Moremi)

Zeemah Writes 📝

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“Answer me! Where’s your hijab!” Amina’s mother repeated and Amina whose palm had turned wet couldn’t utter a response.

“You this boy! Is this the night vigil you people are doing in Dammy’s room? Where did you go to ehn!” Emeka’s mother raised her voice.

“Mummy don’t shout. Everybody will start coming out now” Emeka mumbled, gently holding Amina who was gripping his hand in fear of her mother.
“You still have mouth to be talking, I wish it was your father who found out!”

“Why did you even have to lie! Where did you go to overnight in this unsafe country! I was dead worried!” Aunt Esther looked so pissed.
“We went to a concert” Layla sighed, staring down at her feet.
“What type of concert?” Amina’s mother asked.

“You know that my favorite artiste, that his pictures are on my phone.” Amina paused.
“That one your father used to tell you to remove from your phone wallpaper?” Her mum asked, the anger on her face starting to soften.
“It’s his concert we went to. I got to see him face to face, he even touched me and I got his jacket sef. See” Amina said, relaxing a bit.
“Ehn ehn, so that’s the jacket you’re holding.” Her mother stated, eyeing the expensive looking leather jacket.
Amina nodded.

“Is that na why you left your hijab at home! Is there a rule that states you can’t wear hijab to a concert ehn?”
“No, I didn’t just want to” She pouted and ended up exclaiming when she received a hard knock from her mother.

“Hijab aside. What you did is not acceptable! You need to get punished for it” Her mother’s voice was hard and her expression stern but Amina smiled inwardly, knowing her mother isn’t going to do anything to her anymore.
She would have been in trouble if it had been her father who found out.

“And Dammy, you think you’re free to go anywhere and do anything you want. You think no one is going to scold you if you misbehave ehn. You are both lucky I’m not in the mood to punish someone this morning. If not. Hm” Amina’s mother sighed loudly.

“Why didn’t you just tell us instead of lying?” Emeka’s mother asked, squinting her eyes.

“You wouldn’t have allowed us go if we had told you, that’s the reason we lied” Emeka replied.

“Even at that, don’t you know what you guys did is very risky! No one knew where you were. You even switched off your phones. God forbid; What if something bad happened to you. We wouldn’t even know where to direct our search. You should have at least dropped a note” Aunt Esther sighed, sitting back on the bench… They had gotten to their feet when they saw them appear.

“We’re sorry. We thought you wouldn’t allow us go,” Dan said. “And I just felt it’d be cool if we all spend a nice time together before we leave for Vegas.”

“If you had said that, there’s no way I would have refused to allow you have a nice time. Although I might have hesitated due to the condition of this country but I would later give in. What you guys did is just so…” Aunt Esther shook her head to complete her statement.

“Exactly, Amina. You should have just told me even if you couldn’t tell your father. I would have known how to go about it.”

“These children ehn, you don’t know this life is now very dangerous, anywhere you’re going, you should inform people. Please o” Emeka’s mum said.

“If I had told you, you would have just strong your face and not allow me go” Emeka frowned.
“It is for your safety. I know what this life is saying now so I can’t leave you to go where my eyes can’t reach you. Your long mouth is still running! You’re lucky it’s not your father who found out. He would have broken that coconut head of yours this morning.” She paused, hissing.
“Thank God you’re back safely, lemme go inside before he wakes up.”

Emeka smiled, hugging his mum.

“C’mon get out of here” His mum tried not to smile.
“I’m really sorry mum” He looked remorseful.
“I’ve heard you. Don’t just do it again next time”
“I won’t. I promise”

“We’re so sorry” They chorused.

“It’s fine” Aunt Esther rose to her feet.

“I was about to go wash the ablution kegs for the morning prayer before I found out you guys were not in Dammy’s place. I should go now, it’s almost time. And, better go inside Dammy’s room so your father won’t come out and see you here, I can’t shout this morning o.”

“Alright mum.” Amina smiled, watching her mother walk away.
“It’s true, you people should go into Dammy’s room. I’m also going inside now. Emeka, your father mustn’t meet you here, I’ve said my own o” Emeka’s mother said, heading back to their apartment.

“I’m also going in jare. I need to go complete my sleep” Aunt Esther yawned.
“What of Dave and his Dad?” Layla asked.

“They are still sleeping; they didn’t even know I came out sef. It was Amina’s mum that called me on the phone that she couldn’t find you guys in Dammy’s room, so I quietly came out, I didn’t want to disturb their sleep”
“Oh, you should go in before they notice you aren’t in the room. I will massage your feet once I come in” Layla smiled.

“So, because you know I like it when you massage my feet now, you now want to use it to your advantage. Sha do fast and comman massage it.” Aunt Esther paused, hiding her excitement.
“That doesn’t mean I’ve totally forgiven you sha”

They released a collective breath after Aunt Esther left, exchanged glances and started laughing.

*
Dan and Layla got on the flight to Las Vegas a few days later.

**

📍LAS VEGAS

“Look at those tanned skins!” Fel screamed, running into their arms.

“Move! I want to hug them also” Rylan said, trying to shove her aside but got a painful pinch on the arm in return.

Dan lifted Anne in his arms, kissing her all over the face.
She giggled, wiping the tears off her lit-up face. The joy on her face, unbeatable.

“Oh my God. I miss you guys so much!” Layla jumped, laughing happily with Fel. “Look how good you all look! Damn”

“You both look even better! I can’t believe we spent almost a month not seeing one another. It’s not being easy for me; It was so hard.” Fel’s voice broke, even though they were on video calls almost every hour of the day.
“Rylan is an asshole but has been a lifesaver.”

“Now that you guys are back! I’m never going to let you go anywhere without us anymore! We all leave together, even to the restroom. I don’t care if your wastes stink as hell!” Rylan released a breath and they chuckled.

“You guys give me the most trouble! It’s really surprising how I miss you this much.” Dan frowned, tilting his lips to a side.

“You guys are literally the pests in my life. Why did I end up badly missing you? Who misses pests? Gosh” Rylan scowled.

“Exactly, who misses pests,” Fel palmed her face. “But, hold on… Are you guys really back?” She asked, peering at them closely and hoping it wasn’t another of her dream.

“Are we really back?” Dan turned to Layla.

It’s been so long they saw one another and they were yet to fully register the fact that they were finally seeing each other again.

“Oh my God, you guys are here!” Fel screamed, like she’s finally realizing it’s real.
“We are finally here!” Dan and Layla screamed as well.

Their excitement could not be curtailed and they didn’t care they were making a nuisance of themselves at the arrivals.
They screamed happily, sharing a big warm embrace and crying through smiles.

***

“Come here again” Phil pulled Layla into another hug for the umpteenth time since she got back.
Layla chuckled softly. Phil wouldn’t stop hugging or staring at her.
She didn’t leave Layla’s room even when she was in the shower and after she got out of the shower.

Phil had surprised her by preparing a tasty meal for her arrival.

“You don’t look too good, have you been having pizza and junks since I left?”
“Well…” Phil drawled.
“Phil!” Layla’s voice held a scold.
“I had good meals once in a while” she said.

“Once in a while? For almost a month? And I bet your ‘once in a while’ is just like twice since I left” Layla shook her head.

“Nah, it was thrice,” Phil defended. “Although the third time, the meal was crap and I only ended up eating two spoonful”

“Phil, for heaven’s sake. I know you hate cooking but you could have tried to make something, at least once in a day.” Layla sighed.

“I’m terrible at cooking! You know it”

“You’ve made meals for me twice and they turned out good. How come the meals you make for yourself turns out terrible?” Layla arched her brows.
Phil shrugged.

“That effort you put in making meals for me, put it in making meals for yourself and you won’t be disappointed”

“Since the years you’ve been living with me, I only cooked for you twice and that was because I had to. That should tell you how lazy I am when it comes to cooking. Besides, I don’t really enjoy eating what I prepare myself”

“I know that but you should have gone to a restaurant to have a proper meal or even order meals instead of pizza and junks all the time.”

“I did that a couple of times though, I ordered meals but they didn’t taste as good as yours so I stopped wasting my bucks on takeout meals”

“I should go ahead with prepping for dinner then, you need to start eating proper meals now that I’m back”

“No way I’m going to allow you cook after such a long flight, leave it all for tomorrow. We’re just going to microwave the leftover for dinner. By the way, you look really different and I mean in a very good way” Phil smiled, satisfied with how Layla looked.

“Right,” Layla grinned. “I miss you so much, damn”

“I now spend so much time at the Cafe I’m always so bored by myself at home.”
“Really? I can’t wait to see Aria tomorrow and your new employee as well” Layla said.

Phil had told her over the phone about the new employee who she had employed to assist Aria since she left for Nigeria.
The only information Layla knew about her was her name and that she’s in her mid-twenties.

“Oh Lydia,” Phil smiled. “So far, I’ve been impressed with her.”
“Good to hear that, the last thing we need now is another Mirabel” Layla said and they chuckled.

“So,” Phil paused. “How are you? I mean, how have you been feeling?” Her voice held a strain.
“Cool” Layla responded, nonchalant.
“You know what I mean right?” Phil asked.
“Of course, I’m fine” Layla shrugged. She knew Phil wanted to talk about her health but was probably holding back because she just arrived and wanted her to relax.

“Well, I believe you have so much to tell me about Nigeria!” Phil smiled, breaking the silence.
“A lot” Layla smiled, glad Phil knew better than to pursue the topic.

“Tell me everything that happened. I’m ready” Phil adjusted herself properly on the couch.

***

“I’m Layla and I know you’re Lydia” Layla smiled, turning to Lydia after she satisfied with exchanging several hugs and excited screams with Aria.

“Yeah, I’m Lydia. It’s cool to finally meet you” Lydia smiled.
“I would say the same. So far, I hope you’ve enjoyed working here?” Layla asked.
“Absolutely. It’s been great. A big thanks to Aria for that” Lydia said.
“C’mon” Aria smiled, her face still glowing with the excitement of Layla finally here.

“I love how tanned your skin looks. It’s beautiful” Lydia smiled.
“Thanks Lydia” Layla beamed.
“I was about saying that as well. Damn. You look so beautiful and am I mistaken? Or you’ve really gained weight?”
“For real?” Layla raised a brow. “Everyone’s been telling me same! I feel like I’ve lost weight yet everyone keeps saying I’ve gained weight. Wow”

“You’ve gained weight! and look even more beautiful”
“Well, thank you” Layla smiled. She felt empty and frail yet everyone is telling her the opposite. She’s glad not to look the way she feels though.

“I was about leaving for home but not anymore. How’s David and his mum?” Aria asked.
“They are both good. David sent his greetings to Jane and asked me to give her a letter, I hope I remember to give it to you before I leave. It’s in Phil’s office, inside my bag”
“I’ll definitely remind you” Aria smiled.

“You won’t believe if I say I’m starting to miss them already.”
“Of course, I believe you! Even if you tell me you started missing them right after you went on board. I won’t hesitate to believe.” Aria said, pulling her to a chair.
“Sit, you need to really tell me everything. I know a lot happened over there. I’m all ears” Aria’s eagerness made Layla chuckle.

Layla dramatically cleared her throat in preparation before starting.

***
“Crazy!” Fel and Rylan laughed at another of Dan and Layla’s Nigeria gist.

“Believe me,” Layla paused, taking another bite of the pie Anne baked them. “That country is like none other. I can’t even begin to describe everything it is. It’s just another world on its own”

“If I’m to describe Nigeria, I would say ‘crazy’ before adding other descriptions to it” Dan said.

“I can’t wait for us to visit together. Damn!” The prospect of it made Fel really excited.
“Same here, and this time we won’t only visit Lagos State but also the state ‘Moremi statue’ is.” Rylan smiled.

“That’ll be so much fun” Dan said.
“Exactly!”

“And the meals… damn” Layla closed her eyes, savoring an imaginary Amala.
“Geez! The meals! I liked almost everything we were served there. It was like none other, although it took a while for our body system to adjust to the foreign intake and once it did, it was all good” Dan munched on the remaining of his pies.

“You send pictures of almost every meal you guys take and it was just so painful to see those delicious looking meals and not able to have a taste.” Fel hissed.

“There are a few I can make here actually, I’m going to make sure I get the complete ingredients and make your stomachs dance with excitement.” Layla winked and they chuckled.

“You should remind me, Aunt Esther asked me to give you both some Africa history books” Dan said.

“Why didn’t you say anything until now!” Fel eyes widened, moving to hit him.
“Shit! Here we go again,” Dan dodged. “Rylan, how have you been coping with this…” Dan swallowed the rest of his words, laughing on seeing the look Fel gave him.

“It’s been so tough I would admit” Rylan shook his head, sighing. “I think I might deserve a medal”
“A very quality one” Layla nodded and laughed when Fel sent a throw pillow in her direction.

“I should have a medal for dealing with Rylan also. He’s being a pain in my head!” Fel furrowed her brows.
“But you’ve been more pain,” Rylan said. “Just admit it”
“Whatever, I’m not arguing further!” She turned to Dan. “Where are the books? and why didn’t you say anything until now”

“Chill. I arrived just yesterday!” Dan growled.
“Well,” Fel paused, looking like she’s just realizing he arrived yesterday. “Even at that” She pouted.

“The books are in my box; you can get it if you’re about leaving” He pulled her nose.
“Hey! You’re gonna pull her nose off her face” Rylan said. “Not that I would mind though” He added, grinning and suddenly started laughing, imagining Fel without a nose.

“Guys, try to Imagine Fel without a nose” He said and they laughed, much to Fel’s discontent.

It was too late for Layla to hold her groan when the familiar pain shot through her chest again.

“Are you okay?” Dan asked, getting to his feet.
“Yeah, I think I should go home” She tried her best to sound fine when in fact, her body was reverberating with pain.

“What is wrong?” Fel asked, moving closer. “Did you get choked?”
“Just headache.” Layla replied.
“Really?” Dan asked and she nodded.

“Should we go to the hospital?” Rylan eyes widened.

Layla knew they were finding it hard to believe it was headache that made her groan so loud. She would find it hard to believe also.

“No, I only need to take some pain reliever and relax”
“Why are you sweating so much?” Fel’s eyes was filled with worry.

“It happens when I have headache. Just drop me home, I’ll be okay.” Layla said, it’s taking every strength in her not to scream out the gut-wrenching pain she was feeling.
It was similar to the ones she felt in Nigeria.

She got to her feet, knowing she needed to leave really soon.

“Could it be migraine?” Fel asked, holding Layla’s shoulder as she studied her face.
“Yeah! It’s migraine. I have the medication for it at home. Please take me home” She said, weakly dropping fel’s hands from her shoulders before making for the door.

They stared at her back and it was only when they heard the sound of the door they came out of their thoughts.

Dan picked his car key before they dashed after her.

***
“Layla, you really need to tell your friends. Please” Phil eyes looked desperate as she sat by Layla on the bed.

Layla had woken late at night, some minutes after her friends left.
“You needed to see the way they were asking me questions. Especially Dan” Phil sighed. “Like he knew something is wrong with you” Phil sighed.

“I can’t.” Layla replied slowly. “I just can’t”
“But they were so worried about you!” Phil’s eyebrows were pulled together.

“Exactly the reason I can’t… the last thing I want is anyone worried because of me. If they were that worried because I complained of headache, just imagine what would happen if they should know. They will never recover from it. Why should I make them go through that?”

“I don’t just get why you’re keeping this from them. They are your best friends! Yet you’re keeping something this huge from them under the cover that you don’t want them to worry. Do you want them to find out later and feel betrayed?”

“It’s better they know after it happens, I can’t just bear the thought of them knowing now. Causing them pain before and after my death is the last thing, I want for them. I find that so inconsiderate”

“I think we should go to the hospital, there might still be something…” Phil’s voice broke. She cried most nights before she went to bed, thinking about her niece’s unfair fate.
She now frequents the church for no other reason but for God to save Layla.

“Phil, you were there when the doctor spoke. Why this?” Layla’s voice held contempt. She hates it when she’s being given false hope.

“I know but,” Phil swallowed hard, her lips trembling. “I believe miracles happens” She added making Layla laugh out loud.

“Not in my case”
“It can happen, y–”
“It can’t!” Layla yelled, with a shaky voice.
“It’s too late” She added, more calmly now, tears pinching the corners of her eyes.

“Well… Maybe it will” She raised her brow at Phil, smiling.
“Yes Layla, it will” Phil’s throat tightened as she held Layla’s hands.
“Of course” Layla nodded, looking like she believed it.
Phil was almost convinced Layla believed in miracles until she heard her next words.

“After my death probably, the miracle will be; me placed in God’s paradise,” She chuckled softly. “At least, that miracle is logical.”

…………