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“And?”
“She confirmed Mariam left her first flight out this morning and she’s not sure when Mariam will be back. The earliest is before school starts or she might be going to the US to finish her studies. Her words, not mine.”
“Did you say she told James,” I ask, can’t believe I heard her right the first time.
“Yes, James said she sent him a text message and will call him once she’s settled.”
“Thanks, Mani,” I say crutching my way back to my room. I just lost the best thing that sashayed into my life. How do I get a hold of her? I try calling the phone, even though I know it’s a useless effort. I can bet all my wealth that Jade purposely left that phone behind, that way I can’t find her, if only she knew it’s just a delayed effort. I’m not giving up on us that easily.
Day three without Jade, I’m starting to get cranky, my staff are walking on eggshells around me. I’m pushing my therapy beyond what my body can allow, by the end of the week. I’m in a lot of pain.
Taimani is no longer speaking with me because I’d snapped at her several times for not helping me get ahold of Jade.
Three weeks into Jade leaving, I’m a sore sight. I’d told the front gate to confirm with me before letting Nadra in to visit. No more of her waltzing her way in. I’d unleashed my anger on her again. I don’t understand why she keeps coming back. I no longer want to speak with any of my friends. I’m back to my mood right after the accident. I refuse to speak with my dad. I see the worried look on my mom’s face, but I don’t care. Presently, all I see is dark clouds. Therapy is all I do, without therapy, I can’t go after Jade.
If she leaves for the US, the chances of ever finding her are very slim and that’s just a world I don’t like.
By week five, my dad comes in. “I talked with Mariam’s guardians today,” he says casually like he didn’t just drop a bomb on me.
“And?” I eagerly ask.
“I convinced them to give me her number and not send her from Lagos to the US.” For the first time in weeks, I’m hopeful. Much as I don’t like my dad using his power on Jade’s guardian. I desperately need to speak with her.
“It seems it worked, they said she would return by the end of summer before school starts, I also convinced them to give me the house number where she’s staying. Rhanaz, is six hours ahead of Lagos, right now it’s midnight there. You will have to wait till morning to call her.”
“Thanks, Dad, can I have the number now?” I state casually, trying not to show too much excitement.
“Before I give you the number. I’m going to need you to talk with your sister and clean yourself up. Then eat with the family tonight. I’ll give you her number after dinner.” I nod in agreement. I would have climbed Mt. Everest with a limp just to get her number. As soon as he left, I went to my bathroom to shave and shower. Then to Taimani’s room to speak with her. She’s quiet when I walk in and won’t look at me.
“I’m sorry, Taimani.” She remains quiet. “I’m sorry, Taimani” I repeat.
“You yelled at me because I wouldn’t email Mariam. What is it about her anyway? I don’t like her anymore,” she snaps at me.
“Please don’t say that. I enjoy her company and I’m the one in the wrong, not her. She loves to come and spend time with you, I always keep her with me.”
“That’s not fair.” She pouts.
“I know, I’m a little selfish when it comes to Mariam and I’m sorry.” I succinctly state.
“I did email her and she’s having fun in Lagos. She sent me pictures; do you want to see them?”
“Yes, did she say anything else?”
“No, just that it’s good to be back with her friends and she sends pictures of the wedding she had to be in Lagos for.” She turns her laptop to me, and I scroll through the pictures of Jade and the wedding party. She looks happy and carefree until I see one picture that sets my mind ablaze. Jade is in some guy’s arms; they are in a bear hug and the guy is kissing her neck. She’s happily laughing.
I see another with him holding her close to him. I want to know, but asking Taimani isn’t going to help. “Can you ask for her cell phone number please?” Dad only got the number of the house; I need her direct line.
“I asked before, but she refused to give it, I have a feeling she thinks I will give it to you” A sad chuckle escapes me. Jade sure is playing smart.
“Thanks for showing me the pictures. Looks like she’s having fun, let’s go to dinner.”
We both head downstairs but my mind isn’t settled. Who’s the guy kissing Jade’s neck as she happily laughs with him? I barely got her out of James’s arms, now she’s in the arms of another.
I sit to dinner with my family and laugh but my mind is on Jade with another man. She’s young and beautiful it won’t take much for another man to have her and I can’t do shit about it. Considering she’s now seventeen, certainly above the legal age of consent in most countries. I maintain a calm façade during dinner, after dinner, my dad hands her number to me.
“I know you like this girl a lot and she’s beautiful which I’ll say it’s hard for any man your age not to notice but she’s not the one for you. Enjoy your friendship with her and let her go when graduate, she could never get you to where you need to be.” Dad says before I leave. I nod, but he doesn’t get it, I’m the one who needs her and not the other way around.
I watch the clock and finally dial the number right at 10 a.m., her time.
