During our ride to America, Mr Phillip and I exchanged a few discussions and the rest of the journey was accompanied by the music titled Anyone by Justin Bieber as I was just in my world, thinking. I was still shocked and yet to believe Henry was actually Jeremy. It felt surreal, but it was reality. And it hurt so bad.
I felt like crying again, but how would I do that when I had Mr Phillip looking at me suspiciously? He knew I wasn't fine. He was probably thinking there was so much going on than what I had told them.
My mind kept drifting back to Bisola and if she had been buried beside Joe as she wanted. How were her parents even coping? How was Toyin even doing?
Geez, I'm a traitor. A coward. And I accept it, I don't want to die!
For an unknown reason, Jeremy popped into my head and when it did, I pictured Henry too. How did they connect? Two different people in a body. The picture!
The man's picture in the gallery room was his dad. Henry's dad. I remember he didn't tell me who that was when I asked him. Even in my drastic state on the day I entered the forbidden house, I guessed right away it was his dad. A man and a white woman. Those were Henry's parents. But why was it that he never talked about his parents even when he was acting as Jeremy? Perhaps he didn't know what to cook up.
I was a fool. Too carried away with love instead of pressing hard to hear what he might say about his parents.
God, I hate him.
As much as I began to hate Henry for what he caused me, part of me from nowhere still felt something for him and I hated that. So much so that I began to ask myself if I wasn't fed with love portion because I didn't understand why I would still be longing for him. And he took my virginity. Actually, I gave it to him willingly.
All those love-making, laughter and the jokes we shared, were they all fake too? It felt so real! But damn it, Henry lied to me! Used me!
And Jasper! Jasper knew the instant he saw the photo. That explained the blank expression on his face when he first saw the photo. And then he must have told Henry about it. Just why? I thought he cared for me! He took me for a fool too. Teased me about Henry tricking me to Ibadan when I didn't know they both knew already. They both played me. All my lies about having something to do in Ibadan, he already knew the truth about my background and my visitation to my father.
The tailoring work was bullshit too! They must have laughed behind me. Henry fed me lies! Just how did I end up this way?
Anyway, this was a new start, right? As I was going to use it well. It was okay to end and leave everything, both the Scorpion Group and the money I had made from it. I was going to get a good job and lay low. This wasn't my first time coming to America, I could manage myself around the place when I finally get to start living there on my own.
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We arrived at the airport thirteen hours and some minutes later and after that, we got a limousine waiting for us. When we finally got to our destination, the chauffeur got down and got our bags down for us. It was just my small bag and Mr Phillip's briefcase.
When Mr Phillips paid the driver, he led the way to Victoria's house. Victoria lived in an estate. Her house was painted white. Her lawn was covered in very green grass that was well tiled.
Mr Phillip rang the bell and as if Victoria had been expecting someone to knock, she answered right away. The door opened and I could hear a hint of surprise in her voice as she called her dad while I ducked behind the door.
"Dad! You didn't tell me you were coming!" Victoria said, pulling her dad in for a hug.
"I wanted to surprise you, I brought you someone."
"Who?"
Mr Phillip looked over at the corner I was and with shame, I stepped forward. I was all smiling but inside me, I was feeling ashamed. Victoria deserved more than seeing me at her doorstep when I needed her help. Like I hadn't been communicating with her when she had been the one trying to reach us all.
"This is Tosin, your friend," Mr Phillip said.
"Hey, friend?" I managed to be goofy as if I had been acting that way to her a month ago.
Victoria stared at me till tears filled her eyes. "Tosin? Oh my Lord. I missed you!" She engulfed me in a hug that didn't feel well. It was quite odd. I looked down and saw that Victoria was heavily pregnant.
"I missed you too. Congratulations."
"Thanks, come on in. I'm beyond bewildered to see you. Dad, why didn't you tell me?"
"Because Tosin wanted to surprise you. I can't stay long here, I have to see a couple of my friends for business, but I will make sure I see you before going back to Nigeria."
"Alright," Vicky rolled her eyes.
"I love you, kiddo," Mr Phillip said and pecked his daughter before heading out back.
Immediately the door shut, Vicky sighed and turned to look at me. "What happened to you?"
"What, me?" Did she see something?
"Yeah, you. What of Toyin and Bisola? You three completely forgot about me. I thought we were supposed to be close friends forever."
"I'm sorry. We didn't forget about you. There was just a lot to deal with."
"Alright. You are free here. Most welcomed."
"Thank you. But I have to talk to you."
"I know. Your luggage told me already that your arrival here has an explanation. But first, before we go into too much detail, let me show you your room." Vicky smiled her charming smile and led the way by grabbing hold of my hand.
A few minutes after I had settled down, Vicky served me a delicious meal and at 11 am when I was done eating, Vicky did the washing while I walked around the living room. The living room was pretty with nice comfy couches. Glancing at the wall, I saw a picture of Vicky in her wedding dress as she touched the chest of her husband who was a white military man.
"I wished you three were present on my wedding day. But I couldn't reach you three or rather, you didn't want to be reached," Vicky said behind me.
I turned and shook my head. "I'm sorry. We are sorry."
"I missed you."
"Me too." I walked towards her and took her hands in mine. "You will see more of me now."
"I'm glad. How are Toyin and Bisola?"
"Fine."
"I know. Tell me more than fine."
Vicky's eyes bored into mine and I found myself wanting to spill it all for the sake of being free. The less Vicky knew anything, the better for her. I didn't want her to start panicking that a former gangster was under her roof to seek refuge.
"Vicky..."
"Listen, I know something is going on and you don't want to tell me and I don't like it a bit. We haven't communicated in years and just out of the blues you are here before you can stand on your own. If I must keep you here, you've gotta tell me what is going on."
Oh, where did that gentle like a dove Victoria go to? She had become more smart and bold since the last time I saw her. How time flies.
"I promise to tell you, but not now. My life is a wreck like I had told your dad. I'm jobless. Toyin and Bisola are doing fine. Bisola is a writer and Toyin works at an NGO."
Vicky sighed. "Alright. But why all these years? You know, dad told me everything but didn't mention he was bringing you here. And to be honest, I was shocked."
"I'm glad I don't have to repeat myself. Tell me, where is your husband?" I led her to the picture I was looking at.
Vicky's partner was gorgeous. He had blue eyes, a pointed nose and fine cheekbones and jawline. The big smile on his face enhanced more of his pretty facial features.
"He's Jeremiah. We met in college, separated for years and reconciled back together. It was hard at first, but I'm glad my patience level is roof level," Vicky chuckled. "He was so happy when I told him was pregnant with twins. He couldn't be with me, but we facetime all the time when he's got the chance. I'm so glad I met him."
"I'm happy for you, Vicky."
"I couldn't be happier."
"I know, you got yourself an amazing man that's drop-dead gorgeous!"
Victoria laughed, shaking her head. "I missed you talking to me this way.
I put my hand across her neck. "I missed being with you."
"Now, I don't have to be on my own for a while. I have a maid that comes five days a week. She is the only company I have whenever Jeremiah is away. When we first got married, it was like forever, but then he had to get back to work. It was boring at first but when I realised I became pregnant after he left me, I was overwhelmed. It was the best gift I ever received from him. Now have two babies to keep me company so I don't feel lonely when he's away."
"I'm happy for you, honey. What work do you do?"
"I'm not working for now. I'm a nurse. But I think I will have to quit and focus on the kids. I have to be there for them. I was thinking of having my own business."
"That's thoughtful of you. Family comes first."
"I know right. And hey, check this photo of us." Vicky pointed at one photo I hadn't laid my eyes on.
"That's us. The four of us." I moved closer. We were so young, dumb and happy in the photo. I remember this. It was the first time we came to your house."
"Yes, You three made my day. Remember it was Mrs Bosco who took this photo?"
"Yes. I guess we were tickling each other then." I laughed so hard at the memory.
"I told my mum I loved it so much and she had it framed for me."
Victoria really cherished our moments together. "That's sweet. And now look who's added weight."
"Haha, funny. Trust me it is because of the pregnancy. I even wondered why Jeremy loved me back then before we separated. But then when we met again I finally understood the kind of love my dad has for my skinny mum."
"Love sure does conquer all."
"Yeah, and then I remembered you telling me that those that would want me for me, would want me, and those that wouldn't, wouldn't," Vicky said, going to sit on the couch.
"Yeah," I replied and suddenly started feeling woozy.
"Are you okay, Tosin?"
"I feel..." My vision became blurry and I began to feel nauseous.
The whole building circulated in my sight and I collapsed. The only thing I heard was Vicky's panicking voice as she repeatedly called my name before I finally blacked out.