NOT MY USUAL WORLD Novel Chapter 15

NOT MY USUAL WORLD
EPISODE 15
They both lay quietly, their arms wrapped around each other.
For a while neither of them spoke.
Ronke rested her head on Tobe’s chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.
She let out a soft breath.
I still can’t believe this.
She lifted her head slightly and looked at him.
I’m still feeling like this is a movie.
Then she smiled faintly.
But tell me something.
How come you are here?
Tobe smiled.
It was the calm smile of someone who had survived many storms.
It’s a long story.
Ronke chuckled softly.
We have all night.
Tobe adjusted slightly on the bed and began to talk.
He told her how his uncle sold their only piece of land so he could travel to China.
How the money barely covered his ticket and a few months of survival.
How life there was nothing like the dreams people had back home.
He told her about the bag factory where he worked long hours every day, standing for almost twelve hours.
How he would return to his tiny room exhausted, yet still open his laptop to attend his online degree classes.
Some nights he slept only three hours.
Some nights he did not sleep at all.
But he refused to give up.
Ronke listened quietly, her fingers gently tracing patterns on his arm.
Then he continued.
After completing his degree, he worked for two more years and saved every single dollar he could.
Eventually he applied for his master’s degree in the United States.
He paused for a moment before continuing.
I also built a small house in Anambra for my family.
Ronke lifted her head again, her eyes filled with admiration.
And the orphans in our village, I sponsor some them in schools.
When he finished speaking, Ronke looked at him for a long moment.
Then she smiled warmly.
I knew it.
Tobe raised an eyebrow slightly.
Knew what?
She moved closer.
I knew you were not an ordinary person the first day I met you.
Her voice softened.
I knew you were meant for great things.
She touched his cheek gently.
Even though I don’t care whether you are rich, educated, or not, I’m still very proud of the man you have become.
Tobe looked at her quietly, deeply moved by her words.
Then Ronke sighed.
My turn.
Her voice became softer.
She told him how she fell into depression after he left.
How she cried for weeks and shut everyone out.
How nothing her father did seemed to help.
Eventually her father sent her to the United States, hoping a change of environment would help her heal.
But when she arrived, she refused to return home.
Instead she started working in one of her father’s companies in America.
Then she met Ekene.
Ekene helped a lot.
She smiled slightly.
He became my friend.
My confidant.
He helped me heal in ways I didn’t expect.
Then she added playfully.
Don’t worry, I will properly introduce both of you.
He’s a good guy.
And he’s from Anambra too.
Suddenly she spoke a few Igbo words she had learned.
Tobe burst into laughter.
Where did you learn that from?
Ronke smiled proudly.
Ekene.
Tobe shook his head in amusement.
Then his expression became more serious.
What if your father still doesn’t want us to be together?
Ronke looked straight into his eyes.
Her voice was calm but firm.
He can never stop it.
Except he wants me to die single.
Or I will marry without his blessing.
Tobe raised his eyebrow and teased her.
Marry who?
Ronke laughed.
You of course.
Who else?
She poked his chest playfully.
I’m a citizen here.
My dad can’t do anything to you if you marry me.
She grinned mischievously.
We can even marry tomorrow.
Tobe chuckled.
I will marry you.
But I must do it the right way.
Your father must consent to it.
Ronke smiled.
And if he doesn’t?
Tobe held her hand firmly.
I can’t lose you again.
Never.
They continued talking late into the night.
They talked about life.
About dreams.
About how many children they would love to have.
Ronke said three.
Tobe said five.
They argued playfully about it until they both laughed.
They talked about Tobe’s school and the job he was hoping to secure soon.
Slowly, exhaustion caught up with them.
And before they realized it, both of them drifted off to sleep in each other’s arms.
The next morning was peaceful.
After breakfast, Ronke walked out of the bedroom wearing Tobe’s polo shirt and joggers.
The clothes were slightly big on her, but she didn’t seem to mind.
She picked up her car keys.
Let me go home and pick a few things.
She smiled.
I’ll meet you here later so I can drive you to your school.
I won’t be going to work today.
Tobe walked her to the door.
They kissed briefly.
Then she left.
Ronke drove home feeling strangely light.
For the first time in six years, her heart felt whole again.
She parked her car and walked to the door.
As she opened it and stepped inside, a deep familiar voice spoke from the living room.
Aderonke.
She froze instantly.
Chief Adebayo sat calmly on the couch, watching her.
His sharp eyes slowly scanned her appearance.
The oversized polo.
The joggers.
The look of someone who clearly did not sleep at home.
His voice was calm, but heavy.
Where are you coming from?
Ronke gasped in shock.
Jesus!
Dad!
When did you arrive?
Why didn’t you tell me you were coming to the US?
Her father kept staring at her.
His expression did not change.
That is not important.
His voice became firmer.
Where did you spend the night?
The room suddenly felt smaller.
Ronke stood there, her heart pounding loudly in her chest.
And for the first time since that beautiful night with Tobe…
Fear slowly crept in.
To be continued.