NOT MY USUAL WORLD Novel Chapter 4

NOT MY USUAL WORLD
EPISODE 4
Ronke did not sleep well.
Not because of Anthony.
But because of what she heard in Tobe’s voice.
Worry.
By 6:30 a.m., she was already dressed for work. A lovely navy blue blazer and matching trousers hugged her perfectly. High heels. Hair pulled into a sleek ponytail. Structured. Polished. Controlled.
She picked up her bag and stepped out.
When her driver approached the car, she said calmly,
Sam, not today. I’ll be driving myself.
He hesitated, then stepped back.
The moment she drove out of the compound, her father made a call.
Find out who that boy is. Everything about him. I want to know who is changing my daughter.
On her way, she stopped at a 24-hour restaurant and bought food. Different packs. Rice. Moi-moi. Chicken. Bread. Drinks.
The hospital was not the kind she was used to.
No marble floors.
No glass elevators.
No uniformed receptionists greeting politely.
Just clean tiles. Faint antiseptic smell. Quiet hallways with plastic chairs lined against the wall.
She hesitated at the entrance for a second.
Then she walked in.
Tobe was sitting outside a ward, elbows on his knees, head slightly bowed.
For a moment, she just watched him.
No stage lights.
No guitar.
Just him.
He looked up and saw her.
Surprise crossed his face first.
Then something softer.
Ronke?
She smiled gently.
I told you I would come.
She handed him the paper bags.
I don’t know what you would like, so I got a little bit of everything.
Tobe smiled.
You didn’t have to.
I know.
His eyes lingered on her a second longer than usual.
How’s your uncle?
Stable now. Minor fracture. Some stitches. He’ll be fine.
Relief settled quietly inside her.
Can I see him?
You want to?
Yes.
Inside the ward, his uncle lay on the bed, arm in a sling, face bruised but smiling.
Ah… so this must be Ronke. The lady whose car broke down the other day, the older man teased weakly.
Ronke blinked.
Tobe rubbed the back of his neck.
He talks too much.
She smiled politely and greeted him.
The room was small. Humble. But warm.
She noticed how gently Tobe adjusted the blanket around his uncle. How he checked the drip. How he lowered his voice when speaking to him.
This was not performance.
This was care.
Uncle, she brought us a lot of food, Tobe said.
The older man smiled gratefully.
Thank you, my daughter.
Outside again, they sat side by side on the plastic chairs.
Thank you for coming, he said quietly.
You don’t have to thank me.
He studied her for a moment.
You look different today.
Different how?
Structured.
She laughed softly.
That word again.
Well… I’m on my way to work.
They sat in comfortable silence.
Then he asked gently,
What happened last night?
She stared at the floor tiles.
Anthony happened.
He raised a brow slightly.
She told him. Calmly. No exaggeration.
The slap.
The argument.
The walk out.
He didn’t interrupt.
When she finished, he simply said,
That must have been hard, he muttered.
She swallowed.
So… you are engaged, he said finally.
Yes.
She did not deny it.
But I don’t love him. Like I said earlier. My dad is the one pushing things.
She hesitated before continuing.
Please don’t let that make you run away from me. I love being your friend. I love talking to you. Both in person and on the phone.
He smiled softly.
I love being your friend too.
Her chest warmed.
She stood up.
I should go. I’ll call you later.
He stood with her.
Drive safe.
She hesitated.
Then, without thinking too much, she reached for his hand.
It was warm.
Rough.
Real.
See you tonight? she asked quietly.
He smiled slowly.
Most nights.
She walked away before she could change her mind.
Later in the office, her phone buzzed.
A message.
Tobe.
Uncle says thank you for visiting. He also says thank you for the food.
She laughed out loud at her desk.
For the first time in days, it felt easy.
Later that evening, she dressed casually and was about to drive out when her father stepped outside.
You go out alone these days, especially at night. You know I don’t like that. Should I be concerned?
She forced a light laugh.
Dad, you don’t have to worry. I just hang out with a friend, that’s all.
Her father looked at her carefully.
You know you can always bring your friend home.
Soon, she replied quickly.
And drove off before he could say more.
As she left, Chief Adebayo stood still.
My Ronke is frolicking with a very wretched boy.
Omo Ibo.
No. That will never happen.
I brought her up better than that.
That boy is not even worthy to stand before her.
I need to end this before it becomes something uncontrollable.
I only approve of Anthony.
No one else.
To be continued