Chapter 32 Epilogue

Five years later. 'Imade, where are you running off to?" Bukunmi yelled, watching her son run into a mall, as she stood there helplessly. 'God, what did I do to get a child as stubborn as his father? He looks like him, and as if that isn't painful enough, he doesn't even take after me," She said, almost in tears. Being a single mum was very hard on her, especially since she had no friends or relatives to help her with her son. He was either opening the dog's mouth so wide, spilling juice all over the floor and soiling his clothes as well, or running off to the mall when they were walking together, to get a toy he knew she wouldn't refuse buying, because he would scream his lungs out, and she hated creating a scene in public places. Ever since she reconciled with her mum a year ago, he had kept on saying he wished to go to Nigeria to live with her anytime they were done with having their usual weekly video calls. As he entered the mall, she began contemplating for the umpteenth time that morning on whether it was better to just send him over there. Her mother had really changed, and said that it was when Bukunmi left that she reflected on everything, and although Bukunmi had been doubtful about it all, it was evident that it was true from the conversations she and Imade had via phone calls and video calls. Over the years, Bukunmi had missed her family greatly, but had held herself back from reaching out to them, and had struggled hard to fend for herself and her son, by working as a sales attendant in a cosmetic store. When she was seven months gone, E&A's Publishing company, had reached out to her, stating through mail that they had just come across her publishing request for the first time, since she had written to them a year before then, and that they really wished to work with her. When she had given birth and her son was three months old, one of her books, 'Sunshine Alimony", had been published. It was a year later that the book became a major success, and became a bestseller in not just West Africa, but in other parts of the world. With her approval, the book was reprinted in several languages, and her name soon became a household name. In the space of two years after the book had attained worldwide success, Bukunmi had published seven more books, all of which she had written in the past, but was edited, proofread, and published. Earlier in the year, she published two more books, and was presently in the process of writing a book based on her own life experience, and was almost done with it, but couldn't decide yet on the ending. Right now, it hadn't ended well, but she didn't wish for her life presently to be the end of the book she was working on. Happy endings were the best, but why hadn't she gotten her happy ending yet? With each day that passed came fresh thoughts of Tade, going through her mind. He still had seven years till he came out of prison, and although she made sure he got her book anytime it was released, he never got back to her, and didn't write so much as a letter back to her, which he could send through one of the prison wardens. With that behaviour, she was sure that he never even so much as glanced through any of the books she had sent to him. After five years, he still hated her, and it was a good thing she had kept their son a secret from him. 'Mummy!" Imade yelled from a distance, coming out of the mall. She rolled her eyes, jolting out of her thoughts. Why couldn't he just come to meet her, without shouting mummy so aggressively? As she walked towards her son, she felt like dumping him on the next flight to Nigeria, but she couldn't. She loved him dearly, and he was a reminder that Tade meant so much to her, and she knew how lonely she would be if she ever let him go. She never regretted keeping her son, and was thankful that she hadn't ended her life that unfortunate day that Tade had received his imprisonment sentence. Suddenly, she saw a man she hadn't noticed before, standing beside her son, Imade. Their eyes met, and she discovered, much to her shock and disbelief, that it was Tade, who was standing beside Imade, a sad smile plastered on his face. Without pausing for her to make sense of what was going on, Tade pulled Bukunmi into his arms, holding her like he would never let her go again, hugging her more tightly than he had ever embraced anyone before. Tears fell from his eyes on being able to hold the only woman he had ever loved in his arms again, even though he had tried so hard not to cry in front of his son. 'What..." She started, but couldn't continue. He then let her go, and placing his hands on her shoulder gave her a mild explanation, 'I was released on presidential pardon on the day of Independence a month ago," He explained. 'What?" She asked, baffled. 'You probably didn't know, because it was a low-key affair, except in Nigeria. I was seen as the most peaceful prisoner, and I also saved the life of a police officer who had fainted during our morning routine. It's safe to say that I was considered to be of good character, and someone not able to do anything wrong in the eyes of the law. However, if I commit any offence within two years of being released, no matter how little, I'll be thrown behind bars for twelve years," He said, smiling a little. She didn't know how to feel. It had been so sudden, and she hadn't seen it coming at all. Inasmuch as she was delighted to see him, she refused to just open up to him again. Grabbing her son by the hand and turning around without saying a word to him, she proceeded to leave, ignoring the annoying screams from her son, who wished to stay. 'What's the problem?" He asked out loud. She turned around, tears falling from her eyes, with a fierce look in her eyes. 'I'm happy that you've finally been released, but if you think that I'll let you back into my life just like that, then, you must be dreaming," She said, in a firm voice. 'I'm very sorry for everything, Bukunmi. Back then, I acted like a jerk..." 'Spare me all that nonsense, Tade. You're talking about back then, how about after then? Didn't you receive the books I sent to you? Did you even bother to send a feedback?" She asked. 'I did. I never responded because I wanted you to forget all about me and move on. I thought it was the best thing for you," He said. 'So, why are you here right now? Don't you want me to move on anymore?" She retorted. 'Your mother visited me when I was being released. She apologised for forgetting about my good sides, and concentrating on only the bad things I did. She then told me that you were single and that you had given birth to a son for me, and that you probably still loved me, and she'd give her blessings if we decided to start from where we stopped," He said. Bukunmi scoffed. 'And because you have my mother's blessings, you deemed it fit to just come here?" She asked. 'I was stupid, Bukunmi, and I was hurt because my father had just died, but in prison, I discovered that I had been wrong. You had prevented future crimes from occurring. I'm sorry for how I reacted back then. I'm extremely grateful because you did what you did and if it's possible, I want you and my son back in my life," He said. 'A son you just found out about recently?" She asked, sarcastically. Sighing, Tade went on his knees, ignoring the gasps from passers-by. 'Get up, will you? You're causing an unnecessary scene," She said. 'Please, forgive me. I'm sorry," He pleaded. 'Stand up!" She yelled. 'I am not worthy to stand before you," He said, sobbing hard. Imade, who had recognised his father from the pictures his mother had shown him, and had dragged him outside, went on his knees as well, crying too and begging his mother. 'Please, mummy, forgive him," He said. 'Now, you both want to guilt trip me," She said, shedding tears along with them, unsure of what to do. 'I'm not trying to blackmail you emotionally. I'm only trying to demonstrate my sincerity. I was going to come to your place tomorrow since Ben had given me your address, but since I've already met you by chance, I can't just let you go, because you may disappear, and I don't want to ever lose you again," He said. She heaved a sigh, and extended her hands, for him and her son, and with all her strength, pulled them up, when they accepted the hands she lent to them. 'I still love you, and I was going to play hard to get for a while and accept you. Why did you have to go down on your knees?" She asked, folding her arms. 'It's now or never," He said. She smiled at him, and he smiled back. She was still yet to understand the nature of things, but she knew in that moment, since he was around, that things were going to turn out just fine. ***** Dawn began to creep in slowly and she saw him stagger slowly to his feet, make a muffled threat and run off towards the other direction, staggering all the way and falling then rising up, like a blind man. She giggled then noticed another man walking away and then all at once, she understood everything: She had been saved. He didn't seem like an angel nor a spiritual being; he seemed like a normal human being who had saved a damsel in distress. "Who are you? Why'd you save my life?" She asked. He stopped right in his tracks and was slowly turning around, heightening the suspense, because as he slowly spun around, the eagerness to see who it was increased. It was about time her mother disrupted her sleep rudely, calling her name loudly, so, she wanted him to quit playing around and just turn around swiftly. The sun was already peeping from behind the moon, and she knew that if the sun came out, she may lose the only chance she would ever get in seeing her saviour. As the picture of who he was became clearer, she realised that he looked familiar, and as she began thinking hard of where she could possibly have known him from, his dark eyes met hers. That intense gaze... 'Tade?" She muttered. He smiled, nodding his head, affirming that Tade was his name. This time, his face was clear enough, and she was sure that he was truly the one. He then began taking slow strides towards her, and with happiness fluttering in her heart, she staggered towards him, like one who was hypnotised. When he got to her, he removed the strand of hair that was in her face, and squeezed her hands gently. She was lost in his eyes, and suddenly, he felt like home to her, and by his side, she knew she could overcome any hurdle life threw in her way. Bukunmi flexed her muscles, happy that she had finally completed her book, smiling at the last scene she had written in her book, admiring Tade, who was sleeping on the couch beside her. She had used their real names and real locations in her book, and was willing to disclose to the world that it was a story, based on her own true life experience, having gained permission from Tade, who was a major participant in the story. She was handing her book to the publisher that week, after which she was going to take an indefinite hiatus from writing, and spend her time travelling around the world with the only man she had ever loved in her life. The plan was to settle down somewhere for a few months, pick up their bags, travel to another place and settle down there for another few months, till they had something else to do with their lives. Luckily, the government had released most of Tade's father's properties, and he had decided to sell them all up. While he was going to donate some of the wealth accumulated to charity, the rest were going to be used for their travel expenses, and for saving up for Imade's future, who was going to be living with her mother and grandmother, while they had the time of their lives with each other. She and Tade had agreed not to involve Imade with the stress of travelling around with them, and thought it best for him to be closer to her family and loved ones. Although, Ben had given up on his football dreams and was now in the Nigerian Defence Academy, training to become a soldier, Nneoma lived close by, as she had gotten married to Bukunmi's introverted neighbour, who allowed her back then to use his Wi-Fi. How they had become close was a mystery to Bukunmi, and she felt they were a perfect match, because as opposites, they could influence each other greatly. 'Hey, babe. Are you done?" Tade asked, rubbing his eyes. She nodded her head in the affirmative. 'Wow! I'm proud of you," He said, sitting upright and going through the last scene, which she had written, smiling all the time. 'What do you think?" She asked. He smiled broadly. 'It's perfect. Does this mean we get to have a happy ending?" He asked. She returned his smile. 'Of course. If anyone deserves a happy ending, it should be us, not so?" She asked. 'You're right. So, have you decided on a title yet?" He asked. She shook her head. 'I'm not sure. I was thinking of using Because I do Love You, but I don't know how that sounds," She said. 'Oh! It seems very relatable to the story, and I like it, although what I had in mind is completely different," He said. 'What do you have in mind?" She asked. 'His Personal Assistant," He responded. 'Wow. I love it so much. They're both so good, and now, I can't choose," She said, looking confused. 'Why don't you just use both of them?" He asked, with a shrug. She nodded her head severally, agreeing with his suggestion. 'You know, that could actually work. I always knew you had it in you. Why don't I come up with stories, while you can be giving the stories beautiful titles?" She asked. He shook his head, declining her suggestion. 'You won't be writing any stories anyway. You'll be focusing on me, have you forgotten?" He asked, poking her on her sides, making her laugh out loud, as she was the ticklish type. 'I've not forgotten," She said, in-between laughs, wrapping her arms around him excitedly. 'You know I love you, right?" He asked, all of a sudden. She nodded, looking him in the eye. 'I know, Tade. I love you, too. Don't ever forget that," She said. He removed a strand of hair that was in her face. 'I never will," He responded, planting a kiss on her forehead. Most times, life sucks, and when certain things happen, it may seem like it's the end of the road, and as though it would be impossible for things to go back to the same as they once were. However, as the poet, Virgil, had said; Love conquers all, and this was evident in the love Bukunmi and Tade shared. THE END. Yesssss! I did it. I spent many months writing this book, and I'd really appreciate your comments. I'm grateful to you all for taking time out of your schedules to read 'Because I do Love You (His Personal Assistant)". Meanwhile, which title do you think is better off? 1.Because I do Love You 2.His Personal Assistant I had a hard time in choosing the right title. That's why I just merged them together. I prepared a bonus ###Chapter, so, please, do read it. Bonus ###Chapter Somewhere in Miami, Florida, U.S.A... It was summer, and Bukunmi sat outside their beach house, on the rooftop to be precise, wearing shorts and a tank top, with sunglasses, busy with her laptop. Tade had just come back from getting groceries from a nearby supermarket, and dropped all the shopping bags on the kitchen cabinet, then went outside to confirm if Bukunmi was there, and he found her sitting on a long bench. 'Hey, babe, what are you doing?" Tade asked, crashing heavily beside his wife, Bukunmi, who seemed to be busy with her laptop. 'I'm just working on a little something," She responded, giving him a kiss on the cheeks. 'Can I see?" He asked. 'No, not yet. I'll show you once I'm done," She said. 'You know you're supposed to be concentrating on me, right? Even though we've been to three different places, you seem focused only on your laptop each and every time," He accused, pouting like a little kid. She chuckled. 'I'm a writer, Tade, you can't take that away from me. Also, quit lying. I always concentrate on you," She said. 'How come I'm the one always going to the supermarket then?" He asked. She shrugged. 'You always insist on going. Who am I to stop you from doing what you always volunteer to do?" She retorted, in a playful manner. 'Still, you should come along with me at times, instead of always leaving me to go alone," He said. 'Okay, my love. I promise that I won't let you go to the supermarket, or anywhere else alone again. Satisfied?" She asked. He nodded his head, smiling sheepishly, in the affirmative. 'I'm very much satisfied, my darling," He said. She chuckled, and closing her laptop, which she dumped on the table before her, leaned into Tade's body, savouring the warmth his body gave, as if the one that came along with the weather was not enough. He wrapped his arms around her, planting a kiss on her lips, then relaxed back, and started stroking her hair; the feel of her body, producing a sensation that never grew old. 'You know, things have been really perfect for so long between us," She said. 'I know, right? I find it hard to believe most times, but I'm grateful that everything is all right between us," He stated. She heaved a thoughtful sigh. 'I don't know, Tade. I'm scared..." 'Of what?" He asked, not letting her complete her statement, before cutting in. She shrugged her shoulders. 'You know, when things have been so perfect, something always tends to ruin it," She said. 'Come off it, babe. We've finally gotten the happy ending we always wished for, so, why are you trying to jinx it?" He asked. 'I'm not trying to jinx anything. I'm just saying...saying that things are just too good to be true," She said. He wore an understanding smile. 'I get where you're coming from, but trust me, things will keep on sailing smoothly for us. Just think of it as a compensation that life has given to us, after a long battle with problems here and there, okay?" She forced a smile. 'Okay," She said. They heard their doorbell ring. 'Who could that be?" Bukunmi asked. 'I have no idea. Are you expecting someone?" He asked. 'Of course not. Who do I know in Miami?" She asked. 'Great point," He noted. 'Sure you didn't order in pizza as usual?" She asked, being fully aware of the great love her husband had for pizza. 'No, I didn't...or maybe I accidentally did, but I doubt that. You know what? I'll just go and check who's at the door," He said, preparing to rise from the bench. 'No, it's fine. I'll go check," She said. 'Let's just go together," He said, wearing a smile on his face. He held his wife by the shoulder, and they both stood up, and entered the house, then went to open up the door, smiling and chatting about random things on the way. Tade unlocked the door, and the face that greeted his, was a face he could never have forgotten in his entire lifetime. He looked at his wife, then from his wife, to the person at the door, who was wearing a tight grin. Bukunmi entwined her fingers in her husband's own. She had known that things had been too good to be true, or maybe she had been the one who had jinxed it. Anyway, she knew that with this person at their door, things were bound to change forever, but she didn't allow herself to get scared, because Tade was with her, and with one look at him, she knew they'd also overcome this obstacle, just like they had overcome the previous ones. THE END. I promise, this is truly the end of the book. Who do you think is at the door? There might be a sequel, but definitely not now. I hope you all had a nice time reading this book. I sincerely do appreciate you all. Thanks for reading, everyone. I'll see you in my next book, but for now, bye.