The conviviality that surround the house was unique. A boisterous celebration. A survival story of a long time sickling. All a jollification for the whole family. The Dubila’s and all their in-laws where there in after a long time absent mood. Surrounded by Franck’s close friends Vekov, James and Mathew. Junior ran and played with his cousins Fred, Liza and Doris.
Meanwhile, the culinary sector was getting set for the whole family and friends to feed. The dinning sector was also getting set in a quick space. This section was controlled by Jane and her sisters-in-law Jessica and Dorothy. When all set, Jane hinted her husband that it was time for refreshment, that`s it item eleven time. Then Franck took to the floor.
“Your attention, please, beautiful people. It`s time for us to get to the table. Before that, I would love my mother-in-law to lead us in prayers. Mama please you have the floor.” This, by looking towards her direction and smiling in the most beautiful way.
While getting up from her seat.
“Thank you Franck for the honor. Before I begin, I would love Junior to come here and stand by me, so that, we can invoke the lord together...”
Upon hearing his name Junior jumped and went straight towards her. Who by then was sitting on his godfather`s Vekov laps and holding him tide.
“…because everything here is in his honor today. Please stand up let`s pray.
“Dear Lord, we thank you for the gift of life. And above all, the stabilized health of our beloved Anthony Aka Junior. For everything we are or have is by your will and grace. Thank you for that.
I want to thank you for this meal we`re about to consume. Let the hands that cooketh it be anointed and filled with abundance blessing. And may God guide us back safely as we return after this feast. Amen.”
After a general response of Amen by all, the festive mood began. Joviality was on their faces. And they were inhaling it with love. Grandpa Celestine Dubila was most happier than all as he shared wine to his in-laws and to everyone. Then Franck invited his friends to the lawn so they could sit in the open air.
Places were very fresh due to the Friday`s rain of yesterday. The odor of the naturally clean vegetation could be scented in the purity of the air outside. All was set for their accommodation with a lot of wine, whisky and beers on the table. Franck was very happy in their presence to celebrate with him this unique thanksgiving for his son`s health stabilization.
“Thank you guys for your time. I do appreciate. These are rare moments we celebrate in life.” Franck expressed his gratitude.
Vekov took to the first voice. “I am the God-dad bro, so am only on duty here..”
Laughing amongst them.
“…because Junior would never have forgiven me if I were absent. You know naa?”
Franck affirmed,
“Haha, well, I think I should just shut my mouth from your affairs,”
Mathew and James all joined in the laughter.
“…you guys better manage it well Vekov. For your union is priceless. Nevertheless, thanks buddy for playing the role and doing it so good. Again, thanks Hench.”
This, as they stood up and hugged each other.
Mathew and James also extended their gratitude.
“Always a pleasure as they all toast with the best liquor. In the replica.
“Forever friends, Forever Junior”
In the new musketeer style. Assuring their longtime friendship, since they knew themselves since school. But Franck and Vekov began their friendship way back in college before they met James and Mathew in high school. A long history of friendship.
Jane joined them. Thanking the boys again for their presence, and told her husband that his father was looking for him. They both left for the Living room. There, the cute ambiance was still going on in an amusing way as the two families were seen chatting and laughing. Mrs. Dubila Rosaline and Jane`s mother, Mrs. Banadzem, were tossing and laughing the way women also do. To sum it all, the atmosphere was a safari come together.
“Son, I would love to talk with both of you in the kitchen. May I”
He suggested to Franck and Jane. Then led the way to the kitchen.
“I want to thank you guys for the way you people handled my grandchild. Junior has been the greatest challenge of the whole family. And today, I`m very proud to see that he`s doing better..” Looking at them with humility and in a fatherly manner as they too stood perplexed. He presided,
“…I have decided to give you guys this check so that he may have his personal bank account henceforth. With this, he may never lack anything you desire for him.”
Handed the check to Jane who took it and shouted with joy. Franck could not also hold his breathe from gladness, hugged his dad with a lot of emotions. Jane did the same.
“Thank you sir, gracias a billion time.”
“You`re part of my most valuable family. My wealth is for the betterment of my family and mostly for my grandchildren. My thanks goes to you both.”
The patriarch concluded in his usual humble manner.
“Lest I forget. Keep it to yourselves children.”
Daddy Dubila emphasized as he parted his way to the Living room.
“Okay dad, no qualms. Once again thank you Sir. Thanks. A hundred thousand is just unbelievable. I really appreciate dad”
The couples were happy for the gift as Franck made his way to the Livingroom too. Jane stayed in the kitchen filled with joy to manage the kitchen affairs as plates and cutleries were scattered everywhere. Suddenly from behind, a familiar spirit spoke.
“Hey Jane.” It was Vekov talking from behind her. He had just entered from the back door. After all, he was also a person of the house. Being Junior`s godfather and Franck`s longest friend, he could behave at such. He was seen as theirs.
“Please, can I have a bottle of wine?” Vekov pleaded moving towards Jane.
“For sure Vekov. How many bottles do you want? Okay just take three. Hope these numbers would do.” Giving him more than what he expected.
“Thanks dear. You`re a darling.” Vekov showed apprise. But noticed some particular gaiety in her. “Jane, you`re particularly in jovial mood. What`s the matter? Another pregnancy in the making?” He tries luring her to talk.
She responded in a low voice, “ No, not at all..” both laughing. “… just being a bright and wonderful day. At least there`s hope in the tunnel.”
Just at that moment, Junior entered the kitchen with his cousins Fred, Liza and Doris. Running and playing. Junior rushed and griped Vekov shouting.
“Big Vs. My Big Vs.” Abbreviation for Vekov with the first and last Vs of his name.
“Yes kiddy, what can I do for you.” Vekov asked his godson. Who was standing beside him.
“Can we help you with the bottles?” Junior offered in assistance. He was so attached to Vekov and also due to their spiritual ties.
“Okay boy. I will give each person a bottle.” Uncle Vs decided to go on sharing task which ended up with an unbalanced distribution.
“Only that one person would be left without a bottle to carry..” Vekov did the mathematics. Seen there were only three bottles for four carriers. He decided that, Fred being the eldest amongst them could go without a bottle. It was such an amusing moment as they left for the lawn.
“Okay Jane. Thank you very much.” Vekov smiled with love and appreciation and walked to the lawn with the kids. Passing through the kitchen backdoor.
The general ambiance was good. Everyone seemed to be happy in his or her way. And before the fall of the day, they all started departing one by one in a satisfactory mood.
It was now Sunday. A day after the party at home to celebrate Junior`s long time health recovery. Dorothy, Franck`s last sibling had also spent the night with them to help Jane in culinary sector. It was 9am in the morning. The ladies, two best friends were busy packing and arranging things in the house. Vehicles could be heard passing through the sub road near the house. Franck got up much earlier and did the cleaning of the Livingroom. He did not want all to be left at the mercy of his wife and sister. He thought it would be good to make things lighter as many hands easy up things. By nine ‘o’ clock Franck had finished his own section of clean up. Jane and Dorothy were left with the kitchen task only. It was much easier. And she also admired her husband on this domain because he did not often have the big boss syndrome at home. Even though he was a big boss at work. He always humbled himself
Inside the big rushing ambulance all the first aid formulas were applied right up to cardiac massage. The succor team was working earnestly to bring back the boy to breathing again. Despite every endeavors Junior`s condition was clearly worsening. Scaring both the succor team and the boy`s parents. It was painful. Jane could not hold it, neither could her husband. No parents could admit this. None, in Jesus’s name. It was less than thirty minutes ago. Junior who was playing and shouting with life and gaiety now lying in a lifeless state. An inadmissible truth; how life could just metamorphose with a click. This, in revealing how we were just some toy soldier in God`s hand. They arrived the hospital without Junior still showing any sign of life. He was immediately transported to the emergency ward. There, another intervention team was already set to receive him. The doctors were already informed about the case b
It was day two of Junior`s stay in the hospital. Dorothy returned to stay in her brother`s house. This is to assure all was in good order during their painful absences. Jane and Franck took care of the day-care in the hospital beside their son. With hope that any moment the doctor would come and tell them that their son was already awake. A hope that was more than anything to them, their family and well-wishers. They could give anything so that all should become normal again. Yet the only thing they had was just hope and a miracle to happen. Vekov arrived at the hospital that morning. Looking very nervous and disturbed. Probably hit by what had just occurred to his beloved godson-Anthony. He entered the main door where he saw Jane and Franck sitting helplessly on one of the hospital public seats. He went straight to meet them in all due humility like good soul with fellow friends. “J
As Franck, Vekov and Jane make their way out of the hospital. They were met with two cops from the police brigade. They were sent by their captain to meet Franck and also to investigate the situation of the child. They were already at the accident scene and were still in the keeping of the bike rider who knocked Anthony down. Investigations had started and they wanted Franck to give his statement about what actually happened at the scene. “Mr. Franck Dubila. I am agent Michael and this is agent Lisa.” The cop introduced himself and female colleague. “Greetings agents. How can I be of help to you guys?” Franck greeted and acted gently. “We`re from the central police station of Makepeville. We would like you to also give us
By 2pm both men arrived the police station as it was arranged. It was the main police center of the city and served as the judiciary police. The captain of the station was regarded with a lot of respect since many judged him clean due to his plurality in handling criminal affairs. He had the reputation of making things transparent and clean. He fought with all his might the spirit of corruption. Thereby contributing to the good image of Makepeville. Franck and Vekov were welcomed by agent Michael and agent Lisa. The two inspectors of police that earlier visited them at the hospital for questioning. Vekov in his faithfulness kept by Franck’s side to assure he wasn`t all alone in this tough moment. As they were made to sit. Agent Michael started questioning Franck on what really happened. “Mr. Dubila. We would like you to give us a clear narrative of what happened, leading to the accident of y
Days went by and Junior was still in his comatose state. Symptoms of hope were still as far as wide. The doctor had advised that they need not be there the whole day beside the kid. The hospital was well equipped enough with qualified nurses to take care of his situation. And if there was any updates, the family would be immediately informed. Though it was kind of hard for the Dubila family. Jane had completely forgotten that she runs her own mini-supermarket. She was the type of woman who wanted to have her own financial freedom. Being married to a very comprehensive man. It was much easier for her to have funds and placement to impose her own savoir-faire in Makepeville. She was a happy woman apart her child`s persistent health dooms. Cracking and twisting the walls of their calamity. Now that her son was again in malady, she had to confine all the running to her immediate assistant who was also an emplo
The Dubila`s mansion was a come-and-see. One of the finest homes in the city. As it was in the outskirt of the busy city. Placed in a flowery vegetation section. A small paradise on earth. An inspiration from the love of cultivation and nature`s odor. Mr. Celestine Dubila the patriarch and the wife and matriarch Rosaline have always wanted to elevate their children in the best way ever. Being from the Nso heritage; their earlier marital lives weren`t of glorious type even though the matriarch was from a well fed background. They had the challenge to build their own empire. So they vowed they would ever do everything within their rich so that their children should have the best of it in life. They wanted it from their own handwork. Soon things started manifesting as they will, their family act took to reality. They became the seigniors of soil cultivation for food stuffs like beans, maize, groundnuts, veget
After his hot tête-à-tête with his recalcitrant sister, Franck returned to his parents with whom he spent some time. Then left for the hospital still over shadowed by the anger of everything that was plaguing his life. While in his car, he called Dorothy. “Hello Lil sis. How are you coping with office matters?” He enquired knowing the whole weight of the management was on his head. But still trusting his sister due to her smartness. “All is fine big bro, just clients who wished meeting you individually. Guess most of whom you`ve started the deal already. But it`s okay. I have brief them on the difficulties you were going through. So it was easy to take things from there with them. And I hope all is going good lane.” Dorothy gave him a summary of all that was transpiring in the