Biola Kila (Episode 42): Kenneth Is No Random Guy
“Salam alaikum!” Umar’s mother announced her entrance, it was a pleasant visit from Umar’s parents as they even bought her a car as her birthday present which she rejected “I have never wanted a car, I have too many thoughts to be able to drive” she said respectfully “then we will give you a driver” General Gayesu would never allow her reject his gift.
They ate a very nice meal that Mrs Gayesu prepared for three of them, then it was time for them to leave “I will meet you in the car” General Gayesu told his wife; Biola immediately knew it was time to have the big conversation about the things that happened the day she slit her wrist but General Gayesu went a different turn
“What are you doing with my son?” he asked with a stern look that was almost scary “what are you doing with my son… you are … you are, for the lack of better words… you are too beautiful for him” a strange look quickly appeared on Biola’s face “this is not a secret everyone on earth is thinking it” “including his father?” Biola stood up abruptly afraid that Umar’s father was about to preposition her.
“I see you have some sort of true feelings for my son, may be love, may be respect or both… I will make it easy for you right now” “what do you mean?” she was truly confused “I mean your wedding is cancelled and as long as I am alive you and Umar shall not wed until after two years of proper courtship starting from today. A chameleon of different beautiful colours cannot cut its tail for no reason. My word is final” he was gone before Biola even understood what had just happened.
General Gayesu had given her time to figure out a way to leave Umar; he and his wife were afraid that their son might successfully push her to her death. The rest of the day was used to have celebratory non-alcoholic drinks with President Ken who did not know the basis of the celebration even though he played along; it was the best way to once again ignore the many visitors awaiting his treasured presence.
They drank, ate, played card games and binge watched different types of soap operas made both home and abroad. President Ken was a very funny man and Biola had a funny giggle, together they created an unbreakable cycle of laughter for hours straight until a messenger walked in
“Sir, the first lady is on her way up” “okay then” President Ken said and started to walk out of Biola’s room “where are you going?” she asked “upstairs… my wife is coming” then it hit her like a slap of water washing away her delusion.
She realized in that moment that this new found friendship she had with him was heading down a pit full of secrets and she wanted no part of it. Not another secret “friendship” with a married man that would propose love to her in future leading to a certain pattern of conversation they would have over and over again; besides getting away from Umar should have been her focus and not getting carried away by one of the most powerful men in the world
“What was I thinking?” she knocked her temple and made a quick decision to be discharged immediately. She figured that the first lady’s visit was going to be a very long one that might include press; so she packed as fast as she could and had an available messenger move her things quickly into the car.
She let out a victorious laugh when the car began to move but it was short lived “why did you stop?” she questioned the driver “I was told to stop the car” he replied just before an SSS knocked on her window. When she wound down, she recognised him from her room but he didn’t say a word, he gave her a box and walked away; Biola opened the box and in it was a strange-looking phone and within seconds of receiving it the phone started ringing.
Biola allowed the phone ring for a good five minutes before answering it “do you know I am a psychologist? as in I have a degree in psychology before I started my studies in law” President Ken was on the other line “no I did not” she responded indifferently
“Why do I feel as if my wife’s appearance scared you away?” his voice lowered a little “no it did not scare me rather it jolted me back into reality… my reality” “and what reality is that?… we are friends… aren’t we? I know you just rolled your eyes” Biola laughed “yes I just did”
“Okay okay wait… honest to God, I do want to be your friend, I can be that one person you can talk to, tell all your secrets and never have to see, you know like a juke box” “juke boxes sing so you are going against your point” “see… I want you to be able to talk to me, Biola from the scars on your wrists it’s very obvious you don’t have anyone around to really confide in… so, are you going to make the president beg?”
There was a long pause “I don’t want you to beg, I want to think about it. Is that on the table?” the way she handled herself impressed him more than he cared to appreciate “yes it is and whenever you are ready… I’m a call away” he said and cut the line. As the car drove off to the airport Biola switched off the phone and tucked it back into the box, the box she planned never to open again.
