Hauwa Matshegu a sickle-cell advocacy volunteer was still working at her desk, when John Franklin stopped by, “Hey, Hau’ isn’t it time you left for home, I could drop you off. Everyone’s left but you.”
“No, thanks, John. I have a few things to tidy up. If you won’t mind, can I lockup today?”
“Alright. Here are the keys. Be sure to come in early tomorrow so other volunteers won’t be stranded when they arrive tomorrow for the day’s task.”
“Alright,” Hauwa responded as she waved goodbye to him.
28-year-old Hauwa starred at him as he left and kept staring into blank space. “What is the point in going home? To go listen to my parents “yap” about how my biological clock is ticking or my married friends tire me out with their marriage experiences without bothering about how the stories affect me? What was the point? Thank God I have switched off my phone.” Then it suddenly dawned on her that her best friend Olamide was coming over from Lagos for an interview in Abuja and planned to spend the night at her place. She hurriedly got up and switched on her phone, and didn’t even wait to clear her desk before rushing out of the office.
Out on the streets, it was dark. The electricity company had struck again and the street lights were off. So she hurriedly struggled in the darkness to get to the bus stop. In her confusion, she didn’t notice she was walking too close to the highway and before she could spot the headlights of an oncoming vehicle…A car brushed her slightly and she passed out. The driver came out and rushed her to the emergency room of the nearest hospital where she was admitted.
Dr Seriake visited Hauwa minutes after she recovered. “Well, Ms Hauwa, if I can call you that, other than a few cuts and bruises, you are in good shape. The driver was a good driver – he was alert and didn’t really hit you. With rest, you’ll be fine. I can discharge you now, but I’m an extra-careful one, so if you won’t mind, I’ll keep you till tomorrow and discharge you in the morning if my suspicions are unfounded.”
As Dr Seriake strolled out, a handsome fair man peeped in as he opened the door into Hauwa’s room slightly.
“Good morning madam, my name is Oluwatobi Alao. May I come in?”
“Uh, do I know you?”
“Actually, you don’t. I was driving the car that hit you,” he responded.
“Oh, my God. I hope I didn’t put you through too much stress. I actually wasn’t concentrating on the road ahead. I’m so glad you’re alright. Please, come in.”
“Thank you,” he said and pulled a chair up to her bed. “I wanted to know how you were, and I see you’re okay. I’m glad.”
“I have a few cuts and bruises, but nothing serious. The doctor said your driving skills probably saved me. He also said he’s going to discharge me tomorrow morning.”
“Can I give you a ride home?”
“That would be great if it’s not an inconvenience.”
“It’s not an inconvenience. I’ll come back tomorrow morning around ten. Have a good night,” he said and left.
The next morning, Oluwatobi arrived at ten, drove her home, and walked with her to her front door.
“Uh, Hauwa, would you join me for dinner tomorrow evening?”
“Dinner? Uh, yes, I would like that.”
“Great. I’ll pick you up at 7. Will that be okay?”
“Yes. I’ll be waiting out front.”
“Okay. See you then,” he said and left.
There were many more dates, and after three months of dating, at dinner one evening, Hauwa and Oluwatobi confessed their love for each other.
“Well, since we love each other, I think it’s time for us to live together.”
“Hauwa, I would love that, but it’s not that simple.”
“What do you mean?”
He took her hands in his. “Darling, I love you, and I would love for us to be together, but, but…”
“But what, Oluwatobi?”
(…Part 2 to be continued next week Saturday)