Burgundy

Episode 23

” …Right there. that’s where she was buried. No matter how many times I walk past that flap, i still feel sad. My kid sister died of brain tumour and my parents tried all they could to save her but she couldn’t make it. My Mum also battled with cancer. She was critically ill and my dad who is a retired soldier poured in his life savings just for her to get well but it didn’t work out. We used to be well to do but we are just at a standard level right now. My dad sold his properties, his assets and cars because of my Mum’s health. He is only left with just a car and few other things including this building. I was ready to do anything just to assist him because the burden was too much. He didn’t want me to do some menial jobs. I’m a graduate, I read biochemistry but due to the way the country is I resulted to doing anything legal I find to do. I worked in a big company but my salary was delayed for months. I resigned and started working at the store where you met me first and I was sacked because I left my duty in search of burgundy polish… I like going out of my ways for people just to Please them, that’s the way I was raised. you later gave me a job to care for your home. Did you know that I lied to my dad that I was working in a hospitality industry and stays in the staff quarters. I told him I will be coming home once in a while. My dad never knew my real job because if he finds out he will come and drag me away. Of all the job to do definitely not a house keeper or maid in a single man’s house. I asked my brother never to review it to him. My brother is the only one aware and he also has his own fears of me working and living with you. I transfer money to my dad’s account almost every month and my brother who is faraway does the same thing. We needed to do all we can to keep my Mum alive but strength failed us and the bills kept on piling up. My Mum died three months ago after you sacked me for a wrong I never did. I believe my mum and my sister, Ruki are in a better place. She suffered so much. If money could bring her back she will be alive right now but God’s will must be done…

We were sitting outside the house, within the compound. This was my third time coming to see her.

During the first time she wasn’t so friendly and refused to give me audience.
I left and came back the second time. She gave me a cold attitude. But we had little chat and I kept apologizing for what I did.
On this third time she was open. No more cold attitude. She wasn’t so friendly but I enjoyed her company and listened to her attentively as if i was in an examination class.

I looked round the big compound. Then saw the two graves at a very far end. One belonged to her mum and the other smaller one in size was for her sister, Ruki.
” Your dad is a strong man. He has endured alot. And yo.. you never said anything concerning your ill mother before. You only mentioned your sister and I heard you praying for your Mom but I don’t know that she was critically ill. I’m sorry Sandra…deeply sorry for everything. I want to be here for you if you will let me. I… miss you so much. I have always wanted to reveal my true feelings for you, how I felt about you but I was scared of been turned down. You occupy every part of me and I wish to make up for every of your tear drop. I’m not joking Sandra. i was mislead with Ireti’s beauty and never knew she was capable of those thing she did. I wish to be in your life but I know you love Jeff… and I don’t want to sound selfish even though that’s all I wished to do right now… to have you all to myself…

Sandra turned to me and said.
” you mean Jeff?… C’mon. Jeffrey is my elder brother. My only brother and I love him so dearly. He is the only sibling I have but he traveled back after mum’s burial, back to Canada where he works. I’m even planning to join him soon. my dad and Jeff are making arrangement concerning that. I was supposed to travel towards the end of this year… once everything is set. It seems all my hustle to keep my Mum alive and to support my dad with the accumulated bills was all in vain so I have to travel out and start all over. My dad will be alright, he can always come for a visit when I’m well settled because I will be staying with Jeff who already had a girl he plans to marry. She’s white and we talk and chat almost everyday. She is looking forward to seeing me in Canada soon. Jeffrey is my brother not lover but if you hear us talking over the phone you may assume I’m speaking with my lover because I relate so well with him…

” Wow, oh really… that’s so good to know.
I exclaimed excitedly.

I gasped out in self relief. I felt like jumping round the whole compound happily after knowing that Jeff was her elder brother after all.

She brought my excited self back to reality with her questions
“… concerning Ireti? You told me in your messages that you ended things with her after the incident. Her supposed Papi was her lover and you locked her up for stealing your burgundy shoe and aquarium. after all the ordeal she was later bailed out and that was the end of two of you… is that true?
Sandra asked while looking at me. I cleared my voice and said.

” Uhmm! yeah. I… I ended things with Ireti. We aren’t together anymore. All I want is you… but I’m willing to wait until you are ready.

I looked up at her. I was tempted to kiss her but held back. She may not like me doing that and her “soldier father” maybe watching us from somewhere.

After sitting and talking for sometime I left, despite I don’t feel Like leaving but I have to respect myself and leave.

I did not have time for Ireti anymore. I was even looking for a chance to end things with her after I reconciled with Sandra.

I chat and call Sandra almost every minutes.
We get to talk deep into the night, do video calls and throw silly jokes at each other.
I was happy to have her back and listen to her laughter.

Having her back as the girl I truly love and not as my worker anymore.
I asked her to visit and she promised to do that soon.

She usually asked about Musa, her friend and I’m always glad to fill her in with my gate man’s funny activities.
I visited her twice again and even get to sit with her dad. The man was very outspoken and intelligent.

He made me feel relaxed, he brought a wine and we drank and kept talking.

Sandra made food and served her father first before bringing mine.

I have missed Sandra’s cooking and couldn’t say no to the delicious food.
I told the man everything about me, about my parents and most importantly my intentions for his daughter which I couldn’t hide anymore.

Sandra’s father loves his children and warns me never to hurt his daughter or he will come straight at me.

I gave my promises and even swear never to do such.