Her Baby’s Secret

Arike’s POV

TWO MONTHS LATER

It was on a Saturday morning, we were all set up to travel back to Nigeria for Busayomi’s wedding which was just in few weeks time. I had made the decision to return to Nigeria even before the date for the wedding was set.  I didn’t want to miss Busayomi’s wedding, neither do I want to be the selfish mother who purposely kept her child away from her father.

This is the time Busayomi needed my help as a sister and I also have to repay her for the good deeds. I actually don’t care if we run into Dayo whenever we return back to Nigeria. I am ready to face him at least for my child who needed to know her father.

“Grand… pa..” Iteoluwa’s voice jolted me out of thought.

“Yes.. princess..” he glanced at her before focusing back on the road

“I am gonna miss you and grandma.” She said

“And we are gonna miss you too princess.” He replied.

Finally we arrived at the airport and waved goodbyes to uncle Badejo and his wife before heading towards departure section.

“Mommy…” Iteoluwa called.

“Yes my love,”

“Do you think the knight is gonna kidnap the princess from the castle and take her somewhere far away?” She asked.

“Well -” I paused to give our passports and papers to the lady at the desk.

“I don’t really know-”

“You should know mommy!” She jumped. “You always read the story to me at night.”

“Yes I know..”

“Answer now… will the knight-”

I interrupted her. “I think.. the king is gonna ask his royal guards to protect the princess and then-”

“No! That’s not it!” She countered and I rolled my eyes.

“You are good to go!” The lady announced.

“Thank you.” I said to her.

“The knight is gonna love the princess?” I asked.

“Yes! The king will have no choice.. and the knight will become the king and they will both live happily ever after.”  She narrated her favorite bed time story which her grandpa always reads to her.

Believe me when I say she doesn’t get tired of that story. She knows everything line by line.

Iteoluwa slept on the plane and I have to wake her up at the checkpoint. She grumbled when I dropped her down.

“Mommmmyyyy…” she cried.

“Sorry my love,” she continued to cry.

“I want to sleep…” she was already making a scene.

“Look big mommy is waiting for us.” I said to make her stop crying and she did.

Iteoluwa looked around to find Busayomi. “Where is she?”

“Come on! Stop crying-” I heard her hand and drag our box behind us.

“Mommmmyyyy-”

“I won’t let you play with your teddy when we get home.” I threatened her and she stopped crying immediately.

“You can’t do that..”

“Then stop crying now.”

She sniffed. “I won’t cry anymore.”

“That’s good my love.”

“Will you let me play with my toys?” She asked.

“Sure.”

I dialed Busayomi’s number and she picked immediately. “Babe, we’ve arrived at the airport.”

“I am there too. Where are you?”

“Close to the exit..” my eyes searched the area.

“Found you! Just look back!” I did as she instructed and saw her waving at us.

Then I hang up the call. “See big mommy.”

“Big mommy!!!!” Iteoluwa screamed as she let go of my hand and ran to meet Busayomi.

“Oh look at my baby!” Busayomi carried Iteoluwa and swirled her around. She giggled happily.

“Oh wow! Good to see you!”

“See I am a big girl now.” Iteoluwa said.

“Oh yeah! You are a big girl now. But do you still suck your thumb?” Busayomi asked.

“I hope she stops it soon.” I answered.

“Oh no!” Busayomi gasped. “You still suck your thumb to sleep,” she tickled Iteoluwa.

“No.. not anymore…” she laughed.

“That means you are still a baby.” Busayomi tweaked her nose.

“Come let’s go, the driver is waiting for us.”

“A driver?” I asked.

“Of course, Paul won’t let me driver anymore.”

She replied.

“Wow! That’s great. He’s really taking care of you.” We laughed.

We got to the car where a man dressed in black suit was waiting to take my box. Busayomi got into backseat with Iteoluwa and I followed.

“Mommmmyyyy is this our Nigeria?” Iteoluwa asked and we couldn’t help but laugh.

“Yes this is our Nigeria.” Busayomi answered.

“She’s so funny!” She added.

“Wow! I like Nigeria.” She clapped her hands in excitement.Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.

“Are we gonna watch a movie today?” She asked.

Busayomi’s phone beeped at the same time so I was left with no choice but to answer Iteoluwa.

“We are not going to the movies today.”

“So where are we going?”

“Home so we can rest.”

“So when are we gonna see a movie?” She asked again.

“Very soon my love.” She leaned into me as we listen to Busayomi’s conversation about wedding plans.

And it didn’t take long for Iteoluwa to fall asleep again.

“Oh she’s asleep.” Busayomi said after disconnecting the call.

“Yes she must be really tired.” I replied.

“That reminds me I bought the slippers you asked.”

“Oh thanks and have you packed your stuffs?”

“Yes Paul hired someone to help me pack and move it to his place. I have just few clothes left at my apartment. And don’t worry you will really enjoy your stay in Nigeria.” Busayomi smiled.