Chapter four: Distance

Peter called me every morning until it became a routine.  He’d tell me his plan for his day in detail and explain how much he missed me. He became my personal alarm clock. He’d call 5:30 am every day before going for his morning jog. He was a sucker for fitness.  Peter always had a new sweet text for me every day and I also sent him some too to compliment his.

Peter could make the universe jealous of me. His care was comfort to me. Whenever I miss him, I’d think of our first kiss and how he wrapped me in his arms and how he sang to me and then I pray everything would stay this way, then I would never be unhappy in my life again.

Slowly, the frequency of our calls began to decrease. I would call sometimes and he’d be in a lecture. Other times, he’d say he was extremely busy or tired or he just slept off. Silly excuses began to take over our talks. Slowly the morning text began to go vice versa. I’d always text first and when I don’t, he seems to forget altogether. I began to doubt his commitment. Stella was there with him and I wasn’t. Perhaps he was reconsidering his relationship with Stella. Whenever I had these thoughts, my heart would begin to burn; I’d feel so hurt, like a sharp sword piercing through my heart; my breathing would be faster and my succor was hearing his voice.

‘Olivia, your love is too deep. Don’t hurt yourself,’ John once warned me.

I cannot bear to see you hurt yourself, a toxic relationship could kill you dear, not under my watch Olivia he would say.

Perhaps I shouldn’t have said yes to him but I loved him. or was I obsessed? or was I feeling this way because he was my first and I was new to  being in a  relationship ?. whenever my phone rang,  I’d wish it was Peter. But more often than not, I was disappointed. Slowly, depression and absent-mindedness took over me and it became visible to anyone who knows me I was in pain.

Mum and dad began to pry but somehow I convinced them, it was just lack of a job and being bored staying at home and alone.

Dad’s consolation always was “You will get a job soon and all will be well.”

This was always an assurance.

Then, one early morning, Peter sent a text.

My sweetness, my star, my rose petal

My pure and sweet joy fountain

I bless the day God gave you to me

I love you, today, tomorrow and forever

My forever would be emptiness without you

No matter how the tide flow

My love would always remain still

It burns when I don’t call or miss your call

Like wildfire that cannot be quenched

I love you to infinity and beyond

After this text, I was light and very happy, my Boo’s got me. Just as I was about to call him, my phone rang, it was Peter. As I picked up, he was singing I Will Always Love You by Celine Dion.

‘Oh my love, my darling, you are my peace and my joy. I love you and I love you more.’ I replied. I was beaming with smiles all over and I was elated.

Call To Bar

A new phase of my life began on the morning of 1^st February 2019 when I got a call from Dad. Dad had traveled on a business trip to London to meet with foreign investors in his farm business. Dad grew grapes, strawberries, and so many other fruits. He was also into livestock farming.

He said, ‘Princess, I’m calling you to bar.’

‘But I’m not a lawyer,’ I replied, perplexed.

‘Indeed,’ he continued. ‘But you’re my psychologist. So, I’m enrolling you on a one-year professional training where you could get a license and open your own center.’

‘Thanks, Dad,’ I said, smiling. ‘But Dad, I’d also love to open a beauty salon. As you know Dad, I’m a skilled hairstylist and multiple strings of income are necessary, just as you always say, Dad. I’d start and employ two stylists. I’d only be present when I’m free but I promise to do well with the business.

‘Ok princess we will get it started in three months’ time,’ Dad said.

After dad told me this, I was so elated.  I was going to become an entrepreneur! But if there was one thing I had learned from my brother was to hustle and plan in silence in order to avoid procrastinating. Thus I kept my discussion with Dad secret and only told John so he could help me with necessary ideas I needed to kick start my work.

The next day, I told Mom about my discussion with Dad about getting professional experience and that I’d be moving to John’s house because of proximity. Mum wasn’t too happy that  I was moving out because it would mean she’d be home alone. But she did not refuse because she knew I had been bored and depressed at home for a while without any of my siblings.

‘I will only miss your help in my school, ‘she said. ‘All your artworks, literary works, and creativity you come up with...’

‘Mum, slow down! I’m not leaving the country. I’m just a phone call away whenever you need me. I love you, Mum.’

Mum owned a school in Wuye, not very far from our house. It was a home away from home, a place where creativity ruled (Mum always said this when describing her school). She had named it Green Valley School. I loved my family. It was time I got busy with my life and make them proud of me and hang all my achievements together with the rest of the family on our family’s wall of fame.

With all settled, the next day I got my things ready and moved to Asokoro to stay with my big brother. His apartment was closer to the psychological center where Dad had enrolled me.

Therapy Today WA Ltd. I snapped into a trance envisioning myself as a life coach, counseling and guiding people to their right choices. I imagined my first client to be a teenager about to go into college seeking advice on the course she would study.

‘Miss Olivia, please advise me. I’m confused.’

I imagined myself reassuring her, ‘Okay dearie, tell me what your strengths are. What do you like doing...?’

I zoned back to reality when Mum called out my name. I took my bag and she drove to Asokoro, number 24 Yakubu Gowon Street. ‘Hello, new home, ‘I said out loud.