Heartstrings in Dissonance, Love’s Awakening
"Get your butt down here, I'm downstairs. I'll give you five minutes to get ready, or I'll come drag you," Sky's voice on the other end jolted me awake. I quickly showered and put on some native attire.
"Today's Sunday, and I promised her I'd accompany her to church. The lady that messed me up follows Christ. I just want to get to know her."
Church was good, the service was enjoyable. It had been a while since I'd been to church. My parents raised us well; we used to go thrice a week, including Sundays. When I got into university, I hadn't stepped foot in one. I loved the worship and praise section; I even danced.
The pastor's sermon was moving. After the service, I experienced something new: genuine love. It made me feel like an outsider, like a black sheep among whites. You know that feeling. Suddenly, I felt lonely. The pastor noticed and came to me, hugged me, and introduced himself and his wife.
Pastor Daniel was a fan and loved all my movies. His wife listed all the movies. To be frank, I was surprised. I didn't leave the church without signing autographs.
I plan on inviting both to my house after service. It worked out perfectly. Sky took us to the market, bought some things, and then we headed to my house. I was happy to have them in my home. After eating, we got talking. I got to know more about her. Sky warned me to be careful in my dealings with her. I observed she was now comfortable with me. "I'm sorry, but why do you want to become..." A call interrupted me. "Hello," I answered, irritated.
"Hello, good evening. Mr. Austin is in our bar, drunk, fought with everyone. He claimed, they insulted an actor," the caller said. "And you want me to believe this? You can do better than that. Did you rob Austin, and you want more money?" I retorted. "See, if you don't believe it, that's your problem. He has gone mad, your name was on speed dial one. He has been thrown out, but he's still causing a scene outside," the caller explained. I asked for the name of the bar.
At the bar, I saw him sitting quietly in a spot. He stood up, surprised, staggered towards me with a smile. "Mr. Cephas," he said, holding my cheeks. "I know I'm dreaming, let me enjoy it while it lasts." "I fought people who criticized you."
"How do you know it was me they were talking about?" I asked. A hefty man approached us. "What are you still doing here?" he asked. "We'll be on our way," I replied.
"Oh! Aren't you Cephas? He knows you for real. We thought he was bluffing. I'm sorry for throwing you out like that," the bouncer apologized. "He's my brother, and don't ever treat him like trash again, that's if he ever comes back to this bar," I said angrily. "Uh, can I get your autograph, sir?" the bouncer asked with reluctance. A group of men emerged from the bar. I held my PA's hand, walked hastily. In no time, they caught up with us.
"Well! Well!! Isn't this the great Cephas? Where are you rushing off to without greeting us?" one of them taunted. "Gentlemen, it was nice meeting you all, thank you," I said, trying to leave. "Not so fast. Drop something for the guys," they demanded. "I didn't bring my wallet; I only came to pick him up," I explained. "Then there's nothing we can do but take what you're wearing. Strip now," they ordered. I thought they were joking, but their seriousness was evident.
"Are you guys insane? Do you know who I am?" I shouted, struggling with them. When they saw I wasn't cooperating, their leader ordered them to carry me. I knew I was in trouble.
I struggled with one of them when suddenly I felt a sharp pain in my abdomen. I froze and looked down to see a knife stuck in my stomach, blood gushing out. I fainted. I felt someone lifting me, calling my name. I drifted back to sleep.
The beeping of a machine woke me up. I opened my eyes, confused, not knowing where I was. Everything looked strange. I glanced to my left and saw a drip inserted in my hand. Looking to my right, I saw Sky and my PA, Austin. "You're awake! Thank God. You gave us a scare. The doctor said the surgery went well, and you would wake up soon. But you slept for two days straight; I thought you slipped into a coma. Thank God you're awake,"
Sky heaved in relief. I tried to speak but couldn't find my voice. Then, memories flooded back. I turned to check on Austin to see if he was okay since we were both attacked. Relieved to see he was fine. There was a knock at the door. Tomide came in, smiled at me. "Thank God you're awake. Are you okay?" she asked. I nodded. At least something positive came out of the incident: her smile was my reward.
I was discharged a week after the incident. The doctor instructed me to come twice a week for wound dressing and warned against strenuous activity. During my hospital stay, rumors circulated that I had died, while others said I was in a coma. I was trending throughout the week. Well, the criminals are now in jail. I heard the bouncer came to our rescue, called the police, and subdued some of them. The cops arrived just in time (luckily) and arrested them.
Adedunmola 😍