I was posted to Abuja for my NYSC. That made closer to my family than before.
* * *
A year later, I had completed my NYSC and started working immediately. I was very hardworking and dad was proud of me. Within a year, I had my personal car and an apartment of my own.
I was happy that despite all I went through, things were taking good shape for me. All was well, until tragedy befell me yet again.
* * *
Towards the end of the year, I fell terribly Ill. By now, Faith was equally abroad, pursuing her masters. Infact, I wasn't sure if she would return to Nigeria, lucky her.
As for Dubem, we still communicated, especially through video call on WhatsApp.
* * *
I went to the hospital and ran series of tests. Two days later, I went to collect the results and hear my diagnosis from the doctor.
* * *
The doctor went through the report, and shook his head then suddenly changed his facial expression to a happy one. Probably so as not to get me scared, but I got his message on time and knew something was wrong.
"Doc, please what exactly is wrong with me?"
"Miss, I want you to take it easy. First, are you married?"
"No... Please just go straight to the point, and tell what's wrong with me."
"Well um... The report here, states that... States that you are..."
"Pregnant?" I cut in.
"Um no. You have a deadly virus in your immune system. You are HIV positive." That statement rang like bell in my ears. If it was pregnancy, I would have taken that. But HIV? How do I believe this?
"Are you... Sure of what you just said?"
"Miss, take it easy okay? Being HIV positive isn't a death sentence. It is good that we are able to detect it now and treat it on time. You have no need to fear. Once you take your drugs regularly, you will look as healthy as a new born." All he said, I didn't hear. I was lost in my own world of pain. Tears flowed and I wished as I always did, that this life was a dream.
"Thank you doctor." I said as I collected a paper, containing the names of drugs prescribed.
I went to a pharmacy, and bought all the drugs that were prescribed for me. I was equally advised by the doctor to come for monthly check up.
* * *
On a cool Thursday morning, I was sitting at my desk at work and went through some file. Few minutes later, my drug alarm rang. An alarm I now set to remind me of when to take my drugs. I took them quickly and squeezed my face at its bitterness.
I was now overcome by anger as my past flooded through my mind like a movie. I shed tears as I kept remembering every event that led to another, and the position I was currently in.
"Here I am in a comfortable seat, well conditioned office and a well paid salary. Yet in all these, I lack happiness. What next? Soon, Dubem will soon come back to Nigeria and get married to me. How do I announce this terrible thing to him? He may despise me and nothing may ever work again between us.
All thanks to some wicked souls, that don't deserve a life! Now this is the perfect time, I have been waiting for. I must avenge all my enemies!"
* * *
The following day, I hired four hefty men and called them at my house.
"Guys, this is gonna be a tough job, but you have to take risks and be ready to achieve my aim. Don't worry about the cash. I will settle you real good, all I need is a clean job. You get me?"
"Yes ma. You have nothing to worry about. We are not new in this job. Consider everything done. Just make sure our pockets are heavy." The leader said with a wink. I understood him and gave a light smile.
"You shouldn't worry about that. The operation will begin on Monday." I gave each of them 100,000 to start with.
I and my men travelled to Lagos on Sunday. I paid for two rooms apartment where we would be staying for the one week I intended on carrying out the tasks.
* * *
On Monday, my men(well armed) and I headed to Uncle Timothy's house ...