Chapter Four

Slowly days turned into weeks, weeks into months and resumption was around the corner. The two months break was enough time for my recovery; I had fully recovered but kept going for my routine checks with the doctor. Unfinished exams were awaiting me upon resumption so after I had recuperated I started with my usual study time table so I can cover up and be prepared for the exams. I was able to cover the study plan for the courses in question within that period of time; I was prepared.

The resumption date finally came and I was already packed and ready for school. I went for a final check-up, restocked my medication and booked my flight ticket. Mummy was scared and unprepared to let me return to school but it was important I did, so she insisted on taking me back to school to ensure I arrived safely. She had arranged with the doctor back in school prior to my discharge to schedule regular check-ups for me whilst I was in school. She had emailed her the reports from my last visit to the doctor at home to keep her updated. Immediately we landed at the airport, she put a call across to her to inform her of my return. Mummy spent a few days before returning home.

It took two weeks of the semester for me to sit for all my pending exams. Within those weeks I did not attend lectures or carry out any workload relating to the current semester. I spent them focusing on my exams to ensure I cleared all my papers: failing any of the courses would mean a second sitting which would be more hectic. "Ring! Ring!!" my phone ran, she was calling. I didn't take the call instead I sent her a text saying that I was studying. It repeated a few more times and she stopped calling. I wasn't ready to face Francesca yet. Thankfully I didn't get to see her in the first few weeks I returned and she didn't visit either; we knew very well not to visit without the knowledge and permission of the host.

"Ola, ola, ola" she called out to me as I walked into the classroom. "Hey babe" I said forcing a smile. "Come sit next to me, there's an empty seat here" reluctantly I walked towards her. "How have you been, I haven't seen you since the hospital" "I've been good but busy with the exams I missed" "Ola don't get annoyed by the question I'm about to ask; have you been avoiding me?" "No dear I've just been busy with my exams, you know now" I lied. "Okay". The lecturer walked in and lectures commenced breaking off the conversation.

We went for launch break together and she updated me on what I had missed in the past two weeks. "Babe what really happened to you last semester, I was dead worried. You were unconscious for hours?" "Oh that? It was nothing, it was just weakness. I happened to have stressed myself out with the whole exam thing". "Really! That was what knocked you out for hours and put you in the hospital with all those drugs for weeks?" "It doesn't feel like the truth" "trust me girl" I said with a bit of irritation in my voice. I can sense her doubt it was almost like an aura oozing right out of her but she stopped poking further. Francesca is a very sensible and lovable person. She has come to respect my person and knows when I want to drop, ignore or avoid something. She was angry but she bottled it in hoping I will be able to tell her when I finally feel comfortable enough to do so.

Weeks went by and by the end of the month; it was time for my check up again. We were walking home from school, chatting and laughing when she asked "are we going to have our extra study session tomorrow" "umm… I'm not sure we will. I will be going for my check-ups" "oh I see… okay" "I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier" "it's not a problem Ola. I hope you have a successful session tomorrow" "thanks dear" "I have to go now, bye" and we each went our ways for the day.

"Miss Olanna you seem quite stable but I still have to administer some dextrose and glucose infusions before you leave" "okay doctor" "what about your supply of oral medications?" "They are almost finished I have to restock for the coming month" "alright, I will write you a prescription so you can get them from the pharmacy" "come with me". We left the consultation room and headed to the ward; I lay down, the infusions were administered and I slept off. The doctor woke me up few hours later "here, have a glass of water. You can go home now" "thanks doc" "make sure you have something to eat once you get home and always have glucose enriched snacks with you always. You know the routine" "will do doc….thank you so much" I said as I left. It was already late for the study group and I needed to rest so I hailed a taxi and headed straight home.

"Hey girl" she said from her end of the phone "hey…I was going to call but I had just returned from the hospital and slept off. I'm sorry". I said weakly. "It's alright. How are you and how did the session go" "it was okay" "Umm… Francie have you had dinner? You could come over and I'll make dinner for us what do you say" "holy cow!! Did Olanna Nwaedo just call me a pet name? Of course I'll come. I'm already on my way girrl" I broke into a fit of laughter "you're just a clown, of course I did. I'll be waiting for you."

Like the flash of light she was immediately at my doorstep. "I gladly grace this apartment with my presence" she announced as she walked in "I am humbled by your benevolence your majesty" I replied and we burst into laughter. "You clown, how are you here already, did you fly?" "Young lady you underestimate me o by the way who would reject a free meal made with love" "tease me all you want but enjoy the moment while it lasts" "Yes o. so what are having for dinner" "well…Your majesty I plan to wow your taste buds with my signature dish – rice and plantain sauce" "plantain sauce? I've never heard of that but if it's coming from that kitchen it must be delicious" "Trust me, this is gonna blow your mind"

"Woah this tastes real good!! I definitely made the right choice with you". My face turned red in embarrassment; I loved it when she praised me. "Obviously, is it not me again" I said "rest jor don't allow your head swell so much" she chuckled. "I'm glad you love it. I told you it would blow your mind" she ate with so much excitement that she was almost rushing her meal. For some reason, that scenery melted my heart. After dinner we talked for a while: she filled me in on the day's work, played the recorded lectures and we discussed, analysed and shared our views on the topics before retiring for the night.