Confiding in Family

On waking life, Jimmy recalled vividly the name he had called Temi in his dream, 'Mgeodi' and he made a mental note of it. If Temi had called him Onyema and painted Onyema in his image from her fantasy, and he had seen Mgbeodi several times in his dream who looked like Temi, then definitely, there was more to his dreams and Temi's fantasies. He was more resolved to find out; who truly was Onyema and Mgbeodi and how he and Temi were connected to them. He made his mental plans.

The second semester exams went by successfully and it was time for students to go on summer vacation.

"Where are you spending your summer?" Jimmy asked Temi in the botanical garden.

"At home with my parents!" She answered while twisting a flower in her hand dreamily. "I'm going to be helping them in their farm in Ikorodu!"

"Oh, your parents own a farm?" Jimmy asked in excitement.

"Yes! They farm various vegetables. It's just a small scale farm!" She added with a smile, "Nothing commercialised."

"I understand! It explains more why you love it here so much!" He smiled and took her hand, "Would you mind if I come visiting your farm?" He asked eagerly.

Temi laughed!

"I don't mind but I must warn you, it's not a place you would fit in, there's nothing fabulous about it, it's just a local farm in a forest."

"I don't mind being in a forest or even rolling in the mud, as long as I will find you there Temi!" Jimmy declared and she blushed.

"I will miss you so much and our time spent together here!" He pulled her closer to him as they sat on the weathered bench and she leaned on his body, relaxed and shut her eyes.

"I will miss you too!" She whispered.

Before Jimmy left the campus, he went to the department of Fine and Performing Arts and discussed with the department head. He proposed to buy Temi's painting of 'Onyema'. The staff rejected at first hand stating that the painting was the university's property but when he offered a huge sum of money for the piece of artwork, it was accepted and the painting was his. He carefully placed it in the Range Rover Auto Biography that came to take him home.

Sarah was the first to rush out of the multibillion castle in a vast estate in Banana Island to welcome Jimmy home. Jimmy's castle home was a majestic sight to behold. Situated amidst lush greenery and overlooking the crystal-clear waters, the castle boasted towering turrets, intricately carved stone facades, and sprawling gardens. Inside, opulence abounds with grand chandeliers, marble floors, and richly adorned furnishings. Every room told a story of luxury and extravagance, offering panoramic views of the island's beauty. From the grand ballroom to the cosy libraries, Jimmy's castle home was a true haven fit for only royalty.

"Hey sis!" He hugged Sarah warmly and the girl laughed esthetically.

"You didn't come to watch my fight like you promised. I'm not happy about it!" He pouted as he withdrew from the embrace.

"I was just going to explain," She took his hand and both of them headed inside the house while the driver went to the trunk to take out Jimmy's belongings.

"My WAEC exams were too close together, there wasn't any space at all for me to breathe. I'm sorry I missed it bro!" She lamented and frowned! "You know I love to watch you fight, I'm your number one fan and wouldn't have missed it for the world!"

They both ascended the double foyer leading to the family sitting.

"It's fine Sarah! I'm glad your exams went well. Where's mom and dad? They aren't home?" He turned to the driver who just ascended the stairs, "To my room please! Thank you?"

"They are home!" Sarah responded! "I saw them in their quarters a few minutes ago!"

"Alright! What's for dinner? I'm famished!" He said as he rubbed his abdomen!"

"One of your favourites, spaghetti Bolognese with the biggest meatballs!" His mother, Ucheime answered as she appeared from an adjoining room, followed close behind by his father Uka! "Welcome home my baby!" Ucheime spread out her hands as Jimmy jumped out of his seat and ran into her arms, laughing.

"Good evening mom!"

"Hello Son, It's good to have you home!" Uka declared as he hugged his son too.

"Good evening dad!"

"Dinner is served, shall we?" Ucheime announced and led the way to the dining hall.

Despite Jimmy's family being small, the dining hall in the castle was nothing short of grandeur. A long, polished mahogany table commands the centre of the room, surrounded by plush upholstered chairs. Ornate chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, casting a warm glow over the room. Intricately carved woodwork adorned the walls, depicting scenes of feasts and celebrations from years past. Large windows offered breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, while soft curtains billowed gently in the breeze. Despite its size, the dining hall would always exude an intimate atmosphere, perfect for gathering for the closely knitted family having meals filled with laughter and conversation.

"Hmm yummy!" Jimmy exclaimed as he scooped his food and chewed. "I missed your food mom! Nothing in the best cafeteria on campus can come close to this!" he complimented and everyone laughed.

"You have a whole summer to enjoy all your mom's food son!" Uka threw in.

"I have good news Jimmy!" Sarah chirped in, "I have received admission form University of Liverpool, Liliana's school!" She announced gleefully. "I will be leaving for London in few days so I can settle in and proceed with my registrations."

"Aww really?" Jimmy exclaimed happily. "Congratulations sis!" He stood up to hug Sarah who stood at the same time. "I'm so happy for you!" He hugged her tight as both of them laughed. Their parents exchanged happy glances and smiled.

"Your dreams finally came true, you finally get to be in Liliana's school!"

"Yeeee!" Sarah cheered. "I'm so happy and blessed!"

"What are your plans for the summer Jimmy?" Ucheime asked, "We all are going to London to spend the summer while your sis settle in."

Jimmy wiped his mouth with a serviette paper before responding, "I want to be here in Lagos mom, I have a project to work on."

"You aren't coming with me to London? You don't want to come so you see Liliana?" Sarah probed unhappily.

"What project are you working on, son, a school Holliday assignment?" Uka probed.

"Can't you work on it from London? We have planned to have a family vacation and it will really be nice if we all go together." Ucheime asserted.

Jimmy hesitated, not knowing which question to answer first.

"It's not a school project! It's something personal!" He said calmly!

His parents exchanged glances while Sarah watched him in worry.

"Something personal?" Ucheime pried, "What could that be? I can be of help!"

Jimmy didn't answer. Everyone was through with dinner, they stared at Jimmy in concern.

"Are you okay son?" Uka pried.

Jimmy hesitated and fussed in his head, should he tell them or not? He had always talked to his family, he was raised to confide in them no matter what and he had never kept anything away from them.

"I met someone at school and my dreams came back!" He announced boldly.

Ucheime glared at him in shock while daddy and Sarah watched him curiously.

"Your dreams have returned?" Ucheime asked with a shaky voice.

"Yes mom! But this time, I recollect everything I dream of when I awake."

"You do?" Ucheime queried as he glanced at her husband and focused back on her son.

"Who did you meet before the dreams came back?" Uka probed.

"It's a girl, her name is Temi!"

There was a moment of silence in the dining hall as Jimmy prepared to tell his family about his encounter with Temi, from his taekwondo fight, his dreams, at the botanical garden and at the school arts exhibition.

"These experiences I encountered defy rational explanation. During my taekwondo competition, amidst the heat of battle, I glimpsed Temi's presence in the crowd, urging me forward with her silent support and an unexplained strength."

Pausing for a moment to gauge their reactions, he continued with a sense of solemnity.

"Moreover, in my dreams, Temi and I met in an unknown greenfield and unknown time yet felt so familiar; dressed in traditional attires, conversing as if we've known each other for centuries. Her painting of 'Onyema' spoke volumes to me, resonating with a familiarity that transcended mere artistry. And her haunting melody, it echoed within me, forging a connection that defied comprehension."

He met their eyes, his expression grave yet determined.

"Inexplicably, I believe Temi and I share a bond that transcends the boundaries of ordinary understanding. Though I cannot fully articulate it, I sense it deep within my being. Please, trust me when I say that these encounters are not to be dismissed lightly. They carry a significance that resonates within my soul."