Page 34 of Jade

They each file in and see their children, looking frightened. I turn to them “Mariam Bankole is a very special friend of mine and what your children plan to do to her is appalling. Let this be a warning, if anything happens to Mariam, will I make sure each of them spends years in prison. I will also come after each of you with everything I have and believe me I have plenty of powerful friends and I’ll make sure the world knows you encouraged their behavior so make sure you speak to them not to test me.”

“We are deeply sorry about their behavior and will make sure they do not do anything to Ms Bankole,” Lydia’s father says, he’s the one to lose the most. His business is growing exponentially in Rhanaz.

“I understand, it would be a shame to shut down all license renewals of thriving businesses in Rhanaz because of senseless teenage behavior that leaves a lasting impact on the target, Ms Bankole in this case. Make no mistake, if anything happens to her. It won’t be a flicker when I shut down the business.”

“I hear you loud and clear, Prince Naseer,” he responds.

“Good, thank you all very much,” I say walking away slowly without a backward glance. I still can’t move very fast. I’m not using crutches anymore, but my speed is slow. I can’t wrap my head around what they planned to do to Jade.

Now, I need to eliminate James, aside from the fact he’s a thorn in my side his dating Jade puts her in danger.

Rilwan and I got in the car. “Did you mean everything you said to those kids?”

“I meant every word, did you not read their text, they were planning to rape her and record it. I can’t even imagine what that would do to her.”

“I can’t believe teenagers can be that vicious,” he says shaking his head.

“I don’t plan to give them a chance to even think of it.”

“I agree with you on that.”

We drive in silence back home. Once back home, I plan how I’m going to break James and Jade up.

I continue my therapy. My scarred back is healing. I’m in a better mood watching the calendar daily. A few more days I tell myself until she’s back. James isn’t back yet but I need to speak with him the moment he’s back.

After going through some documents, I finally fell asleep. To continue my rinse and repeat therapy.

JADE

Myflighttoucheddownin Rhanaz and waves of raw emotions flowed through me. Making my heart race and my palms sweaty. I’m happy, anxious, and scared of what awaits me. I’m eager to see Naseer and James. I’d left for Lagos with mixed feelings, I didn’t resolve my conflicted mind about James and Naseer, but my mind certainly drifted more towards Naseer and how much I’ve missed him. I still like James but he’s not occupying my thoughts as much as Naseer. As my mind keeps reminding me Naseer is the one I can’t have. Yet my traitorous heart leaned towards him more.

The battle between my heart and mind ensued within me. The future is possible with James, but I get a warm feeling with Naseer. I wish my heart would tilt towards James, but it wants what it wants.

The traitorous heart wants what it can’t have. I’m going to have to rely on my mind more if I want to survive without a shattered heart.

Tito and I discussed it at length and the only solution was to let it all play out. Naseer might get better and start to see me as too young for him and James might break up with me or he might do something that would stir my heart towards him. I told Tito all about Naseer, I didn’t mention he’s a Prince. I talked more about our age difference and the fact the Darabi’s are rich and powerful, and quite manipulative with their power.

I’m going to let it play out like she said. My uncle was at the airport to pick me up. On our drive home. I excitedly told him about my trip. He laughed along with me. Aunty Lara welcomed me home with a big smile and a platter of food as I’d traveled to fasting from food land. Didn’t stop me from giving her a big hug.

“I missed you, guys.”

“We missed you too, the house was too quiet without you.” I laugh.

I shower and eat before going to nap. I charge my phone and head to bed. I arrived two days sooner than planned. Shola the bride had called informing Mrs Muyiwa that she was seriously sick on the honeymoon causing Mrs Muyiwa to panic and insist on going to see Shola. She couldn’t leave Tito and me alone at home, which isn’t an issue, but she called my aunty to change my flight and paid the difference then bought a ticket for Tito to return to London sooner than planned. We had to quickly get our braids done and pack for our trip to different ends of the world.

Tito and I weren’t too happy about the changes, but she didn’t give us much choice, so here I am back in Rhanaz.

I woke up the next morning and asked my aunty if I could visit the Darabi residence. My aunty said yes but I could tell she didn’t provide a happyyes. It was more of a mumbledyes, but I’ll take it. A yes is ayes.

I headed to the Darabi’s residence as quickly as possible taking a taxi, when I arrived at the McPalace, I was told Taimani wasn’t home. I asked to see Naseer, and the new guard said no, which surprised me. I could tell by his looks and mannerisms; that he doesn’t think I belong here. I asked to speak with one of the nurses, he refused as well. He didn’t have to say it, but it’s clear that he doesn’t see me as someone worthy to enter the premises. Considering I’d arrived in a taxi, in normal clothing, nothing with designer labels. The reality of my status and the Darabis’. I’ll call Naseer when I get home. I tell myself, turning to leave.

Rilwan, Naseer’s bodyguard pulls up. He gets out of the car to say hello. He’s always nice to me. I quickly smile to hide my low self-esteem feeling. I can’t let the look and the snorty actions of the guard affect me.

“Ms Bankole, how are you? When did you arrive?” He’s surprised to see me.

“Last night. My travel plan was changed last minute,” I state. “The guard won’t let me in. Please tell Prince Naseer I’ll call him when I get home,” I say turning to leave.

“Wait a minute,” he says to me then turns to the guard. “If you want to have a job tomorrow, you will let her in,” he says to the guard in a stern tone. Without a word, he opens the gate and I walk through.

---