Chapter 25

24 — Zion "Zoe, what were you thinking?!” Zion yelled as he wrapped her into a tight hug.

The last minute was the scariest. He had thought they were going to lose her. But he wouldn't let that happen. Julia and Matthew, we're shocked beyond words when they heard the shattering of the window's glass. There was no burglary proof something that could secure against thief's but that was helpful for today.

Zion had kicked the window and it had broken. Within a split second, he was inside the house and snapped the drugs off the obviously shocked Zoe. She probably didn't think anyone would do that for her.

Julia and Matthew rushed in through the broken window, at that time the main occupants of the building had heard the noise of the broken window. And the noise of footsteps was now being heard.

“I love you, Zoe. We love you. Please believe that. You are loved,” Zion said as he hugged her tight. Tears flowed down his eyes and Zoe couldn't help but wail.

"You wanted to leave me all alone with these naughty boys?” Julia asked as she joined the hug. They all laughed at her words.

"I don't even want to miss you, silly girl. Don't try dying ever again” Matthew also joined the hug.

Mrs. Owolabi was the one who came to check what was going on. But turned back after seeing them, with a hiss. "You better call your mum to come to repair my window oo. Foolish girl.”

They all watched as she left and burst into laughter.

“How old is she. She looks as old as my ancestor,” Julia joked and they all burst into another round of laughter.

Zoe was lightened. Happiness entering her heart as she watched as her friends laughed with her.

"I'm very sorry. I am really sorry. I don't know what came over me,” Zoe apologized again.

“it's okay! And I know what came over you,” Zion said.

"Huh.”

“Yes. I know my stepmom is your mother. I know how you must have felt,” Zion said.

"What?”

"Yes,” Zion said and pulled out a phone from his jacket pocket. “This yours?” He asked her.

"Yes, it is. How did you find it?” Zoe asked?

"You left it on your seat the last time you came to my place. My Dad found it and went through your messages. He found out that you are my mum's daughter"

"Oh, God!” Zoe mouthed.

"I understand now. What you did. It's not your fault, only God knows what I would have done if it were me. I know how you might have felt” he said. "So, I forgive you, and ask to get my favorite friend back.”

“Oh God,” Zoe mouthed again and burst into tears. Jumping and hugging Zion tightly.

"Thank you!"

•••••

Darasimi walked into the quiet building, filled with memories and more memories. In this place all her evil plans were executed, here with Sharon, a friend she would live to regret ever knowing. She planned how to get away with another man and abandon her baby.

This place is filled with memories of the early years of bliss in the marriage between her and Gbemiga her husband. He was the best husband any woman could ask for and the best father ever. The way he loved her was so much she still couldn't understand why. She didn't in any way contribute to his development but rather contributed to the cause of his heartache. But he loved her still, ready to do anything for her. The very last year of their marriage was a time Dara couldn't even imagine again herself being that wicked. Gbemiga had not deserved a bit of all she made him go through.

Or was it how she cut him off communicating with his family and helping them? But all for what? The jewelry? The expensive and lavish lifestyle? All for the parties and is in vogue?

Did all that matter anymore? Did it?

Tears rolled down her eyes as she walked into the old bedroom and memories of the last time she saw Gbemiga alive flooded her mind. She burst into tears as she saw herself nagging and Gbemiga finding ways to get out of the house without a fight. She also saw Zoe watching closely as she slapped him.

How could she have been so terrible! How!

She pushed her husband into the coldness of the grave. And her daughter into a life that wasn't worth it! She was deserving of death! Yes!

Darasimi sat on the bare floor and cried. She was done for. All she thought she had was all gone! All gone!

"I'm sorry Gbemiga! I'm sorry! I know I should have said and done this years ago before your death. But I'm sorry! I am sorry!”

"Oh, how could I have lost my true love just for wealth. I'm so so sorry!”

She cried. It was too late. Just too late to cry.

••••

New Year’s Eve The four friends had agreed to hang out at Zion's place that day. He had told them about a new video game he just bought. But the truth was for Zoe to finally see her sister after a long long time.

Matthew knocked at the gate the moment they got to Zion's place. The door opened and they entered and strolled to the main building. On getting inside they found Zion and his sister playing in the sitting room.

Zoe raised her head to look at them and the person her eyes meet made her heart leap for joy.

"Emily?” She called.

Emily raised her head and turned to the direction she had heard her name being called. Her faces light up in joy as she saw her.

"Zoe,” she called back.

They ran towards each other and hugged.

"I thought I would never see you again,” Zoe cried.

“I missed you so much!”

"Zoeee,” Emily stuttered as she tried to catch all the features on Zoe's face. The duo was still catching up when Gabriel came from upstairs carrying Gloria.

“Ah. You are here,” he said, Gloria, resting on his shoulder. Zoe's smile went down as she saw Gloria. All she did came rushing back to her memory.

"Good morning sir. I'm really sorry for Gloria,” She apologized.

“Ah. No problem. She is well now.”

A feast started at that moment and they are and married. Zoe was with wide grins through as she immersed herself in all the love around.

After a while, the feast ended, and they all proceeded to watch movies. Leaving Zoe and Priscilla to do the dishes. Halfway done, Gabriel walked in to get a glass of water and Zoe found it the best time to have a conversation with him.

“Hello sir,” she greeted as he gulped down the glass of water.

"Ah, Zoe. How are you,” Gabriel asked?

“I'm very fine sir. Thanks for the meal"

"Oh no problem. You have so much life in you. It's nice to meet you, darling.” Zoe smiled sheepishly at the remark.

“Please, sir. Can you spare me a minute of your time?” She asked.

"Oh, you want to talk to me,” Zoe nodded in response.

“Okay. Let’s talk at the gazebo."

Zoe mouthed 'I'm coming' at Priscilla and turned to follow Gabriel who had got out through the back door.

They sat face to face at the gazebo. Zoe couldn't help but acknowledge the beautiful compound. It was way more beautiful than she thought.

"Sir. I really want to say I'm sorry for what I did to Gloria,” Zoe apologized.

“Oh. I said it's okay,” Gabriel smiled. "I have forgiven you.”

“So quick? You easily forgave me. Judy like everyone else, hmm.”

"Yes. Yes, I did"

"So please…can you forgive my mother "

"What?” Gabriel asked in surprise.

"Yes. I have enjoyed so much love and forgiveness than I deserve. You guys have made me see that there is so much love on earth for even someone like me.”

“My mom has done the unforgivable. But you can still forgive her. Please.”

•••••

The car was filled and loud from the chatter in it. Gabriel could only shake his head at their nobody chatter. Teenagers!

They were on their way to see Darasimi. Zoe had convinced him to forgive her, although he had been thinking about that for a while. She did terrible but to err is human and to forgive is divine. If her own daughters could forgive her. Who was he to hold back his forgiveness?

Besides Zion also had come to accept her has a mother. And he wasn't going to take care of little Gloria all on his own.

They drove to the old streets were Emily and Zoe had grown up. It was getting dark already by the time they got there. The feeling of nostalgia rushed into Zoe who could still remember the place almost clear. She sighted the famous cafe her father always brought them as the Park just beside it. Here could have been where she would have still been if not for circumstances. Upon forgiving her mom, she had come to realize that no one was responsible for her father's death if it was meant for him to go at that point. And holding back the possibility and the truth that her mother had caused it was merely being short sighted and that was capable of keeping sad for the rest of her life. People have hurt her, but people have also shown her love, so it was okay.

Zoe sighted the gate less compound and became emotional almost immediately.

"We are here,” she said in a low tone.

They all filed out of the car and moved to a tree beside the building. Gabriel asked the children to wait while went to get Dara.

He knocked the door and after some time. A sick looking fragile woman came out.

Dara had become a shadow of herself. She looked weak and had aged quickly.

“What…what are you doing here?” Dara stuttered in surprise.

"To take you home,” Gabriel responded with a smile.

“Home?"

"Yes Dara. I have forgiven you,” Gabriel said.

“You forgave me?” She said surprised and went on her knees. "Thank you. Thank you so much. I know I betrayed you. I mean, I have betrayed a lot of people in my lifetime. Thank you so much for forgiving me. "

"No problem. So, let's go home,” Gabriel said.

“No. I’m sorry, I cannot go with you any longer,” She said in a teary voice.

"Why?"

“I don't deserve it. I have caused a lot of people a lot of pain. I don't even know how to reach my daughter. I can't look her in the face…” she was interrupted by Zoe's voice.

"You mean me?” Zoe asked as she appeared with a smile.

"Zoe!” Dara exclaimed. "I’m really sorry. I know I don't deserve to be called a mother. But please find it in your heart to forgive me. I’m dying of guilt."

"No need mom. I have already forgiven you"

She said and ran to her mum to give her a hug. Emily and Gloria ran to them and joined the hug. While Darasimi continued to cry.

"Thank you. I don't deserve it.”

“Mum. Whether you deserve it or not. Except love.”

THE END