Angels?

I felt used and degraded. I was pissed off and angry and hungry and tired. The weather mirrored my temperamental disposition, wild streaks of lightening slashing against the evening sky. Thunder grumbling and roaring against the universe.

The most demanding and draining month just ended in the office. My unit at the office had to work on a presentation. Foreign investors were coming to look at prospects and we had to put our best foot forward. We had little time as we had to put in full work hours to ensure that production and sales targets were met to buttress the stats.

My colleagues were full of excuses. It was one thing or the other. I knew they would try to evade responsibilities, I just did not expect them to be so blatant.

            “Jamila, abeg you know you have a car, leaving Wuse II to that our area very late no fit happen o. My family fit forget me after 1 month.” That was Bitrus, the most candid. He was always the first to voice complaints.

            “How much do they pay me that they will make me work a full day and still put in hours after work? Couldn’t they have drafted in off days to make it reasonable? This Company sha, na only how to use persin dem sabi. Pay sef dem no dey pay better.” Guy was very knowledgeable but his arrogance made him a pain to work with.

            “You know you are good with numbers and these kind of acada stuff Jamila. You don’t want a dolt like me to cramp your style, please count me out.” Jane said nonchalantly.

I was shocked at the response. “Com’on guys, we have been complaining about our remuneration in this department, this is an opportunity to shine and show them who we are.”

            “You know say na you be Manager, I see that’s why you dey always side Company. Please Manager excuse me from this one, I go make am up later.” Bitrus said in his epileptic English.

I started to gather data and information and put in an average of four hours after work. It was much more than I bargained for. Unbelievably draining.

I went to check up with my supervisor the next week, to compare notes with her.

            “Jamila, we all knew how erudite you were before we made you lead that unit. Use your team, blow them away. I don’t have any hours after work, you know how busy this season is in our line of business.” Ify said.

            “Am I meant to do everything alone?” I asked exasperated.

            “No Jamila she said slowly, as though talking to a slow child. You are meant to do everything with your team. I have children Jamila, and with this long vacation, it is my only opportunity to bond with my children. You may not understand, wait till you have children.” Ify said coldly.

I picked up my bag and sadly walked back to my office. I put in six hours after work that day. My husband was on call that week. He worked in the Specialist Hospital. I hated staying alone in the big house with him away. Being a Doctor’s wife was far from cool much of the time, not all.

I put in unending hours of extra work time to get the presentation ready.  The day before the presentation, Ify got interested. She said I should give her a soft copy to enable her supervise properly.

I was shocked to see Ify do the presentation. The applause was rousing. The Foreign Investors were blown away by the presentation and were almost ready to sign the dotted lines. Management was excited. Ify was promoted. She didn’t even have the decency to mention ‘THE TEAM”.

So I left the office sad and beaten, feeling used and debased. My husband was going to be home later in the night. I was headed home to eat alone and freshen up in wait for him.

As I approached one of the most notorious flyovers leading out of the City Center, I saw a woman with her son flaying her arms desperately, trying to flag me down. Something moved in my heart and cautiously parked to pick her. She jumped into the car with her son and ordered me to move.

            “The driver of the taxi I took from the office just robbed me. He took my bag and phones and tossed us out.” She sobbed.

            “I am hungry mummy” the three year old cried, oblivious of what we were saying.

            “You’ll eat when we get home Bobo.” She snapped at him.

The little boy began to cry. I could feel the tears flow from my eyes too. The sky was suddenly clear and quiet. I drove into a fast food joint and parked.

“Let’s snag some takeaway.” I said as I placed my order for meals for each of us.

Bobo munched and munched on the way home. They were going my way so we drove on. We spoke about the insecurity in the country and a lot of things. Bobo and his mum were good company. Then she started to bless me.

            “You will receive a fulfillment to all your deepest heart desires.” She said.

My heart flew to the injustice of Ify and my childless state. I wanted a child, yes, then I wanted justice in the office. She smiled at me as though she read my mind.

Their street was just before mine in the Estate. I dropped them and made to turn. It took less than 7 seconds. I looked around and they were gone. I had to come down and check but they were not to be found. I drove home confused.

The next day at the office, the MD asked Ify for some of the data she used for the presentation, she had no idea. I had obtained permission to come a couple of hours late. Ify was asked for some explanation on some other area of the presentation and she was blank.

I was later called upon and I did so shine. I got the Promotion. She was reverted to her old position. I became the Head of Research and Development. Ify became my downline, and i her supervisor.

Xxx

Six months later, I fell sick. My husband the doctor was panicking even more than I was. I was rushed to the hospital. The Doctor took one look at me and sent me to the ultrasound table.

            “That’s the head, there’s the heart, healthy little boy,legs as long as his father’s.” The doctor said.

            “What do you mean?” My husband asked.

            “Well, the EDD is July  19^th.” The Doctor replied.

My husband and I stared at each other, I could see the tears flowing from his eyes. I was six months pregnant!

Those were the most beautiful three months in my life. Doctor Husband lavished so much love and care on me. It was epic.

I went into labour on the 15^th. My husband rushed me to the hospital when I was only 4cm dilated. It was a busy night. Some accident victims were just brought into the hospital. The doctor checked me and sent me to the labour room to wait till I was fully dilated.

I waited and waited. My husband massaged my back and held my hand during contractions. The pain was something else.

A new doctor walked in, she seemed familiar. She checked me and went out. She returned, wheeling in a cart with all manner of instruments. That was when I placed the face.

            “Oh! Its you!” I cried.

She trained her gaze on me and her eyes widened in recognition. It was the woman I gave a lift.

            “Small world you see, now I get to serve you.” She said smiling. “I can see a head Jamila, get ready to push for us. Don’t scream, it will only make it last longer.” She added.

My husband the doctor was just awestruck. I didn’t even know he was in the room. The Doctor took the delivery alone and cleaned me up. She placed my son in my arms and congratulated me. It lasted about 5 minutes.

            “Congratulations Jamila, now I have to go pen down the delivery notes. I’ll see you around.”

She walked out of the room and my husband snatched his son away from my side. I smiled in pure joy.

Thirty seconds later the Matron walked into the labour room. She was shocked and confused and surprised.

            “What happened?” She asked.

            “I gave birth.” I replied, chipper.

            “How? Who?” She asked.

My husband was looking at her like she was crazy. “There was crowning and she pushed and the baby came out…” Hubby answered her.

            “I know how a baby is born, who took the delivery?” She asked.

            “Oh it was this beautiful female Doctor, Oh my, I forgot to ask her name again. She is tall and slim and light skinned.” I said.

            “We have only one female Doctor and she is dark and stout.” She said and then checked herself. She excused herself and left the room.

It was chaos after that. Doctor after Doctor came to check me afterwards to ensure that a proper job was done. I was safe and sound as was my happy son. I had to explain to my husband the story of how I met an angel and did not know it.

There was no record of such a Doctor as my mystery woman. No one saw her enter or leave. She did a neat and perfect job. No one understands what happened but I think I do.

An angel was sent to me that terrible evening. There are angels. My angel watches over me and is always near to come to my rescue. God loves me and he is eager to show me.

Credits;             Ojonugwa Sapphire Abu

            

Photocredits;    artisticemotions.com