Forbidden

Who she's been with

It is raining again. Damn it

Don't get me wrong, I love the rain, but that's only when I'm about to sleep. Sleep is always sweeter when it's cold and the room is dark. But when I'm about to go to work, not good.

I've gotten ready for work. I look in the mirror and ensure that I'm looking as simple as I can, so that when I get to the hospital I can change quickly. The doctors has advised us the students to try to wear the uniforms from home, but it's raining cats and dogs outside, I can't afford to risk it. Just as I'm about to go into the kitchen and warm up the left over spaghetti bolognese I made last night, the lights come off and everywhere is dark.

To be honest, I was surprised that Nepa stayed this long when the rain started at 5am this morning. I hope that the gateman would hurriedly put on the generator and not make some flimsy excuse about not knowing I was still in or whether I wanted the generator on. I wanted to be ready before Odumu came over. It's 7:00 and he usually comes to pick me up at 7:15 to beat the morning traffic. I start work at 9:00am and he came this early because the Hospital was more than an hour away from where I lived in Lekki. I was fine with the studio flat I had been living in since my university days near the hospital, but my parents had insisted immediately I started clinical medicine I move to a bigger house in a safe environment.

I didn't complain when I moved into the two bedroom apartment with a gateman in Lekki, but it was annoying and ruined my sleep pattern because of how early I had to get up. When I lived in the studio I could wake up at 8:00am to get ready and start my day. And during the rainy season, this island turned into a mini swimming pool. This was the only thing I hated about living here, apart from that, it was alright.

I heard the familiar horn at the gate and I had already accepted defeat. I closed my bible, feeling refreshed and ready to start my day. I bring out my umbrella and walk to the door. Odumu is waiting in the car for me. I told him not to bother coming out of the car because he doesn't need to stay in and watch me get ready. Most times, I've thought about us living together because it makes things more easier but the scripture, 'don't give place to the devil' always comes in mind. It's like the Holy Spirit always tries to keep me in check whenever I try to act funny.

I get into the car, angry at the fact that I am soaking as a result of the heavy rain. I know that there's going to be flooding. Therefore, more traffic and lateness to the hospital. At least Odumu and I work in the same place, so someone would be able to testify to the reason why I'm late. I hoped its was Doctor Clement that was on duty today. The other doctors , even the student nurses can't seem to stand me because they think I have some kind of advantage. I used to drive myself crazy trying to prove to these people that I am just a student in her clinical years, I am no different. But when I saw that people would just hate you for no reason at all, I have accepted it and I could care less. I only love from afar now.

Odumu kissing my cheek brings me back to the present. He is smirking when I stare at him.

"That's a good morning kiss" He said. I playfully rolled my eyes and kissed him back on the cheek.

"Sorry, this rain has just ruined my morning" I reply,  checking the mirror to see if I looked like a drowned rat .

"I can see clearly. But few weeks ago you were wishing for a little rain because it was scorching hot"

"We all don't know what we want honey" I laugh because I remember how bitterly I complained.

"Your tummy just rumbled. No breakfast today?"
I was going to ignore him and allow Nathaniel Bassey's 'Casting Crowns' to play but I couldn't.

"I'll eat at the cafeteria quickly before work. I can't even ignore that"

Luckily, my schedule is a bit, and only a bit loose than usual if there's no surgery to watch. I'd probably be examining patients and there's a teaching session scheduled for 1pm. Then I'd go home and study.