The Roberts

Gifty and Christopher are in the living room, painting some place cards ahead for the surprise he'd planned for Yemisi. Christopher knows that Yemisi is busy with Gaius's father's case. He doesn't even know if she has concluded or not, but he wants to do this for her nevertheless because he believes she's going to conquer since they have overcome all of their turbulence so far.

The best part of everything is Gifty's growth. Although Christopher wasn't present when Gifty came up with a solution to Yemisi's problem, Yemisi told him about it briefly when he asked to check on her progress. It was high time they had a good family time after everything that has happened.

However, Christopher was uncertain about Gifty and Zion's relationship because the last time, he took them to an empty amusement park with hopes to make the two of them reconcile with each other. Still, Gifty and Zion got into another severe argument. The argument was so heated that Gifty eventually walked away from the park.

Worse off, she didn't cry like she usually would, and that scared Christopher. Was her heart finally growing stone-cold towards Zion? The next time, Christopher took only Zion along with him to a restaurant in a small estate so they could have a man-to-man talk.

Christopher tried to make Zion see that Gifty was putting in efforts into becoming a better person. He could only hope that Zion was convinced or at least having a rethink from the little he'd said.

"You should put 'Barrister' before the 'Yemisi.' We need to respect her, " Gifty suggests to Christopher, who is writing on the place card.

"Hmm. But it will look like some professional gala when it's supposed to be family time."

"So, what do you suggest we put on the place card?"

"What I'm writing is already perfect, " Christopher winks, smiles, then reads what is on the place card. "Wonder woman."

"Hmm, " Gifty squints her eyes. "I don't know if that's a tacky thing to say, but it fits mum's person a whole lot because that's literally what she is, " Gifty reasons.

"See?" Christopher winks again. Gifty giggles softly.

Zion steps out of his room and is confused to see Gifty and his step-father laughing together but more ridiculously, the place cards, colored pens in their hands, the nitrogen balloons, bows, table cloths, and several other peripherals littered all around the living room floor and chairs is questionable.

"What's going on here?" he digs his hands into the pocket of his hoodie as he scans everything with his eyes. Gifty's heart skips a beat on seeing her brother appear, and worse off, he's avoiding her eyes like he's been doing for months. Christopher, on the other hand, looks up at his stepson with a smile on his face.

"We are planning a surprise dinner for your mother tonight. Care to join us?"

Zion raises and eyebrows, and a muscle in his cheek twitch as he scans the area another time and again, pretending like Gifty isn't in the living room.

"Yes, " he answers.

A wave of shock courses through Gifty and Christopher's spine for nearly the same reason.

So he doesn't mind being in the living room with Gifty? Christopher thinks.

Gifty has the same thought, too but decides to erase it. He's most likely joining in for mom's sake. Zion couldn't care less about me.

"Okay then. Blow the balloons, " Christopher instructs Zion. "I'll just go to a more comfortable place to design the place cards since they need delicate care, " he doesn't bother to hide the smile on his face because he knows better

"Dad!" Gifty glares.

"What is it?" he blinks twice.

"You can go ahead, " Zion states nonchalantly.

In the next minute, Zion and Gifty are the only ones left in the living room. Many thoughts are reeling through Gifty's mind as she's tying the bows on the dining room chairs. What should I say first? How am I supposed to act? What to say? What is supposed to happen with just the two of us in the living room?. Fifteen minutes later, Zion talks first.

"Aren't you going to say anything to me?"

"Uhm...was I supposed to say something?" Gifty is surprised.

"Yes. Like apologizing." He shrugs. He picks up the fifth balloon and starts to pump it into robustness.

"Are you ready to forgive me?"

"Why else would I ask that question?"

A tear slips down Gifty's eyes. She can't believe her ears, and more importantly, she can't believe this moment was here. Is Zion saying this? she wonders. He finally came around. After a few minutes of silence and digesting what is going on, she responds.

"I'm sorry for not having your back when you needed me to. I was wrong. I ditched you, and I'm sorry for hurting your feelings." Gifty uses the tip of her thumb to wipe the tears off her cheeks.

"Nice apology, " Zion pouts.

"I mean it, though."

"I believe you do. Your recent actions have proved that. I needed you to stick up for mom, and you did. That was what vexed me the most. I was going to get over what you did to me and forgive you eventually, but when I learned about the whole situation with your boyfriend, mom, and Aunt Ebun, I hated you so much for trying to cover up for a criminal, but Dad helped me to see the light and common sense later on.

I think I was too hard on you as well. I said many hurtful words to you that I didn't even mean. I was seething with anger and pain. I'm so sorry about that. Also, I'm sorry for ganging up with Kosi. That was too extreme of me. I didn't have to bring her into our shit, and truthfully, I almost railed her once.

I needed something good to fill in the void I was feeling, and Kosi made herself readily available to make me feel great. She's a hoe for real. She's been kissing your ass for many years because she's always wanted to get down with me. I didn't even realize it until the dark times came, and she struck like a viper to keep you and me apart.

If she probably told you shit like you offended her as well, she was lying to you. She just said that to push you farther away so you could hate yourself even more, and she will get to be with me. You are not even that bad of a person. You need to choose your family over your friends more often because you've not had the best friends so far. Including Gaius."

Gifty remains mute for some minutes again. She couldn't believe Kosi's agenda. Their friendship over the years felt too genuine for this shocker, and she is very hurt by it. Still, somehow, the reality of having her brother back is enough reason to sustain her joy, and it is probably because her unhealthy attachment to Gaius has been dissipating slowly.

His presence in her life put her on a pedestal that she would never like to be on again, and even if she found herself at crossroads, she never wanted to be stuck for too long like she was. His presence taught her the importance of family, and she would never make the wrong choice henceforth.

"You've never said this many words before, but I'm glad you had a lot to say. I'm also happy to have you back because you are irreplaceable. I missed you so much, and I forgive you for everything. Wholeheartedly."

"I wish I had a heart that was as genuine and soft as yours. Trust me, my heart is glad about what you just said, but it's hard for me to express it." Zion gives a small smile at the most, which Gifty considers as a great effort on his part because his face was always hard as granite, even on a good day.

"You guys should hug each other so we can move on and hurry up with the decorations, " Christopher butts in.

Gifty rolls her eyes at the same time as Zion. "You're doing the most, " Zion remarks at his stepfather coolly.

***
It's seven pm. The dining table is richly set and decorated with place cards. The place cards have the caption, 'For wonder woman' written on them. A narrow table runner is in the middle of the table cloth, where flowers are aligned in a linear setting.

The mylar balloons hanging from the ceiling read 'to celebrate a badass.' The light from the chandelier is ornate, which gives the whole dining room a classical value. Ramen is the main course. Christopher was a great cook, and he knew he could have prepared a more elaborate meal, but he remembered Yemisi talking about her cravings for ramen a few days ago, so he had to go the extra mile to buy a few packs.

Gifty and Zion are well dressed. Zion is wearing a gray tuxedo and trousers to match, while Gifty is wearing a flair yellow gown. They are making sure everything is in order. Gifty sprays the room with an air freshener that imitates the scent of frankincense, and Zion is placing the serviettes on the empty plates.

Christopher is coming out of the kitchen with a napkin in his hand as he places the bowl of ramen at the center of the table. "Two more guests are coming to join us. They should be here very soon. Your mum will be shocked." he unties his apron and adjusts the sleeves of his shirt.

"I'm a bit nervous," Gifty remarks. "Will mom be happy to have me around?" she asks Christopher.

"She should. I think she's forgiven you deep down. She might want to act like she hasn't, though, but I want to believe the mood of this dinner will prevent her from wanting to ruin anything—"

Brrrrr

They can all hear the ringing of the doorbell. Christopher raises a brow as he rushes to open the door, and behold, standing outside the door are the two guests that Christopher has invited.

"Welcome! I'm so glad to have you guys here!"

"Anything for Yemisi, " the first guest smiles back at Christopher.

The second guest simply bows a bit as she's afraid to speak for fear of being mocked for her accent. Christopher is wise enough not to force anything, and he ushers them in quickly. Although Gifty and Zion don't know the two guests that have just arrived, they act like they do as they put on their most genuine acts of hospitality.

"This is Myron and her friend Miss. Rico, " Christopher introduces the women to his stepchildren. "They are your mom's friends from Germany, and they are smart investigators like her. They helped out a lot with catching the criminal related to your aunt's case."

"Hello. It's nice to meet you two" Myron smiles shyly. "You both look so lovely, and you..." she fixes her gaze on Zion. "You look just like your mom. Little wonder why you are so handsome."

"Thank you, ma'am." Zion doesn't smile, but if one looked closely, one could tell that he enjoyed the compliment.

Myron is aware of Gifty and the situation with her boyfriend, but she doesn't judge her for it in any way whatsoever. Gifty didn't consciously choose to date a rapist. People make decisions they eventually regret even if they gave it a proper thought before taking action.

"I like your mom so much. She's such a strong person, and she went through a whole lot in Germany. She didn't share most of her problems with me, but I could sense it all, and sometimes, I cried for her because I wondered how she could shoulder it. Why am I telling you guys this? It's because I want you guys always to be good to her. She does so much for everyone, and even if she acts like she has to give everyone the world without getting anything in return, she deserves the world and even more."

Christopher was going to say something. He didn't know Myron that much. The only time they met was when he came with that silly surprise for Yemisi at Myron's house, but he was glad that Yemisi had the best of friends.

The doorbell doesn't ring this time. Instead, voices could be heard—two familiar voices: Karen's and Yemisi's.

"She's 'ere she's 'ere, " Miss Rico speaks for the first time, and it is a whisper.

Christopher adjusts his sleeves for the second time and smoothens his shirt collar as he puts his hands behind him. Yemisi walks in, dressed in her navy blue suit as usual. Her hair is tangled and a bit identical to a spider's web. She looks drained.

Karen is walking beside her, dressed casually as well. Christopher didn't tell Karen about his plan because he figured Karen was always hanging out with Yemisi since they did most of their investigation together, so he didn't want anything getting ruined.

As Yemisi approaches the dining table, she's looking around and wondering why everything seems so bright. The balloons. Is today someone's birthday? Did I forget a special day? Or is it my birthday? She ponders.

"Is today July 12th? Is it my birthday?" Yemisi asks Karen.

"No. Today's October 28th."

"So what's with the—" she gasps immediately she reaches the dining table. "Oh my God! Myron! Miss. Rick! How did you guys get here—oh my!" Yemisi walks around the table as she surveys everything. The mylar balloons, the flowers on the table, The bowl of ramen!

Then she looks at everyone. Gifty, Zion, Myron, Miss.Rico, Christopher. They all look so dashing. "What is this all about? You could have told me you were planning a dinner so I could get dressed, " Yemisi questions Christopher.

"I had to let you focus on your case with Chief Giakas."

"And what if I'm still having serious issues with the case?"

"I know you are not because Gifty saved you."

Yemisi doesn't say anything for a minute. It looks like she's gathering her thoughts together. Gifty's anxiety escalates during the moment of silence. What if the call to Australia didn't help matters? What if her mother denied it flatly?

"Truthfully, the call helped. We were able to get a witness and solid evidence too. I've been able to defeat Chief Giakas. His trial is on Monday. Gaius's mother has been granted amnesty."

"Even if you hadn't made any progress before this dinner, I still trust you to conquer because you stood through and overcame every other turbulence. I deemed this celebration-worthy because it is long overdue." Christopher says calmly. 

"Ye see why yer husband calls ye a wonder woman! I was looking at da place cards on da table and was trying not to laugh because the title looked funny, but it suits yer well!" Miss. Rico comments with a cheeky, savage smile. "And honestly, I don't know ye well, but I know ye like ter get things done, and it's admirable."

Zion snorts at the sound of her accent as he's barely able to refrain from laughing. Gifty pinches him.

"You know, " Yemisi states with an equal, savage smile. "you remind me of a certain fisherman in Bonn." and its not a very good memory because he put me through a lot, you mysterious woman! How dare you doubt that I am wonder woman?!

"Aww." Karen, who has an idea of the little smoky exchange going on, changes the topic quickly. "This is just too cute! If even I didn't know Yemisi before all this happened, I would have paid a fortune to be the fly on the wall because this is such a well-deserved moment!" Karen wipes a tear away from her cheeks. "Please, let's give our badass lawyer a round of applause!" Karen says with all cheer.

Everyone bursts into a round of applause and cheers. Karen takes footage of everyone and the surroundings with her phone camera.

"Wow. Honestly, " Yemisi laughs nervously. "I don't even know what to say, but I'm happy this is happening, and I won't deny it. I have my best people here with me, and the joy I feel from that is indescribable. I'm so happy to see Myron and Miss. Rico here today. You two are the best people ever. And I'm delighted you are here today, Miss Rico, because I haven't had the opportunity to express my gratitude to you. Thank you for helping a great deal with Geoffrey's case.

Karen, you already know that I love you so much. Thank you for always being there even when I was intolerable. Your assistance has changed my life. Those times when I couldn't be present, and you represented me. Thank you for all of that.

Gifty, you look so beautiful. I forgive you. Not because you helped me and Barrister Peret defeat Chief Giakas but because you are my daughter, and I love you above every other ill sentiment I might feel towards you. Me choosing to give birth to you is to love you unconditionally even when you make the biggest mistakes.

I'm happy you're getting better. Not even for anyone's sake this time around. Not for the sake of choosing your family next time at every chance you get, but I'm happy you are getting better for yourself. That way, you would learn to make your decisions without letting anyone gaslight, guilt trip, or force you. So that next time, you will choose your family not because you want to return the kindness for the times they stood up for you but because it's been instilled in your personality to do so.

If you return goodness just because someone was good to you, if you impose it on yourself as an obligation, you will never do anything from your heart. Just like a business transaction, when you've returned the equal amount of favors given to you, you won't see any reasons to be a good person. Be kind to people, whether they are kind to you or not. Help people whether they are capable of returning the help or not.

Stand for your family because you want to. A time will come when something else might come into your life, and it will be more important than your family. When that time comes, it's the state of your heart that will matter. We won't push you away if you don't choose us when that time comes because we all love you genuinely, and we understand your nature. We will trust your decision because we know your heart.

The only that will hurt is if you don't work on yourself and take conscious measures towards becoming a better person. Then, no one will trust you because genuineness is transparent even when you try to hide it. People can tell when you have good intentions no matter what. So work on your heart, so your acts don't come off as shady.

This is another reason why I forgive you because I can see that you're working on yourself already. Okay, I didn't plan on talking this much, " Yemisi laughs nervously again when she observes that the whole room is quiet.

"No, it's a good thing you said everything that was on your mind because Gifty was already nervous before you stepped in. Now, there won't be any tension which is great because we are about to celebrate!" Christopher's voice takes a high pitch. "Now, let's play some music, turn off the lights, and put on the candles as we dine and wine to the good life ahead of us all!"

***

It is quarter past eleven pm, and almost everyone is wasted. Karen, Myron, and Miss Rico are heavily drunk after emptying three bottles of Italian wine, and the trio is spewing gibberish and poorly pitched lullabies. Gifty and Zion, who wouldn't dare to drink alcohol, are playing Call of Duty in the living room. Zion is having the best time of his life and laughing his guts away just from watching Gifty play the game like an amateur.

Yemisi is a bit drunk as well but not too intoxicated to have a conversation. Christopher is wide awake because he doesn't have a choice. He has to make sure things don't go out of control.

"Can we talk?" Yemisi asks in a faint voice as she rubs her forehead with her left palm.

"Yes, sure. Do you need help?" Christopher arises from his seat rapidly as he's ready to help his woman.

"I still have some strength in me, " Yemisi arises from her seat a bit slowly, but she hasn't lost her balance. "Let's go to the balcony."

The overview of the city at night is an ethereal sight to behold. Red, blue, green, yellow, and purple lights are flashing brilliantly from the numerous homes littered all across the quaint land. Several cars are still passing by, with the standing street lights illuminating the way.

The breeze is heavenly. Yemisi can't remember the last time she stood in a spot or strolled around an avenue simply for fresh air with nothing else on her mind. Life had given her a heavy ass-whooping, and her butt had swollen to the near point of damage.

"Tonight was the best night I've had in many years. The last time I had this much fun was at my brother's wedding, and you know, everyone was proud of Alexander. But I'm not sure I've had anyone celebrate me like this. I didn't even know I needed this until it happened. The place cards were super cute. Everything was lovely. Thank you for being a good husband, Christopher. Your every effort is attractive because I see all of it, " Yemisi is looking at Christopher now.

Christopher is leaning against the rail, enjoying the night's breeze as well. "I'm so happy you felt like a queen, but I'm sad that things like this surprise you because you should experience them more often. You deserve to be celebrated, and I will take it upon myself to always do better."  he's now looking at her. He tucks a strand of her hair behind her hair.

"How did your day go?" he asks her.

"It was okay. I discussed how we would table our evidence at the court on Monday with Karen and Barrister Peret. Also, we had to take the evidence for an audio analysis because the fire incident was recorded on audiotape, and we had to be sure that the voice in the background was that of Gaius's Dad. That process took the most of our time. Later on, your mum called to apologize, but honestly, I didn't care much. I've had it with mothers-in-law."

"She respects you now. That's why she called. I won't question whatever you decide to do with her. If she has to stay away so you can have peace, then so be it."

"Thank you, baby, " she licks her dry lips. "The main thing I wanted to talk to you about is nothing severe actually, but you know, I was just wondering what the importance of Irene's appearance in our lives was because now, it's like she never came. Ever since she got arrested, we haven't had any recurring issues with her."

"There was no importance, to be honest, and we would have been fine without her ever appearing. We didn't have to go through that turbulence, but I believe it showed me what I had to do better. I feel like Gifty and I was passing through the same tests, which is why I could understand her a lot and give her more relatable advice.

Irene's presence showed me how to choose you not only by words and empty promises but by actions. It wasn't like I lusted after her or felt the need to chose her just because my mother wanted that for me. But it helped me imbibe the act of bravery and making decisions. I would often prefer to stay at home and spend time with the kids and be the husband with the breadwinning wife.

But I couldn't just be that kind of husband to a woman like you. I think it's also the same thing with Barrister Peret. He had to stay by your side. He couldn't betray you and get away with it for some reason. Now that I think of it, I believe God loves you so much, and he doesn't want you to get hurt by the people you love, and even when that happens, he has a way of making everyone act right and do things in your favor.

Asides from that, your spirit can't authorize people to hurt you. Anyone who is choosing to be on your side has to be loyal to you because the sacrifices you make speak on your behalf."

"Hmm. Sacrifices, " Yemisi gazes into the thick, black, moonless sky. "Then I must say I love my life because in most cases, people like me get severely hurt with no available remedies. However, I won't say that those turbulences weren't mighty. It got to the point that I could feel the water on my neck. I'm not sure I want to go through so much again."

"You won't have to go through so much again."

Yemisi heaves a heavy sigh, and suddenly her countenance has changed when a subtle concern that has been on her mind for the longest time resurfaces. Christopher moves closer and places an arm on her shoulder. "What's on your mind? Do you have PTSD from all that has happened?"

"There's a real problem this time around." Yemisi looks into Christopher's hazel eyes.

"What is it?" he asks with an expression full of concern.

"Ebun."

                            The end