"Find the love you seek, by first finding the love within yourself. Learn to rest in that place within you that is your true home."― Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Eventually, I decided to give Demola a chance. Day by day, our relationship grew. I was optimistic but still very much at alert. I was trying to take time everyday to think positive thoughts, pray and love myself more.

I continued to work at Valley View and Demola continued to run Regal Tech Corporation and his other affiliated businesses.

One day, my mum paid me a visit in Lagos and accompanied me to work. She told me she felt bored at my flat, so she would prefer to stay in my office. I decided to indulge her since I didn't attend to patients in my office anyway.

I am not sure if it was a coincidence or if Demola had some people at the hospital or area on his payroll, but he popped in shortly after we arrived.

We had been seeing each other for about four and a half months, but only every now and then since we were both very busy. We kept in touch online frequently, and had lunch together a few times. His hand gripping mine possessively, strong but gentle, during our outings. On nights we were both free, we had gone to see some movies, and he was cocky, but always a perfect gentleman.

He had come to my flat twice, but I gave excuses in order not to do likewise and pay him a visit at home, though I had been to his main office.

I was anxious about being alone with him in his Banana Island house. Offshore, surrounded by all that water. I wanted to get to know him better before taking that step.

Anyway, that day happened to be a Friday, so what else would Demola do beside come wearing his perfectly tailored native wear? A charcoal coloured linen buba (top), sokoto (trouser) and white fila (cap).

He walked into my office with his usual air of class and authority and greeted me with a gentle hug. My mum raised an interested eyebrow.

He then turned to her and bowed respectfully. "Good afternoon ma'am. My name is Demola."

My mum greeted him very cheerfully and gave me the is-this-the-man-you-have-been-dating-and-you-didnt-bother-to-tell-us-the-good-news-look.

African parents!

My mum, definitely would not hesitate to express her feelings. I knew that I would certainly get a long 'mum talk' after he left. Demola removed his cap and held it, standing respectfully as he waited for me to introduce him to my mother. It was obvious that he was absolutely enjoying the situation. I decided to take control of the matter, in order to prevent my mum from doing so.

"Mum, this is my friend, Demola. Demola this is my mother."

Demola prostrated again. "Mum, I am so happy to meet you. Amara gets her beauty from you. Welcome to Lagos, how is Daddy?"

"My son, stand up. God bless you. It's nice to meet you too. So how long have you been Amarachi's, hmm-friend?"

"Mum!" I whisper-yelled, cringing with embarrassment. She gave me the what-is-your-problem-I-just-asked-a-question-look.

I kept quiet.

Demola chuckled and smiled at her. "I met Amara here, at Valley View Hospital in April. We have been friends ever since. I am very fond of her and we get along so well."

"Really? So what plans do you have for my daughter. Are you planning to be just-"

I couldn't help but attempt to caution her again. "Mum!" My mother was really something!

Demola pretended to look a little shy and bowed slightly again. "Mum, I have confessed my feelings to Amara but she," he cleared his throat, "I have seen in her the qualities I lo- cherish but she doesn't seem as eager as I am."

Demola didn't hold back. He more or less threw me into the lion's den. Mum gasped and gave me an unimpressed look.

Just at that moment, Nurse Halima informed me that my attention was needed in the maternity ward.

What great timing! Praise the Lord! My mum and Demola would have all the time in the world to chat and get to know each other. In my absence, and I could accurately guess what the hot topic would be.

*****

"You know, you deserve an AMVCA for your performance during my mum's visit!"

Demola chuckled. "Your mum is such a pleasant woman. She wanted to know all about me, and she was so friendly, but strict at the same time. After you went to the maternity ward, she told me a lot about you and when you were growing up."

I was resting my head on his shoulder as we sat side by side on his sofa in his office. We were facing the beautiful view of Elegushi beach as we talked. The floor to ceiling windows offered a stunning view of the ocean, and his beige, Italian leather furniture set was a pleasant blend with the cream carpet and walls. His giant, Burgundy desk and chair were centrally placed near his bookshelf—and I kept a tight rein on my thoughts when it strayed to inappropriate things we could on such table.

I was in Demola's office because the medical director wanted to set up an annex at Victoria Island, so I couldn't miss the chance to check on Demola, since his office was nearby.

We had attended his mother's birthday two weeks after my mother returned to Abeokuta. I was happy to see his family, especially his dad who no longer came for 'check ups', and other well wishers.

I went home with so many souvenirs and his mother gave me plenty of cake, food and drinks to take away. The party was amazing.

In fact, Yoruba people love to party.

Unexpectedly, Demola started chuckling, and I guessed he was remembering the day he met my mum. "Oh my goodness!" I groaned.

He grinned and shrugged his shoulders, "What? I did not say anything!"

"You don't have to. I know what you're thinking," I said.

He laughed out loud and bumped my shoulder with his. "Well, if you are thinking that I'm thinking about the day I met your mother, you are right." He could not stop laughing as he wiped fake tears. "Mum told me about how you fell off a swing set at a garden party, and cried so much, that the party clown started dancing for you to get you to calm down."

I shoved him playfully. "I was only five! I can't believe she told you that!"

We were laughing and joking when I got 'the e-mail'. The notification popped up on my phone screen.

From: Concerned Person
To: Me
Subject: Urgent Information
Dear Miss Damilola Oyelowo,

This is an urgent message for you to end your relationship with Demola Davies with immediate effect. You are a bright young lady and you certainly do not want to be with a murderer.

Evidence is available on request but before then, ask him, who is AB Konpo?

Regards,
Concerned Person

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