MY IDENTITY

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER THREE

"Mrs olaoti what's wrong." The doctor asked looking amused.

"Doc, please don't tell me she won't be able to talk again?" Her brows scrunched up.

I gasped out causing me to wince in pain, mum can be so dramatic at times.

The doctor smiled. "No ma'am, she will talk again, she is only experiencing that due to the smoke she inhale during the accident."

And I heard her sigh out in relief for the umpteenth time.

So many questions on my mind I want to ask but I could not speak.

Few days later, I got to know that I spent four days in a vegetative state. I barely spoke few words to mum, who wouldn't stop talking, can I blame her for wanting to talk?

"That reminds me. Tomiwa called an hour ago to hear your voice but you were asleep." mum said as she neatly packed some of the clothes she brought to the hospital.

Tomiwa is my older brother and my best friend, but he is unable to come due to distance and also he is currently studying Economics in the university of Ibadan.

"Ow..kay" Truth be told, I miss my brother, he was like a guardian knight, always fighting for me.

I became sad and lost the will to talk or listen to anyone after realizing the extent of the incident. My pretty face was damage and i will have to look ugly for the rest of my life.

"You'll be fine and beautiful once it heal up" mum reassured me when she saw my countenance falling weak.

"I don't think so ma, the doctor said it will heal but not completely and I will have to bear the scar forever." I countered back feeling sad and betrayed as to why life is punishing me at this age, I'm just 16 years of age.

Mum suddenly stopped working on her laptop system, her eyes lingered on mine. I stared back for like a second then looked away. Somehow, like magic I suddenly felt calm.

"Can I see myself in a mirror?"

"When it's time, you will see yourself in the mirror". She replied without looking up. Just as I thought, she won't let me see my face.

Dad would always come by in the evening to check on me and also read out books to my hearing. Words fell on deaf ears. Mum would argue with him to stop reading to me because I'm still healing, but dad would simply ignore her.

A day like that, dad was reading my favorite book to me "sweet sixteen".

Mum got irritated and interrupt the section. "Dear, Hannah is not interested in listening to your book reading."

Dad got surprise then turned to look at me for support or interjection, I suppose. Instead I looked away. One thing I learned is never to get in between this couple.

"How sure are you?" raised his brows.

Mum snorted. " I am hundred percent sure, my Hannah isn't interested, can't you see she is not replying back nor looking at you."

"And so? That doesn't mean she is not listening, reading help one to heal and learn." Dad retorted sharply.

"Na you sabi, that's because you don't have work to do" mum murmured.

"Really?" Dad chuckled.

I'm not surprised if both of them behave like cat and rat. They are the most lovely parents and best friends I have. Dad Is a business man, he is into real estate management. Aside from that, he also co-own an Agro fertilizer company with his longtime friend. The company produce different fertilizer and chemical used for farming. Later he invested some of his money to buy land in our village and started rearing cows with poultries. Mum on the other hand is a high school science teacher and a*****e owner by evening in the estate.

I don't know why or what was funny about it, I find myself laughing and both of them stare confusion.

"What's funny?" Both of them asked looking confused.

"Nothing." Still laughing in my cracky voice. The next thing I heard was their laughter, I guess laugh can be contagious.

During my stay at the hospital, friends and family came visiting with bunch of gifts but none of those gifts can bring back my normal skin. I cried day and night for miracles.

My colleagues from school came visiting as well but my best friend never came, however, the boy who mixed the wrong chemical came although he had a bandage wrapped on his right hand and leg while walking with crutches.

"Hey, I'm sorry about that." He lowered his gaze in shame as he stylishly point to my bandage face.

"Mmm, alright" I muttered uninterested while glancing right and left in search of my best friend.

"Where's Ramat?" I asked laying still on the bed, I still find it hard to get up on my own but can only move my head left and right with my right hand and both legs.

Quick hush fell in the room and i could see their faces staring at each other for words to say yet nobody said a thing.

"What's going on?" I knew something is wrong and I hate to be kept in the dark.

"Nothing, she is fine." A girl from behind with a tribal mark said maintaining a smiling face. I don't know her but I'm sure she one of our classmate, besides she looks pretty.

"Oh, I see, and why is she not here?" Gritted my teeth trying to contain the anger in me.

"She is…"

"Very soon she will come." Another chubby girl_Dara cut in curtly.

"Okay" I answered nonchalantly.

I believe in love and true friendship, here is my only friend and companion who decided to stay at home, so much for calling her my friend.