Chapter Thirty One
JOURNEY TO HELL 3
It was of no use taking the victims to the company's clinic because it will trigger mockery from Ken's haters. Besides, Mr. Gabriel Johnson, the General Manager and his relations who were trying to take over the Cherry Fields Oil and Gas Group would kick against it. Though all his family members were entitled to medical care, but it had been revoked. As the Medical Director, Dr. Promise Dike could take the initiative to treat the patient there and wait for the consequences, but he chose not to create more problems for Mr. Israel. Dr. Promise Dike, who had a private hospital, came along with an ambulance to the house when he got a distressed call from Ken, and that eased the trouble of transporting the victims. Mazi and Dora were taken to the Intensive Care Unit of the Promise Land Clinic. On entering the hospital, the atmosphere changed because the staff members on duty were all shocked. The only person who was composed was his assistant, whom he went to the house with. He made him to wait in the car to avoid unnecessary embarrassment on Ken and his family.
Some workers thought that Mazi was already dead because his face was beyond recognition. The flesh had shrank and the blisters broken on their own. The rings and belt were removed, and his breathing was shallow.
After they were admitted, Ken, who had accompanied them to the hospital, returned to meet the children and Mama at about 5 am.
Everything was meaningless to everyone. Jeff and Jewel had promised Emeka Ezra that they will meet again that day being Tuesday, but from the look of things, that would not be possible. He didn't know what explanation to give to his friend regarding what happened in his home.
'Grandma's visit'
'Grandpa's visit'
'Displacement of Grandma from the guest room'
'Grandpa bathed with hot oil'
'Mummy fainted'
These occurrences were better described as 'ONE WEEK, ONE TROUBLE'.
Concerning his admission, he does not even know whether his name was among those admitted or not. Who will he ask? Presently, there was no forum to ask daddy or mummy
"How are they?"
Mama asked as she came to open the door for Ken. She was actually attempting to ask 'how is my daughter'. Mazi Iluno Okonkwo can be 'anyhow' for all she cares.
"Good morning Mama. I will be going back as soon as I shower and have my breakfast."
Ken answered, not knowing whether that was the proper answer to give to Mama's question or not. At least he gave an answer.
"It is okay."
Mama replied. Soon, their house began to host visitors, mostly their relations. Ada and Uju Dora's sisters came from their various bases to take care of them. Frank Uche, the young boy he met at Dora's place the day he visited her father also came from overseas. As for him, Ken and Dora were the only parents he had. The whole heat was on Ken. Frank's appearance brought relief to everyone, especially Jeff and Jewel, who can discuss freely with him.
"Why would you allow him to spend a second in your house after all he did to you during your marriage preparations?"
Asked Ken's elder sister Obioma that came as soon as Ken informed her.
"If you must host him, why not accommodate him in a hotel?"
Asked Ada.
"Especially when you know that Mama was around."
Chipped in Uju.
Everyone blamed Ken.
It was rated a Third-Degree Burn or Full Thickness Burn, which was associated with severe risk of complications. Now, his nerves were already seriously damaged.
Ken and Dora came back that day from the hospital after she was discharged. Frank had been helpful as he served as the driver and caregiver. He brought Jeff and Jewel to the hospital each time he came visiting and helped Jeff to recover from his shock quicker than he can imagine.
"Jeff, stop blaming yourself. It's not your fault."
Frank comforted him.
"Uncle, if only I was smart enough to put a call across to mom or dad, it would have saved the situation"
"Well, you're right, but you can't continue to be hard on yourself. Besides, it had happened, and you can't do anything about it now"
Frank had always been their 'Big Uncle' and he hated to see them worried. With him around, he must make sure that they were comfortable.
"Shall we go out for Taekwondo training?"
Suggested Frank.
"Yeeeeesss"
Jeff and Jewel responded with wide smiles on their faces. That brought a great relief to them.
Dora knew that with Frank around, there won't be any dull moment for them.
The day mama came to visit Mazi IIuno, she knew that his condition was critical and something urgent needed to be done.
She was filled with regrets. She could not describe what was troubling her. Naturally, she was not a strong hearted person, she cannot hurt anyone. She had never thought of doing anything to hurt her husband and the father of her children but in this case, she had a feeling that she did not do the right thing.
'Why should I be thinking that I did the right thing when the father of my children was about to die. Besides, I was going to be the one responsible for his death.'
Her thoughts wandered around. She could not cry because she had cried all her life because of him yet, she was not comfortable.
By the time she came back to Dira's ward, she was not herself. She had lost so much weight within just a few days.
The next day, Dora was discharged. The CT scan proved that there was no internal bleeding or dislocation. There was no brain injury because no concussion or Mild Traumatic Brain Injury ((MTBI) occurred as the impact was not severe. Mazi's case was deteriorating. Despite the team of doctors who were invited by Dr. Promise Dike to assist.
On Dora's return, she announced the doctor's suggestions. They were at the dining table, Dora quickly informed.
"The doctor suggested that Mazi should be flown to India for surgery as soon as possible."
"Which India?"
Ada asked sarcastically.
"The India that is in his village, I guess. If he must go to India, he should provide the money, period."
Declared Uju with finality.
"In my opinion, if the money is there, we should give it a try. I don't think sending him abroad will be too much on all of us. We should not be responsible for his death. No matter what, he is your father."
Mama's words made them to view the matter from a different angle and decided to reason with Mama, who was already sober.
They started making arrangements towards his treatment abroad. Uju called her husband, who was managing the father's airline company. He was most willing to provide a private jet to take him abroad.
Everyone was willing to help, and Frank volunteered to be his caregiver throughout his stay in the hospital. After all, Mazi Iluno was still his uncle.
At this point, Jeff and Jewel, who were happy to see their mother back, were able to chat with her. Jeff had not celebrated his admission because that day was ruined by Mazi's visit. Dora deliberately refused to inform him over the phone when he called her while they were on their way back from his school. She wanted to break the news to him in person and watch him react.
"I am so sorry, mummy, it will not happen again. I caused all these problems."
He leaned on the chair to ensure that his cheek touches his mother's head.
"It was not your fault, my dear. It is your duty to respect an elder. It was unfortunate that some adults capitalized on the innocence of the younger ones to do mischief. Next time, just be careful. You got it?"
"Yes Mom"
Jeff answered as he took his seat beside her. She looked at him affectionately and said
"We have not celebrated your admission. Never mind, I will make it up to you."
"Oh! Was I admitted?"
He asked with excitement.
"Are you just asking? You mean your dad had not told you?"
"No, he didn't tell me anything but was I admitted?"
Others watched as they discussed.
"Certainly, my son, you were admitted. Your name was number five on the list. Congratulations"
"Thank you mom, thank you dad."
Jeff said as he walked to his father who had been calm all the while and thanked him before he returned to his room.