Chereads / Whispers In Time / Chapter 9 - Nine

Chapter 9 - Nine

Dr Newman, assisted by Emily, successfully made the presentation, which was highly applauded by all the attendees present, and he was in very high spirits as they drove back to the city. Almost all the doctors came to meet with him after the presentation, to congratulate him personally. 

"I must admit that I was really impressed with the presentation. I would like to invite you one of these days to speak with the youth in the public university where I am a lecturer," Dr. Ohene Adu had told Dr Newman. "You sound very convincing and I believe they would love to listen to the most respected doctor in the country," he had continued. "Thank you for the kind words Dr Ohene Adu. I'm very grateful. Just let me know the proposed date and time, so I'll know whether it would be convenient for me or not. You know I'm a very busy person and as I speak, I have some appointments to catch up with," Dr Newman had replied to Dr Ohene Adu's request.

He wasn't surprised about the request. He usually receives such requests after he conducts presentations. He was also impressed by Emily's assistance. 

"Emily, I must sincerely admit that I like the way you work," Dr Newgate remarked. "Waoo, you are quiet, laid-back, charming but very efficient. Very few young people these days show the kind of commitment you bring to everything you apply yourself to. These days, many young people only think about making quick money and most of the time,it doesn't end well with youths who think in that manner. They resort to any means at all to make what they usually call 'quick money', not minding whether it is a genuine means of making money or not. Even if it involves stealing, they would gladly do it without looking back. This is part of the reasons why we have lots of crime cases to deal with in the country. I believe you heard about the very recent one,where a young teller who should be in his middle thirties, was arrested at the Optimistic Bank for stealing over five thousand dollars. Can you imagine that? Five thousand dollars! There are so many betting platforms these days, and many young males engage themselves in it out of sheer laziness and greed. 

He paused to overtake the long vehicle ahead of him which had been moving really slowly due to the heavy loads of cement it had. He continued,"Gloria has been extolling your virtues to the skies, which is very unusual of her. You must know, by now, that the dear old girl is somehow quite hard to please. She is a perfectionist, if that can adequately describe that wonderful lady. So when she told me that you are a rare gem she has discovered, I was naturally intrigued and so eager to meet you one day. I've, therefore, been watching you with keen interest since you walked through the door that Sunday afternoon some months ago. She invited me over because she wanted me to see you and also meet you." 

He fumed to look at her as he spoke and was amused at the surprised look on her face.

"Does that surprise you?" he asked with a smile. Emily merely smiled but said nothing in response and Dr Newman chuckled quietly. "Will you believe it that one of my colleagues who was at the programme wanted me to introduce you to him? Don't mind Dr Gbenro, the rascal. He is happily married with two wonderful and energetic boys. I discouraged him outright and when he would not be put off, I threatened to call his wife. He has a very pretty wife who's a nurse at the Accra Military Services Hospital. He's the kind who takes pleasure in messing up the lives of young innocent girls. I loathe that kind of behaviour and I advised him to desist from that irresponsible action." 

As Dr Newman spoke, Emily noticed that he was becoming more and more impassioned although he did not raise his voice. 

"In my practice as a medical practitioner, I've seen very beautiful girls as young as fourteen and fifteen who have been brought into my clinic haemorrhaging from criminal abortions. Hmmm, I have seen thousands of cases across the length and breadth of the country and my heart bleeds with each case. Some of the victims have died as a result; others have been scarred for life, while the men involved go on to enjoy happy marriages later in life with other women. Hmm, sometimes life doesn't seem to be fair to some people at all. This also results in many of the suicidal cases we hear about. I take my time to counsel most of these young people whenever I get the opportunity to do so." 

Emily stole a look at him and saw a vein in his temple throbbing. He must, indeed, be very perturbed about abortions, she thought to herself. 

"It's a criminal act to kill a foetus; that's my stand and no one can make me change it. It's a human being in the making, even when it is only a clot of blood, as they say, created by God in His image and no one has any right whatsoever to decide who should live and who should not, except God," the doctor went on. "Human beings are wonderfully and fearfully created by God, and only He has the right to decide on who should have life and who should not. He alone is the giver of life, and no man has the right to take another man's life. Aborting a child only makes one a murderer."

As he spoke, he mopped his brow and Emily saw his hands shake with fury. He eased the car to the shoulder of the road and parked. She remained silent as her companion gulped down water from a bottle he fished from the glove compartment. He choked on the water and sat motionless for a few seconds later to regain his composure. Several minutes later, after a heavy sigh which he blew through his lips, he slowly eased the black Toyota Corolla back onto the road. For more than twenty five minutes they drove in palpable silence. 

Emily was confused by her companion's changing mood. She wished she could help to ease the pain he seemed to be going through. She wished she could ask him to share with her, what exactly was bothering him however she didn't have the confidence to do so. She also felt it wasn't safe to discuss a sensitive issue as it may be, with someone who was behind the steering wheel. Besides, telling her about what was upsetting him could actually open up old wounds, whatever it may be, and Emily didn't want that. She finally decided to let him be.

Within minutes, her companion had moved from a handsome, benign elderly medical practitioner and a close family friend of the Adams to a belligerent, combative, bitter old man clutching at the steering wheel to regain his self-control after a violent fit of rage. What dark secrets had Dr Newman been privy to in his decades of practice which he had kept bottled up for so long that they had to explode in such an intense way? She wondered. 

She was a Christian and believed in the sanctity of life. The Bible clearly prohibited the wilful taking of another person's life and as a staunch believer in Jesus Christ, she would not, under any circumstance, condone criminal abortion. Never, she repeated to herself. She would publicly take her stand against it, if need be, but still she had the uneasy feeling that Dr Newman's reaction had been overly excessive, to say the least. Why would he react in that manner? She thought.

"I'm so sorry, my dear, I sincerely apologise for my outburst and inability to control myself," the doctor's voice cut into her thoughts several minutes later. "I just lost control of my emotions. I'm awfully sorry. Over the years, I've witnessed a whole village decimated by abortions and their attendant effects have been horrendous and try as I would, I've not for once been able to get over it." He sighed and then continued. "At one of the villages where I worked for over twenty three years, all the young girls, at one time or another, had at least one abortion using very crude methods and I had to save them the best way I could," he gulped as he spoke. "I witnessed some die in so much pain. I didn't like to see family members cry at the clinics where I worked. It's such a horrible scene."

Emily had remained silent throughout the embarrassing incident but now, having made up her mind to change the topic, she spoke up. She told herself she must get home in one piece as Dr Newman swerved sharply to the left side of the road in order to avoid an oncoming vehicle. He had drifted into the opposite lane and the driver of the oncoming vehicle had sworn at them. 

"Auntie Gloria said we should pick up some groceries from the Central City Mall on our way back," she stated, trying to change the subject matter. "She asked me to remind you on our way back from the conference." 

"Oh, yes!", he replied, brightening up. "Thanks for reminding me my dear; hmmm I nearly forgot. Gloria says you'll help me make some delicious stews and soups for the week. Don't take any notice of her; my old friend, Gloria, is determined to mother me, no matter how much I try to resist her efforts!" 

He laughed and Emily relaxed. Mrs Adams had not mentioned to Emily that she was to help Dr Newman cook his meals.

"Oh, I'm sure she forgot to mention I was to help you cook. When am I supposed to do so?" she asked casually.

"Oh, didn't Gloria mention it to you?" he asked with surprise. "Gloria seldom forgets such details. If she hasn't mentioned it to you yet,then let's forget about it." 

"No Dr Newman, I think we should check with her first," Emily politely offered. "You can tell me the types of stews and soups you would prefer. And then I'll work on it for you. I suggest we remind Auntie Gloria."

"No, we will not," Dr Newman insisted. "I was against that suggestion, in the first place, so if she forgot to mention it, then we'll have to let the matter rest. If she raises the topic later, I'll tell her I wasn't enthused about her offer so I decided we'd not do any shopping. I'll answer any questions she has. So don't worry at all about how she is going to react." 

Emily relapsed into silence after that. If he chose not to go shopping after such a fierce display of emotion, so be it, she thought, still shaken by her companion's outburst of wrath. 

Besides,why would Auntie Gloria want her to cook for Dr Newman when the Adams household had different cooks who could handle the cooking? She thought to herself.

"You and Stephen Adams," Dr Newman began casually after a while, "tell me, if you don't mind, do you two go out? I mean are you two dating?" 

His question took Emily by surprise. She wondered why Dr Newman was interested in something which should be a personal issue. Did she owe him any explanation as to whether or not she was dating Stephen? She thought to herself, still surprised at Dr Newman's question. Why was he asking her this very question? "Hmmm ... " she muttered as she reflected on his question. "Dr Newman, I'm really sorry however I don't think I would like to talk about it," she finally told him.

The doctor cast her a questioning glance. The fact that he was a friend of the Adams's and a respected doctor in the society,didn't give him any right to question her about her life, to the extent of asking her about her relationship which should be personal, Emily thought.

"Errmm my dear lady, I didn't mean to pry, but Gloria tells me there's nothing going on between the two of you, although I have my doubts. I've seen the young man look at you a couple of times and I do have my eyes in the right place I believe. I had hoped you would settle the issue for me that's why I asked. However if you don't want to talk about it, then that's fine by me. I respect your decision." 

Emily remained silent. Was her personal life part of his business? Why should he discuss her relationship status with Auntie Gloria? Why was he interested in knowing about her? Emily asked herself. Stephen had hinted to her a couple of times at the fact that his mother had a secret plan of matching up Emily and Dr Newman but she had laughed it off each time the young man broached the topic. 

However, Dr Newman would not be so easily put off and he decided to approach the issue so dear to his heart another way. 

"Fiifi Ohene Dua is your biological father, isn't he?" he asked his companion.

Again, the question took Emily by surprise. She turned to look at him. "Yes, he is," she replied, and then she suddenly remembered the assistance her elderly companion had given her that morning. 

"Thanks for your help earlier this morning doctor; I'm very grateful for all you did," she added. 

"Judging from the answer you gave, I guess Frimpomaa Obenewaa Dua is your mother." Emily was surprised that he knew her mother's names. "Well, I've known Fiifi and his wife Frimpomaa for years," Dr Newman continued, ignoring her earlier remarks of gratitude. "The world, indeed, is a very small place, as they say all the time. Frimpomaa had a sister who got married to a highly sought-after engineer and they left the village later. It was such a big occasion in the village at that time because the man had a lot of money. I was even invited for the marriage ceremony. There were different varieties of dishes to choose from. Everyone had enough to eat and drink. Even the cultural troupe in the village performed that day in their uniforms. The bride and the groom were clad in beautiful kente apparels. That day, the bride danced her heart out excitedly." 

"That should be my aunt, Ama," Emily explained to the doctor.

"I see," Dr Newman nodded. "To think that after packing out of that village I'll be looking in that direction again!" he remarked with a smile. 

When Emily remained silent, he plodded on. 

"You must have been a very young girl at the time because I don't recall ever seeing you. Of course, you might have changed over the years into such a gorgeous lady." 

She smiled. "I must find out from your parents if they ever sent you to my clinic. It is very important to me, because if they did, I'll have your medical records and I can then be able to recollect the face that I saw then and also be able to tell your age now. It's rude to ask ladies about their age so I'll do my own investigations. Gloria has told me about your age but I just want to be very sure." 

There was a pause and Dr Newman glanced at his companion. Mrs Gloria Adams had told him that Emily was a very quiet young lady who usually said very little. She smiled a lot but gave very little away, Gloria had hinted. He had, therefore, hoped that by talking about her family, Emily would be forced to open up, but she did not. Dr Newman was intrigued by his companion but at the same time very satisfied with the young lady's demeanour and the manner in which she carried herself. He felt his heart warming up to her as he glanced at her. He liked women who were reticent, women who did not talk back nor brag, and as Gloria had told him earlier, Emily was just the perfect woman for him. He sighed with sheer contentment. His previous relationships had not ended well and he hoped that he and Emily would have a lasting union together. 

"Do you like me?" Dr Newman asked after a long pause, and he noticed that the question had startled his companion. There was a pause and then Emily replied with what he felt was obvious sincerity."Yes, I do like you." 

"Wonderful!" he enthused. "That's all that matters for now. If you like me and are not repulsed by my looks, manners and so on, I believe we can work from there. Let's say this likeness is mutual, You like me and I like you tremendously. That's excellent." She smiled. 

"Do you like going out? Let's say to watch films, to the theatre, concerts,parties and so on?" he asked her. 

"I don't know," she replied. 

"You don't know? Why? Haven't you been going out?" 

"No, not really," she answered. 

"That's a shame," he observed. "Such a lovely lady and you stay at home all the time!" 

Watching him from where she sat with the corners of her eyes, Emily noticed he was smiling and she wondered why.

"Let's pass by the Military Services Hospital and see your mother before going home," Dr Newman suggested when they arrived in the city. 

"Thank you," she said with gratitude. She had planned to do so as soon as they returned to the city. 

When they arrived at the hospital a few minutes later, they met Stephen and Kwadwo Sakyi who were paying Emily's mother their second visit in the day. 

"Emily, I got some drugs for your mother," Stephen announced excitedly when he met Emily.

"Waoo, that's so kind of you Mr. Adams. Thank you so much," she said with gratitude 

As they headed towards the main wards, Stephen took Emily's hands in his and then whispered something into her ears. They both laughed and Kwadwo glanced at Dr Newman and noticed that the older man was looking straight ahead as if none of them existed. Kwadwo smiled secretly to himself. He was happy at the turn of events. He and Dr Newman were a few steps ahead of Stephen and Emily who lagged behind as they engaged in conversation. The two behaved as though they were in a world of their own. 

A few doctors on duty recognised Dr Newman as they walked along the corridor and stopped to engage him in conversation. Kwadwo moved on alone and his friends followed closely on his heels.

"Emily, can I have a word with you?" Dr Newman called out softly and Emily stopped and then retraced her steps. Stephen was left wondering whether to follow Kwadwo into the ward or to wait for Emily. While he hesitated, he heard Dr Newman introducing Emily to the doctors and the nurses who had gathered around him. The staff were excited to see the renowned medical practitioner who had supported the hospital in so many ways. Last year for instance, Dr Newman had donated five hundred beds, a thousand bedsheets and an x-ray machine to the hospital. The military services hospital had been known for referring patients to other hospitals due to the lack of beds to accommodate the number of patients who turned up at the hospital each day. There were new cases everyday and Dr Newman's donation had therefore come at the right time. It had also brought them so much relief at that time. 

"This is a very special lady and I want you to give her all the help you can. Her mother is on admission and we are going in there to see her," Dr Newman stated as he introduced Emily, and Stephen watched as all the doctors and the nurses made a fuss over the young lady, with some pumping her hands in handshakes. 

"She is very special to me and I don't joke with her at all, you know what I mean, don't you?" Dr Newman added loud enough for Stephen to hear. 

Stephen's face contorted with anger as he turned on his heels and strode into the ward. When he caught up with Kwadwo Sakyi a few minutes later, he, in as few words as possible, updated his friend on what had happened in the corridor. 

"Don't be afraid my friend; we'll work hard to get Dr Newman out of the race, believe me," Kwadwo tried to console his friend. "The man appears too good to be true. He knows all the right people, is the perfect gentleman, handsome, rich and single. I learnt from some of my sources that scores of women are falling over one another to catch his attention. Can you imagine that? So if we play our cards very well, then the probability of he losing interest in Emily is high. I'm going to dig very seriously into his background to see if something will turn up which will create a dent in the public image he has cut for himself." 

Stephen relaxed somehow. He knew his friend well enough to believe that when he had promised to unearth some dirt in Dr Newman's background, a lot of things would emerge to keep his rival out of the competition and also possibly silence him forever.