Few weeks later, Jimmy arranged to have a picnic at a private beach with Temi where they agreed to talk and share their dream experiences.
As the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a golden hue over the tranquil beach, Jimmy and Temi arrived at their private oasis. The soft sand welcomed their footsteps as they strolled along the shoreline, hand in hand, towards their secluded spot.
Jimmy had meticulously prepared their shelter, a cosy canopy adorned with billowing white curtains that fluttered gently in the ocean breeze. Beneath the canopy, a plush blanket lay spread out on the sand, adorned with colourful cushions for added comfort. A small table stood nearby, adorned with flickering candles and a bouquet of fresh flowers, casting a romantic glow over the scene.
Temi had taken care of the culinary delights, arranging an array of delectable finger foods on elegant platters. Mini sandwiches filled with gourmet cheeses and savory meats, delicate pastries stuffed with creamy fillings, and bowls of fresh fruits glistened in the fading light. Glasses of chilled champagne awaited their indulgence, promising to enhance the ambiance of their seaside rendezvous.
As they settled into their cosy sanctuary, the sound of waves lapping gently against the shore provided a soothing backdrop to their conversation. With each bite and sip, they savoured not only the delicious flavours but also the opportunity to connect and share their dreams, aspirations, and deepest thoughts amidst the serenity of the beach at dusk.
"I've realised that staying out of a large body of water wasn't to my own benefits like my parents made me believe," Temi revealed, "on the contrary, the more I come in contact with water, the more I swim, the more I understand myself and the more I dream. I don't blame them tho, I know they meant well."
"Yea they probably didn't want you getting lost or drowning in the river." Jimmy concurred and took a bite of his kebab. "Tell me more of your dreams!"
"I will but first, let me tell you what I have found out,"
Temi's voice carried with it a sense of wonder and excitement as she recounted her extraordinary discovery to Jimmy. Sitting cross-legged on the blanket, her eyes sparkled with the memory of her underwater adventures.
"I'll never forget the first time I realised I could stay submerged in the lagoon water, for what felt like forever," Temi began, her voice tinged with awe. "It was as if the ocean itself welcomed me, embracing me in its embrace and allowing me to breathe effortlessly beneath its surface."
She gestured animatedly, her hands mimicking the gentle sway of seaweed in the current.
"And the sea creatures... oh, Jimmy, it was like being surrounded by a symphony of life. From the graceful dance of the fishes to the playful antics of the colourful eels, every creature seemed to recognize me as one of their own. There was no fear, no aggression—only a sense of harmony and belonging.
Jimmy widened his eyes in bewilderment and admiration as he listened.
"Did you try to control them?" He asked curiously.
"I didn't try but I noticed they were naturally inclined to my movements."
"Wow!" Jimmy exclaimed.
"When I saw the agility and swiftness of how you dived into the pool in my house that evening, I knew instantly you are not an ordinary girl.
"Really? You felt it? Temi asked as she smiled.
"Yes!"
"You weren't shocked or afraid?"
"No, the intriguing part is that it all felt normal and familiar to me, like I already knew you possessed some supernatural powers and I was at peace with it."
"Hmm!" Temi exhaled! "The more you describe these extraordinary feelings, the more curious I get…I want to learn more about Onyema and Mgbeodi and fully understand the bond and connection they shared. Who really were they, husband and wife? What's their story?"
Jimmy, staring into her eyes, concurred. "I do too.…I'm so compelled to learn ... .but, I feel it very strongly in here," He touched his chest, "that something tragic happened to them..I feel it so strongly in my heart."
Temi's voice softened, her eyes locking with Jimmy's in a moment of profound connection. A hint of vulnerability flickered in her gaze as she spoke, her words carrying a weight of revelation.
"It's like... a thread weaving through our souls, Jimmy," Temi murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "From the song I sang at the art exhibition to the melody you heard in your dream—it's as if our spirits are intertwined, sharing a sorrow too deep for words."
She paused, the weight of her realisation settling over them like a gentle embrace. "It must have been a grief song," Temi continued, her voice tinged with both sadness and acceptance. "A lament for something lost, a longing for what could have been. And somehow, in sharing that grief, we found each other across time and space."
Temi's words hung in the air, enveloping them in a cocoon of shared understanding and empathy. In that moment, they both knew that their connection transcended mere coincidence, echoing across the ages in a haunting melody of sorrow and solace.
Before they left the beach, She narrated her dream to Jimmy.
In Temi's dream, she found herself transported to a different time and place, stepping into the shoes of Mgbeodi. As she looked around, the landscape was unfamiliar yet strangely enchanting, with lush greenery stretching as far as the eye could see.
The air was filled with the exotic scents of tropical blooms, and the distant sound of flowing rivers echoed softly in the background. Temi's heart raced with excitement as she took in her surroundings, feeling a sense of belonging wash over her despite the unfamiliarity of it all.
Her attention was drawn to a magnificent estate looming in the distance, its grandeur rivalling that of a royal palace. As she approached, she realised that this was her home—a sprawling ancient mansion adorned with intricate carvings and adorned with lush gardens.
Inside, the opulence was overwhelming, but what caught Temi's eye the most was the figure of a man, regal and dignified, who she instinctively knew was her father in this dream world.
He greeted her with warmth and affection, his eyes sparkling with pride as he enveloped her in a loving embrace. Despite the differences in time and circumstance, the bond between them felt just as strong as it did in Temi's waking life.
As she explored further, Temi realised that she was still an only child in this dream, doted upon by her father and surrounded by every luxury imaginable. It was a world of privilege and abundance, yet beneath the surface, Temi sensed a longing—a yearning for something deeper and more meaningful than material wealth.
Despite the allure of her dream life as Mgbeodi, Temi couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to her story than meets the eye. And as she drifted back to consciousness, she carried with her a sense of curiosity and determination to uncover the truth behind the dreams that seemed to hold the key to her past.
As Jimmy and Temi marvelled at that vivid description of her dream which was linked to his, in that magical moment, they found solace in a long and peaceful embrace, drawing strength in their present connection and gaining strength to face whatever they may encounter in the future.
The next day after the picnic, Temi called Jimmy on the phone.
"Something just happened this morning my love," her voice breaking through to Jimmy with excitement and nervousness.
"What is it, my heartbeat, tell me!"
"Jimmy, you won't believe it," Temi began, her words tumbling out in a rush of emotion. "I received a call from a record label today—they said they heard my song from the arts exhibition, and they loved it. They want to sign me up to record and produce it."
She paused, a myriad of thoughts swirling in her head. "It's... it's incredible, really. To think that something I created, something that came from my heart, has resonated with someone else in such a powerful way."
Temi's voice faltered slightly, as if seeking reassurance from Jimmy. "But at the same time, it's a big decision. This could be the opportunity of a lifetime, but it's also a leap into the unknown. I want to make sure it's the right choice, for me and for the song."
"Temi, that's incredible news! That song was a very beautiful piece and I knew your talent was bound to be recognized. It's a testament to your artistry and the passion you pour into your music," Jimmy exclaimed, his voice ringing with pride and admiration.
"I understand it's a big decision, and I'll be here to support you no matter what you choose. Just remember to trust your instincts and follow your heart. Whatever path you decide to take, I have no doubt it will lead to amazing things."
"Yes, sure! But Jimmy, considering that song is about Onyema and Mgbeodi, in the past life we shared, I've been pondering whether I should wait until we uncover the full story behind their lives. I believe knowing the truth of what happened between them will add even more depth and emotion to the song. It's as if their story is waiting to be told through our music, and I want to ensure it's captured authentically. What are your thoughts on this?"
"Temi, I couldn't agree more. Taking the time to uncover the full story behind Onyema and Mgbeodi will undoubtedly add layers of depth and authenticity to our song. Their legacy is a part of us, and honouring it in our music is essential. Let's delve into their history together, allowing their story to guide us as we create something truly meaningful and powerful. I'm with you every step of the way."
"Great! I will give the record label a positive answer but at the same time buy some time so we can learn all that's needed to learnt!"
Her words hung in the air, carrying with them the weight of possibility and uncertainty. In that moment, Temi looked to Jimmy for support and guidance, knowing that whatever decision she made, he would be there by her side.