Must Read: The Promise Keeper - Season 1 - Episode 22

7 years ago

Must Read: The Promise Keeper - Season 1 - Episode 22

“High Chief Kunle Sanda has just generously donated the property adjoining the City Kitchen.” I was getting a little better at this. “This ensures the long-term viability of the Kitchen. I can’t tell you how much his donation means to us and the people we feed.

Truly a remarkable gift from the heart.” The microphones shifted to Kunle Sanda and he humbly answered questions. He was much better at it than I. He tied himself to the Kitchen’s survival and guaranteed it all in public. Definitely a better friend than enemy.
I slipped away as soon as I could. Shade was busy starting preparation. I jumped in and another day began. I brought down all the chairs and realigned the tables. Last night’s clean-up crew didn’t quite grasp Shade’s meticulous tendencies. There were a couple of spots on the tables, which Shade seemed to spot from the kitchen. She looked like she meant to toss me a rag, then thought better and brought it out. She put it in my hand and then kissed me hard. I had to admit, it was better than a rag toss. She smiled and headed back into the kitchen, silent and very confident I knew what to do with the towel. I did.
“You know you’re going to have to sing for them,” Shade said when I pulled a basket of pepper out of the store. I knew she meant the police officers. “I know you did it for me, but they went above and beyond.” I’ve sung twice, I could do it once more.
“If you’re there, I will sing to you,” I reasoned, “they can listen if they want.” I loved making Shade laugh.
“You have such a lovely voice. You should share it.” Shade moved toward me.
“Is it okay with you if I don’t?” I asked honestly. She answered by kissing me again. Then she made me wash my hands. She had a way of making bossy seem so sexy.

The days that followed were wonderful. We spent our days running the kitchen and our nights; well the nights were simply more wonderful. I told Shade about Dolapo and she, in turn, told me about Richard. It was uncomfortable at first, but that faded quickly. We learned to share each other’s pasts. With the FIRS in the rear view mirror, it made everything easier. Well, almost everything.

Shade and I took a risk with Fabio after Femi Adeshina got back to me with the information I asked him to find.

I sat down with Fabio. I put a fish on his tray and he smiled. I did not. Shade sat down next to me and did the same. Fabio looked up at our serious faces, and I could see he felt uncomfortable.
“I found your daughter,” I said quietly. Fabio lost his smile and his eyes swelled. He almost got up to leave. Shade covered his hand with hers and held him there. I could see him suffering and wondered if we had chosen wrong.
“She wants to see you,” Shade said gripping his hand. I could see the panic in Fabio’s eyes.
“She will hate me,” Fabio stuttered, “I couldn’t…I have to go.” Fabio stood, Shade held his hand and stood with him. I was afraid he would leave and never come back.
“Please don’t leave,” Shade pleaded.
“I owe you Fabio,” I said while I remained seated, “you can’t live without helping each other out here.” I repeated his words to him.

Some of the first he told me after yanking me from the water. Shade gently pulled him back to his seat. His hands were shaking.
“You don’t understand,” Fabio said, “I couldn’t…I left her.” I understood more than he knew, Femi saw to that. His wife left, then, he lost his job. His world collapsed in on him.
“You left me with the Kachikwus,” a soft voice behind him said, “they are a wonderful family.” Fabio turned quickly, his eyes meeting his daughter’s.
“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry,” Fabio cried.

Shade had to let go of his hand. He rose and I thought he was going to run. Tokunbo Kachikwu smiled at her dad.
“Forgiven,” Tokunbo said softly, “for what, I don’t know, but you’re forgiven.” She took Fabio’s hand in hers. “Can you tell me about my mother?” Fabio’s eyes were tearing and he wiped them on his sleeve.
“Yes,” Fabio choked out.

We watched as Tokunbo and Fabio talked. His smile began to appear as the conversation continued. I wrapped my arm around Shade and pulled her close.
“That went better than I expected,” I said, “maybe she can talk him into going to a dentist.” Shade smiled up at me.
“I love that you did that.” Shade’s eyes told me she loved more than what I did. It was the middle of dinner; the dining room was full with more hungry coming in. It was not the place, but it was the time.
“I love you,” I said. I had thought it, and I had shown it. Now I said it without fear or guilt.

SHADE
“I love you,” David said, with his eyes glued to mine. I knew he did, but it was the words that made my heart explode. I smiled up at him.
“I love you, too” I repeated to David. The way he shouldered the problems, making them his own. The way he made my pulse quicken by looking at me like he was right then. He was my future. He pulled me close and kissed me, the dining room disappeared and I barely heard the well-meaning gibes flowing from the tables. I loved the strength he didn’t know he had.

Richard had that type of strength. He made me promise him before he died. A promise I thought I would fail to keep. Not anymore. ‘Richard, I kept my promise. I found love again.’

THE END