That week, Fredrick spent most of his time with his parents. It was a period of learning and getting to know one another.
They had a lot of catching up to do so they found a way to get it done. They tried to stuff many years of absence into a little bit of time.
Nkechi called Ikem home for a family dinner the day after Fredrick came home. Ikem sent a message that he could not make it.
Nkechi was crushed and shared her concerns with Fredrick. It was then he told her about all the drama with Ugochi and everything that had happened between him and his twin.
He left out the fact that Ikem was abusive though as he did not want that to come between a mother and her son.
Their mother was very disappointed in Ikem but she did not give up. She kept inviting him until he gave in and decided to come almost a week after Fredrick came home.
Nkechi was very excited and told Fredrick about it. She decided to use the opportunity to introduce their newly found son to their family and friends. It was going to be a party like they had never had.
Fredrick knew it would be an opportunity to make amends with his twin. He did not want the animosity between them to fester until it becomes something that would be difficult to get beyond or to handle.
He needed to clear the air with Ikem about Ugochi. He however, could not get beyond the fact that Ikem felt it was okay to beat up a woman. He simply could not wrap his head around the realization that his twin was abusive. He knew he had to deal with it if there was going to be any kind of relationship between Ikem and himself.
The day of the party arrived and Fredrick was feeling very conspicuous. He had thought of inviting Ugochi but he knew that would only add fuel to the fire that was already burning; he did not want it to become an inferno. Ugochi’s presence would have calmed him and made him feel less alone.
Family and friends started arriving and he was introduced to them all. He watched his parents talk about him to their friends with so much pride and he was humbled by how easily they accepted him into their family.
Through the whirlwind of introductions and discussions though, he was on the look-out for only one person and he knew the exact time Ikem arrived.
A hush fell over the crowd and people started commenting on how alike both of them looked. There were murmurings and whispers all around.
Fredrick was not fazed by all that. He waited for Ikem to finish his round of greetings before he approached him. As soon as he saw him move towards the bar, he went after him.
“Good to see you here Ikem,” Fredrick said, offering his hand for a handshake.
“I wish I could say the same.” Ikem eyed his outstretched hand carefully before clasping it. It was obvious he shook his twin because he wanted to avoid speculations from any onlooker.
“Can we go somewhere private and talk?”
“What about?” Ikem was still as deviant as ever.
“I think you’ll agree we have a lot to talk about.”
“Can’t it wait? I mean, I’m trying to enjoy a drink here.”
“No, it can’t and feel free to bring your drink along. I’m thinking the backyard will do?” Fredrick did not wait for his reply before walking away.
Ikem grudgingly followed him to the garden at the backyard. Fredrick was seated on a bench by the time he got there. Ikem sat beside him and put his head in his hands. There was no drink in sight. They sat quiet for a few moments, each lost in his own thoughts.
“Man, I’m sorry I’ve been acting all crazy. I don’t think you deserve that,” Ikem said, finally breaking the ice.
Fredrick was surprised. He had not expected his twin to own up to his own stupidity. “It’s understandable, I think.”
“My head has just been so messed up. I was filled with so much jealousy I ended up treating you and Ugochi horrendously. You both didn’t deserve that. I’m sorry.”
“That’s okay Ikem. I really want us to move past this and try to be friends if not brothers. I’ll like a relationship with you.”
“I think we can work on that.”
“I’ll like to clear the air about Ugochi though. You deserve an explanation.”
Ikem nodded. “I’m listening.”
“I approached Ugochi because I thought it would be a lot easier to get in touch with you through her. I was able to track you through the information I got from that horrible doctor. He gave me the name of you and our parents.
I found you on Facebook, saw all the posts about you and Ugochi, and connected with her. I had no designs on her and there has been nothing between us but friendship. I’m really sorry to have caused you any pain.”
Ikem was silent for a few seconds. He finally looked at Fredrick and smiled. “Don’t sweat it bro. I made a lot of mistakes myself. I should have trusted her more.”
“Yes, you should have. And you never should have laid your hands on her.”
“True. I regret that the most. I guess it’s too late now?” He looked at Fredrick.
Fredrick could not answer. His chest suddenly felt constricted at the thought of Ugochi and Ikem back together. He turned and stared into the distance.
To be continued
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