59. LUKE
Chapter 59
LUKE
Dele is released from the hospital on doctor’s orders to take it easy. She has adhered to that thus far. Luckily, there are no exams on the horizon. Her instructors are informed of her medical situation, so she’s taking some classes online.
The hospital seemed relieved to offer zero-cost surgery for Giant Baby instead of a lawsuit. They tried to play games about covering what insurance wouldn’t, but I made it clear to them that I didn’t care what they did as long as Curtis—Giant Baby, as my wife calls him—got the surgery he needs, and it was at no cost to his mother. They agreed, and Daniel is now involved in making sure they don’t play games. Curtis’s surgery is scheduled for next week.
Osei has been coming over to visit Dele. He pretty much stays with her while I work. I still don’t trust leaving her alone. Paula is here as well, making sure Dele is well looked after.
Today, I had to stop at the office, and Dele calls me, excited when Osei shows up with ice cream for her. After talking to her, I call my annoying brother.
“I’m going to put you in a coma for bringing my wife ice cream.”
“Good idea, bro. On the plus side, she and Mom would sit by my bedside until I wake up.” He’s fucking right about that, and even more annoying because I can almost visualize the smirk.
“Get out of my house.”
“Dele and I are watching a horror movie. She lost a bet. Why do you think I brought her ice cream?” How the hell did I end up with an evil brother? I’m too far away to fight him. I might as well plead with him and then break his nose when I see him.
“Osei, please don’t watch a horror movie with Dele. She doesn’t like sci-fi either, but she can handle it—play that and call it a day. She’s not fine yet; you can torture her later when I’m there to keep her from screaming her lungs out.”
“The fact you’re pleading is refreshing, to say the least,” he mocks.
“I’ll beg if I have to, to prevent my wife from having nightmares.” I’m pleading. I honestly think horror movies exacerbate her fears.
“You’re lying, but fine. We’ll watch sci-fi together.”
“Let’s do this. I’m ready. I won’t scream or hide!” Dele shouts.
“She’s excited, Luke,” he whispers.
“Yeah, until she starts to scream in her sleep.”
“Bye, Luke. You are disrupting our movie time.” He hangs up before I can say more. I hope he sticks to sci-fi. I decided to sweeten the deal for him and send him a text.
Me: Lunch and dinner for you and a friend on me.
Osei: Now you’re talking, bro. Sci-fi it is.
I breathe a sigh of relief. I’m tied up at the office and might get home late. Dele screaming in her sleep is never a good idea.