BUCKET LIST

“ Which one do you want ? Talk fast before mummy calls us , you know how angry she gets if she waits for us for more than 5mins right? “ Karen said to Bibi her sister while trying to fight the headache and dizziness she was feeling .

“ Let me just go with shirt and jeans “ Bibi said giving up

“ Really? Bibi really? It’s a brunch party . No I won’t let you embarrass me “ Karen said tossing a pink dress to her “ That should do , pick any shoe “ she said and went to sit on the bed whatever that was happening to her was becoming worse . It started few weeks back , she didn’t want her mom to know so she took some aspirin but it continued .

“ When they said get girls they didn’t tell me the side effect “ Mrs Jasmine Ekong said as they drove to the party which made the girls laugh

“ Mom tell that to Bibiyonce; she’s always the last to get ready .Despite the numerous clothes she has , she never makes the ultimate decision on what to wear “ Karen said

“ I’m an adolescent; I need to look good all the time . Right Mom? “

“ Yes baby “

“ That means me I’m still a toddler na “ Karen said laughing . The birthday brunch was Mathilda’s ; she was Bibi’s best friend and both their mothers were partners , Karen only agreed to go cause her father wasn’t home and she didn’t want to stay with the staffs .

“ Please as you both head for main party please be on your best behavior. Okay?

“ Yes Mom “ they both answered

“ Good , I will be with the parents “ Jasmine said and left . Karen sat still as the headache she felt became worse and worse ,she was also slowly losing her breath .

“ Can I get water please? “ She asked one of the maids there

“ Okay ma “ The young lady said and left to get it

“ Big sis are you okay ? “ Bibi asked noticing her sister’s discomfort.

“ I’m fine , I just need to use the bathroom and drink water “ She replied and got up to go but then everything suddenly turned black and the last thing she heard was screams .

Barr. and Mrs Ekong waited restlessly for the doctor together with friends who had decided to come

“ What’s taking them so long ? “ Mrs Ekong asked visibly shaking

“ Babe ; she will be fine . Nothing is going to happen to our baby “ Barr. Ryder Ekong said holding his wife and daughter tight “ nothing “. The doctor came out after an hour

“ The parents only “ He said leading the way while they followed.

“ Barrister no need to beat about the bush . “ He cast a glance at them “ Your daughter has lymphoma and it’s in its last stage . It has eaten deep into her other organs “ “ I learnt that she has treated cancer before right? “

“ Yes “ They replied

“ Well she had a relapse, as I’m speaking to you she has just three months to live and that’s all “ he concluded. The couple looked at each then back to the doctor

“ We will overcome this “ Ryder pulled his wife into an embrace as they cried

“ In three months ; I will bury my child and celebrate her 17th birthday the next month without her and I had a lot of plans for her “ Jasmine murmured as Ryder stroke her hair

“ Let me leave you two “ The doctor said and left to attend to other patience

“ Listen to me Jas “ Ryder said raising her head to look at him “ We will overcome this like I said . Let’s just be strong for Bibi “

“ I hope so “

“ Mom said you have just 3moths to live ; If you go who will teach me things, who will I steal clothes from , who will be there when I have my first boyfriend. I will now be a clueless 14yr old “ Bibi said crying

“ First of I’m not dying now , I still have time to teach you everything you want to learn . Secondly , someone finally admitted she’s a child that’s a start “ Karen said weakly as they both laughed while their parents watched on feeling pity for Bibi .

“ Well thank God for that “

“ Bibi ; I think it’s time for you to leave your suster needs to rest so that they can discharge her on time “

“ I know mom but I must stay with her “

“ I will be fine dear sissy . “

“ If you say so “ Bibi said and left with her dad

“ Mom ; I know you’re scared but I promise you that wheater dead or alive I will be here for you , dad , Bibi and Hassan “ Karen said holding her mom’s hand .

“ Mommy will be fine hopefully “ Mrs Jasmine said half praying that this her statement will be true . She wasn’t sure of how she was going to move on knowing she had lost her rainbow baby ; she and Ryder were married for almost 11 years coupled with several miscarriages and still birth before she finally had Karen , and now she won’t be alive to graduate, go to college, graduate, get married and have her family. “ Now I want you to rest , we will soon go home “ she assured rubbing her thumb on the back of her daughter’s hand.

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They got her room very comfortable before she got back ; and standing and looking at the new sheets , decorations , blankets and plushies ; Karen knew that her parents would never recover from her death and deep down she didn’t want to go , she wanted to live forever with the people that loved her .

“ You guys didn’t have to ; seriously “ Karen said with a sad look

“ It’s the best we could do for you sweetheart “ Barr.Ryder said

“ I will be fine okay? ; even if I’m not here I will be good “

“ Well let’s leave you to get some rest “ Mrs Jasmine said getting up from where she sat down “ Joy will get you some snacks just the way you like it “

“No problem mom . I could even stay with you guys downstairs “

“ No , take a hot shower and rest . We will just be in our rooms “ They said and left .

“ Sure ; as if a hot shower will reverse my issue “ She said to herself as she flung herself on the bed .