Together Forever

The Millinium Nursing Home was a bee-hive of activity . Dignitaries from diverse backgrounds intermingled freely , sharing pleasantries and drinks . It was not only an suspicious occasion , but also a historic day in the history of the subjects of Nema as Mary ,their daughter , had demystified the age-old chauvinism not only to become the first ever woman to venture into the hitherto male-exclusive territory of medicine , but had also gone ahead to discover the unique drug .

Today , her company was officially launching the miracle drug after winning the Research Development Award from the Academy of Sciences and a greenlight from the World Health Organization .

At thirty-seven , Mary's person could be described as fantabulously gorgeous , almost angelic . Being neither too short nor too tall , her curvaceous figure could only be contrasted with her brilliant brains . She was aptly described in many circles as ' beauty with brains ' .

Accompanied by her childhood friend and co-inventor , Mike ,she gracefully moved around the hall welcoming and shaking hands with the many dignitaries that had graced the occasion . From the way the two moved , many people could be forgiven for taking them for a couple . However , though either of them harboured fond feelings , she considered Mike as that good , trustworthy friend who would always be there for you whatever the circumstances . They had come a long , long way from nursery School to high school , from college to being workmates . She owed much of her success to his encouragement and honest criticism . She was like that brother she never had . On the other hand , he had always taken her to be an excellent friend who would sacrifice her life for him . His parents had teased him about what an incredible couple they could make from since they were teenagers . Though they kept hoping , they seemed to have been proven wrong as years went by .

" Oh my !" Shouted Karah from a group of six ladies and gentlemen as they reached them . " You look gorgeous in that dress , and even more majestic walking beside Mr . Handsome !" Karah was an old friend of theirs from high school . Now married with two kids , She had never tired of matching them .

" Good gracious ! You are cutier too , and in a fantabulous company of handsomeness itself ," she returned the compliment as they shook hands ." Am really honoured by your presence , guys ."

" You are one hell of a lucky girl ," continued Karah . " Seems like everything you put your fingers into turns magical , except one ," she mischievously eyed Mike . They burst into giggles . " Anyway , meet our collegemates , Juliet and Xaxa , and their ...No ,let them introduce themselves . Of course , am sure you two already know , Fato , my lovely husband ."

" It has been a long time since we met last ," started Juliet . " A lot has changed since then , but am really happy for you . This here is Sike , a very intimate friend of mine . I seem not to have enough of him , so I asked him along ." Mary was inwardly surprised because the last she had heard about her friend was that she had wed one of the sons of a Mafia leader . She would have to ask her later in private .

" Hi , Mary ," saluted Sike . " I have heard a lot about you , and it's my pleasure to have finally met you in flesh ."

" Hi too . Am grateful that Juliet had the foresight to bring you along ," responded Mary .

" The world is such a small village , but too easy for friends to totally disconnect ," Xaxa continued with the introductions . " I wouldn't believe it when I saw your invitation . I had thought you had deleted me from your memory bank altogether . Plus , my long business trips out of the country could't help . Am really delighted to reconnect . Johnny here is my sweet love ," she concluded , fondly patting him .

" Hi , Mary ," enjoined Johnny . " She couldn't stop talking about you since she received that card . She threatened me with hellfire if I coincidentally planned to be away on this particular date . It is of great pleasure to realize that you are that special person one couldn't afford being absent ."

" Am flattered ! Did she say that she and I couldn't get along well in college , or that I hated her when she travelled out of the country for her further studies without informing me ?" Mary enthused .

" That's another side of her I have learnt today . She is such an amiable little thing that I can't imagine her not getting along with anybody ," responded Johnny , feigning shock .

" I concur with you on that . You must be a very keen observer ," agreed Mary . " Now , since all of you seem to know me , albeit theoretically , let me introduce my partner . Mike and I have come a long way since baby class . Not only is he my childhood friend , but he is also my business partner ."

" Are you sure that is all between you two ?" Intervened Karah . " Guys , don't you think there might be something more than meets the eye ?"

" Well ," started Mike before Mary could respond " it's presumptuous to charge a book by its cover . Mary happens to be a very good friend of mine and business partner . However , I couldn't blame you for thinking otherwise because , in my humble opinion , no reasonable man could resist having such a sweet soul for a life partner ," he enthused , staring directly into Mary's eyes .She blushed , conflicting emotions coursing through her body for the first time since she had known Mike . It was the very first time that he had complimented her towards that direction . Realizing that the others were staring at her , she mustered enough energy and said :

" Ladies and gentlemen , you must excuse us for there are a couple of other people to welcome . We would sure catch up later ." She tugged Mike along .

They saw the Cabinet Secretaries for Science and Technology , and Health and Environmental Sanitation chatting in a corner table . They advanced towards them .

" Welcome , gentlemen ," she said . " Am really honoured by your presence ."

" Pleasure is all ours ," responded Bony , cabinet secretary for Science and Technology . " I wouldn't miss this auspicious occasion ."

" The uniqueness of this launch and all that pertains to it couldn't afford my absence ," stated Hose , cabinet secretary for Health and Environmental Sanitation . " Besides , your growing fame is always of interest ."

" Am really humbled by your nice sentiments . Feel at home and in case you need anything ,just ask . We are about to begin soon ."

They continued walking and sharing pleasantries with many other dignitaries who had arrived untill they reached her father , Mr . Jaz . He was having some bitter exchange with a group of three people .

" What are you doing here ?" Jaz was asking the elderly man in the group .

" Take it easy , Jaz ," responded the man ." This is business . Am not so envious of your daughter's accomplishments as to miss this occasion ."

" Since when did the king of the jungle start dinning with the rats ?" Jaz retorted . " Nothing good would ever come from your association . What are you scheming by coming here ?"

" My dear old friend , can't we put away our personal differences to celebrate our children's success ? You wouldn't wish for our family conflicts to be transmitted into the next generation , would you ? Let the young generation decide , for our time is up ."

" Here you are ,Dad !" She decided to interrupt after overhearing their exchange . " And who are these good friends of yours ?"

" Thank heavens !" Interjected the old man . " You have come at the right time to save us from your old man's displeasure . Am Kim , a businessman of no mean repute . This here is Max , my eldest son . He is running our Genetic Engineering and Organ Transplant facility . And this is George , our Chief of Security . Though , we weren't invited , it would be unfair for two neighbouudring families not to celebrate each other's successes . Moreover , am sure my son here would wish to discuss business with you ."

" Everyone is welcome . However , you must excuse us for not being able to send the invitations in time . Perhaps , your card got mixed up somewhere ..."

" No , it didn't ," intervened Jaz . " It was not even printed because I didn't want to ."

" That was selfish of you . Nevertheless , we are here now . My dear , why can't you show Max around while I catch up with your father ?" He asked Mary .

" It would be my pleasure ," responded Mary as they walked off . After a few paces , Mike excused himself .

" Why don't you proceed while I attend to other matters ?" He asked Mary .

" No problem . We will meet in the office in a minute for further preparations ."

" Excuse my preying , you didn't introduce your friend ," commented Max .

" Am terribly sorry , but we barely had time as your father and mine looked as if they were about to cause an explosion of the year . Name is Mike , my good friend and partner ."

" Are you always that ambiguous with your answers ? I mean , 'partner' could mean a lot of things ."

" You must be the first one to say that of me ," she said , laughing slightly . " Would 'business partner' remove the ambiguity ?"

" Better . Seems you two have come a long way to be partners in such a beautiful venture ."

" You can say that again . We have known each other since we were kids growing in the same neighborhood . And fate behaved in such a way that we went through same schools and colleges . Enough of me , other than how your father described you , what else are you ?"

" The old man has it when it comes to heaping praises . Born in a family about three kilometres away from here , I wasn't luck to familiarize myself with this neighborhood because I was sent to boarding schools as soon as I learnt to say 'Papa' , mostly out of the country . Specialized in Genetic Engineering that am trying to put into good use in the facility stated by the old man ."

" You must have a rich background to not only afford boarding school , but also in foreign territory . Some of us weren't that privileged ."

" Well , the end justifies the means . Now , look where you are . You are worthy fortunes ," he said looking directly into her eyes as they paused on the door to her office . " Well , I have a business proposal that you can't resist . Would you mind discussing it further at a more convenient time ?"

" I will consult and give you a call ," she responded as he gave her his card .

" I can swear that it's as irresistible as you . Don't dally your response , please ," he said , kissing her hand . He strolled away , leaving her standing at the door . She was still staring at his retreating back when Mike opened the door and peeked into the corridor . Some jealousy crept into his being on realizing the focus of her stare .

He cleared his throat and said , " your stare implies that you didn't have enough of him , right ?"

" Stop teasing ! You make me feel that you are jealous ," she enthused .

" Sorry , just thought I was minding my business ."

" Have I become your business now !"

" I don't know about that , but am sure you are part of my business . Talking of which , we are ready for the launch ."

She stretched her hand to him and they walked together into the hall.

Mary took the microphone as they reached the podium . On either side , they were flanked by both of their parents , Mr. & Mrs . Jaz and Mr. & Mrs. Morgan .

" Our invited distinguished guests , ladies and gentlemen , it is our humble pleasure to welcome you to this launch of our very unique wonder drug . The significance of your presence here today cannot be overemphasized . Foremost , I would like to thank our parents for denying themselves the luxuries of life and working hard to see that we never missed school due to lack of school fees . As peasants doing menial jobs , my parents , Mr & Mrs. Jaz , worked tirelessly to not only provide food for us , but also towards providing a roof . They never waivered in their efforts to support my education despite our cultural barriers that have condemned many a girl to lives of misery and dependency on their husbands . I personally experienced numerous discourteous behavior while undergoing my medical studies . On the other hand , my partner's parents , Mr & Mrs. Morgan , went through similar struggles to make sure that their son got the best that he deserved . Would you please indulge me with a round of applause for these wonderful parents ? " She did not expect the reverberating response that she experienced .

The parents were then asked to waive to the audience and say a few words . All waived their acknowledgement except Jaz who decided to speak .

" Ladies and gentlemen , am the happiest parent ever on earth ," he said . " I would have loved to say much , but it's not possible to describe my feelings in one sitting . However , I just want to say that there's no situation that is permanent , except change ! Thank you all ." He passed the mike to Mary amidst thunderous laughter from the guests . She invited the guest speaker , Bary , Cabinet Secretary for Science and Technology .

" Ladies and gentlemen , indeed no situation is permanent , to borrow from the most distinguished parent , Mr .Jaz . Social stratification and cultural practices should not be used to curtail development . Am aware that most of us have failed to rise above their social status because of improper mindsets and mythical beliefs . Personally , I grew up in a society where educating a girl beyond the basic levels of learning was highly frowned upon . The medical profession was surrounded in deep-seated myths such that it was unheard of to find female doctors in the exclusively male-dominated field . Most of what we call terminal illnesses have been in existence for as long as I can remember . My question is , why would their maintenance and treatment negatively transcend all the world's qualified males untill we find the antidote in the hands of a female ?

" That am pleased to say that this particular invention has made us proud as the first nation to develop cures for the three lethal diseases in the world , cannot be overemphasized . The proceeds from the sale of the drug , which am sure will be stratospheric , besides improving the living standards of many , will also contribute to the national gross product income . As a nation , we are really indebted to your brilliant innovative minds ."

He paused to invite his colleague , Hose , to say a few words .

" Ladies and gentlemen ," Hose started , " if we had just a hundred scientists like these two , we would be a leading world economy ! However , I must say that we are on the right trajectory to becoming one . They have set the pace , and it behooves us all to support technological innovations for all our children , regardless of gender or social status .

" 'Unique Rojas four-in-one ' has been patented and copyrighted by our government since it was approved by the Academy of Sciences , and subsequently , by the World Health Organization as an undisputed cure against Cancer , Diabetes and the Human immuno-deficiency virus ( HIV ). I will not mince any words to say that it is a wonder drug of its own kind . As a government , we are completely incapable of thanking the two of you enough . Suffice it to say that we are greatly appreciative of your work ."

It was now their turn to officially launch their product , the 'Unique Rojas four-in-one' . It had taken them a whopping five years of hard work and dedication to invent this drug that had a multi-curative ability . There had been many discouraging comments from their contemporaries , among many other obstacles . They worked through the patience of a praying mantis . Only when it passed the excruciating testing by the Academy of Sciences did they rest easy .

" Ladies and gentlemen ," Mary started , " I have the pleasure of presenting to you the ' Unique Rojas four-in-one' curative drug !" She paused to let the deafening applause to subside . " As the name suggests , it is the unique and only cure against four deadly conditions . These are Cancer , Diabetes , Human immuno-deficiency virus and accelerated aging .

" This drug , completely developed from a wonder plant that's indigenous to our beloved country , has zero side effects . Tests carried out show that it has hundred percent efficacy against these ailments within a period of seven days . How does it work ? I will now let my partner explain its pharmocokinetics ."

" Thank you ," Mike said to her . " Ladies and gentlemen , I also take this opportunity to register our gratitude for finding time to be part of this auspicious occasion . Indeed , right attitude and focus have no limitations in relation to what they can achieve . Without belabouring the point , suffice it to say that we have come a long way as the human species .

" 'Unique Rojas four-in-one ' is a versatile drug that works in diverse ways to bring about perfect healing . It first detoxifies the body by purifying the blood . In relation to the various types of cancer , it not only kills the malignant cells , but also replaces them with normal , boosted and rejuvenated cells . This brings total recovery of the affected parts within seven days .

" Diabetes , whether genetic , or secondary , is completely eliminated by the drug's efficacy in not only repairing the pancreas's ability to regulate insulin production , but also by stimulating the synthesizing of the protein necessary for insulin production . Again , complete recovery is assured within seven days .

" It is trite knowledge among the medical circles that the human immuno-deficiency virus has been quite evasive in treatment due to its rapid mutational ability and high resistance to drugs . However , this is now a thing of the past as 'Ultimate Rojas' does not only stop its mutation , but also kills it completely by permanently binding its deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA ) . Consequently , the virus is possibly cleared from the blood within a period of seven days .

" All the above healing measures against the three conditions are brought about by the rapid regeneration and replication of new cells of the body . This precipitates an overall effect of reduced aging and wearing out of body cells , tissues and organs . This sums up into slow , or anti-aging properties . Thank you ."

The solid silence in the hall could almost be cut with a knife . People were so mesmerized that they did not realize that he had finished his elucidation untill Mary took over . It is when they started clapping .

" Currently ," she started , " the main method of administration of the drug is orally . It is both in syrup , for children , and tablet forms . Finally , as a form of appreciation for your presence here today , we have free doses for anyone willing to start on the journey of complete healing from the stipulated maladies . Thank you all !"

Members of the fourth estate had booked an interview with her . So , she invited questions from them .

" Seeing that today is specifically a day for celebrations , I would wish to respond to a few questions that you might have ," she told the battery of journalists who had attended the occasion .

" Hi ! Am Zora from the Ladies Journal . Given that you have come from a humble background , is it true that you were depressed at one time when your parents could not afford your University education ?"

" That's not far from the truth . Who couldn't be overwhelmed by such happenstances ? In life , sometimes everything changes . Things change in a way that we could have never predicted and we find ourselves rocked to the core. But there's nothing more beautiful than rising up everytime you fall . Those are magical moments in life . Always rise to levels that scare you ."

" Magical moments , indeed ! Am June from Celebrity Magazine . We all are aware of the cultural bottlenecks that hinder the girl-child from full realization of their dreams . What would you advise such girls who are struggling to overcome such impediments ?"

" The world is evolving very fast that if we don't take cognizance of the fact that women are equipped with twice as much wherewithal as men , we will always be lagging behind as a society . Had my family heeded such form of counsel , I couldn't be here today , nor would the world have gotten this ingenious invention . As women , we need as much support from our male counterparts as much as they do , and we can do as best as they do , if not better , in improving our lives in tandem with the changing world trends ."

" Margy , from Lifestyle Magazine . What would you consider as your major weakness and strengths ?"

" No one is perfect . Not you , nor me , neither them . Relax . Accept your shortfalls and work on improving on your weaknesses . It doesn't matter the number of mistakes you made in the past or the sort of difficulties you're struggling with right now . Just know you've been destined to win if you're consistently determined to win . You may not be all you want to be , but at least you can look back and say you're not what you used to be ."

As the interview ended , Max , accompanied by his father , sought her out from a group of people wanting to take selfies with her to offer their congratulations .

" Am in total awe of your ingenuity ," started Max . " Are you always this good in everything ? I mean , with the inventions to the excellent skills with the media ?"

" Am flattered by your compliments . However , am sure am a pale shadow of you and your father ."

" Still , that doesn't erase the fact that I envy your eximious skills ," commented Kim . " I will be really honoured to have someone as you in my network , and the other young man , your husband ?"

" No , but we are very good friends . His name is Mike . Why , hasn't he told you ?" She asked , looking at Max .

" Didn't know that I was in your public relations department ," responded Max . " Nevertheless , I didn't have time to because my eyes and mind have been glued into you , sorry , your presentations since then ."

" I prefer getting first-hand information . Besides , I don't know what has gotten into his minds from since you gave him a tour of your facility . Nevertheless , we would be hosting a meeting of experts next week . We will be honoured to have your presence , both of you ." He gave her the invitation card . " If you excuse us , we would wish to take our leave now ."

" So soon ! Sure you don't want to take anything more ?"

" Thank you , but your cuty tidings are enough to fill even our stomachs . See you soon , gorgeous !" Added Max as they turned to go .

Again , something turned inside her , a feeling that she had suppressed for long . " See you soon , gorgeous !" She mimicked him .

Mike had been watching this exchange from nearby . He was irritated by the way in which Max kept looking at Mary . This form of irritation was new to him . At no time in their long journey together had he felt like he wanted to own her . Was he becoming jealous as she had observed a few hours ago ? He felt a strong urge to be close to her , but before he could move , she gently tickled him on the side . He had been so engrossed in his thoughts that he didn't see her struggling her way into him .

" I wish you knew that this kind of tingling might cause a volcanic eruption in my physiology ," he enthused .

" Would it now ?" She asked , tickling him again secretly .

" Mmmhh ... I wonder why it is triggering a peculiar feeling now . Just stop it before I cause a scene . So , what's it with those guys ?"

" You mean Max and his father ? They are inviting us to an experts conference they are hosting next week ."

" I didn't know he is called Max . He seems not to get enough of you ."

" There you go again , Mr Jealousy . Shall we talk about it later ? For now , we have guests to see off ."

" Yes , my love ... I mean , my lady . Excuse my confusion ." She looked him straight in the eyes . For the first time in their long journey together , she realized how handsome his eyes , nose and moustache were .

" You have a lot of explanation to do , my love , I mean , my Lord !" They both burst into laughter as they started to move to see the guests off .

As the launch ended , Mr . and Mrs. Jaz invited Mike's parents to dinner in their home . Most people took them for very close friends , but the two families knew otherwise . Having migrated from the East about fifty years ago when one wealthy family had alienated their property , the two families had stayed close to each other , sharing their fortunes and misfortunes . Only Jaz and Morgan knew that they were brothers, excluding their octogenirian mother who had decided to stay back in the East .

" Go on ,we will catch up with you at home ," Mary told the parents . " We have a few things to clear up in the office before we call it a day ."

" That's fine , but don't you dare keep us waiting ," cajoled her mother .

" We won't, Mum . Would we ?" She inquired of Mike , a broad smile on her face .

" We won't dare !" responded Mike . " Just a little paperwork and we are done ."

The two hurried into the office as the parents walked towards their cars .

* * * * *

" Am curious to know why we couldn't accompany the old couples for the sumptuous dinner ," Mike prompted her as soon as they entered her office .

" Am also curious to know a few things from you in view of what has happened today ," she responded , holding his hands .

" It has been the greatest day of our first invention , but forgive me . Why , we could have reminisced over that on our way home , or at home ?" He wondered , feigning some surprise .

" Don't play dump with me ! Am not into the launch and the drug . You perfectly understand what I mean !"

" And that's ?" He cajoled , leading her to a seat .

" To start with , why were you too inquisitive about Max ?"

" Was I now ? I didn't realize he had colonized your heart ."

" Nonsense ! Who has said anything about colonization of the heart ? Besides , he seemed to be amiably fine ."

" Well , it is none of my business to think otherwise , but you barely know him ."

" And you do ?" She asked , looking him straight in the eyes . She blushed as the feeling that had crept up her nerves earlier resurfaced . Her heart beat faster .

" No , I don't ," he responded after what seemed to be an eternity because he was fighting a strong urge to touch her delicate , sensual lips with his fingers . An awkward silence ensued , each trying to camouflage the true feelings inside .

" However ," he continued , " I have a confession to make ."

" A confession ? What wrong have you committed ?"

" I don't know whether am wrong or right . I will know If you give me time to purge it out of my chest ."

" Okay , go on please ."

" Thank you . For a very long time now , I have been struggling to hide deep inside me my true feelings for you . In fact from the time we were in nursery school . Do you remember that skit we performed in school called ' Together as One '?"

" Yes , I do ! I can recite it verbatim even now !" She started as he joined .

' If you could hold my hand , On the beautiful warm sand , In the tintalizing noon , Or in the romantic moon , I would be a conquerer !

If life was an epic play , Whose heart would I slay , If not the beautiful yours , Into one complete ours , To become together as One ?'

They locked eyes for long at the end of the recital as if each was trying to find an answer to the question in the skit .

" I don't know what made that teacher to pair us two , but one thing I know is that the images of you and I holding hands have remained deep inside the core of my heart since then . I have managed to suppress my emotions all this long because of our studies and careers . I must own up to the fact that the events today took care of the last vestiges of restraints that I have been having ." He moved closer and held both of her hands .

" What is it that you are trying to say in so many words ?" She asked , amusingly . " Plus , I have never known you to be such romantic . What do you expect me to do with such a belated confession ?" She teased .

" What am saying is that my heart has been enslaved by you . I want yours and mine hearts to pulsate as one for the rest of our lives ."

" I could echo similar sentiments and embrace the whole idea , but to do so would be betraying your fiancee . Remember , you didn't have the same feelings when you started dating Melody two years ago ?"

" You are grossly mistaken ! Melody was an imposter and it was you who instigated the mess ."

" Was ? Are you two not seeing each other anymore ?"

" Long story ."

" Try me , am all ears !"

" To cut the long story short , we stopped seeing each other about six months ago . I couldn't put up with her philanderous behavior in addition to not loving her . I think she has moved on ."

" Am sorry to hear so . When I met her in college , I thought she was a decent girl . Accept my apologies for introducing her to you . Nevertheless , the magnitude of what you are proposing needs further consideration and time ."

" I have waited all this long time to tell you , a little more time won't hurt . Take all the time you need , but am afraid there isn't much to consider given the fact that you have always known me ."

" Am sure there's a part of you I haven't always known !" She blushed as he held her head between his palms and tilted it upwards so that their faces were separated by a few inches . Her heart hammering against her chest , her soft lips vasodilated and became dry , yearning for his kiss . It never came .

Mike fought against the urge , thinking it to be inappropriate . He instead caressed her lips with his finger and let her free .

" Well , it's time we got home for that dinner , otherwise my Mum would be upset ," she finally found her voice and they strode out of the office .

* * * * *

Mary's parents retreated for sleep after seeing their visitors off at the end of the sumptuously delicious dinner . Nowadays , they could afford to host any number of guests in their two-storeyed house thanks to their hard-working daughters . Their long marital union had blessed them with three daughters , namely , Mary , Joy and Isabella in that order .

While Mary had delayed marriage due to her career ambition , Joy , her immediate follower , had gotten married immediately after graduating with her Bachelor of Laws degree . She was now blessed with one child and running her practising firm jointly with her husband . At twenty-three , Isabella was doing her Master's degree in Medical Engineering in a foreign University .

" Did you notice anything unique in the way Mary and Mike are relating of late ?" Mr. Jaz asked his wife .

" Well , are we to be bothered even now when they are adults ?" She inquired . " While I noted that they are acting like a courting couple , I wouldn't say that I have any qualms about it ."

" Then perhaps it's time I told you that they can't intermarry ."

" Why on earth can't they ? They have always worked hard together and been close to each other ."

" I don't dispute that . It is to do with consanguinity . It could be incest if they ever thought about it ."

" You are perplexing me . What is the relationship between the Morgans and us ? Are you privy to some secretes that am not aware of ?"

" It is a long story . I will tell you in due course . Let's wait and see how it unfolds between them , and besides , our observations might be erroneous . For now , we could do with a little sleep as it has been a long day ."