Chapter Four
“How do you feel about meeting her after all these years?” “I guess I am a little nervous. That is expected.” “You will be fine, son. You and Stephanie are betrothed. We must not forget the plan. Our families have been working hard over the years for this moment.” Jordan knew full well what his mother was speaking of. All those years ago, the distance away could not take away the love he had for Stephanie. It killed him inside to know that he had to leave her. He prayed that she would not be angry with him for leaving her. He worked hard to be the chief surgeon of neurology. He always believed in helping others. Proving himself to her is all he thought about. He was a good man inside out.
“Take it from your father, son. You have to forgive yourself. It was your mother and I, who made the decision to relocate due to the expansion of our company. I am sure she will understand why we left. Just focus on your role in this important mission.” He knew his parents were right. The only thing left to do was move forward and take things as they come. Suddenly, Jordan felt the vibration of his phone in his pants pocket. “Excuse me.” “Dr. Ojo speaking.” “Yes, doctor, we have a patient who came in complaining of pain throughout his body. He is a patient of yours. He says, his pains have been off and on for about two months.” “Okay, I am on my way.” “I will let the ER physician know.”
On the way to the hospital, Jordan took out a photo of Stephanie. She was getting the award for lead prosecutor; the Biloxi City Times had the article. Everyone knew her as Stephanie because her real name was hidden to protect her. She did not know her real name. But soon she would know who she really is. Jordan kissed the photo. “We will meet soon, my darling Stephanie or should I say Adaeze.”
“Dear, I am really worried about Jordan. He is carrying a lot of burden. He’s afraid that Stephanie will not want anything to do with him now.” “Well, wife, he does not know that, we spoke to Sara before she passed. The young lady asked about him several times over the years.” “Our son is worrying about nothing. He should be focused on being the best husband, and giving us grandchildren.” “You’re so silly.” “It’s the truth.”
“You know young folks worry about the wrong things.” “Honey, I cannot wait until she finds out who she really is.” “Yes, keeping this a secret was necessary for the Edo’s in order to protect her.” Changing her first name, teaching her manners, defensive training, guiding her into law, all was part of the plan. The Okoro’s sons could travel to parts of Africa even where their parents were from. Stephanie’s great-aunt changed her first and last name once she got to the States. Stephanie was the most valuable asset to the family, but she had no clue. She was not allowed to travel to Africa. Now, the current situation required her to travel in the near future. Uke had no way of finding out who she was. Not until the time came.
The Ojo’s worried about the huge responsibility. Would Stephanie be up to it? Would she fight for what was hers? How would she go about taking back what her grandparents and father lost all those years ago? Time would surely tell.
“Good morning, Ms. Edo, this is the funeral Director Howard Dunn. We just received your grandmother’s body. Could you please come in today?” Rubbing her eyes, Stephanie spoke, “Sure, Mr. Dunn. Give me an hour.” “Okay, I will see you then, Ms. Edo.” Man, she was having the best sleep ever. Mr. Funeral Director, how could you? Anyway, it had only been one day. Stephanie willed herself up and headed toward the shower.
Seated in the funeral home family area, her nerves were a mess. Looking around the area, she saw gold trimmed frames with beautiful flower paintings in them, shiny cherry wood tables, and the sofas matched the coloring in the paintings. Finalizing the arrangements was hard. This meant she was closer to laying her grandmother to rest. It was like, if she could keep her here, she would never leave her. Stephanie knew it was insane to think that way. It was truly hard to lose a person you loved. A person you spent years with and a person who molded you into who you are today.
Snapping her from her thoughts was Mr. Dunn’s voice. “Hello again, Ms. Edo.” “Hi.” “While we are making the final arrangement, the stylist and make-up artist will be working on your grandmother. You should be able to see the results before you leave.” Stephanie frowned, really confused about Mr. Dunn’s choice of words. Working and results. He does realize we are talking about a deceased person, right. Clapping his hands, he said, “come with me, please.”
On following Mr. Dunn, she noticed that the hallway was narrow and dark compared to the open spaces of the funeral home. Where in the world are you taking me? It seems that Mr. Dunn’s office was secluded. She wondered why. He opened a door that was teal in color and waved for her to enter. Stephanie walked in slowly taking in the whole office. It was very nice. She could not help but realize that everything was in white and teal. His desk was a circle around desk, which puzzled her. Typically, you would see this kind of desk at a corporation or business where the receptionist is seated behind it. Teal vases were positioned at each end of the desk, and in the middle was a name plate entitled, Howard Dunn, Funeral Director. The walls displayed paintings of white and teal flowers. It went good with the rest of the office.
Stephanie noticed the plaques behind the director’s desk. These plaques were honors for being the #1 funeral home in the city. She thought it was not like people had a long list of choices. It was only one other funeral home in the city. Mr. Dunn led her to a small section of the desk that had papers and a folder on it. “Have a seat, Ms. Edo. We have several packages ranging from twelve thousand to one hundred thousand dollars.” Did he just say one hundred thousand dollars? Maybe she did not hear right.
“You will need the one hundred thousand dollars package, Ms. Edo.” Stephanie’s blood started to boil. She was beyond furious. “Mr. Dunn, why do you feel I would need the one hundred thousand dollars package?” “Well, your grandmother was a famous and very influential person. A lot of people loved and admired what she has done.” “Mr. Dunn, I appreciate your kind words about my grandmother. But you have to realize this is a funeral not a wedding. My grandmother’s funeral will be private. It will consist of family, friends, a few co-workers of mine and my grandmother. I REPEAT, IT WILL NOT BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.” She raised her voice so that there would be a clear understanding of her demands.
“Oh! Is that right?” “It sure is. I will take the twenty-five thousand dollars package.” She could not believe Mr. Funeral Director was trying to run a game on her. If it was opened to the public, it still would not cost one hundred thousand dollars. Surely, he knew that she was an attorney. “Okay, I will need your signature right here on this document and a check.” Stephanie wrote out the amount and signed the check for twenty-five thousand dollars and handed it over to Mr. Dunn. He looked at the check with wide eyes. “Mr. Dunn, is there something wrong?” Clearing his throat he stated, “I did not realize that you are an attorney.” She offered him a smile. Well, now you know.
Suddenly, Stephanie began to feel uneasy. That feeling of coldness and a breeze came over her again. She folded her arms. “I am sorry the temperature is always cold in here.” She knew dang well what she was feeling had nothing to do with what Mr. Dunn was speaking of. It was her grandmother; she was around. Changing the mood, she spoke. “I would like for there to be white and red roses. I would like to pick out a red casket trimmed in gold if you have it.” “Also, I have the write up for the obituary and several photos.”
“Okay, let’s go to our area for caskets.” The casket area was four doors down from Mr. Dunn’s office. “We have six red caskets available over, here.” Stephanie looked around observing each one. The last one had gold trim and a single rose in the center where the latched was. “Mr. Dunn, I will take this one.” “Are you sure? I can get another one, but it will cost extra.” She realized that this man was really trying her. “Yes, I want this one. Mr. Dunn, I think you’re trying to con me.” He stared down at Stephanie. She could see the worry in them. “No, ma’am, I am not.” Changing the subject, Mr. Dunn asked, “How many cars will you need?” “I will need two.” “Okay, I have everything I need. I will call you tomorrow.” “Thank you so much, Mr....