I had trouble sleeping that night. I kept having nightmares, and in each of them someone was trying to kill me. Someone close to me but I couldn't see the person's face. The form also kept shifting so I couldn't tell if it was a woman or a man. When I couldn't sleep anymore, I checked the time. It was 6.30AM. I headed to the bathroom and took a hot bath. After that I went to the wardrobe and picked something comfortable to wear. I decided it was time to listen to whatever Richard has to say.
I went to the kitchen and met Delilah's housekeeper cleaning. She greeted me. "Morning. Is your madam up yet?" I asked her. "No ma, she normally wakes up around 8 during the weekend"
"Okay. I want to prepare breakfast. Show me where I can find the ingredients and foodstuff"
"Okay ma". She showed me everything I needed and I prepared pancakes. I was almost done when Delilah came into the kitchen. "Hmmm I was wondering where the sweet flavoured scent was coming from... good morning"
I smiled "good morning. Hope you slept well?"
"Like a baby. You woke up early" she replied.
"Yeah... had trouble sleeping"
"Awwwn... poor you" I smiled. She had no idea.
The housekeeper took her leave shortly after that, we sat down to eat breakfast. Richard joined us later. "Good morning" he greeted. We replied. Nobody said anything while at the table. We finished eating and Delilah said she was going out, she had something to do. I sat down in the living room watching TV. Richard came and sat down beside me. He held my hand. "Alison, I want to explain everything to you. Please don't say anything till I finish. I'm eager to get this off my chest". I sighed and nodded. And he started. "15 years ago I lived with my parents in a village,i used to be called Emeka. My father was a chief and I was his first and only son. My father provided everything I wanted and my mother pampered me so much. I was sent to the best school in the area. Though I was very intelligent, I never paid attention to my studies but the teachers passed me anyway because of the influence of my father. I was always fond of hanging out with bad gangs.
At 15 I was already a smoker and alcohol was my best friend. The day my father found out he thrashed me and warned me to be responsible but I didn't heed his warning. I Continued all my habits in secret. I stole money from my parents to keep up the habits. The friends I had were older than me so they kept encouraging me. I felt like my dad didn't want me to have fun. When I was 17 my parents died in an accident on their way to sapele. Their death didn't really affect me. I didn't care because I thought their death would give me the freedom I wanted. Soon enough, I felt the effect when my uncle and his family moved to my parents house. I was now in his care. Now my uncle was a fearsome man in the village. He was strict and he tolerated no nonsense. Perhaps old age has changed him because when he came the last time he didn't look as fierce as he was before. Anyway he tried to correct my ill behaviour by giving me the worst punishments. Sometimes I was starved. I demanded to be given my late father's money but my uncle refused. Saying I was irresponsible. I was transferred to a public school in ss2. That was where I met Blessing. She was 16 then. We started seeing each other. My friends were encouraging me to have sex with her but it never appealed to me. I felt I could not bear the consequences but they assured me that they do it all the time and nothing has happened. I talked to Blessing about it and she said she was curious to know what it felt like because her friends are always talking about it. After giving it much thought I decided I couldn't do it. When my friends heard that, they laughed and jeered at me, calling me cowardly names. I was so angry I got high that evening and went to blessing's home. Her mother was still at the market and her father was still at the farm. I gave her younger sister and brother money and asked them to go and get something for themselves."he paused and looked at me. I kept my expression blank meanwhile I had a million questions in my head. When I didn't say anything he continued. " Blessing was confused when she saw me. I didn't say anything to her. I just led her to her room and started undressing. When I finished I undressed her too. We were done within a few minutes. I was so high I didn't even realise what I was doing. I didn't care if I'd hurt her or not. I left her lying there,I dressed up and left the house. I went to the stream and lay down under a tree. I didn't know when I slept off. When I woke up it was dark and my head felt heavy. Then I remembered that I had sex with blessing, No, I almost raped her. I felt so guilty. She didn't deserve it. Why didn't I go for one of the village whores I thought. But it was too late. I went home and met my uncle with a belt at the door. I knew it was past my curfew. He thrashed me and I didn't object because I felt so guilty of what I did to blessing. I didn't sleep well that night. I was eager to go to school the next day to apologise to Blessing but she didn't come to school. I was scared to go to her house. 3 days passed and she didn't come to school. I asked her friends and they said she was sick. I was so worried. On the 4th day I went home from school and I saw a small crowd gathered in our compound. I saw blessing's Father's bicycle leaning on the wall and I heard my uncle's voice and her Father's voice. Let him come I'll deal with him. If he is responsible he will pay for it. her father was saying. I stopped in my tracks. Right then I knew blessing was pregnant. I knew my uncle would kill me if I entered that house so I ran. I hid in the bushes for 3 days and depended on food I stole from the market place. My uncle was still looking for me. I wrote a letter to Blessing apologising for what happened and promising that I'll make things right. I went home when I was sure nobody would see me and packed my things. I flagged a market wagon and left the village for good." he paused again and looked at me. There were tears in my eyes. I had pity for him, sympathy. I was ready to forgive him. I opened my mouth to say something but he shook his head. "That's not all. Let me finish. The wagon left for Lagos. I had no money when we arrived. I sold a few things. And bought something to sell again. That was how I started a mini trade. I slept under the bridge and made some friends. Gradually I started saving money. I started apprenticeship with a mechanic, that was why I was able to fix your car the first day we met. I wrote a letter to blessing once. I didn't tell her where I was but I told her how I was doing. I promised her that I would make money for us and the baby and I would come back and marry her once I am established. I raised money and went back to school. I studied business administration in the university of Lagos. I wrote to blessing occasionally. I didn't even know if she got my letters or not. After I graduated I couldn't find a job. I decided to move to abuja. Few months later I met you and I forgot all about blessing until my uncle showed up. That night he reminded me of the promise I made to blessing." he closed his eyes as if in deep thought and sighed. I was speechless. I wanted to say something but I couldn't form the words. I wiped my tears and smiled. This is too much for me to take in, I thought. I need to sit down and think about what I just heard and I need to ask questions.
******************************************
Also read Funny but true questions
"Richard why are you telling me all this now? You should have told me this even before we got married. I thought I knew you. Now I don't even know if you're the man I fell in love with" I said to him.
"I swear I was gonna tell you but things just started happening before I got the chance to. And I was scared that you wouldn't marry me if you knew." I shook my head.
"Richard you know I love you and I wouldn't give you up for anything in this world. I just want you to be completely honest with me. So I guess now that's blessing in our house with your son?" I asked.
"Yes. I thought she'd leave before you come back that's why I didn't tell you." he replied.
"What's she still doing there then?"
he looked nervous. "Well... you know I promised I was gonna marry her..." he looked at me. I smiled. I didn't want him to know my mind was racing. I was hoping he won't say he'll keep his promise because I won't bear it.
"So??" I asked.
"I'm confused. I don't know what to do. I should have resolved this years ago. I still owe her something. She dropped out of school because of me and she took the burden of taking care of our child. She hasn't been with any other man since. She has been waiting for me all this while"
I smiled sadly. "Oh I see... your child huh? Alright then. Do what you want. If you choose to leave me for her, I'm totally fine with it. And if you choose to stay, cool with me"
"Ally don't say that. You know I love you and I can't leave you. I just need time to decide what to do with her."
"Well before you decide I suggest you tell her to pack her things and leave my house because I'm not going back to that house while she is still there"
"She is just a victim. I'm the one you should be mad at. I want the 3 of us to sit and discuss. I don't want you to hold any grudge against her, neither should you be jealous of her because what I had for her was just a childish crush. It's you I love and I'm going to spend the rest of my life with you" I frowned and nodded. "Fine"
"I'm so sorry for the pain I've caused you. Please forgive me. We'll sort everything out. Please just come home with me. I beg you".
I faced the other side and Thought for a while. If I don't go back she might stay longer. Maybe I should go back and we'll all discuss and find a common ground. "Okay Richard. I'll go home with you"
He smiled and kissed me. "Thanks baby. I love you"
I smiled. "I love you too". I replied.
He carried me and sat me on his thigh. "So tell me where did you go to? You know ever since you left I've been to hell and back. I can't imagine my life without my queen" I blushed. "I spent the night at my mum's apartment" I lied.
I didn't want him to know anything about my clubbing or Tony. Some things are better left unsaid.
Delilah came back just then. When she came in she smiled. "I knew you two would find a way to fix things. I hope I didn't come in at the wrong time? "She asked.
"Oh no not at all" I replied.
"we will be leaving soon. Honey you should go get ready" Richard said to me.
"Atleast stay for lunch" Delilah said.
"No thanks dear. You've done enough. Thanks for your hospitality" I replied her.
We left shortly after. I left my car there for the driver to pick up later. We picked up a few groceries on our way home. Tony called me twice. I didn't pick. He texted me. "Hey beautiful one. Please pick my call" I didn't reply. My mind was on what I'd meet at home.
Also read The heartbroken Lady
We met junior playing football at the front yard. He didn't even acknowledge our presence. Loud music was coming from the living room. Richard entered and I followed behind him. Blessing was dancing and the music was too loud she didn't hear us coming. "Blessing!" Richard called her. She didn't hear. He found the remote and reduced the volume. She turned and smiled at him.
"Oh you're back? Welcome. What should I get for you?" she barely looked at me.
"Yes I'm back thank you. I don't need anything." I made to leave and go upstairs but he held me.
"This is my wife Alison. Alison, this is Blessing." I smiled trying to be nice. "Nice to meet you Blessing" I said to her.
she looked me over and hissed. I looked at Richard. "What is the meaning of this? Treat her the way you would treat me and respect her too!" Richard said to her angrily.
she merely sat down and faced away from us. "Hmmm"she sighed.
"Blessing am I not talking to you?" Richard shouted.
"Why are you shouting at me. I'm not deaf. I've heard you ah ahn. Or do you want me to bow down and start worshipping her?" she hissed.
I could sense his temper rising.
"It's okay honey. I've to drop these things upstairs" I left him standing there battling with his rage.
I went upstairs and saw that my wardrobe was scattered. I dropped the things and went downstairs. Richard was talking to his son at the dining table. When I came they both looked up.
"Junior this is your stepmum alison. I want you to treat her with respect okay? She's like a mother to you " Richard said to him. I was expecting a dramatic response like from his mother but he smiled and said
"good afternoon mummy" he was so charming.
I felt love for him instantly. I felt like he was my own son. I moved closer and hugged him. He blushed. I smiled. "I hope you're doing fine? Please let me know if you ever need anything" he nodded and left me alone with Richard.
"See? He's a nice kid. His mother just influences him sometimes" I sighed "yeah I guess. By the way Richard were you looking for something among my stuff? My wardrobe is messed up" I asked.
"No honey. What could I possibly be looking for in your wardrobe?" he replied. I smiled. I knew it was blessing's doing. Well, I'll show her. "It's okay honey. I must have forgotten that I disorganised it before I left for dubai. I'll have the maid arrange it".
He stood up and hugged me. "I'm so glad you're back. I've missed you"
We kissed. It was so passionate. My insides were already tingling. I wanted to have him right there and then. Just then I heard a cough. We quickly broke apart. It was blessing. She muttered something like "shameless" and passed. Richard ignored her and carried me in his arms. We went upstairs to our bedroom. He continued kissing me. I submitted to him completely.
************** *************** ***********
**
Exclusive to www.fundanfo.com
Few minutes later I was completely exhausted. We took a hot bath together. It was just like old times when we didn't have any worries. Richard said he was going out. I wanted to go out too because I couldn't stand staying in the same place with that woman. I had nothing against her but she seemed to dislike me. I decided to keep myself busy in the room. I picked up Richard's laptop and decided to snoop around. I discovered that he had changed the password. I decided to sleep.
I woke up in the evening around 5pm. I was hungry. I went downstairs to find something to eat. Nobody was in the living room. I moved quietly to the dining area. It was empty. I heard Junior's voice coming from the garden. I moved to the kitchen. Just when I was about to open the door I heard hushed conversation. I stopped at the door to listen. "So what does your madam like to eat?" it was Blessing. I wondered who she was talking to. It must be Bola the maid because our cook has been away for a while now. "Me sef I no know" Bola replied her in her normal voice. "Keep down your voice nau" Blessing hissed. "See ba, I want you to do something for me. You see this thing in my hand. Do you know what it is?" she whispered. "I no know what it is" Bola replied. I heard blessing laugh. "Good. It is a love medicine. I'm sure you love your oga and madam?" pause "Ehen put this in your madam's food and oga will love her very much just like you have been putting in oga's food" she laughed. I barged in. "What was that all about?" Bola looked nervous, Blessing had a blank expression. "Bola what is going on here?"
"I ehn.... she...." she began to stutter. I turned to blessing. "I demand an explanation right now" she eyed me from head to foot and hissed "Bola go and bring water for me please. I don't have time to argue with fruitless prostitute" I felt so angry. I wanted to bash her head against the wall. "What did you just say?" I asked flaring up. "Ashawo prostitute husband snatcher! Should I keep mentioning your names?" she addressed me without even looking at me. I was infuriated. I didn't even know when I slapped her. I had never slapped anybody in my whole life yet here I was. Placing my hands on this filthy village hag. She held her cheek. Just then Richard came into the kitchen with junior close behind him. "What is going on here?" he asked. Before I could answer him, Blessing burst into tears. "God will not allow this. How will you raise your hand and hit me for no reason. Just because I'm a poor village girl. Chaii yehh!! Emeka is this what you want to live with? Tufia!" she was wailing and sobbing. I was speechless. This woman is a devil. "Richard looked at me with disgust. Alison I'm so disappointed in you. And I thought you actually meant to be kind to her. Why would you mistreat her this way?"
"Richard I swear she caused it. You should have heard her calling me names" I looked at him pleadingly.
"Well actions speak louder that words they say. Because I can see the mark of your action but I can't see the mark of the words can I?" he walked past me and went to blessing. "Let me see" he lifted her face. I was so mad. How could she. I couldn't watch. I picked up my car keys and left the house. I decided to eat out.
I drove to the nearest eatery and ordered fries and burger and diet coke. Junk food was the only thing I needed. I sat down at a lone table and ate slowly. I thought about what had just happened. What if Blessing had really been poisoning Richard's food? I have to do something about it. I have to interrogate Bola but it seems she is scared of Blessing. Only God knows what has been going on while I've been away. This jezebel has to leave my house. I finished my burger. Just then someone sat at my table. "I hope you don't mind?" I looked up. It was Tony. What a coincidence. I thought. "No not at all. I was just about to leave." I picked up my purse. "Not so fast miss" he smiled. "Mrs please, not miss. I'm married"
"Oh well, nevermind that. You owe me a meal remember?" I sighed. "Fine then. Place your order and I'll pay" he laughed. "It's not as easy as that. I want to spend time with you. Get to know you"
"Listen It's getting late I really gotta go"
"I promise I won't take much of your time." he assured me. I sighed. "Okay. So who are you really?"
he laughed. He had perfect teeth, full lips and a strong jaw and I felt like touching his jaw. I quickly looked away. I didn't realise I was staring. "See what you like?" he teased. I swallowed. This is wrong. So wrong. I thought to myself.
"I'm Tony Robinson. A lawyer. 33. Single. I love chatting up beautiful ladies like you.so tell me about you" I smiled. "I'm alison, 24, C.E.O hudson inc. Married. That's it" I smiled. "Wow. Pretty, smart. And rich too. Your husband must be so proud" you have no idea. I thought. I decided to change the topic. "Well won't you order anything? I'm eager to pay my debt" he smiled. "I don't need the meal actually, or the money. I just wanted to see you again" I blushed. "I like it when you blush. Your cheeks get all rosy. You're so beautiful" I smiled. "Thanks for the compliment. You're not so bad yourself." I replied. he laughed. I checked the time. It was already 9pm. "I really gotta go. It was nice seeing you"
"I'd love to see you again. Here's my card. Do stop by at my office anytime"
"Oh that won't be necessary" I replied.
"It's strictly business. Legal advice, anything you need. Don't hesitate to call me" I reluctantly stretched my hand to collect the card. He held my hand and kissed it. Just then I saw Richard approaching. I quickly withdrew my hand. Richard's face was tightened with rage. As he came closer I could see his hands shaking with anger. Before I could warn Tony, Richard's fist met him square in the face. Tony was startled. His nose was bleeding. People were already staring at us. "What the hell man?! Who the hell are you?!" Tony shouted at Richard. "How dare you? Do you know who I am?!"
Richard laughed. "Damn right I know. You're my wife's boyfriend aren't you?" he turned to me "and you.. you think you can make a fool out of me huh? You lying hypocrite!" he made to hit me but Tony stepped in front of me. I realised Richard was drunk. I was shaking like a leaf and sobbing. Richard had never raised his hand on me before. He was making a scene. "Richard you've got it all wrong. He's just a friend why don't we go home"
"So this filthy scumbag is your husband? Such a loser. You don't know what precious gem you have as a wife and you don't even respect her. What a shame" Richard made to hit him again but he missed and the force made him hit the table. He fell. "I promise you will regret your actions. You will pay for the false accusation." Tony waved me goodbye and left. I was so embarrassed. I made to help Richard to his feet but he shouted at me. "Get your filthy cheating hands off me" I was taken aback. Why would Richard accuse me of such a thing. He wasn't himself, I was sure of it. A thought came to my mind. What if this was one of the effects of Blessing's potion? I will soon find out. He finally allowed me to support him and we walked out of the eatery. People were watching us and whispering. I led him to my car and called the driver to come and pick up his car. I drove us home. He had already fallen asleep by the time we got home. Nobody seemed to be about. I carefully led him upstairs and laid him on the bed.
To be continued 12th Jan 2018......
Also Read
Fading Star -Episode 1
Fading Star - Episode 2
Fading Star - Episode 3
Fading Star - Episode 4
By: Marsy
Aadammaryam95@gmail.com
Do I really believe Richard's story? Why is everything just happening so fast? Let's hear your comments as you anticipate subsequent episodes.
No comments:
Post a Comment