I walked to the kitchen and made tea. I
reviewed what happened in my head. I'm very sure that village hag is behind Richard's behaviour. How did he even know where I was? And how did he know about Tony. He must have gone through my phone, I thought. I called Tony to apologise for Richard's behaviour.
"Oh it's okay. I'm not offended. It wasn't your fault" he said. "And please if that man ever lays his hands on you again you can always run to me. I will make sure he pays for it. You should even sue him for domestic violence"
"Oh no it wasn't his fault either. He was just being a jealous husband. I'm so sorry for his actions"
"It's okay. Do take care of yourself"
"Thanks I will" I replied and hung up. I deleted his number and erased his messages. I didn't want Richard to suspect anything. I would explain everything in the morning. I checked the time. It was 11pm. I decided to go to bed. Just then I heard movement behind me. I turned and saw junior coming out of the 2nd guest room. Even after what his mother did to me I still felt a strong affection towards the boy. "Junior what are you doing awake so late?"
"Nothing. I couldn't sleep" he replied.
"Why? Do you usually have trouble sleeping?" I asked concerned.
"No" he replied. "Well come and sit with me" he came and sat down on the armchair. "Would you like anything? Hot chocolate? Tea? Milk?" I asked him. "No thank you" I decided to use this opportunity to know him better. "Junior how old are you?"
"I'll be 16 in the next 2 months"
"Wow you're almost an adult. No wonder you're so tall" I exclaimed. He blushed. "So would you mind telling me about yourself? I want to get to know you. I have a feeling we are going to be best friends. Don't you think?" he nodded. I smiled. Atleast he didn't share his mother's hard feelings. "I was in ss1 before my mother dragged me here. I'm a science student. I grew up in Benin city. Mother said we lived there so she could make money to take care of us before dad becomes rich and comes to marry her" I laughed. He looked at me uncertainly. "Go on"
"I attended community primary school, and started my secondary school in government secondary school"
"That's very good junior. I hope you take your studies seriously. What do you want to study in the university?" he was quiet for a while. "Mother said I don't have to go to the university. She said once I finish secondary school I will be a business man"
"Don't mind her. You should follow your dream. What do you want to be in future?"
"I want to be an Engineer" I was warming up to the boy. He was like Richard in so many ways.
"That's very good. Would you like to school here?" before he could answer, his mother came out of the guest room. "Junior!" she barked. "Go to bed now! And you.." she pointed a finger at me "stay away from my son" she slammed the door. "Try and stop me" I thought in my mind. Junior stood up reluctantly and headed towards his room. "Goodnight ma" he called out. "Goodnight Richie" I replied.
I went upstairs. I brushed my teeth, wore my nightie and hopped into bed. Richard was snoring loudly. I switched off the light. I slept off almost immediately. My sleep was peaceful, no nightmares.
Richard must have woken up early because I didn't see him when I woke up. The time was 8.15. He must have gone to the office already. I showered quickly and dressed up. I didn't stop for breakfast. I drove to the office and headed straight to Richard's office. People were muttering as I passed. His office was opposite mine. I knocked and entered the office. He had a newspaper in front of him and he covered his face with his palms. As I moved closer the image on the front page became clearer. It was an image of Richard punching Tony. The caption read 'millionaire husband caught in jealousy Web with hotshot lawyer'. No wonder people were staring and muttering. "Richard I'm so sorry about last night. Tony is just a friend nothing more. You know I can never cheat on you". I moved to where he was sitting and placed my hands on his shoulders. He Didn't say anything. I started massaging his shoulders. "It's all a misunderstanding. I'm so sorry"
"I'm sorry too". He replied. "I shouldn't have hit him and embarrassed us all in public" I kissed his cheek. "It's okay"
"And am sorry for what happened back home with Blessing. I shouldn't have reacted that way. It's just that junior was watching and I didn't want him to think I'm mistreating his mother" I sighed. "But you know I wouldn't slap her for no reason. She provoked me" I said to him. "I understand. I'll talk to her. I'm glad you're getting along with junior" He replied. "What about his school Richard? If don't want him to be left behind"
"Yeah I was thinking he should continue schooling here. We'll look into some private schools"
"Oh that's wonderful. But does that mean they're gonna be staying with us? I mean.... I don't mind having Richie around... but his mother is something else. That reminds me. There's something I need to tell you... she..." before I could finish there was a knock on the door. I quickly stepped away from him and went to the window. His secretary came in. "Sir it's time for your meeting. The Directors are waiting." she said. "Alright. I'll be right there" he replied her. "Honey I'll see you later. I don't want to keep them waiting" he kissed me and left the office. I sighed and headed to my office. It felt good to be back and I couldn't wait to bury myself in work.
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It was a very busy day. I barely saw Richard for the whole day. I left the office before him because I was tired. I went home around 5pm. When I got home Blessing and Junior were not at home. I wondered where they went. I decided to use the opportunity to investigate what was happening. I already had lunch at the office. I went upstairs and changed into a T-shirt and bum shorts.
I went to the guest room where blessing was staying. It was neat and tidy. Her box stood at one corner and her toiletries were on the dressing mirror. I checked the drawers, they were empty but when I checked the wardrobe I saw some of my clothes. I didn't even notice they were gone. There were 3 dresses, tank tops and 2 leggings. I wondered why she would take my clothes. I kept snooping around but I found nothing suspicious. The only thing out of place were my clothes. I left the room and went to the kitchen. Bola was cleaning. She greeted me when she saw me. I answered her and picked a drink from the fridge. I sat down on a stool. "Bola where is Blessing?"
"She went out"
"Since when?" I asked curious.
"Since in the afternoon.". She answered.
"What about junior?"
"He's sleeping" I nodded.
"Bola. What did Blessing give you to put in my food yesterday?" She was quiet for a while. "She didn't give me anything"
"Don't lie to me. I overheard the two of you"
"I swear madam she was pretending. She didn't give me anything. She is just playing with your head" I shook my head. So she was playing games with me. Well, I still can't be completely sure Richard and I aren't being poisoned. I'll have to be very careful, I thought to myself. I went to the living room and sat down to watch TV. I decided to call Delilah. We chatted a bit and I told her what happened the previous day.
She advised me not to make any rash decisions. She also told me to be patient. I listened to her and thanked her. Junior came out of his room and joined me. We had little talk about the show that was on TV.
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Richard came back a while later. Blessing still wasn't back. I suggested that we should all go out for dinner and a movie. We went out around 7pm. Junior was excited. Just outside the gate, we saw blessing and a stranger making out, leaning against the man's car. I was disappointed at her behaviour. I turned to see Junior's reaction. His expression was blank. Maybe he was used to seeing it. Richard frowned and parked the car. "Richard why are we stopping?"I asked. "I will not tolerate this immoral behaviour. Not in the presence of my son"
"Richard what she does is non of your business. She is an adult and she is aware of all her actions. She's not your responsibility. Let her be." he sighed and started the engine. I noticed she was wearing my clothes. I shook my head as we left the scene. We had a fun evening. I bought Richard some clothes, video games and a smartphone. He was so happy. The movie was nice and we had a fun dinner. I felt like he was really my son. I hadn't been as happy as that in days. Richard and I made a decision on our way back. Richie was still thanking me when we went home. Blessing was in the living room. Richie was so excited. "Mum guess what! I have a phone now! Look!" Richard and I looked at each other and smiled.
"Oh that's good. Did you say thank you to your father?" she smiled and looked at Richard.
"Alison bought everything for me" he said beaming.
"Oh... I see.. thank you Alison" she said without looking at me. I was surprised she actually thanked me. Maybe she has had a change of mind, I thought. Richie went to his room to drop the things I bought for him.
We sat down. "Blessing we need to talk" Richard said. "I'm listening" she replied. "I think it's time for you to leave. I have secured a flat for you in Lagos. I have also set up a business for you. Junior will no longer be your responsibility. He will stay with me. However, you can come and see him once in a while. I have also made arrangements for you to go back to school if you wish to do so. I have opened an account for you and I will keep depositing money for your upkeep. I can't fulfil my promise to marry you because I'm perfectly happy with Alison as my wife. You will no longer bear the burden of raising my son. You will leave for Lagos tomorrow morning. Your flight is by 8am. I'm sorry for any inconveniences I might have caused in your life. I would also like you to make amends with my wife. She means you no harm." when he finished she didn't say anything. She just kept staring at the TV. I looked at Richard. He was looking at Blessing. "Do you understand what I've just said?" he asked her. She looked at him and laughed. "If I am to leave here, I'm leaving with Junior. I raised him for 16 years. I am not leaving without him. Especially not with this oyinbo witch"
Richard was provoked. "How dare you! You claimed junior was a burden to you and now I'm relieving you of his responsibility, you're telling me nonsense. He is my son. I have every right to prevent you from ever seeing him again. Respect yourself and take my offer". I sat there looking at them. I didn't want to interfere but I had to. "Blessing it's for your benefit. Both you and Junior. I promise you I'll take care of him and treat him like my own son. Please just accept this offer. We don't want to take the issue to court but if you don't we might be forced to. Please make it easier for us. I beg you." when I finished she looked at me. "Oh I see.. it has been your plan from the beginning. To separate me from my son just like you snatched his father from me. Your plan will not work you evil woman. I am not leaving without my son" she hissed and left the sitting room. Richard and I looked at each other in surprise. This wasn't the reaction we were expecting. We thought she would jump at the offer. But that wasn't the case.
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We went to bed early anticipating what would happen in the morning. I was sure Blessing would take the offer. She'd be foolish not to because taking the issue to court will cost her a lot and she doesn't have the money to pay. Before we slept I assured Richard that by morning Blessing would be out of our lives for good. I suggested we should start looking for a good school for Richie the next day so he can resume next week Monday. I had a particular school in mind.
The next morning I woke up to the revving of an engine. I thought it was Richard leaving for work, but then I saw him sleeping soundly next to me. I checked the time. It was 6.30AM. Strange. I peeped through the window. I saw an unfamiliar wagon pulling out of the driveway. The car drove away before I could make out the figures in the car. She must have had a change of mind, I thought. Well, good for her and good riddance. I wondered who she called to take her to the airport. I took my robe and went downstairs to confirm that she has left. I met Bola cleaning the dining table.
"Good morning madam" she greeted me.
"Morning. did you see Blessing leaving this morning?" I asked.
"Yes ma. She left just now. She said she left a message for you on the bookshelf" she replied.
That's strange, I thought to myself. Why would she leave me a message? I hurried to find out. I saw a little paper folded into two. I sighed and opened it. It read:
"Don't think this is over, it's not. You will not take away my son from me. I will do anything it takes to get back with Emeka and be with my son. You'll see -Blessing".
Beneath the note was the plane ticket. I was surprised. She thinks she can scare me with her empty threats, she's in for a big surprise. I thought. I crumpled the note and threw it in the wastebasket. I decided I wouldn't even tell Richard about the note.
I gave Bola instructions to prepare breakfast and I headed upstairs to wake Richard. We showered together and while we were dressing up I brought up Richie's school issue. "Honey I was thinking.. why don't we enroll Richie in Brains academy? It's a nice school and the students look smart. And it's been rated the best school in abuja, the most expensive too...and I believe money speaks for quality. What do you think?" I asked while I was knotting his tie.
"Sounds good. I'll leave it all to you. You're his mother now. I hope Blessing has left though?"
"Yeah... I Saw her leave" I replied uneasily.
"Good. But you look disturbed. What's up?" he asked.
"Oh it's nothing... it's just that she left the plane ticket. I find it strange. Maybe you should confirm if she got to the house you arranged for her" I said to him.
"Okay don't you worry, I'll do that" he replied.
"I'll go to the school with Richie. You go ahead without me. We'll meet you at the office for lunch. I want to get done with the payments and registration so he can start early. I don't want him to be left behind"
"Why don't you let your Personal assistant handle that? I don't want you to be stressed" he said to me as he was buttoning my shirt. I kissed him.
"No darling. I can handle it. I want to do everything myself. Besides, it'll be fun. I'll get to spend time with him" I replied. He shrugged.
"If you insist" I smiled and he hugged me.
I went downstairs to wake Richie. I knocked on his door. When there was no response I let myself in. "Good morning sunshine. I have good news for you" I said full of smiles. Richie (junior) stretched and yawned before he opened his eyes slowly.
"Morning. What's it?" he asked.
"You're gonna be staying with us! Isn't that cool? You're starting school soon" I said to him. I was very excited but he kept a blank expression.
"What about my mum is she staying too?" he asked sadly.
"I'm afraid she can't be staying with us anymore. She has left for Lagos but she'll visit often and I promise to take care of you" I smiled and kissed his forehead.
"She left already? She didn't even say goodbye" he looked sad.
"Don't worry. We'll have so much fun together. Go freshen up and come have breakfast. We have a lot to do today. You can give your mum a call later" I assured him.
I left the room and joined Richard at the table. Richie joined us soon. We tried to involve him in our conversation but he was keeping quiet.
Richard left a while later and we went out too.
To be continued 14th 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
What a turn... What plan is Blessing coming up with? Let's hear your thoughts and comments as you anticipate subsequent episodes.
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