12-21-2018, 07:16 PM
(11-19-2018, 04:55 PM)Edoman Wrote: Episode 31
Jude’s side of the story continues from the last scene of the previous episode
—————————–
‘’how about we make love?’’ Pamela suddenly demanded, pulled up her night wear and climbed over me seductively. I swallowed hard as I stared at her tempting body. I never suspected she was unclad underneath, until she pulled up her night wear that very moment.
‘’I’m not in the mood. I want to sleep’’ I lied, trying hard to look responsible while deep down my body was already responding to the sight of her seductive body.
‘’I’m already pregnant. So there is nothing to lose. Relax’’ she pushed, slowly went for my d—k, drew down my shorts and suc.ked it with great energy. Her mouth and tongue were just made for the stuff J .
We ended up making love once again. I had no one but myself to blame for having s-x with Pamela that fateful night. I just couldn’t hold myself from doing it with her not minding the problems ahead. Perhaps I easily got in the mood because the last time I had s-x was weeks ago and it was already telling on me.
Yes I enjoyed every bit of it as it lasted but immediately after the deed my conscience flogged me. I began feeling regret and nauseous.
————————–
The next morning, I woke up to see Pamela smiling with her eyes on me. I yawned and sat up, returning her gaze.
‘’you know my greatest prayer is for us to have a happy family. I can’t imagine how it would feel, waking up every morning in your arms. I never believed in love until I met you and now it’s making me look stupid’’ she breathed softly. I kept quiet. Of course I couldn’t figure out what to say.
‘’you can’t even wish me a happy birthday’’ she suddenly complained with a sigh. I smiled, drew close and gave her a surprising kiss.
‘’happy birthday dear’’ I muttered sweetly, leaving her blushing with delight.
‘’so what are your plans for today?. Do you still wish to see the woman I told you about or should we plan something for my birthday?’’ she asked curiously.
‘’I’m going back to where I came from today. I think I will first like to see the woman before heading back to my state’’ I answered.
‘’okay cool. I guess I will have to sacrifice my birthday celebration for you.’’ She muttered with resignation.
——————————————
By 10am, we were on our way to Suleja to meet the overhyped spiritualist. I really never believed in such stuff but sometimes that are things that could lead one into doing something out of curiosity. I had nothing to lose seeing the lady and so had to accept going with Pamela to see her.
Pamela equally insisted we go in the morning in order to be attended to on time. According to her, the place was always filled up with people searching for answers to their problems.
11am, we arrived at the big house where the spiritualist resided. The house really looked like every other house in the neighborhood, though bigger in shape and size.
Just like Pamela said, there were lots of people, especially young girls waiting to be attended to. And I couldn’t help but wonder the kind of problem they were all having.
‘’I have to go book our presence’’ Pamela whispered to me as I settled down on an empty chair. She left seconds after to speak with a lady who was holding something like a register in one of the open rooms.
She returned minutes later with a smile on her face.
‘’we will have to wait some minutes for our turn’’ she said, sitting beside me.
We ended up spending close to an hour before being invited into the main room, where an old woman dressed like a devoted Muslim was seated on a mat. Pamela graciously sat before her and I equally did the same.
‘’Zainab what brings you here today?’’ the old woman asked Pamela who smiled and nodded at me.
‘’I brought my friend to see you. He wants answers’’ she replied softly. The old lady left her eyes on me for some seconds before giving me an ointment to rub on my eyes.
‘’now hold my hands and close your eyes’’ she said, offering her hands. I silently obeyed and did like she demanded. She soon started speaking in a foreign language.
In few seconds, I felt as if I was drowning. I felt as if someone was trying to rip my heart off. I really didn’t know how the woman did the trick. Perhaps it was the ointment I rubbed on my eyes that made me feel that way.
‘’your future is very much clouded, but you can still change it for good. Trust no one but her. Trust no one but her’’ the old woman breathed with a slightly raised tone, releasing my hands with great energy.
I opened my eyes to see Pamela smiling with satisfaction while the old woman’s words played back in my head.
‘’Trust no one but her. Unfortunately I couldn’t comprehend because i had two women in my life. Tracy and Pamela,
To be continued
Episode 32
Jude’s side of the story continues from the last scene of the previous episode
—————————–
‘’so what now?’’ Pamela asked as we headed back to her house minutes later. I shook my head and shrugged silently. The events of the past few days were really getting on me. I never imagined my life would be so dramatic. I just had a lot to resolve and the funniest thing was that I had no idea on how to tackle them.
‘’I will take a night bus back to my school. I never planned staying this long. I have a lot to do in school’’ I replied softly.
‘’that means you won’t be staying for my birthday celebration tonight?’’ she asked after few minutes of silent. I gave her a very long searching look.
‘’you have a husband and I think he is in the best position to celebrate with you. Moreover I still find it a bit odd on how you courageously brought me to your home without minding that your husband or any of his aides could show up at the house’’ I muttered searchingly. She kept quiet and never said another word until we got to her house later in the day.
—————————-
I took a night bus back to Owerri that fateful evening. My head, my conscience, everything was in complete disarray. I had no solid plans for my future and I couldn’t help but wonder how my life would turn out in the coming years.
Tracy was the only good thing I had. The only good thing I could boast of having, but then I knew our relationship could end any moment. I knew my affair with Pamela would burst out fairly soon and I knew Tracy would never forgive or continue with our relationship once that happens. Everything has its boundary, including love.
It really was my entire fault. I was too stupid to be carried away by lust and the price was about costing me my future, my happiness.
‘’God help me’’ I prayed as the bus sped into the night.
————————
I got to my hostel by 6:05am the next morning and first headed to Tracy’s room to check on her. I met my girl depressed and moody. At first my heart jumped out of guilt but I carefully controlled my nerves.
‘’you don’t look too happy to see me. What’s wrong?’’ I asked breathlessly.
‘’my mother called yesterday night to inform me that the manager of the company I applied for my industrial training in Enugu wants me to resume in two days. And I have no choice than to travel home today. We may end up not seeing each other for three months or more’’ she muttered solemnly, relieving the tension in me with her words. I breathed deeply, smiled and hugged her.
‘’I can be visiting every weekend. Enugu isn’t very far from here’’ I reassured her softly.
‘’I know but secondly I keep having this nightmares, especially whenever I sleep alone. I just can’t explain it but I have this fear that our relationship will not last long. Maybe my head is just playing tricks on me or something. But the fear is so strong. I don’t know why I feel this way’’ she complained while I closed my eyes, held her and kissed her forehead.
‘’ I already know everything about you and I don’t think there is anything that can break us up. I don’t just know. Maybe I’m going crazy or maybe I feel this way because it’s my first relationship’’ she continued like a terrified child. I softly caressed her back, bent and kissed her neck.
Deep down I was scared as well. I had many secrets. My life of crime with Kelvin and my unwanted child with Pamela were one hell of a secret that could blow up any moment and my poor Tracy was just in the middle of it.
‘’nothing will ever break us apart my love. We have just one year to graduate and another year for our youth service. We will get married and head over to the states to start a family. There is nothing to fear. Nothing could possibly happen to break us up in two years’’ I reassured her softly. She looked up at me with eyes filled with love, care and hope. I swallowed hard and looked away with guilt.
‘’dear lord, I don’t want to lose her’’ I prayed.
————————————————-
Kelvin’s side of the story continues
4pm, same day.
—————–
I was busy with my computer, arranging and setting up formats for a new deal I planned pulling with Jude when Jessica walked into my sitting room with a very serious look. I wasn’t expecting her because she never told me she was coming over and the frown on her face gave a bad signal to me.
‘’please who are you exactly?. Why did you show up in my life?’’ she asked, throwing me off balance with the question. I stood up and searched her with my eyes. I just couldn’t say a word because I really didn’t know from which angle she was coming with the questions.
‘’cut the innocent look my friend. I told you when we met for the first time that I worked in a bank, a big bank for that matter. I equally told you I knew many people. Do you think I won’t check up on you or on your source of wealth?. I now know for a fact that you are not into any transport business but the curious thing is that your bank accounts keep growing from suspicious transactions and deposits. I did a lot of digging up. I even know the bank officials that approve your transactions. So my question remains, why me?. Why did you appear in my life?. I want answers now?’’ she demanded furiously. I shook my head with disbelief.
‘’how the hell did you get my bank details?. Are you sure you know what you are talking about?’’ I stammered, visibly shaken. She scoffed and eyed me.
‘’I guess you underestimated me?. You better talk now my friend. I never got to this level in my life by being a dunce. Everyone has a skeleton to hide but yours is way too much Kelvin. Why are you into my life?’’ she demanded furiously, waiting for answers I wasn’t ready to give.
However one thing was certain, Jessica was much more than what I thought her to be and I couldn’t help but feel that she was getting ahead of me in the game. She could end up roping me to a corner and sending me to the gallows.
Episode 33
Kelvin’s side of the story continues from the last scene of the previous episode
—————–
‘’I don’t know the basis of your suspicion. Is it a crime to fall in love with you?. Have I ever done anything that suggests that I could be into you for another reason?’’ I asked with a bold outburst. Jessica scoffed and eyed me.
‘’yes I did one or two deals in the past to get rich but that was in the past. I really don’t feel comfortable with you right now. Perhaps I got it all wrong by thinking I could start a new life with you’’ I added with energy. She kept quiet, keenly studying me.
My heart throbbed loud as I desperately thought of the next words to say. I never expected such confrontation from her and I knew I was in a tight fix.
I badly needed to turn things around with my words but unfortunately Jessica did her homework very well and a little miscalculation on my part could make things worse.
‘’you just said everyone has a skeleton hidden somewhere. If I should start digging into your past, I know I will dig out something nasty. But the past always belongs to the past. Nigeria is a very tough country to survive in and without extreme measures you can’t survive or live a fulfilled life. What matters is how we atone for our sins. Believe me It isn’t easy for me. I came to your life to seek happiness, to seek peace, to start all over. I will never do anything to hurt you. Believe me’’ I poured out solemnly. She took a step closer and smiled for the first time.
‘’I feel at ease now. I believe you. Let’s just forget about the past but if in any way I discover that you are using me for a devilish agenda, I won’t hesitate turning you to the police or to the EFCC.’’ She muttered with a soft voice, but her words to me sounded more like a threat. I nodded in agreement, breathing deeply.
She surprisingly drew closer and hugged me.
‘’I’m sorry for being a bit aggressive. I was only protecting my interest’’ she apologized softly.
‘’I guess you are still coming over with Jude on Saturday?’’ she asked.
‘’yes I’m’’ I answered softly.
—————————————
Jessica left minutes after, leaving shaken and a bit scared. Of course I knew she was capable of reporting me to the cops. I equally knew she could still be spying on me. I had to come up with another plan. I had to dig into her past as well. It really was so unfortunate that I deviated from my main purpose of approaching her all because of love or perhaps lust.
I couldn’t sleep that night. I battled with my thoughts as I weighed every possible means of digging into Jessica’s past. She really was very good at hiding things and I was slowly realizing that behind her cheerful smile and acts, she equally was a very ruthless lady, capable of doing anything to protect her interest.
‘’jeez, how which direction do I take?’’ I wondered miserably.
———————————–
Early the next day, I headed to Joe’s gym to open my fears to my friend who listened patiently as I narrated the events of the previous day to him.
‘’hmmmm Jessica is very smart. The lady was into you the moment you stepped foot into her life but you thought you had the game all figured out, giving her ample time to dig around you. I really don’t fancy your position right now because she has already dug around you. Any step you take might end up getting you in a pit’’ he muttered carefully.
‘’so what do you think?’’ I asked nervously.
‘’I think she knows more than she told you yesterday. She probably knows about your possible plan with your cousin and I believe she stayed back to use you to achieve her aim or maybe she also is in love with you and can’t afford losing you no matter what’’ he added seriously.
‘’so what now?’’ I asked.
‘’simply keep calm and wait’’ he suggested.
————————————————————–
Jude’s side of the story continues
Same day
———–
I woke up feeling so bored and a bit angry. I wasn’t prepared for Tracy’s departure the previous day and I had no choice than to start making my own plans.
‘’I have to see Kelvin today. He once promised to link me up with a drug manufacturing company for my industrial training. I have no choice than to stick with him now’’ I reasoned as the scene I witnessed weeks ago in his house annoyingly played back in my head.
‘’I must find a way to confront Jessica on my own. I can’t keep waiting for Kelvin to act on it’’ I made up my mind.
By 12noon, My phone rang and it was Kelvin calling.
‘’hey bro, can you come over to my house right now?’’ he asked.
‘’yes I will be there in an hour’’ I answered softly.
————————
An hour later, @kelvin’s house
I walked into Kelvin’s sitting room, to see him busy with his computer. He instantly smiled on seeing me.
‘’thank God you are here. We have a new million dollar deal on the way’’ he announced happily. I forced out a smile as I settled beside him.
‘’so what’s up with you and school work?’’ he asked with concern.
‘’I’m still looking for a placement for my I.T’’ I answered.
‘’that shouldn’t be a problem. I will link you up with the guy I promised you sometime back. The only problem is that his company is located at Aba’’ he offered seriously.
‘’oh thanks, the location doesn’t matter’’ I thanked him with a smile.
‘’Jessica wants us to have dinner at her place. I don’t know how you feel about it but I think we are going to make progress with it’’ he softly mentioned, studying me keenly.
‘’that’s cool. I can’t wait to share the same table with her’’ I plainly answered without wasting any time, leaving my cousin totally surprised.
I bet he wasn’t expecting such quick answer from me and I knew he must be wondering what I really was up to.
I just couldn’t wait to be close to the lady who knew a lot about my father’s dead.
Episode 34
Jude’s side of the story continues
——————
Yes I was totally excited over the news Kelvin broke to me. I just couldn’t wait to have a one on one conversation with Jessica. My head was just filled with many ideas and thoughts.
‘’please I won’t want you to act arrogantly before Jessica. Just be civil with her. I already have things planned out and I still want you to leave the questions and investigation for me to handle’’ Kelvin begged after breaking the news to me.
Of course I accepted all his terms to put his mind at rest but I wasn’t ready to continue trusting him over Jessica’s issue. I had to make my own plans and get my own act together.
Early the next day, I headed to Aba to meet Kelvin’s friend for my I.T placement. I almost spent all day at the noisy city but it was worth the effort at the end. I returned later in the evening very happy to have settled that part of my life.
I returned to my hostel to continue with my plans for Jessica. I planned confronting her with a whole lot of questions. I planned throwing to her face that I knew she was with my father the day he died. I planned giving her opportunity to spill out the truth or have me and the law to deal with.
I already had wasted enough time waiting for Kelvin to act and her body language on Saturday was going to determine for me whether to press charges on her or not.
I had enough money to get the police to my side, I had enough money to take my case to court and if possible get a search warrant to go through her things.
Yes I knew my plans were quiet ambitious for a boy of my age and it could lead to a fierce quarrel between Kelvin and I but I was a very desperate boy who wanted nothing but closure on his father’s death and I knew I could end up losing the little money I had over it. I could end up running to Pamela for financial aid but I felt it was worth the sacrifice to get to the root of my father’s death.
————————
Friday evening, I called my Tracy to speak with her like I always did everyday but to my surprise her mother answered her phone, leaving me a bit shocked as I heard her voice.
‘’Tracy was involved in a car accident hours ago. She can’t speak to you right now’’ the old woman informed me. I couldn’t believe my ears. I couldn’t even talk for some seconds.
‘’what??’’ I shouted.
‘’there is nothing to worry about. She is in a stable condition. I believe by tomorrow you will be able to speak with her’’ she muttered to calm me down.
‘’so where is she right now?’’ I asked.
‘’we are at the national orthopedic hospital. Her left leg got fractured a little’’ she answered, leaving me so scared.
‘’I will be there tomorrow morning’’ I promised after few seconds of silence.
‘’is it necessary?’’ she asked.
‘’of course it is. I will be there first thing tomorrow’’ I breathed strongly.
‘’very well then, when you get to Enugu, put a call through. I will send someone to pick you up’’ she promised and hung up, leaving me with my thoughts.
‘’dear lord, I hope her leg injury won’t be a permanent one’’ I prayed solemnly.
———————————-
Very early the next day, which was Saturday, I headed straight to Enugu to see my Tracy. I couldn’t sleep the previous night and I couldn’t even get myself to eat before embarking on the long journey. All that was in my mind was to see my girl.
By 12noon, I was already at the hospital, holding Tracy’s hand with great concern. The poor girl never believed her eyes when she saw me.
‘’my mum is very wicked. She never told me you were coming’’ she breathed with great happiness while her mum who was watching us from a distance smiled to herself. I couldn’t get myself to smile. I just was so concerned over her state of health.
‘’a fast moving bus collided with a taxi I took yesterday. I was in the front seat and I got the impact of the collision on my legs. It’s just a minor fracture but mum won’t let me go home yet. She wants the best specialist to give my legs a hundred percent before we go home’’ she explained softly.
‘’when I called yesterday and mum told me you were involved in an accident, I almost fainted with fear’’ I said calmly. She laughed.
‘’hmmmm I never knew you cared so much’’ She breathed with great love while I stared into her eyes. My phone rang that moment, taking away my attention. It was Kelvin calling and as soon as I saw his name on my phone screen, I instantly remembered our date with Jessica.
‘’how far where are you?’’ he asked.
‘’I’m sorry bro, I can’t make it again today. I’m currently in Enugu,. My friend had an accident yesterday and I’m there to be with her’’ I informed him. He kept silent for a while.
‘’you could have told me and saved me the worry’’ he breathed and hung up.
———————————
Kelvin’s side of the story continues
I really didn’t know whether to feel relived or disappointed when Jude told me he wasn’t going to show up again. In fact I just was in the middle of the two emotions.
I really was never comfortable with the plan of showing up at Jessica’s house with him. Moreover the way he acted when I told him about Jessica’s request gave me a lot to worry about. So hearing that he wasn’t going to make it after all, really set my heart temporarily at rest.
————–
I got to Jessica house at exactly 6:15pm that fateful Saturday a bit nervous. I planned using the opportunity Jude’s absence created to directly confront her for the first time without mincing words.
Jessica wasn’t really happy to see me all alone. She searched me with her eyes the moment I walked into her sitting room.
‘’how about your cousin?. I thought you were bringing him along?’’ she asked curiously. I shrugged.
‘’he had an emergency and had to travel to Enugu this morning’’ I answered.
‘’hmmmmm. Should I believe that?’’ she asked arrogantly.
‘’I really don’t care what you believe my dear. I have passed the stage of lying over such a trivial matter. However I have some questions for you’’ I said with a soft smile while she drew back with surprise over my boldness.
‘’my cousin, told me something that I still find hard to believe. He said before his father died, that he told him about a lady known as Jessica Simon, who was handling many of his projects. According to him, his father planned making the lady his step mother and even shared one of her pictures with him’’ I said softly, studying her reaction..
‘’the day he walked in on us, he told me you looked very much like the lady in question. I don’t know why he was so sure but now you are my woman and your life and happiness matters a lot to me. You told me days ago that you ran a background check on me and I feel you equally did the same on my family. And if that’s the case, I believe you equally know a lot about my cousin Jude. So tell me, have you dealt with the boy’s father before?’’ I asked calmly but seriously, giving her room to trust me and open up with a clear conscience. She surprisingly colored up, breathed deeply and nodded.
‘’yes I knew Jude’s father’’ she finally admitted.
Episode 35
Kelvin’s side of the story continues from the last scene of the previous episode
‘’The first time you told me your surname and village, I was scared you were after me. I thought you knew a lot about me and I decided to play along to know how much you knew about me. But now I don’t just know how to act anymore’’ Jessica breathed, turned and backed. I breathed deeply, drew close and held her by the waist.
‘’you have to tell me everything. There isn’t any need hiding such an open secret’’ I urged her softly.
‘’I met Jude’s father during my early years as a banker. He really trusted me with a whole lot of things and I never failed him. I virtually took charge of his account, till I left the banking sector to start my own business. We still maintained the cordial business relationship and I ran numerous errands for him with my establishment. When he returned to the country earlier in the year, he asked me to get a new contractor for his building project in the village because the old contractor wasn’t delivering like he wanted. I had to go down to the village with him and after seeing the house, he asked me to wait for him to see his brothers and I obliged for some hours but had to leave when it was getting late. The next day I heard he was dead and I just couldn’t get myself to show up at his burial even though it hurt my conscience’’ she narrated convincingly. However I couldn’t help but notice some loopholes in her story.
‘’so you never had an affair with him?’’ I asked. She turned and faced me with a deeply colored face.
‘’of course not. We just were friends and nothing more. I was surprised when you said he showed my picture to his son’’ she answered softly. I breathed deeply.
‘’Jude is planning to start up a formal investigation on his father’s dead. I hope you can tell the police all you just told me because it looks as if you were the last person seen with him before his death?’’ I asked. She nodded slowly
‘’yes I won’t mind telling the police all I know but I don’t want to be involved in the case. Just find a way to keep me off it. I beg of you. Now is time to prove that you really love me’’ she suddenly demanded, taking me aback with her demand.
‘’Yes I really don’t want to be involved in any of it. Remember I kept quiet and believed you after finding out the kind of life you have been living?. I believed you because I love you. I hope you will reciprocate by protecting me?’’ she asked, leaving me stunned and a bit uncomfortable.
‘’since you are innocent, you have nothing to fear’’ I muttered weakly.
‘’you don’t understand how this country works. I’m a very wealthy young lady. The police can easily bring up a theory and rope me in with motive. I want none of it and you have to protect me. I didn’t kill the man. I have no reason to’’ she pushed on, leaving me totally confused and speechless..
‘’I will see what I can do’’ I weakly promised.
————————-
I headed back to my house after a quiet dinner with Jessica. Of course I had a lot to figure out. I had a decision to make. She sounded so convincing and innocent but then deep down I felt she was still hiding something. I felt she didn’t tell me all she knew about my uncle. Perhaps she wasn’t directly responsible but could know what really led to the man’s death. Unfortunately I knew I had no choice than to find a way to conclude my investigation without involving the police or telling Jude everything I knew.
It was something I had to do, not because of my strong feelings towards Jessica but as a leverage to protect myself.
Yes she knew a lot about my criminal life and if things go wrongly could drag me down with her.
There wasn’t any doubt Jude’s father was murdered but supposing Jessica was actually telling the truth, it then meant that my uncle’s murderer was still free out there.
——
I returned to my house around 8pm, to see Cynthia waiting for me. I was so surprised to see her in my house by that hour. I equally haven’t seen her in a long while and her presence kind of left me totally shocked.
‘’What the hell!’’ I exclaimed as my eyes fell on her abdomen which really was bigger than it used to be. I could help but have silly ideas in my head as I faced her.
‘’aren’t you happy to see me?’’ she asked with a calm disgusting smile.
To be continued
Episode 36
Kelvin’s side of the story continues
—-
‘’what the hell are you doing here by this hour?’’ I managed to ask as my eyes fell on her abdomen. She shrugged and smiled.
‘’I guess you aren’t happy to see me after such a long while?’’ she breathed, drawing closer to me. I took a step backwards as if I was scared of her touching me.
‘’I can’t believe you had to mind to avoid me for almost a month. You never bothered to call or even to leave a text message’’ she complained softly.
‘’I have been very busy lately. As you can see I just came back from a very tight schedule and please you can come over tomorrow. I’m tired’’ I breathed a bit coldly. She shook her head bitterly.
‘’I’m pregnant. Three months pregnant’’ she suddenly muttered, leaving me speechless for a while. I couldn’t believe my ears. I felt like killing her that moment but as a cool guy, I held my temper and smiled.
‘’congrats. When the baby is out, kindly inform me’’ I replied and took a step towards my room. She quickly grabbed my left hand, stopping me.
‘’so that’s all you have to say huh?. You are so despicable. You have no atom of human feeling in you’’ she breathed fiercely, getting me angrier.
‘’we never planned a baby together. You made the decision yourself. So if you feel like you can tie me down or make me marry you with this scam of yours then you need to have a brain check. This is the era of baby mamas and it really will fit you’’ I said coldly.
‘’how dare you?’’ she shouted, slapping me with great force. I staggered back with surprise while she pounced on me like a wild cat she was, hitting my chest with great fury.
‘’I’m not going anywhere. We did this together and we have to stick with each other. If you think you can dump me for a corporate w—e then you must high on weed. I have been with you all through these while, helping you build your life and keeping your secrets. I can’t allow another woman to enjoy my sweat. I rather die’’ she poured out angrily as she hit me.
I just didn’t know what to do that moment. Cynthia wasn’t like every other girl in the street. She was a wild cat capable of doing anything to survive. And I knew I was in for a tough ride with her.
The silly girl waited for some months before breaking the pregnancy news to me because she knew having an abortion in that stage was practically impossible. I was lost, confused and totally hopeless. The last thing I wanted was her being the mother of my child. She had none of the qualities every decent man would want in a wife. I could help but wonder the kind of gene our child was going to have.
‘’you should please go home, tomorrow we will talk things through’’ I finally begged calmly but she simply refused. She was just so adamant on spending the night in my house.
‘’I’m not leaving. I’m not going anywhere’’ she breathed furiously.
‘’then I will have to drag you out’’ I threatened, grasped her hand tried dragging her out to the gate but she fought back. She struggled and bit my hands, almost tearing out my skin.
I lost it that moment. I lost control of my temper and lashed out a slap on her face.
The impact of my slap left her stunned for a while. She simply froze for some seconds before attacking me once again with great energy. I slapped her again and again.
This time she fell and laid still on the floor, losing consciousness.
————–
Jude’s side of the story continues
—
Tracy was discharged from the hospital later in the evening after all the necessary treatment and scans had been done. My girl was simply close to tears as she managed to walk to the car with my assistance. I couldn’t help but notice that the accident affected her leg more than I was made to believe.
‘’ Just look at me. I’m now a limping girl’’ she breathed sorrowfully. I smiled reassuringly.
‘’it’s just a matter of days before you start walking properly again. That’s what your doctor said. You just have to calm down and be strong’’ I said softly.
‘’I’m so scared. I really don’t believe what the doctor said. Maybe he said those words just to make me happy. I’m now an adult and I fear it won’t completely heal’’ she replied with tears in her eyes.
‘’you worry over nothing my dear. Just be strong. Moreover you wouldn’t have been discharged so soon supposing it was a serious injury’’ I said intelligently.
‘’I really hope so. Thanks for being by my side’’ she added softly, dropping her wondrous eyes. I swallowed hard with great pain. I kind of felt responsible for her injury without knowing the reason I felt that way..
Episode 37
Jude’s side of the story continues
We barely had arrived at Tracy’s house when a hostel neighbor called to give me very shocking news.
‘’hey guy where are you?’’ Tony asked as soon as I answered his phone call. I couldn’t help but wonder the reason he was calling by that hour. He was just nothing but a neighbor to me and even though we had each other’s phone number we never spoke on phone.
‘’I travelled to Enugu early today’’ I replied softly.
‘’I think someone broke into your room. The door is wide open and your things scattered all over the place’’ he informed me softly. I gasped.
‘’are you serious?. How did that happen?’’ I asked without thinking straight.
‘’I don’t know ooo. You just have to come back and check what was stolen. I have already informed the hostel president and gateman’’ he added and hung up while Tracy stared at me curiously.
‘’what happened?’’ she asked.
‘’my room was just ransacked. That was what Tony called to tell me’’ I informed her slowly.
‘’that can’t be true!. Our hotel is the most secure in the vicinity. It has never been robbed before’’ she breathed with disbelief.
‘’a record always takes a day to be broken my dear. I guess our hostel isn’t as secured as we think’’ I answered faintly, slowly searched for the hostel Gateman’s number in my phone and dialed it. He picked up after three attempts,
‘’hey bro. how far na?’’ he greeted.
‘’please I heard my room was just robbed, is it true??’’ I asked calmly.
‘’yes ooo my oga’’ he answered quickly.
‘’please kindly help me shut my door. I will be there tomorrow’’ I informed him weakly.
‘’no worry. I dey your room already. I’m very surprised oooo. Only your room was robbed and no much visitors came into the hostel today’’ he replied, mixing English with pidgin. I simply hung up, without saying any other thing to him. My greatest fear was losing my school documents which unfortunately were all in the room.
‘’I just pray thief didn’t tamper with my school stuff’’ I opened up to Tracy.
‘’I don’t think so. Moreover it’s of no use to anyone’’ she answered with a smile.
‘’but dear, I think it will be better you bring over your school documents here for safe keeping. My mum is good at it. All my documents plus that of my siblings are with her’’ she suggested softly while my thoughts wandered off again. I couldn’t help but wonder if my room was ransacked by students who probably were looking for some money and electronics to steal or by the same set of thieves that ransacked my father’s house in the village. But then I knew a stranger couldn’t pull up such stunt in the day time without being noticed, leaving me with the conclusion that my room was ransacked by either a neighbor who had been waiting for an opportunity to rob me or perhaps someone paid him to do the job.
‘’I will return to the hostel early tomorrow to see things for myself’’ I informed my girl with a sad look. She frowned and looked down.
‘’I really was hoping we would spend the weekend together. It isn’t your fault though. You have to go check your things’’ she muttered with understanding.
—————————————–
Kelvin’s side of the story continues from the last scene of the previous episode
I slowly squatted beside the unconscious girl, shaking her softly. My heart pounded furiously with great fear.
‘’dear lord I hope she’s fine?’’ I prayed. Cynthia sneezed, opened her eyes and quickly sat up, holding her head.
‘’you want to kill me right?. You better finish it up because that’s the only way I’m leaving you’’ she threatened seriously. I knew I had to keep myself in check and act wisely.
‘’I’m sorry dear. You just got on my nerves with your behavior. Kindly go to one of the rooms and sleep. Tomorrow we will figure things out’’ I begged. She breathed deeply, stared at me suspiciously for a while, shrugged, got up and headed to the toilet without another word. I fell back on the floor and swallowed hard.
I needed no telling that I was in for a tough ride with her.
‘’Dear Lord. I don’t want to marry this lady; I equally don’t want her to be the mother of my child. Help me. This is too much a punishment’’ I prayed sadly.
I couldn’t sleep that very night. My head was just filled with many impossible ideas and silly thoughts. Yet I couldn’t come up with a solution and the next day I woke up with a terrible headache.
I managed to take some pills before slowly heading to my sitting room to see if I could find an interesting program on TV.
—————————
On getting to my sitting room, I was shocked to see Cynthia calmly seated and watching a movie like a happy housewife. She was tying only a wrapper as if she was in her matrimonial home. I lost it again.
‘’Cynthia what is wrong with you?’’ I barked furiously, but before she could turn and answer, Jessica stormed into my apartment, carrying a big food flask.
The shock that befell her was really killing as her eyes fell on Cynthia and I.
I couldn’t believe the id.i-t guarding my gate let her in without notifying me.
Episode 38
Kelvin’s side of the story continues
I just didn’t know what to say as I faced Jessica, who quickly regained her composure, ignored Cynthia and walked towards me with a cold smile.
Her face was simply plain and expressionless as she walked towards me. I couldn’t help but wonder what was going through her head that moment.
Cynthia equally was stunned by Jessica’s presence. She couldn’t say a word as she watched her walk up to me.
‘’I made this breakfast for you. I never knew you had a guest. I just got back from church and rushed over to bring it over. Happy Sunday dear’’ she breathed calmly, offered the flask to me, smiled, turned and left my house without another word.
I couldn’t even make a move or say anything to her. My head, my tongue, my speech all were frozen with tension. However I thanked God for the calm and matured way she acted. I never expected such calmness from her.
Cynthia soon sprang to my side, snatching the flask from me.
‘’I knew it. Yes I knew it. That w.hore, she even had the nerves to offer you food in my presence. You guys have enjoyed enough romance already. I’m here to stop it. Enough is enough’’ she breathed fiercely and headed to the kitchen like an angry cow. I cursed inwardly as I followed her.
I felt like smashing her head to the wall but I knew it would do me more harm than good. She really was tempting me, knowing full well that I could lose my head any moment.
On getting to the kitchen, she opened the food flask and threw the contents into the dustbin while I bit my lips in anger.
‘’I can’t tolerate this nonsense anymore. She has bewitched you’’ she muttered furiously.
‘’listen Cynthia. You are not my wife and I will never marry you. Simply get your things and leave my house. I don’t want to kill you but you are tempting me’’ I shouted angrily.
‘’you can’t do anything to me. You can’t’’ she dared me.
‘’I won’t lay my hands on you again. You are sick. You are looking for someone to kill you but I won’t give you the pleasure. I will get the police to throw you out of my house. You don’t know what I’m capable of’’ I shouted, left the kitchen and headed to my room to freshen up.
I left my apartment minutes later without saying a word to her. I had to leave my house in order to cool down my temper.
As I drove out of my house that morning with a heart full of anger and confusion, I totally was at lost on how to deal with Cynthia. She just was a wild lady capable of withstanding anything and she had no atom of shame in her.
‘’how did it all get to this level’’ I asked myself over and over as I headed to Joe’s gym.
After a short drive, I stopped, turned my car and headed towards Jessica’s house. Of course I had a lot of explanations to make and I knew I had to come up with a good one.
———————–
Jessica frowned on seeing me walk into her sitting room. She first searched me with her eyes before shaking her head.
‘’I’m sorry for what happened this morning. It was totally unexpected’’ I apologized softly.
‘’of course you weren’t expecting me to show up by that hour. So what’s your excuse or lie?’’ she demanded.
‘’I have no excuse. I have no lie. I’m totally responsible for everything. The young lady was a girl I used to have fun with in the past. A girl I always used to cure my sexual hunger before I got to know you. I haven’t seen her for almost a month and when I got home from your house yesterday, I saw her waiting for me. She is claiming to be three months pregnant for me. I tried forcing her out of my house yesterday and she almost fainted in the process. I will have to get the police to help me out’’ I explained weakly.
‘’so should I believe you?’’ she asked with a strange smile.
‘’no you don’t have to’’ I replied honestly.
‘’but I do believe you’’ she muttered, surprising me with her words.
‘’you saw a cheap girl and started enjoying her without reservation. Your stupid head never told you she had her own plans. Why are guys always good at cheap things?’’ she asked while I kept quiet like a spoilt kid.
‘’just give me her phone number, I will talk to her and see what she wants’’ she suddenly offered, leaving me with no choice than to oblige even though I was very suspicious of her motive. I knew Cynthia would never listen to her.
———————————————–
I headed to Joe’s gym after spending some minutes with Jessica. I must confess Jessica’s calmness and understanding was a welcomed development but equally extremely suspicious. I never expected her to be so understanding and calm. Could it be that her love for me is so strong to make her this understanding?’’ I wondered as I drove to Joe’s gym.
————-
Joe and I had a long very long talk when I got to his place but unfortunately he couldn’t offer any solid advice to me.
‘’my brother your situation is a very difficult one. Supposing you are dealing with young school girls I would have known what to advice. But the two ladies are big time adults with their own plans. Only God will help you out of this. If I’m in your shoes, I will simply forget about Jessica and deal with Cynthia before things gets out of hand’’ he advised, leaving me deep with thoughts but unfortunately i couldn’t accept his suggestion because I was already way deep into Jessica to back away. My main priority was getting rid of Cynthia.
————
I returned to my house, uncertain on how to push out Cynthia from my life. I threatened earlier to call the police on her but failed to do it. I went into my house with prayers in my lips.
I really didn’t want things to get messy with her but the d–n girl was daring me. I couldn’t help but wonder what she was doing inside.
As I walked into my sitting room, I was surprised to see her well dressed up, holding her big handbag. I stared at her curiously, wondering what she was up to.
‘’I’m leaving but I will be back later. So don’t celebrate yet’’ she muttered coldly, eyed me and left my house without another word.
She simply left without any fight and I couldn’t believe myself.
My phone however rang a minute later and it was Jessica calling.
‘’so how far?’’ she asked as if she was seeing me from somewhere. I breathed deeply, unable to find my voice.
‘’meet me at my house by 5pm’’ she said and hung up.
Episode 39
Kelvin’s side of the story continues
By 5:15pm that fateful Sunday, I slowly arrived at Jessica’s house. I couldn’t help but wonder why she asked me to come over.
As I approached the door leading to her sitting room, I heard two female voices arguing with great energy. I easily made out Jessica’s voice but couldn’t make out the second voice even though it sounded very much like Cynthia’s voice. I knew she had no reason to be there and so it never crossed my mind that it could be her.
As I walked into the sitting room, I was confronted with the greatest shock of my life. I couldn’t believe myself as my eyes fell on Cynthia and Jessica exchanging words. Cynthia was standing with both hands on her waist while Jessica was sitting a distance away, facing her.
I froze for some seconds as I quickly thought of how to face the unexpected situation.
‘’thank God you are here’’ Cynthia quickly said as soon as she saw me while Jessica stood up with her eyes on me.
‘’I invited her over to see if we could reach a good compromise but I just realized I made a very terrible mistake. She has been threatening me ever since she got here’’ Jessica softly explained.
‘’of course you deserve everything that I have been throwing at you. Why can’t you go and find your own man?. Why can’t you struggle to build your own man?. Aren’t you ashamed that at your age and with all your acclaimed accomplishments, you stooped to low to steal another person’s man’’ Cynthia fired violently at her while I shook my head, uncertain of what exactly to say.
I never expected to confront such scene and it just looked like a dream. I never expected Jessica to be so stupid as to invite Cynthia to her house unless perhaps she had another hidden motive.
‘’Jessica I never asked you to invite her to your place. I never asked you to help me with my problem’’ I scolded Jessica before facing Cynthia with a cold smile.
‘’let’s get out of here please. You shouldn’t be here in the first place’’ I said softly.
‘’you are just a retired prostitute who’s looking for young blood to settle down with. Sorry my man isn’t available’’ Cynthia mocked, drawing out Jessica’s temper.
‘’what did you just call me?’’ she asked, closing in on Cynthia who quickly pushed her backwards. Before I could even blink, Jessica pounced on Cynthia like an angry lion, pushed her to the floor and hit her head severally on the tiles before choking her by grasping her throat. I quickly pounced on Jessica, pushing her away from Cynthia’s body but unfortunately I intervened too late.
Yes Cynthia was a very strong lady who could easily beat Jessica in any fight but she never expected Jessica to go extreme by attacking her in such manner. Moreover she was pregnant and wasn’t as strong as she used to be, giving Jessica an upper hand in the fight.
As I pulled out Jessica from Cynthia’s body, I noticed that Cynthia wasn’t breathing nor moving. I nervously shook her with great force but she still failed to move.
‘’what have you done Jessica?’’ I asked with fear.
‘’she deserves to die’’ she replied without any atom of remorse. I couldn’t believe I was in such a nasty mess.
‘’I think you have killed her’’ I breathed nervously as I felt Cynthia’s pulse over and over without getting any sign of life.
————————————————–
Jude’s side of the story continues
I returned to my hostel at exactly 4:45pm that fateful Sunday. My room was totally ransacked just like I was told but none of my electronics was taken. I quickly arranged my school documents which I found scattered all over my bed.
‘’I guess it wasn’t robbery after all. I guess the person that broke in was searching for some other thing possibly the suitcase in Kelvin’s care’’ I reasoned as I dialed my cousin’s phone number but surprisingly he rejected my call.
I shrugged, went down to meet the hostel gateman, paid him for another key and lock before heading over to Kelvin’s house.
Of course i had a lot to talk with him. I equally was curious to know how things went with Jessica the previous day.
But on getting to his house, I was told that he left minutes ago. I dialed his number again and for the second time he rejected my call, something he has never done before.
Episode 40
Kelvin’s side of the story continues
‘’let’s take her to the hospital’’ I breathed, holding up Cynthia’s head as I threw a look at Jessica who shrugged, bent and felt the poor girl’s pulse.
‘’ please give chance’’ she said softly, pushed me aside and did a little push up on Cynthia’s chest but unfortunately the poor girl made no sign of coming back to life.
‘’she’s dead’’ Jessica suddenly announced, wiping out sweat from her forehead. I gasped with great fear.
‘’let’s stop wasting time and take her to the hospital. We can’t let her die here’’ I muttered, shaking with fright.
‘’she is dead already. There is nothing you can do about it’’ she replied softly, shook her head and looked away. I couldn’t believe it was all happening. I couldn’t believe it was all real.
‘’but let’s take her to the hospital to be sure’’ I muttered faintly.
‘’what will be your explanation to the doctor or her family or even the police when they start asking questions?’’ she suddenly asked, putting more fear into me with the question.
‘’my friend you are going to jail and there is no two ways about it. This is Nigeria in case you have forgotten’’ she said a bit coldly.
‘’what kind of woman are you?. Don’t you have any human feelings inside?. I’m so disappointed in you. I can’t believe you have the mind to talk this way after killing her in your house. Now tell me, what you want me to do?’’ I asked angrily.
‘’please stop playing the blame game. We are into this together. We are nothing but the same. You are also a killer just like me. Or don’t you know how many lives you have ruined with your scams?’’ she fired back. I shook my head, bit my lips and headed towards the door in desperation.
‘’Dear Lord why me. Why am I into this mess? This is so unbelievable’’ I breathed with a faint heart.
‘’you are not walking away, are you?’’ I heard her ask quietly. I turned and faced her with eyes filled with tears.
‘’my life is ruined. You have succeeded in ruining me’’ I stammered. She smiled, drew close and held my hands.
‘’I never meant for this to happen. It was all a mistake. But we still have a life to live. We have a future together. Let’s work harmoniously to set things right’’ she offered solemnly.
‘’what do we do now?’’ I asked.
‘’she took her things out of your house before coming here right?’’ she asked while I nodded.
‘’good, so that takes you out of the picture and I bet she told no one she was coming to my house today. The best thing to do right now is to find a good place to dump her body. In few days she will be found. Yes the police will come questioning you but I can be your alibi. Simply tell them we spent Sunday evening together. I have my team of lawyers and the police wont dare question me because I don’t talk to the police without my lawyers being present’’ she lectured calmly. I couldn’t help but be amazed at her articulate plan.
‘’have you done this before?’’ I asked suspiciously.
‘’no of course but I know my way around things and that’s why I’m successful in life’’ she replied with a smile.
‘’how about the people living with you?. Won’t they talk?’’ I asked.
‘’no of course not. They won’t dare snitch on me’’ she answered confidently.
‘’so what now?’’ I asked.
‘’let’s take her body to your car and find a place to dump her’’ she said quickly.
‘’no not my car. The police can easily get a warrant to search my car if her body is discovered later. DNA things, Let’s use your car instead’’ I suggested. She shrugged with resignation.
‘’fine, let’s get going’’ she breathed quickly.
————————————————–
It really was a very hard and nauseating task getting Cynthia’s body into Jessica’s car. It was the most deadly thing I have ever done in my entire life. I had no choice than to go with Jessica’s plan even though I wasn’t responsible for killing Cynthia. I knew I had to go with her plans in order to survive. There wasn’t any other way apart from the road to jail which I wasn’t ready to take. I knew the odds were all against me and I had to take the easiest way out.
In the cover of darkness we headed out with Cynthia’s body, looking for a good place to dump the poor girl. I was so totally sacred and anxious but Jessica was very relaxed. It was just as if she was cold hearted and blooded.
‘’dear lord, help me’’ I prayed over and over.
In no time we got to a very quiet refuse dump site along Portharcourt expressway. Jessica pulled over and stopped her car.
‘’let’s get it done’’ she breathed, opening her car door. Together we dumped Cynthia’s body and silently headed back to town.
How did my life get this way?
To be continued