Chapter 23
OSAGIEDE
I looked at him while he slept.
I couldn't stop myself.
Before I knew it, I began caressing his handsome face. I traced his well-defined jaw, feeling the rough stubble beneath my finger tips. I took in his full lips. These lips have done a number on me many times. They were slightly parted, a light snore filtering through them.
My heart squeezed with love for this man --- my husband.
He was everything Geoffrey wasn't --- kind hearted, selfless and patient. Too patient, but most of all, he was a wonderful father. I was so honoured to have him as my husband.
I should never have gotten back with Geoffrey. What the hell had I been doing all this while Cavorting like a damn prostitute.
Sobs racked my body once more, as words spilled unheeded from my lips.
Forgive me my love, forgive me for all the wrongs I've caused you... two times over.
He stirred beside me and my heart leapt into my mouth.
Had he heard me?
Oh God, I hope not. I couldn't stand any form of scorn from him. I wouldn't be able to survive it. I had come to love him so damn much, it hurt.
Tendrils of memories began to form in my mind as I went down memory lane.
What do you think?
I twirled in front of him, my tule dress swirling around my knees. I felt like a princess.
Did I look that way in his eyes?
He stared at my face as I bit down on my lower lip in nervousness. They slid to my bosom and lingered a bit longer than was proprietary. I put my head down and bit down harder on my lower lip.
His eyes slid down lower and rested on my legs, then moved back up to my face, where it rested there for some long seconds. I felt absolutely naked under his gaze. They blazed with a passion I had never seen on any man's face while looking at me. His gaze never wavered from my face as he whispered the words --- you are absolutely stunning.
I looked down, suddenly shy and bit down harder on my lips.
"Don't do that!"
I didn't know when he had come close. He was like a cat. Quiet and stealthy. His fingers grazed my lips. I didn't even know they were sore, until he touched them.
I winced.
"Please. Don't ever mar yourself. They are perfect, just like every part of you is perfect. Just for me."
He always knew how to make me feel special. It was our two year anniversary and he wanted us to go out to celebrate, but we ended up staying at home, all because he couldn't keep his fingers to himself.
I came back to the present, smiling. I glanced at him once more, as I cleaned the tears from my eyes and sidled down lower unto the bed. I closed my eyes and tried to sleep, but sleep didn't come, so I gingerly held unto his waist. He didn't budge. He was out like a light. I snuggled closer and within seconds, sleep claimed me.
The next few days saw Eyare being extra sweet to me. He spoiled me with gifts everyday, little knick knacks, like ice cream and snails which he knew I loved. He came home early everyday, straight from work. I hated it when he drank. He became sloppy and indifferent towards me.
He said it helped him focus. Focus? Since when did he have issues with that? He was the most focused man I had ever met. He always kept mother and father company in the evening after work. Laughing and making jokes, while they watched Tv. They appreciated him for it.
I fell in love with him all over again whenever I saw him trying to solve a mechanical problem in the house. As for Eseosa, she took to my mother like a moth to light. They were like two peas in a pod --- inseparable. After feeding her, she would hold out her hand for mother to carry her and she'd snuggle up in her arms as she listened to stories told to her, intermittently looking up at her mouth as the words spilled from her lips.
One day, Eyare came back home in high spirits. He informed me we were going for a dinner that night with two of his good friends. He didn't specify who and I didn't ask. Life was really monotonous and it had been long since we spent time together, away from the house as a couple. Even if it was with his friends, I didn't mind. He said it would be a couple's night, so I decided to get something new to wear. A long, cream evening gown with a thigh - high slit. It hugged me in the right places.
With my hair in a chignon and soft tendrils framing my face, I stepped in front of him and knew I had scored big time when his eyes darkened considerably with passion. We made mum and dad know we would be coming back home late and they shouldn't wait up for us.
Hours later, we walked hand in hand into the dimly lit restaurant. Eyare wove to someone and we weaved our way through the tables, trying valiantly not to crash into them. It was quite the task, because they were tightly packed together.
Finally we made our way to the back of the restaurant where the other party were seated. We were face to face with a couple who complimented each other perfectly. The man was light skinned, while the woman was dark skinned --- the type that shines. They were a contrast to each other, like coke and fanta.
He stood up and hugged Eyare, patting him on the back, then he turned to me, and his eyes lit up appreciatingly. I smiled at him and sat down close to the female I presumed was his wife, while Eyare sat down on the other side of him. His voice was deep as he made small talk with Eyare.
"My love, this is Gboyega, my good friend."
Gboyega turned to me and lifted my hands to his lips, across the woman I believe was his wife. I smiled demurely at him.
"Enchanted to meet you." He purred. I inclined my head with a smile.
I glanced at the woman, but she seemed fine with his action. I retracted my hand and leaned back into my seat. She turned to me and smiled a genuine smile and I was immediately relieved. She was a pretty woman, a bit plump, but otherwise, pretty. She introduced herself as Elza, with an s, because the z is pronounced as s. I smiled politely as she talked my head off. She chatted non-stop, about the children she'd left back in Canada, and how different things were there.
After some couple of minutes, I zoned off completely. Eyare told me there would be two other couples here apart from us, but it was just Gboyega and his wife -- Elza with an s. Two chairs were conspicuously empty from across us. Eyare ordered what we were going to eat and I let him, because he knew just what I liked. I became bored, so I raised the glass of red wine to drink and stifled the yawn that threatened to slip past my lips.
Just then I heard a familiar voice calling Eyare, a voice I had hoped I would never hear again. I looked up and shock spiraled through my entire being as I came face to face with Geoffrey. The glass slipped from my fingers and crashed unto the ground, spilling red wine on my dress in the process. There was a big red stain plastered on it. I looked dully at it, thinking to myself it was ruined. Such a pretty dress that cost a lot of money. Now it's ruined. I stood quickly to my feet, the motion makimg me light headed. I must have had too much wine to drink.
I mumbled some unintelligible words and staggered to the toilet. As I got to it, a hand from behind, pulled it open and pushed me in. I staggered forward, almost falling in the process, but gained my ground by holding unto the edge of the sink. I heard the bolt slide into place as I turned round to see my assailant.
"You! Wh. . . what are you doing here?" I stammered stupidly.
Geoffrey folded his hands in front of him and leaned against the door, saying nothing. There was a steely, determined look in his eyes. It scared me.
Last time we met, I had left him handcuffed. I hadn't seen, nor heard from him since then. I figured he'd want revenge. I looked around for some object as I needed to be able to defend myself against him.
I moved back a bit. He noticed my movement and pushed off from his perch against the door as he advanced towards me. My mouth suddenly became dry. I swallowed visibly, willing the knot in my throat to loosen.
I looked around furtively, all the while moving back. I whimpered when my back hit the wall. There was no where to run now. I braved a glance at him. He was very close now. I closed my eyes and bent my head. Might as well wait for the blow I knew was sure to come.
Or would he use a knife?
Thoughts ran riot in my mind as I began to sweat profusely. Waiting for one's death was scarier than the actual death itself, because you died a thousand times mentally before it happened.
I felt his warm breath against my face. His hands moved aside the wisps of hair on my neck. "Here! Take this from me." His deep voice resonated in my ear and I flinched from the sound.
There was silence as I opened one eye and squinted. He was standing in front of me, holding out a napkin. "To help clean that." He intoned, pointing to the red stain on my dress. I took it from him with obvious shaky fingers.
He stepped back and leaned against the sink, once more folding his hands, his large muscles bunching up in the process. I stood there holding the napkin and staring at him.
"You're not here to hurt me are you?" My voice came out fearful and doubtful of his motives. I was sure he would lunge at me any moment now.
His face became marred with a frown as he unfolded his hands. "You think I'm here to hurt you?" He looked incredulously at me, his green eyes clouding with confusion.
I scoffed. "It's what you do, Geoffrey, You hurt people." Anger made me bold as I moved away from the wall to face him.
His shoulders slumped visibly.
I believed him --- almost.
"How do you know my husband?" I suddenly asked, instead, remembering he was the person we were waiting for.
He smirked at me then, showing teeth. "Eyare and I go way back, before you ever dreamed of coming into his life." He sneered the last words.
It suddenly struck me.
"Why are you so angry? Is this some personal vendetta against me or him?" He didn't say anything, but I saw a flicker of emotion in his eyes. As quickly as it came, it disappeared.
Too late, I had already seen it. Fear sliced through me as the realisation dawned on me.
This went way back. Long before I had even come into the the picture. I had been a pawn in his sick game all along and had fallen into his web.
I suddenly felt faint with dread. I felt like puking as I clutched my stomach and doubled over in horror. He moved close to me, but I moved back against the wall, fear obvious in my eyes. He looked crestfallen at my behaviour.
"I'll just go now." He announced, walking away.
This whole thing felt weird to me, so I called out to him. "Geoffrey!" He stopped, but didn't turn round. "What are you planning next?"
He turned around then and looked at me. The steely gaze in his eyes was back once more. "Nothing you should worry about." And he stalked off.
I released the breath I didn't know I had been holding and sagged against the wall. My legs were a bit shaky, but I forced myself to stand straight. I walked to the mirror above the sink and took a look at my reflection. Apart from slightly red eyes, my make up was still good and I wasn't the worse for wear externally, except my dress which had a large red stain in the middle of it. The nausea had disappeared and I was feeling much better.
The napkin was still in my hand so I chucked it to the floor, took a deep breath and walked out of the toilet, stain and all. They were all making small talk as I got to our table. Eyare stood up immediately when he saw me, worry lining his features. I immediately wondered about the look that would mar his perfect features if he found out I had an affair with his best friend.
The thought made me loose my appetite immediately and when the food was brought, I picked at it. Elza asked if I was okay but I smiled weakly at her and continued picking at my food. My darling husband was worried. He tried to lure me into conversation but it was not happening any time soon. He told me he would buy a new dress if that was what was upsetting me.
I smiled and kissed his lips. He was just too sweet to me. I saw Geoffrey looking at me with fury in his eyes and I was immediately taken aback. The girl beside him threw daggers at me with her eyes also and I looked away from the two of them. They had serious issues they both needed to deal with.
It was difficult to look at anything else though, because they were sitting right across me, in my direct line of view. I couldn't take it any more so I stood up to go to the toilet to clear my head. When I got there, I entered one of the stalls, finished with my business and came out.
"Well, well, well. If it isn't the woman who can't keep her eyes off my man." Geoffrey's date leaned against one of the sinks, hands folded in front of her.
Her dress looked even more tacky under the bright light. I briefly wondered what Geoffrey saw in her. I made to move past her, but she stood in front of me, blocking my way. I didn't need this drama right now. It was beginning to look like a damn circus in the toilet.
First Geoffrey, then this. . . skank.
"Get out of my way now!" I felt anger clawing it's way to the surface.
"Eh! Wetin you wan do?" (what do you want to do?). She leered at me, a sick smile on her face.
She actually wanted to see what I could do. I won't stoop to her level though, I knew she was spoiling for a fight, but I wouldn't give her the pleasure.
I sighed and said in the most patient voice I could muster. "Please, move." My eyebrows were raised, and I was getting more angry by the second.
"You no fit do anything." (You can't do anything). She clapped her hands in my face.
I went silent, valiantly trying to get my anger under control.
"See am, ashewo (prostitute)! You no go stay with your hus ---- "
Before she could finish the sentence, I slapped her with the whole strength in me and pushed her back against the sink. I heard a sickening crunch as I dusted my hands and walked out of the toilet.
I felt much better.
All the previous pressure filtered away, so much so that as I got to my seat, my appetite retired with a vigour. I wolfed my food down as the tart came back, limping in.
She looked awful.
Her hair was in a state of disarray, and there was an ugly bruise on the side of her face. Her shoes were in her hands. She was obviously in pain, because she clutched her side and tried not to look at anyone as she grabbed her bag and limped out of the restaurant.
Geoffrey looked shocked and immediately got up to follow her. Elza giggled beside me and Gboyega looked at her and smiled.
Eyare was confused. "What happened to her?" He turned to ask me.
"I'd say she had a technical knock out." I shrugged and continued eating my lamb chops.
It was really tasty.
A/N: You'll be shocked to know how a lot of drama goes on in female toilets.
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