THIRD PARTY IN MARRIAGE
EPISODE 1
Richard: "You are nothing but a good for nothing wife and mother, how could you just be coming back from Heaven knows where it is you are coming from? Your son has not eaten since morning, are you daft?"
Rebecca: "Let me hear you say it again moron" she said tilting her head to one side pretending to want to hear him better. "Who on earth said a man cannot enter inside the kitchen to prepare food for his starving son? I told you I was going for The Union of Chartered Accountants Meeting and as you well know, I am the Chairlady for the union; shouldn't your brain have told you I might come back late to prepare lunch?"
Richard: "Chairlady who cannot even take care of her little son, how can you take care of the needs of all those grownup women in your so-called union? Women sure are daft, why elect a lazy thing like you as a chairlady?"
Rebecca: "Moron… What do you know? All you want is to have your stomach filled, since you cared that much about Sammy and you are the hardworking one here, I am asking again, why didn't you enter the kitchen?"
Richard: "Don't you dare call me a moron again…Do you understand?" he approached her menacingly.
He watched and listened as they raged on and on. His young mind could not comprehend how or why everything suddenly changed for his parents. He could remember the way they were before, amiable and full of love for each other that even he admired and envied them. They forgave each other easily and thought up excuses for the other's misgivings. He thought it would last forever, he thought couples were meant to remain like that forever. But there they were, almost always on each other's necks. Bickering over little things which were not worth bickering over. He bled emotionally for his parents' fractured link.
He just didn't know how he could fill the void, or the gulf that laid majestically between them which threatened to swallow them all up.
Richard and his wife Rebecca were the envy of whoever came in contact with them as a couple. The love they shared was out of the ordinary, theirs was indeed a love marriage; the type Indians call Rabne bana di Jodi [God made couple]. Their first and only child Sammy was only six years old when things started falling apart for their marriage. Of course they were still successful as chartered accountants but along the way, they seemed to have lost what kept their marriage together.
That Saturday evening, without minding that their son watched them from where he sat kept lashing at each other.
Rebecca: "Someone's feathers are being ruffled at last. Dear man, come and demonstrate how powerful you are in the presence of your son on his mother. Let the tell-tale of your machoism decorate and adorn my beautiful neck and face. Your son will grow up remembering how beautiful they were on me" She wasn't backing off, she was prepared for the worst. The elegant mound on her chest fell and rose intermittently.
Richard: "I can't believe this. I just can't imagine how much you've changed over the years, it is so surprising how you've decided to shirk your responsibilities as a wife and mother in the home" he said frustrated.
Rebecca: "Responsibility? Did you just say responsibility? Don't I bear yours in this home? Or whose responsibility do you think it is to put food on the table for the family? Shall I quit my job and become a full house wife then? Or what exactly do you want from me? I really can't do this anymore" she burst into tears and took some steps back throwing her arms in the air in resignation.
Sammy sat at a far corner of the sitting room, watching as they bartered each other with words, he had witnessed their fights get out of proportion several times and so that day, he prayed silently in his heart that his dad would not lose his cool. That he wouldn't start throwing blows at his mum. He kept praying until his mum walked over to him with a forced smile.
Rebecca: "Baby…" she began, squatting down in front of him. "Were you very hungry today?" she asked fondly Smoothening his thick and dark eyebrows, then the tiny bits of curly hair that lined the sides of his handsome face.
Sammy: "No mummy! I am not hungry at all, please don't fight daddy" he replied shaking his little head worriedly.
Rebecca: "Don't you lie to me baby boy, I know you were very hungry and I am very very very sorry my dear, something came up at the meeting" she said apologetically.
Sammy: "it's okay mum, what matters is you not fighting dad, I hate it when you two fight. Promise me you will not fight him again, forgive daddy please?"
Rebecca: "You are still too young to be talking about stuffs like this Sammy, I cannot promise you that because your daddy is headstrong, he keeps making us fight"
Sammy: "What is the meaning of headstrong mummy? Is his head strong? Don't you like his head?" he asked gloomily.
Rebecca: "You are so innocent my boy and adorable but promise me something?"
Sammy: "I will promise you anything as long as you will no longer fight daddy. I will even be good, wake up on time to prepare for school, I will do my assignments early and brush my teeth before I sleep everyday" he said livening up.
Rebecca: "My baby is growing so fast" she said raking her fingers through his afro styled hair. "Promise me that no matter what a woman does to you, you will never lay a finger on her?"
Sammy: "That is simple mum, I remember everything you do tell me: any man who lays a hand on his woman is not a real man, women are like eggs and so should be pampered, if not, they might break and get wasted. Life is not a bed of roses and so things might go wrong at some point, despite that I cannot give up, I must keep surviving" he finished happily.
Rebecca: "I said it! How can you be so intelligent? You even remember them exactly the way I said them? Give me five" she said lifting her right palm up for a high five while he reciprocated the gesture.
Sammy: "It's very simple mum" he said proudly, apparently proud of his achievement forgetting all about the fight.
Rebecca: "Now let's go and prepare something for our little genius, toast bread will do right? Your favorite?"
She said leading him by the hand to their well-equipped, neat and spacious kitchen which had white floral tiles decorating it from walls to walls.
Richard entered into the kitchen furiously and snatched his sons hand away from her grip.
Rebecca: "What do you think you are doing?" she asked taken-aback by this sudden outburst.
Richard: "Making sure you aren't poisoning my son's mind against me" he snapped and dragged Sammy out of the kitchen to the amazement of his mother.
Sammy: "Dad where are we going to? I was just going to help mum make toast bread" he was apparently displeased with his dad's action.
Richard: "Don't mind her my son, we are going to get a bite at Mr. Biggs. You love fried rice right? I will get plenty fried rice for you" he said as he stooped down so he could be at eye level with him,
Sammy: "But mum is…"
Richard: "Hey boy! Stop whining and just do whatever I ask you to do. Stop acting like a sissy and be a man, in this life you have to be strong and cunny otherwise you will suffer in the hands of a woman the way I am suffering now" he said cutting him short sharply. Sammy did not respond so he continued "my dear son, there is no place for soft men in this world, you will get cheated and trampled upon while you keep wallowing in the mud. No matter what you have to take the bulls by the horns and push it back. No one born of a woman should cheat you and get away with it, do you understand?"
Sammy: "Yes dad, but mum said I should never hit anyone weaker than I am especially women" he said looking up defiantly at his dad.
Richard: "Forget what your mum said, she is giving you the advice she should be giving a girl. She wants you to be getting disrespected the way she is disrespecting me now. Do you really want that? Will you listen to a man or a woman?" he asked holding his two shoulders
Sammy: "Uhn! No dad" he felt his dad's gaze tearing his soul violently apart and unraveling all the feelings he had stacked away somewhere he thought was safe from the world's scrutiny. His dad stood up at last and he felt a wave of relief sweep over him in soothing currents.
His dad drove slowly to the Mr. Biggs down Ibadan Street in Lagos Mainland where they resided at. He was quite relieved to find that the eatery was not as crowded as it used to be. He ordered for a plate of fried rice, chicken and moin moin for each of them. As they devoured their meal silently, the door of the eatery swung violently open, two soldiers led the way while a woman whose face Richard could not see properly trailed behind them, pointing towards where he and Sammy sat at a booth at the far corner of the eatery.
Rebecca: "There is the bastard…" she said appearing fully at the forefront of the whole scenario pointing at her mystified
EPISODE 2
Sammy looked on as his dad was swept off his feet by the two hefty army officers who accompanied his mum and it dawned on him that his dad was actually in big trouble.
He stood bravely at a corner watching as his dad was getting bartered by the men while his mum kept heaping accusations at him.
Rebecca: "That is the man who wants to kill me at home. Look at the bruises on my body, he has turned me to his punching bag" she raved accusingly..
1 st Officer: "Bastard, you have the guts to lay your hands on a woman while we fight the book boys in Sambisa forest just to protect you. if you had that much power, why don't you join us in the fight? You bloody coward" he cursed breathlessly as he stomped on Richard over and over again. On-lookers trouped around them and started pleading on behalf of Richard but it all fell on deaf ears. The officers seemed to be punishing him for more than just abusing his wife as she claimed he did.
Richard: "Officer please! Please!" he pleaded while trying to shield his face and ribs from their incessant assaults. His ribs despite his attempts at shielding them seemed to be snapping off under the effects of the officers' jungle boots.
2nd Officer: "You are going to rot at the guardroom for the rest of your life, you dare abuse your wife, let's see how many soldiers you can take on when you reach the barracks" he said lifting him up effortlessly from the ground and dragging him along with them as Richard kept pleading weakly for mercy.
Richard: "Rebecca please help me beg them. I have learnt my lessons now, I will never exchange words with you again so please just forgive me for Sammy's sake"
Rebecca: "I am doing this for his sake, so he won't have to grow up with regrets. I have to teach you a lesson otherwise you might end up killing me someday in his presence" she said not minding her son who was pulling on her dress to get her attention.
Sammy: "Where are they taking daddy to? Why are they beating daddy? Mummy" he started weeping still tugging at her dress.
Rebecca: "Baby don't worry, they are helping us set your dad straight" she said looking down at him impatiently.
Sammy: "But I don't like that they are beating my daddy" he snapped
Rebecca: "See Sammy leave me alone and just be a good boy by coming with me, we are going home"
Sammy: "No! I am not going anywhere without my dad…I want my dad" he said running towards the officers who were busy bundling Richard into their truck. "Leave my dad alone, my dad did not do anything, we were just eating, please leave my dad alone!" he held on to the arms of the 1st soldier who ignored him and kept on with his task. They finished, got into the truck and zoomed off leaving a wave of dust behind.
…
Richard was released after a week of detention at Marda Army Barrack's guardroom without letting anyone see him. He said no word as Rebecca drove him home that day.
Rebecca: "I was able to cover up for you at work by telling the managing director you were suddenly hospitalized. I also did most of your work so you must really be grateful right? Sammy won't stop crying for you…I think I made a mistake and I am really sorry. I tried getting you out the next day but they wouldn't even let me see you" she prattled on and on. "And why do you look so lean? Weren't you getting fed there at all? Baby I am really sorry" she said apologetically trying to concentrate on her driving at the same time. "I prepared your favorite meal of pounded yam and vegetable soup, I hope you will like it? I have warm water ready for you in the bathroom, I even added some mint to it just to calm your muscles" as she maneuvered the Range Rover into the parking lot of their bungalow house. He climbed out of the car and walked in without saying a word to her still. She quickly turned off the ignition and ran after him. "Aren't you the one I've been talking to?" she said blocking him from going any further with her petite body. The hurt she saw in his eyes spoke volumes, her heart melted even more than it already had and she stepped aside for him as Sammy ran into his warm embrace. She stood isolated watching father and son bonding.
Sammy: "Daddy I really missed you"
Richard: "I missed you too buddy. Sorry I was away for too long, sorry you had to witness all that. I feel so ashamed of myself" he said sadly and looked beyond him to where the door of the bedroom stood ajar.
Rebecca: "Come Sam, your dad needs to rest, come now!" she ordered. Richard dropped him slowly and headed for the bedroom. He went straight to the closet and started packing some of his cloths. "Sam can you go to your room for a while? Will call you when your dad has freshened up okay?"
Sammy: "Okay mum" he said and ran off excitedly.
She walked slowly to him and perched on the side of the huge bed they shared.
Rebecca: "Are you going somewhere honey? Why are you packing your clothes?" she asked gently.
Richard: "I am not going anywhere" his voice sounded so hoarse even he could not recognize it.
Rebecca: "But why are you packing?"
Richard: "I will be staying at the guest room from now on. You don't need to cook for me anymore or whichever things it is you used to do for me before. I am not packing out for the sake of my son. So don't make it more awkward by asking more questions or nagging about it in your usual manner then later you'd go release your dogs on me. So please, can we live peacefully from now on?"
Rebecca: "How can you say that honey? I made a mistake and I have apologized, please don't do this" she pleaded standing on her feet to move closer to him but he backed away.
Richard: "Don't touch me! From now on, we seize being couples. So respect my space while I respect yours. Do you get my point?"
Rebecca: "No I cannot agree to that. I want you back as my husband, I cannot survive without you so please forgive my mistake this once. Please?"
Richard: "You knew you could not live without me and you did that to me? You disgraced me before the whole world, you basically murdered me without even knowing it. How do you expect me to live with you after what you did to me? How can you be so callous?"
Rebecca: "Okay…its fine as long as you will still live under this roof but let's make sure Sammy did not get wind of what is happening, he might become more broken than he already is"
Richard: "You are really funny madam, so you knew this and you called officers to come beat his dad up in his presence? There's no need talking to you, the more we talk the more irritated I get. So excuse" he said and walked past her without casting another glance her way. She watched him walk away and resolved within her to do everything in her power to get him back. She wasn't going to stay passive while he slipped away from her forever.
…
He noticed the tension between his parents, he knew something was not right somewhere when he saw his dad sleep in the guestroom. He sat in the classroom with a drooping shoulder as his class teacher Miss Ophelia taught them on the subject, English Language. The class was beautifully decorated with paintings of the pupils from their creative art class. The wall was painted in rose pink with individual desks for each of them while Miss Ophelia had her desk with different types of teaching materials and the student's books right beside the window. She noticed one of her pupils was far from the class and walked up to him.
Miss Ophelia: "Samson…" she called but the boy did not answer until she gave him a knock on the head "What on earth are you thinking about?"
Sammy: "Nothing ma…I am listening to you ma" he replied springing to his feet.
Miss Ophelia: "You were listening Uhn? What was the last thing I said?"
Sammy: "Uhn…" he thought scratching his head "You said what 'was the last thing I said?'" The class burst into laughter.
Miss Ophelia: "Quiet everybody!" she barked. "So you think you are smart right?" she bent down, looked at him menacingly, grabbed his right ear and started twisting it really hard.
Sammy: "Ouch auntyyyy! Please ma, please ma" he pleaded.
Miss Ophelia: "Will you still try acting smart next time?"
Sammy: "No ma! I am sorry ma" he said touching his ear to be sure it wasn't torn.
Miss Ophelia: "come and see me during break time okay? Something is definitely happening with you and I must find out what it is. You were brighter than this before and it's getting less amusing by the day" she said and strutted back to the front of the class while he murmured a reply and sat down.
…
Ophelia went home that day thinking of everything Sammy had told her about his parents. She felt something stir within her for the helpless boy and shivered at the thought of it. She knew she had to do something otherwise her pupil will be the one to live a lonesome life later.
EPISODE 3
As soon as he stepped into the house, the aroma emanating from the kitchen almost knocked him off his feet. His wife seemed to be a little calmer of late yet he was finding it difficult to even say hello to her.
He had to put up a front anytime Sammy was within earshot or with them. But he spent most of his time in his library pretending to be engulfed with work.
Rebecca took it as a point of duty to get back home from work earlier than usual to prepare his meal and do some other house chores which she always took for granted before their big quarrel.
She was in the kitchen preparing Ogbono soup when she heard the door squeal open. She ran to the corridor which was in between the living room and the kitchen and also served as the entrance to the house. He was already heading for the guest room when she stopped him.
Rebecca: "Darling welcome back, how was work today? I noticed how busy you were at work today" she said trying to pretend all was well between them.
Richard: "You did well by noticing. Thank you" He said nonchalantly.
Rebecca: "I am preparing your best meal of pounded yam with ogbono this time. Hope you will eat?"
Richard: "No thanks, I have eaten already. I am tired, can I go in now?"
Rebecca: "Hmmmmmm! Richard please it's enough already. I think you've punished me enough?"
Richard: "I am not out to punish you"
Rebecca: "Then what are you doing? When was the last time you ate in this house? When was the last time you spoke to me like your life partner?"
Richard: "You have no right to ask me any questions right now after what you did to me…Can I go inside now?"
Rebecca: "I have apologized countless times for that day. It's okay though but you should know I will not give up on us, for my children's sake, I will keep fighting"
Richard: "What do you mean by for our children's sake? We only have one child"
Rebecca: "Honey God has answered our prayer at last. I am pregnant, I am carrying your child again" she said moving closer to her dumbfounded husband.
Richard: "How? Why are you pregnant now of all times? Are you sure that baby is mine?"
Rebecca: "What is that supposed to mean?" she retorted angrily
Richard: "Well this is 21st century, we will find out when it's time." He said and started walking away from his wife who was rooted to a spot staring into thin air.
Rebecca: "I can't believe you just said that Richie… I can't believe it has gotten up to this"
Richard: "Yes it has! Who knows? It might be for one of your soldier boyfriends" he roared from the front of his room.
Rebecca: "Okay! Sammy's class teacher wants to see us, though I told her we are a busy lot but we can always go during lunch break" she announced.
Richard: "Then you should go alone. I will be busy even during lunch break" he said sitting on the bed and pulling off his socks, then his shirt.
Rebecca: "But it's Sammy we are talking about. Please for his sake?" she said swallowing hard at the sight of his bare chest as adrenaline rushed into her veins.
Richard: "Good! Good! Can you excuse me now? As you can see I am undressing" he said pulling his trousers remaining only his boxers.
Rebecca: "Uhm! Uhn! Okay! I will leave now" she said without bulging from where she stood ogling at his well-built body frame and the bulge inside his boxers. "Yeah sure I should excuse you right? Are you sure? "She said with a deep desire laden voice.
Richard: "Oh yeah!" he said smiling within himself, knowing the effects he was having on her.
…
Ophelia Ndukwe was a lady who loved her job more than anything. She was so beautiful that she could bag a modeling contract in Broadway without breaking a tiny drop of sweat. People took her for an half cast or a foreigner because of how fair she was. She had a height, gait and curves that made heads turn wherever she went. She had men at the tip of her fingers and had things easy for her. Her father was a Professor of History and International Studies in the University of Benin and was the only child of her parents. She sat facing Richard that noon in the secluded class during break time.
Ophelia: "Welcome Mr. Richard…Thanks for honoring my invitation sir but where is your wife? I thought you were coming together?"
Richard: "Something came up so she couldn't make it. So why did you ask to see us? Hope there is no problem?"
Ophelia: "There is no problem just that I noticed something about Sammy lately"
Richard: "What happened? Is he doing something wrong?" he asked adjusting nervously on his seat.
Ophelia: "Not at all, just that he seems quite absent minded and withdrawn lately. He hardly plays with his friend any more neither does he pay attention in class. Please sir is something happening in your home that you think might be affecting him adversely?"
Richard: "Nothing I can think of. Maybe he is just in that phase of his life?"
Ophelia: "Are you sure? Just see me as a friend and talk to me okay? I am here to help and nothing more. I only want the welfare of my pupils, stuffs like this happen all the time and its mostly because of a problem the child is witnessing at home. So if there's anything you feel I should know, please tell me"
Richard wriggled his hands like a little boy facing panel in school. He debated whether to tell the goddess sitting before him the problems he was going through in his marriage or not. He looked into her eyes and what he saw was as harmless as any dove could be so he decided to open up to her.
Richard: "Well…" he went ahead to tell her everything he and his wife were going through in their home. She was taken aback at how things could turn for the worse for two lovers out of the blues.
Ophelia: "Wow! Now I am more convinced in my opinion about marriage" she said more to herself than to Richard. "I will suggest you two work things out and please try to forgive her for your son's sake. You don't want to see him grow up a broken man who…" she was interrupted by the wailing of the bell. Break was over. "Okay break is over…we still have a lot to talk about so here's my card, give me a call anytime you feel like, as a friend" she said extending her card to him, he collected it, dipped his hand in his hip pocket and brought out his wallet, took a card from it and handed it over to her too.
Richard: "Thanks a lot Miss, now I am convinced my son is in good hands. In case I forget to give you a call, don't hesitate to remind me through the number there" he said gesturing to the card in her left hand.
Ophelia: "Oh sure!" she smiled as they shook hands. She watched as he hurriedly left the classroom checking his wrist watch over and over again. She could not help but feel sorry for him, the burden he is forced to carry around in the name of marriage made her heart sink with grieve. She was never a strong advocate of marriage, she once told her parents she'd rather have a child out of wedlock than be held captive in an unhappy marriage.
…
When she got home that evening after lesson periods, she met her mum and best friend Gloria discussing in their well-furnished sitting room. The house itself spoke volumes of its occupants and she loved showing it off to her friends.
Ophelia: "See who is here today, it's the almighty newly wedded wife of Johnson. What brought you out of you crib today?" she said jovially, dropping her bag on the glass table and slumping down beside her friend, hugging her from behind.
Obiageli: "So it's only your friend you see here right? I am not human you this ill-mannered girl" her mum feigned annoyance.
Ophelia: "I am sorry mum, I just got carried away seeing this lass here today. Good afternoon ma" she greeted her mum and walked over, placed a light kiss on her cheek and went back to her former position beside her friend.
Gloria: "Don't mind her mum. She is just looking for a way to look for my trouble"
Ophelia: "let's go to my room girl, we have a lot to catch up on" she said drawing her along with her.
Obiageli: "Glo please advise your friend to go and get married too o, abi what is all these wahala sef, for how long will I keep housing a fully grown woman?" she called after them.
Ophelia: "Don't mind her jare, she just wouldn't let me rest in this house. I am not interested in getting married or has marriage become a do or die affair?" she said to her friend after closing the door to her room to give them better privacy.
Gloria: "Mum is right girlfriend, you need to get married, and you will be twenty-eight years this year remember? Time and tide waits for no one, you are in your prime now but will not remain so forever"
Ophelia: "I have a gist for you jare, forget the issue of marriage, it's not a topic I like to waste my time on" she said dismissively.
Gloria: "Yes madam? Let me hear this gist that is making you so excited"
Ophelia: "Now you are talking. But before then, I want to feel your lips on mine again, I have missed you so much baby. Abandoning me like that for some man is just uncool" she said moving towards her seductively.
Gloria: "Oh yeah! I have missed you too, you just won't imagine how much I…
EPISODE 3
As soon as he stepped into the house, the aroma emanating from the kitchen almost knocked him off his feet. His wife seemed to be a little calmer of late yet he was finding it difficult to even say hello to her.
He had to put up a front anytime Sammy was within earshot or with them. But he spent most of his time in his library pretending to be engulfed with work.
Rebecca took it as a point of duty to get back home from work earlier than usual to prepare his meal and do some other house chores which she always took for granted before their big quarrel.
She was in the kitchen preparing Ogbono soup when she heard the door squeal open. She ran to the corridor which was in between the living room and the kitchen and also served as the entrance to the house. He was already heading for the guest room when she stopped him.
Rebecca: "Darling welcome back, how was work today? I noticed how busy you were at work today" she said trying to pretend all was well between them.
Richard: "You did well by noticing. Thank you" He said nonchalantly.
Rebecca: "I am preparing your best meal of pounded yam with ogbono this time. Hope you will eat?"
Richard: "No thanks, I have eaten already. I am tired, can I go in now?"
Rebecca: "Hmmmmmm! Richard please it's enough already. I think you've punished me enough?"
Richard: "I am not out to punish you"
Rebecca: "Then what are you doing? When was the last time you ate in this house? When was the last time you spoke to me like your life partner?"
Richard: "You have no right to ask me any questions right now after what you did to me…Can I go inside now?"
Rebecca: "I have apologized countless times for that day. It's okay though but you should know I will not give up on us, for my children's sake, I will keep fighting"
Richard: "What do you mean by for our children's sake? We only have one child"
Rebecca: "Honey God has answered our prayer at last. I am pregnant, I am carrying your child again" she said moving closer to her dumbfounded husband.
Richard: "How? Why are you pregnant now of all times? Are you sure that baby is mine?"
Rebecca: "What is that supposed to mean?" she retorted angrily
Richard: "Well this is 21st century, we will find out when it's time." He said and started walking away from his wife who was rooted to a spot staring into thin air.
Rebecca: "I can't believe you just said that Richie… I can't believe it has gotten up to this"
Richard: "Yes it has! Who knows? It might be for one of your soldier boyfriends" he roared from the front of his room.
Rebecca: "Okay! Sammy's class teacher wants to see us, though I told her we are a busy lot but we can always go during lunch break" she announced.
Richard: "Then you should go alone. I will be busy even during lunch break" he said sitting on the bed and pulling off his socks, then his shirt.
Rebecca: "But it's Sammy we are talking about. Please for his sake?" she said swallowing hard at the sight of his bare chest as adrenaline rushed into her veins.
Richard: "Good! Good! Can you excuse me now? As you can see I am undressing" he said pulling his trousers remaining only his boxers.
Rebecca: "Uhm! Uhn! Okay! I will leave now" she said without bulging from where she stood ogling at his well-built body frame and the bulge inside his boxers. "Yeah sure I should excuse you right? Are you sure? "She said with a deep desire laden voice.
Richard: "Oh yeah!" he said smiling within himself, knowing the effects he was having on her.
…
Ophelia Ndukwe was a lady who loved her job more than anything. She was so beautiful that she could bag a modeling contract in Broadway without breaking a tiny drop of sweat. People took her for an half cast or a foreigner because of how fair she was. She had a height, gait and curves that made heads turn wherever she went. She had men at the tip of her fingers and had things easy for her. Her father was a Professor of History and International Studies in the University of Benin and was the only child of her parents. She sat facing Richard that noon in the secluded class during break time.
Ophelia: "Welcome Mr. Richard…Thanks for honoring my invitation sir but where is your wife? I thought you were coming together?"
Richard: "Something came up so she couldn't make it. So why did you ask to see us? Hope there is no problem?"
Ophelia: "There is no problem just that I noticed something about Sammy lately"
Richard: "What happened? Is he doing something wrong?" he asked adjusting nervously on his seat.
Ophelia: "Not at all, just that he seems quite absent minded and withdrawn lately. He hardly plays with his friend any more neither does he pay attention in class. Please sir is something happening in your home that you think might be affecting him adversely?"
Richard: "Nothing I can think of. Maybe he is just in that phase of his life?"
Ophelia: "Are you sure? Just see me as a friend and talk to me okay? I am here to help and nothing more. I only want the welfare of my pupils, stuffs like this happen all the time and its mostly because of a problem the child is witnessing at home. So if there's anything you feel I should know, please tell me"
Richard wriggled his hands like a little boy facing panel in school. He debated whether to tell the goddess sitting before him the problems he was going through in his marriage or not. He looked into her eyes and what he saw was as harmless as any dove could be so he decided to open up to her.
Richard: "Well…" he went ahead to tell her everything he and his wife were going through in their home. She was taken aback at how things could turn for the worse for two lovers out of the blues.
Ophelia: "Wow! Now I am more convinced in my opinion about marriage" she said more to herself than to Richard. "I will suggest you two work things out and please try to forgive her for your son's sake. You don't want to see him grow up a broken man who…" she was interrupted by the wailing of the bell. Break was over. "Okay break is over…we still have a lot to talk about so here's my card, give me a call anytime you feel like, as a friend" she said extending her card to him, he collected it, dipped his hand in his hip pocket and brought out his wallet, took a card from it and handed it over to her too.
Richard: "Thanks a lot Miss, now I am convinced my son is in good hands. In case I forget to give you a call, don't hesitate to remind me through the number there" he said gesturing to the card in her left hand.
Ophelia: "Oh sure!" she smiled as they shook hands. She watched as he hurriedly left the classroom checking his wrist watch over and over again. She could not help but feel sorry for him, the burden he is forced to carry around in the name of marriage made her heart sink with grieve. She was never a strong advocate of marriage, she once told her parents she'd rather have a child out of wedlock than be held captive in an unhappy marriage.
…
When she got home that evening after lesson periods, she met her mum and best friend Gloria discussing in their well-furnished sitting room. The house itself spoke volumes of its occupants and she loved showing it off to her friends.
Ophelia: "See who is here today, it's the almighty newly wedded wife of Johnson. What brought you out of you crib today?" she said jovially, dropping her bag on the glass table and slumping down beside her friend, hugging her from behind.
Obiageli: "So it's only your friend you see here right? I am not human you this ill-mannered girl" her mum feigned annoyance.
Ophelia: "I am sorry mum, I just got carried away seeing this lass here today. Good afternoon ma" she greeted her mum and walked over, placed a light kiss on her cheek and went back to her former position beside her friend.
Gloria: "Don't mind her mum. She is just looking for a way to look for my trouble"
Ophelia: "let's go to my room girl, we have a lot to catch up on" she said drawing her along with her.
Obiageli: "Glo please advise your friend to go and get married too o, abi what is all these wahala sef, for how long will I keep housing a fully grown woman?" she called after them.
Ophelia: "Don't mind her jare, she just wouldn't let me rest in this house. I am not interested in getting married or has marriage become a do or die affair?" she said to her friend after closing the door to her room to give them better privacy.
Gloria: "Mum is right girlfriend, you need to get married, and you will be twenty-eight years this year remember? Time and tide waits for no one, you are in your prime now but will not remain so forever"
Ophelia: "I have a gist for you jare, forget the issue of marriage, it's not a topic I like to waste my time on" she said dismissively.
Gloria: "Yes madam? Let me hear this gist that is making you so excited"
Ophelia: "Now you are talking. But before then, I want to feel your lips on mine again, I have missed you so much baby. Abandoning me like that for some man is just uncool" she said moving towards her seductively.
Gloria: "Oh yeah! I have missed you too, you just won't imagine how much i…
EPISODE 4
*Ophelia*
An hour later after they had made love, Gloria was still eager to know what the gist she wanted to tell her was.
Gloria: "Babe so what were you talking about earlier? You said there was something you wanted to tell me?" she said trying to recompose herself.
Ophelia: "Guess?"
Gloria: "I cannot guess, its either you tell me now or I carry my bag and go home. I have a husband to attend to remember?"
Ophelia: "You just keep reminding me of how married you are.
Can your husband make you feel the way I do?" she asked jealously.
Gloria: "He is trying. Okay I am sorry, you know getting married was not something I wanted to do, I was pushed into it by my family"
Ophelia: "Well it's okay, as long as we can continue doing this then I am okay by it. No one can break our ten years relationship in just a day"
Gloria: "Yeah sure. Now that is what I am talking about. So tell me what you wanna, I am dying of curiosity here"
Ophelia: "I met one of my pupil's dad today and you won't imagine how handsome and manly he looked in that suit of his" she said smiling mischievously
Gloria: "Hmmmmmmm…"
Ophelia: "Why are you sighing? Don't tell me you are getting jealous?"
Gloria: "I am sighing because he is married. You are not heading in the right direction my dear"
Ophelia: "Now she is about to counsel me on what and what nots. Besides I did not say I am in love with him, you know how I feel about love right?"
Gloria: "Just be careful so you don't end up breaking a home and besides this is the first time you will ever notice a man in this life. What made him so special?
Ophelia: "The way his lips curved seductively when he spoke to me. His composure and most especially the sadness in his eyes made me want to put his head in my bosom and tell him it's alright. His marriage is crumbling too. I feel sorry for him" she finished sadly.
Gloria: "He must really be going through one hell of an ish. It's okay then, as long as he will not come in between us, our love just like my husband did not, then I am cool"
Ophelia: "I haven't said I consider him a potential anything. This one you are sounding like someone is sweeping me off my feet" she eyed her friend, went closer to her and bit her lips mildly. "I love you babez, only you" she said with a voice husky with renewed desire.
Gloria: "Okay I have to go now! My husband must be on his way home" she said springing up to her feet like a person dipped boiling ring in her anus all of a sudden.
Ophelia: "Easy Glo, I understand you don't want to go another round, I will see you off"
…
*Richard*
In his office, he kept thinking and fantasizing about his son's teacher. The way she pouted her lips when she was trying to make him open up to her. The way her skirt skidded to her laps when she crossed her legs, the way she welcomed him and made him feel like he was something special, he just felt like opening his soul to her. He did not know when the door to his office opened and his wife stepped in.
Rebecca: "Richard…Richard" she repeated loudly, thinking he was asleep.
Richard jerked out of his reverie.
Richard: "Yes? Don't you know how to knock before entering a person's office?"
Rebecca: "I am sorry but I actually did knock, you did not answer me"
Richard: "What do you want by the way?"
Rebecca: "I have an appointment with my doctor tomorrow morning and he has asked that I come along with you"
Richard: "I have work to do so you can go on your own" he looked down on a pile of paperwork on his desk and pretended to be reading them.
Rebecca: "But this has to do with the baby" she started sulking.
Richard: "I told you I have work to do, what part of that do you not understand?" he snapped.
Rebecca: "I already took permission from the M.D on behalf of the two of us and he understands.
But if you don't want to, who am I to force you? Just know it's not for me but for the baby" she said holding her midsection with both of her hands. "If not for my sake but for the sake of our children, can you forgive me please? Is there anything you want me to do? Say it and it will be done but please I really can't do this on my own anymore.
I need you" she said as tears filled her eyes
Richard: "I cannot go with you, I don't even recognize that thing as my baby, so whatever has to do with it, do it on your own and don't involve me. Do you get it?"
Rebecca: "I really feel sorry for you Richie, you will live to regret this utterance you just made" she cursed under her breath and stormed out of his office. He lifted his head slowly from his paperwork, looked at her retreating figure and shook his head.
Richard: "It's you who has just started regretting for being so bitchy all these while. We are just starting, in fact I am yet to start" he thought and his mind drifted to Ophelia's almost perfect body.
He remembered how delicate her features were: silky smooth skin that was inviting him for a gentle caress. She had almond shaped eyes with a deep dimple adorning each of her cheeks when she smiled. Thinking of her made him happy and at ease with himself. He knew he wanted to have another chat with her so he brought out the card she had given him the previous day and admired its contents. He saved the number on the card as Miss Supple and smiled at his creativity.
…
*Rebbecca*
With a heavy heart, she went straight to the doctor's office on confirming her appointment with the receptionist the next day.
Dr. Wilson was in his office waiting since he had a class that noon, he was a resident doctor in his early thirties.
Rebecca: "Good afternoon doctor" she greeted as she took her seat opposite the doctor on the book-filled table.
Dr. Wilson: "Good afternoon to you too, how are you feeling today?" he replied with a broad smile on his handsome chiseled face.
Rebecca: "I am fine thank you"
Dr. Wilson: "But where is your husband? I specifically told you to come along with him, he needs to be here too" he was displeased.
Rebeca: "He got too engaged in his work so was not able to make it down here. But hope there is no problem doctor?"
Dr. Wilson: "Well there is one whinny tinny bit of problem and that is why I need to talk to your husband and not you"
Rebecca: "What is the problem doctor? "She asked sitting up nervously.
Dr. Wilson: "Well it's your husband I need to talk to, maybe we will have to reschedule this appointment till he is less engaged in his work?"
Rebecca: "No! Tell me whatever it is, I can bear it. Does it have anything to do with my baby?"
Dr. Wilson: "I already told you, except your husband is here I won't divulge any information to you madam" he said impatiently checking his time over and over again.
Rebecca: "Okay how about this? My husband refused to come not that he is busy"
Dr. Wilson: "But why if I may ask?"
Rebecca: "We are not in good terms. We haven't been a couple for some time now"
Dr. Wilson: "Oh! I am sorry about that ma'am, I had no idea" he said apologetically.
Rebecca: "It's okay. So can you tell me now please?"
He thought for some seconds.
Dr. Wilson: "Okay then. How was your last pregnancy? Did you develop any complications like heart disorders?"
Rebecca: "Yes, I was diagnosed with Peripartum Cardiomyopathy but it was neutralized after I gave birth to my son. That is why I stayed off getting pregnant for so many years"
Dr. Wilson: "Yeah! And now, I just found out that the condition has returned only that it's now worse than before"
Rebecca: "What do you mean by that?"
Dr. Wilson: "You might lose your life in this pregnancy. From now on you have to thread carefully, avoid anything that will give you emotional pain so your heart don't get weakened more. If you lose your life before you are due for delivery, then it will be difficult to save your baby too"
Rebecca: "Are you insinuating that I'd lose my life?"
Dr. Wilson: "I haven't said that yet but it's likely. Just make sure you do as I said and make sure you tell your husband about this. Your survival might be dependent on him. I am already late for my class, come for regular checkup. At least twice a week will do. Book an appointment with the receptionist" He said rose from his seat and fetched his lab coat from where it hung on the wall.
Rebecca: "Okay doctor. I will do as you said. Thank you very much" she replied weakly as she stood up, shook the doctor's outstretched hands and headed for the door.
Dr. Wilson: "Make sure you tell your husband, this might help restore your marriage" he called after her but she was long gone and out of earshot.
As she drove home that day, she kept debating within her whether to tell him or not . "I don't want his sympathy, I don't want him to start loving me again out of sympathy. But what do I do? Should I tell him this or keep it to myself so no one gets bothered unnecessarily? I am really at loss here…
EPISODE 5
*Richard*
After work hours, he called Ophelia and after a long chit chat about his marriage and Sammy, they decided to meet one on one to talk about it further. They met at DeChills Hind which was a bar, restaurant and night club located at the heart of Surulere. It was a very beautiful rendezvous for lovers who enjoy having fun.
As he sat at the bar waiting for her arrival, his mind drifted to his wife.
He wondered if he was doing the right thing, if he had punished her enough and should let it go but then he sighted Ophelia and his heart skipped beats.
He had never seen a lady as beautiful and elegant as she was in his life or so he thought.
She was attired in a yellow stripped turtle necked armless gown which was way above her knees.
Slung across her shoulder was a black Chanel back and a black gladiator sandals to match the hand bag.
Heads turned as she made her way to where he sat, he was slightly flushed to see people were staring at him too probably because she was headed his way beaming with smiles and eyes sparkling like a well refined gold.
Ophelia: "Hello…hope I did not keep you waiting for too long?" she smiled, revealing her white well set teeth.
Richard: "Not at all, I just got here myself, have your seat" he said drawing out a seat for her opposite his. "How are you today?"
Ophelia: "I am fine and you?"
Richard: "I am surviving…What will you like to take?" he asked as a waitress came to take their orders.
Ophelia: "A bottle of chardonnay will do for now" she said looking up at the waitress who was beaming with fake smiles.
Richard: "Okay get one bottle of chardonnay and with two glasses" he said, the waitress nodded and retreated.
Ophelia: "So you were saying something on phone?"
Richard: "I was thinking whether to just let go of my beef with Rebecca.
I think she has suffered enough and it's already taking its toll on her. What do you think?"
Ophelia: "I think it's a good idea but She really did disgrace you and in public for that matter.
She does not have any respect for you and if you forgive her so easily, she will take it for granted even more.
I think you should not forgive her just yet"
Richard: "Are you sure? I guess you are right though. You are a woman and you know women better"
Ophelia: "Yeah that's right! I know women better" she said eyeing him from behind the glass of wine she was sipping.
…
He went back home that day feeling more resolute than ever.
He wished he was married to someone else and not her. It's a heart wrenching how you think you know someone so well and all of a sudden realise you've been mistaken all along.
He saw her sitting on the settee sleeping and his stomach churned with disgust .
"Why on earth is she not sleeping in the room? She is not probably waiting for me cos I don't have time to exchange words tonight " he turned to enter his room but the creaking of the door woke her up.
Rebecca: "Hey Richie! You are back? I have been waiting for you. Welcome" she said rising up to her feet drowsily.
Richard: "Just go and sleep in your room and don't meddle in what is none of your business okay?"
Rebecca: "Okay I will be going to bed soon but the doctor asked me to tell you something, I thought about not telling you but I think it's your right to know.
At least we are still married"
Richard: "I told you I am not interested in hearing anything from you except it has to do with Sammy.
Please do not provoke me tonight and just go to bed.
There is a reason I left that room for you or do you want me to leave the house for you?"
Rebecca: "Not at all. You won't have to do that and for the records, I resigned at work. I will be staying at home now to take care of Sammy and the home myself"
Richard: "Good for you but hope you have yourself planned out well? You will not be getting a penny from me for anything other than my son's upkeep. You will be on your own"
Rebecca: "Don't worry, I will not bother you at all… I have it all planned out. Thanks for taking your time to listen to me, goodnight! "She said calmly and left him standing at the doorway to his room. Her calm demeanour only succeeded in getting him more peeved than he already was. He expected her to flare up like she used to but the reverse was the case. He shook his head and went into his room at last.
===
During break time at Princeton Schools, Sammy and a pack of his friends were at the school's football field practising relay race for their upcoming inter house sport. Sammy was very athletic and was the best athlete in his house. The house master had gone to use the restroom when a confrontation broke out between Sammy and one of the known bullies in the school.
Emeka: "So you don't know that you are a bastard? Your mum had you for another man" he said with a scowl on his face.
Sammy: "Don't call me a bastard again you dumb ass boy. Do you think I don't know you bully others to feel good about yourself?"
Emeka: "Look at you. You think you are that good just because people say so? Don't you know your mum is a husband basher? Your dad is a weakling, you think I was not there that day at Mr. Biggs when those soldiers were beating him up? He was just saying please! Please!! Please!!! Whimpering like a dog on heat" he said and the rest of the boys laughed out loud. Some covering their mouths so Sammy would not know they laughed.
Sammy: "You bastard!" he lashed out and plunged for him. They both rolled on the floor throwing punches at each other while the other boys cheered them on. Mr Sam the housemaster arrived and separated them, surprised at what big damage could be done at such little time.
Mr Sam: "What on earth is happening here?" he said fuming.
Emeka: "He is the one sir, I did not do anything to him" he said bursting into tears.
Sammy: "Sir! He called me a bastard and my dad a weakling in front of everybody here"
Mr Sam: "The two of you should come with me now!" he turned and walked away while the two boys trailed after him on wobbly feet.
…
Rebecca: "Sammy why did you beat that boy up in school? How can you disgrace me like that?" she said when they got back home. she had gotten a notice from the school authority to come by the school that day where they had narrated to her what transpired between her son and the boy.
Sammy: "It was not my fault mum. Why is no one believing me?"
Rebecca: "But you threw the first punch at him didn't you?"
Sammy: "Yes I did but he called you husband basher. He said my dad was a weakling… all these is your fault mum! You made my dad into a weakling that day and now he is not even talking to you"
Rebecca: "Yeah it's all my fault and that is why I am trying to make amends. I am trying to put things right and just so you know, your dad is not a weakling, he is a strong and good man"
Sammy: "Do you still love my dad?"
Rebecca: "Of course I still love him very very much"
Sammy: "Then why did you keep fighting him? I used to feel sorry for my dad but not anymore though"
Rebecca: "Well I am a changed person now and so is your dad. Do you know I am pregnant? You will have a baby sister very soon" she said drawing him closer to her bosom.
Sammy: "Is that true mummy?"he said with eyes glistening with joy and excitement. "When will you give birth to her? I want to see my sister fast fast"
Rebecca: "Very soon my dear, and promise me one more thing? You will take care of your sister right? In no ways will you allow anyone hurt her when i am not here"
Sammy: "Are you going somewhere?"
Rebecca: "I am not sure yet but I might be going somewhere. So I might have to leave your sister to your care" she said fighting back tears.
Sammy: "Okay I will take care of her but promise me you will come back soon? You will not stay too long where you are going to?"
Rebecca: "Let's wait till then" she said and embraced him tighter while he struggled to disengage from her.
Sammy: "Mummy I am now a big boy o, I will even be a big brother soon but you keep treating me as if I am one small boy"
Rebecca: "Sorry dear big boy. I am already envying your sister. Wish I have a big brother like you. Your sister is lucky, I know I'd be leaving her in good hands" Just as she said this, they heard shuffling of feet outside on the floor.
Richard and a very beautiful lady entered the house looking all cordial and comfortable in each other's company.
They probably didn't expect to meet Rebecca in the sitting room.
Sammy: "Aunty… I was not the one who looked for trouble first. It really wasn't my fault ma" he said feeling jittery with fear.
Ophelia: "Hey Sammy! I am not here to punish or reprimand you.
I am here to see your dad so no worries at all. I know you are not a troublesome boy, Emeka is.
So I believe you" she said stooping down to hold his shoulder. This gesture melted Richards heart and he smile fondly down at the two of them while his wife watched him in sheer disbelief.
Rebecca: "Thank you Miss Ophelia for believing our Sammy but what exactly brought you here?"
Richard: "Go inside your room now Sammy"
Sammy: "Okay dad" he said and ran off.
Ophelia: "Well I am here for Richie not you"
Rebecca: "Excuse me? What business do you two have together? The last time I checked you were only my son's class teacher"
Richard: "And how is that any of your business? I told you not to infringe on my space. Please lets go to my room dear" he said and drew Ophelia along with him
EPISODE 6
Rebecca was flabbergasted and short of words, she could not believe what had just happened.
She clasped her face in between her hands and started weeping.
Rebecca: "Oh! I shouldn't be crying for my baby's sake. I shouldn't give them the pleasure of seeing me cry.
But what do I do about all these? I am losing my husband or have I lost him? I made a mistake and that was because I thought he was taking my son away from me.
I know I shouldn't have done what I did but how am I going to survive this? How?" she wept into her hands.
She heard giggles and laughter emanating from behind the closed door and wondered what on earth was happening there.
She imagined her husband touching the lady, kissing her or even going as far as laying with her but quickly discarded the thought.
She felt her heart beat so fast that she thought it would stop beating altogether.
…
Ophelia: "Now this is such a good idea. We need to get her even more jealous.
She needs to pay for what she did to you. This world is not a bed of roses, you don't sow tars and expect to reap wheat…it's never done that way" she said as she sat with him on the bed.
"Besides, your house is quite beautiful, I love it" she said looking around the room.
Richard: "Thanks dear and I also agree with your previous statement.
The funniest part is the sight of her now annoy me so much. If not for Sammy, I'd have left this house or made her leave a long time ago"
Ophelia: "Well I don't think it has gotten to the extent of you leaving the house. Just make sure you make her regret every bit of her misconducts towards you.
Richard: "Yeah and I appreciate your friendship even more. Thanks for being here. You are the best thing that has happened to me this year" he confessed as his eyes roamed her body. He wondered what she looked like under..., as his eyes roamed back to her eyes, he knew he had been caught ogling. "I am so sorry I didn't mean to do that" he swallowed hard.
Ophelia: "It's okay, no love lost. Besides I seem to enjoy it"
Richard: "Oh really? Now that is an encouragement since I am really falling for you"
Ophelia: "Shhhhhhh! Your wife might be hearing you, don't make a woman go suicidal"
Richard: "She should go to blazes for all I care. She no longer have my heart, you do and I knowing I am not making a mistake. Or don't you have feelings for me at all?"
Ophelia: "Of course I do since the first day I set my eyes on you but you are married and I don't wanna be the one to break your home"
Richard: "My home is already broken baby. Just concentrate on loving me, I assure you, very soon I will do everything right by you. I only need some time" he said, reached out and .... "I love you Ophelia". He moved even closer and perched a light kiss, he withdrew to read her reaction but when nothing negative came from her, he resumed....
Ophelia: "What do you think you are doing?"
Richard: "Why? Did I do something wrong?"
Ophelia: "No not at all, just that your wife and son are out there and I don't want any trouble at all" she said feeling so embarrassed.
Richard: "Okay dear… I understand your reluctance, I'd be too"
Ophelia: "Not just that, I am also not ready yet"
Richard: "Will wait for you till you are ready" he smiled awkwardly.
Ophelia: "Thanks dear for understanding. I will get going now" she said straightening her dress.
He walked her out and as they stepped into the sitting room, they met Rebecca setting the table. The aroma from the food on the table was magnetizing. She looked up from what she was doing and smiled brightly at them.
Rebecca: "Food is ready. Come and take your seat please?" she said looking from one to the other.
Ophelia: "Thanks but I am not hungry, I don't know about Richard?"
Richard: "I am not hungry either. Come on now, let's go"
They both walked out without casting a second glance at the dining table or the woman hovering over it with tray in her hand.
Ophelia: "What is wrong with your wife? Is she really that nice or she is stupid" she said as she strapped on the car's seat belt as Richard drove the range rover out of the compound into the street.
Richard: "She is not nice at all, she is just putting up an act to ensnare me into her web again She is a very cunning woman"
Ophelia: "Oh! Then stupid is what she is then, how can she still be calm despite our efforts to make her jealous? She must be a really dangerous woman indeed" she said and shrugged.
________
As weeks further drifted into months, their relationship kept deteriorating. All those who knew them even at work had tried to reconcile them all to no avail. Richard was determined to keep it at the level it was in. he was even more determined because Ophelia was in the picture. She became his world. No day passed by without them meeting. Even after parting, they took to whatsApp or calls and talked way into the night like teenagers who just found love for the first time. What however baffled him the most was the fact that she remained unresponsive to his sexual advances. It was more like she was disgusted at his touch or so he thought. She kept telling him she wasn't ready and that he should give her some time to adjust.
Ophelia did not know what to do so she visited Gloria at her home. Luckily for her, her husband was away on a business trip to Dubai so they had all the time in the world for their chit-chat and little little more.
Gloria: "And what were you saying earlier?" she asked.
Ophelia: "I seem to really be fond of the man. Not that I am in love with him, just that I really care about him and this issue of sex is about to break us apart. What do I do?"
Gloria: "Hmmmmmm! You sound like someone in love"
Ophelia: "Well I am not in love… I am just trying to help a friend out here. A friend I don't want to lose"
Gloria: "Then you have to just do it with him. There is nothing you can do about it. All you have to do is lie back while he does whatever he wants with you. Close your eyes really tight and touch his back occasionally. That will make him cum more easily than you just laying docile"
Ophelia: "Are you sure that would work?"
Gloria: "That is what I do with my husband and it works so I guess it will work with him too."
Ophelia: "Awwwwww really? Don't worry I will be here to render more of my service to you. I shall not disappoint ever" she said basking in the euphoria of the moment.
Gloria: "Follow me down to the cellar so we can grab some wine my dear. This moment feels too glorious for us not to celebrate" they held hands and left the huge and beautiful bedroom she shared with her husband together.
Ophelia: "To our endless love for each other" they both toasted after they had selected a bottle of champagne from the barrage of wines in the cellar. They both sipped on the wine and stretched forth their neck to kiss while sitting at the bar in the sitting room. As they kissed, the door of the sitting room burst open and Gloria's husband barged into the room with his protruding stomach, the agbada he wore could hardly hide and a suitcase at his right hand. He was startled out of his wits when he saw them…
Gloria's Husband: WHAT? What's happening here…
They quickly pretended as if they were whispering something to each other as the business mogul approached them with a look of bewilderment and skepticism on his face.
Johnson: "What were you ladies doing just now when I stepped into this living room?"
Gloria: "Oh honey you are back? Welcome back" she said trying to collect his briefcase from him.
Johnson: "Get your hands off my briefcase and answer the damn question.
Ophelia: "I don't get…"
Johnson: "Hey you keep your mouth shut, it's not you I am asking but my wife" his voice reverberated in the house.
Gloria: "How can you talk to my friend like that?"
Johnson: "I said what were you two doing?"
Gloria: "She was just whispering something to me. I don't even understand what on earth you claim to have seen that you should be barking this way. It is not fair. Hi omeano on+233544142683 to be added to storybaze, storyline, unlimited story platform to get more episodes from there. Are you trying to defame I and my friend?"
Johnson: "I know what I saw and it was more than whispering. Do you take me for a fool? Why will you two be whispering when there is no one in here with you? Oh God!" he threw his brief down and put his hands on his head.
Gloria: "It's not what you think honey, the house boy was hovering around and I didn't want anyone hearing what I had to tell her. You know what they say that the walls have ears. I and Ophelia have been friends since secondary school and no one ever caught us in a compromising position. Are you sure it's not your eyes feeding you thoughts?"
Johnson: "Okay…whatever games you two are playing, I guess it's high time you stopped it. If I as much as get a whiff of foul play between you two, I will get you arrested for lesbianism. Don't dare me!" he threatened and walked out on them with his agbada trailing after him.
Ophelia: "Wow! That was a close call" she commented heaving a sigh of relief. "I thought you said he was not due to be back for another two days? You could have put us in trouble with your carelessness"
Gloria: "Well that was what he said when I called to ask him earlier. Only God knows what happened for him to be back already" she said obviously piqued.
Ophelia: "Well it's okay. I want to get going now before he comes back with more conviction. See you soon, go and attend to your husband's needs, you should be able to convince him with that body of yours" she said sizing her up lustfully, looking around to be sure there was no prying eyes around.
Gloria: "You are sick. Just don't forget what I told you, make him happy" she said winking at her naughtily and scurried off towards the bedroom leaving her friend to find her way out herself.
On her way to the junction to get taxi, she dialed Richard's number and when he picked the call, she asked him to meet her at the National Theatre so they could have some time together without the prying ears of his wife.
===
As she drove home from the hospital that evening, what the doctor told her kept reverberating in her mind.
Dr. Wilson: "Madam, I told you to take things slow, keep yourself happy so your heart don't further deteriorate but you didn't seem to have heeded to my advice, why?" he asked looking intently at her. She felt his eyes boring holes into her.
Rebecca: "I don't get it. But I am happy, what is happening doctor?"
Dr. Wilson: "By now, it's your husband I am supposed to be talking to, where is he?"
Rebecca: "I am yet to tell him" she didn't dare look him in the eyes as she said this.
Dr Wilson: "Oh good! Very good! Why didn't you?"
Rebecca: "I haven't gotten the opportunity to, he keeps writing me off each time I try talking to him about I and the pregnancy" she said fighting back tears.
Dr Wilson: "Okay at least you have siblings? Someone whom you could be coming with at least till further notice?"
Rebecca: "No there's no such person. My parents are late and I was their only surviving child. The rest of my siblings had died of one illness on the other. My husband and son are the only people I call family"
Dr Wilson: "I am sorry to hear about that madam. But you have not improved at all and it pains me so much. Please try telling your husband and refrain from anything that will make your heart skip beats. That is, don't put pressure on your heart, you need to start doing things that would keep your mind off your worries, your health is still very very important" he emphasized on his earlier point.
She was brought back to reality by a loud honking of horns of different peeved drivers. Many of whom rained curses on her for being so careless on the wheels. She readjusted on the seat and realised she was almost at Costain bus stop. She decided to branch to the national theatre so as to clear her mind a bit. She needed to heed to the doctor's advice. "That place is quite serene, I will stop there for a moment and get my worries behind me" she said to herself and drove into the gate of the Lagos state National
EPISODE 7
Richard and Ophelias sat opposite each other on the lawn right in front of the theatre.
Lovers, families, friend sat clustered on the lawn with picnic baskets. Some gisted and laughed while some busied themselves with taking pictures trying to capture the beautiful sculpture of a man riding a horse with their snapshots.
Rebecca walked around just revelling in the euphoria of the love she felt in the atmosphere. She admired the couples there who were busy playing love, she wished it was she and Richard all alone in such beautiful environment. She quickly checked herself when she realised she was drifting away from her purpose of going there which was to find some peace and tranquillity in the midst of her chaotic life.
Ophelia turned back and placed her head on his laps gently, not knowing how to broach the topic to him.
Richard: "Is anything wrong love?" he asked when he noticed her discomfiture.
Ophelia: "Nothing really. I just wanted to tell you I am ready now" her cheeks flushed bright red
Richard: "Ready for what?"
Ophelia: "To finally have ... with you"
Richard: "Hey babe! You don't need to feel pressured about this okay? I am not in a hurry at all"
Ophelia: "I know you are not pressuring me at all and that's why I want to do this. I don't think I have ever been this nervous before in my entire life"
Richard: "But why are you nervous exactly? Is it that you've never had ... before or what?"
Ophelia: "No ooo I have had ... several times before just that it's been very long I had ... last so I might not be as good as I am supposed to be"
Richard: 'Well you've got nothing to worry about at all. I will help you through but why did you stop having it? Did something happen?"
Ophelia: "Well my boyfriend whom I loved so much broke my heart and cos of that I swore never to have anything to do with any man again till I am fully sure he is the one for me"
Richard: "and baby, I love you so much. Thanks for counting me worthy. I promise never to disappoint you" he said, bent his head and gave her a long lingering kiss on the lips just then he heard a faint "Richard" he looked up and saw his wife looming over them with her protruding stomach kissing the sunset.
Rebecca: "Richard… how could you do this to me? How?"
Richard: "What are you doing here? Please go back home" he said as Ophelia sat up.
Rebecca: "Why? Why? She repeated weakly and slumped down on the floor.
Richard: "Oh God! Quickly help me, let's get her to the hospital" he said emotionlessly to no one in particular as people gathered around to know what was going on.
===
Sammy sat in his room wondering why his parents were not back by that time of the night. He felt sleepy and tired after a long day at school for their weekend training pending the inter-house sport but he knew he had to wait for them. They had never left all alone by himself like that especially when his nanny was on leave. He felt jittery with fear. The horror movies he used to watch went haunting him like a terrible nightmare. He had to hide himself under the blanket, yet he felt like the haunted ghost of the wizard was under the blanket with him. He closed his eyes tightly and imagine how it would be like when his sister arrives. That thought brought a smile to his face and he forgot about his parents and the ghosts for a moment. Just as he started drifting off to sleep, he heard the blaring of his dad's car horn, sprang to his feet and sprinted for the door and waited there for him to step into the house.
Sammy: "Daddy…" he ran and embraced his dad as soon as he had stepped in.
Richard: "Hey little Champ! Aren't you sleeping yet? You should be on bed by now" he said holding him by the hand as they stepped into the living room which laid juxtaposed to the main bedroom.
Sammy: "Where is mum?" he asked ignoring his dad's rhetoric
Richard: "Sammy I will need you to be strong. Remember you are a strong boy? Ghosts don't scare you anymore right?"
Sammy: "Dad where is mum? Is my mum okay?" he asked like an adult intolerant of people who beat around the bush.
Richard: "Hmm… " he sighed
Sammy: "Dad, what do you mean?"
Richard: "Ok, tell you what? Your mum is not coming home tonight" he said looking down at his feet.
Sammy: "What do you mean by mum is not coming home tonight? She always comes back home. Where is she? Take me to her please!" he wept.
Richard: "Sam, I told you to be strong, didn't i? I told you men should be strong and you are a man"
Sammy: "Why do you keep telling me to be strong? I cannot be strong without mum so take me to her daddy or ask her to come home. Daddy please?"
Richard: "Hmmm…." He sighed again "Your mum is in the hospital, that's why she wouldn't be able to come back today"
Sammy: "Hospital? Is she okay? Is it time for her to get delivered of my sister? But she told me it will be due in two months' time?" he said with eyes blazing with tears.
Richard: "She suddenly fell ill. But she will be fine, doctor said she will be fine"
Sammy: "When do I see her? Tomorrow right?"
Richard: "Yeah sure! I will take you to her tomorrow. Go back to sleep now okay? And don't worry, your mother will be fine"
Sammy: "How about you? Will you be fine? Just know that if anything happens to my mum, it will be your fault. Your fault" he said and ran off while his dad watched from where he stood with mouth agape. He could not believe he was aware of all the happenings in the house. He raked his fingers through his neatly kept afro hair and sighed heavily.
He walked slowly to the room he had shared with her for years, the room that had both good and bad, happy and sad memories they shared together in it. He looked around and saw the huge mirror at the side of room, the place she sat first thing in the morning to tend to her face and every night to do same. The wardrobe still had some of his things in it, he saw a bag at one corner of the closet, opened it and saw it contained baby things. Cute little girl cloths and he realised how much he had missed out. How much he had neglected her despite her apologies to him. At that moment he knew he had to make things right, he knew he had to make amends if she will forgive him. He still loved her.
That night he slept in the main bedroom, pretending to have her wrapped in his arms and whispering sweet somethings into her ears. His sleep was filled with dreams of her.
===
At the hospital the next morning, Sammy watched as the doctor and his nurses ran to and fro his mum's ward. He knew something was definitely amiss. He looked at his dad and noticed he was pacing up and down the hospital hallway restlessly.
Sammy: "Daddy what is happening to mum?"
Richard: "Sammy I am not in the mood to answer any of your numerous questions now. I am really really tired so pardon me for now please?" he replied and continued pacing around.
Sammy: "He could have just answered the question rather that all those he just said. What a waste" he muttered to himself.
The doctor appeared at the hallway and beckoned for Richard to follow him.
Richard: "Wait for me here. Don't move from that spot okay?" he said to his son.
Sammy: "Okay daddy" he admired the retreating figure of the doctor with his labcoat flying in the air behind him till they disappeared into another hallway leading to the consulting rooms.
Dr Wilson: "I am very disappointed in you Richard. There's no way i will lie to you about this. I have known you guys for quite some time now and I can't say you don't have your own faults in the conflicts between you and your wife. She made a mistake and she apologised to you with the last drop of her blood but this is how you paid her back?" he said as soon as he entered his consulting room and shut the door behind them. There were mirage of people in the hallway.
Richard: "What is going on? What are you talking about?"
Dr Wilson: "To cut the whole story short, your wife is suffering from a heart disorder called peripartum cardiomyopathy. I am sure you have heard of it before since she didn't just develop it?"
Richard: "Shit! Shit!! Shit!!! I am damned. She did not fucking tell me all these while?"
Dr Wilson: "She said she tried telling you countless times but you kept shutting her out. Saying you don't wanna hear anything about her and the baby. What kind of a man, husband and father says such to his pregnant wife?"
Richard: "Oh my God! I had no idea. I really had no idea. Wow!" he paced around the office aggressively.
Dr Wilson: "We have to operate her in order to at least save the baby. The baby is in danger as we talk, your wife's heartbeat is already too faint, it can cease anytime. So I need your permission to carry out the CS?"
*EPISODE 8*
Dr Wilson: "We have to operate her in order to at least save the baby.
The baby is in danger as we talk, your wife's heartbeat is already too faint, it can cease anytime.
So I need your permission to carry out the CS?"
Richard: "'What do you mean by that? Can't you go on and treat her of the illness? Why are you giving up on a woman who is not dead yet?"
Dr Wilson: "Her heart has shrunk beyond measure. It was already in its late stage, the only person who could have been able to keep her alive longer was you but you decided to neglect her, cast her away"
Richard: "Please you have to do something to save her life. For the sake of Sammy.
Please doctor. I will pay any amount you want just don't give up on her, please" he pleaded desperately clasping the doctors hand in his two hands and kneeling before him.
Dr Wilson: "I guess I have your permission to carry out the operation then? Hopefully, she will live. Be rest assured that I will try my best" he said pushing a paper to him to sign on which he did with a shaking hand.
Richard: "it's a promise right? That you will save her" he said tearfully but the doctor said nothing and just walked out hurriedly, urging him to follow suite.
===
*Ophelia*
Ophelia laid on her bed thinking of what to do. She had been trying to reach Richard through phone calls but he kept missing her calls. She kept thinking of what he could be up to, where he was at the moment. "I just wish he isn't putting the whole blames on me. That woman is looking for whom to implicate, who asked her to get married in the first place when she knew she wasn't going to keep her home well? I can't believe I am wishing she never recovers.
Shit! God forgive me but I just can't wait to have Richard all to myself"
Different thoughts kept running through her mind at the same time. She did not know when her mum stepped into her room and sat on the bed beside her, watching her daydream quietly.
Obiageli: "Ophelia nwam"she called softly. She lifted her long dark lashes slowly but quickly sat up when she saw it was her mum.
Ophelia: "Yes mum? Hope there is no problem? This one you are here all of a sudden like this, was just trying to take a nap"
Obiageli: "Am I the one you are trying to deceive? I know when you are sleeping and when you are just feigning it. So what were you thinking about?" she said smiling amusingly.
Ophelia: "I am not thinking about anything mum ah!"
Obiageli: "Okay if you say so. I brought a message from your dad"
Ophelia: "So I presumed. What bad news did you come bearing this time o" she shifted uneasily on the bed.
Obiageli:"I am not sure if it can be called ill news. Infact I also support him, we only want what's best for you and it high time you did right by yourself"
Ophelia: "Just come straight to the point, don't beat around the bush, you know I hate it"
Obiageli: "Your ill temper is without measure. Well, your dad asked me to tell you to bring your husband home since you have decided to reject all the eligible bachelors he had introduced to you"
Ophelia: "well I rejected them because I don't have feelings for any of them…"
Obiageli: "Just allow me to land first"
Opehlia: "Okay go ahead"
Obiageli: "He said that he is giving you till next year to get married because you will be leaving this house on your 29th birthday"
Ophelia: "Mum! How can you agree to something like that? That is the most unfair thing a parent will ever say to his only child. Hi ish on+233544142683 to be added to fresh stories kingdom,sweet and nice story group, Novela and story room, unlimited story platform to get more stories from the groups. Only child! Mama I don't like this o, if its joke stop it!" she ranted on and on while her mum watched her in awe.
Obiageli: "Do you think you are still a small girl? Well he has said it and its final! I am only a messenger" she said and started walking out.
Ophelia: "Mama so you are trying to tell me you cannot stand up for me for this last time? Mama please don't let him do this" she ran to her mum and held her forearm preventing her from leaving.
Obiageli: "I have been standing up for you and that's why you are still in this house living a fairy tale life. I have talked and talked to you, why on earth don't you want to get married? Why? You have made us an object of ridicule in this whole country, isn't it enough yet?"
….....
Four hours later, the doctor emerged from the operating theatre and headed straight for where Richard sat with Sammy sleeping on his laps.
Richard: "Doctor…how is she? How is my wife?" he jerked up immediately he saw the doctor startling Sammy.
Dr Wilson: "There is good news and there's also bad news Richard! Anyways, Congratulations…
Richard: What do you mean good news and bad news Doctor?
Dr Wilson: Your wife has been delivered of a bouncing baby girl but she has to be placed under our care for now because she was born premature" he said extending his hand for a handshake which Richard ignored.
Richard: "So how is my wife? Is she alright?"
Dr Wilson: "She is alright for now"
Richard: "What do you mean by for now?" he sounded so desperate.
Dr Wilson: "We were unable to stabilize her heart. I will advise you to see her now, before it's too late" he said and walked away.
He walked hand in hand with Sammy to his wife's ward. The sight that greeted him was a pitiful one. She looked so lean and cold without all the pregnancy exaggerated fats. Sammy wanted to run to her but he held him back.
Richard: "Shhhhhh! She is resting, let's not make a raucous here okay? Come now! Let's go back to the reception and wait for her to wake up"
Sammy: "Dad but…" before he could say something else, his mum turned slowly facing them.
Rebecca: "Baby you are here? I have been waiting for you. Come here!" she said trying to sit up a bit but couldn't.
Richard: "You shouldn't stress yourself honey, go back to sleep, we will wait outside till you have woken up" he said not daring to move any closer to her unlike Sammy who was already sitting on the edge of her bed.
Rebecca: "Sammy do you remember all I told you? How I might be going on a long journey and will need you to take care of your kid sister?"
Sammy: "Yes mum I remember but you are no longer going anywhere right?"
Richard assisted her sitting on the bed with cover sheet. Her hands swiped through the fibres of the long hair. It was rumpled. She exhaled…
Rebecca: "Oh Sammy! I might still be going because I am feeling so weak, I feel like…" he grabbed her lips before she could finish the statement.
Richard: "Honey stop saying stuffs like that, you are not going anywhere, you will stay and we will all live happily together" he went closer together at last. Richard was in the room with headache; tears seeped down his cheeks met by phlegm that found its way out of the nostrils. He was crying like a baby. He felt he failed his Wife not being there especially when needed most.
Rebecca: "It's too late for that already, I guess since you are here that you have forgiven me at last?" She said with tears streaming down the side of her face and soaking the pillow.
Richard: "It's I who need to ask for your forgiveness, I did wrong honey. I cannot tell you how sorry I am enough but don't worry, I will make it up to you, I will love you now with all I have got. I will no longer cause you any heartache, just recover fast so we can have the fun of our lives" he felt like he was trying to persuade himself that she was gonna live.
Rebecca: "Help me take care of my children, take care of Anita too. I will continue loving you all, I am feeling sleepy now and I feel talking drains my energy. You may check on me later. "I love you Sammy. I love you very very much" she said tenderly. She drifted off to sleep.
EPISODE 9
The death of Richard's wife had hit him so hard.
He blamed himself for everything that had happened, everywhere he went, and the people he saw reminded him of her.
Ophelia however stuck to him despite him being unresponsive to her.
She knew he blamed the two of them for her death but she just wasn't going to let him go.
He was the only one who could save her from the disgrace which was looming ahead for her.
That afternoon, she took lunch to him in his office since he had decided to go on hunger strike. She took it upon herself to take lunch to him every day which he hardly even touched.
Richard: "Oh you are here? I told you to stop doing this, I don't think its even helping issues at all" he said matter of fact.
Ophelia: "But I want to keep doing it anyway and I doubt you can stop me. At least until I am rest assured that you are taking proper care of yourself. How is Annie and Sammy? Hope the nanny is taking good care of them?" she asked as she unpacked the lunch box, serving him coconut rice with enough plantain and fried chicken. He just looked at the food and shook his head. "What is it now?" her patience was already on the low level.
Richard: "I am not hungry" he looked away from her.
Ophelia: 'For how long do you want to keep this up? Tell me. Haven't you punished yourself enough? Its been three months for Christ sake" she snapped at him.
Richard: "She died because I neglected her. my wife, the mother of my children died because I could not see how much she was suffering, because of my callousness. What will I tell my kids when they ask of her later on? I am really a terrible man" Ophelia could see he was trying so hard not to cry. She felt anger towards the dead for making the living suffer so much.
Ophelia: "Look here…"she moved closer, facing him "Your wife's death was not your fault. She died because it was her time to die. What exactly would you have done if she had eventually succeeded in telling you? Are you God? Can you give and take life? Answer me can you?"
He looked at her and shook his head slowly.
Richard: "but at least I would have shown her all the love I have. I wouldn't have allowed her to go through it all alone. I even denied her pregnancy. Imagine how heartless I was? She must have cried so much. She must have longed for me all those cold nights and now she is rotting in the lonely grave" the tears started flowing freely.
Ophelia: "It's okay? It's going to be fine. I am here for you. I have even resigned at my place of work so I can fully dedicate my time to taking care of you, Sammy and Annie. I don't trust all those nannies so I will be going to your house as soon as I leave this place?"
Richard: "You really resigned? Hmmmm! Are you sure that is a good move? You will not regret it later?"
Ophelia: "My regretting it or not depends on you. Now start eating while I watch you, your lunch break will soon be over and you will have to resume work" she watched with satisfaction as he devoured the food with fervour. She smiled at how vulnerable he was at that moment like a bulldog who had strayed from home and was lost from home.
…
Ophelia and her dad, Prof. Harrison were in their sitting room engaged in a heated argument
Prof. Harry: "I said no! You cannot marry a widower. That will sincerely be over my dead body. What kind of disgrace are you trying to put me through? Are you crazy?"
Ophelia: "I am crazy and that is why I am even thinking of getting married at all. Had I been in my right senses, I would not have been having this talk with you sir!" she shot back at him with vigour matching his.
Prof. Harry: "Woman what have you been feeding this daughter of yours while I am away? Haven't you been teaching her anything at all? What is wrong with the two of you?" he said facing his wife with eyes spitting fire and brimstone.
Obiageli: "Ophelia biko kwanu! Don't make me into a bad mother and just listen to us. How can you decide it's a widower with two young children you want to marry despite your level of education? You have so many suitors, just pick one of them ehn?"
Ophelia: "No! he is my choice and if you refuse to accept my choice, then be ready to lose me" she said and stormed out of the house.
Obiageli went to her husband and knelt down in front of him.
Prof. Harry: "What's this? Please stand up already"
Obiageli: "Please allow her to marry whoever she wants, I beg you. Don't forget it's her life and she has the right of choice. We can only guide her but if she refuses to listen to us, let's let her be biko. I don't want to lose my only child"
Prof. Harry: "So you are asking me to allow her marry a man whose wife died? Do you know what killed her?"
Obiageli: "Well I know that she wil be fine. Don't forget she has never talked about any man before. This one is the first, there must be something that made her go for this one. So let's give them a chance"
He thought for a while…
Prof. Harry: "Okay then but I wouldn't want to hear it if things start going wrong. You two will bear it all alone" he said and walked out on her while she was still on her knees.
…
She took lunch to him in the office as usual and begged him to walk with her briefly. As they sat on the fence around the fountain in front of the office, she thought of how to ask him over and over again.
Richard; "Is there something you want to tell me dear?"
Ophelia: "Yeah there is and please you must not panic. I gave this a lot of thought before making this decision and I think it's the right thing to do"
Richard: "What is it dear? Don't worry I will not panic, just bring it on already"
She brought out a small box tied with a light blue ribbon, she opened it and two sparkling diamond rings kissed the sunlight. She knelt down in front of him.
Ophelia: "Will you marry me Richie?"
You are loved beyond words.. wait ooooo.... See...see ... Eehh
TO BE CONTINUED.....