Alone 19

[8/21, 5:34 PM] Omogbai Olugbenga Moses: *ALONE*

*Episode 16*

Gospel sprang up from the bed, his huge member shrinking immediately. The lady with him stood up from the bed, dangling her body which was full of fat and headed towards the bathroom. Kamsi wondered how her brother found the lady attractive. Gospel quickly picked his boxer from the floor and wore it, not taking his eyes away from the girls.
Kamsi walked into the room not taking her eyes away from her brother.
Kamsi: I'm sorry bro. We were looking for answers and I think we've found it. We'll just go back to the main house.
Kamsi turned and looked at me. I was still recovering from my shock but I could see her struggle with the tears.
She walked past me but I was still rooted to the ground, looking at someone I loved.
Words can't explain how I felt. I wanted the day to start afresh so I wouldn't follow Kamsi to Gospel's quarter. You'll agree with me that its better for your spouse to break up with you than catching him or her in the act.
I felt so weak that my knees were now unable to carry me.
He didn't say a word to me neither did he move from the spot. I weakly carried myself out of his house and headed to the main house.
If Gospel could do this to me, then, anybody can hurt me and I'll survive it.
I got to my room and laid down, pondering over my life and where I had gone wrong. A knock came and I asked the person in.
Gospel: Amanda.
I turned immediately, staring at Gospel who was now a different version of the man I had seen some minutes before. He had tears in his eyes and his face was greased with sadness.
Me: Sit down please.
He sat down beside me and crossed his hands.
Me: I'm sorry for barging into your apartment without prior notice. I....
Gospel: No please. Your words would make me feel worse than I'm feeling now. You're such a nice person and you don't deserve what I did to you.
Me: Why? You prefer plumpy women, I'll be that for you,or, you don't like my colour, I'll do something about it. Tell me what you like and I'll make myself suitable for you.
He held my hands and kissed them. Tears ran down my eyes and I thought it best to let them flow.
Gospel: You're perfect just the way you are.
Me: Then why will you do these to me? Thought you said you loved me? Why then will you choose to hurt me in this manner? Avoiding me wasn't enough for you,then you started bringing them into the house. Why?
Gospel: I couldn't continue anymore. I....
Me: Continue? With what?
Gospel: I'm sorry but I think its time I tell you.
He stood up from the bed and walked two steps away from me. I joined him, eager to know what the problem was, what our problem was.
Gospel: The rape Amanda. I couldn't bring myself to be with a victim. You experienced hell and I know without being told that it will affect our relationship. I've seen victims, I've heard there stories. They don't go beyond kisses and memories of the incident will cloud there heads and they'll start seeing you like you mean harm for them. They....
I broke down automatically, crying my heart out and telling him all sorts of useless jargons I could think of.
Me: You're wicked Gospel. You're cursed. How can you say that to me? How can you say that in my presence? Did you give it time? Did you try it out. You back up your stupid exploits using my worst experience as your excuse, rubbing it to my face that I can never stand a relationship. Gospel you're heartless and mean. I curse the day my heart fell in love with you. Get out. Get out of here now.
Gospel: Amanda cal........
Me: Don't Amanda me. Don't you dare try to mention my name with those cursed mouth of yours. I curse you Gospel. You said I can't stand a relationship, Gospel, same thing will go for you. You shall never be good for anyone. You...
Gospel: Amanda stop it, you're angry and saying all these words. Stop it now.
Me: Get out.
I began to push him before he figured out I meant it then he left on his own.
I locked my door and flung myself on the ground, crying my heart out and cursing Gospel for the rest of his life.
I remained on that position even after I got tired of crying. Someone kept on knocking on my door but I refused to get up,let alone opening the door. It was the ringing of my phone that got me up and I went and picked it. It was Mrs Kalu.
Mrs k: Amanda.
Me: Yes mummy
Mrs k: Open the door sweetheart. I've being here for sometime now.
Me; I'm sorry mum but I really wish to be on my own.
Mrs k: I know. I won't take much of your time I promise.
Me: Okay.
I dropped my phone and opened the door for her and she hugged me. It opened doors to the tears I thought had finished. She let me cry for a while before she pulled me into the room.
Mrs k: You don't know my child, so many people long to be in your shoes right now. A lot of people out there have so many problems which are worse than yours, yet, they won't look like it. There are lots of girls your age who live there lives without having a boyfriend till they are ready to settle down. You can't be here,crying out your eye balls because your boyfriend is with another lady who I'm sure you're prettier than, I'm also sure you're more intelligent than her. It shows he's classless and has lack of good taste. You're beautiful my child and your destiny is in your own hands. You'll be whatever God wants you to be only if you take it with faith. The word of the Lord even said it, that the kingdom of God suffereth violence and violent people taketh it by force. I don't know why you're crying when you have a life that is ahead of you. Gospel shouldn't be your priority now. Your priority should be your education. You should know that with education, many men would come knocking on your door and it'll be your time to choose whoever you want to be with. With Education, good one, you'll be able to shut the likes of Gospel. My child,I won't deceive you. Think about all I've said here and pick the ones you want to pick. By the time I'm back from London,I want to see a new you.
She stood up to leave and I also stood up.
Mrs k: Dinner is seven pm on the dot. You should look your best. Kenneth's girlfriend is coming
I smiled and gave her a nod.
Me: Thank you mum.
She hugged me before leaving the room. I looked at my table clock and it was past five. I quickly washed my face and started going to Kamsi's room. I met Kenneth at the hall way and he hugged me tight.
Ken: I knew you were a strong lass.
Me: I'm not
I managed to give him a smile.
Ken: You are. You just haven't noticed it.
Me: Okay. Okay. So you didn't tell me that Rose was coming around. Not fair.
Ken: Oh. I'm sorry. She told me this afternoon as well. We didn't plan it.
Me: Hmmm. Okay o. So you both are now official? Since mum is now involved?
Ken: Yeah!
Have I told you guys about Kenneth? I'm sorry. He's what I will describe as breath takingly handsome. He's chocolate in complexion, a graduate of Madonna and he's a lawyer. He's just 24 and was called to bar few weeks after Emeka's death. Since then, he's being one popular guy in and outside the neighbourhood. He's tall and has a baritone voice. His nose is pointed, his lips are small and he loves to pout them,his eyes are sexy and blue. He also has this side burns which he leaves bushy always, saying that nobody would love to work with a small boy, but his beards make him older. Mrs Kalu is indeed blessed with beautiful children with good manners............ all except Gospel.
Me: Wish you guys the best. I need to go to Kamsi.
Ken: Alright then. See you guys later.
I walked away and finally got myself in Kamsi's room. She was speaking with someone on the phone so I sat down and waited. She spoke for some minutes and hung up.
Kamsi: BF
I smiled at her and she came and sat down beside me.
Me: Was that Ted?
Kamsi: Nope. Most handsome guy, ESUT, campus one chapter.
Me: Hmmm. This year?
Kamsi: Yes.
Me: Okay. So I heard Rose is coming for dinner.
Kamsi: Don't mind Ken. I don't even know what I'm going to wear.
Me: Hello! She's a lady not a guy. A Lady like you and I. So it doesn't matter what we wear.
Kamsi; I know. But haven't you noticed she looks like someone from a rich family?
Me: Ain't we rich too? Just that we don't dress over classy for school.
Kamsi: You're wrong. She wears designers o.
I laughed and she stared at me.
Me: Next thing now,you'll start asking mum to order our clothes from London or China or maybe task Ken to take us out. This clothes in your wardrobe, have you finished wearing them?
Kamsi: You're amazing. We're going shopping by weekend. I'm already sure that mummy will get us something once she travels. For now, let's talk about something else.
I told her my conversation with Gospel and mummy and she supported mum. Saying that I need to take my mind away from Gospel and move on, that I should learn to be strong. She said one thing that made me determined, "if you fight this and move on, you'll find out that Gospel was never meant to be part of your life. Move on sis, we don't have enough time in the world to start crying over guys who don't think twice before breaking us. Use the time you have now to the fullest."

[8/21, 5:43 PM] Omogbai Olugbenga Moses: *ALONE*

*Episode 17*

Dinner was ready before 6:30. Kenneth had stepped out of the house to only God knows where. Kamsi and I dressed up with a little make up and sat down in the sitting room, chatting away with our phones. A honk outside got us rushing out of the house as an ash coloured highlander drove into the compound. Ever seen these Nollywood movies where the servants would be standing in a queue, waiting for the prince or princess to arrive or get down from the car? Lol. That was the scene being played now. Only difference was that we weren't servants and we looked too good to be one.
We watched as Rose got down from the car and we gushed shamelessly at her beauty. She was dressed in a short pink floral gown, wearing a gold plated heel which was about five inches. Her handbag marched her heels and she looked like a celebrity going for a photoshoot.
Rose and Kenneth had met on badoo the year Rose had written waec. Ken was in law school then. So many calls, chats, video and audio calls kept them going for a while but just like many other online dating, distance didn't help them grow so they broke up in a couple of months. Now, they were back together and I prayed silently that they work out now.
We took turns to hug Rose and she was all smiles.
Kamsi: Welcome to our house girlfriend.
Rose: Thank you. Your house is so beautiful.
Kamsi and I thanked her before we moved into the house.
We three sat down and started discussing about school and matters that concerns girls before mum came downstairs.
Perfect wife material.....She stood up immediately and waited for mum to get to her.
Rose: Good evening mum.
OMG! Mum already?
Mrs k: Good evening my dear. Sit down
Rose sat down and mum took a seat beside her. They began to talk, with mother trying to know everything about Roses' background in one night. We excused ourselves and went to make the table, silently gossiping about mum's likeness for good girls.
Rose was from a family of four; her mother, her father, her elder brother and herself. They lived in old GRA. Her father is a retired soldier while her mum is a lecturer at IMT (institute of management and technology, Enugu). Her elder brother owns a construction company in portHarcourt and he's still single.
Just before we came to call them to the table, Kenneth and Gospel came in. We all went to the dinning and Kamsi served us with the favourite meal of the house; breadfruit which was well garnished with smoked fishes and meats. We ate quietly (who dares to talk in the dinning while mum was around?). Gospel kept on stealing glances at me and I also fought with myself not to pour my food on him. While everyone had dessert, I excused myself and went to the sitting room with my own plate.
I know he is surprised that I'm over what he had said to me. I'm also surprised myself. But those words he spoke, everyone of them is locked somewhere deep down my heart. Like mummy had said, I had sealed the part of my mind where he existed. I would focus more on my education and once I get to the level I want to be, I'll open up myself and unleash the same quantity of sorrow to him.
30 minutes later, we were all sitting together in the sitting room, chartering amongst ourselves.
Mrs k: Rose darling
Rose: Yes mum
Mrs k: I beg to take my leave now. I'll be having a hectic day tomorrow.
Rose: No problem mum. It was nice meeting you and dinner was awesome.
They exchanged hugs and we watched mum go upstairs.
Ken: So, I also beg to leave with my girlfriend now.
I giggled audibly but Kamsi won't take any of it.
Kamsi: See this man. As if she's not our friend, we'll just take her from you now now.
Rose: Of course. Ken, these girls have more rights to me you know?
Me: Exactly. So do the right thing Ken.
He shrugged his shoulders and opened his palm like he doesn't have a choice.
Ken: Okay. Please girls, can I have some time with my girlfriend?
Kamsi: That's more like it.
Ken helped Rose up and they walked upstairs. I got busy with my phone and didn't notice when Kamsi left and which direction she went but I looked up to show her a picture but I only met Gospel, sitting just where he had being.
I stood up and made for the stairs;
Gospel: Can we talk for some minutes please?
I turned around and he was standing up.
Me: Did you talk to me now?
Surprisingly, my voice was calm
He came close to me and held my hands. It reminded me of the days we spent, visiting all the malls in Enugu, all the eateries, showing off our love to the world. I shook those thoughts out of my mind as tears were already forming at the back of my throat.
Gospel: Baby you know I love you and I'll always love you. Its just that circumstances beyond my control seems to be against us. I....
Me: Uhm.... Its alright. Just forget it.
Gospel: Not until you forgive me. I know I chose the wrong words. I didn't just know how to explain things to you so you'll understand me.
Me: Understand that you have needs as a man and you refused to share with me? You said you love me, what happened? Aren't you the right person to help me get out of whatever fear it is I dwell in? Did you ever try to? No you did not. Instead, you started avoiding me and bringing in girls who I'm way better than.... Gospel its not fair.
Gospel: Baby you know I'm not good with words. You know I.....
Me: I know that. And I also know your likes of ladies, your best sex positions. I also know you screw girls without protection. Gospel I hate you. Get this thing clear, for every tear I shed for you,you'll get back in tenfold.
He held me close this time, tears falling from his eyes and I looked away, fighting with my own tears. I am strong,of course I am.
Gospel: Baby please I'm sorry. Forgive me.
Me: Let me go now. Just let me go.
Gospel: You know I can't let you go. You know that. I love you so much and will do anything to make you happy.
Me: Fine. Make me happy by leaving me alone. Leave my life alone. Just let me be.
His hands left me immediately and I turned back and ran up the stairs counting the third person I loved so much who had left me all alone......Daddy, Emeka and Gospel....
They were all gone....gone for good.

[8/21, 5:51 PM] Omogbai Olugbenga Moses: *ALONE*

*Episode 18*

I walked into the lecture hall with my peplon gown, clutching my handbag and wondering what the lecturer would say to me. I had come to school with Kamsi that day, we got a seat and sat down but my period pain wasn't helping me so I had gone to a chemist to get some drugs. The midwife I met there helped me with warm water instead and asked me to relax a bit. Now, the menstrual pain has stopped but I'm 20 minutes late to class.
Mr Ofor was a no nonsense man. He took the smallest of things serious. I was very good at his course but I just don't want to get into his bad books.
Me: Good morning sir.
I greeted with the most tender voice I could give. All eyes were now on me and I wished I had just stayed back at the clinic.
He looked at his wristwatch and gave me a scornful look
Mr Ofor: Lady, you're 22 minutes late for this class.
Me: I'm sorry sir. I was at the clinic. I'm sick.
Mr Ofor: Sick? Which clinic are you coming from?
Me: Toks pharmacy.
Mr Ofor: Because I'll go and confirm. Give me your ID card right away.
There was a loud murmuring from the class. I looked at them and some were shaking their heads, asking me not to give it to him.
Me: I'm sorry sir, I don't have it here. But if you wish to confirm, I will go with you.
He frowned his face immediately. That was what lecturers were known for. They found any reason to take your ID card, then they'll ask you to come and take it later. Once you're in there office, they'll give you conditions; either to bleep them, get your ID card and pass their course or you take your ID card and keep on carrying over their course.
Mr Ofor: Alright. Go and sit down.
I silently said "thank you Jesus" and walked over to where Kamsi was seated.
After lectures, Rose, Kamsi and I decided to pick a cab to thrillers and have lunch. It had being two months since after Roses' visit to the house and since then, Gospel and I haven't set eyes on each other and I loved it that way.
We got to thrillers and ordered same meal; fried rice and chicken with yoghurts. We ate amidst taking pictures and laughing at our smiley faces.
Kamsi: So I think its time I say this.
We asked her what it was about and she said we should guess.
Me: Ted has proposed?
Kamsi: Nope.
Me: You're pregnant?
Rose: Wtf! Say no please.
We all laughed.
Kamsi: I'm not pregnant
Rose: Then what?
Me: What is it?
She cleared her throat and looked at our curious faces
Kamsi; Someone has being on my neck for a while now.
Me: Better tell him that Ted is in the picture o.
Kamsi: Shuu! Wait let me finish first.
Rose: You don't know your sister fa?
Kamsi: He's being disturbing me for you, Amanda and in fact, I just texted him our location and he'll be here soon.
I frowned immediately. Rose and Kamsi stared at me as they didn't understand my countenance.
Me: Why nau? You would have told me first.
Kamsi: Amy I know you very well. You would've gone home straight if I've told you.
Me: And you think I can't go home now?
Rose: I'll just bundle you back to this place and get you tied to a spot.
Me: Its not funny Rose.
Rose: I'm sorry.
Kamsi: Come on Amanda, you're beautiful and people have the right to admire you.
Rose: I don't know why you're acting so reserved. Open up and socialise girl. Let them admire you, let them approach you.
Me: Hey! Now I smell a conspiracy. You both are in this right?
Rose raised her hands.
Rose: I'm not. But I want you to socialise that's all.
Kamsi: Exactly.
Me: Okay. I've heard you two. Who's he?
Kamsi giggled and we looked at her expectantly.
Rose: Talk nau.
Kamsi: Most handsome guy, our chapter.
Rose: Wow! Hillary?
I sat down there, looking at the entrance. He chose to enter the very minute his name was mentioned. I've seen his pictures everywhere in school, he's even my friend on Facebook but I've never had a chat with him. Seeing him facially now, I couldn't help but wonder why he took pictures because he looked more handsome than in the pictures.
If I had said breathtakingly handsome for Ken, Hillary is then the beauty god. I fell for his colour immediately which were a bit darker than my chocolate complexion. I watched him approach our table with a smile and I looked away, silently wishing that I can disappear because he looks too handsome to be seen with him.
Ever heard of beauty being intimidated by handsome?

[8/21, 6:00 PM] Omogbai Olugbenga Moses:
*ALONE*

*Episode 19*

His steps were gracious, very gracious. He walked to our table with a permanent smile. His tooth were gaped and he knew how to flaunt them with his smiles.
Hillary: Hi ladies.
We took turns to say our greetings and I wondered where my shyness had gone to.
He took a seat beside me and I could feel his eyes all over me.
Hillary: So, hope you girls are enjoying your meal, yes?
I giggled as usual. Who ends statements with rhetorical questions?
Kamsi and Rose replied in the affirmative so he turned to me.
Me: Of course. Though, you're a little late.
Hillary: Had lunch in school.
Me: Okay.
Hillary: So I'm Hillary Thompson, final year student of microbiology.
Me: Wow! Rose, radiography,100 level.
Hillary: Nice. Very nice.
Me: Thanks.
Hillary: Very much welcomed. Can I ask for a favour?
Me: Of course.
Hillary: Would really love to know more about you, yourself and yours.
I chuckled, finding his words sexy and funny at same time
Hillary: Is that a yes?
Me: To what?
Hillary: Dinner tomorrow. To tell me more about yourself.
I gave Kamsi a glance and she was smiling and nodding. Rose was doing the same thing.
Me: Okay then.
He passed me his phone and I put in my number. He called me immediately and I saved it.
Hillary: You'll text me your house address and I'll come and pick you then yes?
Me: Its okay
Hillary: 6:30 yes?
I laughed, throwing my head backwards..
Me: Yes please.
He smiled before turning to Kamsi and Rose.
Hillary: I beg to be excused now girls. Thanks for giving me a "me" time with your friend. I appreciate.
Kamsi: Its okay Mr handsome.
Rose: No. No. What if I don't agree with that?
We all turned to her to know what's wrong with her.
Rose: So you came here, not even an introduction or something, you just went straight to business and forgot there are other girls these side of the table. Not fair if you ask me. Besides, its not because you're familiar with Kammy means its same with me.
By the time she was done, we were all smiling;
Hillary: Sorry damsel. I was taken away by the thoughts of this girl that I forgot she was with her friends. Forgive my manners please.
Rose: You're making it up to me.
Hillary: Fine. How?
Rose: A selfie.
We all laughed. We all tool selfies with him before he left, not before registering a peck on my forehead.
Kamsi: Aha. I can see you like him already. Look how you're smiling
Me: He's a nice guy. yes?
We all laughed as I mimicked his misuse of the word "yes" in his own sexy way.
Rose: And he's too cute to be real. Amy, you've got to play your cards well.
Me: Of course. The way you're playing your cards well with Ken and Kammy is playing hers with Ted.
They rolled their eyes at me and I smiled.
We finished our lunch and went home, with each of them trying her best to give me a thousand and one reasons why I should be with Mr handsome (as if he's even asked me out)

The ride to Golden Royale hotel was a silent one. We just kept on stealing glances at each other as he drove into bisara road.
Kamsi was quick to tell mum about Hillary. She had called me to her room and asked me so many questions like if I was ready to move on, if I had gotten over Gospel, if the new guy was good for me. I did tell her that I liked him but he was yet to ask me out. She had showed her concern, saying she didn't want any of her children to get hurt again, me especially. We had hugged each passionately and I had slept in her room that night. I woke up the next morning to her voice, asking Kamsi to come wake me up and help me pick out an outfit for my dinner. That was how I ended up wearing a black handless gown which showed off lots of my cleavages. I had worn a blue wedge which had made me stand tall and clutched a blue purse. You should have seen my face. It went from Chimamanda Okoye to Celebrity Rihanna. I looked absolutely cute and I was afraid Hillary won't be able to recognise me anymore.
When Hillary had driven into the house, I thought it was to cancel the dinner but was I wrong? He came in to greet mummy and Kamsi before we stepped out hand in hand after mum had had a little chat with him and asking him to take care of me and bring me back in one piece.
The universe always favours the just because as soon as we stepped out of the house, the first person we ran into was Gospel. He didn't respond to our greetings because he was staring at the way Hillary had held my hand in his.
Now, we were sitting in a honeymoon suite at Golden Royale. I don't know why I felt comfortable enough to follow him to a room. The room was well decorated. A table was set already and I quickly did a calculation that he had booked a reservation. Two waiters and a waitress were also in the room which made me more relaxed. They used our phones to take pictures after which they shifted from earshot.
Hillary: I guess you're used to these luxuries already?
I scoffed, trying to make it sound sexy though.
Me: Are you kidding me? Why would you say that?
Hillary: I was at your house few minutes ago remember?
Me: Oh yes. Still doesn't beat a student who rides a Venza.
He tilted his head to a side and smiled.
Hillary: You've won.
Me: I always win. Just tell me what I want to know already.
Hillary: And what is that? Can't it wait till we're done eating?
Me: Okay. I'll serve.
There were varieties of meals on the table that I didn't know where to start from. I looked at Hillary in confusion and he smiled before calling on the waiters. He had called the girl by her name and I was surprised. I didn't say anything till they had served us and poured our wine.
Me: Thank you.
The girl nodded with a smile and they left. We began to eat, with me, looking for the very moment to pop in my observation. And of course I got it. The very moment he picked up a serviette to wipe the sides of his lips.
Me: Guess you're already a regular guy here that you already know their names. Wonder how many girls you've given same treatment.
He paused his lip before bringing in a smile;
Hillary: Sorry to disappoint you,none.
Me: I....
Hillary; I'll tell you. There's a club house here. My dad and his friends are registered members here so this is just one of our rights. Its wrong for you to think so lowly of me.
Guilt and shame washed over me. He dropped his fork and stood up, leaving the dinning area and going deeper into the room. I stood up and followed him.
He got to a point and stopped.
Me: I'm sorry. I'm not used to having dinner in this flamboyant way. I'm also surprised that you called her by her name so I just had to ask. I'm sorry.
He turned to me with a smile.
Hillary: Its okay. Let's go back and finish our meal then I'll clear all your doubts.
Me: You ain't angry anymore?
Hillary: I'm not.
He led me back to the dinning area and we resumed our eating, stealing glances at each other and thinking the other doesn't know each other.