Afraid To Love Episode 16 by Patience Ahworegba
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Purity hadn’t turned to looked at the person. Now she had to. Slowly, she turned around. That face-the face she never wanted to see faced her, smiling.
She could feel her heart ripping out of her chest. What was going on? Jeremy had a cousin and he never told her about it until now? And this cousin turns out to be her worst night mare-Ernest. He life was definitely going to come to an end, it had all crumbled. What was she going to do? How could she not have seen this coming? If Ernest tells Jeremy? She’d been involved with Ernest in the past and now, Jeremy? What would he think of her? Ugly and embarrassing picture evoked her mind. She just wished the ground would open and swallow her up. Her legs were planted to the ground. She still couldn’t move.
“Purity? Are you okay?” Jeremy asked. He couldn’t understand her attitude. Didn’t know why she became still. Was she about to faint again? He firmly held her hand and gently shook her.
Feeling Jeremy’s hand on hers, she was startled, almost jumped out of her skin. “Jeremy….why? Um….” She lost the courage to speak, four questioning eyes were boldly staring at her. It was her bad. The shock of seeing Ernest at her party and knowing he was her fiance’s cousin still overwhelmed her. She couldn’t bring herself down, yet. She had to act like she didn’t know him.
She gave a nervous laugh. “I’m sorry. Was just…..you know…..lost in the world of fantasy.”
Jeremy heaved a sigh of relief. He was glad she was alright. Nothing should go wrong on this special night. “Care to share with us this fantasy of yours?”
“She just met me. Maybe it was about me.” Ernest chuckled.
Purity glared furiously at him. “Sorry to burst your bubble. It was about my darling, Jeremy.” She smiled coyly at Jeremy. And held her hand for a handshake. “Nice to meet you, Ernest.”
Ernest shook her hand firmly and refused letting go. He deeply admired her and loved the touch of her palm. “I must confess, my cousin has great taste. You’re fabulous.” At that, he let her hand drop.
“Of course,” Ronald chipped in. “Our baby sister is charming. Jeremy is one lucky guy. He’s bewitched her.”
Purity was beginning to feel better. She wasn’t going to let anyone ruin her night. “For now, I agree I am a baby. I’ve got to many men on my side, who’d give their lives for me.” A smiled played on her lips. That statement was directly for Ernest. It worked. She saw flashes of anger in his eyes. She smiled confidently. “Excuse me, I need to use the restroom.”
“Can I come with you?” Jeremy winked at her.
She blushed furiously. “In your dreams.”
“Purity’s one hell of a girl,”Jeremy muttered as she was out of ear shot.
Rodney and Ronald laughed.
“That’s our sister, but she’s precious to us,” Rodney told him.
“How did she even fall for you?” Ronald questioned. “She has always hated men. Melisa, ah….she’s a no go area.”
“Excuse me? Melisa? Who is Melisa?” Jeremy asked, confused.
The twin brothers exchanged glances. “She hasn’t told you?” they asked in unison.
Jeremy shook his head.
“Melisa is Purity. In fact, its her favourite name.” Ronald informed him.
“Oh,” Jeremy smiled. “She loves ‘Purity.’ And I’ll go by that.”
“You wish.”
“I’ll take good care of your sister. I do love her, very much. You don’t need to worry.”
“We don’t doubt that. But how come? She loves yu too?”
Jeremy chuckled. “Its a long story.”
*
*
*
Purity, in the wash room. She raised her head to face the mirror. She was trying to be brave, to face Ernest and then tell Jeremy the truth. She heard the door creak open, she turned to it, but couldn’t see anyone. Sighing, she faced the mirror again. Then, she felt a hand on her waist. A strong masculine hand. He eyes widened with horror.
“I have come, to make you mine.”
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Purity trembled on hearing that voice. Did she even share a thing with this Ernest? Why was he bent on ruining her life? No man could ever manipulate her like that, she wasn’t going to give him any pleasure of him troubling her. She was gonna deal with him. Let him know no man controls her life or tells her what to do. He wasn’t Jeremy or her father.
“Let go!” She ordered. Her two hands gripped the sink tightly.
Ernest hardened his hold on her waist. He gently sniffed in her scent. “Oh, how much I’ve longed for this touch. To feel you, to want you again. Oh, my Melisa. I’ve missed you so much. Why don’t you come back to me? I know how to treat you. Please.”
A word Ernest uttered didn’t move her. She was used to men pleading with her-even Aaron Theodore-so why should this one make any sense? She only met him once and it was one night. So why should she become his wife or be indebted to him forever? That was the biggest mistake of her life. He should be asking for forgiveness not asking to be with her again. He doesn’t feel guilty?
“Let me go! If you don’t release me right away, I’m gonna scream. What is a man doing in the ladies room?” She rhetorically asked. “Let go!”
He couldn’t risk being caught. Not by any woman or man. He had to admit it – he’d prefer it if Jeremy walked in find them that way. It’d please him to watch the young couple fight especially when he’s the reason for it.
Satisfied with the sent of her, he freed and forcefully turned her to face him. He was much more powerful.
Purity did all she could to fight him. She was scared at that moment, she thought he was gonna rape her. She never wanted to be a victim of rape. She’d rather die a virgin. “What are you trying to do?” She asked immediately Ernest turned her to face him. He was very close to her. She perceived his cologne which brought ugly images to her head. They reminded her of a past she’d forgotten. d–n this man! She hated him so much.
Ernest chuckled wickedly. “Darling, we can’t take here. I’m taking you out.”
Purity was slightly relieved hearing her didn’t want to rape her. He was taking her out? But to where? Maybe he was scared. Didn’t want any woman to meet him there. “You find it dangerous if you’re caught here with a woman against her will?” She laughed nervously.
“Shut up!” Ernest took hold of her right hand and made to drag her out of the rest room.
She violently resisted his hold. “Where are you taking me?” her eyes blazing with anger.
“Keep your voice down. I want us to go out and talk in a more conducive environment.”
Purity stubbornly shook her head. “I’m not going anywhere with you. This is my engagement party. My fiance and brothers are waiting for me. I have to go join them.”
Hearing her call his cousin her fiance got him upset. He wanted to be her man, her everything and not that d–n Jeremy. How could they even be related? “I hope he comes and finds us this way.”
She glared at him.
“Where do we go to talk?” he demanded fiercely.
Purity sighed. She too didn’t want Jeremy or anyone to find them that way. “Lets go out, through the back door. We can stay under the trees close to the pool.”
Ernest smiled triumphantly. “Lets move, my princess. We need to be extra careful, so as not to be seen by anybody.”
“What is it you want to talk about?” Purity threw at him as soon as they were safe and out of earshot under the trees. It wasn’t easy getting out there. The many servants, they had to escape them all. Well, they made it. “And please, make it snappy.” She added. All she needed was to be with Jeremy and not an idiot.
Ernest stared at her with love written in his eyes. “Can’t you see I can’t forget you? You have always been in my head since that night. In my heart, you’ve always remained.”
“We never had a relationship. We never did anything. I want myself that night. I was drunk. All that happened, I regret deeply. Its a wound that has healed. I don’t want to remember it anymore. You can’t have me. Its not possible.” Purity felt nothing but pity for him, but she wasn’t going to let her feelings control her.
“Do you really mean that?” Ernest was crushed.
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Purity shifted her gaze from his. “Yes, I mean it.”
“What now makes my cousin different from me?” He wasn’t letting go easily.
She smiled on hearing that question. “Everything about him is different. The way he talks, walks, eats. The manner he treats me is so much romantic.”
Ernest frowned deeply. “You are just fantasizing about those things. He might be kind to you now, for a reason. Who know he might change after having you on his bed?”
“What is your problem? Why do you want to make Jeremy a devil to me?”
“‘Cause we men are all the same. We have different tactics of getting the woman we want. Jeremy is just lying and I’m telling you the truth.”
“You’re a big liar. Jeremy would never do that.”
“He’s a womanizer. Different women has slept with him. Why do you think he’ll change for you?”
*
*
*
Jeremy glanced at his gold chain wrist watch for the fifth time. A frown creased his forehead. Where the hell is Purity? His eyes searched the entire ball room as he half heartedly listened to what the brothers were saying. His mind was all about Purity. He really wanted to be with her. They were the couple celebrating and had to be together. Where did she disappear to? Had the restroom swallowed her or what? Its been over twenty minutes. He prayed she hadn’t fainted again. She should be fine. He inhaled deeply.
Rodney noticed his anxiety. “Hey, Jeremy what’s wrong?”
“Have you been listening to my story?” Ronald enquired, he saw the lines formed on Jeremy’s face.
Jeremy sighed. “Honestly, I’ve not and I’m not fine. Purity, she’s taking too long.”
The twins laughed.
“She’s gonna come soon. Are you scared she’s gonna disappear?”
Jeremy stared at Ronald with eyes full of pity, as if he was going to cry.
“Come on, she’ll be back soon. Don’t cry.”
It was Jeremy’s turn to laugh. “Thank you so much? It was nice meeting you two.” He briefly shook hands with them. “I’ve got to find her. I should have followed her.”
“All the best.”
Jeremy nodded and left them.
“What’s wrong with him?”
“He’s in love with our Purity.”
Ronald smiled. “I’m glad she found someone like him. They deserve eachother.”
“Come, lets go chat with dad and mum, I’ve missed them.”
“So have I.” Rodney led the way.
*
*
*
Jeremy walked briskly towards the ladies restroom. He so much needed to find Purity. He had never been in one before, but he would just because of his Purity. He’s missing her and wants to see her, to gaze into those lovely eyes. That stubborn woman, where could she have disappeared to? He finally got to the door. As he reached out for the door knob, a voice stopped him.
“If I were you, I wouldn’t do that.”
He dropped his hand. He knew that voice.
“Tricia, what are you doing here?”
She smiled. “I should be asking you that. What were you about to do? Go into the ladies room?”
Jeremy scratched his head.
That, she admired.
“I mean in my house. This party, what are you doing here?”
She rolled her eyes and bit her lips seductively. “I came with an invited guest. I’m his date. Ernest.”
“Ernest? My cousin?” What was Ernest doing with Tricia-his ex. Does he even know that?
“Whoa!” Tricia exclaimed. “He’s your cousin?” She was glad.
“Yes.” He had to focus on his aim. “I’m searching for my fiancee, did you by any chance see her? Is she in there?” he pointed at the door of the restroom.
Tricia chuckled. “I did, I think I saw her come out with someone.”
“Do you know where she is?”
She smiled and licked her lips. “I do. Can take you there if you want.”
Jeremy nodded.
Seconds later, they were up at the balcony. From there, its possible to see the entire vicinity. Tricia paced, as if searching for something. Her eyes lit up in joy as she saw what she had been looking for.
“What are we doing up here?” Jeremy was confused and disturbed at the same time.
“You’ve got to see this.”
Jeremy walked up to Tricia and saw what she asked him to see.
She hid her smile. “That’s the virgin you left me for. Look what she’s doing.”
Afraid To Love Episode 17 by Patience Ahworegba
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Files piled up on his desk and Adam his P.A kept bringing in more and more files. They all needed his signature. He wished Adam could sign just like him so he’d get to sign on those papers. Jeremy was in no mood to work. He still couldn’t get over the shock he felt last night. Seeing Purity in the arms of his cousin got him crazy. It was appaling. He never imagined Purity doing that. But Tricia took him there and she had told him she was with Ernest. Could it be that they plotted that? Ernest just arrived, how was that even possible? Purity bothered him more, he had to know what she was doing with that man. She was pure? Had she been lying to him? There were so many douts, he just didn’t know what to think anymore.
The door of his office opened, Adam walked in, carrying a pile of files. Jeremy stared at him motionless.
“Sir?” Adam was worried about his boss. He has entered his office up to three times and his boss had just sat down without saying a word to him. He wasn’t his normal cheerful self. Something was wrong. He had to be happy, only last night he had his engagement part, why is he now sulky? Adam couldn’t bear to see his boss that way. He had to help him. He so much wanted to.
“Sir?” he called again.
Jeremy didn’t respond.
Adam gently squeezed his shoulder.
Jeremy shuddered on fright, feeling a hand on his shoulder. When he got to see that it was Adam, he tried calming his nerves.
“Don’t be scared, boss. Its me, Adam.” he tried to pacify him. Seeing his reaction, he knew that all was not well. “I don’t think you are fine.”
Jeremy groaned and relaxed back on the chair. He raked a hand through his hair. “Is my fiancee here?” She was still his, no matter how angry he was at her.
“You mean Purity Theodore?” Adam was relieved that his boss had spoken.
He nodded in affirmation.
“No. No one’s here.”
Jeremy glanced at his wrist watch. What’s keeping her? She should be here by now. “If she comes, please let her in.”
“Alright. Are you okay?”
That question was unexpected. “I am fine.”
“I don’t think you are. There is so much work to do and you’ve not done any.” He drew his attention to the piled up files on his desk. “Not only that, you haven’t said a word to me this morning until now. You are not yourself. If you are not okay, you should rest. All these can wait.”
Jeremy was impressed. There was someone who cared about him besides his family. He felt loved, like any brother would have for him. He smiled in appreciation. “Thanks Adam. I’ll just wait here in my office for Purity and rest at the same time.”
Adam was happy. “That will be better. I’m sure Miss Theodore can help you feel better. I’m off.”
Inwardly, Jeremy hoped that Purity would make him feel better. She just had to. The way he felt, only she had made him that way. He had never been that angry at any woman before, neither had he been jealous. It was good he could keep is feelings in check. It would have been too bad for his cousin if he didn’t know how. He’d have strangled him.
He raised his head and was stunned to see a female figure sitting comfortably on a chair opposite him. There was a lovely smile on her face which he considered disgusting. Her appearance was only going to add to his troubles. If Purity comes and find them together? He had to get rid of her.
“How did you get in here without my knowledge?”
She smiled broadly. “When I got here, you were deep in thoughts. So, I preferred sitting here and waiting till you got back from the world of fantasy.”
Darn it! Was he that absorbed in those thoughts? “Did you even knock?”
“I don’t need to knock. I’m already familiar with this company.”
A slight frown of disapproval appeared on Jeremy’s face. Arguing with her wasn’t on his menu, the little strength he had, he had to reserve it for Purity-that would be hell.
“Tell me what you came for?”
“You are looking weary, are you good?” She bluntly ignored his statement.
“If you don’t have anything doing here, get out.” He was rude, but that didn’t bother him.
Tricia wrinkled her nose. “I know you’re still hurt and getting over what you saw last night. I’m here to help.”
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Her statement troubled him more. “What do you mean by that? Help me with what? I don’t remember texting you or calling you to come help me out.”
She rolled her eyes. “Relax, I know you didn’t ask for my help. As a good friend that I’ve always been, I figured out you need it.”
Jeremy scratched his head. “What kind of help are you here to offer?”
She grinned. “You are heartbroken. You are in need of a company.”
He gave a mocking laugh. “Who told you I’m heartbroken?”
“I said, I just figured out you could be.” She shifted uncomfortably on the chair.
He shook his head in amusement. “Now, your help isn’t needed. Please, leave.”
Tricia pursed her lips. Now, that didn’t work out. Something else has to. “Why do you hate my presence this much? Jeremy, we’ve been friends, more than friends for close to four years now. Suddenly, you begin disliking me? What did I do wrong? Any time I come to visit, its either you throw me out or walk out on me.” She stood up and paced around his office.
Jeremy silently examined her.
“Today, I came to render assistance,” She turned to face him. “I know you are not okay after seeing what you saw last night. I came to help you get better and now you ask me to leave? I’m heartbroken too.”
He instantly felt sorry for her. Maybe she truly wanted to help him. “Tricia, sit down. I’m sorry for reacting the way I did. Honestly, I am not fine.”
She smiled to herself and resumed her seat. “What is bothering you?”
He placed his left elbow on his desk and rested his head on that arm. “I just don’t get it. What were they doing out there all alone in the dark? That was Purity’s engagement party. How could she? What does she even have with Ernest?”
“I’m as confused as you are. Don’t know why Ernest broke my heart this way,” she muttered sadly.
Jeremy stared at her. “What’s with you? Weeks before that party, you were all over me and even wanted to work with me. Now you say you’re heartbroken, how is that even possible?”
That question hit her hard. “You want me to keep mourning you? I dare not. I’ve got other things to do.”
He kept looking at her in askance. “I really hope that’s true.” He was sure she wasn’t saying the truth. He could read her like a book. “Have you heard from Ernest? What did he tell you?”
She shook her head. “Nothing. Have you?”
“I don’t even like him. There’s something sinister about him. Need to talk to Purity before anyone else. He might tell lies about her.”
“Talk to him first. Your virgin might be the one lying. You never can tell.”
“You sound so convinced, like you know a lot about her. Tell me what you know.”
“I don’t know anything.” She denied.
Jeremy wasn’t buying that. “Out with it.”
She sighed. “Okay. Don’t tell anyone about this. Ernest mentioned to me that they had met years back and kind of dated.”
Jeremy couldn’t believe what he just heard. Dated? Dated? Purity had told him she had never dated any guy. He was the person who had stolen her first kiss. What was this devil trying to do? Split them apart? He was suddenly crazed with anger. “Who gave you the guts to say such lies about my fiancee to my face?” he hauled himself off the swivel chair.
Tricia was scared. “Its… Its..the…..truth.”
“The truth? What do you hope to gain if you put us apart? Purity was in Ernest arms last night. You took me up and showed them to me. How did you even know they were there, together? You two most have planned it. I don’t even get how Ernest is involved but you, you’re no exception.”
Tricia was ashamed of herself. She had to cover it up. “How dare you accuse me of that? Yes, I was in love with you, but I no longer do. I…. I only told you what he told me. I’m hurt as well. The second time by two cousins. Jeremy, I’m hurt.”
“Get out!” he barked at her.
She didn’t know what demon had possessed Jeremy. She hadn’t seen him that way before. He trusted Purity so much and protected her. We’ll see if that trust remains after what he saw and what she just told him. Let’s see if he can protect her from this, she thought silently to herself. Receiving one more blank look from Jeremy, she scurried away.
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Ronald beamed with joy as he caught sight of his brother-in-law at the front door. “Welcome, Jeremy.”
Jeremy stepped into the well furnished living room. He had his hopes up.
Ronald closed the door behind him. “Take a sit.”
“Don’t bother, I’ll stand. Where’s Purity?” He didn’t want to spend time there, just to get Purity and move to a quiet place where they would talk. He hadn’t seen her after the previous night and was so worried about her. He badly wanted to see her. He knew it was going to be really difficult talking to her after what he’d seen that night. The anger was there, however, he still wanted to be with her, he craved for her. Now he was the one going after her- it was women that usually come after him. It was very different with Purity, he didn’t mind at all. Love could really change people.
“Purity’s not home.” Ronald flatly told hm, dragging him from his reverie.
Ronald’s words hadn’t sank into Jeremy’s head. He waited for few seconds to let the words sink in. “She’s not home?”
“I just said that.”
Jeremy was beginning to get angry. It was her fault, all her fault. They were to meet. She was the one to come to his office, but she hadn’t; he was at her home for her only to be informed that she wasn’t there. Purity Theodore, what is wrong with you?
“Where can I find her?”
“Um,” Ronald was confused. He had no idea what was going on between Jeremy and his sister. Purity was worse, she was acting strange and going back to her former self. “Should be at the company.”
“Thanks.” He could have gone there first. He turned his back to Ronald and went straight to the door.
“Wait.”
Jeremy stopped walking and turned to face Ronald. He sent him a questioning look.
“What’s up with you two? Purity is weird.”
He smirked. It had to happen. “Normal crisis in a relationship. We’ll get it fixed. Bye.”
Jeremy found his way out of the house before he be interrogated by Ronald. Those inquisitive eyes and his puzzled look. Jeremy knew that if he started answering his questions, he’d never leave and his pending conversation with Purity would be post-poned and that would make matters even worse. Thank God he escaped. It’d be up to the brothers to figure out the whole thing for themselves. If they really wanted to know.
Hastily, he slid into his car and drove out of the Theodore’s duplex, going straight to the Theodore’s Enterprise. Purity, Purity, Purity. This woman was making him go crazy. He left his work just for her. How many women make him do this?
*
*
*
“Good afternoon, sir.” Heather greeted Jeremy.
Jeremy smiled in return. He took his time to examine Purity’s secretary. He remembered the first day he was there, it was really an ugly scene between them both. He hadn’t seen her since then. She was pretty and well mannered. He felt sorry for her, knowing she was putting up with Purity and all her crazy acts. Maybe the secretary wasn’t all that bad, but her big mouth was what made Purity treat her that way. His smile turned into a grin as he recalled that day’s event.
“How are you doing?”
“I’m fine, sir.” She replied, looking down.
Jeremy observed this, “Are you scared of me?”
She looked up at him and held his gaze. “Of course, not. Why should I be?”
He laughed loud. “You still remember what happened the first day I was here?”
Heather cursed that day. It was a very embarrassing day for her. She hated to remember it.^”Sir, why are you here?” Heather didn’t want to discuss that day.
Jeremy understood. “To see my fiancee of course.”
That statement surprised her. “But sir, she’s not here.”
“What do you mean by that? Didn’t she come to work this morning?”
Heather nodded. “She did. But left thirty minutes after she arrived. She was acting awkward.”
Oh, no. This can’t be happening. “Did she tell you were she was going?”
“She didn’t.”
“Holy s–t!” he exclaimed, enraged. “What is wrong with her?” He couldn’t quite place his fingers on it. Something was wrong with that woman.
Still enraged, he went into her office. The door was unlocked. The room was neat and in order, as if she never came in. But the desk was disorganized. Seems she left in a hurry, as if running away from something, he thought to himself. He got to the desk and laid his hands on it. He saw a piece of paper in her writing and read it. “Country house?”
Afraid To Love Episode 18 by Patience Ahworegba
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“What do you mean you’ve come to take me ‘to where I belong?’” Purity tried her possible best to hide her excitement. She was filled with joy. Jeremy had come to take her, not to fight with her. Her heart leapt with joy.
“You belong to me, with me. You are my wife, Purity.” Jeremy was very happy to see her. If he had not seen her, he might have died. The anger was there, but when he saw her, it all vanished. He really loved her.
“I’m not your wife. It was just want engagement party.” She grinned.
“And that means we’ll get married. Wait a minute,” he gave her a puzzled look. “Are you thinking of changing your mind?”
She made a face.^”I never said that.”
He heaved a sigh of relief and scanned her intently. “You’re crying. Why have you been crying?”
Hadn’t she wiped away all the tears? Oh, he had been watching her, silently. “Its nothing.” She became moody.
“Are you feeling guilty? You feel bad?”
Purity rolled her eyes. “Please don’t remind me of that. I deeply regret it.”
His heart went out to her. He really had to hear her out. He moved closer to her and took her hand. “You want to talk about it?”
She bit her lips hard and the tears fell. “Jeremy, please give me a hug.”
Jeremy took her into his arms and held her tight. He cuddled her like a baby. He wanted to protect her and make her his forever. She was so vulnerable. He was sure no man had ever seen her like that. He felt good being the first. “Sweetie, you don’t need to ask,” he whispered.
She didn’t reply. Her hold on him tightened. She felt warmth, inner peace and comfort in his arms. This was her place, where she belonged and where she wanted to stay forever. She smiled to herself.
“How are you feeling now?” he affectionately ruffled her hair.
She sighed deeply. She loved the feel of his hand on her hair. “Much more better. Thank you.”
“Aha! My princess has learned to say thank you.” His eyes twinkled. “What is this place?”
“It belongs to my father. Haven’t been here in years.”
He let her go. “Are you running from something?”
“I need to tell you something. Its important.”
He nodded. “I’m sure it is. Lets go in, then you can tell me all about it.”
Purity agreed with him. She guided him as they walked into the country house.
Jeremy admired what he saw. “Its beautiful in here.” He found himself a seat.
She sat beside him. “I’m glad you like it.”
“What you have to tell me, is it about what I saw last night?”
“Yes, it is. And a lot more.” She sighed.
Jeremy carefully squeezed her hand. “Honey, you don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to. Its really troubling you. Tell me when you’re ready. Please.”
She faced him and let her fingers run under his. “I’m ready. If I’m not able to tell you now, I don’t think I’ll ever do it again.”
A smile formed on Jeremy’s face. He really wanted to hear her story. “I’m willing to hear it. But first, lets drink something, I’m thirsty.”
*
*
*
“What are you planning to do next?” Tricia questioned Ernest. She could not wait anymore. Jeremy, she wanted him on her side, she would forgive him for all the pain and embarrassment he had caused her or he would pay.
Ernest snickered. “Something I can’t disclose to you or anyone yet.”
“You can’t even give me a clue, an idea?”
“Nope. That’s not possible.” he wasn’t willing to risk a thing. He didn’t trust Tricia that much. She was obsessed with his cousin.
“Well, is it dangerous?” She had to get something out of him. She wanted to be involved.
He chuckled wickedly within himself. “I’m not telling you a thing,” he insisted.
She tossed her head this way and that. “Its obvious you don’t even trust me. I don’t blame you, but you have to. They are both experiencing a tough time and we did it together. We could trust eachother.” She sounded persuasive.
“Alright, fine. Its a little bit dangerous.”
She frowned. “Hope its not going to take lives, especially that of Jeremy. I won’t let anyone hurt him.”
“I have to go.” He walked out on her.
*
*
*
“Here is your drink.” She handed him a glass of white wine.
“Thank you.”
She closed her eyes and heaved a deep sigh. “This is my story.”
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Jeremy lovingly patted her shoulder, urging her to carry on.
She hesitated for few seconds. A lot of things were running through her mind. She was about to share her dark secret with someone, a man. It was something she had to do. She couldn’t lose Jeremy now or let their parents down. Her rules and promises no longer mattered, carrying out Emily’s last wish did.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” Jeremy was already disappointed. She had always hated him. She’d never trust him. Why didn’t he remember that? His feelings just took control over him.
“It was my prom night.” Those memories came back to her, gradually. One piece ar a time. “My two best friends and I planned to be alone that night. While the rest had their dates and would be dancing, the three of us would be together.
“Before then, I had never had a date. Never had anything to do with boys. My two friends had and they were used, the boys they had relationships with toyed with their feelings. They were badly hurt-took them a great deal of time to recover. I didn’t want to feel that way. Never wanted to be heartbroken, so vulnerable and lost. That being the case, I ruled boys and men out of my life.
“On that night, I dressed beautifully. I was so gorgeous that men asked me out that night. I snubbed them all. I got to our school hall feeling confident and very happy. My aim was to make those other girls jealous of my friends and I. I got to the hall to meet the greatest shook of my life. My two friends betrayed me. Each of them had a date that night and they arranged a guy for me. They hurt my feelings so much. The reason they gave me was that I behaved like an old fashioned girl; a man could change my life and make me normal like other girls.”
A tear slid down her cheek. She really didn’t have to, didn’t need to, but she wanted to. She could bear the pains for now, soon it’d be all over. She dried the tear and continued.
“I really felt bad that my friends considered me abnormal because I refused having anything to do with boys. They went ahead and brought one for me. It hurt me so much. I felt betrayed, deceived and enraged at them. I was bitter, bitter at boys because they caused the rift between my friends and I. I poured out my feelings to them, how hurt I was. But still, they chose the guys over me.”
Purity’s voice was beginning to shake. The hurt and betrayal, she was feeling them again. The healed wound was opened and she let the tears fall freely.
“Stop. I don’t like seeing you cry.” Jeremy pleaded with her. He couldn’t take it anymore. A woman’s tears was what he could not stand. He felt her pain, it cut him deep.
“No,” she whimpered. “I have to tell you.” Nothing was going to stop her. “Infuriated, I stomped out of the hall. I got into my car and drove. I was very angry, I didn’t know where I was driving to. I was weeping bitterly as I drove. Then, I passed a bar. I reversed and went back to it. I smiled on seeing it. I wiped away my tears and applied more make up. My lips were coated with red lipstick-signaling danger.
“I grinned and went in. I was going to show those girls that I wasn’t old fashioned, I wasn’t gonna let a man hurt me, I’d be the one to break his heart. I began hating men more, for they were the reasons my friends left me. It was noisy, the music was very loud. Men and woman were on the dance floor enjoying themselves. It was disgusting to me. All forms of immoral acts were going on. My feeling of anger restrained me from leaving. I got to the counter and asked for drinks. I started drinking. I drank up to four bottles and was beginning to feel tipsy. That was when your cousin came to me.”
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FLASHBACK.
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It was her fifth bottle. The feelings of despair was beginning to disappear. She was starting to feel normal, but in a different way.
Slightly drunk, but still knew what was going around her. She abandoned her drink on the counter to face the men and women. Silently, she searched for a victim, she was to break his heart.
“Hello pretty,” a masculine voice greeted her.
Sixteen year old Purity was excited. That was the first time she was called pretty by a guy besides her family members. Others referred to her as hot or sexy. She smiled broadly and invited him to join her. “What’s up, handsome?”
55
He gracefully took a seat beside her. “I’m here for you, baby.” He leaned closer to her. “Hmm. You smell nice.”
Purity giggled. “You like me already?” She believed she was in full control of herself. Acting like she’s desperate was going to be fun. The fun was going to increase when she’d break his heart. Hurt him real bad.
“I do.” He was curious about this girl. This bar, he’d always visited and knew almost all the customers there. But this face, he had never seen before. She looked pure and innocent, why was she here? Her look was in direct contrast with the way she spoke. “Are you alone?”
“Yes, I’m all alone.” She emphasized. Making progress in her plan; she turned to face her drink. “Would you like some?”
He smiled. “I’d love to. I can never refuse such a pretty angel.”
“Bring more drinks!” She said to the waiter. “Since he’s taking his time, lets share mine. Please, come closer.” She folded her right palm and let only her index finger stand. She moved it front and back, urging him to move closer to her. She gave an innocent smile and giggled.
That was a bold step. How many girls are this outspoken? She wasn’t shy, she told him wat she wanted and didn’t feel guilty about it. Very different from her angelic look. Maybe she was, or the influence of alcohol? She doesn’t look like one drunk. Without much contemplation, he pulled his seat close to hers. “Its my turn to drink.” He took hold of the bottle and swallowed its content in one gulp.
Purity was impressed. “That was good. Very good.” She leaned to him and inhaled his cologne. Their faces were inches apart.
He wanted to taste her lips. He already had a little taste of it from the bottle. Those red lips. He loved danger. His pushed his head forward. To his utter dismay, she pulled hers back.
“No, no,” she used her fingers to caution him. “Its too early for that. Lets drink away our sorrows and unhappiness.” She handed him a bottle.
Sorrow. Then, she was sad, he mused. That’s the reason she’s here. He was going to know why and try to help her. “What’s your name? I’m Ernest, Ernest Turner.”
“I don’t give my name to strangers.” Purity chuckled. “That name- Ernest sounds nice. Hope you are earnest?” She asked rhetorically.
He held her hand and kissed it tenderly. He was glad she didn’t object. “I’m no stranger to you. We’re friends already.” He moved his fingers over her arm and loved her soft, smooth skin.
Purity didn’t flinch. She enjoyed every bit of it. A smile touched the corners of her mouth. “What name sounds so sweet that men would love to hear?” She never intended to give him her real name.
He continued touching her hand. “I don’t know. Um….. Something like Kaylee would do the trick.”
“Nope. Call me Melisa.” She took her hand back from him.
“Melisa. What are you doing in a place like this? What brought you here?” his curiosity had not dwindled.
“Forget about that. Lets enjoy ourselves.” She held up a bottle and took a sip. Deep within her, she didn’t want to take another drink. It was enough, all okay for her to carry out her mischievous plan. She always had her way and it should work well for her this time. She pretended to be emptying her bottles.
Ernest wasn’t smart enough to notice that. He really wanted this girl at all cost and was ready to do anything she asked. He drank and enjoyed watching the people dance.
They kept drinking- of course, Purity was faking it. Suddenly, Ernest grabbed her and pressed his body against her. “Melisa, I want you to kiss me, now.”
She wasn’t impressed, didn’t like that. “Hey! Let go!” She ordered. “That’s not how to treat a lady.” She frowned.
He instantly released her. “I’m sorry. How are you feeling?”
“Bad.” She confessed.
“I know what will make you feel good.”
That made her alive again. “I want to know.”
“Good.” Ernest requested for more drinks and placed them before her. “All these would make you feel better.”
Purity shrugged. “I don’t want to.”
“You have to.” he persuaded her. “Let me feed you.” He gave a grin.
She agreed and opened her much for him. It really felt good as the chilled drink slid down her throat. He was right.
“How does it feel?”
She closed her eyes and smiled. “Sweet.”
“Have more, my Melisa.” he smirked.
Afraid To Love Episode
#OpraDre
… To be continued
