Afraid To Love Episode 23 by Patience Ahworegba
“Even on your sick bed, you are being unkind to me.”
He scoffed. “I am not sick. I am doing just fine. I want to be alone.” he emphasized on the last word.
She let his hand drop to the bed. “I don’t trust you, I’m not leaving you alone. I am sure you are expecting your so-called virgin. I won’t give you that chance.” She stood her ground.
Jeremy sighed and faced the other side of the bed. How was he going to dismiss her? His vitality and strength was all gone. Thanks to whatever happened to him. Now he was confined to a bed in the hospital with a woman he’d made the mistake of ever dating.
“You want to be with her, don’t you?” Tricia broke into his thoughts.
She was talking about Purity. She could know something. She had even threatened to do a terrible thing just to have him for herself. He could vividly remember that. Could she have a hand in Purity’s not coming to visit him? Did she threaten her or do something terrible to her? Now that this idea had struck him, he noticed that he hadn’t set his eyes on his cell phone. Gosh! He could have called her. He sighed sadly. His gaze met Tricia’s, there was concern, worry and sadness in her eyes. Were those feelings genuine? “Tricia, I’m sorry I treat you this way. I am not happy,” he confessed, “I’m here, unable to do anything. I really need to see Purity, she could help me heal. Do you know where she could be?”
“You are asking the impossible,” she replied mockingly, “Your virgin and I aren’t friends. How could I know why she has not come visiting?”
He instantly looked sorry. “I’m sorry. I thought you cared about me.”
Gradually, he was going to fall for her, again. “Baby, please don’t say that. I really do care about you.” She pushed herself closer to him. Taking his right hand, she placed it on her chest, “Can you feel my heartbeat? It really beats for you.”
“If you really care about me, tell me where she is.”
Tricia rolled her eyes. “Honestly, I have no idea where she is. I have not even caught a glimpse of her after your engagement night.” She smiled to herself, recalling the events of that night.
“You must be very happy. She has disappeared. You think you’ve got me now?”
She smiled triumphantly, “I don’t need her to disappear into thin air to have you. You were always mine and would continue to be mine. She must have figured that out and let us be. We are now alone, we’re meant to be.”
Jeremy managed a smile. “She has my heart. I love her very much. More than any woman I’ve dated or even slept with. She’s my choice.”
Pain. Anger Jealousy. Tricia got off the bed, dropping his hand. “And does she know you love her?”
“Of course she does.”
She couldn’t take it anymore. The jealousy had seeped into her. He hatred towards Purity intensified. How could Jeremy do this to her? Even when she was nowhere to be found, she was still hurting her. Her anger almost drove her crazy. She had to get a hold of herself. “Jeremy, you don’t have a heart. For the years we dated, for once, you never mentioned that word ‘love’ to me. When did you meet this girl? You’re really a b—–d.”
“Tricia never cared about love,” he retorted calmly. “All you cared about was sleeping with me and having a companion. I regret falling for you and being your victim.”
“I can’t believe this. That’s not true. You knew my feelings, you knew I loved you.”
Jeremy tried sitting up and succeeded in doing so. He felt slight pains, though. “I thought I knew, I was wrong.”
Jealousy and bitterness engulfed her like wildfire. “Well, I hope she dies wherever she is. I hope she is never found and rots in hell!” She was panting heavily. She knew those words would hurt Jeremy just as it hurts when a bee stings someone.
“You b—h-”
“Hold it!” Allan reprimanded Jeremy. He boldly moved towards the two parties, fiercely getting ready to draw the battle line. He smiled on seeing their angry faces. Watching people fight, yell at eachother was what he loved doing and all that amused him. Yet, he wasn’t going to allow it this time. The victim was his patient and a very close friend, he wouldn’t let his hobby make him lose this one friend in a fight. “Jeremy, you are not ready for all this fuss,” he looked at Tricia, “How did you get in here?”
She rolled her eyes and hissed.
Dr. Allan soon his head pitiably, “Please leave, you are already causing my patient enough trouble and discomfort. Use the door,” he was firm.
“I’ll be back.” She walked out of the room.
“Jeremy, I’m disappointed in you. What sort of argument is that? You’re supposed to be resting and trying to get your memory back.”
Jeremy nodded sadly. “She just got me worked up.”
“Its okay,” Allan replied with a grin.
“I can remember everything. I swear, I can.”
69
Tricia angrily stomped out of the ward. She was pacing here and there. Unpleasant feelings ran through her blood. d–n this Purity! Why did she have to come? If she had not showed her sorry face into their lives, Jeremy would have been hers. Jeremy had never called her names before, but he did – all because of a so-called fiancee.
“No, no,” she said to herself, “I must take her place. I must take her place in Jeremy’s heart. I am to be his wife. I hope she never comes back,” she concluded, dialling a number on her cell.
“Do you have any idea where Purity is?” Tricia asked as soon as her cell beeped.
“I don’t,” Ernest replied over the phone.
“Not with me. I know you have her,” Tricia replied, getting upset.
“So? Why did you ask if I already did?”
She smiled evily. “Want to confirm that. Well, thanks for smashing whatever you smashed on his head; it did me a lot of good. He lost part of his memory. Don’t hurt him, next time.”
“Its good to hear that. You want to see her?” Ernest asked, less concerned.
“I don’t want to. I won’t be able to stop myself from tearing her into pieces if I ever set my eyes on her,” she maliciously replied.
“Its my love we’re talking about here,” he replied, upset.
“Whatever, just get out with her to a very far away place. Be with her, I want to be with Jeremy.” She disconnected the call.
She heaved a sigh of relief. That call made her come alive again. It felt really good to know that Purity was with Ernest and was never coming back. No matter how Jeremy searched, he’d never find her. She was long gone, gone forever. She’d play the role of Purity and make him have eyes only for her. She chuckled wickedly.
“Please, excuse me,” she said to a nurse passing, “Where is the bathroom? I really want to freshmen up. I spent the night here, my fiance’s admitted.”
*
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*
“I can remember everything. I swear I can,” Jeremy opened up to Allan, his trusted friend and doctor. He had to tell someone. He couldn’t hide the excitement he felt in getting his memory back. Just one thing hurt him – her disappearance.
“Are you being serious?” Allan questioned. “You haven’t gotten enough rest, neither have you completed your medication and your memory just pops out like that? Or you didn’t lose it all?”
Jeremy laughed on hearing his last statement. “She has been on my mind. I’ve been asking after her since I became conscious.”
Allan grabbed a seat and pulled it closer to Jeremy’s bed. He was keen on hearing what happened to Purity – Jeremy’s wife-to-be. He dropped his weight on the chair, comfortably. “That should be the reason why. How are you feeling now?” He was trying to ask the necessary things a doctor should. He never wanted Jeremy to find out that he was really interested in his story.
Jeremy sighed. “I still hurt, but better than yesterday.”
“That’s good. I’ll send the n-”
“Please, listen to what I have to say as a friend, ” Jeremy caught him off, “You can do your job as a doctor later.” Jeremy pleaded.
Allan’s eye danced with excitement. This was what he’d been waiting for. He smiled, “Let’s hear it.”
“We had an argument. I think she has been abducted.”
“Ab-” the word got stuck in his throat, “Abducted? How do you mean? I don’t understand you.”
“Shh…. Keep your voice down,” Jeremy cautioned. “It was at her father’s country house. Something was up, we fought over it till she mentioned that my mother’s last wish was that we get married. I was stunned hearing that and left her to herself. As I was outside,” he paused and took a very deep breath. This was the painful side of the incident, “I heard her scream loudly. I ran inside, but I couldn’t find her there. I could her hear cry softly, but she was nowhere to be found. I searched, then tried dialling 911, then I felt something break in pieces on my head, I fell to the ground and drifted to being unconscious. I woke up here.”
Allan took a deep breath. He didn’t think for a second that Jeremy’s story would be a sad one. He was hoping to hear something romantic, what would make Jeremy happy and heal faster. Sadness crept into him. He got up and held Jeremy by the shoulder, “I’m sorry man. Its an unpleasant story, indeed. Are sure this is all that happened?”
Jeremy nodded, already getting comfort from his friend. “That’s it. Was my cell brought here with me here?”
Allan shook his head. “It wasn’t. Just you. Blood oozing out of your head and you know…”
70
“Who found me? How did they get me here?” He still couldn’t lay his fingers on it.
“I think it was Aaron Theodore. I don’t know the full detail.” The fact that his fiancee had been kidnapped had not fully registered on his brain. “She really was kidnapped? Its hard to believe.”
“I don’t know how to tell her parents and brothers. I just don’t know how to. Its so confusing.”
“We’d do something about it. I will help you out.” Allan resumed his seat and kept thinking on how to find Purity and get Jeremy out of the mess he was in now. “Why don’t we inform the cops? They’ll start investigating soon.”
“No, no, no.” Jeremy protested. “I have a better idea. Please hand me your cell.”
Allan willingly gave it to him. Jeremy collected it happily and scrolled through the contact list. In no time, the cell was on his left ear. He waited for the call to be answered and for a response.
“Doctor Allan,” a masculine voice called excitedly over the phone. “Its so nice of you to call.”
Jeremy smiled on hearing his voice. The voice of his childhood buddy. He was still the same, he could tell from the voice. “Detective Darren, its been a long time. How are you faring over there?”
Allan grinned widely on hearing the name – Darren. Now, he knew Jeremy’s idea.
“No. This isn’t my doctor’s voice,” there was silence for a while. “Oh, yeah! Its my boss, the only heir to the Broderick’s. Jeremy Broderick, how are you?”
He smiled gleefully. It seemed his problems where starting to disappear. “Well, I’m kinda okay. I’ll get straight to the point. I need your help-”
Allan snatched the phone from Jeremy, taking him by surprise. “We need your help. Get to New York as fast as you can. We really need you man.” He tapped the red button when he finished pleading. He had gotten his friend’s attention. He knew he’d return to New York in a day or two. He smiled to himself.
Jeremy stared at him, visibly upset, “What was that for?”
“He’ll be here soon. His curiosity and concern will drive him down here.”
“Oh,” It was Jeremy’s turn to smile. “Smart doc.”
*
*
*
She nodded, showing gratitude to the nurse that had directed her to the bathroom. She turned and swiftly walked to Jeremy’s room. After having a refreshing bath, she was going to dress seductively and have Jeremy drool all over her. The time in the world belonged to her to get him, but she was going to use them wisely and make him need and only want her for the rest of his life. She smiled to herself as she continued walking to meet him. She was so much enjoying her plans being played in her mind. She felt she had won, she had succeeded. She hadn’t smiled this much, neither had she felt this happy in days.
As the door neared her, she saw Jeremy and the doctor discussing. He was still here?, she wondered. What were they talking about? Her interest was aroused. She tiptoed to the door and positioned her right ear to the door, to catch everything being said by the duo.
*
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*
“Doc, I think there’s a surveillance camera at that house,” Jeremy blurted out with a look of uncertainty.
“What?” Allan responded. He was taken unawares by jeremy’s sudden outburst.
Jeremy tried to think harder, “Did I say one? There should be lots of them.”
“Jeremy, calm down. Let it out, one at a time. Breathe, breathe.”
He took a deep a deep breath in and out. “That was my third time of being there. I noticed that there are cameras placed for observation. They are very tiny and not easily seen. I doubt Purity would know of them. But I had caught a glimpse of them once or twice.”
“Hmm. If the cameras are really there, we need to get the tapes and see who is behind this whole scheme,” Allan replied, thoughtfully.
“Yes, real fast. I need to find my princess, I really need to save her.”
*
*
*
“b——s!” Tricia was enraged. She was vitrolic. “He remembers, he knows everything, but he pretended not to. He’s a betrayer. He had been deceiving me.”
Unable to control her emotions, she pushed the door open, violently and made her presence known by not the doctor and patient. She walked with heavy steps.
“What are you doing here?” Allan questioned.
Both he and Jeremy were startled by her rude entry.
She glared at Allan. “I came to get my things,” she threw a cold look at Jeremy and proceeded to pick up her things.
They watched her in silence.
“Have a great day,” she wished them halfheartedly and made to leave. She slammed the door behind her.
“I don’t trust her one bit.”Allan muttered.
Afraid To Love Episode 24 by Patience Ahworegba
71
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“It has to be here,” a male voice whispered to a person behind him. They were both in a control room. The room was dark as night. In order to aid their vision through the room, flashlights was with each of them.
The lights kept flashing here and there, as they both searched for something. It was really important. And they had to do it quickly. No one could find them, no one had to see them, they just had to get the d–n tape and flee.
They hid their faces behind masks and were dressed in dark clothes. The camera – they didn’t want it capturing their faces. The taller of the two moved towards the computer screen he saw as a result of the flashlight he held. He situated the flashlight on the table where the computer would enable him search for that tape. He carefully searched for it.
The other accomplice dressed in the same attire as his, distracted him by tugging his shirt.
He got angry. “What’s up with you? Let me quickly get this and get out of here! Give me some space.”
His partner refused to comply, he kept hovering around him. “I am scared,” that was a female’s voice, “Let me get close to you.”
He was feeling angry, more and more. “I did not ask you to come here with me, did I? If you are frightened, you can go back home.”
“So rude,” she mumbled.
He ignored her and continued what he was doing. His heart gladened as he put the monitor on and the videos saved were displayed. He held on to the mouse, scrolling down to get what he wanted. His heartbeat increased as he couldn’t find it. He nervously searched around for it. “This can’t be happening,” he gasped.
“What is it?” his partner inquired.
He ignored her again and searched for the tape, having left the computer and mouse.
She couldn’t understand what was happening. Hadn’t he found the recording? Time wasn’t on their side and they really had to leave. He was fidgeting. What was with him? “Haven’t you found it? C’mmon, lets get outta here.”
He immediately turned to gaze at her. His expression couldn’t be read since he ws masked. “Its not here,” he bitterly told her. “Someone got to it first. They took it.”
“You can’t be serious,” she sighed.
He glared at her. “Lets get out of here.”
*
*
*
“Now here’s exactly what happened,” Darren said, with an aura of authority, as he paused the video they were watching on the television screen.
Allan and Jeremy looked at him, the look on their eyes showed trust and confidence, they looked up to him. He was like their elder brother and trusted advisor. They were eager to hear what he had to say despite the fact that they understood what they watched.
“After you two had argued, you turned your back on her and walked away. She tried running after you, she tripped and fell. That didn’t make her scream. As she got up, a hand caught her, the shock made her scream, then she was forcefully taken into a room and drugged. That same person smashed bottles on your head and stole your cell phone.”
“What you said is just as we have seen,” Allan replied, rolling his eyes.
Jeremy sighed. “I can’t understand this. He was actually here all these while? God! What’s wrong with his guy? I can’t love again?” he seriously pondered.
“Don’t worry, brother. We’re here for you,” Darren consoled him. “We’ll catch that criminal and get your woman back. Lets catch up on old times. I’ve really missed you two a lot.”
That idea excited Allan, “Yes! Yes! Lets get relieved a bit. Lets go out.”
Their words made sense. Yes, he was so concerned and worried about his love, but he still needed to rest and relieve himself of stress, get more energy to search for her and battle with the scumbag who had taken away his precious. It’d be just tonight and the following day, he’ll get to work. He fully bought their idea. He tirelessly hauled himself off the sofa. “Alright. I’m in. Lets go with the tape, I don’t trust anyone.”
His reply got both Allan and Darren smiling sheepishly.
*
*
*
Darren, with his deep blue eyes stared at Jeremy with an uneasy expression on his face. Jeremy tried to have fun, but he was not. The smile on his face and the laugh he gave wasn’t natural, it was all forced. His missing girlfriend was really getting him worked up. He had thought the outing would ease him pains, but it was not, it only made him drown deeper into despair. What could he do to help?
“Hey,” he whispered to Allan who was seated by his right. “Allan, do something for Jeremy. He’s not okay.”
Allan nodded in agreement. “Tell us, Jeremy.”
72
Allan’s three words jolted him back to reality. Tell us? Tell us? Tell us? He blinked twice and used his right palm to rub his face. “Tell you what?”
“How you met Purity Theodore, dated her, fell for her and proposed to her,” Alan elaborated.
Jeremy disagreed. “I don’t really want to talk about all that. I might just get depressed again and again.”
“I don’t think so. Please, tell us,” Darren insisted, using Allan’s words, “You see, I haven’t seen the love of your life, not even a picture. I’m curious to know about the beauty who have stolen your heartbeat. I used to know you as a play boy. Please, talk to me.”
Jeremy laughed softly. His friend’s thoughtful expression lightened him a little. “Alright.” He grinned widely, remembering how he had met with Purity. Pretty witch – the name he had given her that very day. He had also silenced her with a breath taking kiss. “Well,” he was feeling shy, “Um, we were not the best of friends when we met. More like enemies, very good ones.”
Darren was intrigued. “Have you heard this story, Allan?”
“I don’t think so, please carry on,” he prompted Jeremy to continue.
“Do you still remember the girl who I told you two about? The girl who practically made me deal with women the way I did?” Jeremy inquired, he wanted to relate his love story in a way that his friends would contribute.
Allan thought for a while. Then he got it. “The little girl who used vile words on you after you helped her out?” His eyes widened, “That’s Purity? Is this a joke?”
“Wait, wait,” Darren was smiling in a funny way. “The little girl that practically turned you into a play boy is the same girl you’re crazy about?”
Jeremy nodded, confirming their suspicions. “She’s a woman, now.”
“This is interesting!” They exclaimed in unison. Soon, they all cackled with laughter.
Jeremy was beginning to feel better. Talking really did lots and lots of good. “I still felt hatred for her and did not want to marry her. She hated me too. But our parents were determined to see us end together. They set a date for us and I met her at a restaurant. And that was how our love story began…..”
*
*
*
Ernest was roaming around the sitting room from one end to the other. Anger was boldly written on his face. One did not have to glance at him twice to know he was extremely angry. They beat him to his game. No one has ever done this. He’ll see to it that they fail woefully. He’ll definitely ruin their plans. He angrily hurled a vase against the well. It hit the hall, creating a loud, ear-piercing sound, it broke into pieces and laid shattered on the floor.
“What’s gotten into you, huh? Are you gonna do this again? Get a hold of yourself!” Tricia yelled at him, fuming at his violent attitude. She was disappointed that they could not find the tape as well. What they needed was a solution to that and not smashing vases on walls.
He sneered at her. “What more can I do?”
She gave a sardonic laugh. “Now, I can see you don’t have a single thinking faculty. We didn’t find the tape. And so what? All hope isn’t lost yet. You drugged, kidnapped and assaulted Jeremy with a mask on. There’s nothing to prove that it was you. Unless you made a silly mistake. Just stop doing this rubbish and take that woman faraway.” She paced, getting more ideas. “Do something, something to her that’d make Jeremy despise her. She’ll become yours.”
“That’s very easy to say.” He faced her sternly. “I am so mad because this have never happened. Whoever took that tape is asking for trouble. They could nail me to the crime.”
“They’ll definitely do that since you’re feeling nervous, already.” she threw at him.
“Are you sure Jeremy is not out of the hospital? He is the only one I suspect.”
“He’s not out and the doctor is at the hospital. He hadn’t discharged him yet. They will get started tomorrow. The police isn’t aware yet. They have not done anything at all.” She sounded convincing and persuasive. “You have all the time now to get going with her.”
She was right, but she was wrong. “I have all the time. Running away with her would only arouse suspicions. Taking things slowly is the best option for now. I need to cover my tracks cleverly and avoid making mistakes. One has been made already.”
She nodded. “I’ll watch your back.”
“Yeah.” He was okay now and the anger had left him, completely. “Get going now, it’s late.”
73
“I would never have agreed to this. I did it for your mother.” Her heart was already breaking into shreds. How could Jeremy accuse her of playing with the hearts of men, especially his. Her heart had never hurt this much. It was a horrid pain. She never wished to experience this in her life, ever again.
“My mother, what do you mean?”
“It was her last wish that I marry you!” That revelation took her by surprise. That was a mistake on her part. Edwin Broderick was to reveal this secret to his son and not her. She wished she’d take her words back, but it was all too late.
“No, no.” he whispered. He turned his back on her and walked out of the living room.
“Jeremy, I’m sorry,” she apologised. The words came out too late, for he was already out of the room. She gulped down her tears and blinked the ones clouded in her eyes, back.
She braced herself and was ready to go after him. She wasn’t properly composed emotionally. She still had lots and lots of things running through her mind. As she lifted her right foot, she unconsciously dropped it on her left foot, she tripped and fell to the ground. She groaned in pain as the tears ran down her cheeks. The urge to shout as the pain swept over her was overwhelming, but she wasn’t willing to. She bit her lips hard and tightly closed her eyes, trying to make the pains vanish.
After several minutes of struggling, she was finally able to lift her weight off the ground. She sighed wearily. She was already looking tired and weary. She dusted her clothes, put her hair in order and was ready to go. Before she could take any more step, a hand from behind, held her waist firmly. She quickly turned around and screamed loudly in fright. It wasn’t Jeremy, it was a man masked and dressed in black. Her lips quivered and her entire body shook nervously in his arm. He wasn’t letting to. His grip was deadly.
She opened her mouth to scream a second time, but he covered it immediately and dragged her into an inner room? She fought with him, however, he prevailed over her. She had to succumb to whatever he wanted her to do.
Then, she heard the voice of Jeremy. He called her his love, he was looking for her. That prompted her to cry softly. The masked man couldn’t let anything go wrong, he pointed a gun to her head which made her stiffen, she was unable to move and make a sound.
His footsteps could be heard, he was coming close and close. Her heart was beating rapidly and loudly. She closed her eyes and silently prayed. Please, he shouldn’t get to this door, he shouldn’t. She was sure the masked man would shoot him if he opened the door. It was as if her prayers were answered. His footsteps were retreating, moving to another angle. She was greatly relieved, Jeremy was safe. He would come for her, he would save her as long as he was alive. She knew he would, a better part of her hoped in him as she begged God to spare his life and make him safe. Too busy with her thoughts, she was oblivious to what was happening around her.
Her abductor spun her around and forced a handkerchief on her nostrils. She couldn’t resist, the drug was already having its effect on her. She suddenly began feeling dizzy, and everywhere was dancing round and round. His twin brother appeared from nowhere and they began smiling at her. Her brain went numb. She was unable to understand anything. She closed her eyes and drifted into a deep slumber.
The drug had taken its toll on her.
*
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*
Slowly her eyes fluttered open. The things around her didn’t seem normal. They were all shadowy. At intervals, they became clear, later on they go back to being smoky. As her vision kept blurring, she saw a man standing before her. Jeremy, she quickly thought. Yes, that was Jeremy. He had come to rescue her, to set her free and take her in his arms. She was full of joy. She closed her eyes and opened it almost immediately to have a clearer view of her darling. A smile touched the corners of her mouth as she accessed him from his foot, gradually getting to his face.
That beautiful smile faded away and was replaced with disappointment and horror. She gasped in utter amazement and her eyes widened. She shook her head, sadly. “You,” she forced herself to speak, “You are not Jeremy.”
His eyes smouldered with jealousy. “You just woke up from a deep slumber and the first person you ask of is Jeremy?” He scoffed.
Purity’s head was beginning to ache badly. She squeezed her face, displaying her discomfort. “It hurts,” she muttered to herself, inaudibly.
Afraid To Love
#OpraDre
.. To be continued
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