Afraid To Love Episode 7 by Patience Ahworegba
She gazed at him, her mouth gape. “You…you…she actually wanted that?”
He nodded. “Jeremy is not aware. If he’d known, he would have forced you to marry him.”
She agreed. “Yeah. He would. Know what he did today?”
“What?”
“He barged into my office. Pleaded with me to get along with him all for you. I bet he’ll do some other crazy things when he hears his mum’s last wish.” She smiled at the thought of Jeremy kneeling, seriously begging her to marry him. Frowned at the thought of him handcuffing her hand to his, forcing her to marry him.
“I agree with you. Will you marry him?”
She never expected that question. “I had said yes before. But I’m not sure.”
“Carry out her last wish. Please.”
“What if its a loveless, unhappy marriage?”
“That’s why you’re courting now. You’ll get to love him-”
The footsteps of Jeremy could be heard, interrupting Edwin. He appeared. He’d had his bath. Dressed in a white cotton shirt and black denim. Slippers covered his feet. Purity marvelled at how good he looked. Her eyes roving all over his body. Her gaze met his. Those piercing eyes penetrating her soul. She became still. His charming smile overwhelming her more and more. Butterflies sprang to life in her tummy. Purity, what’s this unfamiliar feeling?
Edwin observed the young children in his presence and smiled to himself. They were gradually falling for themselves. He was glad. He got on his feet. “Don’t forget what we talked about. Good night.”
Purity watched him leave and muttered ‘good night.’ She was sure he didn’t hear it. He briefly patted Jeremy on the back before strolling out of the room. Jeremy nodded.
“Hey, can I sit here?” he pointed at the spot his father just vacated.
“Yep.”
She perceived his masculine scent as he filled the space next to her. “You’re really fast.”
“Sad that I didn’t give you enough time to talk with my dad?”
“Uh, kind of. Was getting to enjoy our conversation.”
“My father’s never boring. Just like me,” he boasted.
She snorted. “Stop dreaming. You’re probably the most boring man I’d ever met. Always fighting with me.”
Wow. He was suddenly interested to know more about the men she’d dated. “Tell me about the one you liked best.”
She tossed her head. “There’s no one.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“I actually mean that I’ve never dated. A romantic date. Never had one.”
He wasn’t going to buy that big, fat lie. What did she mean that she’d never dated? She was rich, pretty and had the body that men would fight over. Even if she really didn’t go out, there must be at least, one who had been in her life. This is the twenty-first century. She should come up with another lie cause he wasn’t gonna buy this one.”
“We’re friends. Tell me the truth,” he pleaded.
She laughed. “Why don’t you tell me about you? I’m beginning to bore you. There’s nothing interesting about me.”
He grumbled. “No. Do you really mean it? You’ve never dated? Gone out on a date?”
“Yep.” She crossed her legs, “Tonight was my first.” she was twisting her fingers.
He’d never met anyone like this before. He’d dated and discarded so many women but never came across one like this. He glimpsed at her, then at the 42inches television before him. The T.V. stared back. “You’re, you’re a-”
“A virgin,” she calmly said it.
His eyes drifted to her once more. Here was a woman who was so different from other women. She was really a virgin? He’d never met one, even once. Tricia who had been a little bit responsible had lost her virginity at the age of sixteen. Sitting beside him, a woman who had never dated and at the age of twenty-five, a virgin. He was intrigued by her. She was pure. Really pure. At that moment, he vowed to protect her. He’d never let any guy harm her. He’d marry her as pure as she was- a virgin.
“What about kissing?” he wanted to know more.
Her eyes dropped to the ground. “That was my first.”
“Really?” And she was good at it.
“Yeah. Weird, right?”
“Not at all. Its cool. Glad I stole that kiss.”
She blushed. “I’m not ashamed of it.”
“You shouldn’t. Um, did you actually think of losing your virginity?”
“In my head. I don’t see myself getting married. There’s no one who could take care of me like my parents, especially my father. I’m feeling dizzy. Drive me home.”
“Its past nine. Sleep over.”
+++
“Good morning,” Heather greeted Purity as she stepped into her office.
“Morning, Heather,” Purity replied cheerfully.
Heather noticed her boss was dressed in a casual wear- a denim jean and long sleeve shirt. Was this the Purity she knew?
“Any updates?” Purity asked absent-mindly. She found herself thinking of Jeremy. Looking forward to having a great evening with him. He was different. She’d actually spent the night in his room, on his great bed. He slept on on of the guest rooms. He insisted she slept in his room. Called her parents to know she’d be sleeping over. The morning came, they had a wonderful breakfast prepared by Jeremy himself. She saw herself fitting into the family. She really longed to be there, a part of them. She was starting to love Edwin Broderick. The clothes she actually wore to the office belonged to Jeremy’s mom. They had persuaded her to wear it and she had given in.
“Um… Yeah. The financial problems we’re passing through is almost over. The Broderick’s decided to help us. Within two weeks, they’d be merging. You’ll be working directly under J. Broderick. The company’s CEO. There’s going to be a meeting this afternoon to discuss the other details. You have to be there.” Heather concluded.
They finally saved us. They hadn’t married yet. Her father was right. It wasn’t all about the company, but the marriage. She hoped never to let him down. She’d be working directly under Jeremy? If she would be married to him, she’d resign and look for a job elsewhere. With Jeremy in her work place, she’d never concentrate. She’d now have a boss- for the first time.
“Thanks. About the meeting this afternoon, I won’t be around. I’ll call my papa, he’ll handle it.” She had many things on her mind.
“Miss,” Heather called to her. “Did you just thank me?”
“I did?” She had. She’d learnt to thank people the hard way. “Oh, yeah. Its nothing.”
“Okay. J. Broderick, isn’t he the Jeremy that was here yesterday? Said he was your fiance?”
Purity glared at her. “How many people have you told?”
“No one.”
“Good. Keep your mouth shut. Not a word of this to anyone.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Purity smiled. “Have a nice day, Heather.”
Purity walked out of the building and was headed to the parking lot. Someone accidentally bumped into her.
“Watch it, b—h!” the woman screamed at her.
“Excuse me? You are the one who’s supposed to watch your steps. You bumped into me!” Purity yelled.
The woman eyed her. Her green eyes sternly glowering at her. She was dressed in a mini gown, it exposed her cleavage as well as other parts of her body. Her feet were covered with Wellington boots. Her dark hair flying as the wind caressed her face.
“You lack manners,” she muttered.
Purity flushed with anger. She slapped the woman standing before her. “That’s to show you that I really do lack manners.”
The woman’s face turned red. She tried to slap Purity. Purity was fast, she caught her hand mid-air. “I am Purity Theodore. No one crosses my path and gets away free.”
“So this is you?” the woman questioned. “This b—h, you?” she tried attacking Purity.
The security guards that had been observing the show caught the strange woman. Stopping her from attacking their boss. Two of them held her firmly, placing her hands to her back. She struggled, but couldn’t free herself.
Purity smirked to herself, triumphantly. “Do any of you know this s–t?”
The looked at each other and shook their heads.
“I don’t know her either. Listen to me you w—e, I don’t know who you are neither do I care to. I want you to leave this premises and never come back if you don’t want to spend the rest of your reading life in jail. I’m sure its hell already. Looks like your lover stood you up.” She dug out her new cell phone from the purse she carried. She took a picture of this strange lady. “I don’t know why I’m doing this, but I have a feeling it’ll have a good result. Throw this prostitute out of my company!”
…..
She turned and walked majestically to her car. She sat in the driver’s seat as she got into it. Using the rear view mirror, she could see what was happening to that woman. One of the guards carried her out, she kept fighting within his grip, pounding his back. The other took her bag and other items that where on the floor and followed the other guard taking her out. While she’d been talking to the lady, she’d been receiving angry stares from her. Who was she? Why had she not apologised after she’d bumped into her? Where the hell do she come from? Was she actually looking for her? Only the b—h could answer these questions. For a moment, she was scared of her. No one had ever confronted her that way. The way she looked at her, was as if the woman had known her and had lots of scores to settle with her.
She kept watching as she was thrown outside the company. She started her car. Shifting the gear to reverse, the XC60 moved under her command. When she was done with reversing, she shifted the gear to drive and headed to the gate of the premises. She honked and the gate was opened for her. On getting out, she almost hit a woman. Fortunately, she was quick with her brakes and the woman ran to the side of the vehicle. Purity was about to lash this woman with unfriendly words. She turned to her, ah, she was familiar, this same woman who had created a scene minutes ago at her company. Purity didn’t say anything, she kept on looking at her. The lady returned her gaze with glaring eyes. Those eyes had no feelings or sympathy or human emotions in them. They were just black. Purity wondered who this woman was and why she’d been staring at her with such eyes. But right now, she didn’t care. Giving her a cold stare, the woman removed her eyes from Purity’s and scurried away.
Purity felt she had won. She smiled to herself and drove off.
*
*
*
“What are you doing here?” Jeremy asked Tricia as she stepped into his office.
She ignored him. Threw her things on the mohagony desk and settled on a chair facing Jeremy. As she sat, she crossed her legs.
Jeremy quietly watched her settle down. He was tapping his fountain pen on the desk, examining her.
“Aren’t you going to give me an answer? And have I not warned you not to dress like this to visit me?”
She scoffed. “Listen to me. I’m not your girlfriend anymore. I can dress anyhow I want to.”
“Right. But,” he raised his brows. “You’re still coming to visit me, so watch the way you dress.” he warned.
“I can’t believe you’re talking to me like this. What went wrong? I don’t understand.”
He frowned. “State your business.”
“Don’t try to act formal with me,” she had begun to raise her voice. “I’m here to see you and talk with you. I demand an explanation. Why did you break up with me?”
Jeremy was amazed. What the hell is this b—h talking about? He gave a throaty laugh. “From what I can remember, you ended the relationship. Your exact words, I can still recall; ‘Jeremy Broderick. Its over between us, I hate you and will hate you for the rest of my life. I never want to be seen around you.’ Am I correct?”
“That was then. I didn’t mean it. I want you back.”
“Well,” he snorted, “Its too late. I told you I am engaged, didn’t I?”
She swallowed. “Few days after the break up you’re already having a fiancee? You were in a hurry to get rid of me?”
“That wasn’t what exactly happened.”
“Oh, yeah.” she straightened her legs. “I don’t really want to know. Do you know how much I love you? How much I really want to be with you?”
“Tricia, I do not know. Honestly, I don’t think I want to know. Please, stop all that.”
Tricia got up, placed both hands on the desk and looked affectionately at him. “I know you still love me. And I love you too.”
“Hell, no. I don’t!” he blurted.
“You don’t? Never, didn’t?”
“Mm-hmm.”
She began shedding tears. Placed her right hand on her hair and drew it back.
Afraid To Love Episode 8 by Patience Ahworegba
This sight of her really touched him. Her crying state. She looked like an innocent child and an angel whenever she wept. This was what he always fell for. It wasn’t working this time, he wouldn’t fall for it. Lifting himself up from the swivel chair, he found his way to where she stood. He took her in his arms.
“Will you stop crying?” he asked, almost pleading.
“Please, come back to me. I can’t live without you.”
He released her and looked her in the eye. “Its not possible. We’re not meant to be. I really do care for you. I don’t see myself marrying you. Its not like I didn’t try, I did, but it was getting nowhere. It was gonna end anyway,” he calmly explained.
“If its the fights you’re talking about it happens in every relationship. I’ll change, I’ll be better.”
“No, Tricia. There’s no going back. Lets move on.”
“Its easy for you to say because you already have this fiancee of yours. Do you love her? Is she great in bed, like I am?”
Her unexpected question really shocked Jeremy. Was he in love with Purity? He didn’t know for sure, but he had started developing feelings for her. If she was great in bed, he had no answer to that. She’s supposed to be. She’s very pretty and had a lovely body, why shouldn’t she?
“Tricia, I don’t know if I love her. I think I’ll get to love her-”
She cut him off. “So why can’t you get to love me? I bet she’s no better than me. We made great love. We’re- we’re so good together. Come on.”
His eyes darkened. “Don’t talk about her like that. She’s pure, a virgin.”
Tricia stilled for some seconds, then cackled with laughter. “She’s so not your type! You knew the women you slept with weren’t virgins.”
“You knew I was cheating!”
“Of course, I knew. It pained me a lot. But what could I have done? The love I feel for you is so strong that I agreed to let you have them, but you’ll always return to me and my bed.”
“That’s not love, Tricia. If its love, you wouldn’t want any woman to touch me.”
“That’s my definition of love!” she retorted. “If its the s-x you want with her cuz I know you’ve never slept with a virgin before, do it and I’d be waiting for you.”
“I am not sleeping with her till I marry her. I have changed and want her as my wife. I really do respect and admire her for her innocence. I’m not going to take innocence and dump her, no.”
“You really didn’t value me. I hate you. You cheated on me with several different women on different occasions and I didn’t complain. I felt every man must cheat. Little did I know I was deceiving myself. You’ll pay for this, Jeremy.”
He shot her an angry look. “How am I to know that you didn’t cheat as well?”
She gravely glared at him. “You’re a b—–d!” Grabbing her purse and other stuff from the desk, she snarled at him, “You messed with the wrong woman! I’m now a love-lorn. I’m gonna deal with you and that so-called virgin of yours.”
Something snapped within Jeremy. “Get out of here! I never wanna set my eyes on you, ever again.”
“We’ll see.” She started walking towards the door. When she got there, she regained her composure. She looked at him over her shoulder. He was watching her with eyes, dark with anger and possibly hatred. She smirked. “Jeremy Broderick, I love you. I have made up my mind not to share you with another woman. This is your last chance. If I can’t have you, no other woman will.” she concluded and proudly paraded herself out of the office, slamming the door behind her.
Jeremy collapsed on a chair, the one Tricia had sat on. “Holy s–t!” he swore violently. “I regret the day I met that whore. I curse the day I agreed to date her. Woe to the day I slept with her. d–n!” he raked his hand through his hair.
++++
“What’s up with the look on your face?” Prudence questioned Purity. “Did something go wrong? Anything that had to do with Jeremy?”
Purity smiled on hearing Jeremy’s name. “No, mama. Just that a mean-looking lady created an ugly scene at the company’s premises as I was about leaving. I don’t know why she did that.”
Prudence heaved a sigh of relief. “Hope she isn’t dangerous? I’m worried about you.”
Purity disagreed. “I don’t think so, she looked like a nervous wreck. Do not be worried. I’m fine.”
“Alright dear, come here.” Prudence wanted a hug from her daughter. To her surprise, Purity jumped into her arms. Holding Purity so close and at her will ignited memories of her childhood. Purity was her favourite girl. They were so close and did so many things together. But as she grew into a teenager, things changed. Due to her fears and insecurity, she began viewing both her parents as enemies instead of allies and they drifted apart. Prudence had tried to mend the rift between them; Purity never gave her that chance. She hadn’t given up on her daughter. “Are you alright?” Prudence questioned, Purity was still in her arms.
Purity laughed softly. “Mama. I’m good. I know you’re wondering why.”
Prudence let her daughter go and gazed at her silver eyes. “I want to know why.”
“Mama, I’m so happy.” Purity jumped up excitedly like a ten year old. “Though that b—h nearly spoilt it. But I’m good.” She gave a broad grin, clasped her hands together and twirled once.
Prudence rubbed her eyes with both palms and opened them again. Did Purity just spin around with happiness? Was her daughter okay? “Its okay, honey. Um, come sit.” She took Purity by the hand and they both sat on a two-seater sofa. Prudence held Purity’s arm. “Tell me, why are you so happy?”
Purity giggled. “Mama. Jeremy and his papa made me feel so special last night.”
Prudence was so happy to hear that. “Really? Tell me about it.”
“Um,” Purity raised her head and rolled her eyes, trying to recall the previous night’s events. “Well, he bought me a new cell phone. The latest. I really didn’t expect it. But I was glad he did. Secondly, he took me to a restaurant and we had a great meal, I was a little bit shy but it all went well.” Purity was talking slowly, choosing her words. At times, she looked away from her man’s gaze. She had never done this before. “We kind of fought over a minor thing, but made up later on. He took me to his wonderful home, it was so so beautiful and cozy. His papa and I had a little chat. He thinks I’m kind of exceptional from all other women and will be the best for Jeremy. Jeremy couldn’t believe I’m still a virgin. I haven’t really felt this happy in a long long time.”
Prudence was full of smiles. “I am so glad I lived to see this moment. My daughter, you’re a good and special girl. You just fail to notice it ’cause you’re always alone, indoors and commanding people to do this or that. Spending time out with others will make you catch lots of fun.”
Purity nodded in agreement. “I know that now. I will try my best.”
“Good. Do you like Jeremy?”
Purity’s cheek turned pink. “Isn’t that a personal thing?”
“Not with me.”
“Okay. Kind of. I don’t know. Maybe.”
It was Prudence’s turn to laugh. She laughed hysterically. Seconds passed, then she gradually ended the laughter. “I know you like him. You will eventually love him if not now.”
“Love? Who’s talking about love? Its only ‘like’. Love doesn’t mean like, neither does like mean love.” Her feelings instantly changed. Hurt could be sensed in her words.
“I’ve always known you to be this frightened or scared when it comes to love. What is wrong?”
She didn’t want to ruin her day. “Lets forget about that. I left the office just to spend time with you. Anything could happen tomorrow or nest. I wanna be a good woman, just Jeremy is a good man.” She fell on her mum’s shoulder and beamed.
“I hope this lasts. Lets go make lunch.” Prudence stood up.
“Okay. You’ll tell me about Emily. I really want to know lots about her,” Purity replied, standing up.
Prudence was bewildered. “Okay.”
*
*
*
Tricia sat all alone in the dark. Her hair was a mess, she looked as if she’d lost a beloved in death. Little rays of lights coming in from the window revealed littered bottles on the ground. She’d been drinking. Drinking ever since she got back from Jeremy’s place of work. Why would a man make her go so crazy? She’d loved him since she set eyes on him. Been a good friend to him. The relationship hadn’t been so nice, but they never discussed it. Now, he wants to get married. Not to her, to a pure, virgin. Jeremy was attracted to virgins? She wasn’t but her slept with her. And every touch from him made her fall more and more in love with him. Jeremy was hers. She wailed bitterly. She placed her hands on her lips. “Jeremy is mine,” she muttered in between sobs. “Its over, will never share him again. He is mine.”
++++
He grunted and dug his hands into his hair and out. d–n! He smashed his glass against the counter. He looked like a demon in his mad state.
“Hey! Control yourself!” The waiter yelled at him.
He turned and glared at the waiter. His eyes were as cold as ice. His cold gaze sent shivers down the spine of anyone who’d see them. “What did you just say?” he snarled at the waiter who just scolded him.
The waiter trembled. His hands were shaking. “N-Nothing. Carry on. I’m sorry.” Fear could be detected from the way he spoke.
Unexpectedly, the angry man gripped the throat of the waiter. “Tell me the truth! You have never set eyes on her for the past nine years? She has never come for a drink or anything? If you don’t tell me the truth, I’ll murder you here and now!”
The waiter was not able to make a sound. He just held onto the man’s big hand struggling to free himself. He choked in the process, finding it very difficult to breathe. The angry man was stronger and tightened his grip on the waiter’s neck.
A group of persons observed what had been happening between the waiter, known as Nathan and the infuriated man. These persons were regular customers of the bar and knew Nathan. Sensing he was in trouble, they rushed to his rescue.
“What the f–k are you doing?” the first guy barked at the soon-to-be murderer.
His ears heard the voice that just spoke. He turned to face the guy. His hold on Nathan was released a bit, he hadn’t let go off him completely. He frowned as he examined him and the different guys with him.
“Let him go!” Another voice commanded.
He silently studied him. He was very hefty and muscular. He had a very wired look, strange and dangerous. He didn’t have to hear another command to free the waiter. They’d surely pounce on him if he refused. He tactfully let the waiter go. The waiter immediately began coughing, he tried to catch his breath.
“What was that for?” the first guy questioned.
“He has something I need!” he angrily replied.
“Oh, no. I don’t!” Nathan defended himself. “She hasn’t been here since that day. We’ve never set eyes on her ever since. I do not know her.” he coughed again. That was a deadly grip.
“She promised she would. You are lying.”
“To hell with you and her. Get the f–k outta here!” Nathan roared with anger.
The man filled with fury took a step towards Nathan. Expertly, the five guys that had earlier come to Nathan’s rescue, blocked him. “Leave. If you don’t want to say hello to your mama in hell to night, get lost!” a different guy challenged.
He wasn’t stupid. He knew when to retreat. He had been defeated and had lost. Surely, he’d never stop searching for this girl. He’d search till he dies. She was really precious. He smiled devilishly and dashed out of the bar. God! What on earth was happening to him? For a girl he had met only once, he’d been making a fool of himself. Nine years ago, he saw her and never caught a glimpse of her after that day. It never occurred to him that he wouldn’t see her again. Was she dead? Nine years. He didn’t even know her real name. She’d probably be married now with a kid or two. She wasn’t the marrying type, she’d never settle down. She had cried that night, telling him her deepest fears, of course; under the influence of alcohol. So beautiful, so angelic. Why had he believed her when she said she’d return the next day? Did her fear consume her? Why bother? He’d fallen in love with her and must bed her. She’s his.
*
*
*
Edwin was relaxing on the lounger under a parasol. He was close to the swimming pool dressed in just a white single and underwear. A stool was close to him, on it was a glass jug filled with orange juice. He’d stopped taking alcohol since he started having problems with his heart. He smiled lazily as he enjoyed the feel of the wind on his body.
When he sat up, he attempted to pour himself the orange juice from into the empty glass that stood by the jug. During the process, he heard heavy footsteps on the brick floor. Angry foot steps. He wondered what was going on, the angry man was coming his direction. He successfully filled his glass with the juice. He took it up and was about to take a sip.
“Father!” Jeremy cried out.
Afraid To Love Episode
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