Afraid To Love Episode 9 by Patience Ahworegba
25
Edwin was startled. The glass had missed his mouth and spilled on his singlet. This was bad. He dropped the glass quickly.
“Are you mad? Jeremy what is wrong? You see what you made me do? You really scared me. I don’t have a heart for that.”
Edwin cursed his son. He got mad at him. Without waiting for a response, he stood up from the lounger and made to leave.
“Father, I’m sorry,” Jeremy humbly apologised though, he couldn’t see the wrong he had done. He followed his father in.
Edwin didn’t turn to reply his son, he kept on moving. When they got into the living room, he turned to Jeremy.
“What is it?” he queried.
Jeremy stopped and scanned his father. He noticed the stain on his single and not only that, the man was not happy. He was wearing a sad look. He looked more older than his actual age. There was no joy in his eyes.
“Father, are you okay?” Jeremy enquired, he reached out for the old man. “You don’t seem to look good.”
Edwin backed off. “I’m fine. Now, tell me what you came for,” he demanded.
Something was going on with this man, Jeremy thought. He doesn’t sound okay. Hostility was in his voice and it was very rare for him to sound that way. “I’m not saying a thing till you tell me what’s wrong with you.”
Edwin sat on the couch and rubbed his head. “Remembered your mum and the good times we had together. I feel lonely.”
His father had just lied. Jeremy was sure that his father was hiding something. It’ll come out soon, but now he had to focus on what he came for. “You can remarry if its your wish.”
Edwin shot him a grave look.
Jeremy smirked. “Tricia was at my office.”
“I was never in support of your relationship with that girl.”
“Because of Purity, I guess.”
“So?”
“So you need to help me.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Tricia, she’s in love,” he bit his lips in disgust, “obsessed with me.”
Edwin sighed. “Aren’t you two over?”
He scratched his head. “We are. But she claims to still love me. She said she’d never let any other woman have me. I’ve never seen her that way. I am confused.”
“That’s a jealous woman’s talk.”
“And when women get jealous, world war three’s about to commence.”
Edwin laughed. “Its your problem. Deal with it.”
Jeremy walked over to his father and sat down with him. “Tricia isn’t all that bad. Talk to her, please. If she goes on this way, I’m sure she’d hurt me or Purity.” He wasn’t so concerned of himself, but Purity. He wouldn’t let anyone harm her and get away with it. She now had a place in his heart and he was gonna safeguard that place and her too. Using Purity, he was sure his father was going to act. He loved that girl.
“If its Purity you’re talking about, why don’t you see to this yourself?” Edwin asked showing no interest.
Jeremy frowned. “You insisted I marry her. If not that, do you think I’d be in this mess?”
“Aren’t you a grown man? Why don’t you admit it. You are getting to love Purity.”
Jeremy faked a cough. He smiled coyly. “What did you say?”
Edwin was bewildered at his son’s stupid question. “I know you heard me. I wonder why you’re always like this when I talk about love. Don’t you believe in it?”
“Sure, I do. Just don’t know. I’m still confused. Are you going to help me or not?”
Edwin shook his head.
“Its your Purity. Remember I’m filing for a divorce a year after the marriage. And I can still decide not to marry her now.”
“Emotional blackmail,” Edwin remarked laughing. “Have you told her?”
“Nope.”
“You are scared it”ll hurt her. She’s doing you a great favour.”
“Father, I’ve got things to do. The companies will have to be merged. There’s a meeting this afternoon with the heads of the two companies. Purity will soon start working under me and I’ve got to get things ready. I can’t start talking to Tricia now.” Jeremy explained.
“Hmph! I’ll see what I can do.”
“Becareful with her.”
“Why she’d hurt me?”
“I don’t think so. Starting to hate her already. I will murder her if she does anything to you.”
“Funny you. Then why are you sending me there?”
“I don’t want to see her.”
“You don’t want to see another woman ’cause of Purity? I can see you are getting to love her.” Edwin stood up to leave.
Jeremy silently watched him.
“One more thing. Concerning that divorce thing I mentioned, it isn’t what I have in mind. I bet when you two are married, you’d never want to look at any woman.”
Jeremy had wanted to reply his father, but the man was already out of the living room. Jeremy rested on the couch. A million thoughts flooded his mind. What was his father talking about? He really never meant it when he had told him about divorce? One of his ploys of getting him together with Purity? He hadn’t even told her. What was this man plotting? What if his illness wasn’t real? He and Purity had spent some time alone, he might have told her and instructed her not to mention anything to him. Was she being greedy and selfish? If they got married and divorced, she’d get a lot from him. Purity couldn’t be after the money, still he could trust no one. Not even his father. This had just added to his troubles. He’d confront Purity, then visit the hospital to enquire of his father’s health. He got to be sure.
His cell phone buzzed in his pocket, dragging him out of his reverie. It was his P.A calling.
“The meeting’s about to begin.”
d–n! He had forgotten all about it. “I’ll be there in a jiffy.” he hung up and dashed out of the house.
~~
27
12
“Jeremy, my boy.” Aaron called out happily.
Jeremy turned around and saw the familiar face calling him. He grinned on seeing him. “Mr. Aaron Theodore.” he walked to meet with him.
“Congratulations.” Aaron and Jeremy shook hands. “You really did good out there. I’m impressed.”
“Thank you, sir.” Jeremy humbly replied.
“Welcome on board.” Aaron patted his shoulder.
“Lets talk over lunch.” Jeremy requested.
Aaron agreed.
They walked to the dining room. Before they got there, they had received lots of handshake from different persons that had attended the meeting. Jeremy was mostly congratulated and Aaron felt so proud of his soon-to-be son-in-law. They were now going to be partners. A family business.
“What would you like to take?” the waitress asked.
“Can we go over the menu?” Jeremy requested.
“Yeah. Lemme go and get it.” the waitress answered and left them.
“Jeremy, I’m glad you agreed to help us.”
“Sir, there’s no need to thank me again and again. I’m really happy I did. I could help and offered it. I am glad you accepted it.”
“Wow! You are-”
“Here, it is.” the waitress interrupted.
Jeremy took it from her and proceeded to hand it over to Aaron.
“No, no. You can pick.” Aaron refused taking it.
“Alright.” Jeremy scanned through the menu and made his choice. “Is fried chicken, macaroni and cheese okay with you?”
Aaron nodded.
“We’ll have that,” Jeremy said to the waitress.
She nodded and strolled to get their order. In no time, she was back, served them and left.
“I haven’t really come up with a name for the new company we’ve formed.” Jeremy broke the silence.
“Me neither,” Aaron replied, swallowing.
“What if we choose ‘Theodore’s&Broderick’s Enterprise’?”
“Hmm.” Aaron nodded. “Nice choice. But the company now belongs to you and my daughter. We, the fathers are no more in control. Something like, ‘JP Business Enterprise.’”
“Wow. Cool name. What does ‘JP’ stand for?” Jeremy asked, pretending not to know.
“Are you kidding me? Jeremy and Purity of course.” Aaron was full of smiles.
Jeremy really liked the new name. Why hadn’t he thought of it? JP. Jeremy and Purity.
“I accept it. I like it.”
“That’s good.”
They continued eating.
“Where is Purity? She was supposed to be here.” Jeremy asked. He really wanted to see her. Never been with her or talked about issues relating to business only when he had stomped into her office the previous day.
“Oh. Should be home with Prudence. She really didn’t want to attend this meeting.”
Jeremy was surprised. “Why? Am I reason?”
“Aaron chuckled. “Not at all. She had to spend time with her mama.”
“Oh, that’s good.” the lurch he felt in his heart was no more there. He was scared, thinking that she’d ran away from him. They still had something to talk about. “Sir-”
Aaron raised a finger. “Don’t call me sir. Call me papa or father.” he grinned.
That was the last thing Jeremy expected to hear from this man. This pending marriage between him and Purity was this serious? He hoped within himself not to shatter their hopes. “Alright, father. I want to ask about Purity. I have observed how humble you are and your wife too- mother.” Never called another woman ‘mother’ after his mum passed away. He had to get used to it. “Purity is so different. Why?”
Aaron shook his head sadly. “I must confess; I don’t really know why. Her mother pampered her when she was still a little girl and taught her so many things. As she turned to a teenager, she withdrew herself. She started acting so disrespectful. At that moment, I decided to have full control over her life, I brought her up with an iron hand. But at certain times, I had to be reasonable and abide by her wish. She has manners but doesn’t know how to practise them. I am glad I can control her, but not for long.”
“She has them. Saw the way she spoke to my father.”
“And you are a daring young man. I believe you can handle her very well. You are the man for her.”
“I’ve been with different ladies, but never came across one like your daughter. What baffles me is the fact that she’s pure but doesn’t act like it. All her life, I am the first and only person she has kissed.”
“Really? I never knew you two have shared something. Its a good sign. She has phobia for men anyway. Help her, please.” Aaron pleaded.
“Not to worry, father. I’ll see to that. She’s my responsibility now.” What had he just done? Promised to handle Purity? He was going to confront her regarding what his father had told him and now, he was going to make her love him. And he too would have to fall for her. Loving someone wasn’t the problem here. He had always wished to find love and happiness, but not with a woman like Purity. She was innocent and all that, but she had bad manners, how’s he gonna fix her? He had already given his word and there was no going back.
“Thank you, son. You’ll never regret this.”
Jeremy deeply sighed. “I hope so.”
~~
28
The air conditioner was on, yet perspiration formed on his face and arms. Jeremy shifted uncomfortably on the dining chair he rested on. He dressed casually, a denim jean and a t-shirt. He covered his legs with Converse sneakers.
He laid his two hands on the table as he waited for the arrival of Purity. He had promised Aaron Theodore that he’ll handle Purity. Before that, he had to know if she was aware of the divorce he was going to file for, a year after the marriage. It was not going to be an easy conversation. He silently prayed for things to go well.
As his eyes continued to rove around the restaurant, it fell on a lady’s leg. Her feet were decorated with heeled sandals, from her hips down, a blue denim jean, her body, a black lose top. Her smile was sexy. She sent it to him and gracefully walked over to the table. She sat down.
Jeremy didn’t smile back, neither did her look happy to see her. He examined her. By the time she was relaxed, he shot her a-no-apology-look. She immediately understood.
“I’m sorry I kept you waiting. I had things to do at home.” She was in a very good mood. Didn’t want a fight. “How are you?” She grinned.
Jeremy’s heartbeat increased. He couldn’t respond. The attractive young woman that sat in front of him made him lose his sanity. She was so so stunning. She was driving him crazy. At that moment, he wanted her all to himself. He actually forgot the reason why he had wanted to talk to her. He returned her smile in an amusing way.
“Jeremy are you okay?” Purity couldn’t understand why he was so quiet, acting strange and smiling like he was crazy.
What the hell is wrong? Why am I acting so stupid? I have always been composed when I’m with a lady, why is this different? I am fidgeting, so unusual. He used a hand to wipe his forehead. “I-I am okay.”
Purity looked at him thoroughly. She wasn’t convinced. “Are you sure?”
He nodded.
“If you say so.”
Now, Jeremy, do it. Ask her about the divorce. “Do-?”
“You want to order something?” a young, beautiful blonde girl cut in.
Jeremy and Purity exchanged glances.
“You want to order?” they asked in unison.
They smiled at that.
“Just a bottle of champagne would do.”
The waitress left them.
“Papa said you wanted to speak to me. About what?”
“So many things.” He was beginning to get himself back.
“Really?” She crossed her legs. “Well, lets begin.”
Jeremy had seen that she was happy. One could tell easily. For once, she didn’t decline or abuse him, she was just okay and delighted. Why did she feel that way? He wanted to know. He’d never forgive himself if he made her sad tonight. What if she knew nothing? He had to let that pass.
“Why are you so happy?”
So, he finally noticed. She giggled. “I don’t know, I’m just happy.”
“Hmm.”
The waitress returned with a bottle of champagne and two glasses on a tray. She dropped them and left.
“The name for the new company JP, its cool. Do you like it.” she asked shyly.
Jeremy opened the bottle and filled their glasses. “Look at me. My eyes.” he emphasized the last phrase.
Purity did so. She locked her eyes to his. After several minutes which seemed like forever, she looked away. Her hands were unsteady.
“I did not ask you to look away.” Jeremy was unimpressed.
“I can’t do it. I just can’t.”
“Don’t you go on business dates?”
“I do. Its totally different from this.”
He emptied his glass in one gulp. “Why don’t you go out? Do you have any friends?”
“I am very happy on my own. I have no friends. Just you.”
“Are you scared of women too?”
She sipped her wine. “I am not. I keep them at a distance.”
“Why did you choose this kind of life?”
She smiled. “Reasons best known to me. Aren’t you happy I’m here?”
I’d get to know them soon. He smiled back. “Sure, I am.”
“Tell me about you.” she requested.
“There’s nothing much to say.” He wiped his mouth using a servet.
“I doubt it. Come on. Who’s being shy now?”
Jeremy laughed heartily. “What exactly?”
“Um,” She glanced at the ceiling of the restaurant and then at Jeremy. “Your previous relationships, if you want me to know.” She wasn’t sure if she had done the right thing. She was really curious about the woman he had dated. She might want to be like them so he’ll like her.
He grinned and cleared this throat. “It began like this. . . . .”
Afraid To Love Episode 10 by Patience Ahworegba
29
The stars filled the night sky. The moon was full. The lights produced by the electric bulbs of the restaurant and street lights gave beauty to the surrounding. It was a very unusual night. People flooded the street as well as the restaurant. Was as if there was a national festival, but nothing like it.
Jeremy took Purity by the hand as he pushed through the crowd. Finally, they made it. They got to Purity’s car, she unlocked it and slid into the driver’s seat. Tho door was still open and Jeremy held it.
“Are you not going home.”
“Nope. Still got some unfinished business to do.”
“And you’re not going to tell me about it?”
He shook his head. “Till I’m done.”
“Its alright. Thanks for tonight. It was- was…”
“Special?” he found the right word for her.
She nodded. “Yeah. Special.”
“I really want to drive you home.”
“I do understand. Good night.”
“Be careful. Drive safely.”
“I’m not a baby. I know what to do.”
He shut the door and watched her drive off. “You will soon be my baby.”
He put his hands in his pocket and walked to his car. He got in and drove off.
*
*
*
“Who’s out there?” Purity questioned the security guard as she slid out of her wheels. She noticed him checking the gate, as if seeing someone.
“I’m not sure. I think there is.” The guard replied still peeping through the gate.
She walked up to him. Has some one followed me home? She thought to herself.
“Open the gate.” She instructed.
The guard complied.
As he pushed the gates open, he and Purity caught sight of a man, few meters away from the gate.
Purity was stunned. A man outside her father’s building this late? It couldn’t be Jeremy. He had followed her or was just looking for someone? Perhaps, he was lost, got the wrong house number. He might also be a criminal, a murderer, an armed robber, name it. Her heart began pounding fiercely against her chest. Her lips quivered, she was frightened. She quickly glanced at the guard, he stood still, probably waiting for more orders from her. She wasn’t alone and wasn’t going to show her inner fears in the presence of her security. She braced herself, pulled her cell phone from her purse and shuffled to meet this unknown man. She didn’t go close to him. She stood at a considerable distance. “Who are you?” She asked, trying to sound courageous.
The unknown man made to leave.
“Stop right there!” She ordered, “If you move, I’ll call 911.” she began punching the figures on her cell, her eyes still fixed on him.
The security guard, moved towards her to support her. “She’s not alone, two against one.”
The unknown guy swiftly turned to face them.
She could see his face. Those brown eyes. Why did they look so familiar?
His lips moved.
“There’s no need to call the cops. I’m actually searching for someone.”
The voice- it sounded strangely familiar. She’d definitely heard it before, but where? Who was he? She had to find out.
“May I know who you’re searching for? I could be of help.” She requested.
He grinned.
That was also familiar.
“Don’t know her real name. But have you heard of anyone called Melisa or who once called her self that?”
Her lips quivered. She sputtered. “M-Melisa?” She tried to laugh it off. “I don’t think there’s anyone by that name. I don’t know of any.” She denied. “Do you, Peter?”
The guard shook his head.
“I better be on my way.” he turned to leave.
“Wait.” She stopped him. “Why are you searching for this ‘Melisa’?”
He faced her again and smirked. “Reasons best known to me. Why are you curious about that?”
“Um… I…,” She was short of words at that instant. Carefully, she searched for the right words. “I might come across her someday, will want to help you find out. Of course, if its not for something evil.”
A smile played on his lips. “Thanks for that. Whenever you come across her, let her know it was Ernest,” he really stressed his name, “She’ll know instantly.”
Purity wasn’t comfortable being with this man- Ernest. She nodded and turned to leave with Peter.
He stopped her. “What’s yours?”
“I don’t give my name to strangers.” she replied without looking back. She resumed her walk with Peter into the compound. As they got into it, Peter closed and locked the gates while she marched into the house. She fidgeted while doing so.30 “Purity, how was your date?” Prudence asked, flashing a smile. Purity forced a smile. “It was great mama.” “Can we talk about it?” Prudence pleaded. “I really can’t, mama.” Purity gave an apologetic smile. “I wanna have my bath and rest. I promise to tell you about it tomorrow.” “Promise?” Prudence repeated. “Promise.” Prudence opened her arms and Purity entered them. She clasped her hands round her daughter tightly. “Good night.” * * * Outside the premises of the Theodore’s the man that had introduced himself as Ernest sat on the bonnet of his car. He didn’t want to leave just yet. That woman, the woman he followed was very familiar. He had perceived her scent in the crowd at the restaurant. A man held her hand, making it easier for them to pass through. He followed them quietly. When he had passed through the crowd, he got a clearer view of her. She was definitely the woman he had been searching for, for nine years. He felt jealous seeing her with a man. Who was that man? It didn’t look like they were on a business date, they dressed casually. She was never to be with a man. He was the only man than deserved her. He’d make himself known to her. Soon. Very soon. He heard the flowers rustling. It was a cool night, but the wind wasn’t blowing. The rustling continued. Could that be a wild animal or a thief? His eyes focused on the flowers, where the rustling sound came from. He caught a glimpse of a cloth. A man was there. He jumped down from the car and quietly opened the door of his car. He brought out a shotgun. He closed the door and tiptoed to the flowers. He stood erect and stretched out his hands with the gun in them. He placed a finger on the trigger. “Come out now!” he command. For some seconds, there was not a single sound. The man he thought was there remained silent. He remained still. “I’m going to pull the trigger,” Ernest warned. * * * Purity moved quickly towards her room. She got to the door, opening it with her keys. Her hands were trembling. She struggled to unlock the door after about thirty seconds. She pushed it open, got in and bolted the door. She flung her purse on her bed and faced her pink drawers. Quietly, she got on her knew and drew the last drawer open. There were lots of notepad in it. She dug her hands into it and began scattering them. It had to be in here. She wanted to confirm it. She prayed silently to be wrong, very wrong. It shouldn’t be happening. The man outside, Ernest. That name rang a bell, no wonder he looked to familiar. She had seen him somewhere, but where? He said he was searching for a girl named Melisa. Melisa? How did he get to know of that name? Was there another Melisa? No one in her neighbourhood was known by that name. He must have followed her home. Yes, he must have. d–n! d–n! d–n! As she thought more, her hands raked through the notepad fiercely. Determination led her into this. She had to be sure. Please, let it be a coincidence, she prayed fervently. It should be. Melisa? Ernest? She had been the only one who…. This was it. She finally found it. The notepad. It looked so old and worn out. Ever since that day, she’d never opened it nor brought it out. She’d hidden it deep down, hoping to shut it out of her life forever. Never to be called to mind. And right now, it had to be opened. Memories of her past, that day, flooded into her head. 16th July, 2005. * * * Ernest wasn’t sure if he was doing the right thing. It had to be. The gun was still pointed at the person he assumed to be a man. What if he wasn’t alone? His gang had to hiding somewhere. Were they for a robbery or kidnapping? Was it Melisa they wanted or her parents? Did she even have parents? He had to stop thinking and focus on what he’s about to do. They might outnumber him, but he wasn’t bothered. He’s a good fighter and an expert in handling guns. He was gonna have some advantages over them. He was surely going to protect his Melisa. He can’t lose her, a second time. “I’m pulling the trigger,” he announced. Terrified, the person got off the flowers and stood to face him. OMG! ‘Twas a woman!
31
The blue Volvo XC90 wheels furiously sped on the road of New York City. The driver was Jeremy. He was crazed with anger and fear. “Darn it!”
‘Very critical.’ ‘Act fast.’ ‘He said not to.’ The words Dr. Allan had to him kept echoing in his head. That further agitated him. His hold on the steering wheel tightened. He put his right foot on the accelerator and increased the speed of the car. He drove too fast, like one possessed by a demon. His anger. His fear. He really still doubted what he’d been told. He hadn’t come to accept what he heard. Why should this be happening now? Why should it ever happen? How am I going to cope? How will I survive this? He was d–n too absorbed in his thoughts. A tear slid down his cheek.
The siren of a police car could be heard. The vehicle was trailing Jeremy’s ordering him to pull over. Jeremy failed to notice that. He kept on driving. He had to get home quick. He really had to talk to his father. Patience, he didn’t have.
The wailing siren soon hit Jeremy’s ear drums. He quickly glanced at the door window of his car. He saw the police car following him. “Holy s–t!” Jeremy didn’t stop to obey their command to pull over. He just turned on his radio, increased the volume and acted as if no one was behind him. His car was still on a very high speed.
Fortunately, the street leading to his home came into view. He smiled to himself. A light at the front and back of his vehicle indicated he was about to turn right. He adjusted the gear lever, released his foot from the pedal, the car’s speed reduced. He turned successfully. As he made to move the vehicle further, the police car drove past him and stopped right in front of his vehicle. This was possible because he had reduced the speed of the vehicle while turning. They hadn’t, they took the risk. Jeremy was already on the move, to avoid hitting the car ahead of him, he slewed the car sideways and abruptly halted the engine. His vehicle was only a few inches from the police’s. He escaped narrowly. He sat back in his car, panting.
*
*
*
A woman? What was a woman doing out here? She doesn’t look like a killer. She was dressed in a close fitting pink gown. Wore flats and had a purse with a long chain hand- matching the colour of her gown. Was she a friend of Melisa?
Or she came to spy on her. His Melisa was more prettier than she, perhaps she was jealous of her. He smiled within him. She’s so striking. He never withdrew the gun from pointing at the strange lady.
She in turn, kept daring him. Those green eyes of hers blazing with fury. She looked at him with disgust. From his foot to his head. He was dressed in a black suit and was quite handsome, but not as Jeremy. Her Jeremy. She scowled. “Aren’t you going to shoot?”
Whoa! Acting so tough. She was scared a moment ago and now she’s trying to be brave. He grinned.
“Don’t ask for something you don’t want.”
Afraid To Love Episode
#OpraDre
… To be continued
