Sisterhood episode 102
TITLE: SISTERHOOD
AUTHOR: OGECHI ALABI
CHAPTER 102
Nkem picked Dominic up from school. He was so excited to see her that he jumped on her. She went back home with him, his cousins and his grandmother. She stopped for them to get some goodies before they went home.
She stayed with her parents-in-law. She had sent a message to Uncle Tobi to let him know she had arrived. He hadn’t read it or replied. She was a bit worried. She was distracted by several activities going on at home. She checked her phone in between but he didn’t read or reply. He was still in Nigeria.
Uncle Tobi replied three days later. He claimed to be busy. Nkem was not liking this. It looked like this was going to be his way. She cautioned herself not to say a word. She had to wean herself off Uncle Tobi. She was scared. She wished she had someone to talk to. Someone who would understand how she feels. Uncle Tobi was a haven to her. She wanted to be sure she was doing the right thing.
Iyke and Uloma visited over the weekend. Nkem was so happy to see Iyke. They hugged tightly. They talked at least once a week when she was in Nigeria. They were still close. Even Agnes was not left out. She greeted Uloma. Uloma answered dryly and went to check on her children. Nkem was surprised. She had made up her mind not to be bothered by Uloma’s attitude towards her.
Iyke told Nkem some of his cousins wanted to take her out and asked if she would be interested in going. She was interested. She had the right outfit for it. Iyke asked Uloma but she declined. Nkem went to get ready. She came out looking amazing in a silver dress with a plunging neckline. It was short and sexy. Nkem’s weight gain made the dress look nice. She paired the dress with a pair of high heel sandals.
When she stepped out, Iyke whistled. Nkem’s parents-in-law were happy she looked so nice. They requested Iyke acted as a bodyguard so no one steals her away. Uloma didn’t like the joke. Nkem asked Iyke to take pictures of her which she sent to Uncle Tobi. He didn’t open it. She left with Iyke to hang out. It was a club. Nkem enjoyed herself. She took several pictures and uploaded them to her WhatsApp status, Snapchat and Instagram. She looked so good that she couldn’t waste the pictures.
On the way back home, Nkem asked Iyke why Uloma did not want to come. He said he didn’t know neither did he care. He said, “She is an amazing wife but she exhibits some traits of envy that can be damaging to her.”
“Envy? Who is she envious of?”
“She is envious of you. I have asked her many times why she dislikes you but she hasn’t given a good reason.”
“It is her conscience that is making her misbehave. What have I ever done to her? I have never ill-treated her so where is the attitude coming from? It’s not important. I want to discuss something with you.”
“Is it what I think it is?”
“What do you think? I am sort of seeing someone.”
“Ok.”
“I just wanted to know if you would be ok with it. It just happened.”
“Why won’t I be ok with it?”
“You might know him. And I don’t know how your folks will react.”
“Will Dominic have to leave them?”
“No. He loves it here.”
“Then they don’t care who you are screwing.” Nkem looked at her brother-in-law in shock. “I knew you were seeing someone when I saw you. You are glowing. He has a good effect on you. And you’ve added weight. The flesh looks good on you. He seems to have a positive effect on you.”
“He is much older and …”
“You don’t need to do this. My cousin’s husband died four years ago. In six months she was back on the dating scene. She said she was bored and lonely. You’ve waited almost two years and you are worried. Enjoy your life. Just make sure he treats you right.”
Nkem had a similar conversation with her parents-in-law. Her mother-in-law was unhappy. She was scared she would want to take Dominic. When she told them she was not coming for him since he loved to stay with them, they were ok with it. They gave their consent for her to remarry if it was her wish.
Uloma overheard the conversation she had with their in-laws. She came to Nkem’s room and asked her, “Why do you always want to put us in a bad light? How long ago did Demian die that you have quickly found a lover? Couldn’t you have waited some years before jumping into bed with another man?”
Nkem found what Uloma said amusingly. “You are in no position to judge me. Uloma, you had a baby, gave her up and never looked at her again even when you were in the same house with her. You hated a child you bore. How can you teach me about righteousness? Demian is dead and he is not coming back even if I wait fifty years. Why shouldn’t I move on? Iyke and his folks are ok with it but you, my sister, would attack me about it. When you are tired of making a fool of yourself, you can leave.”
“Leave my husband alone. He has no intention of picking up from where Demian left off. He is being kind to a widow, don’t take to mean interest. He is not interested in you.”
“Uloma, please leave my room. You are so stupid to the point of senselessness. You cannot stop me from talking to Iyke. Try as you may, I will always interact with him. That said, how is Elsie? Do your in-laws know about your sexcapades before marriage? I kept your secret but because you feel I am weak, you have the effrontery to tell me that rubbish. Until you confess to the world who Elsie is you will have no peace. Get out!”
Uloma was upset as she made for the door only to jam her husband by the door eavesdropping. He straightened up and walked away. Uloma knew the look he had on his face. He was pissed. She hoped and prayed he didn’t hear everything. She went to her mother-in-law hoping she would bring up the issue for discussion so she would discourage her from supporting Nkem. She did not.
That night, Iyke woke Uloma up and asked her who Elsie was. Uloma was quiet. She didn’t know what to say.
“I have heard the name before and it was mentioned here again. Who is she?”
“She is a girl that lives with her friend….”
“Uloma, Elsie is the child you had and put up for adoption. You lied to me. How does Nkem know her name?”
Uloma was on the spot. It was like that every day until they left Boston. Iyke didn’t trust her anymore. He said the Christianity she claimed to belong to was a screen smoke for who she is. He understood better why she kept Nkem at arm’s length and always criticised her. Nkem was right, it was her guilty conscience that turned her into a hater.
Nkem went to spend a few days with Esther. She loved going there to see how Esther was having the time of her life with Efe. Esther had never complained about Efe. Their marriage was a match made in heaven. Her decision to be with the one she loves made her extremely happy and at peace. She wished she could do what Esther did, damn the consequences and be with the man that made her heart beat faster than normal.
When they had the opportunity to be alone and talk, Nkem tried to spin the whole story of a stranger she had feelings for and but Esther stopped her. “I know about you and Uncle Tobi. I have known for a long time even before Zainab found out. I was suspicious during Demian’s burial. The way you collapsed on him and he wanted to be alone with you. I thought you have been lovers before then but I found you were not. It is going to happen. The guy did not hide his desire for you, even a blind man could see it. The way he looks at you in a group was the giveaway. When Zainab told me what she saw, I pretended I didn’t know. Now, tell me what the problem is.”
“Do you remember Odion? It was because of Uncle Tobi I broke up with Odion. That was when the relationship started. I must confess, I enjoy his company and he pampers me beyond my imagination. I am struggling not to be a kept woman but it is proving difficult because he goes above me to get things done for me. I’m enjoying it.”
“But the problem is that he is married.”
“Yes. They are separated but not everyone knows. She wants him back. I feel he doesn’t want to hurt her too by marrying me. She has always suspected he liked me beyond the normal mentorship. It will hurt her if she finds out we are involved. And there is Funke and her family. They might feel bad about the whole thing. And my family. They know him and might not be happy about it.”
“What of you? How do you feel about him?”
“Esther, I am confused. When he is around me, I am a different person. He possesses me and my body reacts to him in ways I don’t understand. I have never been the jealous type but I get jealous. I am jealous he is there with his wife and they may have sex. I am jealous that he might be talking to other girls. I tell him he is insecure but I am too. I try not to show it but if happening now. I want to be with him always. This is not me. We talk and chat all the time but he slowed down on this trip because of what I said. He kissed me inside the airport; we never do such in public. I miss him. I miss talking to him but I have to give him time to get his act together.”
“Nkem, you are in love with this guy. You have always been. We all were suspicious including Funke. She felt her uncle was preying on you but I saw you putting up a front to hide your feelings. I think you should tell Funke about it. She deserves to know. Tell your family and your in-laws. They would go ballistic but the truth is, it will happen someday, why not now? Get it over and done with. I can see his handwork. Your dress sense has changed. He wants you to look sexy. Do you know you are radiating? Your self-confidence is on another level now and it has so much sex appeal. Hope he is good in bed or will we have a Manuel by the side?”
“God forbid. He is good, very good. I am content and happy.”
“That’s why you always want to be with him. Hope you know that sex or the lack of it clouds judgement. I hope he treats you well always. He doesn’t abuse you or demean you or condescendingly talk to you. Older guys have a funny way of gaining control. They remind you where you came from and what they have done to get you to where you are. I hope he doesn’t do that.”
“He doesn’t. He has never done that. He spoils me. Even before the relationship, he took care of me. I don’t have a car but a car and driver have been moving me around since I moved to Nigeria. He has changed the car twice. He has always taken care of me. I was suicidal when Demian died and I took Dominic to stay with his grandparents. Uncle Tobi took me to see a psychologist. It took a while but I got better. I am telling you what happened in all sincerity. I feel loved, desired and cared for in his company. He does everything for me, it is only food he prefers I make for him.”
“That reminds me. Zainab said Uncle Tobi eats in your house. I don’t get that.”
“He has always been doing that since my service year. He pops in once in a while and eats there. Funke is aware. He enjoys my meal. Let me confess. He was staying with me when Zainab came to visit. He had spent four nights at my place. It was just crazy that period.”
“He must be a good lover for you to allow him to stay with you for how many days.”
“It wasn’t the sex but the companionship. I fear that Funke and her family might think I am a gold digger.”
“Funke will never consider you a gold digger. Get Funke on your side, she will handle her family. It will be tough but you have to do it. Are you sure he is the one?”
“I’m not sure but I know right now I want to be with him. I want to hear his voice and listen to him ask me silly questions. I know when he is smiling even if I am not there. I know when he doesn’t like a conversation even if he doesn’t change his tone. I don’t know if he is lusting after me and might lose interest later. I just don’t know.”
“Call him.”
“I promised not to call him while he is with her. He hasn’t been chatting me up for some days now. Maybe she has blocked me again.”
“Blocked you?” Nkem told her the story. “Call him. Tell him you miss him. Can you do that?”
“I can’t.”
Esther grabbed the phone from her hand and searched for Uncle Tobi’s number. It was still Uncle Tobi. She dialled it. He picked on the third ring. She gave Nkem the phone. Nkem was worried and didn’t say a word. Uncle Tobi said hello four times before ending the call. He called back. Nkem didn’t want to pick up but Esther urged her on.
“Hello. You called. I hope you are ok,” he said to her.
“I am fine. I haven’t heard from you for some days now.”
“I am sorry. The graduation planning and all was a distraction. It will be over this weekend.”
“How is everyone?”
“Everyone is fine. How are Dominic and his dad’s people?”
“They are good.”
There was silence and then he asked, “Nkem, why did you call?”
She was quiet for a few minutes and then she burst into tears and said, “Because I miss you so much and you haven’t spoken with me for days.”
“Come on, baby. Why are you crying? I miss you too. I was trying to do your bidding. It is tough on me too but what can I do? I want you to be happy always. Baby, stop crying.” Nkem ended the call.
Esther couldn’t believe what she just experienced. Nkem was gone. She was more in love than she could see. There was no going back from this, it was too sweet to watch. Esther had always been a lover girl and she was supporting Nkem’s relationship with Uncle Tobi. She remembered all he did for her. He never made a pass at her and she was still making money from the businesses he set up for her. To her, Uncle Tobi is a saint and she loved to see how vulnerable he was with Nkem. He called back several times but Nkem was in her feelings and didn’t pick up. Esther took the phone from her.
“Hello, Uncle Tobi. Don’t be shocked, this is Esther. Nkem has told me everything but I already knew about your relationship. Zainab is also aware. Nkem is with me now and I will make her feel better. Everything is overwhelming her right now.”
“Does she need me there?”
“It is up to you but I will take good care of her.”
“Tell her I miss her too.”
Esther gave Nkem some space. This was new to her and she understood how Nkem felt. She was the morally upright one that has found herself in a precarious situation. She was struggling with her emotions and doing the right thing. She was in love and didn’t know how to handle the effect of her heart’s decision. She needed time to make up her mind.
Read – Hope and Revenge episode 14
The next evening, Esther opened her door to Uncle Tobi. She was surprised he came to her home. She knew why he came but she just couldn’t believe he left Canada for the US to see Nkem. She welcomed him and introduced him to Efe. She had told Efe their love story the night before and he smiled seeing all the parties involved in his home.
Uncle Tobi asked where Nkem was and Efe gladly led him to her room. Esther knew Nkem would be surprised and would react. She wanted to capture the moment without letting her know. She was ready behind them. Uncle Tobi knocked on the door. Nkem opened it and she was shocked. She stood transfixed. Tears rolled down her eyes. Uncle Tobi entered the room and hugged her. He said, “I came because you needed me. Didn’t you?” Nkem nodded as she hugged him back while the tears flowed. Efe shut the door and ended Esther’s recording saying they needed their privacy.
Uncle Tobi and Nkem talked at length. He wanted to know what was eating Nkem up. She told him some of the things. She mentioned she had told her in-laws she was considering dating again and they didn’t mind as long as she didn’t take Dominic from them forever. He liked the fact she was making a move towards something serious.
Esther sent Nkem a message asking if she could bring in some refreshments. Nkem came out to get it from her.
“What is he saying?” Esther asked excitedly.
“We are just talking.”
“We have a guest house beside the house if he wants to stay over and you can have some privacy.”
“Esther, get your mind out of the gutter. He is leaving soon, today is his son’s graduation. He has to be there.”
“Why did he come here if he had to be there? Hmm. He is a lover boy after all. I like what he did. Give him some loving before he leaves, don’t worry nobody will come around here.”
“Esther!”
Uncle Tobi ate with Nkem and then he had to leave. Nkem was sad. He promised they will fly back together. He had to rush. Nkem wanted to follow him to the airport but he declined. If she became emotional there he might not travel. He explained that to Esther so she stopped Nkem from going to the airport. By the taxi, they hugged for a few minutes and then they kissed passionately. Nkem had to let him go.
Esther sent the video to Zainab. Zainab called immediately after she finished watching it. She wanted the lowdown. Esther shared with her. “As we speak, Nkem has locked herself in the room. I heard her talking on the phone. I suspect she is talking with Uncle Tobi. Your girlfriend can’t leave the guy. He came to see her to make sure she was ok on the evening of his son’s graduation. If it isn’t love, what is it? You need to have watched them kiss. I told Efe we are getting down tonight.”
“Are you telling me? The day I saw them, it was so sensual. It was arousing. I wondered how Nkem could be like that. She looks so gentle, serious and business minded. We didn’t know this Nkem with Demian. This Nkem is daring and a fierce lover. Uncle Tobi has turned her head upside down.”
Nkem spoke with Uncle Tobi until he landed and went into the auditorium. He promised to call after dinner when he was back in the hotel. Nkem felt lonely again. This vacuum could only be filled by Uncle Tobi. He was busy so she got herself busy preparing her handover note. Her contract was to end in a month and she was preparing to move on. She hadn’t decided on what she would do after her contract expires. She was thinking of going on another vacation to relax with Uncle Tobi for two weeks. If he is not available, with friends.
She came out of her room to thank Esther and Efe for their hospitality and support. Efe smiled and left them alone. Esther was glad. “I think you should invite Funke to Abuja and tell her.”
“I will go to Lagos. It is the right thing to do. I have to tell her everything. I hope she will not hate me forever.”
“She won’t hate you but she will be mad for a long time. Have you told your family members? I worry about your mother, she might not take it lightly with both of you. What do you think?”
“It won’t be the first time she will be disappointed in me. I will tell her. I just hope this works because it has consumed my existence. I don’t like how I feel. I don’t want to be judged on this.”
“It is love. It makes you do crazy things. I am shocked Uncle Tobi was able to control himself all these years until now.”
“Same here. I never knew he was into me.”
“We all saw it, how come you didn’t?”
“You won’t understand and there are things to be left unsaid.”
Nkem went back to Boston to fly back to Nigeria. She packed her luggage and was to leave for New York when she received a message from Uncle Tobi to hold on. She was surprised to see him at her in-laws’ doorstep. She didn’t like this at all but he was already there. Demian’s mother invited him in. Dominic was glad to see him. He spoke with Uncle Tobi for some time.
Shortly after his arrival, Iyke arrived with Uloma. They exchanged pleasantries with Uncle Tobi. Uloma was excited to see him. He asked permission to speak with the sisters alone. They entered the guest room.
“Uloma, you have shown utter disrespect to your sister. I watched it unfold when she divorced Demian. When I asked your opinion, we both know what you said. You took sides with your in-law against your sister during the saddest moment of her life. I watched you and I was sad. With all the sacrifice she made to ensure you never suffer, you pay her back this way. She covered up your shame. A shame if your in-laws ever find out will shatter your marriage. How did appreciate her? I want you to stop castigating her in the presence of your in-laws and your husband. She is your sister and both of you are supposed to be close. I am not listening to any excuses. Nkem, tell her about us.” Uncle Tobi left the room.
There was an awkward silence for some time before Uloma spoke. She apologised but added that Nkem shouldn’t have told Iyke and Uncle Tobi about Elsie.
“I never did.”
“So how did they know?”
“Ask them. Please, I have never told anyone. I kept it a secret all this while even though you were irresponsible. Anyway, I wanted to tell you about Uncle Tobi and me.”
“What do you want to tell me?”
“We are sort of seeing each other.”
“Really? I thought that was an ongoing thing.”
“Why would you say that?”
“Uncle Tobi would do anything for you. He accommodated me because of you. Even the wife used to say if it is Nkem now you will rush and do it. I found it funny that she knew and didn’t make a fuss about it.”
“We were never in a relationship. We were close but we never had an affair. Demian was the first man I have ever been with. I was never sexually involved with Uncle Tobi.”
“I didn’t think you were having sex with him but I suspected you were giving him some other favours. Now you are an item, yeah?”
“We are trying to be.”
“What of his wife?”
“They are separated.”
“Nice. Very convenient for him. Are you sure about this? Iyke will support you but what of others? When they hear he is still married, they will come for you. Why not wait until the marriage is over before starting a relationship?”
“I can wait but I can’t be apart from him. That’s the problem. We can’t stay away from each other for so long.”
“Sin is sweet. You called me several names for having sex before marriage and having Elsie. But here you are enjoying the same sex with a married man. You are not a saint after all.”
“I am not. I feel ashamed sometimes when I am with him but when we are apart, I feel this void, this emptiness. You were young and you weren’t mature enough to handle the outcome. I am older and I can handle the backlash this will bring. He wants me to tell you so you won’t hear it from someone else. Uloma, I love you. I will always be there for you. We don’t have to be friends but I have your back.”
Nkem left Uloma in the room and came out. She joined Uncle Tobi and they left for the airport together. She hugged him when they had covered some distance and whispered to him, “Thank you. I am happy I did this.”
“Anything for you, baby.”
Uncle Tobi insisted that Nkem must spend the first night of their return in his house. She was shy. She knew his domestic staff and she felt weird about them knowing what she was doing in the bedroom with him. That was why she wanted them to go to her place. It had been a while but she was still uncomfortable.
“It is your home. I built this place with you in mind. You won’t believe me but I did. It is in your name. It’s your house and no one can send you out of it. You give the orders around here.”
“Why? Why did you do all this? Why give me all this?”
“Nkem, you know why. I have done more. In a few weeks, I will give you the surprise you have ever wanted. I have missed you. Come to me. Smile at me more often, I love your smile. I can give you anything you want if you smile at me. It makes me want to kiss you.” Nkem smiled shyly. When they got home, he instructed the steward to carry the luggage to his room including Nkem’s luggage.
The scenario was different with Nkem staying over at Uncle Tobi’s. He came home in good time to be with her. He loved spending time with her in the kitchen and then having serious discussions about work with her. She sought another job but Uncle Tobi didn’t want her to work for the government anymore. He wanted her to work with him and render consultancy services to organisations that need it. Nkem wanted what she had always wanted but for the first time, she was willing to compromise and work with her lover for two years.
Uncle Tobi wanted the whole world to know they were an item. He wanted them to go to work together but Nkem wasn’t down with that. She went to work with her vehicle and came back on her own. They stayed together in the kitchen while she cooked his meal. He loved this part of the day when he could kiss her from behind and she would respond. He took her to the saloon to have her hair done and sat there until she was through. This was new and fresh for Uncle Tobi and even Nkem.