My sweet heart episode 20

My Sweet heart

Episode 20

Valerie’s POV …

I woke up the next day to see Iyke up already. He was sitting on the edge of the bed, his back on me, probably pulling into his shoes to get going.

“Baby…” I called softly.

He turned and smiled at me.

“Morning..Princess, don’t wanna disturb your sleep.” He said with a cute smile.

“Arshh! You should. Im going to work too, you know.” I said and got out of bed.

He stood up, came forward and k-ssed me.

“My love, I’ll miss you today.” He said, staring into my eyes.

I smiled happily, “Me too”

He hugged me and we cuddled for awhile before he pulled out and k-ssed my forehead.

“Im so glad you accepted to be with me.” He said,staring into my eyes and smiling.

“We are meant to be dear.” I said and smiled back.

We then k-ssed.

*

*

I walked out with him to his car and he k-ssed me again before hopping into his car.

I pulled open the gate for him and he drove out.

I smiled as I watched him drive off.

*

Closing back the gate, I breathed out happily, glanced at the ring in my hand.

Eva!!

Oh my God! I need to call her right now.

I ran back in,side, to my room and grabbed my phone.

Joy is not out yet.

He’s probably still sleeping.

I put a call to Eva..

She picked up in few rings..

“Eva guess what!!?..” I yelled before she could even think of talking.

“Wow.. You just got a new Benz!?” Her voice came enthusiastically.

“Oh.. Bestie… It’s more than that! Guess again. Whoa! im floating!” I laughed.

“Umm…Joy suddenly become mentally okay this morning?” She guessed again.

I rolled my eyes.

“Oh girl…I will tell you anyway.” I said.

“Alright.. im eager!” She said.

“Iyke proposed to me last night!” I said and she gasped.

“Valerie. Iyke proposed to you? where? how did he do it?” She asked, sounding kinda bad about it.

Anyway, I waved that off.

“He came to my house last night and just immediately he came down from his car and we hugged, he knelt down and got out a beautiful red box.. Wow.. Then he asked me to marry him Eva. Gosh. I was so happy!” I narrated.

She was silent for awhile.

Why?

Isn’t she happy for me?

“Wow.. Im happy for you Vale. You deserve the best. I just hope he’ll be the best.” She said.

I smiled, “Ofcourse he is. I’ll show you the ring at work. Bye friend.” I said happily.

“Bye bestie.” She said.

I jumped on the bed excitedly.

Wowwww… She’s happy for me.

But the way she stayed so silent… Made me think.

I know she doesn’t really like Iyke.. but does it matter?

I love him and that’s really enough.

Now.. Where’s Joy?

Still sleeping?

I remember last night, he was looking really pale and his eyes were red.

Did he cry?

Why was he worried if I had eaten or not.

I didn’t really had time for his childishness.. I had Iyke around.

*

I got up from my bed and headed out to check him in his room, but when I did, he wasn’t there.

And that was when, I thought I percieved the smell of fried plantain.

I gasped.

Joy in the kitchen?

I dashed out and straight to the kitchen..

Joy was on the pajamas I gave him.

He was facing the cooker.

His back on me.

He was humming a christmas song and shaking his head left and right in a really childish way.

I chuckled as I watched him.

soon he stopped.

“I.. I will put only five. for. Aunty Valerie.” He said and did.

I was curious. Why?

Five is too small and how did he find those plantain and who even taught him how to switch on the electric cooker and frying plantain.

No one. He might have seen the plantain and he might have learnt the rest.

He’s childish doesn’t mean he know nothing.

“Aunty.. Valerie..” He started talking again and I listened.

“….she. said yes to him.. when. I. like. Her. When. I. really. Like. her.” He shook his head.

Really?

He raised the fork in the air as if he’s talking to it. “I.will. Forgive. Her. If. She. gives. Me. one. Hug. *Just. One. Hug.” He said.

I almost bursted into laughter but held myself.

Then he dished out his own.

Itwas so much.

Ahh.. That’s really unfair.

“This. Are. All. Mine alone. I.Won’t. Give. Her..” He said, tilted his head back and made a long hiss.

Then he paused.. “Unless. She. Hugs. Me.” He made a silly laugh and began humming the christmas song again, carried his plate of plantain and began eating.

But he was still facing the counter and haven’t noticed me standing at the door.

Seriously what’s he saying?

He likes me?

He’s upset that I said ‘yes’ to Iyke proposal?

And what do he mean by only a hug would make him forgive me?

I rolled my eyes, then cleared my throat.

He jumped in fright as the plate of plantain in his hands fell and the plate shattered.

He stared at me angrily and this was the first time he had ever looked at me that way.

Ever since I knew him.

Ever since I met him.

He has never looked at me in this way.

He then looked at his plantain, ignored me and went for a packer and trashbin.

I stared at him astonishly.

He didn’t talk to me. He came back and after giving me a five seconds glare,he bent down and began picking the broken pieces and the plantain

I didn’t know how to start up the talk.

I didn’t know what to say..

He picked the plantains first and put them in,side a plastic plate. dropped it on the counter and began picking the broken pieces..

He was being too fast on the packing and it might hurt him again.

“Joy…” I managed to call.

He didn’t answer nor look up at me.

“Joy, pack it slowly, you will hurt your hand again.” I said.

He ignored me but slowed down.

I still wanted him to talk.

I miss the funny Joy.

Why’s he acting this way?

“Joy, im sorry for giving you such fright. I only cleared my throat.” I said but he still didn’t answer.

Just then my phone rang…

I checked the caller.

Mom.

I picked it.

“Hello mom goodmorning.” I greeted.

“Honey, what is today?” She asked.

Uh?

“Today is 14th mom.” I said.

“Have you forgotten, Michael travelled to London on the same day? you should call him. When last did you talk with your brother?” She asked.

“Oh my… Mom. Im gonna do that. Lots of things have be–” I was interrupted by a whimper.

Joy was crying..

“Hello Vale.. You there?” Mom asked.

“Yes mom.. Um.. I will call you lera. Take care. bye.” I cut the call.

I walked to Joy who waa still whimpering.

I squatted down in his front.

Hus dada covered his wh0le face as he knelt, bent and was picking the broken pieces really slow now as he cried softly.

“Joy… What is it? you’re crying. why?” I asked.

“14th.” He said.

“14th? What about it?” I asked.

“14th is her birthday. My Stella. she’s 14th and im 14th. Today. is. her. birthday.” He said.

“You mean 14th of december?” I asked.

He nodded.

“Wow, that means today is your birthday and also your teddy’s birthday. I can’t believe it.” I said.

I stretched my hand to his face, placed my palm on his jaw and brought up his face to look at me.

His face were all w-t.

He looked so sad and pale.

“How do you remember all this?” I asked him calmly.

He wrinkled his forehead in confusion, “I. Don’t. know.” He said, shaking his head.

“Are you sure?” I asked.

He nodded.

I sighed…

“Today is your birthday Joy.. And your lost Teddy. Im sorry you lost Stella. I promise I’ll get another better Stella for you okay?” I assured with a smile.

He raised his eyebrows at me.

I know he’s confused on what I just said.

I smiled and touched his cheek playfully.

“My mom actually called to remind me of my brother travelling on the same date. 14th of december. He travelled to study law in Oxford london.” I said as I began picking the pieces with him too.

He smiled shly.

I smiled back…

After picking the wh0le pieces of the broken plate, Joy stood up, carried the plantain he dished for me and stretched it to me.

With a wide laugh he said, “Here.”

I smiled and glanced at his which fell earlier with the plate.

“You can’t eat that you know.” I said, referring to his own plantains.

“Uh?” He asked.

“Have mine.” I said.

He shook his head..

I tried to walk out, but he rushed over and blocked me, smiling shly now.

Now the funny weird Joy ia back!

“Joy. I need to go to work.” I said.

He nodded.

“So.. go out of the way nawww.” I said.

“Let. Me. Feed. You.” He grinned, bringing the plate of plantain to my face.

I rolled my eyes.

“I don’t wanna beat you cos today is your birthday” I said.

He brought down the food and stared directly in my eyes.

I did too.

“I. Like. You. Aunty Valerie.” He said.

He was still looking into my eyes.

“Why?” I asked.

“I. like. You. Just. Like. I liked. Stella.” He said.

“But you loved Stella. You didn’t like her.” I said.

He nodded and after staring at me for awhile, he slowly walked pass me to the counter.

I stared at him.

I swear, I had the urge to go hug him, but I turned and walked out…

Why are my feeling this way..

And his birthday…

He knew 14th of december is his birthday but he has no idea how he knew.

Can you believe that?

And did I promise getting him a better Stella?

Sounds weird but im thinking ‘stella’ is not just a teddy bear.

She must have been someone special to him.

She must have been someone he loved but was taken away from him.

He said he likes me.

What kinda likeness?

Do he mean that way?

Ohhh… What im I even thinking..

I got work to go to and I got many people to flash this ring on my finger to..

Yeap.

But Joy’s birthday.

What kinda teddy bear should I buy for him?

Those big and white?

Or pink?

What if it’s blue..

People who bears Stella seem to love blue alot… right?

And what colour of cake?

I would make it a suprise… And buy him more clothes too.

Ohhh. Valerie… to the bathroom. Now!

Episode 21

Valerie’s POV …

“Wow! This is beautiful… Vale.. You mean Iyke proposed to you??” Eva said happily.

“Yes girl.. Wow.. I was like.. Is this for real?” I laughed.

She was in my office, sitting at the edge of my table.

While I sat on the chair, my fingers stretched to her face as she admired my engagement ring.

“Babe, does it mean that Iyke had really changed?” She said.

“He has and you can’t believe how happy I am.” I laughed.

“I just hope he really is.. You know you deserve the best dear.” Eva said and I smiled.

“I love Iyke babe…and he loves me too.” I said.

She smiled.

I remembered, “Eva guess what??” I said.

She rolled her eyes.

“You don come again. Now what is it this time? cos Im sure I won’t guess right.” She said.

I laughed. “Joy’s birthday is today. Can you believe that?” I said.

She gasped.

“Are you serious? How did you find out? He told you?”

“Yes.. You know mom called to remind me Michael travel date was on 14 december. Joy overheard and began crying.. I had to ask him the issue and he told me 14th is his birthday and also his teddy bear’s birthday. But Eva im thinking Stella isn’t really a teddy bear but someone who was really special to him. Maybe his girlfriend or his ‘Wi.fe.” I separated the ‘wife’, maybe cos I don’t think he’s married yet.

Such an adult-baby.

“Seriously babe, don’t you think we should celebrate this guy’s birthday?” Eva asked.

“Im getting him somethings anyway.” I said.

“Somethings like?” She asked.

“Ohhh..Birthday cake, another Stella.. and the rest…clothes.” I said.

“Another Stella?” She asked.

I laughed, “I mean another Teddy bear.” I said.

She laughed.

“Im seriously coming with you. Like I’ve not seen Joy ever since that day. I still laugh when I recall how he reacted seeing lots of people in.” She laughed.

“He’s funny and weird.” I laughed along.

Eva’s phone rang…

“Emeka.” She said.

“Wow..” I smiled.

She picked the call and placed the phone on her right ear.

She was smiling..I noticed.

“Emeka..” She called.

I rolled my eyes.

Can’t she just call him a rom-ntic name huh?

“Huh? A date tonight? Well okay.” She said.

I watched her.

Emeka wants to take her out on a date tonight?

“Okay.. bye. See you.” She said and the call ended.”

“Emeka loves to give me headache. He’s begging for me to go with him to a friend’s party tonight.” She said.

“Wow.. That’s great. You should go with him. He really needs you.” I said.

She rolled her eyes.

“He worry me alot.” She said.

“Emeka loves you, just shut up girl.” I said.

She laughed.

“So tell me, what’s gonna be the colour of the day? When are we meeting your parents and his?” She asked, smiling..

I hit her playfully on her arm.

“Soon.” I said and winked.

………………………………………

It was just few minutes to my work-over time, when a knock came.

“Come in.” I answered and my office door opened.

Maureen.

“Goodevening doctor Valerie Orlando.” She greeted with a smile.

“Thanks Intern Maureen Graneson. Do you have a message for me?” I asked with a smile like hers.

She walked forward.

“Matron Juliet said you needed my presence.” She said.

Oh.. That was right.

“But that was hours ago.” I said.

“Im sorry Doctor. I totally forgot after helping her out in her office.” She said.

“It’s okay. I had the issue solved already.. Well..” I said and glanced at the quite unkept files on my desk.

I had needed her to help me search for a file, but after waiting for a while for her, I searched it myself.

I found the file but arranging the heaps of other files back is quite an issue.

“…Could you help me in arranging those files?” I asked and she smiled.

“Yes doctor. Thank you.” She said and went over to them.

“..So Maureen, Are you an halfcaste. You so look like one.” I asked.

“My grandmother is an Isrealite. My dad took her resemblance.” She said.

“Oh.. your dad is an halfcaste and that means you took his resemblance as well.” I said.

“Yes.” She answered.

I smiled, “I have an halfcaste friend as well. He’s birthday is today. Im rushing this, so I could go get him something for his birthday.” I said.

She paused what she’s doing.

“An halfcaste friend who’s birthday is today?” She asked.

“Yeahh.. Actually we recently became friends.” I said.

“Okay.” She said.

“Happy birthday to him.” She said.

…

Minutes later she was done.

“Anything else to do for you doctor?” She asked.

“No Maureen. Thanks for that.” I said.

She smiled, “Alright. Goodnight doctor. Im leaving.” She said.

“Bye Maureen.” I said.

She turned and walked out, closing the door gently.

I inhaled…

“Time to get going.” I breathed.

*

*

*

I drove straight to Shoprite mall.

It was kinda close..but not too close.

I needed to suprise Joy for his birthday.

I wonder how old he is now.

Will he know just like he know his birthday?

I stepped down from my car and closed the door.

Hanging my little white chain purse on my shoulder, I walked into the mall..

It wasn’t crowded. I like that.

I will buy a blue creamed cake.

Buy a big blue teddy bear that would be named ‘Stella’

Buy him more clothes and a really nice shoes.

Drinks and popcorn, icecream and baloons.

I know he’ll love them.

I can buy a nice hairband and hair cream for his hair.

Ohh… that’s too much.

Thank God it’s just six o’clock.

*

I turned to the clothes rail first.

Five shirts….Three shorts…two trousers.

Two shoes.

A cute slippers.

He look more good on shorts..

Really? haha.

Okay, boxers too. Hahaha

I could buy Iyke a nice watch and a necklace.

He’ll love em.

But walking in, My eyes fell on something worst than I’ve ever saw!

Iyke…. That was Iyke over there.. His hand around a girl’s wa-iste.

They were searching through the rails of price tagged bags..

Their back was on me, but that was Iyke.

I bought that shirt and trouser on him.

I stood perplexed as I watched the girl grab a cream coloured channel bag, turned and k-ssed him.

He responded by covering her ass with his palms.

They walked away to another section of dresses..

I felt my world shattering..

I felt my skin peeling.

I was feeling so hot with anger..

So cold with regret.

Isn’t this Iyke who just proposed to me?

I rushed out…. I held the tears, till I was in my car, then I shut the door and bursted into tears.

That was when I saw his car.

It was him!

Iyke was still cheating on me.

How could he use me.

Why did he make me believe he’s changed.

*

*

I spent long minutes there in my car crying… till I saw them.

Iyke and the bitch..

She had two filled up bags and they laughed as they walked towards his car.

I bursted into cries again..

He didn’t even notice my car.

Before they went in, He k-ssed her.

He k-ssed her three good times and squeezed her ass like forever.

I felt heartbroken.

I’ve beem fooled all this while..

I was loving a life time cheater.

A cheater who would never stop cheating!

Eva was right.

Eva was so right..

*

They finally entered his car and he drove off.

Without still knowing this was my car.

He didnt even glance.

*

When I couldn’t cry more… I turned on my car engine and drove out..

Im going to his house.

To deal with both him and the fool with him..

Iyke can’t keep on making me feel this way.

I dropped everything I wanted to get for Joy’s birthday.

Iyke had just shattered my happiness.

Iyke is still cheating on me!

After all I’ve done to him.

After all the promises he made never to hurt me again.

After engaging me with this f**king ring!

“Do Iyke really love me?” I asked myself.

“What if Eva was right…Iyke had been using me.” I asked myself again.

I wiped the tears in my eyes.

I’ll find out the truth tonight.

*

*

I got to his house and drove in.

It has no gate, Making it easier.

I got down and scanned around.

His car isn’t here….

He didn’t come home with the bitch right?

Anyway, I walked to the door and pressed the doorbell.

I’ve cleaned up my tears, making it apear like nothing’s wrong.

When it seem like no one was coming, I pressed the doorbell again.

Im sure there’s someone in,side.

The interior lights are on.

Yeap, there is, cos at that minute, someone opened the door.

I gasped.

Lizzy..

She smiled at me.

She had a blue singlet over a white bomshort.

“Hello Valerie.” She said and stretched forth her hand for a handshake.

“What are you doing here?” I asked.

She chuckled.

I can’t believe Iyke had her in his house and also is out with someone else at the same time!!

“Miss Engaged.” She said and glanced at the ring on my finger.

“Get out of my way!” I seethe and she shrugged and did.

I walked in and stood at the centre of the sitting room with my hands on my h¡ps, scanning around angrily.

She chuckled again, went over to a couch and sat down, crossed her legs and lighted a cigarette.

I breathed and walked towards the bedroom.

I saw her big box beside the his wardrobe.

So she’s been here all this while.

Her shoes… Her bags.. Her things.

Does this mean Iyke played games on me.

Does this mean.. Lizzy was the claimed Chioma?

I rushed out….

She was smoking.

“You were the Chioma right?” I asked.

She puffed hair and smiled.

“You are nothing but a fool.. Just like I was.” She said.

“What the hell do you mean by that?” I fired.

She chuckled.

“You don’t shout at Lizzy when you dey talk to her to avoid messing up your pretty face.” She warned.

“You don’t know who I am? do you?” I barked.

She scoffed, “You are nothing but a fool.” She scoffed and I breathed.

“Why are you here?” She asked.

What?

“How dare you ask me why im here. This is my fiancee’s house. I bought this house for him! I should be the one asking you why the hell you are in my fiancee’s house!” I fired.

She bursted into a weird laugh.

What’s funny.

“Financee…. Hahaha…Just answer the question. Im not dragging the house with you..” She said and smoked..

“Why the hell are you here?” I yelled.

She snapped up from the couch.

“Because he was my boyfriend too!” She yelled back.

He was her boyfriend?

TBC

Do you think Lizzy is gonna disclose everything to Valerie?