Sisterhood episode 101

TITLE: SISTERHOOD

AUTHOR: OGECHI ALABI

CHAPTER 101

Nkem had enjoyed the relationship until he mentioned going to Canada. Her insecurities about him being married came back. She didn’t want to continue but she couldn’t help herself. She liked him a lot. He wasn’t what she had experienced before or what she had expected. He was such a patient and terrific lover. She could be her wild self with him. They explored together and she enjoyed every bit of it.

He was good to her. He spoilt her silly with material things but what always blew her mind was the way cared for her. He opened the door to the cars for her, he ensured she was safe, and he didn’t want her to be stressed at any time. She only took care of her food and each time she made food for him, he left money behind. She found wads of cash in odd places at her home. It was so sweet.

He was at her beck and call. He told her he loved her every day and showed it. The way he talked to her made her weak. She loved listening to him try to seduce her with words. He took care of everything for her. On each trip, she got something special from him. He bought her gold waist chains with charms and stones. She wore them for him on special occasions. It drove him crazy. She makes it pop out when he least expects it.

She didn’t feel she was missing out on anything. She was in her safe space with him. He made her more confident, especially in her sexuality. She wanted to be with him and so she researched ways they could be together in peace and happiness. She practised what she learnt. It helped a great deal. He didn’t look at another as far as she knew. He hadn’t changed towards her. His insecurities were pronounced now and it worried her a bit. She didn’t want to change her personality to feed his insecurities. She wanted to be free in the company of men. She needed to find her place and it wasn’t behind him. She wanted to be her.

There were just too many things on her mind but deep down, she felt Uncle Tobi’s wife had a hold on him and would take him from her. Why didn’t he divorce her when she was involved with another man? Initially, she understood the agreement but now emotions were involved; she didn’t understand them anymore. She wanted Uncle Tobi to herself too.

They didn’t talk about the issues and they didn’t make love that weekend in Uyo. Both of them were bothered and decided not to talk about it to avoid flying emotions. They came back to Abuja and for the first time, Uncle Tobi didn’t spend the night at her apartment. He claimed to have work he had to catch up with.

Nkem booked her flight to the US and informed Uncle Tobi. He upgraded her and refunded her money. This was one of the things she loved about him. The date of her departure for the US was a few days before he was leaving for Canada. He didn’t say anything about it.

She didn’t see Uncle Tobi for a week although she spoke to him on phone. He said he had transactions to conclude before his trip. He will be away for two weeks. She accepted. But she wasn’t herself. Several thoughts were going through her mind. Had he replaced her? Had he given up on her? She was uneasy.

She asked him why he was keeping away. She was surprised when he said he had made up his mind not to visit her at her place anymore. “I asked you to move in with me, but you refused. I wanted us to be together in my home but you would rather we stay at yours. You also want to meet other men. I don’t want to be a hindrance, I want to allow you to do as you wish since you know what is best for you.”

“What are you saying?” she asked him.

“We are back to the status quo. I will still take care of you but I will no longer interfere in your life. Live it on your terms. I hate arguing with you.”

Nkem was quiet. She realised he was deliberately avoiding her but couldn’t believe he would tell her. She wasn’t verbally expressive and also hated the arguments but for him to hinge it on her wanting to live her life was preposterous. He had been controlling before the relationship began and she didn’t like that. She wished she could get him to love her without hindrance.

She believed he would see her before she left but he didn’t. She couldn’t believe it. A day before she was to travel, she took the bold step to see him. She went to his house. She felt awkward going there as his lover. She knew his domestic staff; what would they think of her? She sat in the sitting room and waited while his steward informed him of her arrival. He asked her to come upstairs. She didn’t want to. She sent him a message asking him to come downstairs and see her.

“If you won’t come upstairs, you can leave,” was his reply.

Nkem had to go upstairs. She didn’t pass anyone on the way up. The steward took her to a door she had never entered into. It was a library. Uncle Tobi was sitting on the chair behind a desk working on his laptop. He showed her a seat in front of her and the steward asked what he should get for her. She declined to take anything but Uncle asked him to serve her mixed fruit juice and bring some vodka with it for two. Uncle Tobi didn’t look up again until the steward returned with drinks and a mixer. Uncle Tobi mixed the drinks and poured them into two tall glasses with ice cubes in them. The steward left.

“To what do I owe this honour?” he asked.

“I came to see you before I leave tomorrow.”

“I am aware you are leaving tomorrow. What did you want to see me about?”

“I haven’t seen you in a while. We will be gone for more than two weeks. I thought it was fair we saw each other.”

“That’s fair. How have you been?”

“I am good. And you?”

“I’m fine. Just as you left.” Uncle Tobi’s phone rang at that moment. He said to the person at the other end in a low voice, “I can’t talk now, I will call you later.”

Read – Sisterhood episode 100

Nkem’s countenance changed. She was suspicious. She hated what her relationship with Uncle Tobi was doing to her. It had changed her. She took a sip of her drink. It was very nice. She took another sip and then she stood up. “I have seen you. I want to leave now. I haven’t finished packing.”

Uncle Tobi smiled inwardly. He could see she was jealous. It made him feel so good. So, he wasn’t the only one who can’t stand seeing her in the company of other guys. She couldn’t stand it too. “Let me see you off then. By the way,” he opened his drawer and brought out an envelope, “this is for the trip.” He turned to where she was and gave her the envelope.

“I don’t need it. Thank you.”

She tried to leave but he stopped her. “Are you angry? What’s making you angry? I take care of you, don’t I?”

“I want to leave, please.”

“I will let you go. Why did you come here?”

“I’ve told you.”

“That’s not why you came here. Why did you come to see me? Tell me the truth.”

“Why do you think I came to see you?”

“I want to hear it from you,” Nkem asked him to move away so she could go. “Is that what you want? Ok then. I will see you when I get back. Can I get a kiss? No? Ok.” He stepped out of the way for her to leave and went back to his chair.

Nkem stood there in shock. He did not attempt to stop her. He was acting differently. She was upset and left his library. He made a phone call and then he waited.

She came back. She was visibly in rage. “Why couldn’t she express her feelings verbally?” he wondered. He asked her, “What is it?”

“The driver said you sent him on an errand.”

“Did I? Ok, I will ask my driver to drop you off then. Is there anything else? It cannot be the only reason you are angry. Talk to me, baby.”

“Tell your driver to drop me off.” She tried to open the door but Uncle Tobi had locked it from where he was. “Please open the door so I can leave.”

“You are upset. Tell me why.” He went close to her and saw she had tears in her eyes. He was amused. She could have said what she wanted and would have gotten. He knew she missed him as much as he missed her but her pride wouldn’t let her say it. He led her to the couch and he said to her, “You came here, that’s the first move. Telling me what you want is the next move. It is just the two of us here and you can be vulnerable with me. Did you miss me? Answer me with your words.”

“Yes.”

“Did you come here because you wanted me?” She turned to look at him and then she removed her face. He got the message.”Kiss me and I will give you what you want. You have to make the move.”

It was difficult for Nkem to make the first move and he had observed it but he wanted her to break out of that cycle and enjoy being with him. He wanted her to say things to him that will drive him wild. She was not exhibiting her full potential, he believed there was more to her. When she didn’t attempt to kiss him, he told her she was free to go. He called the driver and opened the door for her. She left. He wanted to stop her and make love to her but he restrained himself. He knew she wanted it too. If she wants it, she has to make the move to have it.

Nkem was angry in the car. She went back home and she felt stupid. She saw what he was trying to do. She wanted him to make the first move but he wanted her to. She finished packing and didn’t have anything to do. She called her friends and talked for a long time. It distracted her from her anger.

Her doorbell rang. She suspected it was Uncle Tobi but knowing him, he would just walk in. She went to check and it was her driver. He gave her an envelope from Uncle Tobi.

“Who was that?” Esther asked.

“It was my driver. Let’s continue.”

He sent the money to her. She smiled. At least he took care of her.

The next morning, she put her luggage in the vehicle and drove to Zainab’s office. She went there to while away time. Her phone rang and she ignored it. It rang again. Zainab asked who was calling. She said it wasn’t important.

Zainab observed Nkem checking her phone and had a concerned look on her face. She was typing on her phone. The concern turned to anger. Zainab was confused. What was wrong with Nkem? She had always been calm and collected but now she seemed different and she was secretive. She was worried about her. This relationship was consuming her.

“Nkem, what is the matter? Why are you so worked up? If this relationship is affecting you like this, why not end it and feel free.”

“Relationship? What are you talking about?”

“Nkem, you and Uncle Tobi. I know both of you have a thing.”

“I don’t know what you are talking about.”

“I saw both of you kissing the day I came to your house and I can see he was calling you. Why would you want to be with someone you have to hide and lie to be with? Is it worth it?”

Nkem was silent. She was right, it wasn’t worth it. But she didn’t want it to end. She was upset because Uncle Tobi told her he had changed his date and he was leaving for the airport in an hour. Why would he do that? What was his motive?

“Nkem! What is it? You haven’t said anything. What is going on? Has this guy charmed you? Nkem, you never used to lie but you lie effortlessly when it concerns Uncle Tobi. What will Funke do when she finds out?”

“I have to leave now. Please don’t tell Funke anything until I get back from my trip and explain everything to you. I have to leave now.”

“Where are you going?”

“Where I am going is important, trust me.”

“You are going to meet Uncle Tobi. This is no longer ordinary. He has a hold on you. What is it?”

Nkem was quiet. She looked at Zainab and said, “You won’t understand. I wish I could explain it. I can’t explain it either. Please bear with me. I am sorry but I have to leave. We will talk about this when I get back.”

Nkem was agitated and looked worried. Zainab could see genuine fear in her eyes. Nkem is a strong woman. How can a man make her this weak? Or had she fallen helplessly in love with him? Zainab felt Uncle Tobi was playing Nkem. He had her where he wanted her; at his mercy. Whatever he was doing to her was to control her. Nkem would have to come out of this herself.

Nkem was in Uncle Tobi’s house within thirty minutes. He was in his room packing. She went upstairs to meet him. She was furious now because he stopped responding to her. He was surprised to see her in his room.

“What are you playing at now?” she asked.

“I don’t understand. I feel like leaving early.”

“You never mentioned it. We discussed this trip and you never mentioned it.”

“Nkem, I have allowed you to do you. Please extend the same courtesy to me. I just informed you. What’s the problem? It is just a trip.”

“Zainab knows about us. She saw us kiss that day she was in the house. I don’t know what to tell her but I am tired of the lies and pretences. I am tired of making a fool of myself. I am helpless where you are but I have to take control of my emotions. This is not me. I can’t do this. I can’t hurt another person. Please let’s end this before it becomes a mess,” Nkem was in tears by the time she was through.

Uncle Tobi stopped packing and came to her. He was confused. He held her close to him and said, “I have asked you what the problem is but you never gave a response. It is not about Zainab. What is your problem?”

“I don’t know. I just feel down. I don’t feel in control.”

“Do you miss me? Did you miss me? Could that be the reason you feel out of sorts?”

“I don’t believe you love me.”

Uncle Tobi was quiet for a moment then asked, “What do you want me to do to prove it?”

“I don’t know. I’m just confused. I have never been in a relationship like this before. It is a problem for me. Sometimes I feel ashamed while other times I wish it will all go away.”

“I am sorry if I made you feel not in control. Let me make you feel better.” He kissed her. He knew what she needed was to be cuddled and nothing more. He wanted more but she needed his compassion at this moment. He knew what he would do to resolve the issue and he would do it fast.

Uncle Tobi took Nkem to the airport. They went through clearance and received her boarding pass. They went back into the car. They kissed. Nkem wanted more. Her flight was still three hours away. She didn’t want to travel without feeling Uncle Tobi’s touch. She was scared he might be with his wife there. She stopped thinking about it and concentrated on herself.

The passion with which Nkem returned his kiss told him all he needed to know. He didn’t want to leave her hanging before she goes. He suggested they spent an hour in a hotel close by before she left. She agreed. It was great for both of them.

“We need to stay away from each other more often. This was amazing.” Uncle Tobi said as he tried to catch his breath. “How do you feel now?”

“I’m ok. I have to get ready to go back.”

“Will you be faithful to me when you are there?” Uncle Tobi asked. “Or will you still want to meet other guys? I want to know if we are exclusive or not.”

“Will you?” she asked him too.

“I will. I promise.”

“Same here.”

“Please don’t. You are hot and sexy. Men will want you but I love you and you know it.”

Now Nkem had gotten what her body craved, her head had descended from the clouds. She smiled at him. “You sound like a broken record. If you don’t trust me, why are you with me? I was faithful to one man for years, why would I jump about now I am older? Please stop saying that, your insecurities aren’t attractive at all.”

Uncle Tobi was shocked. She was mouthy now after she got what she wanted. He kept mute. He watched her as she dressed up. She was right though, he had to stop showing her his weakness. He knew how to strike back. He remembered she mentioned Zainab seeing them and reminded her.

“She saw us. I didn’t know what to say. She scolded me and asked me if the lies and sneaking around were worth it.”

“And what did tell her?”

“I told her I didn’t know.”

“What kind of answer is that?”

“I honestly don’t know. What am I doing here in a hotel room with you having sex? What exactly am I doing? How did I become deceitful? Lying and deceiving those I love. I can tell you I enjoy sex with you. I enjoy being with you. I love how you care for me. But, is this my life? Zainab knows and soon Funke will. What was I thinking?”

“You are emotional right now and therefore not thinking straight. I understand you. We will talk about it when you get back.”

“Ok. I won’t call you when you are there.”

“I will call you. Never doubt anything I tell you, Nkem.”

They ended on that note and went back to the airport. When she was about to board, Uncle Tobi hugged her openly and kissed her. They had never done anything in public. She was so shy. He sent her a message. It said: Whatever happens, remember I will do anything in this world for you. All you need to do is ask.

She believed him. In her heart, she knew he would. That wasn’t the problem. Would others understand their love?