The President's Daughter and I 2 – batch 8
EPISODE 44
We continued the fun like that for three days, and we didn’t see or sighted Marcus and we’re left with four papers to round up our final semester’s exams.
That Marcus, I am very sure that the bullet proof vest he wore was the one he stripped me off the time I went to him with tracking devices all over my body. He took away my bullet proof and kept it for himself; he thinks he’s smart enough, we shall get him. We charged all the agents to be very watchful and vigilant so we won’t miss a chance of getting Marcus. I came up with another idea to stop moving around with Mirabel, let her be going on her own so Marcus will maybe show himself to her again, and of course the underground agents will always be on her trail.
******
I forgot to mention that I met my Lecturer that advised me the other time, I appreciated her and told her it went so well. I even told Mirabel about it. I also appreciated Promise for explaining things to Mirabel ahead of me.
******
My late uncle’s first son, Jonas was already in the university and i’ve been helping him because of the good deeds of his late father. Although, he wasn’t in my school, but we do communicate from time to time. And my Father has been helping my late uncle’s family.
******
I got a call from the first lady on my way back from school and the following conversation ensued…
Me: Hello, good afternoon ma
First lady: How are you dear
Me: I’m fine ma
First lady: Okay… I want to invite you personally to come for my wedding anniversary tomorrow 7:00.pm but you should be here before the time, oh sorry… i forgot to ask, can you make it?
Me: Of course ma, i’ll be pleased to be there
First lady: Ok good… Your Parents are also coming, so… Frank will come pick you guys up including your sister
Me: Ok ma
First lady: Alright, bye
Me: Ok bye ma
**Hangs up**
I told Nancy about it and she was so happy. It was only Nancy that has exam paper to write the following day. I went to Mirabel’s lodge to spend my day before the evening when we’ll be going for her Parent’s anniversary dinner celebration. I already had it in mind to wear the new suit i bought the other time.
Mirabel: We should bring Promise along with us
Me: It’d be a good idea, that’s if it’s ok
Mirabel: Sure, she’ll be my guest
Me: Ok, tell her then.
She told her and she agreed to come along with us.
Vincent came to the lodge, then we all went to my apartment i.e Vincent, Mirabel, Cynthia, Promise and Me. Nancy was already in the apartment, so we hit the road headed to the Presidential villa with an SUV and a Coaster bus. Frank, Jummy and two mobile police men drove in the SUV while the rest of us with three policemen drove in the Coaster bus.
We gisted while on road, Nancy took the lead in the gist. I noticed she has reduced 20% of her talking capability, maybe Vincent is working on it. All i did was to contribute, defend myself when i’m being teased or accused of something, and i laughed out mostly.
We arrived at the villa before 6:00.pm and mingled with those present and they served us wine.
Guests started coming including my Parents, and the hall got filled up before 7.00.pm i wasn’t that surprised, why won’t they come before time when it’s the President’s party. The invited guests were close friends, relations and partners. It wasn’t a big party, just a dinner celebration. Ministers, Governors, Senators and other dignitaries were in attendance.
The celebration started, the President came forward and appreciated everyone for coming. He said some things before he introduced his wife, she came forward and stood by his side and then she gave a little speech. Vincent and Mirabel also came out as their Parents cut the large cake. After that, the president and his wife danced together for about a minute before others that cares to dance joined them on the dancefloor. The first lady introduced me to her friends and other guests as Mirabel’s fiancé. And Mirabel also did the same to close relations including Ike’s Parents.
I shyly danced with Mirabel while many guests were dancing with their spouses. Nancy and Vincent were also dancing (I wonder when they’ll take their relationsh¡p to the next level by introducing themselves to our respective Parents) I sighted Promise seated and talking with a guy we met earlier. The guy is darkly cute, I guess she has found a new friend. I stopped dancing and took Mirabel to our seat to eat the food i’ve been salivating for.
I really enjoyed the night, it was so wonderful. Seeing prominent personalities of the Country in their cool with all smiles. Looking at them all, I couldn’t tell which was a criminal.
Me: (To Mirabel) Who is that guy seated with Promise?
Mirabel: I forgot his name, but he is son of the FCT Minister
Me: He’s been with her for a while now
Mirabel: Maybe he is seeking for a chance
Me: Is he a good guy?
Mirabel: I dunno, I only know him as the first son of the FCT Minister.
Me: Okay…
We left there about 13 minutes to the hour of 9:00.pm to my apartment dropping me and Nancy before they left for Mirabel’s lodge.
☆☆☆☆☆
The following day, while chilling in my apartment and working on my website as I don’t have a paper to write, my phone rang for one second and stopped. Someone flashed me, so i guess. I picked up my phone to see who the flasher was but it was a hidden number. How can a person hid his/her number and flash somebody? That’s rubbish! I hissed and dropped my phone. A message came into my phone minutes later, I checked and the sender was unknown to me, so i read the content of the message and it read as follows:
“Hi, It’s Marcus, the same one. Yes i’m still alive. I’m alive for a reason, for a second chance. I know what happened to Dorothy, how her life ended. I don’t want to end up like her. I have lost everything because of the crazy love i have for Mirabel. I want to start a new life and i hope you can forgive me for everything i did to you. I would’ve died for nothing, but here i am living for a second chance. I promise never to bother you and mirabel ever again”
I was stunned when i read the message, is he for real? I find it hærd to believe. Although, he made his point, but… he’s backing out? How truthful is this??
EPISODE 45
I decided to call him through the message he sent after much thought and he picked up after seconds of ringing.
Marcus: Hello dude
Me: Marcus was shot dead in front of me, so who are you? (Pretending like I dunno)
Marcus: It’s me, I didn’t die… I escaped death
Me: How’s that possible with three shots on the chest?
Marcus: I had a vest on
Me: So you’re telling me you’ve been alive all this while?
Marcus: Yea
Me: I see… so what do you want from me now?
Marcus: A second chance to live
Me: **Chuckles** Second chance? Is that your new strategy?? You’re wasting your time. I advise you to do what you said in the text you sent to me because you have no chance of doing any harm to us again
Marcus: I meant every word I said in the text, I have lost everything… my family, friends, everything! The only thing I have now is my life and I don’t want to lose it too
Me: You’re not going to lose your life if you don’t bother us again
Marcus: I know I’ve been a bad guy, but lying has never been a strategy for me to get anything. I won’t cause any trouble again and I mean it, I want to live a peaceful life
Me: Peaceful life? How can you live a peaceful life when you still have a 25 year sentence in prison which could also be extended for escaping prison?
Marcus: I know that, and that’s why I need your help
Me: For what?
Marcus: To start a new life
Me: What are you talking about?
Marcus: Now the world thinks I’m dead and I want it to remain that way. The authorities won’t be looking for me, I won’t even be recognized when seen and nobody will care if I look familiar as a criminal or not… this is Nigeria, who will care to notice me? Please I really need your help man
Me: What help do you want?
Marcus: Financial help man… I really need money to survive what I’m going through right now
Me: You’re quite funny; I mean I don’t get you… you want money from me? The same me you wanted dead
Marcus: That was out of desperation man, I’m done with all that sh!t… you got to forgive me for all that and help me out please mahn… I don’t have anybody to face
Me: Your father is a billionaire, why not go to him?
Marcus: I can’t… he’s gonna turn me in to the police himself
Me: And why do you think I’ll spare you?
Marcus: You wouldn’t have been talking to me like this if you were gonna turn me in
Me: You can’t be too sure about that, I know you’re obsessed for Mirabel and you can’t just let go of her so easily
Marcus: What are you saying man? Haven’t I tried enough?? I became the most man in Nigeria just to win her back and I got nothing but rather lost everything and you’re saying I can’t let go of her so easily? Come on man, my life is ruined… I’m totally messed up!
Me: Alright Alright that’s enough… I’ve heard you; I will help you with some money
Marcus: I’ll forever be grateful for that… thanks man
Me: But you better be sure of what you’ve said, for you won’t have a third chance on this earth
Marcus: Absolutely!
Me: How will you get it?
Marcus: Yea… let’s meet up somewhere
Me: You must be a jester **I hung up instantly**
I should meet him somewhere, as I’m a fool abi? **Hissed**
The next thing I know, he sent me a “Please Call Me” message over and over again, I just ignored them.
I’m totally confused about this guy, why can’t he call? Is he that broke or what? No… I can’t fall for this; he must be trying to outsmart me.
I dunno if I should tell Mirabel or anyone about this or not.
I decided to go Mirabel’s lodge to talk to her about this; I got there and saw that same guy from the President’s party that was talking with Promise. We shook hands and I joined in their gist with Mirabel, Cynthia and Promise. He then left and Promise walked him out.
Me: (To Mirabel and Cynthia) I think he already likes Promise
Cynthia: Promise doesn’t seem to be interested
Me: Why?
Cynthia: I dunno… her own holy holy nawa
Me: It’s not about that… it’s about getting involve with the right someone
Cynthia: How would she know when she doesn’t seem to care about having a man?
Mirabel: I think we should work it out for them… its high time Promise get herself a man
Me: Yeah… but she has her choice to make
Mirabel: Aren’t you worried about her not getting involved with any guy?
Me: Of course I do… but I can’t do anything about it
Mirabel: We’ll be graduating in two weeks’ time; she has to think about her future
Promise: (Coming from outside) Can you guys stop talking about me?
Mirabel: Promise why not give him a chance?
Promise: I don’t know him and I don’t like him
Cynthia: Hhmmm… the likely ones are not yet born (Teasingly)
Mirabel: You can get to know him better only if you can give him the chance
Promise: **Speechless watching TV**
I excused myself with Mirabel and took her somewhere private; I told her everything about what Marcus had told me.
Mirabel: What could be his plan now?
Me: I dunno, he is so confusing
Mirabel: Please don’t go and meet him all by yourself
Me: Of course… I can’t just trust him like that
Mirabel: His survival could mean two things… it’s either he is right that he survived to have a second chance or it proved him to be more dangerous
Me: He can’t do anything to us… he will surely lose again if he tries anything stupid
Mirabel: I don’t want to any chances, I lost my best friend the last time he tried to come between us and I can’t bear losing another… not even for a minute!
Me: Relax dear… we are well secured this time unlike before
Mirabel: I said I’m not taking chances
Me: So what do we do about him?
Mirabel: Nothing! If he has changed as he claimed, then let him go his way and stop bothering us about anything. If he wants forgiveness, then he got it; nothing will be added to that!
Me: Okay ok… calm down will you?
Mirabel: Have you forgotten how much pain he cost us? Even if we should forgive him, would that erase the memory of everything? **Tears in her eyes**
I just embraced her.
**My phone rings** I excused myself from Mirabel and answered the call.
Me: Hello?
Male voice: Hi, it’s Fred
Me: Fred?
Voice: Yea Frederick, the guy that just left the lodge
Me: Ok the new friend of Promise
Fred: Something like that, please we meet? Like now?
Me: Now? Why?
Fred: Just need to speak with you, can you come?
Me: Where?
Fred: I’m outside the gate, meet me then we’ll go somewhere to talk
Me: Ok I’m coming…
Fred: Thanks **hangs up**
Mirabel: Who’s that?
Me: That minister’s son, he wants to see with me
Mirabel: Where and why?
Me: Outside the gate and I dunno why
Mirabel: Alright… be save
I k-ssed her on the cheek and left.
EPISODE 46
I met him outside leaning on his cool 4matic car.
Me: So… what is it you want to talk to me about?
Fred: I want to ask you for a favour, get in let’s go talk about it
We both sat on the back seat while two other guys were in the front of which one of them took the wheel.
Me: So how’d you get my number?
Fred: Cynthia… I asked her for it
Me: Okay…
We talked about other things till we got to the place. We alighted from the car and walked straight in.
Me: (While walking in) this is a night club
Fred: I know
Me: What are we doing here? It’s not open for customers at this time
Fred: It’s never closed for me (smiling)
Me: I see…
He took me to the VIP side and we sat down.
Fred: Care for champagne?
Me: A glass of wine will do
Fred: Have a taste?
Me: Yea… Pure Heavens
Fred: (To one of the guys he came with) go get us Pure Heavens
Me: You take it too?
Fred: Nope, too cheap for my taste. I just want to drink what you drink, to be polite
Me: Ok, can we talk now?
Fred: Yea let’s talk. The thing is… It got to my attention that you’re like a brother to Promise in school and you’re both close, am I right?
Me: She’s a good friend of mine
Fred: I know… reason why I asked that question. I like her and I want to date her but she’s not giving me any hopeful response. She always tells me ‘no’ on the s₱0t whenever I try to talk to her without a second thought. Why is she like that? And I’m sure she doesn’t have a boyfriend in school; I dunno about where she came from, or is she engaged back home?
**The guy came with the wine and served us**
Me: Well… she never mentioned being engaged to me, so I don’t think that’s the case. You know… she has always being like that; we’ve tried to talk to her about her single state but she doesn’t want to be in a relationsh¡p.
Fred: Have you tried to hook her up with a guy before?
Me: Nope **sips**
Fred: Good… please do that for me
Me: **Speechless**
Fred: I really do like her right from the very first night I met her; I’m loving her like crazy. You’ve got to help me out man
Me: She’s a very good friend of mine as you know; she has been Ok with her singleness. I wouldn’t want her to get involved with the wrong guy that’d make her sad or hurt her; she’s a good girl that deserves a better man. So if I’m going to help you win her, you will have to promise me you’ll never hurt her.
Fred: You have nothing to worry about; I shall give her everything she wants on this earth and I mean it
Me: That’s good to know… but before I’ll say I’m going to help you, I will need to know who I’m helping in getting my friend
Fred: No problem, you can ask me whatever you want to know about me
Me: Okay…
I threw some questions at him and his responses were good. According to him… he studied business in the U.K; he loves being a businessman and has no interest in being a politician like his Father. He talked about his likes and dislikes and said funny things. I think Promise will love this guy if she gives him a chance.
**My phone rings and I picked up**
Me: Sweetheart
Mirabel: Where are you?
Me: I’m still with Fred, what’s up?
Mirabel: Are you coming back to the lodge?
Me: I don’t think so, it’s already getting late, I will go to the apartment from here
Mirabel: What about your car?
Me: Oh…
Fred: Don’t worry; I’ll give you a ride
Me: He’ll give me a ride
Mirabel: Why can’t you just come?
Me: Baby….
Mirabel: Fine! Better look after yourself, Marcus is still out there
Me: I will be fine dear
Mirabel: You better be
Me: Please come over tomorrow with my car
Mirabel: Ok
Me: Goodnight, love you…
Mirabel: **Hangs up**
Me: **She just hangs up? What’s up with her? **
Fred and I continued talking until I told him I’ll try to talk to Promise. He thanked me before we rounded up and drove me to my apartment based on my directives.
I talked to Mirabel later that night on phone about Fred and his intentions towards Promise; we agreed to get them together within the two weeks we got left in School.
We started talking to Promise and the intentions of Fred towards her. We gave tips to Fred on what to do and when to show up. We continued to pressure her non-stop until she finally accepted to give him a chance nine days later. We celebrated it thinking we did her a favour, not knowing we got her into a mess she never bargained for. Then I realized that, we should’ve respected her decision.
EPISODE 47
Marcus never stopped sending me “Please Call Me” messages during those nine days and I kept on ignoring him until he called me himself and I picked up.
Me: Hello
Marcus: Hello man you said you were gonna’ help me; I’m totally broke mahn… please!
Me: Why did you ask me to meet up with you?
Marcus: Because that’s the only way for me to get the money, I can’t go to your house
Me: Nothing has ever gone well whenever I meet with you
Marcus: But that’s the only way
Me: Don’t you have a bank account?
Marcus: Screw that mahn; my Dad got it frozen
Me: Sorry I can’t meet you
Marcus: You still don’t believe me, do you? I can’t do nothing to you mahn. I already bow
Me: I’ll think about something and get back to you
Marcus: Oh mehn…
Me: Alright come to my apartment tonight
Marcus: Really?
Me: Wait I’m not done talking. You’re not coming in; just outside the gate where I’ll leave the money in a corner for you to pick up and go. And you must be very careful; I dunno what will happen to you if you’re s₱0tted
Marcus: Why? What’s wrong?
Me: Just follow what I say and you won’t get into trouble
Marcus: Ok no problem… time?
Me: From 8:00.pm
Marcus: Alright mahn… I trust you
Me: Wish I could say the same to you
Marcus: No I understand, trust is earned… I get it
Me: Alright **hangs up**
I don’t even know how much I’m going to give him, and I can’t tell Mirabel about it. I thought about it then decided to give him ₦250,000. I can’t believe I’m going to do this, giving money to Marcus? So awkward!
I dashed to the bank later in the evening and made some withdrawals; I kept it somewhere in a corner outside my gate when it got dark, then I texted him how to find it.
The following morning, I went out to check the money, but it wasn’t there; He must have taken it. I tried to call him to confirm if he took it but his number didn’t go through after several trials. He took it without thanking me? Well… I just hope he has left for good.
Two more exam papers remaining for us to write. We kept on reading and working to get good grades. That Fred of a guy kept showering Promise with love and gifts. To us, he is madly in love with her and we think he is a good guy suitable for Promise.
After finishing the second to the last paper on Monday, I hanged out one on one with Promise to discuss about her relationsh¡p with Fred.
Me: So… how is your relationsh¡p going with Fred?
Promise: Fine, he is loving, caring and always want to be seeing me
Me: Hhmmm… I can see you’ve found what you want in a man
Promise: Well… I’m beginning to like him
Me: And love?
Promise: Not sure about that yet
Me: He loves you dearly, you should love him too. He is making good use of the chance you gave him
Promise: (Staring at me somehow) why are you doing this?
Me: I want you to be happy and feel loved
Promise: Is that how love should be?
Me: What are you saying again? This guy is ready to love you
Promise: Agreed but what about me?
Me: Love him too
Promise: (Small tears in her eyes) Okay… I’ll try, besides I’m not getting younger, I should move on
Me: Yea! That’s the spirit!! (Holding her)
Fred: Hey guys
Me: (I took my hand off Promise) Hey…
Fred: Mind if I have her? Been looking for her, I miss her so much **smiling**
Me: Sure! She’s all yours (I saw Promise blushing)
Fred: Let’s go **holding Promise**
We met the others then zoomed out from School anticipating for our final paper in two days’ time. After we parted our ways that day, we didn’t see each other till the final exam day; I didn’t go to the lodge because I want to study and work on the website and Mirabel on the other hand didn’t come to my apartment so she’ll prepare very well for the final paper. I tried Marcus’ line but it didn’t go through, so I stop trying.
The day came; I went to school feeling well-prepared to pieces the exam and to see my lovely fiancée who I miss so much. I was in School before them; when they came, I noticed some bruises on Promise and I asked her immediately I saw it but after I have already spoken with Mirabel.
Me: (Close to her) what happened to you?
Promise: I fell from a bike
Me: Which bike?
Promise: Okada na
Me: When and how?
Promise: On Monday, later in the evening when I was returning back to the lodge
Me: Where did you even go to?
Promise: From Fred, I didn’t go straight to the lodge after we parted ways; he took me out for lunch
Me: Why didn’t he drop you after picking you up from school?
Promise: He couldn’t, he said something came up that he had to attend to
Me: Hhmmm… you have to be careful next time
Promise: Of course
I feel something wasn’t right, I couldn’t doubt her because I know she doesn’t tell lies; why would she even lie? I shunned my thoughts on that.
We all went to where we normally study together, did some revision before the commencement of the exam. During the exam, a guy almost got me into trouble. He was copying my work and I couldn’t hide it from him. A lady invigilator took me from my seat to another one, maybe she suspected something. And the guy foolishly followed me to where she took me to and sat behind me to continue copying my work. I didn’t know if I should laugh or get mad at him for the foolish act. The worst thing, she tried to stop him but he refused and insisted on coming to where I was seated. She had to take me to another seat at the back where there was no space for him to come and seat. I saw how the guy kept looking back in a pitiful way; I couldn’t help but laughed out a little, even the invigilator couldn’t help but also let out a smile. Good thing the wicked supervisors weren’t around that time.
EPISODE 48
We concluded our exams and it was a good one. We gathered outside talking, taking photos and other things; we were just so happy. The department org-nized a party but we won’t be attending it; Fred arranged a small indoor party for us, that is; Me, Promise, Mirabel, and Cynthia. And also Nancy and Vincent will also come.
He took us to his house later that night; he has a beautiful house with fleet of cars. He entertained us very well and it was really fun as we were all in twos except for Cynthia, she broke up with her boyfriend. We appreciated him and left there after hours of fun and playfulness.
************
[Phone rings – Caller: Frank]
Me: Hello Frank
Frank: Hello, Marcus is currently in custody now
Me: Huh? How was he found?
Frank: Based on the report we got, he was found travelling in a night bus to his hometown when the Army stopped and searched the bus at their check-point and arrested him when they found him.
Me: What will happen to him now?
Frank: Back to prison of course
Me: Uhmmm… ok
Frank: Aren’t you supposed to be happy? I don’t understand your tone
Me: There’s something you didn’t know
Frank: What is it?
Me: He reached me and apologized for everything he has done
Frank: What? And you listened to him?
Me: He sounded sincere
Frank: Are you kidding? Have you forgotten all he did?
Me: I didn’t forget anything ok?
Frank: Then what are you saying?
Me: I have forgiven him
Frank: Well… that can’t change what’s going to happen to him now
Me: I know, I told him to be careful
Frank: Wait… are you saying that you knew he was leaving town?
Me: No, got to go, update me if anything comes up
Frank: Alright
Me: **Hangs up**
Well… it’s no longer my fault that he got caught; I tried for him after all he did to me. It’s clear that he can’t run from justice here on earth, even Dorothy faced justice even though I forgave her.
*****
Promise remained in Abuja after the exams and enrolled into a computer institute for the knowledge and certificate; she can’t stay in Mirabel’s lodge anymore as Mirabel won’t be staying there anymore so I told her to stay in my apartment with Nancy because I won’t be stable as I’ll be preparing for my marriage with Mirabel, the elections and my passport and visa to the United states.
I took Mirabel to my hometown and presented her to my close relatives as the girl I’m getting married to and she also did the same by taking me to her hometown yorubaland where I met with her Grand-mother from her Father’s side and her Grand-parents from her mother’s side and all the visits were favoured by God as they all went so well.
Mirabel has already left the lodge, now with her Parents in Aso rock and Cynthia also with her family. Marcus’ sentence was extended and he is to spend 42 years in prison with hærd labour for his uncompleted sentence, breaking out of prison, kidnapping the president’s daughter with two other ladies (that is, Nancy and Jummy) and being Dorothy’s partner in crime etc.
As for me, I got back to our family’s duplex to stay and became very busy doing many things plus working on my website where money kept flowing. The house is always empty, Dad always out for business and Momma working with the first-lady and all. I’m a man now; I can go out to anywhere I want. I even travelled with Mirabel to Jos to visit Joy – my older sister and she was very happy that we visited. We spent two days there before returning back to Abuja. My communication with Ike didn’t slack not a bit; he is going to be my best man. I sent him my measurement as he requested to get the wedding suits made.
I was in the house one evening resting and sipping hollandia yoghurt after working all day on the website when Nancy called me to inform me about something terrible.
Nancy: It’s Promise
Me: What about her?
Nancy: She just came to the house with bruises on her face and some part of her body
Me: What happened to her?
Nancy: She said she was robbed on her way back but I don’t think that’s what actually happened
Me: Why do you think she’ll lie?
Nancy: She said she was robbed but nothing seemed to be missing from her possession, her phone and bag with her laptop were intact
Me: Promise can’t tell lies
Nancy: Believe me senior bro, I think Fred is beating her up
Me: What?!
Nancy: That’s what I’m thinking
Me: Promise is the nicest girl I have ever known, why would Fred beat her up? No, that can’t happen
Nancy: I’m the one here with her so you have to believe me; I’ve witnessed how he drags her along with him if Promise refuses to go out with him, he treats her as if he owned her completely like she’s he’s slave. He dictates on her
Me: **Boiling with anger** Fred doing that to Promise?! Is he stupid?
Nancy: I dunno oh… please you have to do something before this goes too far
Me: But why will Promise hide this from me?
Nancy: I dunno… she must be the type that doesn’t speak out even when dying slowly
Me: This can’t be… that girl deserves the best in life not this
Nancy: It was you guys that got her into this, you persisted her to accept that monster
Me: We were only trying to do her a favour, so she’ll also have a man in her life and I thought Fred was a good guy
Nancy: As it is right now, you didn’t do her any favour but brought pain to her
Me: Oh God! Are you serious about all this?
Nancy: She’s not enjoying the relationsh¡p bro, she’s not at all. Fred even has a night club
Me: A night club?
Nancy: Yeah…. one “Jollity Nite Club”
Me: He took me there once before but never mentioned it belongs to him
Nancy: He own and runs it, he is not a good guy. I think he do drugs as well
Me: That ba$tard! I shall be there tomorrow to speak with Promise
Nancy: Please do
Me: What about you and Vincent?
Nancy: We’re good and happy together
Me: Ok good,,, see you tomorrow
Nancy: Ok bye
Me: Bye **hangs up**
Oh no! What have we got Promise into? It’s all my fault. So he even runs a nite club, no wonder he said the club is never closed for him the time he took me there. I need to speak with Promise one on one before I will think of what to do.
~ But why has she been quiet?
~ Why didn’t she tell me what’s going on?
~ Why did she have to start telling lies?
EPISODE 49
The following day in the afternoon, I got myself ready and zoomed off to the apartment with my mother’s car. I called Nancy and told her about my coming, she said she’ll be at Vincent’s place so I can speak with Promise.
I got there; Promise received me in to the house. I noticed how she was trying to hide her bruises from me. I don’t want to do as if I already know about it, so I just played along with her as we engaged in conversation.
Promise: You didn’t tell me you’re coming; I would’ve prepared something better
Me: What did you cook?
Promise: Beans and friend plantain
Me: You like beans too much, just give me plantain jare
Promise: Is it every day one will be eating rice? (Walking into the kitchen)
I waited till she came back with a plate of fried plantain; she pushed a side stool in front of me and dropped the plate on it. I saw some bruises on hand, but I didn’t say anything yet.
Promise: Should I bring water or juice for you?
Me: No yoghurt?
Promise: Nop
Me: Ok a glass of water will do
She went in and came out with a bottle of water and a glass cup and dropped it on the stool.
Promise: (About to go back to her seat)
Me: Pour the water for me na
Promise: Do that yourself na
Me: I asked for just a glass of water but you brought a bottle of it
Promise: That’s how it should be na
Me: Just pour it
The bruises on her became more visible when she was pouring the water…
Me: Promise? (Holding her left arm)
Promise: What?
Me: What happened to you?
Promise: **hissed** some hoodlums robbed and beat me up yesterday on my way back to the house
Me: Where?
Promise: On the street
Me: Which street?
Promise: Along that Masukwai crescent
Me: Hoodlums on Masukwai cresent?
Promise: Yea
Me: Promise are you lying to me?
Promise: Why should I lie to you?
Me: Because there have never been anything like that on that street, there are no hoodlums or criminals around here
Promise: Yea maybe those ones came from another area
Me: Ok Promise tell me the truth now, what really happened to you?
Promise: I just told you na
Me: I don’t believe that, tell me something else
Promise: There’s nothing else to tell, that’s what happened and I’m trying to forget about it
Me: Fred did this to you right?
Promise: What kind of question is that? Why will Fred beat me up?
What is wrong with girl??
Me: I did a background check on him and he isn’t what we think he is
Promise: Really?
Me: He is a bad guy, a very bad guy. He is on drugs and even owns a club where many ungodly acts takes place
Promise: What are you trying to say?
Me: Break up with him
Promise: I should break up with him now because you tell me to?
Me: Promise you have to, that guy is no-good
Promise: Look! I’m sick and tired of you telling me what to do ok? What do you take me for?
Me: **Shock** Promise?
Promise: What?!
Me: **Speechless**
Promise: Not even my Father has dictated on me like this, what’s your problem? Why telling me who to be with and who not to be with?
Me: Look I’m very sorry I got you involved with Fred, I really sorry I made a very huge and expensive mistake; please forgive me and break up with Fred
Promise: No I won’t break up with him and stop telling me what to do! (walking out on me)
Me: Promise? Promise?!
Promise: **Out of sight**
Oh my God! Not again!! What have I gotten this girl into? No no no no no no… another girl’s life must not be ruined because of my mistake. Oh God forgive me, it wasn’t intentional.
(I dialed Nancy’s number)
Nancy: Hello bro
Me: Nancy the situation is now worse
Nancy: What happened?
Me: Promise is not listening to me, she’s so mad at me
Nancy: What do we do now?
Me: Is Vincent there with you?
Nancy: He is in the kitchen
Me: Please go give the phone to him
Nancy: Ok hold on for a sec
Vincent: Hello
Me: Vincent
Vincent: Yea?
Me: Promise is in bondage, she needs all the prayers she can get please I beg you
Vincent: Nancy just told me about what Fred is doing to her, that’s not good
Me: It’s getting out of hand; she’s not listening to me, the solution I seek for now is prayers
Vincent: Ok bro, we shall go on three days fasting and prayers for her
Me: That’d be great
Vincent: Don’t stress yourself, the devil will surely bow in defeat again
Me: A big Amen to that
Vincent: Later bro, lemme check what I have on fire
Me: Ok ok
**Hangs up**
I did a conference call with Mirabel and Cynthia to let them what’s going on. They were also disturbed about it. They suggested we confront Fred but I impeded them from doing that, at least not yet. Once Promise agrees to break up with him, he won’t be a problem.
After the call, I slowly walked towards her room and entered without knocking; I saw her sobbing on the bed. I got on the bed next to her and tried to raise her up
Promise: Leave me alone (crying)
Me: Please Promise… I don’t want to lose you because of this foolish mistake I made I’m begging you
Promise: Why? (Seating up) tell me why? Do you know what I’ve been going through because of the love that I have for you? Do you have any idea on what I’ve been going through in,side of me? As if not loving me back was not enough, you went ahead and hook me up with a beast! A tyrant!
Me: I’m really sorry; I never wanted all that to happen
Promise: What can your sorry do? Will it ease the pain that I’m going through? I accepted Fred in order to stop my love for you, thinking I will get to love him and forget about you, but what happened? I’m still at the losing end… Fred beat me like i deserve nothing but pain. He is jealous of our closeness that he deleted all the pictures of us from my phone. He first beat me up because of the position he met us with on the day of our second to the last exam. I never fell from any bike, he was the one that hurt me because of our closeness we’ve been having long before he came into the picture
Me: Promise you should’ve spoken out
Promise: How could I when the guy I love gave me to the beast himself?
Me: Promise you know it can’t work between us please I beg you, kill that love I beg of you. Mirabel and I are getting married soon; please don’t do this to yourself.
Promise: I have tried and tried, but I can’t help it
Me: Break up with Fred and the right person for you will eventually come
Promise: Do you love me?
Me: Promise…
Promise: Just answer me
Me: Please na
Promise: I know you do, you had the intention of asking me out back when we were in 100L but you couldn’t talk to me because I didn’t give you a “go ahead” signal
Me: I love Mirabel
Promise: You loved me first
Me: That can’t change anything now; you know I’m getting married to Mirabel soon please don’t make things difficult for me and yourself
Promise: It’s okay… I know I can’t do anything about that and I wish you both well
Me: Thanks, I really appreciate your understanding
Promise: Just facing the reality
Me: But you have to break up with Fred
Promise: It won’t be that easy
Me: Leave that for me to handle, I got you into this mess and I’m getting you out from it
Promise: **Tears dripping down from her eyes**
I wipe the tears off her cheeks with my bare hand and we both hug each other for many seconds… we broke off when we heard someone coughed out.
TO BE CONTINUED…
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