Entangled Affair

entangled affair

  (a collection of short stories)

  Uzezi Ekere Adesite

  Copyright 2015 Uzezi Ekere Adesite

  This book is a work of fiction.

  Thank you for downloading this ebook. This book remains the copyrighted property of the author, and may not be redistributed to others for commercial or non-commercial purposes. If you enjoyed this book, please encourage your friends to download their own copy from their favorite authorized retailer. Thank you for your support.

  Table of Contents

  Entangled Affair

  To The Third Generation

  Hunted

  The Consequences

  The Passengers

  An Abomination

  About Uzezi Ekere Adesite

  Excerpts from The Call of Ciri (a novel)

  Connect with Author

  ENTANGLED AFFAIR

  Silence had descended on everyone. They all waited, some with hearts in their mouths; especially the two at the front. Then the man of God proclaimed them man and wife, ending his words with; “What God has put together, none should put asunder.”

  It was a wonderful wedding service. The reception was the ball of it. I couldn’t contain the smiles that kept bubbling out of the inside of me. It was as though it were my happiest day. It was, sort of, because I succeeded in putting them apart.

  Sitting here now, and looking back the journey we traveled together, I recognize just one day as the happiest I have ever had.

  We had magic moments. The three of us did. But that day I witnessed my closest friends take the vows of being apart forever, tops all other magical days.

  And again, I hear the words of the priest when he spoke. “What God has put together, none should put asunder.”

  I had smiled because I knew she would respect those words. She was very much in support of them. Even if it would rob her of her very happiness, she would always support those words, and she wouldn’t put asunder what God has put together.

  I had smiled. We became man and wife. And she was the chief bride’s maid.

  Chief bride’s maid!

  My friends; they were family to me. They meant everything to me. I would have killed if need be, just to protect those two. I would have dived upon a bomb if situation had called for, just to protect those two. Anyway, that was when we were friends. Before they betrayed me.

  I used to be very happy. Nothing could bring me down. No matter how bad the situation was, I always smiled it away and wait for the sun after the rain.

  That happiness ran away with the dawn of the discovery of sinful desires in the people I called friends; the both of them. They betrayed me. The beautiful heart of mine was made to become a house of fun for many evil desires.

  The truth about the whole issue was that I never saw it coming. I am not the kind of person to preach this and practice that. How could I bring myself so low and let my mind abide in such bitter happiness that knows the secrets of what they intended my future to be?

  Sitting here now, I am not a shadow of my former self, but I am a living lie. I don’t care about that. My reason for living the lie I lived for so long got fulfilled today, so I am free to die now. God, won’t you send them for my soul now? I won’t ask for forgiveness and You dare not put me in Hell, for I acted, an eye for an eye. Just as You are a jealous God, so also I am a jealous friend.

  Yes. I am not a shadow of my former self. It is only the mockery upon the face of my own reflection that puts me off.

  I hear echoes from afar. I have been hearing them for long. Each day it gets closer. Soon enough it would be upon my doorstep. That echo I dread so much. The last I heard of it, it sounded twenty feet away. Very soon it would be here and my very last breath it would draw away. Not that I mind any. It would be the best situation. But it would be a miscarriage of destiny, for I foresaw my future and theirs. Wasn’t supposed to be like this.

  I just can’t have enough of the drink. I am sure they are together this minute still professing love to one another. This drink has never tasted so good before. I am sure that my eyes are bloodshot. Who gives a fuck! It is my life right? It would be I who would answer the questions of the Lord on the Day of Judgment. “What did you do with the talent I gave you?”

  How would I answer the Lord? “I delayed destiny my Lord. I held destiny back for as long as I could. Don’t blame me. I am the daughter of Eve; only, I don’t need a serpent to blame it on. Punish me!”

  Well, didn’t I start living the punishment since I was only a teenager? That’s been long enough.

  I feel my hand steady on the bottle as I pour more brandy into the tall glass. I feel like a baby. What was that? My head wouldn’t act now. I think I heard the bell ring.

  He couldn’t have come back, could he? I feel the smile crawl all over my face. She was through with him. She didn’t forgive him, which means, she didn’t put what God has put together, asunder. What a darling she is. I knew I could always count on her. My dear friend.

  ONE

  Jumobi Adeniyi was driving like a cat from hell down Oba Akran Avenue. She simply ignored the traffic men at the junction as she took a sharp bend into Adeniyi Jones. She looked in her rear view mirror to make sure that they weren’t coming after her. To her relief, they weren’t.

  She was late for the party. But that wasn’t her hurry. It was their lives and she has to find hers. She thinks she has anyway. First thing tomorrow, she would pack. By noon, she should be on her way to Port-Harcourt. Maybe a new life would begin for her, and she would forget about her past.

  She arrived and parked the car beside Alex’ new BMW, alighted and stretched. The moon was already out. A full moon.

  As she turned to walk towards the house, she noticed two people standing outside and under a shelter talking. She smiled. She almost married one of those guys last year.

  *****

  Alex had just stepped out of the house. He had seen Jumobi drive into the compound. He saw her stretch that beautiful five feet four inches body of hers and her short gown rode higher up her thighs. Petite Jumobi was pretty and ever smiling. He never understood why she settled for keeping her hair short all the time, when most ladies spent thousands of naira on their hair, because it was their crowning glory. Though he had to admit that he never saw short hair fit anyone like it did Jumobi.

  He saw her look over at the two men at a corner and his heart twisted. He could imagine what she was thinking about Bolaji, the guy she almost married.

  Bolaji wasn’t his problem anymore. What was, was Jumobi’s latest news. Before he left the office earlier in the day, she had told him that she was leaving for PH the next day. He knew who was in PH and he knew her going over meant she had thought over the issue. This evening, he would try to change her mind.

  He began to walk towards her before she noticed him. He smiled at her. “You are late,” he complained as he gave her a warm embrace. The only pleasure she has come to allow him since he decided their future.

  “I was doing your job,” she told him. “Didn’t know Bolaji would be here.”

  He made a face. “She invited him and you don’t look like someone to run away from yesterday.”

  “No, not that,” she sighed. “I haven’t seen him since…” she looked at him.

  He understood.

  They walked into the expensively furnished living room, hand in hand. The guests were just an association of close friends of the couple.

  Chidima, looking very radiant in a red evening gown, walked from the other end of the room to meet them. She hugged Jumobi dearly, complaining how work was keeping Jumobi away from her. “But then, you are looking as young as ever.”

  “Why shouldn’t I?” Jumobi asked with a smile. “I have to catch my own Mr. Ri
ght, don’t you think?”

  Chidima nodded with a smile. “Sweetheart,” she faced her husband. “You wouldn’t know if Caroline and Chuks are alright, would you?”

  Alex hesitated. “Why?”

  “They are in your study making a hell of a noise.”

  Alex rolled his eyes and excused himself.

  “They are always fighting,” Chidima complained to Jumobi, as she took her hand and they began to walk towards the kitchen. “Why did they get married if they can’t handle their differences?” she sighed. “Marriage definitely can’t be a rose gala always.” She smiled at Jumobi. “That’s their problem. Honey, I have been dying to see you.”

  Jumobi giggled. “Just a phone call away. And don’t tell me the bills. Your husband is up to the task.”

  Chidima smiled. She pulled Jumobi into the kitchen and shut the door. She held her lower lips between her lips and sighed. “Guess what?”

  Jumobi waited. She weighed her friend’s mood. Then she laughed. She loved seeing her friend this happy. It gave her the joy that Alex was doing one thing right after one disastrous event in her life. She didn’t envy Chidima. She, Jumobi, couldn’t have it all. The division was fair and equal. “You are pregnant,” Jumobi said as she clapped. It just dawned on her. She jumped happily and embraced her friend. “Oh God this is good. We have waited enough.” She said, still laughing. Jumobi soon fell quiet when she noticed the excitement was on a one-way street.

  Chidima smiled wanly. She never could tell how Jumobi’s mind worked. “Sorry to disappoint you.”

  “Oh God,” Jumobi touched her forehead. “Forgive me. I didn’t mean…” she stopped.

  Chidima understood. “It’s okay. I’m just twenty-seven.” She shrugged and walked to the refrigerator. “At least the doctors keep saying the same thing,” she said as she opened the fridge. “We are okay. A child will come soon.”

  Jumobi felt bad. “I’ve spoilt the evening with my big mouth.”

  Chidima returned with a cake and set it down beside Jumobi. She laughed. “It’s okay really. I asked you to guess.”

  They were quiet. Jumobi looked at Chidima who was staring at the cake. She touched her friend on the shoulder and Chidima looked at her. “It’s not what it seems right?” Jumobi asked.

  Tears welled up in Chidima’s eyes, but she smiled. “Are we crazy? It’s my fifth wedding anniversary baby and I have a surprise for you.” She was already at the other end of the kitchen opening the oven. “There’s this guy I want you to meet.”

  Jumobi watched the activity. Could it be for over two years, they’ve been pushing their problems away? Because for that long, Jumobi has nursed the feeling that her friends weren’t having a good married life. And just now, Chidima didn’t answer her question. What was her friend talking about when she asked why Caroline and Chuks got married if they couldn’t handle their differences? Chidima and Alex were handling theirs.

  TWO

  Jumobi is perfect. Everything a woman should be. She is so full of life and all. A lady who understands the game of life and is determined not be a loser playing it.

  But I am going to make sure that she loses out of this. For this is my war!

  Jumobi is every guy’s dream girl. She has got all the qualifications with absolute distinctions. Her physical appearances just an unnecessary plus, because without it, her charisma remains and people would still love her.

  We grew up in the same neighbourhood. We were friends. The three of us were. I hated it. Jumobi was the apple of everyone’s eyes. That was fine, but I wanted her for me only. We didn’t need to be three friends. Just Jumobi and I were perfect. How did we become three from two and ended up as one from three, pushing Jumobi out; for I pushed her out.

  Our marriage is a façade. And she stood there as the chief bride’s maid even as she buried her dreams at the vows that we took five years ago.

  Before that happened, I used to indulge myself that Jumobi was mine and that I could win her back. But that was then. After the betrayal, all I got concerned about was putting them apart forever.

  If I couldn’t have Jumobi, he definitely wouldn’t.

  Jumobi had left Chidima alone in the kitchen. She was worried and they weren’t helping her. Why won’t any of them say anything to her? She should know why they weren’t happy. If Chidima won’t tell her, shouldn’t Alex? Didn’t he owe her that much?

  She took a drink and settled into a sofa by the window. From where she was, she could see everyone. It was only when she turned away to look out of the window that he stole up to her.

  “Need company?”

  Jumobi looked up. She smiled. “Hi.”

  He bent and kissed her on the cheek. “You are looking very pleasant.”

  “Thank you,” Jumobi tried to be relaxed with him. She tapped the space beside her and he sat down. “How’s life?”

  “Boring without you.”

  She sighed. “Bolaji please.”

  “Serious sweetheart. Why shouldn’t we be married when we love each other?”

  “Love is a big word,” she pointed out.

  “We had something good, darling. You know it,” Bolaji was being serious. “Then on the night I was going to propose, you panicked. We can’t go on anymore. Girl you almost ruined me. You just…”

  “Please!” Jumobi cut in. “Do we have to go back?”

  He hesitated. “I just don’t understand the cold feet you developed.”

  She sighed. “I never lied to you. I cared, I did. But marrying you for those feelings only wasn’t enough. We would have been through in two weeks.”

  He smiled. “There you go again,” he said laughing. “Anyway, forget I brought it up.”

  She smiled thankfully.

  He adjusted. “Let me tell you a truth …” he stopped and looked around. “Chidima was mad at me that I couldn’t marry you.”

  Jumobi frowned.

  He smiled. “She cares about you. She really wanted us to get married. But then,” he paused. “I was glad you ended it anyway.”

  Jumobi gave him an unbelievable look.

  “True,” he said. “When we eventually get married, it would be because of good intentions and love only and nobody’s effort, cause I really realised how attached I got to you.”

  Jumobi didn’t understand him. She was going to ask what he meant when he told her it was time they joined the others in cheering the celebrating couple.

  *****

  About an hour later, they were alone. An exhausted Chidima fell beside Jumobi and yawned. “What a day.”

  Alex came in from seeing off the last guest. From the doorway, his eyes caught Jumobi’s hand picking something out of Chidima’s hair. He shook his head. The women in his life. How did he get here? He only wished things had taken a different turn. They all could have been happier. Chidima wouldn’t have had any reason to make his life so miserable.

  He knew he could have prevented the misery of today they were all living in, if he had been strong enough then to tell the truth. They all would have gone their separate ways. He would have lost his woman, but that would have been better off than the life they were all living. Now here they were. Three friends. One couple. Two, knowing the secret that held the key to freedom for one. A freedom that comes with consequences.

  He sighed and cleared his throat. They both looked his way and he smiled at them. He was used to smiling in his bitter situation. He did better than the bevy of beauties who forced the smiles during a pageant.

  “You look jaded sweetheart,” his wife commented as she got up to meet him. She stood before him and kissed him lightly on the lips. How happy she feels when she does this. “Are you hungry? I know you’ve not had anything.”

  And she knew he wouldn’t refuse today either.

  Alex frowned. “Food?” he thought. “Just get me salad and chicken.”

  *****

  He sat down beside Jumobi after Chidima left for the kitchen. “Sorry about the evening.”

  She
turned to catch his eyes. “Why is that?”

  “Tell me you are comfortable and I will shut up,” he sighed. “I know you hate it when she does that,” he said. “I don’t understand why she always has to introduce you to guys. I mean, does she think you are not chic enough to get a guy for yourself if you want?” he hissed. “Maybe you should tell her you are traveling to PH tomorrow for a possible positive outcome.”

  Jumobi just stared at him as he relaxed and started to unbutton his shirt. “I never complained about the people she introduced me to.” She was sure she detected resentment in his voice earlier. “And she cares about me. She wants me to be happy,” she added gently.

  He chuckled. “Did you by chance tell her that you are not happy? That you are sad? What is making you sad? You don’t have the love of your life with you?”

  She opened her mouth. “What has come over you?” she asked him. He wasn’t usually this way. It was the first time in five years, after he aborted the decision and they never talked about his reason. “You guys have problems, don’t you?”

  He leaned back into the settee. “Did you really believe that this marriage would work? Be truthful.”

  She thought of it. “Considering the reason you got married, yes.”

  He was disappointed. “I knew you always thought that way. From the very first day we got married, it has been hell!”

  “Jesus!” she whispered.

  He smiled wanly. “Don’t think of it. It was my fault. We are used to living with it.”

  Jumobi was sure they definitely knew how to live with it. Five years of marriage and still counting. What she couldn’t understand was that she saw love in them always. So they always acted before everyone. Why? “You love her Alex.”

  Despite himself, he laughed. “You should know the answer to that.”

  Jumobi was despising the evening the more. “I remember the enthusiasm when you guys told me you were getting married.”

  “A one sided enthusiasm. And I remember your hidden confusion because you never saw it coming.”

  That caught Jumobi off guard.

  “I am sorry.”

  *****

  Chidima returned with a tray that she handed over to her husband. She sat opposite them and looked from one to the other, wondering what they’ve been talking about that made Jumobi to be staring at her hands that lay idle on her thighs, like a timid schoolgirl. She hated to see them together, but she couldn’t help it. Alex and Jumobi spent more time together at the office than she and Alex spend in their home. Her biggest problem was Jumobi. She knows what Alex wants. She knows what she wants, but Jumobi’s desires were unknown and the unknown was scary.