Yo,
I can't even lie anymore, I miss him. I mean he's all I can think of. Sigh.
Love would wear you out if you
force it, I can't do it anymore.
"I
don't know what to say" Alexa said cool
"Do you even care about us at all?" Mark
said angrily
"What
do you want me to say?" She paused her typing and stared blankly at her
husband, hoping he'd give her a clue,
"You
know what?" He said and stood up "we need space" he continued before
leaving.
Sigh. So because he's more
expressive than I am, I don't love him? Has he ever thought of the slightest
possibility that maybe I actually don't know what to say, the man just told me
he wanted custody of his child from his ex-wife; what am I to say? No and I become
the not so supportive wife and if I say Yes then my future child would have to
grow up as second favorite. Sigh. It's not that simple, thus I don't
know what to say.
Her phone rang "Hello" she answered
"I'd be there in 5" she said and stared into nothingness, sighing "I really do
need space" she said.
××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××
"Arrghhhhhhhhhhhhh" "I shouldn't
have done that" Mark said, covering his face on regret "I'd have to make it up"
he made up his mind and wore the suit his wife had picked specially for
tonight, "she always shows interest in every business of mine and I open my big
mouth to say she doesn't care?" he sighed, picking up his phone he ordered
flowers.
Friday night
"These
people are rich" Neche thought to herself, acting like finding Alexa wasn't her
main goal, "wine?" Ibrahim asked and she nodded.
"Neche" A voice called out and she turned,
staring at an unfamiliar face
"oh
of course we haven't met yet" Mark stretched out his hand for a shake but
was met with an even confused face "I'm mark, Alexa's Husband" he continued and
was met with a surprised face
"wow" Neche said, she was amazed, This
man was the Novel definition of a Charming Prince, why would Ibrahim ever think
he still have a chance "oh I'm sorry" she apologized not even knowing why
"you know me?" she asked as she leaned in for a hug and inhaled his expensive
perfume, this man was fire.
"Hi Mark" Ibrahim was back with two
glass of wine "Alexa?" he asked, if he tried to hide the affection in his voice
he didn't succeed
"I knew you'd ask" Neche said
gritting her teeth as she collected a glass from Ibrahim
"long
day for her at the lab" Mark responded with a smile, knowing unlike Neche,
he had never seen any man as a threat to his marriage, he loved his wife and he
knew she loved him too "oh she's not coming" he added before leaving the couple
"Look
before you say anything" Ibrahim raised his hand to signal her to hold her
2 cent "this past few months has been heavy on me" he continued, Neche
opened her mouth to speak but he shushed her "And I want you to know that me
ending things with you is not because of Alexa or you" he paused "its me, so
yeah I'm out" he said and walked out, leaving Neche's words hanging on the
air. I don't need to be manipulated or gas lighted into staying, devil today
is not your day.
×××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××
Here's
to our marriage, The good, the ugly, for we know where true love speaks we both
stand. Cheers!
I've seen the way Ibrahim looks and talks
to Alexa, what I don't get is if my wife doesn't see it.
5
years ago, no wait let's make it a few months before 5 years.
"Guy, it's years after your divorce why
haven't you moved on?"
"Yo
ola I've moved on, I don't know what you're talking about" Mark defended,
taking a sip from his glass. "I just don't know if the right thing to do is let
my child grow up with her mother or set off to war for custody" he continued,
signaling a bar attender "I need something strong" he mouthed
"Bro, the child is barely yours, why are
you stressing it?" seeing that mark's countenance has changed "Alright sorry,
my bad, my bad" he apologized, raising both hands as a sign of surrender.
Mark had agreed to an IVF with donor sperm,
so technically the child was his but biology says otherwise. The child has his
last name and documents to prove his paternity but he still wasn't sure if
custody was just an excuse to get back with his ex, he really hasn't moved on.
"I don't mean to call you off your
thoughts but there's a pretty damsel in distress" ola said, pointing
towards a table "Be a gentleman and save the dat" he continued
The
lady looked like she didn't want the company of the man who was trying to
coerce her into having one.
"I just said I'm waiting for someone, and
no I don't need you keeping me company" he said loudly
Mark
dropped his glass and head their way
"Babe?" he called out "in sorry for keeping
you waiting, traffic and all" he slid into the seat beside the lady and
was met by confused stares "Awfar bros, this table is reserved" he
continued, this time facing the stupid man who was staringat the lady
ready to pounce on her. Yes because tell me why a lady will tell you to
leave her alone and you'd be asking her if she knows who you her, whether we
should call igwe for you so he'd give you crown to wear. Not me pouring my
thoughts into this. Sigh.
"Or should I call security?" Mark feigned
a chuckle, as if reading his mind his security details came
"sir is everything alright over here?"
they asked
The
man shook his head, biting his lower lips he left. The damsel watched in
silence until the man was out the door and the security followed.
"Men!"
she said, staring at mark with a blank expression "Why do men think women are
weak creatures that need rescuing" she asked, her eyes still fixed on mark who
was still staring at the door
"You're welcome" he said and stood up.
Alexa bit her lips in regret
"Wait" she said, not even knowing when
her hands held his "I'm sorry" she released him so fast one would think he
was electricity. Mark turned his head towards his table "For fugg sake man,
Ola!" he said to himself seeing that his friend has left
"Join me for a drink" she said, "Did Ola
just set me up?" he thought to himself
"Sure"
he said, sliding back into his chair "I thought you said you were expecting
someone" he added, wondering if she too was part of ola's scheme
"Yes
I am" she answered "A friend actually" feeling a need to explain herself,
"oh he's here" she said as the door slid open and then close and a guy
headed towards them
"Sorry
I'm late" the guy said and sat opposite them. Something about this felt
strange, it felt perfect; the way he felt each time he stole a glance at the
lady, the way she smiled, the feeling in his belly when she held his hand even
though it was for some seconds, she is perfect.
"we didn't get to the introduction
part" she said, mark moved his glance from the other guy to the lady
wondering how they could stay just friends, and why he believed "you're
in science?" he asked as his gaze landed on her lab coat which hanged messily
on her bag
"yes" she smiled "A licensed Medical
Laboratory Scientist" she boasted
Beep,
beep
The
other guy excused himself to go make a call
And that was it, the beginning of
Alexa and Mark's love story
Present
time
Friday night
Mark's
POV:
Ibrahim
had that look he always have when he asked about my wife. I wonder if he can't
see that while he's busy drooling over her, she would never leave me for him. I
noticed he had left Neche's side but why's he still here, does he think Alexa
would really show up. Everyone's attention shifted to the entrance and I just
had heart!
"My whole heart!" "if she took the position of
the sub I doubt earth would notice, damn!"
Alexa strolled in with her chin held up
high as if she hadn't spent hours forcing herself to stop crying so she can put
on her make up. The main reason she chose to marry Mark apart from the
butterfly he gives was because she thought he promised stability, a type of
love she wouldn't have to fight for or outgrow. She had spent months learning
about stocks, shares, the business of oil and gas just so that her husband
would always feel safe and confident enough to discuss everything with her. She
had even learnt to never complain about his business trips as long as he shared
his experiences. She had turned to a totally different person for him and now
he wants to bring in a child that is barely even his. She had made up her mind
not to accept.
Alexa noticed Ibrahim but was too angry
to even think of speaking to him. Who did he think he was, that he'd push her
away and expect she'd still coming running to him. As what? Someone who loves
one sided ships? She changed her mind about coming because of a man and instead
chose to come because of herself, she even changed her outfit last minute.
As
she walked towards her table in all her glory, Neche caught up with her "I've
waited 5 good months to do this" she said and emptied her glass of wine on
Alexa, Ibrahim and Mark sprinted to their direction, Alexa was in shock, her
mouth was ajar and before Neche could even make a word, a slap followed and it
was on her already red cheek, the ohs and ahs that followed was enough to call
the attention of all guest towards the scene
"No one lays hands on my girl and expect
to go scot free" Alexa had called her best friend after mark had claimed
they needed space, what Alexa didn't expect was for Rose to book the next
flight to see her, Rose eyes was still fixed to Neche's slap turned face
waiting for another reason to give her another slap. Ibrahim caught up with the
ladies
"Are you okay?" He asked, Neche raised her
head only to see who the question was directed to of course he'd run to
Alexa, who am I even kidding. He's probably going to call me insane afterwards.
"I'd
take care of her" Mark said to rose who was holding onto Alexa with all
her might, like a mother hen protecting her chicks
"It's okay, I'm okay" Alexa promised
with a smile before rose slowly reached her. Ibrahim tried to follow the couple
but rose gave him a warning look and he knew better than to dare, embarrassed,
he dragged Neche by the wrist and led her out. Atleast he still cares enough
to see that I get out of here alive. I'm stupid. Why did he have to break up
with me today of all days. I'm fucked for sure!
Alexa's
POV
"you aren't going to
press charges are you?" I had to ask, I could literally feel his pulse by just
his hands on my wrist, he was gritting his teeth too, something he only does
when he's too angry to react, I bet he regrets not being by my side when it happened
"Mark!" I called out, I don't know where's
taking me to and like a loyal dog, I'm following, "its just wine stain on a red
dress and black wig" I continue to press, touching the spots but still he
doesn't respond
"well, its not my fault my very wonderful
husband thought the wisest thing to do is give his wife space" I whined and
stumbled into his chest, he had stopped walking and I was too busy talking to
notice he was now facing me
"whhh....what?"
I stuttered, daring to lock eyes with him "don't you dare kiss your way out of
this" even before I finish making the statement, he did just that
"I'm
sorry" he apologized when he pulled his lips from mine "for being a child
and not listening to your silence" he continued, little does he know I was
barely listening, I just wanted him to kiss me again and again, now my face was
the color of my dress, blushing red!
"And I don't have any court business"
he paused, holding my hands and putting it on his chest, such a romantic, "I
won't push for custody"
"Wait
what?" I interjected
"She's
happy with her family and I want to start a new one with you, will you forgive
me?" he left me speechless, there's no way the right word for this moment has
been discovered yet.
"please"
he said and all I could do was just nod and no scratch that, I went in for a
kiss. I love my man.
"so you reported me to Rose" he grinned as
I released him or he released me, at this point I don't know who was holding
who
"I'm
safe right?" he continued, holding onto his chest like he was stopping a heart
attack, trying to imitate being scared for his life and I just had to laughed
"Its
okay Big guy, I forgive you" I chuckled and we held eachother, ofcourse we
just had to kiss again
Mehn,
I do love Mark.
************************************************
If
I told you of the one secret I hide, would you still love me the same?
Familiarity
ko, Familiarity nii. I'm gonna prove I'm the one she loves even if it means
knocking Mark off.
Present
time; Friday night
Neche's
POV:
"There are a million ways to embarrass me,
you just chose to be stupid while you're at it?" Ibrahim started to say
And of course I pull out the only card I have
right now; the crying girlfriend, no i mean now ex-girlfriend, bowing my head
down I fix my eyes on the black heels he got for me. In the thousand ways I had
imagined this night, no one prepared me for the fact he'd break up with me, or
that I'd lose myself or even get slapped but it all happened.
"Are you happy now?" he asked "Are you
satisfied that you've managed to ruin me?" he continued "Getting fired is the
least that's going to happen" he paused.
Even
with my head down, I could still see the smoke coming out from his head, I
waited for him to continue but still just flaming silence I could feel his eyes
burning through me for my response, I just hope he's not waiting for an apology
I would rather he beat it out of me.
"I should get going" I whispered in between
tears as I tried walking away, he grabbed firm onto my elbow, I gasped
"where do you think you're going?" he
pulled me back roughly "I'm talking to you" his tone was heavier, I looked at
him with glassy eyes
"I don't have anything to say" I
tattle, trying to shake his hold off me
"God!"
"you make me want to vomit!!" he shouted as he pushed me away
Ibrahim moved towards the mini bar and all I
could see was a seven head dragon, he picked up a bottle of wine and smashed it
on the wall
If
I don't leave now, I'm pretty sure the next bottle would be on my head, I
headed for the door
"The next time I see you" he called out and I stopped to listen "I
promise it'd be the last time!" he caught up with me and dragged me out of the
house.
The
worst day of my life? The day I met Ibrahim and everyday that followed. He
wasn't angry because I doused wine on Alexa he was angry because she chose to
follow Mark and not give him a second look, he was jealous because he saw for
himself that he was just a friend to a married woman. And I'm just so
unfortunate to be on the receiving end of the anger. Let's act like I
know what I'm typing because I actually don't
××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××
5
years ago
Ibrahim stared confused as he watched Alexa
walk into the mall, as flashes of their conversation echoed in his head him
being her homeboy, them being just friends, things looking very serious with
mark
"what does that even mean?" he thought to
himself
Beep,
Beep, his phone chimed and called him back to really, it was
a text from an unsaved number
Hi,
it's Mark, I'm throwing a surprise party
for Alexa tomorrow, gathering her friends so I'm hoping you'd be there.
"why
would he be throwing a surprise party for Alexa?" Ibrahim stared at the text
"And what's happening tomorrow?" he wondered for a while
Sure
He finally typed, telling himself
he'd only know if he goes
Ibrahim's
POV:
Nothing prepared me for this, the room was
filled with familiar faces, some of Mark's colleagues and probably friends,
some scientist I've seen before in Alexa's lab, even Rose was here, today isn't
Alexa birthday so why else are we all gathered in a boat, no scratch that a
yacht and this can only mean one thing the bastard is planning on
proposing I can't wait to see his bubble burst.
As if on queue, Mark and Alexa walked in,
and the whole room as rehearsed shouted Surprise!!!!
"wow" Alexa said, she looked flushed as
she tried to capture the whole thing with her beautiful eye balls
And just then, the bastard went down on one
knee, Alexa who had tears in her eyes still soaking in the scenery with one
hand wrapped around her mouth
"You betrayer!" she mouthed to Rose's
direction and the whole room laughed back
as they angled their camera to the ignored man on his knee
"Alexa?"
He finally spoke out, and then the background music started pouring in with Adekunle
Gold's song Believe, Alexa turned her gaze to the voice and let out
a loud scream
Why the fuck is everybody smiling and
shouting awwwwn? There's nothing romantic about this.
I'd
take it from here, thank you Ibrahim
"Alexa
Temitope...." Mark began but her mind trailed off into flashes of how they had
just met 3 months ago and all the memories they've created in that little time,
the butterfly he always made her feel, the security and stability he comes
with, she still couldn't believe he was proposing
"Yes, yes I'll marry you" she cut him off
during his speech and the smiling room started laughing, everybody except
Ibrahim who looked more shocked than anyone could ever been.
As
if on cue, the background sound got louder
Can't believe you're mine
.........
Now
I know I can fly
....Just
the two of us, we can make it if we try!
××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××
Present
time
Beep,
beep, Alexa taped on the text
Hi
(Silence),
she
sighed thinking of the best response after Friday night, when another text pop
in
Next
month's your wedding Anniversary
And? She typed, wondering where he was
going with this
I
could remind you what also happened on the night before your wedding (smiling
emoji)
What?
She
asked, trying to keep the conversation as neutral as possible, hoping he'd give
up
Are
you kidding me?
"Typical
Ibrahim" she said to herself What happened Ibrahim? She pressed
on, acting as innocent as she could
We
had sex
Wtf?
Are you out of your mind she sent it even before
she read what she wrote
So
when are you free to meet?
Ibrahim,
what we had was a mistake, a rushed one, so get over it,
she began to delete all their text
Then
you leave me no choice, he texted again
Beep,
beep, this time it was not her phone, her husband's phone
chimed beside her, opening it she saw a voice note of that night
"Fuck!"
she panicked
"Babe
are you coming or not?" Mark shouted from what sounded like the bathroom
"I'm
coming" she responded as she feigned a chuckle, removing the sim from his
phone, she deleted the message too and blocked the number from hers.
Joining her husband she kissed him"I'm never gonna lose
you, ever" she confessed.