Chapter 6: Chapter 6

Chapter Six

“ I hope you enjoyed yourself?” Tony asked as the cab driver sped towards the University of Brass city. “Yes I am! Brass is such a fine and peaceful city”, Imara said. “Yes that’s why it’s called Canaan City,” Tony said. “How long have you been here?” She asked. “Six months and l’m enjoying every bit of it do you know the meaning of Brass? Tony asked. “Is there any other meaning”? Imara fired back. “Yes, “Tony said. Okay go ahead and tell me Mr. Brass,” Imara replied. “Simply it means become rich and successful,” Tony said. “My God so fantastic but it has a soft and sleepy feeling”. “That’s just what Brass City is all about enjoyment all the way.” “Whose statue is this?” Imara asked as the cab negotiated the roundabout near the market. “Oh one of their late first class kings,” Tony said. “Let’s eat outside,” he suggested. Imara agreed “another surprise?” She asked delightfully. “You bet l’m full of surprises.” The cab deposited them in front of the famous Pelga restaurant where they had a deliciously prepared meal consisting of vegetable soup popularly known as Edikang-Ikong laced with dried fish and other condiments and served with pounded yam. Imara enjoyed the meal tremendously. This is the real world, she thought to herself. For the first time in her life she could drink whatever she wanted, thus she had her first two bottles of small stout. When it was time to leave, Tony had to contend with an already tipsy Imara but he managed her well though with the assistance of the proprietress of the restaurant madam Agata Okings who assisted in getting them a cab. Imara slept all the way to the hotel, only waking up when the taxi cab pulled up in front of the Penon hotel. Tony gently guided Imara into the lift all the way to the tenth floor and straight to bed. He didn’t bother to undress her; on his part Tony had a shower before turning in for the night. When Imara woke up the following morning, Tony was nowhere to be found. “Tony, Tony” where are you?” she called out searching all the likely places. Then it dawned on her that Tony had gone to work and she calmed down.

After a warm shower and a hearty breakfast, Imara spent the day watching films from movie magic she had to make do with watching films during the day and having dinner with Tony in the evening and retiring to bed for the day. Being a bank worker, Tony would return dead tired thus Imara had to put up with this routine till the weekend. Tony was full of apologies and promised to make it up to her. “No problem, I understand” she had said. The week moved on and soon it was Friday and surprisingly Tony returned early. “You’re early today,” Imara observed excitedly,” yes, I came to be with my Princess,” Tony said kissing her on the mouth. Imara’s heart missed a beat at what could follow next. “Go and have a shower we are going out for dinner,” he said suddenly disengaging. “Alright” she said, “how was work today?” “Oh fine! Most of the time l was thinking about you,” Tony said. They dined at Pelga’s Imara savoured the big plate of fresh fish that was placed before her and washed it down with a bottle of malt …” Drink some more malt”, Tony urged. “No thanks” Imara declined patting her stomach. “Alright,” he said, “as soon as l’m through we’ll leave.” Imara smiled, “sweetheart l enjoyed myself to the hilt,” she said. Back in their room, Tony took her in his arms and began kissing her passionately. Initially she responded mechanically believing that it would be like other times. But he did not stop then he began to undress her with both of them naked, Tony put his mouth on a nipple and sucked it, causing Imara to give out a cry of pleasure. Then came the moment Imara had been waiting for as Tony did not believe his ears, he paused “Did l hear you well”? he asked. “You mean my princess is…” “a virgin,” Imara finished for him. “Oh l love you with all my heart, Tony said making Imara to smile shyly. “A virgin in this century and age?” he remarked in wonder. Once again he resumed the foreplay with Imara responding passionately.”I will be gentle with you”, Tony promised as he parted her legs again, slowly and gently, Tony initiated Imara into womanhood in his suite at the Penon castle hotel. They made love again on Saturday morning with Imara giving herself freely to Tony without any inhibitions. After all she was now a woman.

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Imara’s absence was noticed on the Saturday she ran away to brass city. Miss Onari’s initial attempt to get information out of Klara proved abortive. Getting back Miss Onari went to see the Matron of the Teenage Reform Girls Centre. “Matron, Imara is missing,” Miss Onari announced “What do you mean by that? Is this some sort of joke or what? “Matron asked. “Sit down and let me hear your story.” “After the game…” Miss Onari began as she took her seat, “when the group came to meet me as usual I discovered Imara was conspicuously missing and all my efforts to get to the bottom of the matter proved abortive as all the girls said they had not seen her..” “Not even Klara?” Matron interrupted.” She’s even worse all my efforts to make her talk proved abortive!” Miss Onari replied in fact all she could tell me was that Imara had said she was going to the toilet and that was the last time she saw her.” Both women were silent for awhile apparently, pondering on the issue at hand. “Call Klara right away” Matron said furiously, “what does she mean that was the last time she saw her. Are they not friends? She cannot say she is not aware of her plans to run away,” Matron said angrily as Miss Onari disappeared to fetch Klara. “children of nowadays, they will never stop getting into mischief”, matron observed sadly if not why would Imara behave in this manner. A few minutes later Miss Onari appeared with Klara in tow.”Good evening Ma,” Klara greeted as she entered the office. “Yes, you l learnt Imara has disappeared and you don’t want to reveal her where about?” Matron asked aggressively. “I got to know after the game when I did not see her”, Klara replied cautiously. “She just told me she was going to ease herself and that was all”. “Shut-up”, Matron roared like a drill sergeant. “To the toilet, are you foolish do you think you are talking to little children or morons?” Matron charged in annoyance banging her hand on the table. “No ma, ehmmm, l .. l .. l No,” Klara stammered. “ehmm what talk before l descend on you now,” Matron said getting up from her chair and approaching in a menacing manner, while Miss Onari rushed to block the door to ensure Klara did not escape. This was not necessary because Klara did not intend to run either. “No, Ma she told me before now that she hoped she could leave this place for Pool city. I asked her why and she said she had met a relative of hers in the city the last time she was there,” Klara replied trembling. “What? And you did not inform me or any other staff of her plan?” Matron charged at her. “Sorry ma, l thought she was just day dreaming, honestly, l thought she was just joking,” Klara replied moving backwards. “Shut up, you daft, she was just joking are you telling me you were not a party to Imara’s escape? Now give me the address of that relative of hers” Matron demanded. “Sincerely ma, she kept it all a secret from me l swear,” Klara lied faking tears from her eyes. “Will you stop shedding those crocodile tears,” Miss Onari said. Matron ignored both of them” this is serious girls of nowadays l thought she had changed. I never knew she was really planning her way out,” Matron said moving back to her chair. “Well, if that’s the way she wants to live her life, that’s her business l will not kill myself because of one stupid, irresponsible and wayward girl who feels she knows all about life and wants to be left alone to enjoy her life, let her go to wherever she wants to for all l care,” Matron concluded. “To think that Imara deceived me into believing that she had changed,” Miss Onari said. “Well that is it. Tomorrow we shall inform the police”, Matron added. “You may go but be sure you’ve not heard the last of this matter”. “Please ma, l don’t know anything about Imara’s plans to run away nor her where about,” Klara protested.” Just get out of here, bloody liar,” Miss Onari ordered. ‘foolish women” Klara said the moment she was out of hearing distance. Nothing will make me change my story she vowed. Thank God my dear friend is right now in Brass city enjoying herself in the real world. I can hardly wait to get out of this hell hole and join her, in fact l wish l had listened and gone with her it would have been a different story now, and Klara sighed in regret. While all the commotion went on back at the centre in Kondu city and with the police combing Pool city with her description. Imara sat happily beside her darling in the ferry as it sped along the high seas on its way to creek town. first they had visited the industrial complex, then Tinapa business centre before embarking on the cruise to creek town. Imara was in her elements and highly excited, she looked all around as they sped on. She cast a look at herself again at her beautiful long legs. She was having a fantastic time! The recurring dream she had had for so long of life in the real world in the latest dress and out with a smart, ambitious young man like Tony was now a reality. To hell with the Matron, Miss Onari and the reform centre how she wished Klara was here with her to savour the sights and sounds of Brass otherwise known as Canaan City. Time was passing on eagle wings… Beside her,, sat Tony who was also enjoying the trip and the sea breeze, clutching tightly to his wallet.” I can’t afford to take chances else we would be stranded,” he said to her. “A lot of pick pockets on this ferries, my friend warned me to be careful.” At the Anansa jetty they got off the ferry and hand in hand hopped out into the narrow streets of creek town. “I don’t know anything about this place it’s my first time of coming this way,” Tony informed her. Imara laughed thrilled at the entire adventure. “We will just pretend as if we know our way”, Imara said. “Okay! But remember we must be at the jetty by six o’clock to catch the last ferry back to Brass city, “Tony said”. “Oh l love it here can’t we stay the night?” Imara pleaded. “Not this time sweetie pie, l’ll make it up to you some other time,” he promised. “Okay”. They moved on, their first stop was a dimly lit beer parlour where crowds of people of all ages sat about listening to makossa music blaring from two giant loud speakers. Imara could hardly contain herself, her head spun it was all so exciting. The waiter came over to take their orders. “What’ll it be sir?” the waiter asked. “please go ahead place your order,” Tony told Imara. “I’ll have a malt” , she said. “Bring two small stout and two parts of roasted chicken,” Tony said. The waiter moved on leaving Tony and Imara to themselves.“I hope you’re conscious of the time?” She asked. “Certainly right now we still have two hours before our ferry departs”. While waiting to be served, Imara feasted her eyes and watched the vendors and the market women go to and fro the narrow streets. Suddenly Tony sighted a man selling ornamental earrings, “Aren’t they lovely for a princess like you?” he said attracting Imara’s attention to them. “Oh Tony they certainly are”, she replied. Tony beckoned on the vendor who joined them, and removed a small envelope from his rack and pushed it to Imara. Tony brought out two crisp one hundred naira notes and paid the man and he moved on. Imara sipped her drink and tapped her feet to the rhythm of the music.”Time up,” Tony announced suddenly.”Ah ah so soon” She queried “Yes dear we don’t want to miss the ferry”. Finishing her drink just like Tony they both began to walk back to the jetty to wait for the arrival of the six o’clock ferry to Brass city.

Imara was completely transformed and was never herself again after these lovely encounters with Tony Farouk. Over the years her countenance had changed completely, the staff of the Penon castle hotel noticed the liveliness and gait in the way she related with them. Imara on the other hand was at peace with herself and although the beautiful and lively environment of the hotel couple with Tony’s hectic work schedule kept her indoors most of the time but in her heart she was free. She felt as light and moved as if on springs and was obliging and pleasant to all who came her way and most times while cooped up in their suite the words that came from her heart while watching a romantic movie were “I love you Tony, l love you my dearest Tony, my handsome baby boy, imami” she smiled at her usage of the local vocabulary. She had been learning gradually and knew that imami meant my love in the local parlance. Time had moved fast indeed, eighteen months after she ran away from the reform girl’s centre in Kondu city life with Tony had been like a bed of roses as she had enjoyed herself in Brass. She had been content with playing the bride from being taken out for sightseeing trips, shopping in the most expensive boutiques in Brass, eating in expensive restaurants to nights of passionate love making. Imara had adjusted very fast to the sophisticated life that was demanded from consorting with a professional like Tony and his bevy of friends. However, one Saturday evening while dressing for an outing with Tony, Imara suddenly blacked out and fell. By the time she regained consciousness she was in the hospital and Tony was standing by her bed like a guard. “Honey, what happened?” Imara asked trying to seat up “Imami”, Tony called out to her smiling. “Are you okay now?” he asked. “I’m fine, l don’t know how it happened l just felt dizzy and..” “Don’t worry, it’s alright,” Tony assured. “you’re in good hands and it’s one of those things” “What things?” She demanded. “Please tell me l can’t stand the suspense.” “Relax,” Tony smiled at her. “These are things that happen to expectant mothers,” he said. “Expectant what “Imara asked alarmed knowing the implication of Tony’s statement. “Are you saying l’m pregnant?” “Yes, you’re! Imami we never used any protection throughout our stay but it’s alright my darling that means l’m going to become a father. “On stabilizing, Imara was discharged, on Sunday morning. Throughout the drive back to their hotel room, Imara was quiet and pensive. “Why are you so quiet? You’re not happy you’re pregnant for me?” Tony demanded.” Not that, but you never asked me to give a child or marry you”, Imara stated. “And l don’t want you to feel I trapped you by this pregnancy. It’s all my fault, l’ve been so stupid carrying on like that without any form of protection,” she lamented. “What makes you think it’s your fault or that you were stupid? Please l’ve had enough of your lamentations, “he paused”. Come to think of it after all this years don’t you think it’s time we thought of having one? “Tony questioned.” You mean it’s okay by you?” Imara inquired. “Why not, l’m happy over this little fellow that’s growing in here,” he said touching her belly. “Whoa – o, this is good news for me,” Imara blurted out in excitement. “Thank you darling.” “For what?” Tony interrupted. “For accepting the pregnancy, I am really looking forward to having this baby and to live with you as your wife,” Imara finished “Easy! Not so fast,” Tony said, “one thing at a time. This calls for celebration, so we’ll drop in my favourite joint for a couple of drinks to celebrate our baby before proceeding to the hotel. Agreed?” “Agreed,” Imara replied. Tony made a detour and drove on towards, the joint which was almost empty thus allowing Imara and Tony sufficient privacy to enjoy themselves. “This is to Tony junior,” Imara said raising her glass. “Or princess Imara the second , “Tony added. With the celebrations over they left the joint to return to their suite at the Penon Castle Hotel. As they disappeared into their suite, Imara stripped completely and ran into the shower, and was there enjoying the impact of the water on her body whey Tony joined her in the shower. She could feel his muscular body and especially his probing manhood. Imara grabbed it and began stroking gently while Tony groaned, when he could take it no longer, he pulled her closer as they made passionate love in the shower, before transferring to the bedroom to continue with their love making. After what seemed like hours Imara was the first to climax followed by Tony they both remained on the bed stark naked, panting and looking at the ceiling