Chapter 5: Chapter 5
It was late in the evening; the sky had metamorphosed into shades of dark covering, throwing the neighbourhood into a dark enclave. The weather was tense, with a strong wind blowing across the atmosphere like it would rain.
The curtains in Paulas living room fluttered at the mercy of the wind. The furnishing of the room was simple and with a touch of nature. Portraits of waterfalls, Zuma Rock, Obudu Ranch and ivories adorned the walls of the living room. A potable aquarium pond was positioned close to the electrical gadgets. There were three pieces of furniture sets and a dining table. And also by the aquarium was a beautiful portrait of Paula in her graduation gown. The apartment, a two bedroom flat was indeed befitting for a woman of Paulas class.
She walked into the living room in her night gown. She drank from the glass in her hand and sat on the sofa, meditating. Her countenance held a strong evidence of a depression triggered by her loss of job. Now without a job, she wouldn't go anywhere on a week day; no early to rise to prepare for work, and no boss to tell her what to do and what not to do. She was her own boss, a woman of herself. She thought about her affair with the so-called Chief Morris Albert. The influx of the evening breeze into the room sent her down memory lane
Paula walked through the hotel passage. She checked on the numbers on each door to be sure she had not missed her way. Finding a door tagged 'room one-twenty-two', she paused and knocked. She waited until the door opened and a man stuck his head out.
Good day, chief. Walking into the room, she threw her file on the strangers bed.
Excuse me, he said, "how may I be of help to you?
I am Paula, the bank representative. She emptied the glass of wine she found on the table. You are Chief Morris Albert
She recounted her action on that day over and over, and discovered her mistakes. She wondered how she had walked into a stranger's lodge and behaved the way she did. She wondered where the boldness came from. She felt she was partly to be blamed for her conduct on that day.
The breeze blew stronger as it started to rain. Lightning flashed at intervals across the window shield. The flashes were occasioned with the roaring of thunder...
Paula, you screwed up big time," she said to herself, "and you know it. No wonder the damn man was nervous all through, and I never suspected it. Paula, where did you leave your number six?
Her mind wandered again to the conversation she'd had with him during the affair
Chief, I am surprised, Paula said.
Surprised about what? He asked.
I was expecting an old man with grey patches on his hair, not a handsome young man like you
"
Paula broke into a chuckle at that episode. Everything was glaring for me to decode. I just turned a blind eye to it. That man was a fake.. Now I have to pay the price for my negligence.
Theo was at the bar drinking and chuckling as his affair with Paula crossed his mind.
Theono, Chief Morris Herbert, you screwed up big time. That was the craziest thing I ever did in my life. He emptied his bottle and looked around for the bartender. He gestured at the young man who had just finished attending to another customer. Barman, get me another bottle, please.
The bartender brought his order to his table.
What is my bill? Theo asked.
One thousand five hundred, sir, the bartender said.
Theo brought out his wallet, pulled out a few naira notes, counted them and gave them to the bartender. You can keep the change.
The young man thanked Theo before walking away.
Paula shut her doors and windows as the breeze sent the rain darting into the apartment. She got soaked up while trying to lock up, thus she changed into her towel and walked into the bathroom to shower. She was yet to get over the incident at the lodge. The water trickled down her body as she turned the tap.
Chief Morris Herbert. Who is this man? I promised to get back at him if the worst happened. Now it has happened. What am I going to do to him? Kill him? Do I have the boldness? Whichever way, he has to pay. He gave me a cheque of two hundred and fifty thousand which I tore into two. Now that I am out of job, I have to claim that money.
Done showering, she stepped out of the bathroom and walked to her cosmetics desk. She sat there in retrospection of her second visit to the lodge
Paula was as furious as a wounded lion as she walked down to the clients lodge. She burst into the room without knocking.
How dare you tell my boss I never came?
I am sorry. I never saw your boss. I have no idea who he is.
God! What should I believe?
Are you not Chief Albert Morris?
I am sorry, I deceived you
"
The rain had intensified, causing cold. Paula gave up her mind probing and went under her bedcover. Before then, she had made sure to shut the window curtains and turn off the light. The room was completely dim. The sound of the rain could be heard faintly, with flashes of lightning illuminating the room at intervals. Cuddling her pillow, she twisted and turned in bed until she found sleep.
The rain that had fallen at night flooded some parts of the road. The atmosphere outside was quite calm and chilling and the sun was yet to emerge from the hazy clouds. Theo had just finished having a hot shower. He did not bother to take a walk like he did every morning because it was cold. While he dried his body with a towel, his thoughts settled on Paula.
Chief, you stand a huge chance of enjoying a benefit of 20% interest if you invest as much as 200 million in my bank.
200million! Where am I going to get that from?
Come on chief, you are worth a billion."
Theo walked to a seat and crossed his legs. He had not gotten over his encounter with Paula.
I should have told her the truth," he said. "That would have saved her all the embarrassment. My running away from home is causing me more problems than I envisaged."
His telephone rang. He answered the call. Hello.
It was the hotel service staff calling to inform him breakfast was ready. He asked her to bring the breakfast over to his lodge. His cell phone rang as soon as he hung up the telephone.
He answered the call. Hello, Paula.
He'd least expected a call, from her and was a little shocked.
Paula was seated in her living room at the time of the call. Her crossed legs rested on the edge of her stool, and she partially leaned her back against the sofa.
Its me, she said, smiling. I have called to inform you I have finally lost my job.
I amam sorry, Theo's voice broke. He quickly stood up from his seated position like he was about to be apprehended for a crime. Could you please come over so we can talk?
Paula wordlessly ended the call as Alice walked in.
Who is it you are talking to? Alice asked.
Chief Herbert, the same man who made me to lose my job.
What are you talking about?
He asked me to come over to his lodge.
Alice sat down beside Paula. Dont tell me you are going to see that man.
I just have to, Alice.
Pal, you must be careful with this man. He has caused you enough trouble.
I want to make sure I give him the embarrassment of his lifethe one he will live to remember.
You know you have been confronted with strings of misfortunes lately. Remember what happened between you and Thomas, and now your job.
Alice, please dont remind me of my failed relationship or my job. She frowned but soon gave out a smile; a smile that brought back memories of past satisfactions and dissatisfactions.
Nkiru drove to a halt at the bank premises and hopped out of her car. The past four weeks of Theos sudden disappearance had brought her ill-health. She was not sure which ailment to treat; malaria or emotional trauma. She was broke and needed to withdraw some money for medication. She walked into the banking hall, and straight to the teller. She tendered her cheque demanding a particular sum from her account.
Sorry madam," the teller said, "your account is closed.
How do you mean? Nkiru was embarrassed. I need to withdraw money from my account.
Sorry madam, there is nothing I can do.
Nkiru was deeply frustrated. Okay, I need an explanation for this. Is there anybody I can see to tell me what has happened to my account?
Please, have patience; let me call the attention of my manager.
Please, do. Nkiru waited patiently for the young lady.
After Nkiru left the bank, she tried to withdraw from her accounts in other banks, but it was the same story. She discovered it was the handwork of her husband.
So it has come to this, Theo? Closing the family's accounts? She had depended on the family's accounts for other uses because she was paying a mortgage with her salary account. She had bought a house for her parents with a loan she obtained from the mortgage bank. The new development was indeed devastating for her.
Nkirus car was parked in her parents compound during the weekend. She had called home to inform them about the latest development. She sat in a meeting with them in the living room.
My daughter, I hope all is well seeing you again within the space of two weeks? her father asked.
Daughter, you should be careful how you ply the highway," her mother cautioned. "It is too dangerous for your condition.
All is not well," Nkiru said, "and the worst has happened. Theo has closed all our accounts. I cant withdraw money from any bank.
Has he returned from his disappearance? her mother asked.
No, I discovered it myself when I went to the bank. Now I have to go borrowing to feed.
How could Theo do such a thing? her mother asked.
I dont know," Nkiru said. "I know we have the problem of childbearing, but it doesnt justify him treating me this badly.
My daughter," her father said, "I know Theo has taken things too far, but you still have to be a little patient and very prayerful.
Nkiru, I beg you," her mother said, "hold on still. Accept this as a moment of trial that will pass away soon. You can count on us for any help.
Nkiru was short of words. She stared at her parents, wondering why she never seemed to win their support. They never lashed at Theo or said a word about him that would make her believe that what he had done was bad. She felt disappointed at their too many moral talks of her hanging on to her already battered and shambolic marriage. She looked at them even more strangely as if they were not her parents any longer; as if they had been bought over. She just couldnt explain what was wrong with those she loved and had always run to for solace.
Nkiru pensively sat in her office on the first day of the new week. She did not notice Sophia walk into the office. Sophia had always been Nkiru's closest colleague and friend. She was the one she always confided in. She stood for a couple of seconds, hoping to get the attention of the already spellbound Nkiru.
She decided to call her friend back to consciousness. Nkiru, what is it this time?
Sorry, Sophia, I never knew you were here.
Sophia sat down to have a word with her friend. Tell me what has been occupying your mind, my friend.
Sophia, I think I am fed upfed up with myself, fed up with the job, fed up with life in general.
I know this is all connected to the challenges in your marriage.
Can you imagine Theo has frozen our accounts in order to punish me?
You dont mean what you said.
Its the truth, Sophia.
Its too bad of Theo, I mean
Sophia could not hide her resentment toward Theos attitude, and her empathy for her friend who was already in the heat of her marital storm.
You were the one who brought Theo to me in the first place," Nkiru said. "Look at my life now.
Sophia was pained and disappointed at Nkirus spiteful comment. Come on friend, are you blaming me for your misfortunes? The both of you were having it smooth until recently.
I am sorry, Nkiru apologized after a second thought. She walked away from her desk to the window, and pulled the blinds briefly to have a glimpse of the vicinity down below. She used the time to prepare her mind for the thought she wanted to share with her friend who was equally trying to get her acts together after the momentary tiff.
She turned to face her. Sophia, I have decided to quit this job.
Sophia was shocked. But no, you cant do that.
I have thought it through, and I have come to a conclusion. I have already served the management my resignation letter. I have to get things straight about my life.
Sophia could not believe Nkiru had tendered her resignation without a prior notice to her. It cut her like a knife to hear Nkiru was leaving an organization she had served meritoriously over a marital crisis.
Nkiru, are you out of your mind?
Perhaps I am. That is why I need to be away to figure things out and make things right again for myself.
I will make sure that letter doesnt sail through. I will stop it.
You will only make things worse if you do, and I wont be happy with you if you work against my will.
Sophia could read the seriousness in her friends voice. She wondered what devil had seized her mind. What could get her out of her irrational decision to quit her job? She did not want her to leave and as well did not want to be her worst enemy by working against her wish.
Paula halted her car in her compound late in the evening. She hopped out of the car and walked straight to the living room. Exhaustedly, she dumped her bag on the sofa, poured herself a drink, and sat back on the sofa
Who is it you are talking to?
Chief Herbert, the same man who made me lose my job.
What are you talking about?
He asked me to come over to his lodge.
Alice took her seat. Dont tell me you are going to see this man.
I just have to, Alice.
Pal, you must be careful with this man. He has caused you enough trouble.
I want to make sure I give him the embarrassment of his lifethe one he will live to remember.
You know you have been confronted with strings of misfortunes lately. Remember what happened between you and Thomas and now your job.
Alice, please dont remind me of my failed relationship or my job...
Those conversations she'd had with Alice played back in her head. The words tasted like a sour grape in her heart, especially when Alice had mentioned her failed relationship. She wished never to talk about her past failures, but now they were back. The images of her affair with Thomas returned to her
Paula sat at a table with her drink, observing the activities around the club. A man advanced to her table, smiling at her as if he knew her.
Hello, beautiful lady, he said to her.
Hello, Paula replied rather nonchalantly.
You appear to be alone. Can I keep you company?
Sorry, mister, I dont know you. She looked away.
Call me Dr Thomas. I'm a cardiologist. He sat at her table.
Excuse me, you heard me.
Ignoring Paula's indignation, Dr Thomas called a waiter and placed his order. "Two glasses, please.
I dont know what your intention is, mister, Paula said.
I want to keep you company. He emptied Paulas glass, to her embarrassment.
Paula gaped at him, amused by his audacity.
I know you are an amiable person," he went on. "I believe at the end of this meeting a relationship would be in the making.
Paula broke into a chuckle. Oh my God, you are insane."
After their encounter at the club, Thomas drove Paula to his residence and led her to his living room. Everything about the houseright from the exterioramazed Paula.
This is where I live, the man disclosed to Paula who was still observing the aesthetic look of the living room.
This is beautiful, she admired.
The man smiled. You can say that again.
Who are you acquiring all these for?
It is for beautiful ladies like you who are ready to share my world.
You are kidding. She punched and pinched him playfully.
What can I offer you?
What can I ask for now? I have had enough already.
The man insisted they have more drinks and a light meal. They sat at the balcony after the meal and talked for hours into the night.
Thomas and Paula visited the lawn tennis court at the club. Both were dressed for the game. Thomas taught Paula how to handle the racket and the ball. The two soon began playing against each other. Paula could barely play well, but for a starter, she did well. It was indeed fun for Paula trying to hit the ball back across the net to the other side of the court. At the end of the game, they were both exhausted and settled for refreshment at the clubs cool spot.
How did you find the game? Thomas asked, smiling.
It was energy sapping, Paula admitted. But I enjoyed it all the same.
The activity at the club late in the night was electrifying. People trooped in and out in pairs, and the music blared in a surround mode. The tables were all occupied by people eating, drinking and chatting. A couple of club girls danced seductively, beckoning at the male folks.
Thomas and Paula chatted merrily at their table which was occupied with drinks and barbeques. Their voices could be heard as they laughed aloud. After having their meal, they moved to the dance floor and danced away at the beat as their body could carry them
Afterwards, the duo arrived at Thomas' residence drunk. They staggered into the living room, supporting each other to stand. Thomas thirsty for love making, picked Paula off the ground and locked her in his arms, with a remarkable strength,
Paula laughed at his dexterous act. Where are you taking me, this man?
I want to show you how much love I have for you.
Thomas staggered his way to his bedroom.
Soon, the couples clothing littered the floor and the two slept under the covers after an exhaustive romance.
At the break of dawn, the sun streamed into the living room through the open gap in the window. No one was in the living room at the moment. There was a knock at the door.
Hold on," Paula responded from the bedroom. "I am coming.
She walked into the living room with a wrapper strapped to her chest. She headed for the door and opened it, letting the gatekeeper walk in with some luggage. A lady walked in thereafter. Paula and the lady stood in suspense, gazing at each other for a couple of seconds.
Paula broke the spell. Good morning, madam.
The lady glared at her and wordlessly walked toward the bedroom.
Paula walked behind her. Who are you?
You can drop the luggage there on the floor, the lady said to the gatekeeper.
The young man dropped the luggage.
Thank you, she said to him just before he walked away.
Paula was about losing her patience when Thomas walked in. He was clad in his shorts, concealed by his night coat.
He froze at the sight of the lady. Jessica, you are back.
Yes, I am back, she said. She looked at Paula and back at Thomas. Now I can understand why you failed to turn up to pick me up at the airport.
Please, forgive me," Thomas pleaded. He could hardly find his bearing. "It escaped my mind.
Thomas, who is this woman, Paula asked to clear her curiosity.
Jessica faced Paula. I am his wife. And who are you?
Paula was taken aback by Jessicas revelation and could not say a word.
Jessica turned to her husband. Thomas, who is she? I demand to know who she is. I see! You have been cheating on me while I was away, right?
Paula began sobbing; grappling the wrapper she had to wipe her tears
Sobbing, Paula stood up from the sofa. She emptied her glass of wine.
Alice, why did you have to remind me of the past, she asked as though Alice were present. She poured herself another drink and walked to the balcony.