Chapter 13: Chapter 13

: THE MISTRESS’ SON

So many people are invested in your marital choice and prayers. In our society, your family wants you to marry from a responsible home, probably to a man or lady who will treat them well and allow you do the same. Your friends get invested too but the surprising class of interested persons are your workers; the drivers, cleaners, secretaries. In their defense, they all have good reason for praying you settle down be it good or bad.

Obi drove through the ever busy streets of Lagos. His boss; Chris sat at the owner’s corner and he kept sending glances towards him to make sure he was okay. They had a long and exciting day and he wondered if his Oga(boss) liked the doctor lady. Obi prayed silently that his Oga did. If he did, he won’t have to get married to Madam Nina whom he really hated so he cleared his throat to gain his Oga's attention.

"ErhmOga" he adjusted his face cap nervously then continued, "Oga, what of the aunty wey beendey withyou?" He trained his eyes on the mirror to view Chris's expression.

As usual Chris didn'tdisappointwith his tight lipped answer, "She left."

The answer wasn't satisfying but it was all he was going to get. Obi couldn’t understand the man, even after being his driver for three years. Chris didn't drink or smoke. He was sure his Oga didn't sleep with chikalastoo. He made a quick sign of the cross when the thought of his Oga liking men came to his mind.

“Oga, I like that doctor aunty o." Smiling sheepishly. Chris stared at Obi wondering what his problem was with the small talk tonight, he knew how much he loved his peace and quiet.

You couldn't blame the poor man though for liking her so Chris joked, "Make I give you her number?"

Obi felt uncomfortable so he quickly burst out "Ah Oga, she no be my class o. She get smalloyinbo tongue like you too." Chris smiled at the driver’s observation but was shocked when he added "But Oga, she go fine for you o. As una sit down there together for back,una match wella."

Chris couldn't help but laugh after his initial shock. "Obi when did you turn my matchmaker? My friend, please drive."

Yet he couldnt stop wondering about what happened earlier. He felt the need to tear her walls down and was deliberately closed off to her. The way she walked out on him kept playing in his mind’s eye. He was stunned she didn’t reply while he gave his analysis of what he thought of her. It was all a lie though, even though she acted rude and tough, her eyes showed kindness which wasn't how self-absorbed people behaved plus she just took care of a random stranger. Her dress sense which he berated, he actually admired. In the midst of immodesty, she looked decent.

Pushing her away seemed like the better idea. At first, he wanted to get to know her until she tried to label him or rather when she saw through Chris. He identified a kind of pain when she flinched as he described her. It was an old one, he could easily see it because she did not try to hide it. The way she picked at the dessert when the waiter brought it, hurt him. He wanted her to be free with him, yet he was pushing her away. Chris knew he should have gotten up and followed her but a part of him wouldn’t let him. In reality, Chris was religious. He loved God with all his heart. It was God who picked up his pieces together and gave him a semblance of peace and hope. He should have just told her that was what the cross represented.

Chris threw his head on the headrest as a weird craving for alcohol hit him. It’s been six years of sobriety but today after those doe eyes with their fire and spirit reminded him of Christiana, he really wanted to have a drink.

His phone vibrated loudly alerting him to Nina's call.

"Chris, where are you at? You promised to have dinner with me" Nina said in a whiny voice that put him off.

"On my way home, I’m sorry. Unexpected events came up. I'll see you when I get back from Italy" He massaged his temples gently to quell his headache.

"Chris!" Her voice was loud now.

"Sorry Nina but I have to go" he replied rudely.

"Wait up. Have you closed your deal with that tacky lady? The one with her nose in the air?" Nina was giggling, as if what she said was funny. Chris was angry on behalf of someone he just gave a lecture on judgment, he wasn't about to listen to this.

A loud long hiss followed her statement from Chris "Really, Niniola? Must you be so conceited and rude? She dresses the way she wants,to be comfortable and we both know you only make fun of people when you feel threatened by them."Although she changed her name to Nina, Niniola was her maiden name. Immediately after snapping at her, he felt worse. Apart from his mum and Christiana who was still in a coma, there was nobody else he loved as much.

"Wow! You are shouting at me because of her when she isn't your wife or anything. I hope you are not in love with her!" she spat angrily.

"I don’t even know her Nee. How can I be in love with her? My head is aching and I’m sorry I couldn't have dinner with you okay? The deal hasn't been closed yet, we have a verbal agreement but she will make herself available at CHANCE to make it legal and binding tomorrow. Goodnight". He didn’t have time for her tantrums. He had just made one woman hate him, he wasn’t too keen on rehashing the scene with another.

"Wait! Why are you in such a hurry to get rid of me? Let me head over there and make sure everything goes throughsmoothly. You need a close associate present and you know I’m the best you’ve got. This way, you are sure the contract is iron tight" She appealed, the wheels in her head already turning. Chris never reprimanded her for any reason and he just did,so she was going to know what it was about that lady that brought about this horrible change.

Chris was grateful. "Alright thanks Nee, that will be great."

"Oh and Chris take pain relievers. Have a warm shower. I hope it’s not those migraines. Remember those sleep concoctions I taught you? Make one and rest. OK love?" she said sweetly and softly switching over to the caring Nina he adored.

"Hmmmn yes mummy, I will." He smiled into the phone.

Obi squeezed his face in anger as he overheard their conversation. It didn't feel like his matchmaking skills where doing any good. "Winch" he muttered under his breath making sure Chris couldn't hear.

Although Nina could be dead ass annoying, she was soft on the inside and she took good care of him. She was like a second mum to Chris although she could never take Christina’s place and she never tried to which was one of the reasons he loved her like family.

Nina representing him in tomorrow's meeting seemed like a good idea to Chris. She was a lawyer, a bad ass one at that and was always looking out for him which included protecting his interests. Chris’ only prayer was that she was on her best behavior. A part of him felt confident that even if she didn't, she will meet her match in Pamela.

Today was the last day they'd probably meet and he couldn't help but feel a slight pang of loss. This was definitely goodbye.

"All passengers tighten you seat belts as we take off." the flight attendant droned via the speakers.

Chris sat cross legged in the first class division. His father owned this plane and had large stakes in most airlines in the country. The thought of that vile man left a bitter taste in his mouth.

A few feet from him was a recently married celebrity couple gushing about each other with the usual "I love you" playing on their lips. He drew the curtains to portion his space. He wasn't in the mood to stomach their lovey dopey attitude. For a split second, he wondered what the word ‘love’ meant.We promise it to our partners, chant it to others like we mean it, like we know what it entails or we are willing to try. Love is simply our own way of escaping the bleakness of our incapabilities, our daily struggle, so we search for someone to share it with, trust them to "love" us through it. A way of escape from the emotions of what we are. We use it as an excuse to cover our shortcomings and expect it to be given freely. We allow it take control of our so called "mumu button" and give our partners room to hurt us and make excuses for it.

Not even all parents loved the child they brought into the world, worse if it was a mistress’ son. So they abandon their duties. They should have zipped up their pants in the first place, rather than bring in a child they couldn't love.

Chris turned off airplane mode on his tablet to do something worthwhile, anything but wallow in self-pity. Yes, he was a white mistress’ son to a cheating black man.

His tablet pinged, notifying him of a new message. He looked down and saw that it was a new text from Temitope:

Time was not included in your text. When should I come and seal the deal? I have to leave Lagos today _Pamela

The text came in at 6:00 am. Another one read; Its 9:00 am already, no reply still. I’m heading in anyway.

Not replying her text made him feel bad, so he decided to call since he was just now reading her text at 9:50 am.

It rang on and even though there were rules against planes and phones, he knew it was just to make sure not to interfere with their own network. After the third ring, she picked

"Hello." she said softly. One word but he breathed in. Her voice was so still, Chris let the sound wash over me for a little bit.

"Good morning, sorry for the late reply but you can go in for the meeting now if convenient." He whispered softly in return

"Thanks, I am on my way in there now. Goodbye" Pamela replied, her brisks steps moving towards the elevator, now hating the fact that she had to endure another meeting with him.

Chris could sense her hurry to end the call and for the first time in his entire life he wanted to keep someone talking, to say anything. "Wait, please!" He didnt even know what to say after this, especially with the improptu way they ended dinner last night, so like a tongue tied school boy he ended up saying, "Let me know if it is satisfactory on your end." Immediately the words left his mouth, he bit into his lower lips in frustration.

"It should be. As long as it is what we agreed to. Thanks for the call." She replied softly, and ended the call. She wasn't rude throughout the call but he hated this polite Temitope, she seemed so cool and distant. Chris didn't even know why he preferred calling her by her middle name but it just seemed to stick.

Slowly he made a resolution. He was going to see her again, to feel her fury, her sharp tongue, the way she always said Mr CEO.

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