STAGED AFFECTION
(Episode 13)
The next day, in the morning, a call entered my phone, and I picked up to hear Nichelle’s mother’s warm voice on the other end.
“Ahh, ma, is this your number?” I asked, trying to sound cheerful.
“Yes, it is,” she replied. “I had to ask Nichelle for your number to call you. I hope you don’t mind.”
I shook my head, even though she couldn’t see me. “Of course not, ma. What can I do for you?”
“I was wondering if everything is okay,” she said, her voice concerned. “You promised to come back, but I haven’t seen you yet. Is something wrong?”
I hesitated, trying to think of a convincing excuse. “No, ma, nothing is wrong. I was just busy with work, that’s all.”
Nichelle’s mother accepted my explanation graciously. “Okay, dear. I just wanted to check in on you. Actually, I was wondering if you could come today in the afternoon.”
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Today? What’s special about today?”
“One of my old friends is coming to visit me,” she explained. “I would love for her to meet you. You’re a special person in I and my daughter’s life, and I want to share that with her.”
I was taken aback by her request, but I tried to sound enthusiastic. “Why not, ma? That sounds fine. I’ll come.”
Nichelle’s mother thanked me profusely. “I’ll be waiting for you, dear. Don’t disappoint me, okay?”
I laughed and gave her my word. “I won’t, ma. I promise. I’ll be there.”
We chatted for a few more minutes, laughing and joking, before ending the call. I couldn’t help but wonder what Nichelle’s mother had planned, but I was determined to see it through.
*****************
That afternoon, I prepared myself and headed to Nichelle’s house, feeling a mix of emotions. When I arrived, I was greeted by the warm smile of Nichelle’s mother, who was seated next to another woman in the living room. Nichelle was sitting on the couch, chatting with a beautiful young lady who looked familiar.
As soon as Nichelle’s mother saw me, she whispered something to the woman beside her and stood up to welcome me. “Razi, dear, come in, come in,” she said, her voice warm and inviting.
I walked over to them, greeted Nichelle’s mother with a hug, and then turned to the other woman. “Good afternoon, ma’am,” I said, trying to sound respectful.
Nichelle’s mother introduced us. “Razi, this is Mrs. Victoria, Lizy’s mother,” she said, pointing to the young lady sitting with Nichelle.
I turned to Mrs. Victoria and smiled. “Nice to meet you, ma,” I said, trying to sound sincere.
Mrs. Victoria smiled back, her eyes twinkling. “The pleasure is mine, Razi. I’ve heard so much about you from Nichelle’s mother. You’re going to be a great husband to Nichelle.”
I laughed, feeling a bit awkward, and sat down next to Nichelle’s mother. Nichelle was chatting with Lizy, telling her something about me, and Lizy was smiling and looking at me with interest.
Nichelle’s mother turned to me and said, “Razi, I’m so glad you could make it today. Mrs. Victoria and Lizy are old friends of ours, and I wanted you to meet them.”
I nodded, trying to make small talk. “It’s great to meet you both. How do you know Nichelle’s mother?”
Mrs. Victoria launched into a story about how they had met years ago, and I listened intently, trying to be polite. Meanwhile, Nichelle and Lizy were chatting and laughing together, and I couldn’t help but notice how lizy was smiling and looking at me.
***************
Minutes later, Nichelle’s mother and Mrs. Victoria stood up, excusing themselves to go outside for some fresh air. I sat there sipping my drink, staring blankly at the TV, lost in my own thoughts.
Some minutes later, Lizy stood up and walked over to where I was sitting. She sat down next to me and said hi, her voice sweet and gentle.
I replied with a smile, and she introduced herself, telling me that Nichelle had told her about our affection.
I nodded, trying to be polite. “Oh, that’s good,” I said, not really knowing what else to say.
Lizy looked at me with sparkling eyes. “You’re handsome,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
I smiled, feeling a blush rise to my cheeks. “Thank you,” I said, trying to sound suave. “You’re beautiful too.”
Lizy blushed, her cheeks turning pink. “Thanks,” she said, looking down at her hands.
Then she looked up at me, her eyes locked on mine. “I like you,” she said, her voice sincere. “Can I get your number?”
I hesitated for a moment, wondering if I should give her my number. But then I shrugged, thinking, why not? “Oh, why not?” I said, smiling.
Lizy handed me her phone, and I input my number, feeling a sense of excitement. When I gave her back the phone, my eyes met Nichelle’s, and I could tell she was not happy. But I didn’t care. I was tired of her games and her attitude.
“I would be going inside now,” I told Lizy. “I’m tired and need to rest.”
Lizy smiled at me, her eyes sparkling. “It’s fine,” she said. “Nice to meet you.”
She stood up, shook my hand, and went back to Nichelle, who was watching us with a scowl on her face. I stood up, smiled at Lizy, and went upstairs, feeling a sense of relief wash over me.
To continued…
