STAGED AFFECTION
(Episode 14)
Later that night, I was lying down on the floor in our room, scrolling through my phone, when Nichelle came in. She stood there for a few minutes, her eyes fixed on me, before she spoke.
“Do you have to give her your contact?” she asked, her voice low and even.
I kept quiet, not responding to her question. I didn’t feel like getting into an argument with her.
Nichelle took a step closer to me. “Are you not the one I’m talking to?” she asked, her voice rising slightly.
I finally looked up at her, my expression neutral. “Is the contract also forbidding me from giving out my number to people?” I asked, my voice calm.
Nichelle’s face fell, and she looked away, her eyes flashing with anger. She didn’t respond to my question, instead, she said, “Even as that, you were not supposed to give her your number while our contract is still on. What if my mother had seen that?”
I shrugged, feeling a sense of nonchalance. “Well but your mother didn’t see it, so there’s nothing wrong with it,” I said, my voice matter of fact.
Nichelle stood there, looking at me for a long moment, her eyes searching mine. I could see the anger and frustration in her eyes, but I didn’t care. I was tired of her trying to control me.
Finally, she turned and walked out of the room, leaving me alone in the darkness. I sighed, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. I was glad that the conversation was over, and I could finally rest.
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Later that night, Nichelle was lying on the bed, while I was on the floor, trying to relax. My phone rang, breaking the silence, and I picked it up.
Hello, this is lizy, she said.
“Hey, is this your number?” I asked, trying to sound casual.
“Yes, it’s me,” Lizy replied, her voice sweet and gentle.
I smiled, feeling a sense of excitement. “Hope you guys got home safely?” I asked, trying to make small talk.
“Yes, we did,” Lizy said. “I just called to hear your voice.”
I blushed, feeling a sense of shyness. “Oh, really?” I said, trying to sound suave.
We both laughed, and I could hear the smile in Lizy’s voice. Meanwhile, Nichelle was muttering to herself on the bed, clearly unhappy about my phone call.
I ignored her and continued talking to Lizy, our conversation flowing easily. We laughed and joked, and I found myself feeling more and more comfortable around her.
But Nichelle’s muttering turned into shouting, and she yelled at me to get off the phone. “You’re disturbing me with your call! I need to sleep!”
I was taken aback by her outburst, wondering what was making her so angry. I took my phone and got up from the floor, deciding to continue my call with Lizy in the bathroom.
“I’ll be right back,” I told Lizy, as I walked into the bathroom and closed the door behind me.
“Okay, take your time,” Lizy said, her voice understanding.
I took a deep breath, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. I was glad to be away from Nichelle’s anger and frustration.
But thought of what could really be the reason for her sudden change of mood, is this not the space she wanted? I asked my self.
*****************
The next day, I woke up feeling refreshed and left the house, heading to my main house to clear my head. I spent the day relaxing and rejuvenating, trying to put the events of the previous day behind me.
In the evening, I came back to Nichelle’s house, acting like someone who had just returned from work. I greeted her mother warmly and joined them at the dinner table.
As we sat down to eat, I couldn’t help but notice Nichelle looking at me. Her eyes seemed to bore into my soul, and I felt a sense of unease. I tried to avoid her gaze, focusing on the food in front of me.
Her mother, oblivious to the tension, chatted happily about her day. “Razi, dear, how was your day at work?” she asked, smiling at me.
I forced a smile, trying to play along. “It was good, ma. Just busy as usual.”
Nichelle’s eyes narrowed, her gaze still fixed on me. I could sense her anger and frustration, but I refused to engage with her.
Her mother continued to chat, asking me questions about my job and my plans for the future. I answered politely, trying to keep the conversation light.
But Nichelle’s silence was deafening. She barely spoke a word, her eyes never leaving mine. I could feel her anger simmering just below the surface, waiting to erupt.
I kept avoiding her gaze, trying to focus on the conversation with her mother. But I could sense the tension building, and I knew it was only a matter of time before things came to a head.
To be continued…
