STAGED AFFECTION
(Episode 15)
That night, as I lay on the floor, drifting off to sleep, Nichelle came in and stood over me, her presence looming large in the dimly lit room. “We need to talk,” she said, her voice firm and commanding, shattering the peaceful atmosphere.
I didn’t respond, keeping my eyes closed, trying to shut out her presence. I was tired of her constant drama, I didn’t want to engage with her.
“Didn’t you hear what I said?” she asked, her voice rising in frustration. “Why are you always ignoring me? Always acting like you never heard what I said.”
I opened my eyes and looked up at her, my gaze calm and neutral. “That’s because it’s what you wanted,” I said, my voice flat and even. “You should talk. I’m all ears.”
Nichelle took a deep breath and continued, her words tumbling out in a rush. “Yes, I made a mistake by telling Lizy that this whole thing was staged. But is that why she immediately turned to start liking you?”
I raised an eyebrow, my expression skeptical. “How is what you just said supposed to be my business? Or is what we are doing not staged?” I asked, my voice laced with incredulity.
Nichelle’s face fell, and she looked away, her eyes avoiding mine. She seemed to be searching for words, trying to justify her actions.
“I never said it wasn’t staged,” she muttered finally. “But come on, why can’t she wait till this whole thing is over before starting all this…whatever it is she’s doing?”
I shrugged, my shoulders barely moving. “I don’t know. Maybe she’s just trying to make the most of the situation.”
Nichelle’s eyes flashed with anger, her face twisted in frustration. “I don’t want any contact between you and her till this whole thing is over,” she spat out. “It could ruin the contract.”
I looked at her, my expression calm and unyielding. “Well, your mother doesn’t know she’s calling me, so what? Or are you the one to tell your mother?”
Nichelle shook her head, her eyes darting back and forth. “No, I won’t tell her.”
I nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. “Good, we are all okay. We’ll keep pretending while I keep rolling with lizy.”
I turned back to the floor and closed my eyes, trying to shut out Nichelle’s presence. She stood there for a moment, her eyes fixed on me, before turning and going to the bed, where she lay down, her eyes fixed on the ceiling.
****************
Next morning, I woke up early, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. I left the house, eager to escape the tension and drama that had been building up. I went for a jog, clearing my mind and trying to process everything that had happened.
After my jog, I headed to my main house, where I found KC waiting for me. I told him about the recent incidents that had been happening with Nichelle, and he listened intently, his expression growing more and more confused.
“Dude, what’s going on with Nichelle?” KC asked, shaking his head. “Why acting so weird lately. First, she gave you the contract, and then she’s suddenly cold and distant. And now, she’s getting jealous of Lizy?”
I shrugged, trying to make sense of it all. I’m just as confused as you are. I think she’s just trying to control the situation, but it’s not working.”
KC nodded thoughtfully. “Yeah, that makes sense. But what’s with the contract? Is she really that desperate to keep up the act?”
I sighed, feeling frustrated. “I don’t know, man. I think she’s just trying to save face at this point. She doesn’t want to admit that she had spoiled everything by telling Lizy about the staged relationship, lizy may decide to tell her mother the truth at anytime.”
KC whistled. “Wow, that’s deep. So, what’s the plan now? Are you going to keep pretending to be her boyfriend after two weeks?”
I shrugged. “I don’t know, man. I’m just taking it one day at a time. I don’t want to rock the boat, but at the same time, I don’t want to be stuck in this fake relationship forever.”
KC nodded understandingly. “Yeah, I get it. Just be careful, okay? Nichelle seems like the type of person who will stop at nothing to get what she wants.”
I nodded, feeling a sense of unease. “Yeah, I will. Thanks for listening, man.”
KC smiled. “No problem, bro. That’s what friends are for.”
******************
That day, I stayed out till 7 pm, enjoying the freedom and peace that came with being away from Nichelle’s drama. When I finally returned, I met Nichelle’s mother in the living room, who greeted me warmly and asked where I had been since morning.
I explained that I had gone for a jog and then headed to my house to do some coding work for a client. She nodded understandingly and smiled, seemingly pleased with my response.
As I went upstairs, I found Nichelle seated on the bed, her eyes fixed intently on me. She immediately stood up as I entered, her face transforming into a scowl.
“Where are you coming back from?” she asked, her voice laced with accusation.
I raised an eyebrow, wondering why she was so concerned about my whereabouts.
“Oh, let me guess, you went to see Lizy, right?” she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
I looked at her, my expression neutral, and didn’t say a word. I was about to pass her and head to the bathroom when she blocked my path.
“I must know where you’re coming back from,” she demanded, her eyes flashing with anger.
I sighed, feeling frustrated. “Wherever I’m coming back from is none of your business,” I said, trying to reason with her.
But she cut me off, her voice rising. “It is my business! You’re supposed to be my boyfriend, remember?”
I rolled my eyes, feeling exasperated. “As what to me?” I asked, trying to make her see the absurdity of her statement.
She kept quiet, seemingly taken aback by my question. I took advantage of the silence to make my point.
“Exactly, my point,” I said, as I passed her and headed to the bathroom to change.
Nichelle’s face twisted in anger, but I ignored her and closed the bathroom door behind me.
To be continued…
