#THE_PASTOR’S_WIFE…
EPISODE 17
Mfon and Teye began to push their boxes to the center of the room, just as I ordered them to do. It was the easiest work their tiny hands could do.
“Mummy why are we packing?” Teye asked.
“The day after tomorrow, we will be leaving for the mainland.” I said, folding the clothes into a basket.
“but mummy our school is on the Island.” Mfon said.
I nodded silently.
“yes I know. no more questions, let’s start packing. you both should gather all your clothes, a truck will be here to start packing.”
They continued to push the drawers and their boxes with all their might.
After few moments, the kids paused.
“mommy we are tired.” Mfon said weakly, giving a childish attitude.
“me too mummy.” Teye said.
“Let’s all rest a bit.”
Teye laughed and blew an exaggerated kiss back.
Mfon and I joined in the laugh, it was a meaningless laugh, Teye made us happy.
My laughter subsided, but a wistful smile was left on my face and then we started singing. And then we had dinner.
That evening, we piled up the corridor with packed properties that we were going to take to our new home at Surulere.
******
The next morning was hectic.
We woke up tired and stressed, I made breakfast for the kids and drove them quietly to school.
As they alighted from the car, I heard a car door close just by my side, my eyes snapped open.
A masculine scent of a familiar perfume hit me hard on the nose, it was irritating as I felt like puking.
I had a feeling that it must be someone very familiar, but I was afraid to look, I was trying to hide my pregnancy.
“Baby.” He called out huskily.
I didn’t turn, I sat comfortably on my car seat and fastened the seat belt.
“please wait! Ekom I beg you, just listen to me.” suddenly I looked up, our eyes connecting. He was right in front of the car, kneeling down. parents who came to drop their kids stood to watch, passers by stood to watch.
I wanted to run him over. Kill him and bear the consequences.
“Just listen to me baby please.” He lifted his hand waving at me, but I didn’t return the gesture.
“look at me Ekom, just look at me.” He yelled in a baritone voice.”
He looked like he had a lot to say to me. His eyes were red, he was sweating like a full bucket of water was thrown at him.
I was surprise he couldn’t feel the weight of my angry stare, he was still there, not afraid. But I started the car immediately and zoomed off speedily.
I wasn’t sure if he drove after me, but I drove straight to Surulere, where I rented my new house.
The kids looked out of the window as we drove into our new compound.
“Our new house is fine mommy.” Teye whispered faintly.
“yes it is.”
I loved that the house was far from the main road. I loved that it was far from all the bright lights and noise, far from anyone who knew David. The estate securities were excitedly sociable.
“Wehcome madam oh….yor shilren are too bitifu.” they said excitedly in different tones as they opened the main
“thank you.” I said calmly.
As we alighted from the car, the sight of our new house was peaceful and fascinating to look at.
The walls were made of brisks. And they were coconut trees flanking on the front yard.
The kids and I began to pack out our boxes and food stuffs from the car.
“mommy, this place is far from school.” Mfon broke the silence.
“You won’t be schooling there anymore. I will register you and your sister at a new school here on the mainland.” I said with a serious face. I didn’t look at their faces.
I knew that they were not happy to leave their former school, but it didn’t matter to me anymore. All I wanted was a private new life.
****
The next morning, I woke up with a headache, and a light fever.
The air conditioner was on but I felt warm and sticky, I was sweating terribly.
Switching on the bedside lamp I looked at the other bed, the kids were sleeping.
I was about to go back to sleep when my phone buzz under the pillow.
I tried to ignore the call and get some more sleep. A sleepy sigh floating up to the ceiling of the bedroom, but the phone rang again, and when I reluctantly check who the caller was, it turned out to be Lizzy.
“Hello?” I said in low tone.
“Ekom, where have you been?”
” I left the Island last evening.”
” oh God. my nurses said you’ve not been coming to the hospital for your antenatal.”
“Well, I was never comfortable coming to your clinic for antenatal, I never want David or anyone who knows me to see me with my baby bump.” I said girlishly.
Lizzy laughed out so loud over the phone.
“Talking of David. He walked into my office with some bunch of holy bishops yesterday and demanded to see you. I told him that I am not your keeper. but he didn’t believe me. He said that he went to the house, and discovered that everywhere was empty and locked up. I never knew you were planning to leave, are you leaving for America soon?
“not so soon. I will be planning for my visa tomorrow. I should be leaving before my third trimester.”
“I will see you before weekend then.”
” okay dear. But please don’t come here with anyone.”
Lizzy laughed and hung up the call.
I couldn’t go back to sleep anymore. I thought of reporting David to the police for publicly harassing me, I wanted him to stay off my life forever.
TO BE CONTINUED
