EPISODE 2.
(CLICKED)
(C) Judytex_Stories
“Are you normal?.” Precious shouted as soon as Tricia told her what transpired between her and Jeff. “How could you suggest such a thing?.” She asked totally confused and dumbfounded.
“Why are you flaring up like I committed an abomination?.” Tricia asked.
“Why would you make such a proposal in the first place? Is marriage a joke to you?.” Precious queried in annoyance.
“Come on, there’s no big deal in going into a one-year contract marriage. I mean, I’m an actress. I’ve played such roles countless times in a movie. And trust me, there’s no big deal in it.” Tricia said.
“Can you even hear yourself talk? Tricia this is reality we are talking about here. This is not your usual movie role. This is a real-life situation. You were supposed to go on a date with this guy, and probably fall in love and start a serious relationship for once in your entire life. But no. You went there and proposed a one-year contract marriage to him. For what reason exactly? Huh?. What in God’s name do you intend to gain from all these?.” Precious flared.
“Peace of mind precious. Peace of mind is what I intend to gain from this one-year contract marriage. Even if it’s just for a day, I just want to be free. Free from all these marriage problems and nagging from my stepmom. Do you know the insults, humiliation, and disgrace I’ve faced because of the fact that I’m yet to be married at the age of 25? My step-sister already has men flocking around her at her age. Whereas, I’m like a danger zone that has been avoided by men all these years. And finally, I met a young man who has the same experience as me. A young man who is not also desperate to get married. A young man who is already doing well for himself. So you see, we are just going to live as a couple for a year. I mean, it’s nothing serious so stop overacting.” Tricia said.
“You see why I keep asking if you are normal? Because it’s obvious that you haven’t thought about the implications that your actions would cause you. Most especially after the one-year marriage contract had expired. You think being single at 25 is shameful but my friend, greater shame awaits you when you finally get divorced after the contract must have expired. I mean, have you thought about what people would say? Most especially about you not being able to last in your marriage. You of all people should already know what that would do to your image.” Precious said.
“I’ve thought about all that my friend. And surprisingly, it doesn’t bother me at all. I’m an actress so it’s normal to get dragged once in a while. And besides, I have plans to travel out of this country as soon as the contract expires.” Tricia said.
“Trust me, friend, you aren’t thinking straight. Cause if you were, you would have known that what you are about to do, would hurt you. You just want to stain your reputation and name for nothing.” Precious said.
“Well I’m sorry to disappoint you, sweetheart, I’ve made up my mind to do this. And you never know if I may come across the love of my life in the process. But for now, I just want to be free from all the disturbances that come from being unmarried.” Tricia said.
“Hmmmm. So, what did he say?.” Precious asked in a calm tone.
“Nothing. He was shocked beyond words. But I’ve given him time to think things through. And once I get a positive response from him, then we are proceeding straight into marriage. Experiencing peace for 365 days means a whole lot to me.” Tricia said.
โWell, I just hope that this whole thing works out in your favor. Cause girl, I don’t like this decision of yours at all. You don’t even know this guy from Adam. Why go spend a whole year with him?.” Precious queried.
(Back at Jeff’s house)
Leo couldn’t believe his ears as well.
“You don’t mean it. I just hope you aren’t thinking of buying that idea of hers. Cause man, this isn’t good news. This is daylight forgery and deceit. Most especially to your parents and family members. Why gather people to celebrate a fake marriage?.” Leo asked totally confused.
“Well, after giving it much thought, I came to realize that she had a point. Going into this one-year contract marriage would give me more time to look for a wife.” Jeff said.
“Unbelievable. How exactly did we become friends? Cause obviously, we aren’t birds of the same feathers in situations like this. Come off it man, this type of thing only exists in movies and novels. This is reality. You are planning to live for 365 days with a total stranger whom you just met on a dating site. We don’t even know much about her past and present life. What if she wakes up one day and absconds with all your valuables?.” Leo asked.
“You made this choice for me remember?.” Jeff said.
“Yes, I did. Hoping that you would be moved to start a meaningful and productive relationship with her. A relationship that could someday lead to marriage. Not to just quickly go into a contract marriage with her when you’ve not even gotten to know each other very well.” Leo said.
“Well friend, I’m sorry. I’ve had enough of your complaints and that of my mom. And so I’ve decided to go ahead with this contract marriage.” Jeff said confidently.
“You really do know what you are putting yourself into,” Leo said.
“I know friend. I’m putting myself into a year of freedom from all the endless nagging and all the ceaseless marriage talks.” Jeff said with a mischievous smile.
That night, Jeff contacted Tricia and told her of his willingness to go into the contract marriage with her. And he further went ahead to tell her to take her time in writing down her dos and don’ts. And that they would be meeting two days after.
When the day finally came, jeff and Tricia met at the same spot where they had their blind date.
“Go ahead and read out your terms and conditions,” Jeff said to Tricia.
Tricia then took a deep breath and started reading out from her paper.
“Rule number 1, there should be no form of sexual intercourse between us.
Rule number 2, there should be no form of monitoring and dictatorship among us. Which means we are both free to live our lives the way we want to.
Rule number 3, On no account, should anyone find out that we are in a contract marriage. This means, we will have to keep it real whenever we are outside or in public.
Rule number 4, do not subject me to perform wifely duties for you. Things like cooking, washing and all should be done by yourself or your maid.
Rule number 5, Not of us should make living together unbearable for the other.
Rule number 6, Respect my privacy even though it’s your house.
These are the rules I could come up with for now. More rules might come up in the future.” Tricia said.
“Well, for now, my rules are just three. And like you said, more rules might be added as we progress.
Rule number one, I don’t owe you a dime before and after this marriage. We are both helping each other out.
Rule number two, just make sure you don’t misplace, destroy, or break any of my valuables throughout your stay in my house.
Rule number 3, always respect me and my family members. As I wouldn’t want to come home and find you exchanging words, with my friends or family.” He said.
“That won’t be a problem. So, can we now go ahead and sign the papers?.” Tricia asked.
“Sure,” Jeff affirmed.
They both signed on the paper after which, they exchanged handshakes and returned to their houses. The next day, Tricia dropped by Jeff’s house to know her room and to be sure he had a good place. And after scrutinizing the entire house, she was pleased with what she saw.
A few weeks later, they introduced each other to their different families and after receiving their parent’s blessings, they quickly and privately held a court wedding and reception that followed immediately after. with just a few friends and family members in attendance. Despite the attempts of their parents to hold an elaborate wedding for them.
After their court wedding, Tricia moved in to live with her newly wedded husband whom she knew nothing about.
Standing before jeff’s house, she said to herself.
“I just hope I made the right decision.” She said looking at Jeff’s house.
