*EPISODE 13*
(MY SOULMATE)
It was 10am in the morning. Chris and Eric had gone to work. Vanessa was restlessly sitting on the edge of her bed with her head buried in her palms, when Ken came knocking at the door.
“Come in.” She said lifting her head.
“Good morning ma’am.” Ken greeted shutting the door behind him.
“Please don’t forget to lock it properly.” Vanessa said to Ken who ensured the door was properly locked.
Without hesitation, Vanessa undressed herself and laid on the bed spreading her legs before Ken who undressed himself and made love to her. When they were done, he got up wore back his clothes while Vanessa remained on the bed with her body covered with her duvet.
“Why are you still stuck in such a marriage? And when do you intend to quit this dirty games of yours?.” Ken asked zipping his trouser.
“Chris is mine Ken. It doesn’t matter whether he sleeps with me or not. As long as I have you by my side, I’m rest assured that I will never be s*x starved.” Vanessa said.
“We’ve been playing this dirty game for the past 25 years Vanessa. Don’t you think it’s high time we stopped. I’m actually feeling bad about all these. What if Chris’s comes to find out someday?.” Ken asked feeling bad.
“Guilty?. Hahahaha. Why the sudden feel of guilt when you’ve been riding me for the past 25years?. Look Ken, we’ve come too far to end this game of pleasure. Eversince you stopped me from m**********g after the birth of my son, I have never had a thought of doing that. That’s because you’ve been my saviour. If not for you ken, I honestly do not know how I would have been able to overcome my sexual desires and urge. I can’t even go into my husband’s room at will. I can’t touch him. I can’t feel him. Honestly, I used to think that this whole thing would end with time but it’s 25 years already and Chris is still pouring his anger on me. So Ken, we aren’t stopping this anytime soon. And I’m afraid, even if you get married tomorrow, you might still be keeping me company. Cause it’s best to stick to one person than sleeping around. So speaking of marriage, why aren’t you married yet?. What’s your problem?.” Vanessa asked.
“Hmmmmm. I have this woman I’ve been in love with for so many years now. She’s the main reason why I’m still single.” Ken said wearing back his shirt.
“I don’t get it. You’ve been in love with this particular woman all these years?. Then why aren’t you both married?.” Vannessa asked totally confused.
“Because she doesn’t know how I feel. And I’m afraid, she wouldn’t accept me even if I told her how much I loved her.” Ken said wearing back his wrist watch.
“That’s strange. How come she isn’t married till now?. Is she also waiting on someone?.” Vanessa asked.
“No. The thing is, we met some years ago and I got her pregnant. But she chose to get married to another man. Maybe because I’m not financially bouyant enough to satisfy her needs.” Ken said.
“Then what happened to your child?.” Vanessa asked.
“He is doing great in the hands of his step dad. He is all grown now though. Although his mother tried to hide it from me but I got to find out after I secretly ran a D.N.A test on him few years back. The result proved that his my biological son. My flesh and blood. And since then, I’ve been secretly watching over him. Hoping that he will come to me someday.” Ken said.
“Urgh! Your story is so pathetic Ken. But don’t you think you are unnecessarily being too obsessed with that lady?. I advise you let her go. Go find someone else who will accept you for who you are. You aren’t getting any younger you know?.” Vanessa said.
“What then happens to my son?.” Ken asked glaring at Vanessa in a strange way.
“Well, I think she had a good reason for not telling you she was carrying your child. And I don’t think it would be right revealing the truth to her husband. I’m sure they now live happily. So it’s best you just let them be. Come on, you are a man Ken. And there are so many men out there who can voluntarily become a sperm donor. So just consider it to be an act of kindness from your side.” Vanessa said.
“That’s not possible vannessa. Giving my son to another man is a crime that she should live to pay for. And I’m glad she’s been paying for leaving me for another man.” Ken said clenching his fist.
“How do you mean?.” Vanessa asked.
“I was told her husband now makes her home a living hell for her. I guess he has fallen out of love already. And trust me, that wouldn’t have happened if she was with me.” Ken said.
“I guess these changes are everywhere these days. I used to think that it’s just I and Chris who experience them. I never knew that this was the new trend in marriages. That’s too bad. I feel for her though. So about your son, how old is he now?.” Vanessa asked.
“He will be clocking 25 this year.” Ken said smiling mischievously at Vanessa who held on to her duvet.
“25?. You mean you have a grown son?.” Vanessa asked.
“Yeah. And I do go over to watch him from time to time. He is such a handsome young man.” Ken said.
“And what’s his name?.” Vanessa asked.
Ken was about replying her when they heard a noise downstairs.
“I think I have to leave now.” Ken said exiting the room.
“Is this a coincidence or is it what I’m thinking?.” Vanessa asked feeling uneasy.
Back at Geoffrey Obum’s house, Janice was in her room going through her phone when a call came in from Eric.
“Hi Eric. Good morning.” Janice greeted.
“Good morning babe. How have you been?.” Eric asked.
“I’ve been good and you?.” Janice asked.
“Same here.” Eric said.
“Thank God for that.” Janice said.
“Well, I’m actually sorry for not checking up on you for days now. I know you are mad at me but I promise to make it up to you as soon as possible.” Eric said.
“Nah. You are wrong Eric. I didn’t even remember that you didn’t call. I mean, my day has been going so smoothly that I forgot that we were dating. So don’t bother about me. Meanwhile, I have a favor to ask of you.” Janice said.
Eric who was totally dumbfounded over her calmness and no complains, had to hide his shock and replied.
“What’s the favour?.” Eric asked.
“It’s about my driver Collins. I was wondering if you can help him secure a good spot in your firm. He is a graduate. And he came out with good results. I just thought that he is someone your firm needs. I would have helped him secure a job in my dad’s firm but there is no vacancy at the moment. So can you please help him get a job?. Please….” Janice pleaded.
“I can’t believe this. Janice, you just met this guy few days ago and you are already looking for a job for him?. Is that how close you’ve both become?.” Eric asked completely jealous.
“Don’t take it too far Eric. He has been a good friend to me. And I think he is too intelligent to remain a driver. So are you going to help him?.” Janice asked.
“Hmmmmm. Alright Janice. Anything for you. Just tell him to forward his CV to my email.” Eric said.
“Thanks so much Eric. I honestly can’t wait to break this news to Collins. He will be over the moon the moment he hears this.” Janice said jumping for joy.
“Yeah. He surely will.” Eric replied in a faintly tone.
As soon as he ended the call, so many thoughts filled with jealousy and insecurities started running through his mind.
“Collins. What exactly have you done to my Janice?.” Eric asked feeling restless. “It is unlike Janice to remain calm when I haven’t checked up on her for days. She didn’t even complain or put up an argument like she used to. What exactly is going on?. Who is this Collins of a guy?. I don’t know why I don’t feel at ease leaving Janice around him. I think it’s best I get him a job here to keep him away from Janice. And at least to put an eye on him. Cause he is beginning to cross his boundaries.” Eric said.
Janice wanted to call Collins to break the good news to him but on a second thought, she decided to go break the news to him physically at his house.
She quickly went through her wardrobe searching for a perfect dress to wear to Collins house. After a while of ransacking her wardrobe, she paused to ask herself.
“Wait a minute. Why do I have to look good?. Why am I looking for a perfect dress when I’m not even going for a date?. Hahahaha. Janice, come off it. At this point, you need no seer to tell you that you have literally gone mad over a driver.” She said not believing herself.
“Well, it wouldn’t be bad if I looked my best for him though. I mean, it’s actually my first time going to his place, so I deserve to look breathtaking. Just imagine if he has neighbors. Won’t it be best to leave an impression on them, like sweeping them off their feet and getting everyone to ask, who is she?. Damn. That’s the point. So definitely, I’m not going there to charm Collins. I’m just dressing good because I love looking good. That’s it.” Janice said trying to convince herself.
One after the other, she kept testing her clothes and cross checking her looks in her mirror. Before she knew it, she had spent 2 hours testing and retesting her clothes. Her entire room was littered with clothes, wigs, and shoes.
Finally, she made a choice. After taking her shower, she quickly wore the sexy red bodycon dress she had picked. She did her makeup and hair. She wore a nice and alluring perfume and with a smile of satisfaction, she cross examined herself in the mirror and stepped out.
Walking down the stair case, she passed through the sitting room smiling brightly as she greeted her mother and Loveth. They were both surprised and curioused to see her looking so happy and excited that morning. They kept Wondering what was the secret of her sudden happiness.
“Where is she going to looking all glammed and excited?.” Her mother asked Loveth who shrugged.
“Do I know?.” She said.
“Hmmmmm. Maybe she and Eric have got plans.” Her mother said.
Arriving at Collins apartment, Janice majestically stepped out of the car feeling like a queen. She flipped her hair backwards and with her head high, she catwalked into the compound where Collins lived. The neighbors around couldn’t help but stared helplessly at her.
“Oh my God!. This is it. I’m glad my efforts are paying off. Now I can’t wait to sweep Collins off his feet.” She said jubilating in her heart.
Standing before Collins door, she knocked and waited for his response. As soon as she heard the door opening, she got ready to flip her hair before Collins.
Immediately the door swung open, she turned back and flipped her hair turning her face to the door. But her joy died the moment she saw John (Collins roommate) instead of Collins.
“Hiiiiiiiiiiiiii.” Janice waved feeling ashamed of herself.
“Hi. Good morning. How may I help you?.” John asked looking at her from head to toe.
“Oooh….I’m Janice and I’m here to see Collins. He is my driver.” Janice said smiling ridiculously.
“Oh. Collins is inside. But he is currently unwell. He hasn’t gotten up from bed since morning cause his body is burning with fever.” John revealed.
“What?. Please where is he?. I would like to see him.” Janice said with all seriousness.
“Sure. Come in.” John said letting her in.
Entering into the sitting room, John offered her a seat.
“Please do have a seat.” John said pointing out a seat.
Janice was restless as She worriedly sat on the sofa.
John went in and returned to the sitting room where Janice was restlessly sitting waiting for him.
“I think it’s best you go in there to see him. He can’t possibly get up.” John said. “I will be stepping out for a while. So feel free.” John said.
Janice opened the curtain that led into the bedroom and peeped through only to see Collins laying on the bed with his body wrapped with bedsheet.
“Collins?.” Janice called Walking up to him.
Collins raised his head to see a different version of Janice. She was really breathtaking that morning.
“Janice?. You look extremely beautiful this morning. Where are you off too?. Is there a special event going on today?.” Collins managed to asked.
Those were the words Janice wanted to hear but seeing Collins in such state, made those words ache. She couldn’t help but shed tears as she walked to him and sat beside him.
“Why didn’t you tell me you were sick?.” Janice sobbed like a baby.
“Why are you crying?. Stop it Janice you are ruining your beautiful makeup. I was going to tell you but I didn’t want to bother you. And since you didn’t call today, I thought maybe my services weren’t needed. So I stayed put hoping to call you after I’ve gotten stronger.” Collins said feeling bad for being the reason behind Janice’s tears.
“I didn’t know you were laying down here sick all by yourself. And I was at home thinking of what clothe to wear to come see you.” Janice lamented like a baby.
At this point, Collins couldn’t help but admired her cuteness and childish behaviors.
“I’m fine Janice. It’s just fever. Maybe because of the change of environment and weather. But I’m fine. Trust me.” Collins said wiping her tears.
Janice grabbed his hand. And placed the back of her palm on his forehead feeling his body temperature.
Surprisingly, Collins felt his heart beat raced the moment she placed her hand on his forehead.
“Why is my heart beat racing so fast over a mere touch from Janice?. I guess maybe it’s the effect of the fever.” Collins said in his heart while gazing into Janice’s eyes.
“Your body temperature is high. Please get up let’s go see a doctor.” Janice said snapping Collins back to reality.
“Come on Janice, it’s just mere fever. And it will subside with time. Besides, I’ve taken drugs already.” Collins insisted.
“Yet you are wrapped in bedsheet and your body temperature is this high?.” Janice asked dragging his bedsheet.
Janice persisted till Collins agreed to follow her to the hospital.
Meanwhile, John who had gone out, placed a call through to Chris’s father telling him of Collins condition and how Janice had paid Collins a visit. When Chris’s father dropped his phone, he sat back on his chair and said to himself.
“What’s going on?. Why is fate trying to repeat itself in my grandchildren’s life?. Hmmmm. I won’t seat back and do nothing this time around. I will make sure nobody gets hurt. And everyone gets what they deserve. I think it’s high time I paid Chris a visit.” He said.
John was being paid to play the role of an undercover and an investigator. He knew Janice to be Eric’s fiancee as he had seen them together in different occasions when he dropped by at O.G firm to gather information about what has been going on in Chris’s family.
Collins and Janice returned from the hospital with loads of drugs. Collins thought Janice would go home after they had returned from the hospital. But she stuck around.
She made sure he had his bath, ate his food and most importantly, took his medications as prescribed by the doctor. The way she took good care of him without minding that he was just a poor boy, moved Collins heart. And for the first time, he was beginning to accept that he felt something for her.
After all set and done, Collins laid back on his bed and slept off. Janice watched over him. She kept admiring his looks, his nose and his lips. She stared helplessly at them that she couldn’t help but pressed hers against his. Collins who wasn’t fast asleep like he pretended to be, opened his eyes wide open in amazement. And when Janice pulled away, he shut back his eyes pretending to be deep asleep.
Just then, a call from Eric came in. Janice who didn’t want to wake Collins from his sleep, Stepped out of the bedroom into the sitting room to answer his call.
When she left, Collins couldn’t help but touched his lips Wondering why Janice did what she did.
Janice finished answering the call and returned to Collins room with her eyes ransacking the entire room. She didn’t want to wake Collins up so she had to go through his stuffs till she came across his CV. There was no way she could access his laptop without his password so she was left with no choice but to wake him up.
Collins opened his eyes pretending to have fallen deep asleep. He gave his password to Janice and pretended to have gone back to sleep. Janice unlocked his laptop and forwarded his CV to Eric who later confirmed that he had received it. But then he was forced to ask,
“Are you in possession of his CV or what?. Or are you guys together?.” Eric asked.
“Yes Eric. I came over to make him send you his CV.” Janice said.
“Janice, I respect your privacy and personal life a lot. But don’t you think you are beginning to cross your boundaries?.” Eric asked feeling concerned and anxious.
“There was no boundaries to begin with Eric. Just let me know when he’s getting the job.” Janice said.
“Tell him to come for an interview tomorrow morning. If he passes the interview, then the job will be his.” Eric said.
