#Grim
Episode Eight
© Omotayo Olukemi Aiyemo
“Guess who’s here? Her mom asked with a smile on returning to the ward, in less than an hour. Bisade opened her eyes immediately and her face lightened up with a smile. I traced her gaze to the door post only to behold my worst nightmare, Olamilekan…
“YOU AGAIN?” I yelled out so loud that my ears hurt…. only but in my mind.
My heart almost ripped out in rage… With my every and last strength, I held back from jumping on him and beating him into coma. Damn all of this! It seemed heaven is against us, if not I see no reason why this fucking bastard should be here again to disrupt what I was already planning to make right. I wished I could squeeze his life out of him…to watch him cry and beg in pain as his life slip out of him. I wished so many evil could befall Lekan just as I was thinking of it. He has been causing me pain and heartache ever since, and it’s apparent he won’t stop anytime soon and may never even stop at all.
It would be unwise to engage him now, as it will reduce me and might even give me up. Bisade had been wonderful enough to protect me, I won’t expose myself. I stood up and excused myself…that was the best thing I could do to stop me from doing the worse.
I walked out and only nodded to Lekan’s greeting. He didn’t deserve a response, no he didn’t. Without turning around, I knew he would have rushed on to Bisade to check on every part of her. Darn it! He’ll be touching her already… it hurts. The fact that I couldn’t do anything about it and to stop it is more anguishing.
* * *
Seeing my husband’s reaction with the presence of Olami, something tells me it had something to do with his change. I couldn’t give Olami my attention as before and he assumed it was because of what I was going through. Yes he was right but it wasn’t even about my physical state anymore but my emotional being. I declined him footing the hospital bills even though he insisted.
” My husband will take care of it Lekan, thanks for always being there for me” I said.
“Lekan! When did you start calling me that?” Olami asked.
“Is that not your name anymore?” I replied with a question.
He smiled while answering “of course that’s my name but just wondering when you stopped calling me Olami”
I needed not to answer him so I only smiled back. I think there’s need for me to start adjusting my friendship with him as it seemed my husband isn’t pleased with it no more. And like I had thought before, I’ll need to take the responsibility of making my marriage work. And if it means cutting off ties with Lekan, then so be it.
He was able to deduce that all wasn’t well and so he asked if there’s anything I would want to tell him. I asked my mom to excuse us and she finally did after questioning me with her eyes..
” I need us to put an end to this friendship, infact I want us to stop communicating” I said immediately my mom left.
” Wooooh! Wooooh! Wooooh! Where’s this coming from” Lekan asked as he was obviously surprised.
“I’m married Lekan..” I was still saying
“So?” He questioned interrupting me ” does being married stop you from having friends or continuing being friends with me?” He added
“It has to stop. I’m married and I need to concentrate on building my home without impediment” I explained
“So when did I become an impediment? How am I even disturbing your marriage Abisade mi? He asked
“You know me too well cos I’m not going to explain anything to you… I’ve said what I want and that’s how it’ll be. The quicker you accept it, the better for you” I said already feeling upset.
He didn’t say a word…he only made an attempt to feel my head and I slapped his hand off. Do you think I overreacted? I know my mom would have given him the whole details without sparing a thing..I don’t know why she’s like that, talking too much.
I saw the shock on his face, I was even shocked at how I was being firm with my unrehearsed decision. But then, it was absolutely ridiculous of him to assume I was crazy because I asked him to stay off.
“Abisade, it’s me Olami…how could you just forget the memories we shared all of a sudden? what offence have I committed that made you dim it fit to punish me this way? Lekan continued asking with shaky voice. Before I would change my mind, I turned facing the wall while Lekan continued talking. He left after talking for awhile without a response from me.
I cried silently as I heard his footsteps walk out of the ward, out of my life. It was hurting but it was worth it. If letting go of the man I had wholly loved all my life is the sacrifice I have to pay for my own marriage, then so be it.
* * *
I heard all that my wife and her ex were discussing. Do you think I would have left them alone just like that? Not with my life.
I was glad my wife told him she’s no longer interested in what they have been into. At least that’s reduced the hurts of betrayal but it didn’t erase the fact that there was betrayal, what should have never been.
When I saw the police officers off, I had used the moment to survey the hospital environment, my wife’s ward just in case the need arises. Fortunately for me, it did and I was glad I had prepared ahead.
A smile beamed my face as I watched the home breaker walked out of my marriage. Really, I don’t understand some people. How come it’s so difficult to know when to draw the curtains? Are they too dumb to figure it out themselves? As in, he’s been friends and lover with her for a greater part of her life, yet he didn’t know he needed to step out as she’s now married to me. Isn’t that the height of inconsideration on his part? How would he feel when he finally married and his wife is keeping a bestie, especially the one she’s had several moments with? No, wait… Can he or anyone of you be able to take it?
My anger is justified… Although I overreacted by hitting her, but you’ll agree with me that everything and anything is expected when enraged. The only point I’m feeling bad right now is my baby’s face, I wished it can just go back instantly to being the face I had treasured. Such miracles don’t happen, so I consoled myself that that would heal up in due time.
I returned to my wife’s ward and met her still crying. This wanted to upset me yet again but it would be selfish of me not to expect her reactions. She started sniffing in attempt to hide her tears when she became conscious that I had returned. I tried to understand her, and I’m still trying to.
* * *
I turned around some seconds after Tade came in. I had hurriedly cleaned up my face with the back of my palm. It’s not as if Tade had ever complained about Lekan, but his mood everything he’s around me had made me conclude he isn’t pleased with him around me.
I remembered my phone, how I was about texting Olami before the terrible incident. I remembered I had seen his last message have been read and so I concluded that would have triggered the anger in Tade.
Tade sat beside me, took my hands in his, and lightly said “Thank you”. I wanted to ask the reason, but I didn’t. Seriously, this is beginning to eat me up. I had always been too few with words most especially in my love life. I always lose confidence when speaking mostly because I’m always too careful not to offend. I’ll have things to say but will end up swallowing them up. This has to change about me… infact, it must change as soon as I get back to my feet.
* * *
Bisade didn’t seem to get why I was thanking her, but waiting for her to ask is like expecting me to forgive my mom…I will definitely but not now.
I used to love her simple and reserved life, but if only she can be a little outspoken, it will help our togetherness. But any which way, I plan on having a discourse session with her. We need to really talk about us because I’ve chosen not to trail this path again. I hope I’ll be able to forgive her and forget all soon before long.
I have made this decision to be the man; the loving and caring man that I was to her before, and not the monster I think I’m becoming. Her decisions had made me to rethink. I’ll give her a second chance, yes, we deserve another chance and if she failed again; then I don’t know what will become of us.
A message popped up on my phone. I brought it out only to read what I would have never imagined or expected.
“I KNOW YOU DID THIS TO HER AND FOR YOUR OWN GOOD, DO NOT EVER TOUCH HER AGAIN, NOT ON YOUR LIFE ELSE..”
I read Lekan’s threat, over and over and my blood boiled vigorously that I almost ran mad with rage. I needed something, anything or even someone to unleash my fury on, and Bisade is the only one available. DAMN IT!
To be continued…
Tade you better stop your madness