STAGED AFFECTION
(Episode 11)
As I entered the room, I was still wondering what her mother had wanted to tell me before nichelle came down, but my thoughts were interrupted when Nichelle stormed in, her face red with anger.
She walked straight up to me and slapped me, her hand stinging my cheek. “Why did you kiss me?” she demanded. “Is it part of the deal?”
I stood my ground, my eyes flashing with anger. “If you dare raise your hand on me again,” I warned, my voice low and menacing.
Nichelle cut me off, her voice shrill. “What will happen?”
I took a step closer to her, my eyes blazing. “If you try it again, I’ll walk out of this contract and never look back.”
Nichelle’s eyes narrowed, her face twisted in a scowl. “You can do no such thing,” she spat.
I smiled, a cold, hard smile. “Watch me,” I said, turning to pack my bags.
Nichelle stood there, watching me, her eyes wide with shock and anger. She seemed to be waiting for me to back down, but I was determined to follow through on my threat.
As I packed, Nichelle’s anger seemed to grow. She took a step closer to me, her fists clenched. “You can’t just leave,” she said, her voice rising.
I turned to face her, my eyes flashing with anger. “I can and I will,” I said, my voice firm. “You’re just a spoilt brat who lacks manners.”
Nichelle’s face turned red with rage, and she raised her hand to slap me again. But I was ready for her. I raised my hand, palm outwards, and she stopped, her eyes locked on mine.
“The only reason I don’t hit you back is that I don’t beat women,” I said, my voice cold and hard.
Nichelle’s eyes narrowed, her face twisted in a scowl. “You’ll regret this,” she spat.
I smiled, a cold, hard smile. “I doubt it,” I said, turning to leave.
****************
As I was about to leave, Nichelle called out to me, her voice shrill. “If you leave this house tonight, you’ll never get your pay” she threatened.
I turned to face her, my eyes flashing with anger. “Go to hell with your money,” I spat. “No man can marry you or stay with you because of your bad character. You’re just a waste of beauty, beautiful but with no good character.”
Nichelle’s face turned red with rage, but I continued, my words pouring out like venom. “Your mother is a nice and good woman, but you’re just a disappointment. You’ll die single because of your attitude.”
Nichelle stood there, speechless, her eyes wide with shock and anger. I turned and left her room, slamming the door behind me.
I went straight to her mother in the living room, my heart still racing with anger. “Ma, I’m leaving tonight,” I announced.
Her mother looked up at me, shocked. “Why? It’s already late,” she asked.
I lied, trying to think of a convincing excuse. “Someone is waiting for me at my house, I need to go open the door for him.”
Her mother frowned, concerned. “But it’s too late, Razi. Can’t it wait till morning?”
I shook my head, trying to appear confident. “I’ll be fine, ma. Don’t worry about me.”
Her mother nodded, though she still looked worried. “Okay, just be careful. When will you be back?”
I knew I wouldn’t be back, but I lied again. “By tomorrow, ma. I’ll be back by next tomorrow.”
Her mother smiled and nodded, seemingly convinced. “Okay, dear. Nichelle can drop you off at least.”
I shook my head, trying to think of another excuse. “No need, ma. She’s already gone to bed. I’ll just take a taxi.”
Her mother nodded, and I made my escape, leaving the toxic atmosphere of that house behind me.
*****************
I left their house that night and went home, my heart still racing with anger and frustration. When I got home, I knocked on the door, and KC’s voice called out, “Who’s that?”
“It’s me,” I replied, my voice tired and exasperated.
KC opened the door, and his eyes widened in shock. “Guy, what’s wrong?” he asked, concern etched on his face.
I shook my head, feeling defeated. “I’m done with that contract,” I announced.
KC’s eyes narrowed. “What happened?”
I took a deep breath, recounting the events of the night. “That girl had the guts to slap me,” I said, my anger rising again.
KC’s eyes widened in disbelief. “What? Why?”
I explained the situation, telling him about the kiss and how Nichelle’s mother almost caught us. KC listened, his expression growing more and more shocked.
“So what happens to the money?” KC asked, his voice laced with concern.
I shrugged. “She said she won’t give me a dime if I left her house tonight.”
KC was speechless, his eyes fixed on me in dismay. I could tell he was disappointed, but he didn’t say anything. Instead, he just stepped aside, allowing me to enter the house.
As I carried my bag inside, KC followed me, his eyes still fixed on me. I could tell he was trying to process everything I had just told him. Finally, he spoke up.
“Guy, I don’t know what to say. I’m sorry it had to end like this.”
I nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. “It’s okay, KC. I’m just glad to be out of there.”
KC nodded in agreement. “Yeah, me too. You deserve better than that.”
To be continued…
