STAGED AFFECTION
(Episode 6)
In the morning, I woke up, took my bath, and got dressed, pretending to be going to work. Nichelle was also dressed and ready to go to work. We came downstairs, where her mother had prepared breakfast for us. We ate together, and after finishing, I told her mother I would be off to work.
As I was about to leave, I went to Nichelle and gave her a quick peck on the cheek. Her mother was watching us, and I knew it was all part of the act. As I turned to leave, Nichelle said, “Baby, I want us both to drive to work together.”
I turned and looked at her, knowing it was all because of her mother. I smiled and said, “Why not?” We both left the house and got into her car. She handed me the keys to drive, and her mother watched as we drove out.
When we left the house, Nichelle asked me to stop at a junction. I stopped the car, and she put her hand into her purse and brought out some money. “Here, take this,” she said. “Get out of the car and go wherever you want. In the evening, come back, and we’ll pretend you just got back from work.”
I looked at her for a moment, surprised by her words. “Keep your money,” I said, getting out of the car. “I’m not that broke.”
Nichelle watched as I stopped a taxi and left. I couldn’t believe what had just happened. How could she possibly push me out of the car like that? I shook my head and got into the taxi, wondering what other surprises lay ahead.
As I rode away, I couldn’t help but think about the strange situation I had gotten myself into. Pretending to be someone’s boyfriend was one thing, but being treated like nothing was another. I just hoped that the next two weeks would pass quickly, and I could get back to my normal life.
*******************
I went straight to our main house, eager to share my experiences with KC. As I got to the living room, KC was happy to see me, and he asked how everything was going. I told him honestly that Nichelle was making the whole thing hard for me at her house.
“Honestly, KC, it’s like she’s trying to make me feel uncomfortable,” I said. “Yesterday, she even took a pillow off my head while I was sleeping. I mean, what kind of person does that?”
KC burst out laughing, clearly finding the situation amusing. But I wasn’t laughing. “This is not a laughing matter, KC,” I said, trying to make him understand. “If care is not taken, I will terminate the contract.”
KC’s face changed immediately. He stopped laughing and looked at me with a serious expression. “Don’t try that bro,” he said. “How am I going to get my 50k if you terminate the contract?”
I sighed, feeling frustrated. “Nichelle is not what I expected KC. But I will still cope with it,” I said.
KC laughed again, this time more sympathetically. “I feel you, bro. But just remember, it’s just for two weeks. You can do it.”
I nodded, trying to convince myself that I could indeed do it. But deep down, I was still unsure if I had made the right decision.
***************
I was still at our main house, chatting with KC, when my phone rang at 6 pm. I picked it up, and Nichelle was on the other end. She asked where I was, and I told her I had gone to work. But she didn’t say anything for a moment.
“Be serious,” she said, her voice sounding angry. “Where are you really?”
I was taken aback by her tone. “Was it not work I went to?” I asked, trying to sound defensive.
“Why are you not yet back?” she demanded. “You know my mother will be worried.”
“Don’t worry, I will be back soon.” I said.
“It’s your business anyway.” She said.
So why calling me since it my business? I asked.
Nichelle snapped at me. “Why are you talking like that? Get lost please”
And before I could say another word, she hung up the call. I was left standing there, feeling frustrated and confused.
KC burst out laughing at the expression on my face. “Go home now, your wife is missing you” he teased.
But I wasn’t laughing. “This is not funny, KC,” I said. “You see the way Nichelle talks to me…it’s like she owns me or something.”
KC chuckled. “It’s just for two weeks, bro. You can handle it.”
But I wasn’t so sure. I got up and left, feeling like I was walking into a war zone. KC’s laughter followed me out the door, but I didn’t find it amusing. I was starting to wonder if I had made a huge mistake by agreeing to this contract.
To be continued…
