THE VOW
EPISODE 10
© Jennipher Duru
Gabriel relaxed on the bed. He opened his laptop and started surfing on the internet. The news about him was all over social media. He closed his laptop and lay on the bed. He dozed off and slept. Meanwhile, Cynthia was restless. She took her bag and went to her parents’ house. Monica called but she refused to pick the calls. She ran into her mother’s arms, crying. “Mummy, my whole life is ruined. Gaby has destroyed our home” she wept. Her mother calmed her down. Her father, who did not say any word, sat down and looked at her. Cynthia calmed down and narrated her situation, stating that Gaby was cheating on her with one of his colleagues. She also narrated the story of the guy in the fast food.
Cynthia’s mother: My daughter. I still can’t see what makes you convinced that Gabriel is seeing this lady. The only proof you have is that you saw a message from her, which, to me, doesn’t seem to be a love message. And the explanation that he gave you seems to be logic.
Cynthia: Mummy, you don’t understand. This girl is always calling Gaby. They are always together during working hours and…
Cynthia’s mother: Cynthia, Cynthia! When you married Gabriel, you knew that he is an open man and a journalist. You accepted him for who he is. The last time you even brought Sasha to this house, you were saying that she is a good person, and truly she looked very decent. You have known of their friendship for some time now and then all of a sudden you have started suspecting her
Cynthia: Mom, are you trying to defend Gabriel?
Cynthia’s mother: I am not defending anyone, including you. I am just trying to tell you what I think. You have absolutely no proper proof that the two are seeing each other.
Cynthia’s father stood up and in a very serious tone said “You are a big shame to this family. After all the education you have received from us, you still go to your husband’s house to behave like a child. This is a simple issue that could have been solved between both of you in a mature way without letting anyone know. I don’t blame Gabriel for causing that scandal. In fact if I were him, I would have also beaten the hell out of you. Now you see that door over there? I am asking you to get out of this house now. Go and look for your husband and sort this issue out with him. Until you have discussed with him, I don’t want to see your face in this house. You are a married woman and you should be able to handle your matrimonial issues alone, because when I married you off, I married you off to your husband. Now get out of this house right now before I get my whip”.
Cynthia’s mom went on her knees “Please honey, forgive her. She is not in her right mind to drive home. Let her stay here for some hours then she can go” she pleaded. Cynthia’s father shouted “I said, get out of this house. If she was in her right mind to be going out every time with her friends, leaving her husband, then she can definitely drive home now. And you woman, if you don’t stay out of this, you will have to answer to me. Get out, I say”. He lifted up his hand and went towards Cynthia. Cynthia ran out of the house crying. She entered her car and drove off.
Gabriel woke up around 4pm. He was having a terrible headache. “Ouch!Ouch!” he said as he rose up from the bed. He called the reception to order some coffee. Helen answered. “Ok, it will be brought to you right away.
“Room service” Helen called as she stood in front of the door. Gabriel opened the door, putting one hand on his head. “Hmm, you don’t look so good Gaby. What’s up with you?” she said. “I am alright, just a slight headache. Thank you for the coffee” he said. He tried to receive the serving plate from Helen, but she went straight inside the room and put it on his table. She closed the door and spoke “Gaby, I know that things didn’t work out between us the way we planned, but you can always count on me. I am still your friend. I know I hurt you, but I have regretted and believe me, I have changed. I have been looking for an opportunity to ask you for forgiveness, and I believe God has answered my prayers. Now, tell me what is going on? I saw from the internet what happened between you and that man.”
Gabriel looked at her and sat down. He took a sip of the coffee and fixed his eyes on Helen, though his mind was far away.
Gabriel: You have read everything on the internet, so why do you still want me to explain?
Helen: Well, because I want to hear your version of the story and if possible, give you my support
Gabriel: Well my version of the story is exactly what you have read: My wife is cheating on me, I caught her and fought with her lover. That’s all
Helen: I am really sorry dear. I know you to be a very good man who can’t even hurt a fly. I don’t know why bad things happen to good people. Anyway, I am here if you need anyone to talk to.
Gabriel: Thank you
Gabriel kept quiet and continued drinking his coffee. Helen, who was trying to figure out how to engage him in a conversation, said “I know it’s been long since you visited your hometown. So many things have changed around here. I can show you around if you wish. I finish my work at 5pm. We can visit some old places, so that you can free your mind from certain things. Gabriel replied “Oh that would be nice, but I am afraid I won’t be able to make it. I just want to be alone for some time”. Helen was about to continue, but she received a call “Oh it’s my colleague. I am sure they need me at the reception. I need to go. I’ll pass by to see how you are doing in a couple of minutes when I am about to leave” she said. Gabriel just looked at her. She went to him and gave him a passionate kiss on his cheeks. Gabriel brushed off his head to show his disapproval.
To be continued….
