Shadow Of Love

Episode 12

I finally woke up around some minutes past four. Tobe was still sleeping so I quietly got down from the bed and went to shower. I felt little pains down there but I shrugged it off. I heard it’s always like that and will ease up in a short time. I took my bath and quickly wore mini gown before going into the kitchen. There were varieties of foodstuffs so I settled for yam and egg sauce. The yam was already boiling when Tobe walked into the kitchen.

Me: You’re awake.

He came closer and we shared a kiss.

Tobe: What are you cooking? I’m famished.

Me: You should be. Yam and egg sauce.

Tobe: That will be fast. While the yam boils, can we have a chat?

Me: Of course.

I washed my hands and we left the kitchen. We settled at the dinning and he rubbed his face before speaking up.

Tobe: Baby, I want to apologise for keeping you in the dark about Fantasy. Believe me, I wanted to tell you before you finally leave but circumstances made it this way that you found out yourself. I’m really sorry.

I cleared my throat and gave out a weak smile.

Me: But I’m grateful that you still told me the truth. Someone else would have lied to me about the whole thing but you didn’t. So I forgive you.

Tobe: Thank you very much. Believe me, I love you so very much. And now that you gave me the honour of being your first, I promise that nothing will ever come between us, nothing.

We embraced each other before I went back to the kitchen. I was the happiest girl in the whole universe that moment. I served the meal and we ate together, laughing and taking pictures as usual.

I cleared the dishes and he helped me wash up. It was like newly weds trying to do everything together.

Tobe: Let’s go out.

Me: Where?

Tobe: There’s a show at toskana tonight. Or we may hang out at new berries. Which do you prefer?

Me: Uhm, what about we stay here? I don’t feel like going out.

Tobe: You sure?

Me: Yes dear.

Tobe: But I’ll like to surprise you, a treat or something. Dress up. We’re going somewhere.

Me: Baby…..

Tobe: Don’t argue. I wanna do something for you tonight.

Me: Alright.

He helped me up and I quickly changed into a jean trouser and singlet. We got into his car and started riding through the street of Enugu. I didn’t know where we were going but I felt safe and happy. We drove for about twenty minutes before we pulled into a complex. It was around 5:48 when we got there. We got into the building which was a boutique and Tobe asked me to select anything that I wanted. I looked around and was amazed. Nothing was below #5900. Don’t get me wrong, not like I’ve not seen such places because I’m from a well to do family also but I’m marvelled because even the normal crop tops you can get at cheaper rates were all expensive. I looked at Tobe and he was already busy selecting some boots.

Me: Tobe, this things are costly.

Tobe: Nice things are always costly.

Me: But we can get them from somewhere else.

He turned to me immediately.

Tobe: Baby, I wear clothes that have got brands, whose designers are well known. It’s right that my girlfriend should be singled out in every gathering, you’re different from every other girl now so keep quiet and shop for God’s sake. It’s my money not yours. Check if these boots fit please.

I shook my head and started checking them. To cut long story short, he ended up picking everything for me while I only had to check if they fit or not. He paid with his credit card, a whooping two hundred and something thousand, promising the sales girl that we’ll come back later in the week.

I was grateful because everything he picked was just perfect but then again, it’ll give me so much attention in school and I wasn’t ready for all that. Not yet
I was at my door around 7;30pm the next day. Tobe had dropped me off and left immediately cause his dad had called earlier. I knocked and it was answered by an unknown girl. Franca was sitting on a couch with a plate of ice cream. She didn’t look excited to see me. The girl who opened the door just stood there, staring at us.

Me: Not even a hug?

Franca: Don’t start now.

The coldness in her voice gave me a cold shiver. I carried my bags inside my room and sat on my bed, wondering what was wrong with my best friend. I left my room and went to join them in the sitting room.

The other girl muffled a laugh and I turned to her.

Stacy: I’m Stacy, department of sociology.
I nodded.

Me: I’m…

Stacy: Pamela. Have heard a lot about you.

Me: Hope they’re all good

Stacy: Of course.

Me: Welcome to our house.

Stacy: Thanks. It’s kinda cool. I love it.

I smiled and gave Franca a pat on her shoulder.

Me: Can we we in my room please?

Franca: mmmm. I’m coming.

I excused myself and went back to my room, emptying my bags so that Franca would see my new wardrobe and choose one or two from them.

She came inside my room and I watched her reaction, it was obvious she was amazed.

Franca: Chanel?

Me: Oh yes girlfriend. Come and see all the things…..

Franca: Why?

Her voice has gone back to being cold and unfriendly again. I looked up at her and wondered.

Franca: So I’ll probably get jealous that you’re dating a rich guy huh?

Me: Franca!

Franca: Don’t Franca me. I’ve seen it in your eyes. You love to talk about him all the time so I will get jealous and now, you want to rub it to my face that….

Me: What are you saying? Franca don’t you show me the things your boyfriend buy for you? Have I ever reacted this way? Why are you being so not you?

Franca: You know what? Go to hell with your things and your boyfriend.

She walked out before I could say anything. Her words stung my heart and I was left to wonder if I did anything wrong before going to Tobe’s house. I checked myself properly but there was none. I was clean. Why this reaction then? Why?

I stood up and left the room, determined to get answers from my best friend but I was stopped in my track when I heard her talking with Stacy.

Stacy: Babe calm down. Don’t you think you’re taking this thing the wrong way?

Franca: I can’t calm down. I love him so much. Why will he have to choose her at the first place?

Stacy: Remember that if he’d not chosen her, you wouldn’t have seen him and fallen for him. I think you just have to come out clean. Tell him how you feel about him.

Franca: But don’t you think he’ll refuse me? He’ll think I’m crazy.

Stacy: You have to try first.

Franca: Gosh. On one hand I have Charles and on the other, there is Flord. But my heart won’t stick to any, instead, its going for Tobe. Why Tobe.

I had heard enough. I walked into the sitting room angrily and they both stared at me. I stopped in front of Franca and shook my head.

Me: So its jealousy that has being doing this to you? So you’ve being wanting Tobe all this while?

She stepped back and made to turn but I held her hand.

Me: We’ve being friends since childhood. You know me like the back of your palms. I tell you everything that happens in my life. I…..
She shook her hand off my grip forcefully.

Franca: So what if I’m I’m love with Tobe? Do you have a problem with that?

Stacy: Franca, let’s go for a walk.

Franca: Let me talk to this thing that thinks mighty of herself.

Me: Me? A thing?

Franca: Is it because I’ve being putting up with your trash that you think I want you in my life? You must be dreaming. You see Tobe? He’s mine and mine alone so enjoy it while it lasts.

She walked out and Stacy followed. I slumped on a sofa and cried my heart out. I quickly placed a call to Tobe and asked him to come to the house. He promised to join me shortly. I waited till I fell asleep on the couch only to wake up few minutes later and hear bangings on the door. I opened it and it was Tobe. I went into his arms and he gently drew me in after locking the door. I led him to my room which was still scattered and briefed him on what had transpired between Franca and i