Shadow Of Love

Episode 44

“Dem never born girl wey go sniff my man shirt sef let alone come drag am with me”.
Claire had said that and it had registered in my brain. I’m not a fighter that’s one thing and secondly, I think Claire is into some occult practices and I wouldn’t like myself to be caught up in the middle of something just because of a guy whom I used to worship and adore but turned out to be like every other male cheating specie.

I snapped out of my thoughts when I saw Tobe stand up. I gave him my hand for a handshake and he looked baffled.

Me: Hi Tobe, nice meeting you.
I had a smile plastered to my face while my eyes had tears threatening to fall.

Claire: Hey, his name is Tobe too? How do you know? Is he……

Tobe: Uhm….

Me: Come on babe. More than persons share same names. Besides, who doesn’t know the son of our vice chancellor?

Claire: Oh!

She went to him and placed her hand round his neck.

Claire: That means you share same name with her boyfriend, it’ll be…..

Me: Tobe, I’ve heard a lot about you and I must say, you look different from all the things she’s been saying.

Claire: Pamela don’t be a spoiler.
I flashed my fake smile again.

Me: I’ll be in my room.
I walked out before they would say anything else but I felt Tobe’s eyes boring holes in my back. I locked my door and slumped on my bed. Surprisingly, the tears didn’t fall. They just kept pinching my ear and throat. I placed a call to Lois immediately and she picked.

Lois: Babe you no well o. Why will you leave us like that?

Me: Lois

Lois: Wait. Why is your voice like that? Are you alright?.

Me: Tobe is dating Claire. They’re right under my roof. Lois what crime have I committed to be faced with this kind of punishment?

That was when the tears came in torrents. I hung up and broke down automatically. Why me? I undressed and stood in front of my mirror, looking at my body and wondering what’s missing. My roommates, my friends, but now, it was worse because I can’t even fight for what’s mine because I’m weak, because I’ve got nobody that belongs neither do I belong. I began to regret, my virginity that I had given him on a platter of gold, the time I had wasted, loving him without being selfish.

After I had taken my bath, I dressed in a jean bum short with a singlet and stepped out, heading to the kitchen. They were no longer in the sitting room so I just passed. I opened the fridge and got hold of the first vodka my hand touched. It was going to be a long night so I need all the company I could get. Don’t ask me who cause my bottle and shot are the best people I needed for the night. Something I’ve never done before, Tobe’s rejection had led me to it and I don’t care if it’ll kill me. What matters is that for the moment, I get to forget that he exists.

I walked straight to the sitout, after I’ve got music blaring from my home theatre. I settled into my favourite position and poured my first shot, taking it down in one gulp and almost choking at the same time, clutching my chest as the spirit registered its hotness. But that burning in my chest was nothing compared to the hurt I felt because of Tobe’s betrayal.
Tonight, I’m going to drink till I can’t remember my name.