Shadow Of Love

Episode 45

I was downing my fifth shot when I heard the knock. I didn’t know where it was coming from but all I knew was that it was disturbing my quiet time. I stood up to go to the door but my legs gave way and I slumped on the ground.

”

My eyes were closed but I was hearing them right. They were arguing over someone getting drunk and falling down. I recognised William’s voice, that of Lois, Tobe……

I quickly opened my eyes to embrace my boyfriend but I saw Claire perched beside him. There was concern in his eyes but I looked away immediately.

Lois came and rubbed my head. We were in my room.

Lois: Baby what happened? You would have at least waited for me to get here.

A tear slid down to my ear.

Claire: Lois, do you know something? Please tell us. What’s wrong with her?
I pleaded with Lois using my eyes not to say anything to them. William who has been silent spoke up for the first time;

Will: You look like you could use a cuddle.
I nodded and he came to me, he helped me raise my head and placed it on his laps. Just as i was about to look up, Tobe looked away.

Lois: Baby, are you alright?

Will: She will be. Trust me.

Lois flashed him a weak smile and picked up her handbag

Lois: William, please I’m leaving her to your care tonight. I’ll come back with the girls before I go to school tomorrow. Take care of her for me please.

Claire: But you know I’ll take care of her.

Lois: Don’t bother Claire. You’ve got a guest so take care of him.

Tobe: Ehm….. I’ll be leaving tonight. Won’t be spending the night.

Claire: Come on baby. You….

Lois: William, I trust you’ll take care of her.
William: Lois she’ll be fine. Get going before it gets darker.

Lois leaned into me and kissed my forehead.

Lois: You’re a strong woman Pamela. You’ll pull through, trust me.

I let myself breakdown as she walked out of my room. Tobe excused himself too and Claire followed. William pulled me into his arms and I let myself fall in, taking in his scent and thanking God for giving me such a wonderful friend.

Will: You….

Me: He had called to know my location, only to come here and be with his girlfriend.

Will: They’ve been dating b4 now?
I took time to narrate what happened the day he’d seen her picture on my phone, the cancelled visit, then today.

Will: I thought he was man enough to be regarded as one. I’m so disappointed.

Me: I don’t know what my crime is, why destiny will keep making a mockery out of me. Why me? First it was Franca, now, Claire, my friends, oh goodness……
I was shut up by the opening of the door, then…..

Tobe’s head popped in and William sprang up immediately, throwing me off without knowing.

William: You’ll be gentleman enough to leave her alone right?

There was anger in his voice and I knew he was also sharing in my pain.

Tobe: Please, let me just talk to her.

William folded his arms below his chest and gave him a mock posture.

Will: And your girlfriend?