Chapter 10, Episode 6

Last updated on February 9th, 2024 at 04:30 pm

“Babe, tell me this is very important.”

“It depends.” 

“Angela, what’s wrong?” She asked, her tone changing as soon as she noticed I was sad. “Wait, is it Tochi?” I hated that she could guess right.

“Yes.”

“Okay, what happened?”

“Would you believe he hasn’t called today?” I spent over ten minutes on the phone talking to Elizabeth. I felt bad that I was ruining her fun, but I guess it came with the whole package. Laugh together, cry together.

She ended the call telling me that she trusted me to do what was right for me. She reminded me of times when we were kids and I stood up for myself. I definitely shed a lot of tears and she joined me. What a way to add to her fun.

***

“My baby!” Tochi hailed on the phone totally oblivious to the effect of his actions or in this case, nonactions. It was 9 pm at night and I was still the only one in the house. Zabby’s friend had texted an hour ago to let me know she wouldn’t be coming home. It was hard to admit but I almost wished that many women that went out with their lovers today fell pregnant. I was that bitter. I also tried sleeping, but sleep wouldn’t come.

“Hi,” I replied as cold as I could.

“How was your day?” He continued not noticing my mood.

“Fine.”

“What did you do today?” I was livid. Was he being deceitful or he really didn’t know that today was Valentine’s Day and also our anniversary?

“Tochi, where did you go all day?”

“Omo, it was busy for me. Tell me about yours first.”

“I didn’t do anything.”
“So, just romancing your bed all day?”

“Yes.”

“Lazy girl.” He replied, laughing.

“Today is our anniversary.”

“Anniversary?”

“Yes, last year we agreed and chose February 14th.”

“Are you serious?” Now he was going to claim that he forgot.

“Today is also Valentine’s Day.”

“Ahnahn, Angela, come off it… I remembered this one but I assumed it’s not your thing na.” Jeez! This guy kills me. No way he was wiggling his way out of this.

“Tochi, I don’t know what to say, but I have spent all day feeling bad; I called you and sent text messages, but you didn’t reply to either.”

“Babe, I am sorry. You know I can easily get busy na. You know, you saw it when you came to Lagos.”

“Speaking of Lagos, are we never seeing each other again?”

“What do you mean?” He answered, sounding exasperated. 

“Tochi, we are in a relationship. It’s been over three months since we last saw, are we not due for another visit?” I said without even trying to manage my emotions. I was angry and he deserved to know. We weren’t even talking about the main issue anymore.

“Angela, is there any time you suggested coming and I said no?”

“Tochi, the agreement was that you would come!”

“See, I don’t get you and this agreement. You just sit and make assumptions and think that we have agreed. Should I leave my work and come to Abuja? Do you have a place for me to stay? Can you feed me?” He replied sounding vexed too. I just couldn’t win this.

“Okay,” I said, barely audible.

“After a hard day, I called to hear your voice and feel better. But it seems as if you just want to keep attacking me. Let’s talk later when you are in a better mood.” I wish he was reliable enough for me to be able to also call when I was in a bad mood. I didn’t bother replying to him. As if he knew I wasn’t interested in the conversation again, he ended the call.

***

I didn’t sleep until 3 am. I had a lot on my mind and I really wanted to know where we went wrong. I couldn’t go on with this, I deserved better, surely. I had a feeling that Zabby had a new guy and she went to see him. She had been single for over three years and was due for a relationship but her keeping it from me made me feel bad. Like my relationship was that bad and she telling me about hers might appear as if she was rubbing it in my face. I knew her well enough to know her line of thinking. I wasn’t mad at her, I pitied myself instead.

I called in sick at my PPA today. I got up to brush my teeth. It felt like I was going through a breakup already. My head pounded and I knew if my dad called, he’d immediately notice that something was up and I wouldn’t be able to manage it. I had to put a stop to this insanity, maybe love wasn’t for me. I already tried enough.

***

Hi, I just wanted to let you know that I am no longer interested in whatever we have. Take care and have a good life.

I read the message again and hit send. Then wailed into my pillow. I contemplated blocking his number and unfollowing him on social media, but I decided to wait.

This was it. The end of the crap I have held on to for years. A part of me wished he’d call and beg, but I didn’t want him to call.

***

“Babe, I am coming to your place straight.”

“I don’t get.” I replied to Zabby, blowing my nose. Break-ups were the worst. I couldn’t even describe how I felt.

“You have been crying for days and acting as if you lost a pet. I am coming to haul your ass.” Zabby wasn’t cutting me any slack. I didn’t blame her.

…

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