Chapter 12, Episode 4

Last updated on February 25th, 2024 at 09:12 am

We had been talking for over an hour and he’d mostly been apologising.

“Angela, say something.”

“I can’t even be mad at you. I’m too tired to be.” This was partly true but it was also because seeing him activated the butterflies in my stomach again. In over a year, he had grown even bigger and more handsome. He seemed to have taken to the gym. Lucky him. He also grew his beard now and looked more manly. When it came to Tochi, I just couldn’t help myself. Maybe Eliam would be happy to know that though he was born out of wedlock, his parents were in love. I probably sound dumb.

“I know. I am sorry. I am ready to fix things. I was scared and I panicked.”

“How do you think I felt?”

“I can’t even imagine, Angel. But even after a year, I can’t get over you. Tell me you don’t feel the same and we would go straight to discussing our child.” I avoided his question and instead asked if he wanted to see Eliam’s picture. He blinked back tears as he looked at the picture.

“Can I send it to my phone?”

“Sure.” After a while, he showed me his phone. I reluctantly looked at it and saw that he had made a picture of Eliam and me his wallpaper. 

After about two hours of pleading, he hailed a cab for me. I was about to enter when he held me.

“Angel, I am around for only two weeks. I came as soon as I could get leave from work. Please I want to see you once more. Then if possible, Eliam.” He was so close, that it seemed intentional. If my brain wasn’t a puddle, I would have probably been able to give a coherent response. But as his breath tickled my ear and his presence filled my immediate space, I lost my train of thought. So, I nodded instead.

***

“So, you didn’t even insult him or tell him how his absence made you feel?”

“No,” I said, almost defensively.

“You don’t have to be defensive. I am not judging.” Zabby raised her hands. I looked at her and cocked a brow. “Okay okay. I’m judging. Maybe a little. But this guy knows your buttons, Angela. You can’t afford to play into his hands.”

“What if I want to?” I didn’t know I said it out loud until Zabby shook her head.

“If that’s what you want.” She said and left my room. I was so silly. But then, Zabby was the one who suggested that I should see him.

***

It was a Saturday. Tochi had come to our house in the morning to take Eliam on an outing. It was their second time together. Zabby was around but she stayed inside her room until he left. After our last conversation, she refused to ask about Tochi and me. I was also confused—on the one hand, I was dying to tell her the things Tochi told me and on the other hand, I didn’t want her to judge me. Okay, I didn’t want her to discourage me. I had not told Tochi that I was ready to get back with him, but I was so close. I kept telling myself it was because of Elaim but I knew it was also for me, for us, for what we had before I got pregnant.

He messaged me about thirty minutes ago to say they were both coming back and I felt a deep sense of joy. Tochi and our son. I really wanted to talk to Zabby though. I went to her room and turned the doorknob, but it was locked. When did she go out? I was about to call her when Tochi’s call came in. 

“We are at the door.” That was fast.

“Oh, okay.” I really wanted to hear Zabby’s opinion. Tochi promised to change but was I just being silly? I opened the door and any doubts I might have had flew out. As if Tochi sensed it too, he moved closer and kissed me. It was light and brief, but I felt the tingle down to my soul. 

“Can I come in?” He asked as I took Elaim from him. I wasn’t sure. I didn’t want Elizabeth to meet him here.

“I am not sure.”

“Angel, just for three minutes.”

“Okay.” I left the entrance and allowed him.

“Nice place.” He said as he came in. I noticed that he didn’t sit down, but I didn’t offer him a seat. I avoided his face as I settled Eliam in his baby chair and cooed at him.

“Angel. I am leaving in two days’ time. I want your response. I want us back. I want to be in my son’s life.” I had been quiet all the times he had said his intentions. I seemed to now find my voice.

“What does us mean? What are your plans? What of the distance?” I mean, I wasn’t ready to get married, but in three years I suppose I would be ready and that was not far off anymore. He said he eventually got a job as a Product Manager in Lagos and he earned well but how could that sustain a long-distance relationship?

“I understand you, baby. Give me your answer first then we will talk about this. I asked you first.” At that, he turned and left.

***

“Tochi and I are back together.”

“I know.”

“That’s it?”

“What do you want me to say?” Zabby had been avoiding me. She had been going out early and coming back late. Sometimes, she would not return and wouldn’t give me a heads-up. I had to wait for her in the sitting room today so I could see her. It’d been two weeks since Tochi left Abuja. Two weeks since I said yes to dating him again. I wanted her opinion. Was I making a mistake? I wanted her bluntness.

“Are you mad at me?”

“Why would I be?”

“Then talk to me!” I said, frustrated. She looked at me as if I was crazy and went into her room. I was about to get up when I heard her door lock. Fine! Two can play the game. I stormed into my room even though I wanted to go and kick her door until she opened it.

…

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