SEE FINISH BY TREASURE EZURUIKE EPISODE 26

SEE FINISH BY TREASURE EZURUIKE EPISODE 26

CHIKANMA’S POV

 Jared said so you are going to sell mum for ice cream? I’m not selling mum  Jane said I’m just granting uncle Gerald access to Mummy it’s not the same as selling her please. Don’t let him not give me my ice cream because I will not take it lightly with you. 

Relax Gerald said to both of them, thank you so much for being so understanding and I promise to take good care of your mother just like I’ll take good care of both of you. Uncle Gerald don’t forget my ice cream, Jane said

3 months later Gerald asked me to marry him. It was my 28th birthday. He threw a private party for me with his mum, my mum, my children, and my brother.  It was just the two of us, I had no idea there was anyone there.

It was such a relaxing atmosphere. We had dinner and talked. Then Leroy Sanchez’s Perfect started playing. I loved that song so much. We danced to it.

 

Please don’t hurt my wife or my mum. Please, I’m begging you. I won’t tell anyone. The call ended abruptly and Kenny was hysterical. I stayed out of sight. He walked back inside literally shaking like he was having a panic attack. I screamed Dad’s name.

READ-: SEE FINISH EPISODE 19

The lyrics read:

“I found a love, For me, Darling, just dive right in, And follow my lead

Well, I found a girl, Beautiful and sweet.

I never knew you were the someone waiting for me

‘Cause we were just kids when we fell in love, Not knowing what it was, I will not give you up this time, But darling, just kiss me slow, Your heart is all I own, And in your eyes, you’re holding mine

Baby, I’m dancing in the dark with you between my arms, Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song, When you said you looked a mess, I whispered underneath my breath, But you heard it, darling, You look perfect tonight

Well I found a woman, stronger than anyone I know, She shares my dreams

I hope that someday I’ll share her home

I found a love, To carry more than just my secrets, To carry love, to carry children of our own

We are still kids, but we’re so in love, Fighting against all odds, I know we’ll be alright this time

Darling, just hold my hand, Be my girl, I’ll be your man, I see my future in your eyes

Baby, I’m dancing in the dark, with you between my arms, Barefoot on the grass,

Listening to our favorite song, When I saw you in that dress, looking so beautiful

I don’t deserve this, darling, You look perfect tonight

Baby, I’m dancing in the dark, With you between my arms, Barefoot on the grass

Listening to our favorite song, I have faith in what I see, Now I know I have met an angel in person, And she looks perfect

I don’t deserve this, You look perfect tonight”

I was dancing to the song that I didn’t notice Gerald had stepped away from me and was waiting for me to turn around.

He had gotten down on one knee, and I noticed I couldn’t find him. I turned around and saw the placard in his hand. Will you please marry me? 

I thought about running away but I would have to run through him. I believe he knew what I’d do and decided to get down on one knee by the door.

He was looking so sober. He never wore a proud look but now he seemed scared.

My mind flashed to the first day I met him to that moment in that room and he had been nothing but amazing to me and my children.

A single man with no baggage interested in me, a widow with two children. To add icing to the cake his mum loved me. He loved my children like his own.

I walked over to him, offered him my hand, pulled him up, smiled at him, and felt his heartbeat and his heart looked like it would stop. I just felt at peace listening to it.

He just felt I was torturing him but I wasn’t. I just wanted him to calm down. I asked him what he wanted and he looked at me with surprise.

Just say yes, Leroy’s song was playing on repeat and it made me believe there was someone else there playing it on repeat.

You know I love you right? I said to him, I don’t think you do because if you did you won’t torture me like you are doing now.

Dance with me please, I said. Excuse me! He exclaimed. Please, I said.

KIRA’S POV

He may have been threatened by someone important in his life, like his wife or mum, Kendall said.

I noticed he loves these two people so much. They always come up during our sessions.

Now I’ll have to change course with this information. Please you need to because this tragedy has affected every area of our lives.

I’m sorry about all that, it’s a gradual process. We thanked her and headed home.

I  decided to pay closer attention to Kenny and noticed how broken he was. It was so heartbreaking.

He came to see me and I asked him, is there something else that happened to you in prison other than what you are willing to share?

What kind of question is this? he asked angrily. I just want to help, I said. I’m helpless. I just want my loving husband back.

Don’t ask me that question again he said in fury, then his phone rang. I need to take this call, he said. 

There was something about his reaction to that call so I followed him secretly. Hello, he said with fear.

I couldn’t tell who was on the phone or what was being said. I just heard him say I’ve not said anything about it to anyone sir.

Please don’t hurt my wife or my mum. Please, I’m begging you. I won’t tell anyone. The call ended abruptly and Kenny was hysterical.

I stayed out of sight. He walked back inside literally shaking like he was having a panic attack.

I screamed Dad’s name. He arrived immediately and tried to calm him down. What happened? he asked.

I don’t know, I said. He answered a call. As Dad tried to calm him, I grabbed his phone and copied the number that called him.

I found out there was a lot of audio recording from that number. I copied all of them to my phone.

Kenny fell asleep after Dad calmed him. I gave the number to Dad and played him the audio call recordings.

Who is this person Dad asked who is threatening my child? He should wait for me because I’m coming for him. Don’t tell your mum, Dad said.

Kenny felt better when he woke up. He said he was heading to his therapy session. We found out Kenny walked out of therapy.

The therapist seemed to have switched her line of questions. “Is there anything that happened in prison that you’ve not talked about?”

She told Dad when she called him that he walked out because of that question.

Dad called Kenny and handed me the phone and I didn’t know what to say.

I just started talking. You said you love me, please prove it. What do you want? He barked.

I heard you walked out of therapy, please you need it.

I’m no longer interested in that rubbish. Then I’m no longer interested in you, I said.

What do you mean? You are not helping matters by walking away.

You don’t trust me enough to let me in on your pain or fears. I’m protecting you, he said. From what and who? He said nothing but ended the call.

I didn’t know what just happened. I wanted to call him back, Dad said to leave him, don’t call him back.

Kenny went back to therapy. I don’t know what he was asked but he called me later and just let go.

He cried uncontrollably. I wanted the ground to just open and swallow me. My husband was so broken and I couldn’t help him. 

He showed up at my parents’ home that evening. He was still sobbing. Dad and mum tried to calm him. Mum gave him something to put him to sleep.

KEISHA’S POV

That gold digger question took me by surprise and threw me off balance. Where did you get that from? I managed to ask.

From your bosses, oh! Sorry, your boyfriend’s son’s girlfriend. Michael, I said to myself. I was so confused, then Richard stepped in.

Let me answer that he said. I’m shocked at this question, Richard said.

I’m trying to understand the connection between this press conference about our product launch and whatever I do with my personal private life.

Whatever I do with my life is none of your business. If I marry my employee, I don’t see how it concerns you.

I’m going to suspend the Journalists who asked those questions. They are no longer welcome at my press conferences. I won’t tolerate such rubbish.

I could tell he was so angry. I stepped forward and said that would be all for today. Once we stepped outside. 

Richard called Michael immediately. I took his phone from him. Give me back my phone he barked.

I’m sorry sir I can’t let you make such a mistake. Invite your son and talk to him. Don’t call him when you are so angry.

Don’t make things worse than they already are. Please don’t make that call.

Give me back my phone, he said. I returned it to him. He hissed and put it in his pocket.

He rested by his car and seemed so upset. What did I do to that boy? Hear him out first. I said

As we stood by the car, Micheal called me and I put it on speaker.

I’m sorry about your embarrassment. I didn’t put my girlfriend up to it. She was with me while I was talking to Maya.

I never asked her to tell anyone. I know Dad must be mad at me, please apologize to him on my behalf.

I’m going to break up with my girlfriend because she has sold me out and put my family’s private issues in public.

I know I’m wild and out of control but I’ve never talked about my family in public.

Richard looked at me and hissed, before taking a deep breath.

The call ended and I said to Richard you see what I was saying?

He stared at me. I had not seen him that angry before. While I was talking to Richard, trying to calm him down, my dad called. I put it on speaker. 

Please is it possible for you to stop by? My Dad asked. To do what? To come home.

I’ve not set my eyes on you in the flesh since you left for the university, almost 15 years ago.

Please come home and let’s talk. I looked at Richard and he gestured “say okay”. Okay, Dad, I said and it sounded so weird

The call ended and I became apprehensive. Was something wrong? Is my Dad dying? Is my mum dying?

Relax, Richard said. Just go and find out. And the job? Your family is more important. I’ll miss you but you need to do this.

The following week I set off to see my family. I was so scared wondering what was going on.

When I got home, it turned out dad wanted to make amends. Mum, my brother, and my sister were there too.

It reopened wounds I had closed. I wept especially because of my elder brother.

He was so cruel to me and my parents supported him. Only my sister stood up for me.

I was tired of holding a grudge against my family. Watching Micheal showed me the state of my heart and life.

I needed to let go of all the burdens and bitterness I carried in my heart.

I decided to forgive my family. I felt lighter. I started to miss Richard. I kept looking at my phone expecting him to call.

If he hadn’t I will get upset. I checked my phone more times than I could remember.

Dad noticed and talked to me about him. I know you think it’s a horrible thing but it’s not.

That man I saw is nothing like me. Give him a chance to show you who he is.

If you are uncomfortable, you can forget about it. It’s unfair not to try.

My trip ended and I headed back to the city I reside in. 

Richard was at my apartment when I arrived. I was so surprised to see him.

He was sitting in his car without his driver. To what do I owe this surprise visit?

I smiled at him. You are smiling at me, he said. Do you mean I don’t smile at you? You do but this smile is different.

Please can we go out? Now? Aren’t you hungry? Because I’m starving.

I’ve been here for a while waiting to welcome you after you told me you were on your way back.

I’m exhausted, I said. I owe you a raise Richard said. The work you do is a lot and I never noticed.

I did it for a week and I’m exhausted. Can I have that raise now I asked?

So what are you saying about going out? I’m exhausted but since you’ve been waiting it’ll be unfair not to go.

Give me a few minutes to catch my breath. How was your family? They were fine.

You seem happier, what happened during this visit?

NNENNA’S POV

I angrily hung up and sat in my car. My phone rang a few minutes later and it was Ikenna. Where are you? It’s getting late. 

Are you my keeper? I shot back. Calm down sweetheart I’m just worried he said. 

Who is your sweetheart? Okay, Nnenna what is the matter? Are you not coming home tonight? 

My car stopped in the middle of the road. Are you happy now? Are you serious he asked, sounding so concerned?

No, I’m not serious, I said, I’m acting in a scene in a movie. Please where exactly are you? So I will come to get you, he said. 

I gave him my location and he arrived at the speed of light. He got out of his car and got into mine. 

Pulled me up close and kissed me passionately. He paused, looked into my eyes, and kissed me again. Then asked are you okay now? 

I felt like a bucket of ice was poured on my body. I suddenly felt so calm. I also felt so stupid. He looked at me and burst out laughing. 

What’s so funny I asked. Nothing, your highness. I promise never to keep you waiting again. 

What is wrong with your car? I could not even explain as I felt so embarrassed. He asked me to start it but it couldn’t start. 

He got his car battery and put it in mine and it started. He asked me to drive his car home, while he drove mine home.

He had made dinner. I had a cool bath and respected myself. He kept staring at me and smiling at me each time I looked up at him. 

I finally said I’m sorry for last night. He said it was my fault, not yours. I said I feel embarrassed. 

You don’t have to be, I’m your husband even though we have not been together. I’m sorry for depriving you of your desires. 

I told him I was sorry. We made up. I was hurt about him getting involved with other women but I loved him. 

I was tired of pretending not to love him. I let my guard down and let our relationship go back to what it used to be. 

That weekend I traveled down to the city where Ikenna lived. He had moved to a new apartment. I felt so uncomfortable. 

My consolation was that my father would find me if I ever went missing. I expected Ikenna to hit me or attempt to strangle me.

I had all these evil thoughts. I texted Dubem my location and told him I was with Ikenna. 

Ikenna read my mind and said I know what you are thinking but I have cleaned my life up just for you. 

Oluchi would no longer be a problem to you. I’m sorry for letting her come between us. 

I moved out of that apartment so that you don’t have to walk back into a house that holds so much bitterness.

I told him it was okay because I just wanted to get over a moment I dread so much. 

I had a nice weekend and headed back to work by Sunday evening. Ikenna told me he wanted us to get back together. He wanted us to be a family again. 

I told him we’ll have to inform our families because it’ll be disrespectful to start living together without their knowledge. 

Our relationship blossomed into something beautiful. I began to feel safe with Ikenna. He reminded me of why I fell in love with him. 

He still felt insecure around me and guilty but I wasn’t holding on to the past anymore.

One of the weekends I visited Ikenna he asked me about my wedding ring. I told him I left it behind when I left. He felt so surprised. 

He said I thought you threw it away. I told him l didn’t. He told me he never found it. I told him where I left it. 

He told me his sister visited him that day I left after it became obvious I wasn’t coming back. 

He said he wondered if she took it. I told him I didn’t know and I didn’t care but I wouldn’t put anything past her.

He stood up and grabbed a stool and sat before me and took my hands. He was just smiling at me. I asked him what the occasion was? 

He said would you marry me? I was lost for words before saying but we are married. 

He said I know but it’s been so turbulent. I want a new beginning. I took a deep breath and asked, is this necessary?

He said it is, it’s so important I do this so that you can take me seriously. I need you to understand that I mean business. 

He slipped his hand into his pocket and got out a little box, opened it, and offered me a ring. 

It looked like the one I left behind but it looked more beautiful. I was looking right at him and he said what’s your answer? 

I didn’t want any drama. I just offered him my hand. He slipped the ring in and kissed my hand and said thank you for making this so seamless.

I was tired of drama. I just did whatever he asked. I knew we were still married even without the ring but it meant so much to him. 

He had been walking on eggshells and feeling guilty and I just wanted anything to get us past that phase. 

We went out a lot during that visit, I wondered if he was showing me off.

Dad called me by video with my mum to talk to me about Ikenna while he was asleep. 

Dad said I hear from the grapevine that you’ve been making weekend trips. I heard you made one this week. What is exactly going on?

To be continued

© Treasure Ezuruike.

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