Verdict Episode 130

                                                                                 

Ihuoma the friend of Kelvin had visited him. She had been around for a week. Within that time she noticed that Kelvin often called Ij especially at night.

They often exchange text messages. She had gone through his phone and seen the text messages. None of them had an intimate connotation but they still got her concerned.

The message that got her upset was Kelvin asking Ij what gift she felt will be appropriate to get his mum as a birthday present. She also read one where he was asking for her assistance in planning a surprise anniversary party for his parents.

Ij was sending him various ideas he could consider. Oma felt she had seen and heard enough. She transferred screenshots to her phone and confronted Kelvin once he got back from work.

She said who is Ijeoma and why are you two always chatting? Kelvin said oh Ijeoma is my neighbor who lives in one of the apartments here. The guy Chikezie who comes to play PS with me is her brother. Is anything the matter?

Oma said that doesn’t answer my question. I said who is she to you and why are you always chatting with her and don’t even try to deny it because I have screenshots. Why would you be discussing intimate topics like gifts for your mum and a surprise anniversary party for your parents?

Gozie said well it just makes me feel better to start off with an apology. I regret every tear I made you shed. I regret every hurt I caused you. I regret every pain you felt because of me. I just regret everything so Ij I’m sorry.

Kelvin said because she’s my adopted sister. If Karen was alive she’ll be the one I’ll discuss all that with. She’s filling the void my sister’s death created. I personally asked her if we could relate as brother and sister. Look Oma I don’t have anything to hide.

Oma said you think I’m a fool right to believe such fables. Is there such a thing as an adopted sister or brother? Kelvin said well it may not exist but we create our own reality. It’s been difficult since I lost Karen.

I’ve been looking for how to fill the void her death created. Then I met Ij and she’s helping me move on. Oma said so where does that leave me. Is it that I can’t fill it or what? Or is it that I can’t suggest a gift for your mum or plan a surprise party for your parents?

Kelvin said Oma I’m sorry but the answer to all your questions is no I’m sorry. You’ve never cared about my feelings.

All you’ve ever been concerned with is your own needs. Kelvin I need bone straight, Kelvin I need an iPhone, Kelvin I need a car. It’s just about you. We just met when my sister died. You didn’t come for her funeral.

By the evening of the day of the funeral you called me ranting that I hadn’t called you all day. I had to remind you that my sister was just buried and I was in tartars. I was shattered and broken but yet you still told me you needed money and airtime credit.

I still had to send them to you and still wondered how you could be so inhumane. You knew how close I was to my sister. You knew what she meant to me.

Yet never for once did you console me and ask me how I was coping. Instead you told me I had grieved enough. Oma my only sister and sibling. Now I’m an only child. I keep wondering how I’ve stayed with you all these years.

Because I’ve not gained a single thing from you not even companionship or a listening ear. So please don’t blame me for seeking help and succor elsewhere. I’m not dating Ij. We are not sleeping together.

I’ve barely been to her apartment. If I have it’s to see Chikezie. So I don’t know what the fuss is all about. Oma said you don’t know what the fuss is all about right? So if you see such messages in my phone you won’t raise the roof?

Kelvin said first of all Oma dear I don’t go through your phone I don’t have such time. Secondly I won’t raise the roof because we are not married and honestly let’s face it. We don’t have a future together.

Imagine you harassing me after a hard day at work. You didn’t even let me drop my bag or sit down. You confronted me immediately. You didn’t even ask me how my day went. Is this what you’ll put me through if we get married?

Now Oma is there any food in this house? Since you came here I either order food or the same Ij you are asking about sends me food through her brother.

Now tell me which of you are acting like a sister to me? Oma said no wonder she has put something in your food that now you’ve no regard for me.

Kelvin said rather it’s you who put something in my food for which I’ve put up with these your behaviors over the years.

Kelvin said you know what you can stay here. I’m going out for some air. As he moved toward the door Oma blocked him and said where do you think you are going?

You are going to the arms of that Ijeoma isn’t it? You won’t go anywhere. Kelvin said you know what? I’ll be right back.

He went into the bedroom and came back with her belongings and said these are yours right? Oma said yes then Kelvin your presence is no longer needed here.

Leave my house biko. He opened the door and sent her outside along with her belongings. Oma said Kelvin leave me alone.

Kelvin said you can stand here with your belongings but I’ll advice you to find a place to sleep because you won’t step into my apartment again.

As Kelvin left Oma stood outside the apartment with rage. She made inquires about the apartment of Ij. She went there and knocked as Ij opened the door she said I’m looking for Ij, Ij said well that’s me and Oma said this is for you and she slapped her across her face and slapped her again.

Ij said who are you and why would you slap me? Oma was going to slap her a third time when Chikezie held her hand and said what the hell is wrong with you?

Ij said you know her? Kezie said yes she’s Kelvin’s friend. Ij said excuse me? Oma said yes so you know why I slapped you.

The first was for taking my boyfriend from me and the second was for making him send me packing. He broke up with me because of you.

You good for nothing element. Ij said I took your place? What nonsense is this? She was going to beat her up when Chikezie stopped her.

He said big sis please don’t. Don’t do it. She said no problem wait for me. As she left Kezie said if I were you I’ll leave now.

Oma said she can’t do anything. They were still talking when Ij returned with a piston from her mortar and Chikezie said big sis my goodness what’s going on.

Ij said Kezie get out of the way. Kezie said no I won’t. You want to kill someone so that mum and I would start grieving no way.

She ignored him and tried hitting Oma with it. She dodged and started to scream. Chikezie wrestled with Ij while yelling at Oma to leave immediately.

As she ran away Ij said no wait for me. She left the piston for Chikezie and chased after Oma. Oma suddenly looked back and saw Ij running towards her and dropped her belongings and ran for her life.

Chikezie dropped the piston and ran after Ij and caught up with Ij and said big sis what has gotten into you?

Ij said Chikezie leave me how can that thing slap me not once but twice for something I know nothing about?

I’ll have to slap her back. Chikezie soften his tone and said big sis it’s okay. I’m sorry about it please stop. Please don’t sink to her level.

At that point Ij calmed down and hissed and headed to her apartment.  Chikezie said wow that was really intense and close.

Imagine if I was not around. Who knows what would have happened? But women can worry. How can she just draw such a conclusion?

He got back into the apartment and met Ij sitting angrily on the sofa and sat beside her. Oma came back and took her belongings. Chikezie was still calming Ij down when they had a knock on the door.

Chikezie said I wonder who that Is. Ij said I’ll check. Kezie said I hope it’s not another slap. Ij gave him a very stern look before opening the door.

She saw Chuks who said you’ve got company. Someone has been on my case for about a week now, how she wants to see Ij so I brought her here.

You can keep her if you want to and Meso stepped out and Ij screamed and hugged her. Chuks said easy ladies. Chikezie said what’s going on there and walked to the door and met Chuks with Meso.

He said and who is this? Ij said this is Chika’s younger sister and Chikezie stretched forth his hand and said oh hello I’m pleased to meet you and said hello to Chuks before stepping back inside.

Chuks said well have fun I guess I’ll see you tomorrow; hope you told your sister you are spending the night?

Meso said no ooo you know she won’t approve so please tell her for me. Chuks said eh! Meso why now? You know your sister is pregnant you want her to spread the pregnancy hormones to me. Chuks said you better call her. I’m going to deny knowing anything about it. Good bye Meso. Ij and Chikezie I’ll see you.

It’s been over a month since Gozie and Ij had their respective melt downs. Gozie had given her space as Chidinma advised but he had been thinking of going to try one more time.

Each time he thought of it he brushed off the idea but that day he decided to go to her apartment to see the kind of reception he’ll get.

He drove to her apartment. Sat in the car for a while before making up his mind to step out of the car. He was wearing a tee shirt and a pair of jeans with trainers. He got to the door of her apartment and knocked and Ij said to Meso please see that is.

Meso screamed okay. She opened the door and saw Gozie and she recognized him from her sister’s marriage and said hello.

Gozie said hello Meso I didn’t know you were in town. Meso said my sister has been hiding me. Gozie laughed and Meso said please come in.

Gozie said no I’ll rather stay here can you please call me Ij? Meso said okay and went to the kitchen to tell Ij she had a visitor.

Ij said who is it? Meso said please see for yourself. Ij wiped her hand and went to see who it was and met Chigozie looking so sleek with his hands in his pocket.

Ij didn’t know when she smiled and said I’m sorry sir I wasn’t expecting to see you. Chigozie managed to find the word hello Ij, I hope I’m not crashing any party?

Ij stuttered and said no you’re not. Gozie said okay I was hoping we could talk. Ij said okay please come in. Gozie said if you don’t mind I’ll prefer we go out. You are not alone and I don’t think it’s appropriate.

Ij said okay I’ll have to freshen up because I was cooking. Gozie said no problem I’ll wait. Ij said okay please come in and have a seat.

He came in and sat down and as Ij was walking toward the kitchen she looked back at him and he looked at her and she scratched her head and left and Chigozie smiled.

Ij went to the kitchen and met Meso there and asked her why didn’t you tell me who it was when you knew I was cooking? Meso said c’mon a little suspense doesn’t hurt. It’s actually the spice of life. Ij said you are really mischievous.

Meso said oh I could say the same for you. Then she said well I’m headed out so please finish the cooking. Please there’s this neighbor I give food to, Chikezie knows him in case he comes. Here’s his food flask.

So dish it when you are done and Kezie would get it to him or he’ll come to get it. Meso said okay ma. No problem I’ve got you covered, go have fun. You look like it because you’ve just been giggling since you got back. Ij said you are silly.

Meso said but I’m serious go have fun unlike us who are booless. Ij started to laugh and Meso said I’m serious I’m booless, in fact I’ve never had a boo before.

Ij said I hear you. Please let me go get dressed. Ij left and met Chikezie and said please I’m going out. Kezie said are you serious?

With who? Ij said what kind of interview is this? Kezie said sis leave that thing and tell me what I want to know. Ij said it’s with Chigozie. Chikezie sat up immediately and said big sis are you serious? Ij said yes. Kezie said where is he please. Ij said he’s in the sitting room.

Kezie said sis and you never told me so I’ll go say hello. Ij said Chikezie please before you go please when I’m out please look out for Meso for me.

Please protect her for me from most of these guys here you know she’s Chika’s sister biko. Kezie said sis no problem but are you not concerned about me? Ij said Chikezie respect yourself. I’ve told you that she’s our guest today. Chikezie said no worries she’s safe with me.

Then Ij said then why are you hiding in here? Kezie said me?  Hide? No way you ladies were catching up on old times and I looked lost but no worries I’ll look out for her like family. Ij said thank you. I knew I could count on you.

Chikezie went to greet Gozie and chatted with him while Ij got ready. Ij got dressed and got out and her brother whistled as she got into the sitting room.

Chigozie stood up and thanked Chikezie for looking out for him and keeping him company and screamed to Meso see you around.

Meso came into the sitting room and winked at Ij and said good bye to Gozie. As they left Meso said to Kezie I thought you were hiding?

Chikezie shook his head and no I wasn’t please is the food ready? Meso said no sir it’s not but it’ll be in the next few minutes.

Gozie got to the car and asked Ij to get in. She was a little uneasy. Gozie took a look at her and smiled and just drove to a restaurant.

They sat down and he said first of all thank you for agreeing to meet me and Ij didn’t even look at him. Gozie said Ij you seem so uncomfortable are you okay? Ij said I’m fine. Gozie said then can you please look at me? Ij said okay.

Gozie said I didn’t know you will agree to see me. I’ve been thinking about doing this but I’ve been really scared.

Look Ij this whole thing is weird but I just want to genuinely apologize to you for everything. Ij said I thought we’ve been over this?

Gozie said no we’ve not. The other apologies didn’t count because you were so angry that I doubt they got through to you. Ij said well they did. I just wasn’t in a good place to acknowledge it. I think we should close this chapter please.

Gozie said well it just makes me feel better to start off with an apology. I regret every tear I made you shed. I regret every hurt I caused you. I regret every pain you felt because of me. I just regret everything so Ij I’m sorry.

I didn’t come to rekindle the relationship because I don’t know if you still want me but I just want us to be in a good place.

Ij took a deep breath and said honestly I didn’t expect to see you but I have to give it to you, you do know how to be persistent.

Well I apologize too for the things I would have done or said that hurt you too especially the effect of our break up on your relationship with your family.

I regretted it. Gozie said well you also helped mend it by calling my mum. In everything I’ve learned my lesson. You know when you returned everything to me and Chika got mad at me I knew I had crossed a line.

Ij so it’s because of apologizing to me that you turned up at my apartment looking like a million bucks?. Gozie said I don’t know what you mean but now I feel like we just met so I have to represent. Ij said so that’s why you came to pepper me?

Gozie well I don’t know what you mean but I couldn’t turn up looking so ordinary. Then he said Ij damn I missed you like crazy.

When you weren’t talking to me I realized how important you had become to me so I’m sorry for my inadequacies. Ij said I think the apologies are enough. Gozie said okay please what can I get you? Ij said well it depends on what you have to offer.

Meso finished cooking dinner and when it was ready she served Chikezie, dished Kelvin’s meal and sat down in the sitting room flipping through channels.

Chikezie said won’t you eat? Meso said I’ll eat later. About thirty minutes later Meso had a knock on the door. She went to see who it was and saw Kelvin who seemed so surprised to see her, he seemed so confused too.

He managed to mutter hello and Meso said hello. Kelvin said please you are? Meso said I could ask you the same thing.

As they were talking Chikezie came out and said Kelvin you are back. Bros there’s gist and Kelvin was not even paying attention and Kezie noticed.

Then he said bros see you see this whole thing going on will have to wait until Ij is back please. She was left in my custody so guy pend whatever it is you have in mind.

Now to introductions Kelvin meet Mmesonma the younger sister of Ij’s boss at work and Meso meet Kelvin he is our neighbor and adopted brother.

Meso said adopted what? Kezie said well it’s a long story but turned out so well, better than I expected. Then he said Kelvin there is gist. In a nutshell Oma came here and slapped Ij. Kelvin said excuse me?

Kezie said yes twice and a fight ensued. Well I tried so hard to restrain Ij then Meso showed up and the atmosphere became less tensed.

Kelvin said my goodness I’ve to apologize to Ij when I see her. Meso said I’ll let you guys catch up. I’ll be inside if you need me and then she said please remember the food I dished in the flask In the kitchen in case the owner comes.

Kezie said well here’s the owner. Meso said oh okay. Chikezie said please will you be kind enough to bring it please?

Meso said okay, when she brought it Chikezie said guy please let’s go to your apartment I don’t understand these your vibes.

I think we need to reset your brain. Kelvin said guy stop now. Kezie said guy get moving and he said Meso please don’t open the door please except I call you.

Please let me have your phone number. Kelvin said will you be kind enough to give me too? Kezie stared at him and handed Meso his phone to enter in her number. Kelvin said guy why now?

Meso locked the door as they left and Chikezie said guy can’t you pretend at least a little?

Kelvin said bros I’m sorry I was just so confused. Kezie said bros I take God beg you please tell Ij first I don’t want any problems…