THE CONTRACT
EPISODE 9
“She loved her. She name the puppy Blaze. God, you should have seen her face when I got her the puppy. I knew it was an amazing idea.” Joseph grinned, telling Tobi about his anniversary with Dera.
They were sitting in the conference room waiting for some investors that were stuck in traffic.
“That sounds like Dera.” Tobi replied, attempting to smile, but his friend didn’t notice his mood.
“And we’ve been married for six years. God! I feel so old.” Joseph chuckled.
“You are.” Tobi simply said
.
“What’s wrong? I know it’s not about this deal we’re about to close because you always get what you want.” Joseph pointed out.
“It’s Abena.” Tobi gro-an ed in frustration.
“Ohh. You’re in love with her?” Joseph asked hopefully.
“There’s something wrong with you.” Tobi glared at his friend who in response, gave him a shrug.
“We always fight. And I’m trying so ha-rd to not fight with her because she’s pregnant and she has mood swings and I don’t want her to get depressed and all that, but she does every single thing wrong.” Tobi explained.
“I like her. With everything you tell me, you can tell that she lives in the moment. Unlike you. You guys would be good for each other.” Joseph smiled while re-ading skimming throu-gh a do¢v-ment.
“For the millionth time, she’s not my type!” Tobi snapped. “And what do you mean by I don’t live in the moment. I live in the moment.” Tobi stated, though it sounded like he was trying to convince himself rather than convince his friend.
Joseph gave Tobi a look that said: ‘yeah right.’
“No you don’t. You arrange every aspect of your life, even your one night stands!” Joseph argued.
“Well I have to control the outcome of every situation.” Tobi said.
“No you don’t. Learn to live a little without planning what would happen after. From my point of view, you’re definitely losing control with this Abena thing.” Joseph replied.
Tobi gro-an ed in response.
“Just be nice to her. She’s pregnant for you, and she’s doing it for money, so it’s eating her up. Be nice to the girl and st©p being such an ogre.”
Tobi was about to respond when Funmi opened the door slightly, showing only her head.
“The investors are here.”
Tobi nodded and stood up. “What are you doing this weekend?” He asked Joseph.
“Going to Osun. I have a case to settle there. You?”
“Tami is supposed to come over.”
“Who?”
“An actress.” Tobi explained with a chuckle.
“And you’re taking her to your house, with Abena there?” Joseph asked, lifting an eyebrow.
“I really haven’t thought about that.” Tobi replied, his smile suddenly disappearing.
As they walked out of the room to welcome the investors, Joseph whispered, “You know for a billionaire, sometimes, you’re just dumb.”
…
Abena couldn’t st©p thinking about the fact that Tobi k!$$£d her forehead. And when she realised that she was thinking about it, she st©pped herself from thinking about it and started thinking about the fact that she was thinking about it.
She was in the indoor pool, wearing a br@ and a pair of Tobi’s bo-xer shorts that she ‘borrowed’
She knew why she was a mess lately, ap@rt from the disadvantages of being pregnant, she couldn’t st©p thinking about the one in the hospital. She had finally paid the hospital some amount of money to get started, so a small p@rt of her was relieved. But she still had a bad feeling about her step mother and whatever she could be up to.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a phone ringing.
The house phone.
She got out of the pool and got a towel. She walked into the main house, the phone was still ringing. She contemplated on whether to pick it or not. Shrugging, she picked the phone.
“Hello. Tobi Ademi’s residence.” She said in a sickly sweet voice.
“plea-se tell Tobi that he shouldn’t forget that Tami’s coming over for the weekend. And that I’m bringing his favorite lingerie.” She heard a woman say rudely.
Ignoring the ti-ght£ñing in her che-st, she replied in her most professional voice. “I’ll make sure he gets the message.”
“Good. Who are you anyway?”
“Just the help.” Abena replied and the girl, Tami, hung up.
Abena scolded herself for being foolish. Of course yes he was bringing a girl home, what did she think.
She just had a little crush on him, but now it’s all gone. At least that’s what she told herself.
…
“Abena. I’m ho-.” Tobi st©pped shouting when he saw Abena was just in the sitting room watching a movie.
She turned around and gave him a smile. He lifted an eyebrow in surprise, why was she smiling?
“How was work?” Abena asked.
“Fine. As usual.” Tobi said slowly.
“Good.” She said and turned back to the tv. He shrugged and walked towards the stairs.
“Oh, and Tami called. Said something about bringing your favorite lingerie.” He heard her say.
“Oh.” He turned around looked at her.
“You should have at least said something. Do you think I would be comfortable staying in the house, while you guys do your business?” She asked, still surprisingly calm.
“Sorry. I forgot. I was going to tell you, or even cancel.” He apologized.
“No nee-d to apologize. Its not like I own the house or anything. Where am I supposed to stay while you check out Tami’s lingerie?” She asked sweetly. He winced at her words.
“I was going to set you up in a house in the estate for the weekend.” He replied.
“Can I stay there till I deliver?” She asked hopefully. The fas-ter she went away from him, the fas-ter her crush on him would die down.
“No. I have to keep an eye on you.” He said immediately.
“Before you didn’t even want me in your house, now you want to keep an eye on me?” She retorted.
“Abena. plea-se. Not now.” He said and walked up the stairs ignoring her yelling at him.
A few minutes after, he rushed back downstairs still wearing his office clothes. He was frantically searching for something and there was fear written all over his face. Abena jumped up from her seat and turned towards him, worry written across her face. “What’s the problem?” She asked.
“My car keys. I nee-d my car keys. Where are they?” He asked still searching, throwing the pillows on the chairs away.
“Relax Tobi.” She said tou-ching his shoulders and looking at his face.
“Your car keys are where you always keep them, hung on that hangy-thingy. What’s the problem?” She asked slowly.
“It’s Joseph. The hospital called.” He said in a shaky voice. “He was in an accident.”
Tobi ran out of the house fas-ter than the speed of light. Abena had insisted to follow him, and since he was in a hurry, he had no time to argue with her.
There was only one person on his mind, his best friend.
Abena walked into the car as quic-kly as she could, wearing a pair of shorts, an oversized shi-t and fl!pflops. She fastened her seatbelt and frowned at Tobi when he began driving without stra-pping his seatbelt on. “Tobi. Your seatbelt.” She said cautiously. He ignored her, fire burning in his eyes, as he gr!pp£don the steering and continued to drive, pas-sing a red light.
“I know you’re upset, but can you plea-se fasten your seatbelt.” She said again.
“Can you plea-se, shut the hell up.” He snapped.
“Tobi-”
“I have no time for seatbelts right now Abena. If you’re going to keep talking, I’m not going to hesitate to drop you right here, by the side of the road.” He spat out, anger and fear flowing with each word.
“I un-derstand that you’re upset, but if we have an accident right now, with your reckless driving, you would probably suffer the most, because you have no seatbelt on, and if you don’t care about me or yourself, can you at least care about your baby!” She shouted and he abruptly st©pped the car. Regret visible in his eyes, he stra-pped his seatbelt slowly, ignoring the insults and glares he got from other drivers. He started the car again, driving more carefully. Fast, but carefully.
Abena’s breath bec@m£ even and she stared out of the window, because she couldn’t bear to stare at him
“I’m sorry. I just-. Joseph is like-.” He attem-pted to say something but his voice broke and his eyes fli-ckered towards her and back to the road.
“You don’t have to tell me anything. Just drive. Let’s go see how he’s doing.” She reas-sured him, tou-ching his hand lightly. He visibly relaxed and she smiled.
They drove in near silence, while Tobi struggled to fight back the tears that threatened to fall, while Abena reas-sured him continually that everything would be alright, although she had no idea if it would be.
She knew however, that she un-derstood his pain. The fear of losing someone you love. Especially when it was unexpected.
THE CONTRACT
EPISODE 10
Abena followed Tobi into the hospital, as fast as she could. She pushed back the memories she had of such a place, reminding her self that she was there for Tobi, not to reminisce on her unattrac-tive past.
She slump wearily on one of the uncomfortable chairs in the waiting area, trying to ignore her stomachs request for food. It would be odd for her to ask for food while he was worried about his best friend.
Tobi walked to Dera and immediately she saw him, she started crying again.
He engulfed her into a hvg, as-suring her that it was going to be okay, when he wasn’t even sure.
“Where are the children?” He whispered as though they were sharing a secret.
“With Joseph’s mum. I couldn’t bring them, I just couldn’t.” Her voice broke and she started to cry again.
They waited for what seemed like hours. Abena dozing on the chair, Tobi pacing like a madman, not noticing that Abena’s slee-ping position was likely to give her a back ache; and Dera, occasionally calling her mother-in-law to make sure her children were doing fine.
After a while, the doctor c@m£ out, with a calm expression on his face that alre-ady comforted Tobi.
“How are you related to the patient?” He asked cautiously.
“I’m his wife.” Dera said quic-kly.
“Best friend.” Tobi added.
Abena’s eyes fluttered open at the sound of the doctor’s voice. She strained her voice to hear what he had to say, ignoring the pain in her back.
“Well he’s very lucky, he didn’t hit his head during impact, its his leg that I’m most worried about. We have operated on his leg, and from what I see, he would walk again. After six months of healing and thera-py, he would be fine.” The doctor said and Dera breathed a sign of relief.
“Well can we go see him?” Tobi asked with a smile.
“Yes. Family members only.” The doctor said before walking past them.
Tobi followed Dera, completely forgetting Abena who sat painfully on the totally uncomfortable chair.
They rushed towards Joseph who was slee-ping. His leg was hoisted up and there was a cast around it. On hearing them come in, he woke up and stared at them, confusion visible in his expression.
“Who are you guys?” He asked slowly.
Dera and Tobi looked at each other with worry.
“I thought the doctor said he didn’t hit his head?” Dera said in a panicky voice.
“I’ll go get him.” Tobi said and rushed towards the door.
Joseph bur-st out laughing, much to their surprise. “You should have seen your faces. Oh my God!” He said, still laughing. Dera’s mouth hung open and she sl@pped him across the cheek twice. He st©pped laughing immediately but still had a small smile tugging at hisl-ips. She pu-ll-ed him into a hvg, while sobbing and he patted her back.
“I’m okay love. I’m fine.” He said.
“Of course yes you are. If you died, I would have resurrected you myself.” She said still crying.
“You scared the life out of me man!” Tobi said giving him a friendly sl@p on the shoulder.
“Don’t hit a sick man!” He said, feigning hurt.
“Dera just sl@pped you, twice.” Tobi pointed out.
“Abeg, she’s my wife. It’s allowed.” Joseph smiled and Dera planted a k!sson hisl-ips.
“Another reason why I can’t get married.” Tobi joked.
“Oh! You left Abena at home?” Joseph asked.
“Oh my God. She c@m£. I totally forgot her in the waiting area.” He panicked.
“Who’s Abena?” Dera asked. “Isn’t that your baby mama?”
Tobi sh0t Joseph a look. “I can’t keep stuff from her. That’s not the problem right now. You left her on those deadly chairs. She’s probably aching all over.”
“I’ll be right back.” He said hurrying out of the room.
“Does he like her?” He heard Dera ask Joseph.
“No!” He shouted and made his way to the waiting area, ignoring the looks he got from the nurses.
Abena had fallen asleep on the chair, her n£¢k was placed in the worst way, and she shifted uncomfortably.
“Abena?” He tapped her shoulder gently. “Huh?” She woke up and sat up. ru-bbing her eyes, she asked. “Is it time to leave?”
“Nope. Apparently you’re a friend of Joseph too, so he wants to see you.” He smiled, feeling guilty about leaving her.
He helped her stand up, and she stretched. She followed him, with a hand on her belly, a habit he had noticed.
“Abena! My favourite person.” Joseph joked as they entered the room.
“For someone who almost lost a leg, you’re very happy. I like that.” Abena commented with a laugh.
“Sorry I didn’t acknowledge you before. I’m Dera.” Dera said to Abena.
“No problem. I’m Abena.” Abena replied.
“That’s…”
“Ghanaian.” Tobi cut in and Abena smiled at his memory.
Joseph wiggled his eyebrows at them.
“If I sl@p you ehn. Sick or not.” Tobi warned.
“No vex. I forgot you were a billionaire.” Joseph joked and they all laughed.
“Sit down Abena. You must be feeling very tired.” Dera offered, gesturing to the couch.
“Actually, since I’ve seen that this idiot is well, we’re leaving. I would come and see you tomorrow morning.” Tobi announced.
“Okay then. Hope to see you again.” Dera said, referring to Abena, who replied with a smile.
“What about me?” Tobi asked, feigning hurt.
“I’m alre-ady tired of your face.” She joked and Joseph gave her a high five.
“You guys are perfect for each other. Go away.” Tobi smiled.
“Actually, you’re the one that’s supposed to go away. Give us some couple time. Odabo.” Joseph said, gesturing for them to leave.
“Whatever.” Tobi laughed. “See you tomorrow.” He added before stepping out, with Abena following him.
…
Once they were in the car, Tobi turned to Abena, with an apologetic smile. “Sorry. About how I treated you. I took out my frustration on you and it wasn’t fair. Then I left you in the waiting area where you were obviously uncomfortable. And you’ve probably not eaten.”
“It’s okay. I un-derstand. But you’re ma-king my food once we get home.” She smiled back.
“Deal.” He flashed her his charming smile.
“I’ve never seen you like that before. So… out of control.” She spoke up.
He visibly relaxed in his seat, and made no move to start the car.
“I had a lonely childhood. Busy parents, no other siblings, surrounded by the household staff. You know, typical rich kid problems.” He gave a nervous laugh and she smiled at him, encouraging him to go on.
“We went to the same nursery school, but that’s nursery school. We were still innocent children. But when we got to primary school, I was an awkward child. I had no friends because I didn’t know how to pl@ythe games they pla-yed, and I didn’t watch the movies they watched or listen to the songs they listened to. I was a…” He paused, looking for the right word.
“Misfit. I was a misfit. But Joseph talked to me. He bec@m£ my friend. Showed me the games they pla-yed, movies they watched and even the songs they listened to. He taught me Pidgin English, because it’s apparently compulsory for every Nigerian to know. He didn’t treat me like a rich kid, he treated me like a friend. He’s like the brother I always wanted, with less common s-en-se.” He smiled and she gave a light chuckle.
“My point is, I don’t have a lot of people in my life. So I try my best to be there for the ones I have.”
As he drove out of the hospital, she couldn’t help but wish she was one of the people in his life, but she knew she wasn’t. If was ever there for her, it wasn’t because he cared about her, but because he cared about the baby inside of her.
Abena l@ydown on the large couch immediately they got home, and sighed contentedly. He noticed the look of relief on her face and felt guilty again.
“Abena sorry about leaving you again, It wasn’t-”
“You know for someone who doesn’t apologize much, you seem to be doing it a lot.” She joked.
“Who told you I don’t apologize much?” He asked smiling.
“The first time you apologized to me, you looked like it was ha-rd for you. Like someone was holding a gun to your head or something.” She laughed.
“Observant. Well ever since I met you, I’ve been doing things I never thought I would do.” He flashed her a smile and she tried to ignore the bu-tterflies pla-ying around in her stomach.
“Whatever. Just cook indomie and chicken for me.” She said and looked away before she said something she would regret.
Something like how S-xy he was no matter what he was doing. That was unfair.
She then remembered that he was expecting a girl the next day.
“How about Tami?” She asked, trying to sound casual.
He turned around and looked at her in surprise before speaking. “I s£nt her a text, I cancelled the invitation.”
.
.
If you un-derstand what r0m@nç£story is, I believe you are enjoying this story.
WATCHOUT FOR EPISODE 11