The Pain – Chapter 11

One Month Later 

Abayomi sat across Tina in her uncle’s living room. He stared at her as he felt that undefined emotion pulse through him again. She made him feel alive in a way he had never felt before, and it terrified him. She’s recuperating for God’s sake he thought. It was inappropriate of him to be developing any questionable feelings for her. This was his third visit and he had thought seeing her again would help him get a grip of his feelings. He was shocked that instead of that happening, he felt sucked in further. He blinked as he shook his head to follow what she was saying.

“That was what he said” she smiled.

“What?” Abayomi said looking confused. He hadn’t heard a word she had said.

“I was telling you about what the pastor talked about on Sunday. Didn’t you hear all I said?” She looked at him questioningly.

“I’m so sorry. My mind was somewhere else.” He said standing abruptly. “I have to get going.” He continued with an unreadable expression on his face. “Thanks for the time Tina. I’m glad you’re much better.” He said as he made his way towards the door.

Tina stared at him in shock. She wondered at his sudden change in attitude.

“Did I say something wrong?” She asked.

“No, you didn’t.” Abayomi’s face softened a little turning towards her. “I just need to be somewhere now.” He said as he looked at his wristwatch.

“Ok then. Thanks for dropping by” She smiled forcefully as she picked up her crutches and followed him to the door.

She opened it for him, watched him enter his car and bade him goodbye as he drove away. She shut the door behind her and wondered what exactly had just happened. She felt really conflicted in her heart. She was utterly confused about her feelings towards Abayomi. Each time he had come by to visit, she had felt somewhat closer to him, like they shared something special. She felt something developing between them and had recently stopped fighting her feelings for him. Perhaps he doesn’t like me as much as I do she thought as she felt pain squeeze her heart. She knew she had a whole lot of baggage to deal with, and letting herself go where Abayomi was concerned would just add more to the whole situation. She made up her mind to close her heart towards him. There was no need getting all emotionally tangled up in something she knew would get her nowhere. She smiled and hopped back to the kitchen. It was high time she purged herelf off Abayomi starting with a bowl of Ben and Jerry’s. She stuck a spoon into the bowl and took a large spoonful. This is going to be hard she thought as she ate her ice cream and sighed heavily. Oh Lord, please help me. 

Abayomi was deep in thought as he drove away from Tina’s place. His heart beat widely as he tried to process his thoughts and feelings for the first time in the past few weeks. He had always assumed that the more he saw Tina, his feelings would dissipate. He had gotten a rude shock earlier when he realized how much she affected him. He felt hooked to her. He also knew the danger of pursuing his feelings without getting clarity from God. He had been burnt before, and he didn’t want to go down that path. Feelings were too fleeting. At this stage, he was too serious minded and too old to get himself involved in any romantic relationship that would go nowhere. He had too much at stake. He sighed as he came to a halt at a traffic light. God, what exactly should I do about this? He prayed silently.

 

Motun paid the taxi driver, rolled her suitcase down the walkway and turned the corner of her apartment. She was jet lagged. All she wanted to do was sleep. Ghana had been more fun that she had imagined. She smiled as she reminisced her stay there. She rummaged through her handbag looking for her house key. She unlocked her door and slipped in. It was really good to be back home, she thought as she headed to her room and changed into her pyjamas. She went to the kitchen and picked out two peach flavoured yogurt. It was her all time favourite. It was also something she ate whenever she needed to think. She settled down on her couch and ate slowly. She thought back to what spurred her Ghana trip. She was glad her office had asked her to travel at the time because she really needed to clear her head after that eventful day with Abayomi. She had been really hurt when he mentioned Tina. After his salvation years ago, she had become his closest female friend and a shoulder for him to lean on. It had been over these years that she had fallen deeply in love with him. She had hoped and prayed he saw her the same way especially considering that he had once wanted to date her. She felt strongly that those feelings he had for her pre-salvation could  be rekindled if she took the necessary steps. She was convinced he was going to be her husband. There were so many signs to that fact. So when he had spoken about Tina, and his eyes had lit up the way it did, she knew this was different. I would not let that happen she thought. Even though she wasn’t comfortable with letting him know how she felt, she needed to at least hint him. She had read somewhere that telling a man about your feelings could cheapen you before him; making you look desperate. And of course, she didn’t want Abayomi to view her that way. She knew he held her in high esteem and wouldn’t want that to change. She smiled as she devised yet another scheme to make Abayomi notice her. I need to call mummy she thought as she pulled out her phone and dialed her number.

 

Please can we meet at Frankie and Benny’s at the city centre today? I’m in Birmingham. Would 6pm be ok? 

Abayomi read the text on his phone as he unlocked the door and stepped into his apartment. He frowned slightly as he reread it to be sure he wasn’t mistaken. He wondered why Motun hadn’t called instead. She had been back for over a week and they had spoken a few days back. She hadn’t mentioned anything about coming over to Birmingham. Since their last physical meeting, he felt she was pulling away from him. He felt responsible for it somehow but didn’t understand why. He was free that evening. It would be good to see her again.

Yes we can. See you soon. He replied.

Motun smiled as she read his reply. Her plan was going accordingly. Her future was in her hands right how. She needed to pull this plan off properly. She clasped her hands on her laps as she prayed a simple prayer.

Lord, please let this plan work. I know you brought Abayomi into my life for this purpose. Please open his eye to see me the way I should be seen. Let him realize that I’m his wife. You know I’m not getting any younger. We’ve been friends for so many years now and he’s grown to love you so much. Help me act and speak right. I really don’t want to lose him.  

She finished the prayer and started preparing for the evening.

 

Abayomi entered the restaurant and scanned the area for Motun. He saw her just as he bumped into someone.

“I’m so sorry” he said as he tried to steady the person.

“That’s ok” the person replied, as they both looked up.

“Sly?” Abayomi asked incredulously.

“Abayomi?” the man replied as he pulled Abayomi into a bear hug.

“My guy, its been ages! Where have you been?” Abayomi asked as he patted Sly on the back.

“I’ve been good man” Sly replied “Work here and there, you know how it is” he chuckled. “What are you doing here?” he asked as he looked around.

“I’m here to meet a friend” Abayomi replied gesturing over to Motun’s table.

“That’s great.” Sly said. “It’s really good to see you man.” he continued “I’m quite in a hurry right now. Let me have your number. There is so much of catching up to do.”

“Definitely bro” Abayomi replied. “Have my business card instead. If you don’t get through to my number, just email me or you can use this other number and send me a message on WhatsApp” he said “Of late, I’ve been traveling quite often”

“No problem man” Sly said as they both exchanged business cards. “Would call you soon. Take care” he said as he made his way out.

Still smiling, Abayomi walked towards Motun’s table stealthily and pulled the earphones off her ears startling her.