The Pain – Chapter 13

Tina finally had her cast removed and no longer needed crutches to move around. She was elated as her count down to return back home in Nigeria was ticking. Since the day Abayomi abruptly left her house two weeks earlier, he hadn’t come over to visit neither had he called. She had replayed the entire scene so many times in her head that she had lost count. She kept wondering if it was something she had said or done that ticked him off. She found herself thinking about him at the oddest time. Over the past month, she had come to know him better, respect him and understand the kind of person he was. As a result, she had grown very fond of him and was completely smitten. She had prayed about her feelings and had come to a place of peace with God. She was almost certain Abayomi didn’t feel the same about her. All she needed to do was to wait till her infatuation died off. God hadn’t told her anything specific about him though, but she knew all would be well.

Just a few days back, Amarachi sent in the final report on the project her company was working on for Abayomi. She needed to go through it before presenting it to him. Once she gave him and it was approved, the next phase of work could commence. She was almost through with the report and had began to wonder how she was going to contact Abayomi without stirring up feelings she was desperately trying to quench. I’ll send it via email she thought. That way, I’ll reduce any direct contact with him to the barest minimum.

She had taken a long well deserved break by going for a full body spa treatment. She had been waxed and massaged with hot stones, and she felt like a freshly plucked chicken. She had gotten home half an hour earlier and was stretched out languidly like a content cat on her bed. She was about to tuck into a book she had purchased on her way home when she heard her phone ring. Her heartbeat picked up when she realized it was Abayomi.

“Hello” she said tentatively as she picked at the fourth ring.

“Good afternoon Tina. How are you doing?” he asked

“I’m fine, thanks. And you?” she asked with forced enthusiasm. Her insides were churning and she felt all mushy. His voice had a way of making her feel uncoordinated. What does he want? She thought as she waited for him to reply.

Abayomi felt very jittery and nervous. He was parked outside Tina’s uncle’s house to see her. He wasn’t sure how he would be received considering how he had left weeks earlier.

“I’m great” he replied “Are you home?” He asked.

“Yes” she replied carefully.

“Can we see? I’m outside.” He said.

“Eerrmmm… ok. Please give me a few minutes.” she said.

“No problem, I’ll be waiting” he replied cutting the call. He shut down the engine, got down from the car, locked up and walked towards the house. Lord, grant me boldness. He prayed silently as he waited.

Tina felt a thrill go down her back. She wasn’t ready to see him but was glad to see his face again. Why the sudden visit? She wondered as she rushed to get dressed. She had to consciously tell herself to slow down in order to calm her nerves and compose herself.

Abayomi stared at Tina as she opened the door. He was momentarily at loss for words. She was looking very beautiful with no make-up on, and her cast was gone! They both stared at each other not knowing what to say for what seemed like minutes until Tina broke eye contact and invited him in. She got him a cup of orange juice and some cupcakes as they had both settled down in the living room. Tina who couldn’t bear the silence anymore asked bluntly “Why are you here?”

“Your cast has been removed. Congrats” He said instead. “How have you been?” He asked as he tried to compose his thoughts.

Tina stared at him wondering what was wrong with him. What audacity! she thought. Her pent up emotions and feelings which she had been trying hard to keep in check suddenly boiled over into anger.

“Really? How have I been?” She laughed hysterically. “You left here two weeks ago with no explanation, no calls, no texts, not even an email! And you sit down here asking me how I have been? You must be joking!” She hissed. “I was here wondering if I had done or said something wrong. You just left and cut all communication with me like that. Now I’m asking you what you want and you’re asking me how I have been” she humphed in anger.

Abayomi was taken aback at her sudden outburst. He found himself staring at her unable to respond. He was smitten and fascinated by her expressions. Despite being angry, she still looked beautiful. He couldn’t make out why she was that upset but one thing he was sure of was that her outburst had come from a place of intense emotions, and he was eager to find out what it was. He suddenly felt a renewed confidence as he replied her softly “Why didn’t you call me?”

“Why should I?” She retorted, still upset.

“You should have called” he said softly. “Do you really want to know why I left abruptly and why I haven’t called or showed up since then?” He asked looking serious.

Tina felt most of her anger ebb by his soft words. A nervous feeling settled over her as she looked into Abayomi’s eyes and saw that he was serious. She wondered what he was getting at as she replied him.

“I couldn’t bring myself to. I.. I… I honestly thought it was something I did.” she stammered “You were the one who left abruptly. You should have called me no matter what” she said defiantly.

Abayomi took a deep breath still looking into her eyes and said “I left the way I did that day because of my feelings for you. I sincerely apologize for my behaviour.”

Tina’s eyes rounded in shock and disbelief at what she had just heard.

“What?” She whispered.

“I really like you Tina” he repeated “and I actually came here to formally ask you out on a date. I need us to discuss some things” he said smiling uncertainly.

“Would you go out on a date with me Tina?” he asked as his heart beat frantically. He had gone through this moment severally in his head and hoped she gave him a positive answer. He had a lot of explaining to do.

Tina on the other hand was still in shock. She couldn’t believe her ears. It took a while for the implication of what he said to sink in. Oh my God! Abayomi likes me and wants us to go out on a date!!! she thought and screamed in her head with joy. All feelings of nervousness and dread had given way to joy and elation. She looked into his eyes and for the first time, she saw something in his eyes that made her pulse quicken.

“Yes, I would go out on a date with you.” she said smiling at him.

“Great!” Abayomi replied happily, pumping a fist in the air. “I’ve booked a restaurant in town for 7.30 tomorrow evening. I hope you don’t have anything planned out” he said smiling sheepishly.

“I’m free tomorrow” she had replied before she realized that he had this all planned out before even talking to her.

“Were you so sure that I was going to say yes?” she asked shaking her head at him. Abayomi laughed. “We need to do something about your presumptions.” she continued. “Now I wish I had said no” she said scrunching up her face. Abayomi just continued laughing.