Afraid To Love – Episode 10

By Patience Ahworegba 

 29

The stars filled the night sky. The moon was full. The lights produced by the electric bulbs of the restaurant and street lights gave beauty to the surrounding. It was a very unusual night. People flooded the street as well as the restaurant. Was as if there was a national festival, but nothing like it.

Jeremy took Purity by the hand as he pushed through the crowd. Finally, they made it. They got to Purity’s car, she unlocked it and slid into the driver’s seat. Tho door was still open and Jeremy held it.

“Are you not going home.”

“Nope. Still got some unfinished business to do.”

“And you’re not going to tell me about it?”

He shook his head. “Till I’m done.”

“Its alright. Thanks for tonight. It was- was…”

“Special?” he found the right word for her.

She nodded. “Yeah. Special.”

“I really want to drive you home.”

“I do understand. Good night.”

“Be careful. Drive safely.”

“I’m not a baby. I know what to do.”

He shut the door and watched her drive off. “You will soon be my baby.”

He put his hands in his pocket and walked to his car. He got in and drove off.

*

*

*

“Who’s out there?” Purity questioned the security guard as she slid out of her wheels. She noticed him checking the gate, as if seeing someone.

“I’m not sure. I think there is.” The guard replied still peeping through the gate.

She walked up to him. Has some one followed me home? She thought to herself.

“Open the gate.” She instructed.

The guard complied.

As he pushed the gates open, he and Purity caught sight of a man, few meters away from the gate.

Purity was stunned. A man outside her father’s building this late? It couldn’t be Jeremy. He had followed her or was just looking for someone? Perhaps, he was lost, got the wrong house number. He might also be a criminal, a murderer, an armed robber, name it. Her heart began pounding fiercely against her chest. Her lips quivered, she was frightened. She quickly glanced at the guard, he stood still, probably waiting for more orders from her. She wasn’t alone and wasn’t going to show her inner fears in the presence of her security. She braced herself, pulled her cell phone from her purse and shuffled to meet this unknown man. She didn’t go close to him. She stood at a considerable distance. “Who are you?” She asked, trying to sound courageous.

The unknown man made to leave.

“Stop right there!” She ordered, “If you move, I’ll call 911.” she began punching the figures on her cell, her eyes still fixed on him.

The security guard, moved towards her to support her. “She’s not alone, two against one.”

The unknown guy swiftly turned to face them.

She could see his face. Those brown eyes. Why did they look so familiar?

His lips moved.

“There’s no need to call the cops. I’m actually searching for someone.”

The voice- it sounded strangely familiar. She’d definitely heard it before, but where? Who was he? She had to find out.

“May I know who you’re searching for? I could be of help.” She requested.

He grinned.

That was also familiar.

“Don’t know her real name. But have you heard of anyone called Melisa or who once called her self that?”

Her lips quivered. She sputtered. “M-Melisa?” She tried to laugh it off. “I don’t think there’s anyone by that name. I don’t know of any.” She denied. “Do you, Peter?”

The guard shook his head.

“I better be on my way.” he turned to leave.

“Wait.” She stopped him. “Why are you searching for this ‘Melisa’?”

He faced her again and smirked. “Reasons best known to me. Why are you curious about that?”

“Um… I…,” She was short of words at that instant. Carefully, she searched for the right words. “I might come across her someday, will want to help you find out. Of course, if its not for something evil.”

A smile played on his lips. “Thanks for that. Whenever you come across her, let her know it was Ernest,” he really stressed his name, “She’ll know instantly.”

Purity wasn’t comfortable being with this man- Ernest. She nodded and turned to leave with Peter.

He stopped her. “What’s yours?”

“I don’t give my name to strangers.” she replied without looking back. She resumed her walk with Peter into the compound. As they got into it, Peter closed and locked the gates while she marched into the house. She fidgeted while doing so.

~~

30

“Purity, how was your date?” Prudence asked, flashing a smile.

Purity forced a smile. “It was great mama.”

“Can we talk about it?” Prudence pleaded.

“I really can’t, mama.” Purity gave an apologetic smile. “I wanna have my bath and rest. I promise to tell you about it tomorrow.”

“Promise?” Prudence repeated.

“Promise.”

Prudence opened her arms and Purity entered them. She clasped her hands round her daughter tightly. “Good night.”

*

*

*

Outside the premises of the Theodore’s the man that had introduced himself as Ernest sat on the bonnet of his car. He didn’t want to leave just yet. That woman, the woman he followed was very familiar. He had perceived her scent in the crowd at the restaurant. A man held her hand, making it easier for them to pass through. He followed them quietly. When he had passed through the crowd, he got a clearer view of her. She was definitely the woman he had been searching for, for nine years. He felt jealous seeing her with a man. Who was that man? It didn’t look like they were on a business date, they dressed casually. She was never to be with a man. He was the only man than deserved her. He’d make himself known to her. Soon. Very soon.

He heard the flowers rustling. It was a cool night, but the wind wasn’t blowing. The rustling continued. Could that be a wild animal or a thief? His eyes focused on the flowers, where the rustling sound came from. He caught a glimpse of a cloth. A man was there. He jumped down from the car and quietly opened the door of his car. He brought out a shotgun. He closed the door and tiptoed to the flowers. He stood erect and stretched out his hands with the gun in them. He placed a finger on the trigger.

“Come out now!” he command.

For some seconds, there was not a single sound. The man he thought was there remained silent. He remained still.

“I’m going to pull the trigger,” Ernest warned.

*

*

*

Purity moved quickly towards her room. She got to the door, opening it with her keys. Her hands were trembling. She struggled to unlock the door after about thirty seconds. She pushed it open, got in and bolted the door. She flung her purse on her bed and faced her pink drawers. Quietly, she got on her knew and drew the last drawer open.

There were lots of notepad in it. She dug her hands into it and began scattering them. It had to be in here. She wanted to confirm it. She prayed silently to be wrong, very wrong. It shouldn’t be happening.

The man outside, Ernest. That name rang a bell, no wonder he looked to familiar. She had seen him somewhere, but where? He said he was searching for a girl named Melisa. Melisa? How did he get to know of that name? Was there another Melisa? No one in her neighbourhood was known by that name. He must have followed her home. Yes, he must have. d–n! d–n! d–n!

As she thought more, her hands raked through the notepad fiercely. Determination led her into this. She had to be sure. Please, let it be a coincidence, she prayed fervently. It should be. Melisa? Ernest? She had been the only one who….

This was it. She finally found it. The notepad. It looked so old and worn out. Ever since that day, she’d never opened it nor brought it out. She’d hidden it deep down, hoping to shut it out of her life forever. Never to be called to mind. And right now, it had to be opened. Memories of her past, that day, flooded into her head.

16th July, 2005.

*

*

*

Ernest wasn’t sure if he was doing the right thing. It had to be. The gun was still pointed at the person he assumed to be a man. What if he wasn’t alone? His gang had to hiding somewhere. Were they for a robbery or kidnapping? Was it Melisa they wanted or her parents? Did she even have parents? He had to stop thinking and focus on what he’s about to do. They might outnumber him, but he wasn’t bothered. He’s a good fighter and an expert in handling guns. He was gonna have some advantages over them. He was surely going to protect his Melisa. He can’t lose her, a second time.

“I’m pulling the trigger,” he announced.

Terrified, the person got off the flowers and stood to face him. OMG! ‘Twas a woman!

~~

 31

The blue Volvo XC90 wheels furiously sped on the road of New York City. The driver was Jeremy. He was crazed with anger and fear. “Darn it!”

‘Very critical.’ ‘Act fast.’ ‘He said not to.’ The words Dr. Allan had to him kept echoing in his head. That further agitated him. His hold on the steering wheel tightened. He put his right foot on the accelerator and increased the speed of the car. He drove too fast, like one possessed by a demon. His anger. His fear. He really still doubted what he’d been told. He hadn’t come to accept what he heard. Why should this be happening now? Why should it ever happen? How am I going to cope? How will I survive this? He was d–n too absorbed in his thoughts. A tear slid down his cheek.

The siren of a police car could be heard. The vehicle was trailing Jeremy’s ordering him to pull over. Jeremy failed to notice that. He kept on driving. He had to get home quick. He really had to talk to his father. Patience, he didn’t have.

The wailing siren soon hit Jeremy’s ear drums. He quickly glanced at the door window of his car. He saw the police car following him. “Holy s–t!” Jeremy didn’t stop to obey their command to pull over. He just turned on his radio, increased the volume and acted as if no one was behind him. His car was still on a very high speed.

Fortunately, the street leading to his home came into view. He smiled to himself. A light at the front and back of his vehicle indicated he was about to turn right. He adjusted the gear lever, released his foot from the pedal, the car’s speed reduced. He turned successfully. As he made to move the vehicle further, the police car drove past him and stopped right in front of his vehicle. This was possible because he had reduced the speed of the vehicle while turning. They hadn’t, they took the risk. Jeremy was already on the move, to avoid hitting the car ahead of him, he slewed the car sideways and abruptly halted the engine. His vehicle was only a few inches from the police’s. He escaped narrowly. He sat back in his car, panting.

*

*

*

A woman? What was a woman doing out here? She doesn’t look like a killer. She was dressed in a close fitting pink gown. Wore flats and had a purse with a long chain hand- matching the colour of her gown. Was she a friend of Melisa? Or she came to spy on her. His Melisa was more prettier than she, perhaps she was jealous of her. He smiled within him. She’s so striking. He never withdrew the gun from pointing at the strange lady.

She in turn, kept daring him. Those green eyes of hers blazing with fury. She looked at him with disgust. From his foot to his head. He was dressed in a black suit and was quite handsome, but not as Jeremy. Her Jeremy. She scowled. “Aren’t you going to sh00t?”

Whoa! Acting so tough. She was scared a moment ago and now she’s trying to be brave. He grinned.

“Don’t ask for something you don’t want.”

… To be continued