Nkani: Pick Your Poison (Chapter 16)

Mademoiselle Uknown, Mwanawafeli and Some random lady. Thank you for the shoes. Pure awesomeness. 

Noah:

Hey Babe. Hope you’re good. Will be home a bit late. Heading to O’Hagans with the guys. Love you.

I put the mutiko down and look at the clock on the kitchen wall behind me. It reads nineteen twenty. Really Noah. Why didn’t he tell me this earlier? He knew he was going to meet the guys a while ago obviously. Unless he was lying to me just now with the O’Hagans story. What if… No. I will take my thoughts in that direction. Hell no. But what if he is going to see Plumber right now. I so hate this right now. I look at the pot of Visashi on the stove. Gosh I cooked his favourite meal and now he won’t get to have it on time like I wanted him to. And what happens to our chat. I can’t move it to another day. I have to talk to him tonight. For crying out loud Noah. Why didn’t he tell me this on time, I would have told him to see the guys tomorrow. I would have told him we needed to talk. But I can’t change anything now.

Plus tomorrow I will not be home in the evening because I have to be at Gemima’s mom’s home for the sleepover – night before wedding kinda day; gotta get my hair done and other wedding stuff. But now Noah’s new plan might mean my plan changes. Oh my. I was hoping I could get this done tonight so that tomorrow we are good and sorted, and possibly on a way forward with our future, so that for Saturday we are perfect for the wedding.

I sigh as it hits me, I have no choice. I’ll just to have to wait for him. I pick up my cooking stick and stir the Vishashi and smile. I have to make sure the food is perfect for him. I know how much Noah loves my cooking. He enjoys it to the fullest and I know after the wedding he will get to have more of my cooking. I can’t wait for the wedding to pass to be honest. It might not be mine but I still feel the stress of being a close friend of the bride. As if her wedding drama isn’t enough I also have to deal with my other friend’s situations. Comfort and friendship is the order of the day.

After we had eaten our lunch the ladies and I had discussed the last details of the wedding. Our bridesmaids dresses had been picked up by Gemima’s mother and they were at her home. So were our heels and what else we needed for Saturday itself. Gemima made sure we got what we needed for the day.

She was the perfect bride lady. Always happy to do more for her ladies. And I know she will be blessed in her marriage for years to come.

Men!! I pray Kachiza never puts her through what Noah has put me through.

I pray their marriage works out until death  parts them.

I pray Kachiza is a better man than my Noah and his cheating ways.

Oh well. You never know what kind of a man you have until he proposes or after you marry him. I place a lid on the pot and smile. Soon. I should be nervous but I am not. I am actually feeling relieved that I get to face my husband tonight. It all comes down to this.

I guess I’ll have to keep his food warm for whatever time he decides to come home.

But I pray he’s not with her.

I hope he’s not with her or there will be hell to pay.

++++

Kachiza:

Hey Gemmy. Hope you ok. Sorry I missed your call. In a noisy place right now. I’ll call you when I’m free.

Me:

Where are you?

Kachiza:

In O’Hagans with the guys. Love you. Talk to you later. Countdown is almost up. I can’t wait to marry you.

Me:

I love you too. Later.

Well that’s that. Mum is talking but I’m not listening to her. Thank God her sisters are here to listen to her and make unnecessary comments while I think about random stuff. I know she’s probably talking about some juicy bit of gossip she heard from her friends earlier in the day or maybe from the farm workers, one never knows with mum. I wish I was at my flat. I would have been sleeping it all off. But this is what happens when a wedding is in the family. You stick together, literally. A few of my aunts came today from various places and I know more will be coming to come and celebrate my big day with me. Traditional songs, food and dances will be the highlight of tomorrow’s evening. At least my ladies will be around to keep me company and laugh with me through the random lessons I will get from my elders. Tomorrow will be a super busy day, the last day before I take the leap. I can’t wait for it to be all over, with a kiss they say. More of my aunts and their friends coming over so mum will have her work cut out for her, but at least it will keep her occupied for a while. To be honest I don’t understand why they have to come to my mum’s house when they will be at the wedding either way. It feels like the night I had my chezela last week with all the women around me cheering and dancing into the night. That had been tiring. I was hoping tomorrow would be a silent night but then again knowing my mother, she make sure people are drunk before the night is done.

At least I know she deserves it. A drink. Mum deserves it because she put her all into planing the wedding. She made sure everything was perfect. Everything was going according to plan. All I gotta do is show up and look beautiful. I know the ladies will look amazing in their dresses. Just two more nights and this pressure will be over.

The women around me laugh.

Gosh they are so loud.

Whatever are they talking about I wonder as I look at them.

Might as well listen to them now. After all Kachiza is busy. Though why are they hanging out tonight? Why not tomorrow night? Men are so funny.

And I’m bored. I pick up my phone and smile as I type a message to Kachiza.

 

Me:

So I was thinking, white or black lingerie for the honeymoon. Hmmmm 

++++++++++++++

Mukuka:

Hey. Hi. Sorry for my silence. Busy day. Miss you. Can I pass through later? Going with the guys to O’Hagans for a few drinks. I will you when I am free.

 
I read the message and I put my phone down on my bedside table. I don’t have the heart to respond. I don’t even have the heart to tell him what happened earlier with Tawanda. Will Mukuka be happy? Or will he comfort me like he always does. Will he tell me it’s my fault I got caught or will he apologise for getting me caught with the love bites. But what is more important is Tawanda. I should call him. Can I call him? Will pick up? Maybe he’s calm now and I can talk to him and explain. What will I say? Come back I’ll change. And if he asks who the man I’ve been with is, will I be able to tell him it’s Mukuka. My best friend, who he trusts would never do a thing with me. Did I not reassure him countless times that Mukuka was my friend. That Mukuka did not look at me as if he wanted to sleep with me. That we didn’t spend that much time together. That we were too close to only be friends. I did that. But where did I lose it and let it all go to shit. I can’t call him when I can’t even reveal the truth. And besides which man can forgive his woman for cheating. It’s the ultimate crime. It’s the law. No woman cheats on a man.

And Mukuka? What’s the way forward. We have been at this for years with no answer in sight. Just the friends with benefits I’ve always been. The saying once a man looks at you in a particular way and that’s your role for life comes to mind. I’ll always be the friend he sleeps with. Nothing more nothing less. He will never see me as a girlfriend or wife. Nothing special. Maybe he will miss my vagina once in a while but that’s it, I am the walking vagina. I’m stuck. And if I end the journey of this ship we are on then will our friendship survive? Will we get back what we once had. I hate this. But I love him. What is love anyway except a feeling, energy that can be transferred from one man to another. Well if it is that then maybe I could have transferred the love I had for Mukuka to Tawanda. The heart want what it wants.

I sit back on my bed and cover myself with the fleece that Tawanda got me months ago when I had complained about being too cold. That’s how caring Tawanda was. He listened to me. He cared about my needs. What is wrong with the good men in Zambia? Aren’t they supposed to the most interesting men on the block?But no, if it’s not the lack of mental connection then it’s some physical issue like bad kissing and bad sex.

I hear my phone ring and I look at the screen. Mukuka’s name flashes on it. I’m not going to pick up this call. Not today. No. Not today. I feel my tears coming up. Shit I am a mess. This is not me. Why the hell am I crying?

I need to sleep early tonight. I deserve to rest and hopefully wake up better tomorrow.

I pray it will be alright and besides life really doesn’t have a choice but to turn out alright.

++++

“I can’t believe you would say that. Granted Salome is a free spirit and has had her fair share of crazy she doesn’t deserve what happened to her today.” I argue.

Patrick down looks at me and laughs. Gosh. When was the last time he laughed like that in my presence. When was the last time we sat on the same sofa next to each other talking about stuff. UNZA days. That long. Gosh.  I shouldn’t be talking to him but here I am sitting on the sofa with him. He brought Samuel home from school and simply stayed in with his son till I came home.

“Salome is crazy. You women are crazy. How do you even juggle two men?” He asks. “Can you juggle two men?”

“It’s called multi-tasking.” I respond.

“She was bound to get caught. I swear she was gonna get caught. One way or another. The fact that she stayed that long without getting caught shows she’s a pro.”

I feign shock and put my hand on my chest. I will not admit it to him, but Salome is a pro. She juggled two men so well it seemed she would never get caught.

“No. She’s not a pro.” I respond. “She was trying her luck and hoping one of them proposes.”

“Uh. Propose. You saying she did all this hoping she get married at the end of it. Wow. I thought you said Salome and the other guy were simply sleeping together.”

“But she loves him. So she’s sleeping with him because she loves him.”

“And she dated the other because?”

“Well Mukuka is undecided. If he was none of this would have happened.”

“He’s a man who clearly has everything he wants given to him on silver platter. She should have made him work for it. Fair.”

That statement definitely shuts me up. Mukuka has everything he wants on a silver platter. So that means he can’t commit to Salome because she gives him everything he wants. What is it she hasn’t given him yet that he would forward to in marriage. But that formula doesn’t work. Because not every man will not marry a woman because he’s already slept with her. That’s a pathetic excuse.

“I think men make these rules as they go. Seriously. We open our legs and it’s you have everything, what else will you give us in marriage. We don’t open our legs and it’s well I can get that which you keep hidden from someone else including your cousin. Stick to one thing.”

Patrick laughs.

“Ypu women are too easy to manipulate.”

“How dare you.” I laugh. “Look. I know Salome messed up. But in these times finding love is hard if you don’t give up the goods. It’s hard to find a man who says cool, no sex. I will stay with you either way.”

“True.”

“Salome happened to give it up to the wrong man who doesn’t want her for anything more than a lay. Maybe now he will change who knows. But how do we get your attention. I seriously understand why she did what she did.”

“Women can’t cheat. I swear you can’t. The fact that you are emotional beings is why you can’t cheat. You will fall in the end.”

“Some women are strong. They can cheat like men do.”

He laughs at me.

“No they can’t.” He says

“You underestimate us. We are strong.” I say.

“Don’t get me wrong, I am not denying you are strong, but let’s be honest once your feelings come into a situation, you are gone.”

“No.”

I look into his eyes and he smiles at me. Ever the smiling man. Is it just me or is the man hot? Would he wrap his arms around me if I asked him to? Gosh I miss having a man all to myself. What does it feel like to kiss a man and have him kiss all your stress away. Gosh it’s been too long.

“Oh I know women are a force to be reckoned with.” He whispers. “But leave the bad habits to men. They suit us better anyway. Salome will bounce back soon enough and she will have a another guy soon. Mark my words.”

He’s telling the truth. Salome always bounces back. Something about her makes the men go crazy in love ready to jump into bed with her and date her. Except Mukuka.

“So am I invited to this wedding?” He asks.

“You want to come?”

“Of course I do. Granted I’ll have Samuel this weekend. But I’d like to attend and see the wedding. Mostly you dancing.” He laughs.

I slap his hand and he laughs harder. He knows I can’t dance. I hate dancing but this can’t be avoided this time around. Gonna dance my hard stiff waist off.

“I’m not inviting you.” I say.

“I’m sorry for making a bad “waist” joke.” He says seriously

I look at him, waiting. And he laughs. There it is. Typical. He has not changed much.

“Really? Patrick. I see what you did.” I respond.

His hand grabs mine and he kisses it. Twice. Hmm bad idea.

“Okay I’m being serious. I wanna come. Can I? Please.”

“Ask mom. She has a card. If you can convince her then sure.”

“You’re evil.” He says happily. “Your mum hates me.”

I shrug, stand up from the sofa and look down at him.

“Well then you won’t come. No balls to ask my mother.”

I need a glass of wine and to get away from him before I do things I’ll regret doing tomorrow. I walk out of the Livingroom and Patrick stands up to follow me to the kitchen. The house is silent. Mum is in her room sleeping maybe who knows – she disappeared right after supper minutes ago – and Samuel is in his room finishing his homework. Homework comes first no matter how good a day was. Samuel was excited he had spent some quality time with his Dad. And Patrick was happy he had his son and I – mostly I – were near him. And we got to talking about Samuel staying with him on the weekend. Patrick requested Samuel go home with him after school tomorrow and I agreed, after all tomorrow night I will have be with Gemima. Gosh I need to pack for tomorrow and Saturday I think. And I should pack Samuel’s bag too. Too much to do. But right now I need a drink.

I open the refrigerator and take out a bottle of white wine. I grab a wine glass from the cupboard and pour myself a full glass as Patrick watches.

“You drink every night?” He asks.

I lift the glass to my slips and smile. Ahh the first sip. It’s a sweet white wine. It’s so tasty.

“Most nights. A glass or two.” I respond.

“Stressed?”

“Always.” I respond.

“Massage.”

“No one to offer it.”

He cocks his head to the side and gives me his brightest smile.

“Not today.” I say.

“Another day.”

“Definitely.”

Oh no…..

“Soon I hope.”

Hmmmm…

“Maybe.”

Why the hell am I encouraging this flirty banter. Why am I so happy he’s flirting with me? I feel so warm and happy inside. This is not supposed to happen. Why is he looking at me like that I wonder. Like he wants something from me.

“You are so………” Patrick starts.

“Mum… Dad… Homework is done.”

I see Samuel run into the kitchen. Patrick turns to face him and they start discussing his homework questions. I look at them and smile. What was he about to say? Was it important? I take a sip of wine and smile at them.

My little family.

++++

Plumber:

You’re late. Where are you?

Me:

I’m on my way. Be there soon.

Plumber:

I don’t like waiting. You know that. Hurry up.

Me:

Don’t push me. You wanted to see me. You forced me. I’m on my way. You can leave if you want.

Plumber:

Fine. I’ll wait.

Me:

Fine

“Hey. Hi.” I say

“Hey.”

“How are you?”

“You sure?”

“Yes. You good?”

Is he okay I wonder. Kachiza sounds angry or irritated. Did I call him at a bad time? He sent me a message telling me he’s home minutes ago. Did something happen at O’Hagans? Or was it too late to call him? I know it’s past midnight and maybe he’s tired. I shouldn’t have called him. But I was worried. I thought something had happened to him. Midnight games should not be allowed once we are married.

“Hey. You there?” He asks.

“Yea. I’m okay. Are you sure you’re okay.”

“Yep.”

“You sure?”

“Yep.”

Okay he is definitely not okay. One word answers now. Whatever or whoever has pissed him off deserves to burn because now I have to face his rudeness for something I never did.

“Kachiza. Whats wrong?”

“Nothing. Just an issue with the guys that’s it. It will be sorted tomorrow.”

“You sure. Wanna talk about it?”

“Gemima I gotta go.”

“Okay. I’ll let you sleep. Goodnight.”

“Night.”

And he cuts the call. Wow. There must be something seriously wrong. Even if the guys did something to him, I don’t deserve the rudeness. Or maybe he’s lying to me and maybe I am involved in his so called issue. Kachiza always tells me if the guys argue or something goes wrong. So he’s probably lying. Did I do something. Or maybe I didn’t do something. Well there is no sense in worrying about it now if Kachiza won’t talk to me now. Unless I force it out of him, we need to talk about issues and not let them fester until the next morning. I redial his number.

“The subscriber you have dialled is outside coverage area or has their phone switched off. Please try your call later.”

Hmmm. Wow. Okay. It’s off? Wow. I quickly dial his work line.

“There is no response from the requested number. There is no response from……”

I cut the call. Both his phones are off. Already? Wow. He knew I would call him. He knew I wouldn’t let this lie. I must have done something really bad. Is he getting cold feet? Does he want to end the wedding? Will overthinking help me much? Oh well I’ll let him calm down. I’ll talk to him tomorrow. I hope it’s nothing serious so near to the wedding and all. Gosh.

I hate feeling like this.

I whisper a prayer to God, I pray he helps me sort out the unknown mess in my relationship. I pray he helps my wedding goes as planned. I pray he makes my future husband decided for the future. I pray it all works out.

From the bottom of my heart I pray it works out.

++++

Samuel is fast asleep. I kiss his cheek and leave his room. I walk into my bedroom and look at my bed. When was the last time I woke up next to a man without any thought of running away from him. When was the last time I was wrapped up in a man’s arms, being kissed senseless into submission. It’s been too long.

Talking to Patrick today was different. I felt it. The attraction. All I wanted to do was kiss him or maybe get more out of it. And besides, who would I be hurting? He is the father of my child anyway. But not yet, I am not ready for the mess kissing him will cause, I wasn’t ready. We talked for hours about family. His and mine. We laughed for hours till Samuel went to sleep. Only then did he decide to head home. And to be honest I didn’t want him to leave but I also didn’t want to confuse him or lead him on. I still haven’t decided if I want to be with him or not. But looking at the two nights we have spent talking would it be so bad if I took him back? Samuel would be happy. But it’s not only about Samuel, it is also about me. Maybe I would be happy too.

I would have my little family intact.

My phone rings taking me out of my thoughts. I quickly answer the phone.

“Hello.”

“Hey.”

Patrick. I smile.

“You in bed?” He asks.

“Not yet. I’ll be in bed soon. I was packing Samuel’s stuff and I tucked him in.”

“Cool. Awesome. I’m bored.”

“Sleep then.”

“Would rather talk to you.”

I don’t know why but that makes me smile again.

“Okay. Just hold on.” I tell him.

“Okay.”

I put the phone on my bed and quickly take off my dress and change into t-shirt and shorts. I switch off my bedroom light and run to the bed. I get my phone and get into bed.

“Hello. I’m back.”

“I’m here.”

“So you’re bored. What you want to talk about.”

“I don’t know.”

“Tell me about your ex.” I ask

I have no idea why I said that. Must have been in the back of my mind all this time. Then again it’s the right thing to ask. If I am going to take him back then I should know everything. I did wonder why it ended. What really happened to them. Why did he leave her if he was happier with her in Swaziland. I guess I am curious to know if I will be his rebound or not.

“What do you want to know?” He asks

“Why did it end? How did it end?” I respond.

“Okay… Uhmmm. She cheated on me.” He says.

Wow. Okay. I didn’t expect that. Thee Patrick was cheated on. That’s a first.

“Okay, we weren’t okay for a while. I ignored the problems I guess. We kept working at it hoping in the end everything would be fixed and we would go back to what it was.” He says. “But I guess the damage was too far gone. Plus she couldn’t deal with my having a child.”

What? But Samuel is the sweetest little boy. Who wouldn’t want to have him around. He’s a little bright star.

“How?” I ask

“She wanted Samuel to stay with us. That way there would be zero contact between you and I.”

“But there was barely contact between you and I!” I laugh.

“She didn’t see it like that. We have a child and that child will bring us together is what she used to say. And Samuel would talk about you all day. I got to know you again through him. I’d see you through his eyes. And believe it or not, the pictures in my head were beautiful. I guess she saw that while I didn’t. She saw the change and she stared to change. I didn’t notice.”

I smile.

“It got worse. The relationship. The arguments. And when I was offered a job that in Lusaka that made it all worse. I had hoped she would move with me. But nope. I had it all planned then. And then one night I found out she was cheating on me.”

He keeps silent and I don’t say a word. What am I supposed to say?

“When I confronted her she admitted it and she apologised. She said some things. And I said some things.” He says. “But one thing got to me. She said she knew I was going to take the job in Lusaka because I missed alot being far from Samuel and she said I missed you. I didn’t understand. I almost wanted to turn the job down, but she said I was different whenever I heard news of you and everything you did. I lit up. She said I was happier with a memory of you than I was with her. And she was right. I was done. I was tired. And so we broke up.”

“And you came here?” I ask

“No. We broke up a while ago. Months ago. I decided I would stay in Swaziland till i was sure I wanted to come back. I didn’t want to come back on a thought from her telling me I was meant to be with you. No. I wanted to be sure. After all those months alone in Swaziland, it was the easiest decision I made. I knew I had to come back home to you and my son.”

“Okaaay. I’m sorry your relationship ended. Samuel told me about her. He said she was nice.”

“I’m not. I get to be near my family. Nothing beats this.”

“I’m sure they missed you.”

“Yea they did. But I meant I get to be near you and Samuel.”

I close my eyes. This is too much.

“You there?” He asks

“Yes. I’m here.”

“Great. Anyway that’s that. I’m here now. Now let’s discuss that wedding invite. Do I have bribe your mum with chocolate or wine?”

I laugh.

He will never let this go.

++++

I open the front door and Noah walks in the house. Thank God he’s not drunk. He smiles at me and I smile back at him. He reaches out and kisses me. No passion there. He is not in a good mood. I can tell from his kiss.

“Noah?” I ask

He doesn’t respond, instead he lets go of me and heads to the bedroom. I lock the door and follow him. I find him sitting on the bed looking at the floor. What happened to him? What happened at O’Hagans?

“You okay?” I ask him. “You hungry? I can warm up your food.”

He shakes his head and looks up at me. He stands up, walks to me and hugs me.

“Gosh I love you.” He whispers. “You know that right? I love you Monde.”

Is everything okay?

“I know there are times I act like a bad husband but you still stay by my side and love me. And I love you for making me into the man I’ve become today. I love you. Always know this.”

“Should I be worried?” I ask.

“Nah. I am just in a bad mood. I had to experience something I never want to experience again.”

“What is it?”

“Nothing babe. No worries. Just guys stuff.”

He let’s go of me, looks down at me and gives me a light kiss. He walks away from me, slowly taking off his jacket and I see it then. The smudge on his white collar. Bright red. Right on his collar. I freeze and watch him as he heads to the bathroom. I take a deep breath and let it out slowly. What the hell? Is that what his I love you is about? He went to see her!! What do I do? That is lipstick on his collar. Who is she? Are there more of his plumbers. Was he lying when he said he went to O’Hagans? I sit down at the edge of the bed, hand on my chest and take a deep breath. What do I do? Oh my gosh what if I lose the baby.

I don’t hear him come back in, but I watch Noah walk to the bed towards me.

“Who is she?” I whisper.

“What?” He responds. “What did you say? Didn’t hear you.”

“Who is she!!” I yell.

I stand up and face him. I hit his chest hard enough but it does nothing to him. He stands there looking at me.

“I asked you who she is.” I say

“Who are you talking about?” He asks

“The woman who kissed your shirt collar red. The woman who calls you and you decide to answer her call in the bathroom. The woman gets you in a bad mood and good whichever is for the day.”

“Monde. What the hell?”

“I asked you who she was.”

“Are you crazy? Who is who?”

“Who is she Noah?

‘Who?”

“Who is Plumber? Tell me who she is. I have had it. She is now kissing you collar? Or will you say it’s paint?”

He shakes his head and groans.

“Shit.” He says.

“Now you know what I’m talking about?” I ask

“Monde. It’s not what you think.” He says

“Huh? Now it’s not what I think? What am I thinking?”

“I’m not cheating on you.”

“So you think I think you’re cheating on me right. Right on.”

“I swear I am not cheating on you. I would never cheat on you. I love you.”

“Of course you would say that. Who kissed your shirt? Was she trying to kiss your neck?”

“I met a friend. Who hugged me and maybe she her lips ended up on my shirt. That’s it!!”

He actually thinks I’ll believe that joke of a lie. Who the hell does he think I am.

“Why are you lying Noah? I know you’re lying. Did you even go to O’Hagans?”

“I did!! Ask the guys.Call the guys. I was there. I did go there. I didn’t lie to you.”

“So what happened?”

He looks at me. Silence.

“So you met her there then?”

“No!! I met no one there. Baby you need to believe me.”

“You are lying to me. You said you met a friend just now. Now you met no one?”

“She is not my friend. She is a friend’s friend!!”

“Why are you lying Noah? I know about the phone Noah. I read her message on your phone. She’s happy you met her. She loves you. Plumber. Who is Plumber? Why did you call her Plumber?”

“What messages? What phone?” He asks shocked.

“The phone you left home Monday. I read her message.”

“For fuck sake. Fuck. Monde I can explain.”

“Well explain.”

I cross my arms on my chest and look at him waiting for his response.

“Monde that wasn’t my phone.” He says

What the hell? Is this kufwa na no? In my house? In our bedroom? 

“Noah I know your phone. I know it. Don’t play me for a fool.” I shout

“Keep your voice down. We have people sleeping in this house.” He says angrily.

“I don’t care.”

“It’s not my phone. It was a friends phone and I was keeping it for him. I have my phone here.” He says

He digs into his pockets and removes his phone and throws it on the bed.

“There. Go go through it. Check everything. There is nothing on it.”

“Right like a fool I should check a phone you probably have cleaned. Fine. If it wasn’t your phone then who was it for?”

He doesn’t say a word. He just looks at me. Pathetic.

“You won’t tell me?” I ask

“Monde. I can’t tell you. I can’t. Not yet.”

“Oh. But when. When you get AIDS? An STI? When? You are putting my life at risk!!!”

“Monde I’m not sick at all.”

“Says you. You’re the cheater. I am a pregnant woman Noah.”

He grabs my shoulders and pulls me close to him. I slap his chest with my hands though they have no effect on him. He grabs my hands and I try to pull away but his grip is too strong.

“Calm the fuck down!!” He shouts.

I freeze, Noah never raises his voice to me. Where is my husband?

“Monde, I am sorry.. For shouting at you. But you need to listen to me, I am not cheating on you. You need to understand this. You have to trust me.”

“Will you tell me who she is then?” I ask quietly.

“No.” He answers.

“Then you need to get your hands off me.” I say slowly.

He lets me go and sits on the bed with his head in his hands. He won’t tell me who she is. He will protect the plumber. He disgusts me.

“Baby. I’m not cheating. I love you too much to cheat.” He starts. “And surely why would I expose myself like that. If I was cheating. I would make sure you would never find out. Baby. I’m not cheating on you.”

“You need to leave this room.”

He looks up at me in shock.

“Why?”

“You leave or I leave this room. I won’t have this. No. I’m tired.”

“Baby listen I can explain but you have to give me time.”

“Get out!!.” I yell.

“Monde calm down. You are pregnant.”

“Exactly why you should get out of this room. I’m pregnant. And you are suggesting I stay calm at a time like this.”

“Monde listen.”

“No you listen. I won’t get stressed because of you. I will not lose this baby because of you and your phone or your friend’s phone. Both of you can go to hell with your Plumber. Get out!!”

“Baby.”

“Noah, this is a big house. We have four bedrooms. Sleep in the spare room until you feel like being honest with me..”

“But….”

“I said get out and take your phone with you. Go and call her. Enjoy yourself. And make sure you take a suits and shirts with you when you leave. You will sleep in that spare room until you feel like being honest.” I say.

He tries to touch me and I slap his hands away. I walk to the bathroom and lock the door. I sit down on the edge of bathtub and my tears start to fall down my cheeks. I am so angry. I’m feeling alot of things but none of those feelings are pride at having called him out on his infidelity. Why can’t he tell me the truth? Why protect her? Who is she? Will she take care of him? Is she that good for him? I hear a knock on the door but I do not get up to open the door.

“Monde. Open the door.” Noah says. “Baby. Open the door. Let me in.”

I don’t move off the edge of the tub. I sit in silence as the tears keep falling.

“Monde….” He says

He knocks again but I do not say a word. I don’t want to see him. He should leave me alone.

“Okay. I’ll leave the bedroom. I’ll go. I don’t want you to cry. Believe me all this can be explained. Will be explained in time. I’ll leave. I’ll sleep in the guest room.”

He keeps silent and I simply close my eyes wiling my tears to stop. I can’t be crying like this. I’m pregnant and I don’t need the stress. Noah and plumber can go to hell.

“Monde. Baby I love you. Please don’t leave me.”

Men are so selfish. That’s all I can he can think about? He wants the best of both worlds.

“Monde, Do you remember my vows. At the church. I made vows before God and you. I meant them then and I mean them now. I would never do anything to hurt you.”

“Get out!!” I scream.

How dare he bring vows. How dare he!! Didn’t he promise not to lie and keep things from me too? Is he not breaking his vows to me right now. Double standards men have. Only when it suits them.

“I love you Monde.” He says

+++++

Plumber:

Hey. You okay. Wanna talk to you.

Me

Please leave me alone. I saw you like you wanted. We talked like you wanted. I heard you out, but I’m done. We are done. You’ve already caused me more problems than I can handle.

Plumber:

What problems? Baby I heard you earlier but what about what we feel for each other. Surely you can’t deny what happened in the car. The passion is still there. We almost went that far. We would have.. I was ready for you.

Me:

I feel nothing for you.
Granted I kissed you but that’s all it is. A kiss. So we almost had sex. Almost doesn’t count. That’s it.
I’m done.
I love my woman.
I can’t lose her

Plumber:

But you’re willing to screw me over.

Me:

This is why we could never work. The vendettas and arguments.

Plumber:

But we have passion

Me:

No. We had a sexual chemistry but it’s done. I love the woman I’m with.

Plumber:

Oh Please. As if she matters. Besides you can walk away before it’s too late.

Me:

What the hell are you on? You have caused enough damage in my life. We are done. Goodbye.

Plumber:

Wait. You can’t mean that.
I love you.
I will see you at the wedding. When you’re with her. I will be there.
I will be there for you always.

To be continued…..
P. S: To my readers… I hope you are ready to meet plumber. Because in the next chapter she comes out to play. Hearts will be broken…..