shadow of love episode 22

I was downing my fifth shot when I heard the knock. I didn't know where it was coming from but all I knew was that it was disturbing my quiet time. I stood up to go to the door but my legs gave way and I slumped on the ground.


*****************"***************

My eyes were closed but I was hearing them right. They were arguing over someone getting drunk and falling down. I recognised William's voice, that of Lois, Tobe......

I quickly opened my eyes to embrace my boyfriend but I saw Claire perched beside him. There was concern in his eyes but I looked away immediately.

Lois came and rubbed my head. We were in my room.

Lois: Baby what happened? You would have at least waited for me to get here.

A tear slid down to my ear.

Claire: Lois, do you know something? Please tell us. What's wrong with her?

I pleaded with Lois using my eyes not to say anything to them. William who has been silent spoke up for the first time;

Will: You look like you could use a cuddle.

I nodded and he came to me, he helped me raise my head and placed it on his laps. Just as i was about to look up, Tobe looked away.

Lois: Baby, are you alright?

Will: She will be. Trust me.

Lois flashed him a weak smile and picked up her handbag

Lois: William, please I'm leaving her to your care tonight. I'll come back with the girls before I go to school tomorrow. Take care of her for me please.

Claire: But you know I'll take care of her.

Lois: Don't bother Claire. You've got a guest so take care of him.

Tobe: Ehm..... I'll be leaving tonight. Won't be spending the night.

Claire: Come on baby. You....

Lois: William, I trust you'll take care of her.

William: Lois she'll be fine. Get going before it gets darker.

Lois leaned into me and kissed my forehead.

Lois: You're a strong woman Pamela. You'll pull through, trust me.

I let myself breakdown as she walked out of my room. Tobe excused himself too and Claire followed. William pulled me into his arms and I let myself fall in, taking in his scent and thanking God for giving me such a wonderful friend.

Will: You....

Me: He had called to know my location, only to come here and be with his girlfriend.

Will: They've been dating b4 now?

I took time to narrate what happened the day he'd seen her picture on my phone, the cancelled visit, then today.

Will: I thought he was man enough to be regarded as one. I'm so disappointed.

Me: I don't know what my crime is, why destiny will keep making a mockery out of me. Why me? First it was Franca, now, Claire, my friends, oh goodness......

I was shut up by the opening of the door, then.....


Tobe's head popped in and William sprang up immediately, throwing me off without knowing.

William: You'll be gentleman enough to leave her alone right?

There was anger in his voice and I knew he was also sharing in my pain.

Tobe: Please, let me just talk to her.

William folded his arms below his chest and gave him a mock posture.

Will: And your girlfriend?

I watched his eyes lower to the ground before he breathed the words out.

Tobe: She went out to get something.

William came to me and squatted. I held his hand as if it'll stop what I'm feeling inside.

Will: Baby!

And he pecked my forehead, holding my head like it was glass.
Again, I let the tears fall, staining his shirt with my tears but he didn't push me away. It was Tobe's voice that did.

Tobe: Please!

It took that word to let William release me. He looked at me with concern

Will: You know you can always refuse right? But just see him for a minute or two, so you'll hear what his reasons are.

While he spoke, his hands held my arms in form of consolation.
I nodded then he walked out, stopping in front of Tobe to say something I didn't hear.

Tobe: Can i come to you?

I shook my head, refusing such tempting offer.

Me: Just......stand there.

I spoke in between sobs.

Tobe: Baby I'm sorry. I didn't know it'll get to these, I was just......

He spanked his forehead slightly and started walking slowly, each step coming closer to my bed.

Tobe: But I love you Pamela. You're my life. I know I messed up. I went to her school with a couple of friends and I just had to flow.

Now, he was standing at the foot of my bed and I knew he must come to that bed, I knew he would run his hands down my body, I knew I would let him do that and worst still, I knew Claire would catch us and she'll hurt me......

Tobe: Baby, I'm....

Me: Don't come an inch closer. Get out.

He looked surprised and his silence gave me the opportunity to sit up.

Me: All I ever did was love you. I gave you myself, I gave you my life, Tobechukwu why did you choose to hurt me in an unpleasant manner? I wouldn't do that to you considering the kind of love I have for you. But you know what, I'm not going to fight for this love, because Claire's infidelity and lifestyle is enough punishment for you already. For now, get out.

I carried my weak frame to the door and opened it wide, giving him a gesture to walk out.

Tobe: Queency

Me: Get out.

I raised my voice a little and called out to William who came to me that instant, asking me if everything was alright.

Me: Ask this cheating, lying, backstabbing fool to leave my room.

That was what it took to get Tobe walking out. I went into Williams' open arms and cried myself to sleep.