Palm lines 2 - Episode 21

 

Ade's POV
I rid myself of my clothes, I had just a boxer on then I laid on the uncomfortable couch. At least mom will get to be comfortable in bed, I thought then I laughed at how quick I was to forgive her. 
I've always thought I'll be stern but thinking of it, I've never been a kind to keep grudges for too long.
I smiled.
I picked up my phone then I called Sharon. "Hey" I said to her and she chuckled for no reason in particular. 
"Is someone there?" I asked and she told me she was all alone in the room. 
"You were chuckling"
"When you said hey I just laughed, is that a crime now?" She asked and I chuckled shaking my head. 
"No . Uh... Mom came by a while ago"
"Seriously? I'm shocked. Geez I wonder what changed her mind" 
"Yeah that was what I wondered too"
"Must be a miracle"
"A miracle named Sharon" I answered and she laughed. "What?"
"She told me, you don't have to be too modest" I snapped and she laughed. 
"I only spoke to her, I'm glad she changed her mind. She's really sorry, in case you're angry"
"I'm not" I answered, "Shocking  right? I ought to be angry but I'm not

All episodes of this story can be found here >> https://www.ebonystory.com/story/palm-lines-2

. I missed her Sharon" 
"I know" she answered, almost like a whisper. 
"And she missed you too. She might have been away but, sometimes distance doesn't do much to take away the feelings" she answered then she sniffed, almost as though she was crying.
"Did you even think of me those four years?" I asked, "Every damn day" she answered.
"I didn't stop thinking of you too either but of course you know that already" suddenly I heard her cry out.
"Sharon?" I called out and then she  hung up. 
I tried calling her again but she didn't pick up the call.
I couldn't stop thinking about the call the following day. I prayed for her to stop by but she didn't. 
That evening I watched Mom eat the rice I cooked and then she smiled at me. "The food taste nice, what's in it?"
"I don't tell my secret" 
"The apple doesn't fall far from the tree" she commented and I scoffed. "You've never been a good cook" i answered and she laughed. 
"So...why did she break up with you? I meant Sharon" mom asked and I rolled my eyes.
"How are you sure I wasn't the one who broke up with her?" 
"Because she looks too good for you" mom answered and i laughed. "She looks like a nice person, just saying"
"We didn't exactly break up intentionally. Sharon and i started dating in our senior year in school before she travelled out. You would have known if you didn't abandon me. Thinking of it, you and Sharon have something in common" 
"What? We look pretty" 
"She stayed back for four years without any word to me, she blocked me out"
 "Now she's trying to right her wrongs"
"Huh?"
"It's something she said. I'm sorry I wasn't there all those years" 
"Why didn't you remarry?" 
"I guess I'm done with men for now, the only man I want to get close to is my son"
I looked at her in disgust. "Do you realize how incestuous that sounded?"
"Okay I realized but... I'm serious" she answered.
"If Sharon didn't come around would you have..."
"No. because I would have still had that mentality that you hated me but she gave me hope."
"I really like that Sharon girl" "Why does that sound like the tone of a match-making mother?" I asked and she laughed.
"She's getting married this month"
"Seriously? That's a bummer cause I can swear that girl still likes you" "Why do you all think that way" 
"Can we change the topic?"
"We're girls we never forget out first love" 
"So you never forgot my real dad"
"That story is a soap opera on its own, if we want to visit it, this movie might not end" she answered and I laughed. 
"I'm serious. The thunder that will strike that man when, is still wearing make up. No offense to you" 
"Non taken" I answered. 
"It's obvious you still like her but you're dating another, that's a stupid thing to do." "It's supposed to help me forget"
"Any progress?" Mom asked and I shook my head. 
"I really pity your girlfriend. Where's she? Doesn't she come around?" 
"She has a job and most times stays the night on the job"
"What job?"
"A photographer" I answered and she laughed. "Seriously?" "She's a celebrity photographer, she came all the way from the US and she decided to stay"
"Just because you added all the ay doesn't make the job look better. What's Sharon's job?" 
"She's an Artist" I answered and she laughed again.
"Both your love interest have no jobs then" she continued laughing and I gave her a stern look then she stopped. 
"I was just joking," she answered and her phone rang then she picked it.
 "You've finally reached Franca, who am I speaking to?" She asked, "An office job would have been good for you" I teased and she laughed moving the phone away from her mouth.
"There wasn't any that was willing to pay me a 100,000 naira" she answered and I laughed in mockery.
"With your bad SSCE results" I answered and she busted into laughter. 
"You're an idiot" she commented then she moved it close to her ears.
"Sorry about that" she apologized to the caller. "Who am I speaking to?"she asked and then I saw her mood changed then she hung up. 
"Who's that?" 
"I think I'll have to change my sim again" 
"Why?"
"It was your step father" I answered and I scoffed. 
"How long has he been calling?"
"Well.... Sincerely, he called after I left then he stopped calling until two weeks ago" "I heard you two haven't divorced yet"
"I'm still holding on to the Holland surname, it gets you into shows" she answered and I laughed.
"For a broke woman like you" I answered and she laughed hysterically and I knew something was wrong.
"Im sorry son, I lied. I'm not having accommodation issues" I answered and he scoffed. 
"I was just looking for an excuse to be close to you" 
"Mom I slept on the hard couch, do you have any idea how hard that couch is?" 
"I housed you for eight months and two weeks, did you pay rent? No you didn't but i didn't complain just because I slept on a bed with semen all over it you're complaining. What kind of son are you?" She asked and I shook my head.
"I'm sorry" she apologized again.
The phone rang again and she ignored it this time.
 "What does he want?" "I don't know. I've changed my sim thrice but he eventually finds a way to get to me" 
"Have you tried hearing him out" 
"I haven't but I don't care either. The man can die for all I care, what's his deal sef?"

Erika's POV

Tammie walked up to me while I read an inspirational book on 'How to treat him right', something Kechi gave to me.
 "Are you preparations for one PhD exam?" she asked and I shook my head. 
"No. I'm thinking about a lot of things, Sharon's wedding has been moved and I have to make a list of invites but I don't feel like making any cause I don't like that Felix guy"
"I don't like him too" she answered sitting on a chair opposite me.
"Is it the shape of his head?" I asked and she shook her head.
"No. I just don't think we should trust them" "You just said them, who's them?"
"I don't want to say"
"Why?" I asked curiously, "I figured talk now, they'll say I've opened my big mouth to speak. I'm only trying to be a better version of myself. Courtesy of you"
 "Now I don't need you to be a better version of yourself. Tammie have you seen anything that you shouldn't?" I asked and she hesitated. 
"Tammie?"
"No! I don't trust him and I don't trust that Tasha. I think Sharon's making a mistake getting married to him"
"Tammie you better speak before I throw this book on your head"
"Well ... the other day I saw him enter into Tasha's room" 
"What?"
"Yes. Uncle David sent me to get some documents and I saw him entering and coming out of her room."
"How long did he take?"
"Not long but...still it's very very suspicious don't you think?"
"Maybe he's cheating on Sharon with her" I assumed and she gave a nod. "My thoughts exactly. It's like cheating is becoming a norm in the society" she opined unconsciously and I glanced at her.
"What do you mean?"
"That's all I wanted to say Ma. We better have our eyes on the lookout for those two." She advised and I couldn't agree more.

David's POV
I woke up feeling thirsty so I walked into the kitchen to get water to drink. I noticed the television on so I picked up the remote only to find Tammie sleeping on the chair. 
I turned off the television then I tapped her. "Huh?" She jerked up. "Go to the room, you probably won't feel comfortable lying on the chair" I said to her and she stood up scratching her eyes. 
"Go to the room" I repeated and  she moved the other couch sleeping on it and I rolled my eyes. "Tammie!" I tapped her hard and she finally opened her eyes. 
"Go into your room" i ordered and she walked in. 
I entered into the kitchen and I saw Tasha leaning on the counter she had a bottle of wine with a wine glass and it felt like dejavu. 
I knew more than entering Into the lion's den so I turned back to leave and she called me back. 
"Why do I perceive you're running from me?"
"Why should I run from you?"
"Because you're scared"
"Of what?"
"I don't know, me" she smiled and I scoffed. "You were probably thirsty and you came to get water, don't let me stop you" 
"I don't think I'm thirsty any longer" I answered and she walked towards the fridge bringing out a water then she poured it into a glass, she walked towards me, then she raised it to me.
"Don't let me stop you from drinking water" she bit her lip and I collected the water drinking it then my eyes fell on her boobs. 
"Like what you see?" She asked kissing me on the lips and I pulled back. "Are you sick?" I asked and she laughed.
"I'll give you the keys to your new home tomorrow since you're in perfect shape now" 
"I'm not leaving" 
"Are you crazy?"
"No baby. I'm not crazy and I'm not leaving" 
"If you don't, I'll send you out by force" 
"I wonder how Erika would feel if she knew we kissed." "You won't" 
"I will baby, I'll tell her and I'll tell her more if you dare send me packing" 
"Please don't" 
"I won't if you promise to be a good boy" she licked my face and I moved back. I knew exactly what she meant. I was willing to be a doll for someone to toy with. 
"Come on baby" she moved closer then she placed her hands on my chest and I rushed off into the room placing both hands on my head.
I glanced at Erika who was still sleeping and I knew the worst had come. What I feared the most was blackmail. 
 
 I woke up and I found Erika staring at me. "Morning love of my life" I greeted and she smiled then we kissed. 
"You know when we grow old we start to get used to each other's bad breathe" she commented and I laughed blowing air on the surface of my palm.
"I was just kidding" she answered then she kissed me once more. "Sweetie I have something I wanna tell you" I began,  "And I have something I wanna tell you too"
"You go first" I suggested and she smiled.
 "I had a dream that Tasha left and i was so happy. When will she leave?" She asked and then I sat up.
"She's walking fine now"
"Yeah... You're right. I'll probably talk to her tomorrow" "Or today, it's a new week and Feso's wedding week so. Tell her today" 
"Won't it look somehow"
"You don't have to worry about it. I'll help you tell her, we'll tell her together" she smiled and I laughed nervously. 
"Sounds brilliant" 
"I know baby. So what is it you wanna tell me"
"That I'll never hurt you intentionally and that I love you"
"I love you too baby" 
****
The kids were on a holiday. While we all gathered at the dining to eat, Tasha walked right in, "Good morning everyone" she greeted and we all responded in chorus except Tammie.
"How was your night Ma'am?" She asked, "It was great, I had a good dream" "Wanna share?" She asked taking her seat close to David. 
"There's no point sharing, the only thing I want is the dream coming to reality. Thank you for asking dear, how was your night?"
"It was great" she smiled.
"And you Mr Savage, how was your night?" She asked and I coughed sipping from the cup of tea on the table. 
"It was good, thank you" 
"That reminds me Tasha, there's something David has to tell you" Erika chipped in and I raised my brow at her.
"David and I"
"Oh really?" I wonder what"
"Oh please eat,"
"I can't. I'm dying of anxiety, what is it you want to say Mr Savage" she gave me a look and I opened mouth to speak but nothing came out. 
"David?" Erika called out and then I cleared my throat. 
"Okay. What my husband wanted saying is that, we're glad you're healing quickly and we're expecting visitors from Benue State. Family members and all and we definitely can't let them stay in a hotel" she lied and I would have laughed if I wasn't between the red Sea and the devil.
"I don't understand"
"In order words, you've overstayed your welcome" Tammie interpreted.
"Who asked you to speak?" She snapped then she looked at me.
"What do you have to say about that Mr Savage?" She asked and I cleared my throat. "My wife has spoken"
"I also have something I want to tell everyone" she announced and my heart raced in fear.
 I used legs in tapping hers and she smiled at me. 
"Mr Savage...." She stalled looking at Erika. "Mr Savage deserves a standing ovation for raising an amazing family. I have grown so close to this family, I just want to thank you so much for helping me and enduring me. I know I can be annoying and all" 
"Oh she knows" Erika answered and everyone laughed. 
"Thank you very much and God bless you all" 

Tuni's POV
After Sharon informed me about being a Pastor's wife, I went back home. "This one that face Is like this, what happened? Bad day?" She asked and I folded my hands gazing sternly at her. t
"It's as if I'm in trouble" she muttered and I scoffed.
"How long have you known I'll be a Pastor's wife?" I asked and she shut her eyes in shock then she raised her head to the ceiling as if in thought.
"I couldn't read you until you were ten, there was nothing on your palm, I got worried when you started liking boys even before you had boobs and I feared you'll go rogue and I won't even have a daughter to be proud of. Then i finally got the consolation I wanted." 
"You could have told me"
"And you would have ran away from your destiny." She answered and I scoffed. Like hell I would have!
"Can't you see how fate did it?" 
"Mom I currently like two Pastors"
"It's a lie, you can't like the both of them. You were destined to be with one" she stretched her hands at me and I hesitated.
" if you don't want me telling you who, search your heart and find your answer" she advised and I cried. 
"Mom I'm not ready for this" I busted out in sobs and she hugged me. 
"You'll be fine baby" she sniffed then I heard her laugh.
****
Joel and I had a dinner date and we ended up going over to his house which was just across the estate. "Welcome to my humble abode" he announced and I smiled admiring the wallpaper and interior design. 
"You have a lovely home. Just when I thought Pastors have no taste, you decided to shock me" 
"This is courtesy of my cousin. When I was transferred to Enugu, I didn't want to let go of the house because of my love for it. The serenity you get, the privacy, she lived here until I got transferred back"
"Wow" I muttered then he kissed me on the lips and I kissed him back. He held my cheeks and then drove his fingers in my hair extensions. 
Then he slowly ran his fingers zipping down the zippers of the gown I wore and I pulled back. "Stop'' I begged and he gave me this, 'What have I done?' look.
"Aren't you supposed to abstain from s*x?" I asked and he chuckled. 
"It's not really necessary"
"Seriously? The Bible speaks differently about it" "Come on Tuni" he wrapped his arms around my waist. 
"Not every Pastor has that mentality, I mean haven't you seen a situation where Pastors get married to their wives after knocking them up"
"So you want me knocked up first" 
"Not exactly." He laughed. 
"I just want you," he bit his lower lips and I felt tempted and we resumed kissing again and he continued to pull down the zippers where he stopped. 
"No! Ayo has been celibate for years, I can do it too."
"Why did you have to bring Ayo in now?" He asked, he was already sounding angry. "See, you think Ayo is righteous but he's not. You think he doesn't m*sturbate when he's alone or he doesn't go around sleeping with choir members"
"I can vouch that he doesn't go around sleeping with choir members but I don't know about m*sturbating. Urgh! Don't put thoughts in my head. I'm listening to my heart right now and the truth is I don't want sex. I feel like I'm doing something bad" 
"How about kissing?" He asked and I nodded gently, "I don't have any problem with that" I answered and he laughed kissing me and we both sat in the chair kissing and he slowly moved his hands under my gown and I got up angrily.
"What are you doing?" I snapped and he rolled his eyes. 
"How horny are you?" I asked and he rose up looking at the ceiling. "What happened to you? The Tuni I met was fun" 
"And I'm still fun"
"Tuni I'm not going to deceive you because I love you.

Read " Hotel Palava " by the same author ( Essien Eno )

. I really do like you and the truth is that I've had sex and I do have s*x in every relationship I enter into. I'm not going to claim the righteous sh*t like other Pastors do. I've dreamt of this day and... You're really driving me crazy"
"I want to do things the right way for the first time in my life. I'm sorry Joel." I apologized packing my bags. 
"Bye dear"
"Can we see tomorrow?"
"I'll be on set till evening, I'm sorry" I wore my shoes leaving the house. 

Ayo called me while I was in bed. "Just the person I was thinking of" I muttered ad he chuckled, "Seriously?" He asked and I nodded slightly.
"Yeah" 
"Am i in trouble?" He asked and I shook my head. "No. What's your take about s"x? Do you think it's righteous or it's something I need to stay away from?"
"If Joel wants s*x, tell him to come in the right way" 
"How did you know?"
"Joel and I go a long way back so.... It's not a new thing"
"I don't want it, I feel guilty at the thought of it, and I usually don't. If it were to be the old me, I wouldn't have hesitated to show him what I'm made of" I paused and he laughed. 
"I miss it" I shut my eyes in tears. 
"It's because of you I got arrested by the holy Spirit, now I feel horny and I can't get it off because I'm trying to be holy" I cried out and there was a long pause. 
"I'm sorry" I apologized, "It's okay. Let's pray the feeling out" he suggested and I wondered if it would work.
"Will it work?'
"No." He answered and I laughed. 
"Let's pray" I agreed.