Palm lines - Episode 27

 

Erika's POV
When i heard about what happened to David, i got worried, I had a lot I had to deal with in school, includo talking Ade out of dating for now. I became less worried after Lawrence told me David had woken up and he was fine.
IK drove Sharon and i to the hospital, i stopped by to get bolé (roasted plaintain) for Sharon and i.
 I walked into the room while eating it. 
"So i'm almost dying and people are just eating anyhow" he complained. I didn't undestand his joke but lawrence laughed and a pretty fair I complexioned nurse walked in.
Sharon sat close to her father and they started conversing then i walked towards Lawrence, "Did he hit his head so hard, i didn't laugh at his joke"
"I heard that!" he shouted and i laughed. 
"I had breakfast a while ago too, he thinks everyone is celebrating his burial" Lawrence answered and his bad breathe hit me on the face.  "Did you eat fish?" i asked and David laughed.
When I realize the nurse laugh, i felt bad.
"I ate shrimp, fish and.. . Is it bad?" he asked, "Maybe it's the shrimp" Sharon guessed, "Or you sucked on a dead periwinkle" David chipped in and i tried not to laugh.
"I should.." he cleared his throat.
"i better go" he went out and we all bursted Into laughter except the nurse who was only smiling.
Lawrence walked in on us laughing and we stopped.
He pointed at himself, "It's dad oh" Sharon blamed and Lawrence went back.
David laughed again, "My head oh" he complained.
"Good afternoon Sir, i'm here to do routine check on you. You had a concussion" she paused and David laughed.
"It's always concussion, but i'm fine anyways

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

. I'm not dead and i'm grateful to see these ladies in my life" he smiled. 
"No pains?"
"I'll be fine" he answered and i sat on the bed with me. 
"You have a lovely family sir" she commented. 
"I'm not part of them" i answered, "I'm just a teacher" I added, 
"Later Sir"
"What's your name?" I asked, "Nurse Sunshine" she answered and i was surprised, it's not everyday I hear the name, "Sunshine". 
David laughed.
"Don't mind him it pay attention to him, he's always playfully. You're so fair, i'm curious, what cream do you use?"
"Shea butter" she answered. "Where are you from?"
"Imo state"
"The home of long bride price list, i hail thee" David commented and Sunshine laughed.
"I better go. You two look good together" she commented leaving and i heard him laugh.
"You heard that right?" he asked and i stood up moving closer to him. "You're talking way too much, let me shut you up literally" i pressed his lips together with my fingers but he kept on complaining. 
"I think we might have to use a padlock on that lip" i added and he wrapped his arms around my waist pulling me close.
I wondered where he got the confidence from.
"Your hands are on my waist" I complained, "I think there's a glue on it, I can't seem to take it off. Unless you want me to" he was obviously flirting with me.
I turned towards Sharon who said she wanted to use the toilet. She made way into the rest room.
 We were left alone and David smiled.
 "Your new found confidence is scaring me, and your hands are still on my waist"
"Well i saw death face to face and I dodged, you know what I said to death?" He asked and I shook my head chuckling.
I knew it would be something silly and ridiculous.
"I told death I didn't want it to take me yet, not when I haven't signed my dream one billion dollar deal and not when..." He paused looking deep into my eyes. 
"Not when I haven't told you the truth yet" he added and I rolled my eyes.
"You already told me you like me"
"Not that"
"Then what is it?" I asked, "What truth do I have to know?" I asked and he shut his eyes in tears.
I wiped my tears off, "David I know the truth, I know you like me but we can't be anything; not when you're married"
"I filed for divorce already" he answered and deep down I was relieved, I didn't let it show.
"Seriously?" i asked and he smiled. "I gave her the papers before this happened" he touched his head.
"I'm sorry"
"It's fine, at least she didn't use my glass award in smashing my head. I feel better knowing you're here. I don't know what Cynthia can do right now, i don't even know where she is" he brought his lips close to mine.
"Legally you're still married"
"Technically, i'm in love with you" he kissed me on the lips and i kissed him back.
It didn't even last up to two seconds when Dorcas walked in and we stopped.
"Bad timing, bad timing, i'll just go" she turned her back.
"No need Dorcas" I answered, it would be ridiculous for her to leave.
"Please go" David demanded and she laughed. Sharon came out afterwards,  "I was leaving anyways" I added.
"Urgh!" David stared at Dorcas.
She mouthed "Sorry" to him. 
"Where does this leave us?" he asked and i shrugged.
"I don't know" i answered,  "Bye Sharon, bye Dorcas" i said leaving the room.
 I walked out accessing my feelings and how i felt about our second kiss. I chuckled at Dorcas' bad timing and how funny it was.
Do i really want this? I asked myself, then i turned towards the direction of the room.

David's POV
"Why did you have to come in now?" i complained and Dorcas laughed. "Uncle David, I didn't know you two would be kissing"
"They kissed?" Sharon asked in shock. I thought she would have been eavesdropping. "Yes they were kissing before I.." she answered.
"Are you two an item?" sharon asked,  "I don't know" I answered. 
Suddenly i saw Erika walk back in, then she walked towards me. "You do know i'm pregnant right?" she asked and i gave a nod. 
Suddenly she kissed me right on the lip. We kissed for minutes then she withdrew. 
"I might give this a thought" she whispered leaving the room.
"What just happened?" i asked and Sharon jumped for joy.
"I think she just said yes"
I felt like the happiest man alive, then i remembered the one factor that can ruin it all for me.
"My phone" i paused, "So no one took my phone out of the office" i complained.

****
Lawrence stopped by later with my phone. "You have more than 70 missed"
"Now i'll have to start apologizing to everyone."
"Where's the nurse?" He asked, "the fair one?"
"Yes, has she stopped by?"
"You still want to woo her after the embarassing thing that happened" 
"That babe go well, and i'm going to get her. Did you see the way she looked at me, she likes me already"
"Come on, leave that innocent girl. She looks young"
"You're 9 years older than Erika"
"I Love her genuinely" i smiled. "Erika and I kissed and she said she'll think of it. It was magical"
"We were talking about my fair nurse here. You just changed the topic to something that doesn't even go in line with the discussion all because you couldn't wait for me to hear it" he analysed to my annoyance. 
"Screw you" i snapped and he laughed.
"Happy for you brother" he chipped in. 
Lawrence's phone rang, "it's your security" he handed the phone to me and i picked up ."Oga Lawrence," "It's David" 
"Sir, good evening oh.  Madam came oh, we didn't let her in as requested by Oga Lawrence" 
I put the phone on loud speaker. "She tried to be arrogant  Sir, she gave me an injury on my cheek with her nails. Mrs Thelma was around so she requested we arrest her and actually we have Sir."
"I'll get back to you" i answered hanging up. "Let her cool off for the night" Lawrence suggested.
 This was followed by an incoming call from my private investigator, Jude. "What's up"
"Following Mrs Danladi's investigation, my team just stumbled upon what might be Alhaji Danladi's body close to where he was frequently visited.
"The body was found beyond recognition, we're moving the body now or what's left of it. We're taking souvenirs at least, something Mrs. Danladi can use in identifying him"
"Call me when you have further information" I requested and he hung up.
"What's up?" Lawrence asked, "A body was found, they think it's Alhaji Danladi"
I called Mrs. Danladi afterwards.  We found a body that might be your husband's body, would you like to check it out?" 
"Where are you?"
"In a hospital, I'm sorry I had an accident, I may not be able to come with you but I'll give you a number you can call"
"I'm sorry David,"
"It's okay.. I'm just worried"
"Don't be, I just hope it's not him"

***
By six, Jude called me up again, "It's him, she identified the body."
I called Mrs. Danladi that moment. "I'm sorry for your loss" i said to her and she sighed.  "The ways of an adulterous man, i just wish Allah can have mercy on him"
"I'm really Sorry" I added, "Help me find out who did this, please help me" she begged and I nodded. 
"I will Ma"
 I slept at the clinic alone, Lawrence left, Sharon slept over at Erika's house. Thelma was probably making preparations for the wedding the following day.
Sharon came in with Erika the next morning. "We brought breakfast" Erika announced, "Fried potatoes, I hope you love Irish potatoes and egg. I wasn't sure how you loved your eggs but I just..." She paused looking at me then she looked away laughing.
"See as I'm making her blush"
"Who's making who blush?" She snapped. 
"I'm just uncomfortable with your stare" "You're pretty" he commented and I smiled.
"How was you guys night?" I asked, "It was fine" Sharon answered. "We didn't sleep till past twelve. Miss Erika's friend Kechi is hilarious"
"The one that loves touching my chest?" I asked and she nodded. 
"We talked about a lot of things, she polished my nails although Miss Erika removed it. There was this time she wanted your number but I gave her a fake number because she was acting weird but we had fun last night"
"So I was here suffering alone and you guys were having fun" I retorted and Erika laughed.
"We prayed for you" she added. 
"The doctor said I'll be discharged today so you'll be going back home"
"What about Cynthia?" "Cynthia will not be coming back to the house, there's nothing to be worried of"
"I don't think I have appetite for Irish potatoes" I complained,  "What do you wanna eat?"she asked,  "Your lips" i answered, "You're flirting in front of your own fourteen years old daughter"
"Who kissed a guy, are you aware?"
 "Well...." She stammered.  I got my answer already.
"I did tell her it wasn't the right time to date yet" she answered and I looked at Erika. 
Suddenly we heard a knock on the door
Ade walked in, he  was looking stylish in his red top on with a jean jacket and a blue shorts.  "Talk about the devil" I said.
"Good morning Sir, Good morning Miss Erika, morning Savage" he smiled at Sharon.
I saw Sharon blush all of the sudden. "Look at how you're making my daughter blush" I commented and Erika laughed hitting me on the arm.
"You'll scare him"
"I came because Sharon told me your wife hit you on the head...." He paused, "That came out wrong" he added.
"Wise boy, thank you God you know"
"She told me you had an accident" he corrected himself.
 "That sounds better" i added then I requested to be alone with him. "Dad!" Sharon complained, "I promise to go easy on him"
 Finally they left me alone with him. "What do you have with my daughter?" I asked, "She's my friend"
"Do you go around kissing your friends?"
"I don't actually... I'm sorry I kissed her but I don't regret it" he answered with so much bravery. 
It sounded like something I would say.
"What are your intentions for my daughter"
"Why does this sound like a marriage interview?" He asked and this force a chuckle out of me.
 "Answer"
"I like your daughter, I really do"
"Till when?" I asked, "You're quite aware you're both in SS1 right?" I asked and he nodded. "I would have been in SS3 if my step dad didn't make me repeat class till get to the top of the class so I can be fit to run his company in the future"
"That's sad. How old are you?"
"Sixteen" he answered. "That's very sad, that means you'll be eighteen by the time you finish secondary school. I never had a controlling father, my late father was a liberal man. Stuffs like this messes with one's head, I've seen some persons in the university go crazy because of cases like this"
"My humor was all I had until I met Sharon Savage during her period. Sir I really do like your daughter"
It finally made sense, Ade was the guy that found her out. "But I already spoke to Miss Erika. It's not the right time and I respect that. So I'll wait till the right time"
"Are you a virgin?" I asked and he nodded slightly embarrassed. "Seriously? As fine as you are?" "Careful Sir, I might be tempted to think you're the one in love with me" he teased and this got me laughing. I also heard Sharon laugh. 
They were eavesdropping. 
"I like you, you're a good boy" I added.  "When I was your age in those days, I was a heart breaker I conquered and broke lots f hearts." I bragged and Erika walked in, "Who's now influencing him negatively?" She asked and I chuckled.
"I was called David the heart Slayer" I noted evocating on those days. "That's one thing about nicknames, when it goes past one or two words, it's no longer a nick name, it's a bad Nigerian movie title" Sharon said and I wondered if she was aiming for a joke or it was just a statement.
Miss Erika chuckled. "So you guys are not going to laugh?" She asked and I looked away. "Miss Erika" she called out, "I laughed" she answered. 
"No, you chuckled" then she turned towards Ade. ""Ade" she called out, "The joke was too dragged, it lost it essence of being called a joke but nice try anyways" he commented and then she turned to me.
"Dad" sharon called out to me. 
"Try again later" I answered and she pounced on the bed tickling me. "I'll make sure you all laugh today" she threatened and I laughed.

Erika's POV

I went back home after a non-stop series of comedy with David, Ade and Sharon. I walked into the compound only to hear Kechi shouting at someone. 
"So you're still here? How many times I don warn you today make you commot here?" She asked and I quickened my step to see who she was shouting at. 
"I'll wait!" I heard Cynthia answer. "Na beg I take beg you, commot for my door post or else na your dead body them go commot"
"You and who?" Cynthia stood up and I saw her mom try to pull her back. "It's okay" I tried calling Kechi to order. 
"I don't like it when people stare and ask questions, please let's go inside"
"Inside where?" Kechi asked, "Erika, no make me vex" "Who's the b*tch?" Cynthia asked and Kechi charged towards her. 
"You think say I be like Erika? I don hear about you, you think say you craze? I craze pass you, my mama chop craze born me. Who the hell do you think you are?" Kechi asked and I pushed her aside. 
"Nkechi it's okay! What's wrong with you. Let me talk to her, it's my fight not yours" I begged in ibo then I moved close to Cynthia.
"How did you find me?" I asked and she scoffed. 
"That's not important for now. I spent the night in jail and I'm out of my husband's house because of you; I hope you're happy"
"It's not because of me Cynthia, it's because you failed to be a good wife and a mother to Sharon" "And you think you can be one to her?" She scoffed. 
"Do you think it's easy taking care of a child that isn't yours? Even if you're mother Theresa, you're bound to get tired"
"Is that all you came to say?" I asked and she shook her head. "You think David is a good man and he's innocent, but the truth is, he's guilty if a lot of things which will be revealed to you soon. I'm not going to say anything, but I know you're going to cuss David when you find out" she paused. 
"Rantings of a mad woman" Kechi yelled. Same thing I had in mind.
 "I'll leave it here she scoffed, "You don't know the table you're shaking" she added and I watched her leave with her mom.
What a way to ruin my mood!
I went to Vera's house and I gave her a load down of all that happened. "Sounds like a threat" she guessed and I agreed. "Maybe I should just call this thing off"
"You're not calling off anything, don't you dare! Erika you like this man, don't come here and start forming nonsense. Just embrace it. It's not easy to see a man like that that'll be willing to accept you even with your pregnancy" she said and I bit my lower lips softly.
"The thought of it turns me on, God he's a smooth talker" i said and Vera laughed. "Would It be weird if I'm pregnant and I have sex?" I asked and Vera chuckled. 
She moved from sitting opposite me to sitting beside me. "I am ever ready for discussions like this" she smiled with so much interest. 
"I wasn't thinking of having sex right now"
"It's nothing to be ashamed of girl. All pregnant women If not 85% of them gets horny during pregnancy." 
"It was just a silly question" 
"Erika"
"Let's drop it"

***
In the evening, I changed up into a all white flowing knee-length gown, then i went over to David's house. I wasn't comfortable going but I needed to make sure he was strong enough.
Or maybe it was an excuse to see him. 
Sharon opened the door, "Miss Erika!" She hugged me and I smiled. Thelma was in the sitting room breastfeeding Micheal.
She still had her green lace on, her gold gele (head tie) was on the chair. There were plates, basin, kitchen utensils on the floor.
"Good evening" Thelma greeted while i examined the sitting room. "How was the wedding?" I asked her, "The wedding was lit, see the souvenirs I brought nah"
"Did you even allow any other people to get souvenirs?" I asked and she laughed. "Same thing I asked her"  Sharon added.
"Where's your dad?" I asked, "He's busy in the study room with a visitor. You have a wait a while"
"What kind of gifts did you get her to get all these souvenirs?" I asked, "I got her baby bathe tub, she's pregnant"
"Wow." I said,  "About, It's like everyone's getting married pregnant these days" she added and I chuckled. 
"I'm glad Cynthia is not home, she would have started complaining"
The man soon came out, "Bye everyone" he greeted and Sharon showed me to the study room and I knocked.
"Come in!" I heard him say and I walked in.
"Hey" he said in surprise and I smiled.
"When did you get here?" "A while ago, you were busy with a visitor" "Yes, it's a case I'm looking into. One of my clients was murdered" "I'm sorry" I moved closer and he rise up from his seat. "It's fine" "Cynthia stopped by today" I paused then he turned to me. He didn't say a word.
"I hope she didn't hurt you" he finally said and I shook my head. "She didn't." "What did she say?"
"Nothing I should pay attention to" i smiled, "Why does Thelma hate her?" I asked, "It's a long story, Cynthia didn't like my closeness with Thelma so they had a fight"
"Why would she be scared you're cousins?"
" Thelma is an adopted child of my Aunt and Uncle. We're not related by blood, Cynthia raised hell on Earth because of this issue" he answered and it finally made sense. 
David pulled me close to him then my hands rested on his chest. He smiled at me and I bit my lips. I wanted to kiss him but I didn't want to be the one to pull the first move.
He cupped his hand over my cheek then he pressed his mouth against mine.
We kissed gently at first, then transited into a more urgent kiss.
His left hand still  caressed my cheek and his right hand  gripped me by the waist, pulling me against him. He lifted me on the table, I heard crashing sounds but I cared less what fell, I was lost In his kisses. 
I suddenly began to undo the buttons of his shirt, his hands ran down my back, my belly bump and  then clasped my thigh. I whimpered, and then I heard the phone ring.
It wasn't my phone, it was his. 
He still kissed me, not wanting to pick the call. "Your phone" "I don't want to pick" he complained in my mouth and I laughed.
"I'm still here, not going anywhere yet" I kissed him on his lips and the call dropped.
"Thank God" he said then returned back to kissing me, the phone rang again. "Geez!" He complained and I laughed. 
"One minute" he looked at the contact. "It's a business call, give me two minutes or three" he picked up. "Mr. Tom" he turned his back at me.
I felt bored so I picked up a note pad on the table looking at it, it had some writings on it. The hand writing looked so damn familiar.
"It can't be" I muttered looking at David who was still on a call. My eyes fell back to the hand writing. 
He got off from the call, walking towards me. "Where were we?" He asked kissing me on the lips. "Is this your hand writing?" I asked and he nodded.
"It's gorgeous shea?" He bragged, "It's funny, it looks like the same handwriting of whoever I slept with that night.

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

. He dropped a note, I'm not with the bag but he dropped me a note and it's weird, it has your hand writing. Maybe it's a misunderstanding, people have similar handwriting right?" I paused and he sighed. 
"It's mine" he answered and I tried understanding it so I don't misinterprete his reply.  
"What do you mean?"
"I left the note at the hotel." He answered and I slapped him on the cheek. That was a reflex action. "What do you mean" "I meant I'm... The one you had s*x with" I slapped him again. This one was intentional. 
I got down from the table in anger. "How could you? You knew and you played me this whole time" "Just let me explain" 
"Explain how you drugged or r*pe me"
"I didn't" he didn't complete his sentence when I slapped him again.
"I wanted to tell you" "But you didn't. Did Cynthia know ?" I asked and he nodded. 
"Cynthia was right, you're a monster David." I cried, "You played me like a damn fool" I added walking out of the room and he held me back. 
"Leave me alone David!" I yelled. 
"You're an a"shole, a r*pist! I hate you right now. I can't believe I was about to..." I paused then I pushed him away.
Thelma and Sharon rushed towards our direction. "What's going on?" Sharon looked at me, "Why is Miss Erika crying?" She asked and I scoffed.
"Don't ever call me again David, don't! I hate you!" I sobbed leaving the house. 
My journey back home how was heartbreaking. I cried in the taxi, even till I got home, I saw Feso leaning on the wall outside the house, "Are you okay?" He asked me and I hugged him pouring my sadness out. 
Just what I needed that moment; a shoulder to lean on.