Tales of Nene - Episode 6

 

He gave an awkward smile. The room was silent as a graveyard, except for the ticking of the wall clock. "You will have to offer your body to me if you are to get this cheque" said the MD. Nene now on her feet stood still like one electrocuted. "Excuse me sir" retorted Nene, She felt a mixture of rage and disappointment. She wished it was a bad dream needed to be awaken from by the noise from Ose's kichibo radio . Reality stared at her.

She dared to look him in the eye with compassion, she found a face full of doggedness. She carefully weighed the cost of the offer. The dilemma was unexpected. Her virginity couldn't be lost in this manner, especially to a total stranger, the situation at hand was critical, millions of thought ran across her mind. She felt disapproval will haunt her for the rest of her life. Unconsciously, she began to shed tears.

"Do not weep young lady it wouldn't hurt, I will be easy on you just accept this proposal. If you reject this, then your Father will bear the cost".  Nene nodded in affirmation of the proposal. The MD gave a wide smile, he gave out his address and whispered. He immediately went for his briefcase and presented twenty thousand naira newly minted notes.

Chioma inquisitive nature could be irritating at times .Nene doubted if she could confide in her. She needed someone important aside from her mother to help and judge her decision to sleep with Dr

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

. Jones (The MD). The noodles looked assorted, chioma was a specialist in cooking. “The way you are staring at your noodles this afternoon hope all is well"?

Nene remained mute, Chioma served orange juice for both, Nene beckoned uninterested. Nene found it difficult to speak, she rested her chin on her palm.  "Don't be sad you could learn a skill, not everybody that do not attend a university will be a failure in life, just utilize this one year to acquire a skill which will fetch income". You could attend university later in the future. ”It’s not about that” replied Nene.

Nene could feel the eagerness of Chioma's arrival on campus. She remembered the years when they both played in the sands, how they literally told each other secrets. People joked they were twins from different mothers, when they could sacrifice for each other. How that started nursery school together and how that liked and disliked the same set of people. How their families knew each other. They attended the same secondary school, though different arms, it didn’t separate their bond.  She didn't how the bond began to loose, she felt guilty. But that was the old days...

"I have something serious to discuss with you" Just then, Nene phone rang, she hesitated not picking, it was a strange number, the phone faced screen-down. Just then Chioma went inside to get more fruit juice. It was a northern woman who dialed the wrong number, she lowered her head with her chin cupped in her palm. Chioma slouched in a relaxed manner sipping juice, anticipating the gist.

There was silence except for the cooing of pigeons, “I want to sleep with Dr. Jones to fund my father’s surgery”. What!? Exclaimed Chioma. “Have you lost your pride as a woman?”  Nene felt ashamed.

Read " My Encounter With Kate " by the same author ( Osazuwa Omorodion )

. She saw disappointment written on Chioma’s face. “I know this is very urgent but I do not expect you to stoop so low, what if you is contract a deadly disease or get pregnant”. Chioma was harsh, Nene felt embarrassed. I know you are in dire need of money but they are other ways. Nene heart beat faster, she wanted to utter something but she stammered. Her conscience judged her. Chioma knelt, “please for the love of God don’t do it, this is temptation.

Birds flew in numbers high above the sky. The pair hugged tight, she smelled of strawberry flavored perfume, they patted each other. This was the first time they were not going to be together. Chioma wept. They bade farewell, their hands swinging marching towards the gate.