For what seemed like a long time, Ijeawele stared at the plate of fried rice and roasted chicken in front of her. She held a fork in her hand and yet, she was unable to take her first scoop. Andrew's words and memories flooded her thoughts. This time, she made little attempt to push the thoughts of him away.
"Ijeawele." The man seated opposite her called one more time. She lifted her eyes to him. He was a dark chocolate complexioned man with a skin cut and light stubble. A man in his late thirties. He looked at her food and went back to her.
"Are you okay?"
Ijeawele hesitated then lightly nodded her head. She remembered how she'd argued strongly with her older brother, rejecting his idea of sending her on a date. But like several times in the past, along with emotional blackmail and playing the older sibling card, he got her to accept. Ijeawele decided to make an appearance, spend a little time and be on her way. She hoped for her decision to be a lot easier when her date shows up incredibly incompatible to her. Unfortunately, he wasn't.
Isaac Eke was pretty much a gentleman. He was at the small restaurant that early evening before she arrived and with a smile on his face, he welcomed her while introducing himself. Taken a little aback, she introduced herself regardless of the knowledge that he might already be aware of that piece of information. He asked what she would like and although Ijeawele didn't feel like eating, she mentioned a dish anyway because he was asking so nicely. Somehow, he reminded her of Andrew. It was silly and Ijeawele was aware of that.
"I'm glad you came." Isaac mentioned, flashing a simple smile.
Ijeawele stared at him. She saw the genuineness in his eyes and felt guilty. The probability that this man believed something might happen between them ate at her.
"I came because my brother forced me."
She saw the momentary conflict on his face that her words brought. Still, she knew the need to say what needed to be said. Ijeawele left the fork on the plate and retracted her hand under the table. She met his direct gaze.
"I've been divorced for over two years and he's worried that I might never move on." She continued then watched for any different reaction. Nothing outstanding showed. So, she went on.
"You seem like a nice man. It would be a shame to waste your time. So, let's end this here and you can tell my brother you didn't find me to your taste, therefore, you've decided to move on."
Ijeawele picked up her purse from the table. "I'll pay for my meal." She mentioned as she dug her hand into her purse in search of her debit card.
"Are you sure that's your only reason?"
She lifted her eyes to him. His question was unexpected. Did she expect him to feel insulted? Yes. Angry? Yes. Not calm enough to try and continue the conversation.
"I don't doubt the pain and sleepless nights your separation must've caused you. But I feel like there's more to your hastiness. I'm not asking for a relationship right away. I mean I'm open to starting little by little."
Ijeawele stared at him. Somehow, his words ticked her off. She was tired of everyone assuming and passing judgement on her case. For once, she would like for someone or anyone to understand the fact that she hasn't gotten over the betrayal from the man she once believed she was going to spend eternity with.
Ijeawele sighed, trying to cool off her annoyance. "Why?"
Isaac raised his brows. "Why? What do you mean?"
"Why are you interested in me?"
Isaac lazily shook his head and shrugged his shoulders as well. "I think you're a fun person and... my gut says to give you a try."
Ijeawele stared at him a little dumbfounded. She wasn't exactly speechless because of what he said but because for a moment earlier, she actually compared him to Andrew. Now, she could see the difference. Andrew understood her without her having said a word. Also with him, there was this feeling of safeness that she didn't know she liked until recently.
"Thank you for not allowing my past to force you into a prejudice against me. But I won't go on any more dates with you. Goodbye." Ijeawele stood on her feet. Instead of the debit card she initially went for, she brought out the four-thousand-naira cash with her and left it on the table beside her food. She walked away without looking at him one more time.
In her car, Ijeawele took a deep breath and released it at once. Although she felt proud of how she handled herself, she couldn't help the worry that infiltrated her. Depending on how Isaac would give his feedback to her brother, she might have to explain herself a whole lot more when she meets him. Yet, in the midst of all this, she felt a sense of relief on the thought of Andrew.
Ever since he so nicely spoke to her in the boardroom two days ago, he was always on her mind. And sure, they exchanged glances at work from time to time, still, she hasn't spoken to him. She knew the reply he would want to hear and what she would like to say. Maybe that's why she'd been avoiding a moment where they could speak. She felt more grateful to see he wasn't pushing for such a situation. Ijeawele knew how much of a coward she'd been. But tonight, on this date, she came to a realisation.
* * *
Another knock came through Andrew's door and while riling in the expectation of whom it might be, he opened the door. His excitement weaned away the second he laid eyes on Delight. She wore a wide smile on her face. It gradually subsided on account of the disappointing look on his face.
"I know I showed up unexpectedly. But the look on your face really hurts me."
Andrew lowered his eyes from her, trying to neutralise the expression on his face. "Why are you here, Delight?"
She slightly raised the lunch bag in her hand to his viewing. "I brought you something. I thought maybe we could eat together while we spoke."
Andrew rubbed the back of his neck a little irritated. "Delight, please don't do this anymore."
"Do what? I... Andrew, I worry about you all the time. I called many times and you didn't pick any of them. So, here I am."
"Don't do that. We ended anything between us."
"No Andrew, you talked about ending what we have. I never accepted it and I don't plan on doing that."
Andrew sighed as he turned his head away from her. It was exhausting having to repeat the exact same thing to her, over and over again. Frankly, it was ridiculous. Every means possible, Andrew had tried to spell the truth of the matter to her. But Delight wasn't having any of it. He felt clueless on how to handle the matter any further.
She took his right hand in hers. It forced him to shift his gaze back to her. Delight looked at him softly.
"I know I made a few mistakes. Maybe, sometimes, I was a little pushy and mean. You should know that it was because I care deeply for you Andrew. I love you. I've always felt this way about you since the day we met. Trust me, no other woman can love you the way I do. Please... give us one more chance."
Andrew stared at her quite speechless. Somehow, he was reminded of the times he really believed that it could work between them. Her apologies used to be enough for him so wipe the slate clean and keep going. Now, he couldn't help wondering what could have become of her if he never said yes to them dating. Perhaps, she could've met someone else who would sincerely love her and give her the reciprocation she needed. That trail of thought made him feel a little guilty. Did he take that possibility away from her? In as much as Delight had her disapproving side, there were a few times she made him smile. He was appreciative of that.
* * *
Ijeawele stepped onto the last staircase to the floor Andrew's apartment was on. All through her way up, she battled with nervousness. She knew she wanted to see him and yet, she hadn't made up her mind on what to say to him or if she was accepting his advances. Ijeawele left the decision to how she might feel when she was in front of him. If it felt right saying yes then she would probably say that. There was no use dragging it out any further.
Before she took a step further, her gaze fell on Andrew. Then it shifted to the woman in front of him. Ijeawele was thrown back the moment she recognized Delight. How could she not? Whether side or front view, she could identify her right away. Her gaze fell on their hands together. The sight left her puzzled.
Andrew turned his head in her direction and Ijeawele was quick to hide behind the wall. Her eyes lurked left and right in confusion. A frown surfaced between her brows. Why? Has she been kept in the dark again? Memories from her past, ones in which Delight and her sister were in flooded her mind. Ijeawele didn't give it a second thought and she was running down the stairs. She hurried back to her car. For a minute, she calmed down when she was in her car. Questions and memories taking turns like reels in her head. Finally, she started her car and drove away.
Ijeawele walked into her apartment casually. She locked the door behind her and took a seat on the couch. She leaned her head back and stared at the ceiling. For a short time, she closed her eyes to control the narratives messing with her head.
Why? That was the only word that echoed in her mind.
What was the relation between Andrew and Delight? Why didn't he tell her that he knew her ex-husband's sister-in-law? The same lady who joined her sister to force her into giving up on her marriage. Has he always known? Was anything he said to her true?
Maybe it's all a coincidence.
Ijeawele scoffed, straightening her head and leaning away from the head rest. A light chuckle escaped her mouth. Although annoyed, Ijeawele felt ridiculous and such an idiot. The entire thing was like a mockery. It couldn't be a coincidence. It would mean Andrew was two-timing her. Alternating between her and Delight. That part made sense. Yet, her heart found it hard to accept. Andrew didn't seem like the kind. He never gave off that vibe. If not that, she wondered what the truth was.
Regardless, it annoyed her to the core. The anger she'd felt in these past years was quick to exhume her. She remembered how she'd left her home without much of a drama because her dignity was the last thing she didn't want to take away from her. Back then, she really hated the idea of stooping down to their level. She knew it enraged them. Now, she wished she had ripped them apart whatever way she could. Even if it meant sticking with her husband no matter how badly it killed her.
Ijeawele slumped on her side. She brought her legs up on the couch and laid there in a fetal position. A new emotion soon slipped in.
Fear.
She feared the mental and emotional withdrawal she might face if any of her wild thoughts turns out to be the truth. Barely, she'd been managing to forget the past. Andrew's presence in her life played a big part in that. She might really shut down if a second betrayal happens. Ijeawele shut her eyes.
For the first time, she prayed that Andrew wasn't any of that.
Hi, pls vote or comment! Thank you very much for your patience.