Pelumi's Memoirs- 30

It is not for kings, oh Lemuel! It is not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer, so that they do not drink and forget what has been decreed and deprive all the oppressed of their rights. 

- The Proverbs of Solomon, Son of David, King of Israel

****

"How's everyone back home?" Pelumi asked Itoro who had just gotten back from her trip to Akwa Ibom to see her family.

"Mum and dad are fine. Everyone is doing very well." Pelumi lifted her hands above her head. "Wonderful. Thank God."

"So how did it go at Ivan's place the other day? What did you think about his family?"

"Hmmm...Itoro. One question at a time." Pelumi articulated, chuckling. She glanced at her friend who was taking off her shoes. Itoro always claimed she was not that good looking. Pelumi shook her head, wondering why and how on earth Itoro believed that. She was slim with the right curves in the right places. She had a cute smile that could charm any heart. On top of that, she had a great character that just drew one in. Itoro was clad in a red and white floral shirt worn over white jeans that made her look even more beautiful.

"Hmm... You smell nice." Pelumi remarked.

Itoro lifted her head slowly. "Thanks. Mum gave me this bottle of Yves Saint Laurent Perfume. Someone gave her as a gift a while ago."

"It has a very strong and nice smell." Pelumi stated. "Kinda like you bathed in it."

Itoro chuckled. "Hmm, Pelumi. Isn't that an exaggeration?"

"I'm serious." Pelumi giggled.

"So how did it go at Ivan's? Don't try to evade my question."

"Well, I thought everyone was nice and very friendly. I felt completely at ease."

"Ah, wonderful!" Itoro responded. "What about his parents?"

"They were super nice. His mum is really good looking. Looks like Ivan got his good looks from her."

"You know, Ivan wants me to move to the Island...."

Itoro rolled her eyes. "I'm not surprised. I saw that coming."

"Really?" Pelumi questioned. "I told him I was going to run it by you. I'm not moving into some house by myself. Loneliness cannot come and kill me."

Itoro burst into laughter. "Na so!" she said out loud. "Well, I'm definitely ready to move to the Island. Please, I've been praying for a change of status since forever. My change has come!" Itoro stood up and did a little dance.

Pelumi covered her face with her palms. "I can't with you....."

"I am really happy, you know. I have dreamt about moving to the Island like all my life."

"Are you serious?" Pelumi arched her brows.

"Dead serious!" Itoro affirmed. "Hmmm..my office is in Gbagada. That might be an issue."

Pelumi frowned. "Maybe you can find a job on the Island?"

"In this economy? You know how hard it is to be gainfully employed in Nigeria these days. I definitely won't be quitting my job. It'll be leaving certainty for uncertainty."

"I understand. I thought about that too. Aunty Kema has been begging me to move to her place in Magodo. I have to come up with a very good excuse on why I'm moving to the Island now."

"True." Itoro replied, throwing her top over her head. "But I'm sure she'll be in support once she meets Ivan. Girl, you don't let a man like that slip off your fingers!"

"Geez!" Pelumi muttered under her breath. "It's not that serious, Itoro."

"You say? Who are you kidding?" Itoro clapped her hands while shaking her head.

"Let me talk to Ivan. I'm sure he can help you get a job somewhere on the Island. I'll also be on the lookout for any openings around."

"Yaay! Sounds great." Itoro exclaimed excitedly. "Victoria Island here we come!"

Pelumi chortled again. Itoro was a real drama queen.

****

Celeste stirred, opening one eye at a time. She looked around her peach colored bedroom and joy filled her heart.

She had finally gotten a job in Lagos. She still couldn't believe it. The interviews had been tough but she had scaled through. She was thankful to God.  She was starting at Chevron in two weeks and she made a mental note of the few clothing items she needed in her wardrobe.

Her mind drifted to the previous night with Bode. The restaurant and the entire dining experience had been nothing short of awesome. Her heart fluttered a little when she thought about Bode. He had been nothing but wonderful, cheering her on and encouraging her even when she felt like she was going to be dropped from the Chevron employment race.

Liyel popped up in a corner of her mind and she batted her eyelids. She didn't know what to do with the thoughts of Liyel that popped up in her mind from time to time. She was going to write him a letter and hoped that they could both get the closure they needed and moved on. She would have Nkoyo deliver the letter. As a matter of fact, she wondered why it had taken her so long to realize she could write him a letter.

She picked up a novel she had been reading the night before and turned the pages.  Her phone vibrated where she had kept it on the nightstand by her bed. She leaned forward and picked it up. She hissed when she realized it was a random Twitter notification. This was why she kept her phone in silent mode most times. The notifications on her phone drove her crazy.

****

“Have you seen the story on all the blogs?” Zainab asked Pelumi, wide eyed, the next day at the office.

“What story is that?” Pelumi asked, while arranging the items on her desk.

“Lagos based Model, Titi Ighodalo reveals the father of her unborn child is Ivan Akenzua, top Nigerian CEO!”

“Pelumi, can you believe it? All these men are the same thing o! The thing in between their legs directs the course of their lives! Ivan that walks around like one distinguished gentleman! I am shocked! Titi Ighodalo has a reputation. How did Ivan get entangled with someone  her?”

“What did you say?” Pelumi asked. She was beginning to feel ripples of shock on the inside of her. It felt like someone was squeezing her heart. No, it couldn't be true! There had to be a mix up somewhere.

“Pelumi, don’t tell me you didn’t hear all that I said. Ivan has impregnated a lady!”

"Are.....are you sure?" Pelumi stuttered.

"Why is your face looking so ashen? Is it your cup of tea? These rich people will sort themselves out. Ivan can hire a good publicist who can help clean up his image.”

“But wait o! Ivan is an adult. If someone is pregnant for him, that's okay... After all, a child is a gift from heaven.

Zainab looked at Pelumi who was staring intensely at her computer screen. “Pelumi, I hope it's not what I'm thinking.” She laughed loudly.

“You have a crush on Ivan?”

Pelumi kept quiet.

“Ah!” Zainab uttered, a little too loudly.

“So you have been crushing on the man this entire time? My dear, men like Ivan don't look our way o! We simple girls from humble families…. If they do at all, they are just looking for someone who can help fan their egos. This is Lagos! The rich get along and mingle with the rich.”

Pelumi held back the tears that were threatening to fall out of her eyes. Her heart felt like it was breaking into bits and pieces.

No, this could not be true! It simply was just gossip. The attention hungry bloggers were at it again. This was just a plot to drive traffic to their websites. She shook her head.

What if it was true? She shook her head and got up from her desk, walking out of her office briskly. She needed to talk to Ivan. No, she needed time alone to sort through her thoughts.

She went to the ground floor and once she was safely away from her work premise, dialed Itoro.

“Pelumi, what's up?”

“Check Twitter Itoro, check Instagram.”

“Check what?” Itoro asked.

“It has happened. My worst fears have been confirmed.”

“Pelumi, please take it easy. Biko. You are not making sense.”

“Oh, it's Ivan. So I was just a pawn in his hands this entire time! He was just having fun with me. He was using me to massage his ego!” Pelumi blurted out.

“Calm down, Pelumi. What happened?”

Pelumi choked on her tears. “Ivan got some lady pregnant.”

“Ah!” Itoro gasped. “You are kidding right?”

“I wish I was!” Pelumi sobbed.

“Oh, I should have known I was living in fantasy land.”

“Just calm down. You know you are at work and the day has only just begun.” Itoro tried to calm her friend down.

Pelumi bit her lips. Oh why didn't she stay in her lane and not get involved with him in the first place? How was she going to avoid Ivan while staying professional on her job?

****

Worry masked Ivan's features as he tried to make out why Pelumi hadn't replied any of his text messages or WhatsApp messages which was very much unlike her. He frowned and scratched the stubble on his face.

His day had been hectic and he had been looking forward to seeing her and spend some time chatting with her before she headed home.

He decided to dial her office phone number. Surely, she would not ignore that.

“This is Ferguson & Fletcher. Pelumi speaking.....”

“Pelumi...” Ivan’s voice sound hoarse.

Pelumi willed herself to be strong.

“I'm a bit busy.”

“Pelumi, I've called and texted your cell phone several times.  I would have come to your office but since we are both trying to be as discreet as possible...” his voice broke off.

“Well, I'm quite busy now.”

“Can I see you before you head home?” I wanted to spend some time with you this evening.

“That won't be possible, Sir...” She added.

“Sir? Since when, Pelumi?”

He sounded mad but she didn't care.

“Call me before you head home. I'll see you downstairs when you are ready for the day.”

Ivan cut the call after that.

Pelumi rolled her eyes. Why did that sound like an order?  The nerve of him!

Ivan leaned back in his chair, frowning and trying to figure out what the issue was with Pelumi. She sounded strange. Like a total stranger.

Liyel walked into his office.

“Bro, you done did it!”

“In your mind, you just spoke in English abi?”

“What did I do? What's on your mind?”

“When did you last check Social Media?”

“Like hours ago. Before I got to work. In the morning...”

“Have any of your friends called you?”

“Nope. Is there something you want to tell me?”

“Who is Titi Ighodalo?” Liyel grilled.

“Titi...Titi....” Ivan tried to recall who that was.

“Oh, isn't that the lady I met at a lounge several months ago? Remember when we hung out with Kene?”

Liyel whistled. “I recall.”

“Did you sleep with her?”

“What's with the questions? Just spill it out!” Ivan was becoming a little agitated.

Liyel scrolled through his phone and showed Ivan the various posts.

“She said I got her pregnant?” Ivan asked, bewildered. “She told the world I got her pregnant but didn't think to mention it to me? She's lying Liyel. Can't you see?”

Liyel shrugged.

“Bro, but did you sleep with her that night?”

Ivan had risen to his full height of 5'11. His shoulders were straight as he paced around his office.

“I did. I slept with her that night.” He said, remorsefully.

Liyel let out an exasperated sigh.

“Why are you looking at me like I'm some sort of criminal? If I recall correctly, you also had your fair share of escapades that night!”

“This is not about me, Ivan. Let's not get it twisted. Right now, this is all about you!”

“I'm sure I used a condom that night. I'm sure I did.”

“If you used a condom, how did she get pregnant?” Liyel interrogated, shrugging.

“That Delilah of a lady is lying. I can feel it. Thing is, I wonder what's in it for her?”

“She's Delilah now? But she wasn't that day? Ivan, please be serious.”

Ivan turned sideways and smirked. “I'm sure I'm not the father of her baby.”

“I'll call Alero and let her know about this. I'm sure she can work some magic.” Liyel stated.

Alero was their brand strategist and image consultant. She had dealt with a few cases like this in the past.

“But what if the child is yours?” Liyel asked.  “Does Pelumi know about this?”

“Shit!” Ivan cursed. Pelumi knew and that was why she had given him cold shoulders all day. He hit his hand on his temple.

Liyel gazed at his brother with pity. Ivan never got himself into messes like this. He wondered how he had gotten himself into a crappy situation such as the present one.

“Funny, I was going to refrain myself that night. Everything in me told me not to sleep with her.” Ivan uttered, regretfully.

“What's done is done.”  Liyel blurted out. “Call Titi and find out what she wants. Many of these ladies usually want something.”

Pelumi tilted her head to the side when she saw Ivan approaching her. She had to admit that he had a good gait. He looked tired though. All kinds of emotions coursed through her.

“Hi.” Ivan said to her.

“Hey”. She replied tucking a loose strand behind her ear.

“Did you want to see me for a particular reason, Sir?”  She added.

“Pelumi....”  Ivan walked towards her, invading her personal space.

“Pelumi, you've seen the tabloids and the blogs right?”

Pelumi bit her lips. She was trying really hard to control her emotions.

She was looking everywhere but at him.

“Pelumi, look at me. Please.”

She turned to look him in the eye.

“I know I've disappointed you.”

“It's fine. You are a man. Men do stuff like this.”

Ivan heard the hurt in her voice. He didn't want to believe that he was the reason for the hurt he was hearing. “Pelumi, for whatever it's worth, I haven't slept with or looked twice at any woman since I started dating you.”

Pelumi rolled her eyes on the inside. If that was supposed to be some sort of consolation, it did nothing for her current emotional state.

“Okay, sir. Can I take my leave now? It's almost 7pm. I'd like to head home.”

“Let me call Umar. He can drop you off at home.”

“No, please, Sir. I'll find my way.”

“Pelumi!” Something inside of Ivan snapped.

“What's with the sudden Sir? Can you drop it?”

“I'd like to take my leave now.”

Ivan saw the determination in Pelumi's features. He also saw the sadness in her eyes.

“Sweetheart, let me make it up to you. Please. We can work through this. We can get through this. It's just a distraction. A fleeting event in our lives…”

“Ivan, I'd like to go home now.”  She side stepped him and he watched her walk away.

“Oh, Ivan! What have you done?” He exclaimed, frustrated. He hadn’t felt like a douche bag in ages.

****

“Babe...”  Itoro called out to Pelumi quietly while munching on groundnuts soaked in garri or what some funny people called ‘cassava flakes’.

Itoro eyes swept across Pelumi's face. She noticed the tears that had streamed down, messing up the make up on her face.

“Oh, Itoro! I've been a fool.”

 Itoro put the bowl of garri on the dining table.

Pelumi wailed loudly. “So Ivan was just toying with me the whole time?”

“Toying kwa?  No o, the Ivan I know can't toy with your emotions. I'm sure there's an explanation for whatever this is.”

“What makes you think you know Ivan so well? Why do you think he can’t do something like this? Isn’t he a man?”

“Ahhh! This is not good news at all.” Itoro lamented. “What is Ivan going to do?

“How am I supposed to know, Itoro?”  Pelumi countered. “He laid his bed, he'll lie on it.”

“So, is that it? I mean, is this the end of your relationship with Ivan?”

“What do you want me to do?”  Pelumi cried out.  “A child is a big deal and changes things. People marry people because a child is involved. You know that, Itoro!”

“Shame to Village People! God curse them and the enemies of our fathers’ and mothers’ houses! Chai! Our enemies must die. They will go on errands and never return! It will not be well with them!” Itoro ranted hysterically. “We will live in Victoria Island and enjoy the good of the land!”

Pelumi couldn’t help laughing amidst her tears. “So you still want to move to the Island?”

Itoro moved closer to Pelumi and hugged her. “Ndo, it will be okay. God will take control. All will be well.”

The dam in Pelumi broke. All men were nothing but suckers. They totally sucked! From her dad to her stepfather to Ivan.... the men in her life were nothing but total disappointments. They were sore losers.

“I hate men!”  She blurted out while her friend consoled her.

****

"Alero, we have a problem.” Liyel spoke to their image consultant.

“I've seen the news. It's all over. I can work some magic but I'll need to speak with Ivan. I doubt the news is true, but he needs to let me know what really went down.”

Liyel sighed.

“You might also need to get your lawyers involved.  The lady may be looking for some payoff. I've seen that happen from time to time.”

“Yeah. I thought about that too.” Liyel replied. “I'll call our lawyers once this call is over.”

“Please, tell Ivan to give me a call. I can arrange for a meeting tomorrow. The day is almost over now.”

“Thanks, Alero. I knew we could count on you.”

“Hmm, don't thank me yet, Liyel. Titi Ighodalo is a bad ass chick. We have a tough one on our hands.”

Liyel sighed again. “Still, I trust your expertise, Alero.”

“Thank you for your vote of confidence.” Alero responded.

Good grief! Liyel rubbed his hand over his hair once the call was over.

Ivan had always been scandal free. What were their parents going to say about this situation? He couldn't help wondering.

“Eewo!” Tare exclaimed on hearing the news about Ivan and Titi.

“Ivan, how did you let his happen?” Tare quizzed, bemused.

“I need to head home, Tare. Today has been a little too much for me.”

Tare looked at her brother with pity. “Are you ready to be a father?” She asked in a small voice.

“I actually am, but not ready to be a father to Titi’s child. Never thought I’d father a child with a woman I’m not in love with in a million years!”

“For all it’s worth, she may just be lying.”  Tare responded.

“I’ve thought about it. I haven’t spoken with her yet. DNA tests never lie. If she insists the pregnancy is mine, I’ll just wait till she puts to bed to find out.”

“Geez!” Tare sighed. “We need the media to retract all the stories first. What do you think?”

“I agree.” Ivan nodded. “But the internet never forgets these days.”

“Chai! I know!” Tare remarked. “Alero is good at sorting out issues like this. We just have to trust that she’ll do the right thing.”

“I’ll head home now, Tare. See you tomorrow.”

“Drive carefully Ivan. And don’t think too much.”

“I’ll try not to sis.”

Ivan tried to concentrate on his drive home. When the car swerved once, he knew he needed to really chill. What had he gotten himself into? He didn’t want to raise a child with someone who was a practical stranger. He didn’t want his child not being raised properly. Myriads of emotions flooded his mind.

How did a night of fun lead to this catastrophic situation? His thoughts drifted to Pelumi. The hurt he saw laced in her features were still doing a number on him. “Ivan, you f****d up!”  He said to no one in particular, hitting the steering wheel.