Bibi - CHAPTER 10

 

Dear Reader,

I hope that you are very well. Do you feel like you have tons of things on your to-do list sometimes? Even as I write this chapter, my list of things to do is screaming in my mind. Hurry up! You’ve got things to study for, hey, you need to run errands. It’s the weekend! Can you relate?

How do you calm your mind down and focus when everything around you is screaming urgent at the moment? I’d love to hear from you.

I hope you enjoy reading this chapter. Don’t forget to leave a comment.

Cheerio…

****

He had been hearing the rumours all around that Adesua was having an affair. Last night, they’d had a heated conversation. He’d confronted her and asked her to deny it if the rumours were unfounded. He tapped his hands on the steering wheel and hissed. She’d denied it flatly. 

But what did he expect? That she would admit to it? He had been furious and struggled to contain his temper while he hashed it out with her. He had called her names. He had called her despicable and a cheap whore if she could run into the arms of another man at the first sign of trouble. 

In all their years of marriage, he had been a dutiful provider who had catered to her every whim and desire. But now, he was at ground zero and she couldn’t even have some faith in him and stick with him? Thankfully Tonye was asleep upstairs during their argument. Only Agnes had seen everything that had played out and had tried to plead with them both to take it easy.

“If you are no longer feeling this marriage and want to leave, then get the hell out. At least, I won’t hear people whispering about how my wife has become a commodity to be handed down from one man to another!”  Those were words he had spat at Adesua during their fiasco and that comment had earned him a slap from her. He had restrained himself from beating the living daylights out of her. 

“How dare you?” Adesua had yelled at him. “When you approached my family for my hand in marriage, was this the life you promised them that you’d give me? You have reduced me to a peasant who must go running to my family for money. Is it my fault that you didn’t have the common sense to spot the fact that you were being scammed? You have the effrontery to confront me about having affairs. Abeg, go to blazes!” She had hissed and walked away, trembling all over with anger.

His marriage was over. They had patched things to the point of no return now.

When he got home later that day, Adesua’s car was not in the compound. He wasn’t surprised. Agnes walked out of the kitchen to greet him. He noticed that her countenance looked sad. 

What’s the matter? He asked, furrowing his brows.
She picked a paper from the table and handed it to him. “Madam say make I give you.” His eyes bore into hers.

“Okay.” He muttered.

The sun was beaming outside but a dark cloud suddenly descended on Pere. He felt his stomach cramp and his legs give way. He held on to the arm of the sofa and sat on it. 

Agnes stood in a corner of the sitting room watching him. She had been surprised to see Adesua placing suitcases that belonged to her and Tonye in a car. She’d told her goodbye and mentioned that she would be gone for a while. She asked her to give a note to Pere. She’d wondered if Adesua was running away from her home.

Pere bowed over with his hands holding his head where he sat. He picked the note Adesua had left from the table where he dropped it. It said not to look for them. She and Tonye were off to a better life! To not see Tonye for any length of time would crush him. Adesua could go wherever she pleased but to take his son away from him? No way! He thought. 

He picked his phone and called his friend George. “George, my wife has disappeared with my son. My house help told me that she left with suitcases. She left a note for me. She’s taken, my son. Where do I begin to look?” His voice broke.

“Pere, take it easy. Did something happen between you two?”

“Yes, we fought last night. It was ugly. I told her to leave if she wanted. I was fed up. I didn’t know that she’d go through with it.”

“Dang! You know what, let’s put all that aside for now. I need you to calm down. She’s probably with her friends or family members. Can you put a call across to them?”

“Mehn! I haven’t been in touch with many of them in a while.” Pere sighed, kneading his temple.

“Yeah, I get it but now’s not the time to let your ego get in the way. Start calling folks. Lemme know how it goes. Unfortunately, you and I know the way that the police work around here.”

“I know… I know.” Pere scratched his head. “Thanks, George. Let me make a few calls.”

“Okay, Pere. Let me know how it goes.”

“Ehen? So, you people had a problem as huge as this and neither you nor Adesua thought it wise to come to me and Efosa?” Adesua’s mother, Voke Alohan said caustically over the phone.

“Mummy, it’s not like that.” Pere pleaded.

“Efosa is here with me. Come to the house to see us first thing in the morning tomorrow. It’s late now. We’ll call Adesua and have her come here with Tonye as soon as possible.”

“Thanks, mummy.” Pere stared at the wall, his thoughts a million miles away.

“Pere, why didn’t you come to us? Why did you let things degenerate to this extent?” Pere heard the words from his father-in-law.

He rubbed his eyes. He had no words.

He sat staring at the TV, minutes after the call with his in-laws. A part of him said that Adesua was bluffing, and she would come round. She wouldn’t dare to take his son away from him. Another thought questioned his reasoning. What if she meant what she said in the note she’d left for him?

He had seen pictures of her and Wole together looking lovestruck. Someone placed an envelope on his car recently. The content had been pictures of Adesua and her alleged lover. Other people had told him that his wife was cheating on him. He didn’t know that Adesua could cheat on him. Though she was materialistic, she had never shown signs of infidelity until now. Maybe because he had been such a good provider and she’d had no reason to cheat on him.

He headed to their bedroom with a mind that was torn between hope and dread. When Agnes mentioned food, he’d simply waved her away. He lost his appetite after reading Adesua’s letter.

When he’d showered and changed into his pyjamas, he paced around the room worried.

“Lord, I don’t even know if you are there or if you can hear my ramblings tonight. I love my son and even though I think that I’m just freaking out over nothing, I can’t help worrying that Adesua is taking him somewhere I can’t reach him. Please give me peace and keep my boy safe.”  He sighed. One of the things about praying to an unseen God was not knowing if he could hear you.

He woke up early the next morning and headed for Adesua’s parents’ home. The maid ushered him to the guest sitting room on arrival. The Alohan family home was in Old Ikoyi. His mother-in-law was the first person he set his eyes on after about fifteen minutes of waiting.

“Pere.” Her eyes perused his form.

He stood and bowed to greet her. “Good morning ma.”

“My husband will join us soon.” She informed him. He nodded and fiddled with the keys in his hands. His eyes darted across the room.

As if sensing his thoughts, Voke spoke up. “Adesua is not here. We haven’t seen her and Tonye. We tried to call her after you reached out to us last night. We only got a text message from her saying that she and Tonye were alright.”

He clenched his jaw. Anger and confusion coursed through him.

“Pere, my son, good morning,” Efosa said walking down the stairs with considerable effort. “Arthritis is not making me as active as I used to be.” He groaned as he held on to the rails and walked down the stairs.

“I’m sorry to hear Sir. Good morning, Chief.”

“What happened between you and Adesua? I’ll need you to tell us everything if you truly want us to help you.” Efosa said as a matter of fact.

Pere heaved and told them about the misfortune with his business and the financial difficulties he had been faced with lately.

“Why didn’t you come to us?” Adesua’s parents both chorused.

Pere shrugged his shoulders. “You had always been there for me. You made me the successful man that I became. You showed me the way, connected me with all the right people. I guess my ego got in the way. I wanted to prove that I could stand on my feet without a bailout from you. Besides, I knew that you’d had your share of financial difficulties over the years.”

“True,” Efosa said in a husky voice.

“I wonder why my daughter didn’t come to us either. That part is a surprise to me. Adesua that I know loves the good life and the fine trappings that come with it.”

Pere stared at her. He didn’t know how to respond to his remarks. “I don’t know really. Maybe she also felt that we could sort things out on our own.”

Voke puffed. “See how that has played out. You children of this generation!”

“So, what you are doing about your financial situation?” Efosa asked.

Pere explained about the real estate business he had just ventured into and the plans he and his partners had for it.

“Very good. Let me know if you need my help.”

“Thanks, Chief.”

Efosa picked his phone and called Adesua. It rang out each time. Voke also did the same.

“What’s going on here? Why won’t Adesua pick our calls?” Voke sputtered angrily.

“What about Ivie? Maybe she would know?” Pere stated. Ivie was Adesua’s closest cousin who was like a sister to her.

Adesua’s twin, a girl, had died at birth. Voke had found it difficult to conceive after that. She and her husband poured out all their love on Adesua. They realized too late that they had pampered her. Adesua grew up to be a spoiled child who liked to have her way.

Voke called Ivie. She picked on the second ring.

“Aunty, migwo.” Ivie greeted her in Urhobo language.

“Vrendo.” Voke replied. “Ivie, how are you this morning?”

“Very well aunty,” Ivie replied jovially.

“Is Adesua with you?” Voke cut straight to the point.

“She’s not. Is there a problem?”

“Not really. Okay, let me know if you see her. I’ll call you later.” Voke said to her niece before cutting the call.

Efosa called several family members. “She’s not here o. She’s not with us.” That was what everyone was telling him.

Pere left dejected. When he got to his car, he tried calling Adesua. It rang out each time. He was livid and texted her angry words. He got no reply from her. This was the pattern for the next two weeks. He would call and Adesua would not pick his calls or reply to his text messages. Eventually, he started getting a “this number is out of service” message. He’d called and even visited some of her friends to no avail.

George advised that they went to the police. They started an investigation that hadn’t yielded any fruits so far.

“George, has Adesua gone crazy? How the hell does she think that she can take my son away from me?”

“Pere, calm down. We’ll find her.”

“She’s not missing. She doesn’t want to be found. I can no longer reach her and everyone I know who is attached to her says they don’t know her whereabouts. Why does this feel like a gang-up? I feel like everyone knows what’s up, but they are deliberately keeping mum about things.”

“Maybe.” George shrugged. “It’ll be okay, Pere.”

“Would it? Have you ever had your child taken from you and not known his whereabout?”

George kept quiet.

“I thought so!” Pere spat.

Akin called him one night when he was home and brooding. He was surprised that Agnes had not packed her bags and left. She made his meals and encouraged him to eat. She took care of the house. Her presence made him a little sane.

“Pere, I’m sorry this isn’t what you want to hear…”

“Akin, what is it?” Pere interrupted him. “Just say what you want to say.”

He heard silence on the other end of the call before Akin finally revealed that Adesua had left the country with Tonye and Wole, her lover. 

****

Bade sang the words from Kirk Franklin’s song, Lovely Day as he dressed up for work. “And I know it’s gonna be a lovely day.” He picked up the brush on the dressing table and brushed his hair.

Bibi rummaged through the closet for what to wear. “Bade, what do you think about this dress. Isn’t the colour too dull for a day that I have an important presentation ?”

Bade spun around and looked at the dress Bibi was holding. “Hmmm. I think it’s okay.”

“I was going to wear this instead. Bibi pointed to a light pink trouser suit.

“Not bad. Either one will suit you.” He grabbed his tie and turned to look in the mirror whistling. Women! He couldn’t understand them. The attires Bibi held in her hands were perfect in his opinion. 

“Babes hurry up. We need to head out in thirty minutes.”

“Gosh! I’m not ready.” Bibi heaved.

“Hurry,” Bade muttered.

Three hours later, his manager who was a managing director called him to his office. They all referred to him as Sarumi.

“Bade, you have been an asset to my team and this organization. A promotion list will be announced later today but I wanted to give you a heads up before the announcement. Sorry, I should have informed you earlier but there were some ongoing conversations. You know how these things are. Office politics. Thankfully, you had several people who put in a good word for you. Nneka was one of them. The excellent work you did on Project Intelus, a highly visible project speaks for you.”

“Thanks, MD.” Bade smiled.

“We are pleased to make you Director of Wealth Management here at Stripes Investment.”

“What?” Bade nearly jumped from his seat.

“You’ve earned it. HR will be in communication with you to discuss the bump in your salary as well as other bonuses. I need to head out now for a meeting on the fifth floor.”

“Wow! This is such huge news. I was not expecting this at all.” Bade stated, rubbing his palms together excitedly.

“Well, what are you waiting for? This calls for celebration.”

“I agree.” Bade chuckled.

After calling Bibi and sharing the good news with her, he headed back to his desk to continue his work. Since the memo on his promotion had not been circulated, he preferred to not discuss it yet.

Two hours later, people flocked to his desk congratulating him.

“Very well deserved” Kojo stated.

“Thanks, everyone.”

“I heard the good news!” Ade came around when the others had gone back to their work.

“Bade, you need to treat me to a meal at Yellow Chilli or something. I have been craving all sorts lately. Catfish pepper soup, barbeque chicken at GRA. Fish and chips….” Ade rambled.

Bade raised a brow. “Hmm, Ade. I see you’ve got a huge appetite right there.”

Ade burst into laughter. “My mentor! I’m so proud of you. We should celebrate you know.”

“True,” Bade swivelled his chair.

“Cool. I’m going back upstairs.” Ade informed him. “I couldn’t contain myself when I saw the email announcing your promotion.”

“Thanks, Ade.” He said smiling.

****

Later that night, Bibi sang and danced as she warmed up their dinner of yam porridge with some vegetables and fried stew. She warmed up the chicken in the air fryer.

“What has you looking so serious?” Bibi said straddling Bade on the couch he was sitting on after they’d eaten dinner. She was wearing one of his shirts and shorts.

“I just have a lot on my mind,” Bade replied as Bibi wrapped her hands around his neck. Bade breathed in her scent.

“Like what?” Bibi probed. “It’s been a great day. You shouldn’t be looking so morose.”

“It’s a crime.” She added.

Bade laughed a little. “Oh really? Pardon me then. You remember Pere, right? You met him the other day at Ikoyi Club.”

“Yes, I do.” She remembered him quite alright because he was looking at her weirdly that day. “What’s up with him?”

“His wife left him. Just like that. Can you imagine? She took their son and left the country with him recently.”

“Ha!” Bibi muttered. “But what did Pere do to her?”

“He’s having some rough times financially. She could not cope and left with her lover who has got loads of money. His name is Wole Adefarati.”

“Oh, I know him. Isn’t he one of those tech bros who live abroad?”

“Yep,” Bade muttered. “So, what is Pere going to do? Fold his arms and watch his child taken away from him just like that?”

“I have no idea now. Poor Pere.”

“Dang! What a cold woman!”

Bade stared into her eyes and looked away.

“What? You are not thinking that I’d ever do that to you. Do you?” Bibi probed.

“I know you wouldn’t.” Bade answered.

She covered his body with hers and planted kisses all over his face.

“Woman, I hope you know that you’re such a distraction.”

“Am I?” Bibi stuck her tongue out and placed her forehead against his. He couldn’t resist her charm and he kissed her as though his life depended on it.

****

Lara had been home for almost three months. She had reconnected with old friends and was starting to enjoy living in Lagos though temporarily. Her phone rang suddenly.

It was Stella Maris. They met at the gym close to Bade’s house the other day. She’d thought that Stella Maris was the chatty type who asked unnecessary questions. Her opinion of her had changed. Stella Maris was a kind person who saw the best in everyone. She’d learnt a lesson to not judge a book by its cover.

“Babes. My friend is throwing a birthday party this Friday. Think you’d be interested in coming? Stella Maris asked excitedly.

“Where’s the party at?” Lara asked.
“It’s at Stringer’s club on Oyin Adejobi close. It’s going to be fun.” Stella Maris added.

“I don’t like clubs. They’re too loud.” Lara responded.

“Sorry. It’s a lounge. You’ll like Stringer. It’s a classy place. Say you’ll come, Lara. Please.” Stella Maris pleaded.

“Okay. I’ll come." 

“Perfect. I'll talk to you later Lara."

****

Lara looked at her reflection in the mirror. She was wearing a metallic gold bodycon stretch dress that accentuated her curves. She fixed her braided hair and applied some more powder to her face. She picked up her Marc Jacobs perfume bottle and sprayed it generously.

When she walked into the sitting room area, her mother was seated watching a movie.

“Mummy, what are you watching?”

“Oh, John Wick II,” Lara answered her question. “Mummy, this one will raise your blood pressure o.”

“My dear, I know. I have been telling myself that I’ll switch to a different channel soon." Ireti replied to her daughter giggling. “Meanwhile, you look lovely. Heading to that party you mentioned the other day?”

“Yes,” Lara responded.

“Enjoy yourself and don’t stay out too late.” Ireti admonished.

Stella Maris had told her that she had gotten to the venue minutes before she left her house.

She opened her purse and picked out her phone.

“Hey Lara, are you here?” Stella asked.

“Yes, I’m outside. Still in the car though.”

“I’ll be right there.” Stella Maris excused herself and walked out. She hugged Lara when she saw her.

“Hey, you!” It’s been a minute. “My goodness! You look fabulous. You’ve lost weight too.”

“Thanks, Stella… You look great yourself.”

“Thanks, Lara. Let’s go in.”

The remix of Robin Stone’s Show me love was playing not too loudly inside. Lara looked around. There were only a few people present. Trust Nigerians and African timing. People showed up late to parties under the assumption that other people were not going to show up early too.

The venue was well decorated, and Lara liked the ambience. The music changed to Dr Sid’s Surulere, and Lara danced slowly in her chair. Stella Maris was talking to some folks. She needed a drink and stood to get it.

Stella Maris got to her just when she was about to go to the bar.

“I need a drink,” Lara said, adjusting her dress.

“What are you guys serving?” Lara asked the server who was dressed in a black shirt on black trousers. He had an earring on one ear. Her eyes scanned his features. He was good looking but not her cup of tea.

“We have Mojito, Screwdriver, Margarita, Pina Colada and Martini.” He replied.

“You guys don’t have Irish cream?” Stella Maris asked leaning against the wooden bar.

“We have that too.”

“I’ll do Screwdriver. It’s vodka and orange juice, right?” Lara asked.

“Yes, it is.” The server guy poured the drinks into a glass and handed it to her.

“Irish cream for me please.” Stella Maris added. “Small chops are over there. Let’s go get some.”

People soon filled the lounge including some ladies who were scantily dressed. Lara looked at them and turned to look at the MC who was calling for everyone’s attention. He introduced the celebrant and asked them to hold their glasses. He talked about how he’d met her several years ago and how she was one of the sweetest people that he knew. Then he sang for she’s a jolly good fellow and made them all toast to her.

“Lara, meet my friends, Kome and Shola.”

“Hi, I’m Lara.” She smiled at them.

“Kome Bunor here.” The shorter of the two guys stated.

“Shola.” The other guy stretched his hand to shake her.

 The floor was opened to everyone for dancing several minutes after Lara was seated.

About fifteen minutes later, Stella Maris pulled her up. She held her hands and introduced her to a couple of people on the dance floor. Lara figured that the alcohol was starting to kick in because Stella Maris was more vibrant than usual. She felt lightheaded herself. Must be the screwdriver kicking in.

 People yelled loudly when Jerusalema by Master KG which featured Burna Boy started playing.

Lara felt herself relax and go with the flow. Although she was a good dancer, she was shy and she didn’t particularly like dancing in public. Tonight, she’d decided to let her hair down and have fun.

 She observed a guy watching her from a distance. Funny because she hadn’t noticed him before. She was still looking at him when he walked up to her and asked her to dance. His height was average for a man although he appeared to be well built. “Can I dance with you?” He said a little loudly so she could hear him considering the loud music.

 Lara nodded and soon people on the dance floor were staring at them as they danced to the salsa music currently being played.

Stella Maris’ mouth was wide open as she wondered how Lara could do a Salsa dance so well.

The music changed and they continued dancing. “My name is Jimi by the way. Jimi Kowe.”

“Lara Fernandez,” she said to him. The lights that had been dimmed became a little brighter and she could see his face properly. While he wasn’t the most handsome man in the universe, there was something that drew her to him like a magnet.

“Do you want to go outside for a little bit? It’s kinda loud in here.”

“Sure. Let’s go.” Lara replied.

 "Your accent is very British. I take it you don’t live in Nigeria?”

“Sort of. I’m in Nigeria temporarily.”

“For how long?” Jimi raised a brow.

“A few months, one year, two years. Who knows?”

Jimi smiled. It was nice to know that she’d still be in Nigeria for some time.

Lara yawned just then.

“Is it past your bedtime?” Jimi tittered.

“You bet it is.”

“Then you should head home. Think you can drive?”

“Oh, I was going to catch an Uber home. I don’t like driving in Lagos especially at night.”

“Gotcha.” Jimi nodded.

“I have to let my friend Stella know that I’m ready to head home,” Lara informed him.

“Can I drop you off ? That is if you don’t mind.” He wanted to get to know her a little bit more.

Lara looked at him warily. She’d just met him, and common sense told her to refuse his offer. He didn’t seem like the dangerous type though.

Jimi raised his hands. “Hey, I promise that I am not a kidnapper. I don’t bite either. I’m harmless.”

She scrutinized him again. Well, I'd have to take a picture of your plate number and send it to my friend just in case..." Her voice trailed off. 

"Sure." Jimi folded his arms and leaned against his car. He could see that Lara was not the trusting or gullible type. He liked that. He liked solving puzzles. He also loved cracking a tough woman like peanut and watching her walls crumble. 

"We are good to go now." Lara informed him after she’d told Stella Maris that she was heading home and texted Jimi's plate number details to her. She was surprised that she hadn't yet fallen asleep on her feet. 

“Alright mademoiselle.” Jimi came around and opened the passenger door for her. He closed the door when she'd settled in.