I was brought back from my reverie with a nudge from Sa’a. “ Are you okay?” She asked with much concern, and I felt guilty to be a recipient of such kindness. I hated myself for what I was about to do but justified my action – something I find myself to be doing these days. It may be a way of me assuaging the guilt I felt at my helplessness for the feelings I had for JK. I thought I had successfully tamed it to non-existence. Still, it appears to be back like an unstoppable inferno threatening to consume me.
“I am okay,” I confirmed removing the Gucci glasses so she could see my face.
“I know it is so hard coming to terms with this whole drama. I hope she is safe wherever she is.”
“I hope so too,” I muttered afraid my lack of empathy will give me away.
“Can we go inside?” JK asked ushering us away from the blare of the hot scorching sun into the foyer decorated with live plants and cane furniture which gave the space a rustic but welcoming feel. I was so thirsty and could help with a glass of cold water. Still, the thought of an encounter with Mother – devil did not allow me to venture into the kitchen and help myself as I had done many times when Meena was around. Friend the word filled my mouth with bile. Traitor my rational brain taunted. I dropped my head, closing my eyes and will the headache I could feel coming.
“Are you sure you are okay?” Sa’ a asked again, worry etched on her forehead, and this time I was getting more irritated not at her of course but the guilt I felt at my betrayal.
“I’ m fine, just a headache which could be because of the heat,” I fibbed.
“Do you want cold water? please forgive my manners.” JK asked and apologised as he ushered us into the main house.
“I was focused on the latest information I have on Meena,” he explained.
“She called?” asked Sa’a with excitement, I did not share.
“Yes, she called her mum to say she was safe, and the woman should not worry. Meena used a private number, so we are unable to trace the call.
“Oh,” Sa’a mumbled, and I could feel her disappointment like a deflated balloon.
“At least we know that she is well and that is what is important for now,” I said with all the cheer I could muster.
“Yeah,” JK nodded, and I felt sorry for him but not so sorry. Who in her right sense will walk away from a guy like JK? He had made his money through hard work, it was not the Daddy hand me down riches. JK identified with people from both sides of the financial spectrum. In Nigeria, you were either rich or poor. The middle class has been long wiped off.
My brain was churning out strategic ideas. And first was to alienate JK’s mother from him. I had to build and blow her role in Meena’s disappearance out of proportion so he could see all this would not have happened without her.
“All this will not have happened if your mother had not meddled in your affairs. I am sorry to have to say this. Meena must have endured a lot from her, and just maybe she got tired of dealing with your mum. You need to keep her at arm’s length. I would have said before she wrecks your home but that warning is coming too late.
I pulled my falling veil and rewrapped it around my shoulders while I stole a glance to watch the effect of my words. Unfortunately, many times you could not read what JK was thinking. I shrugged and forged ahead to continue my onslaught.
“You need to put your mother…..”
“That is enough, Hauwau,” He barked forcing me to shut my mouth. Well, for now.
“My mom is the least of all our worries. I suppose you will have been digging for information and going down memory lane if Meena gave any indication of her plans. You’ve been friends right from your campus days.”
“And you will know too that Meena only told you what she wanted you to know,” I retorted.
“I have to be going. I must pick the kids from school. Please JK can you ring us when you have any news or if the Private investigator has any questions we can answer on the phone.” She said to JK who is busy texting on his phone. I think he was trying to reach the PI while Sa’a and I chatted away.
Sa’a threw her gaze at me as she had spoken for both of us both. However, I was not done yet, not even the mother from hell inside could stop me.
“I’ ll be going later. I will wait for the meeting with the private investigator?”
“I have to go now, you know how Salima and Raliama hate to be the last kids to be picked. And…”
“Yes, mummy,” I teased Sa’a.
I knew that look. If there was one person who you could read like a book, that would be Sa’a. Her facial expressions gave her away even before the words were formed. She would make a terrible lawyer.
“Don’t go all lawyer on him, the guy is already going through so much.”
I chuckle at her reference to ‘lawyer’ before responding. “I have no intention of doing any of that. Although, I would love to see JK squirm under my scrutiny.
“I heard that!” He snapped and moved away to pick a call that came through.
“I have to take this call,” he waved his phone as he stepped a few meters away.
“Whatever evil, you have planned for him. Remember he is our friend’s husband. And until she gives you the go-ahead to take him to the gallows, we must respect him.”
“Sa’a, there is a reason I am not with my husband. All this talk of respect bores me,” and I stifle a yawn.
I am cynical like that, and it’s a wonder I am with ladies who love their husbands to death. Well, one of us still does, and I hugged her with a speak to you later and waved while I waited for JK to finish his call.
21stcenturybelle 