Choices Page 7

  Valentine became quiet and they both continued eating. A few minutes, he dropped his plastic fork and cleaned his lips with the paper napkin.

  He let out a sigh and looked at Valerie intensely, “my dear I will answer that question of yours. When I went back to California, I was broken. I didn’t know what to do. I couldn’t concentrate on my studies. I started drinking and that was what helped me or so I thought. I could concentrate in class but when I’m not studying or attending classes I would drink myself to sleep. My parents never knew because obviously we only communicated via phone calls, so it was hard for them to tell what was wrong with me. Anytime I was drunk and either of them called, I would just ignore the call and when I’m stable, I would call them. My excuse would definitely be school. I couldn’t even get through a day without drinking”, he paused for a while. “It was Susanne that saved me. She came into my room and found me unconscious lying in my own vomit and that was how she came into my life. She gave me a purpose and helped me to stop drinking. Graduating and being among the best in my class is thanks to her, even though I did the studying but the way I was going before I met her, I would have turned into an alcoholic and no one would even notice. We got close and became affectionate but I couldn’t love her the way I loved you. She fell totally in love with me but I didn’t. I was grateful to her and she is an attractive woman but I just couldn’t”, Valentine paused and took a sip of his juice. She knows about you and the story I heard then about you getting pregnant and marrying the man. She doesn’t know the truth about what really happened; I don’t just have the grace and mind to tell her”.

  Valerie added, “I haven’t told Alfred that you came back and that I have been communicating with you. It would destroy our relationship and about that”, she said smoothing her hair and sitting up, “we have to stop seeing each other. It will destroy my home. The other day, your name slipped from my lips in a very intimate moment with my husband. Valentine, we have to stop seeing all together, please I’m pleading with you”.

  What Valerie didn’t know was that she had just given him ammunition to use against her or use it to his advantage. If his name was on her lips in her weakest moment that means her plea to stop seeing him is just a show for him and for herself as well, he thought as he smiled and devised a plan to break down that wall.

  They sat quietly; Valentine was taking his juice while Valerie was eating her food with occasional gulps of water from the bottled water beside her. He broke the silence, “You still prefer taking water from the bottle instead of using a disposable cup. I can remember that wedding reception you walked out on me”.

  “Yes I can remember it too, you insulted me”, she said. “No, I didn’t, come on... there was a disposable cup beside you, but you didn’t use it. You drank from the bottle”, he said, laughing softly.

  “Valentine, don’t even remind me of that day. How was I supposed to know that someone had shaken the bottle and the drink would pour all over me”, she said faking annoyance.

  He took her hand in his, “don’t be annoyed. You know what I have never told you? You looked very cute that day, you always look very sexy when you’re upset”.

  “Don’t try to butter me up,” she said. “You were seated with your parents at the high table specially reserved for the dignitaries at that wedding and you were laughing at me, the floor member. Leave me”, she said laughing and he reached across the table and tickled her by the side.

  “Don’t do that. You have forgotten we are in a public place, stop it”, she said trying to wade his hands off.

  He got up and sat beside her. She adjusted, creating room between them.

  "Don't tell me you haven't forgiven me for that day?” he asked giving her a wink. She turned to give him a serious look, with her chin up, she said; "Move to where you were seated. What's the point of forgiving you, if you will bring it up anytime you see me drinking water".

  "Come on, you know it was a joke", he said, taking her hand in his. "One of the things I loved about you was your simplicity, and I can see that hasn't changed", he said. Looking into her lovely brown eyes, he noticed they were well lined and her eyebrows neatly tended to. He fondled her hands and both of them couldn't take their eyes off each other. It was as though they were in a world of their own. They must have been staring at each other for a while because they were jolted back to reality by a voice.

  They looked up to find Shalom hovering over them. Shalom Ebenezer is a very loquacious woman, about the same age as Valerie. Her mouth announces her wherever she goes. Valerie and Valentine both knew her through Joy. They both avoided her because of her mouth. She could never keep any secret and would give her opinion on any topic even when she wasn't asked. Although Valentine hadn't seen her since his return, Valerie, on the other hand, was well aware of Shalom's behaviour which hadn't changed. The two love birds well aware of the trouble they were in, quickly adjusted and tried acting normally. If Shalom read any meaning into seeing them together, then their cover was as good as blown because she would open her mouth to whoever was willing to hear.

  She lowered her five foot eight into a spot beside Valerie, forcing her to adjust, creating room for her to sit properly - so like Shalom; inviting herself. "Valentine, when did you get into the country?" she asked and without even waiting for an answer, she added, "fancy meeting both of you here. Just decided to stop here for some ice-cream, "would never have dreamt of finding both of you here," she paused, "and together? What a surprise!"

  “I was equally surprised to meet him here", Valerie quickly added. "I just wanted a quiet place I could have a nice meal without running into anyone", she said, trying to hide her nervousness. Shalom just moved her eyes from one person to the other Either of them would give anything to know what she was thinking and for the first time, they wished her loud mouth would say something. She got up, picked her sunglasses and placed them on her head, pulling her hair from her face. She adjusted her trouser suit. All the while, Valentine and Valerie were looking at her, both of them mirroring the same expressions on their faces. They both were silently praying she would say what was on her mind. "Valentine, it was nice seeing you again". Gesturing at the wedding band on his finger, she asked, "You are now married?"

  "Yes, I am", he answered with a nod. All the while, Valerie just watched both of them.

  "It's good to know you are settled now, but it's bad for us. You know, some of us were hoping Valerie would step aside so we could try our luck, but I guess some sweet things are better admired from afar." Valerie was clearly irritated and jealous. Back then, Shalom openly tried getting her hands on Valentine. Then she would boil in silence but now she has to act cool otherwise a lot could get bad in her life. Shalom, after two kids was still a very beautiful woman and with a lot of friends in the high places. She was not married but was rumoured to have a steady relationship with the father of her children. As she strode off after giving Valerie a bear hug, the whole atmosphere changed. They both sat in silence for a few minutes, each deep in thought. Valerie broke the silence, "I think we should leave now to avoid being seen by somebody else". Valentine remained silent. A minute after, Valerie added," are you not going to say anything or do you want me to just walk out on you?"

  "Why are you making me look like a monster?" He fired back.

  "How do you mean?

  I never said you were a monster or have I implied you are?"

  "Don't ask me questions that you already have answers to!", Valentine said between his teeth. Sensing he was annoyed, Valerie fired back,

  "Do I detect annoyance in your voice? I know how much we loved each other but you can't expect me to leave a relationship I have built for over sixteen years and run into your arms." She paused and took his hands in hers, lowering her voice, she said "at this point it is obvious that I still have feelings for you but should I allow my emotions to control me, I would lose a lot and we will hurt two people that have loved us unconditionally for the past sixteen years not to talk of the embarrassment
and undue attention my son will attract to himself. He twitched his neck and gently extricated his hands from hers, "You might be right but don't for a second believe that I will let another man raise my first seed, not when I'm more than capable of raising him myself."

  "Calm down", Valerie said gesturing with her hands, sensing his temper was rising. "Let me finish," he cut in "I can't make you stay with me but one thing I can promise you is that now that I'm aware of my son's existence, I am going to be a part of his life." With that, he got up, gulped down the juice that was left in his glass, straightened his shirt and walked out. Before Valerie could get to the entrance of the restaurant where cars were parked, Valentine was already seated in his car. She walked to her car.

  Valentine could not remember the last time he was angry with his wife. He couldn't even remember ever being upset with her. In the second year of their marriage, Susanne had asked him one evening why he had never been upset with her and why they never fought. He remembered saying, "maybe, it's because you are very easy to please and we understand each other a lot".

  “Not that I'm complaining, it's just strange and it makes me a bit worried at times."

  "Women are really funny at times," he said laughing."You quarrel with your spouse a lot, you get worried; you don't, you get worried too." As he sat staring into space, Valentine was so angry that it took every ounce of his strength to get up and walk out without exploding. How could she be so selfish. He has every right to see his son. If she wouldn't even be with him, without making it look as though they are committing the worst crime on earth, how then would he be able to claim his right as a father. He was brought back to the present when he heard a knock on the car window. She tried opening the door, but it was locked. He let her in and she opened the door and sat on the passenger's seat. He broke the silence, "What do you want, you are still here?" He looked her in the face and Valerie not able to hold his stare, looked away. "I thought you would be heading home to your husband, Mrs. Righteous?"

  She looked out the window and said under her breath, “You don't have to be sarcastic”, she turned and met his gaze. "I need to speak to you." Valentine relaxed in his seat and gave her his undivided attention.

  "Valentine, I don't want you to feel as though you are the only one battling with emotions right now because you are not. You don't know how much I'm preventing myself from kissing you right now." She paused and sank back into the seat. "Seeing you that day playing with those children, giving them stuffed animals, kissing them and carrying the babies in your arms, brought back a lot of good memories. I couldn't believe you still visit the orphanage".

  "Well, I still do and every time I do, I remember you. I was happy to see you too." Looking into his eyes she said, "It’s just that if we keep seeing each other and spending time together, we might fall into temptation. I am already having an emotional affair with you, truth be told, and I'm afraid I might not be able to restrain myself if we keep seeing each other ".

  "Then don't!” He retorted.

  "I have lived all these years believing you betrayed me. I just don't know how to go on knowing how you feel about me now".

  "Please, stop! Val, please stop..." she said, her head bowed down.

  "You know what I'm saying is true," he said as he adjusted in the driver's seat and faced her. "I have been able to live all these years thinking you left me, but now," he said pulling her to himself, forcing her to look up and drop the bag she was holding. The feel of his hands on her waist sent warm sensations through her spine and it spread all through her body, down to her legs. "Everything I see, touch, eat and perceive reminds me of you. Tell me, how do I go on?", he said. With his right hand, he forced her head to face him so their eyes locked. His eyes searched her eyes. It was as though their eyes were magnets of opposite sides because she couldn't look away. She couldn't stop her lips from trembling as he moved even closer. It was a good thing it was getting dark because she couldn't afford to run into another person she knew, at least not in this position. With their eyes just a few inches apart, she noticed a little scar just by the corner of his left eye; she wondered how he got that. The lemon scent she remembered that was only his tickled her nose. "Valerie, I have never loved and wanted any woman as much as I want you right now." Her heart was beating so fast and it threatened to jump off her chest, Even with the air conditioner on, she was feeling so hot. Her eyes moved from his eyes to his lips, so lush and sexy yet still very manly. She wished he would kiss her already but she also prayed he wouldn't because she knew she might not be able to resist.

  Walking into the room, disappointment was registered on his face when he noticed its emptiness. He flopped down on the bed and was almost asleep when he was awakened by a voice. "Dad, you are back," he said. He crouched by his feet and gently pulled his shoes. "I heard you drive in, I thought it was Mum".

  "I had thought she would be home by now. I just finished an operation and ward rounds. I am so tired right now," Alfred said sitting up.

  "Why don't you take a bath. It might help you feel better", Zeal said, taking both shoes out to clean them. Valerie imbibed the habit of cleaning her shoes immediately she gets back, from Alfred. At first, she used to forget, but gradually she learnt and realised how useful it was; that way, when you pick it up next time to wear, it's already clean and neat. She, in turn, taught her son, something her mother didn't teach her and she didn't know herself. When Zeal returned, Alfred was in the bathroom. He placed the black Italian shoes where the rest were kept and walked to the bathroom door. "Dad, you should go to bed. I've had dinner already. When Mum returns, she will wake you up. Goodnight, Dad," he shouted. "Night, Son. Sleep well", he answered. He walked out from the bathroom feeling much better. Zeal was right. The bath he took made him feel a lot better, better than he felt a few minutes ago. He thought of calling his wife to find out where she was but decided to have dinner first.

  As the tension between them mounted, she felt caged because it was as though the car was getting smaller. In order to keep her eyes from admiring his sexy lips, she decided to change focus. The image she had of what those lips could do to her, made her cringe. In fact, the way he was looking at her so intensely with a sexy smile at the corner of those lips made her thank God a person's thought could not be read by another. To break the tension and leave with her mind still intact, she reached for the door; “I have to leave now, it's getting late”. Catching her off guard, Valentine suddenly reached for her hands, pulling it away from the door.

  "You and I know that you do not want to leave this car," Valentine said, his face a few inches away from hers. The peppermint scent of his breath and the scent of his perfume threw her off balance. Valentine’s hand still on her arm, burned. None of them could take their eyes off each other or move away from their position. Valentine moved closer to her and cupped her face in his hands. "I know you don't want to leave this car without this." He covered her lips with his in a slow but thorough kiss. He pulled her closer and as his warm tongue found hers, Valerie forgot who and where she was. All she could do was throw her arms around his neck and pull him closer. She had never felt so alive, the caress of his lips softer than she had ever imagined. Suddenly, she felt him pull away. "I'm sorry," he said, "I didn't mean to." Valerie cut in "it's okay, please don't apologise for that".

  "You stated clearly that you don't want anything with me," he said, adjusting and leaning back on the driver's seat. Valerie, clearly embarrassed at her behaviour, got out of the car and walked to her own car. She was so fast it was as though she was being chased. Valentine who was surprised at her reaction was still trying to comprehend it when she opened the car door and started searching for something.

  "Did you forget something?" he asked and there was no reply. Valerie picked her car keys from the dashboard. Valentine hadn't even noticed when she dropped them there. She walked back to her car. About a minute after she pulled out and drove away. Just as he was about to turn on the ignition, his phone buzzed, indicating that he ha
d a phone call.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Everyone had gone to bed except Millicent, the housekeeper who was on duty. A beautiful light-skinned young lady in her mid-twenties. When she was interviewed for the job she had asked for only night shifts. We agreed because she was studying Mass Communication at the university and needed the money to pay the bills for herself and her sister’s tuition. "Welcome, Madam", she said after letting her in. "Good evening, Millicent. Sorry to have kept you awake until now”.

  I got home by eight o'clock because of the one hour I spent in traffic." It was when I got to the gate that I started thinking of what I would tell Alfred. It's been long I stayed out this late alone. If I am out by this time, it was usually because of an engagement Alfred and I had to attend. Alfred was sleeping soundly when I entered the room. He stirred a bit when I came in and pulled my shoes but went back to sleep. I came in a few minutes after and saw him wide awake. Although he appeared sleepy but he was still looking sexy. A great contrast between the white sheet and Alfred's complexion made her smile. As she strode to him in her black see-through nightgown that was inches away from her buttocks, she recognised that look in her husband's eyes. She smiled at him and he smiled back, patting a spot beside him and beckoning on her to come and sit. Perched beside him on the bed with her legs and arms around him, she decided to come clean.

  Valentine had answered his wife's call and tried his best to reassure her that all was well and that he was on his way home. When he dropped the call that was when he noticed it. He drove home to his waiting wife and made sure it was well hidden in his car. His wife could use any of his cars apart from the jeep he had bought. So, he had to make sure she would not find it, at least till he can find a way of getting rid of it.