TITLE: Divided Emotions EPISODE: 18 AUTHOR: Omolola JAMES SHOULDERED his way through the throngs of people at the Muritala Mohammed airport, anxious to meet his brother, who was picking him in front of the terminal. Bernard! He shouted when he saw the black Pathfinder. He sprinted over to the car. I owe you for this, especially when you had to battle five oclock traffic. Hey, bro, it isnt like I dont want to see you or anything, but it would be nice to get a little more notice. Do you mind if I ask what in the heck is going on with you? James couldnt answer him. Since the scene in Sonias living room last night, his world had exploded in his face. He had a sickness in his gut that wasnt about to go away. The last time you flew down here, you didnt tell anybody. Today at lunch my secretary informs me that I have to pick you up at six oclock, but no one else is supposed to know. Mom and dad would get really mad if they found out you were in town again and didnt phone them. As it is, I had to make some story to Tamara about working late tonight. Like I said, I owe you. Big time. Bernard sighed. Where do you want to go? Anywhere, but not too far from the airport. I have to get back to Abuja tonight. How about we just pull off at the first exit and sit at a Stop sign? Fine. Whoa. You are in bad shape. As they wound in and out of the traffic leaving the terminal, Bernard kept looking over at him. Did you and Sonia have a fight? No. Last night we got engaged for the second time. . . .Last night showed him a whole new meaning of the word terror. Second time? Its a long story. Spill it! Hell, Ben. Her husband didnt die in the war. After seven years as a POW, hes back home in Abuja. What? Bernard pulled off the road and braked in front of a primary school. I saw a clip about that on the news a while back! But I never wouldve associated him with Sonia. James - look me in the eye and tell me youre putting me on. James turned his head and faced his brother. Oh Lord...youre not! He reached across the seat to give him a brotherly hug. No wonder you couldnt just tell me this on the phone. James raked a hand through his hair. I think Im going to lose her, Ben. If that happ... Shut up, James. Just start talking to me! She loved me, Ben. She really did. We were making it. On that cruise she finally agreed to marry me. The first night out, the band was playing requests. Suddenly the lead singer asked if there was a James Okoye in the room. Naturally I wondered what Sonia was up to. When I stood up, he announced that the next song was dedicated to me. Then he called Sonia to the microphone. She whispered something in his ear, and he said into the mike, shes expecting a marriage proposal when the song is over. Are you ready, James? They played Eric Claptons Wonderful Tonight. The words of that song would be forever impressed in James memory. Before shed even sat down, I had that ring on her finger. At the end of the cruise, I drove her and Divine to her door, knowing that the rest of my life was going to be pure happiness because Sonia and I were getting married in June. Six hours later I got a phone call. Her husband, Sergeant Kenneth Brown, had been freed from captivity and was on his way home to Hill Air Force Base. Sonia had to go. Shed call me later. Bernard groaned, then suddenly leaned across the seat to grasp James shoulder. Tell me the rest. Dont stop until Ive heard every damn thing thats eating you alive! James heard the love in his brothers voice. Bernard had been at his side when James former fiancee died at the hospital. There wasnt another human being who understood him the way Bernard did. James had repressed his feelings for so long it served as a catharsis to be able to confide in his brother. Once hed begun, he didnt stop until hed told him every detail and had admitted his deepest fear. I have the gut feeling Sonias falling in love with her husband all over again. But thats crazy, James! Last night she agreed to wear your ring. You made specific wedding plans. I know. I know, James said. But you didnt hear what I heard in Sonias voice when her mother-in-law started in about the tortures Kenneth had been subjected to. What I heard came straight from Sonias soul. It sounded like love. Does that really surprise you? He was her husband all those years. But theyre getting a divorce and she loves you, wants a life with you now. I know Sonia loves me. But you didnt see what I saw today at the university. Okay. What did you see? She was talking to Kenneth. They didnt know I was standing there watching. Have you ever been near a couple who are so involved with each other they have no awareness of anything else around them? James, youre paranoid. Not without good reason, but I honestly think youre looking for trouble where there isnt any. No. I know what I saw. This was different. There was a light shining in Sonias eyes. I never saw anything like it. She even acted different. I could hardly believe it was her. What you saw is the way Sonia responds to the man she married. If he saw you and Sonia together, hed say the same thing...that she doesnt seem like the same Sonia to him...because you bring out certain things in her that he doesnt. Those two had a particular chemistry together. They made a child. You and she have another kind of chemistry. Youll create your own child one day. His brother had a lot of wisdom. What youre saying makes perfect sense. But I have this awful feeling that one day after were married, Sonia will wake up and wish she was with Kenneth. Hes never going to go away! They share a son. Divine will be around as a constant reminder of their marriage. For the past two years, Ive done everything but stand on my head trying to erase his shadow. Now hes back...in the flesh! James, thousands of couples are in second marriages and they work beautifully. Once you and Sonia are living together as husband and wife, youll forge bonds so strong nothing will threaten your love. Those thousands of women werent married to Kenneth Brown first. Aside from the fact that he was a victim of war, which turned him into a hero, why is he such a threat to you? I dont get it. James looked over at his brother. The truth? He nodded. Is there any other way? James squeezed his arm. Her husband reminds me of a man I pretty well idolize. In other words, if you didnt hate Kenneth Browns guts, you and he would probably be friends. Hes got many of your qualities, Ben. Bernard eyed him soulfully for a minute, then patted his shoulder. I appreciate those kind words, bro. But if what you say is true, youve got something even more remarkable going for you. Despite the fact that her husbands a paragon... He gave a self-depreciating grin shes picked you for her husband. Maybe. Then again, the fact that Kenneth filed for divorce may have made me the winner through default, and youre looking at Sonias consolation prize. I dont doubt shed go through with our wedding. With her noble heart, she wouldnt dream of hurting me again. But something deep inside tell me Kenneth would always be in bed with us. I couldnt handle that. His voice was harsh with pain. Bernard had no ready comeback. His expression grew solemn. James, if youre really that unsure of Sonias feelings, if your guts telling you somethings wrong, then you need to have it out with her. I mean a knock-down, drag-out, bottom-line session. No holds barred. You know what Im saying? James nodded. . . .Oh yes, Bernard. I know exactly what youre saying. Sonia might have had a legitimate excuse to go off with Kenneth and Divine today. But something tells me she wanted to be with them. . . He sucked in his breath. Thats why I came down here to see you, Ben. Before I left Abuja, Id half made up my mind to confront her...to get inside her heart and soul, even if I had to fight my way past every defense. I just needed to hear you confirm it. ************************************* WHEN SONIA HEARD the front doorbell ring at eleven oclock, she knew it had to be James. Divine had gone to bed an hour ago, but he wasnt asleep. Kenneth hadnt phoned yet. Something must have detained him. The waiting was killing both of them, for different reasons. James hadnt called, either. All evening shed been expecting word from him, yet shed been dreading that conversation because shed made a promise to Divine. Spending all her free time with her son means she wouldnt be seeing anyone else. Including James. Especially James. She could just imagine his reaction. It wasnt fair to him. Nothing had ever been fair to him. Theyd just gotten engaged for the second time. Now shed have to ask for his understanding about not seeing him in the evenings. Even a man as marvellous as James had his limits. She knew this would be pushing them, but Divine had to be her first priority. Keeping her son emotionally stable with Kenneth away translated as cruelty to James, a no-win situation. Sonia honestly didnt know how much stress she could take. As for James. . . With a mixture of reluctance and trepidation, she walked to the door and called out, asking who it was. Its James. . . .Something was wrong. He didnt say, its me, sweetheart. Ive missed you. She opened the door, expecting him to reach for her the way he always did. It threw her when he remained in place, almost aloof. Id almost given up on you tonight. Come in, darling. After closing the door, she headed for the living room, waiting for his arms to slide around her waist and pull her against him. To her surprise, he came to a standstill just inside the entry to the room, his hands on his hips. Has something serious happened at work? Is there trouble? She was starting to feel anxious. No. The one-syllable answer filled her with a new form of dread. So you got everything straightened out with Emeka? I lied to you, Sonia. I needed some time to think, so I made up an excuse for not having dinner with you. She shook her head sadly. Why did you have to lie to me? Why didnt you just tell me you wanted to be alone? I wouldve understood. I know you wouldve. But I didnt want to alarm you, not when youre dealing with so much here at home. James, I realize everything is precarious right now. Her voice trembled slightly, despite herself. In fact, theres another favor I have to ask of you, and Im afraid to ask of it. But I know well eventually get past all this, because we love each other. What favour? He demanded, his features taut. Kenneth left for Dubai today with his parents. Hell be gone ten days and hes worried about Divines reaction. Thats why he came to see me at the university, to decide how best to tell Divine. She moistened her lips nervously when she realised James wasnt going to help her out. Kenneth told Divine his grandmother needed her son, just as I needed Divine. So they made a deal Kenneth would spend time with his mother, Divine would spend time with me. And nobody else. James filled in the blanks. So Im to get lost for ten days while you fulfill your part of the bargain. Dont put it that way, James. He was only thinking of Divine. It worked. There were no hysterics. But there will be if I step foot in this house before the ten days are up. Under the circumstances, Im surprised you bothered to let me in. By now his face was completely drained of colour. It looks to me as if from now on Id better check with Kenneth before I make plans with my future wife. He was out of the room and the front door so fast she had to run to catch up with him. Shed just managed to slide into the passenger seat as he got behind the wheel and started the ignition. Get out of the car, Sonia. No! Not until we talk. Im off-limits, remember? I know it sounds horrible. Its just that Divines been a different boy since Kenneth came home. If everything can stay on an even keel until Kenneth returns home on vacation with his folks, you and I wont have to worry about Divine anymore. Until the next time, he ground out. What do you mean? James hands tightened on the steering wheel. There will always be a next time where Divines concerned, Sonia. Youre his mother. For the duration of our lives, you will always put him first. Hell pit us against each other to test your love for him. Hell try to make you choose between us. Im not saying that to be cruel, Im saying it because its true. Today you made a promise to him. I realize you have to keep it. In fact, youre breaking it by being out here in the car with me. James, I need to talk to you, darling. Please, will you take time off tomorrow to be with me while Divines at school? As soon as he walks out that door, Ill drive over to your house. She paused, then added, I can always go to the University later to work on my grading. James hesitated for a moment, then nodded. Ill expect you at nine. She waited for him to take her in his arms. A-arent you even going to kiss me good-night? No. If I start kissing you, I wont be able to stop. Go in the house. Now! With tears blinding her, she got out of the car and raced up to the house. She heard a screech of tires as James drove away. The sound had a kind of desperate finality about it. She had expected way too much of James. He was the one who felt fragile right now. She had to do something, quickly. Tomorrow theyd talk, and shed try to reassure him...but while she stood there in a quandary, the phone rang. She dashed over and picked up the receiver. Kenneth. Hello? Sonia? Came the deep voice. Her heart began to race. Im sorry its so late. To hear Kenneth over the phone sounding so natural and familiar made it feel as though theyd never suffered a seven-year separation. Are you all right? She asked anxiously. Im fine. There was a pause. If youre worrying that this is something war-related, then stop. Thank heaven! When I think what youve lived through...I wish I had a magic pill I could give you to make it all go away. I cant... Sonia... She was so choked up she could hardly talk. I cant get the things your mom told me out of my mind. Oh, Ken...Ken... When you flew off on the plane, I suffered a thousand fears, but the reality is so much worse. I wish there was something. . . By now she was sobbing. Its over, Sonia, he murmured. He could read her thoughts. He always could. Oh, Kenneth...Ive always loved you. So much. I never wanted to hurt you. Im so sorry for what youve had to endure and so proud of you at the same time. Im...Im in awe of you, Ken. Its such a helpless feeling to know what happened to you, and not be able to do one thing about it. Another silence. You can do something for me now. Whats that? Anything. Get on with the rest of your life and be happy. Dont look back. Another paroxysm of tears threatened. Where do you find the strength to say that to me? In prison I discovered many things. That God lives, that life is fleeting and precious. I plan to make the most of the time I have left. Thats what you need to do, too, sweetheart. . . .But youre going to do it without me. I wont be there. I cant bear it. . . Mom? Is that Dad? Divine came bounding up to her. When he saw her wet face, his crumpled, too. Whats wrong? Has something happened to Dad? He started to cry. Just a minute, Ken, she said in a gravely tone. Heres Divine. To be continued after 10 Likes
Posted on: Mon, 22 Dec 2014 10:07:32 +0000
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