Divided Emotions - Literature (5) - Nairaland
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| Re: Divided Emotions by Omolola1(f): 9:32pm On Dec 09, 2012 |
THE SILENCE FROM SONIA told him he'd hit a nerve. But after weighing the situation carefully, he'd decided there was only one way to stop his pain. His marriage to Sonia had been too wonderful to consider enduring anything less. It was all or nothing. "Sonia? There's something else I want to make clear right now. I have no hard feelings against James. On the contrary. Since he's going to be the other man in Divine's life, I'd like to meet him sometime. You can tell the poor devil he doesn't have to tiptoe around me. The more civilized we all are, the better it'll be for our son, whom I firmly believe should live with you after the divorce. "Speaking of Divine, will it be all right if I pick him up after school tomorrow? Don't worry. I know you have classes to teach and you'll need your car. Mom and Dad will be here for a few more days, so I'll use theirs." "Kenneth..stop it!" She blurted, her cheeks fiery hot. "Tonight isn't the night to talk about the future. I'm not going to work tomorrow. I want to hear about your life. I want to help you." "I know you do. But I told you pretty much everything at the dinner table. Anything else isn't for human consumption. The ways people have figured out to torture one another aren't worthy of remembering. I promised myself that if I ever got out of that cell, I'd embrace life and never look back." "How did you get out?" Pleased she'd thawed enough to be curious, he said, "I suppose when the United Nations inspection teams started snooping around Saddam Hussein's installations after the war, word got out that he'd kept some prisoners no one knew about. M.T and I were two of the lucky ones released." "You mean there could be more?" She said aghast. "Maybe." "Oh, Kenneth! That's so horrible, so awful!" He couldn't see her face, but she sounded as if she was crying. For a moment, the old Sonia was back in the room, her compassionate heart bleeding all over the place. "It could drive me mad if I ever really thought about it, which I'm not going to do. Instead, I plan to raid the refrigerator. Do you mind?" "No," came her pain-filled whisper. "This is your house, too. Bought and paid for with money you earned for us. "Kenneth, instead of consulting an attorney tomorrow, why don't you call Jerry Adewuyi and see about getting your old job back at the brokerage house? You were their whiz kid before. I'm sure that with a little refresher course you'd work your way to the top again." "I appreciate your confidence in me, sweetheart. If that was what I wanted to do, it's possible that would all work out." Another long silence. Another curve ball she hadn't seen coming. This was one time, he reflected, that her keen mathematical mind was of little use to her. But he had to move on with his life. So did she. Her life had been a living hell, too. It was time for all the pain to end. "Are you thinking of moving?" She couldn't have feigned the alarm in that question. It was something to cherish. "That's right." "But Maitama wouldn't give you the broad base of clients you need." "Who said anything about Maitama?" She sounded at a total loss for words. "I - I just assumed that if you were going to relocate, you'd probably want to be near your parents." "Maitama is too close a reminder of the desert. In the last seven years I've lost my taste for it." "I'm sorry," she rushed to apologize. "I didn't think...forgive me, Kenneth." "There's nothing to forgive. Are you hungry for some potatoes?" "No." The word sounded abrupt, as if she'd lost patience with him. "I could eat the whole pan." "Wait..." Kenneth paused at the door. She sounded almost frantic, a sign that he was still rocking her foundations. "What do you plan to do for a living? Where will you go?" "I want to work in the out-of-doors." Quiet again. Then, "you're kidding." "Not at all." She made a sound of exasperation. "Doing what?" "Maybe working a small ranch, poultry, livestock farming somewhere. I have several ideas, but that's all they are right now." "But you know the market like the back of your hand! Be serious, Kenneth!" "My days of sitting in a claustrophobic office watching stocks fluctuate on my computer are over. That's not living, Sonia. "Before I say goodnight, there's something else I have to tell you." He paused, gathering his resolve. "I may have only spent one day with Divine, but it was enough to realize what a superb mother you've been to our son." His voice was shaking, but he had to finish saying what was in his heart. "I'm proud of you, Sonia. Proud of what you've accomplished and become, proud of the beautiful home you've made. I love you for keeping close family ties with my parents, for giving them the opportunity to stay in your life. I'm sorry everyone has fought you so hard where James is concerned. "Now that I'm home, all that's going to change. Don't worry about Mom and Dad or Divine. Just give me a little more time with them, and everything will be fine. "Since I have trouble sleeping, I'll probably stay up half the night watching TV in the living room. Ignore any weird noises coming from there. M.T tells me my dreams get pretty wild, but I doubt they're any worse than his. I suppose Hauwa is going to go through her initiation tonight. At least I can spare you the worst of it. See you in the morning." |
| Re: Divided Emotions by Nobody: 10:15pm On Dec 09, 2012 |
hmmn, am enjoyin these long posts, but d suspence is killing sha, lets see what happens to James. kudos Lola. |
| Re: Divided Emotions by Splendblex(f): 11:57am On Dec 10, 2012 |
Hmmm... Lola,U're jst d BEST! |
| Re: Divided Emotions by Silke(f): 3:54pm On Dec 10, 2012 |
Gosh! |
| Re: Divided Emotions by Adinije(f): 5:41pm On Dec 10, 2012 |
Subscribing... |
| Re: Divided Emotions by DAvIt0(m): 5:55pm On Dec 10, 2012 |
@silke @adinije your just coming in!!!!!! quite superb right? |
| Re: Divided Emotions by Omolola1(f): 7:04pm On Dec 10, 2012 |
Splendblex: Hmmm... Lola,U're jst d BEST! *blushing* Merci! Sorry I avent updated. Been at work. Just got home. Up next! |
| Re: Divided Emotions by Omolola1(f): 7:06pm On Dec 10, 2012 |
"GOOD MORNING. I'm Sonia Brown. I have an appointment with Linda." "She's expecting you, but she's with someone else at the moment. She asked me to give you this to read while you wait." Sonia thanked the uniformed officer at the front desk and sat down with the small leaflet. Her eyes were swollen almost shut from crying. At first she had to squint to make out all the letters. FOR FAMILIES OF LOVED ONES COMING HOME FROM WAR. STRATEGIES FOR HELPING MY LOVED ONES AND MYSELF. 1. Educate yourself on what to expect when your loved one returns home. Acknowledge your fears that he or she may come home as someone who is "different" in certain ways. 2. Recognize the veteran for participating honorably in the war. 3. Communicate an attitude of "I care," and "I am here for you." 4. Be an empathetic listener. Sometimes the individual may not feel the full impact of what has happened for days, weeks, months or sometimes years. When your loved one is ready to talk or "debrief," listen without making judgments, moralizing or trying to "make it better." At times, loved ones will prefer to debrief with professionals or other veterans, instead. This is often necessary because they fear what may happen if they open their hearts too fully to the pain. 5. Allow the returnee to adjust and reenter at his or her own pace. Recognize that change comes slowly, be supportive, but don't push. 6. Become involved in support groups as quickly as possible. 7. Some common questions and responses you can pose to returnees include: "What are you feeling?" Vs "Are you okay?" "You must be experiencing all kinds of emotions now." "I know this is hard to talk about, but it's important to talk." "What was the hardest part of everything for you?" Many returnees will find it hard to respond these questions, and many will avoid such discussions sometimes. Yet, the process of debriefing on some level...whether with family, friends or in a structured support setting...is crucial to a healthy reentry and healing process. 8. Become aware of the many emotions you yourself are experiencing and find healing ways to release these feelings. Prepare your family in advance for what they may experience with the returning veteran. 9. Keep a daily journal of your thoughts and feelings. 10. Pray. Talk to your Pastor if you find it comforting. 11. Seek professional assistance whenever you feel overwhelmed by the stress and emotional impact of the changes you are experiencing. 12. Observe children carefully for signs of emotional distress. They may feel guilt, confusion, anger and a sense of helplessness around the returning veteran. 13. Exerci. . . "Hi Sonia. It's been a long time." At the sound of Linda's voice, she lifted her head. "Thanks for seeing me on such short notice." "Anytime. Come on in." She followed the older woman into her office and sat down opposite her desk. Linda eyed her frankly. "Your message was bittersweet. Out of the blue your husband has miraculously returned...minus a hand. And at the same time you're on the brink of being married again. I'd say that the stress in your lives has been magnified a thousandfold overnight." Sonia nodded, rocking back and forth on the hard chair, her hands clasped around her knees. "According to the leaflet, I've committed almost every major sin in the lot, including one not even mentioned." Linda's brows lifted expressively. "The leaflet addresses the issues facing a returning vet, not necessarily a POW. There are some differences. "In your case you had no advance warning that he was alive, no time to prepare for his arrival. You need to forgive yourself for any mistakes you feel you've made, and learn from them. You also need to forgive yourself for falling in love with another man. "If that becomes impossible to do, then I suggest you seek psychiatric help. Though I'm here for general support, my work as a thanatologist deals mainly with grieving veterans and their families. You need a specialist to help you cope with your new situation. But let's put those considerations aside and discuss where you are emotionally and mentally at this moment." "I wish I knew, Linda." "How is your fiance reacting?" "He's in agony. He left for Lagos yesterday. I need to phone him, but..." "But you don't know what to say," Linda finished for her. "At this stage, you can't possibly have answers since you don't even know the questions." "Exactly." "Some time apart won't hurt your relationship and it will give all of you space to think. Let's talk about PTSD - Post-traumatic stress disorder. Turn to the back of the leaflet and read the list of symptoms. Then we'll discuss them in terms of your husband." Sonia took five minutes and did as she suggested, then shook her head. "Except for few points, Kenneth doesn't seem to be showing these signs. If you'd heard the things he said last night, you would never have known he'd been a POW for six and half years." "Tell me." Again Sonia found herself revealing some of the pertinent dialogue. "Now can you understand why I'm so shaken? He's shown no anger over my engagement to James. In fact, he's reconciled to it. He has no confusion of identity, no loss of self-esteem. I see no signs of helplessness or confusion. "He's very open about having disturbing dreams, but isn't preoccupied over the loss of his hand. He eats constantly. There's no diminished enjoyment of life or activities, no alienation from his parents or Divine. He has plans. He..." Sonia faltered. "A-all I can say is, his emotional state is far better than mine." "Wait a minute. Let's back up. Tell me what you were going to say after you said, 'he has plans.'" Sonia averted her eyes. "He wants to start divorce proceedings as soon as possible. He wants to get on with his life. He used to be a stockbroker. Now he wants to be a farmer!" Linda sat back in her chair, tapping the pencil against the desktop. "How does that make you feel?" "I-I know how I should feel," she muttered. "He has every right." "We're not talking about 'shoulds' and 'rights' here. I'm asking you point-blank, what's going on inside that psyche of yours?" "I guess I'm feeling hurt." "And?" "And angry." "And? She sucked in her breath. "And betrayed." "Interesting. I would say that's a good place to start. Getting in touch with your own feelings. Once you understand them, then you'll know how to proceed." "But what about Kenneth?" "He's obviously a survivor. Yet, war has reminded him that he's mortal. It's forced him to consider his own 'unfinished business.' He's feeling incomplete and he wants the wholeness and peace marriage once gave him. Thus the mention of divorce...to facilitate the possibility of marrying again, of putting his life in order." Sonia stared at Linda. "I hadn't thought of it that way." "It appears to me he's a strong, intelligent, mature human being who has a sound grip on life and an indomitable will. But don't be deceived. He's going to suffer many of those listed symptoms. You just haven't seen them yet." "You're right. Not enough time has passed. The trouble is, if we do divorce and he moves out, I never will see behind the facade." "Is that important to you?" Sonia ran unsteady fingers through her hair. "Yes, Very." "Why?" "Why?" "Another question you need to answer as honestly as you can." "I already know the answer," she retorted. "Who will help him if I don't?" "Another woman?" Sonia's head flew back. "Another woman doesn't know him like I do." "Ahh..." "He's so gallant and take-charge, you tend to forget he's lost his hand. He doesn't act like someone who's lost seven years of life!" Suddenly Sonia broke down in sobs. "But you're engaged to another man, so you can't do what you might have done for him. That's the dilemma, right?" "Yes," she whispered, trying to get her emotions under control. Linda sat forward and handed her a tissue. "When he's ready, there are support groups he can join. You mentioned his parents and your son. I understand he also bonded with the other soldier imprisoned with him. Those are all terrific resources." "I know. Especially Divine. They're extremely close already." "That's good. Now let's talk about you and this other man. How long have you been together? "Two years." "Then a great deal of energy and emotion has already been invested. As I said earlier, you need to get in touch with your true feelings toward your husband and your fiance." "How do I do that?" "At all times be honest and open in your communication with both men. They deserve nothing less. No matter how much you think it might hurt them, don't lie about your feelings and don't hide them. That would be the worst thing you could do. In time, you'll begin to understand yourself. When that day arrives, you will know what to do." "That kind of honesty would take a very strong person." "You are a very strong person. Don't forget that you survived the war, too!" Sonia's head was bowed. "Thank you for that, Linda." Slowly she got to her feet. "You've given me a lot to think about." "I hope it's helped. Remember, I'm always here. Come again soon." "Depending on how today goes, you might hear from me tomorrow." "Then I'll be waiting. Good luck." By the time Sonia had gone out to her car, she'd made the decision to get in touch with James and find out when he was coming home. They needed to talk. Since her conversation with Linda, Sonia felt maybe she could handle it. With Kenneth's parents in the house, she thought it would be better if she used a pay phone, so she drove to the nearest convenience store and called his office. James secretary said he hadn't phoned in yet, but when he did, she'd give him Sonia's message. Relieved to have taken that step, she was able to concentrate on Kenneth. In her mind she'd been cataloging the things he'd need. The first order of business was to drive downtown and pick up some sweats and casual clothes for him in one of the boutiques. |
| Re: Divided Emotions by Splendblex(f): 10:16pm On Dec 10, 2012 |
Lola darlin,tanx 4 updatin.welldone! |
| Re: Divided Emotions by Omolola1(f): 10:29pm On Dec 10, 2012 |
"I DON'T LIKE the idea of a fake hand," Kenneth murmured, gazing at several varieties and colors to match a person's skin. The technician nodded. "A lot of you vets don't. There's little dexterity. Some people want them for cosmetic reasons." "I'd better get one for the old occasion when I have to be out in public for any length of time. When I'm not wearing it, I'd rather keep my arm in my pocket or covered up. But I'd better get fitted with a hook to do work when I'm by myself." A hook would increase his ability to perform many tasks, but the feel of straps around his upper body would take some getting used to. Though the experience was growing less frequent, he had moments when it felt like his hand was still there balled into a fist, driving his nails into his pain. The doctor had told him it was called phantom sensation. The nerve impulses to the brain didn't detect the loss. That was why the thought of moving his shoulders to operate the hook seemed so odd. "What kind of work do you do?" "I'm thinking of going into livestock farming. Buy an acre of land." "Then you'll want this." He lifted the larger hook for Kenneth's inspection. "It's called a farm hook. Some people refer to it as a work hook. "That's the idea." Kenneth nodded. "All right. We'll start you out with the regular hook to get used to it, then graduate to the farm hook. Plan on coming in here every three days a week for a couple of weeks for some occupational therapy. Then you can operate both hooks without problem. Have the receptionist make you an appointment for two weeks from today." Kenneth frowned. "You can't get started any sooner?" "No. The orthopedic surgeon who did the surgery would tell you your arm needs to heal a little longer. It looks clean and dry, but to be safe, let's give it another fourteen days. Kenneth nodded again. The other man patted him on the shoulder. "I know you're anxious to get on with life. I would be, too. Still, you're safely back home." "Amen," Kenneth said, then shook the technician's hand and left. A few minutes later, he was once more behind the wheel of his parents' car. . . .You're home all right, Brown, and you're on your way to see a divorce attorney. The counselors in Kaduna told you to put the past behind you and resume your life. That's what you're going to do because any more time spent with Sonia - knowing she's in love with James - is killing you. And her! ************************************* BY THE TIME Sonia finished her shopping, she was amazed to discover it was almost four o' clock. She needed to get home and start dinner. But when she finally reached her street, she slowed to a crawl, marveling at the scene before her. Cars were lined bumper to bumper on both sides beneath the shade trees growing along the street. Their new spring foliage had been tied with hundreds of yellow ribbons. Dozens of yellow balloons had been attached to the wrought iron stair railing leading to the front porch of her house. Someone had erected a huge banner, which stretched across the front lawn from the driveway to the opposite boundary of her property. Sonia could read the letters all the way from the corner of the street. . . .OUR OWN DESERT STORM HERO! WELCOME HOME, SERGEANT KENNETH BROWN! WE LOVE YOU! Her vision had blurred. It could only mean one thing; one of her neighbours must have found out about Kenneth from his parents and organized everyone on the street. Sonia had always loved her friendly neighborhood, but this...this went beyond anything she could have imagined. A plethora of emotions swamped her, devastating her with a brand-new anguish. As thrilled as she was about their kindness and what it would mean to Kenneth, a part of her was dying inside because she hadn't thought of it. . . .His own wife hadn't thought of it!. . . His own wife hadn't breathed the joyful news to a single soul, not even the bagger at the grocery store. . . .You're a fraud, Sonia. While you were trying to reach James, your neighbours were organizing to give your husband a hero's welcome. . . What had the brochure said? Let your vet know you're proud of him for serving in the war? She buried her face in her minds, convulsed, tears streaming down her face. What would this do to Kenneth? He'd told her he was seeing a divorce attorney today. Had he been home yet? Did he know what was here waiting for him? When he realized all this was for him, would he think she'd been the one responsible...and then find out she'd had nothing to do with it? Would it tear him apart as it was tearing her? Was he ready to deal with all these people, thoughtful and generous as they were? When she'd recovered enough to see, she moved forward and pulled into the driveway. Once out of the car with her packages, she heard the din of voices coming from the backyard. "Ebere!" She cried when she hurried around the back and saw Jeff Patrick's mom, of all people, supervising an enormous picnic barbecue. There were at least fifty or sixty people gathered, dressed in light jackets, some of them in conversation with Kenneth's parents. Enough food covered the picnic tables to feed at least that many more. "Sonia!" Ebere screamed for joy and came running, her face glowing with excitement. She hugged Sonia so hard she could scarcely breathe. "Divine told Jeff the news, and he called me from school this morning. You must be the happiest woman in the world! We're all so ecstatic for you we can't stand it! "I'm afraid once we get started, we invited practically the whole city. This party will go on until morning. The boys have kept your husband out with them, but they should be arriving any second." . . .Help me. Help me. . ., Sonia's heart groaned in fresh agony. "How can I ever thank you?" She finally managed to whisper. "Hey, this was one party I didn't have to plan. Once people knew the reason, it organized itself. Tade Benson's mother will be here within the hour to film it for the National News." Overwhelmed by the turn of events, Sonia hugged her friends and neighbours, but she was soon feeling light-headed and excused herself to take the packages inside. She looked in the bathroom mirror, moaning at her washed-out appearance. For the next few minutes she redid her hair in its tortoiseshell clip, then washed her face and put on fresh makeup. Searching in her closet, she found tailored shirts and a jean, then quickly slippef them on. Seconds before she left the bedroom, she heard the crowd break into a deafening roar with piercing whistles, car honking, shouts and clapping. . . .Kenneth had come home. . . She raced through the house and out the back door. Everyone had surrounded him. They all carried Nigerian flags. Divine stood crushed at his father's side, his grin idiotic. Kenneth shook hands as fast as he could, answering questions, receiving continual pats on the back. Friends Sonia hadn't seen for years appeared as if out of nowhere, hugging him long and hard. Someone with a trumpet started to play, "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow," and everyone sang. Sonia stayed, mesmerized, on the back porch step, watching Divine and Kenneth make their way through the lineup of well-wishers. An old high-school friend of his, John Ike whispered something in his ear. Kenneth's dark head reared back. He laughed that deep rich laughter, just the way he used to when he teased Sonia, driving her to a fever pitch, as a prelude to making love. A sudden ache passed through her body...an ache so intense she gasped. Almost as if Kenneth had heard her, his head swiveled in her direction and he met her gaze. Emotion had turned his eyes, but their enigmatic expression checked her impulse to run over to him. . . .And do what, Sonia? 1 Like |
| Re: Divided Emotions by Omolola1(f): 10:30pm On Dec 10, 2012 |
Double post. |
| Re: Divided Emotions by Oluwafunmilayo95(f): 12:12am On Dec 11, 2012 |
SPLENDID  |
| Re: Divided Emotions by maclatunji: 10:22am On Dec 11, 2012 |
Omolola, this is truly exceptional work. However, I have a few observations, where can I make them without disrupting your flow here? |
| Re: Divided Emotions by avicky(f): 12:01pm On Dec 11, 2012 |
Pls pardon my ignorance. What's d meaning of POW? |
| Re: Divided Emotions by oyestephen(m): 12:22pm On Dec 11, 2012 |
avicky: Pls pardon my ignorance. What's d meaning of POW?Prisoner of war.,.you're pardoned 1 Like |
| Re: Divided Emotions by salolo(m): 2:19pm On Dec 11, 2012 |
 |
| Re: Divided Emotions by Omolola1(f): 2:42pm On Dec 11, 2012 |
maclatunji: Omolola, this is truly exceptional work. However, I have a few observations, where can I make them without disrupting your flow here? Thanks Tunji. You can send me a PM |
| Re: Divided Emotions by Omolola1(f): 2:45pm On Dec 11, 2012 |
oyestephen: You are so kind! avicky: Pls pardon my ignorance. What's d meaning of POW?You've just been answered dear! |
| Re: Divided Emotions by Omolola1(f): 2:48pm On Dec 11, 2012 |
WE DID IT!!! FRONT PAGE!  |
| Re: Divided Emotions by jaybee3(m): 2:50pm On Dec 11, 2012 |
Omolola1: WE DID IT!!! yes we did it  |
| Re: Divided Emotions by EzePromoe: 2:50pm On Dec 11, 2012 |
Beautiful story from a beautiful writer. I'll be back to finish up the reading in the night. |
| Re: Divided Emotions by Nobody: 3:50pm On Dec 11, 2012 |
www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/8324544/ |
| Re: Divided Emotions by DAvIt0(m): 4:39pm On Dec 11, 2012 |
yaaay cool. front page @omolola1 today's dose |
| Re: Divided Emotions by Omolola1(f): 5:02pm On Dec 11, 2012 |
jay bee: Lool! DAvIt0: yaaay cool. front pageRight up! |
| Re: Divided Emotions by Omolola1(f): 5:02pm On Dec 11, 2012 |
jay bee: Lool! DAvIt0: yaaay cool. front pageRight up! Eze Promoe: Beautiful story from a beautiful writer. I'll be back to finish up the reading in the night. *blushing* thanks! |
| Re: Divided Emotions by Ice4jez(m): 5:13pm On Dec 11, 2012 |
yes oh congrat lola u re worth the front page .u can now update make we use am celebrate. |
| Re: Divided Emotions by Nobody: 5:43pm On Dec 11, 2012 |
Long over due! Loving this more Omolola. Still refreshing... |
| Re: Divided Emotions by Kgdavid(m): 5:55pm On Dec 11, 2012 |
immensely interesting and spell binding, in fact i got so engrossed that i began to hate you for making James suffer before snapping back to reality. however may i just say i think certain aspects are rather unrealistic? i.e 1. Kenneth is a little too perfect physically and otherwise plus their marriage is being painted as something marriage can never be...perfect. 2. the boy is way too girlish. at 13 no boy and his father are gonna be hugging and telling each other i love you every 3 minutes. the fact that he hasnt seen his father for a while should actually make him more shy of the man since he was nly six when he last saw him? in any case its a good read! |
| Re: Divided Emotions by Omolola1(f): 6:22pm On Dec 11, 2012 |
Kgdavid: immensely interesting and spell binding, in fact i got so engrossed that i began to hate you for making James suffer before snapping back to reality. however may i just say i think certain aspects are rather unrealistic? i.e 1. There are still marriages that are perfect. If you've read or observed Kenneth's thoughts, you'd know he is hurting badly within, but he puts his wife's feelings first before his. 2. You're forgetting that the boy is an only child, pampered and all. Why would he be shy of his father when he grew up adoring his memory? There are children like that, who are extremely close to both or one of their parents. Thanks for the observations anyway. It's appreciated. |
| Re: Divided Emotions by Omolola1(f): 6:25pm On Dec 11, 2012 |
Double post. |
| Re: Divided Emotions by Omolola1(f): 6:25pm On Dec 11, 2012 |
JAMES ENTERED the building that housed the Chemistry Department and stood outside the door of the room where Sonia lectured, his body wired. Four days ago Barb had given him Sonia's message. ..simply "I need to talk to you." He had no idea what that meant, but he'd decided to stay away a whole week so there'd be no more excuses, no chance for her to tell him she needed time to help her husband adjust to being home. He glanced at his watch. Almost two o' clock. One more minute and her class would be over. He'd been the nice guy long enough and relished the idea of catching her off guard. At precisely two, the class broke up and the students came pouring out of the amphitheater. Through the open door he could see her standing their in her stylish green suit, explaining something on the blackboard to a male student. James could only remember two female professors during his undergraduate studies at UNILAG. If any of them had looked like Sonia, he would've found an excuse to hang around all day. Kenneth Brown now had the privilege of being with Sonia all day...every day...for the rest of his life. He'd earned that right... James body stiffened. How naïve he'd been to believe that Divine was Kenneth's only edge. . . .The man is partially disabled. . . His impairment would bring out Sonia's nurturing instincts as nothing else could. Another hurdle more daunting than Divine. James waited behind the door until she came out, then followed her down the hall to her office. So far she hadn't seen him, but her sober expression convinced him she was anything but happy. . . .Have you even thought about me, Sonia?. . . She paused outside her office and searched in her bag for her keys. As soon as James saw their glint, he approached her and took them from her hand. She looked up in surprise. "James..." Her voice shook when she realized who it was. The urge to take her in his arms was all consuming, but they were in a public place. He put the key in the lock and opened the door, ushering them inside. To make certain they weren't disturbed, he shut it behind them just as quickly and locked it. "Miss me?" He demanded before crushing her in his arms. "Lord, Sonia. One week...it's been a lifetime..." He cupped her face in his hands and began devouring her mouth, reveling in the taste and feel of her. He'd dreamed of this moment, needed this physical release as much as he needed air to breathe. Caught up in his own desire, he didn't realize that the elusive something that had made their trip so magical wasn't there for Sonia. Desperate to recapture it, he instinctively turned them around in the still dark room, moving her against the door, so he could drive home his need of her. But he got the distinct impression she wasn't with him, that instead, she was allowing him to love her. Nothing could have cooled his blood faster. In an abrupt move, he tore himself away and switched on the light. James had been a lifeguard throughout his late teens and into the university. He'd pulled numerous drowning victims, hoping that it wasn't too late, that he could resuscitate them. Sonia's face reminded him of those faces. Victims in the throes of deep shock. Her eyes frantically searched his, begging for something. . . .What? Forgiveness? Oh, Lord. She was going to tell him she had to break off their engagement. Her eyes...they held so much pain. . . He stared down at her. "You said you had something to tell me." James didn't recognize his own voice. The sound coming out of her reminded him of rushing waters. "I do." She clasped her hands to her chest. He noted the absence of any ring on her finger, but that told him nothing. "So much, I hardly know where to begin." He raked a sun-bronzed hand through his hair. "Just say it, Sonia." "It isn't that simple. Please...sit down." "I can't." "Then I will." She sank into the chair at her desk, a rigid figure, looking like she'd crack at the slightest vibration. His hands had formed into fists. Somebody had to say it. "You've decided to stay with him." "I haven't decided to do anything," she returned in a dull voice, sending him into euphoric shock. "Thank God!" In the next instant he'd caught her up in his arms once more and rocked her the way he would a child. She began to cry. "What is it, sweetheart?" He whispered urgently against her wet cheek. "Talk to me. You can tell me anything." "I know. That's what makes this so hard. You're so wonderful. I'd never want to hurt you, but my life is out of c-control. I don't know where I am or what I feel. She said I had to get in touch with my feelin..." "She?" "Linda, the counselor." James frowned. Had Sonia already gone for professional help? "She told me that no matter how much everything hurt, I needed to be honest with you, and with Kenneth. Otherwise I'd never be able to take charge of my life." "She's right," James said fiercely. "Terrified as I am right now, I couldn't handle it if you lied to me." "I won't, but some of the things you hear, you're not going to like." "You're not going to like everything I have to say, either, sweetheart." With reluctance, he released her so they could both sit down. "Your husband has been my nemesis since the first day we met. His memory had such a stranglehold on you I wondered where I found the strength to keep on persisting. "That cruise was it, Sonia. If you hadn't reached out to me with your whole heart and soul, I would have walked away and never looked back." "Don't you think I realized that?" She blurted. "I loved you too much to let you go." A shudder racked his body. "But not anymore? Is that what you need to tell me?" He had to ask the question. She stared at him with wounded eyes. "My feelings for you haven't changed. How could they?" Her words reverberated in the tiny room. "But something else has." He kept on relentlessly, because he sensed there was more to come. "Has he made demands? Does he want six months...a year...to try to put your marriage together?" . . .That's what I would have demanded, Sonia. One year to make you fall in love with me all over again. No interference!. . . She was quiet too long. Her eyes refused to meet his. Suddenly she reached into her purse and handed him what looked like a letter. Had she written down what she couldn't say? Puzzled, he opened it, noticing immediately that it was a summons of some kind. Two names appeared. Kenneth Efosan Brown and Sonia Ebube Brown. It had been served yesterday. He turned to the next page. It was a standard complaint for divorce brought by Kenneth Brown, plantiff against Sonia Brown, defendant, for alienation of affection due to a seven-year absence of uncontrollable circumstances by war. "The plaintiff wishes that minor child, Divine, aged 13, remain in the custody of his mother. The plaintiff asks for full and liberal visitation rights which will require some travel time for minor child, as plaintiff will be residing outside Abaji, but within the Federal Capital Territory. The plaintiff stipulates that he will pay all insurance, medical and educational costs for the said child throughout the duration of his lifetime. The plaintiff further stipulates that an inheritance fund for said child has been established and will come due on said child's thirtieth birthday. The plaintiff asks that any funds or investments accrued prior to his leaving for war, which were used to pay for the purchase of current home, be considered as partial alimony to the defendant. Any investments still outstanding are to be continued and used at the discretion of the defendant. The plaintiff states that until such time as circumstances change and defendant remarries, a monthly alimony payment of N150,000.00 will be deposited in defendant's checking account. The plaintiff asks for no property since all purchases were made after he was MIA and considered dead." |
| Re: Divided Emotions by princemedico: 6:34pm On Dec 11, 2012 |
Nice piece of work you got there, though it seems more of American life than Nigeria. It gives a picture of the American life(like the leaving a message on the phone thing, among other things) with the name of Nigerian cities. Notwithstanding this a good work. 3 Likes |
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