Blemished Love

Synopsis: When love seems like a bed of roses until the past hits you so hard that your vows are the only thing you could hold on to.

Bring It On. Finally it's here, the long awaited story by Cbella.




So as the chief of this story am inviting you all to come and be comfortably seated.



Gloryejims
Evajael
Oly0511
Pinkfeet
Penshallom
Purples25

Pearl05:
Bring It On. Finally it's here, the long awaited story by Cbella.




So as the chief of this story am inviting you all to come and be comfortably seated.



Gloryejims
Evajael
Oly0511
Pinkfeet
Penshallom
Purples25

Present!

Pearl05:
Bring It On. Finally it's here, the long awaited story by Cbella.




So as the chief of this story am inviting you all to come and be comfortably seated.



Gloryejims
Evajael
Oly0511
Pinkfeet
Penshallom
Purples25

Present !

Copyright © 2018 by Loudest Thoughts

EPISODE 1


'Yes I Do', he replied with a grin.

He’s tall, slender with beards. Dressed in a white suit while his soon to be wife was fully clad in her beautiful white gown adorned with diamond stones.

Her heels gave her an extra height, as she is the petite type with a beautiful face. Her red lips and round hips are her best features.

While her husband had brown eyes she had blue eyes which could light a whole room of darkness. They always teased each other about their features and made fun of who was taller and shorter.

'Grissel do you take this man as your lawful wedded husband' the priest asked again for the second time.
Grissel was deep in thoughts.

“Babes are you okay?” Tom her husband to be asked with a shoulder tap.

He was every lady’s dream but that morning he belonged to his shy and gentle heartthrob.

“Huh!” she exclaimed.
'The priest asked a question' he announced with a frown.
'I'm sorry' she apologized to no one in particular.

Among the crowd were murmurings as to why she was so lost in her thoughts.

“We can continue”, she quietly announced to the old priest reading the vows.

They wrote their own vows but Grissel told him that morning when she sat beside him during the service that she had forgotten what she memorized.

Tom didn’t want to sound angry on his long awaited happy day so he quickly arranged for the church vows.

Tom glanced at her with an expression that informed her she's in for a lot of trouble. She was already having troubles picturing their honeymoon as she's not sure what to expect.

She was still in her thoughts when the smooth voice of the priest jerked her out.

'Do you take this man as your law.....?’ The priest was cut short.
Her red small lips went apart quickly. “Yes I do.”

Soon enough the church came to an end and the second part began. She found it difficult to blend in as her husband was giving her faces.
Like earlier on the dance floor, he totally ignored her when she asked what he was doing he could only manage a sigh.

'Were you having second thoughts.' he finally asked when they retired to their chair.
The noise and cheers from friends and family gave her headaches, she managed a frown.

'That’s what I thought', he concluded for her.
'No I wasn't Tom', I just wa....'

‘Tom can you tell us how you met this Angel.’ The M.C asked while the crowd cheered.

He hesitated for a while but Grissel gave him a slight touch on the thighs and he feigned a smile.
‘Don’t do this to me?’ She whispered.

***TBC

***

Tom picked up the microphone and cleared his throat. ‘So there was this day my car broke down in the middle of nowhere. I called up my family and friends who were all far from where I was. Then Austin’s call came in.’

The crowd murmured. ‘Smile Tom.’ Grissel whispered.

‘Okay my wife just whispered I love you.’ Everyone laughed and as usual the boys in the far corner were making noise.

Tom was lucky to have both American and African friends, so his normal day as a man full of dreams who had lots of girls flocking around him wasn’t boring.

‘Go on.’ The MC encouraged.

‘Austin said he had a friend who was closer so he was going to send the person to pick me. He forgot to mention it was a female.’ He paused and feigned a smile. ‘About some thirty minutes, this black beauty with her shades on pulled up and asked me to join her ride. I bluntly told her I wasn’t waiting for an escort then she mentioned Austin sent her.’

‘So at first sight you thought she was a call girl.’ The MC interrupted.
‘Yes, I mean she wasn’t dressed as one but she was a beauty.’

‘And you assumed every escort is a beauty.’ The MC scoffed this time.
‘Aren’t they all beautiful?’ There was distance laughter from within the crowd.

‘But mind you, my wife is the prettiest.’ He feigned a smile at her and looked straight at the MC who was standing in front of his table.
‘So what happened after that?’

‘The drive home was quiet and I figured she was the quiet type.' Tom grinned. 'I’m not sure if she noticed I was stealing glances and was sweating. I felt ready for marriage that very moment, you could call it love at first sight.’

‘Love at first sight huh.’ The MC stressed.

‘When i alighted, I had to apologize for thinking she was an escort. She just smiled and drove off.’ Tom grinned at this point. ‘I remember calling my aunty about this girl giving me sleepless night, she just laughed knowing how flirtatious I can be.

She didn’t believe me when I told her this one is for real.’

‘So you had a lot of girls huh.’

‘Trust me, more than you can think of but all that changed in Grissel’s car. I was attracted to her and wasn’t sure if it was her beauty because she didn’t speak a word in there with me.’

‘And you didn’t take her number Tom?’

‘I knew I would meet her again and luckily some few weeks after, Austin invited her for one of our usual drink ups.’
‘And there you got your moment.’

‘You should have seen me that day. I told Austin look man, I hope this girl isn’t your wife. He replied with a smile and my world fell apart.’
‘You thought you lost her?’ He asked.

‘Yes, he should have just given me an answer to my question. I finally had to talk to him again and he said she’s all mine but I wouldn’t like what I see.’

‘What does he mean you wouldn’t like what you see? Was Grissel some sort of hard nut to crack?’

‘A very tough one, it took me two years and here we are today. It turned out she’s just the gentle and stubborn type who probably have met some blockheaded men along the line so she chose to be reserved.’

Tom hadn’t noticed Grissel was pushing her tears back at that moment.
‘So how do you feel today?’ The MC and everyone’s eyes were fixated on him.

He looked around confused.

‘Tom, how do you feel after cracking the nut?’
‘Wait for it. I’m looking for the right word.’ He laughed.

‘Listen everyone, I think the man of the moment has something up his sleeves.’ The crowd cheered.
‘I can call you Danny right?’ He asked the MC.
‘Yeah sure.’ He replied

‘When you were a child you always wanted a toy right?’
‘Yes at some point.’ Danny replied and wasn’t sure where Tom was going with that.

‘Do you always get your toys that easily?’ Tom looked Danny straight in the eyes probably to find out if he was telling lies.
‘Not a chance, it takes a miracle to get my desired toys.’

‘How do you feel any time your parents deny your request?’ Tom asked again.
‘I cry and make a scene.’

‘Great, and now that you are of age how do you feel?’
‘Gosh I can get the whole damn world if I so wish.’ Danny responded smiling.

‘There you have your answer. Not to say my wife is a toy but I used to cherish my toys back then. My family can attest to that.’ He glanced at his family.
Julia and Melisa smiled from the front where they sat. ‘That’s true.’ Julia shouted out.

‘I can buy the whole dam world with Grissel by my side.’ He turned to Grissel who had supported her jaw with her hands watching Tom speak.
‘Aww, that’s a nice one.’ Danny blushed.

‘And wait. This is to Austin, I would cherish this toy you brought into my life and I promise never to make her cry so you can stop doing due diligence anytime you and I quarrel.’

‘I will boss.’ He shouted from the far right corner while everyone else laughed.
‘Grissel do you have anything to say. I mean your husband just promised you the whole damn world.’

She just broke down with tears. Tom wasn’t sure if he should hug her at that moment because aside the nice things he said which were from his heart he was still confused about her reaction in the church auditorium.

‘OMG, he just made her cry when he promised earlier never to make her cry.’ Danny teased.
He knew Grissel wasn’t the Public display affection type so he wiped her eyes with the back of his hands and held onto her tightly.

‘Austin, don’t come for my head yet, that wasn’t me. I guess she meant to say I love you.’ Tom made everyone laugh with tears at that point.
‘Now, isn’t that Love.’ That came from someone from the crowd.

'Grissel congratulations,’ her elder sister came hugging her.
That was the last time they spoke before the party came to an end.

***
The drive to their matrimonial home was quiet as it seems Tom was still angry over her wife's reaction in church.

Tom and Grissel never had a thing for honeymoons out of town. They both agreed on a night in their new home.
The movers brought their things in two weeks to their wedding while they both supervised the interior decorator who worked on the arrangements.

They had the bedroom decorated specially for the wedding night where they both stayed away from before the wedding. She did a good work with the shades of blue in the room.

Soon they arrived at their gate where their driver for that day got down to open up the gate.

On other days, Tom would have rushed to open the door for her to get down but he just got out of the car and walked into the house but it almost seemed as if something else was bothering him.

Grissel shook her head while walking briskly to meet him inside on his way up.
'You practically tried to hurt my lips with that violence kiss.' She said when the door closed behind them.

'What are you driving at Grissel?'
'All I'm saying is you tried to hurt me back there in church.'

'Okay, I’m sorry.’
‘Just that?’

‘What else do you want me to say Grissel.’
‘You can start with the reason why you hurt my lips.’

‘After all the nice things I said out there from my heart all you could think of right now is hurt lips.’
‘Yes, it’s equally important and I want to know why you hurt me.’

‘Maybe you can start with why you forgot our vows when you told me last night you memorized it.’
‘It just happened Tom but right now we are not talking about that but my lips.’

Tom turned and looked at her standing in the middle of the hall as if she was glued to that spot. He realized her constant mention of hurting her lips wasn’t the problem but walking upstairs. His wife was scared.

He walked closer to her and reached out for her lips. Tom had always been the first to say sorry since he had anger issues like his dad. So that moment wasn’t different as he’s been trying so hard over the years not to become like his dad.

‘Look it’s true I hurt your lips. Forgive me.’ He held her head and brought his lips onto hers and gave her a passionate kiss just the way she liked it.

Tom broke the kiss after a few minutes. ‘There you go, does that make up for what I did.’
She nodded coyly and still stood at the point she was since they came in.

He watched her fumbled with her hands and the next thing she knew Tom had carried her climbing the stairs. He dropped her at the entrance of the door and locked up.

‘Why do you have to carry me here?’
‘Because that is what newlyweds do and this is your room now.’

‘Aah okay, I forgot.’ She feigned a smile.
‘Now you know so can you freshen up, I will be waiting for you.’

Tom winked giving her a clue.
'What for?’ She asked naively.

‘Our wedding night.’
‘Please I'm tired, can't we postpone?' She asked with fear lacing her voice.

'That wasn't what we agreed on Grissel.'
'I know I said no sex before marriage and now we are married but I'm tired tonight.'

Tom shook his head, watching his wife of twelve hours ago UnCloth herself shyly while hiding her body alongside. He decided to let it go as she’s worth the wait.

He has tried initiating sex for as far as he could remember during courtship but his wife wouldn’t agree to it. Tom loves and adores Grissel so he had to let her win all the time like he was about to do now.

‘Alright, I can wait one more night Grissel.’
‘Thank you Tom, I know it’s selfish of me but you are the best.’ She smiled happily.

He gave her a sad look, took off his wears and walked to the bathroom in his boxers bare chested.
‘Love, you have a call.’ Grissel shouted out to him minutes after.

‘Okay, just a minute,’ he came out with drops of water on his face, picked up his phone and hit the recall button.
'Hello,' he said to the other caller. The rest was him nodding his head and then hanged up.

'Why didn't I do this sooner,’ he whispered to himself with an expression her wife couldn’t read.
'Tom is everything okay', Grissel asked when she saw how he sat abruptly on the bed.

'Yeah, just work.’
But he felt an adrenaline surge through his body and he couldn't wait any longer. He closed his eyes, opened it immediately and tried to walk closer to her.

She turned around and got startled.
'Jeez Tom, you scared me.' She said with her hand across her chest as she wasn’t done undressing and she didn’t want to seem like she was so shy about her body.

'I'm sorry about church, I should have paid attention last night when you were fidgeting over how your first night would be like.'
'Yeah you should have, maybe I wouldn't have gone to church today thinking about it.' She replied with fear.

'Forgive me, can we take it slow now?' he said caressing her hands which he held earlier when she got startled.
He always had a way with his words. Grissel always found solace in his words since they met.

But she realized he seemed worked out and angry even when he meant to sweet talk her.
'Tom I'm sorry, you just have to wait for tomorrow. I thought you agreed earlier to let it go for tonight.'

'Come on Grissel this is so childish, we are married for heaven’s sake.'
She ignored his ranting’s and walked away into the washroom.

Grissel came back in her long red night gown and sat on their bed.

Tom has a thing for Red's. At that moment he wasn't thinking right, he walked closer to his wife who was about to pray.

Grissel was caught off guard, all she realized was her night gown getting ripped off, her strength giving her away slowly and Tom on top of her doing his own press up.

She yelled to him to reconsider. She cried loudly and tried throwing tantrums. He seemed to have heard her pleas so he paused at a point and took it slow while still pinning her down.

The room went dark, as if her yells had the ability to turn off the power but she just hadn’t noticed her hands hit the external light switch.
She tried to push him away but his strength was much more than hers.

Her sobbing’s filled the room, her tears soiled her face. She has no idea what else soiled the bed but she could feel it so wet.

At a point he released the grip on her and Grissel had a perfect chance to get away but she looked into his eyes through her teary eyes and their gazes met.

She saw pure lust in his eyes but there was a certain feeling running through her body at that moment she felt she wasn't a victim anymore.
Tom looked away and forgot he released his grip earlier. He kissed her slowly from the neck region to her chest.

She thought for a moment what she has to lose when he hasn't complained for the past minutes. Seems what she was afraid of didn’t matter to Tom at all.

Grissel moaned away through her sobbing’s, though in pain but responded to every touch and thrust.
He gave his final thrust and collapsed on her. She pushed him off with a certain force and gathered the sheet to cover herself.

She was in a semi sitting position while her husband pushed up his pants and sat at the edge of the bed with his hands on his head.
'Are you satisfied,' she managed to ask after a long sigh and tears.

She picked herself up from the bed gently, struggled through her walking to the bathroom unclad.
She spent almost the rest of the evening in the bath tub.

'Did I just get defiled by my husband?’ She forced a smile. She wasn’t so sure why she smiled that way when she was in tears earlier.

Grissel shook her head then her eyes fell on the medicine bottle on the washroom shelf. She got out of the tab and picked it up reading the inscription on it carefully.

Her eyes lit with joy as she took out three capsules and drop them in her mouth. Getting herself back into the tub, she fetched the running water into her mouth and swallowed so hard.

After a few minutes of trying to wash the sweat off her body she got out and wiped herself dry. With her towel wrapped around her body, she came out still struggling to walk.

Grissel realized Tom had already changed the sheets and was fast asleep. That made her wonder how long she spent in the bathroom.

She let out a heavy sigh and picked up her pillow heading out of her room then she remembered Tom hadn’t said anything since the act. He just slept off.

Grissel looked back at her husband coiled under the duvet and walked back. ‘I can’t let two years of hard work go down the drain.’ She muttered painfully.

She stood at her side of the bed and glared at him then laid herself gently beside him.
“Forgive Grissel, you were at fault too.’ She murmured to herself and pulled the duvet over her head.

*****TBC

Another one.

. Nice one. Let me wait and understand why Grissel was scared of her wedding night. Did anything happened to her in the past?

Tom sef I still dey look you.


It's too early to start commenting anyways, let me watch as it unfolds.

EPISODE 2

Grissel woke up late. It was the first time she was oversleeping.
'Gosh my body hurts', she complained to herself yawning. It was just as if she forgot herself and the events of last night.
'Tom are you in the study?'

She called out and walked out of bed and her legs hit her torn night gown on the floor. She looked down and as if the same force from last night pushed her wedding night into her brain.
Grissel walked back slowly to the bed and had a seat.

As if her tears were sent a special invite, they flowed freely.
'Tom I hate you. This is not how to start.'
She stood up and paced around.

'Okay get it together, he is your husband now and the man you love.' She murmured to herself while picking up a blouse and slipped it on.
He located her blue flip flops on the rack and the next thing was the sound of the door banging.
***
Tom was seated in his office on a Sunday which was supposed to be their thanksgiving.
His office door flung open which startled him.

‘Aunty wh...at are you do...ing here,’ he asked stuttering.
She gave him a look which explains she knows something.
‘Mike called you didn’t he?’

‘What were you thinking Tom?’
‘I’m sorry Aunty, I didn….’

‘Hold it, tell that to your wife when you get home.’
"I can’t go back to that house."

‘Oh you will, pack up your stuff now.’ His Aunt yelled.
‘I’m not going with you besides I can’t look her in the face.’
‘You will when I drag you there.’

‘What exactly did Mike tell you?’
Tom called Mike when he sneaked out to his office and narrated the events of last night to him, hoping he would keep his mouth shut.

“What is wrong with you?” Julia was fuming with anger. “Did I not raise you well enough?”
‘Aunty this is not about raising me well.’

‘Should it be about defiling your innocent wife of just twelve hours and then hide in this office when you should be home ashamed of yourself?’
‘Innocent indeed.’ He murmured to himself.

“What did you just say?”
“Nothing, I just coughed.”
“Stupid boy, get yourself in your car now.”

“What if I don’t want to go Aunty?’
‘You want a harassment case filed by your wife right.’
‘She dare not do that.’ He raised his voice with fear. ‘That’s not even possible and besides she has no proof.’

‘I guess you are forgetting where she works Tom. Just get yourself out into the car already.’
‘Okay,’ he said with a skipped heart and picked up his car keys.’

“I will drive behind you.’ His Aunty said.
‘We would have to pass by KFC.’

“What for Tom.”
‘It’s almost lunch time, I want to get some food for us.’

‘That’s not important now, Grissel will make lunch.’
‘How sure are you,’ he said and frowned.

‘I know Grissel, she knows her responsibility even in difficult times.’
‘But I’m hungry now, I didn’t get to eat breakfast because she was fast asleep.’ Tom feigned hunger. ‘What makes you think she would be up getting lunch?’

"Whose fault was that. And what makes you think she isn't up preparing lunch."
‘Okay, let’s not go there. I can still get back to KFC in case your instincts fail you.’ He announced quickly.

‘Trust your wife, she loves you.’
‘Love.’ He mentioned and smiled.

‘Looks like you are not happy about that news.’
‘Oh I am, I get to eat home made meal,’ he feigned a smile.

‘Let’s get going.’ Her Aunt announced.
They both walked out and got into their cars.

Julia, who took over her sister’s responsibility since she died giving birth to Tom feels she over pampered him. She did everything like her sister asked. Because of Tom and her sister she never got married and never given birth as young as she was then.

She accepted Grissel when he brought her home and treated her like her own. She just loved the girl.

Grissel is the gentle type. Hardly talks about what’s bothering her which Tom seemed not to have a problem with. She was certain they loved each other after a year of being friends and another year of dating. But his demeanor earlier gave her second thoughts.

‘Was he fooling them all this while just to destroy Grissel like he did to the other women.’
Julia was still in her thoughts when her phone rang.

‘Mike, yes I got him. We are on our way home though I planned leaving him at the gate.’
‘Thanks a lot Aunty.’ Mike responded at the other end of the call.

‘I should be thanking you. Let’s talk when I get home.’ She said and hanged up.
In no time they were packing in front of the house.
‘I messed up and I'm sorry. No, she won't believe that.’

He shook his head.
‘I love you and I didn't mean to hurt you. Which love?’

Tom who was rehearsing how to apologize to his wife stopped when his Aunt knocked on his glass.
He opened it reluctantly.
Julia sat down and gave him a scornful look.

‘Now you will get in there and apologize to Grissel.’
‘Wait, you are not coming in with me?’ He asked hoping for a positive answer.’

No I am not.’
‘Why, I thought you will help me out in case she sends me packing.’
‘It seems you don't know your wife at all.’

‘I do, just that this is a different case and I wished I had some one accompanying me.’
‘Really, who was there when you jumped on her like an animal?’ Julia yelled. ‘Just get in there and tell her whatever comes to your mind.’

‘I can't do this.’
‘You can, look that lady loves you more than you even do yourself.’

‘How do you know that?’ Tom knew he was wrong about last night but it seems something else is worrying him.
‘I know everything Tom, from your escapes down to Amy's abortion.’

‘Huh!’ He exclaimed.
‘Oh yeah, Seattle new Hospital.’

‘Aunty?'
‘Don't Aunty me.’
‘How di... d yo.. u..'

‘Imagine I know, who else knows.’
Tom gave her a weird look.

'Gris....’
‘Yeah she knows son and hasn't said anything about it.’

Tom looked so ashamed of himself and kept his head down on the steering.
‘You are ashamed, I get that Tom but your wife wasn't ashamed. She freaked out when she found out but I intervened.’

He nodded.
'Do you know what she said?'
Tom shook his head again.

'Look at me son.'
He raised his head slowly unable to look Julia in her eyes.

'She forgave you Tom.'
'You think so?' He asked.

‘Yeah, she knew about Amy and then went ahead with this marriage.' Julia reassured him.
‘I don’t trust that forgiveness.’ He whispered.

‘Would you have preferred she confronted you and cancelled the wedding because I don't see how that would have solved anything?’
'But she could be planning something evil Aunty.’
‘Shut up you ingrate. I stopped her from confronting you.'

'Thank you.' That’s all he managed to say at that point realizing there is sense in what Julia was talking about.
'Now you will go in there and clean up your mess.’

‘I thought I had reasons for what I did last night Aunty but it’s so clear Grissel is my wife now.’
‘Reasons?’ She asked raising her brows.
‘But it’s all cleared now.’ He said.

‘I know first nights can be overwhelming and you keep thinking whatever goes wrong and right had reasons but son it’s all in your head.’ She advised. ‘Get over yourself because you are married now.’

‘Though your advice is late but I have no other choice than to take it.’ He managed a sigh while Julia got out without looking back.
She walked into her car, got on her steering and drove off. Tom got out reluctantly.

‘She will forgive me, I know but would I be able to forgive her. What am I even saying.' he hit his head so hard and decided to sneak in first before driving in.

He opened the gate slowly and entered. He was glad he hasn't got that security yet. The door was just as he left it. He entered and the aroma froze him in front of the door.

He knew where that was coming from so he walked towards the kitchen so as not to make lots of noise.
He stood at the entrance watching through the curtain.

Grissel who was so tired after just two sauces, a pack of fries and one cartoon of chicken leaned against the wooden table that the kitchen appliances were connected to.
She never gets tired but she's not so sure why she's so tired that afternoon.

Tom kept peeping. ‘I love this lady.’ He thought.
He walked into the kitchen and Grissel didn't even notice she got company.

'Enough for two?'
She jumped up.

'Sorry I startled you,' he walked over standing in front of her.
Grissel looked up from where she kept her face when she got startled.

'This chicken tastes amazing.' He said leaning against the table closer to his wife.
He looked her in the face and wondered why she was smiling.
'What?' He asked sheepishly.

'Nothing, just the way you are munching the chicken reminds me of the fi.....
'The first time I told you I love the fried chicken you made.'

'Yeah.' She responded with a smile.
There was a cold wave that introduced itself into the room and silence engulfed them.

'I'm sure you must be hungry, let me just get the table set.'
She announced out of the blue and was walking away when he held her back.

'Do you think we could talk later?'
'Okay, let me just get your food ready.'

‘Get some rest Grissel. I will set up the table.’
'Huh', she exclaimed with a surprise grin on.

'Oh don't give me that look. I know how to do that at least.' He grinned and walked away fetching plates.
'Alright, I will wait in the dinning.' Grissel walked out while constantly looking back.

***TBC

Come and update please.

Give us your update plan so we can have your wrist when you defaults.

Pearl05:
Come and update please.

Give us your update plan so we can have your wrist when you defaults.

Lolz... I will drop soon! Update plan emmmm... Hold on.

***

Julia got home and slumped on the sofa.
'Aunty, where did you go this early?' Melisa asked coming from the kitchen with a napkin in her hands.

Julia looked so exhausted and just rolled her eyes.
'Did you just roll your eyes?'

'No my eyes rolled itself, come on Mel, I'm not in the mood to exchange words today.'
'I'm sorry, but you left without waking me up, I've been waiting since morning till breakfast got cold and lunch is ready.'

'Sorry, I had an emergency. Can we eat now? I'm sure you must be hungry.'
'Emergency?'
'Yes.'

'And you couldn't leave a note.'
'It won't happen again Mel. Can you let this go already.' Julia was getting fed up with her niece getting over suspicious.

She knew how Melisa could make an issue of every small thing.
'Was it Tom again? Has his marriage crashed already?'

'Melisa,' Julia yelled with an expression that gave her out.
'Wow, so that was it.' She smiled mischievously.

'Be happy for your brother and his new family and stop wishing evil comes their way.’ Julia winced. ‘I've always told you, if I were to wish your mom evil you both wouldn't be in this world now.' Julia finally said almost in tears. She knew that was the only thing that would put a stop to their unhealthy conversation.

Melisa rushed off to the sofa.' I'm sorry. I promise to be good from now on.'
'Thank you, I'm hungry. Can we go to the dinning now?' Julia quickly changed the topic and stood up.

'But what was the deal with you and mom anyway,' she asked curiously leading her to the dining.
'You this smart girl. Give up already.'

'Okay, sit here. Let me get your food.' Mel announced and disappeared into the kitchen smiling. She loved her aunty so much that her tears became her weakness.

'Necessary Evil.' Julia whispered to herself after she left.
‘But you know Grissel is too young for Tom right?’ She yelled out from the kitchen.

‘Come on, she’s twenty eight and married to a thirty year old which I wish was you.’ Julia knew it was wrong to compare the both of them but she knew that was the only way to shut her up.

Luckily, she never said another word but came out with food on a tray and a gloomy grimace on.
****
Melisa was five years when her mom left home one early morning to give birth to Tom and never came back. She hated Tom for their mom’s death. Though they both somehow accepted it was fate when they grew up and moved on, they hardly got along.

Melisa being a party girl, though not the high class type knew how to have good fun.
She had several failed relationships that cut her deep.

She wasn’t the type to say “I have tried and failed, so let me give up.”
Melisa always had men flocking around her even to her door step but she wasn’t done having fun yet to settle down.

Somehow Julia felt her niece was becoming another version of herself and she disliked it so much. At sixty, she was still single and her niece had clocked thirty five and wanted nothing to do with marriage.

Since her sister died, she hadn't thought of men. It had always been work and the kids. She felt she owed her that much. Besides she couldn’t leave two young children alone in a foreign land.

Julia always thought of going back to Ghana with the kids but she hoped when they grew up they would make that decision for themselves.
Julia and her sister Joyce came down to the states in their youthful age. They worked to gain the freedom they enjoyed presently in the foreign land.

She always told the children, “In those days, things were a lot easier than they are now.”

The children's father was a topic she never hid from them. Melisa had several memories of him leaving when their mom got pregnant, something about not wanting another child.

Melisa was a Doctor by profession but stopped practicing suddenly while Tom worked for Arts Engineering Ltd as their manager. She however took over her Aunty’s event planning business which she managed not to ruin over time.

******TBC




Thanks Mom for the extra set of eyes.

EPISODE 3

They ate in silence. Tom and chicken were twins. Chicken time always meant quiet time for Tom.
But that afternoon was different, he suddenly had a lot to say.

Grissel could feel it because he kept stealing glances.
'Tom stop doing that.' She announced.

'Doing what?'
'The weird glances.'

'I wanted to ask if you ever thought of going back home.'
'Home?'
'Yes, it would be good for you.'

'I'm sorry about last night. I can be better today, just don't send me back.'
'Wait, I'm not sending you home as in to your sister’s place. But I mean Ghana. It's been ten years and you never mentioned anything about visiting.' He clarified.

She sighed heavily. ‘I don't need to go. I talk to Mom regularly and I'm not sure I need to be home anytime soon besides she came over for our engagement.’

'But you need some family around Grissel.'
'I have my sister, that's enough and you are now family too.'

'And Aubrey too.' He added.
'Aubrey,' she repeated without any expression.
'Yes.'

'Who is that?’ She asked focusing on her meal.
Tom was suddenly quiet.
‘Tom,’ she called out before he blinked.

'Are you okay.'
'Yeah, absolutely.’ He feigned a smile.
'Who is Aubrey?' She asked again.

'Ooh that, I was referring to your sister’s husband.'
'But he's not Aubrey.'
'Adam, I mean. The decorators name is still ringing in my head I guess.' He lied.

'You just need to forgive him, but I had no problem with the turn out of the reception. I don’t see why you nearly punched him Tom.' Grissel changed the topic.
'You call that quack job, good.'

'But it's in the past now, just forgive him, next time maybe your sister can get over her pride and help with the event planning.'
'Forget Mel, but that punch would have made your heart drop into your stomach.' He teased.
'You sure know me well.'

'Do I?' He sighed.
Grissel raised her head from the plates where she bent it a second ago to pick up chicken from her plate.
'That was a joke right?' She asked with a serious face on looking directly into his eyes.

Tom was suddenly quiet and looked apologetic.
'I got you right there,' he suddenly burst into a hilarious laughter.

Grissel didn't find it funny at all. She wore a worried grin on.
'Come on, I was just trying to make a conversation and apologize for last night.’ He muttered. ‘You don't have to forgive me yet but it won't happen again.’

Grissel kept her worried face on him unable to tell if he was lying earlier.
'Grissel, I said I'm sorry and don’t sue me.'

'Ahaaa.'
'Is that all you are going to say.' He had no idea what’s going on with that expression on her face, her attention was on him but maybe her mind was occupied with different thoughts. Tom guessed.

'Grissel', He called out to her.
'Tom, it's okay. I'm fine and I'm glad we talked about it. And for your information you are my husband, I can’t sue you for what I happened to enjoy myself.' She said hurriedly and stood up with her plates.

'Really, you enjoyed?’ Tom's eyes almost popped out.
She paused and nodded with her back facing him.

‘Is this girl for real right now?’ A tiny voice whispered to him and he quickly shrugged it off in his surprised state.
‘Okay, I know you might be thinking I let you off the hook easily but it was my fault same as it was yours as well.’ She tried to force a smile which appeared on her face foolishly.

‘Are you for real?’ He finally asked the question his mind had wanted to ask earlier.
‘Yeah, we are okay Tom.’

‘Thank you but where are you going? You haven't finished your meal.' He asked when she took some few steps away from him again.
'I'm full and tired. Want to get some rest after here.’ She still said with her back facing him.

'Are you sure that's all or you just can't forgive me yet.' He asked worried.
'No,' she responded with her back facing him and not so sure which of the questions she responded to.

Grissel stood an inch from the table with her eyes shut for seconds and then she opened them quickly with a painful look which drew lines on her forehead. She finally turned around masking her expression earlier with a fake smile which Tom hardly noticed because when it came to Grissel everything about her is genuine.

She walked over dropping her plate on the table and leaned over sealing his opened lips with hers.
He responded weakly, that wasn't his idea of apologizing. He wanted a real talk because he had a lot of things to talk about.

'Gri..ss..el, le..t's t..alk first.' He said in between their clenched teeth’s.
'No,' she responded.

Tom shut his eyes immediately and opened it, he wasn’t so sure what had come over his shy wife.
'Okay, ar..e y..ou su..re,' he managed to ask with his breathe increasing.

'Come with me,' Grissel finally let go of his lips and whispered into his ears.
'I thought you were tired earlier.'

'Don't ruin the moment Tom.' She feigned a smile when Tom was not looking.
Tom stared, was that his wife. He thought silently and followed her gesture.

***
Grissel came to the states to pursue her educational dreams.
She did extremely well and was lucky to get a job at the firm she practiced with.

She had always wanted to be a lawyer like her father. After he died, her mom a retired nurse sacrificed everything to send her over to the states to pursue her dream. Grissel was just eighteen when she came to the states though very young her mom didn’t want the opportunity of studying law to pass her by and she checked up on her regularly.

Grissel was the only child and her mom had always been so proud of her.
Jessy’s mom is a Ghanaian and her Dad an American so when she met another Ghanaian in her class they became family. Jessy was one of her lecturers, who was married to Adam Riggs.

As fate would have it she got along with Grissel since she joined her law class in her first year. Jessy was always amazed at the level of knowledge she had about law and took her in. They both had to depend on each other several times along the line. Jessy became her sister, confidant and everything far from home.

*****TBC

*****

'I would be there soon Henry.'
She smiled to herself on the phone.

Melisa had no idea Julia was standing behind her in the hall way until she saw her reflection on the glass window.
Melisa hanged up quickly. Her Aunty never liked Henry she felt he was bad news anytime he spent time with her niece.

'Going somewhere this late?' She queried.
Melisa turned around like a child, smiling mischievously.

'Okay, I know you don't like Henry but I have to meet him soon. We have a night out.'
'Alright,' she responded quickly and walked away while Melisa followed.

'Aunty, it's not what you think.’ She tried to clarify. ‘Your precious Grissel is out of hook ups for now. We are just hanging out for a few drinks.'
'I didn't ask you for an explanation. You know what's good for you.'
'You seem a little angry.'

'I'm not angry but just call me to pick you up when you feel too drunk to drive. You don't want what happe......'
'Yeah I get it, you don't want another accident happening soon.'

She smiled and gave her a hug, picked up her bag on the sofa and rushed out before Julia could start another lecture.
Julia shook her head worriedly.
***
'Do you think we just made our first child?'
He asked smooching her face which was facing the ceiling with her head on his chest. Grissel rolled her eyes unintentionally and then realized she was in his arms. She tried to smile but couldn’t.

'Grissel, are you with me?'
'Yeah but I'm not sure to your other question.'
'Wow, don't hurt my ego lady,' he said jokingly.

'Ahaaa, I got you right there,' she feigned a smile and raised herself up pulling up her wears.
'Are you going somewhere?' He asked locating his shorts lying by the sofa in the hall.

'Clear the lunch table and get this hall cleaned up before someone walks in here.'
'Someone like who. Grissel this is our home, who cares if we lie here all day. I might even cut you some slack if there's no dinner tonight.' He winked.

'Tom that's not happening.' She hit him on the shoulder and walked away.
'You know you just ruined the fun right?' He announced as Grissel walked away.
'Stop whining and help here with the plates.' She shouted out from the dining.

He pulled on his shirt and held on the couch to stand up.
‘Can we shower down together after clean up.’ He asked walking up to the dinning section.

‘Anything you want Tom but only after we are done with the dishes.’ She smiled mischievously to his direction.
Though Tom was relieved from the happenings the previous night, he couldn’t help but wonder how her wife quickly recovered from the traumatic experience.

‘That earlier was weird.’ He muttered quietly reaching out for a bowl on the table while Grissel seemed lost cleaning up.
‘What was weird?’ She asked pausing what she was doing.
‘Nothing, I was referring to something else.’

‘Tom, don’t lie now.’ She sounded angry.
‘I meant we have to talk at a point.’

‘Talk about?’ She opened her eyes widely.
‘You not wanting to talk about last night and the sex earlier was not expected.’

She rudely dropped the plates on the table and rolled her eyes.
‘I already told you talking about it isn’t worth it.’ She raised her voice at him. ‘It’s not like you can help me forget so let’s not mention it again.’
‘But you are making me feel bad and I j…’

‘Were you supposed to feel good about molesting your wife?’ She asked with her eyes fixated on him without budging.
‘I didn’t mean to rub it in but I ju..s..t w.a…’ He stuttered with a regrettable face and paused.

‘You just what?’ I want to forget this so please let’s not bring it up ever again.’
She threw the napkin on her shoulders onto the table with the attempt of rushing off.

'Grissel, wait up.' He held on to her before she could run off.
'What?' She asked pushing her tears back.

'I thought we were okay earlier.'
'You were okay Tom because, I told you I was.’ She snugged out from his grasp. ‘Who is ever okay after this experience?'
'But you said I was forgiven and we even made lo...'

'Made love?' She scoffed. ‘Tom that was an obligation.'
'An obligation?' He repeated painfully.
'Yes, I did you a favor as a wife Tom.' She spewed out with an expression that showed was serious.

'Grissel, what do you want me to do when you were ou....'
'Save it.' I don't want to hear it.' She quickly rushed off while Tom's mouth was still opened.

Tom watched her almost falling down but she quickly got her balance back and vanished into their room.
He decided to let her cool off and then continued with her cleaning.

*****
Melisa pulled into the Champs bar parking lot which was her favorite joint because it got the caliber of men she ends up with at the end of the night.
She discovered Champs when Tom moved into that area and Julia dragged her along to help with packing of his stuff.

Anytime she came to the area Melisa knew she was safe as it is just an hour drive from Tom’s house.
She straightened her hair and got out and was locking up her door when Henry yelled out.

'Mel, here', he called out to her.
'Relax, let me just lock up.' She retorted to Henry who was standing a few meters away from the parking lot.

Mel finally walked to where he was standing.
'Let’s go inside,' she gave her friend a bear hug.

They walked to their favorite table and signaled to the waitresses who gestured back.
'Hope your Aunty didn't give you any fake tears this time.'
Mel rolled her eyes.

'Sorry I get it,' she's off limits.'
'Glad we are on the same page Henry.'

Just then the waiter walked to their table.
'The usual,' Henry announced once she noticed the waitress with her notebook and pen between her lips.

She nodded and was turning away when Melisa called her back.
'I will get Soda water for tonight. The gentle man will take his usual vodka.'

'Okay, that's strange.’ She whispered and left immediately after.
Henry, looked at her friend and smiled. Melisa on the other hand was looking around as the bar was quiet and not fun as usual.
'Spill it Mel.'

'What is there to spill?'
'You taking Soda water?'

'Oh that, I guess I'm just too full tonight.' She replied.
'Are you sure or you've found him.' Henry queried.

'Him? You mean my Dad?'
'Really, may I remind you we both know the where about of Mr. Addison.'
'Great, then let's change the topic.'

'I remember you telling me, you would stop taking vodka when you meet Mr. Right.'
'Well I haven't yet, today happens to be one of those days I meant to shame the devil.'

'I'm the devil then.' He frowned.
'No, I didn't mean you.'

'Who else is with you here?'
'Okay I'm sorry. Forgive me love.'
'Love? That won't make me forgive you now'

'I will take our usual.’ She feigned a smile. ‘Is that enough to make you forgive me?'
'Now my friend is back,' Henry stood up with a cheerful smile and signaled to the waitress which he spotted walking back with their orders.
The waitress understood and went back.

*****
Melisa wanted to cut down her drugs and alcohol intake. A decision she made the last time she met her Dad. Though she despised her Dad, sometimes she felt he had other reasons for leaving their mom.

They met several times when she was five and she kept it to herself.
Not that she cared what about her dad’s long speech on addiction but she doesn't want to end up like him and that night was not about obeying her dad.

She had a feeling something was off about the night as her usual men were not at the high table as if they all decided not to come in that night.
Morris Addison who left Tom’s mom for the same reasons known to everyone became a shadow of himself, buried himself in work and drinking but he somehow got his old self back when Tom turned five. He had his friends advising him, Tom looks exactly like him so he should clean up his life and reach out so he did.

He never re-married and has been trying for years to reach out to his children. Mr. Addison knew he failed his children so he buried himself in his job as an Import and Export Specialist with his own company.
*****
'Girl you are sweating. Are you okay? You barely touched your drink.'
She feigned a smile and picked up her glass of vodka.
Before they knew it, they were on their sixth glass.

'Mel, you promised me Grissel, yet I still don't have her.' He said while checking his phone.
'Yeah, see how that turned out. You were too slow Henry.'

'Slow, your brother just didn't want her to be mine. I won't give up though.'
‘You should.’
'She's my dream woman, Mel.'

'Dream woman? You still don't believe she's a love peddler. Do you?'
'I don't care Grissel, just get my love back. You know, you owe me.'

'Henry, let's not go there.’ She put on a serious face. ‘I must admit I hate Grissel's gut but Tom has made his choice. Just let it go.'
'I'm not going to Mel, i love her. And you are going to help me out.' He said finally and took his last glass.
***
Julia worried all night. She knew Melisa would end up in either Henry's or one of her numerous rich men’s bed if she doesn't go after her.
Her niece never regrets her intimacy with Henry or anyone else and Julia blamed herself all the time for how she turned out.

‘Did they stay too long in another man's land or she took better care of Tom than her sister.’ She sighed and pulled in front of Champs.
She saw her car in the drive way and whispered to herself.

'Thank God. She’s still here.' She smiled weakly.
Just then they both came out fighting with their balance. Julia thought she saw someone rolling her glass up with his hands when she drove in but she shrugged it off since it was from afar.

'You sure, you don't want to follow me home?' Henry asked scratching his head. He always looked sober even after a lot of drinks.
'Nope, I have lots of planning to do for some clients tomorrow so I better get going.'

'Are you sure? You could drive behind me so we continue back home.'
'Whose home?'

They heard a familiar voice behind them. Henry saw Julia first and walked away briskly to his car.
'Mel, see you next Sunday.' he waved his car keys in the air.
She watched him drive away and turned to her Aunty's direction.

'What are you doing here?'
'Nothing, I was in the neighborhood and since you didn't get back before I left, I decided to check on you.'
'Great.' Melisa replied surprising her.

'You are not angry?'
'Why should I?' She questioned Julia barely standing straight.
'I mean you usually snub me when I come around to pick you up.'

'Ooh so, that's it. You came to pick me up.'
'I'm sorry. I was worried about you.'
'Yeah I know and it's fine. I think I can't drive with my head so high on a few drinks.’ She staggered. ‘So you are driving.'

'Okay, let's go. I will let Tom pick up your car.'
'That isn't necessary. Besides he might not.'
'Leave that to me.'

Julia held her by her waist and led her to lay at the back of her car.
She took her car keys and walked to the security. After discussing with him, she got herself into her ride while stepping on the brake.
She dialed Tom's number and placed it on speaker out.

Grissel who was closer to the phone in the hall while cleaning up picked it up.
'Tom, your Aunty is calling.' She called out to him upstairs where he went a while ago to wash down.
'Take a message for me. Would be down in a while.'

'Hello, good evening Aunty.'
'My dear, how are you.'
'We are fine, Tom is taking his bath.'

'That’s fine, just let him know I left Melisa's car at the Champs. He should drive it home while she picks it up another day.'
'I will let him know that but how do we get the car keys.'

'Ask the security at the gate. Just mention her name.'
'Okay but I hope she's fine.'

'Nothing to worry about, drunk as usual but kindly let Tom have someone check it out for any faults before he drives it.'
'I can hear you both Aunty.' Melisa informed.

'I wanted you to hear me,’ Julia retorted.
'Let us know when you get home. I’ll have Tom call you back soon. Goodnight.'
'Not so fast, you sound like you planned to get rid of me.'

'No, I just felt you were driving so it wouldn't be a good idea to talk and drive.'
'Yes, you are right my dear. Did Tom apologize Grissel?’ She asked when Grissel was mute over the call suddenly.
'Apo...logiz...ed?'

'You know what I'm talking about. You don't have to always cover up for him. Learn to fight for your rights.'
'He told you?' She asked immediately.

'Just answer me, did he make things right.'
'Yes, he did.'
‘Are you okay and has he taken you to see the doctor?’

‘Umhh.. .’ Grissel paused.
‘Umhh what?’
‘Aunty I’m fine.’

'I will take your word for it. If I find out you are lying.....'
'I'm not. We are both okay now.'
'Good news then, you can hang up now.'

She hanged up quickly and shyly.
'Tom do you have to tell your Aunty everything.' She thought to herself loudly but shrugged it off.

She rushed up to let him know they have to pick up her sisters car.
Grissel knew Tom wouldn't oblige as they both hardly get along.
She knew of how best to convince him.

Grissel didn’t want another misunderstanding that evening like the other time she left him rudely at the dinning and they had a real argument after, which was ruining their honeymoon.
But she was so glad when he spent the last three days trying to fix what has already been broken.

Tom was the man she pictured herself with even after Amy nearly ruined their relationship so she had decided to let go of the resentment because despite what happened she still felt the same way she did every other time with Tom in her life. Tom had promised not to repeat his mistakes and they have been doing so well for the past few days.
***
‘Is she with you?’ The man at the other end of the call asked him.
‘Not tonight,’ He frowned over the phone while his other friend who joined him in the car along the road glanced at him uncomfortably.
‘Who messed up?’ He further asked.

‘Julia came around.’
‘Gosh, the evil aunty you told me about?’

‘Yeah, but don’t worry. We will have fun soon.’ He said and hanged up.
‘Why are you looking at me that way?’ Henry asked his friend.
‘I was just wondering why not just ask Melisa. ‘I mean, she’s already sleeping around so I’m not sure how this is different.’

He looked at his friend who was behind the steer. Anytime they over drink and Melisa had to end up at his end, Henry makes sure his friend does all the dirty work and drop them off.
‘When men are talking, nitwits also want to talk.’ Henry said rudely.

‘I’m sorry man.’ Henry’s friend replied apologetically and turned to the steer.
Henry relaxed on the seat and kept his eyes on the road for a few seconds.

‘Melisa could be a slut sometimes, but she chooses his own men carefully.’ He finally found the need to reply his friend. ‘There was no way she would sleep with the rest of the boys if she knew about them.’

Henry who had arranged with his friends to spend the night wasn’t so happy about Julia picking her up.
He usually had to tamper with her car anytime they had a drink up night at Champs. Once the car was unable to move Melisa always had no choice than to end up going home with him.

Though she suspected a few times, Henry always managed to convince her.

*****TBC

EPISODE 4

‘Why are we meeting here this early?’ Julia asked the man sitting in front of him.
‘Because I haven’t seen you in a year and this is the only place that opens at five in the morning.’ He answered.
‘I told you I have family issues to take care of Joe.’

‘Okay, I just came to inform you I’m moving back to Ghana to make it up with my wife and children since it seemed like we would never be together.’ Joe announced and stood up headed for the door of the restaurant he asked to meet Julia at.

‘Alright I wish you all the best and take care of your family.’ Julia said with a straight face.
He nodded and walked away.

Julia and Joe met a year before Joyce took in with Tom. They tried to make it work but Julia doesn’t want to be a second wife. She has always been considerate. No matter how much love she had for Joe she also thinks the other woman back home deserves better although he finally got a divorce from her, Julia was still of the view that he did that because she pressured him.

Joe explained his wife asked for the divorce and he didn’t want to give her that privilege then because he hasn’t met anyone yet but Julia still didn’t want to be with him. So when her sister told her about her pregnancy and the fact that she doesn’t think she was going to make it, she used that as a perfect opportunity to let go.

She was still in thoughts when Melisa startled her. Mel who decided to follow her Aunt after she left the house that early as if something was pursuing her quickly grabbed a cab as her car was still with her brother. It has been several weeks but it seems neither herself nor Tom was ready to see each other yet.

‘What are you doing here Lisa?’ Her aunty queried.
‘Ahaaa, spill it out Aunty.’ She smiled.

‘Spill what?’
‘That fine man who just left here.’

‘I met him here.’
‘Lies.’ She said poking Julia’s cheeks smiling.
‘Are you following me now?’

‘Aunty, I’m just happy you are finally giving someone a chance. Is Tom aware?’
‘No and whatever you think is happening between Joe and I just ended.’ She announced with her hands flying to her mouth.
‘He is Joe?’ Melisa asked excitedly.

She nodded with her gaze focused elsewhere when she realized she just gave herself up.
‘Wow, nice name. But why did he end things with you. I’m sad now.’
‘He has a wife back home Lisa.’

‘So?’ Melisa asked reaching out for her hands.
‘So we can’t be together.’

‘Who brought that law?’ Melisa asked again.
‘Did you hear me say he’s married with children?’

‘I heard you aunty but his family isn’t here and that shouldn’t stop you from having a life.’
‘Gosh.’ She exclaimed. I can’t believe I’m getting advice from you.’ Julia spewed out.

‘I know you don’t want the kind of life I live right now but I want you to be happy. And stop feeling like you don’t have to live your life because you have an obligation towards us.’

‘But I’m already living. I have you two.’
‘No you are not living for yourself but for us and we are grown now. Just enjoy your life.’

‘I want to but I’m too old for that and I have to make sure you two are really okay.’
‘Come on, we are okay and besides you are just sixty years old, not hundred. Give yourself some break.’
‘I want to but you giv…’

‘I know what you are going to say.’
‘I don’t mean it that way but I really want you having a good life then I can live too.’

‘Alright, I would bring pregnancy home soon.’ She said smiling.
‘You are not pregnant already right?’ Her aunt asked with a skipping heart. She knows if she’s pregnant then it’s for Henry whom she dislikes.

‘No. I’m just doing this for you as I’m not sure Tom would ever be able to give you grandchildren soon.’
‘What do you mean by that? Do you know something I don’t know about?’

‘I know nothing Aunty.’
‘Yes you do. Does Tom have a problem, I’m not aware of?’ Julia asked confused.

‘Why Tom and not Grissel?’ Melisa asked taking her gaze off her aunt.
‘Do you know something I don’t know Lisa?’ She stressed.

‘No, I’m just asking. You seem to like that girl more than me.’
‘That girl is your brother’s wife and I love you both.’

‘If you say so but kindly call Joe back and let him know you’ve changed your mind.’
‘But I didn’t say I have changed my mind.’

‘I’m changing it for you.’ Mel answered.
‘No, someone else would find me.’ Julia assured her niece.

‘But you want Joe. Don’t let his marriage in Ghana stop you.’
‘I have made my decision so let it go.’ She said softly.
Julia has always been soft. More reason why she didn’t take advantage of Joe’s situation with his wife back home to get into his bed.

‘If you say so, I will drive you home now since I came with a cab.’ Melisa offered.
Julia stood up with her bag after paying for the drinks that Joe didn’t even touch.
*****
Grissel drove into the compound that looks like a home office and sighted Tom coming out with a middle aged woman with lots of hair. Beautiful body and her dressing that afternoon seemed like someone who was still at work.

She had no idea why Tom had asked her to get off work early and meet him at that address. She feigned a smile with jealousy written over her face as she got out of the car and walked towards them at the door.

‘Hello.’ She greeted them both at the entrance.
‘Hey, you are here on time.’

‘Yeah, you sounded erratic on the call.’
‘Sorry.’ He responded coyly.

‘Let’s all go inside and talk.’ The lady said.
As they walked inside Grissel noticed her husband was scratching his head.

‘You can both have a seat here.’ She showed them a comfortable seat and walked over to a coffee table.
‘Anyone care for coffee?’
Grissel looked at Tom and his face was registered with confusion.

‘Black no milk.’ He answered.
‘What about you Grissel?’ She turned around facing her when she hasn’t responded to her question.
‘I’m allergic to coffee.’

‘Oh sorry, I can get you tea.’
‘No, I’m fine but just a little curious of my presence here.’ She asked and noticed the lady seemed confused as she walked over with Tom’s coffee.

She handed him the coffee which he managed a thank you uncomfortably.
‘Okay, I’m Counselor Ellen.’

‘Counselor?’ She muttered turning to Tom who was looking confused.
‘Yes, your husband mentioned you’ve been married for three weeks.’

‘That is right but I’m still not sure why I’m here.’
‘I understand you’ve been havi….’ Ellen was saying when she was cut off.

‘Tom what is all these.’ Grissel was obviously angry now as she knew why Tom brought her there.
‘We are here because we bo...th need co..unsel..ling.’ He stuttered at the end.

‘Tom we don’t need therapy or counselling.’ It was obvious to Ellen Tom hadn’t told Grissel about their meeting.
‘You think we don’t but we do Grissel especially when you keep avoiding me anytime I want to touch you.’

‘Really, that’s your reason?’
‘Yes, it’s a valid one. I know it’s all my fault, the sleepless nights and you distancing yourself from me.’

‘Come on Tom, let’s go home and talk.’ She stood up with her phone in her right hand.
‘No we can talk here.’ You would only tell me everything is fine when we go home.’

‘Urrgh.’ Grissel sighed and rolled her eyes.
Ellen who was watching them, sipped her coffee and dropped it on her table.

Tom held on to his coffee cup while Grissel slumped into the seat when he wasn’t ready to go.
‘Tom, I can see your wife clearly want to talk but not with me around.’
‘I know that but she needs help.’

‘Okay, why don’t you couples go home and decide if you really need counselling. My doors are always open.’
‘But Ellen, I came to you that should mean something.’

‘You did and I would be very happy to counsel you alone but I know that’s not what you want right now.’
‘Grissel, why are you not saying anything.’ He turned to his wife who was staring at Ellen.

‘I already told you, we can talk about this at home.’
‘Tom, I suggest you listen to her and do come back if things doesn’t work out.’

‘Everything will work out Ellen. Thank you for your time.’ Grissel announced and dragged Tom along with her. He was looking so childish being dragged away.
Ellen smiled and muttered ‘Nice meeting you.’

Few minutes into their drive, Grissel packed along the road.
‘That was an ambush Tom and very childish.’
‘I did it for you.’

‘No, you did it for your own selfish gain.’
‘Is that what you think?’ His voice laced with anger.

‘Yes, what happened to talking about it first? I don’t have a problem with counselling Tom.’
‘Then why were you rude in there.’

‘Because I had no idea that was why you asked me to that address.’
‘Then let’s go back.’

‘No, we are okay. Marriage is one step at a time and we are just three weeks.’ Grissel was trying so hard not to yell.
‘You think I don’t know that?’

‘Good, we can do this. Trust me I had no idea I’ve been pushing you away lately.’
‘Not only that, you haven’t slept since the incident and you keep crying in your dream.’

‘This has nothing to do with the incident besides we had sex the very next day, which should even tell you we are okay.’
“Sex on a couch? Where you told me after it was a favor and an obligation”

‘We’ve been through this Tom. I said that in anger and I remember apologizing.’
‘‘You have been indifferent towards me and we hardly touch each other though we communicate perfectly.”

She frowned and quickly regained her composure. ‘I hadn’t noticed, I’m sorry.’
‘So can we go back to counselling?’ He asked immediately she landed with her apology.

‘I’m not so comfortable discussing what happened with an outsider.’

‘You mean when I molested you?’ He searched her eyes sternly.
‘But Tom, we talk and laugh.’ She grinned. ‘Isn’t that enough?’

‘No, it isn’t Grissel.’ If our marriage is going to work you have to stop treating me like you did me a favor or I’m some kind of obligation.’

‘We don’t need to discuss this all the time. I have forgiven you so we just need to move forward.’

‘I don’t think you understand forgiveness because you wouldn’t have kept the gown, I ripped off that night inside your pillow case if you did.’

Grissel’s face turned pale and she quickly drove away without a word.

She remembered asking Tom to help lay the bed that morning when she was taking her bath but it didn’t occur to her he had seen the night gown in the pillow case as it seemed at that time he hadn't changed it.

After their last argument, she was sure she had forgiven him and totally forgotten about the gown. Though pulling away from him wasn’t intentional Grissel felt his pain earlier.

Tom watched her sternly and without any other word he fixed his seat belt.

He knew from the expression on her face and the way she sped off was an indicator that he needs to stop talking about it.

He slept off along their drive and woke up just when Grissel pulled at a parking spot.

‘Hey, are we home?’ He asked still with sleep calling him back.
‘No, you are paying for a new bed.’

Tom wiped his face and looked through the window. They were at a mattress store.
‘You want a new bed?’

She nodded and took off her seat belt.
‘Is the one we have not comfortable?’

‘Tom, I’m sorry.’
‘You are sorry for wanting a new bed?’

‘No, for keeping the gown. I will destroy it once we get home.’
‘Don’t bother, I burnt it this morning when you were still in the bathroom.’

‘Alright, can we get the new bed now?’
‘You know I took a cab today and hence don’t have my card on me.’

‘Okay, you owe me twice in a week.’ She brought out her card and gave it to him.
‘Yeah, the groceries. I will pay off Mrs. Tom.’ He teased.

He went out for some ten minutes and came back with a receipt.
‘It would be delivered in about two hours.’

‘Great. Let’s head home before the delivery truck gets there.’

He stared at her and smiled for the first time since they left Ellen’s place.

‘Do I have something on my face?’ She asked.
‘No, you are beautiful. I forgot to mention that.’

‘Thank you and before you ask, I’m just changing the bed because it’s too hard.’
‘It’s alright. I asked them for a flexible one this time.’

‘And about the other thing, I’m ready to work on it but not subject myself to counselling and trust me if I say I have forgiven you.’

‘Your wish is my command.’ He teased while Grissel gave him a smack and started the car.

*****TBC

Henry is sick. See what he does to a supposed friend.


Grissel , hmmmmm let me continue to watch you .

Pearl05:
Bring It On. Finally it's here, the long awaited story by Cbella.




So as the chief of this story am inviting you all to come and be comfortably seated.



Gloryejims
Evajael
Oly0511
Pinkfeet
Penshallom
Purples25

wow!!! thanks pearl05 Cbella is back

oly0511:
wow!!! thanks pearl05 Cbella is back

No I'm not.... I was just about to leave saf.

cbella:


No I'm not.... I was just about to leave saf.

😀😀😀😀😀 abi

Cbella u wicked gan
Even you Pearl05 and Evajael nobody cared to giv me an invite issoryt

I'm not sure anyone is reading and ve been busy but will still update soon.

Please we are following you ooooo

cbella:
I'm not sure anyone is reading and ve been busy but will still update soon.

Is it because am considering ur tight schedule and decided not to pressure you much?


Oya update it with immediate effect.

Pearl05:


Is it because am considering ur tight schedule and decided not to pressure you much?

Oya update it with immediate effect.

Lolzz, not really! I know you have already read, but not so sure if anyone else is reading.

Hold on I will be back

It's cbella again

***
‘Mom, I don’t know why you two can’t run your company. I’m fine where I am now.’
‘You call staying in a hotel wasting your trust fund okay?’ Stella’s mom sounded angry on the call.

‘Did dad put you up to this?’
‘He shouldn't have to Stella,' She said softly. 'You are my daughter and if you won’t come back because of the company then do it for me.’

She sighed heavily from her end. ‘But mom, I don’t know anything about this company. Remember I dropped out of law school.’

‘I know that but he has someone who is managing the company and is willing guide you.’
‘Are you sure, it’s because of the company you want me back.’ Stella sighed heavily.

‘It’s been twelve years and I miss you very much.’
Stella laughed so hard on the call. She being her mother’s only child made it easy for her to get anything she wants.

‘Okay, you got to pick me up yourself from the airport on Saturday. I guess I will start work on Monday.’

Mrs. Medt jubilated over the call before hanging up. Stella always talked of being a judge when she was young so her mom thought staying with her brother who was an influential judge himself could really help as he has already recommended a good law school for her.

Stella dropped out for reasons she wasn’t keen on disclosing neither does her uncle and the family never spoke about it.
*****
‘Dad what are you doing here.’ Melisa asked her Dad who appeared that afternoon at a client’s place where she was checking the site for her next big event. She walked closer with a smile on her face.
‘I went by the house and Julia told me where to find you.’

‘She actually spoke to you.’ Melisa asked surprised because her aunt seem not to like their Dad that much after their mom passed away.

Melisa waved her client from afar to give her some few minutes.
‘Yeah.’ He replied.

‘So what brought you here Dad?’
‘I haven’t seen you for a whole month.’ He replied.

‘I’ve been busy as you can see.’
‘Okay but did you talk to Tom?’

‘We don’t talk Dad.’ She gave him a stern look. ‘Besides he’s fine where he is and I’m not sure he would want to come work for you.’
‘But I need to talk to him and apologize.’

‘The guy basically threw you out of his engagement reception and you still think you could talk to him or you have forgotten already.
‘No, I haven’t Lisa.’

‘Then allow him enjoy his marriage. He’s just three weeks in his marriage and I won’t forgive you if you mess it up for him.’
‘Alright, I won’t pester you again but how are you.’

‘I’m doing fine and cutting down the alcohol intake if you care to know.’
‘That’s good to hear and the other thing.’

‘You know I just can’t stop sleeping around in a day and get married but I’m working on it too.’

‘Alright, if you change your mind about Mr. Stan…’

‘Dad I don’t want to marry your friend’s son so let’s leave it at that.’
He nodded. ‘Take care of yourself then.’

Melisa waved him while he entered his car. Despite her Dad leaving home when she was just five years old hurt her a lot, he was her favorite and still is.

She smiled and watched him drive away while she walked back to her client.

***TBC

EPISODE 5

‘Grissel please wait. I said I’m sorry.’ Tom said rushing down the stairs to meet her up.
She was already late for work and doesn’t need another plea from her husband who came home last night drunk.
‘I know you are sorry but I’m late now and do not want another argument. Breakfast is in the microwave.’ She announced walking towards the door.

‘Thanks, but can we do lunch later.’ He managed to say.
‘Sure we can do lunch when I’m free.’
‘That’s my girl.’ He smiled walking to her when she suddenly closed the door behind her.

Tom only heard the gate open and her car horn blaring loudly. That’s a signal for him to get the gate closed.
‘Gosh, I need a damn security.’ He told himself heading to the kitchen for his breakfast.

He was expecting Grissel to wake him up when she was doing her rounds but it appears she was still angry hence he would be late for work. Tom hissed and picked up his Oat bowl from the microwave and luckily it was still warm. He checked the covered saucer and realized it was sausage which he dislikes and Grissel knew that.

He fished out his phone and dialed her number which she picked up on the first ring.
‘Tom I’m driving, let me call you back once i….’ She was saying when he cut her off.
‘You know I don’t like sausages.’

‘Oops sorry. Kindly get an egg boiled or fried.’ She was saying again when he hanged up.
He shook his head and walked away with his Oat. Tom is too lazy that he couldn’t even boil water to talk of frying an egg.

Today is the first Monday they were both reporting to work after their honeymoon leave. Even when they had added a week of their previous years piled up off days to their mandatory leave period, it was still not enough as they wished it never came to an end.
*****
‘Mr. Addison, a word in my office.’ The new CEO Stella Medt called Tom over the intercom into her office.
‘On my way.’ He responded and hanged up.

Mr. Medt who entrusted the managing of the company to Tom for a whole year while he recuperate decided to let her daughter handle things with the help of Tom.
Tom hates to be called by his father’s name. He had a chance to change it but his aunt wouldn’t agree.

He quickly dropped his file and walked out. That was the second time he’s being summoned into the CEO’s office since he reopened that morning but couldn’t meet her the first time.
Tom knocked lightly and entered as the label on the door indicated knock and enter. His face lit up when he entered. Stella was seated in her swivel chair with her black shades.

He walked to her table and stood in front of her. Stella’s gaze was still on what she was doing on her laptop hence ignoring him.
‘Hello, you asked to see me.’ He waved his hands to grab her attention.

‘You can have a seat.’ Stella announced after a few minutes still with her attention fixated on her laptop.
‘Thank you and you are officially welcome to the company.’
‘My dad left you in charge right?’ She asked dismissing Tom’s welcome address with her face up now. She adjusted herself and took off her shades.

Tom smiled and was just staring at her.
‘You are charming.’ He said quietly instead of answering her question.
‘What did you say?’ Stella asked when she saw his lips went apart quickly.

‘You called for me?’ He asked to cover up the foolish grin on his face when he realized he hasn’t heard her question.
‘Are you the man to see regarding management?’
‘Yes, I’m the Managing Dir….’
‘So why were you not here to help when I sent a notice I would be taking over.’

‘I apologize but I was on leave for my wedding and I just resumed today.’
‘So? How is that supposed to be my problem when you have the information’s I need.’ She sternly queried. ‘I expect you to be around when I got here.’

Tom frowned. ‘My leave was approved by HR and they haven’t complained I did anything wrong so I d….’
‘Do you still love your Job?’ She interrupted.
‘Of course, I have sacrificed myself for this job since I turned twenty-four.’ The smile on his face disappeared as he doesn’t like her earlier question.

‘So you’ve been working for six years, if what I read on your file was correct.’
‘Yes.’ He focused on her face as she didn’t budge earlier when asking the question.

‘I don’t think you are qualified for this job.’ She took off her gaze. ‘So from now on you would handle what I tell you to.’
‘I beg your pardon.’ His forehead drew a contour line as he fumed. ‘To the best of my knowledge I get my job done perfectly and cover all my hours so why I’m I being stripped of my role.’

‘Oh you still got your Job title, office and whatever you are entitled to at the end of the month.’ She grabbed her shades and put it back on.
‘I just don’t understand how you could just walk in here and change things, no offence by the way.’
‘Watch how you talk to me in here Mr. Addison.’

‘The name is Tom. Just Tom,’ he managed to say with a confused state.
‘Well, we are done here. You can go now.’ She announced while focusing on the laptop.

Tom just relaxed on the chair staring at her as if he was waiting for another explanation.
‘I said you can go.’ She thundered with her face up from where she kept it earlier.

Tom stood up almost near tears and walked out fuming. He met his P.A on the way who run after him to inform him about Grissel but he waved his hands in the air indicating he doesn’t want to hear any of it.
He banged the door after he walked in and didn’t recognize Grissel sitting on the couch at the far right corner while he faced the door fuming.

‘Who does she think she is? Is it because I’m black?’ He kept fuming while hitting his leg on the door.
‘Tom are you okay.’ He heard the next voice and turned around.

‘I thought I said I don’t want to see anyone.’ He yelled out before facing her.
Grissel who was walking over paused in the middle of the room still holding the lunch box she brought.

‘What’s going on? You just yelled at me.’ She asked with a confused stare.
‘Can you leave Grissel? I don’t have the patience to argue with you now.’

‘Okay but I brought Lunch.’
‘I lost my appetite. Take it along with you.’

‘But why are you askin….’
‘I said not now Grissel.’ He yelled.

‘Alright.’ She said when she felt the bitterness in his voice.
Grissel held on tightly to the lunch box and walked out. She got to her car and shed a tear.

‘Is this about this morning and the sausage instead of egg?’ She asked herself when her phone rang.
‘Just in my desk. I’m on my way back now.’ It appeared she was talking to her colleague. She dropped the phone and drove away.
*****

I don't like the way tom reacted to his wife. The new CEO is a killer, to even think that Tom was admiring her just after his honeymoon is bad.



Cbella, check the first post, you repeated it where Melisa met her father.

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