Chukswrites:


Yes, of course I'm the author.
And the part of the world?
Well, I don't know how to answer that.

If you are the author, learn to use the African settings, our names, our customs and our values your story is more western in nature.

Deo1986:
If you are the author, learn to use the African settings, our names, our customs and our values your story is more western in nature.

Thanks, but I think I like my writing style the way it is.
I don't 'have' to incorporate African cultures and such into all my stories.
If you read my fantasy stories, they have African references.
In the end, it's all my choice.

Chukswrites:


Thanks, but I think I like my writing style the way it is.
I don't 'have' to incorporate African cultures and such into all my stories.
If you read my fantasy stories, they have African references.
In the end, it's all my choice.

I love d way u write @chukswrites..u are gifted with good story telling skill and also ur a very skilled talented writer. Dont let nobody bring u dwn with what they think u shuld hv done and not do. Be urself and u wil go places with ur beautiful mind IJN..Amen...

Meanwhile please nah..i hv been waiting keenly for an update. Or u think ur story havent captivated souls here? C'mon..update with atleast one tonyt u hear? Thank u

Deo1986:
If you are the author, learn to use the African settings, our names, our customs and our values your story is more western in nature.

It's his story and his choice to make.

ujubaybee:


I love d way u write @chukswrites..u are gifted with good story telling skill and also ur a very skilled talented writer. Dont let nobody bring u dwn with what they think u shuld hv done and not do. Be urself and u wil go places with ur beautiful mind IJN..Amen...

Meanwhile please nah..i hv been waiting keenly for an update. Or u think ur story havent captivated souls here? C'mon..update with atleast one tonyt u hear? Thank u

Lol,Thanks.
I'm getting one chapter out now.

Chukswrites:


Lol,Thanks.
I'm getting one chapter out now.

Cool..tnx!!..ur d best..*winks

Chukswrites:

Lol,Thanks. I'm getting one chapter out now.

Waiting

Chapter NINE

I got a call from Felix later that afternoon. I was still in my room, battling with images from last night, trying to flush them out, and trying to will myself to change position and leave the bedroom. I achieved none of that.
It was the beeping of my phone that managed to force me up.
I'd left it on the dresser, so I had to get up.
The phone kept beeping and vibrating as I reluctantly dragged my feet across the room to the dresser.
"Hello?" I mumbled.
"Where did you run off to?!" Felix's rasp voice threatened to burst my ear drums.
He didn't let me answer that.
"I was worried and you left that poor girl on her own. By the way, she said you were okay, and she would like to see you again."
I kept my eyes focused on the mirror attached to the dresser; my eyes were somewhat swollen.
"What does she mean 'okay'? I didn't even talk to her." I said, thoroughly surprised.
"That's what I told Gloria when we were–er–talking."
I didn't even want to know what he implied.
"So, where did you run off to?" He asked, softly.
I breathed lightly. How exactly do I tell him I was with Cassidy without him leaping to improbable conclusions?
"I saw Cassidy." I said quietly.
I heard him gasp.
"I'm coming over." He said, with the excitement on his voice impossible to miss.
I shook my head. Of course.
I hadn't left the bedroom since morning so I decided I should.
I got off the bed and walked straight to the living room, the floor felt cold on my feet.
For some reason, I decided to open the curtains and let in the lights. Normally, my house was like a bat cave; dark and stuffy.
The house still echoed with loneliness and I still felt choked up a little bit. I entered the hallway and walked past our old room. I stopped for a moment and a thought crossed my mind: what other way is there to forget about last night than to remind myself of Angela?
I remained still, the hallway quiet except for the humming of the water heater, and then I slowly walked back to the door.
I paused in front of the bedroom door and felt my breathing increase. I had somehow managed to avoid this part of the house since the funeral, I was scared to go in.
The wood felt rough as I ran my fingers against it. My palm rested on the door and I closed my eyes, breathing slowly now and remembering.
Angela had picked this door, just like many other things in the house.
"It's beech wood." I remembered her saying, and I also remember scoffing. I had no idea what beech wood was, all doors were the same to me.
I took in a deep breath and turned the door handle. It squeaked but didn't bulge. It was locked, I'd forgotten that.
I walked hurriedly down the hallway and reached for a small box on a cabinet by the wall. I was suddenly anxious to get into that room.
I found the keys; two really thin silver keys with black handles.
The door creaked as I turned the knob and pushed it open.
A warm draft of air greeted me as I stepped into the room, closing the door behind me.
The room, green walls and white ceilings, was just as I'd left it: neat and untouched.
The air still had her scent; a perfume that claimed to have been made from fresh lilacs.
I didn't open the curtains, no, there was no way I was letting her scent get away.
That sweet, almost-choking, scent brought back so many memories. Consequently, those memories brought me so much pain.
The floor was a bit dusty as I walked across it towards the bed which was neatly covered with a pink sheet. I released a soft sigh; pink sheets were for Thursdays. She'd left this house on a Thursday, never to return.
If she knew that the bed still had pink sheets on a Sunday(Sundays were green sheets) she'd have thrown a fit. I smiled, she was always that serious about minute details. I couldn't care more if we lay on foot mats.
Small clouds of dust flew up as I sat on the bed, the wooden frame squeaking under my weight.
It was working. I couldn't think of my little girl, Amy, anymore. Or Felix, or mother or even Cassidy and last night.
All I felt at this moment was grief, and strangely, the urge to end it all.
My eyes darted around the room, looking at everything but seeing nothing. It felt like this was my first time in here. I suddenly wanted to leave.
The buzz of my phone startled me. I found myself breathing heavily and touched my forehead; it was moist with sweat.
I checked the caller ID on my phone–in all fairness, I think I didn't have to check to know who it was– It was Felix. I assumed he was at the front door.
"There you are, I've been knocking since." Felix said as I unlocked the front door.
He was dressed causally in combat shorts and a tight fitting shirt( I wonder who he was trying to impress).
"How long is 'since'?" I asked, making way for him to enter.
"Two minutes, five minutes, what does it matter?" He answered, and then looked at me funny, "why are you sweating like that?"
I gave him a distant look, "I was working." I said and let the door slide shut.
The look on his face suggested that he was wondering if he should pursue the question any further. He didn't.
Throwing himself on my couch, the leather crunching as he made contact, he looked at me again.
"What happened last night? One moment you were with us, and then you left and never showed up again."
I could see he just wanted the full gist because he already knew the answers to those questions. I wasn't ready to indulge just yet.
"How was your church service?" I asked with no real interest.
He shrugged and spread his arms across the couch, "It was good, I guess. I followed Gloria to her church."
I chuckled.
"What?" He asked, his eyes opened wide.
"Nothing. This Gloria, huh?"
He shrugged again, "The service was too long and the pastor kept looking at me as he preached about fornication and the need for celibacy."
I found myself laughing this time. He continued.
"It's not like we did anything yesterday."
I turned sharply to look at him.
He raised his hands, "Okay, whatever. Wait, why are we talking about me?"
I pushed myself down on another couch, "You were the one talking."
Felix shifted forward on the couch, "Alright, so tell me about lastnight," and then grinning, he added, "and also about Cassidy." He arched his eyebrows.
"There's nothing to tell you about." I said and got up from the couch, moving towards the television and squatting by it.
"What do you mean by that?" Felix said. I could sense the distress in his voice, maybe frustration.
"I mean that there is nothing to talk about." I answered, sorting through Amy's collection of DVDs; I suddenly missed her.
"You are a horrible friend, do you know that?"
Now I was sure I could sense frustration in his voice.
"What did I do?" I asked, standing up and facing him.
He stood up also–not good.
"It's what you don't do; you treat me like an acquaintance and not someone you've known for over a decade."
"I don't understand." I said. It was all I could say.
He scoffed, "You are selfish, and you live in this selfish little world you created, pushing away the people who care and chosing to retreat and decline any help."
He was angry now. I mean, it wasn't often you saw Felix raising his voice and using metaphors.
"I'm sorry if that is how it all comes off." I spoke calmly.
He groaned loudly, "There, you're doing it again. You think it's okay to just be distant like that. You know what...I'm out of here."
He began marching loudly towards the front door, "See you at work tomorrow." He said without looking back.
I'd expected him to slam the door shut, but he just left it wide open.
I remained standing, somewhat bewildered, holding a pack of Dvds and listening to the gate outside squeak open.
A while later, I heard a clicking sound and looked up at the wall clock; it was half past two. I grabbed a shirt(careful with my choice this time) and walked out into the compound.
I looked at my silver camry and then a black sedan parked under the garage and wondered what next. I wasn't wondering about the choice of cars, I was just wondering why I was currently standing outside and staring at those cars.
A cool draft of air blew across me and I looked up; the sky was getting darker. It'd been raining every Sunday for three weeks now, and it seemed set to continue.
About fifteen minutes later, I was standing outside Felix's front door.
The roof above the door arched outwards, providing a shade for anyone under the door.
I shook the slight wetness off my body, ran my hand over my wet hair and then knocked once on the door. The light shower behind me came off as soothing and the cool breeze as relaxing.
The front door swung open and I was staring at Gloria. She seemed all set to go somewhere, dressed in a nice light blue jean trousers, a black shirt that said 'who's your girl?'(I thought that weird) and white sneakers lined with black stripes.
She smiled at me and then a faint worried look crossed her face. She didn't step aside, I noted.
"Hi, Gloria." I said, smiling and ignoring the fact that water was slightly dripping unto my shoulders.
"Hi." She replied, "What happened?" She placed her hand on her waist and looked stern, but in a soft way, "You just left Rose."
"I'm sorry about that, send my apologies to her."
She shook her head, "You'll have to do that yourself."
I smiled. I had no intention of doing that. In fact, it wasn't even remotely in the batch of thoughts that I ignored, talk more of my main thoughts.
Felix finally came to the door. Gloria looked at him, kissed his cheek and stepped outside, beside me. What was with the funny look?
"I hate this rain." She said, "Later, babe." She waved at Felix, and then muttered a 'Bye' to me.
I watched her run into the rain and then turned to Felix, grinning. "Pretty serious, huh?"
He didn't acknowledge the comment.
"Why are you here?" He asked with no intention of hiding his displeasure.
A question I'd been asking myself since the drive here.
"I know I'm a selfish jerk." I started.
Felix leaned on the door frame, "I already know that, and I'm glad you're finally in the light but why are you here?"
I'll have to go easy on him, follow his pace. Felix could be like a big baby sometimes.
"Can I at least come inside? the rain, it's getting unto me."
He eyed me for long and then grudgingly walked back inside. I followed him, shutting the door.
Felix lived in one of those fancy bachelor cribs you see in magazines. Stepping into the living room, I was still surprised; this guy had no intention of getting married with the swank way he lived.
He had a black curvy chair, the kind that may require a manual before you knew how to sit on it.
The floor was tiled, black marble; fancy. Ofcourse he had an A.C unit, and his television screamed 'watch me!' with it's width.
A glass table sat at the middle of the room, a couple of magazines and books on them.
I picked up a paperback; some romance title with red letterings and the picture of a well toned guy with rock hard abs holding a white mustang. It struck me as funny that a guy would wear a shirt and so conveniently not know how to button it, then I saw the girl in a tight office outfit staring at the guy's abs.
"I didn't know you read." I smirked, still trying to soften him.
He seemed somewhat embarrassed.
"It's for Gloria. She reads a lot."
"I see." I nodded, placing the book carefully on the table and walking over to a simple cane chair by the wall.
Felix just stood there, watching me, possibly wondering if to be annoyed at my seemingly casual, non-remorseful attitude.
I didn't talk, and neither did he. Some crappy music played out from the television and I wanted to use that as a conversation starter but I thought damn it, let me get straight to the point.
"I went out for fresh air lastnight at SHAX. I felt choked, you know. The noise and the people, I needed to get out."
I saw Felix prop down on the fancy chair. Oh, so that's how you sit on it. He remained quiet, though, just watching me.
"I was about coming back in when I saw her." I said, trying hard not to visualize it.
I was thinking about her now, Cassidy. The exact thing I was trying to avoid.
"Was that why you disappeared?" Felix asked, his voice had soften now. Did this guy like a good gist or what?
"I didn't mean to stay so long, it just happened."
I watched his face and he was smiling, what was he smiling about? That was when I realised that I was also smiling.
"So," He said, with an evil smirk, "what did you guys do?"
Nothing, that was what I wanted to say, instead I narrated the whole night to him. And in great detail, too.
"Ah, you see, you're getting happy." Felix said.
I suddenly shot up from my seat, "I don't want to be happy!" I screamed. That didn't come out right.
The room was quiet again; a croaking voice escaped from the t.v and we both turned our attention to it.
I started pacing the room.
"What I mean is, if being happy means forgetting Angela, then I don't want to be happy."
Felix sighed and slowy walked out of the living room. He went to the kitchen I suppose because he came back with a tray of ice water and a half empty(or half full, depends on your perspective) bottle of rum.
"Will, brother, you need to relax." He said, walking over to a small, fancy(everything here was fancy) cupboard and retrieving two glasses.
I watched him pick up the bottle of rum and shake it, pouring some for himself.
"Why are you looking at me?" He asked after downing the first shot, "If you want something, then take it. I'm not serving you."
A smile spread across my face as I went and poured myself a glass of ice water.
"Aren't you indulging?" He asked, shaking the bottle of rum at me.
I shook my head, "No, thanks. I'll be going over to mother's soon, and she's still very sensitive to that stuff."
He shrugged, "Suit yourself."
The water did some good.
Felix shook his head after the third glass and began to watch me keenly.
"What the hell is with you and this creepy obsession with Angela? She's dead, you know."
He was getting bold. I wanted to get annoyed, but I saw his eyes were already turning red.
As much as he liked to brag, Felix was not good with alcohol.
Once, a couple of years ago, the company had organized a retreat; an end of year party for both the senior and junior colleagues.
Angela had refused to come along because, according to her, it was a lame excuse to behave wildly. How right she was.
Fill the conference room of an executive hotel with twenty five men and about ten women, with lots of alcohol and crappy music, and things would get out of control.
I hated driving, still did, so Felix drove us to the hotel.
The party was to start at eight p.m, so we(actually I made the decision) decided to arrive half an hour later.
Throughout the twenty minutes-or-so drive, Felix couldn't stop blabbing about how he'd 'down'(his choice of word) four or more bottles of beer and top that up with some whiskey. And also how he'd finally hook up with that black girl from accounting.
He accomplished none of those. To be fair, he tried.
At that party, I'd felt totally out of place; Angela was home, and I literally had no reason to be here. Except, of course, to drive Felix back when he gets drunk and I knew he would.
"Alright, boy," he began, holding up a bottle of beer, "Let the partying begin."
I felt slightly embarrassed, this was a work retreat after all. Although, these retreats were notorious for getting out of hand.
"Take it easy," I told him. He was swaying slightly and he hadn't even taken a sip. Probably already high from the whiff of the alcohol.
I remember staying close beside Felix as he drank the first, second, and then went half way into the third glass of alcohol. I was impressed.
He held my shoulders, blinking in a weird, uneven manner, and burping loudly. It was barely nine p.m. With the way he was behaving, it would have been required of me to be muttering little apologies as we passed, but there were ten more guys behaving like Felix at the moment.
"Look at her." Felix said, leaning into my ears. He probably thought he was whispering, but my ears were ringing at the moment as his voice boomed into it. I looked. He was pointing at the black girl from accounting.
"Ama go'an get 'er." He slurred, nearly falling off his feet if not for my shoulders which presently acted as a prop for him.
The girl (her name was Amanda or something) was a few feet away from us, chating with a fellow girl(this one I knew from marketing).
Between where we stood and where Amanda stood, there were about two plastic tables. The tables were littered with weirdly colored drinks; nasty things that sent people to hospitals.
I looked at those tables and then at Amanda, and then at Felix. I was suddenly curious to see what would happen. Nothing spectacular happened, at least I wouldn't use the word 'spectacular'.
Felix pushed himself off me, his drink spilling on his shirt and began moving towards Amanda.
He'd make it, I thought. He didn't.
A loud crash, louder than the music, rent the air as Felix tripped over a green carpet and plunged face first into the first table.
Bottles fell off the table and shattered, but surprisingly, the table held. For about a second, before the legs gave way and it crashed under his weight.
Felix was out. It was at that moment I realised how much work I had before me. He woke up the next day with no recollection of the events, even though he had a cut on his nose.
So, watching Felix now, I realised that I couldn't get angry at him.
"It's not an obsession." I said, grabbing both the glass and the bottle of rum from him. If we wanted to have a meaningful conversation, then drinking had to be over for him.
"You won't really understand."
"Then make me understand." He said, drinking a glass of ice water.
"It's like this, I've been with Angela for so long that I'm literally afraid of moving on."
Felix looked at me the way you'd look at a mad man claiming sanity.
"This one is new." He whistled.
"I knew you wouldn't understand."
Felix stood up, "you're right, I don't understand." He paused, "I don't understand how a man–a young man– would prefer to live the rest of his life as a sad, pathetic widower instead of clawing for a chance at happiness."
I shook my head, he really didn't understand.
"I'm going to mother's." I said.
Felix looked at me and sighed. He began to walk away from the living room, "Shut the door behind you." He waved.

Chapter TEN

The rain had subsided but the afternoon still had a gloomy look to it. I liked it.
It was Sunday and I planned on taking Amy to the mall. A different one, and not the one from last night.
"You look tired, but not as tired as before." Mother said when she opened the door.
"Good afternoon, ma." I greeted, watching for Amy.
"She's been asleep." Mother said, still watching my face, "Come inside."
The house smelled of fried rice and fried chicken; a smell that typically meant it was Sunday when I was growing up.
"You will eat something." Mother said. I wondered if she was asking, but I think it'd be safe to assume she was just telling me.
"I want to take Amy to the mall, we'll eat there." I told mother, hoping she'd buy it.
She narrowed her eyes on me, "Eat what? Is it not the same Junk food and ice cream?"
I smiled, but said nothing out of experience.
"You will have to wait for her to wake up then. She misses you." Mother said, disappearing into the kitchen.
I smiled, I missed her too. I was really glad I still had my daughter, at the moment she was the string holding me.
I didn't have to wait for long. About fifteen minutes later, Amy walked out slowly, rubbing hers eyes and clutching a yellow stuffed toy.
I stood up and watched her, smiling broadly.
Standing there, I suddenly felt overwhelmed. I couldn't believe I was a father, it felt strange and I was filled with a weird pride.
She saw me a few seconds after pushing aside the curtains.
"Hey, little girl." I said, and she ran up to me.
"Daddy!" She called, wrapping her little arms around me. I really did need to get used to the fact that she was getting bigger.
She was telling me something and I wasn't listening, I was busy clutching her tightly and seeing her mother's face in her eyes.
I noticed that she had stopped talking and was watching me, as if waiting for a reply.
I paused and said yes, hoping it was the right answer. It was, as she jumped down and ran inside.
Mother smiled at me and followed her, "I'll go get her ready."
****
The mall was packed full even though it had rained just an hour ago.
Amy held my hand and led the way as we both walked down the mall. I had no intention of buying anything for myself, so I let her lead the way.
She left my hand and ran up to a big movie poster. It was an animated feature.
She jumped and pointed at it, "That one." She said. I walked up to the booth and looked at a big screen that listed the current showings; the film was to run for ninety minutes.
Another ninety minutes of watching brightly colored, funny talking characters in a film I just wouldn't get.
I bought two tickets. The movie would start in thirty minutes; enough time for us to roam around and take in a few sights before being sentenced to my ninety minute fate. As long as my little girl was happy, I didn't mind.
There was a small aquarium housed in the mall, a new exhibition, and we hadn't seen it yet, so we went over there.
The place was lit with calm white lights and reflected blue, possibly to add to the serene mood the silvery-blue fishes were giving off.
My eyes were glued on the fishes as they swam about peacefully, that was until I heard the giggling.
I turned my gaze to my right and saw about three young women giggling and looking my way. I gulped and looked away, hoping they were not looking at me.
The giggling continued, and I think I heard one of them say "go and ask him."
I began to sweat, then the giggling stopped. I heard the crunching of heels and saw, from the corner of my eyes, one of them approaching. Please pass, please pass, I prayed.
She stopped by my side.
"Hey." She said with a pleasant smile. I looked up at her. She was pretty, nice oval face, a thin gap teeth and good height. She was wearing a tight gown that accentuated her features and made me look away.
"Hey," I said, clutching Amy's hands tightly.
The lady looked down at Amy and smiled charmingly, "Hey, angel." She said.
Amy smiled and said hi.
The lady turned her gaze back to me, "I'm sorry, where are my manners? I'm Sydney." She said, stretching out her hand and batting her eyelids. I felt hot.
"William." I said, taking her hands in mine and noting the soft frailness. I quickly let go because apparently she had no intention of doing so.
She looked at Amy and then at me, "Is she your daughter?"
I nodded, and smiled for the first time, "Yes."
"How cute." Sydney giggled, "What's your name?" She asked, smiling again at Amy.
"Amarachi," she said, "and I'm five." She added, holding up her free hand.
Sydney seemed ideally impressed and that made me pleased.
"Sydney, come on."
I looked over at the other two ladies who were giggling and also batting their eyes.
"See you around William." She said, thrusting a paper into my palm.
I watched her walk away and then looked at the paper; it had her number scrawled on it, with her name and a hastily drawn 'heart' sign. Had she prepared for a moment like this?
I folded the piece of paper and tucked it away in my back pocket. Be cool, I reminded myself, you won't need to call that number. And I smiled, relaxing.
I checked my watch and it was almost ten minutes to the start of the movie. I picked a giggling Amy up in my arms and we went to get ice cream.
Right there, as I reached out my hand to grab an ice cream, I saw something. My heart lurched, I wasn't quite sure of what I saw as I got my view through a mirror on the ice cream shop.
I turned around slowly and took a quick glance. My god! I was right. I turned sharply and squatted close to Amy, trying to shield myself and nudge her towards the crowd. Amy wouldn't be disturbed as she handled her ice cream.
"Let's go now." I said softly, rising to my feet and trying to lift her. I shot a quick glance at the mirror and immediately felt the need to hurry things up.
In my unsettledness and hurry, I knocked off Amy's ice cream from her hand. Calm yourself, I kept saying.
Amy gasped loudly as the ice cream fell off her grip and unto the glimmering white floor.
"Stop it." I said, grabbing her hand as she tried to pick up the ice cream. I turned around again to check if I was safe. It was already too late.
"I'll get you another one." I told Amy in a shaky voice and watched as the person I'd been trying to avoid wave rapidly and begin walking towards us.
Was she following me? I really didn't believe so much in coincidence, so she certainly had to be following me.
Amy must have felt my hand fidget as she looked up at me.
"What is it, daddy?" She asked sweetly.
I turned to her and smiled, then I looked up again. She was close now.
"William," she called out with a voice full of pleasantness, "You're not following me now, are you?" She asked, smiling. Her eyes were twinkling.
"My thoughts exactly." I wanted to say, but I just gaped at her.
What was Cassidy doing in a mall on Sunday? Okay, maybe the real question was what was Cassidy doing in this particular mall on Sunday? The mall I'd just decided to come to. I counted (literally) about two different malls around the area before settling on this one.
I still hadn't said anything. I was still gaping and feeling sweat on my forehead. I really needed to go out more with Felix, see how he handles the ladies. Right now, I was a mess.
I must have been quiet the whole time as Cassidy playfully snapped her fingers across my face.
"Welcome back," she said and pinched Amy's cheeks, "And who is this cutie?" She asked.
This was my chance to say something at least.
"That's my daughter, Amy." I said.
Cassidy smiled at Amy who was still looking at the now melting strawberry ice cream on the floor. I think she may have been contemplating scooping it back up with that look in her eyes.
"Let's get you a fresh one." Cassidy said, taking hold of Amy's hand and leading her back to the ice cream shop. Amy didn't object.
I wiped my sweaty palms on my trousers and checked the white slips I was holding; six minutes till the movie started.
Amy came up to me lapping contently at her new chocolate ice cream. She looked at me with apprehension as if I was going to snatch it from her, I smiled and she relaxed.
"Thanks." I said to Cassidy, noting how beautiful she looked in her casual top on jean outfit.
We started moving towards the theater.
"We have a movie to see." I said, showing her the tickets. I made sure Amy walked in between us.
"Oh, I came to see a movie also." She said and actually looked at the tickets.
"You should see one with me," she said, "it's a really good one. It had good reviews, I hear."
Tempting, I thought.
Tempting not because I'd probably get to sit beside Classidy in a dimly lit theater. No, it was tempting because I really didn't feel like sitting through ninety minutes of a cartoon. I couldn't stand that.
"We already have two tickets for this one." I said, pointing at the brightly colored movie poster. It featured a white bunny grinning widely and perching on the shoulders of a bear. Bunnies and bears can't be friends, I thought and nearly cringed.
"Oh, that's easy, you could trade it in." She said and grabbed one of the tickets, "here, let me show you."
Amy was watching us with mounting curiosity.
"You'll get to watch your movie, baby." I assured and she visibly relaxed.
Three minutes till the movie started, and Cassidy came back smiling.
"Done. That wasn't so hard." She handed me the ticket.
Oh my, this was worse, I thought. A romance flick.
I couldn't leave Amy alone in the theater even though I saw lots of kids bouncing happily in there.
I could see lights already flickering just as the doors opened and closed.
For some reason, I was actually considering seeing this movie with Cassidy. I looked at the ticket in my hand. According to the it, the movie would be seventy-five minutes long. I relaxed, that suited me. I could see the movie and be out in time to watch Amy come out from her own theater.
"Your movie is about to start, sir." The attendant told me. I grabbed Amy and lead her into the theater, careful not to spill her ice cream again.
I made sure she sat close to one of those moms who were constantly on their phones but somehow managed to maintain control of their kids.
"I will be outside when the movie ends." I said to Amy and kissed her cheek. She giggled and was soon focused on the wide screen.
I exited the theater and found Cassidy buying some drinks and popcorn. I tried to smile but a feeling of guilt kept nagging me.
"How is she?" She asked, handing me a bag of popcorn and an orange drink. Bless her.
I smiled, "perfect."
"I didn't know what you preferred so I just got the orange drink. I like the color."
"Me too." I said. Who says that? I scolded myself.
"So, William," she began as we walked towards the screening room, "it looked like you were trying to avoid me out there."
I chuckled nervously, "What?" I said without any conviction.
"You do know I saw you first, right before you knocked off Amy's ice cream?"
I shook my head and cursed silently, "No, I didn't."
She chuckled and looked away. Thank God.
When we got to the theater I moved ahead and grabbed the horizontal bar on the door, trying to push it open. It wouldn't bulge.
"It opens outwards, pull it to yourself." I heard Cassidy say, "let me do it."
The next moment, her hand was on horizontal bar. For a second or less, her hand grazed mine and I quickly withdrew my hand. Immediately I did that, I realised how awkward it may have been but she didn't seem to notice.
I chuckled, "Oh, so that's how it works?"
She stared at me strangely, "Of course, it's written there." She answered, pointing to some green lettering on the door.
I muttered an inaudible 'oh' and squinted to read the lettering. 'Pull' it said. How was anyone supposed to see that?
The theater was still lit with a dull, bright-enough light which made finding a good seat possible.
There were rows of black folded seats sloping downwards in a wide column. There were also rows on the right and these were separated by a few steps that went down to the first seat below.
I looked around the fairly crowded room. Mostly couples. How do you define a good seat? I certainly wouldn't want to seat below in the first row, not with the lights and all that, and the seats high up just seemed too awkward.
"Let's take a seat there." Cassidy said as if reading my mind and then she began to move towards the middle row.
I followed her, clutching the light paper-bag of popcorn that rustled as I moved. It was warm, in contrast to the chill I got from the orange drink.
The seats folded out and were surprisingly comfortable. It's been a while with this.
The lights went off and then a thin ray seemed to fall from above us, towards a big screen; the movie was about to start.
"You'll enjoy this movie." She said excitedly, tapping my arm. I kept staring at the hand on my arm, pink finger nails, I'd noted before. It was fairly dark so I could afford to stare. I think she was also staring, so I immediately looked away.

ujubaybee:


Cool..tnx!!..ur d best..*winks

Gotten two chapters out.
I'll try to update regularly.
As a matter of fact, the story is still being written.

Thanks for reading.

prestigiouslady:


Waiting

Eager, aren't we?

Two chapters out.

Chukswrites:


Gotten two chapters out.
I'll try to update regularly.
As a matter of fact, the story is still being written.

Thanks for reading.

Done reading them ..nice!!!

Chukswrites:

Eager, aren't we?
Two chapters out.

Ain't you a darling?? Thanks dear

Deo1986:
If you are the author, learn to use the African settings, our names, our customs and our values your story is more western in nature.

is it your story

I love this

nice update
welldone.

ujubaybee:


I love d way u write @chukswrites..u are gifted with good story telling skill and also ur a very skilled talented writer. Dont let nobody bring u dwn with what they think u shuld hv done and not do. Be urself and u wil go places with ur beautiful mind IJN..Amen...

Meanwhile please nah..i hv been waiting keenly for an update. Or u think ur story havent captivated souls here? C'mon..update with atleast one tonyt u hear? Thank u

Jsaviour:


It's his story and his choice to make.

I don't think the guy meant any harm or trying to bring him down. It's criticism and every writer wants that.

i think cassidy likes william, well lets see, thanks mr chukswrites.

Chommieblaq:


I don't think the guy meant any harm or trying to bring him down. It's criticism and every writer wants that.

Sure. Every writer wants criticism. Constructive criticism.

ftosino:
i think cassidy likes william, well lets see, thanks mr chukswrites.

Yeah, let's see.
Hehe.
You're very welcome

Darkcrisp:


Sure. Every writer wants criticism. Constructive criticism.

Thanks babe.

STUFFS I WRITE.

Good morning guys and gals.
Here's the thing, while I'm currently developing Insomnia(a novella), I'm also writing FOG(a novel).

I have a few chapters of FOG right on here, do check 'em out.

Stroll by my profile and read FOG, I really need feedbacks on it.

[url]Or you could download the preview on okadabooks through this link:
[/url]
[url]www.okadabooks.com/book/about/fogin_those_daysa_dreamers_fantasy/15949
[/url]
Thanks.


Updates on insomnia should be out in a few days. Possibly Saturday.

Chukswrites:
STUFFS I WRITE.

Good morning guys and gals.
Here's the thing, while I'm currently developing Insomnia(a novella), I'm also writing FOG(a novel).

I have a few chapters of FOG right on here, do check 'em out.

Stroll by my profile and read FOG, I really need feedbacks on it.

Thanks.


Updates on insomnia should be out in a few days. Possibly Saturday.

OK bro we are waiting.

Chukswrites:

Thanks babe.

Anytime, Chu-chu. (:

Wow! Terrific story. Its been a while I read a good story. U r too good. A captivating story. Bless u brother

Chapter eleven

This chapter is considerably shorter simply because I needed it to be.

The movie turned out to be nice. Very nice, actually. It was unrealistic, for sure, then again all romance books and movies were. But for a work of art, it was nice.
I thought I'd be the first to leave the theater, but as I left our row I joined the slow moving crawl edging out through the door. It was mostly the guys at the forefront, no doubt eager to leave that certain tense atmosphere romance flicks seemed to always create.
The guy beside me turned to me, probably seeing my distant look, and said.
"Eager to leave the girlfriend, huh?" He chuckled, "me too. What a movie."
I managed a dry chuckle and literally said "heh-heh."
I remained quiet till we left the theater. Cassidy joined me almost immediately.
"It was a nice movie?" She asked. I think it was a question.
"Yes, very nice. I liked it." I said matter-of-factly. Let's never do this again, I wanted to add. I couldn't.
She paused and smiled, looking at her feet and running her hand through her hair. I was so inexperienced but something told me that this was 'a moment'.
"I better get back to Amy's theater." I said and checked my watch, "they should be done in less than fifteen minutes now."
Cassidy smiled, "Oh, yes. See you at work." She added and began walking away. I just stood there, watching.
She paused and turned back, my heart leaped. Was this one of those awkward movie moments when she rushes back for a kiss? I looked around for a possible exit point.
"You know this was necessary, William?" She asked, standing close to me.
I opened my mouth slightly and shook my head, I had no idea what she was talking about.
"I don't –" I shook my head again.
She smiled, "I mean, we obviously will be seeing a lot of each other at work so it was necessary that we hung out today."
"Oh," and I nodded. I didn't share that ideology, though. I prefer to reserve any form of 'hanging out' for the workplace. We had board rooms, actual offices and maybe the lunch room, that was enough. Not movies.
She smiled again and tapped my shoulders, "See you at work."
I suddenly dreaded tomorrow. What would work be like? It certainly wouldn't be that bad. I hope.
I checked my watch again and quickly hurried to get Amy.
****
I couldn't get enough of how awesome the film she saw was.
Amy kept bouncing on her seat at the back, recounting, in impressive details , every bit of the film. I grimaced and then smiled; I could almost see it in my head.
I wanted to say 'Hey, Amy, you know how my movie went? It was awkward, but nice.' But she wouldn't understand. I'd save that for Felix.
Amy finally kept quiet as we drove on.
"Who was that white bear on the poster?" I asked. Big mistake. Amy launched into another wave of narrative that made me cringe.
I hated cartoons, and it took me way back to my childhood.
I spent the better part of my childhood raised as an only child by my widowed mother.
Prior to that, I'd only know my father for a few years as a child. Not enough, if you asked me.
My father, a man I only remember as dark and tall, was as scary as my little mind could comprehend back then.
Naturally, as a kid, I enjoyed cartoons. I thought they were colorful and fun. In fact, they made me develop a habit of drawing figures with charcoals, or color pencils or soap, basically anything I could inscribe with. That was until my father killed them off.
I vaguely remember the first strike. It had been a rainy day(one of the things I linked that day with), and I sat cross legged in front of our TV, watching Sesame street. Bobbing my head to the music.
I'd been so engrossed that I hadn't heard my father knocking on the door. It was raining heavily and the volume of the TV was high; I was basically deaf at that point.
I did however notice a shadow by the window. I looked and it was my father, his leather bag above his head and a string of profanities escaping from his mouth. I was in trouble and I knew it.
The show on the TV suddenly looked drab as I got up and ran to the door. With fidgeting hands, I removed the bolt and unhooked the U-shaped rod used in holding the door.
Standing right there, under the rain, and glaring at me was father. He looked menacing, like Gargamel from the Smurfs.
He stepped into the living room, his shoes sloshing from water it had taken in. He looked at me and then at the childish music coming from the TV; the glare was still on his face.
I tried to mutter a greeting when I saw his hand raise high into the air. Although, I didn't really see it on time because the fraction of a second between when he raised his hand and when I saw it, I was already on the floor, rubbing my burning cheeks.
"Turn off that rubbish and get your books!" He said, in the calm finality that was the voice of a retired police officer.
I really couldn't remember how old I was, but something about that day struck me. And I don't mean the slap.
Strike two happened almost a week later. Of course, as a kid, I didn't relate that slap to anything order than my incompetence.
Again, the scenerio involved the TV and cartoons. Something about Alice in wonderland made me so joyous. Maybe it meant freedom, or a fantastic land where everything was possible. I don't know, but one thing I know for sure was that as the screen went black to cut into the next scene, I saw father's reflection; and he was standing right behind me.
I gasped and turned around.
"Didn't you hear your name?" He asked with a scowl. I gulped and stood to my feet.
The cartoon switched to a new scene; I think the one with the Mad hatter. We both turned to look at the TV, with me hoping father would just go away and let me enjoy the cartoon in peace. I hoped weakly.
I could see the look of venom in his face as he moved closer to the TV and pressed the power button.
Tears well up in my eyes, but that was just the half of it. In the blink of an eye, literally, father's palm was glued to my cheeks; the friction of which sent fire through my body. I was still a kid so any slap, no matter how little, hurt bad.
Mother intervened this time; the smack had been loud enough to attract her attention.
She yelled and they had an intense argument.
"He spends too much time in front of that box!" I had him yell.
"It's his time. Let him be a child!" Mother yelled in an equally loud but tearful voice.
I just stood there, watching and listening. I wasn't exactly sure if I was at fault but I was sure that those things I watched on the TV was part of it. I made up my mind never to watch them again.
There wasn't a third strike. Father died the next month. A terrible accident, I had a man tell my wailing mother. I never watched cartoons again. Thinking about it now, I think I was scarred; marked for life.
The little I remembered of my father made me determined never to be like him.
So, most Sundays, I take Amy to the movies and I sit through the cartoons with her. Let her be a child, like mother wanted for me.


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Chukswrites:

Hey, thanks Eva.
I appreciate.
Do share for me and tell people. Thanks.

Evajael didn't tell me.. I'm now starting

EvaJael:

Queenitee my sisi
Cbella
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Patotelli
Horladstar
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Y'all should come and read o.

Cbella I did memtion u...u just didnt see it

Short but nice

Let a child be a child, you can be a child once and they grow fast-too fast. cherish every moment with your kids, any minute can be your last moment with them and the memory shouldn't be embittered..

Chuckwrites...thank you

Chukwrites Thanks For The Short But Lovely Update.

EvaJael:

Cbella I did memtion u...u just didnt see it

Lol... Mischief na

ftosino:
Chukwrites Thanks For The Short But Lovely Update.

You're very welcome.