Posts in category: Entertainment

My mother looked at me and then at my mother in law, then she quipped,
“Why don’t we go outside and talk about the wedding? I want to be a part of every bit of it.”
My mother in law looked at me, then at my mother,
“My in law, no need for that. We are already taking care of it. All you have to do is dress up and show up.”
“Dress up and show up for my own daughter’s wedding like a guest?”
“Everything is pretty much taken care of.”
“I see, what is the theme colour?”
My mother in law smiled widely and clasped her hands together,
“Blue and white, it is going to be beautiful. ”
My mother scoffed,
“The one colour that my daughter hates so much is going to be her wedding theme? This is a first.”
My mother in law turned to me. I was already flinching.
“Diana, I didn’t know you don’t like blue.”
My mother stepped forward,
“No, she hates it. Perhaps if you had let her plan her own rushed wedding or even asked for her preference. I will leave you to it.”
My mother in law called after her,
“She is pregnant you know, she can’t be running around and stressing about the wedding.”
“She is pregnant, not disabled, she can decide on what she wants on her wedding day.”
I stood in the middle and shouted for them to stop. If this was going to work, then I needed the both of them to cooperate.
“You are both important to me and I know you want the best for me.”
My mother walked back to me and held my hand,
“Baby it’s….”
“Mom, I know you want the best for me. I think you two should be in charge of this wedding.”
She dropped my hand, looked at my mother in law then back at me.
“It will mean the world to me if you both get along, please.”
If at that moment they were masking their dislike for each other,then they were doing a good job.
“Maybe we started on the wrong foot, shall we give this another go? My in law?”
They smiled at each other and embraced like they were old friends catching up. They started chatting about adjustments and changes that they were going to effect as though I was not standing right there. I shook my head and walked to the living room where Joe and the men were seated.
My dad beckoned me to his side. He has always been do proud of me and everything I do.
“Just because you are getting married does not mean I am not going to be there for you.”
“I know dad.”
“If your husband misbehaves, make sure to call me so that I can give him a good beating.”
The men laughed heartily as though it was a football joke but in my dad’s eyes, danced uncertainty. I was now doubting my decision. Was I doing the right thing? Was I making the right choice here?
I got up and left. I needed a minute alone. I went to my bedroom, the room that had seen me evolve from a baby to the woman that I was today.
It had not changed much. The small wardrobe stood against one wall, a small drawer on the other wall with a stool. This is where i spent so much of my youth time applying make up on the mirror mounted on the wall. The pink walls always were welcome and warm. My window was small with a curtain that had big white flowers.
My bed, the best part of my room looked inviting as always. I took off my shoes and just got into bed covering myself totally.
Something was bugging me but I could not quite point a finger on it. In my hazy thoughts, I fell asleep.
When I woke up, it was dark. The window was closed and the curtains drawn. Even my mosquito net had been draped around me. I remembered why I was home and quickly got up. I rushed to the living room where everyone was gathered. They were talking animatedly like they were old friends.
My mother in law got up and made me sit next to her.
“Finally you are awake, we were just talking about you.”

There was a certain tension in the house covered by loud talking and laughter.

I squeezed between my mother and my mother in law. The chattering didn’t make it any better for me. I could feel it but i chose to ignore it and go with the flow. By the time every one was leaving, it was late into the night.

I was so tired, everyone at work was looking at me with those questioning eyes. I had not told them that i was pregnant neither had i said anything about the wedding, but sooner or later i was going to have to tell them. My boss called me to his office later that day.

”Diana is everything okay?”

”Everything is fine sir, why do you ask?”

”i have noticed your change of behavior in the last couple of days, and it is affecting your work.”

”Uhm, sir, i, uhm..”

”Diana, if anything is the matter, you can tell me.”

”I am pregnant and my wedding is in a few days.”

I just blurted it out. He looked at me from under his glances as though he was reading my soul.

”That is good news, how far are you?”

‘Sir, i am a few weeks, i just found out the a few days ago.”

”You seem stressed, is it the wedding preparations?”

”yes sir.”

”Take a few days off and do what you have to do.”

”No Sir, i prefer coming to work.”

He opened his mouth as though to say something but changed his mind, he shrugged his broad shoulders and nodded in silent understanding.

”If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask.”

And with that, he dismissed me from his office.

Diana Mosoba

The following weeks revealed to me a different Joe. A caring Joe, a considering Joe. He was seeing this therapist in town twice a week. He had learnt to control his anger and his emotions. He spent a lot of time with me and my son, he loved him, they got a long so well. This is what I had prayed for all my life.
One morning, I woke up feeling really sick. I was throwing up and I had a bad headache. I could have sworn I was pregnant if I had not had a coil. Carol insisted that we go to the hospital but I played down as a bug that would soon go.
The following days were even worse, I could barely wake up, I couldn’t eat either. Joe and Carol who were now getting a long well literally carried me to hospital. The nurse who took my particulars, young and radiant with a calming smile.
“Diana, I will be back shortly with your results, in the meantime, just rest on this bed. You will be okay.”
Seconds turned into minutes into two hours when she finally came back.
“Congratulations Diana, you are going to be a mom.”
“Wait, what?”
“You didn’t know? You are 12 weeks pregnant.”
“No, I didn’t know.”
“I take it that you are not very thrilled with this news?”
“Yes, no, I am just surprised. I swear I have a coil.”
“Sometimes they fail, is that your husband outside?”
“Boyfriend.”
“He looks really worried, he cares about you. Should we tell him the good news?”
I was at a loss, this was the last thing I wanted. Don’t get me wrong, my relationship with Joe was at it’s absolute best. My career was finally picking up. I was lined up for a promotion and a pregnancy was going to hold me back.
“Diana?”
“Sure.”
She squeezed my hand, an assuring squeeze, smiled at me and popped her head out the door. A few seconds later, Joe was seated next to me, holding my hands in his.
“Babe, we have the results and I am pregnant.”
He looked at me, then at my belly. His hands quickly touching me slowly as if feeling for the fetus.
“Are you sure?”
His expression was blank, almost unreadable.
“Yes, your girlfriend is pregnant.”
“Wife, my wife and I are pregnant.”
I felt a tag of worry lift off my shoulders.
He knelt down and held my hand
“I don’t have a ring right now, I pictured this day would be grand. I wanted to buy the most expensive ring I could afford. But, today, life has taught me that nothing we plan really matters when the right moment pops us. Diana, the soon to be mother of my child, will you marry me?”
I was Besides myself with joy. I mean, this wasn’t the grandest proposal, not the perfect place but I loved this man and I was going to marry him again and again and again. I got up and knelt besides him,
“I love you Joe, yes I will marry you.” He helped me to get up, pulled me into a tight hug.
The nurse had recorded it all on her phone.
He took a small ribbon from the nurse’s drawer and tied it on my finger,
“This may not be the perfect ring, but it’s the thought that counts, right?”
I linked my arm with his and smiled up at him,
“Yes, it’s the thought that counts.”
We found Carol at the waiting bay. She got up when she saw us and narrowed her brow,
“What happened in there?”
I showed her my finger.
“Why do you have ribbon tied on your finger?”
“She said yes.”
“You proposed to a sick person?”
“It turns out that I am not sick, i am pregnant.”
“What? Wow! Damn.”
She was as shocked as I was. She tried to hide her shock the best way she could.
“Congratulations guys. I am really happy for you.”
“We need to start planning for the wedding.”
“Isn’t that too early?”
“No, I want to take care of you.”
“And you can’t take care of her unless she is your wife?”
“That’s not what I meant. Look, you take her home so that she can rest, I’m going to put everything in order.”
He planted a quick kiss on my cheek and hurried off.
Carol turned to me,
“What just happened?”
“I am more confused than you are.”
“Let’s go home.”
We drove in silence. I knew all my plans had come to a certain halt. A baby on the way, a husband?
Things were moving a little too fast but I loved him, isn’t that what mattered the most.

Diana Mosoba

“Joe, we called this meeting because of you. I am very disappointed in you, hitting a lady like that?”
“Mum I’m sorry.”
“I don’t want to hear it, I raised you better than this.”
Joe got up, fist clenched,
“You did a good job, mum.”
His tone was sarcastic. His mum looked stunned, maybe because of his audacity or the anger in his eyes. He turned to his father who was seated casually, one leg resting on top of another, one hand stroking his beard, sipping ale like he was watching a thriller film unfold.
“I was never good enough for you, dad. Nothing I did made you proud. Heck, you were always comparing me to John. He has always been your perfect son, you celebrate everything he does. What about me? You take from me and give to him, then you rub it all over my face. You did a good job in making me feel less of a person so thank you very much. I’m leaving.”
He started for the door but his father looked up from his ale, like he had not heard a word Joe had said and spoke softly, the words stern with a lot of weight, like he was teasing a losing opponent,
“Joe, you will not leave until I say so. Sit down if you are done with your little rant”
Joe hesitated, he looked at him like he was about to pounce on him, then walked back to his seat. His mother shook her head, clearly disappointed.
“Nothing justifies hitting a lady, entitled Joe. I saw her back, it is full of marks.”
They all turned to look at me, I shifted on my chair uncomfortably, I was embarrassed.
“You’d be blind not to see that she loves you. Your misplaced anger will one day cost you.”
I could feel she was in pain, she looked at him with a mixed reaction, a reaction only a mother could have, love, pain, disappointment and hope.
His father got up and asked her to sit.
“Joe, I will not mince my words with you.”
“Dad I…”
“I don’t want to hear it.”
He turned to me,
“Joe has always had anger issues, at 12 years, he beat our neighbor’s son to death.”
I gasped in horror, and covered my mouth. Who is this I had fallen in love with?
Joe got up, gritting his teeth,
“You conveniently forgot to tell her what that son of a bitch did to me.”
His father’s gaze softened, a wave of pain washed his face but disappeared just as quickly.
Joe turned to me,
“He molested me, not once or twice but severally. They only cared about their social status and class.”
I felt a deep ache in my heart. His anger was stemming from somewhere. All these years, he was angry at everything and everyone for something that had happened to him as a child. I felt sorry for him. He blew his nose and wiped a lone tear o his left cheek.
“You want me to go on? Huh? You want me to tell her how you used your money and influence to cover it up? How you sent me to boarding school to protect yourselves? You have never loved me, I am nothing like your golden son here.”
“Joe, that’s enough. We did everything to protect you. Sending you to boarding school was for your own good. Would you rather have gone to prison for murder?”
There was silence, thoughts were raging in their minds. This family had issues. I wasn’t supposed to be here, I had to go home. I got up and turned to Joe,
“I’m sorry for everything that happened to you, I really am.”
“But? You are going to leave me like all of them, run away from me.”
“Of course not, I want you to become whole again, get help, I’m not leaving you.”
My heart was pounding so hard, I was making a mistake here, Joe had too much going on. I should have ended things but a part of me felt like he could be saved.
He got up and took my hands in his,
“Do you mean that?”
“Yeah, I do. But for now, I need you to take me home. I don’t feel too good.”
His brother stood up and cleared his throat,
“If you are unwell, I can help and maybe prescribe something.”
“Thanks, I just need to rest, I will be okay.”
I started for the door but his mother quickly got up and stopped me,
“Diana, you are a good person, I hope to see you again.”
“Thank you, I will come back to see you, all. If you will excuse me.”
Before I could move, she drew me into a tight hug.

The drive home was silent. I was lost in my own thoughts. What Joe had gone through, that was horrible. As if he had read my mind, he turned to look at me,
“Babe, I promise, I will get better for you, for us.”
I held his hand and squeezed it with understanding. When we were home in a few minutes,
“Come on in.”
He stepped into my house like it was his first time.
I went to the bedroom to change, he was right behind me. He unzipped my dress, tracing the marks on my back with his fingers, the pain was bitter sweet.
My dress dropped into a heap on the floor, I turned and pushed him against the wall, his chest rising with anticipation, his lips parted, so inviting. I closed the small gap between us, I kissed his warm lips, and moved my body against his. Perhaps what my pain wanted was love, and sex. My heart raced, my boobs erected as I pressed my body against his. I took off his shirt, and trailed kissed from his temple, to his chiseled chest. I unbuckled his belt while kissing him, I was overcome with desire. I dropped to my knees and pulled his trousers and boxers down. My fingers gingerly took his throbbing manhood, I led him into my mouth, up and down and deep. My fingers played with his balls. He moaned and called my name, holding my head tightly. He was charged, aroused like a lion. He pulled out in time as he came. I was regaining my composure when he turned me, bending over my bed and slid into me from behind. This here, this was explosive love making, it was everything I wanted. We both collapsed on the bed, too tired to talk or do anything, we curled up together and slept.

Joes’ mother got up and walked to the window.
“Let’s go see the guests before they start wondering what’s going on.”
“Can I just stay here? If it’s okay.”
She nodded, gave me an assuring smile, walked out and closed the door behind her.
I felt a surge of tears, I fought hard to stop them but for some reason, I couldn’t. I felt like someone was watching me, I turned to see Joe, he was also at the verge of breaking down.
“Babe, I am sorry. ”
I wiped my tears with the back of my hand. In place of pain was rage. I was raging inside.
“Joe, I’m done.”
“What do you mean you are done?”
“This, whatever it is I thought we had, I am done.”
“Babe.”
“No, don’t touch me.”
“Diana please, you can’t leave like this, I won’t let you.”
“I would love to see you try to stop me.”
“I will get professional help.”
“You do that.”
“I’m sorry.”
“You’ve been sorry from day 1.”
He started as though to touch my face but I pushed him away.
“Go get help, I’m done being your punching bag.”
He clenched his fists, the pains popped out of his face, his eyes red, I knew what was coming next. I was ready for it. I covered my face with my hands and waited for the blows to reign on me.
“Diana? Are you okay?”
I looked up to see his mother at the doorway.
I quickly stood straight and managed a weak smile.
“I should get going.”
“Most of the guests have left, I thought we should have a small meeting with you and Joe.”
“That won’t be necessary.”
“What do you mean?”
“I have ended things with Joe, I’m done.”
“I understand but just sit with us tonight, please.”
“Why?”
“To be honest, I have never seen him like this with a woman, to a point of wanting professional help.”
I swallowed hard, my mind was blank. I had taken more than enough from Joe, but I still wanted to believe there was some good still left in him.
“Okay, I will be there for the meeting.”
“Thank you.”
She let out a sigh, a loud one and beckoned for me to follow her. We went up the stairs to what seemed like a private living room. The leather seats, red theatre seats stood out against the baby yellow walls. The purple drapes matching with the carpet. A big screen was mounted on the wall and a big sound bar sat at the TV stand. Several speakers were dotted across the room. It looked pretty much like a small theatre.
Joe was seated at the far end from his brother. Their father was in the middle.
He got up and asked me to take a seat on his left, next to Joe.
Their mother stood at the front, like a teacher. I had never experienced anything like this before.

Diana Mosoba

In the confusion, I jumped into the pool to try and separate them. Imagine two men fighting in a pool and a scared me trying to separate them. It was chaos and shouting.

‘’Stop this madness this minute and get out of my pool.’’

The voice was loud enough, authoritative and clear. I quickly got out of the pool and came face to face with their father. He was an older version of Joe, they looked so much alike yet carried different demeanor. I knew he was a man of substance by just looking at him.

The boys got out of the pool and stood cowering before their father. Their mother had also joined them,

‘’What is going on here? We have guests and this is how you behave?’’

Joe pointed at his brother, ‘’He was stealing my woman.’’

The old man looked at a mortified me, his eyes burning into my wet soul. I had to speak now to make it right,

‘’Excuse me sir, we were just talking.”

The mother walked over to me and handed me her shawl.

‘’This guy has a habit of stealing my things.’’

‘’I was just talking to Diana, nothing more.’’

I felt my heart break once more, this guy really did not trust me. I wanted to fight back the tears but had no will. I turned to Joe,

‘’Joe, it is obvious that you don’t trust me. I think coming here was a mistake.’’

I handed the shawl back to his mother and started to walk away but he ran and blocked my way.

‘’Babe please don’t go, please.’’

‘’No, I can’t stay, this is never going to work out.’’

His mother walked to me and took my hand; she led me away without saying much. We went through the back door and into what looked like a guest room. The room was bigger than my whole apartment. The King-size bed sitting in the middle had a beautiful silky bed-cover, white in color with big yellow and purple flowers. The Victorian carpet ran from wall to wall. The window had those long curtains matching with the bed cover. There were two purple love seats on one corner, a walk in closet and a full wall mirror. This was a beautiful room and the bed was alluring. I was lost in its’ beauty that I forgot I was with someone. She cleared her throat jerking me back.

‘’Here, dry yourself with this towel.’’

She handed me a white towel, walked to the seats and carefully sat down folding her arms on her lap.

‘’This is Joes’ room.’’

I turned to look at her,

‘’It is a beautiful room, you have a lovely home.’’

She smiled, her smile not quite reaching the eyes. There was a wave of sadness and disappointment. Someone knocked on the door, she got up and went to open and a minute later, she was back with a new dress. I did not want to take off my dress lest she see the marks on my back.

‘’I…i…I am just fine, this dress will dry in a few minutes, besides, I am going home.’’

She smiled and walked and stood behind me,

‘’We have a lot to talk about, the bathroom is on your left.’’

She wasn’t requesting me to change, no! She was telling me. I picked the black dress and walked into the bathroom. It was a big bathroom with a marble bathtub and a glass bathing cubicle. The walls were covered with tiles looking all natural. For a minute, I just wanted to run the water and soak my battered body but I could not. I took off my dress and quickly changed, I could not reach the zipper so I walked to her and asked her to close it for me.

‘’Did he do this to you?’’

How careless was I? I could have as well undresses in front of her.

‘’uh, you see, I…”

‘’Diana, I am asking you a question, did Joe do this to you?’’

‘’Yeah, he whipped me blue with his belt.’’

‘’I raised that boy better than this.’’

She walked to the window and drew the curtain.

‘’I don’t know where I went wrong with him. I gave him everything but for some reason, he felt threatened by his own brother. He was always competing with him.’’

‘’You did your part in raising him, how he turned out is on him.’’

‘’He didn’t want to go to University but somehow got offended when his brother excelled in his studies.’’

‘’Have you tried talking to him?’’

She took a deep breath, got up and adjusted her dress just then Joe came in,

‘’Mum, can I have a moment with Diana, please!’’

‘’No, I will not let you hurt this girl one more time.’’

‘’Mum, what are you talking about?’’

‘’I have seen the marks on her back.’’

‘’Mum please believe me, I did not mean to do that to her, I love Diana.’’

‘’You don’t hurt the people that you love Joe, not this way.’’

‘’Mum…’’

‘’Leave, go, I don’t want to see you.’’

He looked at me, then his mum and then me and walked out. This was going to be one long evening….

Diana Mosoba

That evening, clad in the outfit that Joe sent earlier, a black mermaid sequin dress with a cut on the front, silver accessories, nude heels and a black purse. He picked me from my house. He had a bouquet of flowers and chocolate,

”You look stunning my queen.”

”Thank you, you don’t look bad yourself.”

He was wearing black slacks, ankle length, a white shirt and black loafers. When it came to fashion, his sense was always top notch.

”My love, i have to admit to you that i have anger issues.”

He looked at me, perhaps waiting for a response. I swallowed hard and avoided lookig at him.

”Diana, i know that i have hurt you but i need you to understand me.”

”Okay.”

”Don’t do things that you know will upset me.”

i simply nodded, fought back the tears that were welling up. What was happening to me? How could he blame me? He had the audacity to hit me and now it was my fault? a couple of days ago, i could have just told him to stop the car, show him my middle finger and walk away with my dignity and head high. But now, blinded by tears, i wanted to believe that there was a good side to him. And that he will change as he had promised before.

He took my hand and kissed it, ”Please don’t cry, my mum is going to love you, that i can promise.”

I took a deep breath and adjusted my make-up.

He drove into a posh homestead in Karen, from the big black gate to the well manicured lawns and beautiful flowers, everything was magnificent and grand.

”Is this your home?”

”My parents’ home, i am yet to have mine, we will have our home soon.”

Several cars were parked across the parking lot and some on the pavement. There was some sort of event going on that Joe had not told me about.

”It seems like there is a party or something going on here.”

”My elder brother graduated with his doctorate, we are celebrating him.”

”You didn’t mention that to me.”

”Babe, i knew you would not come if i did. Come on, let us go and meet my family.

There was an elderly lady at the front door steps. She was short and well endowed, light skin complexion. She clasped her hands tightly as she waited for us. Her semblance to Joe was evident as we neared her.

Stretched my hand to greet her but instead she folded me in a tight hug.

”Joe didn’t tell me you are this gorgeous, welcome home my daughter.”

”Thank you ma’am.”

”Come on, don’t be so informal with me, just call me mum.”

She took my hand and led me into the house. It was big and simply beautiful. The interior was something out of a hollywood movie script. Breathtaking.

She took me round, introducing me to everyone, rather, showing me off like the doctorate they were celebrating. She finally left me after almost an hour and went to attend to other guests. I took a glass of wine and started walking around admiring the house in general, i found my self at the back yard. Everything here was just beautiful. The grass was well trimmed and all the flowers in their place. The air was cool. I walked towards the swimming pool and stood in awe as the setting sun reflected on the blue waters. Just then, someone cleared their throat behind me bringing to a stop my straying thoughts. I turned around and came face to face with a better looking version of Joe.

”Sorry to have startled you, my name is John.”

”Mmhhh, i, i my name is Diana.”

”Sorry to ask but are you from around here? I haven’t seen you before.”

”Oh no, i am not from here, i came with Joe.”

”Oh that is nice, he is my younger brother.”

”You are the one who graduated with a doctorate?”

”It is embarrassing that they’d hold a party for that but yes.”

”What is there to be embarrassed about?”

”For me, it is not that big of a deal.”

”What is it that you majored in?”

”Neuor-surgeon.”

He moved and stood next to me. His cologne was so masculine one could not miss it.

”Why don’t we sit over there and catch up? Tell me what Joe has been upto.”

We walked to the other side of the pool where there were garden chairs and settled down. it was like we had known each other all our lives as we talked and laughed. We did forgot to keep track of time. We were so engrossed in our talk that we did not notice him walk upto us.

”Diana.”

We both looked up to see a furious Joe. We stood up at the same time and the next thing i knew, Joe pounced on his brother and they both fell into the pool. I didn’t know if to call for help or just let them continue fighting.

Diana Mosoba

The following morning, i woke up earlier than usual, before Joe woke up. i took a quick shower, packed my stuff and left silently. My back was sore from the lashes but i had to pretend that i was okay. I could not risk anyone finding out that my boyfriend was beating me up.

I had just settled in the office when Joe called me,

”Babe, where are you?”

”I am in the office, why?”

”Why didn’t you wake me up? I should have dropped you like i always do.”

”Mmmmm, i had an early morning, i did not want to wake you up.”

”Babe, about yesterday…”

”I am going into the meeting, i will talk to you later.”

”Diana,”

”Yes?”

”I love you.”

People who love you don’t beat you blue. Someone who loves you does not doubt you. someone who loves you trusts your word. I could not control my tears as i looked at my back in the work bathroom mirror. There were marks from the belt across my back, a painful reminder of the horror i had faced the previous night.

When i went back to the office, my friend Carol called. She used to pass by my house in the morning when going to work but lately i was never home.

”Woman, did you get married or what?”

”Hey stranger.”

”Wait.”

”What now?”

”I know that tone, what is going on? Trouble in paradise?”

‘Uhmmm, not really, i am okay.”

”Diana?”

”I promise i am okay.”

”You know this is Carol you are talking to and i know you.”

”I will have to call you a bit later, i am going into a meeting with my boss.”

”I am coming to see you.”

She hung up before i could protest.

If Joe saw her, he might think i told her what had happened and that was going to create even more problems. The office was still pretty much empty. I called  and told her to wait for me at home because knowing her, she was not going to stop until she found out what was going on. When i got to the house, she had prepared  some breakfast. She looked at me and knew something was wrong. She poured a mug of coffee for me and sat next to me,

”What happened?”

I took off my top and showed her my back.

”Joe did this to you?”

”Yeah, yesterday night.”

”I knew that son of a bitch was too good to be true.”

”I will be okay.”

”The hell you will be okay. I will put him in his place.”

Carol is one of the most fearless women that i know. She always speaks her mind, nothing or nobody intimidates her. She was going to confront Joe and it would only make matters worse.

”Just let it go.”

”Are you kidding me? Let it go?”

”It will only make matters worse.”

She got up and paced about fists clenched tightly.

”Whatever that you are thinking about, you had better drop it.”

”Diana, that man dared hit you and you are telling me that it is okay?”

”I am just tired, could you oil my back? please?”

Just then, my phone rang, it was Joe.

”Diana, where are you? I am in your office and i am told you are not in. Are you avoiding me?”

”Joe, i will call you later, okay?”

Before he could respond, she snatched the phone from my hands.

”Like hell she will call you later.”

”Excuse me?”

”This is Carol and i have a thing or two that i want to say to you.”

”Oh, hi Carol.”

”You can keep your hi, Joe!”

”What is going on?”

”How could you hurt her like that? Have you even seen her back?”

”Carol, please believe me, i don’t know what came over me. i hate myself for hurting her.”

”Don’t call this number again.”

She hanged up, switched off my phone all together and tossed it on the couch.

She warmed some water and started massaging my back while applying some assorted essential oils. Suddenly there was a knock on the door. My heart started racing, i knew it had to be Joe. What did he want? Beat me some more? We exchanged looks, she got up and went to the door,

”Who is there?”

”It’s me Joe, please open up. I need to see her.”

”She does not want to see you, just leave her alone.”

”I am not going anywhere, you hear me?”

”What are you going to do? beat me too?”

”Please just open the door.”

He was now banging on the door, attracting a few of my neighbors who were home.

”Carol, just open the door for him, he is attracting attention.”

”And that should bother us?”

”Please, i don’t want any more drama.”

”Okay, but if he tries something funny, i will not be held responsible.”

She opened the door and folded her arms.

”You can see her from here, oh you can see her battered back from all the way there.”

He walked past her and knelt on the carpet beside me.

”Babe, tell me what to do to make it up to you.”

”I just need some time right now.”

”Babe please don’t break up with me, please don’t leave me.”

I should have left him right there and then, but for some reason i did not. He promised to change. He promised to never do it again. he even promised to start attending anger management lessons.

”How about we go see my mum this evening? Mmmmm.”

”My back still hurts pretty bad.”

”She is a nurse, she will prescribe something.’

”I am not sure about this.”

”Babe please, do this for me.”

I looked at Carol, she already knew my answer even before i said it, she rolled her eyes and shook her head in disbelief.

”I can’t believe you. You are better than this.”

He got up and turned to face her,

”I am sorry for hurting your friend, you have every right to be upset with me.”

”Dude, i am not upset, i am angry, i am furious.”

”And you have every right to be.”

”I see right through your bullshit but let me warn you, i am the ghettoest woman you will ever come across, do something like this and i will cut your fingers and make you a necklace to remind you.”

”Carol, believe me, i am sorry.”

”She needs to rest, it is time for you to leave.”

He resigned by slumping his shoulders, bent down and kissed my cheek,

”i will pick you up at 2, i love you.”

I wanted to tell him that i loved him too but i could not. i just nodded.

Carol closed the door and turned to me,

”Wow! You really are in love with that man!”

”Can we not talk about it?”

”Okay, i need to head to work.”

She left, i curled up on the couch and drifted to sleep.

A few hours later, a loud banging on the door woke me up. There was a delivery guy with a package for me.

Inside was a dress, a pair of shoes, a cologne, a bag and an apology card……..

Diana Mosoba

That night, I lay next to my son and cried myself to sleep. For some reason the previous nights’ events kept coming back to me. I could even feel the fresh pain of slaps. Jake could not understand what was going on with me, but he put his tiny arms around my neck and snuggled closer.

The following morning at work, I found Paul waiting for me.

‘’Hey Paul!’’

‘’I have been waiting for you.’’

‘’I am here now.’’

‘’I want to talk about what happened the other day.’’

‘’What are you talking about?’’

‘’Don’t tell me you have forgotten.’’

I knew what he wanted to talk about but I did not want to talk about it. I powered my desktop and totally ignored him.

‘’Diana, please talk to me.’’

‘’Can you get me a mug of coffee?’’

‘’Then you will tell me what is going on?’’

I smiled, ‘’yes.’’

He left and came back a few minutes later with a mug of steaming coffee, he pulled a chair and sat down.

‘’Thanks for the coffee Paul, now, if you will excuse me, I have a report to prepare.’’

‘’Really now?’’

‘’Yes, really now.’’

He shook his head, got up real slow and left. I was not going to embarrass myself by telling anyone what had happened. I immersed myself in work and totally forgot about Paul and his endless questions.

When I went down for lunch, I saw Paul talking to Joe. My heart skipped a beat. I literally started shaking. When did I become so afraid of him? I wanted to turn back and head back to my office but it was too late, he had seen me. He smiled at Paul and excused himself.

‘’Hey babe, what did Paul want?’’

‘’I don’t know, he doesn’t matter, shall we?’’

‘’Where are we going?’’

‘’To eat fish.’’

‘’Sorry babe, I can’t go far from the office today, I have a meeting at exactly 2.’’

‘’Okay, no problem.’’

‘’We can eat at our usual spot, ugali and managu.’’

‘’You sure?’’

‘’Yeah, as long as you are with me.’’

He was calm and collected like he had not spoken to Paul. Knowing Paul, he had possibly confronted him about his suspicions. We talked about my parents, my son, his siblings and his parents. He asked me to go for lunch with him at his parents’ over the weekend.

‘’Of course I’d love to meet your family.’’

‘’Perfect, I will pick you up in the evening, we are going home, right?’’

‘’Yeah, we are going home.’’

His home was now my home, I was settling right in all the while being comfortable about it.

That evening, he picked me up after work. He was unusually quiet.

‘’Babe, you are awfully quiet, is everything okay?’’

‘’Yeah, I am just a little tired.’’

‘’What did Paul want? Why was he talking to you?’’

He turned to look at me, narrowed his eyes but said nothing, I also stopped asking because it looked like I was aggravating him. When we got him, he let me go into the house first, he closed the door and turned to me. I was just taking off my dress when he grabbed my hand,

‘’You told that prick that I hit you?’’

‘’No, I did not tell him anything.’’

He took off his belt and for the next ten minutes or so, he whipped my back non- stop. I cried in pain and begged him to stop and when he finally did, he locked me inside and left.

I crawled from the floor to the bathroom, cleaned up my hurting back and crawled to bed. I cried myself to sleep yet again.

When he came back, it was way past mid-night. He woke me up in tears and begged me to forgive him, he said he did not know what happened to him. He applied assorted oils on my back as he cried begging me to forgive him. And I did, I forgave him. And we made love till the wee hours of the morning.

The following morning, i had to apply make up because i had a black eye and my left cheek was slightly swollen. Joe sat on the bed watching me intently, he was very remorseful and promised never to hit me again. He drove me to work. When my colleague Paul came to the office later, he narrowed his eyes and he leaned over my desk,

”Diana, your face is swollen, has this anything to do with your boyfriend?”

”No, i am fine.”

”Diana, tell me that idiot did not lay his hand on you.”

”I told you i am fine, if you will excuse me, i have work to do.”

”I am not leaving this office until you tell me that he did not hit you.”

Truth is, i was scared that Paul was going to confront him about it, i was also very embarrassed about the whole ordeal. I let a man hit me.

”Paul, he did not hit me.”

”Then why is your face swollen? and the black eye beneath your layers of make up?”

”What do you want?”

”I just want to know what happened?”

”Nothing happened, okay. I appreciate you being out here trying to look out for me but Paul, I don’t need you to do that. I can take care of my self, okay?”

”Diana, i…..”

”Not another word, please.”

”Oh okay, i will not talk about it.”

Just then my phone rang, i had a delivery at the reception. I asked the receptionist to send the delivery guy to  my office.

It was a bouquet of flowers, chocolates and an apology card from Joe.

I cleared my throat and looked at Paul,

”If you will excuse me, please.”

”Uh okay, lunch today? It is on me.”

”I will let you know.”

I could not look him in the eye because i was pretty vulnerable at the moment.

My phone rang as i picked up the handmade card,

”There are not enough flowers in this world that can show how sorry i truly am.”

”It is okay Joe, let us forget that the whole thing happened.”

”My queen, Diana, you are my queen and it is my duty to protect you.”

I felt a fresh wave of tears well up but i was not going to cry anymore. I fought the tears back.

”Diana, are you still on the line?”

”Yeah, i am just a little emotional right now. By the way thank you for the flowers. They are beautiful.”

”I know i hurt you and for that i am very sorry.”

”I will get really upset if you say sorry one more time.”

I managed a small laughter, it actually lightened my heart. Joe laughed too and at that moment i knew just how much he mean’t to me.

”I love you, Joe.”

”Diana, you said you love me.”

”yes, because i really do.”

”Wow! This has got to be the best day of my life. I love you so much babe.”

”I have to get back to work now.”

”Okay, okay, i will let you get back to work now. See you at lunch, i know just the place to take you.”

When the call disconnected, i felt a sudden wave of sadness wash over me. Something at the back of my mind that i had been burying tagged on. Joe had hit, he had no right to hit me. I should end things between us. It didn’t matter how many flowers or chocolates he sent to me. It didn’t matter how many memories he created with me. It didn’t matter how many lunches we had together or how awesome and crazy our love making was. It did’t matter that we really had a connection, something i had never experienced before. He had hit me and that was reason enough to walk out. The more i thought i thought about it, the more i was drawn to him, the more i felt attached to him. Maybe, just maybe, he was truly sorry. I had conflicting thoughts as i thought about it.

He was outside waiting for me when i went down for lunch. As usual, he opened the door for me. I saw Paul watching me from his office window and my heart skipped a bit. He knew this guy had hit me yet here i was going for lunch with him. I brushedhim off my mind and turned my concentration on the guy seated next to me.

”Your eye looks better. anybody notice at the office?”

”Yes, everyone noticed including my boss.”

”And your colleague Paul?”

”I haven’t seen him today.”

He turned to look at me, there was no anger in his eyes.

”What did you tell them?”

”Nothing, i don’t have to explain anything to anyone.”

He took a deep breath, like he had been holding it in for a minute or so.

”So, where are we going?”

”What time do you have to get back to the office?”

”By 2, i should be back but my boss is not in so i can go back at 3.”

”Perfect.”

He turned towards uhuru park to a place i had never know existed. It was a small joint just at the heart of Uhuru park. He took my hand and led me to a shade where we sat looking at the city, birds, trees, the famous dias and traffic. a beautiful scenery, fresh air and even better food, if what i was seeing was anything to go by.

”I didn’t even know this place existed.”

”Now you do.”

”I love it.”

”I knew you’d love it. Wait until you taste their fish.”

The fish was just as i had imagined it to be. Fresh and well done. I didn’t want to leave yet but i had to go back to the office. Today, i was going to see my son and my parents.

“In the evening i am going to my brothers’ place.”

”Why?”

”I need to see my son.”

”You can talk to him on phone or face call him.”

”it is not the same as seeing him, i miss him.”

”But I thought you were going to spend the whole week with me.”

”Tomorrow maybe.”

”i have an idea, i will take you to your brothers’, spend time with your son then we go home.”

He did not understand. As much as i had fallen in love with him, I needed my son. Especially now that i was feeling vulnerable. I just needed to cuddle up with him and watch funny videos on my phone, and sing daddy finger and baby shark with him. He was my therapy when I felt this way.

”Joe, as much as i would love to go home with you, i really need my son today.”

He took another deep breath and closed his eyes for a minute as though battling with something.

”Okay then, i will drop you.”

”My brother will pick me up on his way home.”

There was that forced smile again.

”Okay then, no problem.”

The rest of the drive back to the office was silent. None of us wanted to prode what was on the other person’s mind.

On Wednesday evening, i had dinner with the company guests from India at Sankara, It was my boss who was supposed to accompany them but something came up and a colleague and i were told to go instead. I called Joe to let him know.

”I will come pick you up when done with your dinner.”

”No need babe, my colleague will drop me.”

He was quite for a few seconds,

”Okay, enjoy your dinner.”

”Can i bring you some food?”

”No, i will cook for myself, don’t bother.”

”Babe?”

”I don’t want you to keep your colleague waiting, have a good one.”

He was upset alright, but why? This was just dinner with our suppliers, nothing else. I shrugged it off and closed my office. My colleague and the guests were already downstairs waiting for me. We used my colleagues’ car. I swear Joe was watching me from somewhere but i did not see him. I shrugged off the feeling and got ready to have a good evening, like i always did.

Being single comes with a lot of freedom. Freedom to do whatever you want to do without having to explain to anyone or justifying yourself. But here i was, a grown ass woman with a son explaining herself to a man. I took a deep breath and pushed the thoughts to the back of my mind. Sankara is just not any hotel, i had every intention of making the most out of it.

Our dinner went well. We had fun, a lot of fun talking about other stuff other than work. We ate and i had a really expensive bottle of wine all to myself. At some point we even danced to some music. It was one of those serene evenings that your soul is rewarded with good food, excellent wine and perfect music. I was going home to some loving too, what a way to end my day. I wished my Joe was there, you know, it could have been perfect, but it was not possible. However, that did not stop me from having fun.

When it was time to leave, my colleague held my hand and led me out, we were not getting cosy or anything, i was just overly tipsy. When we got to the parking lot, Joe was there. He came forward and pushed my colleague aside and protectively held my waist.

” What the hell?”

”Oh babe, you are here.”

”What is going on here?”

”Nothing, he was going to drop me home, that’s all.”

My colleague Paul stepped forward.

”Relax man, i was just going to drop her home, nothing much.”

”I haven’t spoken to you.”

”What’s your problem anyway?”

”You think i don’t see how you look at her? Pretending to buy her lunch and stuff?”

”Whoa! Diana is my colleague, chill out now.”

”You chill out, Paul.”

The two men were going at each other and if my tipsy self didn’t intervene, they were going to fight. But why was he so upset.

I turned to him, i was getting embarrassed by his behaviour.

”Babe, can we just go home, please.”

”Maybe your little colleague can drop you.”

”What’s wrong with you?”

”What’s wrong with me?”

He laughed and pulled me to his car. Good thing our guests were not here to witness this.

”Joe, i don’t like this.”

”What? I see, you’d rather Paul drives you home, right? And maybe come in for a few minutes?”

”He was going to drive me to your place.”

”Then maybe you could have done a quick one in the car.”

”How dare you?”

We were attracting a few people, he opened the door and practically put me inside. I was now sober and very upset.

”I ain’t going nowhere with your childidh ass, i am going home.”

”You are coming with me.”

He got into the car and sped off leaving Paul in a cloud of dust.

The whole ride home was full of arguments. He did not trust me at all. He had no faith in me. I had not given him any reason not to trust me.

When we got home, i refused to leave his car, i was not going to spend another minute of my time with an angry man.

He opened the door and carried me out, he flung me on his shoulder like you would a chiild. Once in the elevator, he set me down.

”I am not doing this with you, Joe, i can’t.”

He was breathing like an agitated bull, his eyes red and a few veins popping on his head. He practically dragged me from the elevator to the house.

”You don’t own me Joe, you are not my husband, I can go out with anyone that i want and i can fuck anybody that i want to.”

He took off his jacket and the next thing i felt was a hot slap on my face. I was stunned for a few seconds as the reality of what just happened hit home. A second slap and a third. I staggered back and held my hands protectively over my face. I felt tears well up, i had no will to stop them so i let them fall at will.

He walked and stopped in front of me and sank to his knees and held my legs,

”Baby i am so sorry. Forgive me for hitting you, hit me, come on babe, hit me too.”

I was too shocked to react, no man had ever hit me, not even my dad.

Joe knew my weak point. He got up and kissed my tears, i tried to push him away but it did not stop him.

He kissed my neck, and drew me closer to him, i buried my tear stained face on his chest. He raised my face with his hands, there were tears in his eyes. I don’t know if it’s the tears or the look of remorse that i saw that melted my heart.

He turned me around and made me bend over the couch. His hands cupped my boobs, i was giving in, submitting to his touch and yearning for more. He pulled over my dress, i felt his hot tears on my bare back. He dropped his pants and took me slowly, drawing me closer to him until he fully filled me. It was furious fucking for the both of us, releasing pressured moans, hard thrusts that drove it all out. I held on to the couch with my strength and might. He thrust faster and faster, sweat and tears falling on my back until we he collapsed on me, from exhaustion. We stayed there for a few minutes before he finally rolled off. I was exhausted and my face hurt.

he took my hand and led me to the carpet, we sat down our backs resting on the couch.

”I don’t know what came over me, i am really sorry for hitting you.”

I had nothing to say, i could not find the right words to say.

”Baby please say something, it will never happen again.”

I felt a fresh wave of tears and i did not hold back. I curled up, my knees to my chest and hugged myself as the tears fell. I had just fucked the man who hit me.

”Diana please, i am begging you, please forgive me. I was just so jealous.”

He knelt in front of me and wiped my tears.

”Please stop crying.”

It was more of a whisper.

”Okay, i am going to go take a shower.”

I got up and took off the remaining of my clothes and went to his bathroom. He followed me.

”Please let me shower with you.”

He was pleading and i did not have the heart to say no to him.

It had also started raining.

His bathroom was very clean, the white tiles were spotless. On the corner was a rack with a few shower gel bottles, bar soaps and a few towels.

I picked the nivea shower gel with lavender scents and poured it on his back, i opened the shower a little for the water and soap to lather.

He was facing the wall his hands spread out, i pressed my titties against his back as i moved up and down almost in rhythm with the rain as it pounded the window. I moved my soap infested hands across his chest rubbing and massaging him. I massaged him to the blood, i was almost massaging his soul. He opened the shower again and the warm water hit my back with a burning sensation.

He turned and faced me as he also poured some shower gel on me, he moved his hands spreading the gel to every part of my body. He asked me to turn as he bent on my back making me to bend as well. I was almost touching the floor when he gently slid into me from behind. He cupped my boobs as he thrust still bent on me, our bodies cling to each other as the warm water spattered on our backs. The rain drowned our loud moans as he pushed in and out holding on to my thighs tightly, he spanked, clang and thrust like his dear life depended on it. His grib tightened as he released his seed into me. I felt his member become flaccid as he pulled out and pulled me close to him standing below the shower. We let the water fall on us for a few minutes before he turned off the shower and threw me a towel as i followed him to the bedroom.

He handed me a clean t-shirt, we got into bed and fell asleep almost immediately. All the day’s worry quickly forgotten.

Diana Mosoba