BURGUNDY
burgundy Episode 14
©Amah's Heart
The continues noise from my phone woke me up very early in the morning.
It was an unknown number again.
I didn't pick at first, I thought it was Ireti who kept texting me with different numbers threatening to kill herself if I don't accept her back.
The phone kept ringing and I decided to pick up
The female voice from the other end do not sound familiar.
" Hello, am I speaking with Mr Martin Jr?
" Yes, who's this?
I queried impatiently.
" My name is Doctor Kate of Royal Hospital. I'm calling on behalf of a patient who was admitted to our hospital yesterday. She gave us your number to call and insist we do . Her name is Ireti and she took an overdose drug and passed out in her apartment. sir, we will appreciate if you can come down to see her because her life depends on it. Please. When should we expect you sir?
I ended the call and exclaimed sadly to myself.
"Oh my God, what sort of problem is this now. Why is Ireti doing this to herself? she actually meant it when she said she will take her own life.
Or is this a set up to get me back to her?...I seriously hate this.
I breathed in, changed over, took my car keys and drove out.
Since Ireti's life depends on me showings up, that is exactly what I will do.
I pray she doesn't die and I also hope is not a set up to get me to pity her and accept her back.
That girl is capable of anything.
I drove to the hospital and was directed to where she was
I began to count my step as I walk down to her hospital room.
It doesn't seem right to me coming to see Ireti after all she did but I hate the idea of she trying to kill herself and I don't want to be the reason for that.
She was lying still in her bed and a nurse was checking on her.
Immediately I came in the nurse left.
Ireti turned and looked at me, she looks normal to me but she had tubes and drip tagged on her body.
" Thank you for coming Mart. I know you are not so heartless to want me dead.
I stood watching her. She still looks pretty and even had make up on her face and red lipstick on her lips.
" Why did you asked them to call me? You should have called Papi and not me.
I said with a frown while trying to understand why I even came at first when it was obvious she set up the drama.
She doesn't even look like someone that wanted to kill herself.
"Mart, stop doing this to me. All I ask is for a second chance. Everyone deserves it Mart. Please, reconsider. I totally bared myself open to you. I withheld nothing. I told you all my secrets that I never told anyone. Is all because I don't want to hide anything anymore. I wanted you to understand every reason behind my actions. I regret most of my actions and wish I can undo them. I'm not proud of my past but I can't change it. I was spoilt with money and gifts and felt like I got it all. I'm sorry Mart for hurting you...I never meant to and I promise, I swear with my life that I will never hurt you ever again. Trust me this time and I won't disappoint...I will do everything you want me to do. Anything at all. I love you so much Mart. I loved you more than I do for Papi. Please, don't turn me down. I have told you every of my secrets, everything I hide away from everyone. I told you because I don't want to hold any secret, no matter how small it may be from you. Please Mart...
I shakes my head unconcerned.
" And when your Papi shows up, you will returned back to him. Ireti... I'm done with your lies and deceit. I won't fall for this pretense. I'm moving on and wish Sandra will forgive me for what I did to her. Sandra, the lady you accused, humiliated and insulted. I wish I can see her... searched everywhere for her already but is negative. she's very angry with me all because of you. You caused it Ireti and you are putting up this show for me to consider and accept you back but somebody like you do not deserve a second chance... at the end you will mess it up...
She straightened from the hospital bed and sat up.
" Mart if you leave me I will kill myself for good. I can't live without you. Papi is not Coming back for me. He said I betrayed him and does not want to have anything to do with me. I won't disappoint you Mart, give me a try first. Sandra is gone for good. She asked you not to look for her. I guess she's gone to be with her boyfriend and do not need disturbance or reminder of what she's trying to forget. Mart, please don't forget the good moment we share together...give me a chance to make it up for the bad time we had. I promise not to ever leave you for any man or disappoint you.
I try to have a rethink over Ireti's offer. She seems real but I'm trading safe. I don't want her to play with my intelligence.
I left her and went home.
After two days I kept thinking of my traveling out or giving Ireti a chance.
she sounds sincere and I want to give her benefit of doubt.
I desperately wanted Sandra but I think Ireti maybe right. She has gone to be with Jeff, her boyfriend and do not want to have anything to do with me.
I wish to set my eyes on her but it appears to be a very hard task.
Ireti came over and I asked Musa to let her in.
She came in and sat like a repentant sinner in my sitting room.
She acted as if she was not the Ireti that i used to know.
I did not touch her but we had a good kiss after few days.
Ireti was not as before, she changed. There was no longer eating and messing the whole place up. She quit smoking and also reduce her alcoholic intake.
She was really different and I like the new Ireti that she portray to be.
i did nott allow her stay for long at my place or come every weekend. I try to be discipline and not touch her but morals failed me. Her beauty comes out the more on every of her visit.
I cancelled my traveling plans and resumed again with Ireti.
I just hope I'm doing the right thing because sometimes I feel guilty for no good reason.
After two months I started suspecting her. She was either hiding to receive calls or talking in a whisper.
I waved it off at first.
I thought is because of what happened in the past that was making me to suspect her every move.
Well, I couldn't explain the reason why I feel she's hiding something and I don't want to drug her like the last time just to find out what she's up Ireti clears her chat and I can't lay my hands on anything negative.
When I became certain that Ireti was up to something was when her number was off for two good days.
I drove down to her house but she wasn't around either.
she came after few days to my place I asked her where she has been and why her number was off.
She told me that she was at her house all through.
" Which house? I was at your place but you weren't there and I couldn't reach you either ...
" Ooh, is probably when I visited my aunt and there was no network there. It was an emergency visit, she was very sick and no one was there to care for her, so I needed to go. I even try sending you a message to inform you but it didn't go through. i'm sorry my love.
Why do I think she's lying?
I challenged her.
"Your aunt huh? I hope you haven't resumed back to lying to my face because if I find out...it won't be funny this time.
I Walked away from her and few days later I caught her. I woke up in the middle of the night and was hearing a whisper Coming from the bathroom.
I tip toe to the bathroom and listened.
" ...yes, I'm at home. Yes... I'm tired right now and can't take a picture of my nude. My girlfriend is around and I wouldn't want her to see me doing that. Papi, C'mon, you know I love you very much and ready to do anything for you but definitely not tonight. I will do that tomorrow... please. Don't be mad at me...yes, I promised tomorrow. I will also try and come over next weekend to be with you. I thought you will be mad at me forever, I'm really happy to have you back...I won't. I promise you before and I'm promising again. No one else except you... just you Papi. I love you. I believe you know that right?
I went back to bed and stayed awake until she came out.
The phone almost fell from her hand when she saw me.
With the look on my face she began to give unsolicited explaination with trembling.
" Mart, I was afraid to tell you that Papi was back. He wants me to return back to him but I said no and told him I was with a loving man who cherished me. I was just trying to make him leave me alone. I don't mean anything you heard me say to him over the phone. All I wanted was to dismiss him so that he will let me be for good. I don't want to be harsh due to the fact that we got a past together and he was very nice to me... so I decided to play smart by talking and acting so loving to him but I don't mean any of that. Mart believe me. I promise not to disappoint you and I won't...
She sound convincing to me but I have my doubt.
"what if she was lying?.
I waved it off and went back to bed.
I was within my compound one day and heard Musa shouting excitedly on the phone.
" Small madam, Na where you come go since. I miss you pass oo. Chai small madam I don dey try reach you but your number no dey go. I just say make I try again today and you pick. Walahi, God go bless you well welloo...
I paused and listened and wondered if it was Sandra that Musa was talking so happily to or was there another small madam aside Sandra?
After the call ended, I called Musa and asked him who he was talking with and he was filled with joy and told me is the small madam that worked for me before.
He was actually talking with Sandra and couldn't hide his excitement.
I was surprised and quickly came up with a plan that Musa will stylishly ask her where she resides whenever they speak next time.
Musa got the details after I waited for one long week.
I got the address to locate her.
I drove off to see Sandra.
It was a very long drive and I wasn't bothered.
Ireti was calling me but I told her I wasn't home and don't know when I will return.
I kept driving and began to wonder if Musa gave me the right address or did he played with my intelligence.
I drove and kept asking around until I was directed to the street and from there I was shown the house.
I parked outside and rang the bell at the big gate.
The gate and the fence was very high like an army barrack.
I silently prayed that I was at the right house.
After sometime, i began to hear somebody unlocking the gate.
I stepped back and try to calm my racing heart as the gate suddenly opened and I stood face to face with an elderly man.
" Goo..good day sir...
I stammered at the tall man who wore camouflage top and blue jean.
" Yes. How may I help you..Who are you here to see?
The man sound so authoritative and very eloquent. I was almost turning back because it appears I was in the wrong house.
This man was very intimidating. I breathed deeply, trying to appear brave.
" I think I lost my way sir. I'm Sorry. I was actually looking for a young Lady. Sandra is her name and I was directed to this particular house...but is a misup and I will take my leave. I'm sorry to bother you sir.
I nodded to my own words as the man stand looking at me. I was about taking a step back when he said.
" Sandra is my daughter. She's inside. If you are here to see her then is fine. Come inside then.
Fear grabbed my two legs but I obeyed and went inside. It was a very large compound and there was a car parked at one end.
I followed the man silently and quietly and kept hoping that is not a trap.
If I get locked up in this big house, even if I scream all I can I'm not sure my voice will be heard.
nobody will hear me.
The man sensed my fear and called out to his daughter with a strange name.
"Treasure... Treasure... please come. There's a young man here to see you.
I began to doubt if I'm truly in the right house after I heard the man called his daughter treasure.
I was there to see Sandra and not treasure or could it be the name her father specially calls her.
My eyes was looking all around when I saw her come out of the nicely painted house.
It was truly Sandra, yes. I was looking right at Sandra standing by the door side and looking at me.
She doesn't look angry or happy, her face was expressionless. I couldn't place it but I was happy to finally come face to face with Sandra.
My phone began to ring, interrupting the good moment I was trying to enjoy.
I quickly checked the caller and it was Ireti again.
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BURGUNDY
burgundy Episode 15
©Amah's Heart
" ...Right there. that's where she was buried. No matter how many times I walk past that flap, i still feel sad. My kid sister died of brain tumour and my parents tried all they could to save her but she couldn't make it. My Mum also battled with cancer. She was critically ill and my dad who is a retired soldier poured in his life savings just for her to get well but it didn't work out. We used to be well to do but we are just at a standard level right now. My dad sold his properties, his assets and cars because of my Mum's health. He is only left with just a car and few other things including this building. I was ready to do anything just to assist him because the burden was too much. He didn't want me to do some menial jobs. I'm a graduate, I read biochemistry but due to the way the country is I resulted to doing anything legal I find to do. I worked in a big company but my salary was delayed for months. I resigned and started working at the store where you met me first and I was sacked because I left my duty in search of burgundy polish... I like going out of my ways for people just to Please them, that's the way I was raised. you later gave me a job to care for your home. Did you know that I lied to my dad that I was working in a hospitality industry and stays in the staff quarters. I told him I will be coming home once in a while. My dad never knew my real job because if he finds out he will come and drag me away. Of all the job to do definitely not a house keeper or maid in a single man's house. I asked my brother never to review it to him. My brother is the only one aware and he also has his own fears of me working and living with you. I transfer money to my dad's account almost every month and my brother who is faraway does the same thing. We needed to do all we can to keep my Mum alive but strength failed us and the bills kept on piling up. My Mum died three months ago after you sacked me for a wrong I never did. I believe my mum and my sister, Ruki are in a better place. She suffered so much. If money could bring her back she will be alive right now but God's will must be done...
We were sitting outside the house, within the compound. This was my third time coming to see her.
During the first time she wasn't so friendly and refused to give me audience.
I left and came back the second time. She gave me a cold attitude. But we had little chat and I kept apologizing for what I did.
On this third time she was open. No more cold attitude. She wasn't so friendly but I enjoyed her company and listened to her attentively as if i was in an examination class.
I looked round the big compound. Then saw the two graves at a very far end. One belonged to her mum and the other smaller one in size was for her sister, Ruki.
" Your dad is a strong man. He has endured alot. And yo.. you never said anything concerning your ill mother before. You only mentioned your sister and I heard you praying for your Mom but I don't know that she was critically ill. I'm sorry Sandra...deeply sorry for everything. I want to be here for you if you will let me. I... miss you so much. I have always wanted to reveal my true feelings for you, how I felt about you but I was scared of been turned down. You occupy every part of me and I wish to make up for every of your tear drop. I'm not joking Sandra. i was mislead with Ireti's beauty and never knew she was capable of those thing she did. I wish to be in your life but I know you love Jeff... and I don't want to sound selfish even though that's all I wished to do right now... to have you all to myself...
Sandra turned to me and said.
" you mean Jeff?... C'mon. Jeffrey is my elder brother. My only brother and I love him so dearly. He is the only sibling I have but he traveled back after mum's burial, back to Canada where he works. I'm even planning to join him soon. my dad and Jeff are making arrangement concerning that. I was supposed to travel towards the end of this year... once everything is set. It seems all my hustle to keep my Mum alive and to support my dad with the accumulated bills was all in vain so I have to travel out and start all over. My dad will be alright, he can always come for a visit when I'm well settled because I will be staying with Jeff who already had a girl he plans to marry. She's white and we talk and chat almost everyday. She is looking forward to seeing me in Canada soon. Jeffrey is my brother not lover but if you hear us talking over the phone you may assume I'm speaking with my lover because I relate so well with him...
" Wow, oh really... that's so good to know.
I exclaimed excitedly.
I gasped out in self relief. I felt like jumping round the whole compound happily after knowing that Jeff was her elder brother after all.
She brought my excited self back to reality with her questions
"... concerning Ireti? You told me in your messages that you ended things with her after the incident. Her supposed Papi was her lover and you locked her up for stealing your burgundy shoe and aquarium. after all the ordeal she was later bailed out and that was the end of two of you... is that true?
Sandra asked while looking at me. I cleared my voice and said.
" Uhmm! yeah. I... I ended things with Ireti. We aren't together anymore. All I want is you... but I'm willing to wait until you are ready.
I looked up at her. I was tempted to kiss her but held back. She may not like me doing that and her "soldier father" maybe watching us from somewhere.
After sitting and talking for sometime I left, despite I don't feel Like leaving but I have to respect myself and leave.
I did not have time for Ireti anymore. I was even looking for a chance to end things with her after I reconciled with Sandra.
I chat and call Sandra almost every minutes.
We get to talk deep into the night, do video calls and throw silly jokes at each other.
I was happy to have her back and listen to her laughter.
Having her back as the girl I truly love and not as my worker anymore.
I asked her to visit and she promised to do that soon.
She usually asked about Musa, her friend and I'm always glad to fill her in with my gate man's funny activities.
I visited her twice again and even get to sit with her dad. The man was very outspoken and intelligent.
He made me feel relaxed, he brought a wine and we drank and kept talking.
Sandra made food and served her father first before bringing mine.
I have missed Sandra's cooking and couldn't say no to the delicious food.
I told the man everything about me, about my parents and most importantly my intentions for his daughter which I couldn't hide anymore.
Sandra's father loves his children and warns me never to hurt his daughter or he will come straight at me.
I gave my promises and even swear never to do such.
My problem remains on how to fully dismiss Ireti because Sandra will be coming around next week.
And ever since I found Sandra, I ceased from touching Ireti and stopped her from sleeping over at my place on weekends. Because I maybe tempted to touch her if she passed a night with me and I don't want to do anything that will hurt Sandra ever again.
I respect both Sandra's presence and absence and even Kissing Ireti makes me feel guilty so I stopped every forms of intimacy with her.
My mind was made up on calling it quit with Ireti.
Ever since we resumed our relationship again, the feeling is not like before and she kept giving me reasons to doubt her.
I will not let anyone or anything to bring misunderstanding between me and Sandra.
I summoned courage and told Ireti the day she visited that I'm no longer interested in the relationship and I want out of it.
I told her I found Sandra and she was kind enough to let go of the wrong I did to her in the past. she's not in a relationship, Jeff was actually her brother. I want to be with Sandra and I'm ready to give up everything Just to make it a reality
After saying that, Ireti exploded like a bomb. she ran to the kitchen and came back with a kitchen knife.
Ireti held the knife to her chest, threatening to stab herself to death if I ever leave her.
I was shock and frozen while watching the drama queen. She kept shouting and threatening to kill herself right there in my apartment.
I begged her to drop the knife, she refused, saying I have to promise that I won't leave her.
She began to cry and I told her that I wasn't going anywhere. I begged her to drop the knife before she hurt herself with it.
I try to assure her that I won't leave her, all for her to hand the over weapon to me.
I kept repeating it like a promise.
She dropped the knife after a long plead and came into my arms crying.
I was deeply troubled.
I brought alcohol and starting drinking.
She joined me.
I just needed to drink away my trouble.
And think of another way to end things with Ireti.
I drank and didn't even know when I finished a whole bottle of alcoholic drink. Ireti wasn't drinking much, she Just held the cup in her hand, sipping it gradually.
I felt dizzy and Just couldn't get up from the ground.
I don't even understand what I was doing any more. I wanted to get inside but my legs couldn't carry me so I remained in the sitting room beside Ireti who was quietly watching me.
She came to me but I ask her to stay away I don't need her help. I was fine.
She tried again and I fell for it.
I woke up the following morning in the sitting room, my eyes was cleared, the empty bottle and cups lie carelessly on the ground, my cloths were off and Ireti was also lying naked beside me.
" heyyy! Did I...touch you last night?
I asked her angrily and shocked at my careless self. I can't remember making out with her even with the influence of the alcohol I took
I can't recall anything happening but she replied me with a smile curved at one corner of her mouth.
" Yes Mart, we made love and you did it without condom. For the first time you went raw with me. I really enjoyed it because I'm actually in my fertile period.
" Whaaat, I did what?...
I screamed in shock.
I rushed to the bathroom and try to examine myself but couldn't dictate anything. I had my bath and came out.
I went to my phone and it was off.
I asked Ireti why my phone was off she told me that Sandra was calling and disturbing our moment so she had to turn off the phone.
I later called Sandra and acted as if everything was fine. She told me she will postponed her coming to the second week.
that was really fine by me.
I needed enough time to dismiss Ireti who had become a parasite to my person.
I asked Ireti to leave that I was going out. I had already changed my house lock and she doesn't have free access anymore.
After she left, i asked Musa to always tell her that I wasn't home anytime she comes looking for me.
After two weeks, as I was planing to go and pick up Sandra from the bustop because she was Coming that day.
I got a message from Ireti that she missed her monthly flow and was confirmed pregnant.
Ireti said that she had the pregnancy test report which was given to her in the hospital and she is keeping the baby.
I became devastated. I almost ran mad at the news of Ireti's pregnancy.
Oh no, not now!. why must such thing happen when Sandra was already in the picture and was visiting today.
Oh my God! What am I supposed to do now?
I ran my hand on my head. I was sweating even under the air condition.
What should I do now?
That was the only question I kept asking myself.
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