'No my dear,you don't know how it feels to want to expend energy in your body,and the only one who can help me says no.'He said stamping his feet on the floor.
'I know'Jane screamed,'I know how it feels,do you think its easy to say no,when my body screams yes,i'm human too,and i want you as much as you want me.'Jane cried,as the waterworks began.
Jacob stood by the window now,his back turned,but he could hear her cry.
'Can i ask you a question?'He said turning to look at her.
'Yes.'
'Who are you keeping your body for?'he asked.
'My husband.'
'And who am i?or is there someone else? Have you been playing me?talk to me.'He shouted again.
Jane remained mute.
'I take your silence for yes,that i am the only man you're seeing,so why are you denying me of my right? Why?' he said stressing the 'why'.
'Please understand me.'Jane pleaded.
'I can't understand,i see hundreds of beautiful ladies,hot and drooling sex everyday,ladies who would pull off their pant,at the snap of my finger.'He paused.'But,i can't bring myself to do that,because,i love you,why should you be the one to deny me?'
Jane stood up and walked out.
After some minutes,Jacob came into the sitting room to find her watching the Tv,he thought she had left.
Without a word,he poured himself a glass of vodka,sitting opposite her.In another minute,he had downed three glasses.
'Jacob,i'm truly sorry for what happened.'Jane said.
There was an awkward silence in the room as Jacob stared dumbly at the screen,pouring himself another glass.
'Fine,would you please drive me home before you get drunk.'Jane hissed.
Not a word from Jacob.
Jane got the message,picking her purse,she found her way out.
She heard a car drive in,it was Funmi who just arrived.
'Good afternoon sweetheart'She greeted as she got down from the car.
'Good afternoon ma.'Jane smiled sweetly,not wanting to give out any message.
'You're leaving?'
'Yes ma.'she replied.
'So,who's taking you home?'
'I'll get a taxi.'
Funmi frowned.'Where is jacob? And why can't he take you?'
Jane thought of an answer.'He's a bit tired and feeling sleepy,thats why.' she explained.
'Notwithstanding,let Bash drive you home,its late.'
Jane thanked her before getting in the car.
Funmi walked inside.
As soon as they got out of the estate,Jane got down and found a taxi home.
..................
It was very late in the evening,Funmi wondered why Jacob didn't come down for dinner,before she retired,she went in search of him only to find a smelling man who had vomitted on the floor lying in his vomit,with several bottle of alcoholic drink before him.
'I guessed that something was wrong this afternoon.'Funmi spoke aloud.'I just did't want to be too forward.'
She picked her phone,'I need to speak to Jane.'
SEVEN days,yet Jacob had not shown up to apologise or something,it was taking all effort for her not to call him.
Exactly three days ago,Funmi had called to ask about what happened between them,to which she denied,saying all was well.The woman had pestered her to confide in her since Jacob was not willing to speak to her.
Just yesterday,Jackie called too.Still on the matter,jacob was behaving strange and didn't want to hear Jane's name being mentioned.
She had made up her mind that,if Jay was not ready to speak,she is equally up to the task.
Bibi was yet to notice anything,and Jane prayed that,she wouldn't.
The ladies were in the living room,watching a movie,when Bibi appeared,dressed and ready for work.
'Ladies,i'm off to work.'She said.'Anyone need me to get her something?'
'Yes,me.'Adetoun said,She was getting used to the family.Bibi loved the radiance on her face and how happy she looked.
'Is that why you're raising your hand?'Hannah laughed.
'Look who is talking.'Toun said when Hannah raised her hand too.
'And me.'Hannah said.
'I want watermelon.' Toun said.
'I want orange.'Hannah said.
'Aunty,how about you?' Bibi asked.
'I want watermelon and orange.'Jane replied.The ladies and their mother burst into laughter as Bibi left closing the door.
They resumed their movie,
'Jane,i think this woman is going to die.'Detoun said.But,there was no reponse.
'Jane'She called again.
'Jane'Detoun and Hannah called together.
As if snapping out of a bad mood,she coughed,
'Did you call me?'
'We called you.'Hannah said coming to sit by her.
'I'll report you to mother,if you keep on like this.'Hannah warned.
'We all know,you're deeply worried about Jacob,i have a feeling things will work out fine,pretty soon.'Adetoun said,turning down the volume of the Tv set.
'Me too.'Hannah said holding her sisters hand.
'Do you girls think i should call him?'Jane asked worried.
'No,i don't like that,he's the man,he should call and make peace.'Adetoun said.
Yesterday evening,he'd called Adetoun,asked if she was fine and if she would go out with him,she declined and when she tried discussing Jane,he became furious,and warned her not to mention Jane's name again.
Telling that to Jane was not a good idea.She wondered what it feels like to love and be loved.
'And you said,he wanted to surprise you on your birthday?'Hannah asked.
'Yes,he did say so,i don't think he's coming any more.'Jane sobbed.
Adetoun wiped Jane's tears away,
'You don't have to cry sis.'
'I am no longer celebrating again.'Jane said.
'You will o,not after you invited your friends.'Hannah cut in.
'And how do you explain that to mother?'Toun said.
'Whats worth celebrating?tell me?i have no job and Jacob is gradually slipping off my fingers.'Jane cried.
'Its enough sis,please stop crying.'Hannah pleaded.
Jane stood up and left for her room.
'Do you think,she should call him?'Detoun asked.
'No,i wouldn't do that,not after what he said to her,and how he treated her.'Hannah said.'I'm beginning to dislike Jacob self.'
'Don't do that pls,he's such a nice man,caring and hardworking too.'Detoun said.'I just wonder,what came over him.'
Jane buried her face in the pillow,why was Jacob doing this to her,not at this time.why? It was just two days to her party,was he going to disappoint her?what about his surprise?would he still show up to propose?
..Funmi wondered if Bibi was aware that something had gone between their children.She and Jackie had thought of so many ways to make Jacob speak,yet he was adamant.
She had even called Jane several times,but she said nothing was wrong,what else was she supposed to do?
This past week,whenever he returned from work,he would have dinner in his quarter,only to say goodbye the next day.
She had to act fast,Jacob must not lose Jane..she would see to it.
..........
Jacob was very furious with Jane for her attitude,he'd been waiting close to three years,he loved her dearly.Does she want him to go after other ladies?
He had just arrived from work tired,when Jackie came in to inform him,that they'd be having dinner in his wing.He agreed grudgingly.
They were almost through when Funmi looked for his trouble.
'Are you enjoying this meal?'She asked.
'Yes,its tasty as always.' Jacob said.
'When last did you hear from Janet?'
Jacob looked at his mother,'You have her number,call her.'
'I know you two have a quarell,but.....'
'But what mother? But what?'
'You should be man enough to talk things out.'Funmi answered..
'Alright,thanks.'He stood up and began to clear the table.
'We're nt done eating.'Jackie said surprised.
'Go and finish it somewhere else.'Jacob replied.
'I know you two love each other,stop kidding yourself,Call Jane and talk to her.'Funmi said.
'The next time you mention that name,i'll surprise you mother.'Jacob said.
'Mother,lets leave.'Jackie said,fearing another quarell.
'Listen son,I'll leave,but think about it please.'
..........
Detoun and Hannah were doing a very good job of planning Jane's birthday for her.
The lady baking the cakes had brought them first thing in the morning,a cholocota cake and a sponge cake with Jane's name designed boldly on it with Icing Sugar.
Jane had even smiled,when she saw the cakes,they were giggiing when her phone rang.She rejected the call instantly.She did the same twice,before Hannah spoke.
'Is that Jacob?'
Jane answered.'No'
'So,whose call are you ignoring?'Detoun asked.
'One unserious element.'Jane hissed.
'Who?' the ladies asked in a chorus.
'You girls are disturbing me..'Jane complained.'I have not made up my mind yet.
'Made up your mind about what?'Bibi asked from the corridor.
'I haven't....made up...my mind....'
'She hasn't made up her mind about inviting a Dj.'Detoun finished for her.
'Dj? I don't agree with that,there'll be too much noise here.'Bibi said.
'Then,the Dj is crossed out.'Hannah said,heaving a sigh of relief.
'Jane.'Bibi called.
'Mother,you called me.'
'Its been a while i heard from Jacob.'Bibi said.
'Jacob...He's fine,but,he's kind of busy.'
'I thought as much.'Bibi paused.'I hope you girls have prepared all that is needed.'
'Yes,mother.'Hannah answered.
................
Later in the evening,Funmi called to ask her for the hundreth time,the issue that happened between her and Jacob,to which she denied knowledge of,she also asked,if the party would still go on tomorrow,to which she said yes.Funmi wished her a happy birthday in advance and promised to be there with Jackie.
'Hey sister.' Hannah bumped into her room without knocking,just as she dropped her phone on the door.
'Curtesy demand you knock.'Jane glared.
'I will,next time.'She answered.
'What do you want?'
'Bad timing i guess,anyway you have a visitor.'Hannah said.
'What visitor?' Jane asked,since she wasn't expecting anyone.
'I don't know,he said you were expecting him today.'
'I wasn't expecting anyone.'Jane flared up.'The only person i want to see is Jacob,go and tell whosoever is in there to leave.'
Hannah blinked,surprised,'I can't do that sis.'
'What? Tell him to leave,and never come back.'Jane hissed as Hannah left the room.
Only for Detoun to come in,she entered after knocking twice without getting a response.
'Jane,someone is here to see you,and he's waiting in the sitting room.'She explained.
'Don't tell me,he's still there?'
You didn't ask him to leave,he's there.'Detoun said.
Before Detoun could say JackTack,Jane hurried past her into the sitting room,to see a confident Kmikky-K Michelle,Ajoke's event planner-sitted gallantly on the settee in the sitting room.
'What...what...are you doing here?' she stammered as air struck in her throat at the sight of Michelle who looked breath taking,but for her anger that made him look silly to her alone.
'I came to see you,since you refused to honour my calls.' Michelle said standing up to greet her.
'Good evening.' he said bringing out his hand for a shake.
'Save it.'Jane shouted.'Now get out.' she moved towards him snatching the glass of water from his hands.
'Excuse me.'He said.
'Better,excuse yourself and use the door,its by your right.'Jane shouted again.
Michelle opened the door,and left.Hannah and Toun who had been peeping came in.
'Who was that?' Detoun asked.
'You did bad by sending him away,to think he looked so handsome and sexxxxy.'Hannah smiled.
'Get away.' she said as she left for her room.
.........
'This is getting serious.' Detoun said.
'I think Jane is loosing her mind.'Hannah answered.
'Look,whats that?' she said pointing to a wrapped pack by the setee.Detoun got up to pick it up.
'The Michelle guy must have brought it.' She said examining its content.
'He must have brought it for Jane.' Hannah said.
Michelle popularly known as Kmikky,an event planner known across Lagos and beyond.sat devasted in his office not because he was embarrassed but because his charms failed for the first.
No woman was ever able to say no to him,not with his physical appearance and social status.
Jane's sending him away did not annoy him,but what striked him was the UNTAMED BEAUTY that sat innocently beside him.
The other lady who looked like a fair version of Jane had reffered to her as 'ADETOUN'.hmm, beautiful name.
He'd overheard the young lady on the phone with someone asking he/she to be present at Jane's party the next day.
He had to find a way to meet her and get to know her better.
.........
Jane lay sprawled on her bed,thank heavens that Bibi did not overhear her conversation with Michelle.
Somewhere in her,she felt bad for sending him away like that.He didn't deserve that,since he was not the cause of her anger.
She focused on sleep,as Detoun adviced her to,yet the thing was avoiding her.
Tomorrow was d-day,would Jacob come? Would he fulfill his promise? What would become of her?
No one could tell,except, TOMORROW......
HapPy BirThDay To YoU/2ce
HaPPY biRtHdAy to You Janet!
HapPy BirthDay To You!
Janet smiled as she sat up in bed,pulling the duvet from her body.
We wish you,
Happy many returns,
Of the day.
Long live in prosperity!
'Hip! Hip! Hip!'Detoun shouted.
'Hurray!!!' Bibi and Hannah replied.
'Good morning.'Jane smiled.'Thank you very much.'
She got down from the bed,and Bibi prayed for her,Hannah and Detoun also mumbled some words,if could call that prayer.
Jane excused herself to use the toilet,she returned to meet an empty the others had gone.
'Where are you all hiding.' she saod aloud looking around,her feet hit something,she bent down to see the gifts they arranged for her.
The first was a big handmade card,with several hand written messages,proudly designed and presented by Detoun,next was a card encased in a glass and a birthday message with one of her pictures in it,the last was a box of jewellry.As she bent to pick it Bibi and the girls came in.
Bibi got the box from her,
'This jewellry box was presented to my by your father,when he engaged me,its an indication of love,it is very expensive and hard to come by this days.' she said presenting it to her.
Jane hugged her mother,and tears welled up in her eyes.The girls took turn hugging her.This was going to be a good day afterall as she picked her ringing phone.
Bibi and the girls were done in the kitchen,they were dressing up while Jane admired the well decorated sitting room.The cakes were placed on the center table and covered.
Jane received so many calls and messaged from old friends,colleagues and her family,she blinked twice when Jacob's message was delivered,Hope sparked up inside of her,and she smiled genuiely.
The guests had began arriving,Lucy was there already,newly wedded Mrs Ajoke Thomas was there too,she had just returned from their honeymoon four days,she glowed and sparkled in warmth as she spoke and smile.
Janet had informed Ajoke about the happenings with Jacob,Her friend had advised her to be calm and if he's truly hers,he would come to her.
Janet wore a white mini skirt,with a navy blue jacket as she greeded her friends and tidied up everything.
The weather seemed happy that today's party was taking place,as it was clear and warm.
Bibi launched the party with a prayer,while Lucy anchored the programme.Hannah took the place of Disk Joker,as she turned on the speaker to play music in the background.
Lucy called in the celebrant amidst cheers from friends,family and neighbours.Janet walked in majestically,with a plastic smile plastered on her face escorted by Adetoun.
Hannah and Adetoun did a good job of picking her facial pink mini gown,Jane did justice to the dress,the diamond buds on her ears added sparkle to her demeanor.The light make up,defined her well structured face,bringing warmth to face,with the dress accentuating her well defined curves,she looked radiant.
Only a strict observer would notice that she was anxious and only close friends would note the pain behind those smiles.
As Jane was shown to a seat,her eyes never left the door,each time the door opened,her heart banged.Finally Jackie came adorned in a white gown,Jane prayed for a seconds that Jacob would come in too.Rather Funmi came in dressed in a white dry lace,iro and buba,she was sparkling from head to toe.
They were shown to a seat,and they joined in the celebration.Wine was poured for all who cared to drink.
Bibi went to meet Jane,
'Where is Jacob?'She asked.
'He's ......coming.....with his friends.' she lied through her teeth.
'I was just worried,thats all.'Bibi paused.'You look pale.' she observed.
'No mother,i'm just too excited,go on and seat.'
As Bibi left for her seat,Jane left for her room,her white heels,doing a ticktack as she walked.Detoun followed suit.
'You're not supposed to be doing this.' Detoun said,opening the door.
'Go away.' Jane said burying her face in the pillow.
'Why should i?'
'Because you don't understand.'
'Understand that?' Detoun said coming to sit by her.
'You can't understand.'
'Well,the only thing i understand is that,you should be out there dancing.' Detoun touched her shoulders.
'I know this is a bad time for you,but what if Jacob shows up with his surprise and you're no where to be found.'
'Really? Did he tell you that?.....Lets go' Jane said.
'Not yet.'Detoun answered cleaning Jane's face,re applied her make up and her hair before leaving.
.................
'Now.'Lucy said.'We have come to an important part of today's celebration,cutting of the cake.'
Everyone clapped.
'A round of applause,as i call the celebrant to cut the cake.' The guests clapped once more.
Janet walked forward smiling.
'At the count of Jesus,you will cut the cake.'Lucy said.
Janet positioned herself by the cake,holding the cake knife she smiled as Detoun held up the camera to take some pictures.
'Now everyone lets say,
J.....
E.....
S........
U.........
The door opened in a bang,every eye looked towards the door to see who had just interrupted the cutting of the cake.
Jane's hand went stiff,as she held the knife,her smile had disappeared and she looked stricken with anxiousness as she also looked towards the door.
.......................
Who would have thought,that it would be Jacob's friends.
Jaiye sauntered in with a bottle of champagne followed by Paul,they were taken back with the look on the faces of the people.
Jane wanted to fall down,but something stronger held her against her will power,she stood by the cake like a dummy.
'Did we interrupt something?'Jaiye asked.
Lucy smiled at the dark handsome duo,'No,you didn't.'
'Lets begin the count,
J........
E.........
S.......
U..........
Ssssss.' Lucy shouted.
Jane merely removed her hand from the knife,like she had just cut the cake,everyone clapped,as she had her seat.
She had just sat,when another guest arrived,it was Mitchell.Jane sweared under her breath,what the hell did he want? And who invited him?
Mitchell found himself a seat,and waited anxiously for a chance to speak with the young lady that caught his admiration.
Lucy rounded up the programme,soon Hannah and Detoun were serving the guests and pouring out drinks.
Jane managed to go round to say hi to everyone.
Jaiye presented her a box of chocolate and a card,while she saw them off to their car.
'Janet,Jacob has never ceased to talk about you,we all know you two are going through some rough times,' he paused.'I want you to know that Jacob truly cares about you,and i believe you guys will work things out.'
Jane had nothing to say,when he spread out of his arms to hug her.
'Thanks you so much.' she said before returning inside.
Mitchell ate,and watched as Detoun walked around,serving and pouring out drinks.His chance came when she came to him.
'Pls do you need anything?'She asked smiling.
Mitchell fought the urge to pull her into his laps as he listened to her speak.
'Yes,i need to speak to you.'he smiled.
'Me? I hope there is no problem.'Toun asked.
'Not a thing.' he said leading her out of the sitting room.
................
Most of the guests had dispersed,on her seat she found a rose flower and a note from Mitchel wishing her a Happy birthday.
Jackie presented Janet a birthday cake.
'I saved if for the last,because its specially for you and your family.'Jackie said.
Funmi had surprised her with a car.
Janet was struck speechless,when she was handed the key.
'There's nothing too much,for me to give my daughter.'she smiled.
Bibi embraced her friend,in thanks.
'Abiola,we need to talk.' Funmi said pulling her to the kitchen.
..............
'I'm dead tired.'Hannah said as they cleared the last set of dish.
'You're simply lazy.' Detoun answered dropping the tray of tumblers she held.
'Well,i've never done this much work in my life.' Hannah said.
Detoun smiled,she had known what it is to work and work and keep working.Back then,in the hands of Biyisi.She thanked God silently that all her bad dreams were over.
'I'm so disappointed in Jacob.'Hannah sighed.
'So am i.'
'He should,at least have come.'
'I thought as much,Jane was not the only one focusing on the door,i was watching and waiting too.'Detoun replied.
'Jane is going to cry out her eyes tonight,i bet.'
The girls tidied up the kitchen before retiring to their room.
..............
The house was silent,save for the ticktick sound of the wallclock.
Bibi thanked God for the success of the party,she walked towards Janet's bedroom.she knocked twice before Jane answered.
Jane quickly wiped away her tears,she knew it was going to be about Jacob.what would she say?
'Come in,mother.'
'We need to talk.'Bibi said looking at her daughter,'I'll be waiting in the sitting room.'
'Mother,can't it wait?'
'Its urgent i talk to you.' Biola said leaving the room.
........................
The house was silent,save for the ticktick sound of the wallclock.
Bibi thanked God for the success of the party,she walked towards Janet's bedroom.she knocked twice before Jane answered.
Jane quickly wiped away her tears,she knew it was going to be about Jacob.what would she say?
'Come in,mother.'
'We need to talk.'Bibi said looking at her daughter,'I'll be waiting in the sitting room.'
'Mother,can't it wait?'
'Its urgent i talk to you.' Biola said leaving the room.
........................
Exactly,three weeks from Jane's birthday,she received a mail from one of the company she had written to,asking her to come for an interview.
She broke the news to her mother,who was happy for her too.
'Have you seen the Invitation card i dropped in your room?'Bibi asked.
'No i haven't.'Jane replied.
'You can check it then.' Bibi said.
Jane went to her room,she found the IV on her bed.Opening it,she read the content.
'Impossible!' she spat.
She rushed to the sitting room,her mother had gone out.
'This is impossible mother,i can't.'Jane cried rushing back to her room.
Needless to remind you that Jacob hasn't called or sent a message.
..................
That same day,in the evening,Bibi hadn't seen Jane since she got back and her door was locked.
Bibi had just given Hannah and Detoun some motherly advice as each prepared to return to her separate school to resume their academic activities.
'Detoun wait behind.' bibi said,as the duo prepared to stand up.
Detoun sat back in her seat,she wondered if she had commited any offence.But running through her deeds of late,she had nothing to be afraid of.
Bibi cleared her throat before speaking.
'My daughter.'she began.
'I have some few words to say to you.'
'I'm listening mother.'She said,sitting up.
'Ever since,you came to live here,i have found nothing incriminating in your attitude,you're well brought up and hardworking too.'bibi said.
'Thank you mother.'
'Three weeks ago,you did something,none of my daughters would never have done.'Bibi continued.
The panic look on Detoun's face explained her surprise at Bibi's word.
'That was Jane's birthday,i didn't do anything i wasn't supposed to do.' Detoun said.
Bibi stood up,'You did' she said looking into her eyes,'You and that young man,i saw what you did.'
.....................
Detoun adjusted in her seat,as she looked up at the woman she now called Mother.What man could she be talking about?
Her palms had began to form beds of water.
'Man?' she asked innocently.
'The man who came in late,Mitchell or Micheal is his name.' Bibi said coming to sit.
Understanding dawned on Detoun,she knew what Bibi was talking about.
'I didn't do anything bad to him.' Detoun said.
'I saw you leave the sitting room with him,as at that time i was seeing The benson's out.'Bibi said.
'But,i didn'....'
'You did bad,i saw you take his drink from him and poured it right into his face.'Bibi explained,Detoun remembered vividly now.
'But Mother,he said..'
'Shut up my dear,as if that was not enough,you slapped him hard across the face.'
'Mother,he...'
'He has done nothing to hurt you,he didn't deserve any of that.'Bibi explained.
'He was asking me out,he said he liked me and would like to date me.' Detoun defended.
'Don't tell me,that was reason enough for you to slap him? What crime is there to ask a lady out?' Bibi gasped surprised.
He must be a kind hearted man,another man would have hit you back,every man has a right to speak to you,but you have the right to accept any of the men,not all of them.' Bibi paused.
'There is nothing wrong in a man asking you out,my dear,he has only expressed his feeling,all you're supposed to do is accept or reject him.'
'You're a beautiful lady,men will come,in various size,colour and height.You all alone have the right to decide who you want.ask my daughters,none of them can try such,its against the rule.'
'Mother,what can i do to fend them off?' Detoun asked.
'You cannot fend them all.'
'But,i don't want them,i don't' Detoun burst into tears.
'I understand what has happened to you,but in life you must be prepared to move on.' Bibi sat beside Detoun holding her hands.
'I have heard of so many wide stories about men,believe me,yours is not the worst,you have to get over it,forgive yourself ,then forgive your parent and make peace.'
Detoun remained silent as Bibi spoke.She realised she needed to forgive herself before she could forgive her parent and finally let go.She was hurting inside as the memories of old came flashing.
She had been holding on for too long,it was probably time to let go.
'Are you listening?' Bibi asked when she noticed that Detoun was no longer paying attention.
'Yes ma,i am.'
'Now promise me,you'll never slap a man again.'
'I promise.' Detoun said quietly.
'I want you to be patient,when a man walks up to you,no insult,no fighting.Okay?'
'Yes ma.' Detoun smiled for the first time since the conversation began.
'One last thing,you need to find that man and apologize.' Bibi smiled.
'Mother?'
'Yes dear,you have to apologise,you never can tell when and where you could meet again,remember its a small world.'
Adetoun went on her knees,thanking Bibi,as she got up to leave,Biola called her back and embraced her.
'Think about,all we discussed.'
.............To be continued tomorrow at 11am.
