SHAWN’S POV
He watched her clean the house with the vacuum cleaner and for a moment, he was tempted to ask her to take a break because she looked tired. He thought against it, and instead returned his attention to the television.
“Kindly move to the couch. I want to clean this part you are in.” She said as she got to the part she was in.
“I can’t.”
“Why?” She asked, giving him a puzzled look.
“I am watching the television as you can see and I can’t leave here until I’m done.”
“So what do you expect me to do”
“There are other parts of the house to be cleaned. Go on with them, and you can come back to this part when I’m done watching the news.”
“You are unbelievable. What if I’m done cleaning by the time you finish listening to the news?”
“Nothing changes. You come back and clean.”
“I just wish the world can see you for who you truly are. You are evil.”
“More like the devil’s son, right?”
“No. You are the devil’s son.” And with that, she walked away.
As she left, he got lost in thought. Was he doing the right thing by making her slave in the house? Heaven help him, if her father or his parents finds out, he is done for.
He was still lost in thought when his phone rang. “Hey, man.”
“I can’t believe you did not invite me to your wedding, Shawn.” Bryan’s voice sounded over the phone.
“I’m sorry about that. It was within the family.”
“I understand. I have been away to New York for an art exhibition in a newly opened art gallery. I got back earlier today and I’m wondering if you would love to hang out.”
“Exactly what I needed. What time are we meeting?”
“An hour from now. It’s Saturday and I would love us to visit a club in town.”
“A club? You know I don’t do clubs.”
“C’mon. You don’t have to do anything you do not want to do. Just have fun and catch up.”
“Fine. I will be ready and meet you at our usual spot.”
“Don’t be late, man. Say hi to our wife.” And the line went off.
He sighed and got up as he made his way upstairs. He stripped off his clothes and got into the bathroom. A few minutes later, he was done and walked back to the room to dress up.
He wore a matching hoodie and joggers and a pair of sneakers. After brushing hair, he covered it with a facecap to hide his identity.
He had heard wild stories about clubs and didn’t want anyone to recognize him there.
He cast one look at his image in the mirror before walking out.
“I want to remind you that foodstuffs are almost finished in the kitchen.” Tiffany said as soon as he got downstairs.
“Almost and not finished, right?”
“Yes, why?”
“Make do with what you have.” And with that, he walked out, leaving her to stare after him.
He got into his car and drove off to the usual meeting spot where he was supposed to meet Bryan. As he drove, thoughts of his recent behavior lingered in his mind. He questioned whether he was truly being unfair to her and wondered if she was right in calling him evil.
Shaking his head, He tried to clear his thoughts as he arrived at the meeting spot. Bryan was already waiting for him, leaning against his sleek Black Porsche. He wore a black leather jacket and ripped jeans, his golden brown eyes beaming with excitement.
“Hey, man,” He greeted, playfully punching him on the shoulder. “Long time no see. You look like you could use a night out.”
Shawn smiled, appreciating his carefree nature. “Yeah, it’s been a while. I could use a break from everything.”
They exchanged brief pleasantries, as they got into their cars and drove towards the club with Bryan leading the way. The night was young, and the city lights illuminated their path.
The club they arrived at was a popular one, located at the heart of town, and known for its bustling vibe. Upon entering, the loud music and colorful lights greeted them. The dance floor was already packed with people, their bodies moving in rhythm to the music.
Making their way towards the bar, they ordered their drinks and found a cozy corner to sit in.
“So, how’s married life treating you?” Bryan asked, taking a sip of his drink.
Shawn chuckled, thinking about Tiffany. Waving him off, he replied, “Let’s not talk about that, please.”
“If you say so.” Bryan replied, shrugging.
He nodded and turned to look at those on the dance floor.
TIFFANY’S POV
It was Monday again, and she felt reluctant to go to school. She was tired and scared of the students’ reaction whenever she walked past them.
And then she remembered Freya’s words. “And you can decide not to fall into depression if only you will pick yourself up and keep fighting. You are strong, Tiff. Now is the time to show your strength to the world. Show them that even in the face of adversaries, you can still be all that you can be.”
She arrived at school and tried to ignore the whispers and glances as she made her way to her locker. Her heart pounded with anxiety, but she reminded herself of Freya’s words. She needed to show her strength and prove to herself that she could rise above the adversities she was facing.
She opened her locker and found a small note tucked inside. Curiosity piqued, she unfolded it and read the content: “You are stronger than they think. Keep your head held high and don’t let their judgement define you. You are more than your grades. – Love, Freya.”
“Hey,” Freya suddenly said and hugged her from behind.
“God! You scared me, Freya.”
“That was the idea.” She swirled Tiffany around to face her. “And how are you doing today?”
“Very well. Thank you. How are you doing too?”
“I’m fine knowing that you are fine.”
“That’s so sweet of you. Have you seen Timothy?”
“Yes. He has a class now. And oh, your Oscar is in school.”
“He is not my Oscar, please.”
Freya was about saying something when a teacher walked into the class. The next few hours were spent learning, and surprisingly, She found herself paying attention and not zoning out.
Soon, it was time for recess and they headed for the cafeteria.
“Tiffany, hold up.” Oscar called trying to catch up with them.
“Go on. I will meet you at the cafeteria.” She said to Freya before turning to face him.
“What do you want?”
“Why are you sounding that way? Aren’t you Happy to see me back in school?”
“What do you want, Oscar?”
“Hey, take it easy. I heard you are married now. Congratulations.”
“Thank you. So, what do you want?”
“Did I do something wrong? You are acting strange.”
“Yes, you did. Bad things always happen whenever I’m around you. I want you to stay away from me henceforth.”
“I’m confused here.”
“You shouldn’t be. Walk me through the reason why there is always a picture of us whenever we are what could pass for an inappropriate position? It is no more a coincidence. I have had a lot of troubles to deal with and I do not want anything or anyone to compound them. Stay away from me, Henceforth.” She said with a note of finality.
“Are you accusing me of whatever is happening to you?”
“Maybe I am. I don’t know what or who to trust anyone. Just stay away from me, please. It is not too much to ask, right?”
“Fine. I will stay away. But trust me, you will regret this.”
“Let me be the judge of that. And oh, I’m no longer your tutor. Kindly look for someone else.” And with that, she walked away without looking back.