Alex returned home tired and frustrated. The maintenance team failed to fix the faulty machine. He had ordered that it be brought back to the company. He would have to call in the crew that designed the machine. Benny was in charge of the crew and he was rest assured that It was just a simple malfunction.
It was the newest project his firm just rounded, news must not get out that it malfunctioned.
Lisa greeted him casually as usual, she failed to notice the unusual tiredness and the anxiety on his face.
“How are the kids?” Alex asked. “Asleep in their room.” “Asleep? Isn’t it quite early?” “Not really,” Lisa responded.
“Alright, you are to serve my dinner tonight, not Margaret,” Alex said.
“Why?” Lisa raised an eyebrow. “Why not? As long as l am yet to sign those papers, we are still married,” Alex said and walked up closer. Lisa moved farther away.
“Why are you treating me like shit? Anyways, when are you bringing in the papers?” Alex asked. “Tomorrow,” Lisa responded.
“Tomorrow? Wow, that is quite fast, you seem eager to get away from me. Am I that detestable? Can’t we… settle our differences?” Alex said and charged towards Lisa. Lisa withdrew swiftly.
Alex heaved a sigh, he regarded her silently. “Well, I want you to be happy. If it would make you happy, I am in, I won’t be selfish this time,” Alex said and quietly walked into his room.
Lisa was surprised. Her husband has never admitted to being selfish. “What has got over him?” She asked herself and watched him walk away.
Alex’s phone beeped immediately when he entered his room. It was Jane. He debated if he should pick up the call or not. He had called her severally to apologize for his misdemeanor but she did not pick up.
“Hello Alex,” Jane’s voice boomed through the phone as soon as Alex accepted the call.
“Hello Jane, I have called several times, I wanted to apologize…. I deeply regret my actions, I am sorry,” Alex said.
“Apology accepted. I am happy you see it that way. That’s not why I called. Lisa said she would be getting the papers tomorrow. Like I’d advised, you should sign them and start all over but count me out. I won’t hold Lisa back like I’d promised. You sign the papers and stop her yourself. If you think she is worth it, make her stay”
“What?! Jane!” Alex yelled and fidgeted. “What are you thinking? Hello Jane? Hello?” He screamed but the line was dead already.
Alex shivered. He felt a pang of ache in his head. He threw himself on the bed and tried to think. ‘Why is Jane doing this? What is she thinking and what is her motive?’ After much thought, he realized Jane couldn’t trust him. “Fuck!” He yelled and sprang up from the bed.
His phone rang just as he rose up, he picked it up and it was a strange number.
“Hello Alex, why have you been avoiding my calls? I had to call with a strange number to make you pick up. Let this be the last time you’d do that. You promised that you would show up but I haven’t heard from you,” Marie’s voice boomed from the other end.
“I will reach out to you when I am ready. Rather, you should inform me of your choice.. I gave you choices already,” Alex said with finality and hung up.
The phone blared severally but Alex ignored it. He grunted and clamped his eyes shut.
*******
It was Jane’s birthday. She had decided to drop all worries and enjoy her day. She wished Lisa would get what she wanted as well as Alex. She also hoped Alex would be selfless and Lisa would also be willing to forgive.
She had planned to go shopping and visit Randy Bar for questioning later in the day. She would not give up until she gets justice for her friend. Whoever violated her must pay.
Jane got dressed for shopping. She was almost stepping out when her doorbell rang. She went for it and it was a courier. He had a basket of flowers with a white envelope clipped to it. The courier made the delivery and got on his way.
“Wow! after all, Lisa remembers my day,” she muttered and brought the basket close to her nose. She inhaled the fragrance and smiled heartily.
She dropped the basket and opened up the paper that came with the delivery. She stood transfixed as she read the name of the sender, it was not Lisa, it was Jeff.
“Jeff?” She called out. She could not believe he remembered her birthday. She wasn’t even sure she mentioned it to him.
Her heart swelled with happiness. She brought out her phone to dial his number but was interrupted by another ring from her doorbell. She dashed to the door and opened up. It was Jeff, he had a big grin plastered on his face.
Jane flung herself into his open arms. “Happy birthday, baby.” Jeff whispered. Jane giggled and invited him in. She could not hide her surprise.
“How come you remembered my birthday? This is the first I would have since we started dating.” “You mentioned it on our first date and I noticed you loved celebrating birthdays,” Jeff responded heartily.
“Yes I do! I do! I do!” she giggled and walked back in. She took the flower basket in her hand and inhaled the fragrance loudly. Jeff smiled at her childishness and walked in.
“I was about to go shopping when I got the flowers. Thanks for them. They are lovely.” “At your service ma’am,” Jeff responded and they both laughed.
“Let me take you out, it’s your day. We would go shopping together too,” Jeff said with his eyes dancing. “Wow! You know what? Let me change my dress, now that you are here, it suddenly feel less befitting,”Jane said and Jeff laughed out loud. “I will be waiting,” he said.
****
Alex had left for work in the morning but could not concentrate. He was bothered about how he would make Lisa stay. It was a bad day at work and he soon realized he could not concentrate. He decided to leave for the day.
“If the need be, ensure to put a call through,” He told Benny Bells; his PA and left for the day. Benny was worried, he had never seen his boss rattled. He was always cool, calm and collected.
*****
Lisa returned from the court. She knew Alex was in as she had seen his car and had confirmed from the gatekeeper.
“Alex?” Lisa called out as soon as she got into the sitting room. Alex strolled out of his room with his hands in his pocket. “What’s the noise all about?” He asked casually.
“I got the papers. Here you go,” Lisa said and gave him a pen. “You are to sign here,” she said and pointed at a space on the paper.
“Don’t you think I should at least read through before signing? I could be signing my life away,” Alex sighed and took his seat.
“Nothing to worry about. You’re not even paying alimony… You just need to sign,” Lisa said.
“Do you think I am happy signing this?” Alex said and dragged her down. He made her sit beside him. Lisa flinched and tried to get away but the strength with which he held her was great.
“I left work early because I couldn’t concentrate. I have never been this terrified all my life. I don’t want to let you go. I have realized my errors and I desired another chance to make things right but I realized it would be selfish to ask you to stay. If leaving makes you happy, I want to be the source of that happiness for once. Lisa, I am signing you away, my heart is sore,” Alex said softly.
Now that Jane was no more in the picture. Alex was afraid he would not be able to make Lisa stay after signing the papers but as he spoke up, he noticed Lisa sobered up. Her resistance softened. This made him realize he had to sign her away to get her back.
He sighed intermittently and wiped his damp palms severally to enable him to hold the pen.
He signed the document and Lisa sighed. She had been holding her breath all the way, praying he would not change his mind. She fixed the signed papers in an envelope and kept it safe for the next day. “When I turn them in, I will let you know,” Lisa whispered.
Alex suddenly fell on his knees. “Lisa, I am indeed sorry. Sincerely, I don’t want you to turn in those papers. I love you and can’t possibly let go. I have learned to take responsibility for my actions. For my past actions and infidelity, I am sorry, I promise, you will henceforth see only my finer side,”Alex pursed and added, “it might make no difference now but Lisa, I am not responsible for Marie’s pregnancy. It was blackmail.”
Lisa laughed and tears fell from her eyes. She sprang up and said, “why are you doing this to me? You gave your consent by signing the papers. Nothing else matters. Can you hear yourself? I am sure you must have rehearsed your stanzas before coming here to blow this shit. Come off it! Do not appeal to my emotions. Why would anyone believe that a pregnancy from your regular sex partner is a blackmail? Don’t be ridiculous!”
Alex sighed and walked close to her. He was going insane. He had no choice but to tell her the infallible proof. “If you trust me and give me enough time, I will prove it to you… I am not responsible for her… please believe me,” Alex said and Lisa flared up.
“Cut the crap! I am not daft! If this is true, why couldn’t you refute your mistress’ claims right before her. Don’t give me that shit, I won’t take it! Not that the truth matters…” Lisa continued but she was interrupted. Alex’s phone beeped and he picked up, it was Benny.
“Hello boss, the engineers have finally arrived, we need you here right away,” Benny said from his end. “Oh! … Alright, I will be on my way right away,” Alex said and hung up.
“Lisa, I have to go. My company is…” He started but his voice trailed off. He walked closer to her and looked deep and longingly into her eyes, long enough to pierce into her soul.
“Lisa, I am sorry, it took a while to realize my mistake, but I have.” Alex closed in and held her softly. He wasn’t sure of what to expect but he noticed a weak resistance and took it as an invitation.
He moved in closer and held her shoulders. One of his arms moved behind her and pulled her closer. He hinged his mouth for a kiss but Lisa pulled out and he let go immediately.
“What are you trying to do?” Lisa yelled. “Oh… hmmm… I am sorry… I… I have to go,” Alex said and picked up his car keys as he escaped the scene.