Amaka felt like her spirit had vamoosed from her body and she was just an audience watching a movie playing before her.
“WHAT!” Tobi roared in shock.
Anita didn’t even blink. “Yes, don’t you remember?”
Tobi’s body coiled in anger, as if to strike the lying bitch. “You’re lying.” He turned pleadingly to Amaka who was totally rigid like a statue. “She’s lying. We were never married. I swear.”
Then he swerved angrily to Anita. “Are you crazy?”
She blinked then, a perfect picture of innocence. “Me? No o. Are you not my husband?”
“NO. Where did you get the idea from?”
She gasped as if deeply hurt. “Honey? Why are you denying me like this? Remember all those years when you said you would love me for the rest of our lives.”
“That was in the past, when we were in the University!”
“Oh Darling, we made promises to each other, that we will be together. Nothing can break us apart.” She said, retaining a sweet innocent voice.
Tobi stared at her like she was mad. He turned earnestly to his wife. “Honey, don’t listen to her. Anita and I never made any vows. I would never do that. I would never betray you.”
Amaka finally came out of her stupor. “Then, what is she doing here? Why is she saying all this?”
“I don’t know. We met yesterday after many years. We chatted and I gave her my card, that’s all. Anita and I went to the same University and we were friends.”
At that, Anita dropped her innocent act in bristling temper. “Friends? Friends, you say? Fine!”
She faced Amaka. “Madam, let me tell you a little story about a boy and girl. Oh wait, that boy and the girl is Tobi and I…”
Tobi’s father and uncle were blood brothers. Although his uncle was wealthy, his father wasn’t. He wasn’t poor either. He was just average, enough to take care of his family comfortably. And so, Tobi was sent to a moderately good secondary school. There, he met Anita who was the daughter of a pastor. Anita was shy and sweet. Tobi was handsome and outgoing. Hence, he was very popular among teachers and students. But he had enough sense to not allow his popularity get into his head.
Anita’s shy sweetness attracted him and they started dating in their SS2. She got pregnant when they got to SS3. Of course, they weren’t ready for the responsibility. So, he siphoned money from his dad and paid for her abortion. The experience broke them apart. And they didn’t speak to each other until they finished secondary school.
But coincidentally, they met again in the University. They both gained admission in the same University, same year. First, they were just friends and before any of them could say ‘Jack”, they became lovers again. Their love was the talk of the school. In fact, they were voted the best couple on campus. Everyone thought they would end up together.
“I had four abortions in five years for him!” Anita pointed angrily at Tobi.
Amaka’s mouth dropped open. “What?”
“That’s not even the worst part. He accepted the last pregnancy because I refused to remove it. He promised to start preparation for our wedding. But he ran away when he got the opportunity, leaving me all alone. Not only did I lose the baby, I lost my womb.”
“Jesus!” Amaka didn’t know when it flew from her mouth. She stared at Tobi like he’d developed two heads. “Tobi!”
Tobi stammered. “I didn’t know about that. I’m sorry.”
“Sorry doesn’t even begin to cover anything. Have you any idea what I went through all these years? The good men I lost because I had no womb? You ruined my life, you bastard. You’re going to share in it. I cannot bear the consequences alone. Consider me your lost but found wife.” She finished.
Then, she reverted back to her sweet innocent act. “So, where’s our room?”
That brought Amaka out of her shock fast. “Excuse me?”
“Our room, as in, the room where you and Tobi sleep. It’s our room now. Where is it?” Anita said in the tone of a teacher explaining something to a retarded student.
“I’m sorry. You can’t stay here.”
It was Anita’s turn to say. “Excuse me?”
“I’m sorry. I know you’re angry and hurting.” Amaka said gently. “I would be if I were in your shoes. We can settle it quietly without drama. But you can’t stay here.”
Anita looked at her up and down and hissed rudely. “This woman is not alright. Abeg shift let me pass.”
She made to go inside the house but Amaka blocked her. “Again, I’m sorry. But you have to leave.”
Anita stared at her in surprise and irritation. She turned to Tobi. “Are you going to stand there and watch her insult me?”
Tobi’s guilt would not let him take sides for a few seconds. He was torn between guilt and loyalty. Amaka stared expectantly at him. “Tobi?”
Tobi grimaced shamefully and looked at Anita. “Anita, I am so sorry for everything. I was young and stupid. You have every right to hate me. I deserve it. And I promise you that I will do everything in my power to make amends.”
Then he glanced briefly at Amaka and returned it to Anita. “But my wife is right. We can settle this without drama. But you have to leave.”
Anita went stiff, her eyes blaring challengingly. “And if I refuse?”
“I really hope you don’t. But if you do, then you give me no choice than to call the security.” He replied quietly.
Anita’s brows shot up. “Oh, really?”
Tobi sighed. “I know it sounds rude but I really don’t want trouble. I will make amends, I swear. But you have to leave now.”
Anita began to laugh hysterically. “I knew you would say something like this. Don’t worry. I came prepared.”
Husband and wife exchanged puzzled glances as Anita opened her big handbag and brought out the file. She gave it to him.
He hesitated “What is this?”
“Open it.” She replied.
He opened it and went completely rigid. Anita laughed again. “Interesting, right?”
He didn’t reply. He was too shocked.
Amaka stared at him, concerned. “What is it?”
Anita stared at her in mock surprise. “Wow, it’s like your husband keeps a lot of secrets from you. Allow me the honor to reveal this one. Your perfect husband covered up one of his employees’ illegal sale of banned drugs using the company’s name.”
“What?” Was the only thing that escaped from Amaka’s mouth.
Tobi stared at Anita, stunned. “Where did you find this?”
“Let’s just say I have friends in low places.”
“I don’t understand. I thought I took care of this.”
“Obviously you failed. Think of what will happen if NAFDAC or ICPC gets hold of that file. Your marriage will be the least of your problems.”
“You wouldn’t.”
“Oh, I will. Trust me.” She assured him. “There’s already a witness on standby. One phone call, and hell will let loose.”
“You can keep the file.” She continued when they couldn’t talk. “I have many copies.”
She smiled satisfactorily at their stunned expression. “Now that we’re done with the introductions, I am going inside to rest. It’s been a long day. See ya.”
She dragged her bags upstairs, to the bedroom, leaving them watching after her in stunned silence.
Watch out for Episode 3 next week Monday. Please like and drop your comments on this website. Don’t forget to share. Cheers!