She was putting the finishing touches to a client’s dress when she was informed that Ken was looking for her. The anger that built up in her at the mention of that name was better imagined, but she tried her best to control herself. She was not one for creating scenes. She got up reluctantly and crossed over to her office, prepared to face Ken for the first time in two weeks after that ugly debacle. And there he was seated in her office with his legs crossed.
“I learnt you want to see me,” Ifeoma said immediately Ken looked up.
“How’re you?” Ken returned.
“Me? Oh! I’m doing great as you can see.”
“Good. And how’s everything?”
“I believe you didn’t come here just to ask about my well-being, did you?” Ifeoma blurted as she sat at her desk.
“Hmm… maybe,” Ken began as he rose to sit facing Ifeoma. “You haven’t been taking my calls, why?” He concluded as soon as he was seated.
“Why? Maybe I should ask you too to give me one reason I should take your calls.”
“Anyway, I’ve come to say I am sorry for all that happened the last time. I’ve wanted to say this for some time but you not picking my calls made it impossible before now,” Ken said reaching out to touch Ifeoma’s hand.
“Ken, wait a minute…,” Ifeoma began as she pulled her hand away from Ken’s touch, “…you mean it took you two weeks to locate me to tell me how sorry you are?”
“No, that’s not the way it is.”
“So, how it is? Go ahead and tell me,” Ifeoma retorted, trying hard to keep her voice under check.
“I travelled. Dear, remember I did tell you I would be travelling to SA just before what happened took place. Yeah, I messed up. And I know that. But, the journey I embarked on coupled with you not taking my calls made it difficult for me to make up before now. I am sorry dear, I really am.”
“You’re sorry… Ok. But are you prepared to hear me out?”
“Yes”
“Good. Now let me tell you. A whole lot has changed since that day. I have moved on. I just couldn’t continue with every moment of madness you let show at the least provocation. And there’s no way back for you.”
“C’mon, dear. I know you are still angry with me. But I’m imploring you to find a place in your heart to forgive me.” Ken said rising to his feet.But Ifeoma anticipating what was coming next stopped him in his track as he made to cross to her side.
“Ken, stop! I want you to go back to your seat. Just sit down and listen to me.”The look in Ifeoma’s eyes was something Ken had never seen in them before. The look carried much more sternness than her words. It was a look that said it all. So, Ken retraced his steps and sat back in the chair. Ifeoma waited till he was seated before she spoke.
“Good. And please don’t interrupt me until you’ve heard me out. Ken, when I said earlier that things have changed, I meant every word of that. I have had time to reassess my relationship with you and I have come to realise that I am better off without you. And don’t think that your delayed apology was responsible for this decision. No, it wasn’t. You know, it comes to a time in one’s life when reassessment of what values one represents becomes a necessity. I have had mine and now I know what I represent and want. It has got to be good riddance to your bad rubbish. I just can’t go on with the unremitting public disgrace, disregard and embarrassment you wouldn’t cease to cause me. I am a happier woman now without you.”
“But baby, we have been through worse moments like this one.”
“Yes, you’re right…,” Ifeoma began wryly, “…but I don’t intend to continue with it. I have had my share of bad moments with you. Save the rest of your drama for the next woman that comes your way.”
“But Ifeo…” Ken began to say but Ifeoma cut him short.
“Ken, you should be glad that I even agreed to see you in the least. So, you may take your leave now. I’ve got to get busy.”Ken rose to his feet. He looked at Ifeoma for a while and beyond her face, he could see determination and finality in her eyes. He crossed to the door without a further a word.
“Ken,” Ifeoma called out. “Thank you for bringing him my way.”
“Who?” Ken asked not knowing when his lips parted to give the word.
“Mike, the wonderful man who replaced you. He was the angel who rescued me on that day”Ken did not wait to see the smile of pleasure that greeted Ifeoma’s face at the mention of Mike’s name. Ifeoma knew immediately that the day’s work was over for her. She picked up phone and dialed Mike’s number. His arms are the only place she wanted to be right away.
N.B: I am sorry for the delay in this week's episode. I haven't been in my best state of health this past week. But I'm much better now. Let's meet here again next week. You haven't read the last drama in Mike's life yet...
Happy New Month!
