Itohan 2

I think it is intrinsic in human nature to be discontent, at least at some point. We crave for something or a particular height, we get it or get there and briefly feel fulfilled, but then the demon of discontentment comes knocking at the door of our heart, a new yearning comes up. The yearnings are never, ever ending. It is in a continuum. Maybe I should have tried to take my heart away from being discontent. Maybe I should have tried to make myself happier. It is too late for the maybe(s), now. 

Life as a mother and wife became somewhat harrowing. I craved excitement. I started going to nightclubs, at least once in a week. I had a capable nanny and my sons were safe in her care. I wasn’t stupid, I knew getting Chief as a husband was no mean feat. I knew I had to guard my marriage and all the perks that went with the office. I just wanted to drink, relax, dance, watch others dance and come home. But, I would be lying if I said I didn’t crave for the blood of a young , virile man. Yes, I  could crave, but I knew I mustn’t give in to the craving lest I lose all. I wasn’t ready to lose my meal ticket, and that was for sure.

I had fun and I usually went with an escort, paid for of course. But, the discontent persisted. Started nagging at my consciousness, made me restless. I started asking myself questions I never thought I would be asking.

‘ Is this all there is to life? Marry, have kids? Be respectable?’

Suddenly , my future didn’t look so bright afterall. Chief was old. How many more years would I have with him? Would I be cared for adequately in his will? That old hag of a wife he had, would she not lay claim to all his properties? The woman had never liked me. Hell! I wouldn’t have liked me too if I were in her shoes. She had grown children who automatically would be her priority. Hmmmm. I needed to put on my thinking cap. Not that thinking or strategizing was ever my  forte.

I put a call through to a pimp I had worked with in time past, a past I would rather not wanna dwell on.

‘Hi Chris'

‘ Hey, baby girl for life! Watagwan!’ he hailed me, spiritedly

‘ I have a job for you. Are you in town?’

‘ Wow! A job? I’m all ears. A job from you can only be good'

‘Let’s meet at The Place in Surulere on Saturday. Three o' clock good by you?'

‘Hmmm. I’m presently in Abuja. I’ll take the first flight out on Saturday morning'

‘Perfect! We’ll see then'

‘Ciao’ he said 

I disconnected the call, staring into space as I considered the pros and cons of what I wanted done. I have always had nerves of steel and a conscience which was not readily awakened, unfortunately. If you have been through what I had gone through in time past, you wouldn’t have had much of a conscience, either.

I turned to look at Chief lying by my side, snoring softly and I smiled to myself.

Saturday came, cloudy and rainy. Everything appeared to be wrong with the day. My nanny came late, back from her mini vacation, for starters and  on the way to pick up groceries, I had a flat tire( I had driven myself as it was my driver's day off) I was in a foul mood that morning. I got out of the car and kept hitting the flat tire like it was the cause of all my problems! Luckily for me before I could call Chief, a passer by stopped and helped me change the tire. I made a mental note to tell Chief I needed a standby driver plus a house maid in addition to my live in nanny. Chief never liked live in house helps. This time around I would do my uttermost to convince him. I cannot come and die of stress!

My appointment with Chris went well. He agreed to the sum of a million naira, excluding expenses as the stakes were high. I did a transfer of half of the sum plus expenses.

I got home light hearted. Chris would deliver, I was sure. He had assured me that within the spate of two weeks, the deal would have been sealed. And, I believed him.

To be continued..