THE MIRACLE I NEED : Episode 21 – 30
EPISODE 23
Kathleen frowned when Chidi came within view with his hands raised in the air and an amused smile on his face, “Who are you?” She asked suspiciously.
“I’m Lekun’s cousin.”
“Lekun?” Kathleen asked with a confused frown.
“Oh! Sorry. Kunle. Lekun is his guy name.” Chidi said with a grin.
“You mean Pete?” She asked just to be sure they were talking about the same person since she really wasn’t familiar with his Yoruba name, even though she knew he had a K in his initials.
“Yeah. I just came in from Abuja, so I decided to freshen up before he gets back from work. Who are you? His girlfriend?” He asked looking her over with interest. She looked really beautiful, and intelligent. And he liked how she was holding the pestle like she knew how to use it. Not on people though, but in pounding fufu, yam or ‘banga’.
“No. I work for him.” She corrected, but still looked at him like she didn’t trust him.
“At what point are you going to lower the pestle? I feel nervous talking to you while it is hanging in the air like that.” Chidi said, even though nothing in his tone or expression showed that he was nervous.
“Sorry. For a moment there I actually thought a burglar broke into the house.” She said with a sigh as she lowered the pestle.
“What burglar puts on music and showers in the house of his victim?” Chidi asked in amusement.
“You have obviously not met burglars from my state. They can even jump in through your roof, eat your food for strength, and wipe their dirty hands on your clothes before they take whatever they can find.” Kathleen said making Chidi chuckle.
“Don’t tell me you’re from Warri.” He said with a grin.
“I’m from Delta State, and I was born in Warri.” Kathleen confirmed making Chidi smile.
“So what are you doing here? You live here?” He asked making her mouth drop open when she remembered she had left Amanda alone in her apartment.
“I’ll be right back, I need to get Amanda.” She said as she quickly dropped the pestle on the floor and hurried out of the house.
Chidi grinned as he bent down to pick up the pestle. He was glad he had decided to come earlier than planned. He had no doubt that he was going to enjoy his stay in the house, especially with the beautiful warri lady.
THE MIRACLE I NEED : Episode 21 – 30
*One hour later*
Pete frowned when he stood in front of his door to open it and heard the sound of feminine laughter. Was it Kathleen? Why was she laughing that way? Was she watching the television or was she watching something funny on her phone? He wondered as he pushed open the door gently.
“I’m telling you real matter. That was how the guy thought he could mess me up because I look soft, na once I change am for the guy.” Chidi said while Kathleen used the back of her hand to wipe the tears which had dropped from her eyes as she laughed.
Chidi was in town already? Pete wondered with a muse when he first heard the voice before seeing the face, since it seemed Chidi and Kathleen were seated in the dining discussing, while Amanda was in the living room watching Disney.
“Daddy!” Amanda exclaimed and ran over to embrace Pete the moment she perceived his presence. The conversation at the dining halted and both Kathleen and Chidi stood up to greet Pete.
“Lekun Lekun!” Chidi hailed him with a grin.
“Chido! Wassup na? You didn’t tell me you were coming in today.” Pete asked with a grin as himself and Chidi fist bumped since he was still carrying Amanda in his arm. Judging by the look on his face, there was no doubt that he was happy to see his cousin.
“Guy you know how restless I can be. I think my spirit left Abuja the moment I called to tell you I was coming yesterday. So I decided to surprise you the same way you surprised me by not telling me you were back to the country.” Chidi added with a scowl making Pete chuckle.
“You nuh go drop that matter? Well it’s good you’re here. How was your trip and when did you arrive?” He asked as he gently dropped Amanda.
THE MIRACLE I NEED : Episode 21 – 30
Kathleen noticed he had taken off his suit and tie already, and had unbuttoned the first three buttons of his shirt. He was yet to look at her so she didn’t know if she was to leave or just remain there until both cousins finish with their conversation.
“It was smooth. I arrived before Katty and Amanda. You won’t believe this girl almost pound me like yam thinking I was a burglar.” Chidi said with a chuckle, turning to look at Kathleen who had been quiet since they started talking.
“Why are you being so dramatic? It’s not like I even hit you in the first place.” Kathleen asked with a giggle making Pete look from Kathleen to Chidi and then back to Kathleen again.
‘Katty’? Chidi had just called her Katty, and she was even giggling at something he had said. ‘So this girl can laugh and she keeps being like a witch everything I say or do something?’ Pete asked himself in amazement.
“Tell me if I didn’t beg you not to hit me you wouldn’t have killed me with that thing?” Chidi asked making Kathy laugh again.
“You begged me? Oh! You mean with that weak ‘I’m my mother’s only son’ line?” Katty asked with a teasing smile.
“All beg na beg jare. We should let you go in and freshen up. Katty prepared correct vegetable soup. You’ll love it!” Chidi told Pete with a grin making him want to sigh.
He was sure Chidi had been here for less than six hours yet it was beginning to seem to him like Chidi had known Kathleen longer than him, “Thanks for picking her up. And for the soup.” Pete told her politely before turning to leave for his bedroom.
“Do you need me to heat up your food and dish it out?” She asked making Pete turn to look at her with surprise. He had been expecting her to snap his head off the moment he walked through the door, for just showing up at her office and asking her to go pick up Amanda, but here she offering to heat up his food? Was she making this offer because she was forming good girl in front of Chidi, or was she just in a good mood?
“Thanks for the offer, but that won’t be necessary. I ate already.” Pete said politely. Kathleen hid her disappointment with a small smile, “Okay then, Amanda is done with her assignments. I’ll return to my apartment now. Goodnight.” She said with a polite nod before turning to leave.
Pete noticed she was still dressed in her office clothes and he felt slightly remorseful, “I’m sorry I kept you waiting.” He called out to her as she left.
Chidi couldn’t help but notice the stuff exchange between the both of them.
He didn’t know what to make of their relationship since they had both spoken politely to each other. But for two people that live in the same space, he would have expected that their relationship would be a close one. He decided he was just going to ask Pete about it later.
THE MIRACLE I NEED : Episode 21 – 30
Amanda held her father’s hand as she followed him into his bedroom. The moment the door closed behind them she stood with her back to the door and crossed both hands in front of her, looking at her father with a disapproving frown on her face like a wife who was in the mood for a fight.
“What is wrong pumpkin?” Pete asked when he noticed her stance, but kept his attention on the shoe and socks he was taking off.
“I don’t like that Chidi…”
“Call him Uncle Chidi. He is my cousin. And why don’t you like him? Did he do or say something wrong?” Pete asked curiously, turning to look at Amanda. He has always tried to give a listening ear to every of Amanda’s complaints, without looking down on her as a little girl. She was his daughter and responsibility after all, so her wellbeing was his priority.
“Didn’t you notice the way she kept smiling and giggling as he talked to her? Have you seen her like that before?” Amanda asked with a displeased frown. She had left them at the dining and relocated to the parlor when she noticed how close Chidi and Kathleen were becoming. And even though she had kept her eyes on the television, she had left her ears on the table. Everytime Kathleen laughed she had scowled.
Pete smiled as he looked at his jealous little girl, “You’re jealous.”
“What is that?” Amanda asked with a frown.
“You don’t like him because you want Kathleen to laugh with you only.” He explained.
“I want her to laugh with you only.” Amanda corrected, making Pete raise a brow. Amanda was really bent on matchmaking him with Kathleen?
“I don’t care about whoever she chooses to laugh with, and you shouldn’t too. Uncle Chidi is a good guy, so don’t give him any funny attitude, okay?” He asked, but Amanda kept looking at him with a pout.
“Come here, pumpkin.” He said, holding out a hand for her to take it. Amanda reluctantly took his hand so he dragged her closer to himself.
“You have to promise me you won’t do anything silly. Chidi is not just my brother but he is also my friend. I won’t be pleased with you if you make him uncomfortable.” Pete added, “So promise me you will be a good girl, and at least get to know uncle Chidi.” Pete said with an encouraging smile making Amanda roll her eyes.
“He is just visiting, right? He won’t be here for long?” She asked, making Pete raise a brow.
“What did I teach you about hospitality? You can’t start talking about when your guest is leaving when they have just arrived.” He chided her.
“I’m sorry dad.” Amanda said remorsefully.
“So will you promise me that you won’t do anything silly?” He asked again, and this time she nodded her head.
“Good then. Why don’t you go keep your uncle company while I freshen up? I’ll join you soon.” He said, patting her hair fondly as she stood up.
“Okay. Don’t take too long, remember I have to tell you all that happened in school today.” Amanda added before leaving.
He waited until she had left before chuckling to himself. “Women and drama!” He exclaimed with a sigh. At her young age she was already showing how jealous and possessive she was going to be. He was beginning to feel sorry in advance for whichever man she would end up with.
He thought about what she had said about Kathleen and Chidi. He didn’t find it strange how she was laughing and conversing so easily with him though, since Chidi was naturally the ladies kind of man. Wasn’t that the reason his former boss was having problems with him?
It would be nice to see her smile genuinely though. Pete thought with a sigh as he took off his clothes and headed for the bathroom. He turned around when his phone beeped with a message notification and he picked it up to see if it was something important, “Sorry to bother you sir, but can I get a copy of our contract?” The text from Kathleen read.
“Fear women!”
THE MIRACLE I NEED : Episode 21 – 30
************
“I’ll appreciate it if you don’t back me up in a corner next time.” Kimberly warned as she sidestepped him.
“I guess there is a next time. I’ll try then.” Eric said with an amused smile as he moved away from her and looked around the kitchen storeroom. “So I noticed you have yam and eggs. Let’s see if you have tomatoes and pepper in your refrigerator.” He said as he headed for her refrigerator.
“I guess we are lucky, you seem to have everything we need to prepare yam and egg sauce. Remind me to thank Prisca before I leave.” He said with a pleased smile as he took out everything he needed, “I trust you can slice the tomatoes and peppers?” He asked making her frown.
“I’m not sure I can do that.” She didn’t like touching peppers, and luckily she had never had to because Prisca was always been the one preparing her meals when she wasn’t buying food from restaurants, “Why don’t we just make use of the blender.” Kimberly suggested.
“No. We’re not making stew, it’s egg sauce. I’d rather prefer it is sliced. If you can’t do that then maybe you can peel and cut the yams.” He suggested.
Kimberly frowned again, “It itches.”
“Of course it does. But that hasn’t stopped anyone from cooking it, has it? Make up your mind, the pepper or yam.” He said, pointing to both.
Kimberly considered it for a moment, “The pepper.” She decided, and took out gloves from one of the drawers making Eric shake his head as he set out to peel the yam while she carried the tomatoes to the counter next to him.
“So tell me, why do you want to get married.” He asked after they had worked in silence for a while.
“Because I have to.” Kimberly said with a shrug.
“Why do you have to? And if you have to shouldn’t it be to your boyfriend or someone you’re in love with? And why is it just for a year?” He asked thoughtfully.
Kimberly sighed, “My father wants me to get married before the end of the week. I don’t have a boyfriend and I’m not in love with anyone other than myself. It’s going to be only for a year since that is how long it’ll take before the end of the elections. Once my father wins or loses the election I can do as I please without being blamed for anything.” Kimberly answered as honestly as she could.
“Why does he want you to get married? I’m sure other politicians have unmarried daughters too.” He probed further, wanting to see if she would open up about her lifestyle since that was going to determine everything.
Kimberly stopped slicing and turned her face away in embarassment, “I have a bit of a reputation with men and he doesn’t want that to affect his political ambition.” She explained in a low voice.
THE MIRACLE I NEED : Episode 21 – 30
Eric thought about her response only for a moment. He wanted to ask her more about this reputation she had with men, but he couldn’t bring himself to do that at the moment. Maybe it was something he would pursue another time, “Are you always this honest?”
“I try to be. You can’t be totally bad, can you?” She asked dryly making him feel sorry for her.
“So of all the men you could have asked, why did you choose to ask me?”
“Because you’re good-looking and I figured a cab driver like you would be in need of the extra cash I’d be willing to pay you for the job.” She said with a shrug.
“And what about now that you know I’m not a cab driver?” He asked as he kept cutting the yam into smaller bits.
“I suppose it depends on you and whatever agreements we settle on. But I would also want to know what you intend to do with your life within the next one year.” Kimberly said making Eric’s lips twitch slightly in amusement.
“If I’m marrying you I’m not going to get my parents involved. Since it’s a fake marriage there won’t be any need to drag them into it.” Eric stated.
“I suppose that is fair.”
“I suppose you’d want us to live right here in your house?” He asked as he washed the yam and placed them in a pot of water before placing it over the gas burner.
“Yes, unless your house is more comfortable than mine.” She said with a shrug which indicates that she didn’t think his house would be up to her standard.
“I don’t suppose you imagine that your friend would be living with us while we are married, right?” Eric asked making Kimberly turn around to look at him.
“I beg your pardon?” She asked, unwilling to believe that he wasn’t married to her yet but was already planning on controlling her life.
“If we are going to pretend to be married for a year, there’s no reason why your friend should be living under the same roof with us. People are going to wonder if she is truly your friend or just your house girl.” Eric continued without turning to look at her.
“And where is she supposed to move to? Your house?” Kimberly asked sarcastically.
“I’m sure you pay her well enough for her to afford an apartment of her own. And if she doesn’t, then you can just as well rent her a place of her own.” Eric suggested reasonably.
“She can’t leave me here with a complete stranger who I know nothing about.” Kimberly insisted.
“A stranger I’m sure you’d be willing to let into your bed during the duration of this fake marriage?” He asked, turning to look at her with his cool eyes.
Kimberly swallowed, there was no point denying that she would want to have sx with him, “I’m willing to compromise on this. She could move into the boys quarter apartment, but she isn’t leaving this compound. That way when you leave she can easily move back.” Kimberly said, meeting his gaze squarely.
“You don’t have any intention of ever getting married for real, do you?” Eric asked curiously.
“I don’t.”
“What if you eventually fall in love? Not with me though. I mean maybe sometime in the future when we are done with this fake marriage deal?” Eric asked again.
“Don’t worry your head about that. I don’t see myself falling for anyone. Love isn’t for me.” Kimberly said dismissively making Eric really wonder what her problem was. Had she been heartbroken or abused?
THE MIRACLE I NEED : Episode 21 – 30
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