Previously on THE BETRAYAL: Episode 41 True Love is Hard To Find
At Benjamin's Family Houses
.....“Do u still love my son?” Ben's mum asked seriously, scanning my face with her eyes. I breathed and nodded, “yes I still do mum” I murmured. But my reply had no effect on her nor stopped her curious eyes from running through me.
I arrived Ben's house quite on time that fateful day and assist his mum in preparing lunch. Something I did out of obligation and respect I had for the family.
Benjamin travelled home the previous day, expecting me to travel with him like we used to whenever I was visiting his family, but I declined his request leaving him totally surprised and scared.
His mum however was a bit cold and reserved as she welcomed me. I knew as a woman she really was very disappointed by my behaviour, but perhaps was forced to invite me because of her son whom she had to set aside her personal feelings to please.
“Are you really sure about that?” she asked. I breathed deeply, smiling nervously. I really was glad she sent her son away before questioning me, something only wise mothers with good experience would do.
I equally felt she wasn't listening nor paying serious attention to my replies, but was intently examining my facial expression with each reply I gave, as if she was a mind reader.
“If u are still in love with him as you claim, why break up with him?” she queried. I calmed my excitement before pouring out my own version of the story. “Your story is similar to what he told me, you both made mistakes so I see no sense in your decision and I can't stand it any longer.
But I have ordered him never to beg you again because relationships are not built with pity but with good understanding, so tell me, how long are you willing to put him on hold and what's your plan for the other boy?” she asked.
“Mum whatever will be will be, I promise to work out things with your son but I need a little more time to sort myself out. I still love him” I replied. She shrugged and smiled weakly.
I instantly knew she wasn't convinced with my reply, nor did I need anyone to tell me I had failed her test. She really read through me so easily.
A strange gifted woman she was. She asked no other prying questions as I spent the rest of the afternoon with them before rushing back to my lodge amidst Ben's pleas. I knew the way I left without spending a single night with them like I used to, further added weight to her suspicions. “Polluting Ben's mind would be her next line of action” I reasoned.
By 12pm the next day, I was already on my way to Mike's family house with weird feelings in my heart. “Whatever is written can never be changed”
*2pm, Mike's family House*
“I'm really delighted you honoured my invitation, you can't imagine how pleased I"m” Mike's mum said to me sweetly, while I blushed and said nothing.
“We really do have a lot to talk after the meal, so relax and enjoy our hospitality” she said.
I nodded with a calm smile. Guilt and fear totally consuming me without warning.
The joy in her eyes as she came running totally buried my guilt and fear.
“Daughter in-law” she greeted as she hugged me. Mike hardly touched his food that afternoon as he kept staring and pleading with his eyes, but I pretended not to notice.
A heavy rain however started immediately after lunch. Lightening and thunder striking like madness. “Don't worry dear, the rain will stop before 4pm” his mum assured me with a smile as she led me to a sofa, while Mike excused himself to attend to some areas of the building which was leaking under the heavy rain, leaving his mum all alone with me.
“I know all about your story with my son. Trust me if I were in your shoes, I would have poured hot water twice on him before allowing him to explain. I really don't blame all your doing to him,she said, held my hand, “no matter how hard we try to fight or pretend, the truth is that the memory of our first love affair will always remain buried in our heart.
This is where an elder like me comes in, I will never wish you bad nor deceive you, because any agreement we arrive at will equally affect my son either positively or negatively” she lectured.
I shook nervously as I listened. “What do you feel whenever you look at him?” she asked. I swallowed hard and shook my head “I don't just know ma, I can't describe what I do feel, because it's a mixture of hatred, compassion, etc” I confessed.
She breathed deeply with a smile. “You still love him my daughter, please don't fight it any longer” she pleaded with wet eyes.
I knew she was very right, but I instantly remembered Benjamin. A boy who showed me care and love when I needed it.
“I really can't go back to your son because I'm already with another person” I sobbed. The good old lady closed her eyes, breathed deeply and drew me to her chest
“I really do understand dear, because my sister experienced the same thing when we were teenagers” she murmured with a broken voice. I instantly raised my face and stared at her.
The Story Keeps Unfolding...
Describe_MikeIn_A_Sentence.
Episode 43 Loading.......
Story Adaobi Iwuchukwu
Edited by Engr. Stanley Orji
Published on Eastanmusic Ent.
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