CHAPTER2
984 Words
“ A genuine relationship will never make you feel worthless. Any man that loves you will always make time for you. Never let a man devalue you, from your favorite relationship therapist, Nancy. "Have a great day”
Elara smiled as she watched Nancy's television program in her room. She always felt a sense of belonging whenever she watched her program. A mentor and her advocate in relationship and, as such, she never fails to miss the program.
Nancy's program has formed basic principles in her life as she has set boundaries in her relationship with Mateo.
Mateo has been a constant pain in her neck as he keeps demanding money from her to gamble and whenever she refuses to give him money, Mateo will lash out at her and make her feel worthless.
Elara has made several attempts to see if she could change his attitude in gambling, but Mateo is hell-bent on his gambling life. As Elara lay in bed, watching the next television program. A hard knock came on her door.
“Hold on” Elara said, running to the door.
Mateo walked into the room, his dark aura filled the entire room. His expression was stern and ruthless as he sat on the couch.
Elara sat close to him, her hand brushing against Mateo's.
“What Mateo?” Elara asked.
Mateo scoffed, rolling his eyes in disdain
“I need Money Elara”, his voice firm and authoritative.
Elara wore an embarrassed look, her eyes darting around the room as if searching for an escape.
“I don't have any money to give Mateo," Elara said, her voice low.
Mateo chuckled and gave a mischievous smile and said calmly, trying to sound convincing.
“I know you have this money. I need this money for my games and I assure you,I will win this time.”
Elara raised an eyebrow and smiled faintly. “This is what you've been telling me, Mateo”, Elara said, and then continued “ this is the fourth time you have been asking for money in the space of one week, Mateo.”
Mateo held her hands and twisted them painfully. He was getting frustrated and if not for the fact that he was in serious need of money and Elara rendered help, he would have trashed her off.
“You are hurting me Mateo”, Elena winced in pain.
“Are you giving me the money or not?” Mateo asked, not waiting for a response before continuing.
“Elara, what do you have to say?” he asked, as he let go of her hand. His gaze fixed on her.
Elara stuttered, her lips moving but no words coming out.
Mateo, seemingly impatient, shouted in a scream. “Is your mouth glued?”
Elara flinched, her eyes darting up to meet him.
“I don't have money,” she said.
Mateo's face turned red with anger. He walked towards the door and slammed the door shut behind him.
"I think I need to talk to Maya about this”, Elara muttered under her breath. “I can't keep giving Mateo money”.
She hurriedly walked into the living room and picked up her phone from the couch. Maya's phone rang twice but no reply, then Elara dropped a voice note.
“Maya, please, I'm leaving the house now, meet me at Hover's Teapot,” Elara said. “I'm waiting”.
Her hands raked through her hair in frustration before she stormed to her room and headed to her wardrobe. The door creaked open. Her fingers brushed past rows of neatly folded clothes until she found a pullover and Jean trousers.
Without hesitation, she wore them and staggered towards the door.
“Taxi…….”
Elara got out of the taxi and walked into Hover's Teapot.
Hello Beautiful” A stranger said to her with a grin.
Elara, seated on the plush white sofa with a cup of tea, raised an eyebrow.
“Not Interested Stranger, Get lost”
The Stranger, embarrassed, left her and went back to his seat.
Elara scrolled through her phone as she waited for Maya.
Maya walked in, wearing a crisp black shirt, her hair slightly messy. She stopped when she saw Elara.
“Girlfriend, I got your message” she said, her voice many notches lower than usual.
“I couldn't sleep,” Elara replied without looking up.
Maya leaned closer, her gaze on Elara's face like she was searching for an answer she wouldn't give.
“You look pale. Did something happen?”
Elara forced a small smile. “Nothing happened, Maya. I just….feel tired.
Maya reached out, her hand brushing her cheek.
“ You know I can tell when you're lying”, Maya said.
Elara's chest tightened. “It's Mateo”
For a moment they just stared at each other, the silence louder than their words.
“What about Mateo?” Maya asked.
“He came to ask for more money again”
Maya laughed mockingly.” Is that why you look pale?”
“Yes” Elara said, tilting her head.
“Mateo loves gambling and there is no way he won't gamble without asking you for the money”. Maya responded, sipping from her tea cup.
“I'm just……tired” Elara replied quickly, her voice low.
“Give him the money, Elara, but warn him there won't be a next time again.”
Elara gave Maya an odd look. She was expecting the same answer.
“Why do you always take sides with him?” Elara asked, looking perplexed.
Maya chuckled. “ I only take that side of the truth.”
Elara kept mute and slowly stirred at her tea even though it had gone cold.
Maya talked and talked while Elara listened. They ended their conversation with chats and laughter before bidding goodbye to each other.
- Writer
