I didn't do it!

JUDAS

*CHAPTER 5: JUDAS?*

The dust from Uncle Ben’s car hadn’t even settled before the mood between them changed.

They walked in silence for a few minutes. The road was quieter now. Fewer bikes. Fewer people. Just the heat and the sound of their sandals on tar.

Reuben could feel it. Julie was upset.

Finally, she stopped.

*JULIE*

Why the change of mood?

Reuben looked at her. Her arms were folded. Her lips pressed tight. That “I’m not angry but I’m angry” face.

*REUBEN*

What change of mood?

*JULIE*

Don’t play dumb with me.

_(beat)_

I can’t believe you denied me. You. The same person calling me Peter. So what are you now? Judas? I means is Iscariot.

The word hits him heavy.

*REUBEN*

I didn’t deny you. how can I even do that?

*JULIE*

You just told your uncle I was your classmate. In front of me. Like I’m nobody. Is that what we are now, classmates?

Reuben ran a hand over his face. He was tired. Tired of explaining, tired of hiding, tired of being broke.

*REUBEN*

Julie, listen. If I had told him “this is my girlfriend,” do you know what would have happened? He would have cut me off right there. No school fees. No help. Nothing. Yes you will find yourself in the university but guess what, I will not be there.

He stepped closer.

*REUBEN*

He has never supported me before. Not when my dad died. Not when I was repeating JSS3. This is the first time he said he will help. I can’t ruin it. Not for law school.

Julie didn’t answer. She looked away.

*REUBEN*

And besides... you are even wrong by saying that because, you are not just a girlfriend to me. You are my world. you can't be my girlfriend you are more than that to me. The reason I even applied for law. The person I plan to marry after we’re called to bar. But I can’t say that to him now. Not yet. Let's take him by surprise.

Julie turned back to him. Her eyes were wet but she wasn’t crying.

*JULIE*

So why didn’t you tell him that?

*REUBEN*

haaa! Women!

_(he sighed)_

Because the timing is wrong.

Julie shook her head. “What happened to us, Reuben? We said we’d do everything together. Law school together. Fight together.”

Reuben felt guilt twist in his chest. He reached out and held her hand. She didn’t pull away.

*REUBEN*

Okay. Let’s do it this way. Today, we go to your house. You introduce me to your father as your friend. Just friend, nothing more. Then next week, I’ll take you to Uncle Ben’s house and introduce you properly. As my world. As the girl I’m going to marry.

Julie pulled her hand back.

*JULIE*

You want my father to kill me? You know what he told me last Sunday. “Any boy that steps into this compound will leave my compound carrying his two legs in his hands my dad looked so scary saying those words, it was weird.”

Reuben deflated. He knew she was right. Julie’s dad was a retired soldier. Strict. Old school.

*REUBEN*

Now you see.

_(he forced a smile)_

So let this not bring issue between us. We already know what we are to each other. Nobody needs to announce it. We don't have to prove any point to people before we know who we are.

Julie stared at him for a long time. Then she exhaled.

*JULIE*

You win.

*REUBEN*

I always win.

*JULIE*

"Don't even bring that one here, else we start all over again"

*REUBEN*

"I rest my case"

*JULIE*

You’re only winning because this is not a law court. After school, when I’m called to bar, you won’t win me in court.

Reuben grinned. The old Julie was back.

*REUBEN*

Hmmm. Interesting. I’m already imagining it. Courtroom. Me prosecuting, you defending the same person. Now that's weird.

*JULIE*

And what's weird about it, because I will win the case?

*REUBEN*

hmmm! After you win, you’ll come home and I’ll win you in my own way.

Julie’s eyes went wide. Then she hit him on the arm.

*JULIE*

Ashawo!

*REUBEN*

Look who's talking. How did you know what I mean by that?

*JULIE*

oh no! I messed up.

*REUBEN*

Don't worry your pretty head, By then we’ll be married. Husband and wife. What’s wrong with that?

Julie was laughing now, shaking her head.

*JULIE*

Wait. If I win you in the court of law, will you take it personal when we get home?

Reuben pretended to think hard. He put a finger on his chin.

*REUBEN*

Hmmmm. If you do it clean. No bribe. No lying. No nonsense... then no, I won’t take it personal.

_(he leaned in)_

But if you cheat to win me, then yes. I will take it very personal. I’ll punish you that night. I will not eat your food, I will not scrub your back and I will not also hmmm if you know what I mean.

Julie blushed and pushed him. “You’re shameless.”

They both burst out laughing. The tension from Uncle Ben’s car was gone.

They reached the junction. Left for Julie’s house. Straight for Reuben’s.

Julie adjusted her bag.

*JULIE*

I am so proud of you.

*REUBEN*

for what, always protecting you?

*JULIE*

You wish!

I mean I'm proud of you because it's not every young guy that would want to wait for another five year after waiting for two years abstaining from immorality.

*REUBEN*

I have told you that this decision is for the betterment of the both of us. Nobody is trying for the other person, it is the right thing to do as Christians. We must keep the bed holy until marriage.

*JULIE*

Thanking for asking me if I had eaten two years ago.

*REUBEN*

Thank you for saying you hadn't eaten because that conversation brought us where we are today. Thank you.

*JULIE*

See you some other time, future SAN.

*REUBEN*

See you, future Justice.

Julie walked away. Reuben watched her until she turned the corner.

Then he pulled out his phone.

3 missed calls. All from Uncle Ben.

1 text: _Saturday. 10am. Come alone._

Reuben stared at the message. _Come alone._

He deleted it.

But the words stayed in his head.

Why did Uncle Ben want him to come alone?

And why did he ask about Julie?

Reuben started walking home. The sun was setting. But something about Saturday was already making his chest tight.