DANGEROUS ROMANCE

Beautiful Victim

James took it on himself to investigate the matter for his belief was that two wrongs could never make a right. He could feel the sorrows that clouded lucy’s heart but whenever he recalls Kodi's words, he resists every pity he had for her. However, one thing he is so sure of was that there is something about the girl Lucy. He felt restless, thinking of her.

In the afternoon of that same day, kodili walked into his room sinuously without a knock this time. ‘what the heck is wrong with this bimbo? ‘ James wondered.

‘lunch is ready’ she uttered flippantly and walked away disdainfully. James was very much aware of the reasons behind her misbehaviour but he did not feel perturbed by it at all. He had better things in mind so he waved the thought of her aside. He has already prepared to live in the country as soon as next week Sunday although he was yet to conclude business with Alfred.

He rose from his bed and walked down the stairs to join the family at the table. When he got into the dining room he fixed a gaze on Alfred who smiled at him amusingly.

‘ Jim, you are so used to that room upstairs. Why did you suddenly turn into an introvert? I could remember correctly, you used to be the type that roams the streets of India endlessly every blessed day.’, Alfred joked

James did not utter a word until he got to an empty chair and pinned himself to it. Although he was deeply disturbed at heart, he smiled widely at the family who looked cheerfully at him.

‘James, it looks like your mind is occupied’, nkechi stated notably and matter-of-factly.

‘erm, yes madam Alfred. I’ve been meaning to ask, why is it that our princess here doesn’t go to school? She’s such a young girl and as such should be sent to school’, James said, pointing at kodili.

‘’what? kodili?’ is it true?’, Alfred thundered from his seat and continued.

‘so you have started skipping classes again? Go? ‘Alfred said in an igbo accent this time as he widened his shiny eyes more.

Kodili was busy shaking like a girl with flu.

‘kodili, have you nothing to say to us? Do not tell me that you sit back at home while your dad and I are away. What are you trying to do to your stupid self? nkechi thundered.

Kodili thought thoroughly for a good excuse to give in order not to be completely humiliated before James and for what she thought was a fortune, and one lie came up.

‘mom, dad, although I didn’t tell you I’ve been having serious headaches throughout this week’ she lied and James stared at her doubt-founded. who will believe such an obvious lie?. Kaise Ek echhotisi bachhi itni bari shut bol Sakti ha? James wondered., staring at her blankly with his eyes wider and more filled with anger than that of her father.

‘You should have told us and we would have taken you to the hospital. Now tell me, my dear, how is the headache? Nkechi asked James in utter disbelief. No wonder she was happily decayed, James thought mindfully.

‘How could she have fallen for such a blatant lie so easily? he wondered.

‘I am getting better now thanks’, kodili answered saintlily.

Right before James was a plate of fried rice and chicken with a glass of orange juice. The rest of the family had beef on top of their rice. It’s obvious to James that they bought the chicken because they knew that he does not eat beef, although he was not a Hindu, it was part of him because his ancestors were Hindus and they never tasted beef till their grave and he was observing the same courtesy, together with his family.

He took the chicken, which he ate too quickly and stood up

‘Jim, it’s like you don’t like the rice’, Alfred asked hastily.

‘No brother, the rice is fine. The chicken got me satisfied that’s all’

‘you should at least drink the wine too’ nkechi said softly.

‘ no madam Alfred, I’m fine. I’ll drink from my fridge when, I feel the need’, James answered politely.

‘It’s alright dear. Namaste Ji Alfred put his palm together as if he’s about to pray, in the manner of a Mumbai gentleman.

‘ Namaste’, James replied, doing the same thing he did and walked away. He went upstairs, entered his room and lay on his bed, wondering how kodili could compose such an expensive lie.