FLAMING HEART

TWENTY FIVE - DECEIT

Just then, her phone beeped and she snatched it quickly, almost knocking it off. It was a message from Francis asking if she wanted to meet. She immediately replied his message; texting 'yes' in all caps and with lots of exclamation marks. She giggled as she got up and ran to the bathroom to freshen up again. She was willing to take the risk of going out with Francis even at the house mates's presence. She wanted to see him and so wouldn't refuse because of some group of girls.

She dashed out of the bathroom; grabbing a Jean trouser and a body con. She wouldn't want to look suspicious when she meets with the housemate. She tied her hair in a ponytail, fixing dangling earring and applying a nude lipstick. Immediately she took her purse to go, she heard a knock at the door.

Frowning deeply, she asked, "Who's that?"

"Sharon."

The frown disappeared from her face as she opened up for her.

"Oby, where are you going to? You're all dressed up." Sharon inquired with surprise written on her face.

"I want to visit a friend of mine who stays three streets away." She lied.

"Wow! I never knew you had friends." Sharon teased.

Obioma smiled at her, "Of course I do. I met this one in your salon. She came to buy relaxer. I later met her at the mall."

"Oh! That's nice." Sharon looked genuinely happy.

"Alright, Sharon, let me get going. Tell the house mates where I went to please, if they ask."

"No problem. Come let me see you off." Sharon offered.

They walked past Evelyn who was so engrossed in the movie that she didn't notice when they left the house. Sharon saw Obioma to the gate and bade her goodbye. Francis was just getting to the bus stop the moment she came and she got into the car; smiling broadly at him. He was on a button down shirt and plaid trouser. He drew closer to her and planted a chaste kiss on her lips. He tried pulling away but she wasn't satisfied. She wrapped her arms around, holding him in place and deepened the kiss. They pulled away breathless and Francis looked at her in amusement. Embarrassed and surprised at her boldness, she shifted her gaze to her fingers - avoiding his eyes. He leaned into her then, and whispered that he missed her. That brought a smile to her face.

"I missed you too." She reiterated quietly and for a moment, they got lost in each other's eyes. The loud honk from a truck beside them brought them back to reality. Francis quickly pulled out of the way since the truck driver was already getting angry. Obioma began to chuckle, feeling silly and Francis joined her.

"Where are we going?" She asked him at last even when she knew he would not tell her.

"You'd find out when we get there." He smiled at her.

They got into an estate after a while. Each house was secured with high gates and electrified walls. Obioma wondered why they were in an estate and before she could ask, Francis halted in front of a high black gate and honked. Immediately, the gate flung open and a young man stood by it with a remote in his hand. There was another standing next to him.

They drove into the compound and Obioma couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of the house. There were sheared flowers decorating the front of the house displaying words that Obioma read out loud.

"Francis Ikechukwu's humble abode?" She gasped as she turned to look at Francis who was already leaving the car and walking to her side but before he could get to her, Obioma got out of the car; staring at her environment.

Francis groaned a bit, "I was about opening the door for you."

"Oh! You don't have to worry." Obioma replied, not sparing a look.

"I would like to do that for you so please let me. "

She turned to face him then; her heart fluttering as she nodded. "Okay."

Francis nodded and then held her hand as he led the way but his guards ran to him and so he had to stop. He rubbed his palm on his face, sighing.

"I almost forgot. Meet Samson and Jude: my security guards and friends."

Obioma flashed them a smile; extending her hand. They shook it in turns and then turned to go while Francis led her into his house.

The sitting room was well ventilated and spacious. It was well furnished and a vase stood on the glass table. The fancy curtains fell neatly by the window; shutting rays of light.

"Francis, you have a very beautiful home. " She complimented.

"Thank you. "

"Do you stay here alone? " She asked.

Immediately, an elderly woman dressed in a smart black gown and white apron walked into the sitting room. Obioma thought within herself that she was his mother so she greeted the woman politely.

"Meet my housekeeper, Madam Jay. Madam Jay meet Obioma. "Francis announced to her surprise and they exchanged pleasantries. It was like Francis had informed his workers about her arrival as everything was in place. Food was served and Obioma sat opposite Francis at the far end of the table. Immediately, Madam Jay walked away; giving the two their privacy, Obioma faced him.

"Housekeeper? I thought she was your mum."

Francis gave her a look before breaking into a smile. "I know, right? I think I should get someone younger. It would be sexy." He winked at her and Obioma frowned at that and Francis laughed.

"Why then are you surprised if you wouldn't accept someone younger?" He said that like a statement but Obioma answered.

"I don't have a problem with that. I was only surprised, like you said." She brought her spoon to her mouth; still pouting at what Francis had said. She couldn't imagine another lady staying with him in the same house. Though Francis told her Madam Jay would be leaving to return the next day as she had always done, she wouldn't have accepted had it been someone younger. It was surprising how possessive she was already becoming of him. Could she blame herself? She was in love with him and would never share him with anyone else. She wanted him for herself and herself alone.

"Hey, OB! It was only a joke." Francis looked her. His face was filled with concern and she suddenly felt guilty for overreacting.

"Yeah. So you stay in this very big house alone?" She sought to change the topic and Francis played along.

"I don't stay alone. Jude and Samson are with me." He teased and she nudged him a bit by the shoulder.

"You know what I mean." She smiled. "Where are your parents?"

"They stay quite far. Close to the company. Don't worry, I'll take you there one of these days or would you like to go today?"

"Of course." She brought her palm to her mouth to stop an excited squeal. How on earth could she say no? She would be finally meeting his parents for crying out loud; something she felt would be happening in a long while.

Francis smiled at her and nodded in anticipation. As they ate, she stole glances at him. She stared at his lips which were looking irresistibly kissable. Now that she knew how they tasted, she craved them with utmost hunger. Her heart leapt with joy when Francis picked his plate to sit next to her. He smiled at her before leaning in for a kiss. She jolted a bit in surprise but before she could kiss him back, Madam Jay walked in and so, they pulled back.

"I'm so sorry." She apologized. Her cheeks red. Obioma stared down at her plate; feeling embarrassed.

"It's okay. What's it?" Francis asked.

"I came to inform you that I'd be leaving now." She informed.

"Alright, no problem. Have a nice day! See you tomorrow."

Madam Jay tried to wave at Obioma but Obioma was too embarrassed to look up. Kissing Francis was something she considered private and would not like to share that moment with the whole world - at least not now.

"Why are you hiding your face?" Francis asked to her surprise.

"I'm. . . I'm not hiding my face." She stuttered. "Why would I?" She rolled her eyes and began to rush her food. Francis suppressed a laugh as he watched her silently. Her innocence and shyness increased her sense of appeal in a measure he couldn't comprehend.

They got into the car again after the meal to embark on their journey. The security guards had waved to her with a broad smile on their faces; expressing their wish to see her again. Such sweet fellows! She thought.

A loud hip pop music was blaring from the car's speaker as Francis sped. It seemed her heart tended to beat at the same rate with that of the fast music. She felt nervous. Would his parents like her? Would they accept her or throw her out? Thinking about it now, she discovered she wasn't ready to see his parents. She wasn't even dressed in the prettiest of clothes. Why on earth had she accepted his offer? She turned to look at him; he was tapping his fingers on the steering wheel as he drove. He seemed relaxed and at ease. Should she ask him to turn back? There was still hope since they hadn't gotten to the house. She began to clear her throat only for the car to stop at a high building whose fences were so high and insurmountable. Obioma's heart quickened as her pulse heightened. Where they there already? 

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So, what do you think Francis' parents will say when they meet Oby?

Would they like her?