FLAMING HEART

THIRTY ONE: LEAVING

"Sharon, Let the girl go!" - Uloma

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"I know it sounds stupid but I really want to bury this issue. I already have a lot of people hating me. It was because of this hatred Evelyn left without informing me. If she had, none of this would have happened. I don't want more people hating me. Chiamaka would definitely not believe that her fiance tried to r**e me. Instead, she will see things as me trying to steal her boyfriend from her and that would stir up more hatred - not only from her but from Uloma too. The house is already uncomfortable to live in with two enemies, I wonder how it would be with two extra." She tried her best explaining calmly; hoping he would understand but he didn't.

"Are you kidding me, OB?!" He lashed out instead. "Did you just listen to yourself? A stupid he-goat attempted to r**e you. . ." He paused and raised his head to look at her cheek. "What's this welt on your cheek? Did he do that to you?"

Obioma sighed. She had tried hiding it from him but it seemed nothing could be hidden from him. She nodded slightly and Francis's knuckles balled into a fist.

"Remind me again what you said a minute ago?" His brow furrowed. "He did all these to you and you're advocating for his freedom? That's the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. Every r****t deserves to pay for their crime."

"I know, Francis! I know! Do you think I don't want him behind bars? Do you think I'm happy with this decision of letting him wander on the street to do more harm?"

"Then let's do what we have to do. As for Chiamaka, she will get over it. Besides, she deserves better than a predator."

Obioma stretched her hand and grabbed Francis's; rubbing it slightly. "Charles is wealthy. To the house mates, he doesn't have to beg any girl. He's filthy rich. Now imagine me saying such a guy tried to r**e me?"

"Who's this so called 'filthy rich' dude?" He pulled his hand away. "Cut me some slack, please. Filthy rich or not, by the time I'm done with him, he will -"

"Please, Francis! Listen to me for once." She was already getting frustrated. The tone of her voice made Francis stare at her for a moment.

"What if he comes for you again?" His voice was low.

She grabbed his hand again and stared into his eyes. "He won't. I'll make sure of it, just trust me. Now I know the kind of person he is." She brought his hand to her mouth and placed her lips on it.

Francis sighed as he leaned in to kiss her forehead. "Fine. But if that mad man tries to hurt you anymore, I'll won't let it slide this way."

"I won't give a chance for it to happen again." She smiled reassuringly at him and his face lost all tautness then. He caressed her cheek and she shut her eyes; enjoying his light touch.

"You know," she began, "I was scared. I didn't know where the strength to fight came from."

"You're a warrior." He told her and she began to giggle.

Francis drove her home and insisted on walking her into the house to change her clothes despite her refusal. The door was opened so they walked right through; Francis holding her close like she would get hurt by mere walking. The house was quiet; signifying no one was at home yet. Francis stood by her door while she changed; still not convinced by the silence and emptiness. Deep down, he prayed the so called man was somewhere close so he could knock out at least four of his teeth.

Obioma, now feeling better and happier, walked out of her room clad in a T-shirt and a Jean trouser. She wrapped her arms around his neck; bringing his face closer to hers and standing on her toes as she tug at his bottom lip. His arms wrapped around her waist; securing her in place as they dug into each other's mouth; seeking treasures unknown.

They broke away after a while; both panting.

"So am I forgiven?" He asked her - half serious and half teasing.

She giggled; hiding her face in his chest. She had forgotten all about her anger. All she cared about was the fact that he was here with her - where she wanted him to be.

They got into the car and she was dropped some distance away from the salon. Francis was in a haste to return back to the company so he didn't stop to say hi to Sharon.

As usual, Sharon was busy. She was fixing the nails of an elderly woman. Obioma greeted them both and Sharon stared at her like she was a ghost.

"Obioma!"

Obioma simply nodded as she took a seat, waiting patiently for the whole fixing of nails to be over. She didn't know she had fallen asleep during her course of waiting until she was woken up by Sharon. She rubbed her eyes slightly as she stretched a bit. Sharon watched her curiously with folded arms and all Obioma could do was lower her eyes.

"I never thought you would come." Sharon began; taking a seat beside her.

"I'm sorry." Obioma apologized instead. "I was mean to you the previous day. I didn't mean to, I was not just in the right state of mind."

Sharon smiled warmly; taking her palms and entwining them with hers. "I understand, Oby! You don't have to be this way. I would be mad if I was restricted from seeing my friend too."

Obioma heaved a sigh she never knew she had been holding. Tears came to her eyes as she embraced Sharon who only laughed and patted her back.

"How on earth would you think I would be angry with you? You're just so cute; I don't think I can ever get mad at you from anything."

Obioma smiled then; wondering if Sharon would say the same if she knew about her affairs with Francis. Truth be told, she could not stop this affair - at least, not now that she had some hope. Francis was her strength and her weakness; she wouldn't let him go that easily.

A lady walked in then and Sharon got to work; leaving Obioma to decide whether to tell or not about the attempted r**e that had ensued some hours ago. Convincing Francis to let the issue go was enough hardwork, she thought. Sharon was much more difficult to convince especially when it came to issues like this.

Obioma deemed it safe to keep shut.

Later that night, Obioma took courage in asking Evelyn why she left the house without informing her. Though Evelyn had looked at like she was asking a ridiculous question, she told her about the call she received from Charles asking to meet at a restaurant urgently. She complained that she had gone to the venue only to wait for hours without any sign of Charles. Obioma knew then that it had all been Charles' intention to r**e her. She shook her head in annoyance wondering why he would want to do such a thing to her.

★ ★ ★

Obioma sat with her legs crossed with Sharon on her bed as they played a card game. It was a cool Saturday evening and Sharon had closed early for the day for reasons best known to her. Earlier that morning, Uloma and Chiamaka had assisted in making breakfast and it had been fun cooking with them for they kept dropping funny comments which lightened the whole work.

Sitting on Sharon's bed with her, Obioma decided to spill what had been bothering her for a while.

"Sharon, do you remember when I told you about my sister?" She began holding her cards close to her eyes.

"The one who had just been delivered of a baby?"

"Yes. I wish to visit her. I ought to have done that since."

"Why didn't you do so since?"

"I was scared." Obioma took a card.

"Of what?" Sharon played her card.

"I didn't know if Uloma would let me, seeing how she stopped me from visiting my friend."

Sharon stopped playing her card and looked Obioma in the eyes. "This is your family, Oby. Uloma can't stop you from being with your family. You're easily frightened by trivial things."

"So you're saying I should ask her?"

"Exactly." Sharon affirmed.

Obioma paused for a moment and then requested Sharon went with her to Uloma's room.

Uloma's loud laughter could be heard immediately they got to her door. Sharon tapped the door lightly and they both waited for it to be opened.

"Who's she speaking with? Her boyfriend?" Obioma whispered.

"I hope it isn't. Or else, Ulo won't open the door for us. Whenever she speaks with him, she doesn't like to be disturbed. She can speak with him for hours. It better not be him." Sharon whispered back.

Uloma finally opened the door; staring at them in surprise, "I heard some noise so I decided to find out if you two came to visit me with rats."

They both laughed and Sharon said, "Don't be ridiculous, Uloma. We were just wondering who it was that was making you laugh so loud."

Uloma smiled and gave way for them to enter her room. Obioma sat on the armchair while Sharon sat next to Uloma on her bed.

"So what do I owe this majestic visit?"

Sharon rolled her eyes and laughed again, "Obioma has something to request."

"Go on." Uloma gestured at her.

"Well, my elder sister: Ugomma has been delivered of a baby girl."

"Wow! That's great news." Uloma smiled.

"I'll like to visit her and the baby." Obioma stated.

"No problem. When will you like to go?"

Obioma stared with wide eyes. She never expected Uloma to accept that easily.

"You see, Oby. I told you Ulo won't ever separate you from your family. She'll definitely agree." Sharon grinned.

"Was she thinking I won't?"

"Mmmmm." Sharon nodded. "That's why she didn't tell you since."

"So you mean it had been long Ugomma conceived?" Her lips parted and she turned to look at Obioma whose eyes were hovering everywhere except for her face. "Why didn't you tell me, Oby? Why would you think I won't let you? I can never stop you from seeing any member of your family na."

"I'm sorry. Seeing the way you stopped me from going out to visit my friend, I thought it was the same with families." Obioma retorted.

"No, it isn't. So when will you be going?"

"When you ask me to." Obioma replied.

"Oh stop it, Oby! It's yours to decide."

"Can I go tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow?" Sharon repeated.

"Why did you scream that way?" Uloma questioned.

"I didn't expect it to be that close. I was expecting you to say next week, Oby. I'm not prepared for your departure."

"Were you prepared for her arrival?" Uloma fired.

"Uloma, what did I do to you? Why are you firing me this way?"

Uloma laughed out loud, "Oby, you can go tomorrow. Don't mind this drama queen."

"Oby, not tomorrow." Sharon pouted.

"What difference does next week and tomorrow make?" Obioma stared at her.

"I'd have gotten time to prepare."

"It's okay, Sharon. Let the girl go." Uloma informed. "Go and pack, Oby. I'll drop you at the park tomorrow. Where does she live?"

"I'll call to ask for directions." Obioma replied.

"When would you be back?"

"Next Sunday." Obioma replied.

"Alright!" Uloma closed the chapter and they left her room to Obioma's room.

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A/N: So what do you guys think about Obioma's decision to bury the crime?

Do you think it was a wise decision, judging from her points?

Also, anyone smelling any ulterior motive hidden in this 'visit'?

If you aren't, maybe you should start