FLAMING HEART

THIRTY FOUR: COLLINS

"One day, the truth will be told and all these exposed.  What then would you do, OB?" - Unknown.

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Obioma tried not to think of the dangerous game she was playing. To the house mates, she was with her sister. She hoped they won't call her and ask to speak with Ugomma again. That would be exposing the fowl's anus. What was life without risk anyway? She thought. She would cross the bridge should she get to one. Right now, all she wanted was to enjoy her time with the man she loved and desired.

Obioma woke up after a while; thinking Francis was already back but he wasn't. She had heard a honk not knowing it was from the television screen. Already up and less tired, she went to the kitchen to speak with Mama Jay who had just finished preparing dinner.

"This looks nice." She complimented and Mama Jay bowed her head.

"Mama Jay!" She called out after a while. "You can leave now. I will handle things from here."

"Okay, ma." Mama Jay nodded; untying her apron.

"Don't bother coming tomorrow too or next. In fact, don't come till next week."

Mama Jay dropped the plate in her hand and stared at her with tears in her eyes. "Ah madam! What have I done to offend you? Please tell me let me apologise. This is my major source of income. My husband lost his job last year and we've been relying on this job. Please, don't send me away."

"I'm not sending you away." Obioma was surprised. "I'm only asking you to go and rest for this week since I would be staying till Sunday. I'll make sure Francis doesn't remove it from your salary so you don't have to worry. You'll resume work, next Monday. I want you to have more time to spend with your family. It's just like a break." Obioma explained though she knew half of what she had said were lies. She wanted Mama Jay out so they could do whatever they wanted to do in peace. She knew anything could happen since she was staying for long and surprisingly, she was ready and she anticipated it.

Mama Jay smiled then. "Thank you so much, ma. I really appreciate it."

"There's no problem, Mama Jay but I'd appreciate it if you call me Oby. I don't like the way you're calling me ma."

Mama Jay nodded in affirmation before leaving to pick her bags. She thanked Obioma once again and finally left the house.

Obioma was lying on the huge bed in Francis's room when she heard the honking of a car. She stood up immediately to the mirror to dress her hair and apply some make up. She knew it was Francis without checking and so she smoothened her dress, then ran down the stairs to the door. She stood by the porch as Francis drove to the parking lot in the compound. She smiled brightly; watching her prince charming in a plaid suit get out of the car. She frowned when she saw another man walking with him but soon broke into a smile when Francis's eyes met hers. Francis teasingly rubbed his eyes and Obioma laughed; excitement threatening to burst through her.

"It's my ghost." She threw herself into his arms and he hugged her tight. She sniffed his scent: an intoxicating scent of cologne and sweat.

"You didn't inform me you'd be back today."

"Yeah. Surprise surprise." She grinned and Francis placed a light kiss on her smiling lips.

The young man standing by Francis feigned a slight cough to remind them of his presence. Francis laughed then and introduced him.

"Oby, meet my best friend, brother and colleague: Collins."

Collins shook hands with Obioma. "I've heard a lot about you, OB." There was a broad smile on his face.

"Only Francis calls me that." Obioma smiled shyly and they all laughed.

They got into the house and Obioma went to set the table while Francis retired to his room to freshen up. Collins sat on the sofa in the living room as he held a newspaper that had been lying on the chair. He watched Obioma from the corner of his eyes as she set the dining table.

"You've made Francis very happy, OB. Thank you."

Obioma paused and looked at him. "Why did you say that?"

"Because I know Francis and I can tell he's happier with you than he had ever been with Uju."

"You know Uju?"

"Of course. Francis wasn't just chattering when he called me his best friend. We're like this." Collins entwined his fingers together to indicate the intimacy between them.

"I see." Obioma nodded.

Collins stood up and then walked to her. He stopped two feet away from her; tapping his feet and staring at her.

"I've never liked Uju. Not just me but some other friends of ours. Don't worry, you'll get to meet them soon."

Obioma smiled. "Yes, I will. But why would you all dislike Uju? What has she done?"

"Well, she's rude. Funny enough, dad and mum love her so much that's why I advise you to be careful."

Obioma's raised a confused brow. "Francis's parents?'

"Yes. They treat her like an egg. They sure won't be happy when they hear about your relationship with their son. They would want to destroy it by any means and one thing you should know is: The Ikechukwus are fearful people."

Obioma gulped. "Why are you telling me this?"

"So you can leave Francis. I understand you two love each other so much but this isn't working. One day, the truth would be told and all these will be exposed. What then would you do, OB?"

Obioma swallowed and shook her head. "First of all. . ." She began slowly. "My name is Oby and second of all, you don't have to worry. I and Francis will cross the bridge when we get there."

"You sound so confident." Collins gazed at her.

"That's because I am confident." Obioma raised her chin high.

"Too confident for a village girl." Collins whispered and Obioma cringed. Before she could say anything, Francis came down the stairs all freshened up. A white towel hung over his neck and a necklace with a cross pendant shone brightly on his chest. Water dripped from the tip of his wet hair.

They sat down and started eating with Obioma watching Collins with venom in her eyes.

"I don't see Mama Jay any where." Collins observed; oblivious to Obioma's stare.

"You're right. I didn't even notice. I guess I was carried away with this woman right here." Francis winked and Obioma couldn't stop herself from blushing when all she wanted to do was yell.

"I asked her to rest for the week since I'll be around." Obioma explained; finally able to stop the blush.

Francis's face broke into a grin and the blush returned. "Wow! So that means you're staying here with me for good three days? That's great news!"

"Easy man lest an outsider think you've won a lottery and therefore, plan a theft not knowing you're as broke as fuck." Francis guffawed at this.

"Don't embarrass me in front of my girl." He muttered and despite Obioma's attempt to keep a straight face, she couldn't stop the chuckle from falling from her lips. Collins watched her with interest and when she turned to look at him, he looked away. Obioma glared at his now bent head; wondering where Francis had picked such strange being.

After the meal, Francis left with his friend; assuring her he would be back soon. Obioma made a mental note to speak to Francis about all that Collins had said to her. Francis kissed her good bye before he left and only that brought a huge smile to her face; butterflies creeping into her tummy and housing themselves there.

Ever since her whole relationship thing with Francis, all she knew and felt was joy. She felt very lucky to have such a charming person like Francis. Most times, she thought everything was a dream, and feared it would fade away soon for It looked too good to be true, but it was true and for this reason, she swore nothing and no one would take her man away from her. She was going to make sure of that.

She sang with joy as she cleaned the dishes and arranged them on the rack. But then, she stopped singing when her thought wandered back to what Collins had said. Who was that guy and who did he think he was to tell her what to do? Though she was sure Francis's parents would never give her a chance - she was no match for Uju in terms of influence and affluence so there would be nothing to consider when she finally meets them - she wouldn't back down. She was sure she was going to get a very massive zero judging from all that she had heard about them but only cowards give up and she was no coward. Even though her father was a coward, It should be known she was nothing like her father. She was going to stand and look danger in the face even when she was only a village girl with nothing to offer. She knew she didn't fit anywhere but she was going to make sure she did, one day.

She changed into her night gown when she was done with the plates and sat on one of the couches with a glass of juice in hand. She put on the television; changing the channel to her favourite show. It was not long when she began to feel dizzy due to the cold and quiet atmosphere. She dropped the tumbler on the table and laid on the couch; drifting to sleep.

A soft touch on her cheek forced her eyes open and she stared into the smiling face of Francis who was stooping beside her. She stretched her hand and touched his face before sitting up and rubbing her eyes.

"You said you wouldn't be long." She began.

He picked her tumbler up and took a sip before turning to her. "Didn't plan to stay long. I'm sorry." He returned the cup to the table and moved close to her.

"What were you. . ." She trailed off as she felt his warm tongue trace her earlobe. The feeling was tingling and she ached her neck as his tongue slid down to her neck. His arms went round her as he held her firmly by the waist. She moaned when he sucked at her skin.

"Time to bathe." He whispered into her ear and she pushed him away slightly.

"I've had my bath thrice today. I don't need extra."

He moved back into her and whispered again. "There's plenty of water. Make it four times."

She giggled but shook her head vehemently making him frown a bit.

"I'm not used to people saying no to me." He pouted.

"Get used to it." She fired and they both fell into fits of giggles. They spent the night watching a movie before finally heading to bed. 

She woke up early the next morning with a broad smile on her face. She had had dreams upon dreams about Francis. She turned to the side to stare at him; wondering what he looked like in the morning only to see an empty space. Alarmed, she jumped up but found him standing in the kitchen sipping a cup of tea whilst knotting his tie. Beside him was some toasted bread. She relaxed as she stared at him; feeding on his looks. There was bread particles by the side of his lips. It was funny how most of the things looked appealing to her. She found everything sexy - including the particle on his cheek.

"Good morning." She finally made her presence known.

He grinned at her. "Awake already?"

She nodded and walked to him to play with his tie.

"Why are you standing and eating?"

"Don't want to be late."

"How is - "

"I know you're right. I just don't know. I guess it is sweeter standing and eating." He cut her off and she reached out to wipe his cheek.

"You know it isn't good." She turned to go but was held back.

"No good morning kiss?"

"I haven't washed my mouth yet." She shrugged but he slammed his lips on hers; muttering 'I don't care'.

The kiss lasted longer than expected and they pulled apart, gasping for breath.

"That was f*****g sexy." Francis winked at her. "I'll be late for work if I spend a minute here with you." He teased and Obioma laughed heartily; happy that he considered her appealing.

She saw him to the door and watched him drive out of the compound. She felt like a housewife sending her husband off. Just a little while, she assured herself. Hang on, Oby! Just a little while.