My Mother's Boyfriend

SHUTTERED IM SHUDDERS

We are worn out and my weak bones can barely support my frame. I don’t know where I am but the fact that I have escaped public humiliation comforts me. I care no more about whoever or whatever.

“Your mind is not here.” He begins to speak.

“Where are we going to?” I ask.

“We’ll, you are running away and I am helping you.”

“I don’t want to have s*x with a stranger.”

“s*x? Wow, it did not cross my mind.”

“All boys say that, I mean it.”

He pauses. Looks at me pensively. He is caring. He is dark and his darker hair shines brighter than my day. His sleeveless tees is exposing his curved muscles. He reminds me of my mother’s boyfriend. His chest is bulging out of it’s frame. He could beat my dad if protection has a literal meaning for love. He’s slightly taller than me. Isn’t he a perfect match? That is if ‘matching’ also has a literal meaning.

“look, I am just lost and confused about everything.”

Stupid me! Why must a lady act strong then all over sudden become weak just because she’s in the presence of a man? If my all time firebrand feminists like Oprah and Mitchel Obama were to witness how my 2 minutes ago courage has been watered down by the physical appearance of a boy, they would conduct a plastic surgery on my pretty sittings and flatten them to a muscular shape.

“We can go inside.”

“Why must we go inside.” I protest.

“Well, then my help could end here and you could go back into the hands of those vultures.” He walks off.

I get onto my knees. My being is sinking. I have this premonition that I need to go for check-up. Post s****l check up? Kind of. He unlocks the gates and pulls it out. He is really egoistic.

“What’s your name?” I raise my voice.

“Martin.”

“Tyra.”

“Goodnight Tyra.”

He walks in and locks up. Goodnight has woken up my conscious to the aspect of time. I had totally lost it. It’s getting dark, the street lights are really cheering in the darkness though the sun has not fully bowed down. I have to get figure the way to my Aunt’s place on my own because I can’t call Blessing. My phone’s buzzes. I have to pick up. It’s dad.

“Hey sweet heart.”

His voices calms me. I want to cry. Tears have welled my eyes. Is it love or bitterness. A mixture of my burning passion for him turns on my world.

“Hey Daddy.” I’ve managed. I didn’t cry.

“You arrived safely.”

“Haven’t you talked to aunt?”

“Not yet.”

“I arrived safe…..Yes.”

“That’s my good girl. I hope they are treating you well.”

“Sure. Aunt Perry is an Angel you know. Where is mom?”

“She is not here.”

“Wow. As usual.”

He chuckles and takes a deep breath.

“She has to be away for a while.”

“what? Don’t tell me you’re divorcing!”

“Not at all. I have everything under control. Love you.”

“Love you too dad. I have another call. Let me pick up.”

It’s Aunt Perry beaming on my screen right now. My hands are shaking. I have to pick it up but I just don’t know what awaits. Blessing must be home. So what? Her mom loves her. My mind is a battlefield right now. I am even mumbling words loudly and gesticulating in total confusion. The phone hangs up and.

“Oh God. I don’t know what to do.”

“Is everything okay?” Martin’s voice pierces through my veins.

I stare at him with my eyes wide open. Was he listening to me?

“I need your help?”

“Name it.”

My phone buzzes again. It is Aunt Perry’s husband. I am scratching my head and moving up and down. Walking in circles. The more I think the more dark it gets. I am breathless and thoughtless between dilemma and pressure.

“How can I help you Tyra.” He moves closer and holds me by the shoulders. I cannot resist. Tears flow down my chicks. He puts his hand on my left cheek to look at me. I turn my face away. He shifts swiftly to face me. He is scared of my situation. I fall into his arms and wail loudly. I want to scream down the streets but I am safer in his hands.

“I am sorry. Relax.”

“I am the one to be sorry.” I utter this words in difficulty. Amid tears and momentary comfort.

“What have you done?”

“I broke my virginity today. I am so stupid.”

“You don’t want to tell anyone.”

“My uncle is calling.”

“You don’t have to tell him!”

“You don’t understand!”

I shake my self off him. My thoughts are back at home. I shouldn’t have. Whoever said that east or west home is best must have spoken prophetically to my current situation.

“I shouldn’t have run away from my parent’s woes.”

“Okay. I hear you. I am here to listen.”

The phone rings again. It’s the Uncle calling.

“You have to pick that Tyra.”

I stare at the phone. I can already here him speak. Shouting at my the little mannerlessly me. I am ready to listen to all that then switch off my phone. Yes. My mind is made up. I pick up the call.”

“Hello.”

“Why are you not answering your phone.” He asks calmly.

“Uncle it’s a long story.”

“Well, I guess that long story should explain why we are being called to the hospital.”

“Hospital? Wait. What are you talking about?”

“Blessing was supposed to pick you at the bus stop. But now she’s at the hospital. You have any idea why?”

Silence holds me up for a moment.

“I don’t know. She was to meet me. I am also lost.”

I am mumbling things I don’t understand. I want him to conclude and lead me.

“What do you mean you’re lost young girl?” He sharply asks.

I shudder. He has never spoken to me this way before. His voice of a teacher comes out so clearly. His choice of words is strategic and objective. My next words should be from either a rude student or an honest one. I am torn in between.

“Uncle…I… I..”

He hangs up the call.