In Search Of Mr Perfect (Episode 23)

Imabasi had hurt Victor the way she’d never understand.
A thrill went through her as Victor couldn’t contain the wobble in his voice. He walked out of her apartment with a sad face.

Imabasi laughed aloud, she laughed because she knew she had hurt him, and she felt it was right to pay him back, and make him feel the same way she felt when she heard he was getting married to Monica Anderson.

She’d never had guessed by the dark look in his eyes that she broke his heart terribly. She had displayed a childish and uncharacteristic reaction that shocked her, she couldn’t believe she had said all those things to the man she was in love with. And suddenly, pride deserted her.

“I am so sad. I fell in love with the wrong woman.” Victor had said before he slammed the door.

Imabasi didn’t lose her temper. She didn’t allow her emotions to run amok like a fishwife. She was calm, as she watched him walk out.

But his words ran through Imabasi’s heart until the next morning.
She thought about him while she walked from her house to the school block. As she got close to his office, she thought he might be looking at her and wishing to be with her.

She wished in her heart that he would visit her every night like he did the previous night, so that she would kiss him and tell him of how her so-called lover never existed.

“Hello Miss ‘Imorbossi’. Mrs Moore said to Imabasi as she entered the staff room with piles of books in her hands. “The proprietor is terribly ill. I was asked to alert the ambulance.” She said shrilly as she settled down on a chair.

Imabasi stared at the white lady with shock written all over her face. She doubted her at first, and wondered if the man who was dying in love for her, right in her bedroom the previous night had suddenly fallen sick.

“What’s sicking him Mrs Moore?” Imabasi asked softly.

“I am not sure of what it is. Probably fever.” She said.

“Where is he now?”

“At the school infirmary with the school doctor. He will be taken to the hospital soon.” Mrs Moore said.

Imabasi suddenly became grief stricken as her hands became sweaty. She became confused as she stood up and got her sweater from the hanger hastily. ” See you soon Mrs Moore.” She said in a shaky, shrilly tone.

She walked hastily toward the school infirmary. And just as she entered, she saw the nurses surrounded around him.

She watched him pitifully as he laid weakly on the bed. His eyes were closed and his face was pale and sick. Imabasi stared at him, she was immediately caught in a soft sob when he opened his eyes and felt her presence. His gaze caught hers, and his heart trembled as he closed his eyes again. 

But Imabasi wanted him to stare at Her; to look at the new sweater she bought at Brixton market and perceive the flowery scent of body shop mist she wore for the first time. She wore it for him and it was a gift from Miriam.

Ambulance arrived

The ambulance arrived, and Imabasi walked slowly toward him.

“What happened to the proprietor nurse?” She finally asked.

“He is sick.” The nurse replied boldly.

Imabasi held his hands and stared at his face for a moment, wishing in her heart that he would open his eyes and stare at her again. But he didn’t. The doctors rushed out from the ambulance and placed him on a stretcher. He was carried by two doctors into the ambulance. Her heart was beating fast. She jumped inside the ambulance and kept looking at his face like a child.

“You can’t come with us miss.” one of the doctors said to her.

But she acted deaf and dumb at the same time. She didn’t look at them, she only stared at Victor.

She squeezed his hands and prayed in her heart that he should be well soon, so that she could tell him that her new boyfriend was going to be him, and that all she said were lies to hurt his feelings.

He would kiss her again and tell her how much he loved her. But this wasn’t happening soon, he was love sick and needed more than a companion.

Continue with Episode 24 here

Credit: Vicky Bon