In Search Of Mr Perfect (Episode 24)

She walked to the window and looked out over the hospital premises. A deep indigo light brought the copper beech and oaks into a dark relief. Imabasi leaned her head against window and tightened her arms around her torso. 

She was devastated and calm. She didn’t know what to do. She watched Victor as he laid on the bed stiffly.

A knock sounded on the door, she remained where she was.

“Hello?” Miriam’s voice came through the door. Folding her arms tightly across her chest, she ignored her.

But Miriam opened the door and walked in slowly.
She stood for a while, watching Victor and Imabasi pitifully.

“I am so sorry.” Miriam whispered.

“I love him.” Imabasi said tearily.

“What really happened?”

“I don’t know how it started, but doctor said fever.”

Miriam disliked the simplicity of her reply as much as she disliked the complexity of her emotions.

Imabasi blinked away the tears welling behind her eyelids. While Miriam held her hands tight and hugged her. ” Your god child is growing in my tummy.” She whispered softly.

Imabasi’s heart softened as she withdrew from Miriam’s arms and held her belly firmly with her hands.

She was excited about the good news, but the thoughts of Victor lying on that hospital bed broke her heart into pieces.

She wanted him to just open his eyes and tell her that he was going to be fine.
The pressure in her chest tightened.

“He will be fine.” Miriam said. She’d always known just what to say to make her smile. The appearance of Imabasi’s softer side meant so much to her. She had lured her into being in a relationship with Victor, and she wanted it to work out well for them.

Moments later, Victor coughed and opened his eyes.

“Ima” he called out weakly.

Imabasi’s heart trembled at the sound of his voice. She held his hands tight and took it to her chest.

“I love you.” She whispered softly to his ears.

He stared at her amazingly. He was astound at the emotions and softness in her voice and face.

“I love you too.” He whispered…The smell of cigarette from his mouth hit her hard on the nose. Hating the smell from his mouth, she gave him a disgustful glance and stood on her feet.

“You still smoke?” She asked with a stern face.
Victor nodded.

“Why? It turns me off. I told you to stop smoking.”

“I was sad.” Victor said in mere whispers.

But Imabasi became angry.

Victor’s eyes widened and he seemed ludicrously shocked at her blatant query.

“I can’t love a man who smells cigarettes. Just last night, I kissed you. You had the smell of a good masculine perfume. And today, you smell like a taut.” Imabasi said angrily.

Miriam became flabbergasted as she tried to signal Imabasi.

“This isn’t the right time for this Ima.”

“What other time is right? I want to Know!” Imabasi yelled as she walked out and slammed the door.

Victor was mute for a moment. He couldn’t say a word.

He was already tired of letting Imabasi point out his flaws to his face. He became angry and bittered as he closed his eyes. He could only imagine kissing her.

Miriam was sorry, but she couldn’t say it.

She lowered herself on the chair beside the bed and watched Victor grumble words in bitterness. He was heartbroken again and thought it was time to let Imabasi leave his life for good.

He was going to tell her own flaws to her face, and walk away.

He was going to travel to California to see his mother, so he could forget Imabasi and find his one true love whom he thought might kiss him with a smelly mouth. He wanted more than just Imabasi’s kind of love.

Continue with Episode 25 here

Credit: Vicky Bon