Love In Times Like This (Episode 9)

Linda looked amazingly fabulous.
She sprayed her hair gold, and had her nails painted lemon...She wore a sky blue color distressed jean and a black Sweater, as she walked zigzaggedly towards Atimma's office.

A small smile quirked her mouth as she opened the door stylishly.

"Mrs Harry! oh my darling friend, you look beautifully pregnant." She said softly, her words slurring.

"It's been a while Linda." Atimma said, trying hard to impress her with a mild smile.

"I came to visit Muhammed, since the Muhammed has refused to come see the mountain." She chuckled, and sat on the chair facing Atimma.

"You got me really angry the last time you came to my house. I didn't like that one bit."

"I know. That is why I am here to say that I am so sorry for hurting you." She pushed her hands across the table and held Atimma's hands tight.
"If not for anything, for the sake of my god child." She giggled.

Atimma's face creased in a slow smile.
"It's okay. I got over that long ago."

"How is Harry? I hope all is well with you two? I didn't see your car outside."

"I sold it. I was very uncomfortable staying in the other house. The environment wasn't good for me in this condition... The mosquitoes, bad boys, erosion etc. So I sold the car to get a new place in town."

"That's nice. Seno called me last night, we spoke at length..." She paused and stared at Atimma's face for a while then said, "about you."

"What about me?" Atimma asked shrilly.

"He is still in love with you, he told me."

"What do you want me to do about him? I am married to someone else now."

"I know.... But does it really matter bestie? countless women have their eyes opened now. You're going after what your heart wants. Is it not married men that cheat on their wives and are still happily married?"

"So what you're saying is that I should go back to Seno?" Atimma asked amazingly, Linda nodded in agreement.

They two women were quiet for a while, then Atimma broke the silence with a sigh.

"I kissed Seno yesterday. I don't want to talk about what it felt like. It was a coincident."

"He has been thinking of you."

"I will make that decision after I put to birth in the next three months. Right now, I have to get over a lot of things."

Memories of Seno crowded in Atimma's thoughts. She smiled a bit and then nodded.
"I miss him too." She whispered. " But I am married."
Linda frowned and followed her gaze. "You better grow up." She muttered.

Atimma nodded without looking at her and stood up.
"Lunch break, I am famished." She yawned.

"Every pregnant woman is always famished." Linda retorted. They two ladies walked out of the office with their handbags as they headed to the office canteen.

Harry's face burned down with pains. It was a sunny day, and he wasn't bothered about how long the sun heat on him. He was worried about how he was going to reach his village with Ventolin and essential balm.

He was walking on the streets. His face was streaked with sweat and his jeans were brown with dust. He was weak and tired of walking, he didn't want to use the small money he had to take a taxi home.

An angry insect scratched and marred his cheek and a bruise discolored his face. He leaned tiredly against a wall of an uncompleted building, trying to look insolent and nonchalant, but he was pale as a ghost, and his jaw was clenched tight.

Read the next episode 10 here

Credit: Vicky Bon