CHAPTER FORTY

Sunday, 6th March 2016

I felt like my head was about to explode.

“Ugh…” I groaned as I sat up. “Lord, I am never drinking again.”

I frowned when I heard movement nearby.

What the heck? Someone was moving around in my apartment. I was the only one who lived here!

I moved to get up from the bed but landed in a heap on the floor when the bed sheets tangled around my legs. I looked up to see my boss walk into the room.

“Oh good, you’re awake.”

I slowly pinched my cheek to be sure it was not a dream.

“I assure you this is very real.”

What have I done?

“No need to look so mortified. You were in safe hands last night.”

“L-last night?”

“Yes, last night.” He paused and watched me carefully. “You don’t remember?”

“Remember what?” I whispered.

“Why are you whispering?” He tilted his head to the side.

I cleared my throat which felt dry.

“Um nothing, I’ll just be in the bathroom.”

I made another attempt to stand with every shred of dignity I could muster… which wasn’t much. I wobbled into the bathroom, shut the door and collapsed against it. Then I brushed the awful taste from my mouth and washed my face. A shower was a very tempting prospect so I hopped in, hoping Mr Jacobs would have left before I got out.

Unfortunately, it was after my shower I realized I didn’t bring a towel with me. I was left with the option of wearing my clothes from last night or walking into the bedroom naked. I listened at the bathroom door for the sound of movement and when I heard none, I slowly opened the door and crept into the bedroom.

I was almost close enough to grab my towel when I heard a knock on the bedroom door. I dove for my towel and wrapped it around my body in seconds. The door opened and my boss walked in with a tray in his hands.

“Oh, I’m sorry I didn’t hear a response.”

I clenched the towel between my fists.

“I’ll just leave this here. It’s chicken pepper soup. It should help you feel better.”

“Thank you.”

The aroma of the food drew me closer as he set the bowl of soup on the dressing table. When he turned around, his gaze drifted downward then snapped back up to my face. His jaw clenched slightly.

“I shall take my leave now.” He said in clipped tones.

I didn’t get a chance to respond before he swiftly left the room. I got dressed quickly and took a spoonful of soup. It tasted good. I finished the bowl in minutes and tried to remember what happened the previous night. Once again, I realized that if I wanted answers, Mr Jacobs was the one to ask.

Alone in the apartment, I sat on a chair as I spread out the contents of the bag I retrieved from Mama Tope. I could only hope and pray that relevant items would be among them. Luckily, I had packed most of my important documents and IDs along with me during my trip to Abuja.

But everything else was gone.

I shook my head and focused on the task before me. That bag contained a purse, DVD player and not much else. At least I could sell the DVD player. I shook out the contents from the purse. A few pieces of jewellery that I could sell too. It’s not like I had much to my name anyway.

I couldn't stay in this apartment forever, no matter how beautiful it was or how generous Mr Jacobs seemed. I had no car, never had one anyway and my bank account was in serious need of the next salary. I didn’t have anything to sell off to raise enough capital to start over. My father needed to undergo an operation to save his life and the man I had loved, devoted most of my time and energy to cheated on me and was marrying another woman soon.

I scoffed.

Why did life treat me this way?

But you should count your blessings… A little voice whispered in the back of my mind.

I immediately grew contrite. I did have many things to be thankful for.

I was healthy and had a family. A good job, a considerate, although cryptic boss and at least two good friends I knew had my back. I continued with this positive train of thought and felt some of the negative feelings fade away. Complaining about my problems wouldn't get me anywhere.

I decided to focus on what I could solve in the meantime and find out what exactly happened the night before. I picked up my phone and dialled my boss’s number. He told me to come up to his apartment. It was my first time being there and I was nervous being in his personal space for some reason.

I rang the bell and waited. He opened the door and stepped back to let me in.

“You look better.”

I winced. I must have looked terrible when I woke up.

“I’m sorry for interrupting.” I gestured to the TV where a Sunday sermon was playing. “You’re a Christian?”

“Yes. Why do you sound so surprised?” He raised an eyebrow.

“Oh nothing, no reason.”

He gestured for me to take a seat. I did.

“So, I wanted to ask what exactly happened last night.”

He was about to answer but stopped when someone walked into the living room. I looked up and froze, my mouth dropped open.

Was I still hungover?

“W-why are there t-two of y-you?” I stuttered.

“Hello, Miss Fayola. I am Simon Jacobs, Daniel’s twin brother. I believe we met last night.” A man who looked almost exactly like my boss grinned at me.

This couldn’t be happening.

TO BE CONTINUED IN BOOK TWO.