by Gloria Obizu
Why did you say that? Isabel asked in anger.
You hardly got out of one and you are already plotting another. Relax and give yourself time to heal babe. I think you get easily carried away by stuff. I don’t know about you Loretta!
And what do you mean by that? She asked again in a mixture of anger and the drossiness. You are starting to give me shit already! That’s how all of you guys do, right? Loretta doesn’t take shit from any damn guy, okay? I hope you understand that Mr. Billy!
And you don’t talk to Billy like that either! I tell you how to do things here but you don’t listen.
What are those things you told me ‘cause you know, you say all kinds of shit to me and never give me chance to let out my feelings, Isabel continued being reactive.
Is like you are out right stubborn or something but Loretta, you are now in my house! I mean, you are living under my roof, okay? I run my home in a certain way and that includes you and everyone else living here, understand that? Billy said with emphasis.
Come-on now Billy! I know I’m living under your roof, okay? Loretta is stubborn, Loretta is smart! Sometimes I don’t understand you, seriously! You say one and a thousand things at the same time and that’s too bad! Anyways, do you have to talk to me that way all the time?
Yes! You know why? You never listen but keep bugging and I don’t understand why you do that! Is either you are some kind of an idiot or you’re deliberating working my nerves. Either way is of no good so I suggest you start thinking and getting your acts right. I’m not the kind of guy that tolerates a lot of dumb ass stuff, understand? So I tell you again, start thinking right.
Oh come-on! There isn’t anything to think about, okay? I don’t bug myself trying to figure how to act right and stuff, you must understand that! Billy the world just goes round just like the damned wheel of fortune, okay? That’s all there is to it! Everyone gets his chance, that’s it!
Is that how you reason or how you wish away your life? Are you one of those who think we are all in some kind of circus or what? Babe, survival is a serious business. You better think about that!
Ok, I’m done! I don’t wanna talk about it anymore, okay? I’m going to bed right away. She said and walked away from another ugly scene ready to ignite.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
This particular Saturday is not really different from all the others Isabel has spent since she moved in with Billy about three months ago. She woke up very late as usual, cleaned up before breakfast, after which she joined Billy in the bed room for a short bout with drugs as usual. But what changed is a knock on the door right now.
Is that you Leo? Billy asked.
Yes sir!
Come on in!
The moment the guy got into the room, Billy turned to Isabel and said. Loretta, Leo is here to help you move to your room!
What? What are you talking about Billy? What room! You never told me you are getting another room ready for me, okay? And I don’t think this is right! You can’t push me around the way you want ‘cause Loretta is not just the type. Why did you suddenly wake up one morning and started talking about me moving into this room? We discuss things ahead of time before it is done or we don’t do it at all.
Loretta, nobody talks to Billy like that, understand? I’ve allowed you to run your mouth the way you liked for too long babe but it’s time to stop ‘cause I’m a man of little patience, okay? Listen, you’ve got a very short time to make all the changes I want from you, do you get that? A very little time Loretta, ‘cause I run my house hold in a certain way.
I don’t even know what room it is you are talking about, okay? Why didn’t you take me there yourself? She continued.
Why must I take you there myself? I’ve got other businesses to run or you want me to leave all that because of you? Who do you think you are a princess or something? You better be gone before I get back here.
We see! She said.
Nasty bitch! Leo, please help her move, Billy said before he left the room and slammed the door.
Madam! Are you ready! Leo asked?
I’m not ready for anything so you can go tell your boss that Loretta is not going anywhere.
I can’t say that to Billy. He will kill me! Leo said.
Then get out of here and leave me to my faith! I’ll tell him myself when he gets back!
Isabel was still lying on Billy’s bed when he opened the door and walked in. Loretta, I heard you said you are not moving into the room I laboriously furnished for you, is that true?
Yes! You are acting like this because I moved in with you, right?
I’ve told you time and time again to watch what you say to Billy but you keep forcing me into repeating myself and I don’t like that at all. You moved in here not too long ago and already acting like the queen of the castle which definitely you are not.
You are no king either so stop imagining things. You are never gonna be one anyways ‘cause I don’t think you are better than anybody! Isabel was so loud laud now.
Very mad and looking real menacing, Billy charged towards Isabel and pulled her up from the bed, grabbed her by the hand and said, come with me as he dragged a reluctant Isabel along.
Leave me the hell alone Billy! If this is the way you’ll be acing let’s council whatever deal it is we have right now, okay? I’ll take my money, get out of here and go be with Penney until I find my own place ‘cause I don’t take shit from anybody; she continued yelling while trying to free herself from Billy’s hold.
What money? You think 45 million grand mean anything to me, ha? Every minute I spend here earns me money and I don’t even need to get out of bed or raise a finger. Now I’m gonna show you something more about Billy’s place. You are about to find out who you’ve been messing with! Billy now applied much force as he pulled her along until they got to the door leading from the living room to the pool. Now look out there, he said, holding her by the back of her neck. Can you see all the beautiful girls having fun inside Billy’s sprawling compound? Can you see? Some of these girls have been with me for years and never for one day has any of them questioned what I do or say. They stay here and enjoy what I’ve to offer, happy and content with what they get. Every one of them has her own room well furnished with everything good and thankful for that. And you know what, they never complain ‘cause they all love being in Billy’s Mansion. Everything they will ever want they find in here. Wealth, fun, freedom, name it, all sorts, they are all in Billy’s sprawling Mansion and no matter what you think, I’m the king of this castle. And you know why? It’s because I paid my dues many years ago and still paying. Baby nothing comes for nothing! Nothing goes for lazy hands and Billy has been hard working since he knows how to say his name. I’m daring too! That’s why I chose to play on one of the hardest courts on earth! So, who are you to come here and question my authority, eh? Some of these girls here do go away sometimes when they are misguided to thinking they can find it better some other place, but guess what? They always come back ‘cause I treat everybody right, understand that? But look at yourself and how you’ve been acting since you moved in here. Listen babe, nobody is ready to play monopoly with you, okay? I want you to understand that! Tell me something, how long have you been here? You don’t wanna say some now right? Ok, I volunteer to do all the talking. You’ve been living here for just three fucking months. Three months Loretta and you are already scheming to take over everything and run the whole show, smarty! But I tell you some, that’s not gonna work bitch!
You think I care about all that shit coming out of your mouth? Isabel asked looking Billy right into his eyes.
Then you gonna be thought how to care and how to act right in Billy’s Mansion. Loretta, listen to me and listen good, from this time on, you do every damn thing I tell you to do in the exact way I want it done, understand? This happens to be my place, babe. I worked so hard to earn
me this sprawling Palace and I call the shots here. Never treat me again the way you did today ‘cause next time, you won’t find it funny. Now I’m gonna order Leo to come back here and you gonna go with him to wherever he takes you, is that understood?
She said nothing until Leo came around and she went with him to survey the room. Getting in there, she was a little taken aback by how roomy and tastefully furnished it turned out ‘cause everything that a woman would ever need for comfort was in there. Even the bed is exactly the same as what Billy has in his room and for that reason she felt kind of remorseful that she had to go through what she just went through with him only to find out latter that she actually got much better deal than she thought. She now allowed her things to be moved into the room by Leo and settled down but chose to stay away from Billy for a while, enough time to allow things cool off.
Now, how Isabel managed through the next two and half years in Billy’s Mansion only she can tell the story ‘cause for some reasons she chose a kind of low profile that shielded her off public life more or less. The much talked about wedding never came up, nothing happening in her life that anyone knew of. Even almighty Penney was relegated to inconsequential at this part of her life. But like I said, no one knows why. Now, events would compel us to link up with her once again. It was on a Friday, August the 9th to be precise that things took another turn. Billy was sitting down on the carpet and listening to some Jazz music in his manner of relaxation when Isabel came in and sat on the sofa and by the look on her face, other members of the house hold, some who belong to a sort of gossip ring could definitely tell that something was wrong. She looked very pale, thin and without the normal tone of her skin. Billy noticed but chose to say nothing. I’m out of my shots and need some urgently, she informed him.
I think you are using this thing too much, he reacted. Sometimes you need to take it easy, babe. I’m a game master but Loretta the way you play it is a little too up bit for my liking. Slow it down babe! Why the hurry, eh?
Here you go again telling me how to lead my life. I already talked to you about that and I thought we agreed on some things.
Something’s like what? Billy asked.
Like I’m not to be in your business and you’re not to try running my life for me like telling me what to do and how to do this and that, understand? I’m supposed to be free to do whatever I wanted; I thought we agreed. Something in me revolts whenever someone tries to treat me the way you are treating me, Billy.
Then we gonna continue to have problems ‘cause nobody under Billy’s mansion does whatever she wants.
That’s not what you said at start. You told me I could do as I please, remember?
I couldn’t have said that ‘cause everyone in my mansion is monitored twenty-four-seven. In my kind of business I don’t allow anyone in my life do as they please or they ruin my thing, okay?
You never said that.
Loretta, you know what? May be you don’t belong here, understand? That’s how I’m beginning to think ‘cause all you do is argue with me.
The reason is that you say one thing now and another latter! Billy you are too much into yourself, yeah! That’s why you act the way you do! Don’t think I’m that stupid ‘cause I’m not? There are things I wanna do also. I plan to have my own set up one day and run my own business just like you do, so don’t think you are the only one with answers to everything. I think your problem is that you consider yourself so special!
Damn you woman! You may have your stupid dreams and aspirations and that’s ok but I well damn know where I’m going, alright? And you are choosing your own part which is good! So go ahead! Billy was literally shouting now. Suddenly he got up, walked to the door and threw it open and turned to Isabel. Now, this is your chance to walk if you don’t like it here. I’m telling you to act now ‘cause I’m not gonna take your bullshit any more girl! I’m done with that babe! Do you hear me?
You don’t know what you’re talking about, she said.
You think I’m not serious right? You looked me right in the eyes and said I don’t know what I’m doing?
You don’t know how to act right, Billy ‘cause you are not true to anybody. All you ever care for is about yourself! You are selfish!
Billy charged to where she was sitting, Isabel reacted swiftly, stood up quickly and tried to get away but Billy moved faster and grabbed her by the hand.
Are you saying I’m a liar or what? He continued repetitively as Isabel struggled to free herself from his hold. All of a sudden, the guy hit her so hard with a back hand slap to the chick. Immediately she moved her right hand to assess the damage but felt nothing else other than the pain. She now tried to return a slap to Billy’s face but he quickly stopped her by hitting her again across the face with such a heavy blow that she fell to the floor and passed out.
Kondo! Where is Kondo, Billy shouted and Kondo immediately appeared. Take this piece to her room.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
The traffic slowing him down right now is nothing but a pin in the ass because he is in a rush to pick up his wife from school. As his car crawled along with others on a long stretch, his phone rang again.
I’m doing everything I can to get there but the traffic in a manner of speaking is terrific! And he could hear his wife laughing along with him as he continued talking. So hold on for me sweet heart, I’ll be there in a while, okay? Eventually Ray made it to his wife’s school after a long struggle.
Carissa had waited for hours but the moment her husband showed up she forgot the pain. Tired yes, but mad no, ‘cause she rarely gets mad with Ray. She got into the car and gave him a passionate kiss. Honey you look tired, she said.
I know! I’ve to put in everything I’ve got trying to get here on time.
You had lunch? She asked.
Yeah!
What did you get?
Some rice and vegetables! What about you?
Some salad! I ‘m seriously watching my weight ‘cause I don’t wanna lose you with the fat, she said and both laughed again like always.
Good! How was your first day at school? He continued.
Hummm! Filled with activities, but I think I’m going to like it. It is a whole new kind of experience you know, but like I said I’m gonna like it. College environment is a different set up, Carissa responded.
I’m happy to hear that! It is exactly the kind of thing I want you experience. Did you guys have classes today?
Yeah! Nothing to do with registered nursing subjects though. We got oriented to the school environment and about the program as a whole, plus some little talks on what to expect generally. We also did lots of paper work and other things we need as new students. It was a very busy day anyway.
Good! You made new friends too, ha? Ray wanted to know.
Not yet! I talked to a lot of people but I guess it is still too early to decide who you wanna hang out with and who you wanna study with. Like I said it is a whole new kind of experience and I’m gonna take some time and sip in all that is happening right now before I decide how to go about it. I must get it right first time. But there is a peculiar incident I’m still struggling with though.
And what is that? Ray asked in anticipation.
It has to do with one of the guys that talked to the new students today.
What about this person that is so special? Her husband continued.
It seems to me she is someone I used to know somewhere in the past. There is a Denyse Goldman we used to hang out with back in the days. I mean me, Isabel my former roommate and some other girls. Somewhere along the line she seemed to have disappeared and we never saw her again. But this fellow today reminds me of her in every way, except that she is now a grown woman just like all of us, get what I’m saying? I guess we are all grownups now.
Why didn’t you talk to her about it? I’m sure she won’t mind! Ray rea
cted.
This lady goes by the name Dr. Denyse Jacobs and that kind of makes it hard for me to make the connections.
You can still try!
You’re right! Yeah! That’s what I should do. When I see her again I’ll talk to her about it. Carissa concluded.
It was late in the evening and Ray did not take his wife home straight ahead but branched off to his favorite eating place. As they took their seats, he turned to his wife and said; honey I brought you here to celebrate your first day at school so we will also celebrate on your final day.
You and these things you do to me Ray, she said with a big smile, before they settled to their meals. Carissa did not stop talking about her new exiting experiences as they ate and after left for home.
Four weeks have passed before Ray returned to this issue. Where you able to talk to the suspect yet? He asked as he drove Carissa to school one morning.
The suspect? Carissa retorted knowing how humorous her husband can be as they laughed together.
You remember something about that old pal of yours you talked to me about?
Yeah! I remember!
Did you get to talk to her yet?
I’ve not seen her again since then, Carissa responded.
It’s been about a month now with school, ha?
Yeah!
One month old baby student! Ray quipped again.
And Carissa laughed as usual! Funny it seems but is true. Carissa is a one month old RN student in a community college. Yeah! I still think I’m in a dream or something, so it’s probably gonna take me a while to get used to it all. I thank God for his mercies and I thank you Ray for making this happen.
You are my wife Carissa!
Not all husbands care!
I know! I’m so happy you already started and before you know it, it’s over with. That is why I don’t procrastinate with anything I want to do because once you get on with it and stay with it you get it over with in no time at all. Otherwise, you never get anything done. Remember, that’s one of the ways the world gets moving babe. Anyway, keep watching out for your old pal; I’m sure you’ll run into her again.