by Boadi, Lilly
“Who’s the jeep for?”
“This girl I met yesterday” said Osborn, handing the can of beer over to Austin.
“Oh, I understand. But don’t you think it’s too early to buy her a car? Is she that demanding?” asked Austin and Osborn chuckled.
“Not as you are thinking, man. I actually owe this car to her because I destroyed hers.”
“What? You had an accident or something?” asked Austin, putting the can to his lips.
“Almost…”
“Almost?” Austin paused immediately. “So you did not smash into her car?”
“No…”
“How then did you destroy her car?”
“Well, I didn’t destroy her car…..She ran her car into a statue, just to avoid colliding with mine…Actually the fault was mine. I drove into her lane unconsciously and didn’t really see her car coming. You see, she took the risk of driving into the circle and crashed into the statue to avoid colliding with mine……actually, I don’t know what would have happened to me or my car if she hadn’t done that,” explained Osborn.
“If she took the risk, then it was for her, and not necessarily you, for she did what she had to, to save herself,” Austin pointed out.
“So?”
“So, she didn’t really do this for you, because I guess that is what you are trying to say.”
“She saved me too in a way,” said Osborn and sighed. “Whatever it is, I’m still the cause of the damages on her car and I must pay for that.”
“Sure you must pay, but not by getting her a new one. Why? Did the car get mangled? I guess it is a minor damage which can be repaired!”
“Yes, the car didn’t get mangled, but it was badly damaged on the front and there is no way she can drive that in town. Besides, she needs one as early as possible. She said she had to go somewhere she deemed important today. My negligence isn’t supposed to be the reason she cannot do her rounds in town.”
“Oh, is owning a car the only way she can do her rounds in town? How about the important somewhere she had to go today? Do you think she cancelled that because she didn’t have a car? Those who don’t own cars do get to do their rounds in town every day, because there is always a public transportation! That was what you should have talked her into – boarding commercial vehicles till you got her car repaired – and not getting her a brand new one! You even have to substitute your wife’s with that! What was wrong with you man?! She must have gotten you bemused with something about her when you were talking!”
“Why are you being so harsh?”
“Because you seem to be acting differently from the Osborn I know of; a woman driving you into making impulsive decisions that costs you, and for the second time? No, that isn’t Osborn! Unless of course there is something more to that than I know!”
“What are you driving at?”
“You know what man! You know it!”
Osborn stood and chuckled several times, “That I am interested in her?” he asked, finding Austin unnecessary.
“You are saying it!” said Austin, shrugging his shoulders.
Osborn chuckled once more. He reached to the cooler and got himself another can of beer. Wrenching off the ring on the cover, he gulped down half the beverage and sat, seemingly in thought, “I admit she’s a nice looking girl, yes, and quite interesting, with her snobbish attitude,” he said and gulped down a mouthful of the beverage, “but I haven’t thought of the possibility of being interested in her. Yes, you are right. There really is something about her now that you’ve drawn my mind to it. Something I saw in her eyes which she probably was covering up with her haughtiness. Something she probably doesn’t know about, either…”
“Aaah? So, now you are some sort of a prophet who knows her better than herself, and can tell of a mystery about her, even if it takes seeing her for the first time? So, tell me. What is this mystery about her?” Austin was being cynical.
Osborn fell into a thought for a while, “I don’t really know what, but it looks like beneath her gruff exterior, she is soft-hearted. Like somewhere within her, she is lovelier than she appears to be on the outside, and that, is what arouses my interest.”
“So, you admit you are interested in her! Good! Let’s only hope she can get rid of that obsession you have for Haida!”
“What I have for Haida isn’t obsession but love, real love, you understand?!” Osborn snapped and Austin grinned.
“Being a married man now, what are you going to do with your real love for another woman?!” asked Austin sardonically.
“I’m married, yes, but I don’t love my wife!” snapped Osborn once more. “This marriage was one of convenience and the convenience was not mine, but my dad’s! And now that he is gone in peace because I satisfied his wishes, it is time I seek my own convenience!”
“What do you mean? You are going to divorce Meg?”
“Yes, but not that fast. It would be after I have won Haida’s heart completely, and that, I am sure it would be soon because I am going to call her right away and schedule a meeting with her tomorrow,” said Osborn, reaching for his phone.
“Wait, wait…you are talking about a woman who is attached and in love with someone else! How do you suppose she will fall completely for you just like that?”
“Haida isn’t attached! Yes, she loved Mellis, but it wasn’t like she didn’t love me. She only loved him more. She and Mellis are no more, and that is a great opportunity to win all her love with much ease,” explained Osborn.
“What if she is with someone else now? Have you thought about that? I don’t think she has been all alone all these months!” said Austin pessimistically.
“Mellis was the only man she loved that much I admit, but she loved me too. Haida can never fall in love with anyone else other than me, and that is why I must work on this immediately.”
“How damn sure you are of yourself!”
“Yes, I am damn sure, because you know what? Mellis was the only hindrance to winning Haida’s love completely and if he is out of the way, who else would she turn to? Me!” said Osborn amusingly with a jaunty confidence that Austin thought was extremely daring
“Did she tell you that?” Austin reasoned more than asked
“She needn’t say that with words. I know Haida very well, she is a one-man woman. By now, she must have realized Mellis wasn’t what she was thinking, and definitely not the one-man she really loves.”
“And you appear to be that one-man for her?”
“Sure! She would come to realize that very soon, and I will see to that anyway,” Austin chuckled cynically. “Haida is mine, and I am going to make her mine forever. And a little piece of advice my friend – never get married to a woman you don’t love. Not even out of convenience, because that convenience would cost you an everlasting hell! I’m speaking out of experience man.”
“Sure you are! But do you think it would be easy to put Meg off just like that?”
“I don’t really care about her, and that is being honest with you. She knew I didn’t love her and that I don’t love her!” said Osborn, and dialed Haida’s number. “Hello darling” he said, when Haida came on the line. “I believe my angel has arrived safely in the country now that I can reach you on this line. So, when did you arrive?”
“Two days ago. I told you about that?” said Haida, grinning.
“Yes, you did, but since you didn’t give me a call when you arrived, I could presume you hadn’t arrived or perhaps, arrived earlier,” he said and she gave a short smile. “I’m sorry. I should’ve called you when I arrived. I was intending to call you this evening anyway.”
“Really? Anyway, do we meet tomorrow? I really miss you angel, and I’m dying to see you.”
“Err…tomorrow? Yes, sure, think I would be free.”
“Vienna City, 7pm prompt!”
“That is alright with me. I missed you and would like to see you too you know,” she said sweetly. She cherished this man’s love for her. It made her brighten up
each time she heard from him. His love brought joy that warmed her heart. Though she was in love with him more than Alex, she would never act on that love. It was against her principles to even consider having an affair with a married man. Had it been a mere relationship he had with Meg, maybe now, she wouldn’t mind competing with her over him. She denied herself a gift of a wonderful love from a wonderful man because she loved someone else more, and her good conscience wouldn’t allow her to accept that love nor break another woman’s heart. But if she knew she would fall out of love with Mellis one day, she would have cared less about Meg and would have snatched her boyfriend from her, regardless of what anyone would say or who got hurt. Her recent trip abroad moreover, has taught her some realities of life. That you should fight for what you want and protect what you cherish, so long as it is worthwhile, regardless of its negative effects on others. This was something that was contrary to her Christian beliefs but she had come to believe she is too kind, even to the disapproval of her God.
***
It was a sultry Monday afternoon. It was already half past midday when Osborn got to On the Run mall, three kilometers away from Japan Motors. He was surprised to see Kelly already there. “You really need your car, don’t you?” he said jovially, smiling down at her. But she sighed and looked away with a contrived annoyance on her face. “Hey, I was just joking, give me a smile,” he said, but she remained adamant. “Come on. Pretty girls don’t frown,” and he sang the words several times. His magic worked, as he got her into an uncontrollable laughter, “What a quirky voice you have!” she said. The laughter left a trace of a grin on her lips as she looked away from him. He gazed at her in rapture, smiling broadly. “You know, you look prettier when you smile,” he said softly and she found herself blushing. He kept staring at her and flurried, she stood on her feet, “Shall we go and get my car now?” she said, feeling quite uneasy by his stares.
“Why the rush? Don’t worry. I would definitely get you your car today. Sit and let’s have few drinks,” he said relaxingly.
Kelly sighed deeply, “Mister, I don’t have much time to be hanging around with you. I’ve got other important things going on, ok?! Besides, the sun is offensive. It scorches and I’m already having aches in my head!” she snapped and walked off towards his car. Without uttering a word, he stood and joined her beside the car. He opened the front door and beckoned, “Shall we, my queen?”
She walked leisurely towards the opened door, stealing uneasy glances at him. When she reached him, she stared shyly at him and he responded with a grin. Still holding the door, he waited patiently as she took her time to sit, and then closed it gently behind her. Kelly sighed and sat motionless. She didn’t realize the other night how handsome this crazy man was. She wanted to look at him more intently but that would make him think she was interested in him. Osborn’s brown sun-kissed skin looked like smooth, creamy shea butter up close. He was much taller than her 5’8” frame, but he had a teddy bear kind of gentleness that put her at ease. Despite the ridiculous fact that she was riding with a total stranger, for she hadn’t even asked his name, she was mesmerized by his romantic eyes. And his smile….
Why did his smile have so much effect on her? Each time he smiled at her, it killed the annoyance she felt towards him. His smile was a killer! She realized he was such a gentleman. But why was he treating her with such respect and patience, despite her snotty attitude towards him? He must really be a man of patience and control. He must be decent too, for she was expecting a man of such a fine caliber to make shameless advances at her at the first sight. He could get pissed off with her charades like Chad did, but, as he drove, he remained silent, as if to respect the fact that she wasn’t in the mood for pleasantry talks with him. Yet, about five minutes into driving, she became quite bored with the silence in the car. She actually wanted him to talk and give her more of his beautiful smiles, and it was quite clear that if she really wanted him to talk, then she had to be the one to initiate the conversation.
“Can I have some music?” she asked, turning to him.
“You can…go ahead,” he said softly without looking at her. She noticed he looked sober and his face was sullen. She watched him for a second, “Is something wrong?” she asked tenderly.
“Why do you ask?”
“You look sad.”
Osborn chuckled, looking intently on the road, “Is it written all over my face?” he asked, and looked staid again.
“Do you have a problem?”
“Everyone has a problem,” he said.
“Well, the saying goes that a problem shared is half solved. Do you want to share yours?” she asked calmly and he glanced at her and chuckled once more.
“Are you really concerned or it’s because I’m getting you a new car?” he asked in no friendly tone. Kelly opened her mouth and closed it again. She sighed and remained silent, looking quite agitated. Osborn stared at her and smiled.
When they reached their destination, hardly had Kelly stepped out of the car than had she spotted in the glass showroom, the ride she would prefer. She strode to her heart’s desire the moment they entered the shop. “I prefer this one,” she burst out hilariously, as if she had been holding her breath since the moment she saw it. In awe, she walked around the car admiring it from every angle. The color was a light turquoise blue with black interior. The features listed on the car made her heart pound in her chest; All Wheel Drive, adaptive xenon headlights, LED fog lights, electric driver side seats, and a luggage rack on top for traveling. The cabin had a legroom of 35.9 inches and 38.3 inches headroom which makes it possible to carry more than two passengers. A standard 10.2-inch touchscreen highlights center console, joined by the latest generation of BMW’s iDrive infotainment system. Dual-zone automatic climate control, powered/heated front seats, leather upholstery, navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, HD radio, and a USB port were standard. It also had the latest safety technologies, including a rearview camera, forward collision warnings with pedestrian detection, night vision, a surround view camera system, and blind spot warnings. The eyes of the car seemed to wink at her, they were so shiny. Just then, the sales man interrupted her daydream…
“Oh that? It’s the latest…X6,” said the salesman professionally.
“Oh…oh…really?” she said, backing away from the car. She hadn’t done her research well, for that model was really expensive, far more than hers. “Don’t you have the original front wheel drive?” she asked.
“We do, the one over there,” said the salesman, pointing to his left. “But I bet you this one is snazzy and befits a woman like you,” he said and Kelly smiled.
“How much is that?” asked Osborn, referring to the BMW X6.
“Two K five sir,” said the dealer. “Boss, you must get this car for your wife. It fits her. It’s new in town you know, and as you can see, it is very splashy. Perhaps she would be the first driving this type in town,” he talked away convincingly.
Osborn got closer to Kelly and put her in his arms. “Do you really like this one, sweetheart? Tell me and it is all yours,” he said sweetly, looking into her eyes.
“Err, yes I like it…” stammered a bewildered Kelly, “…it’s really nice but…”
He put a finger on her lips and hushed her, “No buts. What matters is that you like it. Do you?”
“Yes, I do…” she whispered into his eyes.
“Can you get my wife the car, mister?” asked Osborn, smiling into her eyes, “I’m paying with a check.”
“Ok, sir. You’d have to sign few documents, sir. Do I prepare the receipt in your name or hers?”
“Hers…it belongs to her from now,” said Osborn without unlocking his eyes from Kelly’s.
As they sat, awaiting the preparation of the receipt and other documents, Kelly noticed he looked quiet and serious again. “Why did you do that?” she asked softly.
“What?”
“Why did you decide to get me the expensive one?”
“I only got you
what you wanted,” he said neutrally. “I see you no more like your Jeep” he stressed on the last two words sarcastically but she refused to take offense.
“Are you that kind? Is this how you treat any other person?” she whispered.
“Why? You think you are that special?”
Now, she thought he was pulling her strings to the limit. “I didn’t say that,” she nearly snapped, “I just wanted to know you; who you really are.”
“Oh, now the cheeky beauty wants to know me?! Interesting!” he said and chuckled. She frowned, but that didn’t last for long, as his laughter put a smile on her face.
Outside, Kelly thanked Osborn sincerely for the car, and he told her to stop being too grateful for it was his pleasure. Kelly noticed once more that he was downcast though he tried to sound ok. “Hey, I’m still here if you want to talk about what is bothering you,” she said sweetly and Osborn saw the sincere concern in her pretty big eyes. “But definitely not here,” he said. They drove in Osborn’s car to the nearest shell shop, where they had met earlier, planning that Kelly would pick up her car later on.
“So, what is eating you up?” she asked when they were settled at a table.
He sighed deeply, “It is my marriage. I’m not happy in it” he said despondently.
Kelly’s face fell. She felt jealous. Maybe she preferred him not married. The thought hadn’t crossed her mind that he could be a married man, “Are you the problem or your wife is?” she asked.
“No one is the problem. The problem is that I don’t love her”. A surge of hope rose within her, and she couldn’t comprehend why she felt this way.
“Why did you marry her then if you didn’t love her?”
“It was a marriage of convenience…” and he paused, staring moodily before him. “…urr…I really don’t want to talk about it. What I want is a solution to my misery because I am in a hell!” he snapped.
“What I tell my friends in marital misery like your own is to get away for a while and make themselves happy. What you need is a peaceful place that would bring life into you, like the sea side or somewhere peaceful and where you definitely can find happiness.”