by Boadi, Lilly
Hard as he tried, Alex couldn’t control the hurt and jealousy he was feeling inside, as they accumulated within him. He had better left any sooner than his feelings burst out uncontrollably and ruined the good and pleasant name he wanted to create for himself before the Morgan family. Later on, beside his car, Haida thanked him for coming, wishing to dismiss him quickly before he talked about the obvious. Contrary to her wish, he leaned on his car comfortably and stared offensively into her eyes. He was expecting her to explain something, and it was obvious what, but Haida appeared ignorant of that. “Wow, I’ve hardly noticed your car. It’s beautiful” she said suddenly, examining the car. But that didn’t affect Alex the least, as he kept gazing at her.
“Why did you say my father was Holmes?” he asked
“What? Err…Holmes is a nice name you know, and I wanted them to know your family has such a beautiful name. Actually, I prefer Holmes to Hansen.” she spluttered, forcing smiles out. It definitely didn’t make any sense at all, but strangely, he didn’t push it
“It’s obvious your family really likes your ex, isn’t it?” he asked calmly
“What?!” he took the wind out of her sail
“I can’t compete with him for that, isn’t it?”
“What are talking about Alex? Please stop it. Jolly and Michael were only like that because they have no idea I’ve broken up with him” she said, upset
“You are the only one who can put an end to this likeness they have for him then, and that they extend that to me instantaneously” he said softly
“Alex?” she was apt
“For how long would they continue seeing me as only a casual friend to you…and till when would they see him as your boyfriend and continue to adore him over me?” he asked softly, yet in a hurtful tone
“Alex, can we stop talking about my ex? It doesn’t bring any pleasure to any of us when we talk about him, does it? You never even liked it when I talked about him anyway”
“It interests me to talk about him now, simply because I am jealous”
“You don’t have to be jealous of him Alex. You have to believe me when I say I’m over him” she said softly, moving closer to him “I love you” she whispered. She wanted to hug him and assure him of her love, but feared the meaning her people would read into it if they saw them hug. Alex smiled and looked content with her last words, but little did she know she could pass that look of content for something meretricious, for he put on that gesture just to please her. “You are right. We shouldn’t talk about your ex. Forgive me dear. I promise never to mention him again” he said, and then seized her waist and pulled her gently towards him
“Alex?” she said nervously, pulling back.
He smiled and then immediately let go of her “I’m sorry” he whispered and she smiled somewhat guiltily.
***
Along the shore of the beautiful famous beach, a large number of people crowded up; some sitting relaxingly at the shore after a good swim, some relaxing and enjoying the beauty and coolness of the sea and nature over bottles of drinks, and much others, dancing to the tuneful songs of the life band. There were few couples who sat under umbrellas, watching people swim in the sea. It was a perfect atmosphere for a Christmas afternoon. Moreover, few others were giving swimming lessons to their kids; one of them was Kelly. Osborn, one of the few who sat under umbrellas, felt bored for sitting for almost an hour. Looking around him, he realized he was the only one without a partner who sat under an umbrella. He felt that wasn’t his place, and so he stood up to leave. Though he had been better off coming here than staying at home with his wife, he felt lonely at the moment and missed Haida suddenly – she is the one he wished was beside him at the moment, having fun like the couples around him, but she said she would spend her day with her family at home. Oh, what a mess he made by marrying Meg! Why did he make that mistake of marrying a woman he didn’t love? For he didn’t know it would get this worse: nothing about her attracted him anymore. Suddenly, a little boy, soaked thoroughly with water, bumped into him, and he seized him “Hey! Where are you going?!” he asked gruffly
“I’m going to buy some ice cream” said the little boy, panting heavily
“You should watch were you are going always; is that ok?!” shouted Osborn, and the little boy stared into his eyes with innocence and fright
“Daniel!” Osborn heard a woman shout. He turned round and saw Kelly coming out of the sea. He stared at her in rapture as she modeled her way towards them. ‘Wow! What a beauty!’ he thought to himself “Hi!” she said when she reached them
“Hi” he said and smiled at her, and she smiled back “We meet again”
“Yes. Guess you can’t stop crossing my path” she said humourously, flaunting her long wet rich hair
“How about the other way round?” he asked and smiled seductively into her eyes. For yet again, she felt her heart melting by that smile.
“I can see you’ve taken a liking in the boy already” she said suddenly, pulling the little boy to her side.
“Oh yes. He’s a beautiful boy” said Osborn and smiled at the boy who shied away. Less than a minute ago, he had scared him off with a grim shout, and now he’s talking about liking him? “Is he your son?” he asked immediately
“Oh no! He is my nephew” she smiled away her surprise “Dan, go and get the ice-cream” she said to the little boy
“I want two” cried the little boy
“Oh but this cannot buy two? I’ll get you another one later” said Kelly. But the little boy cried the more “Stop being stubborn, will you?” she said austerely
“Don’t shout at him” said Osborn, reaching for his wallet “Here. Buy as much as you want ok?” he handed the money note to the boy who smiled broadly, and then ran off happily. “He has a lovely smile” said Osborn, staring after the little boy.
“Yeah, Daniels have beautiful smile” said Kelly thoughtlessly, staring after the boy
“How’s that?” he asked, surprised.
“It turns out that every Daniel I know has a beautiful smile”
“You think I have a beautiful smile too?” he whispered.
‘How did he guess that?’ she thought. And then suddenly “Are you Daniel?”
“Yes. So you think I have a beautiful smile?” he asked, smiling, and he got her shied
“I didn’t say that!” she blushed
“But your own words reveal that?” he teased
“You are the only odd one then!” she said cynically
“Is that so?” and then he gave her one of his best killing smiles, and she looked away immediately “See, you think I have a beautiful smile. It shows in your eyes” he hissed, and he made her laugh
“You are conceited!” she said
He stared admiringly at her, and she was nervy “You have a beautiful smile too” he whispered, and she blushed
“Auntie! Look, I got this!” said the little boy gaily, joining them
“See what you’ve turned the boy into; an ice-cream boy!” she said, taking the ice-lolly from the boy “Let me taste this ok?” and within a minute, she had done justice to the lolly. But the boy didn’t complain, for he had his hands full of other varieties of sweets. “Em…so? I’d like to have another swim, and you?” she asked, and Osborn sighed
“I was already leaving, but I wouldn’t mind a swim with you before that. I believe you wouldn’t mind too” he said, taking off his attire there and then.
‘Who told him I wouldn’t mind?’ she thought annoyingly. She was about to say this to him when she was caught off guard. She was immediately swept away by the sight of his masculine beautiful body ‘Of course, I wouldn’t mind’ she thought and smiled.
“And the boy? He’s not done with his ice-cream yet” said Osborn.
“His father would come for him very soon” she said. “Come, Dan. Finish your ice-cream and join us, ok?” she said to the little boy who sat at the shore and enjoyed his liquorices. The two adults relaxed in the sea just befor
e him, staring at each other. Within a couple of minutes, the little boy joined them.
Suddenly, Kelly looked before her and saw Eddie “Here comes your dad!” she announced gleefully, and the boy rushed out of the sea ecstatically. He ran to his father who was afar off, and Kelly followed him “Hey my boy!” said Eddie elatedly, and lifted the little boy up in the sky
“See dad, a certain man gave me money and I bought plenty ice-cream” said the boy excitedly.
Kelly giggled “Don’t mind him” she said
“Is that so? Who’s this man?” Eddie asked the little boy
“He’s tall; very tall like you” said the boy childishly
“Really? I see. Who was that, Kelly?”
“There was no man! I told you not to mind him” she said
But Eddie wasn’t convinced; children hardly lied “Where is he Dan?”
“Over there” said the boy, pointing to the sea. Eddie looked his direction and caught eyes with Osborn who was staring at them.
“Oh, I see. Did you thank him?”
“No” said the boy
“You should always say ‘thank you’ to those who give you gifts, ok?” said Eddie, and the little boy nodded “Aren’t you joining us?” he said to Kelly.
“No. I’ll see you at home later. The fun has just began” she said
“I can see” he said sarcastically, glancing at Osborn who was still staring.
Immediately they were gone, Kelly rushed to the sea beside Osborn. He took her into his arms slowly, and they enjoyed the coolness of the sea.
Much later, he took her to the restaurant at the resort, and they dined. Then they danced to the cool numbers, after which they were heated up. In one of the rooms, half naked, they enjoyed each other’s arms. The attraction was mutual, and both knew there was a great chemistry between them – a feeling that was more like they were meant to be – so, it was that with little words, their feelings and heart agreed.
Kelly lay her head on his chest, caressing the hair on his chest, as she sunk into deep thought. It was the best lovemaking she had ever had in her life, even better than with Mellis. She realized what she felt for Osborn was noble, and something beyond mere attraction. He treated her gently, and despite her snobbish attitude, he respected her. Was it why she couldn’t behave surly towards him like the other men? Or it was because of something else, which she couldn’t lay a hand on yet. As he clutched his arms around her, it made her feel protected and secured. He was so gentle and sweet. A man of few words. How come such a man married a woman he didn’t love? For the first time in her life, she was having an affair with a married man, and that hit her guilty conscience. Oh, how she wished he was all hers, with no mistress of his somewhere. Whether she would steal him away from his wife, or behave nobly till he realized she was the woman for him was something she didn’t know. But as at the moment, she enjoyed his arms, wishing she would stay like that forever.
In Osborn’s thoughts, he knew he enjoyed Kelly’s company; she was sweet and amusing to be with. He had nothing so serious in his mind concerning her, until this evening. After making love to her, he realized the intense attraction he had towards her – at least, far better off than he had for Meg, even at the beginning. She took her mind off his troubles and the loneliness he felt for a while, he realized, something though he wished would repeat itself over and over, even better. Furthermore, one remarkable thing was that, she took his mind off Haida for a moment.
Suddenly, she jumped up and glanced at the watch “I must get going. I should be at home” she said
“You say that like a married woman. Why don’t you stay for the night. Spend the night with me, wont you?” he whispered
“No, I can’t! I must go”
“Why? Don’t tell me your boyfriend is always at your neck every night” he teased and she chuckled
“I haven’t even seen him for the past week”
“You have problems or something?”
“Big one! I have a rival!” she said somewhat sadly.
“He doesn’t love you?” he asked, and she was silent “Why don’t you forget about him and be with me?”
“No”
“No? Why?”
“Why? Because…because you are a married man! In fact, I think you should be leaving too; your wife is waiting for you at home!” she said sardonically, sitting on the bed and doing her face.
He realized the sullen look she wore “Hey” he whispered, pulling her beside him “are you jealous that I’m married?” he asked, and she only sighed and looked away “Come here” he whispered once more, and pulling her to his bosom, he gave her a long passionate kiss. And then he looked into her eyes “I told you I didn’t love my wife”
“Do you love me rather?” she pushed him to the wall, and he was silent for a while, seemingly in thought.
“I know you attract me more than my wife, and I do love your company” he whispered into her eyes
“Whatever it is, she is still the one you end up spending the night with, and introduce to others as your beloved wife!” she nearly snapped
“Would you rather I divorce her and be with you? Is that what you want? Tell me, and I’ll do it”
“No” she said sharply, feeling that wasn’t the best way. Besides, she felt he said this just to please her, knowing it wouldn’t be that easy to discard his wife off just like that, and hook to her instead. She also thought about Mellis; she wasn’t going to give him up just like that, especially not to that chubby.
Osborn put her in his arms once more and blew kisses all over her “Oh Dan!” she said, feeling so passionate. She wanted to tell him she loved him, but wasn’t sure if what she was feeling was real love. For goodness sake it was only the second time they were seeing each other. They ended up making love once more, after which she went away in a rush.
When Kelly reached home, she saw light coming from her room and was surprised. She entered and saw Eddie, lying comfortably on her bed and drinking whisky “Where have you been?” he asked lazily
“In town. I left the beach side quite late” she said, laying her jewelry on the bedside “Is Dan already asleep?” she asked and turned towards the washroom, but he seized her hand and pulled her onto the bed. He blew kisses over her neck, and then her face, and she felt uncomfortable “You smell of sex” he whispered “Did you forget to take a shower after your marathon” he asked, blowing kisses over her whole body
“What are you talking about? It must only be the smell of the sea. I told you I just left the beachside” she said, and he chuckled
“I see” he hissed “I want you Kelly; I want you now” he said passionately, and then pulled her blouse over her head
“Oh, let me take a shower first, at least” she said
“That can wait. No matter how you smell, you still taste sweet anyway” he said and made love to her
Kelly had never felt so worse and disgusted after lovemaking, not with Eddie. Neither had she ever resisted his advances and charms. She lay, half naked, at the far end of the bed and sobbed quietly as she thought of Osborn. Strangely, at the moment, she felt like a one-man woman, and that one man was Osborn. How weird that after less than two hours sex with him, she was feeling so different – maybe she loved him, and that was for real.
“Eddie, we must put a stop to this” she said softly
“Why? Is it because of that man you were with at the beach?” he asked calmly without looking at her
“I told you there was no man! We must stop because we are cousins” she sounded serious, as she sat up. He turned and stared at her, and then he sat behind her and pulled her hair backwards “Tell me the truth. Why are you saying this now?” he whispered into her ears, and caressed her arm.
Feeling uncomfortable by his touch, she scrambled up “Eddie, we are cousins, and this is incest, and yes I feel guilty!” she snapped
“Yes we are cousins, but I love you like a woman, and I thought you loved me too?”
“I love you lik
e a cousin and nothing more!” she snapped once more
“Why are you sleeping with me then? Out of pity because my wife left me?!” he retorted
“Whatever you think, keep it to yourself! But I stand on my word – this must stop, and it begins from now!” she shouted
“Dad?” they looked and saw the little boy at the door “Why are you shouting?” he asked with fright in his tone
“Oh baby” said Eddie, kneeling before him, “your dad and auntie were only playing around. Sorry we woke you up. Go to bed now, ok?”
“Aunt I’m scared. Please come and sleep beside me” the little boy sobbed
“I will, but let me take my bath first ok?” said Kelly softly
“No, no” he whimpered, pulling her hand
“Ok, let’s go” she said, glanced at Eddie, and led the little boy by the hand to his room. When he was asleep, she went to her room and had a good bath. Eddie lied comfortably on her bed, drinking more whisky. When she was done in the bathroom, she wished him a good night and walked towards the door. But before she could reach the handle, he caught her arm “Where do you think you are going?” he asked drunkenly, yet quite grimly
“I’m sleeping in Dan’s room. The little boy needs me!” she snapped, wriggling away
“No you aren’t going anywhere. You are spending the night beside me!” he shouted, holding her wrist so tightly that it caused her pain
“I’m not! Let go of me!” she pulled her arm away from his. She turned and walked towards the door.
“You walk out on me and Mellis gets to know everything about this affair!” he said, grinning.
“You cannot threaten me!” she snapped, turning to him “You can go to hell!” and then she turned once more to depart.
“You want to dare me, huh?!”
She paused and turned slowly, and her hackles were rising “You’re such an imp!” she said contemptuously, her nostrils flaying, and then he giggled.
“You’ll always be mine and mine alone” he said, lurching drunkenly towards her. He put her in his arms and started blowing kisses over her neck. She stood motionless and fumed heavily.