Cassandra season 1.. Episode 41-50

Episode 41

‘’Cassandra please say something’’ I pleaded miserably as my dear Cassandra stood, facing me with a deeply coloured look. I just didn’t know what to make of her silence or what else to say to her. I equally couldn’t help but wonder what was going through her mind that exact moment.

‘’what do you want me to say huh?. How do you expect me to react?. How do you think I feel right now?’’ she suddenly poured out while I stared at her nervously.

‘’I feel so awful, so bad, so surprised, so confused. I’m still in great shock. Believe me no woman will be happy over what you just confessed. Gosh this is so terrible’’ she breathed colouring up more. I stared at her with great fear. I was scared of losing her. I was even scared of breathing.

‘’oh Cassandra’’ I stammered softly, keenly watching her with all my heart and soul. She covered her face for some seconds with her palms, breathing heavily as she probably pondered over everything. I prayed inwardly, begging God to help touch her heart. Cassandra definitely meant everything to me and losing her could destroy the remaining part of my sanity.

‘’okay fine, I believe things happen for a reason. Let’s look towards the brighter side of life’’ she suddenly said, surprising me greatly. I quickly drew close to her, staring deep into her eyes to be sure of what I just heard. She smiled, took a step forward and hugged me strongly, melting my heart with that singular gesture.

‘’I’m willing to make this sacrifice for you and I hope you will reciprocate by making me more happy?’’ she asked softly while I eagerly nodded without thinking.

‘’yes yes yes. For this singular act, I’m willing to do anything for you. I’m willing to do anything you ask for in appreciation. Just name it’’ I breathed with great happiness, breaking free from her to stare into her eyes once again.

‘’that’s okay. I believe we are cool with each other’’ she muttered, rolling her eyes seductively. I breathed deeply, planting a kiss on her forehead.
I really was extremely proud of myself for getting the courage to tell her the truth and equally very happy that things ended in my favor. Cassandra’s action to me was a very great sign that she really was in love with me. She could have walked away but no she stayed put.

‘’oh Cassandra’’ I breathed again and again.

———————————-

My mum called at exactly 6:30pm, asking me to come over to the hospital which I did without wasting time. The happiness on my face was very obvious that my mother and Nora exchanged quick glances as soon as I showed up at the hospital like a happy school boy.

‘’Nora has been discharged. We have to take her home first’’ mum ordered while I nodded in agreement.

‘’so how are you?’’ I asked Nora who breathed deeply, saying nothing.

———————————-

Fifteen minutes later, we arrived at Nora’s apartment. Mum stayed behind in the car while I went into the building with Nora and her sister. It really was the only way I could show a little bit of care to the girl who I knew was suffering greatly.

‘’please just take care of yourself and our baby. Please don’t ever over stress yourself again. If it’s about money, I can easily provide your needs. Just be careful okay’’ I pleaded to her when we got to her room. She smiled and nodded.

‘’thanks for your care. I appreciate a lot’’ she breathed and blushed. I drew close and touched her stomach, trying to see if I could feel my baby. She stared at me with surprise before holding my hand and smiling.

‘’you know this is my first time. We are carrying this baby together. I can’t wait to see him’’ I breathed with all sincerity. She simply held my hand, saying nothing.

‘’you are going to be a good mother, that I’m very sure of but as for me I do know that no matter how hard I will try to be there for you and for our child, I will never always be there and he may grow up to hate me’’ I stammered softly, bringing down my gaze and breathing deeply.

‘’you know things really shouldn’t turn out like that. Do you think being with your Cassandra is worth losing the great family we can have together?’’ Nora softly asked, closing the gap between us as threw her body on me. I held her strongly, breathing in her scent and saying nothing for some seconds.

Of course I wanted a happy family. I wanted a great home filled with kids but with my Cassandra and not with Nora even though there wasn’t any doubt that Nora would be a good mother.
I couldn’t get myself to look at her face as I broke free and walked out of the apartment without another word.

Episode 42

‘’so what do you think about the two ladies?’’ I suddenly asked mum as we headed to my house minutes after the touching scene with Nora. She shrugged and breathed deeply.

‘’I like Nora very much and you are going to do the right thing with her. As for Cassandra, I really don’t know but she also acts like a nice girl. However your sister isn’t saying the same about her and you know she knows her much better ‘’’ she answered.

‘’I told Cassandra about Nora earlier today. She didn’t break up with me instead understood all I said to her. I really see that girl as a level headed person. Moreover she is very educated and beautiful. She will soon be a doctor and you will be her proud mother in law ’’ I said with a smile, forcing my mum to smile as well. Yes I believed Cassandra’s education was the only thing probably gaining my mother’s respect but then her new found motherly friendship with Nora was something I was intelligent enough not to overlook. At the end I knew I was the one to make the final decision but then in Africa we all know that family support or a mother’s support is very essential in a relationship.

‘’mum you know I couldn’t finish my education because of financial reasons. You also know that I’m ambitious and a good business man. Marrying a doctor will be good for the family and also good for business. I need your support’’ I appealed softly.

‘’supposing Cassandra isn’t educated, would you have noticed her?’’ mum suddenly asked, surprising me with the question.

‘’I really don’t thing you love that girl, because just like you said, you are simply blinded by what she is going to become in future and how good she will be for business’’ she added annoyingly.

‘’come on mum, don’t be like that. I love Cassandra. I know what I feel for her is strong to be called love’’ I defended quickly.

‘’how about Nora, what do you feel for her?’’’ she slowly asked, giving me a quick look. I breathed deeply, keeping quiet for some seconds.

‘’I really can’t answer that easily. I feel many things for Nora. I feel sympathy, respect and admiration but I don’t think I have enough love for her. No I don’t’’ I breathed slowly. My mother shrugged, saying nothing more.

My head really was filled with many thoughts as we silently made the rest of the journey back to my house. I couldn’t help but wonder what mum’s plans were. I couldn’t help but imagine what she could be thinking.
———————————

On getting to the gate, I stopped my car , alighted and tried to open the gate. A man instantly appeared from nowhere, taking me by surprise as he grabbed me from behind. My heart instantly stopped with fear.

‘’where is my Cassandra?. Where did you keep her?. Talk to me or I will slit your throat’’ the young man threatened loudly as he softly pierced my neck with the tip of a small knife. I instantly knew the fool trying to scare me was no other person than Edwin. I desperately struggled to free myself while my mother jumped out of the car.

‘’you are taking this too far. Let go of me Edwin’’ I barked, struggling with him.

‘’who is that old woman?, Is she comi8ng to fight me or what?. I guess you have lots of loved ones and yes I will destroy them one by one before killing you. Cassandra is my wife , let her be’’ he threatened, threw me forward towards my mother, and faced us with a defiant posture. The neighborhood was very dark and less busy. The noise also coming from hundreds of generators inside the surrounding buildings greatly added to the noisy evening.

‘’my son are you alright?,who is he and what did he say to you?’’ my mother asked breathlessly while I stared back at her unable to say a word because I was deeply shaken.
There wasn’t any doubt that Edwin could kill me and destroy my family.

‘’ahhhh I see she is your mother. Hmmmmmm’’ Edwin quickly chuckled while I stared suspiciously at him, wondering what his next move would be.

The guy was really, really sick in the head.

Episode 43

‘’what’s going on?, what does he want?’’ my mother asked, grabbing my wrist as she eyed Edwin.

‘’mum please get back into the car. Go back to the car, I beg of you’’ I quickly pleaded to her. She gave me a very long look before obliging to my request.

‘’listen, we shouldn’t be fighting over Cassandra and you shouldn’t place your hopes on that girl. She is meant for someone like me, not you. Cassandra is my toy and will forever remain so. She is just using you and nothing more. I don’t want to hurt you. I don’t want to hurt your family but if you push me, then I will . let go of Cassandra and I promise never to disturb your peace again. This is my last warning’’ Edwin threatened seriously. I scoffed, shook my head and drew closer to him.

‘’so I should leave Cassandra just because a boy like you is threatening me?. Fine, you are very courageous. I have heard you. You can go now’’ I said with a short laugh.

‘’don’t push me to hurt you please don’t push me’’ the silly boy threatened once again before disappearing into the night. I breathed deeply as I watched him disappear. I needed no telling that I have to come up with something. I had to come up with a plan to sink the mad kid before he destroys my life.

‘’what was the drama all about and who was that rascal?’’ mum asked as soon as I joined her in the car. I breathed deeply, very reluctant to open up to her but I had no choice than to tell her a little bit of the truth because she definitely heard almost all Edwin and i said to each other.

‘’he’s claiming to be Cassandra’s boyfriend. You know how all these campus kids behave a times. He keeps bugging the poor girl’s life. I just don’t know how to deal with him. Moreover he looks and acts like a drug addict’’ I explained. Mum shook her head and sighed.

‘’It’s better you leave Cassandra and her campus life alone and face your future with Nora. That young man I just saw is capable of doing anything. He can kill you. He can even kill Cassandra just to get back at you. Please we have enough problems already, let go of Cassandra. Let’s find a way to settle things with Nora’’ mum pleaded desperately while I smiled. It was very obvious she was using the opportunity that just played out before her to talk me into building a life with Nora.

‘’I have heard you mother. Let’s get to the apartment first. I hope Cassandra is alright’’ I breathed as I slowly drove my car into the compound.

——————

‘’Cassandra dear are you alright?’’ I quickly asked Cassandra as soon as I walked into my apartment with my mother. Cassandra really looked a bit colored and stressed up as if something was worrying her. I quickly came to the conclusion that she definitely saw Edwin that very evening.

‘’yes I’m okay. Why do you ask?’’ she answered curiously. I gave my mother a quick look before returning my gaze to Cassandra.

‘’let’s go to my room and talk’’ I commanded and headed to my room. She quickly followed me without another word.
On getting to my room, I turned, faced and studied her for some seconds.

‘’you look very anxious, did anything happen when I went out to pick my mother?’’ I asked suspiciously.

‘’nothing happened when you left the house and yes I look anxious because you are acting so weird’’ she answered intelligently.

‘’I ran into Edwin minutes ago. I believe you guys had a good time together. Don’t tell me you didn’t see him’’ I asked with a raised tone while she shook her head in denial.

”i didn’t see Edwin this evening. i can’t believe you ran into him. What’s the problem with that boy” she breathed in defense.

‘’fine , on Monday I will be going to your school with a team from the police Anti Robbery squad. It’s time to get that boy locked up and you are going with me’’ I said seriously, expecting a happy reaction from Cassandra but to my surprise she simply gasped with fear.

‘’no no no, you cant be serious. You can’t do that.’’ She cried.

‘’yes I’m serious. The kid has to pay for stealing your money,for threatening me and for terrifying my mother. You will be the one to show the police where the little rascal lives’’ I said strongly, very determined with my plan but Cassandra was far from happy about it. She quickly drew forward and held my shoulders.

‘’no you can’t do that. I’m going no where with you’’ she kind of screamed, leaving me with no choice than to ponder over how loyal and honest she was with me.

‘’I guess you have an explanation for that reaction. Don’t you?’’ I asked while she nodded her head in agreement as we stared deeply at each other.

Episode 44

‘’it’s not as if I don’t want Edwin arrested and dealt it but the problem is about my safety. Arresting Edwin means signing my own death warrant. His friends will come for my head and the police wont be there to protect me. I’m a young girl and I don’t want to lose my life over such thing’’ she explained, turning her back on me while I stared at her, not knowing what else to say. Of course her explanation failed to convince me and I kind of felt she was protecting the silly guy over something she wasn’t telling me.

‘’I know you wont understand my position. Of course you have never been to the university. You haven’t witnessed first hand how dangerous and careless the cult boys are. But I beg of you. Let me handle Edwin my own way. I promise he will never disturb you again.’’ she pleaded, turning to face me with a deeply shaken mood. I swallowed hard as I stared at her uneasily. She softly held my hands, pleading with all her soul.

‘’i’m very scared. You just have to understand that I’m fighting for my life. Yes I admit the idiot is my friend but come on, you should know that no girl in her right senses will have anything to do with such a rascal. I’m just in a pit that I cant escape. Let me handle Edwin my own way’’ she pleaded desperately.

‘’so I shouldn’t involve the police?’’ I asked with a deep breathe. She nodded instantly.

‘’yes involving the police will do more harm than good. Please for the sake of my life, let me handle Edwin’’ she pleaded one more time.

‘’okay I succumb to your pleas. But if I see that rascal ever again, I wont have any choice than to have him arrested. I said softly with a smile. She threw herself on me, hugging me tightly.

‘’thank you. Thanks so much’’ she breathed happily.

———————

After dinner, I headed to the second room to have a little discussion with my mother. I desperately needed to know her plans with Nora. Of course I had every right to know.

My mum smiled as soon as she saw me enter the room. It was very obvious she was expecting me.

‘’mum you know we still have some things to talk?’’ I stammered as I sat beside her on the bed. She nodded and breathed deeply.

‘’I’m heading home tomorrow and I guess you want to know all I discussed with Nora?’’ she asked while I nodded like a child.

‘’you see Nora and I reached a very good agreement. Her child belongs to the family and so will have every right as you and your siblings. Nora equally accepted me as her new mother and from now onwards I will play a very special role in her life. It doesn’t matter if you give your consent or not. She now has a stake in our family. However I still have things to discuss with your dad. The issue with Nora’s pregnancy still need to be settled between the two families. You are free to get involved, you are also free to abstain. It’s all on you’’ she said with a very serious demeanor , her eyes running through me.

I couldn’t say a word when she was done and even though all she said appeared normal in some way, I just wasn’t prepared for it. I felt empty and hopeless.

‘’I have heard you mother. Good night’’ I breathed, got up and headed to my room with a very clouded mind.

———————–

As I got to my room, I saw Cassandra sitting on the bed instead of lying down. She smiled as i walked in. The effects of the discussion I had with my mother still very much on me.

‘’hey sweet, I really was waiting for you’’ she breathed. I slowly sat beside her, staring at her curiously.

‘’I really don’t know how to ask you this but I desperately need your help.’’ She breathed, I urged her to continue.

‘’it’s the issue of my birthday. Yes it’s true I lost the money you gave me but I still need to go on with it. You know all the arrangements has been made and I cant just cancel the whole stuff’’ she stammered, looking very innocent. But for the second time, I reacted very angrily towards her. I instantly sprang up with great anger , surprising her with my reaction.

‘’you want another money to give away to your student boyfriend huh?. No no no. that’s not going to happen. I’m giving you no money for your birthday and that’s it”. I shouted at her.

‘’but you promised earlier in the day to do anything for me?’’ she quickly reminded me.

‘’yes I did but I cant give you another money for your birthday’’ I said once again.

‘’’okay thank you. Good night’’ she breathed, drew back and fell on the bed, while I slowly calmed down, regretting ever shouting at her.

I instantly felt bad seeing her go to bed with sadness in her eyes but for no reason I couldn’t get myself to take back my decision and do her bidding.

————-
I never gave her another money for her birthday but only gave her five thousand naira as she left early the next day. At first I thought she wouldn’t take the money but she did take the money with a drawn face.

As she left that fateful morning I couldn’t help but fear that our relationship might never remain the same again.

Episode 45

The months leading to November were very difficult ones for me. One of my shops in Onitsha got burnt and I had no choice than to temporarily relocate back to the city to get my business up and running.
However the difficult period didn’t stop me from caring for Cassandra nor did it stop me from sending her enough money monthly. The money I sent to her ranged from N15000 –N25000 every month and even though I was very far from her, I made it my duty to shower her with great love. I equally made arrangements in readiness to our traditional marriage which I planned for December.

Nora on the other hand never accepted any monetary support from me. All she needed was my presence which I wasn’t ready to give. At a point she stopped answering my calls and I only had to hear about her welfare from my mother who she now took as her own mother.

Finally on the last week of October, Nora gave birth to a bouncing baby boy and I must confess the news left a great ray of joy in my heart. I really had to round up everything I was doing and head back to the city of Owerri to see my new born child. But unfortunately for me, Nora denied me the privilege of seeing my little kid.

I still clearly remember that day as if it was yesterday. Yes I still have that memory at the fore corner of my head. The day Nora revealed her plans for me..
It was precisely four days after she put to bed. I arrived at her house with my friend Chinedu with great excitement and joy. The long drive from Onitsha did not in any way affect the excitement in me. To my dismay, Nora’s sister told us without mincing words that her sister wasn’t in the mood of receiving guests as if we were strangers. An alarm instantly rang in my head.

‘’you should just go and come back next week’’ the little girl added very coldly, swiftly turning my excitement into anger.

‘’what do you mean she isn’t in the mood of receiving guests?. I came to see my son and you can’t deny me that’’ I insisted with a slightly raised tone, while Chinedu shrugged, unable to say a word.

‘’please just go. You are not welcomed here anymore’’ the young girl pushed on. I just couldn’t believe my ears. I had to try my best to calm down. Nora soon appeared with a very angry look.

‘’what’s up with the noise?. Didn’t you hear my sister?. Please just go, I don’t want to see your ugly face anymore. You had your chance with me and you blew it. I waited for you nine good months, to come back to your senses but no you preferred chasing after shadows. My kid may bear your last name due to your parent’s involvement but you will never see my baby until he grows up to decide for himself. You can however be getting his pictures from your mother. So please leave my house right now’’ she screamed furiously, leaving me extremely stunned with disbelief.

‘’no you can’t be serious’’ I protested.

‘’you can’t deny a man the right to see his son’’ I insisted strongly.

‘’oh yes I can. I guess you have forgotten my cousin, the lawyer who met you sometime back?. He will soon serve you with a restraining order. You had your chance with me and you blew it. I have already destroyed all the feelings I had for you. Let Cassandra bear you all the legitimate sons you need if she hasn’t destroyed her womb already’’ she shouted, turned and headed back to her room with her sister, leaving Chinedu and I all alone to stare at each other.

‘’did you her?. What do I do now?. Does she have the right to deny me access to my kid?’’ I asked my friend with a boiling mind. He nodded and breathed deeply.

‘’I’m afraid so. But nevertheless let’s wait for her to calm down. We can come back tomorrow or next’’ he said softly, turned and headed towards my car. I quickly ran after him.

‘’but what if she is very serious about keeping the baby from me?’’ I asked curiously.

‘’well I don’t see why you should be worried. You still have Cassandra and she can give you all the children you need. I strongly advice you start up the marriage process with Cassandra’s family immediately, because with the way things are, Nora is definitely not her old self anymore and all you have now is your Cassandra to contend with. You better hurry because most campus girl’s aren’t loyal. Especially sophisticated girls like Cassandra’’ he said seriously, sending a great fear through my heart with his words.

Episode 46

As I drove back to my apartment with a clouded mind, Chinedu tried to his best to calm my nerves.
‘’don’t get worked up brother. Just forget what I said earlier. I made the statement with anger. I wasn’t thinking properly back then. You know what I think now?’’ he breathed, throwing a quick look at me to see if I was interested in what he was saying. I nodded, urging him to continue.

‘’Nora is a good lady. I believe she will later allow you to see your son. Just give her time to be with her baby. It’s very normal for her to react the way she did’’ he said softly.

‘’As for Cassandra, if you are really serious about her. I think now is the right time to start the first stage of the marriage process just to be on the safe side, in case of the unexpected’’ he added seriously.

‘’yes I already planned meeting her family this month. By god’s grace Cassandra will soon be my wife’’ I said with a soft smile, throwing a quick look at my friend who gasped with surprise.

‘’come on! so you kept such plans from me till now?’’ he asked with excitement.

‘’brother I kept nothing from you. The plan has been in my head for long and with the current situation of things, nothing will make me happier than marrying Cassandra this Christmas’’ I breathed strongly.

‘’hmmmm that’s great’’ he shrugged happily.

——————————–

The rest of the evening was really a very dull one for me. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t stop thinking of Nora and my little son. It was as if Nora stole something from me. I just felt like someone who lost a very expensive treasure.
‘’oh God help me to stop thinking of Nora. Please clear my head’’ I prayed as I thought about my future and how to live a life away from Nora, our son and his love. It really was something I just couldn’t do. The little boy deserved the love of a father but with Nora’s new attitude, I couldn’t help but imagine the worst.

To calm my nerves, I tried calling Cassandra to hear her soothing voice but to my dismay her two phones were switched off, leaving me very worried as it dawned on me that it was the second day of not getting to speak with her.
‘’what could be wrong?. Why are your phones switched off Cassandra?. This hasn’t happened before. I hope you are alright’’ I wondered.

————

Early the following morning, I headed to Nora’s house, not minding Chinedu’s advice to stay away from her for some days. I couldn’t sleep a wink the previous night and I desperately needed to see the face of my son.

Nora was extremely surprised to see me at her house very early in the day. The look on her face as she opened the entrance door to see me was very revealing.

‘’what again Dave? What do you want?’’ she asked rudely.

‘’please I really want to see the face of our child. That’s all. I beg of you. Remember I promised to give him all the care in the world. We shouldn’t be quarreling over this. Please stop being mad at me’’ I pleaded solemnly. She stared at me for some seconds, breathing deeply.

‘’I’m a very hard working lady. I have my own money. I can provide anything for my son including a new father. There was a time I was dying to feel your presence. To hear your voice, To be with you, To be your slave but you treated me like a leper. All that is now in the past. You already made it clear that you never wanted me and without me you can’t get to my child. Just forget about him, your parents are capable of playing your role. Moreover I will soon get a new father for my son and everything about you will cease to exist in me. You have Cassandra, don’t you?. Be with her. Marry her and please don’t forget to send me the wedding invitation’’ she said coldly, shutting the door on my face and giving me no chance to talk at all.

I couldn’t believe it was all coming from Nora. A woman that badly wanted my touch and love in the past. I couldn’t believe she could have the mind to deny me my son and still have the guts to tell me about getting a new father for him to my face. I couldn’t believe it all. I felt it was all a dream.
Yes I never for once knew that a woman’s spite could be this repulsive. There wasn’t any doubt she meant every word she said to me. It showed in her eyes and I knew my chapter with her has reached its elastic limit.

It was time to forget about her. It was time to kill my plans for her son and concentrate on my Cassandra. My ideal woman, My pride and my love.

‘’oh Cassandra’’

Episode 47

Later in the evening, Chinedu and I discussed my future plans in his house. The day really was a very tough one for me. I desperately needed to cool off and come up with something but I found it hard getting any piece of mind. Moreover I couldn’t get Nora’s harsh behavior out of my head and I equally was yet to get my Cassandra on phone. It was now three days of not speaking with her.

‘’I plan going to Cassandra’s school tomorrow. I haven’t heard from her in three days and of course she knew I was returning to the city yesterday’’ I complained to my friend who nodded with understanding, giving me a long look.

‘’come on bro, what’s up with the face?’’ I asked curiously.

‘’you said you plan going to visit your Cassandra tomorrow in her hostel. How are you sure she will be there?. Hope you know that tomorrow is Saturday?’’ he asked, drawing out a frown from me.

‘’what are you insinuating?. She hardly travels home. That I’m very sure of’’ I answered quickly, throwing him a suspicious glance.

‘’okay but you do remember her hostel is a lion’s den. What if her boyfriend Edwin gets you there?. Have you forgotten what happened the last time you ran into him?’’ he said with a smile, bringing out more anger in me with his words.

‘’I don’t know if you are intentionally trying to make me angry or not. Anyway you are my friend and I can’t be angry with you, but please stop the silly comments.’’ I begged seriously.

‘’ will you accompany me to see Cassandra tomorrow?”” I asked hopefully. He quickly shook his head.

‘’no bro, I can’t. I have a wedding to attend tomorrow’’ he quickly answered while I smiled to his lie.

———————

By 10am the next day I was already at Cassandra’s hostel in high spirit. I had to visit so early in order to meet her, in case she had plans of going out but unfortunately I met the girl’s door locked.

‘’oh Sir Cassandra has been away for four days. She travelled.’’ A female neighbor informed me as she saw me standing in front of her door. I had no choice than to swallow my disappointment and walk back to my car. But on getting to my car, I met Edwin and two rough looking boys waiting for me. My heart skipped a beat on seeing them but I didn’t let fear take over me.

‘’hmmm I guess you came to look for my Cassandra again?. That means she isn’t with you. She definitely has left you to enjoy with another guy, hahahaha’’ Edwin laughed, while I tried my best to control my temper.

‘’I warned you to stay away from my girl but you didn’t listen. You showed up here once again and this time you are going to pay. I’m going to beat up like a dog’’ he said arrogantly as a loud thud quickly landed at the back of my head. The impact of the blow from behind by one of his men sent me staggering forward, towards him. He grabbed my neck, spat on my face and slapped me.
My head instantly boiled with great pain as I fell like a wounded Elephant. Nobody offered to help. No one came to my rescue. The quiet street quickly turned into a graveyard as Edwin and his gang took their time in hitting me with heavy sticks.

One after the other their blows landed on every part of me, wounding my flesh and tearing my soul. I couldn’t even dodge any of the blows. They came so fast and so heavily. I couldn’t even blink properly or open my eyes until they were done. It really was by God’s grace that I survived it.

‘’moron, next time it will be your sister that will pay with her life’’ Edwin threatened as he disappeared with his gang, leaving me so terribly humiliated, in full view of thousands of students peeping through their rooms.

Episode 48

Few minutes after Edwin and his gang left, I picked up myself and staggered to my car, not caring to check the level of injury done to my body. All that was in my head that moment was to get out of the place as fast as possible. I really was very humiliated and messed up by the silly boy and of course I was very ashamed of myself.
I really couldn’t stop the horrifying event from playing back in my head over and over. The idiots really paid no respect to my personality or age as they dealt with me as if I was their mate.

‘’’you will pay for this Edwin, I swear. I won’t mind killing you if the police fails to act on this” I swore as I drove furiously back to my apartment.
————————

On getting to my apartment, I took a quick shower, changed and first headed to a small clinic close to my house to get myself checked up by a doctor. Afterwards, I headed to the state police headquarters to lodge a complaint but I couldn’t make any headway with it because I was asked to first report my case to the divisional police station within the school community where the crime happened and if the police over there should fail to take any serious action that I should report back to them.

After a little argument, I had no choice than to return to my apartment and eagerly wait for Monday to come by. I just couldn’t wait to throw the little rascal and his gang behind bars.
————–
Sunday dragged by very slowly, offering nothing exciting to me. I spent the day all alone, suffering the great the pain from my injuries and thinking about Cassandra. I spent the day all alone like a man without friends and the painful part of it all was the feeling that Cassandra was probably having a good time that moment with another man. An idea Edwin consciously sold to me and yes I bought it because that could be the only reason why her phones where all switched off.

‘’I pray I’m wrong. I hope she isn’t with another man. God please I hope it isn’t true?’’ I prayed inwardly as my thoughts wandered dangerously towards what she could be doing with another man since the day she left her hostel.

‘’perhaps she’s safe in her house and I’m here thinking rubbish’’ I merely concluded after hours of ceaselessly thinking.

‘’but what if she is really seeing another man, what will you do?, can I bear the pain and torture?, can I stand to look her on the face anymore?. noooooooo’’ I breathed as the questions kept popping out of my mind every second no matter how hard I tried to suppress it and to be sincere I really had no answer for them.

————————–

Early Monday morning, I headed towards Cassandra school to make an entry at the police divisional headquarters located there. All that was in my mind was vengeance. I just couldn’t let the humiliation of the previous week go without taking any action. I badly needed to deal with the little rascal no matter what it takes.

Unfortunately for me, the policemen I met there were really something else. They were just very dull and lazy. The officer I reported my case to bluntly told me that there was nothing they could do about it at the moment.

‘’Mr. David I really understand how you feel right now, but unfortunately there is nothing we could do now than to carry out an investigation. The reason is because you really don’t know where we can get the hoodlums this minute nor know where they live. Supposing the girl in the center of this whole deal is available, perhaps she could easily lead us to them but unfortunately we have nothing’’ he said softly, leaving me extremely furious.
I shouted at him without reservation, without caring that I was in his office. I was very uncontrollable and mad. I refused leaving until the D.P.O in charge of the division showed up and appealed to me to calm down. He had to rally about six of his men and together we all headed to the place where I was beaten up on Saturday.

Unfortunately for me, we couldn’t get Edwin nor any of the guys that joined him to beat me. None of the students around were able to offer any help and Cassandra’s room equally was still locked as it was on Saturday.
————————-
I had no choice than to return to my apartment like a man who lost a battle. I couldn’t think properly. I just couldn’t figure out what else to do. I even found it had to eat. I felt like crying. I thought about my life journey so far. My business wasn’t going as planned. My resources were very low because of the huge investment I made in getting my burnt shop back to its former standard. The year was quickly coming to an end and I really didn’t know what to believe of Cassandra anymore.

‘’Cassandra I pray you are not cheating on me. I’m ready to use my last resources to marry you. Where are you?’’ I lamented as I dialed her phone numbers over and over, getting the same old response.
—————–

Finally later in the evening, my phone rang and it was no other person than Cassandra calling. I quickly answered the call, breathing heavily as lots of questions raced through my head.

‘’what’s up with you Dave?. I just heard you came to my school to make trouble . Why is that?’’ she asked bluntly, not caring to greet or even ask of my welfare. My heart quickly boiled with anger. I hate being disrespected.

‘’seriously I can’t believe you called just to ask these silly questions. Where have you been all these while?. Why are your phones switched off?. I demand explanations right now?” I demanded furiously, but to my dismay Cassandra hissed and ended the call leaving me totally stunned. 

Episode 49

I quickly dialed Cassandra’s number once again, not giving her the chance to drop or switch off her phone. I really can’t describe how I felt that moment and seriously I equally was scared over everything. Cassandra answered after some seconds, giving me the chance to speak with her. I quickly cleared my throat while my heart pounded furiously.

‘’Cassandra why are you doing this?’’ I asked softly, trying my best to tone down my voice.

‘’what did I do?. I don’t understand” she asked quickly, pretending not to understand my question. I breathed deeply, uncertain of where to start. I really had lots of things to ask her but deep down I knew I couldn’t get myself to ask all the questions over the phone. I had to get her to my house first before asking the questions that could raise tensions between us.
I really was willing to do a lot for Cassandra. She was the first girl I had genuinely approached with the best intentions in my heart. It wasn’t a crime to wish the best for myself. It wasn’t a crime to wish to marry a graduate. It wasn’t a crime to sacrifice a fortune for a woman i plan spending the rest of my life with.
Oh yes I knew Cassandra wasn’t faultless. I knew she wasn’t hundred percent perfect just like everyone of us. She equally was yet to give me great reason to walk away. She had never given me cause to be angry, jealous or overly suspicious till the present moment.

‘’Cassandra’’ I breathed solemnly.

‘’yes Dave’’ she answered softly.

‘’why has your phones been switched off for the past one week and where are you right now?’’ I asked softly.

‘’I travelled to Lagos to see my cousin. There was power outage in her neighborhood since Wednesday and I hate charging my phones outside. Electricity was just restored an hour ago and when I switched on my phone I saw lots of messages from friends, telling me all you did behind my back. I couldn’t believe my ears. I couldn’t believe you went to my school to cause trouble. Couldn’t you have waited for at least a week or more before doing all the things you did?. I just hate being monitored. If you still have doubts about my whereabouts I can give my cousin the phone right now so that you can speak with her. If you don’t trust me, so be it. No relationship works without trust. I can’t have anything to do with a man who doesn’t trust me’’ she poured quickly, leaving me a bit relieved and speechless at the same time.
I just didn’t know what to say to her for some seconds as the tension in me slowly disappeared.

‘’when are you returning?’’ I asked curiously.

‘’Wednesday’’ she answered.

‘’Stop by at my house on Wednesday. We still have a lot to discuss’’ I said softly, quickly making plans in my head.
‘’yes it’s better we discuss more when she shows up. If she comes out clean, I won’t mind proposing to her?” I reasoned deeply.

‘’okay fine, I will be there on Wednesday evening’’ she accepted quickly.

————————

Early Tuesday, I travelled to my village to see my parents. It really had been long I last saw them and yes it felt good being home with them.
My mother wasted no time in showing me pictures of my lovely son with the stories of how he was delivered.

‘’yes I was there my son. I witnessed everything with my own eyes. At a point Nora screamed out your name as the boy dropped from her body’’ she narrated as I stared at the pictures one after the other. My eyes melted with tears of joy.

‘’Unfortunately Nora now wants nothing to do with me mother. She hasn’t even allowed me to see my son’’ I Complained while my good old mother softly held my hand.

‘’you have to fight for her love if you really want her back in your life. She’s a good woman and I understand what she’s going through this moment. But are you still serious with Cassandra?’’ she asked , searching me with her eyes. I nodded immediately, her eyes quickly dropped.

‘’I hope you know what you are doing. I really do hope’’ she stammered softly.
————————

I returned to the city the next day to prepare and wait for my Cassandra who was coming over that very day. I really couldn’t wait for her to show up. At first I planned buying an engagement ring but later kept aside the plan. I decided to wait till she shows up.
‘’No Dave just give her the chance to prove herself before going further’’ I said to myself..
**********************

Cassandra showed up at exactly 6:45 PM looking very hot in her pink top, black jacket and tight fitting trouser. She really looked like a diva queen who just finished a photo shoot and all the reservations I had about her quickly disappeared as soon as I set my eyes on her.

‘’good evening Dave” she greeted as she threw herself on me.

‘’oh Cassandra’’ I breathed as I hugged her dearly. I really was charmed by her appearance and grace.

Episode 50

‘’so why did you travel to Lagos without telling me?’’ I couldn’t help but ask Cassandra immediately we settled down in my sitting room. She breathed and frowned.

‘’I traveled to Lagos because of money issues. I went to see my cousin who promised to help me with money for my practicals. You already know how difficult things are for my family. They hardly send me money and you hardly send more than twenty thousand Naira monthly for me. Moreover you haven’t sent me a dime this month and I didn’t want to disturb you because I know you have lots of problems to take care of. You really have been doing your best for me. It’s just that my department is a very difficult one. We spend a lot in , materials , practicals and text books. As a lady I also have to take care of myself. I’m really finding it hard to survive. Believe me’’ she poured out seriously while I stared at her not knowing what else to say. Her words, her composure , her appearance all looked too innocent. For a minute I couldn’t say a word as I studied her with my eyes.

‘’seriously I’m really in need of help. The year is slowly coming to an end and I still have lots of pending assignments to submit. I badly need all the help I can get’’ she added as tears quickly appeared in her eyes, unsettling me. I swallowed hard, very shaken and completely stunned. She slowly opened her handbag and brought out a wrap of Naira notes.

‘’this is all I got from my cousin. Just fifteen thousand Naira. I just wasted a week for nothing’’ she muttered, looking up at me.

‘’but, but how much exactly do you need and what do you need the money for?’’ I stammered curiously.

‘’we are having practical’s every Wednesday, Thursday and Fridays .They all involve money because we source for materials ourselves. I really have missed some of them and I have a lot of catching up to do which equally involves more money.’’ She added softly.

‘’so you mean my sister spends this much in school?’’ I asked suspiciously, quickly calculating how much I spent on my sister before she got married.

‘’I hope you know your sister is now married. I think her husband is in the best position to tell you how much she spends, moreover you cant compare when we were in our first or second year with now. Mind you your sister equally is under optometry and not pure medicine. I hope you understand the difference?’’ she slowly explained, getting me angry with the question.

‘’are you trying to insult me or what. Yes I didn’t attend any university but I know things. I can defend myself anywhere any time’’ I barked. She slowly touched me, smiling deeply.

‘’I’m very sorry. I never meant to insult or make you angry. I adore you for who you are’’ she apologized softly, calming me with the apology.

‘’but seriously , you really need to help me. I know you can afford helping me. You are a very generous person and God has been blessing you in return. Please don’t let me go back to my school in tears. You are all that I got now. I’m nothing without you. Please Dave I need your help’’ she pushed on and on.

‘’how much exactly do you need. How much will be enough for you to cover your practicals?’’ I finally asked, when her pleas became too much to ignore.

‘’just fifty thousand Naira. I will add it to the one I have and I promise never to bother you again for the rest of the year.’’ She quickly replied as her eyes brightened hopefully.

‘’I’m currently not financially strong like I used to be, but I will try to help you out. Just don’t disappoint me in the end’’ I softly said to her.

‘’oh dear Lord. Thank you Dave. You are one in a million’’ she screamed joyfully, throwing herself on me.

We ended up making great love all through the night and d--n , the girl was really super energetic. She fired me up with great energy, leaving me gasping as I asked for more. And yes she fed me with more.

‘’do you still want more?’’ she asked after the fourth round, caressing my joystick as i tried to catch my breath.

‘’oh Cassandra!, you are just too much’’ I gave up weakly, leaving a smile of satisfaction on her face.

_______________

Cassandra left on Friday morning with my fifty thousand Naira and after she left , I told my friend (Chinedu) all that happened between us. He really was amused as I narrated how we made love all through Wednesday night.

”if that girl doesn’t kill you with her demands, she will definitely kill you with her body” he joked.

‘’there is no doubt Cassandra is a very sumptuous lady. There is also no doubt that medicine is a very expensive course to study but I really think her demands are getting too much. She isn’t in a private university and I don’t believe her school will allow their medical students to spend the way she’s telling you’’ he said intelligently while i nodded in agreement.

‘’I guess I should call my sister and ask for her help. The only problem with it, is that she’s heavily pregnant and I don’t want to put her in harm’s way’’ I breathed as I dialed my sister’s phone number.

———————————-

‘’hey big bro, what a surprise. I cant believe you are the one calling’’ my sister greeted happily as she answered my call.

‘’I need help. I need you to get someone to watch Cassandra for me. Preferably someone close to her’’ I said without replying her greetings.

‘’hmmm that can be arranged very fast. I guess your eyes are now opening. Anyway just give me two weeks. I know Cassandra’s close friend who will snitch on her for a little fee. Just hold on for two weeks’’ she promised. I smiled and hung up.

‘’it’s done. We only have to wait for two weeks’’ I said to my friend, who smiled,

‘’so what if it turns out that you are being played. What will you do?’’ he asked seriously.

‘’I will kill her. I can’t live to see a girl like Cassandra dupe me and get away with it. i will die of heartbreak if i don’t take vengeance’’ I breathed strongly, leaving Chinedu gasping with shock.

‘’that’s a strong choice of words brother’’ he breathed.

‘’yes and I will do it’’ I promised, exchanging strong glances with him..

‘‘But did i really mean those words?”

hmmmm