Eggshells (Episode 2)

Stanley could not believe that he was delayed at the banking hall for close to an hour before he was asked to enter the office of the Customer Service Manager. Jessica who had waited behind in her car kept on sending him text messages asking him if he was done yet. He pitied her. The poor woman left her own business to attend to his own troubles. He, for once in his life, thought she would make a good wife. However, he didn't love her. Or maybe he did, but he had not realized yet.
"You can go in now Sir", came the voice of one of the cashiers at the counter.
"Thank you for taking my sweet time". Stanley grinned and walked straight to the door he had been directed to. He was too preoccupied with his fury to knock at the door.
He got in and slammed the door behind him.
The woman seated at the desk in the cozy and fully air-conditioned office looked smart in her black and white suit. She had a pair of glasses on and she gave off an impression of control and confidence. She spoke first.
"You are welcome. How can we help you?"
Stanley's temper had calmed. He didn't know whether it was the effect of the air-conditioning or the lady's soothing voice. He thought Jessica had a sweet voice but here he was with a woman who to him sounded even better.
He took a seat.
"I had an agreement with the bank to cover up for my loan by the end of this month. But, the agreement seems to have been breached by God knows who".
She removed her glasses.
"We are sorry about that Mr..."
"Stanley Duke".
"Mr Stanley. We are really sorry about what happened. But the reason why the bank deducted the money from your account without informing you was because your account was recently credited with more than the amount you borrowed as a loan. This was why the money was deducted immediately."
"But it's not yet the end of the month. I should have been informed first. The money could have been for another purpose."
"That is the mistake we made, not informing you first before the money was deducted."
Stanley sighed.
"No problem. Thank you."
"You're welcome Mr..."
"The name is Stanley. Stanley Duke."
"I'm sorry Mr Stanley. We really apologise for not informing you first. That is why we are compensating you with a free movie ticket for any inconveniences we may have caused."
"The Bank happens to be one of the major sponsors of the movie. It's a blockbuster. I'm sure you will enjoy it", she added.
She handed him a movie ticket.
Stanley received it and held on to her hand.
"You are a beautiful woman".
" Thank you Sir", she said and removed her hand from his.
He dangled the movie ticket.
"Isn't this useless without a date?"
"I'm sure you will be fine with or without a date". She wore her eyeglasses.
"What if I insist on you being my date? Miss..."
"Franca Jacob".
" Yeah. It's boldly inscribed on your desk. I hope I was right though?"
"About what?"
"About the 'Miss' I used to address you."
"Yes. I'm not married."
"Bingo! You're coming with me then. And don't say that you don't have time because I know that you can't be busier than me".
"Alright Mr Stanley. I will..."
"Stanley. You can call me just Stanley".

Stanley got out of the bank and noticed Jessica had left. He felt his pocket and brought out his phone. He saw thirteen missed calls and two messages. The calls were from Jessica. One of the messages was from the bank expressing apology for their mistake and they also added that they hope he enjoys the movie. The second one was from Jessica saying that she had to go pick up her daughter at school and she also expressed apology. Stanley did not take offence. He knew Jessica well. That woman could give an arm and a leg for him but her daughter was her priority nonetheless. He respected her for that. He walked down to the nearest junction to get a cab.

Jessica and her daughter, Amanda got home in the evening. Jessica had stopped at an eatery to get the both of them some food before they arrived home. She was worried about Stanley. He had not called her since nor replied her text message. Was he angry with her?
" Mummy, can I have my meat pie and ice cream now?", Amanda asked after she had gone to shower and changed her clothes.
"Yes Love. You can."
Jessica opened the take away pack and gave her daughter the meat pie and ice cream.
"After eating, we're doing your homework okay".
Amanda nodded because her mouth was already full. Jessica smiled. She loved her daughter. The girl looked a lot like her father but she had Jessica's complexion, pointed nose and chubby cheeks. She was also a bright student. Jessica was sure her daughter inherited that part from her since she herself was very good while she was in school. The thought of her daughter's father flashed across her mind. How dare he show up like that unannounced at her doorstep like nothing happened? He had some nerve. How did he even locate her whereabouts. She suspected foul play. If Tunde was back, then he was up to no good. She hoped he didn't come back for the same reason why she was thinking he did. She would kill him first before letting go of her daughter. Her phone rang. She quickly grabbed it. It was not Stanley. It was her friend, Daniella.
"Hello Mrs Akpan!", she said after pressing the answer button.
" You dey craze! If I didn't call you, you won't call abi".
"Sorry dear. I've been busy".
"No problem. How is my daughter?"
"She is here. She is eating".
"Okay. I'm on my way o. Cook o!", she added jokingly.
" Abi you bring food come. Ever since your husband travelled, you haven't been cooking abi. I will report you."
"Na you know o. Alright dear. See you in a bit", said Daniella and ended the call.
Jessica informed her daughter that her aunty Daniella was coming. Amanda was happy.

*******

Felix arrived home late that day. Ada was worried sick about his whereabouts. She had called his office and was told he had left four hours ago. She called his P.A. but his number was not reachable. She didn't want to panic but she was in a  terrible state. Her husband did not usually get home late. She went to the dining table where she had set the food. The food was already cold. She looked at the time. It was 10:45 pm. She was about walking into the bedroom when she heard him parking the car in the compound. She heaved a sigh of relief. But Felix had some explaining to do that night. He walked in and met her at the door. He looked at her and didn't say a word. He proceeded to the bedroom. She followed him and was feeling stunned at his behaviour. She met him undressing himself in the bedroom.
" What is the meaning of this, Felix?"
He turned to her while still undressing.
"What is the meaning of what?"
"Are you seriously asking me that? Don't you know what you've done?"
"No I don't. Please tell me what I've done, Mummy."
"You usually enter this house latest by 7. What happened today? Don't you think I deserve an explanation?"
He motioned to take his towel. He had only his boxers on.
"As you can see woman, I'm very tired. We'll talk tomorrow morning", he said and went into the bathroom. Ada was annoyed. This was the first time he was talking to her like that. She would not let him rest that night until he told her where he had been. She was pacing when his phone beeped. He had received a text message. She took his phone and opened the text.
It read : "Thank you for today. You've been a darling. I can't wait to see you tomorrow. I hope nobody knows yet? Have a nice night. Cheers!"
Ada noticed that he was almost done in the bathroom so she carefully placed the phone back where it was. She, however, got the name of the sender. The name was Tonia. Tonia, she thought. It was a woman! Her husband had been with a woman since! That was why he came home late! Was her husband cheating on her? She was agitated. Felix came out of the bathroom. He was whistling. He took his phone and plugged it in the charger. He turned off the lights and jumped on the bed. Ada was already on the bed with her face facing the wall. She feigned being fast asleep. Felix turned to the other side too, their backs against each other. When she heard him snoring, she opened her eyes. She thought about the text message she read on his phone. How could her husband have the heart to cheat on her? She met this man when he was nothing. He was just a first-class graduate searching endlessly for a job at the time. He was even squatting with one of his cousins in a one-room apartment then. He didn't think of cheating then. He had to wait till when he was a Company Executive with a salary of over six figures before realizing she was not enough for him. No, she was not going to fold her arms and watch her marriage break because of a gold digger. She closed her eyes and slept off.

*******

Donald Collins, only son of  Senator Paul Collins got home feeling very tired. He collapsed on his bed. Few minutes later, his wife entered the bedroom. Stella was a pretty lady with an amazing figure. She was the second daughter of the Minister of Interior Affairs. She and Donald had been married for three years. Their marriage was an arranged one. It was fixed by the patriarchs of both families. It was a way of strengthening the political relationship between the two politicians. Donald just returned from the UK at the time and Stella had just finished from School of Nursing. Stella was a rebellious child. Her father wanted her to be a medical doctor but she insisted on studying Nursing instead. She was twenty-six when her father informed her that she would be getting married soon. She had yelled and yelled and attempted running away. Her plan of running was however destroyed by her father. Her maid had informed her father of her plan in time. A meeting was arranged between she and Donald to meet each other. All she saw in him was an intelligent and good looking man. Also, he was from a wealthy home like her so she accepted. They got married in a grand style and their wedding was the talk of the town for weeks and months as it was all over popular blogs and tabloids.
Stella saw her husband on the bed. She tapped him vigorously till he woke up.
"What is it Stella!", he asked angrily.
"You're sleeping?! Are you meant to be sleeping?"
"Okay, what am I meant to be doing after a long day at the office?"
"You can't sleep. I'm telling you you can't sleep. Not until after we've had sex."
Donald hissed.
"Is that why you woke me up? Are you out of your mind?"
"I am not out of my mind o! Stand up and perform your duties as my husband. Stop being a chicken!"
I, a chicken? You're totally insane! Well I don't blame you. You can have the room to yourself".
He got up from the bed and walked out of the bedroom slamming the door behind.
Stella raised her voice but didn't leave the spot she was.
"Useless man! Your mates are giving their wives four to five rounds and you can't even touch me!"
She sat on the bed. She was disappointed. Donald had not touched her in five months. It was getting too much for her to bear.

To Be Continued...