Tuesday night

ELORM

Tomorrow is when I finally know where Chris and I stand. Our communication over the weekend has been weird. He texts every morning to check on me and I text him in the evenings to say goodnight. We barely call each other. I will be meeting him after work so I need to look my best. Just then Nuerkie video called me to ask about business.

‘’ I need a midweek pick me up. How about we meet up for ice cream after work?’’ Nuerkie asked.

‘’Unfortunately, I will have to brown¹ you. I have a date with Chris’’ I said.

‘’eii, what happened to sisters before misters? Please move your date to Thursday. Tell him you are helping me recover from a broken heart’’ she demanded.

‘’Thursday will also not be possible because I will be picking Anna up from the airport’’ I said. (Anna is our fourth musketeer who relocated to Germany)

‘’Anna is arriving on Thursday? she didn’t say a thing” Nuerkie’s voice dropped.

‘’she said she is annoyed with you’’ I said.

‘’oh! because of what I said? But I didn’t lie’’ she defended.

‘’That is not the first thing to say to someone’’ I said.

Anna is getting married to Mark, a German man she met at work. Her wedding is in a month, hence her arrival to finalise preparations. Nuerkie usually does the airport rounds but they had a falling out recently over a comment Nuerkie made. When Anna told Nuerkie she was getting married, the first thing she asked was ‘’Is he circumcised? Cause if he is not, then that is wrong’’. In Anna’s defence, it is none of Nuerkie’s business and she should have just congratulated her first.

‘But that does not mean I will not pick her up from the airport. She is still my friend’’ Nuerkie argued

‘’You could have handled it differently’’ I stated.

‘’I will deal with Anna when she gets here. Then move your date to Friday so we can go for ice cream tomorrow’’ Nuerkie pleaded

‘’this is a date I cannot afford to miss or reschedule, Nuerkie’’ I said.

‘’Is he travelling again?’’ she asked.

I was tired and finally told her about Wednesday. The miserable ending to such a great day because of Chris’ non- negotiables.

‘’Oh, you will not have been in this mess if you had asked the questions I mentioned after the first date. This is quite sad, do not worry. I will wait for you after your date. So we will eat ice cream together to mend our broken hearts’’ she said.

‘’Nuerkie, how are you sure we will not make it through? Who knows? he might have had a change of heart. Be positive!’’ I said annoyed at her comment.

‘’Ho!, you are still day dreaming. If he had a change of heart, he would have called you his girlfriend by now. My sister , this thing with Chris is not going anywhere unless you do not mind his non-negotiables ‘’ Nuerkie said.

‘’I mind, but I believe I can convince him. Maybe agree and then always give excuses when it is time for sex. The church thing can be worked on. This is a man who has stated his intentions, this is a breath of fresh air. He is a good person Nuerkie. After all, Nana was the youth organizer of his church. And the things we did during those sleepovers were not church things’’ I argued.

‘’My sister, just face reality and move on. If I were you, I will not even let him come and waste my time. I will leave a voice note that we better part ways. I told you, ask questions. You did not mind me, now see where we  dey’’ she mocked.

‘’Nuerkie, I do not need an ‘I told you so’ speech right now. I am nervous and worried at the moment. You don’t always have to be mean, just be a friend. You know what goodnight’’ I hanged up.

She called back a few times but I refused to answer. Deep down, Nuerkie was right but I do not need her negativity at this time.

Wednesday

This felt like the longest day of my life. Worla helped me pick out what she called a ‘’baddie corporate’’ dress.  It had a low cut at the back so I wore a blazer to cover it. She ensured I looked my best since I was finally seeing Chris after work. He scheduled our discussion in his office. I was more confident in my look because all my colleagues complimented me including Gwen.

Evening drew near and just before I left, he called about joining an impromptu meeting. Either we reschedule or meet late around 9 p.m., I was too restless to postpone so I agreed.  

At 9 pm on the dot, I was at his office. I carried a box filled with my mum’s chocolate chip cookies and several cake samples since he hadn’t tasted any yet. He let me in, we hugged each other and he gave me a gentle kiss on the cheek.

CHRIS

Elorm really is my sunshine, she looked beautiful as always. She brought a box of pastries. I hugged her, she smelled good. The perfect blend of vanilla and cocoa butter. I led her to the small couch in the next office and motioned for her to sit. She took off her jacket so she could get comfortable. Damn!! The back of her dress took me by surprise, the low cut and how her behind looked in the dress made me confused for a minute.

‘’wow’’ I blurted without realizing. She grinned before taking her seat. I sat close to her and buried her hands in mine.

‘’oh oh, this is not looking good’’ she commented. I noticed she was still wearing the bracelet I got her.

‘’heyyyy, relax. Thank you for your patience, thank you for waiting and giving me time to think. But before I say anything, have you changed your mind about our situation?’’ I asked.

She took a deep breath.

‘’I also did a lot of thinking and honestly, I think I can work with the no church service thing. But the intimacy is still doing my head in. I mean, I do not think it is a big deal Chris. We can move forward and figure it out together’’ she expressed.

‘’this is going to be difficult. I am happy I met you. You make me happy in ways unimaginable. But intimacy is my priority. Life is already complex, let us not further complicate it. At least we both know where we stand and it is easier to let go now than later. We have to go our separate ways’’ I said. I saw tears well up in her eyes.

‘’why does this feel like a break up? I mean we did not officially date but this really hurts’’ she said.

‘’I am sorry Elorm, I really am’’ I said and grabbed the handkerchief from my pocket and gave to her.

‘’wow, you really are a gentleman. Men barely carry handkerchiefs anymore’’ she said and dapped her eyes, trying not to ruin her immaculate well made -up face.

‘’I know, It is a habit my father will not let me stop’’ I said.

‘’I guess it is goodbye or see you later. Friends?’’ she asked hopefully and I took a deep breath.

‘’Elorm, I told you this. We cannot be friends. Just a few moments ago, seeing you in this dress gave me some unfriendly thoughts. Those thoughts lead to actions you do not want in a relationship, to talk of a friendship’’ I said.

‘’so are you saying you have no self-control? I can have self-control for the both of us’’ she said.

‘’We both know that is not healthy Elorm, please stop making this difficult’’ I said.

‘’wow, well.. it is goodbye’’ she said, got up, grabbed her bag.

‘’Relax, I can take you home if you are in no mood to drive’’ I suggested.

She got to the doorway, paused and looked at me with misty eyes. In a hurt and gentle voice, ‘’Fuck you Chris’’ she said and walked away. I guessed I deserved that. I noticed after a while that she had left her blazer in the couch. I will return it when she has cooled off.

Moments later, Carmen and Izzy appeared in my office.

‘’we were going home and noticed the lights were still on in your office. Why are you still here?’’ Izzy asked.

‘’Work and…’’ I said

‘’Ouuuu! Cake! Great! desserts. Perfect after such a long day!’’ Carmen exclaimed with joy as she opened the pastry box.

‘’these look good! I love the packaging of the cake samples’’ Izzy also peered into the box.

‘’Sunshine was here! OMG! Today is Wednesday!’’ Carmen exclaimed and I pursed my lips.

‘’well, looking at that reaction. You ended things… right?’’ Izzy asked in a disappointed tone.

‘’yeah, it was more difficult than I imagined’’ I said.

‘’Awww and she brought such a nice package to see you. Awwww so thoughtful and you just shattered her. How did she take it?’’ Carmen asked.

‘’well, she gave me the ‘F’ word so not so well’’ I answered.

‘’sounds like my type of woman’’ Izzy exclaimed and I rolled my eyes.

‘’these will make a nice dessert, let us dig in’’ Carmen said.

‘’I can see some cream-cheese poundcake, isn’t that your favourite?’’ Izzy asked.

He then went to the kitchen and brought cutlery for us to dig in. Carmen dashed to her office to add drinks she hid. The cream-cheese cake was the best I have ever had, my eyes rolled back in pleasure as soon as it landed on my tongue.

‘’you are going to regret this’’ Carmen said as she watched me enjoy the cake.

‘’What is done is done, Carmen’’ I ended our conversation before taking another bite

ELORM

I sat in my car, I was about to call Nuerkie and I remembered I was mad at her. I ignored the messages she sent me. Who have I wronged to be going through all this? I got home safely despite being sad and angry at myself. Angry that I fell for this man too fast. I need a vacation, I need time off. The sad part is I can not even afford it, the pastry business was still growing and I kept reinvesting every penny including my salary. The backyard shed was looking good, and I was creating a small indoor station for decorating cakes. Business has kept me so busy that church is the last thing on my mind.

Just as I showered and got into bed, I saw Pastor Jochebed calling. I am not in the mood to talk, I ignored it and slept. The next morning, the first person at my bed was Worla.

‘’from your eyes, I am guessing it did not go well with Chris’’ she said and I narrated what transpired.

‘’yep! Why am I hurt? We were not even official or exclusive boyfriend and girlfriend’’ I asked.

‘’because you are mourning your future with him. The guy had a way of making you feel special, like his world revolved around you. His reason for not going further feels stupid, people have pursued relationships in worse situations. But I guess everybody and their ultimatums. Anyway, you will be fine. Forget that one’’ Worla said.

‘’what would you have done?’’ I asked Worla.

‘’you know my answer, I probably would have dated him. He is just my type, rich and handsome. If I could date a muslim, this one is small. But we are not the same people, you know what you want’’ Worla encouraged.

‘’I am not so sure about that anymore. Am I making the wrong decision?’’ I asked.

‘’from what you told me, he made the decision not you. Elorm, never have sex because you have to. Do it cause you want to’’ Worla said.

‘’I mean I want to but not now. The last and only man I was with, I got too intimate and did not think straight for like 5 years. It is natural that I am sexually attracted to Chris but I do not always have to give in.’’ I said.

‘’that is valid. Just relax my dear. He is not worth it’’  she encouraged.

‘’what about you? You haven’t mentioned seeing anyone.’’ I asked.

‘’I am trying to be boo-less² for a year and see. I have always had a man on my arm. This time, it is all about Worla’’ she said.

‘’that is fine. I should probably join you’’ I added.

‘’don’t, you had a boo-less stage for two years. We both can not be single at once. Do you want to kill Mama? One of us has to be in a relationship so she will not lose hope with her ayeforo maame³ dreams’’ Worla exclaimed and we both laughed.

Two weeks later

These past two weeks had been the most stressful in my life. I had a lot of orders and the car needed repairs. I was not only financially drained but physically as well. Spiritually, I was frustrated, it felt like God was far away. Emotionally I was unstable, I hated my life. I was still not talking to Nuerkie and Chris sending messages to check up on me stung. I ignored all of them. I was looking forward to escorting Gwen to moderate a management retreat out of town.

The retreat was happening in Aburi, the drive even made me more exasperated. Because it reminded me of my last time in the area. Chris’ house, I played our conversations over and over again. I remembered the turn to his home. The hotel was just a fifteen minute drive away from his. It was a 5 star hotel and we had to stay from Wednesday to Friday. Gwen paid for Friday night as a treat, I had a feeling it was a bribe. I probably will not be getting promoted or she was feeling bad about Chris. Whatever the situation, I was looking forward to sleeping in on Saturday morning since I had no orders that day and free breakfast buffet !! Yayy!.

On Friday night after a successful moderation, I sat at the rooftop bar of the hotel. It overlooked the city and its lights. It was a quiet night, with few customers around. I faced the view and sipped my third cocktail. I need to get a bit tipsy and sleep deep into those cotton sheets. Just then a deep voice I was so familiar with called my name, ‘’El’’. I turned and it was Nana, this warlock always appears when I am in my most vulnerable state. He was alone, he looked handsome as always.

‘’Nana, what brings you here?’’ I asked.

‘’just a drive to clear my head’’ he said. I looked at him suspiciously.

‘’are you sure?’’ I asked.

‘’not really, I saw your snap earlier. You should stop posting your live locations my dear. You have been ignoring me.’’ he accused.

‘’since you have caught me off guard, what is it?’’ I asked.

‘don’t worry, right now. You don’t look good. Just talk to me, remember I am your friend’’ he said and sat beside me.

When he mentioned the word friend, I just broke down into tears. I missed Nuerkie and I was not ready to talk about Chris with an ex.

‘’Heyyy, relax, you do not have to talk’’ he said and hugged me. He held me in his arms. It felt good to be hugged in that moment. I buried my face into his chest as he stroked my arms comforting me.

‘’I am here, always here for you El’’ he whispered quietly and planted a kiss on my forehead.

It will be nice not to spend the night alone, but inviting Nana into my hotel room was not a good idea. This celibacy walk has not been easy, I really need to get some before I lose my mind.

I realized he was holding me closer and placed his other hand on my thigh. He lifted my face to his , inching for a kiss. I gave in, but it felt empty. All I could think about was Chris, I stopped before it got far.

‘’I am sorry El, I shouldn’t take advantage of you in this state. You are tipsy. Let me take you to your room. Let us talk there’’ he said.

I looked down and noticed a bulge in his pants. Of course, Nana’s playbook is familiar.

‘’it is alright. let me use the washroom before we go’’ I said before planting a kiss on his cheek.

After I peeing, I was less tipsy. As I was washing my hands, the other stall opened and it was Auntie Mercy, Uncle Rodney’s wife. We exchanged pleasantries, she was here on a brand sponsored trip.

‘’I am here to work, I would have loved to hang more. I thought I saw Nana earlier’’ she said.

‘’yeah, he stalked me here’’ I said rolling my eyes.

‘’okay, are you spinning the block? ‘’ she asked

‘’No?’’ I said, unsure of my answer.

‘’Elorm, I try to stay out of your business. Concerning Nana, I will not keep my mouth shut. I think you deserve better, in fact, you can do better. You are an amazing person and deserve someone who treats you well’’ she said and left me.

I went back to the bar.

‘’shall we?’’ Nana asked.

‘’Nah, it is alright. Thank you for the time but I got it from here. Let me walk you to your car, unless you are not leaving right away’’ I said.

He look confused for a moment and noticed I was serious. He just shook his head and led the way.

‘’ why don’t you give us one last chance?’’ he asked.

‘’that kiss confirmed what I already know. I am really over us Nana, we can only be friends’’ I said.

”Come on El, at least some break up sex will not be bad. I know the beds in this hotel are perfect” he joked.

”I thought you just wanted to talk” I said.

“let me just come in. This time, I promise, no sex, we will just cuddle. Under the duvet, cozy, I will give you a massage. You need some TLC with the way you look right now” he tempted.

”Old tricks Nana. You think I have forgotten? Thanks for allowing me to cry in your chest. But it really is goodbye.” I said and hugged him for the last time

‘’well, at least I tried’’ he said.

We said our goodbyes and he drove off.

I went to the room, it is time to say goodbye to Chris as well. I noticed he had sent a message.

‘’My driver while packing some items from my office on Friday brought your blazer to Aburi. Gwen mentioned you are in the Vision Hotel, I can drop it tonight if you are available or you can pick it up on your way back to Accra. Let me know what works. I am here till Monday’’.

I ignored the message, I will pick it up in the morning on my drive back to Accra and leave us behind.

Saturday morning

After a restful sleep, thanks to the cocktails. I enjoyed my breakfast. I took a shower and wore one of my sun dresses. I looked good as usual, I packed my things into the company car I was driving. I had to stop at Chris’, it is afternoon and time to check out. The weather was cloudy, I mean that has been the weather for some time with barely any rain. Picking up my blazer will take less than five minutes. I will be quick and leave Aburi in case the weather changes. I can not afford a single night in this hotel.

When I got to the gate, the security opened it for me to park inside. This is a waste of time, I am just picking up something. I tried to explain but he was busy on a call, he did not look at me. I parked right close to the security gate and decided to hike up to the main house. A little exercise to burn all those lovely bread-rolls I had earlier.

As I walked to the front door, I had a mixture of emotions. I had not seen him since the last time at his office. He opened the door looking nice and smelling good. I really do know how to pick them. He leaned against the door.

‘’good morning Mr. Riverson’’ I greeted with a straight face.

‘’wow, Mr. Riverson. Come in’’ he said and walked away before I could utter any word.

I stepped in reluctantly.

‘’let’s go to the kitchen, I made lunch’’ he said.

‘’you made lunch?’’ I asked surprised and followed him.

‘’yes, jollof and grilled pork. Some guys will be coming in the evening to watch some matches. Here have a taste’’ he said, trying to feed me.

‘’no thanks, I am still full from breakfast. May I have my blazer?’’ I asked, though I was dying to taste his meat…I mean his pork.

‘’sure, let me go get it’’ he said and run upstairs to his room and brought it back.

‘’I am sorry for saying fuck you. It was not one of my best moments’’ I said as I collected the blazer.

‘’it is alright, I deserve it. friends?’’ he said and extended his arms.

‘’so now we are friends?’’ I asked.

‘’yes, that was also immature of me. We can enjoy each other’s company as friends” he said and we hugged. It lingered for a while before I let go.

‘’time to leave’’ I said and walked towards the front door. At the hall I noticed the wind was violently shaking the trees through the big windows. I opened the front door, and it was extremely windy outside. There was a thunderstorm brewing. Chris run and shut the door quickly.

‘’well, I am not letting you drive in that. Just sit down and wait it out. It is not rainy season yet. This should last forty minutes’’ he said.

Well, I shrugged and let my guard down. It is better to be safe inside than fighting for my life on the drive home. I am sure this will all be over in an hour.

CHRIS

Hours passed and the rain did not cease, there were reports of flooding all over town especially on the major routes to Elorm’s house. Even my boys cancelled coming over for the match. Elorm looked restless, as she kept pacing at the window.

‘’are you praying to the rain god?’’ I asked and she managed to giggle.

‘’no, but I have to get home’’ she answered.

‘’orders? or is Auntie Dee expecting you?’’ I asked.

‘’none of those. I just want to go home. My mum thinks I am at the hotel, she told me to spend the night there to be safe. She made Worla send money for the night so I have to go back. Just waiting for the rain to subside’’ she said grabbing her car keys.

‘’why? Keep that money, there is a spare room here. Trust me, I will not harm you’’ I assured. She eased a bit.

‘’alright then, let me go get some stuff from my car’’ she said.

‘’no need, I don’t want you slipping on your way to the car. I should have everything you need. Remember I like to host here. Moreover, you car is parked way down the drive, it is raining heavily outside’’ I suggested.

We had dinner together, laughing and chatting. It was nice having some company on this rainy night. I gave her one of my oversized hoodies and showed her the spare room that was next to mine. It had a lock and all so she will feel safe.

We watched some movies after dinner. We maintained a healthy distance while having discussions. The last time we both sat in this couch, there were bittersweet memories. I kept getting flashbacks from the last time we made out, how soft her lips were. I distracted myself from the thoughts and focused on the movies.

After watching movies, we decided to call it a night. It was 12 a.m, and the intensity of the rain reduced. It was too late and dangerous for her to drive. I noticed the road was dark, the street lights were not working. Definitely some of the roads will still be flooded. She was more relaxed at this point and also looked tired.

We both retired to our rooms, I could not sleep. I kept tossing and turning, thinking about her. Was canceling any idea of a relationship a good idea or is it because I am just horny? I promised not to act funny. Spending time with her today definitely resurrected my feelings. Just then, a knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. That will definitely be Elorm, there was no other person in the house

‘’come in’’ I called and she walked in wearing the hoodie. It was short, displaying those lovely thighs.

‘’are your legs chilly? Let me get you some joggers’’ I said as I sat up.

‘don’t worry, I am okay, they might not even fit’’ she said and we both laughed.

”Right, I nearly forgot about those hips” I joked to ease the tension building up.

”Yep! ” she answered

‘’can’t sleep? Should I sing you a lullaby?’’ I joked again and sat on the bed.

‘’ I don’t think a lullaby will help’’ she answered softly.

She had this look of longing in her eyes as she walked closer to the bed. I took a deep breath, I knew what was about to happen. She then climbed onto the bed, settling across my lap. She wrapped her beautiful legs round my waist, her warmth pressing close.

‘’Elorm, lets not…’’ I started but she silenced me mid-sentence with a kiss. I miss her.

‘’Just let me have this… but if you want me to stop. I will’’ she whispered gently into my ear. I just nodded and pulled her closer.

”I miss you so much” I murmured and she nodded in agreement.

I was glad I always kept protection in my drawer. I turned my lights low and we shared our desires without words. It was everything I imagined and more. We connected so well, it felt I had known her in another world. It was like a new person had emerged, I had never seen that passionate side of her. I was pleasantly surprised but happy. All my doubts about sexual intimacy were already answered in the first round. The rest was just filled with bliss and pleasure.

I woke up the next morning to an empty bed. She probably went back to the guest room. I moved drowsily with my steps heavy from fatigue. I opened the door of her room , the hoodie was folded neatly on the well-laid bed. The room was as clean as she met it. I smiled at a random flashback I had from last night. I called out her name as I walked into the kitchen, no response.

The aroma of pancakes fully woke me up , I entered the kitchen with glee but there was no one. On the island, there was a plate of pancakes under a food cover. I noticed a note sticking out from under the plate. I opened it and it read.

‘’Last night scratched an itch. Nothing more. Goodbye Forever. Love, Elorm’’

I dropped the plate back, I ran outside and noticed her car was gone. The security man told me she left about thirty minutes ago. I ran back upstairs, I took my phone and dialled her number. Damn!!! She had blocked me, I went through social media and she had blocked me on all the platforms as well.

I sank into my bed, out of breath from all the running and that cut-throat note. Should I drive and chase her? no, she clearly does not want to be contacted.

I sat there, hurt, confused and filled with regret. Did she just use me? an itch? I thought we agreed to be friends. Why?

I kept replaying the night before and rereading the note. Is this how it feels when women say they were used for sex?

‘’Last night scratched an itch’’ I kept repeating that statement to myself throughout the day.

Author’s Note.
Sorry for the long read today, but I hope you enjoyed it as usual.

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LEXICON

1. brown – old millennial Ghanaian pidgin for disappoint.
2. boo-less – means without a ”boo” or partner.
3. ayeforo maame- means mother of the bride.