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It's been over a decade since I saw Michael, my last boyfriend before he travelled to another state in search of a job. We were two lovebirds and almost everyone knew about it.
It was after my university education that I happened to meet Michael. He was just a private school teacher and I was there in his school in search of a job when we fell in love with each other.
After a year, I left him in town for national service. Our bonds were still strong and we communicated frequently. I can't tell how it happened, but soon after, I began to develop feelings for Childi, a colleague in my new workplace. As a result of this, my love for Michael began to dwindle. It happened so fast that I couldn't hide my feelings each time Michael visited.
He suspected that things were not going on smoothly as they used to. He asked me some time ago.
“Are you cheating on me?” I didn't reply. He asked again. “Do you have another man besides me”?
As a result of his persistent interrogation and show of an inferiority complex, I picked up an offence and told him to stop visiting me if he couldn't trust me any longer.
Of course, I was cheating on him, but I didn't like him again. I wanted him to leave peacefully so I could concentrate on my newfound lover.
Sometimes, when he calls, I will feel offended and slam the phone down. He noticed my change in behaviour towards him, but he wasn't bold enough to put an end to the relationship.
After a long period, he was fed up with me and we decided to move on with our lives.
*****
It was a cold morning. The weather was so unfriendly, the holiday harmattan was frightening, the fog was everywhere, as usual, the morning park became like a marketplace as everyone was busy buying tickets to travel for the holiday. Taxi drivers were outside the gate waiting for passengers. People were walking in and out of the station.
I had already got my ticket and was waiting for the next turn. While in the waiting room, I felt a tap on my back
“Hello, fine girl”, the voice said. I turned immediately, a dark skinned, fully bearded and average-height young man in his late 30s smiled at me.
“Michael” I exclaimed at the top of my voice.”This is unbelievable.” Almost everyone at the terminal was attracted to the sound of my voice. I immediately jumped on him and he warmly embraced me.
Once again, I could feel the warmth of his embrace; it was so satisfying that I wouldn't want to leave him. I could feel the comfort and rest in my heart.
My relationship with Childi hit a rough patch, and it was too late when I realised that he was using me to achieve his selfish interests.
I wasn't feeling too good about leaving Chidi but we had an agreement that we'll be seeing each other. My love for him grew so wild that nothing could tame it. It was very difficult for me to stop thinking about him.
I became severely sick when things turned against me. My love was seen as desperation. My Chidi had a serious relationship with a girl from his home town and the relationship was sanctioned by his family members. They were about to get married secretly when everything unfolded.
I was in pain but I had to pick up my broken self and move on. Since then, I've not been in a relationship.
“How have you been”? Michael's sonorous voice brought back memories. I wish we could continue from where we stopped but it was already too late.
“I am fine,” I said, still holding onto him. My desire was cut short when a woman came around and Michael introduced her as his wife. I was jealous. The woman was beautiful. I recount the unfortunate decisions I've made in my life, leaving Michael became the chief.
Soon after, they bade me farewell, and I stood there lost in thought till it was our turn to board the vehicle. I looked at my hand, and I had a piece of paper there. What's this? I opened it, and it was my phone number I had wanted to give Michael.