by Boadi, Lilly
As he stretched up to get on his feet, she caught the back of his neck immediately, pulled his face towards her, and started kissing him. Her kisses were wild and brutal, and Mellis couldn’t help responding same.
“Make love to me” she whispered into his ears. He paused and stared into her eyes. It was obvious she didn’t know what she was saying.
“No Haida, no” he whispered.
He didn’t want her to think he took advantage of her, after she was sober and everything. became clear to her
“No Osborn, my love, don’t leave me like this” she said pathetically, kissing him all over.
Mellis tried getting her hands off him, but she ceased him aggressively, feeling so passionate.
‘God! What did Osborn do to her? Did he give her some kind of aphrodisiac or what?’ Mellis wondered.
He wanted to be a real man, but her persistence and passion weakened him the more, with her nudity playing a vital part. He knew he was trying but even God knew he was a man, complete with emotions, and would understand him.
FIVE
“Honey, wake up! Today is your day! C’mon, you should be up by now!”
Meg jumped out of bed immediately and gave her mom a quirky look “What time is it?” she asked sharply
“Already seven thirty” said her mom
“What!?”
Meg had barely two hours more to prepare and get to the church. Thank God the decoration company wasn’t too far from her house. She reached to the louvers and opened them fully. A Sunday morning atmosphere filled the entire neighborhood; the sound of gospel music blazed in the waves and some few children smartly dressed in their church attire moved round the place happily, probably awaiting their parents to finish up their preparations and whisk them away to church. Children loved attending weddings, and you could bet they would be prepared and ready far earlier than their guardians. Even the bride herself had just woken up, but the children were completely ready for the ceremony. It was the sight of some few elderly in their gorgeous wedding outfits that filled Meg with the reality of her wedding ceremony; she was actually getting married today!
She wondered what Osborn was doing at the moment. Though she expected at least a love message from him this morn, she wasn’t surprised he hadn’t even called her. She dialed his number and his phone was switched off or out of coverage area; well, at least that was the response she got. Few minutes later, she dialed Osborn’s number again and had the same response. ‘Where could he be and what is he doing at the moment?’ she wondered. Suddenly, she became anxious; she knew it was possible for Osborn to stand her up at their wedding, but she found confidence in the eminent presence of his family, especially his dad, which could do more as to avoid him standing her up. She knew it was for a purpose that Osborn decided they had both the traditional and church wedding ceremony on the same day. At first, she had thought it was best, for she could have all she wanted from Osborn - both traditional and church wedding - in a day, but now, she felt it was worse, for if he didn’t show up today, that would be it - she could never have the least evidence to boast herself in and confidently acclaim the fact that she was his wife. Had the traditional wedding come off yesterday, she could possibly care less if he didn’t show up at the wedding, and even bolted away with Haida. Should that happen, she’d still be his wife traditionally, and Haida would have to pay, for that could even incur the anger of the vicar - to know that her daughter even flirted with a married man? Whatever could happen, she thought she should go ahead and prepare and be positive; Osborn and his family could be here any moment from now to perform the traditional wedding, and it would be a minus for her should they come and find her unprepared.
After twenty minutes, she rushed to Melody Catering and Services, five minutes’ drive away from home. Everything was already set, and the competent staff at the center rushed through her dressing for the traditional wedding. Couple of minutes later, her younger sister, who had accompanied her, came with the news that there was a visitor outside for her. Before she could wonder who, Kelly showed her face which was beaming with smiles
“Hi wedding girl” she said and hugged Meg cheerfully on her seat.
Kelly saw how happy Meg was, but her eyes couldn’t hide the nervousness she was feeling inside, and Kelly saw that too. Immediately her sister and the staff were out of the room, Kelly sat by her and hissed
“Hey, why do you look so nervous?”
“Kelly, I’m scared! I’ve not heard from Osborn this morning” said Meg with real fright on her face
“Call him” “I have, several times, but his phone is switched off”
“Try again” said Kelly, and Meg dialed Osborn’s number reluctantly
“Nothing new” said Meg and sighed deeply “I just wonder where he is. I get the feeling he may not show up” she said apprehensively
“Stand you up? I don’t think so. His family’s gonna be there, and he cannot disappoint them” said Kelly, “When is the traditional wedding setting off?” she asked sharply
“Nine o’clock”
“Why don’t you call home and find out if he’s already there with his family”
“That’s right” Meg dialed home and both ladies waited expectantly “Mother, has Osborn and his family arrived?”
“No not yet, and I wonder why they’ve not even called yet. But you should hurry up, they could be here any moment” said Mrs. Dapaah
“They are not there Kelly” said Meg nervously.
“Relax. I’m sure Osborn and his family will definitely show up” said Kelly
“Hey, but you surprise me with your visit here. Anyway I’m happy you came”
“Don’t be silly. Of course I should see my good friend and give her all the best wishes she deserves on her wedding day” said Kelly with all smiles
“You sound like I’ll not see you at the wedding”
“Are you crazy? I can’t let Kiara or worse Haida see me there. What would they think? My plans could be ruined!”
“Ah ha, you’ve not told me why you are playing games with that fatty. What exactly is your plan for her?”
“To see her relationship with Mellis ruined!” said Kelly bitterly
“Don’t tell me you are interested in Mellis. Anyway, he is a hunk! And you can easily win him over with that great body of yours” said Meg teasingly and Kelly giggled
“You talk of getting him? Mellis is the most handsome thing I’ve ever seen and you know, he already belongs to me; he is mine!” said Kelly, getting serious
“There you go girl! So, you’ve been knocking off her boyfriend all these while?” asked Meg, surprised
“No! It’s directly the opposite!” snapped Kelly
“What’s that supposed to mean?” asked Meg, more surprised
“It’s not as you are thinking Meg. Mellis is my boyfriend for close to three years now! He left me in the UK, came down here and hooked to that wench! Do you really think I’d just fold my arms and watch the man I love slip through my fingers?!” she was already upset
“No way! This is news! Huh! Go girl! Get your man back!” said Meg, bewildered
“You know, Mellis is all the man any woman would ever need; he’s a man of class…” said Kelly flauntingly “…just that he doesn’t take alcohol” she said, her face falling. “I’ve tried getting him into that, but he wouldn’t budge”
“Oh come on Kelly! Gone are the days when men of class were associated with the ‘bad’ things” said Meg emphatically. “In our contemporary world of civilization, it’s all about men with dignity and nobility who prefer and are associated with the best of virtues. I’ve come to realize when it comes to women, such men go in for women with beauty inside; what they call, ‘a woman of substance’. Like my Osborn, he’s not after the heavy make-ups, dangling earrings, seductive dressing, and all those sophisticated stuff, else he wouldn’t be chasing after that chubby!”
“It’s your Osborn who doesn’t know who a beautiful woman is, Meg!” snap
ped Kelly
“Does that go for Mellis too, since he’s also chasing after the same girl?” asked Meg and Kelly sighed
“You know, that girl is only a witch who is trying to use her evil powers to win the heart of my Mellis, but she wouldn’t succeed!” said Kelly contemptuously and Meg only sighed. “Back to my point; how would you feel if you attend a classic function and all the classy men are taking the classy drinks, and your man is always saying to the waiter in the presence of everyone, ‘Sorry, I don’t take alcohol’” and Kelly imitated Mellis’ sonorous voice,“…and with that innocent face as he say so, you know? How would they see him? No man at all! And that makes you feel like being with some kind of a bohemian!” said Kelly arrogantly
“Oh please Kelly, that axiom seems not to exist anymore. Taking strong drinks isn’t what makes a man….”
“I know where you’re coming from” Kelly cut into her “you are saying this because you aren’t facing anything similar! Your Osborn takes alcohol, doesn’t he?” she almost snapped
“Yes he does but I wouldn’t hesitate passing that act for something meretricious!” said Meg blatantly.
Kelly gazed at her in bewilderment “What has come over you?” she asked
“Look, you told me never to give up on Osborn. Therefore what matters to me now is getting the man I want hooked beside me always, and I do not care if he drinks or not! What I care about is doing what I should do to have him completely to myself, and now, what matters to me is being a woman of substance and not form!” said Meg gravely and Kelly brayed with laughter
“I think that fatty is having a strong influence on you – even making you think of the funny idea of being a woman of substance” said Kelly stressing on the last three words “I wonder what you mean by that anyway” she hissed and giggled
“Well, for any reasons, I wanna keep my man, and especially off that girl and I’ll do anything to see to that!” said Meg soberly
“You’re still nervous about her even if you’re going to be Osborn’s wife few hours from now, aren’t you? Anyway, I think you should be on your way home now, because I’m sure you are keeping your prospective groom and his family waiting” said Kelly, giving Meg a helping hand on her feet and Meg smiled, finding strength in the confident words of her friend.
“Anyway, how do I look?” asked Meg, turning round before the huge mirror in her expensive colourful lace.
“Very beautiful and sweet” said Kelly “My friend…” she took her hands “…I wish you all the best and congrats!” and she hugged her
“The ceremony has not even started and you are congratulating me already?” said Meg who was a bit edgy
“Be positive girl. At least you have overcome your battle with that chubby and hey girl, that’s an awesome victory!” the two ladies guffawed and made their way out.
It was a quarter to nine when Meg got back home. Outside, she peeped through the window in the hall, hoping to catch a glimpse of Osborn or any of his family members, but there was none, except her mom who was beautifully dressed in her kente cloth and some few members of her extended family gorgeously dressed.
“Mom, aren’t Osborn and his family here yet?” she asked
“No my child” said her mom and Meg’s heart missed a beat and she sighed deeply
“They haven’t called too?”
“No”
“Should I call them?” asked Meg, upset
“No. It’s not done that way. At least we should wait till it is exactly nine or even more. But don’t worry ok? They will be here” Mrs. Dapaah assured her daughter and then looked her over “You really look like a bride; you look beautiful my child” she said with contentment.
Meg knew her mom said this to calm her down, yet, she realized she was as nervous as she was. She walked off to her room and dialed Osborn’s number once more; she couldn’t reach him.
***
The bridal train of ten paraded beautifully on the red carpet. The organ played slowly and they walked rhythmically. The couple stood before the altar and the minister joined them. He uttered some few words which Osborn repeated after him. The little boy raised the pad towards Osborn and he took the ring. He looked intently into Meg’s eyes, and then to his father who was sitting next to his mom on the second bench; he looked weak yet cheerful as he smiled into his son’s eyes. Osborn forced a smile out in response. He gave Meg a hard look which scared her; she smiled hard, and then waited desperately for him to put the ring on her finger. Immediately, he glanced at the entrance and looked again. Haida stood, breathing so heavily like she had been running. Osborn smiled, and then suddenly, he walked towards the entrance. Seeing he was making his way to her direction, Haida walked briskly for a seat. All eyes were on Osborn, and then her. She was feeling uneasy suddenly. She stood to depart from the hall, but Osborn walked hurriedly and caught her arm. Pulling her towards him, he knelt on one knee and then holding her hand, he slipped the ring on her middle finger.
“Marry me Haida, please” he said, looking into her eyes.
Everyone gasped in bewilderment. Haida felt so embarrassed, guilty and afraid. Confused, she pulled her hand away from his, pulled the ring off her finger, and then hurled it on him
“I can’t!” she screamed.
Then she saw Meg walking towards them with so much fury and evil eye. Haida was so afraid. She turned and ran out of the hall, but Meg ran after her and caught up with her outside the hall. Meg gave her a severe beating. Then Haida saw blood all over her and Meg’s white gown coloured red with blood. The latter pushed her violently and she fell into a very deep pit; it was dark and hot inside. She rolled over and over, shouting endlessly and never seeming to land. Then down the pit, she saw goblins surrounding a blazing fire. They were giggling mischievously with their hands up, ready to catch her. She was going to fall into the fire. They would roast and eat her up. She shouted the more out of fear. Just a mile away from the fire, she felt a force pulling her up.
Suddenly, Haida’s eyes opened and she inhaled deeply with fright. She looked around suddenly. She was in a beautiful room, not hers, with a man lying beside her, fast asleep. She wanted to believe it was really a dream, but the scene was so clear on her mind; it just happened – she was about to fall into the blazing fire and the goblins were waiting to catch her but she had escaped miraculously. Breathing heavily, she closed her eyes and opened them once again, seeing the same room and Mellis lying beside her. It was only then that she became convinced it was all a dream. Oh, but why such a nightmare? She kept glancing through the room, wondering how she got there and what Mellis was doing lying beside her. She felt a sharp pain in her head and felt nauseous.
It was when she bolted into the washroom to vomit that Haida realized she was completely naked. Fright passed over her. If it wasn’t Mellis she saw lying on the bed, she would have thought immediately that she had been raped. But how, why and what was she doing in that room, completely naked with Mellis half-naked lying together? Something must have gone wrong. She wrapped the cloth around her and reached for Mellis’ phone; it was 9.05am. She couldn’t believe it was morning. She rushed to the window and pulled the curtains carefully so not to wake Mellis up. The bright morning sky shot into her face and the beautiful sea lay before her, and then she gasped in fear. It was really morning and she didn’t sleep at home. Obviously, she spent the night with Mellis at the hotel. But how? She started to think deeply and recollect. Then the scenes of the previous day came running through her mind. She remembered clearly she was having a wonderful time with Osborn – the kisses, fondles and the fact that they were both completely naked – but she couldn’t remember what happened afterward. She was sure she didn’t walk in her sleep into that room; she couldn’t be a somnambulist. The thoughts were getting her crazy by this time. There must be an explanation to this, and only Osborn or Mellis could give that.
Suddenly, she remembered it was a Sunday, Osborn’s wedding day. She was sure by then he was at the church, already exchangi
ng vows with Meg; it must have been happening the time she was dreaming. If so, then she shouldn’t show her face at the church. Besides, she thought it was already too late to be there; she didn’t know how she was going to get home and explain herself, then to get dressed and attend the ceremony. There was so much she wished to know. She wanted to wake Mellis up and let him explain to her how he got her sleeping beside him completely naked, but she was scared to hear what she feared – that she had lost her virginity to him, even worse, to Osborn, for she wasn’t sure if Osborn and her made love. Knowing how much Mellis would love to have her, and the fact of her nudity lying bare before her, she had a strong feeling she had lost her virginity. She looked for the slightest signs to believe this – she felt her abdomen with her hand, there was nothing to show, only a slight pain; she checked the bed and felt her womanhood with a tissue to see a trace of blood, but there was none.
