Chapter 20 FALLING

EVE

It's been one week since I left Batman's place and ever since, communication between him and I have been somewhat constant, with him always initiating it.

I've been swarmed with trainings so anytime he brings up us hanging out for drinks or me going over to his place, I always decline, mainly because I don't want to be put in a position where my treacherous body would give into him, especially as I don't know where we stand.

So since I can't go to him, he comes over to see me straight from work and we'd spend some time inside his car. At such times, Batman would stay quiet, staring straight ahead - which to me is extremely strange.

Why drive all the way to my place only to stare out the window?

Wierd... and rude!

I'd clear my throat and try to initiate conversation but he'll just grunt, shoot me a smile and caress my hand.

Sparks would shoot up my arm at the sudden contact and then he'd immediately announce he's going home. He'd kiss me chastely on the cheek and start his car and I'll have no option but to get down and then he'd drive off, leaving me coughing from the gravel and smoke left in his wake.

Shoot!

Then when he gets home, the texts would start flooding in. And I really wonder what the issue is - why he can't just tell me these things face to face and also why he has to hide behind a phone to do it.

Talk about temperamental - he certainly takes the crown.

*

I look at the text message for like the tenth time, a foolish giggle escaping my lips.

Anyone looking at me would think I was looking at a funny meme, but no... Batman and I have been sexting, or something along those lines.

Batman: Princess... what are you wearing today?

So maybe I'd lied earlier, because the sexting was totally one - sided. He was the one doing it all alone.

That was the first in a row of many. I hadn't replied any so far, because I've been busy lecturing.

Another text spills into my phone that makes my face light up in a goofy smile.

Batman: Well... Since you're not replying me, I'll tell you what I'm wearing - my boxers. I'm about going to take a shower and I wish you were here.. I'd love for us to get up - close, wet and personal.

Heat suffuses every entire part of me as I stare at the text.

I think I'm falling for Batman.

Wrong - Not falling.

It's more along the lines of fallen.

Translation: I'm in love with him.

When the feeling crept up on me I don't know, but it's in my face and I just can't hide from the truth any more.

A sigh escapes my lips as I stare at my phone, probably for the umpteenth time.

"Excuse me, miss..."

I look up, startled to see the man staring at me, a funny look on his face.

"Um... yes Mr..."

"... Mark. I've been trying to catch your attention for the better part of one minute now, but your phone seems to be getting all of it instead."

I shake my head, ridding it of the daze that has clearly beclouded it and turn round to see the whole class staring at me curiously. So I clear my throat nervously and pocket my phone.

"I'm so sorry, what was the question again?"

He sighs and inches closer to me. "How does the current economic state of a country affect the management of a project?"

And just like that, Batman's forgotten for the mean time as I lunch into an extensive explanation.

*

"Baaaaaabe, I missed you." Ebere enthuses as she burps noisily.

We're in my room lying down on my bed, having just finished demolishing a bowl of spaghetti and sauce. It reminds me of the time Batman made it when he first came to my place.

"I missed you too." I yawn noisily. I'm super full and about drifting off but as usual, Ebere with her boundless energy interrupts my shut eye.

"Guess who's coming to town?"

She jumps up on her knees on the bed, jolting me in the process.

"I know you're going to tell me anyway, so why bother guessing. Plus you put way too much garlic in the spaghetti, it's making me burp unceremoniously." I burp loudly for added effect.

She giggles foolishly and I eye her out of the corner of my eyes.

"But you know you liked it. Now come on guess, please!" She puts her hands together in a praying pose and looks at me, a puppy dog look on her face.

"Let's see," I begin, a hand on my chin. "The Pope?"

"Nice try, babe, nope. Wizkid is coming to town." She smiles from ear to ear.

"Okay." I shrug disinterestingly.

She eyes me like I'm some rare specie of an animal.

"Babe, Wizkid has a concert in Lagos this night and that means we're all going." She finishes with a flourish.

"And by we, you mean who exactly?"

"You, me & Dipo."

I arch one brow at her. "Seriously? I'm going nowhere."

"Really? Not even if Segun's going to be there?" She's got a wierd look on her face and I know once again she's hiding something from me.

"What are you talking about? Ebere you know I don't like it when you keep things from me. What exactly is going on now?"

"Nothing much, except Dipo is coming to pick us in the next..." She looks at the clock on the wall. "... two hours."

"In that case, you can go alone with him," I finish. On second thoughts, I decide to rant about Batman. "Can you believe Batman says nothing when we're together, all he does is stare out the window and that creeps me out, like why come see me if you're just going to keep mum, you know?"

Ebere stands up and begins checking my wardrobe. I know she's looking for something for me to wear to this Wizkid concert. What she doesn't know, is that I've silently agreed to go, 'cause I want to see Batman again. I'm going to give him the cold shoulder though. And I need to look hot while doing so.

"You probably got him tongue tied. He's trying to sort out his feelings." Her voice is muffled as she pokes her head into my wardrobe. She turns round triumphantly, holding up a cream coloured half top I've never seen before. "Aha... This is it. Just wear this top which will show off your caramel skin to perfection. Pair it with your light blue jeans - with those hips of yours, it's an awesome combo."

She smiles at me but I return it with a deep frown and stay silent, knowing she's won.

Some hours later, we're speeding to Eko Atlantic with me at the back of Dipo's car and Ebere holding tightly to him like a life line as they both whisper and giggle about something I haven't the foggiest about. I feel like the third wheel here and I can now see what Ebere meant about the two of them - they have mad chemistry.

Dipo wastes no time in showing how much he cares for Ebere, intermittently taking his eyes off the road and gifting her with a peck on her forehead and a dazzling smile, all the while asking if she's okay.

I just might puke from all the love diarrhea exposure, uh! I roll my eyes for added effect.

Yes... I'm jealous!

Okay... maybe I am a little jealous.

Who am I kidding... I'm a hundred percent jealous.

Not long after, we get to the venue and come down while Dipo looks for a place to park - it's quite crowded with lots of cars and people loitering around in groups.

Ebere tells me Dipo bought first class tickets for us, which means we have a table of ten and we get to stay in front where the main action is. We decide to walk ahead instead of waiting for him. Lots of jostling takes place as people stand in line waiting to be stamped in order to be allowed entrance inside.

I can already hear loud music filtering outside, even though the concert hasn't started yet.

Soon it gets to our turn and Dipo joins us, snaking his hand possessively around Ebere's waist and drawing her close to him.

Remind me again why I came here with them?

Once inside, we make our way to our table up front. There are already two people seated - Dipo's acquaintances. He exchanges greetings with them as we get comfortable on our seats.

I don't fail to notice the other empty seats of which I'm sure one belongs to Batman.

We get comfortable as Dipo orders some alcoholic drinks while we make small talk. I don't dare touch any, mainly because I become loose - tongued whenever I take alcohol.

Ebere leans over to me. "Hey, that's Batman and he's coming with a girl... the heck?!"

I tense up, not wanting to look at him, but then he slides into one of the vacant seats opposite me, so I try my best to avoid looking at him. The girl he comes with chatters non - stop, her voice ringing out clearly. When I decide to look up, my eyes clash with Batman's and his eyes bore into mine. I look away first, but not before I notice the girl's hands on his chest.

Just great!

He's coupled up, leaving my heart in pieces on the floor.

Mindlessly, I grab the nearest bottle and chug some liquid into the empty glass in front of me. I say fuck it as I lift it to my lips and wince as it courses down my throat.

Ah! Tequila.

It's going to be a really long night!

- @ -

SEGUN

This harpie keeps clinging to my arm like a life line.

Wish I hadn't seen her at the entrance. I could have been sitting with Eve by now, giving her the much needed love I've been holding back from her.

I know I haven't been fair to her. I see the hurt on her face when I'm about driving away after a visit with her and it hurts me, but...

... I'm confused, I know. When I'm with her, all I want to do is touch her, and that would certainly freak her out - I'm sure.

Everyday I want to pick up the phone and tell her she's everything I need and more...

... but I can't, because everytime I try, I remember the past in vivid details and I decide against it.

So I keep mum and stay quiet, keeping my thoughts inside and my hands to myself, but when we're not together, I miss her so damn much. It's quite strange that I feel so much peace when we're together, like I've come home.

Right now, I can't take my eyes off her. She's gorgeous, as usual. There's an edge to her dressing tonight. Her shoulders are bare, showing off her skin to perfection. She's glowing and I wonder who she got her beautiful genes from - if she looks like her mom or dad. I'm not able to tear my eyes away from her as Rita tries to catch my attention with her claws on my chest.

I've never wanted anyone the way I want Eve, not even with...

"Hey... did you hear what I just said?"

I sigh and lift an eye brow at Rita "What?" I don't even bother disguising the disgust in my voice.

"Don't be rude, Segun, I just want your company. If you want me to go, I'll find my way."

I sigh and say nothing. Of course she stays put, probably sulking.

I turn my attention back to Eve and watch as Dipo gets cuddly with Eve's friend. What's her name again? I really don't care, frankly.

What I do care about, is that they're totally leaving Eve to her own devices - ignoring her.

Shit!

I need to remedy this.

I walk over to them, nod curtly at Eve's friend and pull Dipo up by the hand. He protests loudly - the fucker!

I lead him to a corner where he rounds up on me. "What the fuck, man?"

"Don't what the fuck man, me. Why are you two making Eve feel lonely? Will you please get your head out from under her friend's boobs and carry Eve along."

"The nerve you've got, dragging me out of there. If you're so damn worried about her, why not do something about it, like maybe talk to her instead of shacking it up with the other chick. First it was Chioma, now Rita?" He asks me angrily.

At this time, Wizkid has started his performance and we get jostled around by people vigorously shouting and chanting his songs.

"You think I'm hooching around with Rita? I just saw her at the entrance, that's all. She's all alone that's why I felt sorry for her and decided to let her sit with us." Okay I sound really stupid right now.

"Seriously, dude?! Stop acting like a pussy and go get Eve. Make her your woman if you want her so damn much." He looks at me incredulously, shaking his head.

"You don't know how much I want her, even after having sex with her, it's still not enough. I want all of her." I don't realise I've spoken out loud until I hear his reply.

"I knew it! You slept with her and now you're pussy whipped. But you and I know she's more than a booty call to you, yet you can't even see past your own nose." He pauses and then narrows his eyes at me. "You just lost the bet . . . a second time, you know that?" He grins at me and I avoid his eyes, instead I gaze at Wizkid as he hops around on the stage, belting out his fever song. "Listen Segun, it's time to let go of whatever you're holding unto in your mind, it's time to feel for someone again. Just go to her and tell her how you feel - it's that simple." He claps me on the back and walks off and I just stand staring after him.

I've got to summon up the courage to talk to Eve, tell her how I feel. I know she feels something for me too, I just hope I haven't messed it all up yet. Who the fuck have I been kidding?

I want her for keeps!

The word girlfriend doesn't sound so bad if you think of it. We could take things slow - test the waters and see how it goes. Easy does it, yeah?

So with a bounce in my steps, I walk back to our table, ready to tell her how we can work something out . . .

. . . and then I stop short at the sight before me.

Some nigger is chatting her up, whispering goodness knows what in her ears. His left arm is around her shoulder and she's giggling uncontrollably.

Dipo lifts his head up, jerks his head towards Eve, signalling me to walk up to her, but I shake my head and stop some paces away from them, anger coursing through me.

In order to keep myself in check, I decide instead to walk back to my seat, contrary to what I'd planned on doing some seconds ago.

I plop into I with a heavy heart, only to notice Rita is nowhere to be seen. I can't even focus on anything else but Eve right now. There are drinks in front of me, so mindlessly I throw some of it down my throat.

I look up just in time to see Eve and the guy getting up from their seats and walking off. Something seems off about Eve's gait. She stumbles a bit and the guy steadies her with an arm around her waist.

It should be my hand around her waist, not his.

On a hunch I decide to follow them discreetly, bumping into lots of people as I make my way out of the building. I almost loose sight of them, but as I step out into the night, I see them not far ahead as he leads her inside his car. She stumbles inside while he follows suit.

It dawns on me that she's tipsy and the guy might be trying to take advantage of her.

The idea of anyone trying to take advantage of Eve leaves a bitter taste in my mouth and this propels me into action. I feel myself walking briskly towards his car and when I'm close, I yank the door open, just in time to see her struggling to get him off her.

Before I know it, I'm dragging him off her and throwing him onto the ground. He yelps like a scared chicken and I shake my head as I look back to Eve who is scrambling up and trying valiantly to button up her blouse that's suddenly askew.

The fucker actually wanted to force himself on her.

"Get down out of the car now, princess and go back inside." I bark, but I guess the shock coupled with the mixture of the alcohol in her system makes her immobile. "Now, princess!" I order, this time putting more force in my words. She scrambles out of the car immediately, but comes to stand behind me.

I shake my head in consternation as I hold her hand. "Just stay behind me, okay?"

I feel her nodding in response and that's enough for me - for now.

I'm really going to teach him a lesson now, so turning around to face him, I see he's no longer on the ground.

He bailed . . . figures.

Frigging coward!!

I turn back around to see Eve weeping. You know, the silent type of crying that you're just trying to hold it all in, but tears still escape anyway. I just can't see her this way so I try to hold her, but she pushes me away.

"Don't touch me ever again!" She wipes furiously at her face and stalks off inside.

I'm in shock, wondering why she behaved that way towards me.

I thought we were already past the whole 'don't touch me' stage.

This time I'm not going to let her go. I walk off briskly after her, battling my way through the turgid crowd. Looks like a fight is about breaking out and I wouldn't want to be caught in the middle of it, so I quickly dodge a few punches aimed at a random guy's face and sprint towards the front to our table.

But Eve is nowhere to be seen!

Instead, Dipo has his hands around Eve's friend and they're cozying up like a real loved - up couple, singing along to Wizkid's songs.

I feel a pang of jealousy slice through me but I'm genuinely happy for him. He seems to like her a lot, while I on the other hand can't seem to get my shit together.

Rita has suddenly reappeared and is talking with some guy who is also all over her.

Great!

Everyone's getting cozy while I'm all lucked out.

I look around, trying to spot where Eve could have run off to, but Rita see's me and waves. "Hi Segun, my boyfriend finally came. Let me introduce you guys."

His face is turned away from me as I stretch out my hand towards him for a shake, but as he turns to look at me, I'm shocked into a standstill . . .

What in the hell?

It's the same fucker who tried to molest Eve.

Without missing a beat, my hand clasps his, drawing him forcefully out of his chair and as I let go of his hand, I punch him in the face and he falls onto the floor in a bedraggled heap.

Rita stands up, mouth agape, shock resplendent on her face.

I know how this must look to her and if care is not taken, I might get thrown out of here if I don't do something fast, so I drag him up to his feet with a forced smile on my face and clap a hand on his back with fake enthusiasm. "Buddy, how've you been? It's been ages, lets go catch up outside."

I begin dragging him with a firm hand on his shoulder, and the other still holding his hand. When he doesn't move, I whisper into his ears. "You'd better come outside with me now, because so help me god, I'll punch your ugly face right here in front of your girlfriend and she'll drop you so fast when she hears what you did, you won't know what hit you."

His eyes widen as understanding filters across his face and his shoulders slump in resignation. He follows me outside without any further coercion.

I lead him to a dark corner on the street, far away from cars and passers by, then I release my hold on him.

"So buddy, why were you trying to get fresh with my chick?" My hands are behind my back as I face him.

"Hey, The king, let me handle his black ass."

Dipo materializes behind me and I'm taken aback at his stealth. He must apparently have been watching the whole saga silently. He gets a hold of the guy and punches him square in the face and the slime ball falls onto the ground in a crumpled heap where he remains passed out.

I check his pulse - he's still breathing.

"Been watching this fucker try to mess around with Eve and no one messes with my best friend's girl, nor my girlfriend's best friend either... naah."

I gift him with a smile. "Thanks, my man, you gave him a mean punch."

"I've got you!" We bump fists and grin at each other.

As we walk back in silence, I wonder where Eve wondered off to, but as we make our way back to the table, I see her chatting with her friend as if she hadn't disappeared in the first place.

Rita gets up as I come close. "Your um . . . boyfriend seems to have had an accident outs ----" She gasps before I can even finish my sentence and rushes away.

I'm wondering what excuse he'll give her about how he passed out on the ground and the ugly bruise that'll cover his face when he comes around. I smile as I walk over to where the others are.

"Can I borrow your friend for a bit?" I ask Eve's friend.

"I've got a name you know - it's Ebere." She smiles at me.

"My bad! Please Ebere, can I speak with Eve for a bit if you don't mind?" I ask again.

"Of course, she's all yours." She smiles and nudges Eve, who is clearly reluctant in coming with me.

Why does she have to give me attitude all the time?

We make our way outside once more and I try to keep a hold on her hand but she wriggles out of my grasp and shoots off. Coming to this concert has clearly been a fiasco. I haven't sat down to enjoy any of Wizkid's songs for even a second.

Eve jets off, likes she's got the wind beneath her feet, and I almost lose sight of her when we get outside. "Alright, slow down. Why are you giving me attitude?" I hold onto her hand once more, but she wriggles out of my grasp, yet again.

This is getting tedious. Why does she fight me all the damn time? I'm thinking it's time I man up and tell her how I feel.

"Princess... Please look at me real quick." She does so grudgingly. "You're beautiful when you're angry, you know that? But why are you mad at me, though?"

She gives me an exasperated look and throws her head to the side, but I capture her face in between my two hands and gently turn it back to me and close the gap between us.

"Um... what say you and I try something?" She looks at me, lips parted and I'm trying hard to resist the urge to kiss her but I fail miserably and sink my lips into her soft one's, but she pushes me away.

"That's all you want isn't it - my body. Well, here's a news flash for you mister - that 'one time' is all you're going to get because I've already moved on from this." She waves her index finger back and forth between us.

"What do you mean, princess?"

Please don't say the words I think you want to, please. This can't be how it's going to end between us.

"I've got a boyfriend who's coming in the next --- "

"Hey Eve!" Someone shouts from behind us and I peer behind her to see who dared interrupt our time.

You've gotta be kidding me!

Toy boy from the strip club?

As he comes close, I notice the side of his jaw where I hit him seems to have healed. Well I'll just give him a new wound to nurse - right on the other side of his pretty face.

Eve instinctively understands what I'm about to do and she leans in and whispers to me. "Don't even try it!"

Then she walks off, dragging her toy boy behind her before he can even get close enough for me to do anything, leaving me staring stupidly after her.

Long after they leave, I'm left staring.

Just staring...

And more staring...

I stare at nothing so hard, that everything begins to blur out of focus.

She fucking left me... !!!

She's always leaving me. She didn't even wait to listen to what I had to say.

Damn!

There's no use now - it was all in vain.

I guess I can't be tamed, yet I thought she was the one.

Clearly, I was wrong.

With the ache in my heart and a terrible feeling of loss, I make my way to my car.