Adventures With Theresa ??
Episode 18
Written by: Frank The Writer
❌ Do Not Copy or Repost ❌
~ Theresa’s POV ~
The following day, before everyone was up, I had arranged my clothes neatly inside my bag. I’d sure miss the beautiful guest room. I’d miss Frank, his family, and most especially his mother, but then I wasn’t going to inform them about my sudden disappearance. My mind was made to leave unannounced. Only Frank was aware my mind was made up to leave that morning but there was one thing he knew not about. And that was my sudden change of mind. I realized going to Calabar wasn’t the best option for me. Most of my belongings were still in Lagos, and I couldn’t tell when next I’d go there if I decided to travel down to Calabar.
I was simply a mess for getting upset unnecessarily and making careless decisions. I should have relaxed and gone back with him to Lagos, but then I couldn’t stoop low to tell him that I wasn’t going to Calabar anymore. I was simply full of myself, proud and arrogant almost ruined me during that period.
I left Frank’s apartment very early in the morning. Mary was the only person who saw me that morning. She knew I wasn’t happy but she was kind to give me directions when I asked her how I’d find my way. She gave me directions on how to navigate to the Asaba toll gate where I’d get a bus heading to Lagos. I thanked her and we bid each other goodbye. She requested my number, so we exchanged contacts as well. Mary promised to call me later in the day. I just hope I don’t get lost and regret my stupid decision.
Well, I followed Mary’s instructions and found myself at Tollgate. I remember her telling me to be careful enough and avoid entering the wrong bus. Just like she said, the place was crowded with young boys and a few elderly men hunting for passengers.
I held my bags tightly in my right hand and my phone in my left. I eventually found a white bus with few passengers after waiting for like 15 minutes. All thanks to some cash Frank gave to me the previous night when he realized I was really going to leave. I could see anger and sadness boldly written on his face that night when he banged the door and left.
When I paid the driver, I went to the extreme back and sat quietly like a cat. I put my earphone in my ears. Several voices were echoing in my head. I told him I’d be heading to Calabar but there I was on my way back to Lagos without his consent. Like how did I end up this way? Frank would be mad at me if he found out I eventually went alone.
***
Long story short, my trip from Asaba to Lagos was not long compared to when Frank and I traveled from Lagos to Asaba. We arrived safely at Ojota around 3:30 pm
I quickly texted my guy that I was back in Lagos. You know who I’m referring to right? I mean Michael. The dude that went with me that morning to Frank’s apartment before we began the trip.
Michael was just smiling sheepishly when he arrived at my apartment. The first thing I remembered when I sighted him was the last thing he said that morning before the taxi drove him away. “Don’t forget to use a condom.” I couldn’t hold the laughter from inside even when I was actually not happy.
But he knew me so well. When he arrived and noticed I was quiet, he knew I was usually talkative, he knew something was happening. I had to tell him about our fights, about Frank’s mom and his family, about everything Frank told me that weekend. I told him that he said he really cared about me, about what happened after the wedding and finally, I told him that I had to leave, I couldn’t handle it.
Thinking about that weekend now that I went back to Lagos, I felt torn. I was happy and excited but I couldn’t erase everything that I felt with Frank. I still felt a sting in my chest thinking about the wonderful moments we shared in such a short time. But I always need to remember this, even when sometimes it was hard: I did this for me. It was the beginning and I deserved happiness, with or without a partner.
Michael was really comprehensive when I told him. He supported me but he also defended him. He made me realize he wasn’t wrong either. I do remember when Michael convinced me to text him myself after we first met at the radio station but Frank didn’t answer. That was my last bit of hope. So, yes, I deserve this time for myself.
I promised myself to never be let down by someone anymore and I was really trying my best to not let it affect me. It was inevitable but I was trying to move on. It already happened once and I managed to survive. I was sure I could survive again. I just needed time and keep my head distracted.
I was glad Michael came around to my apartment. I badly wish he was always free to visit me. I followed him out and that was when I noticed my neighbor had actually parked out and a new tenant had occupied. The people inside the apartment had colorful curtains that one could easily see.
“Thank you, Mike. See you some other time.”
“And you too, Terry. Take care of yourself.”
We bid each other goodbye while I watched him walk to the other lane of the street. People were walking around, not so many cars, and it seemed the street was dry. I walked back down the street after seeing him off.
The rest of the afternoon went by so rapidly. After I unpacked everything in my back, I took a nap for an hour plus. I woke up really hungry. The sun was still up but it was evening already, I decided to take a quick shower and go grab something and eat. Maybe at the Buka or restaurant around.
I found one eatery two streets away. I was tired of eating at the regular places I normally eat, so I said it was high time I try a new place and I was glad it was worth it. Their food was tasty and yummy.
While I was going back, just before making the turn to my street, I found myself staring into a Confectionary shop. It had a well-designed flyer that had the inscription “Help wanted” I quickly copied the number on the flyer. I may not be an expert in cake and other confectionaries stuff but I knew a thing or two.
Someone walked out while I was writing down the number.
“Are you interested?” Asked the lady. I simply nodded my head affirmatively.
“Alright, give me a call tomorrow. I need someone soon.”
“Alright, ma. I will.” I smiled in response.
“Okay, take care.” She walked away.
Finally, I arrived home. I took out the rechargeable lamp by the bedside. It was 7:28 pm. I dressed the bed and the pillow. I didn’t have the strength to do my thing again. So, I jumped on the bed with my clothes on.
I finally took my phone out after so many hours of being part from it. Being distracted helped me a lot not to think about things I didn’t have to think about. When I scrolled through my phone, I noticed Mary and Frank had called me earlier.
I was alone on my bed, without anyone to talk to before going to bed. It brought memories to my mind, memories of someone I shouldn’t be thinking about. So I decided to call Michael to distract myself. He was my best friend and even if I last saw him this evening, I missed him already. We both talked for an hour; it was a WhatsApp call.
At the end of the conversation, he told me he might be coming to visit next weekend. The idea of having him around made me smile.
When we finished talking, I was already inside the covers ready to fall asleep. I put my phone away and fell asleep, not having Frank in my head this time.
To be continued…
Frank The Writer