Chapter Twenty-Nine

Tade sipped from his wine glass, waiting patiently as the clock ticked for Bukunmi to show up. All his life, there had only been four people he cared about; his mother, his father, his lesson teacher, and Bukunmi. For some reason, he just liked her the very day Mr Ketu had come to his house, and was being interviewed for the position of being his lesson teacher. He didn't know how she looked like then, but he was already fond of her. When he had seen her come out of the car eleven years ago, he had felt the urge to protect her. When he had started chatting with her on SkyReads, he had wanted to be a friend she could confide in. After seeing her two months ago at a club, he wanted to help her. Now, he wanted to always be there for her. It was as though they were made for each other; or like the actors would say in Korean dramas, cheonsaeng-yeonbun, meaning: match made in Heaven. It had always been Bukunmi for him, and despite everything that had happened in their lives, he was grateful that she didn't hate him, and wanted him as much as he wanted her. If he had known that things would have still turned out fine, he would have opened up to her earlier on everything she had come to know, and although he wasn't sure yet of the reaction he would have given if she had hated him, he was satisfied knowing that she loved him, and was never going to do anything to hurt him. He was sitting with his legs crossed on the couch, and he smiled, picking up the tickets he had purchased for both of them, from the side-table. Everyone deserved second chances; but it didn't mean that you could expect to be forgiven over and over again. He knew Bukunmi was going to be overwhelmed with joy when he showed her the tickets, which was laden with the promise of a new life for both of them, free from his father's madness. Bukunmi had taught him the meaning of love, and he didn't want to take advantage of the love she had for him. He wanted to show her how much he loved her, and show how willing and ready he was to turn a new leaf, for her sake. All her life, he had wanted to make his father proud, but now, he only wanted to please Bukunmi. If she was ever displeased with him, he would probably never survive it. Firstly, it meant that he wouldn't have lived up to her expectations, and secondly, it meant that he would have hurt her for the second time, and that would completely break her heart and the trust she had for him. All the time, he bought her expensive jewelleries, bags, clothes, and wired money to her, in order to show her just how much he loved her, and was in love with her. They were also to show that he was sorry, and would never repeat the same mistakes again, but like her father had said on one occasion; 'You know, expensive gifts are never enough. Little things, just like hugs, words of encouragement, a smile, sincere apologies, are the best ways to show that you truly love someone." He hoped today that she looked into his eyes and saw how true he was about the feelings he had for her, how regretful he was about the decisions he had made in the past, and how sincere he was about leaving his past here in Nigeria, and starting a new life far away with her by his side. Glancing up at the clock, he saw that it was fifteen minutes past 5pm that Saturday evening. She was supposed to have gotten there fifteen minutes ago, but as the woman that she was, he understood why she showed up late anytime they had plans. It was to look more beautiful for him, and when she actually showed up, all the time she had wasted was made up for. A soft knock sounded on the door, and it brought a small smile to his face. Of course, it was Bukunmi. He knew just how her knock sounded. Clearing his throat and applying his mouth spray which was confined in one corner of the couch, he looked at the mirror to see how well he looked in Jean trousers and a blue t-shirt, since she had complained of him always looking too formal a few days ago, then walked to the door to open it up for her. Upon opening the door, he saw Bukunmi dressed in a simple mini dress and a pair of slippers. Her hair was let down, and she looked like she had been shedding tears. Her appearance definitely wasn't worth all the time she had wasted today, but she surely still looked as beautiful as ever. Before he could smile and say hello, her arms were wrapped around his neck, and she tiptoed, pulling his head down, touching her lips to his, and smothering him with kisses. The last time they had seen each other was at the office the day before, and he didn't get why she had missed him to that extent, but he was glad. His hands slid down her waist, groping her ass gently, and cupping them in his hands, kissing her back with the mutual desire she had. Again, he was thankful that she still loved him this much despite all he had done. After their five-minute long and intense kiss, they pulled away from each other, staring into each other's eyes, breathing loud, wanting more. Tade tilted his head after a few seconds of catching his breath, leaned closer to Bukunmi, and gave her a kiss on her cheek, then withdrew from her, walking back to the couch. 'I love you so much," She called after him, walking closely behind him. 'I know you do. I love you so much as well," He said, sitting on the couch. 'Promise me you'd always remember that irrespective of what happens," She said, sitting beside him. 'I promise," He said, not giving it the slightest thought. She smiled. 'Thank you," She said, resting her head on his shoulder. 'Did something happen?" He asked. After hesitating for a moment, she responded, 'Something...something like what?" She asked. He shrugged. 'I don't know. You showed up late, looking like you're going to buy something down your street, (not like you look bad though), and your eyes are all puffy like you've been crying. Why?" He asked. A drop of tear fell from her eyes, which he couldn't see, since he wasn't looking at her. 'I did something, Tade," She replied, careful not to let how hurt she was show in her voice. 'Something bad?" He asked. She heaved a sigh. 'I wouldn't say it's something bad, but you might hate me because I did it," She said, wiping the tear that had betrayed her with the back of her palm, knowing that Tade was going to turn to look at her any moment from then. Like she had rightly guessed, Tade turned to face her, lifting her head, and staring right into her eyes, touching her cheek lightly. She didn't want to avoid his gaze, but her heart beat faster, wondering what he was going to do, once he found out the truth. However, unexpectedly, she saw him smile, making her heart melt, wondering why he didn't look pissed and wasn't demanding for an explanation concerning the ‘something' she had done, but was rather, looking at her with so much love, like no one had ever done before. 'I don't think whatever you might have done is worse, compared to the things I have done in life. You know all about me, and yet, Bukunmi, you still love me, and so far, you've stood by me. I can't ever hate you, because you've shown me what love is, and no matter what you do, I'll still be here with you, because I love you, and love, though hard to come by, doesn't change so easily," He said, wiping the tears that had started to flow freely from her eyes. 'Stop crying," He said. 'Trust me, I'm trying," She said, hot tears dripping down her eyes onto her neck, sniffing back in catarrh, and hiccupping. Even when her dad had died, she hadn't cried that much. She tried to cover up her emotions all the time, but this time around, she couldn't cover them up. She was hurt, and her heart had broken into many different pieces. She felt worse than she had ever felt in her life, and knew in her heart that once again, her dad had been right; 'Betrayal hurts for the person whose trust has been betrayed, but not as much as the person who betrayed the other's trust, and has acknowledged it. It is the worst feeling ever, and it hurts more than anything in the world." Tade didn't even bother to bombard her with questions, pertaining to what she had done and why she was crying so much, and just drew her close to him, wrapping his arms around her, patting her back lightly, soothing her broken heart, and letting her cry and wail as much as she wanted on his shoulder. He hoped his embrace brought relief to her, and comforted her. On the occasion when her dad had made that statement, he had been engaged in a heated argument with her mother that morning. Apparently, her mother had suspected her father of being involved in an illegal business after discovering a gun in his briefcase. It had happened two days to his death, and after the argument, he had stormed off to the parlour, and buried his head in his palms. Bukunmi, who felt her mother was always the troublemaker, took a glass of water to him, and asked him why he was looking so sad when her mother had been the one to start the quarrel, when he made that statement. 'So, you betrayed mami's trust?" She had asked. He nodded his head, in the affirmative. 'Yes, but don't think about it too much. In a matter of days, you'd understand." Now, after so many years, she finally understood. Her heart was breaking, and it was sad because she could have avoided the heartbreak, but had made a decision which she could never forgive herself for, breaking her heart with her own hands in the process. Tade's phone began to ring, and withdrawing from his embrace, she cleaned her tears with the hem of her dress, and motioned to him to pick up the call. When he saw that it was one of his father's men who was calling, he declined the call, and held her hands, smiling at her. 'You were so busy crying that you didn't tell me if I looked good in the casual outfit I'm putting on," He said, poking her lightly on the forehead. She forced a smile. 'Even if I don't tell you, you should know that you look ravishing in anything you put on," She said, surprised that her voice sounded calm, and wasn't breaking. 'I know, but it would have still been nice to hear it from you," He said, smiling. A call came in again from the same man, and once again, he declined receiving the call. 'Why aren't you answering?" She asked. 'I've decided to have nothing to do with my father or his men anymore," He said. 'Wait, what?" She asked, her eyes almost popping out of their sockets. 'You heard me. I, Tade Wellington, has decided to do away with anything which is illegal. Check out the tickets on the side-table beside you," He said. Unsure of what to think, she turned around, got the tickets from the table, and went through it, in a really perplexed state. 'Travel tickets to Florida?" She asked, confused. 'Yes. I purchased a beautiful building in Florida where we can both go to, and start a new life. As you can see, the travel tickets and visas are all ready. All that's left is for you to agree to leave this shit-hole, and begin life all over again with me," He said. 'Wait. Um...You mean, you'd abandon your life here just to start over again with me in Florida?" She asked. 'Yes. If you're not cool with Florida, you can choose any place you prefer, I'll be okay with anything, as long as you are with me," He said. 'But...abandoning your life to be with me is just too much...Am I...Do you think I'm worth it?" She asked, still unable to believe what her ears were hearing. He gave a small smile. 'Bukunmi, I didn't know what life meant until I met you. It's safe to say that I wasn't even living in the first place, so, please, help me live by starting afresh with me," He said. Tears began to fall from her eyes, as she started reasoning that she had made a terrible mistake. If only Tade had informed her earlier of his plans, she would have given it a thought, and just forgot about everything and left with him, but it was already too late. The call came in again, and as he made to decline it as he had done twice already, she held his hand, stopping him. 'What?" Her fingers trembled, as she stuttered. 'J...just an... just answer it," She said, then quickly removed her hand from his, feeling guilty, thinking she had no right to hold him anymore. He rolled his eyes, then picked up the call, giving a hostile ‘hello' to the caller, who sent his emotions from being annoyed at his call, to a state of numbness and confusion. As the call ended, Tade's phone clattered to the floor, as his world crumbled before him. He shook his head, trying to convince himself that the information he had just received was all a lie, as his eyes blinked rapidly, with his heart slowly beginning to pound. The tears Bukunmi had been shedding softly multiplied, and trickled down her face, biting her lips every now and again, to suppress the reality of things. 'I was just informed that...that the police...they went to my father's house with a warrant for his arrest, and in a bid to...in order to escape the shame being arrested would cost him, he jumped from the last floor...he...he ended his own life," Tade said, still finding it hard to believe the words that had just come out of his own mouth. Bukunmi had been there when Chief Alade Wellington had fallen to his death, and honestly didn't know what to say now to Tade. Well, she didn't even need to say anything, because soon, Tade fixed the puzzle. 'The police would have needed solid information to get a warrant to arrest my father," He started, then looked her in the eyes. 'You gave the information away, didn't you?" He asked, already knowing the answer to that question in his mind. 'I'm so sorry, Tade," She said, tears dripping down her eyes. 'How could you! I thought we agreed on this!" He yelled, tears forming in his eyes. 'I thought and thought severally about what I was to do. On one hand, I owe my father justice. He may have not been a good person, but he certainly didn't deserve to die in the way he did, and on the other hand, I didn't want you to hate me, because that would kill me..." 'So, you chose your father then? You snitched on me?" He yelled, his voice echoing how hurt and betrayed he felt. 'I guess I'm like my father. You know, your father said the last time we spoke that a goat cannot give birth to a sheep. He was right after all," She said, wearing a sad smile. 'You spoke to my father? When?" He asked, confused. 'A week ago," She replied. 'I told you to let bygones be bygones. I pleaded with you, I begged you, I was really sorry. You agreed to keep quiet, but look at what you've done. My father is dead. How can I look at you everyday, knowing that you caused my father's death?" He yelled at her again. She scoffed, a little taken aback. 'Well, at least, you finally understand how I feel," She said. 'For crying out loud, this isn't about you, Bukunmi. I thought you loved me," He said. 'I did this, Tade, because I do love you. Words will never be able to explain how much I love you. Maybe if I had known that you wanted us to leave this country and go somewhere else, I'd have not involved you when I had gone to the police..." 'Wait. You also reported me to the cops? So much for loving me," He said, in a sarcastic tone. '...or maybe I still would have involved you. You know, Tade, love is right, and not wrong. I will not do the wrong thing because of a right cause, that is not possible. Because I do love you, I will not be on the run with you, and I won't let your father ruin your life. I did what I thought was right for the sake of the love I have for you. Leaving with you now won't even help solve anything. I want you to pay for your crimes, and even though it may take years, nothing would change how I feel about you," She said. Inasmuch as he hated her right now, he knew she had spoken of nothing but the truth. Still, his ego couldn't let him admit that he understood what she had done, and he was boiling with rage at the death of his father, and his impending sentence. 'Tade, I promise to testify in your favour in court, and do all I can to lessen your sentence. I'm sorry, but I hope you find it in your heart to forgive me," She said, squeezing his hands. He stood up immediately, removing her hands from his. 'I don't need your testimony. You've done more than enough," He said. Just then, the police came into the room with guns raised, showing that they could shoot at him if he tried anything funny. His father's aide, who had called him had said he escaped and was in the bathroom, waiting for the police to leave, and had advised him to leave the country as soon as he could, but he didn't even want to. He had promised himself to surrender to the police if they ever showed up in front of him. Besides, he was too classy to run off or try to escape. There was no way in the world that he, Tade Wellington, was going to be a fugitive. It just wasn't possible. 'Mr Tade Wellington, you are under arrest. You have every right to remain silent, as whatever you say now may be used against you in the court of law," One of the police officers said, raising the warrant for him to see clearly. Casting one final glance at Bukunmi, he presented his wrists calmly to the police, and was handcuffed, then led away, all the time, ignoring Bukunmi's high-pitched sobs that were starting to get on his nerves. Thankful that it was a Saturday, and no one, especially Kate, was there to be unnecessarily inquisitive, he walked with grace and poise like he always did, a smile plastered on his face, looking even more handsome than ever. Bukunmi watched from the window, crying harder than before, as she watched him gallantly enter into the police van. She would never forget the look he had on his face, when he had found out to his utmost dismay, that she had been responsible for reporting his father to the police. Finally, she had made her father proud and had achieved what he sought for before his death, but how come instead of being happy and pleased with herself, she felt hurt, broken, and shattered? Sometimes, victory isn't worth it at all. Had she really done the right thing? There was only one way to find out; and that was by Tade forgiving her someday for betraying him, and even though she tried to be optimistic and hopeful, she knew deep down in her heart, that she had lost him forever.