Maybe, You Will See Me Now

020

Delight had been pacing to and from while she called Andrew's phone several times. But not once did he pick. Finally, she let the growing irritation and annoyance get to her and she threw her phone on the bed. Now still, she sighed louder than normal and placed a hand on her hip.

Her breathing heightened. Her chest went up and down. Several thoughts swirled in her head and no matter how many times she shook her head; it wouldn't ward off. Delight was having a hard time accepting Andrew's decision. She already spent nights, and sometimes, days, dreaming about what their life together could look like. No matter how often she analysed their relationship, Andrew was the best man for her. She'd grown to love him. Delight honestly didn't think there was anyone else better than him out there for her. She couldn't stop telling herself what a fool she would be to lose him.

She sat on the bed, her elbows rested on her knees while her left foot continuously tapped. Delight searched through her memories for any sign. Anything that could help her realise when he started to drift away. He'd always been the same quiet and less talkative man. But she felt he really started to brush her off after coming to Lagos. She came to the realisation that it got worse after her sister's child dedication.

Delight bit her lower lip a little hard. "He definitely has another woman." Her words were almost in a whisper. But delight couldn't phantom how and who. He barely socialised and was the least bit interested in clubbing or attending events. His daily routine was home to work and work to home. Could he have met someone whose routine aligned with his?

She stopped tapping her foot and her eyes brightened with realisation. Delight was sure this mystery woman worked in the same company with Andrew. That was the only rational answer she could come up with. It had to be. Unfortunately for this woman, Delight was the last person to give up easily. At least not without putting up a good fight. More than ever, she was determined to give it her best shot.

* * *

Ijeawele walked a short distance from Andrew's apartment building when she realised her feet were still in his crocs and she'd left hers with him. She didn't think going back right now was a good idea so she never went back.

Ijeawele walked into her bedroom. Beside the bed, she sat on the floor and leaned against the bed. For what felt like forever, she spaced out until she suddenly spoke.

"Ijeawele, how long are you going to be like this?"

The memory from her last encounter with Andrew was fresh in her head. She squeezed her face at it. Delight couldn't help wondering if she went too far. His life decisions were his and it had nothing to do with her. Sure, he recently broke up with his girlfriend and still invited her over. Why did that trigger her so much? Was it because she felt he'd moved on too fast or the thought that he was replacing her already? Ijeawele shook her head. She felt confused yet upset with herself that she definitely thought he was trying to replace his ex with her.

Ijeawele was somewhere between denial and acceptance of what the truth with Andrew was. Yes, she'd only ever dated or been with her ex-husband so what would she know about things like this. Maybe it was because of a pestering feeling she has whenever Andrew been around. There was a way he looked at her, cared for her and spoke to her. She sensed it. Again, she could be wrong and stupidly just embarrassed the one person outside her family who showed any concern for her.

Ijeawele sighed. Perhaps, it was better this way. Her head was still a mess. It would be hard for him to understand her range of emotions and sudden outbursts. That would be unfair for him to keep up. Ijeawele was reluctant to admit it. But it was kind of hopeful while it lasted. At the same time, a deep and tiny part of her wished it wouldn't end.