I was in a taxi one beautiful afternoon. The sun was up in the sky adding beauty to the city. Everywhere was calm and I was appreciating the serenity of my state capital. At least most state capitals in my country are not as beautiful as this. Thanks to our Governor.
I was returning from supplying goods to my customers and the life of a girl doing business in the city is not easy. I sat close to a lady who was at the extreme of the vehicle. Soon, the vehicle pulled over, and a guy stepped in. At first, his body spray hit me harshly, although it was a nice smell. I could right guess the name of the perfume since it was what I had used some months ago.
“Hello, good afternoon beautiful ladies,” he said, waving at us.
“Afternoon” we chorused
He was a nice guy, fully bearded and fully built. Dark skin and average in height. He looked presentable and exposed.
“My name is Frank” he began a conversation. I wasn't in the mood to talk to anyone. Besides, it's one of my rules not to talk to strangers in public vehicles. This is due to the rate of robberies and hypnotisations recorded in the state.
Many victims said that once you begin a conversation with them, you automatically lose your sense of reasoning, hence they'll take all of your belongings unnoticed.
“You look so beautiful and attractive,” he added. In my mind, I have heard this umpteenth time.
“Thank you” I responded politely.
“There's something about you that I need to understand. Immediately, I stepped into the car, I could have some sense of serenity about me”, he muttered, “if I may ask” he didn't wait for my response “Are you married or engaged”? He enquired, looking at my fingers.
There was no ring on my finger, so he pressed more and demanded my contact. I gave him my number and not long after, I stepped out and the car zoomed off.
In the evening, I was home preparing dinner when my phone rang. It was a strange contact, so I took it, thinking it was a customer, but no, it was the fine man I met in the afternoon. He requested a date and I accepted.
The following day, we met at a bar not too far from home. As usual, he poured out his heart telling me how much he loved me and how he couldn't sleep since he saw me in the vehicle.
All of these didn't move me as I have learned lessons from the oratory prowess of some men. I noticed that his phone rang but he refused to take the call.
“Are you married”? I enquired
“Do I look married”? He asked back
“Yes”
“How”?
“Never mind” I said, sipping the last drink from the bottle.
“Anyway, Mr Frank, it was nice meeting you”, I said, as I left him.
Day after day, Frank wouldn't let me rest, calling upon calls, telling me how much he loves me and wanted us to date. I told him that he's in a rush. At least he should calm down so we can get to know each other gradually. I had earlier cautioned myself never to rush into any relationship after my last relationship with Michael ended.
“I understand baby, but how do you want me to survive?” he said, sounding so romantic.
“What do you want me to do”? I asked
“Just say yes to my request and I'll be fine”
“It's okay,” I said
“Baby you just made my day. I am coming around to pick you up so we can have a good time together,” he said. I could feel his excitement in the background.
“Baby, take care of yourself and be prepared by 5pm and come around,” he said as he hung up the phone.
I was already getting attached to him, my fondness for him started taking a new look, I started calling him than necessary. Most times he will bounce my call and later give excuses on how busy he was. Most times when I propose to see him, he will tell me that he has travelled and all of that. I suspected that something was fishy, hence I held back from jumping into inclusion; I let things unfold by themselves.
One fateful Sunday, I got an SMS from an unknown number telling me to stay away from her husband. I was taken aback, whose husband could that be, I reasoned. Suddenly a call from a strange number called
“Am I onto Rose”? The voice said
“Yes”
“Good afternoon” she greeted. At least she has manners, I reasoned
“Afternoon” I responded
I noticed that a baby was crying in the background and she was trying to make him quiet”
“Please do you know Frank”?
“I know many people by that name, which one are you referring to?”
“The one you're dating” she fired “In case he had lied to you, he's married and I am his wife”
At this point I was perplexed, having a mixture of excitement and disappointment. I was short of words so I let her finish.
The woman must be right, the only person I was dating was named Frank. It won't even make sense to attempt to deny such allegations. So I told her that I've heard her clearly.
I wouldn't need to hear Frank’s side of the story, I had to bring everything to a halt.
