CRASH OF LOVE
CLARA (The state governor's daughter)
WRITER: Valentine
Episode 4
Val’s side of the story continues
‘’I hope you are not in need of anything?’’ Vivian asked
as we exchanged glances.
‘’oh not at all. Thanks for your care’’ I breathed politely
while she shrugged, leaving her eyes on me. We silently
stared at each other for a while without saying
anything. I couldn’t think out any topic to discuss with
her and she on her own part looked as if she was
hoping for me to start a conversation.
‘’tomorrow we will be moving down to the governor’s
family house downtown. Clara will be receiving her
friends and guests there. You know it’s against protocol
for her friends to be coming here as they wish. So
that’s why she decided it was better moving down to
the other house to have the space and freedom she
needs’’ Vivian finally informed me after noticing that I
wasn’t ready to start up any conversation with her.
‘’very well. I’m ready for anything’’ I replied with a
smile.
‘’good night then. We will be leaving by 12noon’’ she
added, stood up, smiled at me and left the room while I
fell back on my bed and breathed deeply.
——————————-
9am, Sunday morning
I was busy checking out the car we were to make use
of that day when a female “civil defense” officer walked
up to me.
‘’someone wants to see you. He is waiting at the gate’’
she informed. I couldn’t help but stare at her curiously.
It was with great effort that I refrained myself from
telling her that she was mistaken because I clearly
wasn’t expecting anyone.
Curiously I walked up to the gate to see one of the
governor’s aides waiting for me. I was surprised and
confused at the same time.
‘’hey my name is Joe, I’m not really sure if you know
me?. I’m sorry for disturbing you this early but it’s a
matter of urgency’’ the young man breathed as he led
me to a quiet corner while I wondered the reason for all
that. Of course I knew him well even though we had
never spoken to each other prior to that moment.
He was no other person than the governor’s special
assistant on youth matters. A young man of about
thirty three years, very friendly and eloquent.
‘’I really need your help brother and I know this may
come to you as a surprise but I can’t help it. You see
I’m in love with Clara’’ he nervously breathed, shocking
me with his words. I couldn’t even figure out how to
react or what to say to him.
‘’I heard you guys are very close and that you will be
with her at all times. Please I know this sounds weird
but I will like you to be my eyes and ears. I simply want
you to represent my interest. I really love this girl and
you know what I mean’’ he added nervously.
‘’I understand you bro but what you are asking of me is
a bit difficult and confusing. Clara is an adult and I
don’t have much influence over her. Vivian her cousin
should be the person to meet’’ I finally said to him.
‘’no you are a man just like me. Just keep it in mind, in
due time you will see your role in this’’ he muttered with
a smile while I shrugged.
‘’here take this small change. It’s just ten thousand
naira. keep it’’ he said, fetching out a wad of currency
notes from his pocket. I laughed deep inside. His
gesture looked a bit desperate and stupid. Moreover I
was an agent who was perhaps earning much more
than him. But he didn’t know about that though.
‘’you shouldn’t bother about that. I will help you as long
as your request isn’t a dangerous one. Just keep your
money bro’’ I breathed politely, smiled and walked
away.
I couldn’t help but wonder how many men were
desperate to have the governor’s daughter. She was a
hot catch quite alright.
——————————-
later in the evening @the governor’s family residence.
Time: 9:30pm
Vivian and I sat on a small field at the back of the big
mansion enjoying a very rich alcoholic wine together. It
really wasn’t my idea to sit down there at the back of
the house drinking and catching fun. It was all Vivian’s
idea and I kind of obliged her since it was already dark
and I had no other work to do that evening.
But the more she drank, the more I noticed the drink
taking over her senses. She talked very freely while I
behaved like a gentleman.
‘’so tell me, do you have a girlfriend?’’ she finally asked
while I drew back a bit.
Yea that was a very sensitive question that always
pinched me whenever someone asked me about it. I
was well employed and good looking but unfortunately I
wasn’t successful with women. I had to run away from
the few female friends I had when I noticed that they
were all interested in ripping me off than giving me the
love I needed. I had to resign myself to the fate of being
a bachelor with no girlfriend.
Perhaps because of the drink, perhaps because I felt
free with her, I opened up. I told her I had no girlfriend
not because I didn’t want one but because I was yet to
find the person who would give me the love I needed
without weighing me down problems and issues.
Vivian silently listened to all I said and when I was
done, she said nothing which kind of made me feel that
she was asleep or something. I had to lean forward to
check out her face only to be held tightly by her as she
gave me an unexpected kiss that shocked and left me
trembling.
‘’Val’’ she breathed.
‘’noooo’’ I cautiously stammered, softly pushing her
away. I was scared of hurting her but I just couldn’t
help it.
Episode 5
Val’s side of the story continues from the last episode
‘’’what?’’ Vivian asked as I gently pushed her face away from mine. Somehow I felt a bit confused and embarrassed at the same time. It really was the first time a girl was making the first move on me, but then she was drunk. She was far from being in control of her mind.
‘’you are drunk. I think it’s time to go to bed’’ I breathed and helped her up.
‘’come on Val, stop treating me like a baby. I’m not drunk’’ she insisted but I refused listening to her, instead I softly dragged her to her room.
There wasn’t any doubt the drink she had was telling on her and so the right thing to do was what I did by taking her to her room to rest. But on my way out of her room, I ran into Clara who was heading to her own room from the sitting room. She gave me one kind of suspicious look and smile that left me very nervous and defensive.
‘’hmmmmm I see you guys are hitting it off pretty well?’’ she asked.
‘’nooooo we were just drinking outside and she had way too much drink. I had to help her to her room. That’s it’’ I answered innocently while she shrugged.
‘’we have a lot to talk during breakfast tomorrow. I guess you won’t shy away from eating with me?’’ she asked with a smile and walked past me before I could say anything.
———————
I was restless all night long as I wondered what could be going on in Clara’s mind. I equally couldn’t help but wonder what Vivian’s game plan was all about. I was scared of losing my job for nothing and I knew I had to be extremely cautious when dealing with the two ladies because no matter how matured they looked, they still had a very fragile mind.
—————————————
8am, the next day
As I headed to the dining room for breakfast, I ran into Vivian who smiled as soon as her eyes fell on me.
‘’I know I embarrassed myself yesterday. I’m so sorry’’ she apologized.
‘’oh it’s nothing’’ I answered politely, feeling relaxed.
‘’so we are cool with each other then?’’ she asked while I nodded. Together we headed to the dining room where Clara was waiting. To be candid I was very nervous and a bit uncomfortable having dinner with the two ladies but I had my cover to protect and had to act cool.
‘’you know I still find it difficult remembering you or your family?’’ Clara kind of asked as we faced the meal before us. Vivian quickly came to my rescue.
‘’don’t tell me you are really yet to figure out Val’s identity?. How come you allowed him to come here with us then?’’ she asked Clara who rolled her eyes.
‘’I’m sorry; it’s just that I need help in getting it together. He looks like the son of our family friend way back in Lagos but it’s a long time ago nau. I guess 1993 period or so. I just want to be very sure’’ she insisted.
‘’but we have already discussed this issue in your room. Come on where are your manners?. Don’t you know you are embarrassing him?’’ Vivian pushed on.
‘’I’m so sorry Val. It’s just that I already forgot most of my childhood memories but concerning the job thing, I promise to talk to my dad about it. He will definitely get something for you before the week runs out. I promise you that’’ she assured me while I silently smiled. Of course there was nothing there to say. Vivian on her own part gave me a knowing look filled with unspoken words which I clearly understood. We were surely using Clara’s head without her knowing it. But it was all for her own good. My only problem and fear was Vivian who could eventually turn back to use all the secrets and lies against me.
‘’aww I have to go get more sauce’’ Vivian suddenly breathed, standing up with a small plate.
‘’I will be back in a jiffy’’ she added and headed to the kitchen while Clara and I exchanged glances.
‘’she’s so much in love with you. Tell me the truth, you guys are dating right?’’ she asked curiously.
‘’no we are not’’ I truthfully answered, but instead of facing her food, she left her eyes on me waiting for me to explain further. And I had to come up with a pretty good defense.
‘’you see in my condition I can’t afford to be in any relationship. I have nothing to offer anyone and I can’t just take advantage of a beautiful and nice girl like Vivian because of my selfishness or maybe what I stood to gain from her. Secondly i have no special feelings for her. I value her friendship and care but that’s it. I can’t deceive her and pretend to love her only for us to end up hating each other tomorrow. She’s way better off without me. She deserves the best guy. My priority now is to make out something for myself’’ I softly explained while she dropped her eyes as if my words found a place in her heart. It was just as if she was so touched.
Vivian showed up from the kitchen that very moment and stared at us with suspicion. It was just as if she perceived something, she noticed something that made her uncomfortable.
Yes I really had no strong feelings for Vivian but supposing we met in a different circumstance or position, perhaps I would have gladly tried her out but in this situation I couldn’t risk it. What I felt for her wasn’t just enough to risk my job and career for.
Episode 6
Val’s side of the story continues
—-
one week later
11am, Tuesday.
I was busy checking out some news sites with my
computer when I heard loud shouts coming out from
the sitting room. I quickly grabbed my jacket, tucked in
my small pistol and rushed to the sitting room. With
great speed I ran into the sitting room as if I was being
pursed only to see Clara facing a huge guy who was
holding her by the shoulder.
I kind of felt embarrassed, freezing with shock as they
stared at me with surprise.
‘’oh I’m sorry. I’m sorry, I heard noises and I thought
you were in danger’’ I nervously explained while the
huge guy scoffed. It was very obvious he was very
angry but what I didn’t know was if it was my
interruption that made him angry or something else.
‘’like seriously you barged in on us just because you
heard noises? Who the hell are you? He fired at me.
‘’calm down Charles what is wrong with you?’’ Clara
shouted at him.
‘’oh I see you are now defending what he did?’’ he
asked Clara who shook her head in anger.
‘’you know what, you can leave now. I’m tired of talking
to you, we will see on Thursday’’ she said to him angrily
while he stared at her with disbelief. I simply watched
the drama with a little smile on my face. I couldn’t help
but wonder who the huge guy was. Of course he looked
very wealthy and saucy. And with the way he was
acting I figured he was very close to Clara.
‘’I said you can leave now’’ she shouted at him again
before leaving the sitting room for him. The young man
scornfully stared at me for some seconds, breathed
deeply and walked away without another word. I calmly
returned to my room to continue with what I was doing
(before the noise that got my attention) and had barely
settled down when Clara walked in .
She hesitantly stood at the door post, smiling faintly as
she probably tried to act cool.
‘’I’m sorry for the embarrassment. The guy is just a
nut-head but unfortunately he is a very close friend and
we have known each other for long. His name is
Charles’’ she softly explained while I smiled as I tried
hard to come up with something good to say.
‘’his birthday is on Thursday and I will be heading to
Abuja for it. I will leave tomorrow. Do you wish to
accompany me?’’ she offered.
‘’yes of course, I will gladly do that’’ I answered quickly.
‘’you will do the driving. I love road trips’’ she added,
smiled and left the room while my heart sank as I
thought of the long distance and stress. Moreover it
was going to be my first time of driving all the way to
the federal capital city.
————————-
Hours later
Vivian walked into my room with her usual charming
smile. Yes after that evening she kissed me at the
backyard, she became a little more careful with me.
She tried to be as friendly as possible while being
cautious.
She sat on the bed, crossed her legs and stared at me.
‘’I can’t believe Clara is taking you to Abuja while
dropping me. I can’t believe she accepted you into her
life so easily. There is more to it you know. A lady can’t
accept a guy so easily without having intentions,
without having a little romantic feelings for him’’ she
muttered, carefully watching my reaction.
‘’so what are you trying to say?’’ I asked.
‘’I think she’s very fond of you’’ she added carefully.
‘’yes and it’s making my job very easy. So far the girl
has been nothing but good to me. The only problem I
have now is preparing and getting myself ready for the
long drive to Abuja. I have never done that before and
I’m a bit nervous’’ I confessed with a frown while she
laughed out loud.
‘’but on a serious note, Who the hell is Charles?, do you
know him?’’ I asked.
‘’yes he is the first son of Senator Adolphus, the man
who was very instrumental in helping Clara’s father win
the governorship election. Charles and Clara have been
friends for long and I believe the young man considers
himself her boyfriend. I don’t like him though. He is too
rude and arrogant’’ she replied quietly.
‘’hmmmm that’s deep’’ I breathed.
‘’yes and that’s the truth’’ she muttered.
‘’I believe we will be back by Saturday’’ I added,
changing the topic while she drew closer to me.
‘’do you like Clara, are you interested in her? Tell me
please I’m dying to know?’’ she begged desperately,
surprising me with her question. I swallowed hard as I
returned her gaze.
‘’Vivian, I’m only here to do my job and romance isn’t
part of it. This assignment will soon be over before you
know it and no one in this house will remember me
again. I have no special romantic feelings for anyone’’ I
guardedly answered. She dropped her eyes, saying
nothing more.
The last thing I wanted was hurting Vivian with my
words but she always had a way of asking the most
difficult questions.
———————————–
Early the next day, Clara and I left the house for Abuja.
We covered the first few kilometers in silence until I
asked her the question that had been bugging me since
the previous day.
‘’are you in love with Charles? I’m sorry for being
inquisitive’’ I nervously asked. She smiled and gave me
a quick look.
‘’actually we have been friends for so long and it kind of
looks as if we are dating even though I’m yet to say
yes to him. I like him but he is so unpredictable. He
switches mood faster than a chameleon changes color.
This minute he will be happy and jovial, the next minute,
he becomes so annoying and rude. It’s just as if he
takes drugs. I can’t be with such a man’’ she confessed
while I drove on silently as I pondered over her words.
I wasn’t really supposed to ask her the question but I
never knew how I got the courage to ask. Perhaps I
cared for her much more than I thought. Maybe what I
was feeling for her deep inside was love.
Yes maybe or maybe not.
To be continued
Episode 7
Val’s side of the story continues from the previous
episode
We got to Abuja later that evening and In no time made
our way to Clara’s family’s residence. A magnificent
mansion located in a plush Maitama neighborhood. I
just couldn’t say a word for some seconds as I stared
at the edifice that stood before me. Clara smiled and
placed her hand on my shoulder.
‘’you like the house?’’ she asked softly.
‘’aww, so beautiful’’ I breathed.
‘’yes dad invested in real estate long before becoming
governor. We have a house keeper and two security
guys here’’ she added.
‘’I pray to have such an investment someday’’ I added
softly.
‘’of course you will, once you are focused. You are still
very young nau’’ she replied as we walked into the
building.
9pm, same evening
Clara took me to a quiet restaurant within the
neighborhood where we had dinner. I equally used the
opportunity to question her about the plans she had for
Charles’s birthday.
‘’so concerning your friend’s birthday, is there anything
I need to know?’’ I asked softly as soon as we settled
down in the restaurant.
‘’nothing really, you have done your part by
accompanying me to this city. All you have to do
tomorrow is rest while I attend the party. I really don’t
know when the party is ending. He told me it’s an all
night event, so I guess I will be sleeping over’’ she
replied quickly.
‘’the party is holding at his house?’’ I asked.
‘’no in a hotel’’ she answered freely while I thought of
how to attend the party with her without raising any
suspicion.
‘’but is there anything wrong if I go with you?’’ I chipped
in softly. She brought up her eyes to meet my gaze,
keeping quiet for a while as she probably pondered over
my words.
‘’I really don’t want to be selfish. You have tried a lot by
sacrificing your time for me. You can’t continue like
this. It’s just as if I’m using you. You are free to come
with me if you wish to but I’m not forcing you to
accompany me’’ she finally replied, settling my mind
with the answer. Of course my job was to be with her
always and I clearly didn’t know what to do if she
insisted on attending the party alone. Out of relief I
reached out for her right hand which was on the table,
drawing out the deepest stare from her.
‘’I always enjoy being with you’’ I breathed while she
blushed.
‘’ It hurts me that you are still unemployed. You have a
kind heart and wonderful spirit. Someone like you
deserves a better life’’ she slowly said, making me very
uncomfortable with her words. I had to quickly change
the topic.
‘’so why didn’t you take Vivian along?’’ I asked.
‘’she isn’t my servant. She has her own life and I can’t
be dragging her to everywhere I go’’ she answered
freely. I smiled, saying nothing.
The rest of the evening was a bit uneventfully. We soon
returned to the house and headed to our separate
bedrooms.
—————————
By 6:55pm the next evening Clara and I were all
dressed up and ready for the evening outing. By
7:45pm we arrived at a hotel in Wuse 2, which was the
location of the event (Charles birthday party). Of course
I was a bit nervous attending a function I wasn’t invited
and at first insisted on staying behind in the car which
left Clara extremely surprised. It really took her an
effort to convince me to go into the hotel with her and I
kind of prayed not to run into Charles, which was really
impossible because he was the celebrant and i had this
feeling that the evening could end up very badly for me.
We barley had gotten into the exquisitely decorated hall
when two girls hugged Clara.
‘’finally you are here. Nawa for you oooo, you just left
Charles worried’’ one of the girls said to Clara as they
dragged her towards another corner of the hall while I
stayed back and kept my eyes on her. But unfortunately
for me, I barely had stood there for five minutes when I
felt a hand on my shoulder.
‘’what are you doing here?, you think I won’t recognize
you or what?’’ I heard a familiar voice ask. I turned to
face Charles who looked very angry to see me.
‘’let’s go outside and talk. I need to know what’s going
on between you and my girl’’ he added and nodded
towards the door way. I shrugged and obeyed after
noticing two hefty guys who were standing with him.
The last thing I wanted was causing a scene in front of
everyone and I equally couldn’t help but wonder the
kind of guy Charles really was. He looked very ready to
ruin his own birthday party.
Luckily he followed me outside without his two friends,
making me a bit relaxed. He dragged me to a slightly
dark part of the hotel, where he felt we won’t be
interrupted. I also couldn’t help but notice that he was
nervous.
‘’I know how this happens; it all starts innocently from
friendship. Gradually, you take over my girl, you are
already her companion and close pal right?. Slowly I
become the enemy and the rude insensitive boyfriend.
Then boooooom I lose out like a stupid fool. I’m not
stupid, what I can’t just figure out is how you managed
to get into her life, live in her family house and be
everywhere with her. You guys are virtually everywhere
together. Who are you, because you are not a member
of her family or in any way related to her? I know
everything about Clara’s family but I don’t know you.
Who are you?’’ he asked with a slightly raised tone
while I stared at him, clueless on what exactly to say.
‘’I have heard stories about how close you guys are
since she returned to Nigeria but I don’t want to fight
you. I know what guys like you need is money. Where
were you when she was just an ordinary girl?, where
were you when she was struggling with her studies?.
Where were you when her father was struggling to
become the state governor?. What you need is money,
so tell me, how much do you need to back away?’’ he
asked seriously, drawing close to me as if he had
another thing in mind if I tried giving a negative reply. I
kind of felt he was drunk to be questioning me in such
manner.
‘’I’m not after Clara’s money neither will you influence
me with your money. And please don’t insult me again’’
I said defiantly, shocking the young man with my
words. He instantly grabbed me by the collar out of
anger but before he could go any further, I heard Clara
scream out his name as she appeared with the two
ladies she went out with a while ago.
I really didn’t know how much they overheard as Clara
angrily slapped him while the two girls tried to hold her
back.
”imagine how you are questioning a guy you barely
know” Clara shouted at him.
To be continue.. Stay tuned for more episodes.
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