6 Deo

Raymond hurriedly wiped his body with a dry

towel and threw on a shirt and a kachi trouser.

He needed to go to the hospital to check on the girl he had picked up yesterday. After he had stormed out of the hospital, few hours ago, he returned about an hour after, very sure he would not meet Tinka there. His prediction was right but he hadn't been able to predict meeting Bella with a red cheek and tear-stricken face. He felt so bad that he had put her in danger, not thinking of what Tinka would do to her. Doctor Timothy had emerged and gave them the news that the girl was in a coma and that they needed to wait and see if she would come out alive.

He did not get to see her so he left the hospital

with Bella, hoping not to have another encounter with Tinka, because he really needed some sleep. Surprisingly, he did not meet her at home. His relief knew no bounds as he bounced on the bed, dozing off almost immediately he touched the bed.

His sleep was short-lived. He had a nightmare

where a girl was jerking, on the verge of death.

Unable to get anymore sleep than he had already got, he surfed the net till dawn.

Ray shut his bedroom door behind him. He heard the sound of dishes in the kitchen and perceived a mouth watering aroma that made his stomach groan, and without telling his legs what to do, he was in the kitchen.

"Good morning Bella."

Bella turned back and smiled. "Good morning sir" she greeted, half kneeling.

"I would have said I am in a hurry to go to the

hospital if the aroma hadn't been so tempting." Bella laughed.

"Since I could not get any real sleep, I decided to cook early."

'Thank God I am not the only one' Raymond

thought.

"Good. I will just sit here and eat then."

He sat on the chair in the kitchen as Bella served his food.

"Serve yours too because today we are eating together."

Bella paused for some seconds to look at him, before following his instructions. Ray stuffed his mouth with fried eggs and plantain, savoring its taste as he watched Bella. She was seated opposite him, gazing at her food like it was a specimen for practical experiment.

"Is something wrong Bella?" Bella smiled internally. She had been expecting that question; at least it would make things easier for her. She looked up. "I am sorry to say this sir. I think marrying Madam would be a bad idea."

Ray's hand froze. He looked at Bella who stared back at him. He was not surprised that she was being blunt and risking her job by over-stepping her bounds; he was rather surprised that she was wise enough to voice the obvious.

"I know that" I simply said.

Her eyes snapped. "Then why do you want to

marry her?"

She could not believe the possibility of someone walking consciously into the lake of fire.

"You don't understand Bella."

"Then enlighten me."

Raymond smiled, and then laughed. "Enlighten. I never knew you had gone that far in your English classes. Wow."

Even though Bella did not want to digress, she

smiled. "I am trying sir."

"You have improved tremendously. As for the

other issue, it is private and I am working on it.

Thanks for the concern. I need to rush off now. Don't let anyone in, I repeat, anyone."

"Sir, you need a gateman" she said.

"Noted. I really do!"

He picked his car keys and headed for the hospital.

Deo roamed his sitting room in tense strides.

His phone was held tight in his hand as he

roamed the entire space. The not-too-large

room was tastefully furnished, depicting the

financial status of its bearer. Deo hadn't been

able to reach Lucy. He had dialed her number

endlessly ever since they departed last night but it had rang and rang without any answer. When he dropped her off, he had promised to call immediately he got home but when he called, there was no answer.

Last night had been the most perfect day of his life. He had asked her out on a dinner date and she had accepted. It had been so perfect. For over two years that they had been friends, he decided to do what he had been postponing for a very long time, for fear of losing her friendship. The undying love he felt for Lucy kept burning in him, and each passing day he spent, keeping the feeling locked inside made it exceedingly difficult to hide. The jealousy he felt when she was around other guys upset him because he had never been one to fuss over a girl. It had taken him days to decide if he was actually going to ask her out.

She had arrived right on time, looking like a

goddess. Her fair, almost white skin, glowed,

increasing his desire to touch her. The deep

whine top and the white three-quarter trouser

accentuated her figure perfectly, making him go speechless. Her dark brown hair bounced as she moved towards him, making it obvious that she had just visited the salon.

The dinner had gone perfectly well, with laughter on their faces. Then, with his heart in his mouth, he bared his heart to her and surprisingly, she accepted. His joy knew no bounds as he kissed her; something he had been hoping to do for a long time. He dropped her off after spending a long time with her. Ever since then, he hadn't been able to reach her. He sat down forcefully feeling sweats of perspiration on his forehead, even though the air conditioner was at it's peak.

He was waiting for dawn in order not to

exaggerate the situation; especially if she was fine. Immediately the day became bright, he took his car keys and phone, locking the door behind him.