MR LECTURER (CONT)

I couldn’t decide on anything to do concerning Comfort’s
Pregnancy nor was i able to tell my wife about it.
Slowly two weeks passed by without Comfort showing up to disturb me, a development that made me very scared at first but when the third week equally passed without her showing up, I felt perhaps she had changed her mind towards using the pregnancy to hold me down.
The second week of December slowly arrived, making it a month i last saw Comfort. I couldn’t imagine where she was or what she was planning and i equally held myself from calling her on phone. My wife unfortunately was still yet to get pregnant and this time around was overly worried because according to her, she was scared of meeting my parents during the coming Christmas without anything to show for our marriage.
However On Tuesday morning, in the second week of December, Comfort surprisingly showed up at my office looking very serious and cold. I was shocked to see her but tried my best to maintain my composure.
“so how far sir?. What plans have you made for me?” she asked seriously as she sat before me.
“plans?” i repeated slowly.
“yes of course. I stayed away for a month in order to give you time to organise yourself and make preparations for me. Are you trying to tell me you did nothing?” she asked while i speechlessly stared at her.
“i’ll be going for my NYSC next march, and i’m planning to serve in this state due to my condition, so i really don’t understand you. Anyway i guess i will do everything my own way, since you are not ready to make it easy for us” she poured out, stood up and left without another word while I bit my lips nervously as i wondered what she had up in her mind.
There wasn’t any doubt she had something well planned out. I tried thinking of what she could do as she threatened but nothing came to my mind.
I however soon found out what her threat was all about later that evening when she surprisingly showed up at my house by 7pm in the evening when my wife and I was having dinner. I couldn’t believe my eyes as i saw her walk into my sitting room after my surprised wife answered the door bell. She slowly settled down on my couch, gave my wife a long look before leaving her eyes on me as i abandoned my meal and nervously drew close to her.
“i’m sorry for coming so late and i also apologise in advance for the shocking news i bear. Thanks for not asking too much questions before letting me in” she said with a cold smile to my wife who was absolutely shocked and confused with her boldness…

“Madam, the news i carry will be of great interest to you and i’m here mostly due to the fact that your husband refused doing the right thing” Comfort calmly said to my wife who silently sat on the center table in our sitting room and faced her with all attention while i sweated and stood with fear, clueless on what exactly to do. Of course there was nothing i could do that exact moment than to keep quiet and listen to all the silly girl had to say.
“i’m pregnant for your husband. I’m having a baby for him” she coldly threw the bomb. My wife drew back with shock.
“you can ask him, yea ask your husband. I can’t believe he’s still keeping it away from you. It’s been up to a month i broke the news to him” she revealed, before taking her time to narrate the history of our outrageous affair to my wife who listened without saying a word. She shamelessly told her everything, not even skipping the s-x we had at the house months back.
“believe me i came here with a noble mind. I’m not trying to take away your husband but simply to make a report to you. He has to do the right thing by taking responsibility of my pregnancy. He has to see my parents and own up to the family way he has gotten me into. I can’t stand by myself without his support” she summarized and hopefully stared at the poor woman, expecting a reply from her, but all my wife could do was just to stand up with pain and tears which dropped from her eyes, gave me a long look and quietly walked into our bedroom without saying a word while i looked away with guilt.
_______
“you have done your worst right?” i shouted at Comfort as soon as my wife was out of sight, advanced towards the bold girl and lashed out a dirty hot slap on her left cheek. She fell backwards on my chair, gasping with shock.
It clearly was my first time of hitting a woman and i really wasn’t proud about it but nevertheless it never worried me because that moment i was like a man who had lost all his dignity and wealth. I was like a drowning man struggling with his last breathe to survive.
“get out?” i barked, dragged the girl to her feet and roughly threw her out of my apartment before rushing into the bedroom in search of my wife who was crying with her head buried Between two pillows.
“my love” i breathed, standing few steps away from her, too scared to come any nearer.
“i’m not your love. You wouldn’t have betrayed nor kept this information from me supposing you had any atom of love for me. Just go, go away, go after your baby mama. She’s your responsibility. Our marriage is over” she cried, destroying the remaining pieces of my heart with the simple but painful words that came out of her mouth.

I tried once again to beg and possibly mutter some explanations to her even though i knew my plea wasn’t going to get anywhere because what i did was total unforgivable and heartbreaking. I bravely sat on the bed and called her.
“baby please can you listen to me?” i begged nervously.
“I want to be left alone Caleb. Let me think about my life please” she cried.
I stared at her silently for a while and tried holding her gently but she flung away my hand furiously, turning to face me with eyes filled with anger and tears.
“what’s wrong with you?. Leave me alone bikonu , or do you want me to leave your house this night?” she threatened, while i quickly backed away.
“you can sleep in any of the empty rooms. Just get out” she barked.
I couldn’t do anything else than to obey her and so I quietly left the room for her, first heading to the dinning room to clear the dinner plates which were still lying on the table. After dropping the plates in the kitchen, i headed to one of the empty bedrooms, where i spent all night thinking about the problem i brought unto myself. I couldn’t help but think of what my wife would do the very next day.
I was however certain of one thing. Things were never going to be the same between us.
Very early the next day, precisely at 5:55am, I sneaked into the master room to check on her, but was surprised to see her fully dressed up, packing a luggage. I was totally alarmed and quickly drew close to stop her from leaving.
“my love” i breathed,
“i’m moving into a friend’s house. I will be there for sometime before bravely making up my mind to meet my parents. You can come this Christmas to collect the bride price you paid on my head” she said seriously, wounding my heart with her words. I quickly held her hand, but she instantly snatched it away.
“there is no point remaining married to you. You not only cheated on our marriage but also expecting a child from it. I no longer have a stake in your life so it’s over between us” she concluded dragged her luggage and tried leaving the room but i strongly held her down.
“i hope you won’t want me to create a scene or do you?. Just let me leave right now or our neighbours will gather for us” she threatened and forcibly walked out of our apartment, my life and marriage.
“It’s that the end?” was the question i kept asking myself that fateful morning. my life was instantly at a standstill.
I caused it all.
how do I redeem myself?

I just was confused on what to do. I couldn’t believe my wife was gone for real. I thought about my parents. I thought about her family. It was just a matter of minutes before they all get to hear the heartbreaking news.
The only solution i could think of that moment was running to God. For the first time in my life i looked towards God to solve my problems.
Yea i was a Christian quite alright but never was a strong one, but the situation of things clearly needed divine intervention and it clearly wouldn’t take much from me to kneel and pray. I knew God was all merciful and forgiving. He was my only hope.
I quietly dressed up and headed to a catholic church down the street to offer prayers to God. Luckily the parish priest was holding a confession session when i got to the church. I bravely joined the queue and waited for my turn to confess my sins before the Reverend father.
“perhaps God can talk to me through him” i reasoned as i set up my mind to do something i hated doing. Of course it was bad condition that pushes most people to God, just like it was doing to me that moment.
It soon got to my turn and i boldly went and confessed everything before the listening ears of the parish priest.
“My brother you truly offended God in many ways but i’m glad to tell you that God doesn’t turn his back to anyone who runs to him for shelter. As you were making your confession, God opened my eyes for your sake. Yea i saw a very rough future before you but don’t give up. Your wife will still remain yours at the end of the day. Your family and hers will still remain one big family, but for that to happen never turn your back on the second woman nor her child. I couldn’t see them in your future but nevertheless, do the right thing and fulfill your responsibility. Remember nothing is hidden under the sun. Do all i told you and leave God to do the rest for you. Remember i never saw the second woman in your future and so shall it be if you take care of her presently” he concluded before dishing out prayer points and bible verses i should read and pray on everyday.
I left the church thirty minutes later, relieved and optimistic but as i headed to my car, I got a very surprising phone call from my wife’s father.
“hey Caleb, i’ll be at your office in forty minutes time. Hope you are there” he said with his usual commanding tone and hung up without waiting to hear my reply. I instantly froze with fear.
I never knew the old man who was more in Abuja than in the state was in town.
My greatest fear was confronting him over the mess i dragged myself into and it was all about happening

As i headed to my office that fateful morning, I prepared my mind for the difficult task ahead.
Not only was i about having a long talk with my father in law, the old man equally was a faculty dean and a very powerful academia. Of course he could ruin my future with just a signature. There was no doubt I had to be extremely diplomatic when dealing with him.
On getting to my office, i tried calling my wife on phone but she refused answering just like i expected. I breathed deeply, muttered quick prayers and tried concentrating on a new work i was getting ready for publishing while waiting for my father in law at the same time. I really would have preferred going over to the old man’s office for the discussion but since he chose coming over to mine, I had no choice than to nervously wait for him.
He finally showed up an hour later, looking very serious and grim. I quickly stood up to greet him, respectfully offering my hand for a handshake which he declined accepting, giving me the first hint of trouble.
“i hope you know the reason i’m here?. My daughter told me she moved out of your house. She told me everything” he said seriously, searching my face with his eyes. I swallowed hard and stared back at him, visibly confused on how to explain myself to him.
“I did wrong sir. I cheated on my wife. I betrayed your daughter’s trust. I broke the sacred oath of marriage, but don’t kill me. Allow me to fix things. I beg of you” i pleaded solemnly. The old man simply scoffed and sat down on the empty seat opposite my table.
“how do you fix a house that has already collapsed?. You were unable to fix it when the structure was still shaking. How do you fix it now that it has collapsed?” he asked seriously.
“i will start from the beginning sir. I will start from the foundation to build it over again” i answered quickly as if it was a simple thing to do but the old man wasn’t moved at all.
“shut up!” he barked.
“do you think i’m a fool?” he asked,
“no not at all sir” i answered with panic.
“so don’t try acting a telenovela with me. Everyone now acts as if the world is as easy as this nonsense shown in movies. Your marriage with my daughter is barely a year, you got another woman pregnant and you are here trying to tell me you will fix things. What do you thing you are going to fix?. Our relationship is over from this minute. I will personally see to the divorce formalities. The bride price will be returned, but then better start packing up your things because your days in this school is now on countdown” he barked and stood up while i shook with fear.
“i beg of you sir, don’t add more fuel into the fire already consuming me” i begged with all my heart but unfortunately the old man looked more hurt and annoyed than his daughter when she left my house.
Not only did the world crash on my feet. It exploded and shattered the only hope i had left that very moment. I felt that the prayers i offered to God earlier in the day was rejected. I felt my sins were totally now beyond redemption even though the priest’s words kept ringing in my head as the old man left my office. I slowly dropped down and cried hard.
The reality of losing my wife and job in a hard country such as ours was so hard to bear.

I was still going through my plight, praying, crying and thinking when my phone rang, attracting my attention. I grabbed the phone and sighed on seeing the name of the caller who was no other person than Comfort.
At first i wanted to decline answering her but the priest’s words came ringing back in my head once again.
I breathed heavily, controlled my mood and answered the phone call.
“hello good day, hope i’m not calling at the wrong time?” she asked quietly, her voice devoid of the usual spirit i was used to.
“what do you want?” i asked a bit coldly.
“i think you shouldn’t be asking that sort of question to me. You already know what i want from you” she answered quietly. I bit my lips and closed my eyes.
I surely felt like smashing her head that moment but i just couldn’t, instead was about doing the opposite in order to set things right.
“where are you?” I asked curiously.
“i’m at the school front gate, heading to my lodge” she answered.
“you can come over to my office. We have some things to discuss” i said to her calmly.
“alright, i’m turning around” she replied while i hung up and sighed with resignation.
Fifteen minutes later, she walked into my office looking serious and a bit scared. I silently signalled her to sit on the empty chair before my desk, she sat down and returned my gaze.
“you broke into my life, broke into my home, ruined my marriage, ruined my happiness and my job is equally now on the line. Yet i have no choice than to accept the reality that you have come to stay in life. What a life” i poured out with regret. She simply stared at me, saying no words.
“so what exactly do you need from me. Outline the basic things and don’t try mentioning the impossible” i asked seriously. She shrugged with a shoulder, her eyes all over me with disbelief.
“emm i need money for my ante natal and personal expenses. I need a new accommodation. You already know my hostel rent expires this December and i can’t live comfortably with my parents. Moreover I’m doing my Nysc in this town, so i badly need the accommodation. Finally you need to meet my parents, it’s very Important. It’s not as if i’m asking you to marry me but meeting them is the right thing to do” she listed out while i weighed her demands in my mind.
“alright” i muttered with resignation, leaving her gasping with joy. Her eyes instantly sparkled as she drew forward with wet eyes.
“did you just say alright?” she asked excitedly. I nodded silently while deep down i felt like murdering her.
I simply accepted doing all the things she outlined in a way of correcting my wrongs even though i saw no way it was going to change my situation which undoubtedly was very bad.
“hope it’s the right step?” i wondered over and over..

“the most difficult thing i see in your list of demands is meeting your parents. Am i supposed to meet them?. Do i meet them as what?. An inlaw, your friend or what??” i slowly asked, cutting short her joy.
“don’t worry about that. I’ll will first talk to them before you show up. All i want is just for you to show your face to them” she answered after a little hesitation.
“okay i think this coming Sunday will be free for me. It will be on Sunday then” i announced quietly. Her eyes lit up once again.
“thanks for changing your mind. Thanks for doing the right thing” she said softly, standing up to leave. I quickly looked away and avoided her eyes. She left without another word.
I couldn’t help but think of my own parents that moment. There wasn’t any doubt i needed telling them my story before some else does the task for me. I badly needed their support to pull through my current crises. I was very sure they would stand by my side even though i destroyed the family name with my randy behaviour.
“God help me” i sobbed once again.
____
I headed home by 4pm after a very difficult work day. One thing about academic work is that no matter your state of mind you must do the work you are paid to do or risk being sanctioned by the head of department whose job could equally be at risk over any unprofessional behaviour from a lecturer under his authority. I had no choice than to struggle with my job even though the state of my mind was far from being normal.
I headed home very hungry, tired and emotionally drained. I was already badly missing my wife. I just didn’t know how to win her back, moreover her father has already threatened me and i knew her mum would probably do more than just threaten me as well. I was thinking about all these as i walked into my apartment which was surprisingly unlocked. I walked in cautiously, thinking perhaps i failed to lock the entrance door as i hurried out earlier in the day but as i got to my bedroom i saw my wife packing up the rest of her things in a big travelling bag.
I was very surprised to see her because she was the last person i expected to see in my apartment, moreover her car wasn’t in the car park.
“gracious me!” i exclaimed, startling her with my outburst. She turned and faced me while i rushed and hugged her, throwing her into another wave of Surprise.
“please don’t go. Don’t leave me. I beg of you” i pleaded with all my heart.

“please don’t leave me. I need your love to survive. I need your presence in my life” i poured out while she stared at me with eyes filled with tears.
“when someone you love misbehaves, no you don’t push him into the fire to burn because the fire not only burns him but burns your soul as well. I’m dying out of grief. Don’t let me die sweetheart” i begged, pushing her to the greatest depth of sympathy with my pleas. Of course she loves me, but the love and anger in her were battling for supremacy. The house she was about leaving was equally hers as well.
She drew back and sat on the bed, covering her eyes with her palms.
“i beg of you sweetheart, just do anything to me but don’t walk away from my life. I badly need your shoulder to lean on” i begged passionately.
“If only she will change her mind, perhaps my future will take a new better shape” i reasoned.
We all know a divided house never stands for long and i had a lot to benefit if she decides staying by my side.
“i love you. You very well know i love you. But i can’t stay in a house where my husband is having a child with another woman. It’s not as if i have a child of my own to manage. I can never be happy with that reality and i’m no fool my love, i can’t ruin my life by chasing shadows. It’s already obvious to me that i can’t have a child, so the best thing is to leave and find a way to be happy. I can’t block you from having children through another woman. Yes i’m angry with you but i’m not leaving your house out of anger but just as the right thing to do” she poured out with tears dropping from her eyes.
“but it’s you i want. I don’t need children to be happy. Our marriage is still too young for this” i pleaded solemnly. She cleaned her eyes, stood up and breathed deeply.
“i don’t think we will be seeing again. I’ll try my best to avoid your path. You can get back the money you spent on my head through my father” she said softly.
“nooo” i breathed, grabbed and kissed her with quivering lips. She didn’t protest nor break away from me, instead stared into my eyes as if she saw something in them.
“i wish you well my love, but i’m leaving” she said softly.
“that’s cool, i leave with you. I go wherever you go” i said seriously, cleaning my eyes. She drew back and stared at me with surprise.
“you can’t be serious?” she asked.
“try me” i answered with all seriousness.
“nothing is tearing us apart, nothing in this earth” i concluded, leaving her gasping with shock. She breathed deeply, sat on the bed once again and looked at me with disbelief.
Of course the last thing she wanted was creating a scene with me outside our apartment and she definitely knew i was very serious about leaving the house with her even though to be candid i never knew how such idea got into my head.

“God i can’t believe this. what has come over you my dear?” she asked slowly. I knelt by her side and held her softly, breathing deeply.
“please don’t leave me here all alone, unless you want me to go with you where ever you go” i repeated once again. She shook her head and looked into my eyes.
“see it isn’t as if i’m happy leaving you and everything behind to start a new life. I just have no choice” she said softly.
“no dearest, it’s still between us to fix. We can change everything together. We can reshape our destiny” i pushed on, more tears dropping from my eyes.
“you just have to let me go. My heart is still very broken and my spirit is also very weak. I promise to be back whenever i recover. Just let me go for now. I just can’t stay here with you at the moment” she begged seriously.
“nooo” i sobbed.
“yes you have to my dear unless you want to find me dead in your bathroom” she insisted.
“so how long do you intend staying away from me?” i asked sorrowfully.
“I don’t know, but i’ll be watching from a distance. How you tackle this situation will determine a whole lot of things” she answered with tears.
“okay. It’s fine by me” i muttered with resignation. She smiled, pecked me and finally left without another protest from me, leaving me all alone to carry my load of problems.
I surely had a lot to do, which comprised getting my emotions under control, opening up to my parents and making plans on how to see Comfort’s family the coming Sunday. I couldn’t help but think of the Priest’s words over and over as i planned on how to see my parents. Of course his words were a bit confusing to me by saying that Comfort and the baby weren’t in my future but still turning around to say that i should care for them because that alone will set things right.
“how on earth will i care for her and the baby yet they won’t show up in my future?” i wondered over and over.
The very next day, I headed home to see my parents who couldn’t believe their ears when i calmly told them what brought me home. My mum was overly shocked and angry, while dad simply frowned with disgust.
“i can’t believe you are asking me to be part of this nonsense development. If not that you are my son, i would have walked you out of here, but no matter my disappointment over your action. I still have no choice than to do whatever necessary to help you out. You are my blood and your life is very much important to me than mine and for that reason i will go with you on Sunday to see the girl’s parents” he accepted just like i expected but unfortunately things didn’t go as i hoped on Sunday evening when we arrived Comfort’s house.
Her family insisted on a full fledged traditional marriage between me and their daughter before any form of compromise could be reached, putting me in another dilemma.

Comfort’s family ruined the Sunday by insisting i marry their daughter, a demand which didn’t go down well with me.
My father however tried his best to get them listen to us but unfortunately all they wanted was marriage and refused listening to anything contrary to it. We were left with no choice than to head home hours later, extremely angry over the futile journey.
“so what’s your next move?” my dad asked curiously as soon as we got home. I looked at the old man with pity and regret, shrugging slowly.
I truly wasn’t happy about getting him involved in my mess. I wasn’t happy about dragging him to Comfort’s village where he was almost insulted because we refused the proposal the silly people came up with.
“seriously Dad, nothing is in my mind for now, but concerning Comfort. She can now go to hell for all i care. I can never marry her. The best i can do is to take care of her child, nothing more, nothing less” I answered with resignation.
“well i pray things go well for you. Try your best and come home for Christmas and don’t run away from us because of your problems” he advised like a good father.
I returned to my apartment the very next day, to continue with my life. I threw my problems with Comfort to the back of my mind and faced the new week with a new mindset. Of course i knew Comfort was going to come back to beg on behalf of her parents, an opportunity i hoped cashing in on to give her my own conditions.
I needed being in control of the game, i needed being the captain of the whole affair. Her parents behaviour really opened my eyes to a new reality. They taught me that no matter the condition of things, one should still hold up his head high as if he was in control of the situation.
Just like i expected, Comfort showed up at my office, early Tuesday morning. I calmly offered her a chair, she sat down and stared at me with a visibly coloured face.
“i’m sorry about how things went with my parents. They can be annoying sometimes” she muttered nervously.
“that’s their own business, now listen to me. I have decided on how to care for you and your baby and if it isn’t enough for you, then you can go to hell” i said a bit rudely, shocking her with my words.
“i will rent a self contained room in a very plush neighbourhood next year for you, plus fifteen thousand Naira {about a hundred dollars} monthly allowance till you deliver the baby. After delivery, the s-x of the child will determine my next plan for you. My offer isn’t open for debate. You either take it or leave it” i said seriously, searching her eyes for the much expected reaction.
I felt my offer was a fair one or isn’t it??.

Comfort simply stood up after listening to my proposal, came towards my chair, stopped and stared at me for some seconds.
“your offer is quite a generous one even though you sounded harsh with it. Nevertheless, thanks for coming up with it but another important thing i must emphasis on is nothing else but having you around at all times. No matter how you try shaping the situation, you will never deny the fact that we are starting a family. From next year, your presence will matter a lot to me. I feel you already know the other necessary roles you are to play for the safe delivery of our child?. It’s not all about money” she asked softly. I drew back my chair and stood up.
“you are not my wife Comfort. You can never be my wife. The best i can do is to support your pregnancy with money. Any other thing you are trying to add won’t work. Believe me i will throw a party if you even lose this pregnancy” i said harshly, melting her eyes with my words.
“okay, fine thanks for everything” she said softly, turned and slowly left my office without another word.
I always felt bad after using harsh words on her but most times i couldn’t stop myself from being harsh to her.
I equally thought about my wife at the same time. I couldn’t imagine what she was going through nor were she was staying. My life was totally empty without her, just as the previous week was quiet messy. I couldn’t imagine how to survive the new week all alone, moreover my house was slowly getting untidy with lots of unwashed clothes, plates and pots pilling up everyday, no companion to hold at night and share my stories with. Nobody to serve me dinner with a sweet smile.
“d--n” i breathed hard.
The rest of the week however was totally uneventful. I tried very hard to establish contact with my wife but was unsuccessful and so i managed myself all alone until 22nd of December when i got a surprising phone call from my father. He told me that my wife’s family were inviting us for a family meeting on the 26th of December which was four days away. At first i was a bit happy over the news, thinking that perhaps we were being invited in order for us to put heads together and settle my marriage problems but on a second thought, my heart skipped as i remembered the words my father inlaw used on me the first time he confronted me over what i did to his daughter. I quickly realised that perhaps they were inviting us in order to finally cut ties with my family.
I travelled home on the 24th of December with a very anxious mind but unfortunately my fears turned out to be true, when we got to my wife’s family home.
“i guess you already know why we invited you all here” my wife’s father asked as soon as we settled down in his sitting room.
“Anyway let me hit the nail on the head. Your son destroyed the relationship our families enjoyed by getting another woman pregnant. My daughter has no choice than to move out from his house. We already know she has no child and probably may not have a future in the house she helped build. Anyway let’s avoid long talk. How much do we refund you?” he asked, looking directly at my father and jolting us with his words.

“c’mon Prof. You shouldn’t be making such statement. What we are supposed to do in this case is to find a peaceful way of helping our children out of this mess” my dad cut in, but my father in law wasn’t ready to listen to anyone.
“i warned your son. I advised him right before he married my daughter that i won’t take any nonsense from him. Just take a critical look at everything happening right now. Your son got another woman pregnant barely a year of marrying my daughter. Isn’t it an insult to my daughter and my family?. Aren’t you ashamed of your son’s action?. Isn’t his action a prove that he never loved my daughter?. We are talking about a marriage barely a year old?. C’mon let’s be realistic, your son probably married my daughter just to boost his career in a job i helped him get. He never loved my daughter and i will see to it that he loses that silly job of his” the old man barked, silencing my father with his words while his wife stared at him with great concern. There wasn’t any doubt he was highly annoyed with me.
“prof we have been friends for a long time huh?. Right from when we worked together at NITEL and we have maintained the relationship till now. Don’t let our children ruin our friendship. Ever since this problem reared up, you have been avoiding me, but please let’s go to your balcony or bedroom and put heads together like men” my father begged calmly. The old man stared at my father for some seconds before shrugging.
“i have always respected you chief. Even though you made a mistake of choosing politics instead of furthering your education” he said humorously, reducing the tension in the room with his words. The two men laughed while i watched on nervously.
“okay let’s go to my bedroom and talk” he finally accepted and slowly led my dad to his room, leaving me all alone with my mother and mother in law.
My mother in law fixed her eyes on me, saying nothing but the venom in her eyes were enough to kill silently. I quickly became very uncomfortable.
“please ma, how about my wife?. Is she in the house?. I’m dying to see her” i begged softly, desperate to get out of the sitting room. She hesitated for some seconds before pointing towards the bedroom.
“she’s In her room” she said carefully. I quickly rose up and headed to my wife’s old room without another word, opening the door without knocking and coming face to face with the poor woman who was sobbing uncontrollably on her bed. I was shocked to see her in that condition.
Of course the whole affair was paining her much more than it was paining me, but instead of stopping her father or returning to me she preferred dying silently with grief.
My eyes quickly melted with tears.
“dearest” i called with a deeply shaken voice.

“my love” i called out again, drew close and sat by her side. She turned and stared at me for some seconds before bringing down her face once again.
“dearest stop punishing yourself. You are killing me with this attitude. I beg of you lets go home together. You are my wife, my life and my destiny” i begged, caressing her back softly.
“just leave me please” she sobbed.
“you are my legitimate wife, don’t let our home fall because of my mistakes. Let’s get back together. I already have things with that woman under control” i begged. She slowly cleaned her eyes, sat up and faced me.
“so what’s up with her?” she asked. I breathed deeply and smiled.
“i agreed supporting her till she delivers the baby. I equally agreed on getting a good accommodation for her where she will stay till she delivers. After which i may continue supporting her until the child becomes a graduate. But as for my last name, i won’t give that to the child. The child will bear the mother’s last name, I’m also preparing a Will which gives everything we have to you and the children we are having together. So you see, everything can be easily fixed. Let’s go home together” i begged. She stared at me for some seconds before shrugging.
“i just don’t know dear, even though you are trying to set things right and make me happy, i still somehow feel for the innocent child you are trying to cut off, but i guess it’s the right thing to do because the innocent child won’t be innocent when he grows up and decides waging a war on his half brothers and sisters if i eventually have children of my own” she murmured while i looked up at her with bright eyes.
“Abraham did the same to Ishmael, didn’t he?” i asked with a smile, even though i really wasn’t sure if i got the question correctly.
“and you just talked about having children?. Does it mean you are coming back to me?” i asked hopefully but before she could answer, her mother came into the room, interrupting us.
“you guys should come over to the sitting room right away” she addressed us and left instantly, My wife quickly stood up and led the way, while i followed slowly.
On getting to the sitting room, she happily hugged my mum and dad before facing her own parents.
“we have settled, we have reached an agreement. I have forgiven him” she suddenly announced to everyone, shocking me with her words.
“come here” her father said with a smile, stood up and hugged her happily.
“you are very lucky my daughter loves you but we still had to be hard with you in order to teach you some practical lessons” he said to me with a smile before facing his wife.
“go prepare the table dear, we are all hungry” he added jovially, leaving my parents and I totally speechless and stunned with happiness and relief.

As we eat together minutes later, my father in law once again advised me on the need to be dedicated, honest and truthful to my wife just like he did before i married his daughter many months ago.
“To be candid, i don’t give people second chances once they wrong me, but I just decided to give up this fight for the sake of my daughter and her happiness. We had a very long talk yesterday evening and she kept begging that i should forgive you. She loves you more than you deserve but i still had to shout her down and behave the way i did earlier today. Anyway it’s now all in the past but do know that you have used up all your life lines. Any new bad report about you i get, i won’t hesitate dealing mercilessly with you. That reminds me, you have to sign an undertaking to that effect” he seriously said to me while my wife screamed with a smile.
“oh daddy come off with the attitude. Everything is now over and Caleb isn’t signing any agreement” she protested.
“oh don’t worry dear, I can sign anything” i added.
“no you are not” she insisted while her dad shrugged with resignation.
After the meal we all had a long discussion concerning Comfort and her baby. I told them my plans for the baby she was having for me. I told them all i earlier revealed to my wife in her bedroom. We ended up having a long debate over it, my mother in law insisting that it was so cold a decision while my parents and father in law accepting that it was a good but tough decision, however at the end of the day, we all agreed on giving the child my last name if it turns out to be a girl but do the opposite if it turns out to be a boy.
My parents and I finally left later in the evening without my wife because her parents refused allowing us go with her. They jokingly but seriously insisted that i pay back all the expenses the made on her head all the period she was out of my house.
However two days later, i went back for her with two strong goats, two bottle of hot drinks and ten thousand naira wrapped in an envelope. Jessica was handed back to me, just like i wished, and thus my second shot to a happy life began. We spent the rest of the Christmas and New year together with my parents and on the 3rd of January we headed back to the City to face life once again.
Unfortunately no matter how optimistic i was that January. I still was scared over my situation with Comfort because she always comes up with something new to shatter my plans, nevertheless i was very hopeful that she will have no place in my future. My second prayer was for my wife to get pregnant……

Our first new year night in the city was simply magical. Even though we were very tired after a long journey from home, we wasted no time in tearing each other apart.
After having a quick shower very late that fateful night, we laid beside each other, totally naked and happy.
“you know we still have a lot to talk, now we are finally together in our home” my dear wife said seriously to me. I smiled and kissed her softly.
“i know dear, but that will wait because i want to make love to Mrs Caleb. I want to make Love to my precious Jewel” i said sweetly. She rolled her eyes and smiled. I quickly grabbed her and hmmmm a lot happened.
Oh yeah the passion and way in which we made love that fateful night, spoke volumes on how much we missed each other.
I started the whole show from her b-----s, kneading the two m----s, tormenting the n-----s as i took one of the extended tips into my mouth. The inflamed bud was overly animated and with ease i had her squirming.
I Nuzzled to her other b----t, teasing and laving it, until she was overly aroused. I continued on, to her stomach, to her navel and down.
Burrowing into her mons, i tickled and licked her belly, my fingers fondling her privates. She spread her legs for me, granting me great access to go on with my exploration. I was so wild for her, delving and probing, spurring her to a savage precipice.
I kissed her inner thigh, then worked up her torso, thoroughly investigating her body until she was afire in every pore.
When our lips finally joined, she seized the advantage, expertly turning me around and sitting on my thigh. She commenced her own journey by caressing my chest, ribs, dallying with my n-----s until i was in a frenzied state. My pulse pounding furiously.
By now my joystick was adamant and demanding. She obeyed its request with a smile, taking it in her hand and into her mouth. Yea my wife knew how to drive me crazy whenever she puts her mind on it.
With great vigor, she toyed and played with my joystick, stroking my balls while her tongue goaded the incited tip. She grazed and trifled until my sexual juices were oozing with abandon.
“oh dear!” i breathed with excitement, rotating in a swift motion and having her pinned down to the bed once again. I quickly nudged her thighs apart, centered myself while she braced for me to raucously plunge in, but instead i licked my lips, smiled and left my joystick dangling before her.
“tell Me how much you want me dearest?” i demanded breathlessly.
“I love you. I love you. I love youuuuu” she sang with passion. My eyes glittered with delight, I drew back and plunged into her with a single smooth t----t, quickly embarking on a race to satiation, thumping my hips like the pistons of a gigantic machine.
She wrapped her legs around my waist, locking them behind my back as i reveled in the ecstasy.
“i love you sweetheart. Please don’t break my heart again” she begged as her o----m promptly overtook her, while i emptied myself inside her with such a force i had never experienced {prior to that moment}.
I was sure she was going to get pregnant once again for me.

After breakfast the next day, I took my wife out for shopping. We spent almost all day moving from one shop to another, buying almost everything that caught her interest. Later in the evening, I took her to a quiet hotel downtown for swimming, something i haven’t done with her in a long time.
Of course she was totally stunned and overly happy with my show of affection, and truly i must confess that not only did we have a very wonderful time swimming together, it equally gave me the opportunity to realise and reflect on the fun i had denied our marriage prior to that moment.
Yea just like most couples, our marriage used to be very uneventful and affectionate. We spent the weekdays working, and weekends resting without any form of recreation apart from the nights we had the normal marital s-x. We hardly went shopped together nor spent an evening in a beach or hotel and then when Comfort finally showed up in my life, the little attention i was paying my wife slowly fizzled out without me even realising it.
“oh baby, today is simply the best day of my life” she smiled as we swam out of the pool together by 6pm that fateful day. I licked my lips, grabbed my phone and faced her.
“what are you trying to do?” she asked, hiding her face with her hands.
“c’mon are you shy or what?, abeg give me a superb pose jor, or don’t you want my facebook friends to see your great curves?” i asked jokingly. She gasped, rushed forward and grabbed the phone.
“you want to post my naked pictures on facebook?. You must be crazy” she barked playfully. I grabbed her from behind and lifted her up.
“I don’t know much about clubbing, neither do you. So how about we club tonight?” i asked, leaving her staring at me with great surprise.
“noooo” she breathed,
“yes” i smiled,
“hmmmm i don’t know” she shrugged with hesitation.
____
we finally wrapped up the great day, with an awesome night at a hotel Club. It was such a bright moment for us. Oh i can never forget the kiss we shared as we danced together.
“seriously i’m so breathless with happiness. I haven’t experienced such eventful moments all at once In my short life. Thank you very much. I just wish you will continue giving me this kind of awesome treat” she said with tears of joy in her eyes as we drove home by 3am the next day.
___
I was delighted i finally got my wife back, but yet i still had a tough job of winning back her full love.
There is nothing half as bad as a broken home. I wasn’t raised in a broken home and i won’t be the person to start it in my blood-line by raising my kids in such home, but then no matter my ideology and feelings, i still had no perfect solution for Comfort’s Child who unfortunately was said to be mine as well. In the end the innocent baby would end up suffering the most in everything.
I just wished i could turn back the hands of time, live a scandal free life, raise three kids and grow old so happily. But that’s life. Nothing on earth is perfect.

Two days later, my wife woke me from sleep with a very worried look on her face. I lazily rubbed my eyes before sitting up on the bed.
“what’s wrong my dear?, why did you turn on the lights?. It’s still 4am” i asked curiously, taking a quick look at the table clock few steps away. She breathed deeply and folded her hands.
“i’m sorry for waking you but i just was unable to sleep. I’m really worried over many things” she complained seriously. To be sincere, i really wasn’t ready for her drama that morning but just to make her feel at ease, i drew forward and pecked her.
“what if i end up not bearing you children, what happens to our home and love?” she asked while i breathed deeply and shrugged. Her question was really unexpected and i had no clue whatsoever on how to answer it.
“maybe God has a reason for allowing that young girl get pregnant for you.” she added slowly, making me very uncomfortable with her words.
“what if she gives you a male child and you turn your back on him only to end up not getting any child from me?” she asked.
“oh dear me, you are too young to be saying all this s--t. How many months have we been married to each other. Please this topic is making me totally uncomfortable, let’s sleep. I beg of you” i said with a controlled tone.
“you really don’t understand. You don’t just get it” she added slowly, forcing out my temper which i quickly controlled by biting my lips.
No matter how much you love a woman or no matter how loyal, respectful and loving a woman is. There comes a time when she acts like a kid, bringing up emotional or annoying topics for no just reason or perhaps to score a point which totally is quite unnecessary. Yea i knew she was still emotionally insecure but waking me up by that time of the day to bring up such topic was really really annoying. I couldn’t display my anger because marriage is all about tolerance.
“i will like to have a talk with that girl carrying your child” she suddenly added, shocking me with her demand .
“what!, you mean Comfort?” i asked with shock.
“i think it’s a bad idea my love” i quickly added.
“no on the contrary i think it’s a good idea. I have every right to know the lady carrying my husband’s child. The last time she was here, i was so disorganised by her presence that i couldn’t study her appropriately” she persisted.
“okay ooo, i’ll call her later in the day and check if she’s in town, so can we sleep now?” i seriously said, forcing out a smile. She breathed deeply and nodded.
____
However, as we had breakfast later in the morning, she brought up her request again, leaving me with no choice than to call and invite comfort to our house. Just like i expected, Comfort was in town and quickly accepted my invitation without hesitation, promising to show up at my house by 4pm that fateful day.
I just didn’t understand my wife nor the motive behind such an unusual request.
Hmmmm sometimes women can be quite unreadable.

Comfort showed up at my house by 5pm looking very calm and a bit curious. I really was extremely nervous having her in my home but there was nothing i could do than to man up and face the situation.
“thanks for coming over” my wife politely welcomed her as she settled on my long couch.
I couldn’t help but notice the cold smile on my wife’s face. Of course she alone knew her plans that fateful evening. Comfort on the other hand, appeared a bit surprised to see my wife, perhaps she thought i invited her on my own, which probably was the reason she eagerly accepted my invitation.
“so how have you been doing and how is your health?” she curiously asked, sitting beside the astonished girl. This time around i was greatly worried over my wife’s behaviour.
“oh yes i’m fine, thanks for your concern” Comfort replied quickly.
“that’s cool, i’m actually the person behind the invitation. I just want to form a new kind of bond or should i say relationship between us. To be sincere, i don’t like you neither do you like me but i think the situation of things calls for us to work together. Hope i’m right” she addressed Comfort who simply nodded silently.
“from now onwards you are my responsibility. If you are in need of anything, come forward to me and not to my husband because my Caleb isn’t your husband. Your monthly allowance, accomodation and everything will be done by me. Don’t ever go to my husband nor speak to him for any reason. If you try it and i find out, you won’t like what will happen to you” she addressed Comfort with all seriousness while i drew back with shock.
I couldn’t believe my ears, i just didn’t know how to judge my wife’s actions that moment. Moreover i wasn’t happy that she failed telling me her plans which totally was unacceptable.
Comfort equally stared at her with disbelief, the look on her face clearly showcasing her mind.
“i don’t understand madam but i’m afraid to think that you are trying to get back at me for getting pregnant for your husband” she murmured with a coloured face. My wife simply stood up and Scoffed.
“you have no choice my dear. You are even lucky to still be alive after all you did to my marriage. Of course i know your plans and believe me, you almost succeded. I almost left my marriage for you and with one child, you can easily get another and another for my husband before i even realise myself. Do you care to have my phone number or not??” she asked the shocked girl while i speechlessly stared on, too shocked to say a word.
Of course tough measures are quite needed to tackle difficult moments but somehow i felt my wife was going a little too far with it…

“i guess i have no choice than to accept your terms. You already got everything well planned out” Comfort murmured with resignation as she exchanged phone numbers with my wife.
She thereafter left five minutes later, but not after politely declining staying for dinner even though my wife was almost forceful with the invitation. As soon as she left, i faced my wife with a worried look.
“Jessica dear, hmmm i don’t know but you kind of surprised me with your actions this evening. Couldn’t you have let me into your plans rather than surprising me with it?” i asked curiously. She shrugged and scoffed.
“you are expecting me to apologize right?. Fine i’m so sorry darling” she said a bit coldly before heading to the kitchen. I followed her to the kitchen with a mind filled with many unsaid words but i couldn’t just tell her my mind due to many reasons which you guys equally know.
She however turned on noticing my presence and stared at me curiously.
“are you okay?” she asked,
“yea of course” i answered, forcing out a smile. She drew forward and held my waist.
“i’ll get the apartment for her myself. I will equally do the furnishing myself. I seriously won’t like you to have any form of contact with that girl. At least until after she puts to bed. Trust me, i’m going to run a DNA test on the baby as well. I don’t trust that girl one bit” she said seriously while i shrugged with resignation.
“fine do whatever pleases you with her” i accepted and kissed her forehead, but deep down i kind of felt she was only going to injure herself further by trying to get more involved with comfort who i very much knew to be an aggressive go getter.
____
Two days later, i barely had relaxed in my office as i resumed work for the new year when Comfort barged in looking very mean and serious. At first i froze with surprise on seeing her before quickly regaining my composure.
“what are you doing here?. Didn’t my wife ask you to stay away from me. You are no longer a student in this school and i demand you leave my office right away” i barked without even caring to know why she was at my office.
“i never knew your wife controls you. Just look at yourself shaking like a chicken. My wife said this, my wife said that. Where was she when we were f-----g each other??. Yea i’m no longer a student and you are no longer my lecturer, so i can tell you anything i feel like without fear” she poured out rudely, raising up her tone with each word and sending me on my feet with the insults that flew out of her mouth.
“i beg of you, keep your voice down” i begged, drawing close to her but instead of complying, she eyed me and continued.
“you can let your wife dictate things for you but she can’t do the same to me. I never knew you are a chicken. You just watched as she tore me apart in your home without doing anything” she fired on, leaving me with no choice than to slap her with such a force that drew out blood from her nose.
“oh my God” she cried.

“you slapped me. You just slapped me” she cried, wiping out blood from her nose. I swallowed hard with despair, breathing deeply. Of course I regretted slapping her. She was a woman. D--n.
“you know what?, I don’t need your money. I don’t need your help and i don’t need you in my life. You and your wife should go to hell” she screamed, forcing me to quickly cover her mouth with my left hand.
“maybe we should talk outside. Let’s get out of here please” i suggested, trying hard to avoid creating a scene with her in my office. She pushed me away and shook her head.
“no there is nothing to talk about. You already see me as a home spoiler while your wife sees me as a gold digger. No one cares about my feelings. I’m just a wild animal to you guys. I’m leaving, enjoy your life” she poured out and turned to leave. I quickly grabbed her left hand and stared at her suspiciously.
“what are you trying to do Comfort?” i asked,
“let go of me. I’m serious, I don’t need your cursed money” she hissed, broke free from my grasp and headed to the door.
I had the urge to go after her but on a second thought, i Let her leave even though i was greatly worried over her plans.
I couldn’t deny that i needed her to be under my protection and nose because of the baby she was expecting which somehow might appear insane to you guys reading this story since i had always appeared not to be interested in her pregnancy. I do believe in the ideology of keeping friends close and enemies closer.
______
I got home later in the evening and narrated all that happened between Comfort and I to my wife who was greatly surprised over the news. She even tried calling Comfort on phone but was unable to reach her.
“her phone is now switched off after ringing twice. I guess she’s very serious about not needing our support anymore” my wife said with resignation.
“so what do you think?” i asked.
“well i think your girlfriend has a very good counter-plan to use against us. I believe she will be back, that i know for sure” she replied seriously, leaving me worried and overly anxious…….
I didn’t know what to expect next.

Comfort seriously kept her word and stayed away from my life, vanishing into thin air as if she never existed in the first place. Her phone numbers equally remained switched off from the evening my wife last tried speaking to her {after the little fight we had at my office}. A situation that got me worried but as a young man, i threw everything concerning her to the back of my mind and faced my busy life, sharing every spare moment i got with my wife.
On the 14th of February, few weeks later. My wife shared a very wonderful news to me.
“i’m pregnant darling and i have strong faith in this pregnancy. Just hold me tight and kiss me” she announced as we opened the wrapped valentine gifts we bought for each other.
I stared at her with joy, too stunned to say a word while she nodded with excitement.
“ain’t you going to kiss me?” she asked with a smile.
“oh my love” i breathed, flinging the gifts aside and grabbing her with joy.
“i will take extra precaution with this one. Have no fear dearest” she whispered into my ear after the super kiss we shared, biting my ear at the same time.
“oh my love” i muttered again and again. Only God knew how happy and filled up i was over the joyful news. There was nothing else i wanted than to have a child with her. I surely was a very happy man from moment.
Unfortunately the devil once again reared up its ugly head to spoil things for me.
Exactly one week later, Comfort’s parents showed at my office in the peak of school activities to embarrass and deal with me for turning my back on their daughter. Not only did they come to embarrass me in my office, they came very prepared with enough noise and commotion that attracted the whole science faculty and disrupted school activities.
“so you think you can insult my family with your presence last year and then turn your back on my daughter” Comfort’s father screamed at me as he barged into my office with his wife, two young men and an elderly lecturer.
I was busy attending to some final year students in my office when the old man came in shouting and cursing.
Before i could even utter a word, he drew closer and hit me on the head with his walking stick, shocking me with the terrible assault.
“choi!!!” the students with me screamed with shock while the lecturer that led him to my office quickly grabbed the stick as he raised it for the second time.

“hey you guys should get out right now” i quickly instructed my students who quickly obeyed while the old man and his wife continued cursing me.
My head of department {H.O.D} soon ran into the office with two more lecturers looking very worried and curious.
D--n, i was totally embarrassed and furious. My secret was now out in the open. My future in the school was now in jeopardy. I clearly abused the school policy by my actions with Comfort.
“what’s happening here?. Please this is a learning institution. Reduce your voices” the H.O.D addressed Comfort’s parents, trying to use his authority to calm them but was unsuccessful.
“learning institution huh?. Isn’t this the same learning institution where this stupid boy of a lecturer impregnated my daughter and abandoned her” the old man screamed while my colleagues all gasped and looked down with shame. I was totally ripped apart and burned. I just didn’t know what to do.
“please sir, you have already done enough damage to me, Let’s get out of here and talk like reasonable people or do you intend to kill me here as well?” i finally mustered courage to propose.
“yes let’s go somewhere and talk” he accepted, grabbing his walking stick from the lecturer that seized it earlier.
I took my car keys, led them out of the office and to my car, quickly driving away and almost running into some curious students who were virtually everywhere having a good time and trying to witness all the commotion my rude visitors were creating.
One thing was certain, my days in the school was numbered and i very much knew that i would be facing a disciplinary panel in days to come. A young lecturer like me could easily be used to set a perfect example to other randy lecturers.
I drove to an empty restaurant some kilometers away from the school, parked my car and took them inside the building.
“you know you just caused me my job. You probably think embarrassing me before my students and colleagues was a way of fighting for your daughter’s right but you totally forgot that without a Job i won’t be able to care for her needs as well. By the way, i offered your daughter a good accommodation and a decent monthly allowance but she turned down everything, disappeared and turned off her phones. I can’t believe you guys came out all the way from the village to ruin my life” I addressed them, trying to shift the blame from myself. Comfort’s mother nodded and calmly addressed me for the first time.
“we know about the accommodation, allowance and everything, but allowing your wife dictate things for my daughter very coldly was way too much an insult. Anyway Comfort has been sick since then. She couldn’t even make it to the Nysc camp which opened days ago. We are simply living with a wasted daughter who you abused. I feel like killing you” she poured out with tears in her eyes. I breathed deeply and shook my head.
There was any doubt i had a strong case at hand and my future on the brink of collapsing before my very eyes.

I ended up promising to check on Comfort the next day, equally parting with five thousand Naira which was the only money i had on me that moment before discharging them. They left thereafter, threatening to show up again if i failed keeping my promise while i headed home to rest and plan ahead.
I could have returned to my office since it was too early to go home but i just didn’t have the guts to show up there, instead preferred waiting till the next day when the tension must have died down.
_____
My wife was really worried, when i told her all that happened between Comfort’s parents and I. The way they humiliated me before my students and colleagues, hiding nothing from her.
“that’s bad. Those guys are mean. They really came well prepared for you.” she said with concern, holding my hands softly.
“i’m afraid, i could lose my job over this. My story is now on everyone’s lips and i won’t be surprised if the school magazine carries the story as well. I’m too ashamed to go back to work. I just don’t know how to face my students and colleagues” i poured out solemnly.
“don’t worry dear, God will see you through this problem. Moreover you still got my love and support” she said softly, kissing me.
I had two things troubling me that moment. Firstly, how to face my colleagues and students, and secondly, how to face Comfort’s family the next day. I already promised to come see them. A promise i made under duress.
“My love, concerning Comfort and her family. Please be careful when you drive over to their place. Don’t eat anything there, not even kola nut. Simply put it in your pocket if you can’t reject it. Those folks can poison you. Please” my dear wife begged as if she knew what i was thinking.
“have no fear dearest. I know myself” i promised her.
_____
The next morning finally arrived with a very bright weather. I uneasily dressed up and prepared for work.
“i know you are scared daring?. Don’t be. Go with this kiss, it’s well” my wife said sweetly with a superb kiss which she left on my lips. I breathed deeply with appreciation.
“thanks my love. Take care of yourself” i answered and left for work.
I barely had gotten to my office when the “Head of Department” sent his secretary to fetch me. I quickly went over to his office and was surprised to see all the lecturers in my department, both senior and Junior already there.
My heart quickly froze with fear because i couldn’t remember the last time i saw everyone of them together in a room, nor appearing so early in the school. The reality of my position quickly dawned on me.
“Mr Caleb thanks for coming. You already know the reason we are all here. You disrupted academic activities yesterday in a very shameful manner. The school disciplinary panel will be sitting in a few days, though i’m yet to get more details about it but i know your case is already with them. However it won’t stop us from taking our own action. Hmmm you have every right to tell us your version of the story before we proceed with whatever we have in mind” the H.O.D addressed me while my colleagues nodded in approval. Every eyes were on me.
My legs slowly shook as sweat drenched my entire body. I just didn’t know where to start or how to present my defence. They all wanted to hear my story. How do i tell them all about my secret affair with Comfort??.

It really wasn’t easy standing before pairs of intelligent eyes to defend myself. I had no choice than to quickly come up with an easy to believe half truth. There wasn’t any way of fully denying getting involved with Comfort, so what i did was to accept responsibility with a little make up story.
I told them my affair with Comfort started way back when i was still a student and that she was a family friend’s daughter, but we kind of broke up when i left the country for my masters degree.
“I returned and got married to another woman, a situation than infuriated Comfort’s parents, who were aware of our relationship. However it never ended like i wanted, because as soon as i started working in this great school, Comfort used the opportunity as a student to revive our relationship. It really wasn’t easy for me and when i finally told her to leave me alone, she accused me of impregnating her, equally telling her parents about it” I lied effortlessly, but unfortunately i was lying to experienced old men and women who easily picked up many flaws in my story.
“you know i don’t think it’s quite a coincident that the girl Comfort, was your family friend, studied in the school that employed you and equally was a student in your department. Your defence is quite unbelievable and poor anyway we don’t have the right to judge you. You have told us your side of the story which will now be our side of the story as well. Your fate will be decided by the disciplinary panel who will forward their decision to the school senate for approval. As for now, simply stay away from my classes. I will assign another lecturer to cover your courses. The last thing i want is for you to head to any class and be insulted. Hope you all agree with me” the H.O.D asked everyone in the room. They all nodded in approval.
I left the H.O.D’s office like a broken man. My dignity and pride lost. I equally was on the verge of losing my job. I just didn’t know what to do.
I was deeply thinking in my office when my father in law walked in with his usual grace. I gasped with delight on seeing him because I wasn’t expecting him at all.
He was the only person that had the kind of influence that could turn things around for me in the school.
“I can’t believe our secret is now public. How did you let things get this bad?” he asked, sitting on an empty chair, facing me. I swallowed hard and shrugged, saying nothing.
“There is nothing i can do about it for now because, a Rev. Father is in charge of the disciplinary panel. The man is a very straight forward person and I can’t influence him to kill the case, and i’m afraid he will do a very clean investigative job before submitting everything to the senate for approval. I’m a member of the senate but once the report gets there, hmmmm you are as good as fired. Anyway we still have a month to set things right” he addressed me with concern while i looked up hopefully at him.
He was the only friend and father i had in the school but then it was still two of us against a whole lot of people interested in casting stones on me.

“i’m so confused right now. You are the only person i just got” i confessed, telling the old man everything about the short meeting i had with my H.O.D and colleagues minutes earlier. He listened with abrupt attention, shaking his head when i was done with my narration.
“you know you shouldn’t have admitted your affair with that lady before your colleagues. Anyway, that’s not the problem. The problem at hand is now how to fix your current situation and save yourself from getting fired. Next time don’t dare admitting anything to anyone. Most times keeping silent in the face of grave situation can make one look like a fool but in reality it saves him his future. You should only open your mouth when queried by the disciplinary panel, Vice chancellor or Senate and i advise you find something better than that c--k and bull story you blew to your colleagues” My father in law said with a deep frown.
“yea i made a mistake. I have been making mistakes since i got this job as a lecturer” i muttered with resignation while he stood up and breathed deeply.
“i will be leaving now but don’t worry, i will try my best to help you out for the sake of my daughter and my good friend, your father” he assured me with a smile.
______
I really couldn’t concentrate on anything after the old man left me alone. My office suddenly looked like a prison to me. I just felt like an animal in cage. Of course i was definetly in a cage of problems.
By 11:30am, I left my office and headed to Comfort’s village, first stopping at a bank along the way to withdraw some cash. I couldn’t help but imagine the expenses awaiting me at her home. Her parents mentioned something about her being very sick and i knew they would be expecting me to show up with a huge amount of money.
I arrived at Comfort’s house an hour later, very nervous and scared. I took a big risk of coming alone, knowing fully well, how deadly her family could be. They already had dealt me the first blow by embarrassing me before my students and colleagues.
However, as i walked into the compound, after parking my car a distance away. I noticed that the house looked empty, putting my mind a little at ease.
As i headed towards the corridor, i saw Comfort sitting on a bench with both hands on her jaw. She really looked quite sick and old. I couldn’t believe my eyes.
“Comfort” i called out slowly, not believing that the thin and old looking girl before me was the sharp Comfort that shared many wondrous moments with me.
“my God what happened to you?, what are you doing to yourself ?” i asked with great concern. She breathed deeply, looked up and stared at me, shaking her head.
“is this world worth living when the person you love is beyond your grasp or treats you like a shitbag??” she asked me, tears quickly melting her eyes and putting me in a great emotional turmoil.

“but i’m just the wrong man to love. I’m married my dear and i can’t divorce my wife for anything. You are a very attractive young lady. I do love everything about you but i just can’t be with you the way you want. All that happened between us in the past was a big mistake which you very well know. Don’t ruin your life for my sake, i beg of you just accept my wife’s help” i appealed solemnly, holding her right hand and sitting beside her. She slowly wiped her tears, breathing deeply.
“i can take anything except subjecting myself under your wife’s scorn. That woman hates me. Didn’t you see the fire in her eyes as she talked to me the last time i was in your house?. I can’t submit myself to her.” she complained, while i closed my eyes for some seconds, clueless on what next to say.
“you shouldn’t blame my wife dear. You know, not every woman would have accepted you the way she did. Please don’t judge her” I appealed quickly, taking a swift look round the empty Compound once again.
“where are your parents?” i finally asked curiously.
“mum went to her shop while dad went to see a friend. They never knew you were going to keep your word and show up” she answered.
“so how about your health?, what’s really wrong?” i asked. She shrugged slowly and looked up at me.
“i don’t just know. My whole body is very weak, plus abdominal pains and loss of apetite. I just came back from the community hospital yesterday” she replied uneasily, while i took another good look at her. She really was a shadow of herself.
I ended up spending close to an hour with her, gave her fifteen thousand naira { $100 }, and equally promised to send more money for her upkeep, since she refused accepting my pleas to return to the city in order to get good healthcare for herself and baby.
“i will only return if you promise to get me an apartment yourself and equally promise that i won’t be subjected under your wife’s control” she demanded, but i just couldn’t do such thing, even though i kind of felt obliged to secretly rent an apartment for her without my wife’s knowledge. The risk was something i couldn’t face. Moreover my future was already messed up and i couldn’t afford upsetting my dear wife.
_____
I finally got home around 4pm without seeing Comfort’s annoying parents and dear me, what a stressful busy day it was. As usual, i told my wife every story that happened, including Comfort’s health condition and some part of my conversation with her. I however never mentioned the complaints Comfort made against her.
“I really do feel for the poor girl but she deserves everything happening to her. She made a bad judgement call by starting an affair with a married man like you. Just the thought of that sucks. Jeez” was all my wife said on the topic.
A week later, i found myself before the school disciplinary panel. Gosh it was one hell of a day. My destiny dangled before my very eyes as i faced Six senior lecturers who were set to prosecute me.

“Mr Ezubuike, your case is a very straightforward one. Every investigation i conducted clearly showed that you took advantage of a student the government pays you to teach, which really is against our policy. Supposing you are not married, it could have been easy to believe that you were dating the girl in question. I already talked with your H.O.D and the first lecturer the girls parents confronted the day they came here to embarrass everyone. According to the written statement by your H.O.D, you admitted having relations with the girl in question. Just like i earlier said, this case is a straight forward one and needs no much investigation. Do you have anything to say?” the panel head {Rev. Father} asked me. I shrugged and shook my head. There really was nothing else for me to say. Everyone knew i was guilty of the crime and trying to change my statement could only prolong my case and not solve it.
“I guess there is nothing for you say?. Actually this is a very difficult job for me but i have no choice than to carry on with it” he continued, throwing quick glances at his colleagues who nodded in approval.
“i will submit my report to the school senate tomorrow. They will be having an emergency session tomorrow and will use the opportunity to give you the right punishment for your crime. However try and be present at the senate house, i believe they will like to address you before voting on your fate. Nevertheless we the disciplinary panel found you guilty and we will be recommending that your appointment with the school be terminated in order to redeem the school image which you soiled and also serve as a lesson to other randy Lecturers. I’m sorry” he wrapped up while other members of the panel nodded once again in approval.
I simply stood speechlessly. I couldn’t even breathe. Of course without a job a man is nothing.
After the meeting, i rushed over to my father in law’s office to tell him all that happened. He really gasped on hearing the punishment being recommended for me.
“this is very bad, but don’t worry i will try my best to defend you in the senate tomorrow. I will try and lobby some members today” he assured me halfheartedly.
_______
I couldn’t sleep that very night. I was so worried and scared of my fate. I just couldn’t imagine where to start without a job. I couldn’t afford letting my wife run the family all on her own. I just was so broken and dejected.
By 12noon the next day, i patiently waited outside the senate hall as the senior members of the school council debated from one pressing school issue to another. I was finally called in by 3pm to learn of my fate.
As i walked into the hall, i felt like urinating on myself. The School Vice chancellor was there, the top administrative officers, Deans and Heads of departments were all present. It was just like appearing before the Nigerian Senate to defend yourself on money laundering issue. All eyes were on me as i walked in.
My crimes were soon read before me with the recommendation for my immediate sack, but i couldn’t believe my ears when the Dean of Law faculty rose up to defend me, claiming that the disciplinary panel did a very poor investigative work.
“I noticed that the girl in middle of the whole allegation wasn’t questioned, and yet Mr Caleb made a quick confession to his colleagues without being forced. I smell blackmail, I think this story is just like a poorly written script” He poured out while another professor rose up to support the disciplinary panel’s work, thus creating a big division between the Senate members and prolonging the whole show.
Finally after an hour of tough deliberations, the senators voted for my suspension. I was suspended from the school with immediate effect to the dismay of my father In Law.
“i tried my best son but unfortunately, my best wasn’t good enough. You have to live with it” he apologized as we left the senate building.
I returned home a troubled man. No job, very uncertain of my future with two women pregnant for me at the same time. My world was just ruined.
_____
“it’s over my dear. I lost my job” i sobbed as my wife welcomed me home.
“i knew it was bound to happen. But don’t worry dear. Let’s start over again. Let’s move to another state or out of the country. Away from our past and start up a new life, in a new home. You still got my love and it’s all that matters” she proposed solemnly. I breathed deeply and stared at her.
Her suggestion was a very good one. Starting all over again sounded difficult but i had no choice…..

The End

Did Caleb and his wife leave the city to start a new life?. How about Comfort and her pregnancy. How did things finally wrap up??…

Hmmm watch out for part 2 coming soon.