[Story] Empty promises – S01 E19

Read Story: SEASON 1 EPISODE 19

FINAL CHAPTER..

I wasn’t going to pretend and hide the way I feel about she and Israel, I will tell her exactly how it is.

“I never knew you were already married to Israel and had a baby for him. Israel supposed to be my man and you were supposed to be my best friend. How can you betray me like this? How could you go ahead and marry my man, that is the highest betrayal Diane. I never expected such thing from you…

I raged like a jealous housewife.

Diane gave a sarcastic laughter before saying.

“Is this a kind of joke or what Avala? Maybe I should remind you that you dumped Israel and moved on with Tony because he was of a higher class, he had PhD which Israel did not have and studied in Harvard. You got married to Tony so why are you still calling Israel your man or did you intend to marry two husbands? I told you about my feeling for Israel and you Avala warned me not to end up with him because Israel was a nobody and does not fit into our class or Calibre you asked me to return to my abusive ex boyfriend because he was famous and rich. That was the worst advice a friend can give. Israel was a good man with a golden heart and he likes me which was all that matters. We started a relationship and it ended in marriage because we understand and love each other. I wasn’t after his class and he wasn’t after beauty or what I got to offer. Israel is hard working and has being a great husband and father. So what exactly are you saying again Ava? Aren’t you supposed to be married to Tony? What kind of betrayal are you talking about when you supposed to be the one that betrayed Israel. You insulted him, called him names, you treated him like a house boy because he was not up to your league. I saw what you couldn’t see in him Ava. At least you are married to your dream man and I’m married to mine. Let’s not make fuss out of it. I’m happy to be called Israel’s wife and I guess you are too with your Tony.

Even though I hate to admit it but Diane was right. I treated Israel like trash and was never proud to show him off.

I dumped him and ignored his plea. I moved on with Tony thinking I had it all. I never knew Tony was a nobody, Tony was a low life scammer but I fell for his charms anyway.

I used him to boast to Diane and anyone that cares to listen.

Now, how do i open up and tell people that Tony was faking it all through and even the so called marriage was all a scam.

I bent over and picked at the peanut without lifting it to my mouth.

I needed something to distract my hurting heart.

I sat up again with some peanut in my hand as I began to throw it one after the other into my mouth.

“Me and Tony are no more together. is a long story Diane and I hate to go in details. But is all over now. I also lost my job in the process which made me to return back to Lagos.

I summoned courage and told Diane while still concentrating on the peanut.

” I’m sorry to hear that Avala. Is quiet sad but is never late to start all over again.

I nodded quietly without a word.

A car horned outside and Diane quickly turned to the window.

“My husband is back…

She said with excitement in her voice.

I knew it was time to leave, I have rediculed myself enough by coming here I won’t give another room for pity.

Diane was at the door in no time, she opened up and I watch as Israel gave her a kiss on the lips before saying.

“Hope Timo did not trouble you today…is he sleeping?

Diane collected the bags in his hand and Israel lifted his head.

That was when he saw me.

His face straightened as he walked down.

I was already on my feet.

“Hello Ava. What a surprise to see you again. How are you and your family? To what do we owe this visit?

Israel said dropping his car key on the table.

I try to wear a forceful smile.

” I was back to Lagos and decided to check up. I have spent enough time and was about to Leave when you came in. Is good to see you and Diane are happy together.

I said still maintaining my fake smile.

He looked over at Diane who was coming out from a room and said with a smile

“Yeah, my wife is a God sent to me. By the way how is your husband? How did you get to know our new location…ooh you met with my former caretaker I guess. Is good to see you again Ava.

Diane came closer and he gently draw her into his arm.

I began to wish I was in Diane’s shoe, married to a man like Israel.

Israel has really added, he looked good and even have a car.

Marriage is looking good on both of them.

Why do I still feel a pang of jealous watching them glow together.

I took a step and started walking away

When I got to the door they followed behind and paused at the door too.

“It was nice seeing you two happily married and already with a child. I have to run now. Diane, thanks for the entertainment.

I smile and they both returned the smile.

Israel held the door as I walked out and he closed it behind me.

I took different buses and return back to my house.

It was quiet obvious that Israel will never look at me the way he does for Diane.

I have losed him to my friend, I really feel very bad knowing Israel will never be mine again.

I was supposed to be his wife with baby Timo not Diane.

Life is really unfair. Why am I so unlucky?

Now Israel has slipped away from my finger.

Tony deceived me. I’m Left with no husband, no children and nothing tangible to hold onto.

Life favoured some people like Diane and unfavored me.

The jealousy, hate, bitterness surge through me as I lay in bed thinking about my life.

I know deep down Diane is not to be blamed. Initially, I never wanted Israel and I did not hide my feeling on that.

But when I finally needed him it was too late, Israel was already married.

I cried into my pillow most night wishing to get back my life again.

After two weeks of self pity I got up and started searching for jobs.

I applied to different company and attended different interviews.

Within a month I was able to secure one.

The pay wasn’t much but it was better off than nothing.

And after a year I got another one with reasonable salary.

After two years going to three I had a fine single man asking me out.

He was on my neck.

Dave do not even have a car, I learnt his salary was almost equivalent to mine.

He was jovial and appears real yet I wish he was more than what he appears to be.

I knew I got served with Tony fake lifestyle, thinking of league and class I losed Israel in the process.

Maybe is time to drop league and high Calibre and give Dave a chance who knows something good and real may come out of it.

I later agreed to date Dave, even though sometimes I wish he has a car or live in a mansion I still have to remind myself about the past and refocused.

I’m no more afraid of whatever the future brings, I started all over from nothing and I’m living my life again.

I’m not focusing so much on this relationship because I don’t want to be disappointed.

Dave maybe nice and different and we can build alot together just as Diane and Israel but my past still scares me of how much a human being can pretend.

David promised to always be there for me. He said he loves me and wish to spend the rest of his life with me.

I was thrilled but I hope this is not another EMPTY PROMISES again.

I’m keeping my fingers crossed and hoping this time it will be different.

Well, despite he’s not in my league but I will not allow that to matter anymore in my life.

Once beaten twice shy.

********THE END********