The Forgiving Lover – 5

Jerry felt desolate when he got home. All he could feel was that Toyin didn’t want him anymore. He felt so miserable.

What kind of God made women? he wondered.

Gloria was standing on his veranda, waiting for him.

“You are late. You promised to be here earlier.” Gloria said with a smile. “Got an excuse for yourself?”

Jerry looked at his cousin wearily. “No excuse.” He replied.

He looks so tired, Gloria thought. She was a kind and beautiful girl, and was very fond of her cousin. They were quite close.

Inside, Jerry asked. “Can I get something for you?”

“No, don’t bother.” Gloria replied. “I will take something later.” She took a seat. “Do you know that Papa Ijeoma is planning to marry another wife?” She asked him.

Jerry didn’t respond. He looked so far away, like he didn’t even hear what she said.

“Jerry?”

He still didn’t reply. Just kept staring ahead of him.

“Jerry?” Gloria got up and walked over to him. “Jerry, can you hear me?” She shook his shoulders.

“What?” Jerry looked at her with surprise.

“What is the matter?”

“What do you mean, what is the matter?” Jerry asked, frowning.

“Jerry, please talk to me. I know something is wrong.” Gloria said.

Jerry sighed but still refused to talk about it.

“Is it Toyin?” Gloria asked.

“Yeah.” Jerry sighed again.

“Both of you had an argument?”

“Oh Gloria, maybe that would have been better.” Jerry answered wearily.

“What’s wrong?” Gloria was very concerned now.

“She doesn’t want me anymore,” replied Jerry tiredly.

“Not want you? Why?” Gloria could not believe it. She knew that Toyin and Jerry loved each other even though she had only met Toyin once.

“Yes, she’s tired of me.” Jerry answered sadly.

“Did she say that?’

“No. But she didn’t have to. Her behaviour said it all.” Jerry sounded angry.

“Her behaviour? How?” Gloria asked gently.

Jerry sighed, then told Gloria all that happened, ending with a harsh laughter. “She has found another man, I guess.”

All Gloria could mutter was. “I don’t believe this.”

“Oh, you better believe it.” Jerry said harshly. “I loved her, you know. I truly loved her.”

“Something must have caused this.” Gloria said looking thoughtful.

“Oh, I just bet.” Jerry answered sarcastically. “She found another man and decided that I wasn’t good enough for her.”

“Jerry!” Gloria called his name sharply. “Jerry, stop this. You know that Toyin loves you.”

“Oh yes, she does.” He mocked. “That’s why, she’s acting this way.”

“She does. Maybe someone is trying to make mischief between you two.” Gloria said wisely.

They lapsed into silence. Gloria thought over what she had heard and planned on what to do.

“I think I will go visit her tomorrow. Have a talk with her.” She said.

“Do as you please.” Jerry scowled.

“Jerry, I believe Toyin loves you. And I’m going to prove to you that someone is behind this.” Gloria said, determined to see that Jerry changes his mind.

“As I said, do as you please. I don’t care anymore.” Jerry retorted.

“Okay, no problem. I must be on my way now.” Gloria said standing up. “Take care and take it easy, all will be well.”

“Let me drop you off.” Jerry got up too.

“No, please don’t bother yourself.” Gloria shook her head. “You are tired and need to rest.”

“Right oh.”

Jerry saw her to the door and returned to sit down again. He thought over what Gloria had said.

“Gloria is wrong,” he said aloud, “Toyin doesn’t love me anymore.”

Maybe his father was right. Maybe he should try to find another fish in the sea.

 

♥

The next day, Gloria went to see Toyin as she had promised. She noticed that Toyin didn’t receive her well and apart from that, she was looking so thin and ill.

“Why are you here?” Toyin asked as soon as they were inside her room.

“Visiting.” Gloria smiled gently. “Aren’t you going to offer me a seat?”

“No. Say what you are here to say and leave.” Toyin said rudely. She couldn’t believe that the shameless girl had the audacity to visit her.

“Toyin, please don’t be offended,” Gloria said quietly. “I know that you and jerry are…”

“Oh, so that’s why you are here?” Toyin interrupted her angrily. “You are here to tell me about you and Jerry, right? Please kindly leave my room now.” She pointed to the door.

“Toyin!” Gloria looked at her with shock.

“Get out. NOW!” Toyin shouted.

Gloria looked at her for some minutes, then shrugged, turned and left the room.

Toyin marched over to her bed and sat down on it. So the stupid girl wanted to brag to her that she had snatched Jerry, right?

Her sadness returned and once again, she felt like crying.