The Flaked Life Of Lotanna

25

══✿══╡°˖✧LOTANNA✧˖°╞══✿══

It had been two months since Hannah left and three weeks since I met the love of my life, Daniel Igwe. He was so sweet and loving, which made me question why I had not found such.

Some may say it is because I was bewitched. I called it love, for there was an emptiness in the freedom of being alone and liberty in being caught in that divine spell. And so when I saw in his eyes the feelings of my heart, we became one. And if that was not someone loving you, then I cannot say what is. I had been burned once, and everyone kept saying I was too naïve to fall for someone again. It wasn't my fault that I loved to be loved.

I couldn't help but think of introducing him to Christa, since he had met the kids. She was the last stop before meeting my parents.

Christa was as excited as I was. "Lotanna, if this guy is not as handsome as you say he is, we will have a big problem."

I scoffed, "Why, please?"

"You will no longer be my friend. I can not be friends with someone who dates ugly guys." We both burst out laughing. She continued, "But is he well to do, like does he have money?"

"Christa. Why do you love money so much?"

"You know what they say. Love is sweet, but with money, love is sweeter." We both giggled. She giggled through her nose and while snorting. "Why don't you even have a picture of him?"

I heaved a sigh of relief. "Daniel is a very private person, doesn't do social media and all that. I love it that way because the world does not need to be in our business."

"By the world, you mean your baby's daddy?"

"Oh, shut up. I am ok with it. It's fine."

"Hmm, are you sure? Maybe he doesn't want to show what he does out there because he knows you aren't there and won't find out." The doorbell rang, saving me from answering her interrogative questions. I quickly dashed for the door, straightened my dress, and pulled my hair before opening the door.

"Hello, sunshine," Daniel greeted. He planted a kiss on my lips. I felt my body loosen, and his arms touch my shoulders. I wouldn't let go, but Christa reminded us she was standing behind us by clearing her throat.

We broke away, and I looked up at him with blushed cheeks. "Come on in."

Christa suddenly burst out laughing, with the door closed behind us as we walked into the sitting room. Daniel looked at me and whispered, "What's wrong with her?"

I shrugged. "Christa, are you ok?"

She held up her hand at me, then walked towards Daniel. "You, this man! So you are the so-called Daniel Igwe. My friend here has been praising you. The mysterious one who claims he is a private person. You are doomed."

I tried to drag her away from him because the way she spoke to him did not sit well with me, and I also didn't particularly appreciate where this was going. "We can talk about whatever this is, peacefully, without you shouting," I told her.

She let go of me. "Leave me alone!" She turned back to him. "Is your name even Daniel? Or this is one of those schemes of yours?"

"Lotanna, please get this mad woman off my face. I thought I was supposed to meet your best friend. Is this her?"

"I will not have you insult anyone here, Daniel." I went to stand in between them and said to Christa, "Girl, let's talk about this, please. You wouldn't be screaming if you didn't have a reason to."

She pushed me to the side. "Daniel, or whatever your name is, I am sure you do not remember me, but I know you. You have bitten more than you can chew, and this is your last destination. The thunder that will strike you dead is just doing some press-ups. Wait and see." She picked up her bag and walked out, slamming the door behind her.

"What was that about?" I asked him.

"I don't get you? Your friend was the one acting like a mad dog."

I pushed him. "Don't you dare speak of Christa that way!" I shouted. This whole charade was unlike him and out of character.

He shook his head with a smirk on his face. "Lotanna, I expect you to have sensible friends, not that. I do not want to see her in this house or anywhere near you again. Go get yourself a new best friend, or stay home and make yourself useful." He sat down on the couch as if he had just laid out an order like a king in his kingdom.

"Excuse me? You are in my house, and you don't dare speak to me that way," I retorted.

"Women. You think because you are living large, you can talk to a man in any way you want?" He stood up and walked towards me, dragged me by my hair, and threw me to the floor.

He looked at me through wide, red-rimmed eyes as his teeth gritted in an effort to remain silent. His eyes were narrowed, unmoving, and distant, like he was in his own world.

"Please, don't do anything to me?" I muttered with tears, almost pouring on the ground. I had never seen this side of him and never expected him to be this way. All I did was ask a simple question, I thought to myself. Yet again, another man was disrespecting me. I would have none of it, but to what extent — getting beat up?

He walked towards me. A shiver ran down my spine like a bolt of electricity - this was bad. His hand hit me, and I fell back flat on the floor. He was on top of me, with his hands tightening around my throat. I could hear Grace screaming for help, but all I could see was white. Was this the end?

══✿══╡°˖✧DANIEL✧˖°╞══✿══

I didn't know what to do but smack some sense into her because she shouldn't have shouted at me that way. Women are supposed to listen and do as I say, so why provoke me?

She was lucky she had her kids and the maid around. I would have taught her a lesson. I hope to God Christa doesn't ruin my plan with Lotanna; if not, I would kill her. I quickly got out my phone and dialed Philip's number.

"Daniel, what's up?" He spoke in my ear.

"I was supposed to meet Lotanna's best friend today, and it turns out that person is Christa." I looked outside the car window to ensure no one followed me out of Lotanna's house.

"You better tell her the truth and stop pretending to be who you aren't before karma hits you."

"I will, but when she's calm."

"What do you mean? Did you beat her up?"

I didn't answer him, and he knew that was a sign that I did what he implied. He hung up.

I would not blow my cover for this. Lotanna will forgive me, and we can continue from where we stopped. When I saw her eyes brimming with tears, I knew I had to let go. But I felt a bolt of excitement that transcended my better nature and urged me on. I felt guilty, but that never stopped me before, and it wouldn't stop me this time.

Although smacking them around wasn't just about losing my temper — it was a stress relief for my soul. Some folks played squash, but I played smash. What's the difference?