Unsteady Storm

Chapter Nine

Nedu had no reasonable reply to give Sinachi concerning Paula's presence at his house so he told her not to let her in but rather she should keep her comfortable outside so that she would leave when she was tired of waiting. He was able to round up with his work a few minutes before 9pm and he got into his car and drove home.

Sitting in front of his house was Paula, he was shocked that she hadn't left yet.

"So you feel that it's okay to keep your guest outside in the cold" she said with a wry smile.

"Paula, you should have left a long time ago"

"Why? You deliberately remained at work waiting for me to leave right?"

He glared at her. "What are doing here anyway?"

"Nedu, I wouldn't be here if I had some where else to stay"

"And you can't stay in my house!" He exclaimed.

"I'm begging you" she stood up. "I don't have anywhere to go to"

Nedu couldn't help but notice how beautiful she was. "Where did you stay last night?" He asked.

"At a hotel" she replied.

"Why didn't you remain there?"

"I don't have cash, a night is twenty thousand naira, please Nedu"

Nedu folded his arms. "I still don't understand why you can't stay at Joelle's place"

Tears were in Paula's eyes. "She blames me for her divorce, her husband left when he discovered the kind of things l do, just like you left and like everyone else has left"

"Stop trying to make me pity you....."

"I don't want your pity, I'm just asking for your help!"

Nedu was silent for a while. "Alright, but I have rules, you have no business in my kitchen,my room or any room upstairs, anything you need would be attended to by Sinachi and please, don't cook"

"Okay" she muttered.

He opened the door and allowed her to come in without bothering to help out with her bags.

Paula entered gratefully and sat on a sofa in the sitting room.

"Let me show you your room" he offered.

"Okay". She stood up awkwardly and followed him into the room which was just beside the sitting room.

"Remember, you have no business with any other room except this one"

She nodded with a smile. "So I'm gonna sit here all day doing nothing"

He rolled his eyes. "You will be out during the day looking for an apartment"

She was about to say something but he turned and walked away.

Sinachi served his food and he ate quietly before locking his door securely and going to bed.

***
In the morning, Paula was already dressed in a pink jumpsuit, her makeup was light and it suited her perfectly.

"Good morning" she greeted Nedu as he walked towards the dinning room.

He didn't look at her. "Good morning". He tucked his shirt in.

"I haven't seen your wife yet" she said.

He stared at her. "She's at the hospital"

"Oh" she muttered. "What's wrong with her?"

He shrugged. "She's pregnant"