Bosom on Fire

V- In the Presence of Your Enemies

Whenever something tragic happens to Bassey, she loves to lay on something soft and reverie on making a blockbuster out of her life story.

Tonight, her throat throbs as she rests on the white sofa in her living room, imaging the last scene of the film she chooses to title; In the Presence of your Enemies.

"Bassey open your eyes!" Colette shrieks.

"Bassey," Akamba calls softly.

     "Bassey!"

Bassey pries her eyes open to see Akamba on one knee, holding an open red box with a diamond ring in it.

Everybody including the kids squeals in delight.

Lawrence shoves his hands into his pockets, assuming a casual look. So they are not married already? Oh, God.

     "Bassey," Akamba begins, "you have given me the best life experiences. Meeting you years ago changed everything for the better. Babe, I should not be called a man if I toy with that."

Bassey is staring at Akamba, coldness circling her brown pupils.

     "Babe, I am so sorry. I had an entire mind-blowing proposal planned, but nothing beats a family gathering with good food," Akamba glances at his father who nods encouragingly at him, "you know I love you with every vein and bone in me. I cannot live without you—this move has proven that to me. Babe, losing you will be my end."

Switching to his classic puppy dog eyes with a sprinkle of tears, Akamba takes Bassey's left hand in his.

     "Bassey, will you marry me? I promise to love, protect and cherish you for as long as I live."

Bassey holds her breath, waiting for the first say yes!

It comes from Ben.

     "Say yes!" Ben shrieks again.

"Can we talk in my room?" Bassey asserts, "Akamba please, let's talk inside."

"Say what you want to say here."

"Please."

"Just say it here."

"Fine," Bassey whispers, "AK, I'm barely 23. I cannot possibly be ready for marriage. We have a whole lot coming ahead of us. We shouldn't rush into this."

Bassey puffs in self-contempt at her contoured response. She despises Akamba more for adding more chapters to her villain story.

"An engagement doesn't mean an immediate wedding."

"Akamba, I know."

     "I thought this was what you wanted all along. I should have known. I am such a fool."

Of course, you are foolish. I said it was over for God's sake.

Akamba flings the ring on Bassey's lap. The velvet box lodges in between her thighs. Bassey reaches to grab it. Lifting her head, she locks eyes with Lawrence.

The living room rattles in an instant as Akamba slams the door behind him and he tramps into the fogginess of the night. Mrs. Bella and Jacob run after their son.

Ben begins to tap her acrylic nails loudly on the pale shelf beside her.

"Bassey, I must give it to you," Ben starts, "You are really good at self-sabotaging the good things that come your way?" Ben opines, still tapping on the wood.

"It's not as easy as you'd think," Bassey answers calmly, struggling to hold back a sob.

"What's not easy? 'Will you marry me' and then 'yes'!"

"Haba! Ben, stop this thing abeg, it's getting old," Colette upbraids.

"Person use hand spoil her matter, you say make I pity am. How?"

Colette gesticulates at Ben with her pinky finger, "Simple human decency like this, you don't have." Then to her husband, "Oto, mbok, please, take the kids with you. They want sandwiches."

Oto-Obong hurriedly leads Jayden and Janet to the kitchen, winking at his wife who smiles sweetly at him.

Taking the cue, Lawrence clears his throat,      "Bassey, I should take my leave now."

     "No, no. The party is still on. You can get a sandwich too," Colette says.

Relieved by Colette's suggestion, Lawrence hurries behind Oto-Obong. He doesn't want to leave until he is sure Bassey is alright.

Ben resumes a new sound. This time grumbles from her dark red matted lips.

"Ben," Bassey says firmly, "say what you want to say."

     "Fine! I'll say it!
     "Why is it that people with privilege tend to trample on it?"

     "What are you saying?" Colette retorts.

     "I'm asking cute baby Bassey here why she wasted Akamba's time if this was her plan all along."

     "Ben..." Bassey gasps.

     "Bassey likes to act like her intentions are pure when she is just as conniving as I am or worse. She acts like she doesn't need Akamba now because she has taken enough spoil. She has a house, a car, and money. How do you think she got all that?" Ben looks into Colette's eyes, "By manipulation and deceit!"

     "Ben, don't you think you are crossing the line?"

     "Colette, in the name of God, mind your business. You are just a friend. I am the sister!"

Colette glances at Bassey who has tears swelling in her eyes.

     "What is paining me sef is Bassey can afford to do this," looking up dreamingly she adds, "if only I was a little prettier then she would never stand a chance."

     "What the hell Ben? You already know a quarter—which is already a lot—of what that family has put me through. Why would you ever think for a second that a house and a little cash can take away those long years."

Butter purrs an approval.

     "Bassey, those are things that I don't have.
     "Can you see my bias?"

     "But Ben, some wounds are too deep for first aid. Akamba's money is like first aid and my wounds go deep into my soul."

Ben pulls Brandy's 'Paino Man' vinyl from the shelf.  She points the frisbee at Bassey, "Why do you always act like you are better than me?"

"Ben, you already think I'm better."