LIVING GHOSTS

04. Flashback (II)

What was taking him so long? She thought as she paced up and about their living room. Is the traffic that much? She questioned. She was restless, and she hated it.

Extremely restless, she picked up her phone again, and tried calling his line. But it was still the same result. His line was not reachable.

Sighing and still pacing about, she checked the time. It was 8:35pm.

Where are you, Larry? She almost cried inwardly.

Ever since her mother had dropped the call, she had not rested. She couldn't explain why she suddenly began to feel restless and anxious. What was going on?

She remembered how she had called her husband countless times, and he had picked, assuring her that everything was alright, and her thoughts were just wrong. It was a good thing that he picked and she could hear his voice. But why did she still feel anxious and restless?

Not ready to keep stressing herself over such unhealthy thoughts, she decided to call her mother. But it was the same thing as her husband's. It wasn't reachable.

“Why is everyone's line not reachable?!” She screamed and landed on their armchair, dipping her head into her palms.

“Belinda,” she heard her name and raised her head up immediately. Her husband. He was home already.

Without hesitation, she ran immediately and hugged him so tight and sighed in relief. He was safe. Thank you, Lord. She praised in her heart.

“What happened? Why are you home so late?” She questioned immediately, she pulled out of the hug.

“I don't have time for these questions.” He said suddenly, and she was taken aback. “Listen to me,” he said and held her tightly like his life was on the line. “We have to move out immediately and pack into our new house. I got news of something bad coming from my uncle's side.” He said.

“News? Move out? Wait, what are you talking about? And what news?” She questioned, clearly confused.

“Belinda, Celestine called me. He told me that my uncle was coming over with his hoodlums to get the papers of the land in my village and forcefully take ownership of the land. And believe me, you know how evil that man is. I don't want him to hurt you, nor my daughter. So, go in and let's pack up.” He said, hurriedly.

Of course, it made sense. Mr. Ugboaku, Larry's uncle, was known to be their family's number one and only enemy. He had been on Larry's neck for the past ten years, over the ownership of the land his father, Ugboaku's elder brother, had left his son. Being the only child of his parents, his father had left him with massive wealth, and the young man made sure to invest in the right place.

Now, he wanted them to relocate to their new house. It was the house they had been building secretly, with no one knowing, not even her mother nor daughter. They wanted it as a surprise for them during Christmas. But it didn't seem like that was going to happen anymore.

“Larry, don't you think this is too fast? We can't possibly move out of here into our new place within such a short time. And besides, the building has not been completed.” She burst out. She didn't understand what was going on with her husband. Was it fear of his uncle? Or was there something else?

“The only thing remaining is to paint the walls and complete the roofing in the backyard. And that is not big enough to stop us from moving in.” He said, hurriedly, again.

“Hmm,” Belinda sighed. “Okay, we need to tell mama. At least, she has to know what's going on.” She suggested.

“And get her distressed? No.” He said with so much authority. “It's enough that we're not taking her alongside us. I wouldn't want to involve her with my uncle's charade. Let's leave her out of it. We'll tell her at the right time.” He said.

“So, you're saying I shouldn't call her?” She questioned.

“Yes. Don't call anyone. In fact, hand me your phone.” He said. And as she hesitated, he snatched it from her, and peeled off the back, removed the two sim cards and broke them.

“Larry!” She screamed in disbelief.

“I'm sorry, but I can't afford my uncle to trace your line.” He said, and she just kept mute and stared at him. Yes, she was speechless.

Listen to him. He's your husband. He is trying to protect you and your daughter, his family, everyone he loves. Go with him and it'll get settled very soon.

And just like she heard her subconscious say to her, Belinda didn't question her husband. Instead, she began to do as he said.

It's better late than ever.
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I'll drop another update earlier than usual.
See you then, muah. 🤭