BELINA (Tender Beauty)

CHAPTER 7

Mr Badmus tried to look through his bloodshot eyes but couldn't. He had just been given the greatest level of beating he had ever received. He had looked up at the hooligans hovering over him after he was thrown to the cell and knew that he was in deep trouble. They muttered something about welcoming him to the house and he thought it would be a simple handshake but what he got was a boxing session. They all tested their fists on him like he was the latest punching bag in town.

He tried to stand but could not muster enough strength to pull up a leg so he just lay there on the floor. He swore in his heart to get even and make Belina wish she had never been born for all he had passed through the past few days. For the third time, he mentally crossed his heart, this time very determined, 'if I can get out of this place, be prepared Belina', he thought before he dozed off, giving in to sleep as a consolation. *****

Before I knew it, I was on my way home. I had attended to two patients before leaving and I had been enjoying myself immensely when I noticed that it was past five. I left the hospital feeling very happy and when I got home, I found the house open. My new mom has a very large supermarket and I was surprised that she was home already. I entered and greeted her lovingly. She was about preparing dinner so I quickly went to change my clothes and I joined her in the kitchen. She was very interested in what happened on my first day at work and I relayed everything neglecting one very aspect, obviously. We laughed so much as we prepared a very sumptuous pounded yam and Egusi soup. She also relayed her day at the supermarket to me and just when we finished cooking, Prisca walked in and everything became livelier. We ate in silence as was the custom of the house and I reverted back to the bedroom with Prisca after we had cleared the plates. Her dad wasn't back from work yet so we had eaten without him.

"So, how was work today, baby girl?" she started and I started wondering just how far I was going to tell her. I repeated everything I told mum, also leaving out the most fascinating part of it all. Trust Prisca, she read in between the lines and noticed some loop holes and fired back; I did not have any other choice but to open up to her.

"Well, I met someone that looked so... I don't know. I originally thought he was a statue, then while I was admiring him, he moved and I almost swallowed my tongue in shock and wonder. He is so good looking", I ended my sermon when I noticed that I had gone too far.

"Uhn, I can practically see stars running around in your eyes. Tell me, what is his name?" she asked smiling stylishly.

"What stars? Well, I don't know his name and I am happy I don't. I don't want a man in my life. They have all been a huge disappointment. Look, I am happy you have a good and loving Dad and also Tony, but men are good to you, but sis, not me. They have made my life miserable. Every one of them". I said with enough vigor to make her believe me.

She shook her head, "Sweetheart, don't be like this"

"Really? Do you know what it is like to have the type of father I have? Well, no. What of Kelvin's betrayal? I felt like dying that day, Pric, you don't know what it is like to be face to face with your boyfriend and have him throw trash in your face. That left me totally broken. What of Tunji? He practically made my life a living hell and you want me to think about a guy? No. I don't have them in my dictionary. I would only treat patients as patients and live my life as a single lady, besides, God did not make it compulsory for us to get married". I said and wiped the tears that were already flowing from my eyes. This was the first time that I was letting out my feelings since last week and Prisca held on to me as I cried and whispered words of encouragements.

After I had composed myself, I remembered that I had not even checked how much I would be paid as salary and I told Prisca who laughed, wondering if she could forget such a thing. I brought out the envelope in my bag and opened it. I read the letter and when I got to the place where my salary was stated, I opened my eyes and mouth in shock. *****