IZIGORA

Chapter 15

'I'm picking Chinny from school from here,' Kobi told Captain Sotonye Princewill.

She was the daughter of his mother's eldest sister who was married to a Kalabari man. She had grown up in Abuja and had been at the Command Army Records, Chari Maigumeri Barracks in Lokoja before being deployed weeks earlier to Bori Camp. She was with the Military Police of the Nigerian Army.

'I can't wait to see her again. It's been so long. I can't believe she's just concluded her SSCE. Wow.'

Sotonye was dressed in a green t-shirt and black joggers. At first glance she looked like a tall fragile young woman but you would be a fool to mess with the black belt army lady. She took a bite of the green apple in her right hand and rolled her eyes as though she had just experienced a taste of heaven.

Kobi watched her amused. She was the alternative B for Izigora. Izigora was doing well with her physiotherapist, obviously eager to resume her normal life. Almost three weeks had passed since Ime brought her to his home and he didn't want to raise further gossip where she was concerned. Especially since they were alone in his apartment.

For all intents and purposes she was a married woman living with a very single man who wasn't in any way related to her. In modern times, this wouldn't shock the fragile mind but it also wouldn't do well for her reputation especially since she no longer required the wheel chair. They were friends and he wouldn't want her to suffer any embarrassment borne out of people thinking that they were in a relationship that wasn't platonic. In as much as he couldn't control what people thought or shouldn't care, it wasn't just him involved here.

'How's she these days?' Sotonye asked.

'She went through her final grading during her mid-term break, so she has a black belt like her aunt.'

'That's my girl. I owe her a gift when she comes visiting,' Sotonye said proudly, and then added unexpectedly: 'All right, Kobs, let's talk about your girlfriend,'

'Izigora is not my girlfriend,' he denied.

'I didn't mention any name,' Sotonye laughed.

'But you were referring to her, weren't you?'

Sotonye tossed an impish look at him.

'She's female and she's your friend and so that makes her your girlfriend.' Before Kobi could respond, she lifted a hand to silence him. 'Yeah, yeah, yeah. She's a married woman you're accommodating because her husband constantly beats her up, I know. Still picking up strays, I see.'

She'd never met a man as gentle and kind-hearted as her cousin Kobi. He was literally a knight in shining armour which was why she prayed he would end up with a woman who would appreciate the fact that he had a heart as big as the African continent and accommodate his need to always help.

'I really need your help, Sotie. Like seriously.'

'I don't have a problem with accommodating her and I have heard your argument about her being willing to do her own part here, but I'm just wondering why you're no longer willing to accommodate her.'

'I'm not falling in love with her, Sotie.'

'I didn't say anything,' she said defensively, taking another bite of her apple. 'Just wondering.'

'I'm trying to preserve her reputation,' Kobi responded. 'If she continues to stay in my home and decides to file for a divorce, it could work against her as her husband might raise the fact that she lives with me as a ground of adultery on her part. She could lose everything she is entitled to from the divorce, if it happens.'