Story: True Life Story Of An Addict

8 years ago

Story: True Life Story Of An Addict

“What have you done?”, I questioned my boss’ action in my heart. Of all the people wey fit ‘help’ me na Deola you see call? As we made our way back to office, I became restless. The death of Ini is still one bitter pill I find hard to swallow. And now, you have called a lioness to come tear me apart? Is my ears hearing something else? Am I hallucinating? So, just to be sure my ears heard what I think it heard, I asked my boss,

Me: Who was that on the phone sir?

Oga: That was Deola, the nurse I asked to look after you while you were sick. I asked her to come around so that she can check on you.

Me: Come around? You mean, in the office?

Oga: Yes, in the office.

Me: Why?

Oga: Femi, you are emotionally and mentally unstable now due to the shock you’re presently going through. The last thing you need now is to be alone. I understand the psychological battle going on in your mind right now. So, see this as a help: I am sending you home…but only after Deola guarantees such.

Me: What did you tell her is wrong with me, sir?

Oga: What happened of course. See, just be calm, ok? God understands all our predicaments and pain. He knows how to fix us. I am sorry for your loss Femi. May her gentle soul rest in peace.

I felt like opening the door while the car is on the move. I mean, wetin I wan tell Deola? I can imagine what will be going on in her mind now,

“Is Femi wishing me death? Why will he say I am dead? Is he trying to break free off me? Even if he wanted to, there are one million and one ways to do that without wishing another fellow human being dead. Something doesn’t seems right. Or does it mean there is another girl beside me? Can Femi cheat on me?”

Those are the kind of questions any normal thinking lady will be asking herself. My boss has landed me in a frying pot, thinking he’s trying to help out. Those kind of feelings are very awkward. I just fixed my eyes on him as he was busy probing his phone. What will be my defence now? Who will I tell Deola that Ini is (was, wow)?

My boss led me by the hand to my desk. He ordered for a bottle of cold water for me to drink. He walked round 3 to 4 desks, muttering some words to my colleagues, who responded, first by turning around to look at me with pity and later come to my desk to offer their condolences. I responded to all of them by just nodding my head. Words failed me that moment as all I was seeing was the gory site of the accident. When I noticed no one was coming again, apparently all had come to offer their condolences, I shifted my mind back to the WAR that is about to happen ince Deola arrives. Should I lie to my boss that Ini was just
a side-kick and that Deola is the real deal? No! I will never disrespect Ini, not even in her death. I made up my mind to face the sweet chin music. If heaven like make e fall, e no go move me.

How I found such a strong will even in the midst of pain was a mystery. I am standing up for Ini. I loved her and I will still love her even if she’s no more.

“Have you eaten today?”, my oga’s voice expelled me from the land of my forced meditation.

Me: No sir.

Oga: Good. I have ordered something for you from the cafeteria…or do you prefer going down there to eat?

Me: I am not hungry sir.

Oga: Femi, like I said earlier, I know how this thing feels. I have been there before and I must say it’s not palatable to lose a loved one. You just have to be a man brother. C’mon, let’s go take a bite. I will ask Deola to come meet us there when she arrives.

At the mention of Deola’s name, my heart raced again. God! I hope I will be able to withstand that weather? Cos I know Deola will brink it hot and fast. However, something told me even if she eventually finds out that I have been lying to her, the loss of a human life shouldn’t make her lose her human dignity because of one yeye boy like me.

Reluctantly, I followed my boss to the cafeteria downstairs. He made me sit down while he go get us what to eat. There in the canteen, Chioma, from Marketing Department, walked up to,

Chioma: Hi Femi. I am sorry about what happen, ok?

Me: What can I say? My boss said God gives and he takes.

Chioma: He’s right Femi. God knows best. Accept my condolences. She’s in a better place, ok?

Me: That’s what I have been hearing all day. No problem.

Chioma: Just take heart dear. It is well.

She bent forward and gave me a mini-hug. Although her b0s0m touched my chest, for the first time in my playboy years, I felt NOTHING! Chioma is very beautiful and catchy. Every guy for office wan date am, even our directors them. So, the fact that I felt nothing when she hugged me showed the extent at which Ini’s death had eaten into my bone. I must be in my off moment truly.

My boss came back with rice, turkey and drinks. On a normal day I would gulp everything with no mercy. But that day, I hardly touched the food. My spoon dangled from left to right but lacked the power to lift any food.

While my boss urged me to eat, Deola came in, her eyes…