Chapter 28: Nancy 2

First of all, let me say this: In this life, once you’re born a man, you have suffered.

First, they cut part of your penis as a child, all in the name of circumcision. Then you have to be strong enough to face school bullies and protect your younger siblings. You have to study hard, pass your exams, and be responsible enough to uphold your family’s reputation. And woe betide you if you’re the first son of a wealthy family, you’re groomed from a young age to be the heir, put through self-defense training, taught to lead.

Then you grow into an adult and still have to find a girlfriend, fight mental and emotional battles you absolutely cannot lose. Because tell me who in hell are Mildred and Clora? Oh, it’s Clara, she said. Do they even exist? Or are they just mannequins from a boutique window?

The messiest part is, God help me if I don’t play along with Hamida. I’m finished. How do I prove I’m worthy of Ann?

Even Ann was shocked. We looked at each other before it clicked that Hamida was messing with Nancy.

Ann: “Yeah, that’s true. And Clara even went hiking with Nath yesterday. Nath, are you sure you don’t keep female friends?”

Me: “I actually don’t know what she’s talking about. I mean, I have you, Hamida. I have Ann. I have Clara. I have Mildred.” I fumbled the names on purpose. “Sorry it’s just that Nancy and I were never close. She was a distant friend. She didn’t mean anything serious.” I added

Nancy raised her hand to slap me, her eyes full of hurt, but Ann caught her wrist firmly.

Nancy: “How could you? How could you let them talk to me like that? How could you be so heartless? Oh… I’d forgotten. You’re still angry I left even before both our families agreed for us to marry in the future. I get it now. You’re hurt. You’re still angry I didn’t say goodbye. Raun, darling, I’ll give you space to heal. But I won’t wait too long. Come back to me soon, okay? I miss you.”

Like a bombshell dropped.

Jaws fell.

Both Hamida and Ann stared at me in shock, searching my eyes for an explanation. I squeezed Ann’s hand in reassurance, then faced that stupid girl.

Me: “What do you mean? I don’t know what you’re talking about. You seem to be an imposter. Nancy, is it?”

Nancy: “Huh? What do you mean, imposter?”

Me: “If you’re not, explain where you cooked up these lies. Is this how you were raised? No culture, no morals, no integrity? I wouldn’t blame your family, though they can’t give what they don’t have. How could you lie in a broad day light like this .” I eyed her coldly. “This is the last time a fly like you perches on me, my life, my girlfriend, my friends, or my family. I won’t show mercy next time. And that’s not a threat it’s a promise.” I concluded, very pissed because it’s not small problem this useless girl caused for me . No matter what , she had coursed a crack between Ann and me.

I took Ann and Hamida by the arms and led them out of the shop, holding them like the treasures they were.

We left in a bad mood. Hamida drove herself home. Ann and I rode back in heavy silence.

As soon as I parked, Ann got out and went straight to the room. Was she angry? Confused? Scared? I didn’t know, but you and I both know girls are overthinkers. The annoying part is, once a thought creeps in, it’s hard to forget.

God will punish that Nancy. Nonsense.

But that wasn’t the point. I needed to figure out how to fix this. Now