Nkem was tempted to tie her hands in order to keep them away from her phone. Kingsley had ended it. A relationship that had lasted longer than numerous marriages was over. She could barely breathe, but she swore not to cry. Countless times, Ada had called to tell her she was not at fault. Countless times she had tried to believe it, but the voice would not let her. She had even taken a cab to Kingsley's street twice in the past month, but she always turned around. Her pride had always won.
Today she was shopping in the mall and trying to take her mind off her current situation. The mall she had chosen was very far from her house and Kingsley's as well. She was trying her best to avoid him. A beautiful necklace pulled her towards a showcase at the far left of the jewellery store. As she stared at the twist of gold and silver with glittering stone at the centre, she smiled. The price tag had an outrageous price but it did not hurt to pretend she could afford it. One of the shop attendants approached her with interest.
"I would like to try it on", she said with her most sophisticated voice. The man nodded and slid the glass showcase open. He took the necklace out very carefully and handed it to her. He seemed sure that she could afford it.
The cold chain fell slowly on her neck and she smiled at her reflection on the glass in front of her. It was truly beautiful. As she unclasped the hook and took off the necklace, a familiar reflection appeared before her. Impulsively, she reduced to a squat and crawled on all fours to a nearby shelf for cover, leaving the necklace for the confused man. She was suddenly staring at the love her life. A strange thought came to her head as she stared. She could trash her pride and beg him openly. Maybe a public apology would end the fiasco, she thought bravely. She watched him walk towards a showcase by her shelf and she realised he had come for the rings. He was not alone. A man who looked slightly older, but more attractive had accompanied him. As they came closer, she remained rooted on the floor. The possibility that a woman on her knees would attract attention did not bother her.
"So, take your pick", the stranger said. "This is where I got Tola's ring."
Subconsciously, Nkem's eyes fell on his left hand. The gold band was clasped to his ring finger like a second skin.
"I like that one", she heard Kingsley say as he pointed towards the right end. Suddenly, she could no longer breathe. He was going to apologise and finally pick a date!
"Kingsley, that one is not cheap at all", the stranger commented. Nkem wanted to bash his head on the glass.
"She deserves it and so much more", Kingsley replied. The smile on Nkem's face made her look like an overenthusiastic clown.
"Nkem will be very happy."
Kingsley suddenly laughed.
"Who said it is for Nkem? I met this pretty chic seven months ago and she drives me insane. Her food is always heavenly and she is something else in bed. I swear to you that if you sleep with her, you will leave your Tola", he said as he chuckled again.
"You know I could never do that," the stranger replied but Kingsley had already caught his attention.
"Why do you think I have never shown her to you? The girl's hips can be spotted a mile away and you know that is my spec. Nkem became history ages ago, my guy."
Nkem slowly rose to her feet. Bile had risen from her guts and was now eroding her tongue.