The power outage plunged Chioma into darkness. Scrambling for the kerosene lamp on the side table of the bedroom, she knocked a picture frame askew with a clatter. The ornately carved frame, depicting a younger, carefree Chioma with her friends, fell to the floor with a dull thud. Finally, finding the kerosene lamp and a match, she struck it against the box, the rough scrape accompanied by the familiar scent of paraffin filling the air. The soft glow sputtered to life, illuminating her face and revealing glistening wet hair cascading down her shoulders.
Fresh from her warm bath, Chioma sighed with relief. The cool towel felt nice against her warm skin. She slipped into the pale blue nightdress laid out on the chair, its soft fabric caressing her body. Settling into the old, creaky wicker chair in the corner, she let out a weary sigh, the weight of the day settling on her shoulders.
Across from her, Louisa sat by the window, the faint moonlight outlining her silhouette. Her hands moved in a practiced rhythm, the click of the knitting needles a subtle counterpoint to the chirping chorus of crickets outside. Every few moments, a soft swish of yarn would accompany the clicks as she worked on a sweater.
Suddenly, the clicking stopped. Chioma looked up to see her mother staring at her with a frown on her face. The worry in Louisa's eyes matched the worry in Chioma's own heart.
'Is everything all right, Chioma?' Louisa asked gently, her voice laced with concern. 'Do you mind sharing your thoughts with me?'
Chioma let out a sigh, a sound heavy with the weight of the situation. 'Mum, you already know everything,' she said, her voice barely a whisper.
'Yes, I know that your love story with Michael has brought about hate from people who think you don't deserve him,' Louisa paused, leaning forward slightly. The concern in her eyes was a tangible presence in the room. 'I know he loves you, but going to the extent of severing business ties with Jessica's family... I don't think it's right.'
'I tried to convince him, but he says he will only listen if Jessica apologises to me. I don't need her apology because I know she wouldn't mean it from the heart. I just want peace,' Chioma explained, her voice tight with frustration.
Louisa's gaze softened. 'Peace will only come if you end your relationship with Michael. But I know that will never happen. So, like in movies, you'll have to wait until the end of the movie, where Jessica either changes or meets her fate,' Louisa advised.
Chioma remained awake long after Louisa had stopped knitting, turned off the lamp, and fallen asleep in bed. Moonlight streamed through the window, casting an ethereal glow on the room. Chioma reached over and shut the window. Lying in bed, she couldn't help but reminisce about the first time she saw Michael and the beautiful memories they had shared. She also thought about the day she met Audrey, who had been a delightful and talkative young lady. But now, Audrey was upset with her, and Felix hadn't been in touch since the incident. Chioma was blamed for being the root cause of Michael and Jessica's problems.
She slowly reached for her phone and sent a message in the WhatsApp group chat, which included Chisom and Audrey.
'Audrey, I am really sorry,' the message read.
Silence stretched, punctuated only by the occasional chirp of a cricket. Chioma waited for a response, but no one replied. Left with no other option, she decided to call Audrey. It rang several times before a clipped voice answered. Chisom was already asleep, explaining why she didn't respond to the message.
'I want to see you, Audrey,' Chioma said when Audrey finally picked up after several rings.
'Do you have an appointment?' The coldness in Audrey's voice sent a shiver down Chioma's spine.
'An appointment? No...'
'Unfortunately, I'm unavailable.'
'Can I come to your home tomorrow?'
'No, you can't come without appointment. I suggest you contact Felix directly, but unfortunately for you, he will be leaving on a business trip tomorrow. Moon Corporation has already booked his ticket.' A smug satisfaction laced Audrey's words. 'And if you're thinking of breaking in, don't bother. Our security is top-notch. You wouldn't even get past the gate, let alone reach my room or Felix's.'
'Audrey, please give me a chance to explain myself…' Chioma pleaded, her voice cracking with desperation.
'There's nothing left to explain,' Audrey cut her off, her pride evident. 'I gave you a chance, but you abused it. Because of you, my brother and cousin find it difficult to have an open conversation without being reminded that they are both in love with the same woman.'
Before Chioma could say another word, Audrey abruptly ended the call, leaving Chioma feeling disheartened. Tears welled up in Chioma's eyes, blurring the moonlight that streamed through the window as she realised the extent of Audrey's anger. She feared that Audrey's resentment might follow the clichéd path of never-ending grudges depicted in movies. She desperately hoped that their friendship wouldn't be marred by such a fate, praying for a chance at forgiveness and understanding.