Love Is Not Enough

I thought it was a dream I might never have to wake up from, it seemed as though life was becoming more meaningless with every second that passes by,my life was becoming a living hell,I was a misery. It all started on the 28th day of January which was 10 days after my 21st birthday, I received a call from a friend saying that I will receive a parcle soon,it wasn't up to 30minutes, I received a passle like he said,I couldn't believe what my eyes saw after the post man left,I was shocked to my bones!, My teeth began to clatter making some clanky sounds that sounded so unpleasant even to my own ear,but I couldn't help it, It was a nude illustration of me!,my eyes widened,my jaw fell,my head became twice heavier,I realised that I couldn't breathe for 3minutes,not knowing what to do,I called him after burning the parcle and he hung up without picking up,I became restless, I felt heartbroken, I felt used, frustrated, dumped and betrayed. I kept trying his number but he never picked up on the 40th call he switched off his mobile,I could see life draining from me, it felt as though I was a living dead,I cried but my tears weren't fixing anything. It was on the 30th day of January he called again I picked up almost immediately, before then I've not been able to eat nor drink my roommate queried me but I never opened up to her, I mean I could tell her anything but this was different,when I heard his voice, to me it sounded cold and dangerous,more like a warning,it didn't sound like the Mike I knew,he spoke in riddles but I only got that; the same parcle will be sent to my boyfriend with whom our marriage plan has been declared to be in three months time and I couldn't think nor speak I only cried and hoped it can't get any worse. That same day I received a call from my boyfriend almost immediately after Mike called,but I couldn't pick up cause I was nervous,my hands were shaking,my lips were falling apart,my eyes were raining heavily,I could only see "my heartbeat" written on my mobile screen....I kept on staring at my mobile screen,the more I got his calls the more I fidgeted,the more my heart sank,the more I wished it was a dream, I just felt like putting a knife on my neck and slitting my throat with it... it was on the 10th call that I summoned courage to pick up,closed my eyes and was waiting for "Betty it's over between us" But then to my greatest shock, I heard a calm and caring voice, "Hello sweetheart hope you're fine? Been calling for ages no response hope everything is okay" he said in just a second without a breath,... Still I wasn't convinced I only thought to myself, maybe he's just being nice and caring for the last time who knows what he'll say next ...God, this is not the life I planned for myself, I wanted to scream, roll on the floor, rumple my sheets I was so sober that I forgot someone was on the other end as I held my phone to my ear with a strong squeeze and flowing helplessly and hopelessly down my chin... I wished it was only a terrible nightmare and that I wake up from it, "Hello Betty?, Are you there?" I suddenly drew back to consciousness, "hey babe am fine you" I managed to say trying so much hide the pain in my voice, but it wasn't so easy, he still noticed. Richard was a guy I met on my 200lvl in the University (UNILAG), he's a very nice guy, he came to see one of his Uncles who happened to be a lecturer in my school an coincidentally we met in his uncle's office I was his rep in class(I rep his course) I came to submit the class project that morning, he was already seated in Sir's office with his legs crossed looking like a gentleman he was, they seemed to be laughing to something hilarious when I walked in after a knock, "Oh Beatrice it's you, here put the papers here and please make sure everyone makes the payment I requested in my previous class okay?" He said waving his hands across the table as though searching for a file or something with his eyes fixed on the desk. " Yes sir" I nodded . " Good, you can leave now" he dismissed me with a wave. That was how I met him for the first time, wasn't do long about two weeks later I met him again on my way to my lodge from sch, he offered me a ride home which I politely declined, he insisted and I insisted too so he had no option to back down,he then asked if we could atleast talk on phone, without a word I was just staring at him,I could bite off one of his ear with the anger boiling up inside me at the moment which was as a result of the stress at sch and going home to an empty pot of meal *damn!* It's so annoying. He kept staring at me buh I was so lost in thought to realize,"hey miss please can I have your number" he said this time with one brows curved up, it was then I realized he was getting impatient with me, I was being a bit childish, I opened my palm to get his phone, he placed it on my palm as I dialed my mobile number into his Android phone... He place a beep call and said thanks.... I left without a word. And that was exactly how Richard and I started hanging out, before we knew it, we were like a pea in a pod. Babe, you know you can't hide things from me right? " He said... # I just sniffed a bit and said I have a terrible catarrh and it's too unbearable my head is really aching, he apologized as though the fault was all his, "*I really love him* I can't afford to ~~lose~~him. We talked for what seemed like 2 hours, I didn't really want the call to end, he always knew how to make me happy, for a moment I forgot about Mike and his stupid games of blackmail. "Babe I'd love us to hangout this evening by 6PM I have something to tell you ... My heart sank suddenly when I heard it cause he sounded quite urgent..." Okay" I managed to say and it was barely audible. # My Room mate Jenny who has been around the corner was staring at me to know what's with the sudden mood swing... I also stared back at her wanting to tell her everything buh I couldn't get myself to do so. "Betty what's up with you" she finally managed to ask... "Chard wants us to see this evening" I said with my head bent low, "so?, Is that why you look so sour?, You should be excited atleast you'd get to forget whatever rubbish that's been making you shed tears since day break" ... She was right but I already knew he wants us to meet for the same reason that tied me down since morning... This is more difficult than I initially thought. Later that evening Chard texted me the location of where we'd be hanging out for the evening _Golden plaza_ it's an expensive restaurant, *very thoughtful of him,he chose a nice place to break our engagement* I thought. I took a long shower, I had no strength left for any kind of make over, I just slid into an Orange fitted sleeveless gown found a matching flat shoe which made me look more like an office clerk than one going on a date,but I didn't care. My face was so blunt so I decided to atleast apply some powder and lip gloss to begin with, by the time I was done Jenny already left for a friend's place. ***** Jenny has been my closest friend ever since I moved to Lagos, I had no one in Lagos except from school to hostel, before I met Mike who introduced me to Jenny as his good friend and family friend too and ever since I've been so close with her, even she's a lazy bone you won't blame her she came from a wealthy home and happened to be the second child of the Well known Abubakar family, she had pleaded I moved in to her lodge I declined but she insisted, since then we've been like a woven fabric attached from one end to the other, but it's disheartening I can't tell her what's happening between Mike and I ...and Mike?! That monster in human form, he took advantage of my innocence, he's always wanted to date me but heavens know I would have agreed to,but I do not love him, he kept pushing but I kept resisting and this whole drama actually started one night, I can never ~~forget~~, the night I had the worst nightmare, it was on the 3rd of February 2019 it was the same year I got into the Uni I was just 18years of age so naive, and Mike who was in his 400 level then, he pleaded with me that night to go out with him I asked if Jenny would be coming with us he said he told her but she said she won't make it tonight, i told him I can't go he insisted and assured me of my safety, I trustfully went with him, he took me to a nearby local bar where meats and drinks were sold, we drank palm wine and the palm wine tasted so good that I had to gulp several glasses down my throat..when I made to stop he urged I drank more if I wanted to, he was a ~~nice~~guy I thought to myself, I drank till I had my fill, I was so drunk I couldn't even tell where I am or where I'm going to I was just laughing and counting one step twice,Mike could have taken me to my lodge but instead he took me to his own lodge... He did the unthinkable, he r***d me, it was the worst day of my life, I never imagined Mike could do such to me and not just that,he took photos of me naked on his bed, I know I was striking poses but *I was drunk for christ's sake!* , He's such a monster an apprentice to the Devil himself..I so much hate him..he blackmailed me with those pictures for months threatening to make sure it goes viral and that my family sees it too, how will my parents cope "Am there first child" what example will I leave for my 3 younger siblings. The blackmail went on to the extent I couldn't take it anymore, I decided to be bold, I let him know he could do his worse and I deleted his contact and everything I had of him though I still followed him up on ** and other social media platforms of his though I looked strong but I was breaking apart on the inside, after few months I didn't hear from him nor see any clue of him wanting to leak my nudes on social media,I thought it was over, and now after so many years that monster is back into my life!. ***** By the time I was done dressing up it was almost 6:15PM so walked towards the door like a child being forced to an errand, I slammed the door open and went out then jammed it behind me as though it was the cause of my problem, I boarded a taxi the moment I walked outside the gate, told the cab man my destination after I got in he zoomed off I didn't even bother beating prices with him as it's a tradition in Nigeria to price everything including transportation. When I got infront of _Golden plaza_ my sight dropped on Chard after I had payed the taxi man and he drove off, Chard was just sitting Adjacent to the massive gate infront of me looking so adorable and handsome on his striped blue and red shirt looking well ironed out and his hair well combed and arranged, he was simply an eye catch..I walked towards the table for two he sat at and I placed a peck on his forehead and said "Good evening babe" but to my surprise he didn't respond nor kiss the back of my hand like he usually did, then I knew it was completely over I felt so disgusted with myself and I felt like a piece of trash,a garbage, an over used wrapper...I was so ashamed but still managed to fake a smile, he didn't even act like he noticed how tensed I was, he simply asked what will you like to have, I was just staring at him and only managed to ask *is everything okay babe?* He smiled buh I knew it wasn't genuine then he called the Waitress who was standing just few miles from us and she came over to take our orders, I was so tensed I just ordered a bottled water and a glass of orange juice, "won't you order any meal? Ain't you hungry?" ,He asked with a seemingly caring tone but his face was blank of emotions. I knew I couldn't order any meal now cause it feels like my stomach had nuts in it or should I say I could feel termite bites in there...*No,thanks babe I'm fine*, I managed to say still feeling confused and unsettled. "You said you wanted to tell me something?" I blurted,I know I was acting impatient but gosh! I was so damn freaking out... *Oh!, Yes about that I wanted to talk to you about something very important, I got a parcel in the morning* he said looking right into my eyes, I couldn't hold the contact anymore cause the tension was building up already I had to redirect my gaze to the serviette on the table infront of me as though it were going to make him stop talking, cause I felt like I was going to explode,..there was silence for about 3mins after the waitress had brought our orders to our table, I took the water and gulped it down as my throat felt so dry and sore, after few mins he continued, *so I thought I should inform you about it since the package was said to be yours* now this is awkward, cause I couldn't blink nor talk nor even nod, I felt numb had someone pinched me that moment I'm sure I wouldn't know at all, *here's the parcel, you can open it yourself* I was fidgeting so much that it was so noticeable, my arms shook vigorously as I reached out to collect the parcel from his hands, I could feel my sweaty palms shaking and threatening to fall apart, I finally managed to collect the parcel from him,before I opened it I took one more glance at him and he gave me that look like _go ahead_ I opened the wrapped box as I wondered why Mike has always been the devil on my path always trying to destroy my happiness, I opened the big box then I saw a smaller box with a large brown envelope beneath it I brought out the envelope feeling disgusted and disappointed at myself I swallowed as I opened the envelope and brought out papers which looked like documentaries I immediately thought of divorce?! But we ain't married yet , I looked at him in confusion, he said *read it dear* My eyes couldn't believe what I saw,my mouth was too heavy to say it out,my eyes were covered with tears pushing there way out, my heart leaped and then bounced right into my stomach _those are the documents to your new car_ he said smiling ...Gosh!, I couldn't believe my ear, it seemed like a dream, forgetting that we were in a public eatery I jumped on my feet, and moved over to hug him, can't believe am a car owner, I was so excited that my reactions attracted others who sat close to us , I opened the tiny box Inside and saw my car key, I can't believe this, *No way* was the only word that kept escaping my lips as I stared at my car key and car documents in my hands with tears soaking my soft chubby chin ..... Richard drove me home in my new Honda salon car with tinted sunscreen, it was so perfect just like him. I was so excited I kept smiling through the whole ride and I was feeling on top of the world, everything seemed prefect once again, after Chard had dropped me inside the compound he parked My car, I still can't believe that word *my car! Gosh!* at the car park around the left side of the lodge. I hugged him so tight I didn't want to let go, he had to squeeze himself out of my grip cause it was quite late and the Uber he had ordered is already waiting, he kissed me goodnight and went off, I kept smiling while staring at his back till he disappeared through the gate, I got into the house, Jenny wasn't back yet, I can't wait for her to get home, the excitement in me didn't let realize that I still haven't eaten since morning and that am starving. I was trying to concentrate on my assignment which must be summited the next day before Jenny walked in, "Babe this one you dey smile dey write assignment watin dey sup", she said with a blunt smile on her face, _you won't understand_ I managed to say.. *Then make me understand that's why we're friends more like sisters, and by the way I saw a new car at the garage, seems like Anastasia got herself a new car* she said while trying to get rid of what looked like a thread on her hair, tilting her head from left to right rolling her eyes like a confused puppy. Anastasia our neighbor is a high class b***h, she's the sole heir to her father's company she's a senior to Jenny and I when it comes to school but I don't know of age, she drives a black Jeep she got as a birthday present from her Dad, but she's as rude as hell and very arrogant too, I just hate her guts... I looked up from my notebook and stared at Jenny smiling I didn't even notice I was crying till Jenny asked _why are you shedding tears_ I sniffed and smiled once again moved my hand to the drawer next to me on the edge of the bed and brought out a key... _car key?!_ Jenny shouted and jumped off the bed with her right palm over her lips and the left one slightly above the right palm as she too joined the crying carol but I'm happy they're tears of joy, Jenny was like the elder sister I never had, I'm 2years younger,but we always behave like twins, you will hardly tell the age difference. She hugged me so tight, non of us could talk cause the tears wouldn't let us, the excitement was massive, it was more for me, who would ever believe that this classless girl could be this lucky. The next day I went very early to register in a driving school after which I went to school from there, every day after school I went for driving classes before a week I was almost perfect, as weeks flew like days and days as seconds before I new it it's a month to my wedding, Chard and I already went to Enugu state to visit my parents, I was surprised my parents weren't bothered about him being a yoruba man, they accepted him and welcomed him warmly, after we had seen them we came back to Lagos, everything was moving so fast like a train in motion nonstop,my wedding dress was specially and specifically handled by Jenny, it was purchased from one of the best designers in china, it's a snow white flowing gown beaded with pearl and a golden ring fastened on the hem of each transparent long sleeve, it was one of the best wedding dresses I ever seen,. I wore it, standing infront of the standing mirror on the makeup desk, as I swirled myself from left to right to get nice view of the dress as Jenny stood next to me admiring how it looks so adorable and breathtaking on me, I couldn't wait for that special day, though I felt anxious and nervous at same time I really can't wait,... Everything has been purchased, the ashebi wear is in place and Jenny is most definitely my maid of honor there's no disputing that fact. As day flew it was just 2weeks to go, arrangements were getting more hastened up to meet with time, on one evening I went to get my nail done... As the lady manicured my nails, I noticed my phone vibrate so I excused myself to check my mail, it was a message from an unknown number, it read _Hey Betty, so it's finally a week to your wedding with Richard your dear Chard and you didn't even deem it fit to invite me to be a part of the happy occasion, well it's okay congrats dear Betty ..... From : A well-wisher_ I wondered who it could be but was unable to place my fingers on the texter, I decided to continue with my manicure and pedicure, I ignored the message cause I believe it's one of those stupid Campus boys that won't let one rest they'd get your number from unknown sources and start disturbing your peaceful life.... Everything was going as planned, Jenny on the other hand was working so hard to see that everything falls into place as though it's her wedding we're planning, I pray her fiance Kenedy finally proposes to her soonest,... Three days to my wedding the same number texted me once again, _Hi, Betty, so you chose to ignore my first message?, It hurts that someone you consider a friend doesn't even care about you, it's fine, but I still care about your happiness, I sent you a gift through your husband to be, sorry I couldn't wait till your wedding anyways you didn't invite me so I decided to show my love by being the first to gift you both a wonderful present am sure he must have received the gift by now but if he hasn't don't worry he'll call you when he does. From : A well-wisher_ Who the hell is this, I blocked the number immediately, and continued with what I was busy with, before 30minutes Richard called ... I picked up on the second ring almost immediately about to say "hey babe" but he simply said, _meet me now at Mama Gold's eatry , now I say_ I was about saying something, but he hung up on me just immediately. Richard drove me home in my new Honda salon car with tinted sunscreen, it was so perfect just like him. I was so excited I kept smiling through the whole ride and I was feeling on top of the world, everything seemed prefect once again, after Chard had dropped me inside the compound he parked My car, I still can't believe that word *my car! Gosh!* at the car park around the left side of the lodge. I hugged him so tight I didn't want to let go, he had to squeeze himself out of my grip cause it was quite late and the Uber he had ordered is already waiting, he kissed me goodnight and went off, I kept smiling while staring at his back till he disappeared through the gate, I got into the house, Jenny wasn't back yet, I can't wait for her to get home, the excitement in me didn't let realize that I still haven't eaten since morning and that am starving. I was trying to concentrate on my assignment which must be summited the next day before Jenny walked in, "Babe this one you dey smile dey write assignment watin dey sup", she said with a blunt smile on her face, _you won't understand_ I managed to say.. *Then make me understand that's why we're friends more like sisters, and by the way I saw a new car at the garage, seems like Anastasia got herself a new car* she said while trying to get rid of what looked like a thread on her hair, tilting her head from left to right rolling her eyes like a confused puppy. Anastasia our neighbor is a high class b***h, she's the sole heir to her father's company she's a senior to Jenny and I when it comes to school but I don't know of age, she drives a black Jeep she got as a birthday present from her Dad, but she's as rude as hell and very arrogant too, I just hate her guts... I looked up from my notebook and stared at Jenny smiling I didn't even notice I was crying till Jenny asked _why are you shedding tears_ I sniffed and smiled once again moved my hand to the drawer next to me on the edge of the bed and brought out a key... _car key?!_ Jenny shouted and jumped off the bed with her right palm over her lips and the left one slightly above the right palm as she too joined the crying carol but I'm happy they're tears of joy, Jenny was like the elder sister I never had, I'm 2years younger,but we always behave like twins, you will hardly tell the age difference. She hugged me so tight, non of us could talk cause the tears wouldn't let us, the excitement was massive, it was more for me, who would ever believe that this classless girl could be this lucky. The next day I went very early to register in a driving school after which I went to school from there, every day after school I went for driving classes before a week I was almost perfect, as weeks flew like days and days as seconds before I new it it's a month to my wedding, Chard and I already went to Enugu state to visit my parents, I was surprised my parents weren't bothered about him being a yoruba man, they accepted him and welcomed him warmly, after we had seen them we came back to Lagos, everything was moving so fast like a train in motion nonstop,my wedding dress was specially and specifically handled by Jenny, it was purchased from one of the best designers in china, it's a snow white flowing gown beaded with pearl and a golden ring fastened on the hem of each transparent long sleeve, it was one of the best wedding dresses I ever seen,. I wore it, standing infront of the standing mirror on the makeup desk, as I swirled myself from left to right to get nice view of the dress as Jenny stood next to me admiring how it looks so adorable and breathtaking on me, I couldn't wait for that special day, though I felt anxious and nervous at same time I really can't wait,... Everything has been purchased, the ashebi wear is in place and Jenny is most definitely my maid of honor there's no disputing that fact. As day flew it was just 2weeks to go, arrangements were getting more hastened up to meet with time, on one evening I went to get my nail done... As the lady manicured my nails, I noticed my phone vibrate so I excused myself to check my mail, it was a message from an unknown number, it read _Hey Betty, so it's finally a week to your wedding with Richard your dear Chard and you didn't even deem it fit to invite me to be a part of the happy occasion, well it's okay congrats dear Betty ..... From : A well-wisher_ I wondered who it could be but was unable to place my fingers on the texter, I decided to continue with my manicure and pedicure, I ignored the message cause I believe it's one of those stupid Campus boys that won't let one rest they'd get your number from unknown sources and start disturbing your peaceful life.... Everything was going as planned, Jenny on the other hand was working so hard to see that everything falls into place as though it's her wedding we're planning, I pray her fiance Kenedy finally proposes to her soonest,... Three days to my wedding the same number texted me once again, _Hi, Betty, so you chose to ignore my first message?, It hurts that someone you consider a friend doesn't even care about you, it's fine, but I still care about your happiness, I sent you a gift through your husband to be, sorry I couldn't wait till your wedding anyways you didn't invite me so I decided to show my love by being the first to gift you both a wonderful present am sure he must have received the gift by now but if he hasn't don't worry he'll call you when he does. From : A well-wisher_ Who the hell is this, I blocked the number immediately, and continued with what I was busy with, before 30minutes Richard called ... I picked up on the second ring almost immediately about to say "hey babe" but he simply said, _meet me now at Mama Gold's eatry , now...