WEIRD

As the Hilux was driven off from the compound, Michael began to feel something stuck in his throat. It was a hot and intense emotion. He watched the car peel out of his sight slowly with the gates shut. He couldn't explain what it was that he felt, but he found out that he was swallowing a lot of saliva in quick succession.

There was intense hotness in his chest. He couldn't remember when he ever felt this way. It felt as though Jenny was gone for good. It was a sad reality for him. He didn't know he was tearing up until he felt his nose fill with mucus. He wiped his face immediately, not wanting anyone to see him like that.

He quickly left his family downstairs as he hurried up to take his bath and dress up for work. He thought he could stay at home with Stephanie but he couldn't.

He called his driver to get his car ready and in few minutes, he came downstairs, bidding them good bye in his regular arrogant manner.

"I thought you were not going to work today" his mother said.

"I'm sorry, I have an important meeting. My Secretary just called me"he lied.

When in reality, he could not stay at home. Every place in the house brings the thought of Jenny actively in his mind. He needed to be far away from this space.

Arriving at work, Michael positioned himself for intense work. He buried himself in some of the documents he was supposed to review the past week. He kept analyzing and writing his official reports for financial houses that uses crypto currencies.

Working did not seem to make it easy as he occasionally drifted off in his mind, as memories of Jenny flooded his heart. He remembered every special moment he had with her. He remembered her smile, her alluring smell, the taste of her good food. His body reacted to the memory of her touches. He craved her soft lips, her touch and the feel that comes from hugging her so tight.

His secretary informed him of several meetings he had earlier cancelled. Michael personally called all recipients of the meeting to come in.

He worked from the time he arrived at the office till 9 pm. He did not rest or take a break. He felt this was the only way he could relieve the deep unease he felt inside. Was he in love with her? He repeatedly asked himself. He kept touching his heart as he drove home as the unusual rhythmic beat bothered him.

He had earlier wanted to call Betty but he decided against it as he remembered the look on Jenny's face when she asked him about his sex life. He did not want to disappoint her, yet he was confused.

Nonetheless, he knew Betty would come on Thursday, and then Jenny would not be back by then. Instead of canceling the appointment, he told himself he would let the day play out naturally. If Jenny meant more to him, he was not going to admit it so soon. He remembered just wanting her for her body but now, it felt like a part of him was gone.

When he arrived home, he saw his mother frowning, and Stephanie pouted also. They were watching the television. He expected the both of them to be asleep by the time.

"What is wrong?Did something bad happen?"He asked.

"Daddy good evening. Miss Patience spoilt the microwave" Stephanie replied him.

"Just today that she resumed work? how on earth did she spoil the microwave?" Michael lamented.

"She said she did not know how to use it" Stephanie added.

"Why did Jenny not show her how to use it before leaving?" He asked.

"Mummy did but she said she forgot" Stephanie replied.

"What sort of dumb did Regina give us this time?"

"Michael, I was upstairs sleeping."

Mrs Bose began.

"I perceived the smell of burnt rice. I quickly came down and I saw that she was using a pot to warm up the Jollof rice and turkey Jenny had prepared for lunch. Still she burnt it badly"

"A pot? to warm what she did not make and still she burnt it!" Michael exclaimed.

"That is not even the problem. Could you please go to kitchen and see the damage the girl did when I was sleeping. She opened the fridge and began to eat up the packaged foods, including all the snails Jenny had prepared before spoiling the microwave."

"What did she do to the microwave?" Michael asked, hoping its a minor challenge that he could fix.

"Daddy She broke the glass because she didn't know how to open the door."

"I couldn't bear it so i asked her to leave. I don't think she should return" Mrs Bose said"

"Thank God you did. That's exactly what I would have done" Michael supported.

"Please tell me that you called Regina to complain bitterly" He asked.

"I did, son. She was just full of apologies as usual. She also said maybe we've gotten used to Jenny's professional way of doing things"

"Oh she must be very stupid for saying that. I would stop using that agency as soon as Jenny comes back"

"Daddy why? What if she tells Mummy not to work here anymore?" Stephanie asked sadly.

"She can't do that. Jenny would never reject our offer. She is here to stay princess so don't bother that head of yours"

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves. I am bothered too. What if she doesn't come back?" Mrs Bose sadly asked Michael.

"Precisely my point Dad.Because you didn't really treat her very well"

"Excuse me?!!Steph!! That is not true" Michael objected.

"It is the truth Daddy. When she was leaving this morning, you did not bid her goodbye unlike everyone. You did not even ask her to promise to come back. Did you? You look so happy that she was leaving so Miss Matilda can come over" Stephanie complained.

"Matilda?" Michael asked.

"Hey Stephanie that's never happening. Matilda is not welcomed in this house" Mrs Bose assured her.

"Daddy good night. Good night grandma"Stephanie grumbled and walked upstairs.

"What is wrong with her?" Michael asked.

"She misses Jenny so much. You know they have a bond. But don't mind her still. She is just being a child. She has even been talking to Jenny all day. From when she arrived."

"Wow! She has arrived safely?"

"Oh yes, she kept chatting with Stephanie all through the journey and called us when she arrived home. I even spoke with her step mother. Such a wonderful family"

Michael had stopped listening to his mother. He had forgotten that she had a phone. He could have been the one talking to Jenny every hour.

Michael realized he was only one who have not spoken to Jenny. Even Deji had spoken to her before he went to bed. Since no proper dinner, he took a plate of fruits, nuts and went upstairs.

After taking off his clothes, he laid on his bed and called her.

"Hello darling Jenny" He smiled

" Hello sir!" Why was she being official?

"So you arrived and you couldn't call me?" He asked.

"You were busy at work so I sent a text that I have arrived already. But you did not reply my text. It reminded me of when I sent an apology text and you didn't reply it" She said sadly.

"Hey Jenny I thought we have moved past that. I am sorry. I barely check my messages. I am so sorry."

"It's okay"

"How was the trip?"

" It was okay"

"When did you arrive?"

"Five hours after I left the house."

"You've been at home all day. Doing what?"

"I've been talking to Stephanie. I showed her where the food I apportioned for dinner was. I am so sorry about the microwave that Patience spoilt. Sorry about the foods especially the snails. I kept them mostly for grandma."

"Just imagine the fool Regina gave to us. The girl absolutely knows nothing but how to eat food"

"I should have taught her more. I promise to be back on Friday very early"

"That would be nice."

"My mother wanted to say thank you earlier but it's late. She's gone to bed. Would you take her call tomorrow?"

"Jenny, all you have to do is call my number with your phone and am running to pick it up" Michael said and she giggled.

"You make me smile"

"You should've called me all day. I am not happy. I thought about you painfully all day."

"What were you thinking that?"

"I thought about your face, the smoothness of your skin. Your seducing smell, which is like a drug to me and your food. I'm drinking water and eating fruits. I have been so busy all day. I did not get a proper meal."

"I am so sorry"

"To make matters worse, fat Patience ate up all snails. If she had stayed in this house for one month, we would starve"

"She is a funny character. She probably likes that kind of food and I would have told her to eat little not all at once"

"Jenny you see the good in everyone. That girl irks me "

"Is that such a bad thing?"

"I don't know. I'm not like you. I see assholes for who they are. But I miss you." Michael admitted.

"And I miss you so much Michael. Although you don't sound like you miss me. You sound like you miss something

Michael wanted sex. it's been long since he had properly been with a woman.

"Jenny it's been long."

"I thought Matilda said....."

"Don't listen to anything that lying bitch has to say"

"Language please!"

"Please you're an adult, you can hear the word bitch" Jenny chuckled.

"Talk to me, me about your journey "

He said as he laid on the bed listening to every bit of story of the journey. Michael enjoyed the entire conversation and smiled. They talked till he fell asleep.

When Wednesday came, it was no longer painful because he knew to call her on phone. As promised by noon, she called him and her mother spoke with him appreciating him.

"I'm so grateful for all the help you and your wonderful family gave to my daughter. Thank you for the big money. God will bless you Mr Michael"

"Amen thank you for raising a wonderful girl like her. She is such a blessing"

"Because of the money you gave, we have gone to meet Chief and we have settled the money. So no need for the marriage between him and Jenny. I know that is why she ran away. I know she didn't want to marry that old man. I know my daughter did not want to become a third wife." She explained.

Michael froze. He immediately understood that was the story Jenny did you want to talk about at the African restaurant.

"it's alright ma. We're looking forward to seeing her on Friday."

"Left for me, I would've told her to return back today to such good employers. May the Lord continue to bless your business and your wonderful daughter Stephanie. Thank you so much sir." Michael ended the call afterwards

He wondered why Jenny didn't tell him of an arranged marriage. No wonder she did not want to be in a relationship. she wanted to work and earn the money needed to pay off her family's debts.

"What is an impressionable young lady" he said to himself "I'm lucky to have her"

When Thursday came, it was obvious everyone was counting the hours to Jenny's return. Michael wasn't the only one. Stephanie also mentioned it several times. Stephanie cleaned the house telling everyone to be careful of smearing dirt anywhere in the house. Even after the cleaner had cleaned every where thoroughly.

Bisola the cleaner said she misses Jenny and all the wonderful food she stores and gives to her every morning when she resumes work.

When Michael was in the office by noon, he got a call from Jenny. As expected he was excited.

"Sweetheart"

"Hey, I need you to do something for me. Mrs Bose is not at home right now. I think she went to see a friend of hers. Uncle Deji did not work from home today. I think he had gone out, so Steph is the only one at home." Jenny narrated.

"Why would Deji leave the house? we agreed he was going to stay at home today. She's still on holiday for Christ's sake. But my mum should've taken her out. "

"I'm not sure she was going to spend long time"

"Then why are you calling me, sounding so worried."

"Yes I need you to calm down for what I have to say"

"What is it Jenny?"

"Stephanie called to tell me Abdul was at the house and they were alone"

"What?!"you mean to tell me that pervert is with my daughter in my house alone with her? oh my God"

"I don't need you to be furious. I need you to calm down and listen to my suggestion." Jenny pleaded.

"Don't tell me what to do" he screamed and ended the call.