Caught In The Web (Part 4) "I Have Always Told You Not To Challenge Me"

"I have always told you not to challenge me."
"You are my wife, not my mum."

"Also, you don't kick a man when he is down."
 

"What was I supposed to do? It's bad as it is already that you had to know I had a problem, I can't cope with you thinking I'm less of a man because of that."

Oh my!
 

The wall didn't collapse after all. Her husband has finally graduated from verbal to physical abuse. Just like in the movies.

Layo wanted to talk but all that came were tears. Her worst nightmare had come true. She had always prayed this day would not come. 

Even when she mentioned the possibility to her mum, she laughed it off saying Layo's imagination was getting the better of her.

"Please my love, it will never happen again. The effect of the news hit me too hard. I have been taking treatments and was hopeful that the result would be better, I'm so sorry. 

Though you shouldn't have looked at me that way, please, forgive me. I forgive you too."

His eyes were gloomy, with tears rolling down his cheeks.
 

"Oh poor Femi, this must be devastatating. It couldn't be an easy pill to swallow. It really hurt his pride. It's not his fault." She thought.

"But then, He still shouldn't have hit me!
 

He had no right.
 

I should be the one angry for being deceived."

All these and more were going through Layo's mind. Her heart was in turmoil.
 

What will become of her, her husband, their marriage?
________________________________________

"You look beautiful you know."
"Always beautiful."

She smiled, it was their first date and she couldn't help but notice he looked handsome too.

It was nothing fancy, just ice cream and snacks as that was pretty much what students could afford.

The date went well, they took a taxi back to her hostel where he saw her to the door and they said their goodbyes.

"Now is the time to seriously pray about this guy before you go any further", Sade, her best friend and roommate said to her after she had narrated how the date went to her.

"You are right. I never thought that in my wildest dream, I would like Femi. But it seems I'm not immune to his charm afterall." Layo said, getting ready for a shower.

"True, He is quite the charmer, I've heard some things about him but I'm not sure if they're true. I suggest you watch and pray."

"Saaadddeeee, you've come again with your FBI and tatafo activities. Can someone not go on a date in peace again?"

"No o, all I'm saying is that you should be careful. He seems like a ladies man with a bad temper; that's all. Goodnight sis."
 

And with that, Sade rolls over on her bed and sleeps.

Sade had always been a lady of few words.
___________________________________

Layo remembers that night like it was yesterday.
 

Her eyes are filled with tears.
 

Now she wishes she had paid more attention.
 

She thought she had it all covered.
 

She prayed about him now.
 

"But did you hear God say an outright yes?" Said a still small voice from within her.

Hmmmmmm.
 

"I am in trouble."

Wait! What do I do?
 

Her eyes are filled with tears, her heart is heavy, her mind filled with regret.
________________________________________

"But all these change nothing. What's important is where you go from here. You have a choice to make. 

Something (s) must change, you must change. You can't go on like this, it is not healthy."

This was all Sade could say after she recounted all that's been happening in her marriage. Her heart was broken for her friend.

Layo didn't deserve this. She is the sweetest of all her friends. Easy going and a peace lover. This will break her if not properly handled.

"What do you want to do?" Sade asked.

"I don't know; I am lost, I'm confused!"

"You don't have to decide right away but you need to make a decision soon. Have you told your mum?, your brothers?"

"No. I can't. I have no idea how they'll react. I'm scared this would be blown out of proportion."

"Really? That's all you care about right now? This is your life we're talking about here. This is beyond what you and I can handle. This is abuse."

"I know. I know. I'm just scared they'll only make things worse. Plus I don't want to add to Mum's grief. 

She's yet to get over Dad's death."

"I understand, but you still have to tell your family and his."

Layo checks her watch.
 

It's past 6pm. She has to be on her way home so she doesn't get home late. Femi has been loving lately but she doesn't want to push it.

"I have to go now, it's getting late."

"Alright dear, take care of you. I'll call you to discuss the next course of action."

They say their goodbyes as Layo leaves for her home.
________________________________________

"Welcome home darling, I've missed you. Just go in and change into something sexy, we eat out tonight."

Now this is a bit surprising coming from Femi. Eat out?

See, He is not such a bad person after all. He just has a short temper. If only things could continue like this.
______________________________________

"Thanks for the lovely outing, I enjoyed myself. Goodnight "

"Goodnight? I'm just getting started, you're going to have a better time indoors";

They giggled as the got under the sheets.

All rights reserved
 

Written By Tolulope Fakayode-Faniran

June 08, 2017