Chapter 18 -You're Leaving?

                                    

                                          
CHAPTER 18- YOU’RE LEAVING?
AMY
I looked at him in shock as he said this. He looked angry. I’d never seen him look this angry, not when I did the things I did way back. Was that how he felt about how I’d acted all these while?
He stood up and walked away angrily.
“Jasper…” I called, but he was too busy leaving to hear me. I slumped back in the seat and stared at the two plates of pasta that was never going to be finished. I stood up and cleared the dishes before going to get showered and dressed.
………
I walked into the mall. I needed to do some shopping for both personal supplies and for the house. Michelle usually did the market shopping when she was free but since she was away, I was expected to do it. My mind wandered back to my earlier discussion with Jasper. I was always afraid to admit it, but I was scared shitless and I was too much of a coward to admit it. I loved Jasper to the end of the earth and back but I was too scared to fight for that love. I contemplated moving away, but knew that was a cowardly move. I had to make us work even if it meant me throwing myself at him. I was done being a coward.
******
I arrived at home to meet Jasper and surprisingly Jasmine in the living room with a pretty girl beside him. She was a slim but curvy girl. Fair, tall and beautiful… naturally beautiful. They seemed deep in their discussion, they didn’t notice me come in. He had his hands over her seat as he played with her hair. They were chatting so animatedly that it seemed like I was invisible. It was like a wakeup call, letting me know he was capable of moving on to another girl.
“That’s rubbish Bee, we both know that’s sinful.”
“Yeah, whatever.”
“Jasmine, come and carry your twin.’
‘She’s way above my league.’
‘Can we change the conversation topic before I hurl?’
‘Don’t worry Jay, you’ll get used to it.’
‘How was your Ebola trip?’ I heard him ask jasmine
“I’m so glad it’s over. It’s so scary to be doing such work."
“I have no plan to join your line of work.”
“I’m surprised you’re not scared of the needle injuring you.”
“I use a machine baby, not a needle.”
“Scared of life. Besides, where’s Amy? I came here to see her.” Jasmine asks as I enter into my room.
“She must have come back. She’s usually back by now.”
I came out, just as jasmine turned in my direction. We chatted a little before they had to leave.
“I’ll be coming back tomorrow.” I heard her say. “Save some time for me”
“No problem Bee, take care.” He replied.
It hurt. Knowing he’d willingly make time for her when I barely saw him. There was no need for me to fight for him, if he already was hers.
^^^^^^
IT WAS OFFICIALLY TERRIBLE. I had to watch him with another girl. Hold her hands, play with her hair, things I wanted happening to me and me alone. It was like Jasper was out to make me miserable. He’d done it when he was sure I’d catch every glimpse of it and it hurt like hell. I was watching the one guy I loved with another lady, what could hurt more than that. I was a fool, a great fool and I lost him. I’d cried myself to sleep that night and had taken a personal note to always leave wherever I was once they surfaced. I really couldn’t take it anymore and was planning to move out. I couldn’t stand knowing the fact that she was always around him, giving the massages I wanted to give him and getting her hands all over him... Right now in fact I was driving up to an agent to discuss and finalize plans for a new house. It was a two bedroom flat and although I wanted a little house, I didn’t want to waste money on a one bedroom. I drove down with the estate agent. She was a petite curvy woman. Her hair was in its virgin afro state making her look exceptionally beautiful. She had minimum makeup on. Just mascara, lip gloss and powder. If that counts. She had on a nice perfume. It smelled like it was Pyramid. Did I mention she was married? Overall, she was nice. I finally found a nice house after walking around the estate. I had to admit, I loved this place; it was tranquil, beautiful and safe. I paid with my debit card and drove back to my ex-apartment after stopping by a furniture company to place my orders. Jasper was with his girlfriend, so I quickly greeted them before going back to my room. I rolled out my box which I’d been packing since a few days. I rolled it out into the living room as Jasper suddenly looked up,
“You’re leaving?” he asked as I looked at him and nodded. The urge to call him names, and slap him was terribly strong. He’d forgotten I was here all along. Did he really expect me to stay?
“Why? I told you could stay.”
“I’ve stayed here long enough Jay. Besides, it was time I moved out. The key is on the dining table. Bye guys.” I said as I rolled my box and loaded it into the boot of my car. The furniture company should have loaded all the furniture’s in before the end of today. “It was okay.” I told myself. I could do it.
******
I managed to get past the hurt.
I wish.
A full month had passed since I got my place. We were having a party at the office today. Stone companies was celebrating its 25 year anniversary and all the fragments were expected to be present. I stopped by the mall to pick to a dress for the event. After travelling round the all, I finally spotted a black gown. It was a knee length off shouldered gown. A rose brooch sat at the right breast. The top stopped at the tummy as a band encircled there leading to the skirt which flowed to the knees. The neck and the belt were studded with diamonds. I got a pair of silver stilettoes to go since that was the theme I wanted to use. My silver purse and jewelleries were still valid, so they would go. When I packed my bag, I knew I was ready. 
By six forty pm, I was ready and out the door. The party started by seven and was not far from my apartment. If there was no traffic, I’d reach in ten minutes. And was I lucky, the road was as free as the sky.
The party was held in the conference room of one of our hotels. It was a 700 sitting capacity hall, so you could imagine how large it was. The interior designers had done an awesome job designing this place, as it was breath-taking. I spotted my partner talking and mingling around and went towards her. Emma was a beautiful lady, with golden hair and blue eyes, she was a half-caste. Her mother was British and her father Nigerian, but her British tendencies were dominant as she grew up there. She had a bright smile and a charming personality. Most importantly, she was a true friend. She’d been my rock these past few months and had given me some real help in the past months.
“Hey sweetheart.” I greeted when I met her as she grinned at me enveloping me in a teddy bear hug.” “You look awesome” I complemented as she blushed. She had on a royal blue jump off- shouldered jumpsuit which complemented her sky blue eyes.
“Not as beautiful as you. I mean you are totally stealing my spotlight.” She said as I laughed. Emma was a natural sweet talker.
“Thanks. So who’s keeping you busy tonight?” 
“Lucas is out of the country, and since you’re single, guess we know how we’re rocking this party.” She said as we both laughed. We took our seat with other workers from our law firm. The CEO of our company, a sixty something year old man. He was good-looking for his age and was very resourceful. Although I pitied his company cause his excuse of a son was an exact opposite of him. Yes they looked alike, but Charles as nothing like his father. He was a womaniser, a flirt, a waster. His daughter Stacy was even more responsible. I suspected she’d be taking over unless he wanted to ruin his hard work.
He mounted the podium and began to speak in his deep bass voice. His voice was reach like that of someone who sang in a choir.
“Good evening gorgeous ladies and handsome gentlemen.” He started. Trust Mr Allwell Stone to start like that. “It is a great honour to have you all here to celebrate our Silver Jubilee. 25 years have gone by. 25 years of service to you all and to our nation and I have to say we are both honoured and glad that we are able to celebrate this achievement. So many companies started out the same time as we did or even earlier but they’d folded up or went bankrupt but to God be the glory we are here and we plan to be here even for another century.” He said as everyone applauded. “I thank everyone who has stood by us for the past years, our staff and investors…” I lost him there as I saw the figure of perfection walk into the hall in a black tuxedo. He was clearly expensively dressed. Where those George Armani Shoes? And for heaven’s sake who put him in a suit. He looked so handsome striding confidently into the hall.
“Barrister Jasper Okechukwu, welcome.” I heard Mr Allwell say as he bowed lightly before taking a seat.
“Ohmigosh” Emma squealed as she elbowed me. ”this is like your heaven sent chance to talk to him.”
“Stop it Em. I’m not talking to him because there is nothing to talk about.”
“This is exactly what I’m talking about. You acted like this till he hooked up with that girl and now that he’s obviously single, you still act like this. Get real girl, fight for your own. Even if he’s still with that girl, show him what he’s missing.”
“Now I see why Lucas is wrapped round your little finger.” I said laughing softly.
“It’s my thumb babe, not pinkie, thumb.” She said “but seriously, act fast.” She finished as I nodded thinking about what she was saying.
“Did I mention he’s a total eye candy.” She whispered in my ears
“Stop it.” I chided as my heart did a total flip acknowledging that statement.