Tegan 8

 

Photo: from Google

Tegan: she loves deeply.

 Taylor’s wedding preparations were underway. They were fun, an experience, but also exhausting. Their parents suggested it would be easier for Taylor and her bridal train to dress up from the family house because of space. Tegan and Taylor thought it was a great idea. They had to move her wedding gown and other stuff to the family house at Ogba during the week. The wedding was at St. Leo's Ikeja, so was the reception. 

It was Friday, the day before the wedding. Tegan had taken a leave of absence from work to help her sister. The bridal shower was that night. Whatever they did, they had it be back at their parents house, sober. The bridal shower was at their place. The bridal train was in attendance and Taylor thought to invite a few of her friends not in the train too. 

At least all the activities of the week kept Tegan busy. Kept her mind occupied enough to not think of Dozie and his new attitude. He had been avoiding her. She could feel it. He didn’t pop up in her office to steal a glance or drop his usual compliments. He didn’t wink at her. He didn’t say anything to her more than he had to, relating to work. As if that wasn’t enough, he wasn’t sending her those beautiful romantic texts before she slept or when she woke. He wasn’t calling also. For someone who genuinely cared about Taylor and the wedding preparations, he wasn’t  even asking how it was going. For him to ask, he’d have to call of course. His new attitude started that Sunday, after the karaoke on Saturday. She wondered what was wrong but she had other things to worry about.

She couldn’t bother Taylor for obvious reasons. She wasn’t going to call her mother and ask her for boy advice. Lola was out of the option. It was then she realized she didn’t have a lot of people in her circle. She’d have to figure out what was wrong, but only after the wedding. Her sister needed her undivided attention for her big day. The shower started with photographs. The photographer had taken shots of them with Taylor wearing a crown and a purple sash with “soon to be Mrs.” engraved on it and the other ladies holding small placards with words like “engaged”, “single and ready to mingle”, “taken”, “married” engraved on them. Tegan’s placard had “sister of the bride” on it. They were all dressed in white shirts and jean shorts. The shoot was fun and she thought a million photographs were taken.

Photo: from Google

 While the ladies were having their own fun, Kachi and his groomsmen were either in a strip club or doing whatever it is guys did the day before their wedding. After the shoot, they changed into comfortable gowns. Taylor wore a pink short gown, while the other ladies wore whatever they liked. Taylor’s arrived with gifts for her and the mini party started. There was enough to eat and drink, with a massive cake. The party unfolded, with ladies giggling and talking. The singing and the dancing. The drinking and eating. The games too were fun. She enjoyed herself for a while before she lost the mood.

Tegan, dressed in a black skimpy dress, helped herself with a very large piece of cake and a bottle of wine. She took it to the dining area and sat on a chair. As she munched her cake, Taylor sashayed to where she sat.

“Tee, you’re supposed to be in the party, not away from it,” Taylor said, sitting next to her.

“I am in the party. And you’re supposed to be at the center of it, not in the corner with me,” Tegan replied, sipping her wine.

“That’s the point. You’re in the corner. You’re taking a whole bottle of wine instead of warning me not to get drunk because we still have to drive home and I had to avoid hangover for my big day tomorrow.”

“I did warn you not to get drunk.” Tegan looked at her through her glass.

“Yes, and you shouldn’t either.”

“I’m not the one getting married.”

“You’re the freaking maid of honor. You also have to be sober.”

“Taylor, give me a break.  I deserve a drink.”

“What’s wrong, Tee?” Taylor asked with concern.

“What do you mean what’s wrong? I never told you anything was wrong.”

“Yeah, you didn’t. To spare me any other worry apart from my wedding. You’re forgetting I know you. I live with you. You’re my sister. Of course I’ll notice if something was up.”

Tegan sighed into her glass. She didn’t offer to say anything.

“Dozie hasn’t called in a while.” Taylor said, more of a statement than a question. She took the glass from Tegan and moved the bottle away from her too.

“No, he hasn’t. He hasn’t called or texted or anything. He hasn’t done anything. I’ve tried calling too but he either doesn’t pick or he tells me he’d call back. And he doesn’t. I don’t know what’s wrong, Tay. I wanted to wait till after the wedding before I asked him anything. You don’t deserve for your wedding to be ruined by my own grief.”

“Oh, Tee,” Taylor took her sister’s hand. “I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I’m more sorry you had to go through it alone. I don’t know what is wrong, but I know Dozie cares about you.”

“I want to really believe that now. What if it’s because of—”

She was interrupted by a knock on the door.

“Are you expecting someone else?” Tegan asked Taylor as she stood.

“No. Let me find out who it is.” Taylor took the wine and glass away. She dropped them on the center table before walking to the door to answer it. Standing at the door was Cynthia, with a bag in her hand, flashing her white teeth.

“Cynthia, hi,” Taylor said, surprised to see her.

“Hi Taylor. I remembered you saying your bridal shower was today. I just thought I’d drop by and give you this.” She handed the bag to Taylor who took it.

“Thanks. That’s very nice of you.” Cynthia opened the bag and saw a gift box, wrapped. “Would you like to come in? There’s a lot to eat and drink. Though we would be leaving soon. I won’t be going to the church from here.”

“I’d love to come in. Thank you,” Cynthia beamed, stepping in. 

As Taylor shut the door, Tegan poked her head from the dining and saw Cynthia walk in. She gave Taylor a questionable look, while Taylor responded with a look that meant, “I didn’t invite her, but she got me a gift, it’d be rude to send her away.”

Taylor set the gift she brought with the other pile of gifts in a corner while Cynthia said hello to the girls dancing in the living room. She checked her wrist watch. It was almost 9pm. The plan was to leave for her parents’ at least by 10pm. She whispered something to Emma, her closest friend who was the MC of the occasion.

“Okay ladies, Tegan’s bridal shower would soon be over,” Emma spoke with an authoritative voice, getting everyone's attention. “We need to keep the house in a good shape before we leave for her parents’. So let’s wrap this party up, shall we?” 

The other ladies chorused their agreement. Tegan still sat at the dining. She hoped Cynthia wouldn’t bother her. Her hope got shattered as she watched Cynthia glide across the living room towards her. She rolled her eyes at no one in particular and groaned. She needed a drink if she was going to speak with Cynthia. Damn Taylor! 

“Tegan, hi. How are you doing?” Cynthia said, smiling devilishly. She sat where Taylor initially sat, beside Tegan.

“Hi Cynthia. I’m fine. How are you?” Tegan forced a smile.

“Oh, I’m great, really. I’ve never been better.” Cynthia placed her elbow on the table and rested her chin in her hand.

“What are you doing here?” 

“What do you mean what am I doing here? It’s Taylor’s bridal shower. I thought I’d drop by.”

“You weren’t invited.” Tegan couldn’t hide her disgust anymore.

“Oh, please. If I wasn’t, Taylor wouldn’t have mentioned it to me. Are you sure you’re okay? You look a bit off, sitting by yourself when there’s a party.”

“Why are acting like you care about me?” Tegan folded her arms, giving her a once over.

Cynthia laughed. “Well, Taylor is my friend. I don’t want her to think I don’t care about her sister. Besides, you and my brother work closely together. Our siblings have brought us together.” She gave Tegan a mischievous look.

Cynthia’s laugh had sent chills down Tegan’s spine. Something was definitely off. Then there was the way she looked at her when she mentioned Dozie working closely together with her. She inhaled a sharp breath. 

She knows.

“Our siblings do bring us together. Is there something else you want to say? I really have better things to do than sit here.”

Cynthia frowned, briefly, before she replaced it with the fake smile she had had plastered on her face since she came to meet Tegan. “I have a lot of things to say to you, dear. But—”

“Ladies, we would really need your help packing up,” Emma said to them from the living room.

“That’s my cue. Later, Cynthia,” Tegan got up, grateful for the interruption. Grateful for something to do. As she arranged Taylor’s gifts in her room, she thought to herself. She had never for once thought herself to be a coward, but she definitely felt like one at the moment. She’d spent her time telling Dozie to keep their relationship hidden from Cynthia, with the thought that she’d cross the bridge when it was time. It felt like it was time to cross that bridge, but she had no strength for it. She wasn’t scared of Cynthia, she knew this. But she didn’t know what she was scared of. Sooner than later, she’d have to confront Cynthia about her relationship with Dozie, that is, if there was still a relationship.

Taylor walked in on her as she placed the last gift in the pile. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t invite her. I had no idea she’d show up here. I know you two don’t get along so well. I should have asked her to leave—”

“Taylor! Stop apologizing. If there’s something I know about Cynthia, it’s that she likes you. Me, not so much.”

“Which is the problem. She can’t like me and hate my twin. I don’t want such a friend.” She stepped forward and hugged her sister.

“Would you also not be Dozie’s friend because his sister doesn’t like me?” Tegan asked, grateful for the comfort in Taylor’s embrace.

“Hmm, good point. If he hurts you too, he won’t be my friend.”

Tegan sighed, “she had another agenda coming here. She knows.” 

“What? Knows what?” Taylor smoothed Tegan’s tousled hair while the light dawned on her. She gasped, pulling away and looking at Tegan. “Oh my God! She knows. How? What did she say to you? I saw her sitting with you, but the girls kept me occupied. If she did anything to you, I’ll feed her to the dogs for dinner. Just say the word.”

Tegan laughed genuinely. “Relax, Taylor Nneka Maduka. She didn’t do anything to me. It was the way she acted that made me suspect she knows. Might be linked to why I can’t get through to Dozie. But you shouldn’t worry about Cynthia or Dozie or me. Your wedding is in less than 24hours. That’s all I give you permission to be worried about it. Get it?”

“Tee, if she says anything degrading to you tomorrow. If she as much as upsets  you, I’ll punch her. I and Tony—”

“You’ll do no such thing,” Tegan looked at her sister in horror. “You guys will do no such thing. No embarrassing moments tomorrow. Taylor, promise me.”

“It would have been fun if the bride punches one of her guests.”

“Taylor,” Tegan laughed, hugging her sister again. “Who knew you could be violent. I love you, Sis.”

“I love you too baby.”

“Now, let’s get out of here before mummy starts calling us.”

“Good idea.”

                                                                                                  ***

Dozie practically ran out of the house. He left home at about 9:00am, when Cynthia went to take a shower. She had wanted both of them to go together. Scratch that, she had wanted him to drive her.

“You’ll drive us to the wedding in the Land Rover,” she had said to him the night before. He hadn’t bothered arguing with her that he wouldn’t. He didn’t have the strength for that. Instead, he had showered early, done his chores and prepared quickly. As soon as she went to her bathroom to shower, he had dressed up in his white Senator and driven out of the house. He could have sworn he heard her screaming from her bathroom as he honked the horn of the Land Rover deliberately. He laughed at his silly plan. She’d either drive or take an Uber. He didn’t care.

Not that he was going for the church ceremony, he didn’t want to look at Tegan from far and  not be able to talk to her. Maybe he’d have a chance at the reception. As he drove to nowhere in particular, he thought about how everything changed since the week before. All thanks to his sister. He had avoided Tegan. He couldn’t even bring himself to call her, or text her. He was scared that whatever he did to try to reach her, Cynthia would go through with her plan and send the video to whoever it was she knew at Fashion Today. He wasn’t entirely sure she wouldn’t still send it even with the deal. He only hoped she still had a thread of good in her. He couldn’t also tell Tegan that Cynthia had found out about them and it was his fault. If only he had controlled himself and not kissed her at the fountain. 

Tegan asked him for one thing, just one thing, to keep their relationship away from Cynthia for the mean time, and he failed to do that. He noticed Tegan had stopped trying to reach him after about three days of his aloofness. He couldn’t blame her.

He tried to get to Cynthia’s phone during the week to get Tope's number, but he couldn’t. At least only one plan of his was in motion. He had to get another job. Working at Fashion Today was no longer favorable. He had submitted his CV to other organizations and some of his articles. One was bound to click soon. He had to believe that. He couldn’t possibly drive around Lagos till it was time for the wedding. He decided to go to his friend's place which was close to the church and the reception venue. His phone rang and he checked the caller ID.

Cynthia.

“Drive yourself to the wedding, sweet sister,” he smirked. His phone rang a million times more. He didn’t bother picking. She deserved to be a little pissed off as he was. She sent a million texts too, threatening him. He ignored them all. It was gonna be a long day. He got to his friend’s and welcomed the distraction of football talks and games to pass time. He was grateful that Andy didn’t ask too many questions about his outfit and why he had to wait there.

“Tegan, I can’t believe it. I’m married!” Taylor shrieked to her sister at the entrance to the reception hall. They had left the church a few minutes ago after the photography session. 

“You have said that a thousand times to me any chance you got since you said 'I do', Mrs. Udezue,” Tegan said, helping her smoothen her gold gown. She had changed from the wedding gown into a more comfortable gown. It was a long fitted gown, that had glitters on it. It was also short sleeved and designed by her, obviously.

Tegan wore a pink gown, while Emma and the rest of the train wore cream gowns, which were all colors of the day. Tegan’s gown had a slightly different design from the rest of the train, as the maid of honor. Others wore off shoulder gowns with slits on the right side, in front, while Tegan’s had just one shoulder off, and the other shoulder was short sleeved. It also had a slit.

“I still can’t believe it,” Taylor said with increased excitement.

“Well, here comes Kachi. Put in all that excitement into your dance. Don’t embarrass Tony and I. He’ll kill you if you flop all the dance moves he taught you.”

“Dance moves he taught me last night. Biko, he should rest,” Taylor laughed. "If Cynthia upsets you, just say the word and we'll kick her out of here."

"Okay ma'am, but that shouldn't concern you. It's your day. Enjoy it."

The MC finally called the newly weds into the hall and the bridesmaids and groomsmen danced into the hall. Tegan and the best man followed closely behind. Tegan danced like the pro she was, in her black heels. The best man wasn’t a bad dancer too. Finally, Mr. and Mrs. Onyekachi Udezue danced into the hall to the cheers of their family and friends and the music of the DJ. As Taylor was giving the killer moves Tony taught her, Tegan took her eyes off her sister for a second and saw Dozie making a video of the dance. Their eyes met briefly. She didn’t smile at him. She didn’t flinch. She went back to cheering her sister. The entrance dance ended and everyone went to their seats, while the couple went to sit at the chairs designed for them. The hall was beautifully decorated with flowers and chandeliers.

The program of events went on smoothly. Dozie noted Tegan’s seat close to the couple. He tried not to think of the way  she looked at him, like she didn’t know him. There was no way he’d be able to talk to her without everyone noticing, that included his sister. He had noted her sitting position when he arrived and had sat as far away from her as possible. The hall was large and filled with round tables that 6 people could sit at it. Cynthia’s was occupied when he had arrived, which was a good thing. He had arrived just when the MC was inviting the bride’s parents to the high table. He watched Mr. and Mrs. Maduka take their place as he sat down too. Tegan’s mother was so beautiful. Now he knew where she got her beauty. He noticed a younger version of Mr. Maduka everywhere at once. That was definitely Tony, Tegan’s younger brother. He unfortunately  locked eyes with his sister and she sprang up towards him.

Great.

“How dare you, Dozie? How dare you leave me?” she fumed, crouching just beside him to whisper.

“Hi sis, you look beautiful,” Dozie whispered back, sipping from the juice he had poured for himself.

“You know, I had to drive myself here.”

“Which isn’t a bad thing. You have a damn car. Don’t make a scene. Go back to your seat.” Dozie dismissed her.

She looked like she had more to say, but decided against it. He watched her storm back to her seat with relish. He noticed she wore a pink laced gown and a scarf. Tegan wore pink too, and she looked so beautiful, he wished he could kiss her. 

“Easy there, Cowboy. It was your PDA that got you in this mess in the first place.” He said to himself.

The ceremony was packed with distinguished guests. Architects, designers, models and so on. He had seen Lola and they had exchanged pleasantries. He noticed Tegan hurry out of the hall as food arrived at his table. She had her phone pressed to her ear. Someone was talking at the high table, he didn’t know what exactly was going on at the moment. And he didn’t seem to care as he watched Tegan walk in with Kyrian Oladimeji at her side. She had her hand hooked in his and she laughed at something he said. He should be the one making her laugh like that. The dish of fried rice, jollof rice, chicken and salad no longer appealed to him. Tony met up with them and took Kyrian to a table,  somewhere close to her and the best man. At least he wasn’t sitting with her. He had to talk to her today.

The MC announced that it was time to present gifts to the couple. He stood up quickly, taking the gift of silverware he had wrapped and walked to the front of the hall, where Taylor and Kachi stood to accept the gifts from friends. When it was his turn, he hugged Taylor and she smiled at him.

“Thanks for coming, Dozie. I really appreciate.” She said, taking the gift from him. “Cupcake, this is Dozie.” She introduced him briefly to her husband.

“Nice to finally meet you, Dozie. I’ve heard a lot about you.” Kachi, dressed in just his white shirt and gold tie gripped Dozie’s hand. He had discarded his suit jacket sometime during the ceremony.

“Oh, thanks. Nice to meet you too,” Dozie replied. He wondered what Taylor had told Kachi about him.

Taylor spoke to him in a small voice as he was leaving, “whatever is going on, she deserves to know. Talk to her.” 

He simply nodded as he stepped aside for another guest to present his gift. He looked at Tegan, who was already watching him. He took out his phone and texted her, as he left the hall. He hoped she’d read it and step out to meet him.

He walked a few steps away from the entrance, so that Cynthia wouldn’t see him waiting. He hadn’t waited for a minute when he saw Tegan walk out too. She got to him and he was speechless.

“You asked me to meet you. If you’re just going to stare at me, I’ll head back inside because I’m needed.” She folded her arms.

“I’m sorry. I deserve that tone. I haven’t looked at you like this in a week.

She sighed, “bye, Dozie.” She turned to leave.

“Wait, don’t go,” he held her hand. She glared at his hand on hers, then glared back at his face. He took that as a warning and let go of her. “I’m sorry. Can we talk? Maybe after the reception. I know you’re busy.”

“Fine, after the reception. Excuse me.” She left him alone.

The next few minutes to the end of the reception felt like eternity. He had to watch Kyrian dance with Tegan. He had to also shake off Cynthia who had wanted him to leave with her. Lola was his saving grace there. She took him away to dance, while Cynthia stalked away.

The guests finally thinned away and only few people were left in the hall. He finally found Tegan alone, sitting at one of the tables. She sipped wine from a glass she held.

“Nice ceremony,” he said, taking a chair and sitting opposite her.

“Yeah, it was nice. Thanks for coming. For Taylor.”

“I came for you too, darling.”

“Hardly, it wasn’t my wedding,” she sipped her wine.

“I’m so glad it wasn’t your wedding,” he heard himself say. That made her chuckle a bit. He smiled. It was so good to see her a bit amused because of him. “I watched you dance. Alone and also with Kyrian. I wished I were the one.”

“You could have been the one, but you chose not to.” She said simply.

 “You’re right.” He paused, perusing her. “You are always so composed. Not letting anyone know if you’re having a bad day or not.”

“I couldn’t let you or anyone get to me. Which in return would have ruined Taylor’s day. Which I would never forgive you for.”

 “I’m so sorry I have been avoiding you and keeping you in the dark. I’m so sorry I hurt you, I know I did.” He took her hands in his as soon as she dropped the glass on the table. “I’ll explain everything in a few minutes.”

“She knows, doesn’t she?” Taylor looked him in the eyes.

“I, uh… I uhm—”

“You said you could handle your sister, Dozie.”

“It’s a bit more complicated.” He told her why he had had to stay away from her.

When he was done, she took her hands away from his. “I knew it. No wonder she acted the way she did yesterday.”

“What happened yesterday? What did she do to you?” He asked, clearly concerned. If Cynthia had said anything to Tegan, he’d kill her.

“She did nothing. Relax. I knew this day would come, but some part of me just wanted to believe it’d take longer. I wasn’t ready. I even thought you stayed away from me because you found out I was a virgin and you couldn’t deal with it.” She smiled weakly.

“Oh baby,” His heart tore at her words. “I would never stay away from you because of that.” He wanted to take her hand again, but she didn’t let him.

“Cynthia’s right. I shouldn’t have let this go far. I’m your boss and—”

“Stop this, Tegan. Cynthia isn’t right. She’s just this way because she has a video that she shouldn’t have. A video she’s using to blackmail us and It is my fault. I shouldn’t have kissed you there.”

“Are you going to apologize for all the times you have kissed me?”

“No. I enjoyed every moment kissing you.”

“I believe we’ve had our fun.” She tried to stand.

He held her in place, caging her with his hands at the sides of her chair. “What are you doing, Nneoma? You know this wasn’t just fun.”

She swallowed her tears. She wasn’t going to break down in front of him. She wasn’t going to break down here. 

“We have to stop seeing each other.”

“No. I’m not going to let you do this.” Dozie tried to reason with her.

“You have already started this. Just continue. I can’t deal with this right now. Just,” she exhaled, “just let this go. Let me go.”

“I can’t do that. I don’t want to. I’ll quit my job. I'll find something else. I’m already doing that. We can still be together.” He couldn’t believe this was happening. This wasn’t how he imagined the conversation would go. Come to think of it, he hadn’t imagined the conversation at all.

“Dozie, I have to leave.” She said with a final tone.

She was overwhelmed. He couldn’t blame her. He’d let her be, for the mean time. He removed his hands from her chair to release her. She stood and left him alone. He looked at the glass of wine on the table. He downed the remaining contents and decided he needed something stronger to help him numb his pain. He didn’t look back as he walked out of the hall.