By Njoks
Tosh guided me towards his car and we got in. When he switched on the ignition, I sank deeper into the chair and asked sourly:
"Where are you taking me?"
"We can’t talk here, unless you feel comfortable having those people (and he pointed at a group of Jimmy’s relatives standing by our gate pensively watching us) gossip about us."
"Let’s go," I said.
At some level, I was glad Tosh had got me out of the house as my nerves were at wits’ end. I could hardly hear myself think with my heart pumping erratically expecting dire reactions from the elders.
Just then, I thought of calling my friends and ordering them to go join in the discussions and not stay cooped in the bedroom. As I searched for my phone, it occurred to me that I’d forgotten it in the room in the haste to get out of the house.
"So what’s really going on between you and Jimmy?" his quiet question interrupted my reverie.
Consorting with the enemy
"I don’t know any more, Tosh. I’m so confused." As the words came out, I realised I was consorting with the enemy and maybe he had been sent to collect this information so it could be used later as ammunition against me. I sat up straighter in my seat.
"What’s really going on? Has Jimmy sent you to suck info? And where is he by the way? I didn’t see him at the house!"
"Relax," laughed Tosh. "Jimmy doesn’t even know I’m here with you. He would kill me if he knew what I was up to."
"And what are you up to?" I retorted. I was beginning to fear that I was being fixed.
"If you remember correctly my dear," he intoned sarcastically.
"I was the best man at your wedding and I cannot stand by and watch the two of you destroy each other. I’ve stood by long enough and now it’s time for me to intervene."
Silence.
Too many thoughts battled for supremacy in my mind. So how much did he know about our woes and tribulations? What had Jimmy confided? And based on what the hubby had told him, what image did he have of me? I felt dread grow in my belly as I imagined he knew the torrid details of our marriage. . . and guess whose side he would be on.
I glanced outside the window and asked moodily, "So where are you taking me?"
Seemed to know him
"Nowhere in particular. I just wanted us to have a chat."
He took the junction into Phase Two (the hood with the main shopping centre complete with bars and clubs) and drove into a strange compound. I knew he didn’t live there yet the guard seemed to know him.
I didn’t ask any questions even when he removed a bunch of keys and proceeded to open the door. I followed him in. . . and stopped in surprise. On one of the sofas sat Jimmy nervously waiting for us. He rose as we walked in and just stood there.
Tosh closed the door firmly and stared at both of us. I was too stunned to react intelligently.
— desperate@standardmedia.co.ke
