In Love And War CHAPTER ONE

'God help me.'
 Richard scratched his head as he paced up and down the hospital reception. His countenance reflected more of regret than worry. Hearing footsteps approach from the emergency room, he adjusted himself in anticipation of what was to come.
'She is going to be fine', the nurse told him as she walked up to him.
Richard heaved a sigh of relief and clasped his hands together in gratitude.
'Thank you very much, I don't know what could have happened if you had not come to my aid that moment'.
'You are welcome', she replied with a smile as Richard stretched out his hand for a handshake.
'I'm Richard Akinade', he introduced himself. 'And you are...?'
'Titilayo Olakunle'.
That was the day they met.
Earlier that Saturday morning, Richard had been driving while he was as drunk as a fish. He had spent the entire Friday night at the bar, drinking himself to stupor. He was supposed to make a trip to the north that evening, but his flight was cancelled and he had to stay in Abeokuta till the next day, thus, he decided to give his girlfriend, Omolola a surprise visit.
Richard's heart could not contain his shock when he reached his beloved Omolola's room, only to open the door and behold her kissing another man. Lola had lied to him that she wouldn't be able to see him off to the airport, telling him she had to study for a continuous assessment test which would come up the next day.
Furious and heartbroken, Richard had stomped out of Lola's hostel, gotten into his car and driven to the bar to down a couple of bottles to cool his temper, at least, that was what he had intended.
He couldn't believe Lola could do such thing.
They had dated for four years now. They met when he was in his final year in the university and Omolola was a Jambite. Lola, being a fresher was trying to find her way to a lecture hall and Richard had been there just in time and more than willing to help her out. Soon they became intimate friends and as time went on, their frienship evolved into relationship.
Richard had strived hard to keep the relationship going even after his graduation. He had never for once thought of cheating on her, not even when he went abroad for his masters program, where he had every opportunity to do so. He had also always made sure she was comfortable financially and materially.
Being an only son, and the first of three children, he lacked almost nothing. He was born with the proverbial silver spoon and got everything he wanted at the click of a finger. His parents were well known elites in the society and very influential. At the age of twenty-six, he already had a house and three state-of-the-art cars, what else could he have asked for?
Richard had studied Chemical Engineering, had a Masters Degree Petroleum Engineering and now works with one of the biggest oil companies in the country.
He was a man that stepped out of every lady's dream; tall, dark, handsome and rich, and as expected; ladies flocked around and threw themselves at him. But he never let it get into his head. Richard didn't fancy ladies that much. In school, his friends called him a Pope; not because he was so religious, but due to his lackluster attitude in this regard.  But from the moment he met Lola, she had captured his whole world, and he swore he would love her till his last breath.
She was his first and only girlfriend and he had planned to settle down with her as soon as she graduated, but his dream had just been shattered.
At the bar, the more he tried to figure out where he went wrong; what could have warranted Lola's action, the more glasses of liquor he consumed. The most upsetting aspect of it all; when he opened the door and caught his girlfriend and her lover in their amorous escapade, they didn't even budge. Lola simply hissed and told her Romeo to continue.
He challenged her for being so infidelous, and she had yelled back in his face; 'I never loved you Richard, and now that we have gotten what we need from you, it's over!'.
Those words slapped him in the face. In that instant, it occured to Richard that Lola had been extorting money from him for her lover, whom he recognized as Kayode. By saying 'we', she implied that he had been fooled all the while, for four years, and had only been a source of financial benefit. She had initially introduced Kayode to him as her cousin, and he gained admission into the university the same year with Lola. Kayode had been Lola's boyfriend right from secondary school, and she had only dated Richard because of what she could gain from him.
By the end of the night, Richard had consumed a large quantity of alcohol. He didn't remember if he had slept or dozed, all he knew was, it was already morning and he picked up his suit, staggered to his car in the garage where he had  parked it, and started the engine. He swung the car unto the road and zoomed off at top speed.
In a jiffy, he sighted a little girl of about seven years on the road, shrieking and with her hands stretched forward, motioning to him to stop. The girl was crossing the road and Richard hadn't seen her. He immediately came to his senses and slammed on the brakes, but then, it was too late. He could not seem to control the car as it plunged forward and knocked down the little girl.
He hurriedly got down from the car, pacing and perspiring helplessly as he was too confused to think of the next line of action. A crowd had gathered and Titilayo who had been on her way to work also stopped by to see what was going on. Being a nurse, she strived to help and made her way to the spot where the almost lifeless body of the girl lay. She got down to give her the little first aid treatment she could offer as Richard stood and watched, sweating profusely. Then they carried the girl into Richard's car and drove off to the hospital where Titilayo worked.
Richard felt ashamed of himself and at the same time regretted his actions as he now drove with complete sanity. He had almost killed someone because a woman broke his heart- what a shame!
Titilayo simply kept silent and stared into the windscreen, praying silently for the poor little girl who lay on the backseat. She didn't need to ask Richard questions, the stench of alcohol that exuded from the car said it all- he had been drunk while driving. She wondered why such a responsible looking young man could exhibit such irrational conduct.

'So, are you going to get me arrested?', Richard jested as Titilayo walked him out of the hospital building a while later.
'Of course not', Titi laughed. 'Luckily you didn't get the attention of the police, and her parents are not taking it up with you, all you have to do is foot the medical bills. But please, henceforth, don't get behind the wheel in that state again', she pleaded.
'I promise, it won't happen again', he said assuringly. 'Hope she will be alright?'
'Yes, she will. You didn't actually hit her, she was missed by a whisker. She is just in shock and sustained some bruises when she fell. In  few days she will be out of here'.
'Thank you so much Titilayo, I don't even know how to repay you', he said, gratitude evident in his voice.
Titilayo smiled. 'Richard, please give thanks to God. If not for him, I can't say what might have happened'.
'Thank God, but all the same, I must express my gratitude to you too, you have been my angel today', he insisted.
'Very well then, thank me all you want, I still give it all to God. Just keep your promise and don't do it again', she reminded, pointing a warning finger at him.
Richard raised his hands in surrender and smiled.
'I cross my heart ma'am, I will be good. In fact, I have always been, but, you know...issues happen', he shrugged.
'Hmm', Titilayo raised a brow, 'Issues?', she asked, wondering what it could be.
Just then, her phone rang. She looked up the caller and told Richard with a tone of urgency, 'I'm needed back at work now. I will call and update you if anything comes up', she added as she smiled and excused herself.
Richard nodded in understanding and got in his car. He didn't turn the ignition immediately she left. He sat behind the wheel for minutes, thinking about the incidents of the past few hours. He would have been in jail by now because of a woman who doesn't even care if he goes to blazes. He mumbled a silent prayer and thanked God for granting him a narrow escape. Then, this angel he had just met; there was something special about her that he was finding hard to comprehend; her humility, her commitment and selflessness, and he knew there was more. Even in his distress, he couldn't but notice. He had also offered her some money as compensation but she refused it. She had told him duty does not have a price, thus, she didn't deserve to be remunerated.
'Thank God for her too', he smiled as he drove out of the hospital premises and headed home.
                             *********************************

Few weeks later, Richard sat in the living room of his palatial mansion, musing on a Saturday evening.
He lived alone in the executive duplex. His parents and siblings had moved abroad a couple of years ago, but he had chosen to stay back in Nigeria, and only visits his family in Paris once in a while.
Richard had always liked living simple. The fact that he was born into wealth and got everything on a platter of gold did not influence his attitude to life. If he had his way, he would have moved out of the big house and gotten a smaller, moderate apartment, but the house was his father's property, and his responsibility to maintain and protect. Besides, they had many other houses like that in the country, so what would be his excuse for renting an apartment?
He couldn't stop thinking about  Titilayo. The little girl he knocked down had been discharged two weeks earlier, so he had no reason to visit the hospital anymore, thus; he hadn't seen Titi since then. He had grown fond of her within the few weeks they got to know each other, and her company somehow gave him comfort from the fact that Omolola was now out of his life. In fact, he had even forgotten any Lola existed.
Titi had been fun to be with, only that their time together was usually short, since they always met in the hospital, and she would always have to hurry back to work.
Richard wanted to spend more time with her; get to know her better. In the past one week, they had only talked on phone, but the fact that he had not set eyes on her made him feel miserable.
If he was going to be frank with himself, he knew what he felt had gone beyond fondness; he was beginning to love her. Though it seemed unbelievable that he had come to love again so soon, despite the fact that he was just stabbed mercilessly in the heart by his first love three weeks ago. But don't they say; only love can heal a wound inflicted by love?
He would be embarking on a business trip on Monday and he knew he had to see her before he left. He decided to take the bold step. He took out his phone from his pocket and typed a text message. 'hello Tee. What are your plans for the evening? I look forward to having dinner with you'.
He sent the text, took a deep breath and sank into the sofa, anticipating her reply.
                            *****************************

'Now you know all about me, let's discuss Titilayo', Richard said, as he took a sip from his glass of fruit wine and gave her an expectant look.
They were having dinner in a restaurant later that evening. He had picked her up at the bus stop and they had gisted all the way to the restaurant, while Richard told her everything she needed to know about himself.
 'Well, there is nothing so special about me. I'm just...well, me', Titi said flashing him a smile.
'I know there is more Titilayo', he prodded.
'I'll prefer you simply call me Titi', she corrected politely. 'I'm only used to my mum calling me by my full name.'
'Oh', Richard raised his brows, 'I..', he said emphatically, 'will prefer to simply call you Tee then, because I don't think I want to call you by the name everyone else calls you', he insisted.
'And why is that?', she asked, sipping from her glass too.
'I just believe there should be special names for special people, you know...', he smiled.
Titilayo smiled and shook her head. She marveled at his sense of humour. In a way, she was beginning to like him. Contrary to the negative first impression he had given her when they first met, she now agreed that one shouldn't judge people before really getting to know them. Initially, she had believed he was a sponge, until this evening when he narrated his ordeal and how he had been upset and ended up in the club.
'I don't drink', he had told her.
'Titi raised a brow and stared at him and he nodded his head in response.
'See', he explained as he adjusted his seat and moved closer to the table, 'I won't lie to you Tee, I'm not the type. I don't drink, and that is the truth'.
'Though I take alcoholic drinks sometimes', he admitted, 'But I know my limits. I don't exceed a bottle'.
Titi inclined her head. 'Ok, Richard, I believe you. But you should know alcohol is not good for you, for your health.'
'I realised that just three weeks ago Tee', he agreed 'And I even regret ever tasting it in my life. I always assured myself I could be in control of the bottles, but then, the bottles controlled me. Because I was hurt; deeply hurt. I had never felt so devastated in my life', he said in a painful tone. 'Come to think of it, I could have killed someone and been in jail by now. I've realised it's not worth it, and now I've resolved to stop it. I'm not taking alcohol anymore.'
Titi was surprised. She stared at him, marveling at his declaration. 'Are you serious?!'
'Serious enough, I suppose', he said, unsure of himself.  'I know it won't be easy for me to stop, but if you want me to, and you tell me to, I will stop it, because you say so', he told her.
Titi gave him a puzzled look. 'Me?'
'Yes, I mean, you can help me achieve that Titilayo', he said quickly, reframing his words when he realised he was was being too forward. 'You helped me out of my predicament, I owe that resolution to you.'
'I only helped a neighbour in distress, don't make it seem like it was a big deal. But I'm glad you have decided to stop drinking', she smiled broadly.
'You'll never know how much you did for me Titilayo, I'll be forever grateful.'
'I prefer Titi', she corrected.
'Oh, my bad', he apologized. 'You really love your mum a lot, I suppose'.
'With all my heart', she told him. 'My entire world revolves around her'.
'Hmm, I love that. Mothers are great. I'd say the same about mine too if you asked me', he smiled. 'So, does she stay here in Abeokuta?'
'No, she is in Ondo State.'
'Ondo?', Richard asked. stopping midway between taking a sip from his glass and and placing it on the table. 'Why are you so far away from her?'
'I attended nursing school here in Abeokuta, and I was lucky to get a job soon after I finished school. But I do go to visit her from time to time'.
'And your Dad?', he prodded further.
She hesitated at first, but then she told him. 'We lost him seven years  ago'.
'Oh my God! I'm so sorry please, I never knew..'
'No, it's alright', she forced a weak smile.
Richard quickly changed the subject when he noticed the tears welling up in her eyes. 'I think we have had enough of wine for now, we should place orders for food now'.
Titi nodded in agreement and Richard beckoned to the waiter to come closer.
They requested for rice and salad. Their meals were served and they dined silently.
Titi noticed the silver wristwatch he was wearing, and then, 'You sure like silver', she said breaking the silence.
'Well, yes I do', He smiled, 'I'm kind of, you know, silver obsessed'. Then, 'How did you get to know that?', he inquired curiously.
Titi laughed. 'You were wearing one the day we met, I noticed that while you were driving, and this..', she pointed to his wristwatch, '...is another one'.
'Hmmm!', Richard said, surprised. 'You are quick to take note of little details then'.
'No'. Titi shook her head as she placed her wine glass on the table after taking a sip. 'But it's rare for guys to be a fan of silver accessories, they'd rather go for gold, so I noticed'.
'Hmm', he smiled. 'Let's say I take after my mum then. She loves silver and diamond a lot, and sometimes, platinum'.
'Really? Small wonder, you really take after her indeed.'
They both laughed in unison.
'And what about you, what do you like?', Richard asked her after a while.
'Well, I'm not much of a jewelry person though, but if I must choose, I'd pick silver over any other ornament.'
'That makes two of us. I take it you prefer simplicity then', he surmised.
'I see you take note of little details', she mimicked him.
Richard laughed. 'That, young lady, is not a little detail. It is a virtue'.
'Really?', Titi raised her brows, 'I see.'
'Yes, you should see. And here is another one; I noticed you love children too.' he pretended to whisper.
'And how are you so sure?', she asked, throwing him a surprised look.
'You work in the children section of your hospital, don't you?'
'Of course, anyone can work in any section of the hospital. Besides, I was deployed there by my employer so it doesn't mean anything'.
'Come on, Tee, I saw the way you felt concerned for that little girl I knocked down, it was kind of, I don't know...motherly. You do love children, I know it, and you'll make a very good mother.'
Titi slanted him a sharp gaze in a jiffy, giving him a look he could not read.
'I mean, your man is going to be very lucky', He added, in spite of himself. He didn't know whether she was blushing or feeling uneasy with what he said.
'Well, if you say so', She smiled wryly and continued eating, fixing her gaze on her plate and avoiding his.
'So are you engaged, seeing someone, you know...?', he gesticulated.
'No', she shook her head. 'It didn't work out'.
'Hmm', Richard nodded in understanding. 'What was the problem?'
'He felt we are not meant to be together, because the relationship was not working out.'
'That's not it', Richard protested. 'It is because he didn't want it anymore. I believe if you love someone and they love you in return, and your heart is true, then you will never give up on them, no matter what may seem the obstacle. If he truly loved you, it would have worked out.'
'Hmm', Titi smiled as she looked up at him. 'I really admire your intelligence.'
Richard raised a brow. 'Intelligence? Is it not wealth and good looks ladies admire?', he asked, surprised.
'Those can be easily lost, but wisdom is something a man can keep forever', she said.
'Really? Your sentiments impress me', he commended.
'Thanks', Titi smiled.
As they continued their meal, Richard silently hoped this was it; that she was the right one for him. His feelings for her were getting stronger, though he had determined to take his time. He wanted to lay the foundation on friendship first before making his intention known to her.
He knew what he felt for her was real, because ladies rarely caught his fancy that easily. Yet, he convinced himself that if it was truly love, it would take its course as time went on.


-Temi