*THE STATE GOVERNOR'S DAUGHTER*  *Episode 4*

Val’s side of the story continues
‘’I hope you are not in need of anything?’’ Vivian asked as we exchanged glances.
‘’oh not at all. Thanks for your care’’ I breathed politely while she shrugged, leaving her eyes on me. We silently stared at each other for a while without saying anything. I couldn’t think out any topic to discuss with her and she on her own part looked as if she was hoping for me to start a conversation.
‘’tomorrow we will be moving down to the governor’s family house downtown. Clara will be receiving her friends and guests there. You know it’s against protocol for her friends to be coming here as they wish. So that’s why she decided it was better moving down to the other house to have the space and freedom she needs’’ Vivian finally informed me after noticing that I wasn’t ready to start up any conversation with her.
‘’very well. I’m ready for anything’’ I replied with a smile.
‘’good night then. We will be leaving by 12noon’’ she added, stood up, smiled at me and left the room while I fell back on my bed and breathed deeply.
——————————-
9am, Sunday morning
I was busy checking out the car we were to make use of that day when a female “civil defense” officer walked up to me.
‘’someone wants to see you. He is waiting at the gate’’ she informed. I couldn’t help but stare at her curiously. It was with great effort that I refrained myself from telling her that she was mistaken because I clearly wasn’t expecting anyone.
Curiously I walked up to the gate to see one of the governor’s aides waiting for me. I was surprised and confused at the same time.
‘’hey my name is Joe, I’m not really sure if you know me?. I’m sorry for disturbing you this early but it’s a matter of urgency’’ the young man breathed as he led me to a quiet corner while I wondered the reason for all that. Of course I knew him well even though we had never spoken to each other prior to that moment.
He was no other person than the governor’s special assistant on youth matters. A young man of about thirty three years, very friendly and eloquent.
‘’I really need your help brother and I know this may come to you as a surprise but I can’t help it. You see I’m in love with Clara’’ he nervously breathed, shocking me with his words. I couldn’t even figure out how to react or what to say to him.
‘’I heard you guys are very close and that you will be with her at all times. Please I know this sounds weird but I will like you to be my eyes and ears. I simply want you to represent my interest. I really love this girl and you know what I mean’’ he added nervously.
‘’I understand you bro but what you are asking of me is a bit difficult and confusing. Clara is an adult and I don’t have much influence over her. Vivian her cousin should be the person to meet’’ I finally said to him.
‘’no you are a man just like me. Just keep it in mind, in due time you will see your role in this’’ he muttered with a smile while I shrugged.
‘’here take this small change. It’s just ten thousand naira. keep it’’ he said, fetching out a wad of currency notes from his pocket. I laughed deep inside. His gesture looked a bit desperate and stupid. Moreover I was an agent who was perhaps earning much more than him. But he didn’t know about that though.
‘’you shouldn’t bother about that. I will help you as long as your request isn’t a dangerous one. Just keep your money bro’’ I breathed politely, smiled and walked away.
I couldn’t help but wonder how many men were desperate to have the governor’s daughter. She was a hot catch quite alright.
——————————-
later in the evening @the governor’s family residence.
Time: 9:30pm
Vivian and I sat on a small field at the back of the big mansion enjoying a very rich alcoholic wine together. It really wasn’t my idea to sit down there at the back of the house drinking and catching fun. It was all Vivian’s idea and I kind of obliged her since it was already dark and I had no other work to do that evening.
But the more she drank, the more I noticed the drink taking over her senses. She talked very freely while I behaved like a gentleman.
‘’so tell me, do you have a girlfriend?’’ she finally asked while I drew back a bit.
Yea that was a very sensitive question that always pinched me whenever someone asked me about it. I was well employed and good looking but unfortunately I wasn’t successful with women. I had to run away from the few female friends I had when I noticed that they were all interested in ripping me off than giving me the love I needed. I had to resign myself to the fate of being a bachelor with no girlfriend.
Perhaps because of the drink, perhaps because I felt free with her, I opened up. I told her I had no girlfriend not because I didn’t want one but because I was yet to find the person who would give me the love I needed without weighing me down problems and issues.
Vivian silently listened to all I said and when I was done, she said nothing which kind of made me feel that she was asleep or something. I had to lean forward to check out her face only to be held tightly by her as she gave me an unexpected kiss that shocked and left me trembling.
‘’Val’’ she breathed.
‘’noooo’’ I cautiously stammered, softly pushing her away. I was scared of hurting her but I just couldn’t help it.

*THE STATE GOVERNOR'S DAUGHTER * *Episode 5*

Val’s side of the story continues from the last episode
‘’’what?’’ Vivian asked as I gently pushed her face away from mine. Somehow I felt a bit confused and embarrassed at the same time. It really was the first time a girl was making the first move on me, but then she was drunk. She was far from being in control of her mind.
‘’you are drunk. I think it’s time to go to bed’’ I breathed and helped her up.
‘’come on Val, stop treating me like a baby. I’m not drunk’’ she insisted but I refused listening to her, instead I softly dragged her to her room.
There wasn’t any doubt the drink she had was telling on her and so the right thing to do was what I did by taking her to her room to rest. But on my way out of her room, I ran into Clara who was heading to her own room from the sitting room. She gave me one kind of suspicious look and smile that left me very nervous and defensive.
‘’hmmmmm I see you guys are hitting it off pretty well?’’ she asked.
‘’nooooo we were just drinking outside and she had way too much drink. I had to help her to her room. That’s it’’ I answered innocently while she shrugged.
‘’we have a lot to talk during breakfast tomorrow. I guess you won’t shy away from eating with me?’’ she asked with a smile and walked past me before I could say anything.
———————
I was restless all night long as I wondered what could be going on in Clara’s mind. I equally couldn’t help but wonder what Vivian’s game plan was all about. I was scared of losing my job for nothing and I knew I had to be extremely cautious when dealing with the two ladies because no matter how matured they looked, they still had a very fragile mind.
—————————————
8am, the next day
As I headed to the dining room for breakfast, I ran into Vivian who smiled as soon as her eyes fell on me.
‘’I know I embarrassed myself yesterday. I’m so sorry’’ she apologized.
‘’oh it’s nothing’’ I answered politely, feeling relaxed.
‘’so we are cool with each other then?’’ she asked while I nodded. Together we headed to the dining room where Clara was waiting. To be candid I was very nervous and a bit uncomfortable having dinner with the two ladies but I had my cover to protect and had to act cool.
‘’you know I still find it difficult remembering you or your family?’’ Clara kind of asked as we faced the meal before us. Vivian quickly came to my rescue.
‘’don’t tell me you are really yet to figure out Val’s identity?. How come you allowed him to come here with us then?’’ she asked Clara who rolled her eyes.
‘’I’m sorry; it’s just that I need help in getting it together. He looks like the son of our family friend way back in Lagos but it’s a long time ago nau. I guess 1993 period or so. I just want to be very sure’’ she insisted.
‘’but we have already discussed this issue in your room. Come on where are your manners?. Don’t you know you are embarrassing him?’’ Vivian pushed on.
‘’I’m so sorry Val. It’s just that I already forgot most of my childhood memories but concerning the job thing, I promise to talk to my dad about it. He will definitely get something for you before the week runs out. I promise you that’’ she assured me while I silently smiled. Of course there was nothing there to say. Vivian on her own part gave me a knowing look filled with unspoken words which I clearly understood. We were surely using Clara’s head without her knowing it. But it was all for her own good. My only problem and fear was Vivian who could eventually turn back to use all the secrets and lies against me.
‘’aww I have to go get more sauce’’ Vivian suddenly breathed, standing up with a small plate.
‘’I will be back in a jiffy’’ she added and headed to the kitchen while Clara and I exchanged glances.
‘’she’s so much in love with you. Tell me the truth, you guys are dating right?’’ she asked curiously.
‘’no we are not’’ I truthfully answered, but instead of facing her food, she left her eyes on me waiting for me to explain further. And I had to come up with a pretty good defense.
‘’you see in my condition I can’t afford to be in any relationship. I have nothing to offer anyone and I can’t just take advantage of a beautiful and nice girl like Vivian because of my selfishness or maybe what I stood to gain from her. Secondly i have no special feelings for her. I value her friendship and care but that’s it. I can’t deceive her and pretend to love her only for us to end up hating each other tomorrow. She’s way better off without me. She deserves the best guy. My priority now is to make out something for myself’’ I softly explained while she dropped her eyes as if my words found a place in her heart. It was just as if she was so touched.
Vivian showed up from the kitchen that very moment and stared at us with suspicion. It was just as if she perceived something, she noticed something that made her uncomfortable.
Yes I really had no strong feelings for Vivian but supposing we met in a different circumstance or position, perhaps I would have gladly tried her out but in this situation I couldn’t risk it. What I felt for her wasn’t just enough to risk my job and career for.

*THE STATE GOVERNOR'S DAUGHTER * *Episode 6*

Val’s side of the story continues
—-
one week later
11am, Tuesday.
I was busy checking out some news sites with my computer when I heard loud shouts coming out from the sitting room. I quickly grabbed my jacket, tucked in my small pistol and rushed to the sitting room. With great speed I ran into the sitting room as if I was being pursed only to see Clara facing a huge guy who was holding her by the shoulder.
I kind of felt embarrassed, freezing with shock as they stared at me with surprise.
‘’oh I’m sorry. I’m sorry, I heard noises and I thought you were in danger’’ I nervously explained while the huge guy scoffed. It was very obvious he was very angry but what I didn’t know was if it was my interruption that made him angry or something else.
‘’like seriously you barged in on us just because you heard noises? Who the hell are you? He fired at me.
‘’calm down Charles what is wrong with you?’’ Clara shouted at him.
‘’oh I see you are now defending what he did?’’ he asked Clara who shook her head in anger.
‘’you know what, you can leave now. I’m tired of talking to you, we will see on Thursday’’ she said to him angrily while he stared at her with disbelief. I simply watched the drama with a little smile on my face. I couldn’t help but wonder who the huge guy was. Of course he looked very wealthy and saucy. And with the way he was acting I figured he was very close to Clara.
‘’I said you can leave now’’ she shouted at him again before leaving the sitting room for him. The young man scornfully stared at me for some seconds, breathed deeply and walked away without another word. I calmly returned to my room to continue with what I was doing (before the noise that got my attention) and had barely settled down when Clara walked in .
She hesitantly stood at the door post, smiling faintly as she probably tried to act cool.
‘’I’m sorry for the embarrassment. The guy is just a nut-head but unfortunately he is a very close friend and we have known each other for long. His name is Charles’’ she softly explained while I smiled as I tried hard to come up with something good to say.
‘’his birthday is on Thursday and I will be heading to Abuja for it. I will leave tomorrow. Do you wish to accompany me?’’ she offered.
‘’yes of course, I will gladly do that’’ I answered quickly.
‘’you will do the driving. I love road trips’’ she added, smiled and left the room while my heart sank as I thought of the long distance and stress. Moreover it was going to be my first time of driving all the way to the federal capital city.
————————-
Hours later
Vivian walked into my room with her usual charming smile. Yes after that evening she kissed me at the backyard, she became a little more careful with me. She tried to be as friendly as possible while being cautious.
She sat on the bed, crossed her legs and stared at me.
‘’I can’t believe Clara is taking you to Abuja while dropping me. I can’t believe she accepted you into her life so easily. There is more to it you know. A lady can’t accept a guy so easily without having intentions, without having a little romantic feelings for him’’ she muttered, carefully watching my reaction.
‘’so what are you trying to say?’’ I asked.
‘’I think she’s very fond of you’’ she added carefully.
‘’yes and it’s making my job very easy. So far the girl has been nothing but good to me. The only problem I have now is preparing and getting myself ready for the long drive to Abuja. I have never done that before and I’m a bit nervous’’ I confessed with a frown while she laughed out loud.
‘’but on a serious note, Who the hell is Charles?, do you know him?’’ I asked.
‘’yes he is the first son of Senator Adolphus, the man who was very instrumental in helping Clara’s father win the governorship election. Charles and Clara have been friends for long and I believe the young man considers himself her boyfriend. I don’t like him though. He is too rude and arrogant’’ she replied quietly.
‘’hmmmm that’s deep’’ I breathed.
‘’yes and that’s the truth’’ she muttered.
‘’I believe we will be back by Saturday’’ I added, changing the topic while she drew closer to me.
‘’do you like Clara, are you interested in her? Tell me please I’m dying to know?’’ she begged desperately, surprising me with her question. I swallowed hard as I returned her gaze.
‘’Vivian, I’m only here to do my job and romance isn’t part of it. This assignment will soon be over before you know it and no one in this house will remember me again. I have no special romantic feelings for anyone’’ I guardedly answered. She dropped her eyes, saying nothing more.
The last thing I wanted was hurting Vivian with my words but she always had a way of asking the most difficult questions.
———————————–
Early the next day, Clara and I left the house for Abuja. We covered the first few kilometers in silence until I asked her the question that had been bugging me since the previous day.
‘’are you in love with Charles? I’m sorry for being inquisitive’’ I nervously asked. She smiled and gave me a quick look.
‘’actually we have been friends for so long and it kind of looks as if we are dating even though I’m yet to say yes to him. I like him but he is so unpredictable. He switches mood faster than a chameleon changes color. This minute he will be happy and jovial, the next minute, he becomes so annoying and rude. It’s just as if he takes drugs. I can’t be with such a man’’ she confessed while I drove on silently as I pondered over her words.
I wasn’t really supposed to ask her the question but I never knew how I got the courage to ask. Perhaps I cared for her much more than I thought. Maybe what I was feeling for her deep inside was love.
Yes maybe or maybe not.

 *THE STATE GOVERNOR'S DAUGHTER * *Episode 7*

Val’s side of the story continues from the previous episode
We got to Abuja later that evening and In no time made our way to Clara’s family’s residence. A magnificent mansion located in a plush Maitama neighborhood. I just couldn’t say a word for some seconds as I stared at the edifice that stood before me. Clara smiled and placed her hand on my shoulder.
‘’you like the house?’’ she asked softly.
‘’aww, so beautiful’’ I breathed.
‘’yes dad invested in real estate long before becoming governor. We have a house keeper and two security guys here’’ she added.
‘’I pray to have such an investment someday’’ I added softly.
‘’of course you will, once you are focused. You are still very young nau’’ she replied as we walked into the building.
9pm, same evening
Clara took me to a quiet restaurant within the neighborhood where we had dinner. I equally used the opportunity to question her about the plans she had for Charles’s birthday.
‘’so concerning your friend’s birthday, is there anything I need to know?’’ I asked softly as soon as we settled down in the restaurant.
‘’nothing really, you have done your part by accompanying me to this city. All you have to do tomorrow is rest while I attend the party. I really don’t know when the party is ending. He told me it’s an all night event, so I guess I will be sleeping over’’ she replied quickly.
‘’the party is holding at his house?’’ I asked.
‘’no in a hotel’’ she answered freely while I thought of how to attend the party with her without raising any suspicion.
‘’but is there anything wrong if I go with you?’’ I chipped in softly. She brought up her eyes to meet my gaze, keeping quiet for a while as she probably pondered over my words.
‘’I really don’t want to be selfish. You have tried a lot by sacrificing your time for me. You can’t continue like this. It’s just as if I’m using you. You are free to come with me if you wish to but I’m not forcing you to accompany me’’ she finally replied, settling my mind with the answer. Of course my job was to be with her always and I clearly didn’t know what to do if she insisted on attending the party alone. Out of relief I reached out for her right hand which was on the table, drawing out the deepest stare from her.
‘’I always enjoy being with you’’ I breathed while she blushed.
‘’ It hurts me that you are still unemployed. You have a kind heart and wonderful spirit. Someone like you deserves a better life’’ she slowly said, making me very uncomfortable with her words. I had to quickly change the topic.
‘’so why didn’t you take Vivian along?’’ I asked.
‘’she isn’t my servant. She has her own life and I can’t be dragging her to everywhere I go’’ she answered freely. I smiled, saying nothing.
The rest of the evening was a bit uneventfully. We soon returned to the house and headed to our separate bedrooms.
—————————
By 6:55pm the next evening Clara and I were all dressed up and ready for the evening outing. By 7:45pm we arrived at a hotel in Wuse 2, which was the location of the event (Charles birthday party). Of course I was a bit nervous attending a function I wasn’t invited and at first insisted on staying behind in the car which left Clara extremely surprised. It really took her an effort to convince me to go into the hotel with her and I kind of prayed not to run into Charles, which was really impossible because he was the celebrant and i had this feeling that the evening could end up very badly for me.
We barley had gotten into the exquisitely decorated hall when two girls hugged Clara.
‘’finally you are here. Nawa for you oooo, you just left Charles worried’’ one of the girls said to Clara as they dragged her towards another corner of the hall while I stayed back and kept my eyes on her. But unfortunately for me, I barely had stood there for five minutes when I felt a hand on my shoulder.
‘’what are you doing here?, you think I won’t recognize you or what?’’ I heard a familiar voice ask. I turned to face Charles who looked very angry to see me.
‘’let’s go outside and talk. I need to know what’s going on between you and my girl’’ he added and nodded towards the door way. I shrugged and obeyed after noticing two hefty guys who were standing with him. The last thing I wanted was causing a scene in front of everyone and I equally couldn’t help but wonder the kind of guy Charles really was. He looked very ready to ruin his own birthday party.
Luckily he followed me outside without his two friends, making me a bit relaxed. He dragged me to a slightly dark part of the hotel, where he felt we won’t be interrupted. I also couldn’t help but notice that he was nervous.
‘’I know how this happens; it all starts innocently from friendship. Gradually, you take over my girl, you are already her companion and close pal right?. Slowly I become the enemy and the rude insensitive boyfriend. Then boooooom I lose out like a stupid fool. I’m not stupid, what I can’t just figure out is how you managed to get into her life, live in her family house and be everywhere with her. You guys are virtually everywhere together. Who are you, because you are not a member of her family or in any way related to her? I know everything about Clara’s family but I don’t know you. Who are you?’’ he asked with a slightly raised tone while I stared at him, clueless on what exactly to say.
‘’I have heard stories about how close you guys are since she returned to Nigeria but I don’t want to fight you. I know what guys like you need is money. Where were you when she was just an ordinary girl?, where were you when she was struggling with her studies?. Where were you when her father was struggling to become the state governor?. What you need is money, so tell me, how much do you need to back away?’’ he asked seriously, drawing close to me as if he had another thing in mind if I tried giving a negative reply. I kind of felt he was drunk to be questioning me in such manner.
‘’I’m not after Clara’s money neither will you influence me with your money. And please don’t insult me again’’ I said defiantly, shocking the young man with my words. He instantly grabbed me by the collar out of anger but before he could go any further, I heard Clara scream out his name as she appeared with the two ladies she went out with a while ago.
I really didn’t know how much they overheard as Clara angrily slapped him while the two girls tried to hold her back.
”imagine how you are questioning a guy you barely know” Clara shouted at him.

*THE STATE GOVERNOR'S DAUGHTER * *Episode 8*

Val’s side of the story continues
‘’I can’t believe you slapped me because of him?, you slapped me Clara?’’ Charles screamed with disbelief as he took a step backwards.
‘’yes that’s for being disrespectful and insensitive. You had no reason to question Val over anything’’ she shouted at him.
‘’you don’t respect me Clara. You never cared for my feelings. You are always right in everything. You don’t make mistakes. You even came to my own birthday party with your new boyfriend without any atom of respect for me. You are so despicable’’ he screamed back at her while Clara tried hitting him again but was timely held back by the two ladies with her and of course they were having a hard time holding her back.
‘’I don’t owe you explanation for anything. You are not my boyfriend. Just go to hell’’ she screamed furiously.
‘’you see that. I can’t believe you have the mind to say what you just said. What haven’t I done for you?, Is there any sacrifice I haven’t made for you?. You are very heartless, and you even called me insensitive’’ Charles fired back with a softer tone. It was just as if he was about to cry.
‘’go to hell Charles. Let’s get out of here Val’’ Clara breathed furiously, broke away from the girls holding her, and headed towards the hotel car park. Yes I won’t lie that I wasn’t surprised over the way Clara reacted. She really took things too far but I wasn’t in any position to interfere. All I did was just to run after her as she headed towards the car park.
‘’come on Clara, aren’t you over reacting?, don’t spoil your mood because of me. I’m very fine. I’m used to taking insults from people’’ I nervously begged as I caught up with her but unfortunately her mind was already made up. It was just as if she got the perfect excuse to leave the party. Yes that could only be the perfect explanation for her action.
‘’just take me home Val, or I will have to trek home on my own’’ she threatened seriously.
‘’oh fine, let’s go’’ I breathed and quickly headed to the driver’s seat.
——————————————————
As we silently headed home, I couldn’t help but play back the events of the evening over and over in my head. Clara surely over reacted and I couldn’t help but wonder what was going through her head.
She said nothing to me till we got back to the house.
‘’Val you really think I over reacted?’’ she asked as soon as I killed the car engine. I silently stared at her for some seconds, saying nothing.
‘’come on Val answer me?’’ she pushed on.
‘’yes but I believe you were only trying to protect me and I’m very grateful’’ I answered guardedly. She kept quiet for few seconds.
‘’I don’t know if I will be able to sleep tonight. I feel bad. I shouldn’t have slapped him. I stepped out of the line. I feel bad’’ she confessed while I stared at her, uncertain of what to say.
‘’let’s have few drinks in my room. I think that will calm me’’ she proposed softy, took a deep breath and stepped out of the car. I had no choice than to follow her to the room.
On getting to her bedroom, she asked me to feel comfortable on her bed as she brought over a bottle of alcoholic drink. She sat beside me on the bed, smiling as she tried hard to appear composed. We silently drank for few minutes.
‘’I have never exchanged hurtful words with Charles before. I don’t know what gave me the courage and I ended up over doing it. I know I ruined his birthday but he deserved what he got. Imagine he’s already seeing himself as my boyfriend’’ she softly explained.
‘’maybe tomorrow you guys should try talk things over’’ I advised.
‘’no I don’t want to see him again and early tomorrow I will inform the security guy at the gate not to allow him into the house. I know he will be here early tomorrow’’ she added as she handed over the bottle of alcoholic drink to me, giving the expression that she was done drinking. I took the drink from her and nervously smiled as our eyes met. She drew closer to me, making my heart pound faster as I wondered what she was up to. Softly she lowered her head on my shoulder, closed her eyes and breathed deeply.
I sat motionless as I admired her hair and neck. I had this great urge to caress her but something held me back. After few minutes of silence between us, I noticed she was fast asleep. I heaved a sigh of relief, closed my eyes for some seconds to compose myself before gently lowering her on the bed.
‘’good night dear’’ I whispered as I covered her with a blanket, admired her one more time, switched off the lights and headed back to my room.
——————-
I couldn’t sleep that fateful night. I really was badly falling for Clara something I knew wasn’t supposed to be but I couldn’t help it. All night long, I played back the events of the evening over and over in my head.
———————
8am, I woke up with a jolt as loud knocks coming from the gate disturbed the quiet morning.
‘’Clara open the gate please. We need to talk. I beg of you. I’m very sorry for what happened last night. I know you can hear me. Come out, let’s talk’’ I heard Charles beg from the gate. I couldn’t help but feel a little bit of pity for him. Clara’s actions the previous evening was enough for him to know that she wasn’t in love with him and as a fellow guy, I knew how it hurts.
Have you ever been rejected and abused before?

To be continued