A DENT ON CUPID'S WHITE

Chapter One

Techla walked apprehensively in her flowing wedding gown to the altar where her fiance stood with the priest. Her heart beat violently against her chest. Her pulse quickened. One could read her anxiety in her footstep as she placed one unsure step in front of the other. Getting close to the altar, she looked up at her would-be husband. He was smiling at her. How dashingly handsome and smart he looked in his white designer suit which clung helplessly to his athletic body. His well trimmed afro-styled hair blended with his well carved beard to give him a boyish look. His eyes sparkled intelligently. The Gucci watch on his wrist shone in the brightness of the well lit church. He looked like a movie star. Techla couldn't help noticing how intimidatingly tall he stood against the priest. He smiled at her like one who had won a troph. Immediately, the priest put forth the ceremonial question. "Does anybody have anything for which he or she thinks this marriage should not hold? If yes, come forward or forever be silent!" Techla's heart beat faster. Yes! Yes! Yes, I have! Suddenly, she felt like a drowning woman struggling for air. She felt her hands and feet tied with an invisible rope. Earnestly, she wished someone would walk up and save her from this potential doom. How could she end up getting married to David and spending the rest of her life with him? The thought of that sent shivers down her spine. No! She would die first before she did that. She looked down at the crowd who had come to witness the union. Their faces beamed with smiles. But she knew better. They cared nothing about the marriage. What happens after today gives them no sleepless nights. But what happens today is, to them, of utmost importance. Techla didn't have to guess what their concerns were. She knew it like she knew her name. They couldn't wait to get started with the reception. Hungry wolves! She cursed under her breath. Then she remembered. They were actually not all hungry. For seated somewhere on one of the front pews was one who she knew would rather die first than have this marriage quashed. And that for a more personal reason than the food. She immediately made a reverse on her earlier assertion and searched for a more unifying adjective. They were not all hungry; but they were all a selfish set of people! The thought of that beclouded her heart. Bitter tears stung her eyes. She saw the hopelessness of her prayers. They would all rather keep mute than speak up and have their interests tampered with. Just then, the hoarse voice of the priest cut into her thought. He was repeating the same question for third time. Quite unusual. Techla felt he was giving her the last chance to save herself. She waited. A deep silence had descended on the congregation. And now, Techla could physically touch the apprehension in her heart. Yes! Yes! Yes! I have something to say! Her riotous thought screamed again and again. Then, she saw it. A sea of eyes had besieged her. David stared hard at her, his face contorted with a mixture of surprise, anxiety and anger. Techla could detect a murderous glint in his eyes. But the priest was friendly, though suppressing the surprise on his older face. She felt lost and threatened. What?! She asked no one in particular. In answer to her unspoken question, the priest asked calmly, "Young woman, you said you have something to say?" Techla's mouth dropped open in perplexity. When did she say that? "I...I...I never...I never said so!" Her eyes fluttered from priest to fiance. "Damn you! I heard you say 'Yes'! Do you think I'm deaf?!" David raved. "No, I...I said 'Next'!" Techla stammered nervously. "I...I said..." **************************************

The phone buzzed again. Techla stirred on her bed. Sleepily, she flung her hand across the fairly big bed and reached for it. But the connection went off before she could swipe the receive button. She looked at the caller ID. David. Immediately, the dream came flooding into her consciousness. She quickly sat up on the bed. What could that dream mean? Her forehead burrowed into a frown. After a few minutes of fruitless contemplation, she gave up. "Make Your vision clear to me, Lord," she prayed. She dialed the number. But instead of a buzz, that annoying female voice came up, "The subscriber you're calling is currently not available. Please, try again later." "Shut up, girl!" She hissed. "Same number that just called me is unavailable After a couple more unsuccessful trials, she threw the phone aside and began her morning devotion. Rising from her prayers, her eyes flew to the round medium sized clock hanging on the wall beside the big plasma TV. 7:35 am. What! No time! She must hurry or be locked out of the class. Her adrenaline immediately went into action. Hurriedly, she rushed into the bathroom and got ready for her 9:00 am class. Prof. Ogbuagu was not a lecturer one would dare walk into his class a minute after the time. 24-year old Techla McGeorge was a 400L Law student of Brainfield University, one of the leading private tertiary institutions in the country. Being the only girl child among two younger brothers, her father, Hon. Leo McGeorge, had insisted she studied law. A shrewd politician, he saw that as one of the strategies that would help him build more political alliances and launch him into the mainstream of politics in the country. A beautiful young lawyer as a daughter would attract suitors with high social standing. Which man of means wouldn't want a brilliant lady with such highly respected profession for his son? Any man who knows his worth in the society would want to guard his social and political status jealously. Firmly standing his ground, Techla found herself a Course contrary to her earlier wish of Theatre Arts. She knew better than counter his decision. For that would be the end of her dream of a tertiary education. At least, so he had threatened and so she had thought. And here she was studying a Course which she had earlier disliked, but which she had, over the years, found reasons enough to devote her interest in. 8:15am saw her driving out of her house in her white Toyota Camry. Picking her way through the early morning rush, she drove out of County Estate onto the major road and off she sped to school, carefully wading through the heavy traffic along white view Expressway.

Chapter Two

Prof. Steve's imposing figure stepped into the class at 9am. He was a 35inch taller than the tallest man in the school. His dark long full and highly maintained beards gave him an additional 5 years to his 45 years on earth. His bushy brows hung over his eyes like a window edge. And with those brilliant eyes, he observes all things, but says only those things deemed necessary. His uncanny ways of shuffling his opponents feathers in court earned him the nickname 'Solowise' among his colleagues and the students. He walked into the classroom with a grave look on his face. Putting his hands behind him, he began to pace the class thoughtfully. "A close friend of mine borrowed a huge amount of money some months ago from a wealthy businessman using his house as a collateral. He was supposed to pay the money at 11:59pm dot last night.

On his way going to repay the money yesterday, he had an accident and lost consciousness. We were surprised when he came around on the hospital bed at 11:50pm and began to scream his creditor's name." He paused in his track. With a wistful stared blankly into space. "He asked that we call the guy on phone. But by the time he got to the hospital and my friend could repay the money, it was 12:05am this morning. And now, this creditor is suing for a breach of contract, refusing to take back the money and insisting on claiming the house." he concluded gravely.Then without warning, he pointed sharply at Luchie. "Young woman, what is going to be the fate of this friend of mine?" Luchie glance behind her in confusion, wondering whom the question had been addressed to. "I'm talking to you." Luchie turned and saw Prof. Steve looking at her. She took a deep breath, then stood up. Casually, she took her time to readjusted her gown and her spec. Then, she cleared her throat. "A debtor is a debtor, even in the midst of the painful throes of death. Nature's jabbing stones thrown on our ways exonerate him not, for it is within our will to turn them into whatever we wish - a step or a block," she started, speaking like an acclaimed orator. "He had all the previous days to honour the agreement he had, what prevented him?" she asked, and paused, looking round at her audience. Seeing the attention of the whole class directed at her, she went on. "Like Shylock, I would have demanded that a pound of flesh be paid in return. But no, that is the evil of the Common Law. Rather, I look, not just at the action, but the intention. I would appeal to the human conscience, and I would give a judgement fair and just," she concluded. A resounding applause trailed her answer. Some members of the class objected to her implied judgement, citing unfairness in her judgement against the lender. Thus, an argument sparked out. After some minutes of arguments and counter arguments, Prof. Steve picked up his marker, turned to the board and wrote, "CIVIL LAW". Thus, the lecture commenced. The classes came to an end at3:40pm. The students trooped out of the class, looking worn out. Techla stepped into the late afternoon sun with her friend, Luchi. They chatted casually as they headed to the car.

A young final year student hurried past, obviously buried in his own thought. "Hi, Charles!" Techla called out to him. Charles paused in his strides and looked up. "Oh! Hello, Techla," he replied, his face exploding into a broad smile and exposing his deep dimples. "I'm sorry, I was lost in thought." he said, offering her a handshake. "Hello, Handsome" Luchie cooed at him. "Hi, Luchie" he smiled, extending a handshake to her too. He was in his final year in the school, a brilliant young man from a middle class family. As a secondary school leaver, he had emerged best student in his A'Level exam, his result adorned with a parallel 'A'. That singular feat of intelligence had attracted the attention of the State governor who granted him an instant scholarship into the tertiary institution of his choice. Indeed, that had been a dream come true for the poor boy. With only a widowed mother to cater for the family, Charles, the first of 4 children, could not have dreamt of a tertiary education soon after his secondary education. But the Lord chases away flies from the tailless cow. "I'm sorry, girls, I was so carried away I didn't see you at first." he apologized. "But I hope all is well with you" "Just a chilled bottle of Brandy and all will be well," Luchie quickly replied with a mischievous grin, casting a surreptitious glance at Techla. "Don't mind her," Techla smiled. "Her head can't even carry ordinary beer." Charles smiled. "By the way, thank you very much for taking your time to take me though..... You just loosened those complicated knots and made it so simple." Techla quickly added. "Yes, you just extricated those complex web of confusion in her foggy head and..." Techla immediately pinched her at the back. "Ah! Damn you! I'ma sue you for this, girl!" Luchie exclaimed in mock pain. "Why don't you come along with us in the car. I will drop you off." Techla said to Charles, paying no attention to Luchie. "Oh, that's so kind of you. I would have gladly accepted that. But I have somewhere else I need to get to right now other than home. Thanks a lot for the offer," he smiled his appreciation. Techla nodded understandably and waved him goodbye. They all went their separate ways. "That guy is so attractive. I drool whenever I see him!" Luchie remarked, enthralled, and glancing at Charles' retreating figure. Techla walked pass her and got into her car. As soon as she revved up the engine, Luchie quickly snapped out of her reverie. "Hey, girl, I'ma kill you if you dare move that car an inch!" she exclaimed, hurrying over to the car and nearly tripping over on her heels. She made an amusing picture as her plump body shook under her black clingy gown. Techla smiled to herself. "I will sue you for all this stress!" Luchie threatened in mock anger seeing the smile on her face. Techla smiled the more. "See you in court, then!" she laughed and, quickly stepping on the accelerator, speed away along the terraced school driveway into the evening sun. **************************************

Luchie threw off her bag on the settee as soon as they got to Techla's apartment. Flipping out her heels, she sprawled out on the settee. Techla went over to the fridge behind the cushions and took out a cold bottle of Eva fruit juice and two glass cups. "Girl, you really have a great apartment o. Look at the gadgets. Look at the quality of the furniture. Even the tiles on your walls!" Luchie remarked, carefully admiring the ostentatious display of wealth in the comfy apartment. Techla poured out the drink. "You know, I'd have given you a reply if I didn't know this isn't your first time here. You said that the first time; you said it the last time..." "Last time? That ain't my last time here. I'm here today, remember?" Techla shrugged. "And I'll be here tomorrow in case you're thinking of not calling me over." Luchie quickly added, smiling like one who had cornered a witty fox. Techla silently picked up her glass and sat beside her on the settee. For a couple of seconds, they sipped their juice silently, each lost in her own thought. "You know, sometimes I wonder what my father was doing when other men were making the money," Luchie suddenly said thoughtfully to no one in particular. Techla silently gave her a side glance. She thought better not to say a word. But on a second thought, she said; "Your dad sent you to a prestigious school as Brainfield. You mustn't compare him to other men. That 'd be unfair." "Well, you're a rich kid. You've got no idea what it means not to have a rich dad." Techla smiled to herself. For a couple of minutes, she kept silent. Then she took up the remote control from the table. Seconds later, a WestLife song came alive in the background. "You think all these ostentatious display of wealth trip me? It's all just for my dad. He likes it. It makes him feel important, not me. I guess he believes this is all of life. And since he's the one making the payment, I don't think my opinion matters a dime to him. But left to me, I know there is more to life than just what money can get you." she finished, drained the content of her glass and got up. "That's what you always say. Maybe if I had a rich dad, I'd say same too." Luchie said, unconvinced. Then she gulped down the content of her glass and poured herself some more. Techla shrugged indifferently. Wearily, she got up and headed towards her bedroom.

Chapter Three

Just then, the entrance door suddenly flew open. A young man who had just slipped into his late twenties strolled in, a Jay-Z rap music playing from his phone. He looked like a Music celebrity in his all-white polo and jeans trousers, with a white Face cap and canvas shoes dotting his head and feet. A gold chain dangled around his neck. Sparkling on his wrist under the brightly illuminated room was a Gucci designer wristwatch. His boisterous voice soon filled the room as he pranced about the living room like a music performer, rapping along with the lord of Rap music. Techla smiled. Her eyes shinning bright with admiration and amusement, she folded her arms across her chest and watched this guy who is always bustling with life and always on the go. Luchie crossed her legs and watched David. How charming he looked! His brown skin radiated with health and wellness. His heavily built body stood out like a rock. His chest stood out with the confidence of one who had no fear of anything nor anyone. True she couldn't deny this confidence had a way of crossing the boundary and creating a somewhat offensive air of arrogance, she couldn't help pinning for him. Isn't that common with most guys? And more if he was a rich guy as this. She could easily excuse that in such a charming sexy guy as David. Now and again, she stole one envious glance after another at Techla. Lucky her, she thought. Rich kids get all the best things. Minutes later, Pete walked in. "The super star himself!" he hailed at David and fell in beside Luchie on the settee. "Hello, Sweetheart," he whispered sweetly into her ear with a wink, the music almost drowning out his voice. "How're you doing?" "I'm good, boy!" she replied coyly, giving him a suggestive look. "I heard you're a good girl, and good girls like you attend classes. So how was class today?" he smiled into her eyes. "Oh, good girls attend classes and bad ones skip them. So what if she has genuine reasons that keep her away from class like trying to meet up with her job because she's poor and has to make ends meet all by herself. Does that make her bad?" Luchie asked, smiling like a lawyer who had suddenly found a superior argument. Pete shrugged and relax, placing his hands behind the settee. "Well, I guess...uhmm... I guess that makes her hardworking then." "Then not all girls who miss classes are bad. Neither are all who attend classes good." "So to what group do you fall in? Good or bad?" Pete asked teasingly. "Well," Luchie began, seductively adjusting herself on the settee. "You said you heard I'm a good girl. Maybe I'll say I'm a good bad girl if you know what I mean," she said flirtatiously. Pete laughed heartily as the message sank in. He turned to her. "Oh yeah, I get what you mean, baby! I think you're a real bad girl!" he said, still laughing. The duo suddenly looked up as Techla began to clap. David had completed his performance. "Bravo! You gotta go get the rap boss to sign you up in his record label, man!" Pete hailed his friend. That's an understatement. I'ma buy over the record label then get him sign under me." David boasted arrogantly. "Oh, shit, you're crazy, man! You buy RockNation?" Pete scoffed at him. "Wait till I do that." David boasted and went over to Techla. "That was a wonderful performance." Techla said to him with a smile of admiration. Without warning, he swept her off her feet and carried her to an empty settee, paying deaf ear to her little cries of protest. He fell in beside her. "How's my baby doing?" he asked, seizing up her lips with his before she could reply. Slowly, his hands began to stray into her clothes, making for her breast. Techla gave him a gentle but firm push. "No! Stop, please," she muttered, struggling to free herself from his grip. Pete suddenly cleared throat. "Hey, man, don't persecute the Christian in me. My momma said to me, 'Pete, don't watch blue films where them ungodly sinners kiss and defile their bodies.' And now I hate..." David quickly picked up a pillow and flung it at him. "Fuck you!" he swore. Pete ducked his head. "Now, that's what I mean! Such obscenities ain't good for my soul!" he scream at David. Luchie laughed. "Holy sinner!" he said to Pete. David immediately got up. "So, it's Friday, and I gat this these friends of mine coming into town, and we're gonna hold it down tonight at Gold-Villa Club. I want you girls to be there with us." he said to the girls, looking from one to the other. Luchie's eyes immediately shone with excitement. "Sure, I will be there," she quickly said, smiling and making suggestive moves with her body. David nodded in acknowledgement and turned his eyes quizzically on his girlfriend. Techla hesitated. "Sweetheart, I'm sorry, I've got an appointment tonight with my mentor on a case she wants me to work with her on. I can't make it to the club because I'll be spending the night at her place." "Then call her up now and tell her I said you can't make it to her house tonight." David said authoritatively. Techla's mouth dropped open in surprise. "You know I can't do that!" "Yes, you can!" "David, I can't do that. We're talking about my mentor here - my career," Techla insisted. "To hell with your mentor and your career! I don't give a shit about that!" He bent overbearingly over her, his eyes blazing with anger. "I'm your boyfriend. I come first; others come later! Get that into your foggy head!" With that, he stormed out of the room. Techla put her hands over her face and began to sob. Her body quaked violently. Quickly, Pete got up and went over to Techla. "I'm sorry about that, Sweetheart. David could be unreasonably strongheaded sometimes; but forgive him, please," he said and scurried after his friend. Luchie suddenly noticed she had been holding back her breath. Slowly, she heaved a sigh of relief. She rolled her eyes and shifted uneasily in her chair. Then she got up and went over to her friend. "Baby girl, it's okay." she gave a soothing squeeze on her shoulder.