Love You To The Moon And Back

I buried my head into the pillow as I stumbled on my bed and wet it with tears. "Are you finally back from the moon?" Said the female voice mockingly.. Have I asked for too much or believed in a stupid fairy tale? Maybe happiness isn't meant for everyone...

>>>>>>

It was my first relationship; not my first love. Although it does not feel like a fairy tale; like a prince in shiny armour or the Cinderella story; we were happy.

We've been together for months - six months, I guess.

We loved the sunset, it was the only moment we got to meet again after a long day at work only if the work was not hectic.

Nights and a few days of adventurous sex, gifts and vacations.

It all started to fade when we started growing apart. As the white people will say, we fell out of love...

Every night at the end of every call with him I'll always say 'I love you to the moon and back'...

Jade's words of mockery that very night had caused me to weep uncontrollably.

"...Because I don't get it. Why must everyone cry after breakups? Is it not a reason to rejoice for the restored freedom and enjoy being single? Is it the sex or the gifts you are set to lose?" Jade rant.

"Stop it, Jade. I'm not a sociopath. If you can't ease my tensions please leave and let me be." I cried.

"Suit yourself " She said and left the room slamming the door.....

I can't tell the tale of how I have someone like her as a roommate who has always been my best friend.

We have been together since high school; we graduated from the same university but work at different firms.

Never have I ever known Jade to be in a relationship nor heard her talk about having feelings for anyone. She would let the men know that she would be available for just a night and stupidly they all run into her arms.

"Men are trash, they are meant for disposal " she would say....

Everybody knows that women are to lose their value or integrity if they have more than one partner but it's the other way round for my dear friend as she will always cause these men to come running again with pleas, but she will never give a second chance......

>>>>>>>>>

My period of brooding was finally over, I was back to my normal shape, energy and ways of life.

I was about to leave for work when I heard a quick bang at the door... "Aunty Jọláadé!!". The voice came from the door. I recognized it and rushed to open the door.

"Mummy Ẹnitan, kíni ó ṣẹlẹ̀? (What happened?)". I asked curiously as I saw her panting.

"My husband is terribly sick and I have no transport fee to take him to the Basic Health centre. Please, Aunty Jọláadé, can you help me with your car?" She pleaded tearfully.

I couldn't resist her tears as she begged for help. She already looked pitiful as she was the only one who had been seriously caring for her two teenagers.

Sometimes I wonder why she still cares so much for such a man as her husband who lost everything due to his arrogance and infidelity.

I dashed into my room picked up my bag with the car key and followed her as she assisted her husband to walk into the car.

I dropped them at the hospital, gave her the sum of five thousand to buy everything necessary and drove to work...

Apex Insurance has been reaching for the top nonstop. I've joined the firm as a potential worker for the past five years and I've been one of their most industrious workers.

As the personal assistant and personal secretary to the Managing Director I know every detail about work; what comes and goes.

A lot of influential men and women in the business sector and beyond have privately insured their lives and properties.

Nevertheless, everyone was welcome to join the list of our clients.

I rushed into the office that very morning; headed toward Mr. Richard's Office, the managing director whom I found attending to a young man whose face was a bit familiar.

I greeted him, placed the necessary files on his table and was about to return to my duty when he called me to create a file for the young man whom I had proposed to be a new client.

"Trust me, you are in safe hands." Mr Richard had told the young man.

I led the way back to my post while he followed, I could see other workers staring at him and others grinning.

The young man's scent is a kind you'll never want to let go of as I inhaled softly and smiled.

I offered him a seat and a form to fill.

"Your name, sir?" I asked while he filled out the forms.

"Zach Williams" he replied softly and I froze "z a c h" he spelt without raising his head.

I knew it the moment I found him to be so familiar.

I returned home that evening hoping to tell Jade about him but to my disappointment, she was not so interested.

"Hey Jade"

"Hi, Jọláadé. I'm so sorry. It was an unexpected one with great pay" she replied over the phone.

"I understand. Hope you are good?"

"Very well"

"Guess who I met at work today?"

"Who?"

"Your colleague"

"Which one?"

" Zach Williams!" I replied excitedly.

Jade sucked her teeth.

" I thought maybe you met someone like Oprah Winfrey or Michelle Obama. Just because he's on the screen doesn't make him any better than others."

"You sure know how to ruin the mood.." I felt disappointed

"I have to prepare for my next scene. Talk to you later" she said "Ciao." She added and ended the call.

I lay on the bed.

In a few weeks, I was ready to start dating again. Checked into a few dating sites and found a few who might be suitable suitors.

I looked glammed in my short flared black gown. I was all set to leave and as always Jade was there to ruin the mood. "You can't even wait for months before dating again. I guess you love being broken." Jade said cautiously.

I walked out without responding.

I arrived at the exquisite restaurant at the scheduled time and enquired from one of the staff about the reservation.

"Table 12". I said.

"Over there! By the window side"... He said.

I already loved the view.

I walked gracefully towards the direction but what I saw made me freeze. I felt like I was about to choke....................

I was so sure I saw the table number from where I stood contemplating.

The tuxedo gave him an extra charm.

I summoned courage and walked over to my seat; He walked over and pulled out the chair as a perfect gentleman. I was swept off my feet. I could feel eyes all over me.

Who would have thought that the man who will be sitting before me that evening could be Zach.

"Can I ask you something?" I asked fearfully. "Go on" he replied

"What are you doing here?" I asked confusingly.

"Why??" He replied like I shouldn't have asked such.

"Oh!" He exclaimed as if he remembered something.

"The picture right?" He said and I nodded.

"He's my step brother. I'd use his picture to hide my identity". He explained.

I was stunned.

He beckoned to a waitress who came to get our order. He placed his order and waited for me to speak.

"Ma'am, what will you like to order?" The waitress asked.

I looked into the menu for seconds and finally answered "steak and red wine." I said.

....And I saw him smile in reality for the first time. His white teeth shined gracefully through his pink lips and his dark skin was flawlessly glowing.

"Is this a movie set or is it just a dream?" I thought......

I was so mesmerized by his words, tone and charm.

On getting home that night I couldn't tell Jade about it as she would never believe me but I had no choice but to eventually tell her about it after a few days; as usual she found nothing special about it.

Another date with him will show where we are headed.

Maybe he'll like to see me more often or maybe I was just asking for too much.

Luckily for me, we met again on several dates and got to know little about each other.

I was at work one day, being serious with my duty when Mr Richard came to knock on my desk.

"Jọlá Jọlá...." he teased like he always does whenever he is happy.

I replied with a smile hoping to hear what he has to say.

"I can see your handiwork. Keep on, my dear."he said

"Thank you sir " I replied .

"Emm, Mr Zach paid the sum of fifty million yesterday into his insurance account.." he narrated and I was shocked. That was so fast; most people started less just to see how it would go before putting in their full trust.

"And I know you are the channel..." he teased again.

"Meanwhile, I've decided to pay double of your wardrobe allowance. You are doing well." He added as he handed me a check.

"Thank you so much sir". I appreciated him on my feet as I received the check gladly....

"Extend my greetings to Mr. Zach." He said and left.

The news about Zach and I spread across town like wildfire. I felt like he had started to trust me enough to invest so much into the insurance.

Nevertheless, we stopped meeting outside. He took me to his home.

It was a building like no other; amazing structure with an exquisite interior design. He sure has a taste.

There, I met him. The first one I had hoped to see at the restaurant; His stepbrother; dark, slender, average heights, young faced and about the same age as Zach. He was cool.

"You look more handsome in real life." I blurted.

He smiled and said " Zach had probably shown you my picture."

I replied with a smile.

"Nice to officially meet you, Jọláadé." He stretched out his hand for a handshake.

"My pleasure!" I replied and reached for his hand and felt his mild hand shake mine.

The pleasantries ended and we all dive straight into gisting and got to know each other better.

I prepared lunch before leaving in which I was forced to eat with them.

"This is amazing!" He commented truthfully. "Thanks Christian." I answered before I started eating.

Zach was so reserved throughout the lunch hour, I've known him to talk less. Guessed that was his charm..

I washed the plates after lunch and was surprised to have heard that Christian had left due to an urgent reason.

I picked up my bag and was set to leave.

Out of nowhere he grabbed my hand and pulled me closer to his bosom.

I felt his hand gently reaching for my waist. I gasped. As if that was not enough, his lips softly brushed mine. I was stunned. He went all in at a slower pace and never minded if I was in for it or not. Deep within me, it was what I've always wanted. Then I surrendered with my eyes closed.

I woke up. It doesn't look like my place. I turned and saw Zach fast asleep. "Geez!" I mumbled. Yeah, it happened.

It was a quick one but I felt bad it had to happen this way again. I was so daft to have fallen into another arms so quickly. It was an hour past midnight.

I pulled off the duvet and reached for my bag and heels; and tiptoed out of the room.

I walked down the stairs only to find Christian fast asleep on the sofa..

I hurried out of the building and drove home.

Few blocks away from home I stopped to buy a yogurt and to my greatest surprise I saw Mommy Ẹnitan step out of a luxurious car that halted before the store; in which an aged man who seem to be in his seventies bade her goodbye from the car window.

After the car had left she realized my presence, she was frightened. "Aunty Jọláadé." She called like she fondly does.

Nevertheless, I offered her a ride back home.

She stopped at my apartment. I offered her a cup of yogurt as I took a cup also.

"I can't marry Otunba. Who knows if he would also become a monster like Baba Enitan. The devil I've known for years is better than the Angel I do not know." She explained.

"Hmmm.. you are right. But all the same; your well-being and your children's future is important. " I told her

"Baba Enitan was never like this, I don't know what happened. He would rather spend the money on other women than his own family. " she narrated tearfully. " I once had a job but when he started waging war that I was having an affair . I don't know how it all happened but I was sacked. We all know the situation in this country; I became jobless and spent all my savings on my children." She continued.

" I went to Otunba hoping he will help me just for friendship's sake; he actually helped me with the sum of five hundred thousand hoping to start something reasonable but you know with men nothing is for free. He asked me to marry him if I wanted more of this; to become his third or perhaps the fourth wife. Never, I've collected this. I'll never go back for his help again. " she added.

I pitied her and gave her two hundred and fifty thousand cash so she can add it up to start a business.

In which she did and everything was becoming beautiful for her again while her husband never cared. He was nothing less than a roommate to her.

She kept sending gratitude to me almost every time which I had told her wasn't important.

I could remember the day when Jade returned home angrily from work. "What happened? Thought you were to start a new movie? I asked curiously.

"Yes.." she replied angrily as she laid on the sofa " imagine that stupid writer. Why does it have to be the woman that has to be blamed for sleeping with more than one man in her lifetime when men live freely as they sleep with everything in a skirt." She added angrily.

I got where that was coming from.

"Don't worry, Dear. You'll get a better story"... I told her.

Her phone buzzed. It was an email from work.

Out of nowhere she screamed with joy having checked the content in the mail. I was startled

"Jọláadé!" She called.

"Did you know I just got an email from the award winning producer of the best Romantic Nollywood movie 2022?"

"Really?" I was so excited for her because if there's just one thing Jade had cherished, it was her movie career.

The news was everywhere that the baddest producer would be starring Jade as the female lead role in his upcoming romantic movie.

When the male lead had finally been confirmed.

The news came to me while I was at work from one of the staff that the male lead has been confirmed to be Zach Williams...

What!!!!

Zach became so worried after I sneaked out of his place the other night. So, he came to my workplace at the parking lot. He told me Christian saw me leave the building.

"Zach, I don't just want to be for your sexual pleasure." I told him

"Who said anything about pleasure?

Jọláadé, I love you and I want you to be mine forever." He cut into my words.

"Forever?" I muttered . "Yes." He replied.

Maybe that was so fast.. maybe I felt insecure but I couldn't deny the fact his gaze was enchanting.

"Zach..I.." I could not finish the sentence when his lips stopped me. I got to understand why he was famously known as the best kisser in every movie. I was lost in his rhythm as he kissed my lips passionately. His masculine scent was all I could smell.

When he realized I was fully into him, he stopped and whispered "Dinner at my place by 8pm." And smiled.

I swallowed softly and nodded.

He smiled again. He could see I desperately wanted more.

I stepped out of his car and watched him as he drove away..

It was that very day I heard he would star alongside Jade in the upcoming movie.

Work hour was over around 6:30pm. I headed home with doubts whether to go for the dinner or not but surprisingly he was already waiting at my place in his car.

"What are you doing here?" I asked as we both stepped out of our cars.

"Waiting for you." He replied; already dressed for the evening.

"How did you know my place?" I asked further curiously.

"I always find my way." He replied and smiled as he moved his finger softly around my jawline.

I stared into his eyes for a few seconds before he stopped my daydream with a question. "Would you mind leading the way?". He said

"Of... of course.." I stuttered.

He smiled and followed me in as I led the way. I offered him a seat and promised to be ready in the next ten minutes.

I took a cold shower and dressed up in a wine evening dress; looking all glammed; picked up a clutch purse and headed back for the lounge.

"I see you guys have met" I said as I joined the conversation.

" Allow me to officially introduce to you my best friend." I said.

"Yes.. We've met. Never knew she had a friend" Zach replied.

"Yeah, everyone thinks so." I replied.

Jade smiled.

"Anyways, looking forward to working with you soon."Jade added and they exchanged handshakes which I strangely felt so uncomfortable. Perhaps, I was only being jealous.

At first, I had thought the dinner would take place at his apartment but to my greatest surprise we went to a restaurant which has the most amazing view by the window, wine , desserts, intercontinental dishes and finally on our way to his place he got me roses.

I was certain it would happen again just like the other night . Even with all the doubts I couldn't tell him to take me back home until I got to his room and it all happened again.

He was the kind with very sturdy muscles that makes a woman yearn for more.

Perhaps, I was blinded by my desires but just for that moment I did not think of anything else but him.

It was dawn. However, I made sure breakfast was ready while I was in his clothes.

He crept into the kitchen and frightened me with a kiss at my neck.

Turned me around and kissed me deeply over and over again.

If I hadn't stopped him it could have happened again. I was trying to keep my head straight and be sure if we have a future together but I couldn't.

He was so seductive.

"Why me?" I asked him

"Pardon?" He said

"Out of the numerous women in your league, why did you choose me? A normal girl." I asked him again.

"Because I want a normal life with you; Jọláadé, I care so much about you. You have every reason to doubt; nevertheless, I chose you".

He kissed my forehead and caressed my hair.

Whether it was true or not I've decided to go with the train and see where it leads.

This time, I started it and he could see it in my eyes how badly I needed him. Like a loyal dog he got the signal. This happened for days, anywhere, anytime until it was time for him to go back to work for the upcoming movie.

He will have to spend three months away from home; same as Jade as they were to be starred in the same movie.

"Don't worry, whenever you are bored call me and if I'm not available you can call Christian." He had said before he left.

Before the three months lapsed, Christian and I became buddies. As at that time Zach and I haven't spoken for two months. The funny video Christian and I made that was sent to him had no reply.

Yet, I kept my cool hoping he'll reply to those messages someday..

There are days when Christian would have to take me out, wipe my tears anytime I told him I missed his stepbrother.

Three months were finally over and the released date of the movie had been announced.

Yet, there was no sign or call from Zach.

I tried to call Jade but her number was never reachable..

Few weeks later, I stopped going to his house since there was no one there..

Jade got my text message and replied "so sorry dear. Work has been so hectic. Will call you later."..

Still there was no sign from Zach.

Called his brother; I got the same response.

Then I thought maybe I was feeling so insecure and I should just let him be. "He'll surely call whenever he's ready." I thought...

Three weeks later, Rose and Thorns was announced to premiere at the scheduled date and venue.

Christian said it will be a great idea to attend as he has promised to get us slots.

We both went to shop for amazing clothes and planned ahead for the day. Maybe if I had stayed it would have saved me from traumatic stress.

The day finally came, the premiere of Rose and thorns .

We didn't get the chance to see Zach and Jade face to face but we could see them together like couples.

I could almost bite myself when we watched the romantic scenes they played together. It's got lots and lots of chemistry.. Couldn't imagine my best friend and my boyfriend kissing so passionately on screen.

I shook it off as it was their profession to make it real.

Christian saw how timid I was and held my hand.

The premiere came to an end and we lost every chance we had to come in contact with them but hoped to see them back home.....