The next day, Ugochi woke up to a lot of pain. She was alone in bed and she assumed Dawn must have gone in to work. Her body ached so bad, she could barely move from the bed. She would have to call in sick to the office.
Although she was shaking with the pain assuaging her body, no matter how bad that pain was, it could not compare with the pain in her heart.
She could not think of the happenings of last night without dissolving in tears. She could not believe her fairy tale could turn into a nightmare so quickly. She forced the thought from her mind determinedly.
She tried to maneuver herself out of bed with as little pain as possible. One of her eyes was still swollen shut so she could only see out of the one good eye and it was throbbing badly.
She grimaced as she set her feet on the floor, tentatively rose and walked to the bathroom to survey the damage in the mirror.
She gasped when she saw herself.
Her right eye was swollen shut and the other one was bloodshot. Her right cheek was also swollen, she touched it tentatively and found it very tender.
She had a cut on her lower lip, and she could barely move her head without feeling a slight crick in her neck. She looked down at her body and saw a myriad of cuts and bruises. If her mother saw her now, she would barely recognize her.
Ugochi sat on the toilet seat wondering what she did to deserve this kind of beating from Ikem. Even if he had seen her with Fredrick and assumed she was cheating on him, it could have all been resolved with a rational conversation, not this barbaric act.
She could never go back to him now even if he finally understood her relationship with Fredrick. She could never be with a man who would use his fists instead of his words. Her heart broke as she thought of the years lost.
She decided to dust her pain off and move on. First thing to do would be to contact Fredrick and let him know the developments and both of them needed to trash out their next course of action. She limped slowly to the living room and was surprised to see Dawn sprawled on the settee, watching TV.
“Dawn? Why are you still home?” she asked incredulously.
Dawn sat up immediately and scrutinized her from head to toe. “Why are you up this early? Do you feel alright?” she asked sharply.
“Yes babe, I feel okay. Why are you home?”
“I couldn’t leave you all alone today. I called in sick at the office.”
“Oh, you didn’t have to do that. I’m okay, just some minor cuts and bruises.”
Dawn shook her head vigorously. “Girl, those cuts and bruises are anything but minor. What the hell happened to you last night? I refuse to believe it was Ikem that beat you up like that.”
Ugochi walked towards the settee and sat beside her friend. “My dear, I didn’t want to believe it too until it happened.”
“Why? Why would he do that to you?” Dawn was genuinely perplexed.
“If I tell you I know the reason, then I’m lying. I have my suspicions though.”
“So, he didn’t tell you? He gave no explanation for his behavior?”
Ugochi shrugged. “I don’t know, Dawn. I just don’t know.”
“You said you have your suspicions? What are they?”
“I’d rather not tell you now. It is a very sensitive matter and it affects a third party. I’d rather straighten it out with the person concerned before sharing.”
Dawn watched her closely. “Is everything okay, Ugochi? It is unlike you to hide things from your friends.”
“I’ll let you know when the time is right. I promise.”
“Okay then. I’ll give you your privacy.”
“Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” Dawn stood up. “So, what would you like for breakfast?”
“I don’t think I can eat much with this swollen cheek and cut lips. Maybe I’ll just take some beverage?”
“Okay. Let me make some for you.”
“Thanks dear. Thanks for being there.”
“What are friends for if not for inconvenience?” Dawn said cheekily.
Ugochi laughed. “Oh please, I can’t laugh. My cheek hurts.”
“Sorry. Beverage coming up.”
As soon as Dawn moved in the direction of the small kitchenette, Ugochi brought out her phone and dialed Frederick’s number. He picked up on the first ring.
“Ugochi hi. I’ve been trying to reach you since last night. Are you alright?”
“No, I’m not Frederick. We need to talk. Preferably face to face.”
“What’s up?”
“I’d rather hold on till we see.”
“Alright. Name the time and place.”
“I can’t come out, I’m not feeling too great. Can you come to Dawn’s place? As soon as you’re able?”
“Okay. Just send me her address. I’ll try to be there in the next two hours.”
“Alright, I’ll do that.”
“See you soon.”
“Yeah. See you.”
Ugochi dropped the call and quickly sent the directions to him. The sooner the meeting could take place, the better for all concerned.
To be continued
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