Copyright © 2015 All rights reserved. This piece or any portion thereof may not be copied or reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the writer. Email: Mreon870@hotmail.co.uk _____________________________ PACEMAKER I sat oblivious of the earphone plugged into my ears cranked up to the highest volume. My mind was long gone into a land it never knew. The bus traveled steadily, the morning cold still lingered in the air. The events of the past week played repeatedly in my head. Maybe she changed I said rather loud, unconsciously looking around for confirmation. I met confused eyes looking at me and I quietly went back to my mental space totally without care of what they thought. My mind went back to the past, the past before a week ago. A past that went back five years ago. I chuckled at how things have changed but I can't exactly say I became a better man - whatever that means. That's what she always wanted, a better man. Flashes of my binge drinking flooded my thoughts for a moment. Then, I thought it was the only way to live after she left me and of course the unending rumours I had to deal with on a daily. At least that's my justification. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ My phone vibrated profusely bringing me back to the real world. I took the call temporarily pausing my music. "Hello" I blurted out. "hey, it's me" the caller said. "you went to see her right?" the voice continued. I didn't know what to say but I knew I can't lie to my best friend. He was there when I was nothing but a drunk stump. He helped me sober up. "yes I went to see her. I'm actually on my way". I replied. "you are really an a**hole. I hope you are sure about this". Before I could think of a reply the line went dead. I wasn't sure about anything. Two weeks ago I thought I was in love and was thinking about getting married. Right now I am on the road to go see a long ago ex. I gently hit the back of my head on the headrest sighing heavily. Chiamaka wasn't any girl. She wasn't just an ex. We shared a lot together. We ended badly but there were lots of positives. She was always accommodating, she made up for my insensitive nature. At a point I guess I became too insensitive that she could no longer deal. She made me believe in people. She worked on my narcissistic attitude. She indeed made my heart beat. I sighed deeply while staring out the window looking at nothing. Chisom deserved better. I know she deserves better but I needed to make this trip. I needed to be sure.

I picked up my phone, going through my conversations I wondered why she wanted to see me after all these years. She wasn't in trouble that's for sure. I know for a fact she was doing better than me financially at least. I have not really given it much thought. Her wanting to see me pointed in one direction. She wants us to work things out. She has been throwing me clues even a slowpoke would catch. That's the only plausible explanation. I looked into the distance, again staring at nothing. My senses went back to the music which waves my brain has long ignored. Shortly, my phone vibrated. Looking at the screen I saw a name that I feared. I didn't answer. I knew I was only postponing the inevitable. I had to take that call. My phone started vibrating once more, I took the call. "hello" I said. One could almost hear the guilt in my voice. "how can you? And before you think of lying, Nnamdi told me everything" Chisom said trying to remain calm. We already talked about it and she was adamant I shouldn't go even when I insisted. Not sure what to say so I remained silent. "you can no longer talk?! If you don't turn around now forget about me" she snapped and then the line went dead. I wanted to send a text almost immediately but there was nothing to write. At least for now. I sank into the seat. I once more directed my senses to the loud music blasting through my ears. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I looked down on my wrist watch, we've been over an hour into the journey. We were getting closer. I was getting closer. I didn't really have a plan. I just believed if I am to work things out with Chiamaka I would know the instant I saw her. I guess that was the plan in its own way. My phone has been vibrating endlessly that I had to put it off. Chisom was definitely upset. I could see her face with her eyes all saggy and wet. Her light skin turning red all over and her in the kitchen cooking things she may not eat. I sighed. Its all for the best I murmured to myself. I met Chisom after a year I sobered up. I never really believed I had a chance with her but as the universe would have it, things worked out for the better. We've been going strong for three years now. I even proposed last Christmas and we had a nice dinner with family and friends. But right now I have to be sure. I needed this journey. I opened my eyes and immediately noticed the people on the streets. The road has become busier. I am here I said to myself.

I stopped at my desired bus stop. I looked around as I got off the bus, hands in pocket. I was never spending the night so I didn't pack a bag. I looked at my wrist watch it was almost noon. The Sun was scorching. I signaled a cab quickly and got in. "good day, take me to a nice hotel with a nice restaurant" I told the cab driver. "No problem sir" he replied. I didn't take much notice of the cab driver other than our choice of music totally differs. I had to make a quick call. I brought out my phone, switched it on and dialled Chiamaka. "hello, I'm guessing you made it" she said trying to hide her excitement. "yes I did. We should meet up, I don't have much time. I need to go back today" I replied. "no problem. Text me the place and the address. I would be right there." She was now sounding a bit more confident. "okay" I said and ended the call. I got the address from the cab driver and quickly sent it to her. The cab pulled up in front of a gate and horned briefly. The gate swung open and in seconds he parked in front of the main building. I got off, paid him and collected his mobile number cause I figured I would use him on my way back. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ l made my way to the reception gently going through scenarios in my head. The receptionist sat behind a desk eyes focused on the monitor right in front of her. She looked busy clicking away on the mouse and taking notes. She was dressed plainly but her appearance looked professional. The reception room was sparsely decorated, I counted two paintings hanging on opposite sides of the wall. The floor was tiled and walls was lightly painted. There was a sofa to the right and a couple single seats on the left. The room was empty which wasn't much of a surprise considering the time of the day. The ventilation from the air conditioner felt really good. I walked towards the receptionist. "Good day, please could you point me in the direction of the restaurant?" I inquired. " Good day sir. Follow the corridor then the first door by your right. It is boldly written on top of the wall" she said politely and occasionally pointing. "Thanks" I retorted making my way to the corridor. I walked a bit down the corridor and to my right I found the entrance to the restaurant just like she said. I opened the door and walked in. The restaurant was sparsely decorated too but had this classic look that I immediately fell in love with. I made my way to a single table with double chairs and sat down. Looking around, the restaurant was empty except for the waitresses seated in a section. I wasn't exactly hungry but I had this unusual crave for alcohol. I took a deep breath trying to calm myself down. I motioned a waitress, she walked briskly towards me. I wanted to order a bottle of wine so bad. My nerves were killing me. "welcome sir. What can I get you?" She said, her whole attention focusing on me. "a bottle of water will do" I said barely audibly. "Alright sir" she said and walked away. Moments later, a bottle of water and sparkling glass was in front of me. I poured a glass and gulped it down like I have been stranded in a desert for days. I poured another glass and just left it in front of me. Alcohol wasn't a good idea. I need my senses and I might end up taking more than I actually want. I relaxed a bit, looked around and glanced at my wrist watch. "she ought to have been here by now" I said to myself letting out a deep sigh. I stared at my phone on the table allowing my mind to wander.

"Uche, are you okay?" I was startled. The voice sounded so familiar. I quickly looked up and it was Chiamaka. "I'm sorry. I - I didn't see you come on in" I stammered a bit as I stood up to hug her and motion her to sit down. I sat down and looked at her. She was all smiles. She hasn't aged a bit I thought. She was still petite and the dotted gown she had on really looked good on her. She wasn't still a fan of heavy make up. All in all her physical appearance hasn't changed much. She was talking but I wasn't listening. I kept zoning out. I felt stupid sitting there. I just knew instantly nothing could ever happen between us again. My mind kept on going back to Chisom, what we shared and what we've been through together. I had to send that text now. I picked up the phone and typed "I will be home soon. You are forever my pacemaker. Love you".

*booked*

Nice piece dear.

Pay attention to tense and conversation construction.

Interesting. Invest generously in paragraphing. It makes your work easier to read. Thank you.
*following*

HumbledbYGrace:
Nice piece dear.

Pay attention to tense and conversation construction.

Thanks for commenting. I will definitely work on those.

spacefreak:


Thanks for commenting. I will definitely work on those.

awesome.

I am still trying to understand why the guy went to see his ex girlfriend, treating his fiancee like she meant nothing to him just like that?

MzNelly:
Interesting. Invest generously in paragraphing. It makes your work easier to read. Thank you.
*following*

Thanks for commenting . I did paragraph dunno why it came out this way. When I post the final part will try do something about it.

HumbledbYGrace:
awesome.

I am still trying to understand why the guy went to see his ex girlfriend, treating his fiancee like she meant nothing to him just like that?

A part of him still loves the ex. Love they say is irrational.

spacefreak:


A part of him still loves the ex. Love they say is irrational.

domeone once said going back to your ex is like going back to your vomit, poking into it only to leave bitter than the first time.

HumbledbYGrace:
someone once said going back to your ex is like going back to your vomit, poking into it only to leave bitter than the first time.

It is not always true at least for me. It depends on the circumstances that lead to the break up. Im not sure yet how to end the story. How do you think it should end?

spacefreak:


It is not always true at least for me. It depends on the circumstances that lead to the break up. Im not sure yet how to end the story. How do you think it should end?

personally it has never worked, reasons being when you get back with your ex like you said depending on the circumstances you expect things to be different only to realise that the person is still the same.

Waste of time though we all deserve 77X7 chances in life till we die but romantic relationships Nah!

As for the story, you could just wrap it up with the ex telling what it is she wanted and maybe adding a twist and maybe chisom could be Mrs Protagonist not the former girlfriend. I don't know lol....

HumbledbYGrace:
personally it has never worked, reasons being when you get back with your ex like you said depending on the circumstances you expect things to be different only to realise that the person is still the same.

Waste of time though we all deserve 77X7 chances in life till we die but romantic relationships Nah!

As for the story, you could just wrap it up with the ex telling what it is she wanted and maybe adding a twist and maybe chisom could be Mrs Protagonist not the former girlfriend. I don't know lol....

I guess you are right. Im sorry, are you male or female? Please don't take the question the wrong way.

Will finish this up soon. Im working on another story, a novella. Hope you would like it.

spacefreak:


I guess you are right. Im sorry, are you male or female? Please don't take the question the wrong way.

Will finish this up soon. Im working on another story, a novella. Hope you would like it.

erm gender based question

I like the mystery behind it all lol.

Will be waiting for the concluding part and the new book.

The less relationship talk, the better...

following

"Are you even listening to me? You seem distracted" Chiamaka asked. Her eyes looking for answers.

"I'm sorry. I'm really sorry" I said trying to sit up a bit.

"we should order something. How about a bottle of wine and -"

"A bottle of wine?!" I cut her short. Surprise written all over my face.

"Relax, a bottle of wine would be good for us. You look nervous and I"m nervous as hell. We need to calm down" she said smiling.

She quickly signalled the waitress over and ordered a bottle of white wine and fried chicken. I just stared. She wasn't much of a drinker and she rarely drinks during the day. It must be tough for her sitting here I figured. Shortly, our order was on the table. She opened the wine and poured me a glass. Again, I just stared. I cut a piece of chicken and ate trying to remain calm. The silence was killing me.

" So what sup? Why did you drag me across state lines to see you?"

" what was so important we couldn't discuss over the phone?" I asked as I cut another piece of chicken. My glass of wine was just sitting there.

"I just thought we should talk, you know face to face and I needed to -" she paused and took a sip of her wine. My senses were now alert.

"I needed to tell you something that happened 5 years ago and you should try and understand" she continued

I quickly thought of the things that could have happened and came out blank. I should just listen.

" I don't know how to say this. Uhm you - you have a- a-a s-son. We have a son" her stare quickly dropped to the floor.

"I just thought you should know" she said almost inaudibly

My throat immediately went dry. I couldn't talk. My tongue felt detached. I started sweating rapidly irrespective of the air conditioning in the restaurant. I felt like I was going mad. I immediately picked the glass of wine and gulped it down, poured another and gulped down. I was about pouring another when she interfered.

" you shouldn't drink like that. I know it is a lot to take in but you have to relax " she was now staring at me.

" that was why I left 5 years ago. I knew you wasn't ready for such responsibility " she said. Her voice was now breaking. She was losing confidence.

" please say something " she said, holding my left hand on top of the table.

" I need to use the restroom " I disentangled my hand and got up. She just sat there staring at me. I took my phone and walked towards the restroom. My phone vibrated. It was a text from Chisom. My legs became heavier. I opened the text it read. " I love you. Cant wait for you to get home ". My world crumbled.
I was now inside the restroom. I wasn't sure what to do. I just closed the toilet and sat on it. I should tell Chisom right away before it becomes difficult. I dialled her line immediately. It ranged for a while and she picked.

" Hello, handsome " she said. I could hear her smile. My heart pounded.

" I need to tell you something " I said, my voice sounding unavoidably down

"Are you okay?"

" I don't know. I have a son. With Chiamaka " I just allowed it come out.

" what?! Why are you telling me? What do you want me to do? " Chisom was now shouting.

" Listen, you should get back together with your w.h.ore. Don't ever call my line again. Its over! " the line went dead.

The phone was still on my ear for a couple of seconds as my brain was trying to come to terms with what just happened. I put the phone back in my pocket and held my head with both hands trying to pin point where it all went wrong. It was very possible I had a son. Chiamaka wasn't the one to cheat. I had to get back to the restaurant. I sighed heavily and got up. I made my way to the restaurant. I needed to go home. I needed to see Nnamdi. I walked to where we seated, Chiamaka was just staring at me looking for clues.

" I need to get back " I told her

" Are you okay? " she asked worryingly

" I just need to get back "

" aright lemme drop you off at the park " she offered.

At that moment I didn't really care. I just needed to get home. She signalled the waitress and paid her. I was lost in thought. We made our way out to the car park. We entered the car and drove off. Chiamaka occasionally looked at me from time to time.
____________________________________
I got off at the park, told her I was gonna call. She waved and drove off. I bought my ticket and boarded a bus. In no time we were off. The journey back seemed uninteresting to me. The music was dull. The streets felt empty. The people had no faces. I just sat there trying to come to terms with how things are rapidly changing. I got off at the bus stop and called up Nnamdi to meet me at the bar close to my house. I flagged a cab and went straight to the bar hoping to drink myself to sweet oblivion at least just for today. Chiamaka had already called earlier to make sure I got home safe. I stopped in front of the bar, paid the cab and made my way inside. I found a secluded place with extreme low lighting and sat down. I ordered a bottle of Jack Daniels and coke as I sat patiently. Within minutes I was already drinking.

" come on man, you are already drinking and I'm not trying to judge seems like you deserve it for today" Nnamdi said as he sat down. I already told him everything on the phone on my way back.

" I cant imagine what you going through. Chisom isn't even taking my calls anymore. She even blocked my line" he said shaking his head.

He ordered a glass and poured himself a drink. He took a sip, looked at me and just sighed.

" so what are you gonna do bro? " he asked while he took another sip

I looked up at him and shrugged.
" I guess I have to marry Chiamaka. I think I still love her and she is the mother of my son" I said confidently.

Nnamdi nodded in agreement. We just sat there and drank for the rest of the evening.

The End.

@HumbledbYGrace I'm sorry it didn't quite end as you hoped. Hope you like the new ending?

essielove:
following

Thanks for reading.

Are you for real? Is that all?



Someone get me my gun

MzNelly:
Are you for real? Is that all?



Someone get me my gun

Lool its a short story. I am sorry, I am a lazy writer. I am working on a novella though. Hope it would be everything you want.

spacefreak:


Lool its a short story. I am sorry, I am a lazy writer. I am working on a novella though. Hope it would be everything you want.

*sigh*

Continue this one, the end is somewhat disappointing.

MzNelly:


*sigh*

Continue this one, the end is somewhat disappointing.

Haha cause he is gonna marry the ex? Would you marry a guy with a baby mama? The guy is not a celebrity. He's an average guy trying to survive.

spacefreak:


Haha cause he is gonna marry the ex? Would you marry a guy with a baby mama? The guy is not a celebrity. He's an average guy trying to survive.

What if there's no child? What if that's the ex's cheap tactic to get him back?
What if the ex doesn't feel love for him any longer? What if all she wants is just that he assumes his responsibility in caring for the child?
Having a child doesn't automatically mean they should get married. You did say he loved the other girl, didn't you?

I was so lost on your accurate description and the interesting story line and then you just stop...abruptly.

Who does that?

MzNelly:


What if there's no child? What if that's the ex's cheap tactic to get him back?
What if the ex doesn't feel love for him any longer? What if all she wants is just that he assumes his responsibility in caring for the child?
Having a child doesn't automatically mean they should get married. You did say he loved the other girl, didn't you?

I was so lost on your accurate description and the interesting story line and then you just stop...abruptly.

Who does that?

Valid questions. Going into all that means I have a novel on my hand. I don't know, I wasn't cut out for that. I apologise sincerely. I promise you though my next work will be quite lengthier. I would try post Chapter one by tonight. Im hoping you would read it. Thanks for the criticism and support. It means a lot. And again, Im very sorry.

spacefreak:


Valid questions. Going into all that means I have a novel on my hand. I don't know, I wasn't cut out for that. I apologise sincerely. I promise you though my next work will be quite lengthier. I would try post Chapter one by tonight. Im hoping you would read it. Thanks for the criticism and support. It means a lot. And again, Im very sorry.

I'll be waiting.

I was about to ask how pacemaker syncs with the story.

Never mind; just change the title.

MzNelly:


I'll be waiting.

I was about to ask how pacemaker syncs with the story.

Never mind; just change the title.

I'm not changing the title. A pacemaker is a specialized tissue that helps the muscles of the heart contract. Their are artificial pacemakers which could be internal or external. It is used as a result of cardiomyopathy.

Lool what I'm trying to say is Chiamaka has the effect of a pacemaker on him. Chisom had that effect but never as strong as Chiamaka. His heart shattered when Chiamaka left. Chisom got it beating at a point but never as strong as it was with Chiamaka

MzNelly:


What if there's no child? What if that's the ex's cheap tactic to get him back?
What if the ex doesn't feel love for him any longer? What if all she wants is just that he assumes his responsibility in caring for the child?
Having a child doesn't automatically mean they should get married. You did say he loved the other girl, didn't you?

I was so lost on your accurate description and the interesting story line and then you just stop...abruptly.

Who does that?

help me ask

what a sad ending!
and i thought you said when he saw his ex,he didn't feel a thing for her.

spacefreak:
@HumbledbYGrace I'm sorry it didn't quite end as you hoped. Hope you like the new ending?

It kinda ended the way I expected it to, with so many questions without answers though.

Thanks for this piece, Mr Protagonist kinda made hasty decisions without proof and what if Chiamaka was already married? Forgive me.