Belina (Tender Beauty) Episode 34

what… where…” he was saying confused when Tonia threw her arms around him & enveloped him in a hug he knew too well. Just then, d door opened & Tony entered. He stood poised at d door when he saw d person standing with Richard & looked like he was about to pee in his trousers. “ghost” he yelled Tonia smiled, “no, I am not a ghost Tony”, she said & after a few minutes of trying to convince Tony, he finally entered & shut d door. They all sat down & tonia opened a chapter of talk about how she had opened her eyes to a new hospital in another country. Her father, who had never supported her relationship with Richard was d one who flew her abroad, orchestrating d story that she was dead. Richard sighed in total relief &said, “I have not had a day of sleep without nightmares ever since u departed. I never got over d fact that I had called u over to my place when u got involved in that accident” “I told u then that it was not ur fault. Now, I am back; my dad saw that he could not hold me any longer cos my heart is here with u so he let me go” she said. The only problem was that Richard no longer had feelings for her; his entire heart was with d beauty on d sick bed. Richard found it hard to say anything as he watched Tonia talk endlessly. Richard remembered his promise to her & his lifestyle of always keeping his promises but did not give a d–n anymore so he decided to take the bull by d horn. “Tonia, pls listen to me. Sitting here beside u after years of thinking that u are dead is still so strange to me. I cherish u so much cos u know that I loved u so much but I can’t deceive u or myself anymore. I am in love with someone else. I know u would think that I am not a man of my words but when u think about our time together,u would see that I always keep my promises. I have kept ur promises thus far but now, I have come across a lady that refused to leave my head & she does not even know it. I am sorry”, Richard said. He had recited everything not looking directly into her eyes but when he finished, he saw her smiling slightly. He saw d pain behind d smile but d smile was still a surprise, he had expected something far worse. “u are smiling?” he asked puzzled & uncomfortable. “Yes I am Richard I half expected it when I was coming back but I still had to try it first. You are d best person that anyone can ever have Richard but I understand. Is this woman of urs a certain young Psychologist?” she asked taking Richard & Tony by surprise. “How did u know that?” She smiled slightly, “I heard u talking to Tony last night. After u locked me out, I could not just leave like that so I decided to pass d night at ur door step but when I heard someone coming, I hid myself & Tony went in. I went back to ur door & was intent on hearing what u were saying cos I was worried that u were a little over d edge, maybe my visit was more bad than I had imagined but instead, I heard a whole chapter of confession of love from ur mouth, only that it was not love for me” Richard was speechless & could not say anything so Tonia continued, “I know that I still love u but it is so obvious that u don’t love me anymore & it is alright, fine, erm *coughs* can I see d girl u love?” she asked. Richard was elated & since he had been looking for a way to escape to Belina’s room, they all stood up & went there together. *** I woke up &d first thing I perceived was d strong smell of medicine washing over my face. I knew that I was in a hospital. Why? I thought & just then, a doctor walked in & I recognized him instantly as Doctor Deolu. He smiled when he found me awake. “How are u feeling miss?” he asked. I opened my stiff mouth to talk but was immediately interrupted by d door & when I looked in that direction, I saw Richard,Tony & a lady. Who is this lady, I wondered & when I saw her hold Richard’s hand tenderly as they moved closer, jealousy sprang up in me & I scolded myself immediately. Richard got to me & a happy smile replaced his earlier on worrisome gaze. I looked around for Doctor Deolu but he was nowhere to be found. “What am I dong here?” I asked. “You just had a minor fall;u hit ur head& was brought here. u just need to rest dear” The word ‘dear’ stuck in my head & I didn’t know why. I need to get a hold of myself, I thought. Everything that happened to me some hours ago came back to me like a mighty river & I became edgy. Richard must have seen it cos he placed his hands on my shoulders soothingly. I tried to sit up but I was pushed back by Richard gently. I noticed d jealousy in d eyes of d lady with d side of my eyes & smiled internally. Richard apologized for his manner after some minutes &said, “Tonia, meet Belina d psychologist & Belina meet Tonia, my friend” I noticed d little wince from Tonia b4 she said ‘hi’ & I knew that there was more to this than d eye meets. Richard looked at Tony in conspiracy which did not escape my notice & within seconds, I was alone with this disturbing guy. 0