Silent Seduction (21)

**********************************
If you wish to be loved,
show more of your faults than your virtues.
Edward G. Bulwer-Lytton
**********************************
Tori sat in the middle of her bed, legs folded. She was wearing a black tank top over a pair of red shorts. Her jet black hair was packed into a perfect ponytail not leaving a strand out. She had a jotter and a pen on her folded legs. She bit her lips as she looked thoughtfully into space, deciding on what could be the best gift to give Tobi for his birthday which was just tomorrow.
She had totally forgot and had only remembered him telling her his dad left on 12th, his birthday when she saw that family picture he was looking at the other day inside her drawer. It had skipped her mind to give it back to him when she was done looking. She had written a long list of possible gifts but had crossed all out because they seemed lame.
Nothing extraordinary or mind blowing came out of her intense rumination and it was then she realised she really doesn't know much about him like she thought she did. It was then she it occurred to her that she should perhaps include those who knew him in her plans. If she would be leaving anytime soon, she should show her appreciation to him one way or the other. Showing interest and planning his birthday for a start.
She squeezed the sheet of paper on her leg into a ball, then aimed and threw it inside the trash can behind the door before scampering barefooted into Tife's room and thankfully her mum was there too. She was holding a purple cord lace up for Tife for assessment when Tori walked in and they both turned their gaze to her.
'So, what are you guys doing for Tobi on his birthday?' She announced hoping that would satisfy their curious stare but they just just looked at her like she just landed from a space ship and she had an antenna protruding from her forehead.
Tori held out her hand and gave them a 'I am waiting for your reply' look but none came through.
'Like a surprise party or something!' She added hoping they'd get her now.
'Oh that!' Tife finally said not as surprised as her statement insinuated.
'Don't bother going extra lengths because of his birthday. You might just get disappointed, irritated and angry in the end.' Tife explained further.
Tori didn't understand what Tife meant by that and was going to ask when Tobi's mum interjected.
'Tobi doesn't celebrate his birthday anymore.'
Tori doesn't need to ask why. She already knows what the reason is.
'The last time we tried throwing him one. He almost brought this roof down in fury. It wasn't a memorable experience and I won't want you to experience it. You might just end up hating him if you try.' Tife added.
'But I won't be throwing a party, I would just buy him a gift then...'
'He made it clear he doesn't want a party or gifts or to even be reminded he was born that day. Just forget about it dear. We already did.' His mum also said.
Tori stood rooted to where she was thinking about how sad and complicated his life is. He did a good job in masking that with being all naughty.
'I was going to come to your room anyway. Thank God you are here.' His mum started, stirring her back to reality. She was holding up the purple lace up to her neck for Tori to see. 'I was going to wear this but Tife said the blue lace is better. What do you think?' She said gesticulating with her chin to another sky blue lace on Tife's bed.
'I think I'd go with Tife. The blue lace looks nicer. If you don't mind, can I go back to my room now?' Tori asked.
'Sure.' The duo said and Tori scampered back to her room.
So, his birthday was just going to be like every normal day?
It shouldn't be that way.
She got a piece of paper and did some scribbling while pacing the not so lengthy end of the room.
It's high time someone break that rule.
'What are you doing?' Tobi was standing before her door and he was looking at her in awe. It appeared he had been there for quite some time.
Tori stopped pacing and looked at him.
'Why are you up at this time?' Tori asked carefully folding the sheet of paper and putting it in her shorts pocket.
'Are you not going to work?' He asked ignoring her own question and asking another question entirely.
'Nope. Until later this evening.' She replied. 'What about you? When are you going?' She asked.
'Not until ten or eleven.' He replied leaning comfortably on the closed door.
'Leaving for work at 11am, is that really something to brag about? Just because you owned the company doesn't give you the right to do anything you like. You should show some enthusiasm and lay a good example to your subordinates.' She lectured.
'Thanks for the lecture ma'am. But you should have asked where I'd be before 11am but since you didn't ask, I'm going to answer you anyway. I would be at my uncle's. I want to atleast persuade him to go to the hospital.' Tobi said then thought for a while before adding. 'Do you want to come with me? You've always wanted to come with me.'
The real reason behind him asking her to come with him was because he wanted to spend more time with her since she'd be leaving soon.
'Huh... No. I'd also be somewhere. Sonewhere...' She stammered. Thinking of an excuse to give. Today is the only day left to plan for and also get him his birthday gift and if she'd be shopping for it, she'd be doing it this morning.
'Where? It looks like you are going to lie.' Tobi said giving her a doubtful look.
'I have to submit some things at the hospital this morning.' Her explanation wasn't convincing enough so she added. 'Why don't you go to work early, then you can come get me when you get off work?
Tobi didn't want to sound persuasive and desperate so he just nodded his agreement. Then left her room to get ready for work.
Tori relaxed her nerves as she let out a sigh of relief.
Pheew! That was a close one.
*******************************
Tobi was at his desk when he got a text message from Tori.
'I'm at home now. Hit me up when you get off work.'
Seeing that text seemed to adrelanized him. He hurriedly work on the paperworks before him with the speed of light (careful not to make mistakes though). He really missed talking to her. Maybe when he they are on their way to his uncle's place, he'd summon up courage to ask her to stay. To convince her not to leave. He won't have anyone to taunt when she's gone.
He would have no one to confide in if she leaves.
His thoughts got interrupted when his phone started ringing. He resisted the urge to look at the caller I.D but his eyes failed him.
Jo.
He stopped what he was doing, took some time to clear his throat then let the phone ring for a few seconds before picking it up.
'Are you at work?' She asked from the other end.
'Yeah.' He replied wondering why she was so interested.
'Great. I'd come to your office and we'd go to your house together. I'm bored.' She said yawning to compliment her last statement.
'Huh... I'd be going to my uncle's place from work. You know he had been bedridden and all.' He replied.
'But we can go there together. Then, we'll leave for your place right?' She pp.
Ditching Tori for Jo. That was tempting.
So tempting. But...
'My uncle doesn't really like people visiting. Maybe some other time...'
'Oh, okay. Some other time then.' She sounded disappointed before hanging up and Tobi wished he could take back his words.
Tobi hurriedly finished his work for the day before heading home. He called Tori's number when he was almost home but her number was not busy.
He could see her standing before the gate as she pressed her phone. Tobi saw a black jeep park before her.
What is Marcus's car doing before his house?
He slowed down and watched Tori stepped in the jeep and the car zoomed off in the opposite direction.
Okay... That didn't just happen.
Tobi couldn't believe his eyes.
Did she just choose Marcus over his sick Uncle?
Did she just ditched him for Marcus when he had ignored Jo because of her?
So, the 'somewhere' she was supposed to be this morning was with Marcus?
*****
Tori got back to the house after a few hours and just in time to get ready for work. She knew Tobi must be very mad at her. He must have gone to his uncle's place and probably was back now. She dreaded stepping inside the living room and when she finally did, she saw him on one of the couches. He must have heard her enter but he didn't turn to acknowledge her or anything.
'I'm sorry I didn't show up for....your uncle's place. I had to...' She tried explaining but Tobi interrupted her.
'I helped you with your things already. Your stay here was supposed to be temporary. People would start raising eyebrows if you stay another day.' Tobi said not looking at her. It wasn't hard to tell he wasn't kidding but Tori hopelessly waited for him to say he was just kidding but that didn't happen.
His statement made her eyes rove to the side of the couch and she saw her luggage and every other stuff she owned.
She swallowed hard. Trying not to break down before him but instead, carried her luggage and the other bags before leaving the house.
She walked aimlessly and slowly on the street trying not to think about it and trying to hold back her tears at the same time. Then she remembered.
Remembered there's someone who could help.
She pulled out her phone and dialed...

©Fiyah