Ruth Spies on Dushan

Ruth walked slowly, careful not to let Dushan see her. She had followed him from his flat as he walked to where he was now. He stood there as if waiting for someone. Her heart ached as her eyes traveled over him. Why couldn’t she be the one he was waiting for? Why couldn’t they be meeting now to go somewhere out of town to spend the day together or why couldn’t they be in his flat right now, making love?

Her eyes darkened and desire surged through her body as she imagined them in his bedroom, her dragging the sweater over his head, exposing his broad shoulders and chest. She would run her hands over his bare skin in wonder before she loosened the button of his jeans and pulled the zipper down. When he was naked, she would push him down on top of the bed, quickly strip and then, cover every gorgeous inch of him with her lips before making love to him.

How many restless nights, she had lain in bed, thinking about him and driven mad with longing. Gideon lay beside her, oblivious. How she resented him. How she wished that it was Dushan lying next to her instead of Gideon. How she wished she had never married him. How she wished he would stop watching her with that damned concerned expression on his face. And how she tired of trying to act like nothing was wrong when her whole world had been turned upside down.

And Chelsey with her probing questions. Why couldn’t she just leave her alone? Why must she always asked her what was the matter just because she ignored her foolish chatter? Couldn’t she see that she just wanted to be left alone? Why couldn’t they just leave her alone and stop watching her like hawks. She hated it. There were times when she hated them. It was their fault that she couldn’t be with Dushan.

Pain and anguish crept into her moist eyes as she watched him. Oh, Dushan. Why did you have to end our relationship? You know that I would have divorced Gideon and you and I would be together now. Gideon and Chelsey could have the house. I don’t want it. All I want is you. Only you.

Oblivious to the fact that Ruth was across the road, watching him, Dushan stood there. The sun felt nice on his face. It was around five in the afternoon. He was waiting for Chioma. They were going to have dinner with Adaeze and Aamin. It was at a cozy, Italian family run restaurant where Chioma and he had been there a few times. The owners were very warm and friendly and always happy to see them.

Once when he was sitting at the table alone because Chioma had gone to use the washroom, Giuseppe, the owner said to him, “Your girlfriend, she is very beautiful.”

Dushan had smiled and readily agreed, “Yes, she is.”

“Is she a model?”

“No. She’s a writer.”

“You two are very much in love, yes?”

“Yes, we are.”

“Good. My wife and I were young too when we met and fell in love. Being in love is a wonderful thing, yes?”

“Yes.” Dushan smiled now. Yes, it felt wonderful to be in love. And there she was, the love of his life. His heart began to beat faster when he saw her coming towards him.

Chioma’s steps quickened and a big smile spread across her face when she spotted Dushan. “Hello, Romeo,” she teased when she saw the name written on his sweater.

He smiled. “Hello,” he replied before they hugged and kissed. “Only one bag? I thought you would have had at least half a dozen.”

She laughed. “I was tempted to pick up more things but I didn’t want to be carrying a lot of bags to the restaurant.”

“You could have left them in my flat.”

“I know.”

“So, what did you buy?”

“Something for you but I’m not going to let you see it until later. And I’m going to keep it close to me so that you don’t try to peek inside the bag.”

“Hmm. Now, I’m very curious to see what it is.”

She slipped her cell inside the bag and hooked her arm through his. “You’ll just have to wait and see.” Her eyes twinkled as she looked up at him.

His eyes darkened and he lowered his head and kissed her on the mouth. The kiss lasted for several minutes and when he raised his head, they stared at each other for a moment, both of them breathing heavily and then, he said, “Let’s go.”

Chioma nodded and holding hands, they set off for the restaurant which was about a ten minute walk away.

Ruth watched them, seething with jealousy. “That’s who he dumped me for?” she muttered under her breath. “That’s who he thinks is beautiful?” And when she saw him kiss her, she wanted to run across the road and pull them apart. Damn him for flaunting his relationship in her face. Images of them in bed together flashed across her mind and she swore under her breath, kicking the wall in a jealous rage and drawing curious looks.

Turning around, she followed them to the Italian restaurant and watched them go inside. She stood there for a while, her mind whirring. She had to do something. It was torture seeing him with another woman. I have to win him back somehow, she thought. I have to.