Susan ekerete - S02 E07

3 years ago

Susan ekerete - S02 E07

Read Story: SEASON 2 EPISODE 7

Susan remained mostly silent and remote for the next few hours as the police kicked their search into high gear. Scratchy messages filled the air as the police radio in Sam Udofia’s office kept track of the activities of mobile patrols out on patrol, but the noise was not enough to arouse Susan’s attention.

Michael stayed beside her, his anxiety growing as her replies to everyone remained monosyllabic. Even Eka had joined them, but had not been able to rouse Susan from the depressive state into which she had fallen. Michael was frustrated, suspecting Susan had gotten tired of getting her hopes up every time some new voice came over the police radio.

With great reluctance, Samson Udofia eventually let Michael take Susan away from the police station, promising to call in with any news if the police made any major breakthroughs in the search for Asuquo Udodiong and his seven year old daughter.

“I hope Cherish has eaten something and is not too scared.” Susan suddenly blurted as Michael’s car made its way to her house. Michael craned his neck backwards from where he was driving, sharing a startled glance with Eka, who was seated beside Susan in the back seat. They both felt relief mixed with concern. It was the longest sentence Susan had made in hours.

“I’m sure Cherish has eaten something.” Eka said reassuringly, pressing her friend’s palms. They felt cold. “Asuquo may be a liar and a cheat, but you know he loves his baby. He would never harm her.”

“Taking her away from me is harming her.” Susan responded, but there was no heat in her voice, only resignation that Michael was alarmed to hear.

There was a brief silence as Michael drove into the estate where Susan lived. It was late and the outer lights of most of the apartment were on, but Susan’s apartment loomed in the distance, dark and empty. Michael wondered how she would bear to sleep alone that night.

“I don’t think we will be hearing any good news from the police today.” Susan continued in the same listless tone, as the Honda stopped in front of her house. “I’m tired of worrying. I just want to sleep.”

Eka opened the house, taking the key from Susan’s limp fingers. When they entered the small living room, there was a pleasant smell that Michael found familiar.

“Your home smells awesome. It always smells like this.” He said with a small smile. “Not like mine; stuffy, empty bachelor pad…” he stopped talking, remembering the occasion of Susan’s last and only visit to his house. It was probably a bad idea to remind her of it.

But Michael’s words had triggered something else. Tears filled Susan’s eyes.

“It’s Cherish’s body spray. Even though i tell her not to, she soaks Pooh the teddy bear in it.” Her tears fell faster as she moved into Michael’s ready arms. “The thoughts of her are everywhere. How will I rest?”

“I’ll stay here with you.” Michael mumbled into her hair. Over Susan’s shoulder he saw a frown appear on Eka’s face, and then her face cleared.

Eka nodded. “I guess that’s probably best. I have to get home to my husband anyway.” She paused and frowned at Michael. “Take care of her,” her words were heavy with meaning.

Michael nodded gratefully. “Always.”

Susan had forgotten what it felt lie to be pampered but Michael reminded her that night. He fed her, undressed her and helped her take a warm bath. When he pulled a duvet over her and began to leave the bedroom, murmuring something about sleeping on the living room couch, she gripped his hand and stared into his eyes.

“Stay.”

He was not strong enough to refuse. And as their bodies twined in ecstasy, he hoped she would not regret her decision in the morning. She wasted no time with emotion, having him take her with almost furious intensity in what he knew was an attempt to forget about the worries on her mind. He allowed himself to be used, glorying in her soft body. He knew he would cherish those moments of passion forever. He just had to convince her to do same without the fear that he would leave her for some other woman.

As of that moment, there was no other woman for him.

In the morning, Michael woke up to find Susan gone from the bed, the side where her body had been resting, cold. He sat up immediately, mind foggy with sleep as wild thoughts ran though his mind. She had seemed very depressed the night before. What if she had harmed herself in some way out of despair? What if some accident had happened and she had decided to take a shower and slipped in the bathtub…?

He stumbled over the bed and flung the bathroom door open; there was no sign of her and he heaved a sigh of relief. His mind flew to other possibilities. What if she was knocked out in the kitchen? Sprawled unconscious on the outer steps?

When he dashed into the kitchen in just a pair of boxers and found her contentedly frying eggs, he pulled her into a tight embrace, heart still racing.

Surprised, she let him hug her, rearing back in surprise when he muttered. “This is what I hate about loving someone. The irrational fear of everything when you can’t find them…”

Susan stared at him, mouth open. Did he just say he was in love with her?