Page 45 of The Marriage Agreement (Agreement)

“Sure, but I’ll call you to let you know what time. I’m going to pay my tuition and run a few errands. We can meet up before I head to work—I have an evening shift.”

“Sounds good. Keep me posted.”

“I will, and I can’t wait to hear all you’ve been up to.”

“More like what you,Dele, have been up to with my big brother.”

“Yeah, right. Bye, Osei.”

“See you tomorrow.”

I pull my legs close to my chest. I miss Luke, even as I know he’s just a few feet away. But the sooner I start detaching from him, the better. I repack my backpack with my essentials, change out the clothes in the bag. I step out to grab a few snacks, knowing Paula always keeps the pantry stocked.

Luke stops me on my way back to my room. “Why are you shutting me out?”Is he fucking kidding me right now? I’m protecting myself from you, and if it means I must shut you out to achieve that goal, then so be it. That’s what I want to say. Instead, I respond,

“I’m not shutting you out. I’m just tired. I have work tomorrow. Plus, you said we should stick to the contract in Chicago. I’m just making sure not to break it. Good night.” I get past him and lock the door. I then remember he can get in. It’s pointless locking the door. Besides, he won’t hurt me, that much I know for certain. I unlock the door and tuck myself into bed, starting to count sheep. I toss and turn, and nope, sleep eludes me. My body has an intense craving for him, and I refuse to succumb. I count sheep until I eventually fall asleep.

I’m up the moment my alarm goes off. Not that I had a sound sleep to begin with. He invaded my dreams, every kiss and touch still ingrained in my body. He did a good job of getting my walls down. Now, I’m like an addict withdrawing from desiring him.

I shower again and leave before he’s up. I greet Martin when I see him.

“Good morning, Mrs. Blythe. Where to?”

“Good morning, Martin, please call me Dele. I’m heading to school.”

“Okay, have a good day.”

“You too.” I unlock my Lexus, trying not to cry at how thoughtful it was of him to get me this car, but my subconscious reminds me it was just to fit into the charade of our marriage and nothing more.Think nothing of it, all part of our marriage agreement. I just need to remember why I was chosen.

I drive to school and head straight to the student accounts office to make payment for the semester. I still have a few more days, but I'm first in line, and the lady pulls up my account. To my shock, she says, “I show you are paid in full for the semester.” I stared at her, perplexed.

“Please, check again. I know I haven’t made payment.” She turns the computer screen towards me, and right there before me, it shows paid. I look at the date the payment was made. It was the day I told him I needed to work a few more hours so I could cover half of the semester’s payment.

“This is you, right?” the lady inquires.

“Yes,” my voice chokes. “Thank you. Have a nice day.” She nods and smiles.

“You, too.” I nod back and leave. When I step outside, my emotions are all over the place.

He paid my tuition in full. I’m not sure how I feel about it. He bought me a new car, paid my tuition, and listened to my horrific story without judging. Why would he do all this? Why!? This isn’t fair.

Fuck him!He doesn’t get to be the Mr. Nice Guy to me, so I don’t react to the fact that he’s probably fucking Lily right now or plans to later today.Fuck him!I wail inwardly. The thought ofhim with her makes me angry. I sit in my car for a few minutes to control my emotions because he doesn’t get to have this much power over me. I drive to the store to get more supplies of my body lotion and a few other items I’m running out of. It’s almost noon by the time I’m done. I call Osei.

“Hey, where do you want to meet up?”

“Our usual place, is that okay with you?” he asked

“Of course, is 12:30 okay with you?” I replied.

“Yep, that sounds perfect.”

I hang up with Osei and call the hospital to ask if there’s an open shift. No open shift, but they could use help for four hours. I jump at the extra time. Anything to keep me from thinking about him or having a restless night.

I shop for new gym shoes before driving out to meet Osei, who is already seated when I arrive. He gets up and gives me a big bear hug.

“I missed you, and you do look well rested.”

“Thanks.”

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