Lara sat on the tiled floor, drew a basin of warm water towards her, poured in some Dettol, and dipped a face towel into it.
As she rubbed her body, she said to herself, "Easy girlie..." It had been bothering her all night.
“Ouch! Eeish!” she screamed, pressing her swollen eye against her palm.
She didn't bother to glance up as her door creaked open, and she knew it was Tony.
While watching her massage and pressing her body in anguish, Tony stood for a long time. His heart began to melt!
So he'd become a 'woman beater'?
“Good morning, Lara,” says the narrator. He spoke softly.
“Ouch!” Lara exclaimed, a swelling part of her arm in her hand.
Tony squatted beside her and murmured, "Err....sorry..."
She didn't respond and went back to work.
“Err, Lara, I apologise profusely for what occurred yesterday...” he started
“Hmm! “Did you brush your teeth this morning?” says the narrator.
Lara used her free hand to hide her nose.
He was offended, and he let out a harsh sigh.
“I should not have done what I did the day before...
My rage has taken over a large portion of me...” He was making every effort to sound polite.
Lara let out a low laugh. He glanced into her eyes, unsure if she had heard him.
Before glancing up at him, she applied some balm to her wounds.
“So, what's next?” “Did you come to assassinate me?” she enquired.
“No…Lara I sincerely apologize...”
“Abegi! Please, no more trash talk! Leave me alone and go see your Igbo sister! “Who are you attempting to deceive?” says the narrator. He was being interrupted by her.
“Lara...” he said, reaching out to grab her, but she pulled him away. Her hands reached for the water dish and
Swoosh! She hurled the whole thing at him, towel and everything.
Tony was taken aback and studied his soaked office attire with his eyes.
He screamed at her, “How dare you!”
“Oh, yeah!” exclaims the speaker. I just challenged you! Rubbish! Shebi, is it because I'm not Igbo that you're treating me this way? Lara pushed herself up to her feet.
“Are you going to try that on me again?” Tony's rage erupted.
“What if I do?” says the narrator. You're going to beat me up? Ehen? Please respond! “Oshi buruku!” exclaims the narrator. She made a clapping motion with her hands.
He said to her as he walked towards the door, "You'll pay for this!"
“Mr. Tony?” says the narrator. She chased him down.
He released his grip on the doorknob.
Lara approached him cautiously, a small smile on her lips.
“Tony, I just wanted to remind you that the law of karma is still in effect!” she chuckled as she entered her restroom.
:::::::::*****:::::::
“Hello? Mummy?” Lara pressed her phone against her earlobes. She was prepared for what was to come. Tony has returned to her mother with her report.
“How are you, Lara?” What exactly am I hearing about you?” Her mother started the conversation.
Lara frowned.
“So, what did you hear?” says the narrator.
“Lara! I'd like you to come over to my house right now!” Her mother demanded that the call be terminated.
“Sure…
You'll see your lovely kid with a bloated face and wounds all over her body in only a few minutes!” Lara said something to the phone, despite the fact that she knew her mother wouldn't hear her.
She stepped right into her mother's sitting room without knocking. She took a peek around and noticed that the room had been re-furnished. Her mother, too, appeared to be well-equipped.
“Hello, mom!” Lara slammed her luggage into a chair.
“Lara? What happened to your eyes—what happened to your face?” Her mother inquired, concerned.
“Do you want to see some more?” Lara chuckled as she showed her mother her wounds.
“Who did this to you?” says the narrator. Funke inquired once more.
“Of course, my adoring, wonderful, and adorable husband!” says the woman.
"Sarcastically," Lara said.
“What?!” Funke was taken aback.
“Which one is the ‘what' this time?” Is this what you're looking for, Shebi? Ehen? Are you taken aback? Save your surprised expression for when they bring...” Lara expressed her concern without hesitation.
“How could he have done such a thing to you?” Something must have gone wrong! Was it after you sprayed him with hot water?” 'Ignore her daughter's sarcasm,' Funke replied, ignoring her daughter's sarcasm.
Lara burst out laughing.
“My daughter, everything is OK; you should simply return home, and I'll call Tony...” Funke started speaking.
“Not yet!” says the speaker. I'm planning on staying for at least two weeks!
Before I return to the dungeon, I need to rest!” Lara objected before going inside with her purse.
Funke stood at the door, watching her daughter enter. She took out her phone and dialed Tony's number.
“Hello? “Are you my in-laws?” She paused for a moment, listening intently.
“Yes! Please do me a favor and let Lara stay with me for a week...” she said softly.
“Thank you, and God bless you!” She hung up the phone.