Back in Uyo, all Tracy did was worry. She barely spoke to anyone around her, except when she was on the phone with Chuks, Tobe’s friend. She only tried to entertain herself with either simple games or comedy skits.
“Mimi, your dad wants to speak with you,” her mum said after knocking on and opening the door of her room. She didn’t wait for a response as she turned to leave the room. Tracy lifted herself off the sofa and followed her mother. “Good morning, Dad,” she greeted.
“Please sit, Tracy. I wouldn’t say I understand exactly how you’re feeling, but I need you to know that we’re here to support you. For us to do that, you need to behave like an adult. You’re not a college girl anymore, and this isn’t one of your cats or a toy missing; it’s a human being, and that human being is your husband. Crying won’t solve anything, nor will it bring him back.”
“Your dad is telling the truth, Mimi; you need to—” Tracy’s dad gave his wife a stern look, and she fell silent.
“Thank you, Dad. May I be excused?”
“Now,” her dad continued, “we need to know who he’s been talking with, if he has offended anyone. I mean, I know he’s a responsible young man, but no one knows what you children these days get into.”
At this moment, Tracy had tears in her eyes; she could barely speak, with thoughts racing through her mind. Her dad gently rubbed her shoulder. “Go on now; think about who might want to hurt him. Is there anything you know that could help us find him?” She stood up and went to her room.
Chuks & Tracy
“Hey, Chuksy,” Tracy said with a brief smile. “Trace, have you been crying again? You need to stop; you’re gonna make yourself sick, and I’m sure Tobe wouldn’t want to see you like this.”
“See me, Chuksy? You always have a way of making me smile. Anyway, is he back? Are you with him right now?”
“Trace, you know Tobe loves you, right? I’m sure there’s a valid explanation for his disappearance. I just need you to keep an open mind. By the way, how are your parents?”
Chuks managed to distract Tracy, and they spent a few minutes chatting and giggling. Chuks yawned as his voice lowered, glancing at the vintage clock on the wall of his living room. It was already 7 p.m. “Trace, I’ll call you again, okay? I’m glad I could cheer you up. I have to wrap up some work, but let’s do this again. Stay strong.”
They both got off the phone, and Tracy felt much better. She even offered to make dinner for her family that night.
“Aunty Mimi, you want to make dinner for us today?!” one of the domestic staff asked in shock upon seeing Tracy wearing an apron in the kitchen. “Yes, Edidiong, let’s have something different for a change,” Tracy responded with a smile.
“But Aunty, Mummy will not be happy oh. Let me stay and help you,” Edi said. At 8:30 PM, dinner was ready and served. The family had a great evening, enjoying good food and family chats.
Tobe’s return
It had been two months since Tobe disappeared, and Tracy had already spent six weeks at her parents’ place.
Tracy and her parents were sitting in the living room watching TV when they heard the doorbell ring. One of the security agents working for her dad answered it. “Ah, boss, it’s you. Welcome, sir,” he said, stepping aside to make way for Tobe.
Tobe gently walked into the luxurious living room, heading toward Tracy and her parents. As Tracy stood up to approach the entrance, she saw that it was Tobe and immediately collapsed. Her parents stood up, and her mother rushed to catch her. “Mimi!” she screamed. Tracy’s dad, looking straight into Tobe’s eyes, said, “There had better be a logical explanation.”
“Good day, sir, ma’am,” Tobe greeted them. Tracy’s mother only gave him a look without saying a word.
Later that day, after Tracy had regained consciousness, they were all seated. “Speak, we’re waiting,” Tracy’s dad said to Tobe.
Tobe was quiet for a while and a bit shaky, but then he sat upright, cleared his throat, and began to talk. “I was scared, sir, ma’am,” he said, glancing at both of them. “I got confused. I had jitters. Insecurities kept crawling in even before the wedding, but it would’ve been a blow to everyone if I disappeared before the wedding or even canceled, sir.”
Tracy’s dad cleared his throat, moved to the edge of his chair, and said, “Tobenna, do you realize that you’re not making any sense?” He looked into Tobe’s eyes and continued. “All of these things you’ve just said are things I hear women go through. Am I right, love?” He turned to face his wife, who nodded with a straight face. “So now, speak up, son,” he added.
“Sir, Tracy and I have had our differences, and, and…” he stuttered, “she’s threatened me in the past.”
“List those threats one by one,” Tracy’s dad said.
“She’s burned down my car, threatened my secretary, and even held a knife to my throat because she suspected me of doing something I didn’t do.” Tracy made a pitiful face when both of her parents turned to look at her.
“You did all of that, Mimi?” her mum asked, but she didn’t respond.
“So, all of this happened when you two were courting, and you didn’t bother to inform any of us? Instead, you chose to get us worried, made your mother call incessantly, and made us the center of attention. Have you suddenly forgotten the family you married into or your own parents’ reputation? I mean, love, look at this childish behavior from these two,” Tracy’s dad said, now standing as he looked at Tobe, Tracy, and then his wife.
Tracy’s mum smiled at her husband and said, “They will settle this issue themselves. I’ll call his mother and inform her that everything is fine.” Then she addressed Tracy and Tobe, giving each a stern look. “Now, you both will go back to your home. Mimi, you will behave as the good Christian and well-cultured girl that you are. And you, Tobe, if there’s an issue, face it like a man. Only if the matter gets out of hand should you call us or your parents. Right, darling?” she asked, looking at her husband, who nodded in agreement.
“You have spoken well, love. Tracy, remember you’re not 16, 19, or 24 anymore. Communication and prayers help us solve problems, not fire or a knife,” Tracy’s dad added. Tracy chuckled softly.
Tobe & Tracy return home
Tracy excused herself to get some air in the garden. After a few minutes, Tobe decided to follow her. They walked around the garden in silence, just holding hands.
“I won’t be moving in just yet,” Tobe said, breaking the silence. “But no one has to know. I’ll either stay with Chuks or at a hotel,” he added. Tracy remained quiet, her head down, with tears in her eyes that she didn’t want Tobe to notice. She nodded and managed to say, “I understand.”
They went back inside as the garden grew dark.
“Aha! There are my lovebirds,” Tracy’s mum exclaimed. “Dinner is almost ready. Eat up and get filled, because you’re both flying back to Abuja tomorrow.” Tracy managed a smile while Tobe nodded in agreement.
