HAUNTING LIES.

Week after week, the love between Michael and Camille grew, so much to the extent that they hardly spend a day apart. When they are not together, they talk over the phone all day and exchange nude pictures to entertain each other, talking dirty and having phone sex. Camille is still waiting for her results and Michael is doing really well at his job.

He's on way downstairs, his briefcase in hand heading to work when he encounters his Mom setting the table for breakfast.

He stops to talk to her for a few minutes.

"Hi, Mom."

He says giving her a peck.

She beams happily at him radiating with pride at his usual punctuality for work.

"Good morning, son. How are you today? Ready for work I see."

"Yeah, I am all set. Where's dad?"

He asks looking around the house."

"He had to leave home early to go to the airport."

"Airport? Is he traveling?"

"He's not. The engineer said his jet needs some repairs so, he had to leave home early."

"Okay, I see. Mitch has left already I suppose."

"No. He's sleeping in today. He should come down soon."

"Okay, Mom. Tell him I said hi."

"Alright, I will. You ready for breakfast?"

"No, Mom. Camille would bring food over to the office for me."

"Hmmmmmmm, son. You know I don't know who Camille is yet."

"Patience Mom, you are going to meet her soon. We are still taking things slow for now."

"Who are you kidding? You have practically moved over to her place. You never thanked me for advising you to seek her out."

"Thanks, Mom, heaven knows that was the best advice you ever gave me."

"It all turned out well in the end, didn't it?"

"It sure did, Mom."

"Tell me, do you love her?"

He pulls out a chair and sits down on it.

"More than I ever thought possible. It's like I found the missing part of me in her."

"Really?"

She asks pulling out a chair to sit beside him.

"I almost can't believe this. My first son finally found love."

"I am surprised myself, I can't say for sure how or when it happened, but it did and I would always be grateful for that."

"Do you have serious intentions towards her?"

"I do but I don't know what's going to happen."

"Don't you see a future with her?"

"I sincerely do, it's just so complicated."

"What's complicated about it? Tell me, let's uncomplicate it."

He sighs in frustration, rubbing his palms together.

"I am scared to lose her, Mom. I really am."

"How?"

She asks concern etched over her face.

"Thing is she's a neurosurgeon who hasn't had her residency yet, she plans to have it outside the country. She wrote a qualifying exam and the results would be out soon. I am scared that if she leaves for years, I would lose her. I know I can always go visiting for sure, but out of sight may be out of mind for her. She's the only girl I have ever loved. I don't just know what to do. I can't possibly stand in the way of her dreams in fact, I am so proud of her, who wouldn't be? A part of me just doesn't want to let go."

"It's okay, son. It's not that difficult, support her dreams wholeheartedly, and let her make her decision. There's just one thing I want you to know, whatever is meant to be will be. If you are meant for each other, distance is the last thing that can stop your love."

"You sincerely believe that?"

"I do, have I ever lied to you? The only question I am going to ask you is, are you sure you can bear to wait for her?"

"As long as I have breath, I would wait for her if she's willing to have me."

"If she loves you as half as much as you love her, trust me, son, she's going to be willing to. You need to show her you have serious intentions though."

"How am I supposed to do that?"

With a twinkle in her eyes, she responds.

"You can't possibly expect me to spell it out for you."

His eyes widen in surprise upon deducing what she means.

"I am sure you don't mean what I think you mean."

"What do you think I mean?"

"You want me to propose to her?"

"I don't want you to, it's your decision. I can't tell you what to do."

"No way, Mom, it's too soon."

"Why is that?"

"Because our three months anniversary is only just coming up. We haven't been dating for that long."

She smiles in amusement.

"You are merely looking for excuses. Do you believe more time would change the way you feel about her?"

"Certainly not."

"Then what is the problem? If you feel she's the one you want to spend the rest of your life with, why not? Don't you see her in your future?"

"I do but it's too soon. If I do that and she asks for more time, I am going to look stupid."

"It's never too soon as long as it's the right person. I am not saying you should get married right away, I am only making a suggestion. Do you know your dad and I were married two weeks after we met? We both knew the moment we laid eyes upon each other that our lives would never be complete without the other. Look at us now, almost thirty years and we are still waxing strong."

"I don't know, Mom. I just don't know."

"I am not saying you should do it right away, think about it, and make a decision. It's your choice to make after all."

"I would think about it for sure."

"What's this I hear about a proposal?"

Mitch asks appearing in the dining room almost soundlessly. He's the younger version of Micheal, in looks and everything else except they have different personalities.

"How long have you been standing there eavesdropping?"

Michael asks smiling at his younger brother affectionately.

"I wasn't eavesdropping, I just happened to hear a few snippets of your conversation."

He says grinning mischievously.

"Morning Mom, hey bro."

"Good morning, Mitch. How was your night?"

Mrs. Akinseloyin acknowledges her younger son's greetings with motherly affection in her eyes.

"Hi, Mitch. You know you ought to stop sneaking around the house like a ghost?"

Michael says.

"I wasn't sneaking around. Who's the lucky girl anyway?"

Mitch responds taking his seat at the table.

"None of your business,"

Michael responds standing.

"I can't wait to meet the dame that finally tamed my wayward brother."

Mitch teases.

"Shut up and mind your business,"

Michael responds playfully.

"Gotta run Mom. I would talk to you later."

Mrs. Akinseloyin who has been watching the exchange between the two siblings affectionately stands to give Michael a hug and whisper in his ears.

"Think deeply about what I said."

"I will, Mom and thanks,"

Michael says returning her hug.

"See you later, Mitch."

"Yeah, sure,"

Mitch replies his mouth already stuffed with the food he helped himself to at the table.

"Take it easy on the food and be careful not to choke on it,"

Michael says grabbing his briefcase and exiting the house.

In the car, he pulls out his phone to call Camille, his eyes lighting up as the call connects and her melodious voice fills his ear.

"Hey, babe. How are you doing?"

"I am doing real good now that I hear your voice. Did you sleep well?"

"I did, babe."

"And did you dream of me? Cause I dreamt of you."

QqHe can almost envision her smile at his words.

"Why won't I dream of you? I would have restless dreams otherwise."

She says chuckling into the phone.

"That's very good. I am on my way to work now, and I was wondering if you could bring breakfast for me. That's if it won't be a bother."

"I already have your breakfast packed and ready to go. I should be at your office soon."

"Okay, babe. I can't wait to taste your delicious cooking again."

"Enough of the flattery, I would be there soon. Love you."

"I love you too."

He clicks off and drives out of the compound.

He is barely settled at his desk when Camille knocks and enters. He glowers at her as they perform the usual ritual of kissing and smooching.

"So, what do you have for me?"

He asks going round to his seat

"I made yamarita and there's a flask of tea in that bag for you."

She points to the bag she has set on the desk upon entry.

"You are so wonderful, babe. Have I told you how much I love you?"

"About a million times already. Although it wouldn't hurt to hear it again."

"Come here, let me show you just how much without words. Actions do speak louder than words after all."

He says motioning her towards him with his forefinger.

"I won't fall for that trap, I know how it's going to end already."

She shakes her head laughing hard.

"You want to make me beg?"

He asks wearing a look of false hurt.

"No can do. I have to run along to the eatery to supervise the delivery of some orders I made yesterday."

Standing, she moves around the desk to give him a quick kiss.

"Would you come over to the eatery for lunch?"

"As long as there's an extra something in it for me."

Winking at her, he grabs her butt before she moves out of his reach.

"No promises at all. Remember to bring the lunch bag when you are coming."

"Okay, babe I will. I love you."

He calls out to her departing figure.

"You too, babe."

Turning around to close the door, she blows him a kiss.

He shakes his head affectionately, taking his time to unzip the bag and take in the wonderful aroma of his breakfast. He uncovers the food and hurriedly wolfs it down, drinking his tea with it before clearing the desk to focus on his work.

LATER THAT DAY.

Michael makes his way to Camille's restaurant during his lunch hour with a grin plastered to his face, he is always like that whenever he has an appointment with her. Lord knows he felt so good.

He pulls in front of the restaurant, parking his car and checking himself in his rearview mirror. Satisfied that his hair was still in place and everything about him in order, he steps out of the car and enters the eatery.

He exchanges friendly greetings with the staff who have now become endeared to him since his relationship with their boss became known. He stops to ask of Camille from one of them and fellow informs him that she is in her office with her cousin.

With a groan, Michael tells his informant to let Camille know he is around and waiting for her in the eatery

He goes to take his seat uncomfortably at an empty table while the waiter goes to deliver his message. Why did that bitchy cousin of hers always have to be around to ruin his good mood? He thought to himself as he sights Camille coming towards him, her cousin in tow.

She takes her seat beside Michael and Lara takes the one opposite them watching them kissing with a look akin to disgust.

"Sorry babe, I asked Lara to join us, hope you don't mind. She's been bored sick alone at her place so I invited her over."

Camille quickly offers an explanation for Lara's presence.

"It's okay, babe."

He reassures her tightly.

Turning to Lara, he asks almost biting his tongue in concealed fury,

"How are you doing, Lara?"

"I am doing okay."

She replies throwing a look of disgust his way.

"Besides, I thought this would be an opportunity for the two of the most important people in my life to bond."

Camille continues oblivious to the hostility between them.

Michael grunts in reply and Lara pretends not to hear focusing instead on her phone.

"So, what do you guys want to have for lunch?"

They are about to reply without much enthusiasm when Camille raises up a finger to silence them seeing an incoming call on her phone.

"Hold that thought guys, I need to pick up this call, it's important."

Rushing out of the restaurant to pick her call, she leaves them both in uncomfortable silence.

Michael is the first to break the silence leaning closer to Lara and dropping his voice down several notches to avoid being overheard.

"What the fuck are you doing?"

Setting her phone down and twitching her lips, she chuckles dryly.

"What do you mean?"

"You very well know what I mean. How can you be like this?"

"Be like what? I am in my cousin's place so, what's the problem?"

"And does your cousin know you slept with her boyfriend?"

He asks sneering at her.

"Are you sure you want to go there? Cause last I remembered, you were not yet dating her when we slept together. I see you still haven't told her."

"What's the big deal if we slept together?"

"The big deal is you leaked my nude pictures online for the world to see. How can you show your face around here knowing what you did?"

Banging his fists on the table, he attracts a few curious glances from other customers causing him to keep his temper in check.

"I apologized to you for that, didn't I? You told me you had forgiven me. Why pull up this stunt now?"

Frowning quizzically at him, she smiles obviously enjoying his distress.

"What stunt? Is it a crime to have lunch with my cousin?"

"It's not a crime, but please try to make yourself scarce whenever I am around. I am sure you inserted yourself into our meeting cause she told you I was coming over. I love your cousin, please for the sake of our happiness, don't show your face whenever I am around. I am sorry for the heartache I caused you, and I would spend the rest of my life trying to make up for it if need be, just please stop showing your face around me."

He pleads agonizingly.

Unfazed by his pleas, she leers at him.

"Are you being serious? I should stop showing my face around you? If there's anyone who needs to stop showing their face, it's you. You are the one that should stay away completely from my cousin. I don't feel comfortable with you hanging around her."

"What do you want from me, Lara? I would do anything as long as you don't come in between what I have with Camille. I love her and she's all I have got? Can't you be happy for us?"

"I can't bring myself to be happy for you both one bit. I am tired of her taking everything that belongs to me."

"I do not belong to you, all we ever had was a one night stand. I am not yours and would never be. I just told you I love Camille, cast out all the hate in your heart, and be happy for us."

"I told you, Michael, I want to be with you. What happened between us was just fated to happen. If you really love Camille as you have said, why haven't you told her what happened between us? I know it's me you love, we just have to get to know each other better."

Taking his hands in hers from across the table, she gazes lovingly at him.

He recoils from her touch, snatching his hands away from her.

"Listen to me clearly, I do not love you and I never will if you were the last woman on earth? Don't you understand? What happened between us was a mistake I wish I could take back. You and I can never work out."

"That remains to be seen, you haven't even given us a chance yet."

"Are you daft?"

Catching himself quickly he apologizes.

"I am sorry, I didn't mean to say that. All I am saying is there can never be an us. Try to let that sink please."

He begs in frustration, inwardly wishing he could slap some sense into her. What wouldn't he give to take back that night? The unfortunate night when he met the devil sitting in front of him. She was on the brink of jeopardizing his newfound joy. If only he could reason with her. He thought to himself trying to restrategize watching the sly grin on her face.

"Then you leave me no choice."

"What do you mean?"

He asks his heart beating loudly in his chest dreading her answer.

"You leave me no choice than to tell Camille everything that transpired between us. I am sure she would love to hear all about your unique bed skills, and how you released my nudes barely days after. Let's see how well she's going to love you then."

She smirks in satisfaction at the look of panic on his face.

"You wouldn't dare."

"I would, Michael except you come to your senses and be with me."

Trying to change tactics and bluff his way out, he begins to fume.

"Why would I want to be with a gold digger like you? Why are you trying to blame all this on me? You were the one that threatened to tell everyone we had sex if I didn't give you money when it didn't even mean a thing."

He says finally losing his patience.

"I did you a favor by releasing your nudes and giving you the five seconds of publicity you needed. What's your fucking problem you stupid cunt? I remember paying you for your services. So, why are you so stuck up on me you dumb bitch? I am tolerating all these trash you are saying out of respect to your cousin otherwise, I know the best way to shut your stinky mouth up for good. You could go missing never to be found again in a couple of hours. I could arrange to have a terrible accident happen to you just like this."

He says snapping his fingers. Realizing he has said too much, he suddenly keeps his mouth shut.

Smiling triumphantly, she holds her phone high in her hand.

"Thank you for all you just said. I have just sent a copy of our recorded conversation to a very good friend of mine for evidence if anything happens to me. You might not end up in jail but I am sure the press would have a field day with this. Perhaps, Camille would finally know what you are capable of."

"Damn it! Look, I didn't mean all I said, I was just bluffing. I am sorry, Lara. What do you want? Money? I would give you, just name your price. Don't take what I said serious please."

He pleads with an urgency in his voice when he sees Camille coming towards them.

"I don't want your money, not anymore. All I want is you and that's final. I suggest you take time to think about it and get back to me."

She concludes standing on her feet to talk to Camille who is now at the table.

"I am sorry cuz, I gotta run, something just came up. Maybe we can do this another time."

Wearing a fake smile, she hugs a disappointed Camille. Turning to Michael, she smiles brightly.

"I can't wait to finish our conversation, I really look forward to it."

Making sure he sees it, she holds her phone high passing a message and walking out of the restaurant, her head held high.

Sliding back into the seat beside Michael, she rests her head on his shoulder for comfort.

"The wait is really killing me."

"What wait?" He asks distractedly.

"The call I just got was an international one. I called earlier to inquire if the results of my examinations into the residency program were out yet, it turns out it isn't. I have been told to wait a few more months. I just have to stay hopeful right?"

She nudges Michael who appears to be focused on something else.

"What's wrong? You are not even listening to me."

"I am sorry. I was just trying to remember if I locked the door to my office."

He says beaming at her.

"What were you saying?"

"Never mind that, I would tell you all about it later. Before I forget, what conversation was Lara saying she can't wait for you to finish? What were you discussing?"

"Nothing much really. We were just getting to know each other."

"I like that. Maybe I should organize another lunch or maybe even dinner among us."

"No, not yet. Speaking of getting to know each other, what's the deal with Lara?"

"Deal? What deal? I don't understand."

"I mean she's your cousin sure, but why is she almost always around you? You are usually with her when we are not together. How close are you two?"

Wearing a somber look, she sighs.

"She's not only my cousin, she's my best friend too and we love each other like sisters."

"I understand that, but why does she always have to be around you?"

"You don't understand, babe, she has been through quite a lot. She's a fighter and I admire her spirit. I'm sort of like her support system and we look out for each other.

"What has she been through?"

"An incident happened when we were much younger, it shook the very core of our lives, and we have been close since then."

"What happened? You can tell me you know?"

"What's your interest in Lara? Why are you always asking about her?"

"I am just trying to get to know her, she's your best friend after all. You can tell me what happened, I am always here for you and I would keep whatever you tell me a secret."

"It's not a secret as such, I just don't like to talk about it. There's nothing I can't tell you, you are the other half of me. Okay here it goes, her father is the elder brother while mine is the younger. I don't really know how it came to be, but my father has always been richer than hers and he worked for my father in his company. They used to love each other so much that her dad had shares in the company."

Listening with rapt attention, he nods.

"Yes, go on."

"Turns out her father has been embezzling from the company account to fund his extravagant lifestyle. My father found out when the company was almost on the verge of bankruptcy. He was broke and devastated by the betrayal that he got his brother arrested, but he had to drop the charges against him when the pleas were too much from family. Anyway, he forced him to give over his shares and leave in shame."

"That's serious. I am sorry your family had to go through that."

"That's not all, I guess the shame and embarrassment made him fall into depression before eventually developing a stroke. He hardly even talks now, actually, they don't talk to each other anymore. My father had to toil to build the company back all again to restore it to its former glory. Lara had it the hardest, she was ashamed of what her father had done that she stopped snowing her face around. I was there for her and pulled her out of the shell she retreated into. To show her, he didn't despise her for what her father did, my father paid her fees throughout the university. He even tried to get her a job which she refused out of pride I suppose, she does petty jobs now and then to get by. The moral of the story is we didn't let what transpired between our parents affect our relationship. We have been as thick as thieves ever since."

"Wow! I don't even know what to say to all that. Do you think she feels the same way about you?"

"Of course she does. We don't talk about what happened, but deep down it kind of shaped our relationship with each other. Why do you ask?"

"Nothing, I just asked. So, you believe she can never do anything to hurt you?"

"I can't even bear to think of that, she would never hurt me."

"I have a question for you."

"Yeah, fire on."

"If push came to shove, who would you choose? Me or Lara?"

"You shouldn't ask me that cause I honestly don't know. That's how much I love her. I can't bear to lose either of you."

"So, no matter what she does, you would always love her?"

"Sure, no doubt. Enough of that, let's have lunch. We have wasted enough time already."

"I am sorry, babe, I lost my appetite. My lunch hour is almost over, I should get back to work."

He draws her closer smooching her with kisses when he sees the look of sadness on her face.

"Don't be like that, I would make it up to you soon. I really have to go though."

"Alright, babe. Are you coming over tonight?"

Pushing himself to his feet, he nods.

"Sure I would come over. You gotta let me pass now."

He says smiling at her.

She returns his smile and stands up for him to pass. Seeing him off to the door, she kisses him deeply finally releasing him reluctantly.

"I love you, babe."

"Love you too."

He says walking out of the restaurant, deep in thought.