Day: February 27, 2022

Shades Of Lust
By Elton Nana Amoah Jnr

Final Episode – “The Dinner”

All along I thought, the problem was my brother and someone was behind her death not knowing, it was a suicide.

“Why are you now bringing this up?” I asked “I even got arrested for this and now my brother is behind bars for a crime he knows nothing about. “

“I just got hold of it, when I was going through her things.” Ampofo answered. “Look, I know I have messed up a lot, Ruth and…”

I wasn’t ready to hear it. He can keep it to himself for all I care.

“You can save that. That’s not what I want to hear right now” I said, shutting Ampofo down
“The police must get hold of this. We can’t waste anymore time”

“I’m on it” AK said. “ As we speak, The detective and I will be meeting in an hour and I can assure you that your brother will be out by the end of the day”

That was a relief to hear and indeed I trusted AK’s words. Again my emotions came over riding my thoughts.

“That’s a wonderful family you have here” I said.

“Thank you Ruth.” AK said “ I’m sorry I didn’t come clean to you but I promise I will explain everything to you once this is over”

“Well I guess we all have explanation to do” Ampofo said. At this point everything about him was just irritating me.

The only thing I could think of was being alone. The whole thing was practically too much for me.

If Vanessa only would have confided in me, things would have been different and probably she would have been alive now.

The third task on the psychologist list was for me to be able to forgive myself and open up my emotions.

I recalled some of her words – “it’s okay to be hurt because you are in love but when we get hurt, our scars should remind us that we are vulnerable when our emotions are open however when we choose to lock up those emotions, we don’t only damage ourselves but the people around us”

I found myself on the beach, thinking through this words. I felt she was right. What was the point if I hold back. I need not to be afraid of what I feel but instead, I should be afraid of what I am capable of doing when I don’t open up.

And that is what Vanessa did. She didn’t open up to talk about what she was going through and not only did she damage herself, she damaged everyone around her.

Whiles pondering on this at the cozy beach I heard someone called me from behind.

“Madam Ruth”

I turned to see it was, the least I expected, Barista.

“What are you doing here and how did you find me here “ I asked.

“I’m sorry Madam. I’ve been following you around. I wanted to have a word with you” he said.

“My family and I have decided to settle down in Nigeria and I’m very much aware that you know the relationship between your brother and I. I’m not proud of it but I think me leaving will be the best option. Kindly let him know, I came to say goodbye” Barista said.

He didn’t wait for me to say anything more. Once his message was clear, he was already on his way.

The sun was setting and I was still at the beach lost in my own thought when suddenly I heard my phone ring.

It was Vanderwal. He has been released and was already at home waiting for me. For a long time in awhile, I was super excited and I felt this was the perfect moment to execute the fourth and final task of the psychologist list.

I quickly went home and just what I expected my brother was there however, I wasn’t really expecting to see Ampofo and AK too.

To my surprise, they had set a dinner table and were all seated waiting for me. Just when I saw my brother. I hugged him and all he could say was thank you. His smile was bright and beautiful and had sparkled up his face.

Ampofo and AK had already told him about what Vanessa did and somehow he was relieved from harboring those secrets.

On my left was AK and my Right was Ampofo. My brother sat across me. He took up the wine glass and got ready to offer a toast.

“Before, I offer my toast, i think we have something to say to each other and I believe this the time.” He said

“Fine, I will go first.” Ampofo said. “I was foolish. I know. My relationship with Vanessa was close to perfect but I was just messing around on social media and that’s where i met Ruth.

I didn’t know you and Vanessa were friends and to be honest I don’t take delight in what happened to Vanessa. And I feel part of it. I’m sorry Ruth but I just can’t turn back the hands of time.”

I didn’t say a word. I took out the psychologist list and checked out task Two which was “Forgiving the one who hurt you most” and that person was no other than Ampofo.

Everyone was curious to know why i was doing that but no one had the balls to even ask. I guess I was the man in here after all.

“Ampofo, I guess we all have our shortcomings.” I said “I forgive you but it will be hard for me to forget. All the same, I’m okay”

“I guess I’m next.” AK said.

“I really don’t want to hear it. “ I stopped him.
“You‘ve already made amends by bailing out my brother and I”

Having said that, I checked out the first task on the psychologist list that was “Forgive the one you love most” and that was indeed AK.
I was left with the fourth and last.

Indeed, that task was not something I saw coming. It was a personal request from my psychologist AJ and that was “Help me go out on a date with your brother”

I had already called her, and she was on her way to my place. Apparently, she developed some kind of interest in my brother during one of our sessions where we actually spoke at length about him.

She didn’t disappoint. AJ joined the dinner and before I could formally introduce my brother to her, they had found a subject matter and was laughing at it during the entire dinner. I know my brother, he doesn’t laugh out loud with a lady unless he likes the lady and I guess that was what was happening.

I climaxed the dinner by getting myself intoxicated with wine. I did that deliberately though.

I didn’t even know I had passed out. I only woke up around 10 AM at the sound of plates clinging to each other and giggles coming from the kitchen.

I wore my morning coat and headed to the kitchen and guess what, It was Vanderwal and AJ doing the dishes together. Apparently those two had spent the night together.

Love really goes where love is. I found myself smiling.

So I must say, this diary did had a happy ending for the people around me but not really me.

Finding love for myself was something I was still opened to and hoped that in no time, I may find one- I wasn’t desperate though but I was just hoping to find one.

THE END!!!

Shades Of Lust
By Elton Nana Amoah Jnr

Episode Twelve (12) – “Pain and Agony”

What the hell was he doing here? I asked myself.

Ampofo looked surprised to see me and coincidentally, he is also the second task on the psychologist list.

“What a surprise to see you here” AK asked.

“Well, we have my brother to thank for that, and how the hell do you two know each other” I asked.

“Why would you ask that question. I’m more into this case than you think” AK said.

Miz T, felt lost about the whole thing and all she had to do was excuse herself with her son leaving me with my two so called lovers.

“Anyway, you got to pull some strings and bail my brother out. He has been arrested for the murder of Vanessa….” I said

“We know that” Ampofo interrupted. “We were planning to see you though. There’s something you need to know about your friend’s demise”

“He’s right. I think you should sit down and listen to this” Ak said.

I immediately sat down and Ampofo brought out a phone. I immediately recognized that it was that of Vanessa.

He pressed a button and placed it on a table for me to listen to a recording that Vanessa did before she died.

“If you are listening to this, then I guess I’m no more” – From recorded Voice

I immediately noticed it was Vanessa’s voice. I kept on listening attentively.

“I have lived my life in full smiles. Smiles that covered the true pains I felt within. Pains and agony that was built on a foundation of love. It was my love that brought me this pain.

“My first Love, who happened to be my best friend’s step brother – Vanderwal, treated me like a queen and respected me for the woman that I am.

Until I betrayed his trust and cheated on him with Ampofo. And that was enough to bring out the beast in him. He beat me up out of the pain I put him through.

He couldn’t take it any longer. I damaged him beyond repairs.

He then decided to move on with life and live abroad. All because of me, he couldn’t take the pains of loosing me that he got himself into drugs.

He swore never to tell anyone about what I did to him. He felt I was his weakness. I wasn’t proud of what I did, I had been living with this guilt till now.

I thought my friend was deliberately dating Ampofo just because she wanted to avenge what I did to his brother but again I was wrong.

I put my friend in pains just because I was selfish. I am the problem and I don’t think I can even forgive myself for this. I can’t anymore, that’s why I’m choosing to end this.

I’m sorry that I have to take everyone close to me through pains. It’s all over now. I’m ending it all.

I don’t deserve to be among the living.” – Recorded Voice.

Tears rolled down my cheeks. How could She have done that. All along I thought, the problem was my brother and someone was behind her death not knowing, it was a suicide.

Shades Of Lust
By Elton Nana Amoah Jnr

Episode Eleven (11) – “Lover’s Clash”

The next thing I heard was the shot of a gun which quickly followed by a short scream that was very familiar with my brother’s voice.

I quickly rushed to the back door only to see that Vanderwal have been cuffed by the police led by Detective Ama.

Apparently, my brother tried escaping but the police fired a warning shot and out of fear he screamed.

There was little I could do. I urged Vanderwal to tell the police the truth surrounding Vanessa’s death and this caught Detective Ama’s attention.

“Is there anything you want me to do before I put you behind bars” She asked my Brother.

“Go on, tell her” I urged.

“I’m not the killer you looking for. You have the wrong guy. It’s our gardener Barista” Vanderwal said.

“Well, he is a matter of interest in this case and he is on our radar. As a matter of fact, my investigation will prove your innocence or not but for now, you are our prime suspect” she said.

They drove off together with my brother in their car.

I need to get my brother out. That was not his place. He is doing everything best to rewrite his wrong and the only person he can count on is me and no one else.

To help my brother meant I needed to involve the very one I thought of avoiding – My Ex – AK.

And guess what, he is the first task on my psychologist list. I guess I have to kill two birds with one stone.

I made a quick visit to the police station to see my brother who gave me all the details and how i could locate AK.

The very next day, I was on my way to see him. Meeting AK could trigger my vulnerability but I knew I had to be stronger.

I have to be strong and fight for my brother’s freedom. I have to be strong and make sure I bring justice to whoever murdered my best friend and lastly I had to be strong for myself.

It was a beautiful compound embellished with beautiful sunflower garden.

I walked towards the door and pressed the doorbell. In no time, a young boy came to answer the door. He should be about 8 years and indeed he had the resemblance of AK.

There was no doubt that, that could be his son. There was only one way to find out.

“Hello dear, how are you” I asked the young boy.

“I’m fine.” He responded politely.

“Is your father there? “ I asked

Then he nodded. Just then I heard a female voice calling the young boy.

“Felix, Felix, how many times do I have to warned you not to answer the door” She said and eventually came to the door where I was.

She was gorgeous. That must be his wife.

“Hi, how may I help you” She asked.

“My name is Ruth, I’m after AK, whom I believe is your husband” I answered

“Oh yes, you are right. He actually have a visitor, but you can come in” She said.

I must admit, this lady was really nice and welcoming.

“I’m Debby Tagoe, my friend calls Mis T. I’m sure we may have to be friends since you are friends with my husband” She said.

Right there I knew She was a talker. After a quick handshake, she went in to call her husband.

AK came out and to my surprise, Ampofo also followed him.

What the hell was he doing here? I asked myself.

To be Continued.

Shades Of Lust
By Elton Nana Amoah Jnr

Episode Ten (10) – “The Siren”

I got stunned by his words. I didn’t see this coming.

“How do you expect me to believe that” I asked.

“You still don’t get it, do you? Vanderwal said.
“He threatened to get raid of her when I was trying to make things right between you two. He got it all wrong. But I took his threats for granted and I feel I’m to be blamed for all this because I saw it coming.”

“How did you even get yourself involved with Barista? I didn’t know you to be that type” I asked.

The moment this question popped up, my step brother took a deep breath and asked me to sit down.

He pulled the coffee table closer and sat on it, right across me.

“You may have to listen and listen carefully.” He said.
“Mum’s last words before she died was for me to protect you and that’s what I have been doing always.

We all have our flaws and mine was my abusive nature. And when the opportunity came for me to travel abroad, I thought that will help me battle with that nature of mine.

I saw myself among bad company and soon I became a drug addict. My addiction was so severe that I used every single dime I earned to buy drugs.

Not that I wanted to, but my addiction was just not controllable. I ran into debts that I couldn’t just pay. My life was in danger, I only had a week to finish off my debts or I will be killed if possible.

Of course, my debtor gave me another option and In returned, I will get all the drugs I wanted and also everything I owed will be forgiven. And the option was to sleep with him.

Not once, not twice but it happened severally. Not that I wanted to, but I didn’t see any other option. My life was in danger.

Somehow, someone within our gang snitched me to the police that I was doing drugs. Eventually I was arrested and got deported.

So you see, I didn’t come back at my own will, I was deported. I thought my troubles would have stayed in the states but it came along with me.

I found myself now wanting to sleep with men and that’s how come I got hooked with Barista. “

Just when he was about to finish. We heard the police siren coming in. They were close by.

I had to protect my brother and we both knew they were coming after him. I told him to use the back door while I try to lure them away ones they coming knocking at the door.

I quickly run towards the front door while Vanderwal tried to escape through the back door.

The next thing I heard was the shot of a gun which quickly followed by a short scream that was very familiar with my brother’s voice.

This can’t be good.

To be Continued