ABUSED. Chapter 10

We started our life together. I expected my parents to call to rebuke me but the call never came
 Freedom felt really nice even though  I missed my uncle and his wife. On December 14th, Kayode wanted to treat me to something nice and since he didn't like most of my clothes, we agreed to go cloth shopping.

He tagged along and as soon as he started picking which boutiques to enter, I knew getting something I  wanted was a lost battle. He picked out the clothes he wanted me to try on and handpicked the ones we eventually got.  He ignored my dissatisfied look at first but when he noticed I wasn't even making an effort to mask it, he came up with a ridiculous explanation.

"Since I'm the only one that sees you everyday asides the mirror, it's only fair that you wear the clothes I choose. Especially since I'm paying for them."

We got home tired, took a shower together and made love all evening. I slept and by the time I woke up, I opened the closet to see that our clothes were folded very neatly and sorted by category and color. The jeans on one side, gowns and shirts hanged,  pant trousers and casual tops folded immaculately. I was normally a very rough person and was sure that by the next weekend, everything would be a mess again. I soon learnt that it wasn't acceptable at all. The next day was a Sunday and we put the house in perfect order. Our home was finally coming along together.



That night,  he made me arrange my handbags and shoes based on color and size, taught me how to iron clothes and fold them neatly. It was the first time I  realized how different our upbringing must have been. I wasn't spoilt but I wasn't overworked either; I gained admission into the University before I really started doing anything for myself. I wasn't sure I would be able to live up to his expectations and when I voiced out my fears, he shrugged it off.

"Don't worry baby, I'll teach you everything you need to know and I promise to be patient without getting angry."

I found his statement off but didn't think much of it. All I cared about was that I was happy about my new found freedom. There were no rules, no boundaries -  at least that's what I thought. Later that night when he checked his work mails, he got enraged. Apparently his boss was traveling for a month and he was left to be in charge of the office. That meant longer working hours, stressful supervision of other workers and no control over how he spent his time.

"That'd be too much pressure and time consuming," I said quietly.

"Yes now, I was really excited about spending all the time we have together and now this comes up," He sighed irritatingly before going slack with resolve. "It will be fine. I have you now to clean the house, cook and wash. That will free up some of my time."

I didn't like the sound of his suggestion and blinked rapidly in realization of what he was asking me to do.
"But I'll be busy with work too,"  I chose my words carefully not to make him angry.

He pulled me on his lap, his irritation long forgotten and promised me that things would work out; that it was only temporary and he was sure I would juggle it out fine. He kissed me longingly.
"I love you so much and I'm glad we're together."

That got me. I would have done anything for him at that moment, wanting to make him happy very badly. I needed to remain the woman of his dreams. The following morning was Monday and we woke up early to get dressed for work. He was dressed tastefully and my heart soared in my chest at how good he looked. When he finished dressing up, he pulled me into his arms and kissed me on the lips.

"Go to work now. I expect you home right afterwards and want dinner to be ready by 7pm. Maybe you can make spaghetti and fish sauce. That can't be too stressful. I love you."

I went to the market straight after work and bought ingredients I needed for cooking. It felt liberating as the whole time with my uncle, his wife cooked for the family. The last time I really looked for myself was during my service year but this time was different. I didn't get home till 7pm though but I got to work immediately, turning up the music and dancing lightly.

My high spirits were short lived. Just before 8:30pm, Kayode arrived home and from the slamming of the door, I knew things didn't go well at work. His whole face was dark and he looked stressed and tense. I asked him about what happened and he said his colleagues were very uncooperative, the assigned works were messed up and all the blame was on him.

"Everything will work out. I'm sure it's because they aren't used to the change yet," I tried to get him to ease up. He followed me back into the kitchen and went rigid as he scanned the messy kitchen. "Come on baby, help me with the plates."

The blow was so unexpected that it knocked me off my feet. It was below my breast, knocking all the air out of my lungs  and I tried hard to breath again. I looked on shocked and confused as he started shouting.

"Look at this mess, everywhere is so dirty and rough," It wasn't until that moment that it finally clicked. Kayode loved having control of everything; even how clean everything was. He was obsessively neat.

I wasn't quick enough and a kick to my stomach followed. I cried out and quickly rose to my feet. I ran inside the room and locked the door behind me. I only left the room when I heard the door slam shut; signifying that he already left the house. Before he returned, I had taken care of myself and cleaned the kitchen till I saw my reflection on the tiled counter top.