Mr Hugh's POV

I had received a call from an unknown person that morning saying they knew where my ex-wife was.

Well, we never divorced but I can't call her my wife. We had lots of problems before she disappeared and it's been 6 years now. I mean six years is a long time, I have needs as a man but I denied myself all that for my children.

I had already decided to start again and then this, I knew I couldn't tell my children. They were young and would get their hopes up only to have them crushed especially Emily who was the closest to her.

I remember we had fought before she left. I loved her the best way I could, but she only saw my flaws. I'm not a very easy person to get along with, I'll admit that, but still, no one is perfect.

I still find it hard to say her name. The unknown caller's voice kept ringing in my head," I know where Elfreda is."

I couldn't think straight throughout and I kept making mistakes at work. I decided to take the rest of the day off. I tried calling the number but it wasn't going through.
That moment when you know there's nothing you can do, it's frustrating.

I visited all our favourite places (me and my Nikita), I still remember my pet name for her, she always blushed and called me JB. I don't know why she called me that, but she always said it was her little secret. Later that day I decided to take my children home rather than let them go with the school bus, I had a feeling we were being watched; we had to stick together.

I received a lot of "Good afternoon Mr Hugh" from the teachers of Bradford High School and "hello sir" from some students. A bit fake and some flirting looks from female teachers.

I decided to meet the principal, Mr George Hamilton. He greeted me like we were bosom friends. He was like,
"Jacob boy how are you doing? why have you stopped visiting me ?" I felt awkward but I knew the reason for all the friendliness. He wanted something.

This was the same attitude he had when he had asked me to design a spyware app for him it was for no charge he wanted free labour otherwise he won't approach me. Well, I knew my onions well and I was done with that work in an hour. He was so happy that day that he hugged me. I felt very uncomfortable at that moment.

Knowing him I made sure to be on my toes all through so I wouldn't be deceived. He started by telling me he'd give me a tour around the school because I am a dignified parent of this great school.

I mentally whined but I went with him. He kept talking about how the school needed new chairs, the walls were having cracks, students writing on the beautiful paintings and stuff like that and then it dawned on me what he wanted.

It was either he wanted financial assistance from me or he thought I knew a contractor, painter and furniture designer. Is this man serious?

I pretended to start coughing, nice try but I wasn't falling for this again. I then excused myself.

After some time I came out of the guest's convenience and told him I wanted to see my daughter now. He quickly granted my request and gave me a card with his signature which allowed me to roam the school undisturbed.

Usually, this was prohibited but I guess he was playing all his cards now to make sure his baseless efforts won't be futile. I mean we paid all sorts of levies.

Maintenance and damages were covered and once in a while the government sent funds to them yet he wanted more money. Such a greedy man.

I soon found her class and she was presenting, I didn't want to disturb her so I stayed by the door and watched. I was so happy I could watch my daughter present her project.

Mr Novalanche had seen me and he smiled very weirdly.

This was the only teacher's name I knew because of the weird vibe he gives me. I was about to go check on James when I heard something that shattered me,  she claimed to be African-American. I was broken.

It reminded me of the time Elfreda had denied me. I didn't have this job then. I had all the qualifications but no connection so I was working at a chocolate sweet shop named "Lolly's Smitten" My boss was a friendly misses my Nikita often got jealous, but there was nothing between us.

I was sent to deliver some Toblerone to a firm. I recognised that was my wife's place of work. It was a fashion firm. I made sure I was well dressed and then I took a cab there, I showed the security men my business ID then they let me in.

As I was dropping the package I saw my Nikita and I unconsciously smiled and waved at her. I heard her colleagues ask her if she knew me but she said she had never seen me and maybe I was Enchanted by her beauty.

My smile dropped and, she denied me. I had done everything for her. It was because of rethought that I could be in America. Her mom was American but that was it. Her parents were late.

I was the one who submitted all her CVs and papers for this job. I spent more time finding a nice job for her than on myself. I silently left the building.

She came back home late that day and talked with me like nothing happened. I poured out my anger on her. Through words, I don't beat women she wept and apologized. She probably didn't know I heard her. I loved her so much, being me I quickly hugged her and forgave her.

Before I knew what was happening I was walking into Emily's class and before I could hold myself I slapped her. I didn't want to do that but lots of pent-up emotions which had been buried within were stirred and poured out.

Emily looks a lot like her mother and I always wanted my children to be proud of being Nigerians who hail from Calabar.

I wasn't going to show her I regretted it so I quickly told her to get her brother and bags and meet me in the car anyways the class was almost over and that was the last period so she could come with me now.

*****Lagos, Nigeria
Unknown POV
"Your test results sir"

"Thank you". I quickly read through I t, it was negative. A sigh of relief escaped my mouth and I gazed at the white ceiling to reflect on my next action.

*****Back to Minnesota
I kept wondering in my mind, how I was going to solve these matters, which was worse, my daughter denying the Calabar origin or the fact that my missing wife may ... RETURN

...................................................... ...............

So this is chapter three, I want to know what you think

Thank you for the support everyone

I want to know your opinion in this situation,who do you think is more justified,

A. Emily

B. Mr Hugh

C. Or are they both justified in thein way

PLEASE comment

There's an unknown speaker in this chapter😄 . In due time you'll meet her or him.
Any clues?

Just click that star below😘