MENDED WINGS... episode 14

      Ella rushed out of the restroom to pick her ringing phone. She wiped her hands against her skirt and raised the phone to her ears. “Hello,” she said.
      “Mason’s bride, how’re you?” Evelyn, Ella’s aunt, said over the phone.
      “I’m fine. How’re you and the kids? How’s uncle? Hope you’re fine. Have they brought your goods?”
      “Ella, which of your questions should I answer first? Anyway, we’re all fine and my goods have been delivered. How is your husband?”
      “He’s fine.”
      “Hope you’re enjoying the moon.”
Ella smiled. “Yes.”
      “Sorry I had to disturb your moon. I just wanted to keep in touch. I’ve been restraining myself since four days ago, but now, I can’t any longer.”
       Ella laughed. “Just confess that you’re missing me.”
      “I’ll get used to your absence here with time. You’re in your home now. And I give God the glory.”
      “Thanks. I appreciate you more than you can ever imagine.”
      “So, how is your husband?”
      “You’ve asked about him before. He’s fine.”
      “Don’t mind me. I just want to be sure everything is fine.”
      “Everything is wonderful. Thanks for calling.”
      “Wait, Ella.”
      “Yes, I’m here.”
      “How’s the business of making babies?”
      “What?”
      “Yes, you know what I’m talking about.”
      “Is that what people do during honeymoon?”
      “Don’t feign ignorance.”
      Ella chuckled. “Auntie. That’s not the only thing one can do now. We play, talk, and catch fun and so on.”
      “Those are icing on the cake, not the cake itself. So answer my question. How’s it? ’Cause I can’t wait to back your baby.”
      She laughed again, this time louder. “Talking of babies already. Anyway the business is good and we are both doing great.”
      “I’m happy to hear to that. So, when will you be coming to visit?”
      “I’ll be resuming work next week Wednesday. I’ll drop by your place when returning.”
      “Alright, I’ll be expecting you. Tara, Tim, and their dad send their greetings.”
      “Tell them I love and miss them so much.”
      “Okay. Take care of yourself.”
      “You too, good bye.” She dropped the phone and sat on the edge of the bed, her head in her hands.
      Joel had been a wonderful man. He woke up early, prayed, and afterwards made breakfast for them every day since she’d married him. He treated her like a queen. They did everything together, from cleaning to washing, playing, praying, everything except bathing. If they weren’t doing a chore together, he was doing it alone. He was indeed the kind of man she’d ever wished for. But there was one thing bothering her. Something she’d been unsure to discuss with him. But at this junction, she couldn’t hold it no longer. She rose up and left the room.
      “Honey, there’s something I’d like us to talk about,” she said to Joel.
      Joel raised his head from the book he was reading to face her. “What? Can we discuss it here?”
      “Not in the study. It’s a bedroom talk.” She smiled.
      “Oh.” He dropped the book. “Can we talk about it later then?”
      “Yes, but I’d prefer now.”
      “Alright.” He smiled and stood up. “Let’s go.” They walked to the room and sat on the bed. “Here we are. I’m listening.”
      “Honey, I really want to thank you for being a wonderful husband. Thanks for bringing joy to my life. Thanks for taking care of me, thanks for everything.”
      “Sweetheart, you don’t need to thank me. I’m only doing my duty, which I have just started in fact. I love you. When I say that, I mean it.”
      Ella knelt down and held his knees. “Please forgive me if there’s anything I’ve done wrong.”
Joel pulled her off her knees onto the bed. “You’ve done me no wrong. Just tell me what is on your mind?”
      Ella whimpered and rubbed her eyes. “Why haven’t you touched me since we got married?”
      “Ella, I can’t count how many times I have touched you. I touch you always.” He rubbed his palm on her arms.
      “You know what I’m talking about. You haven’t slept with me since I got here.”
      “But we had an agreement to sanctify our marriage by praying and abstaining from sex for the first few days.”
      “Yes, but it was for the first three days we agreed on. We’ve been married for over one week. And you’ve ignored every of my move. If there’s something about me you don’t like, please tell me. How could I tell my aunt that you haven’t done that since we married? What do you think they’d say? I...”
      Joel eyes widened. “Are you thinking of telling your relatives about this already?”
      “No. I’m just saying.”
      “Okay. No problem.”
      “Is that all you’d say?”
      “What else do you want me to say?”
      “I want you to do something about it.”
      “Well, I’ve been taking my time because I didn’t want to rush you. But since you’ve mentioned it. Now I know you’re ready.”
     “Yes, I’m ready.” She lay her back against the bed.
     “Not right away. Do you think I don’t want it more than you do? I’ve just decided to take it cool with you.”
     “Maybe I’m tired of cool. Can you make it hot?”
     “I can’t rush myself. It’ll happen tomorrow night.”
     Ella puckered her lips and shook her head. “Tomorrow night it is then.”
     “Thanks for your understanding.”
     “I wish I could say the same.” She stood up and walked out of the room.
     “What’s wrong with you, Ella? Seriously you need to...” His voice trailed off. He sighed. Ella was angry with him for the first time.

♣♣♣♣♣♣

     Ella sighed, the umpteenth time, that night. She’d been waiting for Joel, who had himself locked in the bathroom for over half an hour. “Honey, what’s going on?” she said.
     “I’m coming.”
     “You’ve been saying that consistently. What are you doing in the bathroom since? Don’t think I’ll sleep off as usual. You can’t keep promising and failing. Tonight is your night.” She hissed.
     “You’re shouting, Ella. Don’t get me angry or else I won’t do anything tonight.”
     “Sorry. I’m quiet.”
     He opened the door and stepped out. He switched off the light bulbs and approached her.
     “Why off the light? I can’t even see.”
     “Your eyes will adapt. Moreover, there’s nothing to see. Use your mind.”
     “Switch on the green bulb at least.”
     “No light. It’ll make me feel more comfortable,” he said.
     “Alright. No problem.” Joel lay beside his wife and pulled the coverlet over them.