“I am awake now,” I repeated with a yawn. “No you are not!” Jasmine reiterated and put a hot cup of scalding coffee in my hands. “Yikes! Jasmine, that is not nice,” I yelped petulantly. “At least you are awake now, where the hell does Kaycee get the nerve to talk to me about men?” Jasmine asked, her anger fuelled by my seemingly lethargic moves to sit up. “Kaycee should f**king stay outta my business,” she stated infuriated. “Tsk, tsk, tsk what’s with the swear words this morning Jaz?” I asked calmly giving Jasmine a baleful look. It took me forever to calm Jasmine. As she spoke, she paced up and down to the point that I got dizzy and asked her to put a muzzle on it. Jasmine showed no sympathy after my explanation, she still felt Kaycee was way out of line.

The week was hectic; after Warien Rose Foundation’s Domestic Violence Anonymous Meeting; the support group I run on domestic violence. I still had to prepare for the ‘White Ribbon Walk’ (Men speaking up against domestic violence) and ‘Parental Seminar’ in Festac Town and Ajegunle. Thanks to the invite by Sola Fakorede, Festac Town Residence Association Chairman and the Community Development Committee Chairman Ajeromi Ifelodun; Olatunde Balogun. “Sleeping at work?” I heard an all too familiar voice.

Rick as usual walked in unannounced. Sighing, I opened my eyes reluctantly. I needed that five minutes sleep, it was the type that gripped you and caught you unawares and if care is not taken you might forget to close your mouth while sleeping. I hope my mouth wasn’t open when he came in, I grimaced. When we were younger, we would mischievously put a morsel of bread or pour quinine syrup in the mouth of the unsuspecting victim. Of course we always got a good hiding for our unrepentant feat. But we did it again and again.

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I smiled in nostalgia as I remembered the fun and laughter. “I would definitely like to know what’s going on in that beautiful head of yours, mio cara. Mi rendi felice ho, bisogno di te, baciami,” Rick said walking towards me, his intention clearly showing on his face. This means; ‘you make me happy, I need you, kiss me’ I quickly stood up and backed off towards the bathroom door as he advanced; excitement and confusion written boldly on my face as my heart threatened to beat right out of my chest. “Miss Tobs, I am sorry for interrupting but you have often said when it has to do with the ‘Janes’ I must inform you immediately.

Georgina will like to see you and she says it is urgent,” Debbie, my secretary said looking away in embarrassment from my no doubt dishevelled appearance. “Saved by your secretary,” Rick whispered in my ears before letting me go, sending shivers down my spine. “Be ready for 7.00pm tonight, we are having dinner,” he said in his usual arrogant fashion with complete disregard for Debbie’s presence, my time or activity for later in the day. He was gone within seconds after planting a swift kiss on my parted lips as I made to protest. Debbie later ushered in poor Georgina (not real name) who was already in tears.

You must be wondering who ‘the Janes’ are, they are the female victims of domestic violence; the support group is run anonymously so the female victims do not disclose names, age, location, work etc and so are considered “Jane Doe’s like in the American movies; a person without identity while the male counterparts are ‘John Doe’s. “Georgina, what is the matter?” I asked in concern as I led her to my sofa. “He threatened to kill himself in front of my sister’s house today if I don’t return to his house,” she said in between sobs. “What!” I exclaimed. This is a new twist to this charade; from threat of acid bath, to kidnapping, now this? Georgina’s husband is truly a sick man and I will deal with him, I vowed silently. ‘It’s ok sweet, you are safe with me now,” I said soothingly. It is time to go on the offensive; I am tired of doing defence.