My Instagram Love

Episode 4

I bulged my eyes in utter shock. The resemblance was so glaring, I could even picture their genes in front of my eyes. The cute little girl possessed the same dark hair, full eyebrows, slightly brown eyes, pointed nose and attractive cheekbones as Tunde’s features appeared on the screen. And to think she even called him ‘daddy’ baffled me the most. I just sat right there, staring at the laptop’s screen, unable to say a word.
“Alice, I thought I told you to stay in the living room?”

“Yes, daddy, but I was bored. I felt so lonely in there.” She said in her defense, pouting her lips in a very cute way. She looked so beautiful and innocent. She had big bright eyes unlike Tunde’s small brown eyes, and she possessed what most people would call a ‘round neck’ and a spotless ebony skin. Perfection would be the appropriate word that best describes Alice’s appearance. So small and fragile yet unapologetically beautiful. I was charmed.

“Go back in there.”
“But daddy–”
“No buts.” Tunde interrupted her before she could say anything else. “I want you to go back to the living room. Don’t be a stubborn girl.”

“Daddy I want to see her. Please.” Alice’s voice was as calm as a pure white dove. “Is she the one you’ve been telling me about?”
Reluctantly, Tunde sighed and said, “Yes. She’s the one.”

“Wow.” Alice stopped hiding behind the office chair and came into full view, squinting her eyes into the screen in order to have a proper look at my face. “She’s even prettier in person. Good morning, ma.”
To say I was speechless would be an understatement. I had barely gotten over the shock of the fact that my supposed Prince Charming has a daughter, yet here she was, right in front of my screen, greeting me. What was I supposed to say to a child who I never even knew exists in the first place? I pondered, trying to form coherent words out of my trembling mouth.

“Good morning, Alice.”
“Wow. She even knows my name.” Alice grinned excitedly, glancing at her father’s face. “Did you tell her my name, daddy?”
Tunde shook his head in response, avoiding to look directly into his laptop’s screen. “No. I didn’t.”

“Then who did?”
“I heard it just now when your dad asked you a question, Alice.” I replied quickly on Tunde’s behalf. “You sound as if you know so much about me already. How’s that possible?”

“Well, my daddy stalked you for three whole months, ma.” The little girl laughed cheerfully, looking at her father’s face. “During that period, my daddy–”
“That’s enough, Alice.” Tunde cut in again with a frown in place, pointing at the door. “Go back to the living room. I don’t want you staying here any longer than you already have.”

“Daddy–”
“Now, Alice!” He ordered without sparing her a glance. With a sad look etching upon her face, Alice curtsied and walked away until she was finally out of sight. For some weird reasons, I felt sad for her but there was nothing I could do about it. I just had to respect her father’s decision and watch her leave the room as she had been instructed.
“With all due respect, sir, you were too harsh on that girl.” Jessica who had been quiet all along, finally spoke, pursing her lips. Then she added: “All she just wanted was a little of your time. Is that too much to ask for?”

Tunde sighed again, attempting to say something but seemed to be lost for words. He stayed silent instead. Guilt, uneasiness and restlessness would be the actual words that best describes his reactions and facial expressions so far. I could tell he was far from having a clear conscience and that he had no peace of mind at that moment. He could barely even look into the screen unlike before, due to how bad he was feeling about his wrongdoing.
“Hey, Tunde.”

He hesitated a bit before raising his head and then transferred his gaze elsewhere, still retaining epic silence.

“Tunde.” I called his attention again. “Please, look at me.”
He adhered, sighing for the umpteenth time. “I can explain.”

“No, no, no. There’ll be no need for that.” I assured him softly, forcing a smile. “You owe me no explanation whatsoever. This is your personal life so I understand if you choose to keep it off the grid. I’m not entitled to know everything concerning your family ’cause I’m still a stranger to you. I haven’t earned your full trust yet. I get it.”