BROKEN

17. BROKEN

'Every decision comes with a bountiful reward, which could make or mar you'

NICK POV

The cosy chilling breeze slap through my face as I step on the gear sending shivers down my skin. Light thunder rumble in the distance with a hint of downpour occurring soon, the feels should most commonly have me snuggle under the safe covers of my bed awaiting the rainfall but here I am driving around town in a circle. The road and streets have turn pitch dark and deserted due to the blackout cause by the thunder. I can barely make out my surroundings, only a few street lights illuminate the narrow path I'm driving on.

Indecisive of my actual destination, I drive aimlessly allowing the thought of Lauren and her perfectly planned out scheme to devour my state of peace. Whoever said marriage is easy had another thing in view.

I intended to visit Nora and explain things to her, she'd been a part of the reason behind the Amatham having considered doing business with us but on a careful calculation, I change my mind to avoid more problem. Lauren would want to capitalize on it and cause more havoc.

The car jerk and gradually reduce movement plugging me out of my reveries. I try changing gear but to no avail.

Looks like I'll spend the night in the car as all situations seems to be working against me today. No phone to dial my mechanic or anyone for that matter and I can't abandon my car in an untrusted neighbourhood.

I glance through the tinted glass and try to survey the surroundings thoroughly before miraculously driving the car out of the road into a pedestrian pathway, I search my pocket and the car only to realize I have left my wallet in the office earlier on.Talk of all creations working against someone.

I shut my eyes and try to calm my nerves and even my breathing, 'you can handle this, Nick' I encourage myself dryly.

Ten minutes into my dilemma, had me burying my face inside the car bonnet with a clueless aim to identify the problem with the car, not that I'd come up with anything tangible in the last couple of minutes other than hitting the battery head and checking for the water level. How do you solve a problem when you have no idea what the problem is?

I felt fulfilled after hitting the nonsense out of the car and move swiftly inside the car and turn on the ignition, the whole work and energy proof abortive as the car gave an annoying farting sound then die off as quickly as it came up taking me drastically down to square one.

I walk back to the bonnet dropping my hands on my waist, I stare at the engine and sigh. I was still deliberating on what to do with the car when I feel a raindrop on my forehead. I took a glance at my wristwatch and it struck 11:30 pm. Turning to check for a cab but found none in sight.

Few cars speed by as I close the bonnet and look up at the dark sky and back to the car. The rain begins to empty itself heavily. I rush inside the car, wind up and slide the driver's seat backwards to create some comfort to my back. Thankful for always stocking my car with snacks, a habit I haven't been able to outgrow. I reach for some plantain chips and take a handful into my mouth to stop the constant grumbling of my stomach, I didn't feel like eating but I am hungry.

Just like my eyes were waiting for my body to hit a rest position, it closes on its own accord, the day has been an unforgettable stressful day in my life. I try to fight the urge to sleep but couldn't only find myself drifting into the darkness. As the saying goes 'you cannot cheat nature'

~~**~~

"Hello mister"

A loud tapping on the car snap my eyes open but I shut it back when the sun rays move directly into my eyes. The tapping intensifies, I growl and slide the driver's seat upward and wind down to meet a familiar face.