For the Love of Nicole

By Cyril Amakihe

"He forced me" she said hoping to persuade him to believe her.
"He forced me to do it" Her voice was shaking.

With these words, Author Cyril Amakihe tells a moving story of Love, Lust and Betrayals. His new novel tells the story of pretty Nicole's quest to help a poor village even if it leads to lustful motives and endless betrayals. In Edison, New Jersey in the United States of America, Nicole has just lost her husband in a car accident. She mourns and goes to Nigeria to attend his funeral in the traditional African culture of the Eleme village. Little does she know her husband was a king. After her husband's death, his brother Douglas who has lustful desires for her becomes the new king and this is where the conflict in her life begins.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Feb 28, 2012
• ISBN: 9781469140957

Cyril Amakihe

Cyril Amakihe is a Nigerian- American Citizen. He lives in New Jersey in the United States of America. After graduating from two universities with two degrees in Law, the English Language and Literature, he wrote this novel.

Book preview

Chapter 1

You have a visitor the priest said, his eyes looking at the front door of the church.

who? Me?

No, your bride the priest said his eyes still focused at the front door. Following the eyes of the priest the bride turned her head towards the front door. Then she froze. She rolled her eyes. She let out a very loud scream which echoed round the church building. Every head in the congregation turned towards the front door. The body of the bride went limp. Her knees bent forward. Her head fell backwards. Her fiancé rushed to support her. She passed out.

This is not the end of the story which began 2 O’clock on Tuesday in Michaelwood Hospital in the city of Edison, in the State of New Jersey, in the United States of America. This is just the beginning.

Her name was Nicole, a country girl. 5.6 inches tall, with pretty features, brown eyes and slender body. Nicole was the gentlest of creatures, always mindful of her duty as a nursing assistant. She was a genuinely giving, accepting and warm person, who calmed her inner sorrows by helping others. She liked to be involved personally with the less privileged people. She liked to look for and to find an emotional connection with them. She tended to put aside what’s best for herself, seeing wanting or needing as selfish. Her job was care giving. She took care of the handicapped persons. She was happy doing that kind of job. She looked forward to, one day, having her own rehabilitation center. She had been dreaming of owning a ‘rehab’ for the disabled, for the less privileged and for the poor in her neighborhood.

It was in her job in the hospital that she met the man who later became her husband. She was taking care of the man’s mother who was suffering from the ALS disease. She was so dedicated to her job. So close to the man’s mother. So concerned about the welfare of the man’s mother that the man proposed to her. At first she did not accept the offer of marriage. She feared such a relationship would restrict her from doing the thing she loved most: Solving other people problems. However after much persuasion she finally agreed to marry the man. In a very quiet ceremony Nicole and the man were joined together as husband and wife. The man was a Nigerian.

Coming home one day from work and looking tired and sleepy Nicole unlocked her front door. As she was about to enter, she heard her name in the distance. Turning to see who was calling her she saw a strange man.

Pardon me but Dr Jones had asked me to tell to you come to the City hospital

Me? Why?

well, mmm…

And please who are you? Nicole cuts him off.

My name is Paul. I’m a cousin to your husband

Oh nice to see you Nicole said why does the doctor want me in the hospital?

Can I come in first?

sure come in Nicole said.

Paul followed her inside.

I’m sorry to inform you that your husband had a car accident not far from here. Paul paused. Nicole froze. Paul continued:

on his way back home from Philadelphia he had collided with another vehicle, his car somersaulted. His body is now in the hospital. He is in a coma. I’m sorry, Paul said. Nicole tried to make sense of what he was saying but the words stuck in her throat. Her eyeballs turned upwards. Her vision became blurred. Images of hundreds of cars colliding filled her brain. Her legs could no longer support her body. Her knees gave way. She began to fall. First her knees bent forward, followed by her body. Before her head could reach the floor, Paul rushed to her. He stretched out his arms. She slumped on his hands. Together both of them sank down on the couch. Paul tried to talk to her. Then he went and got some water and sprinkled on her face. Gradually she opened her eyes. She could not identify the eyes looking down at her. When she regained consciousness, she got up immediately to avoid being seen in the hands of a stranger. She felt embarrassed.

I’m so sorry for my behavior

It’s okay Nicole Paul said enjoying the softness of her body.

Nicole would have loved to change into a fresh gown, but this was an emergency situation. She pinned up her hair as neatly as possibly. However she noticed Paul never took his eyes away from her. He took in every detail about her body. She wished he would stop looking at her like that. Then he crossed the room and extended his arm to her.

shall we? he asked as if they were going to a party. Reluctantly she gave him her hands. He held it so strong. She was surprised she liked the feeling and comfort his hands gave her.

I’m sorry they are all waiting for you at the hospital. Some of them were not sure if you would come with a stranger like me

Do I have a choice? Nicole said.

Paul reached around her and wrapped his hands around her body. Now Nicole decided to place a limit on the way he was touching her.

I’ll prefer to walk by myself, if you don’t mind Nicole said trying to be a civilized woman to a man who appeared not to respect another man’s wife. They began to walk to his exclusive car.

Paul drives a Spyker C8 sports car, one of the most expensive cars in the world costing $1.8 million. The car was built by hand in Denmark with an extensive use of aluminum construction. It was a supercar for wealthy people. Nicole was stunned to notice its unique dashboard and long wheel-bases. The car employed a six speed manual transmission and had an optional six speed automatic. It truly looked like nothing else on the road. The Spyker feature numerous details inspired by aircraft. The aesthetic highlight of the Spyker C8 was undoubtedly its sumptuous and singularly stylish interior merely entering the car was for Nicole, an exercise that was endearing. A button pressed by Paul sent the doors scissoring skyward on a single-damped hinge in an impressive display of engineering sophistication. From the snug leather sport seat, the airplane-style red safety latch atop the ignition switch beckoned. Paul flipped up the latch, flicked the switch and pressed the start button and the car fired to life. A glance around the car revealed to Nicole the extraordinary nature of the car.

not that fast she said as he began to race past other cars on the highway toward the City Hospital.

If my husband is in a coma, I want to get there safe and sound to take care of him. So please slow down, buddy Nicole said.

At the hospital they took the elevator and got to the reception. They presented their identity cards and were asked to go to the intensive care unit room 21. But on getting there they were surprised to learn that Douglas, Nicole’s brother-in-law has placed restriction on visitors until further notice.

who are you, madam? the nursing assistant asked Nicole

I’m his wife Nicole said pointing at her husband whom she could see from the hallway.

"I’m sorry but no one is allowed to visit him except Douglas.

But why did they give me this? Nicole turned to show her gate pass attached to her chest.

The reception downstairs should have told you that. I Don’t know why they didn’t. the nurse said.

I spoke to Dr. Jones who spoke to Douglas who asked her to come Paul said.

I’m so sorry. You know what? give me your phone number. I’ll tell Douglas to call you nurse said to Nicole.

No I’ll stay here until I am allowed to see my husband. Nicole said. Even when Paul tried to suggest they leave, she refused. The nurse now called for a second nurse. The first nurse whispered something to the second nurse. Second nurse took a long look at Nicole then smiled and left. Few minutes later second nurse came back with Doctor Jones. It took the intervention of Dr. Jones to lift the restriction. Nicole was able to take a long but painful look at her husband.

Dr. Jones explained that her husband was rushed into the emergency unit from an accident scene. At the time he was still conscious. There were seven nurses and doctors ready to treat him. Instead he refused treatment. Insisting he wanted to see me." Dr. Jones said adjusting the lapels of his white coat. Nicole’s eyes were focused on his face and taking notice of every movement of his facial muscle. She acted like she could separate the truth from the untruth.

when I came, it was too late he said he was already in coma, I tried using CPR to revive him. It was not possible Dr. Jones said. He could have survived if he had agreed to be treated in the first place.

what? I thought you said he’s in a coma. Nicole asked, her eyes turning red. Her eyebrow squeezing.

"yes at the time. But now no. he died few minutes before you got here. That’s why Douglas placed a restriction until he finished making funeral arrangement. Nicole was speechless. She was boiling inside. She couldn’t resist her anger.

you incompetent! she screamed holding Jones by his neck You’ve killed my husband. You came here late. You didn’t know what to do. That’s why he died she said sobbing. Dr. Jones almost got strangled. Thanks to Paul who intervened almost immediately.

Hey what’s going on here.? Douglas who has just arrived with his wife Jennifer said to no one in particular. And what are you doing here, Mr. busy body? He asked Paul, looking from Paul to Nicole and back to Paul.

you shut your mouth or I shut it for you Paul told him. Paul began to approach him. He backed away.

If you think you’ll succeed or smell the throne you’ve got another think coming Douglas said to the surprise of everybody.

Is that why you killed your brother, to succeed him? Paul asked

my husband didn’t kill nobody, loud mouth Jennifer said. This slut Jennifer said referring to Nicole would be happy to climb in bed with you now that her husband is gone forever Jennifer said.

I will do no such thing. I’ll appreciate it if you withdraw that statement

Alright everybody, cut the crap and let’s get things started. Dr. Jones said impatiently. You guys need to make arrangement on how to send the dead body home. Then decide on the funeral arrangement, please Dr. Jones said. Nicole and Paul left the hospital together. Nicole needed him as a companion to comfort her in this moment of grief.

At Nicole’s home, Paul followed Nicole into her bedroom.

So now you’ll be going to Africa for the first time in your life, huh? Paul asked her.

yea that’s what Douglas said

How does it make you feel?

I feel so sad I’m going to mourn my husband Nicole said. Tears dropping down her cheeks.

I am sorry for what happened. I know it’s so painful and so sad Paul said holding her so close her lips began to touch his neck. Nicole slowly moved her face away.

I know you are my sister-in-law but you are also a friend. Paul said moving his hands up and down her back. He still held her so tight. She gradually tried to free herself but he wouldn’t let go.

Now I have to deal with the people, the tradition with all the restrictions she said

I wish I could be there with you. But I have work to do here.

It’s ok

Paul’s lips now caressed her neckline. She began to respond involuntarily. Paul lifted his head. His eyes settled at her chest. He lowered his head again and searched for those two big lumps of flesh behind her bra. He found them. He tried to touch them with his lips and lick them like lollipops. She stopped him.

what are you doing?, you can’t do this to your cousin’s wife

I’m sorry he said

Chapter 2

Back to her husband’s home in Nigeria, West Africa Nicole tried to adjust to her new environment. The food was different. The breakfast was not like her favorite Potato-Cheddar Gnocchi with Bacon and Eggs. She missed her lunch of Spinach-Stuffed Chicken Breasts. One of her favorite dinners in America was Grilled Thai Shrimp with Ginger and Fruit Pasta Salad. This food was not available here in this community. To get some of her favorite breakfast and entrees, she had to go to a very few foreign catering businesses in the city. Beside the food she also found the dress code here strange, a wrapper cloth and blouse instead of skirt and blouse. No more trousers for her. Only the men can wear trousers.

As part of the burial ceremony of her husband, Nicole must be initiated into the rite of widowhood. A group of some young, unmarried girls in the village, called mgboto girls were going to do the initiation. Later that evening they took Nicole to a village shrine. They stripped her of all her clothes. Her pinky silk blouse, brown cotton skirt, golden necklace, watch, and shoes. Inside the stream they washed her body and applied certain prescribed herbs. They applied the oil, uli, all over her body. Then they started shaving her hair, her eyebrow and her armpit. Her shaved hair was then mixed with some herb and set on fire.

we are almost done the leader of the group told her. Now, Nicole, to mourn your husband, here are the rules. The leader said giving the knob in her hand a warning rattle.

Starting tomorrow you are completely restricted with any association with your children for one calendar year the leader said. Nicole nodded her head knowing that this rule was not applicable to her since she had no children yet. about your dresses. You will wear only black colored clothes until the end of your one year mourning period. Also you are restricted from any association with other family members especially ‘men’ except, of course, our new King, Douglas, his royal highness and his wife.

What! Douglas king? Nicole was forced to ask.

yes, he succeeded your husband. the leader told her.

son of a gun Nicole swore under her breath.

let me remind you. No cursing here please… . let me summarize: No man, no company, no colored dress and no questions

what?

you heard me the leader said with all authority she could muster.

One of the girls whispered something to the leader. The latter looked at Nicole then said.

ok, I am told Jennifer has refused to cook for you. And since no other woman, other than Jennifer, in this village knows how to cook your American food… the leader said and paused. She regarded Nicole as if she were the one who killed her husband. Nicole returned her looks as if to question why she was being punished when she was not responsible for the death of her husband.

We have decided to waive this rule for you. We will let you cook your own food by yourself. But we have never done this before. So count yourself lucky the leader said and smiled. Nicole did not return the smile. She was furious. The leader continued however, nobody outside the palace, would eat with you. She said Any left over from your meal would be thrown away. Any form of physical contact, with a man, is strictly prohibited. leader said that with emphasis on the word ‘man’. "if you infringe on any of the rules hereby mentioned, you shall pay a fine in the sum of $500 to our group, the Eleme mgboto girl or a six month extension of your mourning period which ever we choose. The leader said with pride causing laughter among the rest of the girls. We monitor the behavior of all married women and widows here and we discipline those who break our traditional law. The leader said. at the end of one year of mourning your husband, we will clean you again and then you will be free to do whatever you want. But until then, you better watch your behind, girl the leader said watching Nicole for any reaction. our eyes will be on you… always" leader said using her own eyeballs to demonstrate.

Lastly, by custom, you must be reminded that you are prohibited from inheriting your husband’s property."

what! so this is why Douglas was so desperate to leave America, to come down here to succeed my husband Nicole couldn’t help voicing her suspicion aloud.

It’s the tradition girl. Tradition. We must all respect tradition. Leader said making an attempt to be humane. since you have no children, every property now belongs to the king, your brother-in-law leader said picking up her tools.

that is it. No questions.

Nicole walked back to the Palace with the girls in her new attire: black wrapper, black blouse and a black head scarf to match. They joined the party for the rest of the ceremony. There were certain traditional rites to be observed before Nicole’s husband would be buried.

Has the death of our late king, his royal highness, the superman of the masses been announced the proper way? the oldest man in the village asked the burial committee.

yes the committee members chorused in unison. His death was announced through a