Chapter 4

***Kenya*** .

*Later that night...*

I walked into my living room in Greenwich Village and flicked on the lights. I dropped my house keys on the sideboard and walked to seat on the only grey sofa. Tired and hungry, I willed my limbs to go bring out some dinner from the fridge, to warm in the microwave. There after I proceeded to go take a shower.

As I showered, my thoughts went to Mr Ruthford and I wondered why people always needed perfection in life. This was a man, I heard was kind, hardworking and successful. He owned one of the most successful construction companies in the States. A man who I heard had restored the Ruthford name from the impoverished state, which his late father's lifestyle had left them in. Yet, he was been criticized for not having a functional family. It was like people could never be satisfied. I related this to my own life and how I had allowed the opinions of others to affect my life. But politics was different. In politics, the validation of the people was what made one to lead. And right now, I wondered if Levi Ruthford had that much validation from the people. I had never put much faith in the politicians, because many of them engulfed the people's hearts with half truths. And I suddenly found myself wondering, as I stepped out of the shower, if Mr Levi Ruthford was such a politician that filled the people's heads with lies. Could he have been filling my head with lies that night he spoke to me on the phone? I wondered.

I let my white towel slip down my body, forming a pool around my feet, while I slowly rubbed some lotion unto my body. As I did, I let my body sink into the sensations that my palms caused on my dark, satin skin. When my fingers trailed over my skin, tiny sparks tingled me, pleasantly and I imagined the hands of a true lover touching me. Pleasuring me. A desirable lover. One that didn't see past his desire for me. One who would worship my body, slowly, causing tingles up my spine. One who wouldn't treat me like Hank did. Hank who had seen only my imperfections and had refused to claim me as his, with love. Rather he had wished to treat me as an animal.

Tears slipped down my eyes, sending some melancholy into me. I wiped them off and put on my black, silk night shift.

I plated some of the food from the microwave and went over to the sofa to eat. The meal smelled good. Chicken and some quinoa, with some salad. My favorite soap was on and I watched it as I took some food into my mouth. Just as I was about to take in the third spoon, my cell phone rang and I reached for it, only to find Hank as the caller. My heart beat increased, as I stared at the flashing screen before my eyes, fear gripping me as I reluctantly answered the call.

"Hi Kenya." I heard Hank say over the phone.

"Hank. Why are you calling? I thought you were asked not to call after that night that you hit me?" I said, shakily. Fear was rising in me again, as I recalled the meanness I had seen in his eyes, that night that he hit me across the face. He had come to meet me at the theater, where we had been practicing for our show. Hank had taken me backstage and had spoken crossly with me, angry that I hadn't still allowed him to claim me, as he deemed fit. In a fit of rage, he had thrown a hand at me and I had screamed in pain. Somehow my cry had alerted a few of my colleagues and they had immediately come to my rescue, calling the cops on Hank. I had refused to press charges against him that night, however he had been warned to stay away from me. And ever since, he hadn't relented in calling me. At least a few times since that night.

"I told you Kenya, I need us to talk─"

"There is nothing to say Hank. We said all that we needed to that night," I said, hot tears streaming down my eyes. I was tired of having this conversation with Hank. I knew he didn't love me, from his words that fateful night. A knock sounded on my door and I lifted my eyes to the door, wondering which of my neighbors could be knocking at this hour.

"Kenya you have to listen to me. We have to see─"

"No, Hank. You hurt me...You said such awful things about me that night. Your words stung like a knife...Look, I have to go, and someone is on the door." I said and hung up the phone. I crossed to the door, wiping my eyes dry from the tears. My phone continued to glare on the couch, where I had left it, but I ignored it. Managing a false smile on my face to hide my inner sadness, I opened the door. Awestruck, I stared at the face of the person at the door, my eyes open wide.

"Hello Kenya." Levi Ruthford greeted as he stood before me, very tall. Very handsome in a pale green shirt and black suit pants, his shirt's sleeves rolled up. He was missing his tie and his hair was tussled. That appeal that I admired. His roguishness. Yet, he looked decent. I swallowed.

"*Mr Ruthford*? Wha...What a surprise?" I stuttered. My mouth suddenly went dry. And I think my tongue grew thick.

"A good surprise, I hope?" Levi said, a smile tugging his lips. "Did I come at a bad time?" Levi asked, his eyes flicking to my eyes. Holding there. Concern etched on his face, as his eyes searched into mine. Nervously, I looked away, wiping the stinging tears. Pain wrenching me.