BEHIND THE SMILE - Episode 7

“Hello sir, hello professor… Prof Benny…”

He appeared to be in a haste as he turned to know who was calling him. A young lady was rushing towards him. He paused and waited for her to catch up

“…. Good afternoon sir, I’m one of the students that you’re taking in religious studies. My name is Rachel.

Geni said as she tries to catch her breath. This was her first task and she must have a good starting so that the rest that follows will be smooth.

Just like Bianca suggested that she should try to attend his class sometimes when she is not having other important classes pertaining to her course.
This is the second time she will be attending Benny’s class, she even got his class materials.

Standing very close to him for the very first time she can’t help but also noticed that Benny is indeed a fine man.
He was undoubtedly handsome and dresses very smart.
He should either be in his early forties or late thirties. One can’t ascertain his exact age due to his youthful appearance.
Although there are few white strand of hair decorating his beard and another selective few that does not appear very obvious mixed up in his short hair.
He has a neat cut, looks smart, his voice is rich to the ear and many other beautiful qualities he possessed.

Now she understands why Bianca refused to let go of him despite the red signals that she kept getting.

“Yesss please, how may I help you?
He asked while trying to appear calm.

“I can see that you’re in a haste, I have few questions I will like to ask concerning the origin of man, one of the topics I read in your book. I wish to know more but you appear not to have the time for such maybe next time then…”

He looked at her closely and asked “what exactly will you like to know, tell me…I can spare few minutes to explain…”

Geni who doesn’t know exactly what she really wanted to ask, she only wanted to get his attention first and Bianca’s camera man was monitoring them so that he can take a close picture without anyone suspecting.

Prof, urged her to go ahead and ask her questions.
Geni saw his wedding ring which was very obvious. It’s golden color shone that you can’t help but notice that he was a married man.
He probably pick the ring on purpose so that it will warn off women who have intention of fleeting with him.
In his right hand he also has a ring, but looks more like a fashion ring on the same ring finger.
So if you can’t see the right then you will definitely see the left.
He made it quiet known that he was not searching or ready to mingle but people like Bianca like chasing what they can’t have.
He has Arun King blue watch which was one of the most expensive watches then.

It shows the man is rich. What if she tells him exactly what was really happening on the account that he pays her.
He may even give her upto the amount that Bianca was offering or even more.

But that’s not the kind of risk she was ready to take.

“…so, are you going to tell me or what…?
He asked already confused Geni that don’t even know what exactly to reply again.

“I wrote down the questions, let me bring it out of my bag but if you can’t wait maybe next time or I can come to your office if that’s okay by you Prof..”

” Check my email from the book you have and send in your questions through that means and I will have it attended to in no time. Coming to my office isn’t necessary. Forward all your question to my mail. I have to run now…”

“Alright Prof, thanks for your time” Geni said as breathed in relief.

This was the first attempt and it was not bad. The rest will be far better.
Bianca will be eager and waiting to hear the gist.

*********
They can’t express their happiness after the fifth months hit the calendar.

Dorcas still gets sudden mild contraction, but the doctor assured them that is nothing to worry about that everything was alright.
She was about to complete her second trimester and is something she have not been able to attain before.

Benny was very excited and continued to thank God with his wife for finally seeing them through.

As he lay in bed that evening, he began reminiscing over how much he had wanted children.
He hides how broken he was each time Dorcas miscarried.
It devastated him greatly but he try not to show his displeasure but believe in God for the miracle.
They have thought of using IVF, Dorcas suggested it before but he believes in the natural way of conception, just the way God designed it in the beginning.

He tries to talk her out of it but she refused.
It was when they were still arguing over the IVF that she got pregnant for the second time but it still did not stay. This was two years ago.
They both decided to wait on God and finally he has done it.

Benny picked up his phone and blinked twice at what he was seeing.
He screamed out his shock, his wife who heard his scream rushed in to know what happened while holding her heart.

Benny knows better not to let Dorcas see what he was seeing.
Anything that will affect her health or that of the child he will try everything possible to avoid it.

“Is jus…just…I was checking prices for babies hand made banquette and it has tripled up from the last time I checked…”

“You scared me, I thought it was something very serious. Please, becareful the way you shout to avoid my blood pressure rising. That’s not good for the baby and i. you insisted on getting only the best quality baby things, so don’t be too alarmed with the price tag. I’m watching one interesting soap opera, do you care to join me?

Benny asked her to go ahead, he will Join her later.
He couldn’t sleep that night, someone was trying to destroy him and soil his good image.
The worst part is that pictures were attached.
Why,? Why will somebody wants to destroy him.
He has tried as much as to avoid women so how come this.
He did everything innocently while helping the lady who has questions about the subject he thought in the class. And also questions about the origin of man Content from his book.

Why is he draged into a blackmail.

A call came into his phone. He quickly picked up.
It was unidentified voice.
“Your sex for grade and female student harassment is going to go live in 48hours. The hacker is uploading every detail and by tomorrow it will be every where including on the students tabloid. To avoid it going viral and even reaching your wife then you have until tomorrow to do the right thing…”

“Hello who are you and what is the right thing? Benny asked but the caller already ended the call leaving him more confused and worried.

He will leave early tomorrow and try to fix things.
Dorcas must not see this.
Whoever that was trying to put a stain on his name will not go scot-free.
But the only question on his mind is “why? Why will someone wants to do stain his name

The person probably wants money because poverty can push one into doing insane things.
But this is way too much. How fast can he fix before it gets into national news.

This newspapers are looking for news and doesn’t care if is true or not. All that matters is as far as their business is moving forward.
He has to try everything to avoid Dorcas knowing.
He wish to let her know before she hears it from an outsider but that will make her to start worrying, also thinking and that’s not good for her especially in this condition.
With her high blood pressure and pregnancy, doctor warned against anything that will affect her.

He will have to fix this secretly and find out why of all the men and women like him on the same line why did this blackmailer choose only him. Why?