Mummy safari....... Please do sometn naaa..... U've starved us for too long already.... Update sometin na biko

Jesusgirl92:
Mummy safari....... Please do sometn naaa..... U've starved us for too long already.... Update sometin na biko

I can't say if I will be updating Toemented for now.

But I hope to update the other 2 stories on afritalks this week. I've had a hectic and extremely tiring week, so it's hard to write when i'm exhausted

#heart_break

Hey safarigirl,one fit die of this suspense oooo

Safaribae you are da bomb, I mean you literary blow up everytin you touch. Girl you just have your ways jare and about the non human fiction me likey

I initially didn't know where to go on this story, because like I said, there are 2 parts to it in my head.

But I figured, I'll need to give the first part (this one) a proper ending, so this is part of it. Should post the other one between today and tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the second part of the story will be written as a standalone kind of. Hopefully, I'll post it before the end of this week.


To those who have stuck around, thanks for your patience, I know how annoying it gets when you don't see updates or when a writer simply refuses to complete a work. I apologise





****

I stare harder at my reflection as if expecting it to fizzle out.


  This feels like a dream, I don't know if I'll wake up in a light mood or in a sweaty panic.



  The ruckus in the room is no more than a light buzzing sound in my ear, I can barely see the people running around to make sure I'm on time and everything is perfect.


  I'm getting married



  Even now,  as the thought filters into my head,  it still seems surreal. I'm still waiting for someone to pull me out of my sleep and return me to my life 2 years ago. I can't say if I'll still be as content with it today as i had been, but at least I felt a sense of control back then.  Now, it feels like I'm being carried by sea waves to wherever Poseidon's waters think me worthy of.


   A feeling of dread washes over me, am I ready for this? Sharing a man's bed is one thing, but being tied to him for the rest of my life.....



"Ma...ma..."


  I blink at the petite lady saddled with the task of making me look pretty for my big day. I can't say I've been a very cooperative client so far and I'm inclined to feel a smidgen of pity for putting her through such unnecessary stress


  "...can you tilt your head just a little to the left?" She asks softly, but I can detect the annoyance in her voice even though almost unnoticeable.


  I blink at her again, I haven't quite acclimated myself towards the requirements of these make-up artistes and what end they seek to achieve, "Pardon?"


  "Your head, I need it at the right angle to apply the eye-shadow better" she replies as if speaking to a child


  I look past her obvious attitude and do as she asks while I think forward to when I finally leave this uncomfortable chair I've been sitting on for up to thirty minutes now. How long does it take to apply these things? We agreed for light make-up, but apparently, even that is time-consuming.


  I play with the knot of my robe absentmindedly as I occupy myself with thoughts of the possible location of my wedding. Chuma said he would take care of that and neither I nor Gladys needed to worry. He promised it wouldn't be a church and Gladys had already made arrangements for a pastor to be there, at least I'm thankful I won't have to walk down a long aisle while tens or even hundreds of people watch me. I don't think I can handle such pressure


  It takes the make-up artiste;Lolade, another ten or so minutes before she finally applies nude lipstick to my lips as the finishing touch. I can't say which of us sighs the loudest at the end of the torture


 “There, you look as beautiful as ever” she says, her voice filled with pride. I can say without a doubt, that’s just her praising her work, not necessarily the client

  

 She gives me one last smile and then proceeds to pack up her tools just as there’s a knock at the door.  


  I look toward it as it opens up, “Isi, are you done?” It’s been a while since I’ve been this relieved to hear Gladys’ voice. She left me here for about 2 hours with a hair dresser and a make-up artiste, it didn't matter if they were female, I was uncomfortable for the first hour. I get uncomfortable around strangers, moreso men than women.

  

  She steps into the room and abruptly stops in her tracks when her eyes fall on me, she lets out a gasp and places her hand over her mouth


  “Isidore” she breathes as she gently lowers her hand to reveal a smile, from where I sit, I notice her eyes are watered, “oh God, Isidore, you’re so beautiful” she says and then rushes over to join me. The strangers in the room take her entrance as their cue to leave


  I see the emotions play on her face; happiness, joy, pride. I’ve seen those emotions on her before, but nothing like this, nothing of such magnitude. It strikes a feeling in me so strong that I feel my eyes water as well.


  “No, no my dear, don’t cry” she says in a croaked voice, “You’ll ruin your make-up” she laughs as she wipes a fallen tear from her cheek.


  She smiles at me, a big smile, “Chuma won't recognise you, he’ll be so surprised.”


  Those words remind me that I have a man waiting somewhere to be my husband- an amazing man,  but a man nonetheless… and the beads of sweat harvest upon my temples once again.


  “Mama, I… I don’t know if I’m… if I can… .” I struggle to say the words that are a harsh reminder of my incapability of certain things. They’re in my head, they’ve been there since the idea of a wedding came up.


  “Talk to mama sweetie, what's on your mind?” She asks, her face etched with concern.


  I drop my gaze to my robe, underneath it, I already have my dress on. It’s nothing fancy or conventional per se, it’s a cream-colored, off-shoulder dress with tiny rhinestones underneath the bust area which is all the detail I allowed. Gladys wanted something more… dramatic,  after all, her only daughter was getting married and she wanted to put in some serious effort.


  Too bad she got me…. And I’m about to make someone else unfortunate.


  I let out a sigh, “I don’t know if I’m cut out for this… this wife thing. I can’t even be happy, how will I make someone else happy? Chuma is such a good man and he deserves…. He deserves someone better, I’ll be denying one perfect woman the chance to have him. It won’t be fair to her or to him or….”


 I’m silenced by Gladys’ finger against my lips, “Be quiet Isidore, am I not the one who trained both you and Chuma? If you think him so perfect, then why would you assume you’re anything less? Both of you are scarred, you can understand him in a way those perfect women you speak of will never understand him, they are too perfect to understand the pain he carries. You will make a perfect wife just as you’ve made a perfect mother to Ismail”


  I don’t realise I’m crying until Gladys uses a handkerchief to dab at my cheeks, “Goodness girl, don’t ruin your make-up. Quickly now, let’s go before Chuma thinks you stood him up. You’re going to love the venue, I couldn’t even believe my eyes when I saw it.” She beams at me.


  Her comment derails my train of thought and I find myself thinking of what the venue must look like, Gladys’ expression just makes me want to get there and see for myself.


I can only imagine what the place must look like.

Oya oooo let's go and see the wedding

mhiz:
I'd almost given up hope, thanks for the update

Lol, me too.

welcome back Safarigirl, ow av u been? hope u r back fully? thankz for d update

I'm a little behind, but it's here....

*****


  Where in the name of all things sensible and logical are we heading to?


  I like to think I know most parts of Lagos, but I don’t know where we’re going right now and no one seems willing to divulge the venue of my wedding to me. Some bride I must be, I don't even know the venue of my wedding

 

I’ve been sitting in this car for almost an hour, if not for the A/C in here I doubt I would still have make-up on. I’ve tried asking the driver- who is surprisingly female- where we’re headed, but she says she’s been ordered to not tell me.


  I don't give her any hassle of course, if it was a man driving me to destination unknown, I would have jumped out the car twenty minutes ago.


  I sigh as I look down at my left wrist, only to find it bare. Damn it! How did I forget to put on a watch? And Gladys has my phone. I shuffle in my seat, my impatience getting the best of me. The buildings seem to be getting sparse the farther we go.


  “Just a little more patience ma, we’ll be at our destination in a couple of minutes.” The driver says and then smiles at me through the rearview mirror. Her name is Grace… or Tracy… it skips my mind, so I just nod in reply. Hopefully we get there before the ceremony ends.


  True to her word, the car finally slows down some minutes later and I look out eagerly to find… . sand? That’s all I can see from here, acres and acres of sand.


 “Are you sure we’re in the right place?” I ask the driver, I expected something different; an event hall, a garden, a hotel… I don't know, something other than sand.


  “As sure as my name is Grace madam” she replies with a bug smile.


 Grace. At least I got it at my first guess.


  She steps out of the car and turns to open my door, “Your next ride should be here anytime now” she says


 Next ride? What next ride?


 I start to ask, but the sound of some machine distracts me, I look ahead to find an ATV moving towards us. You have got to be shitting me.


  I look down at my sandaled feet and the dress, this should make for an interesting wedding


  As the vehicle moves closer, I sight two people in it. The driver is certainly a man, but his passenger doesn't look so advanced in age. I slowly step out of the car and move closer.


  “This is where I stop madam, have a blissful marriage” Grace says to me with that contagious smile. It lights up her face so beautifully


  “Thank you Grace”


  “You’re welcome” she says, just as the ATV comes to a stop a foot away.

  I look toward it once again in time to see golden skin and a full head of hair jump out of the passenger's side, “Mum!” Ismail shouts as he runs toward me. He looks so good in a tux, his full hair held back by a band.


  We haven’t seen each other in two days, Gladys had taken him, saying he was a distraction. That may have been true to some extent, but I wanted him with me. I’ve missed him so much.


 I lower myself enough so that we’re level when he gets to me and wraps his arms around my neck. I place a big kiss against his cheek


 “How have you been baby?” I ask


  “Mum! You put gloss all over my cheek” he protests as he wipes at his cheek


 “I’m sorry dear” I tell him as I wipe at his cheek with a handkerchief, “Why are you here?”


  He grins at me, “I’m your maid of honour” he says proudly


  “You’re my what?” I ask incredulously, I’m tempted to laugh at his term


  “Maid of honour, I’ll be escorting you to the wedding” he replies. He loses his smile when he sees that I’m not quite going with the flow, “Dad said….”


 “Wait, who?”


  He gives me this look like I’m unwell, “Dad?” He says


 If I’m supposed to nod in understanding, I don’t, because I don’t understand. Two days in isolation and it’s like I’ve been away for a year


  He lets out a sigh of exasperation, “Uncle Chuma mum, Uncle Chuma is dad” he says as if talking to one with a slow mental ability.


  “Since when?” I blurt out before I can stop myself.


  “Since Yesterday” he replies.


  I’m ready to attack him with a flurry of questions, number one being, since when did a certain someone begin to christen himself without my permission? But, we’re interrupted


  “Mrs Ugwumba” a male voice speaks, I don’t even realise I’m being spoken to till Ismail tugs at my arm


 “Are you okay mum?” He asks, “Teso is talking to you” he says.


 I look up at the young man who I’ve known for about a month as the caretaker of Chuma’s beach house and that’s when it comes to me. That’s where we’re going- the beach house. That explains the ATV and the mass of sand.


  “Hello Teso”


  He smiles at me, he’s about 23-years old, but the only part of him that gives him away is his build, he’s about 6ft2’ and solidly built, like a labourer. His face on the other hand, is much younger so that he could pass for an incredibly built teenager. He’s a likable guy. Ismail loves him. He talks about him almost as much as he talks about Chuma, it concerns me sometimes that Ismail spends so much time with adult men rather than his mates, but then I realise, he’s not your average 8-year old, so maybe he doesn't click with his mates as much as he does with the men in his life.


  He smiles at me, “Hello madam, if you don’t mind, we have to get going now” he says.


 I nod at him, “Of course” I stand up straight, thankful my footwear is low-heeled and take Ismail’s hand.


  The sound of a car engine alerts me to Grace’s presence, I turn just in time to see her give me one last smile before she drives off as I make a mental note to ask Chuma where he found her.


  Ismail pulls at my hand impatiently, “Come on mum, everyone is waiting” he says.


  I manage to keep up with him and we climb into the ATV, Teso takes the steering once again and we set off to the beach house.


  We arrive much earlier than I would like, funny how distances seem shorter when one is nervous.


  “You won’t believe what we’ve done to the place. Grandma said you should stay here, I’ll go get your other escort” Ismail says and jumps off the ATV.


 “Wait, what escort?” I ask as Ismail breaks out in a sprint.


  “Wait, you’ll see” he shouts his reply, not stopping to look at me.


 See what? I think to myself. I absolutely hate being left out of everything. I wonder if this is what every bride goes through on their wedding day, I’m already exhausted and I haven’t even walked down the aisle.


 I stare ahead to find that Teso is still sitting in the ATV, unlucky him. He’s about to be the recipient of my frustrations, “And do you know of this escort?” I ask him, my tone a bit harsh.


  He turns to me with a smile on his face. I learnt from our first meeting that Teso has what some call a ‘happy face’, he seems to always have a smile on his face, which is a really good thing considering he would pass for a mean bodyguard if he doesn't have that face.


  His smile neutralises some of my angst and I feel a bit guilty for attacking him.


  He shakes his head in denial, “Nope, I wasn't told. Chuma said I’d tell you everything if they let me in on the plan” he shrugs.


  My lips contort in thought. Figures they’d keep him out, it’s so frustrating just sitting here and knowing nothing.


  A few extra minutes pass during which I’m drawing circles on the car seat to stop myself from attacking innocent Teso, the weather is a bit warm, so Lolade’s hard work is thankfully not ruined.


  “I’ve tried abeg” I say and stand to leave the vehicle, before I can take a step though, I see Ismail coming out of the compound, the person behind him though causes me to stagger back into the seat.


  A strong emotion racks through me as they approach, but I never focus on Ismail, no,  the other person has all of my attention. How is he here? I didn't think I’d get to see him again anytime soon.


  I choke back a sob, he’s smiling at me like nothing ever happened, like our last meeting didn’t end with me screaming at him and storming out in a fit.


  “Here he is mum!” Ismail announces, failing to note my state of shock initially. When I fail to make any move,  he takes a closer look at me and places a hand against my knee, “Are you okay, mum?” He asks.


  I can’t find the voice to reply him as my eyes never stray from the surprise guest, lucky enough Teso bails me out.


  “Ismail, come on, the procession is about to start” Teso says. Smart boy.


  Ismail glances at him and looks at me, his brows furrow in worry, but he makes no move to obey Teso,  “Mum?” he asks in a concerned voice.


 I force a smile seeing Ismail won’t walk away without some assurance of my well being,  “Go with Teso, I’ll be fine” I speak softly.


  “Okay” he says, but he doesn't sound completely convinced.


 Teso takes his hand and leads him away, he moves hesitantly, constantly looking back to check on me until they both enter the compound and I’m left alone….. With him


  Reluctant eyes are drawn back to the man standing before me and waiting for my acknowledgment- my father. He’s dressed impeccably in a black tux, his hands are covered in white gloves so that he presents the picture of a performer of sorts.


  “You look beautiful darling” he says,  breaking the ice.


 I’m surprised he’s even here to begin with, I thought he’d never want anything to do with me again, but here he is,  using terms of endearment on me.


 It feels different when he calls me that name, I’ve never had a male influence in my life that showered me with affection,  hence I’m not familiar with terms of endearment on their part.


  “Thank you” I reply in a tiny voice.


  He smiles at me and I swear I can see his eyes water. He nods and his head drops briefly, when he raises it up again, his eyes are slightly red. I wish I knew what was running through his head at this point, what has him so emotional.


  “I’ve been mandated to escort the bride to her groom. If you will do me the honour” he grins at me as he offers his hand to me.


  I stare at his outstretched hand for what feels like forever, he’s here to walk me down the aisle. Today just seems to be filled with what I used to think were impossible things; I’m getting married AND my father will be the one to hand me over to my….. Husband. It hasn’t quite reverberated in my senses that this is really happening.


  I reach out a shaky hand to place it in his and his smile grows wider. He helps me get off the ATV.  I can barely feel my legs as I step off the vehicle and they give away beneath me, my father’s surprisingly quick reflexes save me from having a face covered in sand as he catches me by the waist.


  “Don't fall please, I wouldn't want your husband getting mad at me” he jokes


  I nod my understanding and steady myself as we walk toward the gate.  An unexplainable feeling wells inside me as we approach the entrance to my wedding party.


 I try to think of how beautiful the decor will be to keep from having a mental breakdown. I can just picture myself re-enacting a scene from Runaway Bride and taking off before facing my groom like the heroine was wont to do…. But what would that make me?


 Almost immediately,  an image of Chuma calling me a coward pops into my head. Need I say,  I need no further motivation to keep this train steamrolling to it’s inevitable destination.


  “Are you ready?” My father’s voice pulls me from my musings.


 I glance at him and nod in response as I brace myself for our entrance, it’s now or never.




  


*****The Beginning Of The End*****

Temtopy:
welcome back Safarigirl, ow av u been? hope u r back fully? thankz for d update

You're welcome dear, and thanks for your patience. I'm doing fine

I've posted an update, I'm done with the first part of the story, hopefully I'll get started on the second part soon.

Aunty safarigirl thank you for the updates

Praise God you're back pls complete this
I'm glad and so happy you decided to complete Tormented

never leave you once since...I believe you go finish am even if it takes ages. ...I rep safarigal

Super Safari Girl. Welcome back.

av bin waiting since tnk God u ar bck. U ar welcom

Safarilady, gaan update the boss' interest na. Abi make I epp you complete am ni?

WOW!
I don't knw what else to comment buh WOW! Dis is one hell of a story. Kudos Safarigirl, more grace

safarigirl wie art thou

Alennsar:
safarigirl wie art thou

ayam around

safarigirl:
ayam around

biko finish dis Tory ooo

Alennsar:

biko finish dis Tory ooo

it is actually finished for this part.

Awesome!

LOVELY

]it is actually finished for this part.[/ is the other part on yet?]

Great