The orange Sun cast its golden blankets across the horizon as it prepared it hand over the reins to the milky Moon. The evening breeze blew with calmness as Audrey walked alone into the library.

Her face was set towards the library as she strode along the path created by beds of flowers on both sides, adorning the library compound. She remained oblivion of people as they walked past her but it took a great deal of luck for the corner of her eyes to catch the glint of a figure seated just outside the library. She turned sideways and immediately, a sour taste was found in her mouth.

She had recognised the lady that was seated alone, for it was the very lady that had stepped on her toe while she was at the cafeteria. She had this burning urge to walk over to the lady and leave the imprint of her fingers on her chubby cheeks but as she made to go, a familiar voice called out to her. She ignored the voice, having only one thing in mind, she hastened her steps. The voice called out her name again, this time it was louder than the usual, prompting the female figure seated to take off her eyes from the book in her hands and smile. Audrey stopped in her tracks, turning around to see who the lady was smiling at, only to see Nathan standing under the bright library light. Audrey turned back to the lady seated, only to be greeted with a look of disgust, but soon turned back to Nathan as he called out to her again. She abandoned her prey and walked over to Nathan as she felt her heart clenched.

"I have been calling you for a very long time." Nathan casually said as Audrey was still about 7 feet away from him.
Her face wasn't the bright and happy spirited face he had come to admire, but he could still see the her beauty underneath the frown.

"Are you okay? Is everything alright?" Nathan probed.

Audrey shook her head in disbelief as she scanned him from top to his feet and top again.
"Men, always the same."

Nathan looked confused at the allegation as he tried to imagine if he had offended her.
"What is that all about?"

"Are you not a friend to Richard?" Audrey asked.

"Yes, I am.
"And what has that got to do with anything?"

Audrey just gazed at him in bewilderment, "And you like my friend Hammy, right?"

"Well, yea, I do."

Audrey shook her head slowly, pondering if Nathan was pretending not to have the same information she had.

"So?" Nathan asked impatiently. "What has both of them have to do with all the questions?"

"So, he hasn't told you anything yet?' Audrey quizzed.

"Was he suppose to tell me anything?" Nathan inquired impatiently.

Audrey stared at him, pondering on whether to tell him about Hammy's pregnancy or not. She had a feeling the news would destroy him and his friendship with Richard but she was determined to protect her own friend.

"Well......." She began to say but Nathan hastily interrupted her.

"Whatever it is, I don't think Richard is a bad person. Not because he is my friend but because I know he has a good heart."

Audrey could only remain mute as listened.

Nathan continued, "Right now, Richard is going through a lot and he needs all the support he can get."

"What is the matter with him?" Audrey's displeasure was gradually fading away.

"He lost his mother and next week is the funeral service."

Audrey felt a knot in her tummy. Her disgust for Richard suddenly disappeared. Maybe Hammy was right after all. It was for his future.

"I am so sorry for that. I had no idea." Audrey apologised.

"Nah, it's nothing. I would be attending the funeral with him. Do you mind coming?"

"It would depend on my schedule, but I do hope to attend. Let me see how things would turn out." Audrey calmly spoke.

"Alright then. I will see you around." Nathan heaved as he bid farewell, leaving Audrey with her thoughts.

Audrey turned away from the library as she made to go back to her room but her eyes met with the distasteful look of the seated lady. She must be demented, Audrey thought as she hurried back to her room.
*******************************


The Sun had retired to bed, leaving Hammy alone in the kitchen as she prepared dinner. Normally, she would have preferred to eat out in a restaurant, but for some inexplicable reasons, she had the urge to cook her meal herself. She smiled as she stirred the stew. It's been an awful long time since she 'played' in the kitchen, as her mom would call it, and she felt a bit ladylike to be engaged in the act. She knew she had missed the feeling of cooking.

The door at main entrance gave a squeak as someone opened it and closed it after gaining entrance into the apartment. Hammy wondered who it was as she wasn't expecting any visitor.
She got out of the kitchen, only to see Audrey placing her books and bag on the bed as she beckoned on her to come close.

Wasn't she suppose to be at the library, Hammy thought as she went back into the kitchen to turn off the gas cooker.

"What are you doing here?" Hammy quizzed as she stepped out of the kitchen.

"Come first." Audrey said, dragging Hammy's hands as she sat on the rumpled bed.

"You are not reading again this night?" Hammy asked still.

"Wait. That can wait. Something else is important."

"What is that?" Hammy became curious.

"It's Richard."

Hammy straightened her body. "What happened to him?"

"Do you know his mother is dead?"

"You say what?!" Hammy eyes shot wide open. "How can you say something like that?"

Audrey looked at Hammy with a frown on her face. "Nathan told me this evening."

"Oh my god!! So it is true?" Hammy voice cracked as tears began to form beneath her eyes. "What will he do now?"

Audrey patted Hammy on the back as she tried consoling her. "Well, the burial is coming up soon and I think it would mean the world to him is we attend it."

"Yea, I guess." Hammy managed to say. "I guess we have to make preparations towards that day then."

"I guess so, but one more thing." Audrey cut in.

"What is that?"

"Nathan is coming also."

"Shit!"

"What is that?" Audrey frowned.

"I can't go."

"And why is that?"

"You are asking me as if you don't know."

"But come on, you are going to offer your condolence not to start a love war."

"Drey, just forget it. I don't want to make it all about me that day." Hammy said as she stood and walked into the kitchen.

Audrey could only shake her head as she watch Hammy disappear into the kitchen. She picked her phone and dialled a familiar number.

*******************************************

Mr. Sam gulped the remaining scotch in his glass as he paced around the room. The television was on but rarely had success in gaining his attention. Random thoughts littered his brain, making him gulp down more scotch. He missed having a female presence in his life and recently, he thought his life would soon go off the cliff.

Just as he thought of retiring to bed, his phone rang.

"Ah, Nathan boy." He answered.

"Hey dad."

"Why are you calling this late, any problem?"

"No sir. Just wanted to tell you about a funeral service I would be attending next week."

"Funeral service? Of who?"

"A friend's mom."

"I see." Sam said as he stroke his bears. "When is this holding?"

"Next week."

"Alright. Just be careful...."

While he was still speaking, Nathan ended the call. Mr. Sam smiled, he knew his son hated having a conversation with him.

Sam looked around as he bid the sitting room farewell. His eyes were already heavy and his body ached. Scanning for any irregularities, his eyes shot wide open as he saw the calender on the wall. He walked across the room and stood before the calender, examining the dates.
He froze on the spot as his eyes caught a date.

"Shit!!" He shouted, prompting his voice to travel through the dead night.

"Fucking shit!!"

Sam placed his hands on his waist as his eyes drifted around the room. A thought kept playing in his head, causing his body to quake with a dose of fear.

"Like hell will I let that happen." Sam kept screaming to no one in particular.

"Hell no. Not while I am alive."

Skimpledawg:
Jeez! Pregnant? Just one round? .....

Richard is d man. ... D kind of hatred both guys will have for themselves is unimaginable.... Tanx for d brief update theo... More brilliance to ya brain cells

Thank bro.

theorbiters:

It's good to have you here, bro, but why did you stop that story you were writing? I was actually loving it.

I am through with it.

EPISODE 9
Ghosts At The Funeral.


The birds chippings were melodious to the ears as the bright Sun hung like fixed globe on the empty sky.
The scent of green lush played on the nose of every living creature around the vicinity as the tall trees swayed with the morning wind, providing a bit of shade from the quiet Sun, and allowing people conjure the idea of inhabiting a mini paradise for a minute or two.

But this was a funeral.

People, adorned in black attires, moved in a slow procession along a path created by the green grass on each side. Silent cries could be heard among them and those that got tired of crying, wore a long depressing face. It was evident that everyone was present with a sorrowful heart.

Clark looked at his wristwatch.

"Damn it." He cursed quietly.

The priest was already behind schedule and Clark was already getting sick of the whole day. Left to Clark, he wouldn't have bothered to invite any priest as he wasn't a religious man, but to let his head rest from unnecessary trouble, he had to give in to the demands of his late wife's family.

Clark was already tired of receiving condolences from people and his mouth ached from saying 'Thank you' to the numerous people around. He even wondered from what part of the world had this large number of people turn in from. While his late wife was alive, he didn't even know they existed and all of a sudden, they were claiming to be family. Clark could only shake his head at the thought.

Clark excused himself from the crowd as their incessant wails was becoming unbearable for him. He stood beside a tree and scanned the people that were in attendance.
His eyes darted to and fro the crowd and in a minute, his eyes caught the eyes of a familiar face staring back at him.

He took an inquisitive look at the face, trying to be sure it was who he thought it was. The face smiled back at him. It wasn't possible. Why would this person be here, he thought.
He rubbed his eyes to be certain he wasn't lacking his Vitamin A supplements, but the figure was no more by the time he opened his eyes.

Clark looked around the crowd but couldn't find the figure anymore. He heaved a sigh of relief.

Perhaps, it was a Ghost.

His eyes continued it scan, this time, it searched for his son. Finally, he saw Richard with a young man walking beside him among the crowd and he wondered who it was. He needed to talk to his son urgently, so he jumped into the crowd, cutting through as he made a way to his son.

***********

Richard walked with Nathan among the crowd as both wore dark glasses to match their outfits. They hated the idea of being among people who couldn't stop crying like hopeless beings, but they had no choice. They quicken their steps as they sought to make their way through the crowd to a more quiet place.
As they made to walk, Richard came to an abrupt halt at the sound of a familiar masculine voice.

"Hey Richard."

"Hey Dad." Richard answered as he turned around.

Mr. Clark searched his face for any expression, but met none. He must be handling the situation well, he thought.
"How are you feeling?"

Richard looked at his father with an eye of curiosity. "I'm okay. How else would I rather be feeling?"

"Just wanted to know if you are alright."

"Of course I am."

"Okay." Mr. Clark glanced at the man beside his son. "Is this your friend?"

"Yes. This is Nathan Hills. We attend the same school."

"It's an honour to finally meet you sir." Nathan offered his hand for shake.

"Oh, good to have you here. Nathan Hil....." Mr. Clark extended his hand to shake Nathan, but stopped in his sentence.
"You are Nathan Hills?" Clark questioned intently.

"Yes sir." Nathan replied with care.

"The son of Mr. Sam Hills?"

"Yes sir. Sir, I hope there is no problem?" Nathan was becoming nervous as he took a quick glance at Richard.

Clark looked at his son in utter amazement. "And you both are friends?"

"Yes, we are." Richard replied sharply. "Is anything wrong with that?"

Clark looked at Nathan for a moment before turning back to his son.
"Come, I want to see you."

"Is there any problem?" Richard asked, but his father was already out of earshot.

Richard looked at Nathan as both wondered what exactly could be wrong.
Richard hesitated, but Nathan urged him to follow after his father from afar.

Nathan was left alone in the myriads of unknown faces.

Nathan scanned around, trying to gain his composure, and as he did, his eyes met with the eyes of a beautiful fair lady. She was indeed beautiful, he thought, and even the black dress she wore was perfect on her skin.
He smiled.
The lady returned the smile, giving Nathan the green light to approach her.

*****************

Audrey stood among the crowd in the open air as they waited for the arrival of the priest.
Her eyes had met with Nathan's a moment ago, and she knew he would approach her. She giggled with excitement for no obvious reason as she braced herself for his arrival.

She scanned around aimlessly, pretending to be interested in something else rather than anticipating Nathan's arrival.
As she looked around, she froze for a moment as she eyes caught the stare of a familiar face.

"Christ!!!!" She muttered.

This was totally impossible. What the hell was this person doing here, she asked herself as her stare was fixed on the person.

A gentle hand rested on her shoulder, prompting her to break her stare for a moment. She turned around to the smiling face of Nathan, but quickly turned back to observe the 'familiar face' closely.

It was no more.

She looked everywhere for the person, but to no avail. She heaved a sigh of relief.

Perhaps, it was a Ghost.

She turned around with a smile and still met Nathan smiling at her. He was adorable, she thought.

"Hey." Nathan finally broke the silence calmly.

"Hey." She managed to reply as she smiled broadly.

"Any problem?" Nathan inquired.

"Oh, no. Just thought I saw someone."

"Okay. I am so glad you could come."

"Yea. So am I. You know I wouldn't miss it."

"You look gorgeous." Nathan complimented.

"This is a funeral, Nate. Nobody ever looks gorgeous during a crying period before people start suspecting you."

Nathan laughed briefly as stares from people stabbed him.

"Very true, but you still look good anyway."

"Thank you. Hammy sends her greetings by the way."

"Oh, that's true." Nathan suddenly remembered her. "Why didn't she come with you?"

Audrey looked at him with pity. She was torn between telling him about the pregnancy and concealing it. She opted for the latter.

"She's down with a flu. She should be better by morning." Audrey replied calmly. She hated lying.

"Hope it is not too serious?" Nathan became concerned.

"Nah. She would be better."

"Okay then. I would call her later then."

"I think she would appreciate it."

"I hope so." Nathan sighed as he said. He was getting tired of the day that hasn't even begun yet. He scanned around the vicinity for no one in particular, but got shocked when his eyes met with a familiar face.

"What the...." His voice trailed off as Audrey tapped him to reality.

"Are you alright?" She quizzed.

"Er- em- yea, I am. I guess." Nathan turned around to see the face, but it was no more.

Perhaps it was a Ghost.

"You guess?" Audrey pressed further.

"Yes I am. Let's go somewhere else." Nathan offered.

"Where else are we going to go? We are outside already."

Nathan chuckled. Just as he was about to speak further, the priest mounted the constructed podium and began his religious duties.

"We are gathered here today, brothers and sisters, with a heavy heart.........." The priest began.

Nathan gave Audrey a sign that he would see her afterwards as he made his way to stand besides Richard in the front.

He patted Richard on his left shoulder as they stared at the freshly dug 6feet grave and the 'beautiful' coffin that laid just at the mouth.

".......she lived as an inspiration to us all...." The priest continued as he read his well prepared script.

When he was done speaking, the coffin was lowered into the grave and a prayer was made before the grave swallowed the coffin in itself.

Cries of faint- hearted women filled the atmosphere and those strong enough to console them offered their consolation.

Mr. Clark took his leave and made his way into the house some metres behind the grave site. He was not ready to entertain condolences from anyone.

People came around Richard and offered their condolence as he was the only one they could see around. He hated this part of the funeral.
As people came in turns, his face lit up when he saw Audrey. He had not expected her to come, but he was glad she did.
He hugged her firmly like a priced possession he was scared of losing, but Audrey could only think of how he would feel if he realise he was going to be a father soon, not that he was going to see the child anyway, but just the thought of it could change his life and everything forever. Perhaps Hammy was right, she shouldn't tell him.
Richard looked behind her and saw the mammoth of faces lined up waiting to offer their condolences and Richard thought he had gotten enough of that already, so he grabbed Audrey by the hand and walked away, leaving the crowd with the family members of his late mother. Nathan could only watch.

After a minute or two, Nathan walked over to where he would get a drink, just under a tree, and ordered for a glass of Tequila. Random thoughts played in his head as he gulped the content of his glass in one action and ordered for a refill.

Just as he was half way through the second glass, a familiar voice broke through his ranks of random thoughts.
"Take it easy boy."

He turned around to see who it was.

Nathan stared at the elderly man before him without saying a word. The 'Ghost' he that thought wasn't real, was actually real. Nathan stood speechless.

"Surprise to see me?" The man grinned.

Nathan returned his attention to the half empty cup of tequila in his hand as he gently stirred the cup around.

"I can see you quite enjoying yourself, seeing you and Richard are quite close, I presume." The man added.

Nathan thought he had had enough as he clenched the cup firmly in his grip. "So you are here to monitor me or what?"

"Please!" The man answered through his clenched teeth. "Don't flatter yourself, boy. I have other things in mind."

"Really?" Nathan turned and looked at the man straight in the eye. "So what are you doing here?"

The man ordered for a glass of Apple Martin without replying Nathan, so Nathan pressed further.

"I really don't understand what you are doing here, because it is not as if you are the world most caring father, so why don't you just buzz off."

Sam looked at Nathan with a blazing stare, but Nathan was already high to take note.

After a moment, Sam heaved lightly. "Maybe later. Maybe later you would understand, son, but for now, just be careful." Sam said and made to take his leave but stopped in his track when he heard his son say something.

"He knew you were my father." Nathan said casually.

Sam turned around. "You said what?"

"He knew you were my father."

"And?" Sam quizzed critically.

"Nothing." Nathan replied. "He just called his son aside and had a conversation with him.

"Son of a ...." Sam muttered.

"What exactly is going on here dad." Nathan asked.

Sam just turned around and took his leave, making his way into the house at the other end.

Nathan shook his head as he watched his father disappear into the building. He wasn't surprised. Just as he ordered for another glass of tequila, a hand rested on his shoulder. He turned to see Richard smiling at him.

"Hey man. How are you?" Richard asked still smiling.

"Well, I am okay. How about you, how are you feeling?"

"Okay, I guess." Richard responded. "I need your help."

"What for?"

"Did you by chance see Audrey?"

"I thought you both were together." Nathan asked curiously.

"Yea, we were, but she excused herself to get something and now I can't find her. Do you know where she might be?"

"Well, I really don't know, but hey, let's look for her together. I'm tired of drinking alone."

Both men chuckled as they walked on.

The lady stood by a tree as she took covering under the extended leaves of the tree from the sun's onslaught. Though in her early forties, she still had a perfectly shaped body that would give young ladies a good run for their money, and the black sleeveless gown she worn made her perfect figure even more obvious.

She looked around as she surveyed the environ, it was definitely refreshing to be back here, but this time, she braced herself for the hell she was about to unleash. She might not survive, she thought to herself, but there was no other way she could escape the impending danger, better die today than die tomorrow.

She glanced at her wristwatch and smiled briefly. It was about time. She stepped into the crowd without looking sideways, and immediately, she bumped into a much younger lady, spilling her drink a little. The young lady looked familiar, but she couldn't remember where she had seen her face before.

Realising that the young lady gave her a spiteful stare, she tried offering an apology, but before she would say a word, the young lady had emptied the content of her glass on her cloth.

The elderly lady was baffled as she looked speechless. Her mouth was wide open but the words decided to remain trapped in her throat.

Audrey saw what was happening and quickly rushed to scene.
"I am so sorry ma'am." Audrey apologised to the elderly lady.

The elderly lady stared at Audrey and returned the stare to the enraged young lady.

Audrey looked at the young lady who was involved in the fiscal, and immediately froze on the spot.
The 'Ghost' she thought that wasn't real was actually real. This was the same lady that had stepped on her toe back in the school cafeteria. Audrey kept wondering what or who exactly invited her for the funeral.

The enraged young lady stared at both women like a venomous Adder, waiting for an opportunity to strike.

The elderly lady sensing what was about to happen quickly grabbed Audrey by the hand and pulled her along as she walked away.

Audrey regained consciousness and tried adjusting herself. She realised she was with someone and quickly offered to help.
"I'm so sorry for that."

"It is okay. I think I will survive." The elderly lady smiled as she replied.

"Let me get a napkin to dry that drink off your cloth." Audrey offered.

"Oh, don't bother. I have a piece of cloth in my bag to do that." The elderly smiled again as she brought out a piece of white cloth from ber black bag.

"Do you know that lady?" The elderly lady asked as she cleaned herself.

"I only know she attends the same school I attend."

"Hmmm. I could swear her face is kind of familiar." The elderly chipped in.

"Really? From where?" Audrey probed.

"I really don't know, but thanks for intervening."

"Oh no problem ma. I am Audrey." Audrey offered her hand for a shake.

"I am Joan." She smiled.

Just as they were talking, Richard and Nathan walked up to them, making Mrs. Joan drop her bag in shock.
"Jesus, Mary and Joseph!!" She muttered

Both men stared at themselves and then at Audrey before looking at Mrs. Joan again.

"Em- excuse ma." Richard started. "Are you okay?"

She looked at both young men as she remained speechless. Tears began to form beneath her eyes and in no time, it escaped her cagey eyes.

Nathan came forward as her tried to comfort her, but before he would say anything, she pulled him into her embrace and wept silently.

After a minute, she unlocked her embrace and wiped the tears off her chubby cheek with the handkerchief in her hand.

Richard stared at Nathan with an inquisitive look, but Nathan was short of answers either. Audrey could stare.

After what seemed like an eternity, Mrs. Joan pulled Richard into her embrace, this time, she stayed longer. Nathan giggled, not out of excitement, but rather out of confusion.

After she released Richard, she wiped her face again. The awkwardness was getting to intense.

"Excuse ma." Richard broke the silence. "Do we know you?"

Mrs. Joan just shook her head. They wouldn't understand, she thought. "I am sorry for your mother's demise." She offered.

Everyone relaxed. Perhaps she couldn't contain the emotions again so she had to pour them out, they thought, but Audrey was thinking something else.

"Where is your father?" Mrs. Joan asked Richard.

"Inside the house."

Without saying any other word, Joan left the three of them standing in wonder of what exactly was happening as she walked into the house. Perhaps it was time.

"That was weird." Audrey said, finally breaking the silence.

"Extremely weird." Richard added.

Nathan just nodded.

"Where did you meet her?" Richard asked Audrey.

"She was involved in a little mix up with a lady, I think is from our school."

"You mean Kiki?" Richard asked brusquely.

"You know her?" Audrey asked surprised.

"Everyone knows Kiki, and everyone knows Kiki has issues." Richard answered as he moved closer to Audrey. "I think I saw her leaving anyway."

"Oh that reminds me, I have to get going." Audrey suddenly said.

"Why so soon?" Nathan asked, who has been keeping quiet.

"I left Hammy alone at home. I have to get home to her."

"Oh!" Richard could only say. The thought of Hammy suddenly filled his brain.

"See you guys later." Audrey waved as she took her leave, leaving Richard and Nathan standing alone.

"Well, what should we do now?" Nathan asked as they watched Audrey disappear into the horizon.

"I guess we should find a room and drink ourselves to sleep."

"Is that a good idea?"

"It is the only one I can think of now. Do you have any other idea?"

"I think this would do." Nathan said flatly.

"Come on then, we have a lot to drink."

Clark sat on the chair as he stared at a framed picture of his late wife, Elizabeth. Words couldn't describe what he felt inside, and he sure knew he was going to miss her. He had no time to waste wishing he could go back in time to act differently, of what use would it be if he wished for it. Now was the time to act differently.

He drifted slightly down memory lane as she could see her smiling face on his sick bed when they first met, but soon came to reality as he saw the door of his study open and a figure walked in.

"Bloody hell!!" He cursed. "What in god's name do you think you are doing here?" He queried.

Sam could only smile like a victorious kid as he walked into the study.

"Who gave you the right you come into this place?" Clark fired again. "You have no right to come here, not even for the funeral, you son of a....."

"Oh yes, I do have the right." Sam interrupted. "Since you decided to lure my son into your trap, only God knows what you have in-store for him."

Clark's eyes shot wide in amazement. "Christ sake. What are you talking about? I did not even know he was your son until I met him a few moment ago."

"And you expect me to believe you?"

Clark felt he had gotten enough headache for the day, so he wasn't in the mood for another round.
"What exactly is the matter, Sam? What did I do to you to make you hate me so much?"

"You back stabbing devil. I really doubt Elizabeth is the true mother of your son."

Clark clenched his fit. He wanted to rip Sam to shreds, but the table between then hindered him. "I won't allow you come in here and insult the memory of my late wife. I won't allow that."

Sam looked at Clark with a distasteful look. "Elizabeth was a good woman, and I wish you were the one in her place, six feet below."

Clark felt he had gotten enough, so he lurched at Sam throat, not minding the table, pushing him down to the floor.

Both men rolled over each other, scratching and punching themselves, knocking over whatever stood in their way. If this was going to end, one of them had to be dead.

The continued for about three minutes and then stopped when they heard the door open.

"Hello boys!" A female voice called out.

Both men looked up at who just walked in and immediately froze in their movement.

It can't be, they thought. Perhaps it's her Ghost.

Akposb:

I am through with it.

Really?? I thought maybe it had another sequel. That was brilliant I must say.

theorbiters:

Really?? I thought maybe it had another sequel. That was brilliant I must say.

Thanks, sequel might be put into consideration.

Episode 10
The Truth and Half A Lie.


Both men watched in shock as she walked into the study. Without saying a word to any of them, she placed her bag on the table and took her seat on the sofa. Both men got to their feet and adjusted their clothes as they still fixed their stare on her.

"You both look like you just saw a ghost. I guess you both were busy. Hope I didn't interrupt anything?" She broke the silence.

"A-Are youuu really you?" Clark muttered

"Long time no see Clark." She said smiling. "I can imagine what you must be feeling inside."

Clark placed his hands on his head. "You are not dead?" He asked silently.

"Do I look dead to you Clark?" She said as she adjust her posture on the sofa.

Clark staggered backward as Sam watched intently. He felt like ripping her guts.

"Why are you here Joan?" Clark finally managed to say as he sat on the table with his head bow.

After a minute of silence, Joan got to her feet.
"What I am about to tell you both would change everything you both knew."

"What is that suppose to mean?" Sam fired at her.

Joan knew how much Sam hated her, so she tried carefully not to stroll into his bad side. She looked at him with pity in her eyes and then shook her head.
"I hope you forgive me when you here the truth."

"And finally, the wh.ore wants to confess." Sam said as he threw his hand into the air.

"What truth?" Clark asked as he looked at the both of them.

Joan, closed her eyes as the memories played afresh in her head.

"It goes back to when we all finished from college. I was in love with you both, but I couldn't make a choice. The best part was that you both loved me, while the terrible part was that you both were friends.

"I was determined to keep you both, and maybe make a choice later when I was finally sure who was going to be the better man for me, even though Sara, my best friend, as you all know, warned me against it, saying it was dangerous and unfair, but I thought it would be fun.

"We had fun, you both can testify to that, but I managed to keep my relationship with you both as separate as possible. Well, my friend helped with that aspect."

Clark could only open his mouth in shock.

Joan stared at Clark and shook her head. "I am sorry Clark, I should have told you. I got pregnant for you, and I wanted to abort it, so I couldn't tell you. The doctor I met told me my womb was fragile, and that if I should attempt an abortion, I would never give birth again in life, so I decided to keep the baby."

Clark looked at Sam, who threw his face to the window.

Joan continued. "I travelled to the US. to have the baby, and her left her in the care of her godmother, my best friend, Sara, and then I came back to Nigeria before the independence day celebration.

"I met Sam, who proposed to me, and without thinking, I said yes."

Sam clenched his fit.

Joan continued. "I guess that was when you found out about I and Sam, and truthfully, that was when your friendship cracked.

"I got pregnant for Sam and gave birth to Nathan, but Sam had me divorced when I told him about the child I had gotten for you, and I guess that was when your friendship finally broke."

Clark looked at Sam again before returning his stare to Joan.

Joan continued. "After I and Sam got divorced, I came looking for you, but I saw that you were already married to your late wife, who for god sake was my younger sister."

"CHRIST!!!!" Clark exploded. "Wait. Are you saying that, Elizabeth was your younger sister?"

"Yes, she was."

"How the hell did I not know?"

"I guess being the black sheep of the family, nobody gets to talk about you. You could imagine my shock when I realised that you and my sister were together. I couldn't bear it, I had to leave the country.

"And now, I am back to confess to you both."

Clark looked at Sam. "Is this why you hated me so much? You thought I had an idea of what happened?"

Sam shrugged his shoulders. "I thought you planned the whole thing and then acted like you had no idea. Truth be told, I thought Richard was the son she gave birth to for you."

"What the hell. For pete's sake, Richard is the product of Elizabeth and I. Christ!!!!" Clark shouted.

Joan could only watch as both men reasoned with themselves.

"So if Richard was actually the son Joan gave birth to, you were bent on destroying his life also, right?"

"Yes, because he destroyed mine." Sam replied.

"Can you hear yourself?" Clark asked in shock. "For God sake, see the devil that wrecked both our lives, and you were planning on taking it out on my son. Are you crazy?"

"No, I'm not, but God help me when I find that son this wh.ore gave birth to, I'm gonna rip his life apart that he wouldn't know what hit him." Sam vowed.

"Oh no. You ain't getting anywhere near my son."

Joan could only watch as both men continue to breathe down on each other's neck. She couldn't stand it anymore.
"BOYS!!!!" She screamed.

They both kept mute as they stared at her.

"Do you boys realise that your sons are now related?"

"So?" They both chorus.

"I never said the child I gave birth to was a boy."

"What does that mean?" They both asked.

"It was a girl."

******************************

Hammy lay on her bed as she flipped through the pages of her note. Exams where finally here and she just wished it would all disappear.

Her eyes felt so heavy, and sleep was just lurking in the shadows, but she knew he had to study. Nobody wants to fail in their finals, she thought, besides she had to wait for Audrey to come back. She wished she had gone for the funeral service. On a second thought, she was glad she didn't go.

The door opened.

Hammy sat up, expecting Audrey to walk in, but no one did. The door wasn't even locked, she thought, so she got up to close the door properly.

As she got to the door, a figure lurched at her, pushing her to the ground as it grabbed her neck.

Random thoughts filled her head as she fell freely to the ground. Perhaps, she thought, her life was over.

Hammy struggled with the little strength she could muster, but the figure was too strong for her as it laid on her tummy and squeezed her neck, snuffing the life out of her.

"Die you LovePeddler!!" Her assailant spewed. "You and your bas.tard child must die."

Hammy saw her life walking through the door, and just when she was about to bid her final farewell, Audrey came in through the door.

In an instant, Audrey yanked her bag on the head of the figure, and out of fear, she stood behind the door.
Quickly, the figure scampered and jumped through the window, leaving Hammy as she gasped for air.

Audrey was stricken with fright as she watched friend regain a little strength and sat on the bed coughing.

She quickly got water from the kitchen and watched a Hammy gulped it. When she was through, she hugged her like she was lost, but found.

"Who was that?" Audrey voice trembled with fright.

Hammy kept on coughing as she massaged her neck.
"How was I supposed to know?" Hammy managed to say weakly. "I was waiting for you to show up, but someone who wants me dead decided to show up."

"Who would want you dead?" Audrey asked confused.

"I have no idea." Hammy replied as she rubbed her neck. "But I am so sure it was a lady."

"A lady? Are you sure? Or the fear is making you paranoia?" Audrey quizzed.

"I know what I heard." Hammy replied Audrey blankly. "She even knew I was pregnant."

"How is that possible?" Audrey asked confused.

Hammy looked at her. "I am suppose to ask you that question. Who did you tell?"

"I told no one, I swear." Audrey replied. "Okay. We have to report this case tomorrow morning."

"No. Let's forget it." Hammy objected. "How was the funeral? Did you see Nathan and Richard?"

Audrey could only watch Hammy in amazement.

"I have been thinking, Drey." Hammy continued.

"What is that?"

"I think I want to keep the baby."

"Are you crazy?" Audrey shouted.

"Hear out my plan first."

"Whatever the plan is, Hammy, it is stupid. Please reconsider." Audrey pleaded.

Hammy smiled as she picked up her phone and dialled a number. There was a connection after the first ring.
"Na-nathan." Hammy stuttered. "Nathan, I'm scared."

"What is the problem? Are you alright?" The voice asked.

"Nathan, someone almost killed me." Hammy pretended to cry as Audrey shook her head in disbelieve.

"You say what?"

"Nathan, I am scared to be alone. Can I come and pass the night with you?"

"Sure. I will text you my address." The call was terminated.

Hammy laughed loudly as Audrey was left speechless.

"You can't do this to them. Please." Audrey pleaded.

"Oh I can, and I will. Just watch." Hammy said as she wore her cloth and stepped out of the house. See you tomorrow."

While she was gone, Audrey sat on the floor and cried. Life indeed sucks at times, she thought.