Episode One:

“He bought me these shoes and even promised to buy me the whole boutique next time. So funny.” Lily narrated excitedly giggling. She gave a sigh of pure satisfaction sprawled carelessly on one of the plastic chairs that served as their cushion. She turned to Flora,surprised at her unusual quietness. “You have not said anything Flora”.

“Well,what do you want me to say?” Flora asked nonchalantly, looking up from the novel she buried her face in,all the while Lily chattered. ”

“Eeh? So you can’t say anything? No comment at all for all my banter” Lily interpolated, flaring up. Flora smiled sweetly,”Flower sis, really sorry girl. Got so absorbed in this book. Really interesting book, you should read it. Oh and yes, I trust Chris. He’s got money” Flora said returning attention to her novel. But Lily has already lost the thread of the whole conversation, she was texting Chris. “Oh look, he sent me a rose on whatsapp. Said he couldn’t find a Lily but will make sure Zuckerberg makes a provision for that very soon. So funny” Lily smiled so much, her eyes crinkled at the corners.

“Hmph! ” Flora suddenly had enough. She stumped into the room hoping Lily would see her annoyance as to how she goes on and on about Chris. It was always, Chris said this or that, Chris Loves this dress, Oh she thought that was Chris, he walks the same way. What the hell? Unfortunately, Lily didn’t even look up from her phone, let alone notice she had left the parlour. Flora convinced herself she was not jealous. Hey, are you OK in the head? How would she be jealous,Lily was her best friend,Like a sister to her. A lady shouldn’t be obsessed with a man like that, it’s not healthy. She just wanted the best for her.





Flora looked around the room she shared with Lily right from their year one. The entire walls were covered with flower posters. They shared the same bed, no space in the room for two. The apartment was not a large one. Just a parlour and another room attached like an afterthought. They always had a lot of fun here to keep stress in check. Pillow fights, chess, ludo, they even played oga and Sandalili just like primary school children. She thought of the time they Played hide and seek, a very silly game to play in this small space. One didn’t really have to search to find the other but they did pretend to search. They have names which depict same thing. Flora – flower, Lily-flower so they call each other flower sister. Flora heard Lily laugh so loud in the parlour. “Flora you should see this. This guy is so funny!” Lily called. Flora hissed. They had been best of friends until… Until Chris. Chris disrupted everything, every single thing. They always dressed the same way but now Lily only wears clothes Chris said makes her look like a goddess, Chris said to meet him for lunch, so their chess game will have to be cancelled. Chris doesn’t like too much make up so she would have to be moderate. Chris said she looked better without the lashes she fixed, so no more artificial lashes. Chris said, Chris said, Chris Chris Chris. What nonsense! Flora didn’t like the Chris of a guy anyway. Always clean cut, cheerful, smart, rich and well… A little handsome.





She had known Chris before Lily did but he snubbed her completely. She was far prettier than Lily. He must think himself the only man in a world of ants. She heard Lily giggle again. And her friend was not even helping matters. She thought they were supposed to be friends. Why did Lily have to go behind her back and get the guy she always wanted while she was still single. It’s so unfair, that’s betrayal and she also had to flaunt what he bought for her and things she claimed he taught her. This nonsense had to stop, it just had to. Flora suddenly bolted upright on the bed. Her eyes widened as the idea hit her, she twisted her mouth and glared in the direction of the parlour. Her novel forgotten now, she sprang up from the bed and paced. Then reached into her cupboard to get… Oh my God, could she go through with this? She smiled contentedly as she rehearsed her Plans. This would finally stop, she would make it stop.

Friendly Foe – Episode Two

Christian Chukwu simply could not believe what he just read. “Please read this for me”, he passed the phone to his friend Iyke, interrupting his video game. Iyke pouted in annoyance. “Haba, is it that you cannot wait until…” one glance at the text, Iyke stopped short in shock.



“Chris,I knw u care 4 me nd I appreciate. Bt I will really lyk 2 Cal dis rlship quits. I cn’t go thru wit it anymore. I hv finally found d ryt man 4 me nd I dnt wnt u 2 come ard nd spoil tinz 4 us. Pls don’t Cal my num or even txt me on any social network again, I won’t take it lightly wit u. Finally, u will do well nt 2 talk 2 me again cos I will pretend I dnt knw u. Pls leave me alone frm nw on. I mean evry word. If u doubt it, try me.” “who wrote this?”

Iyke asked no one in particular looking like he just ate “ube kotuma”, the type that slaps you when you eat it. “Damn if I know!” Chris bellowed, staring into the empty space like he was seeing invisible forces “Did you see what I saw? I mean, what I think I saw?” Chris asked his friend, growing madder by the minute. “

“Hey guy just relax. This might not be the real information. I know Lily. I mean, she might not really mean what she wrote. You know girls can be so funny”. Iyke said, trying to calm down his friend. His words didn’t even sound convincing to his own ears. “The text might actually mean something else when read from another angle” Iyke tried again but Chris was no longer hearing anything except the sound of his own heart. Iyke turned the phone over, read the text from different angles and upside down, they all said the same thing. “Why would she write this na?” Iyke muttered, frowning. “Jubakwam” Chris cut in, grinding his teeth.

“You know the text might mean something else when soaked in kerosene” Iyke said, still not believing Lily was serious. She adored Chris. “What do you mean?” Chris retorted, springing up from the cushion like it was too hot. “I mean, you can forget the text and call her” Iyke said. Chris was sitting on the floor now, the cushion was too hot. “Ehh? Did you say call? Guy did you even read the text. She said I should not call or talk to her or even appear before her majesty. She’s literally telling me to leave her alone kpam kpam, just like we never met” Chris barked as he spoke.

His heart was not breaking. Hell, nobody could do that to him again. After he lost his mum to the dirty hands of poverty, his world was torn into diminutive pieces. He clamped his eyes shut, in pain. He didn’t know how he managed to survive but he made it, didn’t he? Now he’s thinking he found a consolation, a girl whom his future plans revolved around. She was a lot like his mother, gentle, tender and he pampered her. He had even introduced her to their Priest and was encouraged. What did he get for all his commitment? A stupid text message, roughly typed in indecipherable short hand without explanation or even simple greeting with threats to cap it all. What did he do to deserve this? This wasn’t like his Lily, not his flower.

But girls, do you ever trust them? Any man, not killed by a woman will live a long life. Chris angrily glared at his phone like it was Lily. Then turned to glare at Iyke, he hated the way the dude kept staring at him like he was a helpless lamb. “what?” Chris snapped. Iyke jejely turned back to his video game like a good boy. He knew that mood. Chris suddenly jumped up and picked his phone with his face Set into scary hard lines and calm resolution. “What are you doing?” Iyke asked. “Doing the right thing. Soaking the text and the texter in cold water”. Chris replied, with a surprisingly calm voice. “Hmm. I don’t know o but I think you should just call. Anyway, what’s the need? She knew you would call and warned you off before hand” Iyke said, looking disgusted. “Girls sha. Do your thing bro”. Chris carefully blocked her on Facebook, whatsapp and every social network she signed up for. Then forwarded her number to his lost sim in case she calls to explain, by some stupid prick of conscience. He got his shirt from the room and headed for the door. “where to?”

He got his shirt headed for the door. “where to?” Iyke asked, alarmed. Hope this guy won’t try something stupid. Abeg, let all that crap about people killing themselves for girls remain stories. “Bar” Chris growled and banged the door. When did Chris ever drink? Iyke shrugged again in disgust. Girls! After dem don chop your money finish, dem go begin blow grammar. Leave you alone? Why would he leave you alone? Return his money jare. And Chris, his mannest man for that matter. He loved that girl like you wouldn’t believe, always talking about her and buying her things. He was even planning to host her birthday and make it big. What did he get for all his efforts? Tufiakwa. Girls are wicked. He dropped the video pads, he would show the girl.



He knew Chris wouldn’t support that but see na. E good? After he had invested everything in her, she dropped the time bomb. He would just teach the stupid girl a little Lesson so that she would never try that again with any man in the future. Can you just imagine. He spat in disgust and continued with his video game. His plan will have to be carried out soonest so that the stupid girl will be feeling the pain same time Chris did.

Friendly Foe – Episode Three

“This is Lily’s fiance. Look, Mr Christian or whatever they call you, I don’t want to perceive you around Lily again. If you see her, don’t even greet, just go your own way and she will go hers”. Flora nodded in approval.
Flamez may be a racketeer but he spoke English flawlessly. Flora still didn’t understand how he ended up on the streets. “And don’t call her” Flora whispered. She loved the exaggerated baritone, it was threatening all on its own. He changed his voice effortlessly. “Yes, and don’t ever call her again. If I see you around her, only God knows what I will do to you. Goodbye Mr Christian”. Flamez ended the call. Flora gave him a high five, giggling silently so as not to make too much noise. Other people were also doing underground business here.



Flora gave him a high five, giggling silently so as not to make too much noise. Other people were also doing underground business here. Flamez was the man she hired to add finishing touches to her plans because he spoke so well. “You are so cool” Flora said in admiration, opening her bag to pay him. Flamez smiled toothlessly, he had very few teeth remaining in his mouth, testimony to numerous bar fights and jungle life. “That’s my job”. He collected the money and counted,he mentally patted himself on the back. 100 ways to make quick money number 1, help bitches set up their female friends.

“Excuse me? I said 10k. What’s this?” Flamez asked with that upturned mouth. Was that a scar that ran across his upper lip? “I know. Just manage 5k, I will pay up later” Flora said, assuming that bossy stance. Little did she know it doesn’t work on everyone. “Look, I don’t do child’s business. If you don’t pay up now, get ready to leave without your phone.” Flamez said, his cold eyes hardening. “Is that supposed to be a threat or something?” Flora’s voice was rising with fury. Imagine this nincompoop. “Don’t make noise here” Flamez cut in, glancing around. “I even paid you 5k and you are still talking”. Flora continued, glaring at him. “Many people would have done it for less. Please take the money and free me joorh. Don’t be greedy, besides I have already said I will pay up later”.

Flamez stared at her, a muscle was ticking in his jaw. That’s the problem with all these envious girls. They are always saucy, jealous and broke. “Sorry, I’m not many people” Flamez said, trying really hard to remain the gentleman and control his temper. Ignoring him totally, Flora stood up, adjusted her spotless white dress like a peahen and made to leave. Flamez grabbed her handbag. “If not because I know you, I would have done something that would forever keep your filthy mouth shut”. Flamez said, his eyes narrowing into dangerous slits. “Like seriously, are you threatening me?” Flora’s laugh was mirthless. “I give you two minutes to release my handbag. One…two…” This wasn’t going well for Flora, she collected all the money she had and even borrowed from Lily to complete it. Where would get another 5k? The guy must be a greedy fool. She shook off a wave of guilt as Lily came to mind. If Lily had left Chris for her in the first place, both of them wouldn’t have been going through this. Lily betrayed her first! “Little girls should not joke with fire. This was an agreement” Flamez said curtly, intruding into her thoughts. Flora laughed hysterically,holding her stomach. “I Flora Sue, joking with fire. Leave my bag now or else…” Flora stopped and stared at something behind Flamez with wide eyes. “What is it?” Flamez asked, turning to investigate.



Flora utilized that orchestrated distraction, snatched her bag from him and bolted through the door. But Flamez was having none of it, this bitch wasn’t getting away with his money. But hell, could she run? He never thought those long pretty legs could do anything better than cat walking, he must be out of shape. Flamez dived towards her and had both of them hurtling down the stones in front of the building. He grabbed her by the hair and gave her a quick back hand slap for tricking him, another one for wanting to get away with his money, a third for stressing him so much. Flora fought back like a wild cat but her efforts were nothing compared to the hulk before her.

This was the sight that confronted Chris as he drove past Guinea Casino. He drove very slowly, he didn’t trust himself to drive speedily that day, as he normally did. He might crash into something and he surely wouldn’t give a certain bitch the satisfaction of thinking he did it because of her. He quickly glanced at them and looked away. Was that an assassin or rapist or thief, he simply didn’t care. He was boiling with anger,he wanted to punch something. Another glance revealed the assaulter, Flamez, a popular gangster. Must be having problems with his girl then. Women! Will they ever stop being a total nuisance? For instance, just imagine, Lily asked her “fiance” to threaten him. Him! Christian Michael Chukwu! Jesus, this was driving him crazy. If he should get his hands on her, he would tear out her hair strand by strand. It wasn’t enough that she abruptly quit their relationship, if it could pass as one, on the phone with insults. She also had to get the stupid man she probably called her boyfriend to threaten him. Just what did she think she was? A diamond Princess? She thinks he would die without her? Chris laughed bitterly,he would show her that she meant absolutely nothing to him. Chris looked in the rear view mirror, the dude didn’t seem ready to stop slapping the Lady. He was hoping on having a quiet evening with a glass of wine and his video

Chris looked in the rear view mirror, the dude didn’t seem ready to stop slapping the Lady. He was hoping on having a quiet evening with a glass of wine and his video game, if Iyke hasn’t claimed it already. He considered wishing the lady well and hoping a gallant Knight comes to her rescue, but this road was a lonely one, filled with a million portholes. He follows it to avoid traffic, little hope of anyone coming to rescue the lady. He looked again, this time, the guy was dragging her all over the ground tearing her clothes, her kicking made it worse. Did this Flamez of a guy even have just a fraction of human heart. Looks like he’s her only saviour now. Chris rolled his eyes and reversed. Back to the ugly beating scene. He left his engine running, he just had to find out why the dude was determined to kill the lady, see what he could do about it and start going home already. He glanced at his watch, 5 o’clock! Shit, Iyke must be home now. Iyke’s a final year student for goodness sake, he should leave video games and study.

“Hey, hey. Easy dude, easy” Chris said, trying to calm Flamez down. “Back off” said through his teeth, wrapping his palms around the Lady’s neck. Did he want to strangle her? The lady kicked furiously. “Let go… Of me… You toothless…” Flora bit him “bastard” another bite. Flamez yelped in pain and gave her another resounding slap. Whao, the wench was a hellcat. Chris had to remind himself, he didn’t come to watch the fight. “Please, please. I will handle anything you might have against her”. Chris said cautiously. “5k” Flamez snarled, breathing hard, he hated the intrusion. He wanted to beat this bitch so thoroughly, she would be wearing her teeth in a cup beside her hospital bed for the rest of her life. She dared to play with fire.

“Sorry?” Chris asked. “This witch wants to run away with with my 5k” Flamez said again. “Give him his money na” Chris implored the lady. Her eyes and cheeks were badly swollen, with her lips bleeding. “Do you want him to kill you first?”
“I don’t… have 5k” Flora grimaced in pain, she could hardly move her jaws.
“5k…5k” Chris muttered. He moved over to his car and produced the money. Flamez collected the money and counted, still holding Flora by the hair with the other hand. It was complete. He pushed her away violently. “Na just your God save you. Witch”. Flamez spat out at Flora and shot Chris a who-are-you-anyway look, then turned and disappeared into the Casino. The guy was indeed toothless, Chris noted with amusement. How did he manage to talk. Chris squatted to see the lady, her face was battered beyond recognition. What business did she have with the likes of Flamez?

“Hi. I’m Christian. You are safe now” Chris said gently. Flora remained silent, staring down at her hands through swollen eyelids. “I can understand if you don’t want to talk. Mind if I take you home?” Flora nodded, then gave out a little cry. Even head movement was torturous. Huh? That should be a yes. “Easy, can you stand up?” Flora nodded again. Chris retrieved her handbag, then helped her into the car. “Where’s home?” Chris asked but Flora was already pretending to sleep. Aww, shit! Hope she has not passed out,not in his car please. Now what was he supposed to do? His home or hospital? So much for the quiet evening he looked forward to.

For more:
http://gistity.com/short-stories/friendly-foe-episode-four/