Episode 21
SHADE OF LUST
Jude’s side of the story continues
‘’and what gave you the impression that guys can’t survive without s-x?’’ I asked, smiling faintly. She said nothing.
‘’what matters the most is what we feel for each other. I respect you. I adore you. I love you and that’s more than enough reason for me to abstain from s-x till we get married’’ I answered, kissing her forehead. Her eyes brightened with tears of joy.
‘’that’s so sweet of you. You are such a gentleman. I really do pray nothing comes between us’’ she muttered softly, getting up from the bed.
‘’good night my love’’ she added, smiled and left the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts and conscience as Pamela’s image flashed through my mind.
I left Pamela in a rough condition and deep down I knew I was yet to see the end of her even though I did the best thing by ending our relationship before it got out hand.
______________________________________
Kelvin’s side of the story continues **
10am, Saturday
With the help of Joe, I got some laborers who fixed my fence while I busied myself tidying up my house, especially my kitchen that was tampered with by the hoodlums. I equally used the opportunity to hide the briefcase I got from my late uncle’s apartment because it really was the only new thing I had in my apartment that could probably be the reason I was attacked in such daring manner.
Later in the day, Joe brought a young Fulani guy to my house.
‘’you need someone to watch over your property and this guy here is the man’’ he said to me with a smile as I assessed the innocent looking guy with my eyes.
‘’you have nothing to worry about him. I know him very well’’ he added with a smile while I nodded in gratitude.
‘’thanks Joe; you have shown what a great friend you are. I will be at your gym tomorrow morning to brief you on my date with Jessica’’ I said to him with a smile. He laughed and shook his head.
‘’of course if you come back alive’’ he joked, shook hands with me and left.
———————
The rest of the afternoon was a bit uneventful. All I did was rehearse and reshape the plans I had for Jessica and prepare for the date ahead. Of course as a human being I was a bit nervous and scared.
Just like my friend Joe insinuated, she could be behind the attack I had the previous night. She could be a wolf disguised as a sheep.
She could be luring me to my death and I had to be prepared for anything.
————————-
By 4:15pm, I was in front of Jessica’s house all nervous and vigilant. She soon appeared at her gate, smiling nicely like a beauty queen.
‘’thanks for coming on time’’ she muttered happily, drew close and surprised me with a hug which calmed my nerves.
‘’I guess you must be wondering what I’m up to?’’ she asked, smiling.
‘’yes of course’’ I replied, returning her gaze.
‘’you see every once in a while, I do take out my time to visit some orphanages and contribute my quota to their survival. It’s also something I always introduce my friends to. Something just struck me to involve you today. We can also use the opportunity to discuss and know each other very well as we drive round the town’’ she explained, smiling deeply and leaving me totally surprised, relived and stunned. Yes I was totally relieved in one hand and a bit stunned by the reason she just gave.
To me she was a high class lady, very charming and probably deceptive. I was all out to get her down but so far her behavior, her character and her heart showed nothing but innocence and purity. I honored her invitation, scared of what she was planning for me only to discover that all she wanted was for me to accompany her on a charity work.
‘’I hope you are not angry at me?’’ I heard her ask curiously.
‘’no of course not’’ I quickly replied. She smiled with relief and signaled to her gateman who quickly came out with some cartons of Indomie noodles, children clothes, provisions and toiletries. My car boot was soon filled up and all I could do was just to stare at her with great admiration. I used the moment to examine my life as I realized that I was yet to give out a single penny to the needy which really was totally bad of me.
‘’you know nothing sets the heart more at peace than helping people in need. Have you ever visited an orphanage before?’’ she asked as we headed to the first orphanage located at Aladinma.
‘’no it has never crossed my mind’’ I answered truthfully.
‘’God blessed you for a reason and the least you can do is to help the needy, to touch someone’s life with your help. You can’t believe the number of kids I’m paying school fees for.’’ She added with a smile while I kept quiet.
——————
The evening turned out to be a very long and interesting one for me. I got to experience firsthand how an orphanage looked like and how the kids living there were treated. We visited about five of such homes and I ended up donating five thousand naira to each of them which really was nothing, compared to what Jessica gave out.
When we got back to her house, late in the evening, she invited me inside for the first time.
‘’I’m really proud of you Kelvin. Not many guys would be happy on what I did. I took you to where you never planned visiting and yet you contributed your quota. So you now have the right to pick out the time and place of our next date’’ she said to me with a happy smile after showing round her impressive residence. I couldn’t believe my ears.
‘’wow that’s so good to hear, but really you taught me a very wonderful lesson today’’ I confessed. She drew close, breathed deeply, hugged and pecked me affectionately.
‘’you are such a wonderful guy Kelvin and I really enjoyed my evening with you’’ she whispered, melting my heart with her action and I kind of trembled before her as I tried so hard to control my emotions.
I so badly wanted to grab and kiss her that moment but luckily I was able to hold back myself.
I never planned falling in love with Jessica because she was still my main suspect over my uncle’s death but somehow my emotions were getting on the way and she looked so pure, open minded and honest.
It looked as if I was gradually falling in love for the first time. Or could it be lust??
To be continued

Episode 22
SHADE OF LUST
Jude’s side of the story continues
Early Sunday morning, we all headed to a catholic church down the street for a Sunday Church service. The kindness and love shown to me by Tracy’s parents was something I never dreamt of having. I really felt so much at peace being with them.
However on our way to the church, Tracy took my phone for no just reason and since I had nothing to hide (Apart from Pamela’s phone numbers which were saved in my phone with her real name, everything other thing like our chats and messages were always deleted after each chat session). I allowed Tracy to have my phone. But unfortunately, that very Sunday was the day the devil remembered me.
Later in the day, just minutes after we got back from church service, Tracy ran into my room, all colored up and angry. She threw my phone at me with great rage, while I stared at her with great confusion.
‘’I can’t believe you were with another girl, the night before you came here. What an insult to me. I cheapened myself so much for you. I blame myself for this’’ she burst out with such a loud voice that left me very scared.
‘’you have to reduce your voice and talk me. Do you want your parents to hear your voice?. I don’t understand what you are saying’’ I tried my best to calm her but instead of calming down, she drew forward to slap me but I caught her hand on time and firmly dragged her down on the bed while she struggled to free herself.
I really couldn’t figure out how she discovered I spent the night with Pamela since I had nothing incriminating on my phone. I equally was very sure that the last thing Pamela would do was to share our little secret to anyone because she was so conscious of herself and dignity.
‘’you still don’t understand right?. Get your phone, read the message you just got. Yes I read it. Yes I invaded your privacy but I did it for a genuine reason’’ she breathed as she struggled with me.
I slowly grabbed my phone, opened the message box and read the first message I saw. Of course the message was from no other person than Pamela. I froze as I read the text message she left me.
‘’I can’t still believe you had the mind to do what you did after the risk I took in coming down to spend Friday night with you. Things don’t always go the way we plan, but just know that we are in this together. I won’t bother you again but you will come looking for me’’
I read the message over and over without really knowing what to make of it or the explanation to give to Tracy. I was simply unprepared and clueless on how to tackle the situation. I couldn’t even think properly.
‘’why would you be with another woman on Friday and then the next day, you pretend and come over to my house like a saint?. What kind of man are you?’’ she asked with tears on her eyes and I really felt so bad. She was a woman before anything and I knew she would never understand if I try giving an honest explanation.
There wasn’t any doubt she was already disgusted by me. To her, I greatly dishonored her love and all she felt for me by taking advantage of her feelings. I was now nothing but a good pretender before her eyes.
‘’I just don’t know you Jude’’ she sobbed deeply.
________________________
Kelvin’s side of the story continues
‘’so how about you come over to my house tomorrow afternoon for a date?. I’m a good cook and it really will be an honor cooking for such a wonderful lady like you’’ I suddenly asked Jessica as she escorted me out of her house that Saturday evening.
‘’of course you already know I can’t say no’’ she replied sweetly, rolling her eyes.
I quickly gave her my address, hugged her again and drove home in a very happy mood. There wasn’t any doubt that I was making a smooth headway to her heart and she equally was slowly gaining direct access to my heart.
————-
Early Sunday morning when everyone was heading to church, I headed to Joe’s gym to exercise and chat with my friend. Joe looked so happy to see me and I couldn’t help but wonder if he really thought I was going to die the previous evening.
‘’I’m so glad to see you my friend. Since you survived yesterday, I guess you aren’t dying anytime soon’’ he joked while I laughed.
In no time I told him everything that happened between Jessica and I the previous evening, hiding nothing from him.
‘’I hope you are not going to end up having kids with her?. With the way you guys are going, I won’t be surprised if that happens’’ he joked when I was done with my story.
‘’seriously bro, I always feel different whenever I’m with Jessica. I really haven’t achieved much with her other than stupidly getting romantically attached to her and I can’t stop myself or control what I’m feeling’’ I confessed.
‘’hmmm you have to take it easy’’ he advised with a smile.
—————————–
An hour later, I returned to my house and busied myself with preparing a delicious meal of fried rice and salad for Jessica. Growing up in the village taught me a whole lot of things and I could boast of being one of the best male cooks around. Though lately, Cynthia had always been around to help me out.
The spirit and energy I used in cooking for Jessica was something I really didn’t know where it came from and by 1pm, the food, table, wine and flowers were all ready. I just felt like a bachelor who was expecting his fiancée from abroad.
2pm, Jessica arrived my house, looking so gorgeous and charming. My heart pounded loud as I welcomed her into my house.
‘’wow, you have such a nice house. You are doing too well for yourself’’ she complemented my great taste. I smiled nervously.
Thirty five minutes later, we were done with lunch and the look of admiration on her face was clearly visible.
‘’you know when you said you were going to cook for me, I thought maybe you were just trying to impress me but seriously after eating and listening to your story on how you learnt to cook and the method you used to prepare this wonderful meal, you totally won a great deal of me. I like guys who know how to cook and I adore guys who know how to cook excellently well. I score you 99%’’ she said with great admiration while my head swelled with pride.
‘’so what now?’’ she asked as we got up to leave the table. I smiled, drew close and did what I never wanted to do.
I kissed her and surprisingly, she kissed back, opening a new chapter in my life.
Will I end up regretting or did I make the right decision
Hmmmmmm
To be continued

Episode 23
Shade of Lust
Kelvin’s side of the story continues from the last scene
We kissed passionately for a while before Jessica got hold of her body and broke away from me.
‘’stop this. I beg of you’’ she breathed, looking down. I slowly brought up her face with my hands and looked into her eyes with great desire. The urge to make love to her was so much in me. I just felt hot and hor.ny like a guy who hasn’t been with a woman for many years.
‘’I don’t know why I’m feeling this way. I hardly have feelings for women but with you things are different. I can’t control my body. I can’t even hold back what I’m feeling inside. I’m sorry for ruining our date’’ I stammered softly. She shook her head and breathed deeply.
‘’you didn’t ruin anything Kelvin. I feel the same way’’ she confessed, leaving me a bit stunned and happy at the same time. Without another word, I drew closer and kissed her again, this time around, putting more fire and energy into it.
‘’oh easy’’ she moaned, holding me tightly as if she was scared of standing on her feet. I just was on top of the world that moment. It was as if we were the only couple on earth. I never knew when or how I got the energy to carry her to my room without breaking our kiss and oh yes she was quite a great kisser.
In no time, my mouth was on her left nipp.le which I managed to squeeze out of her bra and just like that we were soon unclad on my bed, ready to take our passion to the next level.
‘’what are you doing?’’ she asked weakly as I slowly dug into her. Her body was so warm and welcoming.
Thirty five minutes later, we fell apart, totally spent and tired. It really was one hell of a love making.
‘’I can’t believe we just did it’’ I heard her mutter to herself as she buried her face on my pillow while I slowly regained my senses as the consequences of what we just did slowly dawned on me.
Making love to her was never part of the plan and with the way I still felt about her, I was very clueless on the direction my life and plans were heading.
———————————-
Jude’s side of the story continues from the last scene
‘’you have to listen to me Tracy, even if it’s for the last time’’ I begged, trying hard to get the broken girl to listen to me.
‘’what is there to lie huh? What is there to say?’’ she breathed solemnly.
‘’and what gave you the impression that I want to lie. I only wanted to protect you by keeping this away from you but since it has come to this level, I have no choice than to tell you what actually happened on Friday night and the reason I came over to your house yesterday’’ I stammered, trying so hard to come up with an explanation.
I never planned telling her the truth but I equally knew I had to at least come up with something close to the truth to get her trust back. I really wasn’t a good liar but my business with Kelvin taught me a whole lot of things, including turning a lie into a believable truth.
Coolval once wrote that ‘sometimes a well told lie is better than a painful truth’ and that was the option I had no choice than to take. I had to come up with a well constructed lie.
‘’I was with Pamela on Friday night. The silly girl just showed up to spend the weekend with me, without even notifying me that she was coming over. It was hell spending the night with her because all I could think about was you. And early the next day, I had to lie to her that I was travelling. I couldn’t bear spending Saturday and Sunday with her and the only way to kick her out was to make her believe I was travelling. It was the reason I had to start coming down to your house yesterday, instead of Monday we agreed on. I did it all for you. Okay why will a guy spend a night with a girl on Friday and abandon her to visit another girl on Saturday?’’ I explained nervously.
For the first time, Tracy kept calm and searched me with her eyes. It was obvious she was buying all I just poured out.
‘’but who is she?’’ she asked, leaving me a bit uncomfortable with the question. Of course the last thing I would do was telling her that Pamela was a married woman. That she’s a senator’s wife.
‘’Pamela is a student. I used to have fun with her before the death of my dad’’ I lied. She looked down, saying nothing.
‘’I know you still don’t believe me but do know that I have genuine feelings and intentions for you. I will leave your house this evening because I don’t want you to embarrass me before your parents. I never came here to take advantage of you. Please simply pretend as if all Is still well between us, till I leave in few hours’’ I begged her softly.
‘’who told you I didn’t believe you?. I know you have no reason to lie to me and the explanation you gave is more than convincing. You have no reason to be here yesterday but you surprised me by coming over instead of being with her. Not many guys would do it. I’m sorry for doubting you. It’s just that her text message shocked me. I’m fine now and I believe you’’ she suddenly opened up with eyes filled with tears.
I swallowed hard with guilt as I stared back at her. Tears slowly showed up in my eyes. She never deserved being lied to but I had no choice.
To be
Continued

Episode 24
Shade of lust
Jude’s side of the story continues
I ended up spending seven cool days at Tracy’s house and I really had a very great time with the lovely family. They showed me great love and I couldn’t help but pray to God, begging him to give me such type of happy home in future.
I really felt at peace being them.
Tracy and i headed back to school at the end of the week to face a very tough examination. I started the semester very badly and so really wasn’t hoping for a good result. Nevertheless I tried my best with Tracy’s assistance which was more than enough for me.
The exam week really was very uneventful and nothing much happened in my life apart from the regular routine of leaving the hostel early and returning late throughout the duration.
However precisely one week after the exams, just as I was making plans for my industrial training, something happened that shook my entire being. It was something I never expected in any way and yes it did happen in a very shocking manner.
On that fateful evening, I was lazily going through my bbm chats when something or should I say curiosity made me check Pamela’s profile. As I clicked on her profile, the bbm status she uploaded kind of left me speechless for a while.
’’I’ll soon be a mother. Can’t wait’’ were the exact words I saw on her status. And after few minutes of reading the status over and over, I sent her a message.
’’congrats on the baby you are expecting. God is wonderful’’ I sent to her with an open heart.
It really was the first time I was sending her a message after breaking up with her weeks ago and deep down I equally was very surprised that she could stay a week or two without bothering to chat me up.
Yes I know i shouldn’t have sent her the message. I should have deleted her contact long ago, but I failed to do so for no just reason.
In two minutes, my bbm beeped and on checking it, I saw that she replied my message.
‘’ yes I’m having your baby for my husband’’ was the reply she sent me, leaving me so cold with shock and disbelief. My head just went hollow that moment. I really didn’t know what to think or what to reply.
’’really?’’ I managed to type and send.
’’yep’’ she replied instantly.
I switched off my phone and fell back on my bed to calm down as the reality of what she just informed me did wonders on my body.
‘’maybe she’s trying to play a fast one on me. I have to relax. I have to keep calm before Tracy walks in and catches me in this state’’ I said to myself as sweat soaked my body and no matter how hard I tried to calm down, I just couldn’t keep my mind at rest.
In few minutes, I was down with severe headache which slowly heated up every part of my body, making it look as if I was down with malaria. Tracy soon walked in to see me looking so sick. Feeling my pulse, she concluded that I was down with malaria and rushed out to get some malaria drugs for me, which I took without hesitation because I had no strength to argue with her.
The next day, I woke up without any headache or fever. But my problems and fear were still there to solve. I lazily grabbed my phone, checked my bbm and read the short chat I had with Pamela the previous day. I read it over and over to be sure of myself before deleting it.
‘’I can’t solve this on my own. I have to open up to Kelvin. He is older and more experienced. He will figure out something for me’’ I decided without any other choice.
———————————
After having breakfast with Tracy that fateful morning, I headed to Kelvin’s house ignoring Tracy’s pleas to stay back and rest. Of course she was far from knowing what really was wrong with me and all her concerns were on my health without knowing that something stronger was killing me inside.
I arrived at Kelvin’s house around 9:45am and headed straight to his bedroom since I couldn’t find him in the sitting room. But on getting to his bedroom, I heard voices coming out from inside which told me that he’s with someone.
The voices I heard were that of two adults discussing and not that of two adults making love. I tapped on the door to make my presence known before peeping into the room to know if I was free to enter but as soon as I peeped in, a sight struck me that shattered the remaining sanity I had left.
Kelvin sat on his bed, carrying a lady on his body and the lady was no other person than the lady he showed me on his computer sometime back. The lady he introduced to me as Jessica Simon. The lady he told me could be behind my father’s death.
Yes her image stuck in my head from that day he showed me her picture and she was the same lady I just saw him playing with.
I staggered back, surprised, shocked and confused.
To be continued

Episode 25
Shade of lust
Jude’s side of the story continues from the last scene of the previous episode
I returned to the sitting room, feeling so cold and miserable. I really didn’t know how to react over the scene I just witnessed. What I saw was nothing but two adults in love and I couldn’t help but reason that Kelvin could be working for both sides. He was a scammer for crying out loud and so was capable of anything.
Yes he told me about the lady quite alright. He equally told me about his plans for her but what I just saw really wasn’t part of the plan and I was no fool not to know when being played.
‘’Jude I’m so glad you came’’ I soon heard Kelvin say to me with a smile as he showed up in the sitting room. It was possible he saw me when I peeped into his room, minutes ago.
‘’please let’s talk outside’’ he added, winking at me. I breathed deeply and followed him to the front veranda where he stopped and searched me with his eyes, expecting me to say something but I didn’t. I simply kept my feelings to myself and made no attempt to ask him about what I just witnessed.
‘’I’m with Jessica’’ he whispered with a smile, trying hard to be open with me. I simply shrugged, saying nothing.
‘’things are going on well between us and by God’s grace in no time I will uncover all she’s hiding’’ he added with a smile of accomplishment, expecting me to leave a positive response but I said nothing, instead smiled and shook my head. The last thing in my mind was to believe him. I simply pretended and smiled like an innocent kid.
‘’you don’t look too well to me. What’s up?’’ he asked, searching me with his eyes once again.
‘’I have been down with fever. The exam stress was just too much’’ I answered softly, keeping the main reason I came to visit him to myself. Of course I couldn’t get myself to tell him my problem and secret after what I just witnessed. I kind of decided to tackle my problem without involving him.
‘’oh I see. No wonder’’ he breathed.
‘’I just felt like saying hello to you today, that’s the reason I stopped by. Anyway I have to go. You are busy’’ I said, forcing out a smile while he shrugged, his eyes still on me. It was very obvious he sensed something wasn’t right with me.
‘’okay but I will be expecting you soon again because we have a new deal to push through’’ he muttered softly. I smiled, nodded and left his apartment without another word.
Yes I really felt bitter seeing him with that woman and supposing I was stronger and older than him, I would have dealt with the lady in his presence without minding what it would lead to but unfortunately all I could do that moment was just to pretend and walk away with a heart full of hatred.
———————————————-
On getting to my car, I dialed Pamela’s number. She soon picked my call without greeting or saying hi to me.
‘’we have to talk’’’ I said coldly.
‘’I can’t speak to you on phone. If you are serious about settling with me then you should come over to Abuja’’ she replied and hung up rudely, leaving me speechless and totally confused.
‘’is she really serious?’’ I reasoned as I dialed her number again.
‘’please if you are really serious about speaking with me, just find a way to come over to Abuja’’ she said again, hanging up rudely.
I just can’t describe how I felt that moment. My head was just filled with confusion and indecisiveness. I had Kelvin’s games on one hand to deal with, Jessica’s involvement on my father’s death to unravel, Pamela before me to subdue and innocent Tracy at the corner, totally unaware of anything or the dangers I could be putting her to.
‘’Should I go to Abuja or not?’’ I reasoned over and over.
Kelvin’s side of the story continues
I returned to my room with great guilt. Of course I noticed the suspicion on Jude’s face as we talked seconds ago. I equally knew he visited for a reason but had to go back without opening up to me.
I knew I went over the line in my dealings with Jessica. I knew what I was doing with her was totally wrong but the problem was how to stop and get my act together.
From the first day I tasted her honeypot, my feelings and plans totally changed to something I just couldn’t describe. I couldn’t even stay a day without being with the pretty lady and she was now influencing my life a great deal.
I was just like a hunter who got caught in his own trap and about to be devoured by the animal the trap was meant for.
‘’who was the guy that peeped at us?’’ Jessica asked as I walked into my room.
‘’oh he’s my cousin Jude’’ I answered with a smile. Her eyes instantly widened with excitement.
‘’your cousin Jude?. Where is he now?. I can’t wait to be introduced to him’’ she asked with a smile while I stared at her suspiciously, trying hard to keep my feelings in check.
To be
Continued

Episode 26
SHADE OF LUST
Jude’s side of the story continues
I returned to my hostel with a very troubled spirit. I just didn’t know the direction to think. I knew I had to do something to stop Pamela’s plans but what exactly do I do was a question I couldn’t answer.
‘’dear lord I hope she isn’t pregnant for me’’ I prayed as my mind flashed back to the fun I had with her. Of course I was so stupid to sleep with her without any form of protection. I was so carried away by her beauty and personality without knowing that she had sinister plans for me. I just felt like a big fool. Oh yes I was a very big idiot.
Keeping my fears and feelings away from Tracy was another tough battle I fought so hard to win but in the end the caring girl soon noticed that something else was eating me up.
Tracy was just so sharp in noticing things and it really was one of the qualities I admired in her.
‘’you know yesterday, I thought it was only malaria that was bothering you but I feel something else is eating you up. You have been acting so withdrawn and strange since yesterday. What is bothering you?’’ she asked curiously when we were alone in her room. I breathed deeply, wondering if it was okay to tell her the truth or not.
‘’yesterday I was down with fever but today I’m okay, only that I’m still weak’’ I answered, smiling convincingly.
‘’Jude I have known you for a long time and I know when you lie. At least I know ninety five percent of the times you lie. You just lied now’’ she pushed on.
‘’okay fine, my cousin Kelvin invited me to his house just to tell me that an uncle in Abuja wants to see me and I think its relating to my dad’s death. Moreover I’m yet to travel to the states to meet my dad’s attorney. I just have a lot going on in my head right now and I’m still indecisive on whether to head to Abuja tomorrow or not’’ I lied fluently. She breathed deeply and held my hand.
‘’now I understand how you feel. I think it’s best you meet your uncle. You have a lot to gain. But first you have to be strong’’ she said with a smile. I swallowed hard with guilt as I returned her gaze. Each time I lied to the innocent girl, my conscience always pinched me. She never deserved a guy like me but unfortunately love pushed her to me.
‘’Tomorrow I will head to Abuja then ‘’ I muttered with a smile.
———————————————–
Later in the night as I was about falling asleep, my phone rang and it was Pamela calling me for the first time since I broke up with her. I stared at the ringing phone for a while before answering the call.
Luckily the night was one of those nights Tracy insisted on sleeping in her room and I really was grateful for it because I still had a lot to talk with Pamela.
‘’listen Jude, I really don’t want to be hard on you. No matter what happened in the past, I still love you and you are going to be the father of my child. I think you should keep aside your pride and come over to Abuja for us to talk. I didn’t get pregnant to punish you or to force myself on you. I got pregnant for a reason. I got pregnant because I’m obliged to have a baby at all cost and I couldn’t help but allow a man I love the most to father the child for me. We really have a lot to talk. Just come over to Abuja. You have nothing to fear’’ she preached softly.
‘’fine, I will be there tomorrow evening. I will take a flight to Abuja tomorrow’’ I agreed softly.
‘’ Just alert me when you touch down at the airport. I will come pick you up’’ she added and hung up, leaving me with my thoughts.
Abuja , Nigeria
By 6:23pm the next evening, I was in a black Hilux truck Pamela sent to pick me from the airport. At first I was nervous when the driver walked up to me but his friendly smile and Igbo language made me loosen up.
In no time we arrived at Pamela’s house. A very cute bungalow built with high taste.
Of course I was scared as I alighted from the truck. I never expected to find myself there. I thought we were meeting at a hotel or guest house.
Pamela soon appeared, smiling happily.
‘’welcome to my house Jude’’ she greeted proudly while I stared at her suspiciously. But I said nothing nor made any protest until we were all alone in the sitting room.
‘’why bring me here?. This is your matrimonial house right?’’ I asked nervously.
‘’oh come on Jude! Does this lonely house look like the house a serving senator resides in?’’ she asked, leaving me silent.
‘’I live here all alone with my security and driver. I already told you there are many things about me you are yet to know’’ she explained with a smile, leaving me to wonder if she’s actually a senator’s wife or a senator’s mistress. Moreover she revealed the previous night that she needed a child at all cost.
‘’what really is she up to?. I pray I don’t burn in hell with her’’ I pondered as I prayed silently.
To be continued

Episode 27
Shade of Lust
Jude’s side of the story continues from the last scene of the previous episode
‘’I prepared something delicious for you. Let’s go to the dining table or do you want to first freshen up?’’ Pamela asked, trying hard to make me feel at home but unfortunately my mind was far from being at ease. All I wanted was to reach a good compromise with her. I just couldn’t bear the idea of her having my first child.
‘’I didn’t come here to freshen up or to eat. I came for something serious. You are not having my child, are you?’’ I asked coldly. She laughed and shook her head.
‘’you know most times guys always like playing the victim when it comes to issues concerning unwanted pregnancy. I really don’t understand why you are trying to look innocent. You very well knew my marital status, yet you had the mind to approach and make countless love to me without protection. The result of our action pops up and you finally remember that I’m not worthy of you. We really have a lot to talk Jude. I advice you calm down, let’s go to the dining room. We will talk after dinner’’ she said softly, flashing an annoying smile while I slowly calmed down.
Of course she was very right with what we just said. She wasn’t to be blamed for what we did together.
@the dining table
I nervously ate the fried rice she served me halfheartedly. My mind was just so occupied with many thoughts. I couldn’t help but realize that moment that my journey to Abuja was nothing but useless. Pamela had her plans already figured out and my visit was never going to change a thing.
‘’dear lord I’m just being more stupid with each passing moment. What is wrong with me?. Why can’t I think things before acting?’’ I prayed and pondered in my mind.
I really was so pathetic and silly. I couldn’t believe it was all happening. It looked more of a dream to me than reality.
Pamela soon reached out to hold my left hand.
‘’Jude you shouldn’t look so worried. I’m sorry for dragging you into my mess. The last thing I would do is to hurt you. Nevertheless you have to listen to what I have to say and support me’’ she breathed softly. I stared at her, saying nothing.
‘’I grew up in the worst kind of family a child would ever have. My Nigerian father so much abused my mum, to the extent of strangling her before my eyes. He ended up with a life sentence in the states and I had to grow up in three different homes. I won’t bore you with my childhood tales but you have to know that I did anything to survive back then until I met my husband the senator. A friend actually introduced me to him for a one night stand but he ended up falling in love with me. He got me a new apartment, brushed me up and changed my life. He finally had to ask me to convert to his religion and marry him. My friends all encouraged me to go on with him but I never loved him. The only attraction he had was his money. I was advised to marry him, have a child for him and get a divorce after some months. Unfortunately it was all easier said than done. After the quiet marriage, he tried making me part of his household but his wife and children were far from being accommodative. They tried every trick to get me out of the house until the old man had no choice than to get me this house. He couldn’t even get me pregnant and that’s my only ticket to freedom and equally the main reason I needed you. You have all the features I want my son’s father to have.
What’s left for me to do now is to convince the senator that I’m pregnant for him. He still loves me and I already have made good use of the opportunity to milk him very much. I will have my child in the states and I will never come back to Nigeria. The old man will only learn the truth when I decide. So nothing you will ever say to me will make me to lose your child. The best you can do is to leave the country with me. We can start all over. I have more than enough money for that. Of course I know you won’t allow your child to grow up without knowing you’’ she slowly opened up, leaving me feeling so sick and nauseous. I just didn’t know what to say or how to react.
‘’so you are using my child for a dangerous game. You just don’t know what you are getting yourself into. You can’t play a politician and live to tell the story’’ I muttered, dropping my eyes.
‘’moreover I still find it hard to believe your story’’ I added, frowning deeply.
‘’tomorrow is my birthday. I will be twenty seven tomorrow. How about we make plans’’ she suddenly changed the topic as if we were done with the current situation. I sprang up furiously.
‘’I will never be part of your games. Not anymore. I’m leaving’’ I shouted at her.
‘’you can’t be serious’’ she replied, smiling and licking her lips.
‘’I have enough money. I can lodge in any hotel’’ I barked seriously, heading out of the dining room.
‘’there is someone I will like you to meet. She told me something strange when I asked her to check you out. Your life could be in danger Jude’’ she suddenly muttered, stopping me with her words. I turned and faced her seriously.
‘’are you trying to play another trick on me?’’ I asked. She scoffed and shrugged.
‘’I’m not begging you to stay back. You can leave if you want to’’ she breathed and stood up with a drawn face. I stared at her suspiciously, not knowing the right decision to take.
‘’The lady told me that the same wind that blew your father away is now dangerously hovering above you’’ she added, eyed me and headed out of the dining room while I stood still like a palm tree.
I felt she was trying to get in my head. I felt she was trying to use my weak point against me. I felt she was playing a mind game on me but still I was very curious to know the meaning of what she just said. I couldn’t just leave after what she said about my life being in danger.
———————————
Kelvin’s side of the story continues (same evening)
I was driving out of Joe’s gym when my phone rang and it was Jessica calling. I smiled as I answered her call.
‘’Hi dear. Guess where I’m?’’ she said sweetly,
‘’hmmm tell me’’ I begged.
‘’I’m in front of your house’’ she answered.
‘’oh dear me, I will be home in few minutes’’ I replied, smiling broadly.
‘’I’m waiting, better hurry’’ she added and hung up.
I smiled to myself as I sped up. Jessica was nothing but a she devil. I just couldn’t have enough of her.
On getting to my house, she came forward and hugged me, softening my heart tremendously.
‘’I prepared a special bean-cake (moi moi) at home and I had to bring it over here for us to eat together. It actually took me all evening to prepare but the stress is worth it’’ she said happily, pecking me. I swallowed hard with great eagerness. I couldn’t wait to have the delicious meal. The last time I ate such food was two years ago in the village.
In no time we were enjoying the super delicious bean-cake with pap mixed with milk. I really felt like proposing to her that moment. Of course the fastest way to most men’s heart is through the stomach.
‘’I have something to ask of you?’’ she suddenly breathed when we were done with the meal.
‘’what is it you want?’’ I asked curiously.
‘’I want you to introduce me to your cousin Jude’’ she demanded, leaving me totally stunned.
I almost choked with surprise.
To be continued

Episode 28
SHADE OF LUST
Kelvin’s side of the story continues from the last scene of the previous episode
——————————————–
‘’what’s up with your interest in my cousin Jude?. Do you know his late father?. Is there anything you are not telling me?’’ I asked Jessica, searching her reaction. She smiled and shrugged.
‘’I feel that you don’t want your family to know about me. You don’t tell me anything about them and your body language is not like that of a guy who wants to take our relationship to the next level’’ she answered softly while I breathed deeply.
I really wasn’t expecting such reply from her. I had expected my question to throw her off balance but she answered it quickly and innocently as if she had nothing else in mind. If actually she wanted to meet Jude for another motive, it never showed on her.
‘’how do you think, introducing you to my cousin will change my body language?’’ I asked.
‘’At least knowing one person from your family will assure me that you are not a ghost’’ she answered with a smile.
‘’fine, by next weekend, Jude and I will have dinner at your place. Hope you are cool with it?’’ I offered, leaving a very satisfying smile on her face.
If really she was planning something bad for my cousin, it failed to show on her.
—————————–
Jude’s side of the story continues from the last scene of the previous episode
—————————–
‘’what exactly did the lady tell you about my life?. I hope you are not trying to play with my head?’’ I asked Pamela as I followed her to the kitchen. She scoffed, turned and faced me.
‘’what will I gain by playing with head. You are free to leave. You act like a little kid and I feel so sick being with you sometimes’’ she answered coldly, eyed me and faced the dishes she was about washing.
I silently watched her for a while, uncertain of what to do next. She really seemed very serious with the information she gave me but then it equally looked like a ploy to stop me from leaving.
‘’can you tell me about the lady?’’ I demanded but she kept quiet, saying nothing to me.
‘’please I beg of you. Who is the lady and how did she know me?’’ I begged breathlessly. She turned, stared at me for a while and smiled.
‘’don’t get so colored up. You are not dying tonight. I will tell you everything you need to know later in the night’’ she said softly. I shrugged with resignation.
——————
I ended up spending the night at her place and it really was a very long and memorable one for me. Pamela and I had a lot to discuss and yes we had a very long talk.
‘’so tell me about your new girlfriend?’’ she asked as she settled down beside me on her bed. I smiled to myself as Tracy’s image appeared in my head.
‘’her name is Tracy. She has everything I need in a woman. She is beautiful, intelligent and down to earth’’ I answered softly. Pamela breathed deeply, drew closer and placed her head on my chest.
‘’we have been through a lot together and she trusts me so much’’ I added proudly.
‘’do you have her picture on your phone?’’ she asked curiously.
‘’yes’’ I answered, reached for my phone and opened the picture gallery. Together we went through Tracy’s pictures.
‘’she is very beautiful’’ she confessed.
‘’yes and I’m very proud of her’’ I answered proudly.
‘’so are you going to tell her about us?’’ she suddenly asked, shocking me with the question.
‘’no I can’t’’ I breathed quickly.
‘’but you have to. Sooner or later she’s bound to find out and if you are really serious about her, I think the best thing to do is to open up to her yourself’’ she softly advised while I eyed her angrily.
‘’you are a lady and you know a young girl like her will break up with me on learning of our illicit affair. The great love and trust she has for me won’t stop her from walking away.’’ I replied with a slightly raised tone.
‘’okay fine, just do your thing the way you want’’ she muttered with resignation.
‘’right now, I feel like strangling you. I feel like resetting my life. You came into my life to ruin me. I’m really far from happy with you’’ I confessed.
‘’so do you still want to hear about the lady I told you about or not?’’ she suddenly asked, changing the topic.
‘’so tell me about her. That’s the main reason I stayed back’’ I muttered. She smiled and sat up.
‘’she is a very powerful spiritualist. She has been giving me spiritual guidance ever since I came to this country and never for once has she failed me. She sees the future and sometimes can manipulate one’s destiny. A friend actually introduced her to me and you can’t believe her clientele ranges from young girls, politicians, government contractors, and even pastors. She has a special way of offering prayers’’ she slowly explained while I laughed.
‘’I really don’t believe in that stuff. There are a lot of them in my area’’ I said, smiling with disbelief.
‘’before we had the first s-x, I scanned your picture and gave to her to check if we were compatible. After her prayers, she told me you are going to be my child’s father but may end up not seeing the child.’’ She narrated softly.
‘’when I pressed her further, she told me that an evil wind is circling round you, the same wind that took away your father.’’ She added, putting a little fear in my heart with her words. I swallowed hard, unable to say anything.
Of course I knew most spiritualists were nothing but fraudsters but then I equally knew that most of them were good at predicting ugly events.
‘’if you still doubt me, tomorrow I will take you to her. Perhaps she will have something new to tell you’’ she added and smiled reassuringly, leaving me deep in thought whether to go with her to see the woman or not.
‘’Jude there is no doubt your life is in danger. Trust me. The last thing I will do is to hurt you because I so much wish for my child’s father to live a very long life’’ she pressed further, totally convincing me.
To be continued

Dear readers hope you love my story so far had to rush the story as I am limited on data and NEPA is not doing my phone justice, so that is the last episode of shade of lust 1 will continue with shades of lust 2 soon. thank you for following.

Wow!! dis story is dangerously interesting,weldone