₦airaland Forum

drewsman:
pls angelsss, did u in any way ever schooled in bauchi?

yes o
I grew up in Bauchi, you?

***
‘am happy you took out time from your busy schedule to do all these for me….’ June relaxed on the cool grass….

The scenery was perfect for her birthday, he’d taken her to a park….there was a pool nearby and flamingoes floated on it….
The fragrance from the water lilies and other flowers filled the air, the sun wasn’t able to penetrate the canopy of tall trees…so the atmosphere remained cool…

‘it’s so beautiful here, I wanted you to have the best….’Omale watched as kids ran around with balloons….he wished for this, to start his own family…

‘thanks dear….’June saw the way he watched the kids play… her heart ached at his ignorance….what if she told him about her feelings? Of what gain was it to hide them from him?

‘so …how old are you today’? he leaned forward and tickled her….she reeled with laughter…he knew women hated talking about their ages …he wanted getting on her nerves…

‘stop it Omale….’ She shifted closer to him and their faces met that instant….eyes to eyes, the world stopped ….

There was this tension that had built while they stared at each other quietly, she decided to take a bold step…she knew this could change their friendship together but she was willing to test the waters….

She leaned closer and pressed her lips to his, her heart throbbed with joy as he reciprocated her action….

‘don’t move, you two are perfect for each other…’ a man captured them with a camera….

The voice brought Omale back to reality and he suddenly pulled back and left her shaken and vulnerable…

‘June’? he drawled her name, why had she kissed him?.... he searched her eyes for answers, for the truth behind the sudden kiss….then it dawned on him that she had feelings for him….

‘I’m sorry June…but you know me….’ He rubbed his head and looked away…

‘it’s okay Omale….i’m sorry I kissed you…I don’t know what I was thinking….’ She felt sick at his rejection….

‘do you want to talk about it’? he asked gently…..

‘I’ve been in love with you since the day I saw you with Ene, I am not going to lie…I don’t know I feel stupid…’ she rose to her feet and began packing her bags….

‘no don’t say that…’ so she had feelings for him?

‘I am Omale…there’s nothing you can offer me…I let my feelings blind me into doing something stupid which you’ll probably hate me for…’ she bit her lip…obviously he had no affection for her…she had to tell him the truth…

‘I always dissuaded you from going after Edima because I was jealous…but now I’ve seen it myself…you really love her…’ she knew he would hate her for what she was about to say…

‘I understand….i’m sorry June…maybe you should’ve told me this earlier…before Edima came along, maybe we would’ve tried something’ he wished his words could soother her, could heal her pain…

‘if you really care about me…I have something to confess, I did something terrible…promise to forgive me…’she begged…

‘what did you do?’ he wondered….

‘i….i told Edima to keep off you that you had a woman in your life and I deleted her number after that…’ she struggled for words…

‘my God June….how could you be so callous? You’ve ruined my chances with her completely….’she irritated him right then….

‘I’m sorry, I was just jealous…I know you wouldn’t understand…but please forgive me…if this will help have it…I wrote out the number …’ she searched her purse and brought out a piece of paper where she’d written out Edima’s number for future use…

‘I’m disappointed in you June….you knew how much she meant to me…what if she has found someone else’?

‘I am sorry….’ She sobbed but Omale walked away angrily…

‘here’s your picture ma’am’ the photographer returned…

She wiped her face and settled on the grass…this was all she wanted, everything had seemed so beautiful …
She caressed the picture, without second thoughts tore them to shreds….
Love had abandoned her…there was nothing left for her….
***
‘oops she’s out…’Amaka settled on the veranda with the others waiting for Zee’s return….silence hung like a spell over them, each to their own thought…

‘excuse me, let me get this….’ Edima wondered who was calling, the number was strange but she picked anyway, she could do anything to distract herself from what Lola had told her…

‘and there she goes….’ Amaka sighed and smiled as her friend walked away….she dipped her hands in her bag and fetched her phone, Sly hadn’t returned her messages or her calls…this was going to be a tough one…
And neither did she have Ben’s number…she was stuck…

‘be strong for this….’ Femi rubber her shoulders…he was glad she’d made up her mind to confess…that made him like her more…

‘thanks Femi…’ she smiled ruefully, waiting for the grenade to explode…she prayed she never got burnt…

‘hello, please who am I speaking with’?the voice was strangely familiar but she didn’t want to be overly optimistic…could he be the one?

‘good day Edima…it’s Omale Ibrahim…do you remember me’? he asked…

‘yes, yes I remember you…’ she paused not knowing what to say next, he’d called!

‘I know what June said to you and I am very sorry about the whole thing, I don’t know what came over her…I really have to see you so we can talk, get to know each other better…’ he was taking this to the next level…

‘wow, I am very glad you called, thank you Omale…’ she grinned…

‘can we meet right now? I’m free…how about you?’ he was hoping they could hang out…

‘I am sorry Omale, but now is not a good time…but we could do it tomorrow or later tonight’ she suggested and hoped she was doing the right thing…

‘tomorrow? I have surgeries tomorrow, let’s see in the evening….’ He was happy she was giving him this chance to know her…

‘alright, I’m looking forwards to our meeting again…’ she bit her lip shyly, as if he were watching her…

‘it’s a date Edima…I really missed you…’ his voice was husky with emotion…

‘wow, I miss you two….’ She got off the phone pretty excited by the turn out of things….

One look at Lola’s swollen face caused her excitement to wane…this was going to be tough….

‘why is she happy’? Amaka beckoned to her….

‘Omale called…we’re going on a date tonight….’ She was calm about it as Lola resumed sobbing….as a car drove in….
That moment they’d all been waiting for had come….
***
The drive had been long and uncomfortable for Abdul…his heart beat faster than normal and he prayed Farida hadn’t done anything stupid, he was going to end her….

‘what is going on here’? Zainab stormed angrily from the car and regarded her friends …

‘welcome Zee….’Amaka was the first to speak….

‘you, you cheap LovePeddler….you were going out with my husband…’ she flung the pictures at Lola angrily….

‘Zainab…please this all happened because I neglected her….’ Femi came to her rescue but Lola had already started crying as she saw the pictures….

‘you slept with Abdul, I trusted you Lola…how could you do this to me’?

Abdul watched as his wife yell angrily, he felt relieved, at least Farida hadn’t exposed him…he could wriggle out of this one…

‘I think we should stay out of this….’ Edima suggested to Amaka…

‘I am sorry…it was a mistake…it was never supposed to happen….’ Lola shivered…without warning Zainab’s bony hands fell on her cheeks….

‘how dare you slap my wife’? Femi roared…why was she channeling all her anger at Lola…Abdul deserved some too…

‘your wife was the one who seduced me….Zainab I swear, she seduced me…’ Abdul marched forward to defend himself…

‘you know what? I want you all out of my house…I cease being friends with you Lola…in this life and in the next, you remain my enemy…get out…’ she broke down in tears….

‘Zainab look at me….it’s going to be okay…’Edima rushed to her side while Amaka left with Lola and Femi…

‘Zee…please don’t listen to Lola…she was the one that came to me….’ Abdul insisted….

‘really Abdul? Your wife Is hurt…what you’re doing isn’t helping’ Edima looked up to him…

‘I trusted her…she was just like family and she did this to me….’ Zainab sobbed uncontrollably…

‘I know…but you have to try and forgive her….if Femi hadn’t neglected her. …well I doubt this would’ve happened ….

‘is that her excuse for sleeping with my husband’? this pain was worse that Farida’s pregnancy….this pain was dealt her from her best friend’s blade…it would take a long time to heal…

‘it’s not an excuse…Zainab I am so sorry…I wish I could take away your pain….’Edima rubbed her shoulders….

‘Abdul’? she called him gently as she had no strength left in her….

‘Zee I am sorry….please forgive me…’ he went on his knees…

‘you lied to me Abdul, you bought my trust and sold it….i loved you…I gave you everything you ever wanted and you had to go sleep with my best friend….how could you Abdul’? she was hurt beyond repairs…

‘I am sorry Zee….’ He had no words to say apart from that …

‘I am getting a divorce….our marriage is built on lies…you’re the worst man on earth Abdul…I ahte you so much….’ She rose to her feet…

‘divorce? No Zee….you can work things out…’ Edima was shocked….

‘no please don’t say that Zee…’ his heart sank as she watched those angelic eyes cry…if Zainab left him, he would die a miserable man….

‘you got Farida pregnant!!! …you keep lying to my face…’ she shook her head in disbelief….

‘is this true’? Edima was stunned…

He didn’t speak….tears welled up in his eyes as he realized what would happen to him, he’d lost Zainab forever….

‘I gave you all Abdul, I gave you everything I had….my love, my trust and you threw them to the dogs…get your lawyers…’ she wiped her face and hurried into the house….

‘help me beg her….’ He called out to Edima…
He couldn’t live without Zainab, he’d let his lust get the better part of him and he was about to lose his only cherished treasure….

‘I don’t know Abdul…you’ll have to fix this one all by yourself….’she replied….


***



‘are you sure we did the right thing by leaving’? Lola asked her husband….they’d dropped Amaka off at the house…

‘yes, your friend had no right to hit you….why didn’t she do same to her husband’? Femi was infuriated …

‘I feel terrible Femi…I’ve ruined someone else’ marriage…would God ever forgive me’? tears poured from her eyes…

‘Lola, I told you to be prepared for this….you have to be strong….you’ve done your part…you cried…you begged her…just let her be…she’s hurt…when she recovers, it’s left for her to be happy again…’ Femi pulled her closer for a hug….

‘did you see those pictures? I wonder who took them’ Femi wondered…had Zainab known about their affair all along? Had she paid someone to follow Lola and Abdul?

‘ I brought them back…’ she sniffled….

‘alright, I’ll burn them…you need to forgive yourself too Lola…’ he released her…

‘yes, I’ll try…’ she wrapped her hands round him….

Though things may never get right between her and Zainab, but she was relieved…her burden was light...but she still felt a void in her heart…and she knew that the comfort friendship offered really mattered…

***

‘what a day….’ Amaka fell on the couch…she stretched her full length and groaned…

She closed her eyes for a moment and went over the events of the day….why did things have to be so complicated?

Now that Lola had finally found happiness, she’d gotten herself into a mess…Zainab’s teary face replayed itself in her head…

She knew that that bond the four girls had shared was completely broken, it was never going to be the same…they were never going to be happy…

She walked to the cellar and fetched the strongest wine she could find…she needed to drown herself in liquor…

What depressed her more was Sly’s rejection…why was he this heartless? She wished she’d told him earlier about Ben…but she hadn’t …maybe he deserved to be mad…

She inhaled the brown liquid and poured it down her throat, the sensation it gave her tingled her senses and she knew that was just what she needed…

‘it’s just me and you baby…’ she smiled at the bottle and gently shook it for another one….

‘do you want to get drunk’? she suddenly felt a presence and she gasped in fright as she saw Sly behind her….

‘Sly!’ she shook and the glass fell to the floor…

‘I shouldn’t have behaved that way Amy…it was only a kiss and I blew it out of proportion…’ he felt ashamed…

‘oh no Sly, you had every right to be angry…I should have let you know…..’ she walked towards him…

‘Ben told me the truth and sends his apologies….’ He held her closely and watched her beautiful face as it glowed …

‘okay’? she returned his gaze…

‘he travelled back to Berlin….’Sly announced….

‘I am sorry for everything, I forgive you completely Sly…’ she kissed his forehead…

‘I’m glad we’ve found ourselves again….’his hands strayed to her buttons...

‘what are you doing’? she tried to escape from his grip…

‘apologizing the right way’ he winked and carried her to the couch….

‘naughty boy….’ She rubbed his head gently as his mouth came crashing down on hers…
***

‘I like this place….’ Edima glance around the restaurant, it was every bit classy…

‘I knew you would….’ He smiled and fixed his eyes on her…she looked very adorable in her milky gown, which fitted her like a second skin and accentuated her curves…

‘you look beautiful Edima….from the first day I set my eyes on you, I wished for this…’

‘thanks Omale….’ She looked away shyly…his gaze was so piercing…like he read her mind al the time…

‘I’m sorry for the way I spoke to you…the first time I met you…’She smiled back at him…

‘yes, I was too inquisitive…I’m sure I probably annoyed you….’he reached for her fingers…

His touch was warm and gentle….it brought back so many memories, he stared at her quietly, it was as if he was asking her a question…could she answer it?

‘I had a wife, Ene….’he started, there was no point keeping that part of his life away as June had suggested…

‘oh’? she blinked in surprise…

‘she’s late, she died five years ago….’ He quickly added….

‘I’m so sorry Omale…’ five years? And he still wasn’t married? That spoke a lot about his character…she wondered if he had kids…

‘we didn’t have children….’ He added as if reading her thoughts…

She didn’t say anything, she just nodded…

‘I know you lost your husband….and this relationship thing is new for you…but I want you to know that you aren’t alone…I’ll always be with you…’ he lifted her hands to his lips…

‘I don’t know what to say Omale…sometimes it feels like we’ve known each other before…’ her voice was husky with emotion…
She felt peace being with him, he looked perfect for her and she prayed this worked out for them both…

‘I love you Edima, as crazy as that sounds…we don’t even know each other much…but I feel something very strong for you…’

‘I feel same too…I get scared at times…I ask myself if it is real…I find it hard to get you out of my mind…’ she poured out her heart to him…

‘can we explore this feeling? Should we allow it to lead us somewhere’? he asked…and she knew what that meant…

‘yes, let’s explore it…’she fetched his hand and squeezed it….

He leaned forward and adored her lips with his kiss…she pressed her head against it…that moment was theirs alone…

‘excuse me sir....’ the waiter had returned with steaming plates of fresh fish pepper soup, but the lovers were too engrossed in such a kiss to take notice of him….
***

Hello angels, sorry I hardly reply comments, get ready for the final episode, drop comments, I promise to reply all. Thanks all, if you need anything, send me a message via my mailbox(aishayasmina @yahoo.com), if you wanna go personal, add me up or follow.on Facebook @Rose Akpabio

Hello angels, sorry I hardly reply comments, get ready for the final episode, drop comments, I promise to reply all. Thanks all, if you need anything, send me a message via my mailbox(aishayasmina @yahoo.com), if you wanna go personal, add me up or follow.on Facebook @Rose Akpabio

BlissfulJeff:
house of secrets,too many secrets in one house.

Thanks for always dropping a comment

EvaJael:
Thanks dear. Btw r u an Akwa Ibomite?

Yea dear
And you?

EvaJael:
Things are getting heated. I hope Ajunwa knows what she's doing sha. Kudos Angelsss.

thanks honey
I was reading your story "hidden diamonds" , it's wonderful!

***
‘are you sure you can do this on your own’? Femi held her hands with his, he’d felt guilty about the whole damn thing, yes, it was his fault she’d had an affair with Abdul…

‘yes, Lola and Edima would be coming over, I think I should tell them first…I’m so scared….’ She cried as regret filled her once more…

‘do you want me to stay around?’ he asked

‘I would love it if you do, but your appointment is very important , I wouldn’t want you to miss that….’ She blew her nose…

Why couldn’t she ever be happy? When things had been off between her and Femi, Zee was the shoulder she cried on…Zee was her comfort, and now things had turned around for good…she still wasn’t happy with the mistakes she’d made…

‘I would stay baby, I would talk to your friends….if necessary….’ He knew the girls didn’t like him much because of how he’d treated Lola all along the years, but he’d changed and hoped he would be in their good books…

‘I’m really surprised at your sudden change Femi, why are you not judging me for having an affair with Zainab’s husband? Tell me, why are you so nice’? was he fooling her?

‘I am for real, why would I fool you. What would I gain from it’? he wrapped his hands over her, yes the change was sudden, he was even afraid of himself…but the trip to France changed him forever…after what he’d seen in the airport…

‘tell me Femi….why are you so kind’? talking to him made her feel relax, she was happy but not content…she needed Zee’s forgiveness to make everything perfect…

‘okay, I saw a couple at the airport, the woman was blind, she wore shades and held a stick and her husband walked behind her…I’ve heard stories of people marrying invalids but this came as s surprise to me…and I noticed they were happy, chatty and just perfect…then they walked to where I sat and settled beside me…I heard their conversation and it seemed they didn’t have children….the scene really touched me and I knew I had been a fool all along, if a blind woman can make a man happy…what else do we need for us to be happy? We don’t need kids to be happy, we’ll do fine by ourselves…’ he kissed her forehead…

‘I love you Femi…’ she was speechless…he really meant those words…

‘and I could never judge you, though I feel jealous…but you’ve ended things with Abdul…and I’ve done worse things to you…but you must prepare your mind for possibilities…Zainab may never speak to you again, or it may take her a very long time to be friends with you again, to trust you again…are you sure you’re ready’? he asked…

‘yes, I considered that…but it’s worth trying…I need her to see that I am sorry…I had betrayed her and she would hate me for it…but one day, I hope she finds it in her heart to forgive me…’ her voice was shaky…

‘I guess your friends are here….’ as the horn blared …

‘alright, let me go get it…’ she rose up immediately….

‘call me if you need me’ he waved at her, still not ready to face her friends…



***
‘something bothers you Abdul…what is it’? she noticed her husband was awefully silent…

‘i just have a lot on my mind, it’s about work…but I won’t let that get in the way of our date…’ he kissed her briefly and brought the car to a halt…

‘I’m liking this place already….’ She eyed the classy restaurant admiringly

‘yes, it’s new and guess what?’ he reached for her hands…

‘what darling’? she couldn’t take her eyes off the building….

‘they serve a lot of hausa dishes…let’s go in and enjoy ourselves….we could get icecream for Aisha when we’re done….’ He held her Possesively…
Farida’s call made him feel nervous…why couldn’t she just get rid of the damn pregnancy….she wanted to ruin him….what had he gotten himself into?

‘let’s sit over there….’ Zainab suggested….and they moved to the corner of the large hall….

The restaurant was fairly crowded and the air was scented with a plethora of aromas, Zainab licked her lips excitedly….what more could a woman want? She had everything, the money, the kids and the best husband on earth…

‘I love you honey….’ She stroked his hands….

‘I love you too baby…..what would we have…’? he answered dryly….

Then he blinked as he saw her, his heart raced….and his face went white with shock….was Farida stalking him?
‘are you okay’? Zainab noticed the change in him….without hesitation, she followed his gaze and found him staring at his secretary….

‘isn’t that Farida’? Zee noticed the girl was with a younger man and they were deeply engrossed by whatever they talked about…

‘yes, I wonder what she’s doing out here when she’s supposed to be working….’ He feigned anger…he was damned….what if she decided to spill everything to Zainab right there? he would be damned …

‘let me get something from the car, call the waiter….’ He rose abruptly and walked towards the car….he had to do something, he needed to call Farida and pacify her…he would work out something…’

‘oh, I’ll be waiting…’ Zee wouldn’t tear her eyes of the girl as Abdul walked out…

As if sensing someone had been watching her, she turned and met Zee’s penetrating gaze and she froze.
***
‘it’s been such a long time honey….i’m glad you’re fine….i hope that crazy Femi isn’t home’? Edima was happy to see her friend who blossomed like a morning rose….

‘shhhhh, he’s around…’Lola whispered to her….

‘yes, they reconciled…you’ve been missing out Edima….’Amaka glanced round the whole place, Sly hadn’t returned her calls and she was dying slowly…she’d decided to drop the baby at the daycare centre…

She would’ve called Ben and told him about the problem…but Zee had advised her not to…the tables had turned, she was now the one begging for mercy…

‘wow, I’m so happy for you…’ Edima bubbled with excitement….

‘why can’t the dude come out and acknowledge us’? Amy still hated his guts…

‘hey slow down….what’s eating you up, he would be out soon….’Lola wondered why Amaka had to be the angry one…

‘Sly found out I kissed Ben and he’s mad at me…he left the house last night…I’ve tried reaching him…I just hope he didn’t leave for the conference angry…’ she explained….

‘oh my God, how did he?’ Edima’s eyes widened with shock….

‘he listened to our call….’ Amaka replied….

‘well that’s not a problem right? You told him Ben kissed you and not the other way round…’? Lola wondered how her friend would feel after hearing about her affair with Abdul…

‘I did…but that infuriated him the more…he thinks I slept with Ben…I don’t know what to do…tell me guys what do you think? Zee says I should stay off the Ben completely and focus on Sly….’

‘let me get you something to drink…’Lola left the duo…

‘are you sure everything is okay down here? has Femi changed for real’? Edima whispered as Lola walked away…

‘I think so….we’re talking about me right now…I need your help…’

‘so do i….i can’t get Omale off my mind…what if June was lying? …I just feel she only did that to scare me off….’ Edima shrugged ….

‘and why would she do that’? Amaka asked….

‘that’s what I don’t know…I would never know…’ Edima’s voice was sad….

‘who is Omale…’? Lola returned with a jug filled with lemonade….

‘Edima’s boyfriend…’Amaka winked……..

‘wow, when did she get herself one’? Lola chuckled softly knowing Amaka and her teasing ways….

‘you guys should tell me what to do about him, I really like this guy….i’ve been searching for him on net…but I haven’t seen much except for his hospital…’

‘he owns a hospital’? Lola was surprised….

‘yes, he is an optical surgeon….’she smiled…

‘then pay him a visit….if you know where the hospital is…why beat round the bush’?Amaka suggested…

‘are you serious? You want me to look desperate?’Edima spilled her drink in shock….

‘I think Amy is right, this is the computer age, what’s the point of dying in silence? If you really like this guy as you claim…then go for it….’ Lola added….

‘wait, I gave him my number….why didn’t he call back’? she asked them….

‘things get complicated….if this June lady picked your call...and warned you to back off, then it’s obvious she must have done something to your number….’Amaka rubbed her face thoughtfully…

‘who is June again’? Lola was a bit lost….

‘you ask too many questions, Just pay him a visit and speak to him in person….that would help…before you develop a heart disease all for a guy…’ Amaka tongued her….

‘can we go together? Please? I’m just so scared…’Edima requested….

‘follow you on your man hunt? That’s absurd, I could only do that if you tell me what to do with Sly…’ Amaka paused and noticed Lola’s absent mindedness…

‘hey, what’s eating you up’? she patted her arm slowly….

‘yea I noticed that too….’ Edima concurred, what if Lola was still fighting with Femi?

‘uhmm….i’m fine…’ she stuttered, all her courage had fled….how could she tell them the truth?

‘no, you are not fine….what is it Lola? I though you told us you’ve reconciled with Femi’? Amy faced her curiously….

‘let’s talk about Sly….’Lola took a deep breath …

‘no, something is wrong with you and you have been acting up…’ Edima shook her head in disagreement

‘okay, this is difficult for me…what I am about to tell you may end our friendship forever….’She swallowed the pain that clogged her throat as heat crept up her neck and she found herself jittery before the two women…

‘this is serious…’Amy dropped her glass and focused on Lola….

‘I slept with Abdul….’ She forced the words out …

‘excuse me’? Edima was the first to speak after few minutes of silence…

‘big joke, not funny….’ Amy resumed her drinking…that sounded untrue…

‘the night I slept over at Zainab’s….we slept together…I am so sorry…I don’t know if you guys could ever forgive me for betraying Zee like this…’ tears streamed down her face…

‘oh my God, she’s serious….’ Amaka’s nostrils flared in confusion….Abdul? no, he was the most perfect man on earth…

‘oh no Lola…how could you knowing very well he was your friend’s husband’? Edima was disappointed….

‘why did you do it’? she continued….

‘I don’t know, I was in a real bad state that night…I had the worst fight with Femi and he told me he was going to divorce me…I felt so lonely and depressed…and it just happened with Abdul’ more tears fell on her face…

‘this is going to hit Zee hard…’Edima rose to her feet and paced the room…

‘it’s okay Lola…I totally understand why you did it…it isn’t your fault…but this would hurt Zee real bad…’ Amy walked up to her and comforted her…

‘I don’t think we should tell Zee….do you know what this means? It could ruin our friendship…’Edima felt pity for Zainab…

‘we have to tell her the truth….we cannot keep this from her…that would be the height of betrayal…’ Amy replied…

‘so how long has this been going on’? Edima was angry with Lola…how could she betray Zee like that?

‘just two weeks…but I ended things with Abdul last night and he threatened to tell Zee I seduced him…’ Lola sniffled…

‘the way you sound isn’t helping matters, do you know what Lola was passing through? People make mistakes so stop acting all holy and help us out here…Abdul is also to blame…and why would he tell Zee you seduced him’? Amaka was a bit irritated by her Edima’s tone….

‘I am sorry Lola for taking sides…but you know how Zee has helped us in one way or the other…I just feel terrible for her….’ Edima apologized and walked up to Lola…

‘so? Should I tell her’? Lola looked from friend to friend…

‘does Femi know about this, because this is also his fault…’? Edima asked…
‘that’s correct’ Amy concurred…

‘yes, I told him last night and he advised me to tell you guys first then Zee…I’m so terrified, what if she hates me forever….’ Lola was visibly shaken…

‘wow, then Femi is actually changed…’ Amy smiled…

‘we would tell her together dear, I’m happy you told us the truth, it shows you are sorry for what you did…as for Abdul…am shocked because he was the perfect specimen of a husband….’ Amy sneered…

‘yes dear, we’ll support you….i think we should head to Zainab’s house …it’s better we do it now….’ Edima suggested…

‘what if Abdul is around? Wouldn’t that ruin their marriage’? Amy asked….

‘no, the least Zee deserves is the truth…but honey prepare yourself…she’s going to be mad at you for a very long time…just get ready for the worst….’ Edima patted her on the shoulder…

‘I think we should leave now, the earlier the better….’ Amaka grabbed her car keys….

‘not without me….’Femi walked towards the trio….

‘wow…look who’s here…’Amaka forced a smile….

‘hello husband of the year….’Edima winked at him….

‘how do you feel now’? Femi waved at the girls ….

‘I feel relieved….i hope I feel better after talking to Zee….’ Lola sighed hopefully….

‘you will honey, you will….’
***

‘who is she’? Faruk had told her someone had been staring at her….

‘Abdul’s wife….’Farida looked away briefly….then her phone buzzed and she knew he must be around somewhere….

‘Abdul is calling….’ Farida showed her cousin the phone….

‘don’t pick that….what does he want to talk about anymore’? her cousin grabbed the phone angrily from her….

‘I hate myself right now…’ she whispered…

‘let’s go and tell his wife the situation of things….i think it’s good she knows about the pregnancy…’Faruk suggested….

‘to what end? Please let’s forget about this whole thing, I feel sick already….’she rubbed her tommy gently…

‘no, you aren’t sick…you’re just scared but I don’t need your opinion…Abdul had all the time in the world to make up his mind…his wife needs to know the kind of husband she married….’ He grabbed the photos he’d taken the night he spotted Abdul with some lady….

‘no Faruk come back….this isn’t the right place for this…’ tears welled up in her eyes….

‘I am doing this for you Fafa…’ he ignored her pleas…
……………………………………..
‘Salam, Good afternoon Madam…’ he smiled at her….

‘Salam, please do I know you’? Zainab recognized he was the young man that had been with Farida, her husband’s secretary….


‘not really…this isn’t about me at all, it’s about my cousin over there…’ he pointed to where Farida stayed….

‘oh? Farida’? Zainab was lost? Where was Abdul and why did it take him so long to get back….

‘yes, I have something very important to tell you and you must believe me….’ He had no time to mice words…

‘I am not getting you at all…I think I have to leave…I don’t talk to strangers….’ She became uncomfortable…

‘Farida is pregnant for your husband….’ Faruk blurted out….

‘what’? her knees went weak…maybe she hadn’t heard right….

‘you lie….why didn’t the girl tell me herself’? Zee replied….

‘I don’t know….but just know Abdul has impregnated my cousin and he has to take responsibility…meanwhile she isn’t the only one he’s been having an affair with…have this…’ he dropped the package on the table….

‘no….’ Zee pressed her hands to her chest to help her stay calm at the restaurant….this wasn’t true? This betrayal was sharper than a knife…

‘I’m here baby….’ Abdul returned tired of waiting for Farida…he would talk to her later but he came up with something to get Zainab out of that place…

‘Take me home Abdulrasaq’ she couldn’t face him now….

‘is something wrong Zee’? he panicked and searched for Farida but she wasn’t there…..

‘you hear me?…take me home’ her voice was darkened by an emotion he hardly knew….she was angry….

....

.......

***











He’d woken up on a hospital bed, slowly the memories of his accident replayed in his brain and he thanked God he was still alive.

He had been surprised to see Joy, his niece, how had she known about his condition? Had the news gone viral that the great pastor Ita was lying on a hospital bed? He didn’t like the sound of that, but he trusted Helen, she was going to handle everything well.

He had enough time to reflect on his life as he’d come face to face with death, what if he had died? He would’ve gone straight to hell, that was why he would shun everything evil and focus on God, and live a righteous life in truth, but could God forgive him and cure him of the unnatural attraction to his daughter?

‘Uncle, I’m sorry for taking so long, I left to receive a call from a friend’ Joy pushed the door open.

‘It’s okay, how’s the family? I hope they aren’t afraid for me, I’ll be fine’ Pastor Ita replied his niece.

‘We are not worried, you’ll pull through, I can see it all over you, you’re so strong, you’ll come out of this’ Joy rubbed his legs.

Her uncle was a good man, she couldn’t say much about his wife and his evil seeds of children.
She hated Helen so much, that was one of the reasons she rarely visited, and her kids? Well, they were just like their mother, especially Rose, she was a snub and a very arrogant one.
‘Are you okay’? the pastor could see worry in her features.

‘I.. I am fine’ Joy replied. She remembered the incident vividly, though her uncle never got to hear about it.
She had trusted Mark like her own brother, one day they’d been together in a room and he’d raped her, they were teenagers, she’d been so scared and hurt, so the only person she’d run to was Helen, but Helen acted like nothing had happened, instead offered her some money to keep mute about it.

‘So, why didn’t you come along with the new maid, you left her to herself and she almost lost the job without your presence’ the pastor said.

‘I had to see a friend’ she lied. In truth, she never wanted to face Mark or his witch of a mother, now she regretted it all. Ajunwa was a very pretty girl, what if Mark tried to force himself on her? They had a lot to discuss. She wished she was financially buoyant, Ajunwa would never have had the option of working as a maid, she only prayed her best friend was safe.

‘You know the funny thing? She actually resembles our last maid, Grace’ the pastor paused as he remembered what had transpired between Grace and Rose.
She had found out about their affair and had taunted Rose about it, a fight ensued and Rose killed her, Helen helped them cover the issue without asking for the real reason behind the fight, if Helen ever found out, she would be heartbroken.

‘I never met Grace…’Joy replied.

‘You stopped visiting me Joy, what happened’? Pastor Ita suddenly asked.

‘Goodmorning sir’ the door burst open and the maid stepped in with two plastic bags.

‘Ajunwa!’ Joy rushed and hugged her.

The pastor just lay smiling as he watched the friendly exchange between the girls, he felt more guilty, these girls were like his daughter, but he’d defiled Rose.

‘I brought your food sir’ Ajunwa set the table as she placed steaming plates of pepper soup and rice before him.

‘Thank you my dear, where is my wife’? the pastor wondered why Helen nor his kids weren’t present to see him.

‘She would be coming later sir’ Ajunwa replied.

‘Okay then, thank you’ he straightened up and worked on the food, that was when the two girls left for outside.


Minutes later, Rose stepped into his room and he was surprised to see her.

‘Hello dad? Miss me’? she walked seductively towards him, for the first time, he felt repulsed by her actions.

‘Rose, welcome’ the pastor replied quietly.

‘Welcome? Is that all you have to say’? Rose wondered why this man acted differently.

‘I am sorry honey, where is your mother’? he asked coolly.

‘Gosh dad, you’re getting me all riled up, I come here to see you and you’re asking about Helen, you’re supposed to ask about me, I’m the one who cares and not that bitch’ Rose poked her finger against her chest.

‘Hold on, don’t ever call your mother a bitch before me, how dare you? She bore you for heaven’s sake’ anger coursed through him.

‘Really dad? Why are you doing this? Helen doesn’t love you, in fact, I have evidence that this accident of yours was her plan to get rid of you for good and to take everything you own with her lover whom I just discovered’ Rose quickly fetched the note she’d found in Nelson’s room.

‘What are you talking about’? he got the note from her and ran his eyes over it.

‘Mum has been sleeping with Nelson, I found them on top each other in the garden, then I found this note in his room when she sent me to call him, they had a plan, to kill you and run off with your money, but it failed.’ Rose explained carefully, she had to do anything to gain her dad’s favor.

‘How did you know this’ his hands shivered, how could Helen plot his death, Rose had never lied to him before, so Helen was equally cheating on him, what hurt him most was her plotting to kill him.

‘After I had found this note, I begged mum to report Nelson to the police, I cried for justice, but she said we should forget him, can you imagine that’? she scoffed.

‘I would kill Helen for this betrayal’ he pushed his food aside as he lost appetite.

‘Dad, mother does not love you more than I do, I even advised her not to tell people about your condition, so your members wouldn’t lose faith in you, but do you know she refused it? She told the press everything, it’s all over the news, the papers carry it, that Pastor Ita is almost dead.’ Rose added.

‘Oh my God, switch on the television’ he needed to be sure, if Helen had really done all what his daughter accused her of, then he would forget his title and deal with her.

‘I told you, it’s all over the news’ Rose switched on the television. Coincidentally, the headlines ran across the screen as ‘breaking news’.

‘Why would she do something like this’? the man was deeply hurt.

‘That’s because she wants you dead in reality, so she could run off with Nelson, but dad, we need to fight back, I’m with you on this, let’s make her life miserable’Rose said.

‘How do we do that’? he was ready to play by Helen’s rules, the game was a dirty one and he’d get his fingers greasy.

‘I have been working on this plan, thankfully, I have a blogger friend who may help us, we’ll tell the whole world mum killed her maid and buried her in the garden’ Rose paused.
The idea had come to her while Romeo had visited.

‘What? That’s really dangerous and it could put us all in trouble’ the pastor objected.

‘No, I am not finished, I would testify in court against mum, saying that I knew about the affair and she tried to kill me too, Grace had found out about the affair and mum had killed her, it’s very easy, we’re totally absolved from this matter, all eyes would now be focused on mum and trust me, even if she comes out of this alive, the stigma that would follow her would be forever’ Rose smiled mischievously.

‘What about Mark’? her father asked, knowing how close the boy was to his mother.

‘He’ll get used to her absence’ Rose replied and pulled at her clothes as she had the urge to make love to her father.

‘Then let’s do it, Helen wouldn’t kill me first’ Pastor Ita relaxed, he needed to hurt her back.

‘I miss you so much daddy’ she spread her legs apart and sat on him.

‘I miss you too angel’ he smiled and kissed her.
***






‘It’s been so long my friend, I miss you so much,you hardly call or text’ Joy was so excited to see her friend.

‘I’m sorry Joy, but I’m here now, how’s the village and how’s my mum’? I asked. I wish I could share in her joy but my mind was occupied with so many things.

‘She’s fine, I told her about my journey and she sends her greetings’ Joy replied coolly as she realized I wasn’t in a good mood.

‘What’s wrong Aju? You don’t look too happy, are you angry that I left you that day? I’m so sorry, I wish you could understand’ Joy sighed, she wished her friend could know the reason she stayed back from her uncle’s house.


‘I don’t know Joy, I wish I could talk about it’ I replied, I could feel it, the pain of what Mark did to me, the shame and the heart ache that rode along broken trust.

‘Ajunwa? Talk to me’ Joy neared me.

I turned back and stared deeply into her eyes, not knowing how to start, how to explain it to her.

‘Mark raped me’ I blurted out.

I expected her to shout, to scream and call fire, that was how she expressed her anger, to my surprise, she remained very still, instead she started sobbing and her body vibrated with each sob.

‘Joy? Please don’t cry, I’ve gotten over it, though it still hurts, I am fine, just that I would do about anything to make your cousin miserable in this life’ I rushed to her comfort.

‘How could he do such a wicked thing to you, I hate him so much, I would kill him with my bare hands’ she grunted. I glanced around nervously and thanked God we were alone at the car park, nobody could see us like this.

‘I am fine Joy, just get up, I have other things to tell you’ I replied, I needed to show her the video clip I’d found in Grace’s room and about Helen’s affair too.

‘No you’re not, that bastard raped me when I was fifteen, I hate him so much, this is all my fault, I should never have let you come here’ she said and I understood why she’d cried so hard.

‘Calm down Joy, we’ll talk about this later, right now we have a bigger issue on our hands and I don’t know how to handle it’I reached for the video camera and showed it to her.

‘what’s this’? she eyed me suspiciously.

‘Just watch’ I replied.

‘No, god forbid, what is this? It can’t be real, it’s photoshopped’ she gasped with shock.

‘No it’s not and you know that, Helen is equally cheating on her husband, that house is filled with dirty secrets and I don’t know how to handle that, if I run, I fear I may lose my life, just like Grace’ I paused, I was quite sure Grace was dead, no innocent person could survive in that house, even if they did, the darkness in each person would overshadow them and swallow them up. Grace must have discovered something, Helen’s affair or this and she tried to escape and they killed her and probably faked her death.

‘This is dirty, how could they be sleeping together’? Joy spat.

‘What should we do with it’? I asked.

‘I understand everything now, when we were younger, Rose was too close to her dad, even as young girls, she chased all the guys away, I thought she was a lesbian at some point’ Joy said.

‘Well, it appears she was preoccupied with her father, now back to my question, what do we do’? I asked.

‘Honestly, I don’t know, if my Uncle finds out you have this video, then he would do almost anything to have it, and that means killing could be one of the options’ Joy sounded scared.

‘Well, I’ll hold unto it, something could up and I just may use it as leverage’ I replied.

‘Ajunwa, I think you should follow me back to the village, let’s disappear before they kill you like they did this Grace, please, I already blame myself for the rape, don’t allow me to cry when they kill you’ Joy fell on her knees.

I was about saying something in return, when my phone rang.

‘Good afternoon Ajunwa, I need to see you urgently, return home’ Helen ended the call before I could reply.

‘Who was that’? Joy asked.

‘Who else than your aunt? See, I am not running, I need to hurt Mark like he did me, I need to stand up to him’ I replied more determined than ever.

‘I can’t, the pain is too much to bear’ Joy replied weakly.

‘Then you rise up and fight the pain, Mark is our pain’.

‘I can’t Aju, since you wouldn’t listen, I would leave you, call me if anything weird happens, I’m outta here’Joy walked away.

‘I can’t walk away’ I whispered, I had to stay and fight back.

*
‘I’m so sorry I am late….’ She stormed into the bar hoping nobody would recognize them here….Femi’s kiss had unsettled her and plunged her into reminisce …those sweet old days when their love had seemed so perfect and he’d ruined it, he’d ruined her…how else would she have gotten herself involved with Abdul but for Femi…

He’d neglected her, he’d pushed her away and she had fallen into a ditch ….

‘no problem….’ He stretched and kissed her soft lips…he was already hard for her…he couldn’t wait to take her to bed…

‘uhmm, there’s something we should discuss Abdul…I went to see Zainab today…’ Lola pressed her hands to her skirt to prevent them from shaking….

‘you don’t sound too happy, what happened’? he snapped his fingers and a waiter came to their table…

‘oh, I am not hungry, I could have some juice…’ she smiled politely….

‘okay, go on, I’m listening….’ Abdul relaxed against the chair…

‘Femi is back and he doesn’t want the divorce anymore….’ She started and stopped as humor filled his eyes…

‘don’t tell me you’re that stupid Lola…so you’re trying to say we should end this because your foolish husband wants you back….’ He chuckled softly…

She was stunned by his use of words, it only unfolded many layers of Abdul she hadn’t known about….

‘yes, he wants me back…he says he wants our marriage to work and I’ll give him a shot…we cannot see each other again Abdul…it felt so wrong when I visited your wife and looked her in the eyes…that’s what this was all about…’ she waited for him to speak…

‘so you’re dumping me? For a husband who neither cares nor loves you….whatever, you’ll come running into my arms once again…and I’ll still take you back….but I wouldn’t let you go just yet…’ he reached out for her hands…

‘I don’t understand…’ she tried to pull her hands away from the man that looked so kind before…

‘let’s make love one last time…let me give you something you’ll never forget….’

‘no, I am not interested and this is over between us…goodbye Abdul….’ Lola rose to her feet…

‘I’ll tell Zee about us, I’ll tell her you seduced me….’ He waited for her reaction….

‘you dare not you psycho…’ she stamped her fist on the table and it shook, was he trying to blackmail her into sleeping with him?

‘we shall see Lola….’

His words echoed in her brain and she shivered as she walked towards her car, what had she gotten herself into?

She had to talk to someone, what was she to do? Abdul was serious, she’d seen the determination build up on his face…it would be his word against hers’ and Lola was so sure her husband could do no wrong…

‘I see who the other man is, and here we are actually doing the same things….’ A familiar baritone voice brought those words to life…

‘Femi!’ she gasped and quickly wiped the tears that had fallen on her cheeks….

‘I saw when he kissed you…so you have been sleeping with your friend’s husband? I’m a bit disappointed in you Lola…I thought Zee was your friend…’ he was shocked…

‘yes I slept with my friend’s husband….it’s so easy for you to say,when you pushed me away…it just happened….i was so lonely….’ She sobbed and placed her head on the car…what had she gotten herself into?

The words dripped on him like light showers from the clouds and there was no escaping….he’d come up to judge her, to spite her…but she was right…he’d been horrible…the only thing he could do was to help her out of the situation….

‘I am sorry Lola…please forgive me….i shouldn’t have left you alone…you were my wife, you still are…’ he walked towards her and rubbed her shoulders that shook from her sobbing…

This time was different, she didn’t push him away, she let him hug her…she only wept on his shoulders…she wept for what she was about to lose, her friendship with Zainab….

‘so what transpired between you two…he made you angry, I could see it from where I stood…’ he finally spoke as she became calm ….

‘he…he threatened to tell Zee that I seduced him when I told him we should stop seeing each other…’ her voice was shaky…

Like she was afraid to speak the words…

‘did you seduce him’? his bit his lips as regret filled his belly…why had he asked such a question…

‘no,it just happened so fast, Zainab is going to hate me forever….’ She inhaled deeply like her whole life depended on that moment…

‘no, she wouldn’t hate you….you made a mistake yes, which is all my fault…the person at fault is Abdul, he no morals…you did nothing wrong baby…I’ll stand by you no matter what happens…’ he kissed her forehead…

‘I am so scared of losing my friendship with the other girls, if they get to hear about my affair with Abdul, they will never be friends with me again….’she was terrified…

‘no…if they really loved you and cared about you, they would stand by you no matter what…’ he added…

‘so what should I do Femi…I feel so bad…I wish someone could take this pain away…’tears welled up in her eyes….

‘we have to tell Zee the truth….that way we beat her brute of a husband to his game….’he replied…

‘we?’ her heart fluttered…his kindness melted all her bitterness….

‘yes we, you and I are one…I love you…everything would be fine….’
***
It had been a week and she hadn’t called him, what bothered him was the mysterious way her number vanished from his phone, he was quite sure he’d saved it…

Maybe June was right, maybe he was forcing himself on her…he sighed and took off his lab coat and settled on the chair…

‘Edima Bassey’ though his heart was filled with doubts, he still believed in her…he still thought about her…she was a total stranger yet he felt he’d known much about her all his life…

‘hello doctor…I bought you lunch….’ June stormed into his office excitedly…

‘hello, I don’t think I feel like having anything….’ Omale replied and dropped his phone angrily….

‘what’s pissing you off’? June dropped the bags she carried and walked closer to him, she knew this man so well, she knew what made him happy and what made him sad…

‘she hasn’t called me June…I don’t know…and I’ve searched for her number all day…I cannot seem to find it…I don’t know what to do…’ he replied…

‘I don’t mean to offend you but forget that lady, she isn’t ready for you…she would’ve called you back if she had any iota of interest in you…’ June’s words made him feel worse….what if she was already in a relationship? What if he was building a castle in the air?

‘I really liked her…’ his words were true …

‘nice, my birthday comes up soon….you should take me for shopping or movies or a picnic…’ She was quite excited, this would give her more time to spend with Omale…but it still hurt her that he was blind to her love for him…

‘yeaa, I haven’t forgotten…’ Omale watched her carefully, it was a bit strange, why would she want to spend time with him when she had a fiancé….

‘he broke up with me…’ she blurted out as if reading his thoughts…

‘what’?

‘yes, I prefer we don’t talk about it….’ June lied….how could she tell Omale the truth, that she had never had any boyfriend? That she’d waited for him all this while and he was blind to her charms…

‘I’ll respect that June….’ He nodded.

‘you know what I’m thinking? Remember the pastor’s wife knew her and the late husband….maybe I should go over there and ask for her address …’ Omale couldn’t get her out of his mind….

‘don’t tell me you’re stuck on someone who doesn’t feel the same…I wouldn’t advise you to do that…it’s not appropriate….just forget her and move on with your life…there are other pretty women out there…you just have to look…’ she gestured with her hands…

‘I guess it’s me and you then…like old times….when shall we ever find love June’? he walked towards the window…

‘soon Omale, soon….’ She wished he could look at her the way he’d Edima…why couldn’t his eyes darken with desire when he gazed upon her?


***
‘SLY FOUND OUT I KISSED BEN AND HE LEFT THE HOUSE, I’VE BEEN TRYING TO REACH HIM…BUT HE WOULDN’T PICK UP HIS PHONE….AM LOST ZEE, WHAT SHOULD I DO’? the text she’d received from her friend had startled her…

The turnout of things didn’t favor Amaka, this was going to be a difficult one….what if Sly had other notions inside his head? What if he also thought Amaka had cheated on him with his cousin?

‘babe…you’re up early….’ Abdul rolled to her side of the bed and kissed her gently…

‘yes, I’m pondering on something….’ She kissed him back….

‘what if we hang out today? Watch a movie, eat out’? he nuzzled her ear, he had to stay calm….so many things went through his mind…

‘let’s eat out….you know I am not a fan of movies…’ she smiled….her husband was such a romantic man…

‘that’s so sweet of you…when last did you hear from Lola?’ he was being cunning …her break-up from him the week before hit him hard and he lived in fear….what if she confessed to his wife? Now she was back with Femi anything could happen…maybe it was time for him to act on his threats…

‘strangely, she hasn’t called me for a week now…I should probably call her after I fix breakfast…’ She wondered what went on with her friend…had she decided to stay with Femi?

‘okay…just asking…let me use the bathroom….’ He excused himself….

‘what is wrong with this girl’? he forced his eyes shut….Why had Farida disturbed his line for a full week? Didn’t she understand something as simple as ‘it is over between us’…he couldn’t have anyone bring ruin to his marriage…

‘can I help you? I thought we were clear on this? Don’t you call me or pay my family a visit’ she irritated him…

‘Abdul, the changes in my body are evident, you need to do something before my father finds out or I am dead…’ she pleaded with him…

‘do what exactly? I’ve told you to get rid of what you have inside you…I can never be its father…I don’t want you…just leave me be…’

‘it’s not that easy….do you want to do this or not? Let me have your final answer…’she pressed on…

‘go to hell Farida…’ he ended the call and turned on the water…he needed to think, he needed to clear his head about Lola…what would he do to her? She couldn’t humiliate him that way and go scot free….’

He’d told her he had gone for a meeting,but on his return her had a strange perfume on him and it baffled her the more, but she couldn’t face him….

Her fears heightened as the day passed, Abdul was hiding something from her, within a twinkle of an eye, everything had changed…

‘YOU SHOULD MEET UP WITH LOLA AND EDIMA, TELL THEM ABOUT THIS AND LISTEN TO THEIR ADVICE, BUT IF I WERE YOU, I WOULD PRAY REALLY HARD AND KEEP CALLING SLY, I WOULDN’T ADVISE YOU TO BRING BEN TO THIS, THOUGH HE INITITIATED THE KISS, KEEP HIM OUT OF IT BECAUSE YOU NEVER KNEW HIS INTENTIONS FROM THE BEGINNING. I’M GOING ON THIS MAD DATE WITH ABDUL, GOING TO MISS YOU GIRLS…LV YA.’ She texted Amy back, feeling pain for the young woman…

‘you’re back…’ she jerked up…

‘yes…I’m back, so where were we’? he winked and crawled to where she sat on the bed…


***
‘what did he say’? her cousin asked immediately she dropped the phone carelessly on the table…

‘he says he cannot support the child…what do I do Faruk? I’m so scared of having an abortion, when I remember how Faiza my bestfriend bled to death from abortion….i find it difficult so even consider that option and father would kill me if her finds out…’

‘you have to tell his wife then….meanwhile here are the pictures from last week…’ he handed his cousin the pictures…

‘he is such a bastard….i would ruin him’ her words were bitter…

‘you have to let his wife know about the pregnancy ...’ Faruk beckoned to a waitress….

‘what would I achieve from ruining his marriage? Abdul lied to me, he never loved me…even if he marries me, I’ll be a sorrowful woman till my death…’ she exhaled slowly…

‘it doesn’t matter, let him face this responsibility….i fear for you if the Imam should find out…’

‘I pray he doesn’t, I really pray he doesn’t’

samyfreshsmooth:
wow ma'am butter triple S i must confess this is yet another wonderful piece


its so amazing how u revolve, combine, and link up all ur stories on the tosin family


u really are gifted ma'am

looking forwaard to more works from you

Thank you

I had prepared breakfast for everyone and now I was preparing myself to go see the pastor at the hospital. I had already made something hot for him to drink, I hoped he was okay.

I decided to go through Grace’s things once more, I had never met her in person but I felt I had known her my entire life.
I fetched her album and stared at her pictures again especially the one she stood with Romeo, they looked so great together, I was sure Mark started raping her when she fell in love with someone else.
‘Bastard’ I cast the album aside and wept on my bed.

I cried for about fifteen minutes, my eyes were all foggy and swollen, I stopped the minute I heard a strange sound. You know when your battery is about to be exhausted and it makes a sound, exactly what I heard, but I was quite sure it wasn’t from my phone.

I rose up immediately, what if Grace had left her phone behind, I heard the sound again, it came from the cupboard where I’d found the photo album and the note, how come I’d never seen or heard it?

As I pulled out the last drawer, a huge rat climbed out and I screamed for my dear life.

‘Jeez, that wasn’t funny’ I laughed for the first time that day.

‘Here you are darling…’ I wondered what it was, it wasn’t a phone, I realized it was a mini sized video camera.

‘What’s this’? I pressed a button and waited for the device to show me something, but it didn’t, so I tossed it aside.

I slipped on my shoes ready to move when I heard sounds that resembled moans from a woman in pain, this time, pain wasn’t the case, what I saw was going to haunt me for eternity.

My phone rang and I picked it up hurriedly.

‘Hello’ my voice was shaky from what I’d just seen, how could that happen?

‘Ajunwa? Have you forgotten me so fast? This is your friend Joy’?

‘Joy, I’m sorry, I’m just not feeling too well’ I lied, how could I have forgotten Joy, my best friend whose uncle I worked for.

‘I’m sorry sweetheart, guess what’? she sounded excited.

‘Wow you sound happy, what’s that’? I asked.

‘I know my uncle just had an accident, the news is everywhere so I am at the hospital with him, later I’d be at the house and we would gist throughout the night’ she replied.

‘Wow, I’m coming there soon’ I replied and dropped the phone in my bag.
Joy was in town, I wondered if I could let her in on what I had encountered in the house. I turned the video camera off and hid it safely, I had watched enough. Pastor Ita was making love with his daughter Rose, truly, this was a house of secrets.

***


She smiled mischievously, her mother’s plans was for them to keep their dad’s accident secret but she’d tweeted it and the media had carried it, she would have Helen begging for forgiveness for slapping her like that.

‘Rose, open the door’ Mark pounded her door.

‘Come in bro’ she answered sweetly.

She had dressed up, things had changed, she needed to see her father, they needed to save themselves from what was to come.

‘How could tweet about dad’s accident? Have you forgotten about mum’s orders? Why did you disobey her’ Mark was annoyed with his sister.

‘Well, I did the right thing, your mother is a very selfish woman and she doesn’t care much about either of us, how could she defend Nelson like that’? Rose hissed angrily.

‘Oh, this is still about Nelson? I’m sure you were fucking him, how could you disobey mum? Though she seemed off, but I saw the good in her suggestions, now, dad’s members may lose faith in him, I hope you’re happy now’ Mark hissed and turned to walk away.

This was her chance and she seized it.

‘Why do you think so highly of your mother? Let me tell you something sweet bro, mother was having an affair with Nelson, what if they connived to kill dad to afford them more time to be with each other, have you thought about that’? Rose asked.

‘Is that all? Mum is sleeping with Nelson, is that a bad thing? What of dad, what if he’s sleeping with other people? How is that your business, see Rose, this is their marriage, we’re the children, we’re not supposed to take sides, we’re to let them work things out on their own not to judge, I’m not perfect, I just did something that’s eating me up which I may pay for later, I don’t think you’re perfect too, let’s just be united now more than ever’ Mark hoped she’d see reasons with him, he wasn’t surprised to hear about his mum’s infidelity, Grace had mentioned it before they had a fall out and Ajunwa had told him the night before.

‘Bravo, nice speech, I see, Helen has gotten her claws on you, but before you go, I had this feeling you and Grace had something you guys shared and I’ll love to tell you something about your sweet dear mother’ Rose rubbed her hands together.

‘What about Grace’? Mark sighed.

‘Grace isn’t missing, she is dead, she walked in on mum and Nelson and mum killed her and buried her in the garden, I could show you where, if you promise not to flare up’ Rose said.

‘You’re bluffing’ Mark swallowed hard. How could Rose cook up such a lie? His mother was many things but not a murderer.

‘Go find out, beneath the roses, midnight, check it out’ Rose patted his shoulder.

‘Beneath the roses’he whispered the words, Ajunwa had found Grace’s necklace beneath the Roses, he swallowed hard and prayed it wasn’t true, he needed to confront his mother.

‘Yes bro, you’ll have to excuse me now, I have a call to answer’ Romeo was the caller and she couldn’t wait to answer it.

‘Hello my darling…’ she pawed sweetly. She had set her plans in motion, she couldn’t wait to see her mother go down.

‘Hello red rose, guess what’? Romeo answered in the same manner.

‘What is it my love’? she asked.
‘I’m at your gate, please let me in’.




***
‘Mum, open the door’! Mark was infuriated, different emotions ran through him, how could his mother betray him like that? Why did she have to kill Grace and lie to him about it?

‘Mark, what happened?’ Helen had just woken up from her sleep.

‘Mum, please tell me this isn’t true, please deny it’ Mark stared deeply into her eyes.

‘What is it dear’? she wondered why her kids wouldn’t let her be in peace.
‘Did you kill Grace because she found out you were having an affair with Nelson? Did you cut her into pieces and bury her beneath your roses’? Mark asked.

‘I see, Rose is twisting this story, trying to paint me black, was she the one who told everyone about your dad’s accident’? Helen felt deeply hurt, calls from her church members had awoken her, somehow they got to know the pastor was in the hospital. How could Rose betray her like that?

‘Mum?’ Mark called her.

‘Thank you for coming to speak with me first before doing anything stupid, come in and have a seat, let me tell you everything but first swear you’ll forgive me and trust me again’ Helen invited him in.


‘Just tell me the truth’ Mark sat at the edge of her bed.

‘I kept this secret from you because I didn’t want you to get involved in something so dirty, I felt you saw me like a saint and I had to keep it that way, I’m sorry darling, I should’ve told you everything, but know this, I love you from the bottom of my heart, I protected your sister who had turned against me now for some reason, just like I protected you’she paused.

‘Just go straight to the point mum’ Mark was getting impatient.

‘No, I’ll take this step by step so you’ll judge for yourself who’s guilty or innocent. Your sister came into my room one day just like you’re doing now and begged me to save her, she was so scared, I followed her and found Grace on the floor bleeding from her head, she was dead. Rose claimed they had a fight and she hit Grace too hard, I knew reporting to the police would destroy your father’s reputation, so I cut the body into pieces and buried it in a place where no one would ever know, under my roses, and now she accuses me of being the one that murdered that girl’ Helen scoffed, she would destroy Rose with her hands.


‘Mum, how could you do something so gruesome? What’s the difference between you and Rose, you helped her cover her sin’? Mark was still confused on who to believe.

‘I had to protect her, she is my child, even you, I have protected you before, when I had the chance to turn you over to the juvenile court, I saved you, don’t you remember Mark? What happened when you were sixteen’? she rose to her feet.

‘I don’t want to talk about it mum’ Mark was evasive.
‘No, let’s face it, judge me, I’m the bad one here, but in my badness, I protected you, Joy, your cousin had come visiting and you raped her in this house and I covered for you. I should’ve reported you to the police, but I sheltered you, look into my eyes and tell me you believe Rose’ Helen pressed his head to her face.

‘I’m sorry mum, I judged you wrongly’ Mark cried.

‘That’s my boy, now, your sister has drawn the battle line and we must fight her, if she leaks that secret, I would go down for nothing, so I need you on my side, I need you to support me, we have to be clear with each other, no secrets’ Helen instructed him.

‘I raped Grace many times and Ajunwa last night, please forgive me, I don’t know what came over me’ Mark sobbed like a baby.

‘You raped them?’ Helen was scared and disappointed.

‘Yes, I’m so sorry’ he nodded.

‘Don’t worry, we’ll fix this’ Helen replied. Mark could be trusted, she had bought him over, now she had to draw him into her own darkness.

‘I killed Nelson and buried him in the garden, somehow he knew about Grace as I asked him to bury her decaying hand so I felt he was a threat to that secret, so I killed him last night’ Helen sighed as she let her son in.

‘Mum? How could you’? he was about to judge her when he recalled his own sins were equally if not more grievous.

‘Good. Now we understand each other, we have to fight for ourselves first’ Helen fetched her phon
e, someone knew her secret and she had to protect herself from going down.

‘What’s this’? Mark asked as she handed him the phone.

‘I KNOW WHAT YOU DID. IT MAKES ME SICK. I AM GOING TO TELL. A SECRET IS BURIED IN THE GARDEN’.

‘Mum’? he called quietly.

‘Yes’? Helen wondered why he seemed shocked, did he know anything about it?

‘I received this text last night, what’s happening’? Mark was terrified.

‘Really’? Helen chuckled, not even the situation she found herself could kill her sense of humor. Someone was blackmailing them, mind games was this person’s style.

‘Mum, this isn’t funny, what if they know all our secrets? We are all dirty except Rose and dad, we have to find a way out of this’ Mark sighed.

‘No, we can’t be the dirty ones, maybe your father is clean but I’m sure your sister isn’t, she killed Grace for a reason and that’s your job to find out. I need to speak with the maid you raped, I need to bring her closer to me, so she wouldn’t be used against us, most times, blackmailers could get information out of domestic staff, one of the reasons i took out Nelson’ Helen paced nervously, there was a lot of work to do.



***



She had not set her eyes on one of her admirers for a long time, Kachi Romeo was as hot he’d been three years back.

‘Hello Cherie’ he presented her with some flowers.

‘Hmm, they smile nice, thanks Romeo and do come in’ she smiled and offered him in.

‘It’s been so long Romeo, thanks for paying me a visit, sit here, let me fetch you something to drink’ Rose dived into the house and left her guest in her mother’s garden.


‘Roses everywhere, garden of Roses’ Romeo looked around the garden, it was really beautiful and smelt very nice but held a dark secret.

Oliver had done a good job by telling him about Grace, now all he had to do was find her and get her to give him evidence of the pastor’s affair with his biological daughter.

‘I am back’ she returned with a bottle of red wine and glasses.

‘Your mother’s garden is beautiful’ Romeo smiled.

‘Thank you’ Rose wondered how he knew the garden belonged to her mother.

‘So how’s everything? How is Grace? It’s been long I haven’t seen her or your brother Mark’ he poured himself some wine.
‘They’re fine’ Rose replied hurriedly, why did he ask about Grace? Her heart raced, no one could know she was dead.

‘Good. I was just in the neighborhood and I just wanted to visit, I’d see you some other time’ Romeo rose to his feet.

‘Thanks so much Romeo’ she replied.

‘Can I see Grace before I go? And Mark too’ he quickly chipped in.

‘Uhmmm, they’re not around, Grace isn’t here, she’s at the market’ Rose stuttered, why was he so keen on Grace?

Rose knew Romeo from church and he’d met their maid too, but it made her uncomfortable to recall what happened that fateful day.

‘Really? How nice, see you later then’ Romeo smiled and walked away, deep down he felt it, something wasn’t right. He’d observed the evasiveness that lay prominent in her eyes whenever he mentioned Grace, had Oliver lied to him?

‘Bye….’ Rose waved at him. Fear engulfed her, soon, more people would ask questions about Grace, questions she wouldn’t be able to answer and she knew how dangerous her mother had become, what if her mother turned her in to the police?

‘No, she has to go down for it, for everything’ she hissed loudly, she had her plans, Helen would go down, she needed to see her father.

***

***
‘you don’t look too well, can I make you tea’? Sly stole a glance at his wife , she was fidgety like something was eating her up…

He poured himself a drink and pondered on Ben’s words earlier, Maybe his cousin was right, maybe he needed to give her space…he was the one who hurt her not the other way round….he would do just that but he prayed deep down nothing happened to their marriage…

Thankfully, the conference in Port Harcourt was starting in two days time….that would give Amaka enough time to heal…

‘I’m fine Sly….still not talking to you…’ she replied…

‘I know I know…that’s why I am leaving….’ He replied curtly…

‘you’re leaving? What’s that supposed to mean? ’she looked up at him immediately, what did he mean by ‘leaving’? was he about to divorce her?


‘it’s a one week conference ….i will be back…don’t miss me too much…’ he gulped his drink and left for the room…he was going to give her all the time she needed…

She was speechless, how would she stay in such a big house alone? This would be the first time Sly would be travelling without her or the baby, he always took them both on each trip…

She shrugged and relaxed on the couch, this was all she needed, alone time to think about her marriage…and Ben’s kiss, she didn’t know what to do with that Zee hadn’t told her what to do …should she tell Sly? But what if Ben had no intentions? What if it was pure and natural or impulsive? Maybe she should talk to him…but she needed to get his number first from Sly and that meant talking to him…
No, that would be too much an option, so she decided to take the easy way out…

‘Sly can I use your phone and surf the web for a minute? ’she hoped he would buy this…but she needed to talk to Ben soon…

Her phone vibrated against the table and she quickly picked it up….it was Edima…

‘hi girl how are you doing? Amy was pleased to hear her friend’s voice

‘Amaka, I’m fine….Zee told me you guys met today…Lola eventually showed up…’ Edima responded feeling quite lonely at the other end…

‘yea, so Zee mentioned stuff about the guy you told us about…do you mind letting me in’? Amaka asked…

‘well nothing much, I met him in church on Sunday, surprised?’ she asked her friend …

‘wow, are you sure he isn’t a stalker? Amaka replied…

‘funny, no, he came with a lady whom he introduced to me as his bestfriend …she didn’t like me, I could tell from the look of her face at church…’Edima sighed and wondered what next she could do, Zainab had adevised her to let it go but she couldn’t..
She’d torn his complementary card no doubt and that was very foolish of her…he still occupied her thoughts which confused her the more as she barely knew this guy…

‘best friend? Okay…so what went wrong’? Amy inquired…

‘well, i waited for his call for hours then I finally summoned courage and called him, only for June to pick the phone and warn me to back off, that Omale is in a relationship…I felt so horrible and embarrassed like I threw myself at him…’

‘who is June again’? Amaka felt like squashing her skull for making Edima feel thiw miserable

‘his bestfriend…I don’t know what to do Amy, I can’t seem to get this guy out of my mind…please tell me I amk going crazy…I need help …someone whou couldn’t even call me…’ she was already sobbing at the other end…when she’d finally gotten over Fred, she’d fallen for someone who was n0t serious about her…she had been a fool..

‘hey, don’t do that to yourself…. If Omale is really meant for you, he’ll come around somehow…okay? Meanwhile something happened to me…..’ she paused not knowing how to begin…

‘yes? Have you finally forgiven Sly’? Edima sounded hopeful…

‘arhhh why is everybody asking me that’? she closed her eyses…

‘so what is it’? Edima pressed on…

‘I kissed Benson …Sly’s cousin…’

‘are you serious? Have you told Sylvester about this?’

‘no, I don’t know, it’s better he doesn’t find out…the thing is after that kiss with Ben, I expected to feel angry or guilty but I actually enjoyed it…’ she pressed her fingertips to her lips…

‘uh uh, I don’t like this one Amy…it’s not good to keep things like this from your husband, why on earth would his cousin kiss you….?’

‘ I don’t know…I’m just so confused…maybe I should talk to him, what do you think’?
‘that’s not a good idea, stay as far as possible from that guy, you should probably hate him right now…’

‘okay, take care…’ Amy brought the call to an end as the scent of Sly’s cologne sifted through her brain…

‘hi…’ she forced a smile as he approached her and she suddenly felt afraid…what if he had listened to her conversation?
Anger clouded his face….she hadn’t been aware that he’d listened to her call…

‘did you have sex with my cousin’? pain seared his heart, how could Amaka betray him in such a way? and to think she’d been acting so self righteous made it worse?

‘God no Sly, how could you even think of that…I haven’t known him for week…..what happened today was a mistake…I can explain…’ she rushed for words, Sly had hear wrong…she could never do something like that to him…

‘I now understand why you accepted his gift and rejected mine….how could you do this to me Amy…yet I begged you to forgive me for just one mistake with Doyin and you made me feel like the worst person on earth…now look at this’? he gestured with his hands….

‘Honey please, it’s not what you think….she felt helpless…what was she to do now’?

‘you know what? If you were never going to forgive me…I remember you said you’ll cheat on me too…but I never expected you to do it with my cousin…Ben of all people? I hate you Ada…’ he threw his hands up and left to fetch his briefcase….

She rushed behind him, speaking words of apologies but he wouldn’t hear none of it…

‘you’re happy now right? We’re finally even…you cheated, I cheated…’ he packed more clothes into his suit case…

‘can you hear me out Sly? Please I never cheated on you with Ben…I had no thoughts of cheating on you…I love you very much Sly…I was just hurt by your betrayal but I swear…I didn’t cheat…’ she held his hands softly…

‘but you kissed him’? he watched her face intently…

‘he kissed me Sly….what are you getting at’? she was frustrated…

‘you let him kiss you…God knows what you both do behind my back….i hate you so much…you betrayed me Amaka yet you act like a saint…’ he resumed packing more clothes…

‘why don’t you call him and find out the truth …please…’ she begged…

‘no, I wouldn’t do something as stupid as that….i’m off to the airport…when I’m back…we’ll get a divorce…’ he straightened and faced her…

Was she telling the truth? His heart raced…did she really love him? This was the time to test her words…

‘Sly I am sorry, it was only a kiss, I swear….’ Tears streamed down her face…

‘you call it ‘only’?...just stay here…as for Ben am going to kill him’

***
The bar was scanty, many people hadn’t come out to drink….it was a bit strange, Blue mountains lodge was one of the classy hotels in the state…

‘What can we get you sir?’ the waitress wore this plastic smile but he wasn’t in the mood to flirt so he waved her off…

‘I’m waiting for somebody….when she’s here, I’ll call you’ he smiled at her….

He’d gotten home after the meeting with Farida but Zainab had left a note that she’d gone to the market…his heart raced….what if Farida had any plans of exposing their love affair to Zainab?, he would be ruined, she would never trust him again and that meant that their marriage would be over …

‘shit happens…’ he sighed and tapped his hands on the table…

It was getting late and there wasn’t any sign of Lola…had she changed her mind about the date? He wondered what she’d wanted to discuss so urgently…

‘get me a bottle of brandy….and some ice…’ he may damn well make good use of his time while waiting for her…

***
She was hesitant at first, couldn’t she tell him over the phone? That she’d lost interest in him and the relationship wasn’t working….she couldn’t face Abdul…

And to think she’d betrayed her friend in the whole process hurt her more deeply….but she had to do this….she had to end things with him…

‘what the hell is this’? smoke filled her nostrils as she stepped into the living room….. she didn’t know he had returned home….the devil she’d fallen in love with…

‘what the hell are you trying to do? Do you want to raise a fire’? she yelled and coughed loudly…

‘I was trying to fix us dinner, baked chicken and popcorn….i don’t know how the oven became too hot and …I’m sorry I ruined it…’ he presented a tray with a burnt duck….

Though she found the sight of him irritating, though she hated him with her whole being, she had to force down the laughter….what was Femi doing? He’d never cooked his entire life…

He wore a chef’s dress and some gloves with a large tray of burnt dog…

Without uttering a word, she rushed and opened the windows…seeing him like that melted all the resolve she had…

‘hey, I am sorry I ruined our dinner….can I take you out…’? Femi pulled of the gloves and stared at his wife, she was still angry no doubt, who wouldn’t be?

‘on a date? Please say something baby…I really wanna make it up to you…’ her silence scarec him, something had snapped in Lola…she looked different…though physically she was still the same woman he knew, but he felt the difference…and he hoped it could still work out with them both…

‘sorry I’m taken…’ she walked away briskly….what game was Femi trying to play….

‘taken? You’re still my wife Lola and I’ll always be your husband….’ He felt jealous….Lola was very attractive and he wondered whom she was going out with…

‘just get out of this house and return to wherever…I am still waiting for those divorce papers…I don’t need you, I don’t need this marriage…just go Femi…you have nothing more to offer…remember how you called me barren? Maybe you were right…just go and pitch your tent elsewhere…’ she hissed and turned her back on him…

‘no, I want to pitch my tent here…I want only you….forgive me for all I ever said to you, the things I did were unforgivable …but I know your heart still beats for me…and I’m willing to wait but I wouldn’t allow you go have a date with another man while I’m still around…’ he walked slowly towards her…

‘shut up Femi, you don’t have that right, that ended the day you started bringing your whores home, now it’s my time to enjoy…you know what? This guy bleeps me so good…better than you ever did…so stay the hell away from me…’ she sneered to his face …

‘wow, I see, I have competition…I would leave you be after you answer one question….’ He was hurt by her words…
‘what question?’ she wondered what went on in his head as a wild grin embraced his face….

‘this question….’ He pulled her closer to him and brought his soft mouth on hers….

She struggled against him, whirling to resist this man she believed herself to hate but she couldn’t get away from him, couldn’t get away from the sweetness that filled her belly…

He deepened the kiss by launching his tongue on her lips and biting them softly, her moans were soft, enticing, wanting and he was ready to give her more….

‘I think I’ve found my answer, you still love me…you still get affected by my charms….’ He pulled away from her without warning and left her shaken and alone…

‘get away from me, you bastard…’ she cursed….

‘yea, I’ve heard that before….you’re free to go see whoever, but make sure you’re breaking up with him this night because next time…I wouldn’t let you go that way….’ his eyes darkened with jealousy as he imagined another man’s hands on Lola’s body….

‘whatever…loser’ she hissed an

d and banged the door loudly…

‘we’ll see about that…’ he forced the images out of his head, he would follow her and teach the bastard a lesson….

His heart flamed with a new found desire for his wife, kissing her had brought back old memories…and he wanted more of that… that trip to France had changed his whole life…

marve20:
marianneada To hate and to love
angelsss/butresss all her stories

Thanks for the mention honey

When you start a story here, you'll understand everything. Sometimes it's the way the readers air their opinion, they insult the writer and when writers return the favor they get vexed. I know how annoying it could be to start and not finish a story, but something could come up in a writers life, like I started a story here once, it took me months to finish it, it's not as if I was busy, I was struggling with something, I lost someone, and that hot me very depressed and I couldn't write in that state, some angry readers called me lazy and insulted me not knowing the pain I was going through.
I ignored them because I've fought with readers before and no good came out of it, so you guys should understand.
Just start a story, I promise, you wouldn't post something like this again.

Gloriousgee:
@angelsss u r jst 2 sucy 4 my liking, trust me writers like u dnt go far...take corrections!

Lols, my dear, I have gone very far, if you were God, the world would've perished

mirob:
After pushing her into the hands of another man he now regained his senses, this is how some men pushed away the women that loves them and then go into the hands of women that will skin them alive. Hmmmmm

Yeaaa, so stupid

Fijumokesayo:
I'm enjoying this story... Thank you




I think its time for Zainab to accept that she can't carry the load of this world on her neck, heheheh her own heartache ehn! O ma badt.

I see Amaka f**king Ben, hehehehe she go beg Sly tire o.


Lola is too vulnerable, stupid and a betrayer. Her conscience should be dealing with her but no, she's enjoying her friend's suya.hian

June need to park well for my girl Edima o, she has been friend-zoned and she should stay in the corner jor. Tsk tsk!


Another chance for Omale and Edima, I see them falling crazily in love. They shall overcome any hindrances.

Once again, this is a great piece. God bless you

Thanks lv

ladyverere:
Great work buttersss. You are doing very well. Zainab is so blind, religious wives are always like Zainab. Miss what marriage is totally all about when it comes to the intimacy part. Her heartbreak will be more devastating than Lola's.
Abdul is such a dangerous man. Gush! At least Femi is more honest than Abdul. Abdul can kill while still smiling sweetly and innocently at you. Poor Zee she doesn't know the snake she is married to.

Amaka is too hard hearted. She is overdoing it and would push Sly over the edge.

Beautiful things are in store for Edima and Omale.

Thanks honey...nice review

....

did you really have to do that? Hope I didn’t interrupt anything?’ Lola forced a smile as she took a seat…
She always envied the peace and harmony Zainab’s marriage offered…she always wished Femi could turn a new leaf and they’d such a beautiful family…but Femi was a devil…


‘No, you just came at the right time….’Zainab replied…

‘I’m sorry I missed the date…I am really….’ She gestured with her hands…

‘it’s okay…are you ready to talk now? Is the woman still with him?’ Zainab stared at her face intently …like she was trying not just to read a book but to comprehend the words written on it…

‘yes she is gone…but I’ll tell you everything tomorrow…all I need is some rest right now…..’ she avoided Zainab’s piercing eyes…

‘that’s fine…let me go prepare you a bed….’ Zainab picked her bags and disappeared for a while….


‘I can’t believe this is happening to me….i am officially a divorcee…’ Lola chuckled softly …but the sound didn’t appeal to her ears…she was going crazy and it all had to do with Femi…

‘it’s ready dear…. ‘ Zainab retuned minutes after and led Lola towards the room…

‘how are the kids? Is Umaima ten yet? I promised to buy her a gift on her tenth birthday…’ Lola loved spending time with children…why couldn’t God bless her with one?

‘she would be ten nextweek, get that gift ready…maybe you should see them before they sleep…’ Zee chuckled softly …


‘yes, that’s a good idea…what does Umaima like?’ Lola rubbed her chin…

‘only Umaima can answer that’ Zainab replied and pushed the door open…and found her husband playing with the kids….

‘Abdul! I told you to put them to sleep….’ Zainab shook her head as she picked up the medium sized pillows they’d thrown carelessly on the floor…

‘Aunt Lola…’ the kids surrounded her and she held herself from crying…why was life so cruel? All she wanted was something as beautiful as this?

‘are you angry with me dear wife’? Abdul pulled Zainab to his laps and gave her a brief kiss…she pushed him away gently as she hated amorous display before her kids…

‘so daddy took us shopping today…guess what Aunt Lola? I have a new shoe….’ Umaima grinned excitedly….

‘wow, I am happy for you….’ Lola smiled and looked up and found his dark eyes on her…his eyes reminded him of Femi’s….

‘Can I show you my new toys’? Abdulkhadir was eager to show them to her…..

‘why not sweetheart? Where is Aisha?’ she was the youngest of the trio….

‘soundly asleep…’Abdul replied and called the kids back to bed…

‘don’t worry, Aunt Lola would have all day to spend with you guys okay? Goodnight my angels…’ Lola waved at them and followed Zainab steadily behind ….

‘the room is lovely….i am happy you could do this for me….God bless you abundantly….’ Lola’s voice was husky with emotion….

‘it’s nothing…friends are for times and seasons as this…sleep well Lola….’ She closed the door gently behind her….


‘how is she now….’? Abdul rolled over and faced his wife as she slipped on her nightgown and lay close to him….

‘she will be fine,…..asking her to come over was the best thing to do…she would get over this…’ she turned and backed her husband…

She needed some sleep as she had a lot to do the next day, Abdulkhadir and Umaima were returning to the boarding house in two days time, she needed to go shopping for their uniforms and stationeries …the holidays were over …

‘how about us? Remember our plans for tonight….’ He snuggled close to her and wrapped his hands all over her…she smelt of jasmine and honeysuckle …

‘baby?....what plans’? she groaned and tried to uncurl his firm arms from her waist…why was her husband bent on being naughty?

‘I need you Zee…can’t you see? A man is dying here you know….’ He pushed her back closer to his hard member…..why were women this naïve sometimes?

‘not tonight Abdul…’ she turned and faced him, to say she married a handsome man was an understatement, Abdulazeez was very good looking….

He was tall and muscular…his tanned skin was smooth and beautiful to touch…his lips were thin and sensuous…his nose like Most Fulani men, was perfectly pointed but it was his eyes that pleased her greatly….

‘I love your eyes…always dark and gentle…to look at…’ she kissed his forehead and they stayed that way for some minutes…

‘I love yours too…Zainab, I want you to touch me….’ His hands roamed her body...he ached with need and his wife was being coy about it…

‘Am not in the mood Abdul…I am tired and kind of Unsettled…we will do this tomorrow, I promise….’ She kissed him again…

‘it’s not fair…why do you always starve me….?’ He was getting irritated by her pious behavior…sometimes she acted like making love was dirty…like it was sinful…

‘starve you? But we had sex three weeks ago…come on baby…don’t be inconsiderate…just let me take a rest …we can always do this some other time…’ she pleaded with him….

‘alright, can you give me a hand job’? his eyes were pleading, he was desperate…

‘hand job? What’s that?’ she sat up suddenly….

‘can I have your hands….?please’? he requested sweetly….

‘sure…have them…’ she handed him her fingers and he dropped them directly on his crotch…she gasped in shock and pulled her hands away from him….

‘Zee…come on…help a brother out here…’he bit his lip in frustration….

‘goodnight Abdul…a little night of abstainance wouldn’t kill you a bit…sleep well baby…’ she burrowed into the blanket and zoomed off….

‘damn!’ he cursed and fell back on the bed….

***

She tossed and turned restlessly on the bed….why couldn’t she get that bastard off her mind?

‘I want a divorce….’ Those words echoed in her brain and she began to cry afresh…where would she start from…?

How would she bring herself to tell Zainab and the other two girls about her pieces of a marriage, she was shattered…everything was a blur…her world was dark and gloomy…

She picked her phone and read the messages from her other friends, Amaka and Edima….they were bothered by her absence….

At least that made her smile as she wiped her face with some tissue…her friends cared about her and that was enough….

They would help her pull through the divorce, they would help her get back on her feet and forget Femi forever…

She dropped the phone and searched her bag for a bottled water…she was quite sure she brought some bottles…

She suddenly felt the urge to drink something…her throat burned and itched from thirst….she had been deeply hurt to remember such things as food or water….but right then her insides cried out for food and she knew she was in trouble…

She decided to go to the dining table or the kitchen, if Zainab saw her there she wouldn’t be offended that a guest couldn’t keep her feet at one place…

Frankly, of all her friends, Zee was the most accommodating…she had the kindest heart and purest soul…Zainab was an angel….

She opened the door and walked gingerly towards the dining, she didn’t want to be a nuisance so she walked on her toes till she reached the dining….

Plates were scattered all over the table and she figured she could help herself with some leftover…Zainab must have been very tired…she didn’t have a maid as she was a housewife who enjoyed doing chores by herself…

She never left her dishes unwashed, tonight was quite different , Lola observed as she picked a clean fork and dug it into the porridge yam….

‘wow…way to go girl…’she swallowed a delicious piece…Zainab had always been the cook…while she had the beauty, Amaka had the pose( madam model) that was what they called her…she was into fashion business….a hard boiled fashionista while Edima was the workaholic…she couldn’t blame her, maybe she deliberately dug her head into work to forget about her late husband, Fred Bassey.

They all had talents and were unique in their own way…

That moment was hers alone, she closed her eyes and savored the meal, nothing had ever taste better, even her husband’s voice couldn’t stop her from smiling…joy bubbled inside her…but a very deep voice called her back to reality…

‘Good morning Alhaji, I got your message, I would come with my boys tomorrow…’ Abdul stared at the clock, it read twelve midnight…he hadn’t wanted to disturb Zainab’s sleep, that was why he came to the parlor to answer the call…

‘alright sir…S’ai gobe…’he ended the call and focused on her….

‘Abdul…’! she gasped…he’d frightened her…

She observed he had changed into a black sutan that was a bit lengthy and made him look like some ancient warrior…..Zainab’s husband was a very attractive man but not as her Femi…

‘Lola? Sorry I scared you…one of my clients called….’ He stuttered and walked closer to her…his eyes raked her whole body and he felt blood rise to his brain…this was dangerous…he decided to turn back…

‘Abdul? ….’ She wondered why he looked frightened…

‘yes? …’ he swallowed and walked towards her…

Her breasts were bare in the nightgown she wore….their shape was round and perfect and her nipples were peach colored…they glowed under the light….

Her slender neck was smooth and he felt like caressing her….

‘Nothing…’ she pushed the plate away and blushed as his eyes travelled down her dress? She suddenly felt nervous…what had she gotten herself into?

‘I have to go Abdul…goodnight…’ her smile was shaky as she rose to her feet…why did he have to be this fine? His eyes darkened with desire and he looked more handsome…

‘wait…’ he held her hands gently….

‘what’? her legs now felt weak…

‘I am sorry…’ he traced a fine line on her face ‘I am sorry…’ he traced a fine line on her face with his fingers and covered her mouth with his…she wouldn’t let in him at first, her mouth was a bit salty and sweet at the same time…he reveled in the unique mixture and pressed her firmly to him…

His mouth searched hers and found her tongue and she opened up to him willingly, she didn’t understand this new wave of pleasure…she hadn’t felt this way before…not even with her husband or ex husband …

Butterflies filled her belly and her heart thudded with excitement….

‘Zainab….’ She tried to steady her breath as she pulled away from him….how could she do this to her friend? How could something feel so wrong yet so right? How could sin be this glorious?

‘doesn’t matter…I’ve always been attracted to you…I want you Lola…I don’t care about your sick husband …he doesn’t know your worth…’ Abdul caressed her hair with his fingers, knowing very well what he was getting himself into…

‘I think I am attracted to you too…but…’ she tried to protest but his kisses wouldn’t forsake her…

‘let’s go to the kitchen…it’s safer there…’ he whispered and she nodded foolishly…

He scooped her into his firm hands and took her to the kitchen…with one swift move, he put away the lights and searched for her body in the darkness…

They were on fire and couldn’t keep their hands off each other…skin to skin, lips against lips, breath to breath until his hands found their way to her legs and she moaned in pleasure…

He was such an excellent lover…

Without wasting more time…her legs gave way to his request as his hands spread them apart and he began to dance on her and with her…

Together they became one, together they found pleasure and the skies went dark when it was over…

‘what have we done Abdul…’? Lola felt morbid with regret…what had she done?

‘something we would do again….’ he smacked her backside and kissed her mouth hungrily…

anorexia:
please buttersss I didn't get the full story and am dying to read read it
Pls help me with the full story

Sorry for the long wait. Email me

LOVE, LIES AND DIVORCE (LLD) BY ROSE AKPABIO

‘I am glad we really found out time to do this…I missed you guys….’ Zainab smiled and set the table for her two friends….

The id-el-kabir celebrations were still ongoing and she’d chosen that special day to celebrate with Amaka and Edima….

‘Uhmmmm….this taste awesomely nice….’ Edima dipped the rice pancakes into the peppery sauce that was offered…

‘it’s called Masa in hausa, you should try the Dambu Nama, flaked meat….’ Zainab instructed and observed that her other friend had been strangely quiet…


‘so where is your husband and the kids?….’ Edima wondered why the house was awefully quiet, she’d been friends with Zainab for long and knew what Zainab’s house could be like when her children were around….

She had been married for ten years now and the union was blessed with, Aisha, Umaima and Abdulkhadir, her three children….

‘oh about that, Abdul decided to take the kids shopping, you know they’ll return to school after the holidays…but I think he planned to take them to the movies…that man can spoil his children dirty…’ her eyes gleamed with admiration for the man she had married…

Abdul was the love of her life, her first love and their marriage was the most perfect out of her friend’s, Allah had blessed her, she counted herself lucky to be with a man that devoted all his time and attention to her, a man that wasn’t ready to take other wives, Abdul was just the right man for her…

‘wow….hearing you talk about your family like this, makes me miss him….’ Edima lowered her eyes on the dish, her appetite suddenly fled her and she resumed thinking about the man that had broken her heart…how could he?


‘are you seriously doing this right now’? Amaka lifted her brow and wondered why Edima should be this emotional, it had been three long years yet she couldn’t get over him…

‘now that’s cruel Amaka…have pity on her for once….’ Zainab moved over to where her friend sat…tears had begun to stream down her cheeks….

‘whatever….’ Amaka shrugged and left for the kitchen…she needed to think, she needed a drink but knowing Zainab and her religious nature….she knew there wouldn’t be a tinge of alcohol in there, so she chose to move outside for some air….


‘darling it’s okay…I understand how you feel, I know you loved Fred…but he is gone…wherever he is, he would want the best for you, he would want you to be happy….okay’? she squeezed her shoulders lightly…

‘I don’t know Zee, I just keep thinking about him, I miss him so much…how could death be so cruel’? she swallowed a sob and took the hankie Zainab offered…

Frederick Bassey her late husband had died three years ago, there was no man for her save for him but that fateful day he got involved in a car crash that ended their six months marriage to him…she relived the memories of their young marriage…she wished he would come back to life…but there she was, sad and alone…

Her friends had been her pillar and without them, she would’ve committed suicide a long time ago as she’d become very depressed after her husband’s demise….

‘stay here, let me talk to Amaka….something isn’t right about her…’ Zainab rubbed her hands on her skirt and walked outside…


‘Hey….what’s wrong with you? Having a bad day’? Zainab walked towards her friend….

‘I don’t want to talk about it….have you heard from Lola?’ they had planned to spend the day with each other and at Zainab’s place but she still wasn’t here….

‘no, you know her, she is always the late one….’ Zainab replied as her lips widened…she loved her friends so much and she was glad they’d come to spend time with her….

‘Sly cheated on me….’ Amaka replied curtly….

‘excuse me’? the words were alien to her ears….

‘you heard me, the idiot confessed it this morning….he had been shagging his secretary but lied to my face that it just happened once and he is sorry…I don’t know what to believe Zee, I am hurting…I don’t know if I could ever trust him again….’ A tear slipped down her cheeks….


‘my god, how could Sylvester do something like that? He seemed so responsible….’ Zainab was stunned….

Sly and Amaka had been married for five years now and they had a child, Odinaka….they seemed perfect and happy…why on earth would Sly do such a thing?

‘I don’t know Zee… I am confused…he broke my heart…do you think I can ever forgive him’? She looked into her friend’s eyes searching for answers….

Zainab’s marriage was perfect, her husband was faithful and down to earth, he never gave her any problems, so they’d always looked up to her for advice.

‘yes you will, you just need time dear, you will heal eventually…’ Zainab replied and hugged her friend….

‘hello girls….do you think Lola is still gonna make it? It’s getting late…’ Edima had decided to come and get some air, she was suffocating inside….

‘uhmmm, let’s see ….’ Zainab released her friend from the hug and rubbed her hair thoughtfully….

‘don’t you get to remove that?’ Edima chewed on the rice pancakes….wondering why her friend had to wear her Hijab all the time….

‘it’s her crown girl, leave Zee alone…’ Amaka chuckled softly….

‘well it’s my choice…’ Zainab ignored her friend’s teasing….glad they both now were okay….

‘I am sorry I sounded that way Edima…I had no right to sound so rude to you…forgive me…’Amaka was remorseful…

‘it’s okay, I totally understand, we all have bad days….’Edima smiled and warmed up to where Amaka sat…


Just like old times, they laughed and gossiped, only that one person was missing ….

***

She had gone out to buy some meat from the frozen store down the street, Femi hadn’t spoken to her for days now since their last fight….

She had been married to this man for six years now but they had no issue… his family wouldn’t stop interfering in the marriage
Maybe he encouraged them as their constant visiting had led to their last fight….

‘you do not like my people….what’s wrong with my niece coming over here, so she could stay with us and go to the University from here?….’ he’d yelled angrily….

‘I am not saying anything is wrong but we can give her money for the hostel…we need our privacy Femi, we don’t even have children yet, we should be focusing on that…’ she’d replied calmly…

But he’d said the most hurtful thing to her….

‘you’re talking about children? Our inability to have kids is clearly your fault…you are barren Lola…face it…’ he spat those bitter words that left her crying all night…

But that pain wasn’t as enormous as what she faced right then…

He wasn’t in the house when she’d left, he’d written her a note telling her he’ll be gone to the barber’s shop to get a clean shave…

So on her return, she was a bit shocked to find his car well parked and the door she’d locked was open….

‘Femi?’ she’d called but there was no answer…

She dropped the meat into the freezer and poured herself some yoghurt that Zainab had prepared herself, speaking of Zainab, she pulled out her pocket diary and realized they had a date…

‘gosh’! she was going to be late and the other girls would be so mad…she gulped the contents of the glass hurriedly and decided to take a shower….she needed this, she needed to see her friends …it had been a very longtime…

‘Femi ? please talk to me’? she called again but there was no answer….then she walked slowly at first towards his bedroom to spy on him…then she heard the sounds…what was that?

His door was slightly parted and the moans of the woman became louder….she saw her husband of six years thrusting in and out of the lightskinned young lady on her matrimonial bed…yes, each bed in the house was sacred…

‘Femi!...’ she screamed …and they broke apart that moment…but later ignored her and continued…

‘close the door Lola…can’t you see am busy’? mockery laced his voice….

‘come here darling….’ They young woman drawled and ignored her completely….


She was lost, what could she have done? She was still lost as she moved to the kitchen and sat on the tiled floor….

This wasn’t the type of man she’d seen while dating Femi…he’d cheated on her severally….but he’d been a little too bold this time around…

Pain soured through her, numbness embraced her bones and her thoughts flew across the skies…how could a man bring his mistress home? How could he make love to her in their own home? It only meant one thing, Femi had no respect whatsoever for her….

She picked up her phone, hesitant and confused….was it right to tell Zainab and the girls what had happened? Why was she always the unlucky one?

Out of their four marriages, hers had been on the rocks right after the honeymoon, Femi had been one of the nicest guys back on campus but after they got married, he suddenly changed…or did he change? Had he always been like this? Had she been blinded by his looks and flamboyance?

She had come from a very lowly family, she met Femi in her first year in the University and they had both fallen in love with each other…there was no denial of the attraction between them…he loved and adored her very much…

There was nothing as precious to him as Lola back then….but after the marriage, he changed totally….he still cared for her no doubt, he’d told her to stay back and look after the house…so she’d declined the jobs that she’d been offered by some foreign companies and became a housewife…

Femi always paid the bills, he bought her clothes and jewelries…when It came to provision, he was the perfect man but his ways weren’t straight when it came to the marriage bed…Femi was an unrepentant infidel…

This had done it, grief choked her throat and she groaned in pain…how could he hurt her like this? She couldn’t believe Femi had the heart to unleash such cruelty…but she wasn’t dreaming, it was real…

‘Zee….i cannot make it….i am in trouble…don’t wait up for me….’ Without thinking she had dialed Zainab’s number and spoken those words hurriedly….

‘Hello? Lola…what’s wrong? Talk to me….did something bad happen’? the anxiety in Zainab’s voice was glaring…

‘it’s Femi…he brought a woman to the house…I don’t know what to do, I am totally confused…’ she sniffled…

‘hey, calm down it’s okay…are you sure you really wanna be in that house? Why don’t you come over to my place and spend the night?’what Femi had done was despicable….


‘I don’t know Zee, I think I’m going crazy….can you call back later?’ Lola brought the call to an end when she heard footsteps approach the kitchen….


‘Are you done reporting me to your stupid friends’? Femi walked into the kitchen and leaned on the cabinet and studied his wife briefly…

‘is this all you have to say after bringing that LovePeddler into our house’? Indignation rose to her neck as her fair complexion became a bright red…how dare he?

‘our house? You serious about that? I built this house with my money….so, stop saying ‘our’…’ he scoffed and fetched himself a beer from the fridge….

‘why are you doing this Femi? Why are you hurting me? If I have done anything wrong, you should tell me…’ tears flowed unrestricted from her eyes…

‘hey! Hold it up….why are we even speaking to each other…. ? my life ended the day I married you Lola…can’t you see?’ he swallowed the drink greedily….

‘how could you say something so callous? Do you think I ma some toy made in China? I am some inanimate object? I’m human ,I have feelings…’ she wiped her face and launched a plate at him…


‘wow great move….’ He dodged and shifted from where he stood…

‘I want a divorce….’he spoke curtly….

Hello my sweet Angels, don't crucify me, "Dayo's Angel" would be finished this month, it's a promise.
Here is something sweet and new, I was inspired after watching 'Mistresses'.
The full book is available for purchase for those interested, email me or get my number. I'll update frequently.
Please do not copy or steal my work, thank you.
aishayasmina@ yahoo. com that's my email address.

"His wife"? Her thoughts echoed and the beating of her heart scared her, the realization of Dayo's marital status touched her and got her more confused. Why did she feel that way for a complete stranger?

" Are you okay"? Kayode smiled and shifted close to her, he did not like the look on her beautiful face, her eyes had lost their shimmer and her lips were tight.

"I.. I am fine" she stuttered.

But deep down in her heart she knew she wasn't, this feeling was alien and very strange.

He quickly gathered his first aid kit, ready to work on the angel he'd seen outside, he felt curious, to know more about her, how had Kay gotten that one? Her face was already etched in his mind and he felt bad, she haunted him.

He had been friends with Kayode for a long time, they were brothers, they lobed each other and shared everything, never had envy come in between. He hated this feeling that crept up his spine, one that craved for Moyo's attention, he inhaled deeply and rose to his feet as the door flung wide open. He needed to push his vile thoughts aside, he had other things to focus on, Adaeze for example.

"Darling, who's the girl with Kay outside? I haven't seen her before" Ada asked sweetly, the girl was almost perfect and this got her scared.

"I don't know, I'm about to find out, make sure you take your vitamins, I'll be back smallie" he patted her head and rushed outside.

"Really"? Ada's eyes twinkled wickedly, she decided she didn't like Kayode's new girlfriend very much, only one thing had to be done. She also had her interests to protect.

***
" So where were you headed"? He tried to chat her up, he couldn't let this beauty slip from his fingers.

"Uhmmmm, home" Moyo lied. What else could she say? She didn't have a place to stay and she didn't want to burden anyone, she had already stressed him, it was partly her fault that he hit her.

"Home? Where's home"? He pressed on, he noticed she avoided his eyes when he asked, she seemed evasive and this interested him the more.

" So here we are, time to treat that leg" Dayo's voice intruded them once again.

"Doctor...." Moyo smiled as Dayo neared her, completely ignoring Kay's question.

"Yes? Princess, i need to give you a tetanus shot, so your wound does not be infected" he replied. Her smile had pricked his heart, it was so genuine, so pure and he wished he could have that every day.

" Thank you" Moyo smiled and prepared her hand for the needle that he stuck out.

"So Moyo, I hope Kay isn't giving you much trouble, he's a very mischievous person" Dayo winked at his friend.

"Trouble"? Moyo arched a brow not following his cue.

" Dayo...." Kay drawled, he knee what his friend was getting at and he wasn't ready to tell him a thing, if Dayo knee the Truth, that Moyo wasn't his girlfriend then that could jeorpadize his plans.

"Sorry bro" Dayo sighed and focused on Moyo's slender legs.

She loved the way he worked on her, the way his gentle hands brushed her skin, their eyes had met severally, but he was always the first to look away.

She felt stupid, what exactly was she thinking flirting with a married man?

"You need to bring her in a week's time for check up at the orthopaedic ward, but right now, she's fine" Dayo rose to his feet and flashed her a smile.

"Thank you very much Doctor" Moyo stretched her leg and realized the pain had lessoned.

"Dayo..." He chipped in and she laughed, both men fixed their eyes in them, her laugh sounded like a carol on a good Christmas afternoon.

"Guys, food is ready" Ada joined them, she had a better view of Kayode's girlfriend, she was pretty, and from the way Dayo stared at her, she knew he liked her.

"Sorry, we'll be leaving immediately, thanks Ada, take care of !y friend" Kay rose to his feet, he couldn't prolong their stay there, it would ruin his plans.

"Why the hurry? Don't you want to eat at my house?" Dayo turned to Moyo.

"Uhmmm" she licked her lips, her mouth felt dry as she stared at both men, if only they knew her problem she needed shelter.

"We have to go Moyo, come on" Kay helped her up. She was a bit surprised at his authoritative tone, he seemed angry about something.

"Bye doctor" Moyo smiled and waved the woman who had completely ignored her.

"Bye dear" Dayo waved back. Something wasn't right, Kayode was hiding something from him, he was sure of it.

"You like her" Adaeze said as Kayode drove out.

"I don't " Dayo replied, he couldn't like his friend's girlfriend.

"You do, but she isn't right for you, I don't like her, she seems evil" Ada replied.

"Slow down baby sis, that's Kay's girl we're talking about. Now let's go inside and eat, we need to see the lawyer tomorrow".

***
" Where is home"? Kayode repeated, he didn't plan on letting her out of his sight, he was just curious.

"Home is far from here" Moyo replied, still unsure whether to trust him or not, what if she told him she was homeless? Would he help her?

"Alright, then you would spend a few days with me, till you're strong enough to travel, is that fine by you"?

" Yes " she quickly nodded, that sounded perfect, she would stay with him and see how she could get out of her situation.

"Alright darling" he smiled, he had his plans and she would be his' by all means.

"His wife" the words rang in her ears, she tried to think about other things but Dayo still found a way into her heart.
She hoped and prayed within her, that she wouldn't fall for a married man.

Olabantu:
Angelsss, good to have u here again....Iya let me sit down and keep enjoying this cul piece

Yeaaa, enjoy yourself