₦airaland Forum

Kimkardashain:
kip it cuming, Angelss pls make soph hit the gym

Tank you...
will fink about that!

PreshyG:
Wow! Wow! I can't wait for this spoilt Babie to be exposed. Weldon Op...

Thanks dear

Marchborn123:
Tnx rossiedr bt kip d updates rollin since u ve starved us of dem.

Thank you
#Oliver Twist

Niwdog:
Fans keep saying they can't wait for Barbie to be exposed, then I ask
Do you all think she cares?

lols
Exactly.., does Barbie really care?

marychommy:
thanks for d update. keep it coming

welcom

typo mistake GUYS! IT'S KACHI NOT BARBIE.

***

‘Knock knock’ Barbie pounded on Oscar’s door, she’d considered the possibility of Benet lying or the possibility that it wasn’t this particular Oscar.

‘Who’s there’? she heard him call.
He had to go to work as he’d received a call from one of his employees had called stating there was an emergency at the company.

‘Kachi’ she replied coolly then felt him slow in his steps.

‘What are you doing here’ he opened the door and stared bewildered at her.

‘Listen Kachi, if you’ve come to beg me, just zip it, I don’t want Sophia no more, she cheated on me with her ex boyfriend, she loves Benet and not me, so I had to move on’ he said.

‘What? What’s all this? Why would Sophia cheat on you’? Kachi lifted a brow, maybe Benet wasn’t lying after all.

‘Sorry that’s all I’m saying, it’s over between Sophia and I, so there’s no point of begging me to take her back’ Oscar was about to shut the door in her face when she made a statement that pricked him.

‘Fine, I heard from a little bird that you’re seeing Barbie, just be careful, she’s only after your money and she’s going to use you and dump you later’ Kachi warned.

‘Who told you that? And what makes you think she would dump me’? Oscar was curious, had Barbie told Sophia about their relationship? How did Kachi get to know.

‘Are you aware she snatched Benet from Sophia with this same lie? That Sophia cheated? I don’t know what lies she fed you with about Sophia, but you’ll pay for breaking her heart , she bashed someone’s car all because she wanted to check up on you, but what do you do? The moment she asks you for help, you turn your back on her.’ Kachi hissed angrily and walked away.

‘Wait Kachi, I don’t understand you’ he forced the door open but he wasn’t fast enough.

‘You don’t need to understand’ Kachi ignited her engine and sped off.
‘What was all that’? Oscar was confused. But he was sure of one thing, someone was definitely lying but it couldn’t be his Barbie, she’d convinced him beyond doubt of her love for him, Kachi was just a nosy bitch.
He forgot the issue as soon as he climbed into his car.

***
‘Barbie’! Sophia was pleased to see her sister.

‘What’s going on here’? Barbie pulled her brows together, her eyes were focused on the stranger, she had met many guys but this man sitting on their couch was the first wonder of her world.

‘Remember Lekan? That guy you hit that night, I told you I knew him, I bashed his car and now he’s forgiven me, so I don’t need the two million naira anymore’ Sophia sparkled.

‘Wow, how nice of him, Hello Lekan’ Barbie smiled.

‘Hello there’ Lekan replied, she was more beautiful than her sister, he could see the semblance between them, they had almost the same eyes.
Though Barbara was one of the most beautiful women he’d ever come across, he found it odd that her presence did nothing to him neither did her beauty sway him off his feet, it was really surprising.

‘I am Barbara, call me Barbie, I’m sorry for hitting you’ she had to warm up to him, she had finally found a man she really cared about and she would keep him for herself, this one was hers.

‘Nice’Lekan nodded hoping she could leave them as he had much to discuss with Sophia.
‘I’m sorry I wasn’t there to care for you, I had this very important thing to do and I have so much faith in my sister, I knew you were in good hands’ Barbie smiled.

‘Sure, Sophia is an angel’ Lekan’s eyes found Sophia’s, she just stood smiling at a corner.

‘That reminds me, I saw your boyfriend today’ Barbie decided to play smart.

‘What boyfriend’? Sophia was irritated by Barbie’s sharp tongue, couldn’t she have waited till Lekan was gone?

‘Oscar of course’ Barbie replied.

‘I don’t have a boyfriend, how many times do I have to say that’? why was her sister bent on embarrassing her.

So she had a man? Lekan felt defeated, so there was someone special in her life already?

‘Sophia, I have to go, we’ll talk later’ he decided to take his leave. He didn’t want to get too attached to her, he’d been so attached to one woman and she’d walked out of his life: his mother.

‘Lekan wait’! Sophia called helplessly as tears glazed her eyes, why was Barbie this insensitive?

‘Yea’? he turned and faced her and found those teary eyes gazing at him.

‘You don’t look okay, and you haven’t finished your biscuits’ she noticed the frown on his face. Was he annoyed with her? Had she done something to offend him?

‘I am sorry, maybe some other time’ clearly she was in pain, but he couldn’t reach out to her, she already had someone to do that.

‘Please stay a little longer, let’s talk some more’ she found herself pleading.

‘Why don’t you let him go? He told you he is busy’ Barbie was pissed he actually stood there listening to her fat sister.

‘I’ll call you Soph, I promise, I may drop by after work’ he did the unthinkable as he encircled his arms around her.

‘Okay Lekan, have a nice day’ Sophia was glad he embraced her, it felt so good and right, it made her complete.

‘Can I have your number Mr Lekan’? Barbie cleared her throat, this broke them apart.

‘Sure, here’s my card’ he handed her his complementary card and walked out.

‘Wow, this guy is loaded, his surname sounds really familiar, let me google him’ Barbie fetched out her phone.

‘Yaya’ Sophia felt a bit hurt Lekan would give Barbie his number, she was somehow scared of losing the attention he’d given her. No man had ever treated her that way, but Lekan made her feel powerful and confident.
‘I said it! It was my destiny to hit that guy, God has just sent me a man’ Barbie screamed loudly as his details appeared on google.

‘Sent you a man? What are you talking about’? Sophia felt weak.

‘You see that guy, Engineer Olalekan Olaoluwa is the second son of the former governor of Osun state, I just saw this on some old blog, I knew that guy was made of paper’ Barbie couldn’t wait to call him later.

‘Wow, no wonder, he’s so rich, his house is so beautiful’ Sophia was equally thrilled, then that spoke volumes about his personality. It meant he was a very humble person.

‘You went to his house’? Barbie’s eyes darkened jealously.

‘Yes, I dropped him off that night, he even brought me roses from his garden today’ Sophia replied.

‘Really? Can I see them’? Barbie was annoyed, what the heck was that guy thinking?

‘Here, don’t they smell too nice’? Sophia smiled.

‘You have to be careful about that guy, I know his type’ She threw the flowers on the table.

‘I don’t understand, Lekan seems to be a very nice guy’ Sophia replied.

‘Well, didn’t you see how he was checking me out? He obviously likes me, just be careful Soph, he only wants to get into your pants’ Barbie explained.

‘I don’t think so, he was just being nice to me, I think you’re misjudging him’ Sophia rose to his defense.

‘Well whatever, I’m keeping that guy for myself, he is too hot’ Barbie rose to her feet.

‘Okay’ Sophia replied quietly as her sister walked away.
Her mouth felt dry and her stomach swirled, why did she feel this way? she knew she stood no chance to her sister Barbie and if Lekan were to choose, it would always be Barbie.

Without thinking, she pulled open the door and walked towards the garbage bin and dumped the fresh roses.
Tears spilled on her cheeks.
‘Why do I have to be the fat one? Why do I have to be ugly’? Sophia sobbed.

Minutes later she sighted Kachi who’d come visiting.

‘Hello there Princess’ Kachi pulled the car over and walked towards her friend. She now knew for a fact that Barbie was an evil person whose only plan was to make her sister miserable.
She had told lies about Sophia to Benet and now to Oscar. But she was still confused on what to do, she had to tread carefully.

‘Kachi…’ Sophia quickly wiped her face, her friend couldn’t see her like this.

‘Were you crying? Oh God, what is it Soph? who hurt you’? Kachi felt bad seeing her friend this way.

‘I’m fine’ Sophia replied curtly.

‘No you’re not, and are those roses in the dust bin? I thought they were your favorite’? Kachi asked.

‘Why I’m am I ugly Kachi, why me?’ She turned to her friend who stared at her bewildered.

‘Okay…take a deep breath and tell me what happened’ Kachi placed a hand on her shoulder.

‘Lekan doesn’t want me to pay for his car anymore’ she licked her lips as the wind had dried them.

‘Okay? But that’s good news’ Kachi wondered.

‘He was so nice to me, he apologized for hitting me and so he brought me the flowers, even before now, I find myself thinking about him, I’m so scared, I’m so confused Kachi’ her insides trembled.

‘So you like him’? her friend smiled.

‘But he doesn’t like me, he only sees me as someone who save his life, I can never have that kind of man’ Sophia shrugged.

‘Hey don’t say that, You had Oscar remember’? Kachi took her down memory lane

‘But he dumped me later’ Sophia sneered.

‘What makes you think Lekan doesn’t like you, I’m the one that’s supposed to complain, he hates my guts’ Kachi smiled.

‘He likes Barbie and she seems right for him, tall, and very pretty’ Sophia replied.

‘And you know this how’? Kachi pouted her lips wishing she had a bullet and gun to waste on Sophia’s evil sister.

‘She told me he was flirting with her’ Sophia replied.

‘Hell yeah, well, if Lekan is for you, nobody would take him, but if you ask me, I think he likes you back’ Kachi had seen the fire in his eyes.

‘You’re saying that to make me feel better’ Sophia managed a smile.

‘Not really, do you mind getting those flowers out of the bin’? Kachi begged softly.

‘Sure, I acted stupidly like a teenager on drugs’ Sophia felt happier speaking to her friend.

‘We all make mistakes’ Kachi replied.

‘I love you Kachi’ she hugged her friend.
‘Love you too honey’ Kachi returned the hug wondering if this was the right time to tell her friend the truth.

‘If you guys are done playing Lesbian, you’ll get out of my way’ Barbie rushed out with her car keys, Oscar had called her to visit him at the office and it sounded urgent.

‘That’s rude Barbs’ Sophia wasn’t pleased with her sister.

‘Whatever, just swerve’ She ignored them both.

‘You pamper her, if she was my sister, I’d spank her ass everyday’ Kachi was annoyed.

‘Well, I love Barbie so much, she’s all I’ve got’ Sophia chuckled softly as they both stepped into the house.

Officialflex and Bimberry1307 mbok No more quarelling...
let's enjoy the story together...
uhmmm
keep liking the page...I created it newly...after this story, we would move there...@Rose Akpabio's beautiful Stories...

Morning lovelies! No fighting on Angel's thread! let's be cool. I appreciate your comments! Keep liking my Facebook page @Rose Akpabio's beautiful stories" I have numerous stories to share and to sell. Inbox me If you're interested!

***
The drive to Lekan’s house was longer than she’d expected. They were both silent and had nothing to say to each other.
The wind was cool, it pushed the trees hard and the leaves grew wings and flew across the street.

‘Which way do I go’? Sophia asked as they neared his house.

‘That way’ he replied, still mesmerized by what had taken place at her house. Her eyes truly held so much power.

‘You don’t like my friend’ Sophia had sensed the tension between Kachi and Lekan.

‘Why would you say that’? Lekan glanced at her.

‘Well, I walked into the parlor and I caught you staring daggers at her’ Sophia replied hoping for an answer.

‘Well, your friend insulted me, maybe I deserved it, I promise to act nice when next I see her for your sake’ he smiled.

‘For her sake’? his words made her feel a bit special.

‘That’s my house, drive towards the ash gate’ he pointed at the structure.

‘Oh, it’s so beautiful, you live here’? Sophia was amazed, she stepped down from the car and admired the whole building.
It was a modern day Taj Mahal.
‘Yea I live here’ Lekan loved the way her eyes glistened under the moonlight.

‘Let’s go inside, my doctor should be waiting’ he waited for her response.

‘Oh my God, you have roses? They always smell so nice’ she rushed to the little garden of roses.

‘Yes, I do have roses’ Lekan muttered to himself, he was happy she could relax in his presence.

‘Uhmmm, I think I should go now, it’s already late’ Sophia looked up suddenly.

‘Is that what you want’? he walked up beside her, he enjoyed her company.

‘Yes’ she felt aware of his presence.

‘Okay, let me have your number, we need to keep in touch as we have unfinished business’ he winked.

‘Yes’ Sophia nodded and called her number loud for him.

‘Thanks’ he patted her shoulder.

‘Olalekan? Is that you’? Mrs Olaitan walked towards them.

‘Is that your mother’? Sophia asked

‘No, she’s my housekeeper, I live alone’ he replied and pulled her from the garden.

‘Good evening Mrs Olaitan’ Lekan smiled at the old woman.

‘Good evening Ma’m’ Sophia added.

‘Good evening pretty girl’ Mrs Olaitan smiled at the plump black beauty.

‘She saved my life, her name is Sophia’ he introduced the two women.

‘God bless you child, I am happy you took care of Lekan, he’s all I have, if anything happened to him, I could never forgive myself’ the old woman became emotional and got Sophia wondering where his parents where.

‘I am fine madam’ Lekan was amazed by the woman’s words.

‘I have to go now Lekan, do take care of yourself’ Sophia smiled and walked towards her car.

‘Thanks very much Soph, I’ll call you’ he waved at her.

‘Bye’ she smiled and pressed her hands on her chest, he called her ‘Soph’, that made her feel so special.

‘Who is she’? Mrs Olaitan couldn’t miss the excitement in Lekan’s voice.

‘I just told you, she saved my life’ Lekan replied knowing what the woman was getting at.

‘You lie, she’s your lover’ Mrs Olaitan insisted as they both walked back to the house.

He smiled to himself, this old woman really cared for him, maybe it was time for him to let go of his painful past. His mother must have died by now, he had to let go the memory of his mother. He had to move on with his life.

‘Angels we have heard on high, singing sweetly o’er the plains’ The woman hummed the carol.

‘I am sorry I asked you to take down the Christmas decorations’ Lekan apologized.

‘My child, did you really think I would remove them?’ the woman grinned.

‘So you didn’t’? Lekan chuckled.

‘Everybody likes Christmas’ she simply retorted.
***
The weekend had gone and Monday had knocked on their doors a bit too early. The cool harmattan breeze whirled dry leaves and left dust on the roof of people’s houses. Carols blasted from loud speakers and people bumped into each other as each hurried to prepare for Christmas.
Kachi had woken up earlier than usual, she hadn’t spoken to Sophia yet but she planned to call later to catch up on Lekan, but she was sure of one thing, the man was okay if not, she would’ve received a distress call from Sophia.

‘You have to look your best girl, you should get ready to mingle soon’ she brushed her hair and sang to her reflection. She knew sooner or later Sophia would end up with Lekan, she just had a hunch, they looked good for each other.
She’d seen the sparks that flew between them as they stared at each other that night, that was not just chemistry, they were meant for each other.
She dashed into the bathroom to prepare for work, she had a lot of clients that had booked her for Monday.
Minutes later she came out alive; wore light make up and a short bubble gown and left for work.

‘Good Christian men rejoice…’ she hummed as she observed the traffic rules, Christmas was really in the air. Years back she would’ve loved more than anything but to travel to Uyo where her family resided, but she decided to stay right in Lagos with her friend Soph, she needed space from her mother who would constantly ask her about her love life. She was done with men, she had decided to take some time off.

‘Here we go’ she fired her engine as the traffic light transformed to green. She hadn’t driven for ten minutes when something hit her car, the impact was so strong so she’d decided to bring the car to a halt.

‘What the hell is that’? she peered into her rearview mirror and was shocked at who she’d seen, had he hit her car? She panicked as she had no money to spend on the corolla.

What was he doing here?

‘Kachi….’ Benet stepped down from his car and walked up to her. He knew how much Kachi hated him for breaking up with Sophia years back.

‘What did you do to my car’? she ignored his smiling face and observed her car, thankfully, it was in good shape.

‘I am sorry, I was rushing to the embassy, I have a Visa appointment’ he informed her, since Barbie had broken up with him during the weekend he’d decided to return overseas.

‘Well, my car is in good shape, have a nice day looser’ Kachi grunted and walked away from him.
‘Wait Kachi, I know you hate me but I’m sorry I did that to your friend, she deserved it you know’ Benet started.

‘Are you kidding me? What did she deserve’? Kachi was forced to look at him.

‘She was cheating on me with some guy, I know this for sure, but she’s cool with me, I went over her house and she acted good, so there shouldn’t be bad blood between you and I, who knows where we’ll meet in future’? he asked.

‘Seriously? I am curious though, who told you she cheated, I’ll like to know that sucker’s name’? she placed one hand on her waist while studying him. He was such a betrayer, he had the guts to date Barbie.

‘I can’t tell you that, but just know she did’ he couldn’t expose Barbie.

‘Well then Benet, we can never be friends’ Kachi bit her lip and pulled open the car.
‘Does it matter? That’s the past’ Benet added.

‘Well it does to me, I’ll like to know the bastard that lied about my friend, and so you know, Sophia is a virgin, I don’t even know why I’m talking to you. You just ruined my morning’ she felt like punching his head.

‘Virgin? Barbie told me she cheated with some guy’ his lips betrayed him.

‘Barbie? As in Barbara, Sophia’s sister’? Kachi closed back the door and stayed focused on him.

‘Yes, I believed her’ Benet replied still pondering on Kachi’s words.

‘God, so that’s why you guys dated, she lied on her sister and got you to date her, how smart and sickening.’ Kachi was appalled by the mere thought of Barbie.

‘Are you saying she lied to me’? Benet couldn’t believe his ears.

‘Of course, Barbie can lie to get anything, she probably used you, well you should really apologize to Sophia for ending things with her that way. you really hurt her’ Kachi shook her head in disappointment.

‘I am no longer seeing Barbie, I don’t know if this would help. She broke up on me, says she has this new guy, Oscar, so I have no business with her’ Benet explained.

‘Oscar’? maybe she didn’t hear well.

‘Yes, do you know him’? Benet asked.

‘No, thanks, I have to be on my way now’ Kachi was confused, could Barbie actually be going out with Oscar? Was that even possible? Could she be that cruel?

‘Wait, let’s exchange numbers, you may want to come to the states someday’ he winked.

‘Oh yea’ she handed him her phone absent mindedly. If Barbie had the guts to date Oscar then she could kill.

‘Thanks, have a good day Kachi and Merry Christmas’

‘Same to you Benet, thanks a million’ she waved at him and drove off.

‘Should I tell her or should I tell her not’? Kachi contemplated the two options.
How would Sophia handle it, would she even believe her? Barbie was a devil and she needed to be exposed but she had to tread carefully as Sophia loved Barbie with her life.

She didn’t know why, but she suddenly found herself heading towards Oscar’s house.
***
The weekend was finally over and there was a lot of work to do for the shop, and she still had to find some money to pay Lekan’s lawyer. She prayed he’d listened to her, fine, she’d done a good deed by helping him that night, but that wasn’t an assurance that he’d forget about what she’d done to his car.
The weekend had been a bit lonely without her sister, Barbie hadn’t been home, she couldn’t wait to meet Barbie’s new heartthrob that had stolen her sister away from her.
She yawned and spiraled from one side of the huge bed to the other side, then her phone rang, definitely it had to be Kachi. Sometimes she felt hurt that her sister didn’t care much for her like she did, but she still loved her anyway.
‘Kachi goodmorning, missing you, please come over let’s find a name for my restaurant’ Sophia yawned.
The rich bass that replied jerked her out of bed.

‘Hello Soph, it isn’t Kachi, and I am standing right outside you door, we have to talk’

‘Oh no’ she mouthed the words as she rushed for her toothpaste, Lekan had come to the house, why didn’t he call her the night before? Why did he feel he was some god who could bump into people just like that.

‘Okay Lekan, I’ll be there soon’ she cut the call and took a deep breath. How could he see her like this?
They were black rings beneath her eyes, she’d forgotten to use the hair net and her hair tangled like they hadn’t been combed in a long while. Her breath was stale from the night’s sleep and she had to do something about it.

She’d just finished rinsing out the tooth paste when he’d called again.

‘I’m coming’ She said and threw the phone on the bed and moved over to her ward robe to get a good dress.
She’d thrown five dresses on the bed then she suddenly stopped and smiled to herself, why was she acting crazy?
‘What am I doing’? she chuckled. She acted like a school girl who was about to see her crush.
Well that was exactly what it was, she was having a crush on Lekan, she knew it would fade off soon.
‘There you are’ she smiled at the mirror feeling a bit confident as Barbie’s top fitted her perfectly.
***
The doctor had examined him during the weekend and had assured him he was fine. He had no other choice but to pay Sophia a visit and thank her for her kindness; but deep down he felt like he was deceiving himself, he was actually looking forward to seeing her again. He yearned to be her friend, to be close to her and it bothered him, but it felt good nevertheless.

He had come to tell her not to repair his car, that wasn’t necessary. He was mad no doubt, but he had other cars and could afford to buy another one.

‘Women’ he inhaled the roses he’d plucked from the garden. Why did she have to waste time like this?

At that point, the door flung wide open and she flashed him a smile that warmed his inside, she was even more beautiful in the morning.

‘Goodmorning Lekan’ Sophia smiled, she fought to control her swirling insides, why did she feel this uneasy with him?

‘I brought this for you beautiful, remember you told me you loved roses’ he handed them the flowers.
‘Thanks so much’ she smiled shyly.
It reminded her of all the romantic movies and books she’d ever read.

‘Did I wake you from sleep’? her eyes weren’t bright he noticed.

‘Oh no, I’m fine,’ she smacked her lips.

‘Good, thanks once again for saving my life, the doctor says I am perfectly fine’ he informed her.

‘I am sorry I should’ve called to find out how you’re doing’ she felt bad for not checking up on him.

‘Thanks so much’ he still couldn’t believe he’d hit such a nice woman.

‘Welcome’ she replied still avoiding his eyes. He looked regal in a blue shirt and blue denim. His hair was perfect and black. His eyes still held their alluring attribute and his curvy lips were still sensual, she suddenly felt like kissing him.

‘Uhmmm, have you had breakfast’? she suddenly asked, a bit to distract her thoughts.

‘Nope, do you want to feed me’? his voice was dangerous.

‘I am not your mother’ she tried sounding funny instead she noticed a pain that flashed in his eyes.

‘Okay nice’ he smiled, it sounded like she rejected him and it really hurt.

‘About my car, forget it, you saved my life Sophia, I’m still sorry for hitting you’he was truly sorry.

‘For real? Thank you so much Lekan’ she walked up to him and hugged him in excitement. That means she could finally focus on opening her restaurant.

‘welcome dear’ his hands encircled her as he inhaled her feminine smell, the way she hugged him made him feel alive, it sealed the hole that had filled him for a long time, it reminded him of his mother.

The buzzing of his phone brought him back to reality and he knew it was time to let her go.
‘I am sorry about that’ Sophia recovered from what had just taken place.

‘Hello Ade’ he pointed a finger at her.
‘Boss goodmorning, I saw your missed calls earlier, sorry I had a case this morning’ he said.

‘Oh, I called to inform you to forget the case concerning my bashed car’ Lekan’s eyes focused on her as she walked towards the table.
She wasn’t too tall, her skin was dark and blazed like fine clay. It was her round behind that caught his attention and he felt blood rise in him as he imagined her naked.

‘Boss but why? We already agreed on this thing, she had already signed the documents, is this necessary’? Ade wondered why Lekan had suddenly changed his mind.

‘Just forget it, I’ll send you some money for the discomfort. Goodbye Ade’ he peeled his eyes from her body and dropped them on the floor.

‘Okay Boss, thanks a million’ Ade cheered up, at least Lekan would still give him some reward.

‘That was my Lawyer, I’ve told him to forget about everything’ Lekan explained as she brought a tray filled with coffee and biscuits for him.

‘Wow that’s nice, you don’t know how happy you’ve made me’ she smiled and flashed a dimple.

‘You’re really beautiful Soph’ he found himself staring at her yet again, what was wrong with him?

‘Thanks’ blood tweaked her cheeks.
She suddenly became very self conscious.

‘So can I ask you a question’? he decided to tease her.

‘Yes, what question’? she wondered why his eyes were filled with mischief.

‘Uhmmm, will you be my friend’? he winked and sipped from the mug.

‘Naughty you’ she chuckled, she began to loosen up with him.

‘Uhmmm, I’ll be your friend if you give me roses everyday’ she replied and this time he laughed.

‘What are you doing today? Are you working’? he asked.

‘No I am not but I’m planning to start up my own business’ she explained.

‘That’s nice. Beautiful and hardworking, all wrapped up in one, you’re amazing Sophia’ he admired her even more.
‘Don’t flatter me’ she lost appetite as she remembered her weight problem.

‘I am not flattering you, you’re very beautiful’ he dropped the mug and faced her.

‘I’m fat’ she blurted out and almost hit herself for such a fatal slip.

‘No Soph, you’re beautiful’ he rose to where she sat and took her hands in his.

‘You’re just saying that to make me feel better, you don’t have to say that. I’m not pretty or anything, my sister is the pretty one’ tears welled up her eyes.

‘Then you don’t know who you are’ he knew she wasn’t super model attractive but she had a good heart and a pure spirit and that was all that mattered to him.

The door opened and Barbie stepped into the house, the sight before caused her heart to stir enviously. She quickly recognized the stranger she had hit the other night, why did he stare at Sophia that way?

Oya Chop corn and Pear. Please go like my Facebook page o Mbok. "Rose Akpabio's beautiful stories"

***
‘I am not crying’ Sophia jerked and rose to her feet, had he been awake the whole time? What spirit had possessed her? Why had she caressed his body like that? She’d never done that to any man before.

‘I am not blind’ Lekan groaned, his head hurt, he tried to stand but his strength failed him.
The last thing he remembered was chasing some beggar boy and getting knocked down by a very attractive woman.
He’d thought he was dead. From the moment the car had hit him, he’d been plunged into another world of darkness.
A world that had no illumination, he was so sure he had died and had probably gone to hell, the place of eternal torment.
Slowly, a bright light from above spread over the earth, the earth was vast and scanty, with no vegetation on living creature.
He’d walked some distance towards a pit he’d seen, as he neared the pit, he could hear the sobs of a woman.
He’d been so scared, so terrified of the strange place he’d found himself, he peered into the pit and found a woman sobbing: it was Sophia.

‘Nothing’s wrong with me’ she affirmed and fetched her towel, feeling so embarrassed that he’d seen her that way.
‘I am sorry you’re in this condition, I assure you, I have no hand in it’ she explained.

‘I never said you did’ Lekan lifted a brow still watching her.
The lady that had bashed him wasn’t the lady that hit him, he was confused.

‘I apologize for Barbie’s recklessness’ Sophia continued.

‘Who’s Barbie’? Lekan asked.

‘My younger sister, the one that hit you’ Sophia replied.

‘Oh, she’s such a pretty woman’ Lekan remarked then felt like slapping himself after as he noticed Sophia’s pained expression.

‘You’re also pretty too, you have very nice lips’ he stuttered, he didn’t know why looking at her made him uneasy, he’d never felt that way before.

‘Okay’ she replied silently feeling embarrassed he had to compliment her that way.

‘So, where am I’? Lekan reached into his pockets and searched for his phones.

‘Our house’ Sophia replied.

‘Oh, nice apartment, where is your rude friend’? Lekan asked gently. She was very uneasy, he noticed, he felt guilty for hitting her the other night, how foolish he’d been.

‘She’s around, let me get you some pain killers Sir’ Sophia suggested, she’d noticed he was in pain.

‘Olalekan’ he didn’t feel comfortable with the way she addressed him.

‘What’? she asked.

‘Call me Olalekan or Lekan’ he said and began to dial Mrs Olaitan. He didn’t want the old lady to worry about him.

‘Okay sir’ she nodded and bit her lip shyly after that.

‘What’s your name’? he smiled

‘Sophia’ she replied and avoided his gaze.

‘Nice name for a nice person’ he stared at her.
She wasn’t unattractive he decided, she just had a problem with her weight, he wondered if she’d ever considered losing some weight.
She seemed nice and humble, and he knew he had to apologize for his ruthless behavior.

‘Alright, let me get the drugs, I will be back’ Sophia spun on her heel, ready to avoid this man that sent chills running down her spine.

‘Wait, I am sorry’ Lekan inhaled deeply, maybe the accident had changed him, he rarely apologized to people.

Sophia spun round gently and watched his adorable face, he was an angel.

‘Sophia, I am sorry for the way I acted last night, I don’t usually hit women, I don’t know what came over me’ he apologized.

‘It’s okay, maybe I deserved it, I bashed your new car’ she shrugged, feeling overwhelmed that he’d actually apologized to her.

‘No, you don’t deserve it, no man should ever hit a woman, it’s wrong, no matter her offense, I am truly sorry for the mean words I spoke to you’ he continued.

‘Thank you’ she smiled and walked away.

‘Shit!’ Lekan swore, something had changed within him, he could feel it. He’d grown softer.

‘Hello Mrs Olaitan’ she’d finally picked the call.
‘Olalekan, where are you?’ she asked weakly.

‘I had an accident, but I guess I’m fine, I’m still alive and breathing’ he forced himself on his feet.

‘Accident? Please where are you? I hope you aren’t hurt?’ she sounded scared.

‘I am fine. I’ll be back home soon, call Doctor Oliver to come home, I need to be examined’ he ordered her to call his personal doctor.

‘Okay, I shall do that, please take care of yourself Lekan’ the old woman pleaded.

‘I will, goodnight’ he ended the call.

‘What a night’ he exhaled, maybe he deserved it, the old woman had taken pains to decorate the house for Christmas and he’d asked her to take it down just because it reminded him of his childhood.

‘You’re awake’! he heard a female voice that wasn’t Sophia’s, he turned around immediately and faced her rude friend.

‘Yes I am’ Lekan’s eyes darkened.

‘Oh, sorry I didn’t tell you, he’s awake now’ Sophia walked in with her drug basket.

‘Engineer Lekan, I am sorry for the things I said to you and how I spoke to you, I sincerely beg you and assure you it wouldn’t happen again’ Kachi decided to apologize.

‘Well it’s okay’ Lekan waved her off, he wasn’t interested in what she had to say, he just wanted to know more about Sophia and he didn’t understand why.

‘Here, swallow this, it would help numb the pain, then we would go to the hospital after’ Sophia handed him the drugs and a glass of water.

‘Okay’ he accepted.

‘Thanks’ she whispered to Kachi who had finally apologized to Lekan.
‘Anything for you girl’ Kachi replied, knowing deep down Lekan was still upset with her.

‘You never told me you were a doctor, thanks very much’ Lekan smiled and placed the glass on the center table.

‘Far from it, my mother was a nurse’ Sophia smiled as she memories about her mother came calling.

‘Was’? Lekan lifted a brow.

‘Sophia, I really have to go now, a client just called me, she needs her hair badly done tonight, she has a wedding for tomorrow’ Kachi needed to give them space, she wasn’t that naïve to ignore attraction when it had started its bloom.

‘Now? Do you really have to go? I need to take Lekan to the hospital, you just have to be there’ she didn’t feel comfortable being alone with the man. Not that she suspected he could hurt her physically, but she felt weird in his presence.

‘Don’t worry about me, I can take care of myself’ Lekan interrupted.

‘Good, you see? Your Lekan would be fine. Goodnight love. Cheers’ she pecked Sophia on the chin and stormed out.

‘You like her a lot’ Lekan remarked as he watched her.
‘Yes, we’ve been friends for a very long time’ Sophia smiled.

‘So, about your mother, you didn’t answer my question’ he hoped he didn’t appear nosy.

‘She’s dead, she died long time ago along my dad, they both perished in a car crash’ Sophia explained. She thought she was mistaken, but looking at Lekan’s eyes that minute, she knew he wasn’t as hard as he looked.

‘I’m sorry’ Lekan whispered gently. So she was an orphan? It made him feel worse about hitting her.

‘No, it’s fine. I’m over that, I moved on since’ she sighed with relief.

‘So where is your sister? She was the one that hit me, yet you took responsibility’ He was surprised.

‘Oh, Barbie, well, she had an appointment, she would be back soon’ Sophia chuckled softly, his tone amused her.

‘Wow’ he loved the sound of her laughter.

‘Yea, so we have to go now, let me take you to the hospital’ she rose to her feet and fetched her keys.

‘No, I’m heading home, I already called my doctor’ he rose to his feet.

‘Home? You can’t go home in this shape’? her eyes widened with shock.

‘I have to’ Lekan insisted.

‘Okay, I’ll drive you home’ Sophia suggested, his feet weren’t strong and he still staggered, she had to take him home.

‘Why are you being so nice to me’? Lekan was touched by her concern for him.

‘That’s the only thing I learnt from life, you never know who could help you in future’ Sophia replied and walked towards him.

‘That’s true, very true’ Lekan pondered on her words. She was actually a very wise woman. He had hit her the other night but here she was caring and nursing him, while her sister who’d been the one that had ran over him had gone for a meeting.

‘I’ll have to help you walk, can I’? she wanted holding his hands.

‘Yes you can’ he felt amused, did she just ask for permission to hold his hand?

‘Here we go’ Sophia smiled and placed her hand in his. Their eyes suddenly glued together as tiny sparks passed from their hands that was firmly gummed together.

His whole body was on fire, he had never felt this way before, everything was new for him. His eyes stayed on hers and he felt her pain instantly, the depth of her brown eyes were clouded by grief, he could read her sadness, he could hear her thoughts.

‘We have to go now’ Sophia looked away, she was scared of looking into his eyes.

‘Yes we have to’ Lekan obeyed. ***

Barbie had arrived Oscar’s house, he’d dropped the key somewhere so she could get into the house.
Thankfully Sophia had been in the house with Kachi, so the handsome man she’d hit was in good hands.
She couldn’t believe it, so Oscar was finally hers?

‘What do we have here’? she pulled the fridge open and searched for something she could drink, she was famished.
She fetched a jug of orange juice and poured herself some, the drink laced her tongue with its sweetness.
‘Yummy’ she licked her lips and reached out to the other side of the table to pick her phone, someone was calling.
Definitely, it was her sister, maybe she’d called to give her information on the condition of the guy, she prayed he was alright. Now wasn’t the right time for things to go wrong in her life, she had Oscar and he promised to help her get a good job, everything was beautiful in her world.

‘Hello Soph, how is his condition’? She spoke without looking at the caller identity.

‘It’s not Sophia’ Benet’s baritone danced in her ear drum.

‘Oh, good evening Benet, how can I help you’? she grimaced, she had to put him in his place, this wasn’t the time for him either, she didn’t want anyone coming between her and Oscar.
‘You promised to call me, I miss you Barbie, I want to feel your body, I want to get my hands all over you’ his voice was husky with emotion.

‘Stop it Benet, just hold it right there’ she dropped her glass and fingered her hair.
‘I don’t understand you Barbs, what’s wrong, you’ve been acting all different’ Benet was taken aback by her harshness.

‘Hey don’t Barbs me okay? I don’t want us to see each other anymore, it’s over Benet, go find yourself another chic’ she fired at him.

‘Over? What’s over? You can’t do that to me, I just wiped my bank account to make you happy. Barbie have I offended you in any way’? he asked.

‘No you haven’t, and if it’s the shoes you want, I’ll return them tomorrow, I don’t love you Benet, just go, okay? You’ll find someone who cares’ Barbie replied.

‘No, I can’t be with someone else, you’re the woman for me’ He was shocked.
He suddenly felt weak, like all energy had been sapped from him.

‘Then I’m sorry, goodbye Benet’ she drawled.

‘Wait’ he begged, something was going on. Barbie’s behavior was quite strange.

‘Are you in love with someone else’? he asked.

‘That’s none of your business, but if you must know, Oscar is better than you ten times over at everything, goodbye Ben’ she brought the call to an end. The blasting of the horn alerted her of Oscar’s presence.
She rushed out to meet with him.

‘Welcome honey, I miss you so much’ Barbie smiled and rushed to meet him.

‘My love, sorry I kept you waiting’ Oscar slid out of the car.

‘So how was work? What did you client say’? She asked.

‘Fine, everything is fine, you look exhausted, are you okay’? Oscar inquired and lifted her face to have a better look at her. She looked pale and scared.

‘I had an accident, I hit a guy’ Barbie replied.

‘Jeez, are you okay? Is he okay’? he asked.

‘Yes, Sophia is caring for him’ Barbie nodded.

‘Oh, fine,let’s go inside, I bought us dinner’ he led the way.

Thank you for your comments. Thanks very much. I will improve on updates biko

***
‘I Have served your dinner’ Mrs Olaitan’s shrill voice brought him back to reality. He’d been so engrossed in the drawing, he’d poured out his whole heart, his soul, all the shadows that lurked in his childhood, everything that reminded him of his dear mother on the canvas. He’d sketched her beautiful eyes, those laughing eyes, her strong nose and her beautiful lips.

‘I’m coming’ he paused and touched the drawing, he realized evening had come as he stared into the sky.
He’d spent more than two hours in the studio, people never understood what went on with artists, once they got inspiration to do something, time was no longer of the essence, time was no longer needed, focus and passion were greater than time.
‘There you are’ he smiled sadly and dropped the pencil, he felt better after drawing her. He would show the world the woman he loved most, he would tell of her mysterious disappearance, he was sure after he was done with the work, that his drawing would be considered for the award.

As he climbed down the stairs, he realized that was the only weekend he’d spent without a woman by his side.
He smiled briefly and continued walking, he would stroll out later and get some fresh air.

‘What happened here’? he noticed the house had been decorated with Christmas lights, red and green ribbons, the air smelt of Christmas, a big Christmas tree was placed in the centre of the living room.

‘Inviting the spirit of Christmas’ the old woman smiled.
‘Nice’ Lekan paused not knowing what else to say, the chiming bells and the Christmas songs that played softly in the background brought back memories of his mother and the cupcakes she baked during Christmas. Why couldn’t he get over her?

‘You’re still thinking about her’ the woman noticed the faraway look in his eyes.

‘Take them off’ he couldn’t stand it no more.

‘What’? the woman asked gently.
‘Take them all off, all the decorations, the Christmas tree, everything’ he suddenly lost his appetite.
‘But Lekan…I only did this to make you happy’ she felt hurt.

‘I don’t care, I want all the decorations off by the time I get back’ he rushed out of the house as her laughter filled his ears, his mother had been his angel, now she was gone, she’d left him alone.

He exhaled as he stepped out of the house, the air dried the drop of tears that had fallen on his face. He’d never cried before, but the memory of his mother made him cry, why was life so cruel?
He saw the streets and how happy people looked, their faces were bright with hope, carols filled the air and he knew he couldn’t escape from the spirit of the season.
He ventured into the next street, it looked calmer, he decided to stroll for some minutes before returning to the house. He knew the old woman would feel hurt but he couldn’t help it, he did that for his own sanity.

‘Oga abeg give me small money’ a little boy rushed and clung to him, the streets weren’t well illuminated but he could see the boy’s face faintly.

‘Get away from me’ Lekan screamed in rage, the little beggar uncurled immediately and scurried off.

‘Oh shit’ he cursed as he realized what he’d done, how cruel could he be? He decided after the boy and hand him some change as he searched his pockets. Maybe Ade was right, maybe he needed to see a therapist, that was all he needed. He would do that first thing on Monday morning.

‘Hello, wait…’ he called after the beggar boy, the boy stopped and stared at him from the other side of the road.
He carefully brought the naira notes out of his pocket and decided to cross, but he’d failed to watch for cars as the street was a lonely one.

‘Oga! See dat car’ the boy screamed, but it was too late.
Lekan found himself on the ground as the bumper of the Honda jeep rammed into him and he found himself on the ground.
***

Oscar had left for his office as one of the clients had requested to see him urgently, so she’d decided to go home and fetch some clothes so she could stay over the weekend with him. Oscar was a very generous, she loved guys who were romantic and caring and Oscar happened to make that list.
He’d bought her a golden designers watch, Giorgio Armani design, she had been caught up in her admiration for the watch, and that little moment of carelessness, she’d felt something hit her car.
‘Oh my God, what have I done’? Barbie stepped out of her car hurriedly as people began to gather, the once empty and gloomy street was suddenly flooded with people.

‘Madam, you beta take him to the hospital o, before this man die for hia’ one of the motor cyclists advised her.

‘Please don’t die’ Barbie sobbed as she bent over the unconscious man, she held his head in her arms and checked for injuries over his body but she found none.

With the help of some men Lekan was lifted into the back of the car and she ignited the engine and drove off. It was dark and she didn’t know any hospital around that area, the town’s general hospital was an hour’s drive from there and if the man wasn’t well cared for he could die, though he wasn’t bleeding she felt the need to take him to the hospital.

She brought the car to a halt and knew she had to call her sister for help, their late mother had been a nurse, and during the time she administered treatment on her patients, Sophia had always been there, she would care for the man before they both rushed him to the hospital.

‘Hello Sophia, please I need your help urgently, I am in trouble’ she looked back at the man who slept quietly at the back of the car.

‘What trouble? I’ve been waiting all day for you, where are you Barbie’? Sophia feared for her sister’s safety.

‘I’m close to home, I just wanted to tell you to prepare the first aid kit, I really need your help Soph’ she’d never asked her sister for help before.

‘Did you have an accident? Talk to me will you? What happened’? Sophia was already nervous at the other end.

‘I’ll be home soon, I hit a man’ Barbie ended the call and slid into the car. Her house wasn’t that far from where she’d stood to receive the call.

‘Please don’t die, do you hear me’? she whispered silently as she took one glance at the handsome man.
***

‘What’s wrong? Why the long face’? Kachi had decided to spend the night with her friend till she felt stronger to be alone by herself.

‘It’s Barbie, she’s in trouble’ Sophia hurried into the room to get the first aid kit.

‘What kind of trouble’? Kachi wondered, she didn’t like Sophia’s younger sister, but that didn’t mean, she wished her death. If Barbie got hurt or dead, Sophia would never get over that. Sadly, the same couldn’t be said for Barbie.

‘She told me she had an accident, she hit a man, I don’t know how critical his condition is’ Sophia resurfaced with the box and other medical instruments.

‘So why doesn’t she drive him straight to the hospital? I don’t like the sound of that, what if he dies here?’ Kachi wasn’t liking the situation.

‘Uhmmm, well let Barbie arrive with the man first, if his condition is terrible, we’re taking him straight to the hospital’ Sophia sighed and fell on the cushion.

‘Don’t worry, everything would be fine’ Kachi rubbed her head gently.

‘Thanks so much for always being there when trouble comes’ Sophia breathed with relief.

‘Good, that should be her car’ Kachi peered out the window.

‘Let’s go help her’ Sophia rushed to the door and walked towards Barbie’s car.

‘Is he hurt? Is he bleeding’? Sophia asked as she neared the car.

‘No, but he wouldn’t wake up’ Barbie replied still scared.

‘I say we take him to the hospital right now, they’ll be in the proper place to tell us what’s wrong with this man’ Kachi insisted.

‘Sophia, come and help me here, at least take a good look at him, he seems fine to me, I could’ve taken him to the hospital but it’s an hour from here’ Barbie beckoned to her sister for help.

‘Fine’ Kachi shrugged and walked to the back of the car.

‘You don’t say’ Kachi’s mouth widened in surprised.

‘Engineer Lekan’! Sophia yelled as she touched his face, why was all these happening to her?

‘What’s that? Do you two know him’? Barbie wondered.

‘Barbie, you’ve put me in bigger trouble’ Sophia sighed and pulled out the man. They all walked back to the house silently.

‘Babe this isn’t good o, what if this man thinks we deliberately sent someone to knock him down, what if he sends us to prison this time’? Kachi eyed the sleeping Lekan who’d been placed on a couch.

‘God wouldn’t allow him’ Sophia said gently and began to feel his pulse. She peeled off his shirt and checked for injuries but they were none.

‘Is he dead’? Barbie asked frightfully.

‘No, he is very fine, he fainted from shock, but we’ll still have to take him to the hospital to check for internal bleeding’ Sophia replied.

‘That would be a good idea’ Kachi nodded her head.

‘I have to pick this, please excuse me’ Barbie walked away from them, Oscar had called. She needed to pick, now she felt a bit more relaxed her sister was handling the situation.

‘She’s going to pin this on you’ Kachi wrinkled her nose as Barbie walked away.

‘How? I don’t get you’ Sophia asked as she busied herself mopping Lekan’s face with cold water.

‘Sophia, I have to go now, there’s this date I have, and I cannot disappoint this guy, please take care of him for me’ Barbie bent and pecked her sister and rushed out of the house.

‘What’? Sophia was bewildered.

‘I told you’ Kachi smiled.

‘You know what I am thinking? Let’s kill this man and forget all the problems he caused us. If he is dead, we wouldn’t need to repair his car’ Kachi’s eyes glimmered wickedly.

‘What? That’s murder, I am a Christian ’Sophia was amazed at her friend.

‘Kidding, girl, brighten up, stop being too serious, life no get part two’ Kachi laughed loudly.

‘Not funny’ Sophia narrowed her eyes, she noticed a movement, he’d stretched his legs.

‘Oh please, we should take him to the hospital, your sister is a bitch’ Kachi dared to say what plagued her mind.

‘I guess I’ll have to support you this time’ Sophia remarked silently and continued mopping his forehead with her towel.

He was such an attractive man, even in his sleep.

‘I need to use the bathroom, excuse me’ Kachi walked out of the room.

‘Okay’ Sophia replied absently, she didn’t know when she’d dropped the towel, but she found herself caressing this stranger with her palms. He was so adorable, his chest was hard and well chiseled, tiny hairs sprouted like new weeds on his chest.

Her eyes travelled down the length of his body, sadly she could never have this kind of man for herself, he would never fall for someone like her.

All the memories of her relationship with Oscar danced in her head, she couldn’t hold the pain any longer, tears fell down her cheeks but she didn’t wipe them, she let it flow.

‘Why are you crying’? a voice that wasn’t hers nor Kachi’s spoke, it was the voice of the stranger.

He’d been watching her silently the whole time.
***

Hello angels! sorry for the long wait! been so busy, worse...I couldn't log in for two days...
Plz go like my fb page "Rose Akpabio's beautiful stories) that's the only way you can show appreciation.Soon we will move to the permanent site.Tnx.

Keep following guys. Go like my page on Facebook "Rose Akpabio's beautiful stories"

**
‘Sophia please get up, tell me everything that happened, crying wouldn’t help you. You always told me to be strong’ Kachi had arrived, the state she’d seen her friend broke her apart.

‘He is gone Kachi, he never loved me’ Sophia rose to her feet.

‘What happened’? Kachi repeated.

‘I went to ask him for the money, he acted all nice at first, then asked me to sleep with him if he must give me the money, I told him I wouldn’t and he broke up with me and said I should leave and never return’ she sobbed.

‘Shit! So is that why you’re crying? Like your whole life is over’? Kachi shook her head, men would always be men but how could Oscar pretend for so long a time?

‘I love him Kachi, I still do, I want him back’ she was surprised at her friend’s behavior.

‘Honey listen, Oscar never loved you, it’s the hard truth, how can he offer to help after having sex with you? From the beginning of your relationship, You made it clear you wouldn’t have sex before marriage, if he truly loves you like he claimed, he would respect your decision.’ Kachi knew this would hurt her friend but she would get over it soon.

‘He swore he loved me, he promised me paradise’ Sophia cried.

‘Sophia, I am surprised as you. Oscar was such a nice guy, I could vouch for him at any time, any day. But maybe this is God telling you to walk away from him now it’s early. He’s such a bastard, did you tell him we drove on such a high speed just to come see he was okay? Did you tell him that car was bashed because of his ass’? Kachi paced the room angrily.

‘Yes I did, I expected him to understand’ Sophia replied.

‘He’s such an ungrateful bastard. Forget him Sophia, he only wanted your body. And I am so glad you didn’t sleep with him’ Kachi rubbed her shoulders.

‘You know what angers me most’? Sophia asked.

‘No honey’ Kachi listened to her friend.

‘Now I’ll have to put a hold in opening the restaurant because I have to pay the lawyer’ Sophia said.

‘No, that wouldn’t happen. We would find a way out of this’ Kachi felt strongly there would be a way out.

‘How Kachi? How?’ Sophia stared hopefully at her.

‘We now have only one option’ Kachi knew this was all her fault, is she hadn’t been rude to Engineer Lekan, maybe he would’ve forgiven them. But it angered her when people tried to hurt her friend, that was unforgivable.

‘We have to see Engineer Lekan, we have to beg him’ Kachi added swiftly.
‘Okay, I pray that works out well’ Sophia felt better after speaking to her friend.

‘Where’s Barbie’? Kachi looked around.

‘She went to the mall with Benet’ Sophia replied.

‘Benet? Which Benet’? Kachi screamed.

‘My ex of course, she bumped into him at the mall and he decided to come visit me, he looks quite different’ Sophia commented.

‘Really? Keep that idiot out of your house’ Kachi hissed loudly, what was Barbie’s game?

‘Sure’ Sophia replied.

‘That’s it girl, God would bring a man that would love you so much’ Kachi encouraged her, still finding Benet’s visit quite strange.

‘Amen’ Sophia whispered softly.
***
‘Your sister didn’t look good back there, she was kind of uneasy like something was eating her up’ Benet brought the car to a halt.

‘That’s her problem not mine, can I have my shoes now’? Barbie wasn’t interested in what he had to say, all she could think of was Oscar.

‘Whoa, she’s still your sister you know’Oscar wondered why Barbie sounded so hostile. Yes, Sophia had cheated on him, but he had forgiven her.

‘Are you gonna give them to me or what’? Barbie hissed loudly. Benet was of no use to her, he had served his purpose.

‘Your attitude isn’t helping you know, I thought you’d change after all these years’ Barbie had a nasty character but he’d put up with her because of how beautiful she was.

‘I don’t have time for your sermon Benet, just get me the shoes let me get out of here’ she replied.

‘Won’t you step into the house at least’? Benet offered.

‘No, I want to head back home, I have lots of work to do this weekend’ Barbie declined.

‘Alright then, so when do we see next’? he was eager to make love to her.

‘Benet just get me the shoes, you’re boring me with your questions’ She was getting irritated.

‘Okay, wait here for me’ he dashed out of the car and stepped into his apartment.

‘Yea right, this would work out fine’ she fingered the pictures of Sophia and Benet sitting on the couch together, Oscar would believe her totally.

Just in time, the devil called her, her handsome devil.
She picked without hesitation.

‘My love, how are you doing’? he sounded so romantic and it tickled her ears.
‘Wow, someone’s missed me, why do you sound so nice’? she rolled her eyes.

‘I am sorry baby for disbelieving you, for doubting the love you had for me, can you come over my place’? he asked.

‘Oscar? What’s going on, you surprise me’ had he changed his mind? But he’d asked her for proof.

‘I broke up with your sister, you were right, she came asking for some money with some cock and bull story, I’ve ended things with her, I don’t need no proof any longer, just come over, I love you Barbie’ he trusted her completely.

‘Oh my God Oscar, you don’t know what this means to me’she pressed her hands to her chest, this wasn’t happening.

‘It’s real baby, come over, Your sister tricked and fed me with lies’ Oscar remarked bitterly.

‘I told you Oscar, I know I shouldn’t have exposed her like I did, but I love you too much to let you suffer’ she said.

‘No, you did that for love, I promise to cherish you and adore only you, just come over, I miss you love, I’m sorry for last night’ he begged.

‘I will, I would be there soon’ she whispered softly and ended the call on sighting Benet.
‘So here are your shoes baby’ he handed her the package.

‘Awwww, thanks darling, I really have to go now, see you later honey’ she pecked him on the head and hurried off.

‘Just like that’? he called after her, but she never looked back.
Something wasn’t right, he felt it deeply, Barbie was really acting different. Well he had been away for long, people changed.
***

‘I am glad you are feeling better’ Kachi was happy Sophia had stopped crying.

‘What choice do I have? It’s still like a dream, if someone told me I’ll be single by this time of the year, I wouldn’t have believed it’ Sophia sighed.

‘It’s okay, we’ll find you another man’ Kachi replied.

‘No, I’m done with men for now, let’s focus on how I’m going to pay Engineer Lekan’ she said.

‘Oh you’re still thinking about that? You should get your mind off that, there must be a way out surely, I still feel Ade isn’t being straight’ Kachi rubbed her chin.

‘You mean the lawyer? I felt so too, but what can I do? I feel so stupid that I did all that because of Oscar. I adored him so much, he was my world, my whole life’ a tear escaped and her voice vanished. Once again she became weak.

‘Hey Soph, we all make mistakes, you trusted Oscar, you’ll forget him soon, I promise’ Kachi walked up to her.

‘What angers me is why Benet chose to show up on the same day? Isn’t that like a bad omen that I may never find love’?

‘Don’t be silly love, you would find the perfect man for you one day, just relax’Kachi encouraged her.

‘So, you suggested we meet with this Engineer Lekan, how do we go about it, you don’t expect me to go alone Kachi, I cannot face him on my own’ something about the strange man unsettled her.

‘That wouldn’t be a problem, I have friends that could find information on the man, when the weekend is over, we go see him, I promise I’ll apologize to him’ Kachi assured her friend.

‘Thanks so much Kachi’ Sophia smiled and reached out for her buzzing phone.

‘Who is that’? Kachi asked as Sophia’s face brightened with a smile.

‘Who else’? Sophia smiled

‘Good afternoon Sophia, how have you been’? her aunt was the caller.

‘I am fine Aunt Davina, I am sorry I haven’t called you for a long time, I’ve been terribly busy with the shop and all that’ Sophia apologized.

‘It’s okay Aburo, how is Barbara? I tried calling her but her number was busy’? her Aunt replied.

‘She’s fine Aunt’ Sophia chuckled at the name ‘Aburo’, her aunt was fun of using that.

‘You haven’t forgotten Aburo abi, I would teach you Yoruba one of these days’ Aunt Davina replied.

‘You know what’s funny? You have never left Akwa Ibom yet you speak Yoruba fluently’ Sophia was amazed.

‘Who told you I haven’t left Akwa Ibom?, well that’s a story for another day’Aunt Davina replied.

‘Okay Aunt, do take care of yourself’ Sophia missed her aunt dearly.

‘I would visit you guys this Christmas, so prepare for my visit’ Aunt Davina

‘No problem Aunty, we’ll be expecting you’ Sophia grimaced knowing what that meant.

‘Goodbye dear’ her aunt blew her kisses and ended the call.

‘It’s been long, I miss your Aunt Soph’ Kachi smiled as she reminisced their childhood.

‘Miss her ke? She wants to pay us a visit o, and you know what that means, I wish Oscar hadn’t broken up with me just yet’ Sophia knew how her Aunt could be.
‘Yaya, she’s gonna go on and on about when we’re getting married’Kachi chuckled.

‘It’s not funny Jaire’ Sophia couldn’t find the humor

‘Don’t tell me Oscar killed your sense of humor, girl, forget that bastard, you’ll find another guy’ Kachi replied.

‘I hope so’ Sophia replied.
***
‘Welcome my darling’ Oscar was delighted to see her.
‘Hello handsome’ she purred sweetly and pouted her honeyed lips.

‘Barbie my love’ he drew her into his arms and she buried her hair on his shoulder.
‘Yes sugar, how are you doing’? she stared into his eyes and found them colored with desire.

‘I am sorry I doubted you Barbie, Sophia is gone, it’s you and me forever’ he scooped her into his hands and carried her to his bedroom. The sound of her giggle caused blood to rush to his groin and he felt more than happy he’d broken up with her sister, now he had all the freedom he needed.

‘Wait Oscar, are you sure you love me’? Barbie asked.

‘Yes of course, You deserve me’ he replied.

‘Good, here’s another proof that I wasn’t lying about Sophia and Benet’ she showed him the pictures she’d taken.
‘So she really chose this guy over me’? he remarked silently.
‘I am sorry Oscar, but I promise I am nothing like her, I would never hurt you’ she lied.

‘I know honey, it’s just me and you now’ he wrapped his hands round her.

‘So promise we’ll keep this between us till I am ready to face Sophia’ Barbie forced his ehad up with her index finger.

‘I promise honey, nothing can ever come between us, this would be our own secret’ he relaxed against her chest.

‘Good boy’ she rubbed his head gently and wore a mischievous smile.
This had been easier that she’d thought, Oscar had played into her hands like fish into a trap, well, she liked him but she didn’t love him, Oscar was financially buoyant and that’s all what she was after.

‘What are you thinking about’? he raised his head and observed her.
‘About kissing you’ her voice was seductive.

‘Then kiss me’ he winked, she nodded and brought her head down to his mouth, their lips met at once.

*
‘Are you really sure she’ll like me here? she probably hates me right now after I’d broken off with her’ Benet looked uneasy.

‘Well, I promise this, once she arrives, we’ll go for our date, so chill’Barbie was getting impatient with him.

‘Okay, what do we tell her when we both leave? She may suspect us’?Benet wondered why Barbie was bent on him meeting with Soph.

‘Wow I forgot that, don’t worry, I’ll cook up a story, I bumped into you, this and that, just chill okay, stop acting like a sissy, my sister doesn’t bite’ Barbie clicked her tongue.

‘Okay, whatever you say’ Benet replied and relaxed.

‘So did you buy me my shoes? I still remember that’ Barbie took a seat beside him, she hoped her plans worked out well, Oscar would be hers in no time’

‘I haven’t, we could go get them later today, I could do anything for you Barbs’ Oscar replied and leaned forward to kiss her.

‘Uh uh, not yet, till I say so’ she moved away from him. She didn’t want to get down with Benet, it would only complicate things for her. It was Oscar she wanted this time, Benet had served his purpose long time ago, now he would serve another purpose, with his ‘help’, Oscar would break up with Sophia.

‘Alright, seems she’s back’ Benet heard a car roar.

‘Yup, that is my sister’ Barbie rose to welcome her.

‘Okay then’ Benet breathed deeply.

‘Welcome sis, how was the meeting with Oscar’? Barbie flung the door opened.

‘Barbie, I don’t know how to say this but….’ Sophia paused as she saw the visitor, what was he doing here? what was Benet doing in her house? After hurting her badly?

‘Good day Sophia’ he smiled and rose to his feet.

‘What is he doing here’? Sophia offered him a smile and whispered to her sister.

‘Well, I bumped into him minutes ago, I went to get stuff, remember I called you, so, he decided to come see you, you know’ Barbie stuttered.

‘How nice of you Benet’Sophia tried to be strong. This man had broken up with her without any reason and here he was, sitting on her couch wearing a smile like nothing happened.
She thought of smashing a bottle in his head, with the type of pain she felt from Oscar’s betrayal, she could do anything to harm someone but she held herself. She would play nice with him, acting all stiff would make him feel important.

‘It’s been a long time Sophia, you look amazing’ he lied, she was still as robust as ever.

‘Thank you’ Sophia replied quietly and sat beside him on the couch, she had to stay strong.

‘So what do you do now?’ Benet tried making conversation, he wasn’t comfortable with this but Barbie had persuaded him, her reasons, he would never understand.

‘Uhmmm, I own a restaurant’ Sophia said.

‘Excuse me you two, I should go change up, I forgot something at the mall’ Barbie lied, this was the time to take the picture.

‘That’s nice, what’s the name of your restaurant’? Benet feigned interest, he didn’t like this.

‘I haven’t named it yet’ Sophia wondered why she had to stay with him, she was hurting inside.

‘You know what? There’s no need for me to change anymore, you should go Benet’ Barbie smiled and resurfaced.

‘That’s rude Barbs’ Sophia was always shocked at the way her sister spoke to people.

‘No it’s fine, I have to go Sophia, do take care of yourself, it was nice meeting you’ he rose to his feet.

‘Yea, same here’ Sophia replied dryly, she would kill her sister later for Bringing Benet over.

‘Okay Soph, I’ll be back in a jiffy, I forgot to buy us some toiletries, would join Benet in his car, take care Sophia’ she pecked her sister lovingly and they both dashed out.

‘No problem, bye’ Sophia touched the place where her sister had kissed her, this was unlike Barbara, Barbara never showed her love. She was selfish and wrapped up in her own world, but she still loved her very much. She was the only sister she had in the whole world.

‘I hope I’ll be fine’ Sophia inhaled deeply as reality hit her once more, Oscar had broken up with her.
She felt hurt, deeply hurt, he’d told her he was in love with her a million times, she’d given her heart to him, trusted him completely and now he’d messed her life up.

She fell on the floor and cried, this was too much for her to bear. Why was she so unlucky when it came to love? Why couldn’t someone love her?

She zipped her bag open and brought out a mirror, maybe there was something wrong with her.

‘I am not that ugly, why can’t I find a man good enough for me’? she sobbed as she stared at her reflection.

‘Why me? Why do I always get hurt’? she continued.

She was going crazy, Oscar’s words still haunted her, he’d dismissed her like someone that meant nothing to him.

‘No, I wouldn’t take this, I wouldn’t take this’ she pounded her fist on the floor.

Her chest rose and fell as she sobbed louder, tears poured down in rivers down her cheeks, Oscar had hurt her badly and it would take long to get over him.

Her phone buzzed and she picked it up, maybe he’d called back to take back his words, maybe he’d called back to say he’d been joking.

‘Hello’ she spoke hurriedly into the phone without checking the caller identity.
‘Sophia, were you able to get the money from Oscar’? it was Kachi.

‘Kachi, I think I am going to die’ she spoke quietly.

‘Are you okay? What’s wrong Sophia’? Kachi was surprised, she had never heard her friend talk that way.

‘No I am not, I don’t think I will ever be’ Sophia swallowed the pain that fought to destroy her.

‘What happened? Is it Barbie? Did she get hurt? Is Oscar hurt? Please talk to me’ Barbie was tensed, from the way Sophia spoke, she was far from alright.

‘No, it isn’t Barbie, Barbie is fine, it’s Oscar’ she sniffled.

‘Are you crying? Dear lord, where are you? I should come there soon’ Kachi had to go see her friend, though she had a lot of work to do, Sophia still meant the world to her.

‘Oscar broke up with me’ Sophia dropped the bomb.

‘What? Why? When? Oh God, where are you Soph? please don’t do anything stupid to yourself’ Kachi couldn’t believe her ears.

‘I am home Kachi, I don’t know what to do, why do I always get heartbroken’? She wondered if Kachi would give her an answer.
‘Sophia, just hold on, I am on my way’.
***
‘Here’s your food young sir, I do hope you enjoy it’ Mrs Olaitan served him his food.

‘Thanks’ he murmured, he didn’t want the old lady to engage him in another conversation, more like, a trip to his past.
He hated remembering all what he’d suffered. He lived with the pain of not having a mother, the pain of knowing she was either dead or out there somewhere wondering on the streets. And his father had done nothing to save her, he hadn’t even lifted a finger.

‘Do you like it’? she lingered and watched him closely.

‘Yes, just the way I wanted it’ he replied and feasted on the dish.

‘Okay, enjoy yourself’ she turned and walked away.

‘Good riddance’ Lekan sighed with relief, Ade had ruined his morning already, he didn’t need someone else ruining his lunch time.

Minutes later, after he’d eaten to his fill, he decided to watch television, Tansi had still not showed up and he was getting impatient.
He suddenly realized how empty and lonely his life had been. He was rich, had political connections, everything a young man could ever ask for, but he felt empty and lonely.

‘Who do we have here’? he chuckled as he turned on the Television. The show was a reality talk show or fight show: the Jerry Springer show.

The way the women fought for their men amused him, he was so engrossed in it that he felt to notice when his girlfriend Tansi had walked into the house.

‘Hello there handsome’ the strange fragrance had alerted him of her presence.

‘Tansi’ he rose to welcome her.

‘My darling Lekan, why did you call me over? Where are your other girlfriends’? she arched a brow. It wasn’t no secret Lekan was a flirt.

‘Hey let’s not go there, it’s been long Tansi, really long’ he loved Tansi for one reason, she wasn’t jealous or clingy and she was always very blunt with her opinions.

‘Where is Eleona? I heard from many that you two were deeply in love and she was going to give you twin babies’ she scoffed.

‘Forget Eleona, it’s you I want Tansi’ he shifted close to her. He was right, inviting a girl over was all the distraction he needed.

‘How funny’ she laughed

‘I don’t understand you, you look different Tansi, you’re shining’ he put his arms round her

‘Yeaa, you haven’t noticed right’? she rubbed her belly gently.

‘Notice what’? he wondered, women could be so complicated at times.
‘I am pregnant silly, I came over here to invite you for my wedding’she showed him her ring.
‘Wow Tansi, you’re getting married’? he was stunned.

‘Yes darling Lekan, I should’ve told you sooner, I didn’t have the time’ she rubbed his arm affectionately.

‘Wow, I am shocked Tansi, I never expected that, but you sounded so….’ He stammered.

‘Single? And rough on the phone?’ she chuckled.

‘Yeaa, you should’ve told me right there, instead of stressing yourself’ he replied.

‘Don’t make me laugh, there’s another reason why I came’ she brought out a file from her bag.

‘Yes’? he waited for more surprises.

‘Listen Lekan, I know we’ve known each other for a year now, and we dated on and off, we always ended it when I found out you had another woman, but I always forgive you…’ she pulled a paper from the file.

‘Yea right’ he chipped in, it was true Tansi was the most accommodating woman he’d ever dated.

‘But I forgive you and I am over you, you are capable of being nice Lekan, you can actually stay faithful to one woman, I guess you haven’t found her yet’ she said.
‘Where’s all this leading Tansi?’ he wondered.

‘Well, I know you have always had a thing for the arts, there’s an art exposition happening on the 25th of December at the Gallery of Arts and Culture Abuja, it’s going to feature various forms of artworks, the most appealing would be selected and awarded, after which he or she would be sent to the Da Vinci school of arts for training. This is a good one Lekan, I know the money may not mean anything to you, the prize award is a million dollars, but I know if you get chosen you would really appreciate it because I know how much you love your work’ she handed him the letter.

‘You already registered me? You didn’t ask for my consent Tansi’ he scanned the letter.

‘I don’t need your consent Lekan, I’ve been to your studio a lot, after we make love and you fall asleep, I usually sneak up there and I look at your paintings. You have a talent Lekan, please don’t kill your dreams, you can do this, I believe in you’ she held him.

‘I feel honored Tansi, I don’t know what to say’ he was broken by her kindness.

‘Say you will win, I really want the world to see your artworks’ she beamed with a smile.

‘Why are you being so nice Tansi? I cheated on you several times and I was never sorry’ he was confused.
Why would she help him?

‘You weren’t the man for me Lekan, I got carried away by your looks and status, if you were my man, if you were meant for me, you would’ve loved me and never made me cry, but I forgive you, that’s all that matters. I also want you to change your ways, flirting around isn’t the best life Lekan.’ She replied.

‘Okay, would work on that’ he replied silently not knowing what else to say.

‘Good, I want to hear you are getting married soon.’ She smiled and rose to her feet.

‘Sure, but not to Eleona’ he chuckled as he remembered their encounter.

‘Why? I thought she was your everything’ Tansi chuckled.

‘Some stories are better left untold’ he hugged her and kissed her head.

‘Better, take care Lekan, I believe in you, we’ll see in Abuja’ she winked and trotted out.

‘Damn’! Lekan threw the letter on the floor, he suddenly realized how wonderful Tansi was and how idiotic he’d been.

‘I really need to amend my ways’ he spoke aloud.

‘I believe in you’ her words encouraged him greatly, so she had secretly admired his works? It made him smile, if only his father had done same, maybe he would’ve been happier. Maybe he wouldn’t have had this anger issue.

All the feelings of emptiness fled suddenly and he was filled with hope, Someone believed in him and he wouldn’t let her down.
He walked straight into his studio and slipped on his apron. Work had begun.

He thought of his mother, how beautiful her smiles were before she’d lost her mind. He decided to draw her.

...

bimberry1307:
I don't know what to say but I'm really really enjoying this beautiful piece. And I hope you'll finish it here.

I will finish it here. Thanks

...

Lolsd:
@ aunty rose pls can we get these novel in okadabooks. thank u

Morning dear,
no
but the PDF is available for sale. You can email me.

Good morning Sweeties, next episode loading

udison:
Angelsss . kinda gat notin doing dis morning. nice story

wow beautiful

Hello guys, sorry for the long wait. I will try and respond to comments. Hope you love the story. aishayasmina @yahoo.com that's my email ad.

Ekemeze:
Is this "Rose Akpabio" I have on facebook? Studying Mathematics @uniuyo?

nopey
I am the Writer, that's my namey