₦airaland Forum

...

....

‘Please sir, you don’t have to do this, I can buy your lights, you don’t have to take us to cell’ Sophia was still in shock. He’d slapped her, that had to be enough, but this? This isn’t how she planned to spend her night.

‘Sir, you called us’ one of the men spoke to Lekan.

‘Ah yes, Sergeant, I did, I came shopping and I parked my car safely outside, I didn’t violate any parking rules, but I came out here and found my car in wreck, these two miscreants are behind that and I want them to pay for it, so keep them in cell till I return with my lawyer’ Lekan explained.

‘Ah, officers please have mercy on us’ Sophia fell on her knees.

‘Officers don’t listen to him, we would pay him’ Kachi hated the man she’d admired minutes ago, in fact, she hated all men.

‘You can take them away’ Lekan chuckled darkly and dialed his driver to bring the other car.

‘Don’t you think you’re being too hard on them? I like the fat one, the Christmas Turkey’? Eleona rubbed his shoulder as the police officers took them away.

‘Honey, I just want to teach them a lesson, no one dares Olalekan’ Lekan replied silently.

‘Sure baby, no one dare you’ Eleona kissed his face and they both stepped into the car as the driver opened the doors for them.
***
‘Why are you not talking to me’? they’d been placed in the back of the police van with one scrawny looking officer.

Sophia wouldn’t talk to her friend, fine, the handsome stranger had slapped her but was that enough reason for Kachi to be so rude?

‘Look Soph, I had to step in, I hate it when people treat you so badly and you look so helpless, yes we did him wrong, but he didn’t deserve to hit you like that, where’s his dignity’? Kachi hated it when Sophia ignored her.

‘I can do fine by myself, I can take care of myself, he hit me cause I bumped into his car, you shouldn’t have talked that way to him, he wouldn’t have called the police on us’ Sophia replied.

‘I am not going to apologize if that’s what you’re looking for, I did the right thing and the least I expect is a ‘thank you’, why I’m I even here with you? I told you we could call one of Oscar’s friends, I also told you to drive slowly so don’t do that, don’t try to manipulate me into feeling bad, don’t try to play the victim, cause that’s what you always do’ Kachi remarked angrily.

‘I am not playing the victim. Fine! I give up, you warned me, I didn’t listen, but you should have stayed away from that guy’ tears had welled up in her eyes as she remembered the way he’d humiliated her.

‘Oh God, I can’t believe this, you know what? Next time you have a problem, don’t bring me into it’ Kachi stared fiercely at Sophia.

‘Make una keep quiet, I get headache’ the officer cautioned them.

‘Sorry Oga’ Kachi murmured.

She just couldn’t understand why Sophia had to be difficult.

‘Kachi I’m sorry, it’s just, I feel terrible and frustrated, I am sorry I sounded that way’ Sophia wiped her face , she’d angered her friend, Kachi was right, what the stranger did to her wasn’t right.

‘Whatever, I am not talking to you’ Kachi ignored her.

‘Have you seen my phone, I should try and call Oscar or his friends, or I could ask Barbie to go over and check on him’ Sophia searched around nervously.

‘Barbie?’ Kachi scoffed, Why was Sophia like this? She trusted her sister totally.

‘Uhmmm, anything wrong’? she asked Kachi.

‘No nothing, I haven’t seen your phone madam’ Kachi shook her head.

‘We don arrive, Oya move’ the van came to a halt and they both climbed down.

‘Kachi, what have we gotten ourselves into’? Sophia shifted closer to her friend.

‘I’m still not talking’ Kachi replied.

‘Who dem be?’ A female officer behind the counter asked as they both walked in.

‘Dem jam the car of his excellency o, na him call us that time, and dem bin try to escape’ the scrawny officer explained.

‘Ah, even dis fat one wan folo escape, car idem inside jaire, Olori buruku’ the woman hissed.

‘But that’s not true, we weren’t trying to escape’ Sophia spoke as the officer pushed them roughly forward.

‘Tah! Shut up, fatty bom bom, enter the cell make mosquito bite you small,you fit slim down overnight’ the man mocked.

‘God punish all of you for this Nigeria, yeye police men’ Kachi hissed loudly as the man walked away.

‘I am so sorry Kachi, this is all my fault, I should have listened to you’ Sophia begged tired of her friend’s silence.

‘It’s Okay Soph, just try to listen to me another time, we’ll get out of this, I promise’ Kachi rubbed her shoulders.
They were still unaware of the presence of three more ladies in the cell.

‘Una wehcome o, so una no fit greet’? one of the dirty looking girls called towards them.

‘Goodmorning, sorry good evening’ Sophia stuttered.
There were three women in the cell, one looked fierce and she stared directly at them, it scared her.

‘U nko, u no fit tok’? the girl moved forward.

‘Abegi, cari your wahala go dat side, see me see wahala, wetin concern me and olosho’ Kachi hissed angrily.

‘Ah, who u dey call Olosho’? the dirty looking girl charged towards her.

‘Shakira!’ the fierce looking woman called after her.

‘Boss I hail, sorry I bin vex,’ Shakira steadied herself.
‘Skakira or Beyonce, biko, find your level, I wan sleep’ Kachi wondered why the lady wouldn’t let her be.

‘I go ignore you for now, no be wetin my boss over there send me to do, anyways, follow me go dat corner, my boss tok say she like you and she for like taste you tonight’ Shakira licked her lips.

‘Excuse me? What do you mean by that’? Sophia stepped in to defend her friend.

‘Madam, who invite you put for dis mata? Amebo’ Shakira stared darkly at Sophia.

‘I don suffer, taste me how? Taste me say I be meatpie? Abeg find your level’ Kachi was getting scared.

‘No, my boss has to taste you, weda you like it or not or she go use force’ Shakira dragged Kachi up.

‘Lord save me from this’ Kachi prayed.

‘Get away from my friend or I’ll punch you in the face’ Sophia rose to her feet.

‘See dis one o, u feel say because you gather ikebe, I go fear you? Sit don jare’ the lady ignored her while the others watched silently.

‘Sophia please do something, she’s choking me’ Kachi coughed.

‘Alright then miss Shakira’ with one heavy lift she brought Shakira to the ground and the others burst out laughing.

‘I warned you but you wouldn’t listen, now go over there and sit down else I beat you into pulp’ Sophia was amazed she could do something like that.

‘God punish you, thunder fire una too, winchi winchi’ Shakira felt humiliated and returned to where she sat with the other too.

‘punish you too and your whole family’ Kachi hissed.

‘Thanks so much Sophia, thank you’ Kachi hugged her friend.

‘It was nothing Kachi, I almost laughed though, I thought you wanted being a lesbian’? a smiled played on Sophia’s lips.

‘No, I change my mind’ Kachi pressed her hand on her chest.

‘Be careful what you wish for next time’ Sophia chuckled.

kinah:
repogirl, Karoblogs, Tiffanyj,Safarigirl,Angelsss
shewrites

am expecting to hear ur names soon. selling rights to disneyworld, MGM, Universal, Harpo, or Tyler Perry #mycrush.

Amen dear. God will do it for us.

MzOnajin1:
Pls how do i get the full story. is it on Okada books?

no dear, but you can buy the PDF from me
email me @aishayasmina@yahoo.com

***

‘I have a bad feeling about this, like something terrible is going to happen to us’ Kachi was frightened by the way Sophia drove, she’d never seen her give way to recklessness.

‘Come on, move the damned car’ Sophia fired the horn, why was all this happening? So just on the night her Oscar was in trouble, they had to be this terrible traffic.

‘I think relaxing would help, we could’ve just called one of his friends and all this would be over’ Kachi sighed and looked out the window.

She could feel it, Christmas was already in the air, each corner had a tree and the street lights were decorated with penchants of Christmas symbols.
‘You know, this is always my best season, there’s just something beautiful about Christmas, something blissful and peaceful to, I believe Jesus actually exists’ Kachi continued dryly knowing very well her friend wasn’t paying attention to whatever she had to say.

‘Yea right, Jesus is real so stop running your mouth’ Sophia was getting impatient with the traffic.

‘You don’t have to be rude you know? I’m trying to get you to relax’? Kachi whispered.

‘If something happened to him, I could never forgive myself’ Sophia sobbed. Oscar was the only man that had looked her way since her first boyfriend had broken up with her. She knew she wasn’t attractive, most men came for her body and she wouldn’t let them, at the end of the day, they made fun of her and called her silly names, ‘Fatty’ was always among them.

‘Oh God don’t start, how can you say such? Nothing would happen to him’ Kachi felt bad anytime Sophia cried, she was just too fragile to get hurt.

‘Okay, you know how much Oscar loves me, he accepts me the way I am, he loves me so much, he reminds me of Benet in so many ways’ she smiled sadly.

‘Honey don’t go there, Oscar and Benet have nothing in common’ Kachi hissed angrily.

‘You never really liked Benet did you?’ Sophia was forced to laugh.

‘Oh please, he never deserved you, how did you even fall for that guy, I know he was hot and happening but any man who isn’t loyal ain’t worth my shit’ Kachi hated Benet after she’d seen Barbie and him making out, the scene had haunted her for several days, but she wouldn’t let Sophia in on what she’d seen.
It would have wrecked her completely.

‘I don’t know Kachi, sometimes I wish I was so thin that I’ll never ever want to worry about getting fat’ she relaxed against the car seat.

‘Soph, do you think finding a man is all about the way you look? You’re lucky to have a man like Oscar, don’t allow your insecurities get in your way of love, you have a problem with your weight but that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to be loved and cherished’ Kachi consoled her.

‘You know why I love you? You always find a way of lifting my spirits, I wish I could do that to you when you’re down’ she knew how Kachi could be when she got depressed.

‘Well there’s just one thing you can do, find me women that are into women’ Kachi grinned and focused on the road.

‘You aren’t serious are you?’ Sophia fixed her seatbelt and ignited the engine as the traffic lightened.

‘Yes I am, I wanna be happy baby, like you and Oscar, just that in place of a dick, I’ll be having cucumbers or fingers’ she added.

‘Oh please, I am not sleeping with Oscar, I told you before, I’m keeping myself for my wedding night, I want it to be special’ Sophia wanted giving Oscar her virginity once they got married.

‘Oh please, you should break it and enjoy, you’re missing out on a lot’ Kachi winked.

‘Okay, fasten your seatbelt, we’re about to fly’ Sophia warned and increased the speed.

‘You have to slow down Sophia, I am not finding it funny, what if we have an accident’? Kaci frowned disapprovingly.

‘I am in perfect control mademoiselle, trust me’ Sophia ignored her warning.
She was happy she had a friend like Kachi, she helped her feel good about everthing, helped her accept herself. Christmas was already in the air, fog had built up and the night was going to be cold, she didn’t know what happened, but she looked out the window for a minute.

‘Oh my God, the brakes, the brakes!’ Kachi screamed, but it was too late, they’d bumped into a black colored Honda civic.

‘Oh my God, what have I done’? Sophia was deeply terrified as she brought the car to a halt, she’d bumped into another car, she hadn’t been fast enough with the brakes.

‘I told you, girl, I am not with you on this one, you’ll handle yourself’ Kachi swore angrily as they both stepped down.
Luckily, there weren’t other cars ahead of the Honda, but they’d done a huge damage to the back of the beautiful car.

‘Lord help me out of this’ Sophia walked gingerly to where the car was parked, but there was no one inside.

‘There’s no one’ she turned to face Kachi.

‘Yes, but we can’t run if that’s what you’re thinking, whoever owns this car may likely be inside this mall, so we just have to wait’ Kachi observed the car.

‘I wasn’t planning on running’ Sophia replied quietly. She was confused, she joined Kachi in observing the back of the car, the two car lights were damaged and she knew she would definitely pay for it.

‘Not right now, how on earth would I afford this? And the restaurant is opening next week, I dunno, maybe I should’ve listened to you, maybe I should’ve called one of his friends’ Sophia wiped the tears that fell off her eyes.

‘This isn’t the time Sophia, let’s just hope this man or woman is a nice person and wouldn’t report us to the police’ Kachi replied.

‘I hope so’ Sophia stopped to breathe, as a very attractive man stepped out of the mall with a beautiful half caste on his shoulders.

He was tall, dark with eyes that sparked lightening, his beards were low so was his hair, but none of that attracted her like his pink lips that curved in a sensuous style as he looked down on the woman who was laughing softly.

‘My God, he’s a hot one, I may consider being straight once more’ Kachi drooled as the man walked closer to them.

‘Oh Lord’ Sophia coughed weakly, he walked towards the car they’d bashed.
***
‘Why are those two ugly women standing next to my car’? Lekan had whispered into her ears, Eleona was one of his numerous girlfriends.
Olalekan Olaoluwa was the son of the ex governor of Osun state, though many didn’t know about him, the masses only knew much about his half brother who was older than him..

‘I like the fat one, she reminds me of christmas Turkey’ Eleona chuckled softly.

Lekan was a man of foul temper and he had a penchant for women, he loved gorgeous women and loved to sleep with them without catching feelings, nobody ever understood why he did what he did, but his heart had been broken by one woman, he’d fallen in love with her for real. He’d told her about his feelings, but she’ d betrayed him greatly by sleeping with his own father, he still remembered her name, but he wouldn’t speak it. The incident had happened three years ago, shortly after their break up, he’d resumed his womanizing ways.

‘Do you see that’? Eleona was quick to notice what had happened to the car.

‘No, this cannot happen to my car, I bought this just last week, what the Bleep is this’? he swore angrily as he got to the scene.

‘Did you women see who did this to my boyfriend’s car’? Eleona spoke to the fat one but she wouldn’t answer.

‘I’m calling the police, I’m so confused’ Lekan reached for his mobile phone.

‘Please sir, I am so sorry, it was a mistake, I didn’t meant to bash your car but I got distracted, please just don’t call the police’ Sophia got closer to him and begged.

‘Yes, we’re really sorry and the brakes failed, have mercy on us’ Kachi joined and eyed the half caste lady angrily, who did she think she was?

‘You’re kidding me right’? without thinking, he drove her to the tarred ground with a hard slap, minutes later he recollected himself.

‘Oh my god, did you have to do that’? Kachi rushed forward and helped Sophia up.

‘Shut up you monkey, your friend bashed my car and you think she doesn’t deserve that’? Lekan spoke in a rush.

‘You’re really crazy, you know that? How much is this stupid car of yours? We can even buy you a new one’? Kachi fired back.

‘Please Kachi mind your words, let’s beg him some more, I don’t want any trouble’ Sophia cried as the heat from the slap warmed her cheeks.
No man had ever struck her in her entire life.

‘Really?’ Lekan’s laugh was soft as he regarded Sophia rose to her feet.

‘Please sir, I am sorry’ Sophia begged.

‘Sorry? You’re so fat and ugly, why couldn’t you keep your ugly self away from my car, I think your friend is right? I need a new car and you both are gonna buy it for me’ he smiled mischievously.

‘Oh my God, Kachi what have you done’? Sophia whispered to her friend.

‘Bleep you’ Kachi snarled at him.
‘And you too’ Lekan smiled, minutes later, the siren sang towards their direction and Sophia knew it was all over, the only person she thought of was her darling, she prayed wherever he was that he would be safe.
***
‘What kind of stunt did you just pull, I thought robbers had come to my house’? Oscar snapped at Barbie who’d played a prank on him.

‘Your door was wide open, so I walked in and switched of the lights and my voice could be so terrible at times’ Barbie laughed heartily.

‘You scared me mehn, I think your sister is worried, I should call her back and tell her I am okay’ Oscar suggested.

‘No, don’t call her, she’ll be fine’ Barbie dropped her purse on the couch and walked towards the man she’d come to love.

‘I don’t think we should do this again Barbie, like, the first time was a mistake, Sophia is just so nice and I don’t want to do anything to hurt her’ Oscar was being honest.

Barbie was more beautiful than Sophia and somehow had charmed him into having an affair with her, but he had gotten back to his senses, besides, Barbie wasn’t in love with him, he knew that for sure, she was only using him to pay up her bills, he’d gone through her phone one time and had read her chats with other men.

‘Really? And the second time? Was that a mistake too’? her voice was low and sexy.

‘Barbie, you are very beautiful and it would be hard for any man to resist you but you shouldn’t have come here. You didn’t even tell me’ He threw his hands up.
‘Well, I am here, are you going to throw me out’? she smiled. Yes, he was right, she hadn’t meant to pay Oscar a visit, but her date had called and cancelled, so she had no other choice but to branch somewhere and cool off.

‘You know I can’t do that, I just feel bad doing this’ Oscar rubbed his head confusedly.

‘No, you don’t feel bad’ Barbie unzipped her dress and let it fall free exposing her beautiful and creamy skin.

‘Excuse me? I am dating your sister forngod’s sake, have some pity on her’ Oscar replied.

‘You know Sophia would never love you like I do, she wouldn’t give her virginity to any man, so you better enjoy this baby, cause I am offering’ she unclasped her bra.

‘Barbie….you know I can’t resist you but Sophia loves me, I would never hurt her’ He rose to his feet and turned his back on her.

‘Love? What makes you think she loves you? You’re not the only man she’s seeing’ Barbie bit her lip. She wanted Oscar for herself, at least to cater for her before she tired of him and moved on to her next prey.

‘What are you talking about’? Oscar spun and faced her naked form and he swallowed her.

‘Benet is the only man she’ll ever love’ Barbie said.

Oscar said nothing, he stared at Barbie perplexed.

‘Have you heard the name Benet before’? Barbie walked towards him.

‘Yes, she told me he broke her heart’ Oscar was confused.

‘She still loves him anyway’ Barbie continued.

‘How’s that even possible, she told me he’s overseas and this happened five years ago’ Oscar was disappointed.

‘Sorry honey, he is back in town’ Barbie smiled and clutched her arms round him.

****
‘Why do you look so sad honey’? Kachi shifted closer to her best friend who lay across the huge bed.

‘I don’t know Kachi, maybe because it’s almost Christmas and you know what that means, yet again, I’ll be plunged into another major depression’ Sophia sighed and hugged her pillow.

‘There you go again, you have to put yourself together, Soph, it’s been ten years already, you need to learn to let go babe, you gotta be strong’ Kachi rubbed her shoulder.

Ten years ago, precisely on the 25th of December 2007, Sophia and her younger sister, Barbara, had both lost their parents in a car crash. It had been really tough for them as they were both teenagers, it had been tough the first year but with the help of their aunt, Davina, they were able to pull through.

‘I know, I have to be strong too for Barbie, I don’t want her feeling sad’ Sophia sighed and sat up, she loved her younger sister very much and was ready to do anything to make her happy. Apart from Aunt Davina, Barbara was the only family she had left.

‘No, not for Barbie, you have to be strong for you’ Kachi frowned slightly, she’d been friends with Sophia since primary school and she knew how selfless she could be. But Barbara, was her exact opposite and for some reason she hated her.

‘I keep wondering why you don’t get along with Barbie, she’s pretty and fun to be with Kachi’ Sophia wasn’t oblivious to the fact that Kachi disliked her sister.

‘I don’t have any issues with Barbara or whatever she’s called, all I’m saying is you should learn to be a little selfish, you keep sacrificing everything for a sister that doesn’t care about you’ Kachi hissed loudly as she remembered the incident that happened years ago.
It was true Barbie was very pretty, she was more pretty than her sister, Barbara was a donna and she knew this and used it to manipulate men. Sophia had a boyfriend when they were still in their second year at the university, his name was Benet , Sophia had loved him very much, but he’d woken up one morning and broken up with her just like that. It had hurt Sophia very much, but what would’ve hurt her most was finding out her sister, Barbie was the reason behind the break –up.

It had started as rumors back on campus, about Benet and Barbie shagging each other, then Kachi caught them herself, that was the night her hate for Barbara blossomed. But she couldn’t tell Sophia about it, it would’ve killed her to know Barbie could do such a thing.

‘Let’s not fight about this okay? I cannot be selfish, she’s all I have Kachi’ Sophia threw her hands in the air.

‘Whatever, so how’s your boyfriend Oscar’? Kachi decided to change the topic.

‘He isn’t picking my calls, neither has he returned them, maybe he’s busy, you know all these business tycoons them’ Sophia smiled as she thought about the love of her life.

Oscar Nwachukwu was the most eligible bachelor in town and she was pleased to be his girlfriend. He understood her perfectly and accepted her just the way she was.
She knew deep down she didn’t deserve him, she wasn’t a classical beauty like her sister, what’s worse was that she was a little on the plump side, she was fat. Yes, she hated using the ‘f’ word.
Sophia was average height and very chubby, dark in complexion with smooth dark hair, her facial features weren’t so beautiful but her lips could lure any man. And she wore this medicated glasses that made her nerdy.

‘I always envy you love, that guy is crazy over you’ Kachi was happy her friend had found love again after Benet had broken her heart, Oscar showed up years later and proved himself to be an angel.

‘Please don’t, God would send you a better man’ Sophia comforted her friend who was just out of an abusive relationship.

‘No, I don’t want a man this time, I want a woman, I’m considering lesbianism, at least I wouldn’t fall in love with a woman and she wouldn’t have that opportunity to hurt me, so you see my friend? Being a dyke is the only way forward’ Kachi fetched her phone and surfed the web.
She’d vowed never to give any man her heart, they were undeserving of her love.

‘You’re kidding right? Remember it’s fourteen years in jail’? Sophia whistled.

‘So? Who’s gonna catch me?’ she replied.

‘Oscar’s birthday is coming up soon, I don’t know what to get him, that guy has been really helpful, Barbie told me, he paid five million naira into our joint account, his quota to the building of our restaurant’ she smiled happily.

‘You don’t say’ Kachi exclaimed, this was too good to be true.

‘Yes, I didn’t know how much to thank him for his generosity, I bought him an expensive perfume, but he just took it and told me, ‘I did it for love’ Sophia smiled again.

‘Girl, your other name is lucky’ Kachi was very much excited for her friend.
‘So we’re opening the restaurant nextweek, we’ll use this week and decorate the whole place and also get to clear the paperwork with our lawyer’ Sophia explained.
Few months after they’d both graduated, Aunt Davina had called them back to Uyo, they’d been hesitant at first, because the woman always spoke of them marrying early. On their arrival, she presented them a sum of two million naira willed to them by their late parents to start up a business, considering the job situation of the country.

Barbie wasn’t interested, she had connections that could land her a big job, so the restaurant stuff was Sophia’s idea.

‘I am so happy for you dear, maybe I should use that opportunity and advertise my beauty shop, what do you think’? Kachi was a beautician and she wanted to increase her patronage.

‘Hmmm, not a bad idea, I’ll speak to Barbie about it’ Sophia shrugged.

‘Barbie again’? Kachi was getting irritated.

Just then, the hot light skinned beauty stepped into the room, looking suave in her evening wear, she was truly an angel.
Her face was perfectly carved with adorable features, her nose was sharp, her eyes were colored with streams of brown and they were veiled by thick lashes. Her mouth was sensuous, her thin lips were naturally red.
She was taller than her sister and was perfectly slender, Barbie was a real Barbie doll.

‘What did Barbie do this time’? she’d over heard her elder sister’s annoying friend Kachi mention her name.

‘Uh, nothing sweetheart, where’re are you off to’? Sophie asked sweetly.
‘A date.’ She replied curtly, gazing angrily at Kachi.

‘Oh, you now have a boyfriend? I should meet him soon’ Sophia smiled admiring the way her sister looked, she was proud to have such a beautiful sister.

‘Uhmm, okay, if you wish, now I have to run along, I don’t wanna be late’ she waved her sister goodbye and hurried out.

‘What was that about’?Kachi hissed angrily.

‘Really? I just defended you girl, you know how angry Barbs could get, don’t wanna spoil her evening’ she replied.

‘Don’t you ever do that’ Kachi climbed out of the bed. Why was Sophia so afraid of her younger sister? The little devil.

‘I’m sorry Kachi don’t be mad, why are you so worked up’?

‘Your phone is ringing’ Kachi ignored her pleas.

‘Wow, it’s my sweetheart, Oscar is calling’ Sophia rose to her feet.

‘Baby, I’m sorry I missed your call, I had been very busy, how are you doing’? His voice was low and sexy.
‘I’m fine love, I really missed you’ she replied.

‘No!!!!! somebody help!’ Oscar screamed from the other end.

‘Hello? Oscar? What’s that? Are you okay?’ she tried to ask but the line went dead.

‘What’s wrong Soph’? Kachi had seen the look on her face.

‘I don’t know, he kept screaming somebody help, I think he’s in some kind of trouble, we should go see him’ Sophia was restless .

‘Are you sure? What if we call his friends’?

‘No, I have to be there for him’, she slipped on her overall and fetched her keys, it was going to be a long night.

Hello guys! Angellls is back!

Winters22:
This story sounds like all those "Ubaka woke up in the morning, he had breakfast, he went to school and then he died"
no offense though. This story sounds like all those "Ubaka woke up in the morning, he had breakfast, he went to school and then he died"
no offense though.

I get your point dear.
I did it deliberately.
This isn't my first story here.
You could check them out.
I understand what you mean but I had a reason for writing it this way.
None taken!

faithfulgrl:
all ur stories are captivating. more ink to ur pen.i'm eager to read dayo's angel.

thank you

sulips:
Nice story angelsss.

Thank you

NtoAkwaIbom:
Best thing I hv read in a long while, God bless you for honouring our language by using it for the Characters of your work...
Abeg where can I read more of these ?

thank you.
send me an email

subtlemee:
Beautiful piece,i like the setting and the local names given to the characters but Angelsss ekpe is lion not leopard na

lols
in this story, it is a leopard

oleresunnyrose:
Nice

Thanks dear

Divepen1:
Congrat on making FP

you did it o thanks Divey

Divepen1:
it makes sense to the end.. lalasticlala Obinnau

thanks

EvaJael:
Great story angelsss

thanks honey

thread to be opened tonight 9pm

silver94:
Ok cause I'm following the story at Davina diaries. I thought this is a case of copy and paste

Nope
i write for Davina diaries, any work I post is mine

silver94:
Angels are u d owner of this story?

My name is Rose Akpabio.

***
Odudu's joy had turned into mourning, when he discovered Ekong was his brother. The warriors had drank and celebrated but he'd not joined them. Asawo had been discovered in the dungeon and Odudu had ordered for his release, too much blood had been shed.

"What are you thinking about my love"? Afianmma stepped into his chambers an into his thoughts.

" About the souls war has eaten" Odudu replied and brightened as he beheld her beautiful face.

"Think no more, I am with child,maybe Ekong would be reborn in him" Afianmma!ma said.

"Abasi! I love you so much" he carried her up and kissed her.

"I love you too my angel" she laughed.

"I promise to love you to to the end" he laughed and it echoed in the palace.

Ekong was later buried like a king and so was Emem and all those that lost their lives.

Odudu was later crowned king, and Afianmma Queen, while Ekambamma was blessed as the queen mother.
Sometimes, life could be regarded as a basket with a thousand fruits, some came ripe, some came decayed, whatever happens, you can pick another.






THE END.

***
Odudu's joy had turned into mourning, when he discovered Ekong was his brother. The warriors had drank and celebrated but he'd not joined them. Asawo had been discovered in the dungeon and Odudu had ordered for his release, too much blood had been shed.

"What are you thinking about my love"? Afianmma stepped into his chambers an into his thoughts.

" About the souls war has eaten" Odudu replied and brightened as he beheld her beautiful face.

"Think no more, I am with child,maybe Ekong would be reborn in him" Afianmma!ma said.

"Abasi! I love you so much" he carried her up and kissed her.

"I love you too my angel" she laughed.

"I promise to love you to to the end" he laughed and it echoed in the palace.

Ekong was later buried like a king and so was Emem and all those that lost their lives.

Odudu was later crowned king, and Afianmma Queen, while Ekambamma was blessed as the queen mother.
Sometimes, life could be regarded as a basket with a thousand fruits, some came ripe, some came decayed, whatever happens, you can pick another.

Cindymorgan:
Nice story

thank you

Countrygirl:
This queen self, nice story angelsss

Thanks dear

*

"Odudu!" Emem called after him. He'd gone against their plans and they could lose everyhting.

"Run to the bushes, I can sight Ekong's warriors" Odudu called to her.

" I can't live you here, our plan was to sneak into the palace and not to start and open fight, you know we'll be outnumbered? Even if we escape, Ekong would release his warriors after us"Emem replied.

"I trust Afianmma must have poisoned Ekong's warriors, don't fear, we'll win, the gods assured me of victory" Odudu said.

"And what if she fails"? Emem sneered angrily.

" Even if she does, we'll win" Odudu dragged her to him for a final kiss, he needed to find Ekong and slaughter him. He couldn't wait to slid his blade through his body.

"I love you" she whispered weakly as a sharp pain hit her spine. He had not seen it, the arrow had pierced her too quickly.

"Are you okay"? He released her mouth and panicked as his hands became soaked by her blood.

" I will avenge you" he put her dead body down and searched for the direction the arrow had come from.

Ekong's warriors were everywhere, it meant only one thing, Afianmma had failed, why were they still strong?

Arrows flew across the air, men fought for their lives and for glory, it was a great massacre, fire rained and blood flowed like a violent river.

"I see, that should be another LovePeddler of yours, come over here and let me send you over to your dead parents" Ekong sneered at him, he'd been the one that released the arrow that killed Emem.

"I will feed your head to the birds" Odudu sneered and ran after him but Ekong ran into the palace gate.

"Don't go after him, he wants to trap you" one of the guild warriors whispered to Odudu.

"I can't stay, I need to fight him" Odudu braced himself for the encounter.

"Good grace then" the warrior replied.

"Any word on the girl? Has any One seen Afianmma"? Odudu asked, as he'd sent some men to search for her.

" No" the warrior replied and Odudu panicked, he prayed nothing bad had befallen her.

****

Like most servants had done, she found a safe place to hide herself as they all realized was had broken out.
She had slipped the potion into the soup that was served to the warriors, but from what she'd observed, it made them stronger and she feared for Odudu.

She hid behind the Ukana tree, the African oil bean, that stood proudly at the centre of the enormous kitchen.

She heard light footsteps approach the tree, she swallowed hard and prayed she wouldn't get killed.

The footsteps stopped on nearing the tree, then from her calculation, whoever was there had entered the kitchen, so she rose up and made for the run, but she wasn't fast enough.

"Stop! Or I plunge this knife into you" the warrior was fierce

"Please don't kill me, I'm only a servant" Afianmma begged,

"Oh it's you, the girl Odudu was desperate to rescue, I think the king would love you as a trophy" the warrior smiled mischievously. He remembered the slave girl so well, she'd been with Odudu when his disciples had attacked them and the king.

"Please" she cried but he was deaf to her cries and bundled her up.

****
"Ekong! Come out and face me as a man, though your warriors have overcome mine, the war is not over until you are dead" Odudu stepped into the palace.

He'd slaughtered more than a score of warriors, the gods has strengthened him, there was nothing else to fear. All he yearned for was vengeance of his dead parents and for the total liberation for all Annang lands that were subject to Ekong's tyranny.

"It's over Odudu, fall on your knees and beg me, beg me to spare you a gruesome death" Ekong pushed Afianmma forwards then quickly dragged her back and placed his blade on her neck.

"Don't you dare harm her" Fear gripped him as he realized Ekong had the very thing that could bring him to his knees.

"Well, I have the power, so fall on your knees and call all your men back, tell them to drop their swords" he smiled mischievously and carved Afianmma"s face slightly and she bled.

"Odudu please don't listen to him, I am only a slave, do what you have to do to win this war, even if it leads to my death, I am ready to die" Afianmma cried.

"How lovely, so this slave has a sharp tongue eh? I think I should start with her tongue, I'll carve it out first, then I'd rape her in front of you and kill her after. What do you think Odudu"? Ekong sneered.

" I call you all to stop, guild warriors! Drop your weapons and surrender " Odudu dropped to his feet, he couldn't let Afianmma die.

"Odudu please, he'll kill you" she cried and struggled to break free.

"Ekong, please don't harm her" Odudu begged.

Just as Ekong was about to respond, his warriors fell to the ground with a loud cry, a dozen of them fell at silmutaneously and he lost focus.

"What magic is this"? He turned to face Odudu but it was too late, for Odudu's hands were blessed by the gods and he was given speed, he had plunged his spear into Ekong's skull and it fell apart.

" Abasi!" Afianmma screamed as she'd escaped narrowly.

"I could never harm you! I love you" he rushed to hug her. The guild warriors jubilated as they turned out victorious, while Ekong's men, died one after the other.

"The potion worked!" Afianmma smiled.

"Yes, you saved the day" he kissed her face and she looked away shyly.

"No, you did" she replied.


****

"My son is dead..." The queen sobbed as she heard the songs of victory that praised Odudu.

"Why would the gods be so cruel"? She wept bitterly.

Moments later, her chamber door was forced open and a young man walked in with a fair maiden and the priest.

" Who is she"? Afianmma whispered.

"Ekong's mother" Odudu replied as he stared at the woman, his appetite for revenge died, there was something familiar about this woman, he felt like he'd known her before.

"The moment of truth is here, like I said Odudu, you shall win and you shall sorrow" the priest stared at him.

"Yes wise one! I remember your prophecy" Odudu was plagued with confusion.

"You vile thing, why did you kill my son"? Ekambamma stared angrily at him. She was about to spit on him when she saw the mark, she wondered if the gods or her orbs were playing with her, how could he bear the same chest mark as Ekong?

" I needed to save this land from tyranny, I plan to spare your life, your respect would do you good" Odudu hissed angrily while Afia patted his shoulder.

"Ekambamma, it is time for you to confess, the gods are willing to spare you but you shall not be able to walk for the rest of your life" the priest delivered the message of the gods.


"I have nothing to confess, they are free to take me" she replied stubbornly.

"Why did you bring me here? This woman is not important to me" Odudu asked the priest.

"She is very important to you, the gods have revealed that she is your motjer , your birth mother, and Ekong was your twin, AMANA IBA, your destinies were entwined, for one to become great, one had to die" the priest explained and they all stared at him in shock.

"My son?" Ekambamma fixed her eyes on the boy, though he didn't share semblance with Ekong, Odudu looked just like her late younger brother, Itiad.

"No, she isn't my mother" Odudu turned to move away but her words stopped him.

"You are truly my other son, you have the same marking as Ekong, you loom like your uncle Itiad, please listen to me, I have a lot to tell you before I die" tears fell from her cheeks.

"Mother? I could never call you that, are you saying that tyrant husband of yours killed those that raised me?" Odudu scoffed.

"It all happened many years ago, after being barren for many years, I took in and gave birth to twins. Twins are accursed, so with the help of Nkoso the priestess of the forest gods, I his this secret, though she took one of the boys from me and promised to keep him safe. I don't know what happened to you, but Ekong was the only son I raised. " the woman cried as she recalled her bitter experience.


"Are you saying I killed my brother"? Odudu felt weak, his victory came hand in hand with sorrow.

" Yes" the priest said as his mother was too weak to reply.

"One of you had to die, no two twins can stay alive in this land, that is the law" the priest added.

"Laws be damned, I have failed, I killed my own brother, though a tyrant, he shouldn't have died in my hands" Odudu sat on the floor.

"I guess it is the will of the gods, come now son! We have each other, at least, you'll give my remaining days a meaning" the queen beckoned to him and he went into her arms and cried there.

EvaJael:
I'm on my tippy toes Angelsss..you're awesome

Thanks honey

***
He adored her lovely neck with kisses and traced a fine line from her neck to the tip of her breasts, she was so lovely but not as lovely as Afianmma. He’d struggled with the feelings he had for the beautiful slave, and those feelings were powerful, he cared for her in a special way he’d never cared about anyone before, not even Emem, his mistress.

‘I miss you so much my love’ she buried her face in his chest.

‘I miss you too’ he replied. He was worried about sending her to the palace, he’d already rescued her once from her abusive husband, he didn’t want to place her in danger’s way a second time.

‘I can do this, you can trust me’ Emem could read his thoughts. She sought to please him, to make him see her more than just a mistress.

‘I know, but I am worried for you, what if something happens? Plans do go wrong’ Odud reminded her.

‘The gods have assured us victory, the prophecy is in your favor, so cheer up my warrior prince’ she bit his lip and they burst out laughing.
He imagined Afianmma with him, by his side, he knew he was lying to himself but soon he would sum up courage and tell her about his feelings.

‘We should get going’ he said.
They both dressed up and returned to the area inhabited by all members of the guild.

‘Welldone’ Odudu acknowledged the workers as they stepped into the arena.
‘I will do as you say, I promise to be careful’ Emem squeezed his palms.

‘My lord’ a slave girl came running to him.

‘What is it’? Odud asked wondering where Afianmma was.

‘Go away slave, come back later, we’re busy’ Emem dismissed her but she wouldn’t go.

‘What is it’? Odudu repeated.

‘It’s Afianmma, she…’ the girl stuttered.

‘Afianmma? What happened to her? Where is she’ Odudu neared the girl, the thought of her being hurt terrified him.

‘She ran to the palace, she went for the mission’ the girl replied.

‘I don’t understand’ Emem quickly rushed to her tent.

‘What mission? How did you know about the mission’Odudu raised his brows.

‘Odudu! The poison is gone, they’re all gone, that fool would jeopardize our plans, she’ll get herself killed’ Emem yelled angrily, how could the slave steal her glory? How could she hog all of it to herself?

‘How did you know about the mission’ Odudu pointed his dagger against the slave’s neck.

‘I am so sorry, I eavesdropped when you were speaking with Emem, then I told Afianmma about it, I didn’t know she would act that way’ the girl cried.

‘How dare you’ Emem slapped her.

‘Just say all the prayers you know to the gods, if any harm comes to her, I will not kill you’ Odudu caressed her face with the edge of the knife.

‘Please don’t kill me, show mercy’the girl begged.

‘I won’t kill you, I’ll bury you alive’ he pushed her on the ground and some of his warriors tied her up.

‘Gather all the men, we ride for the palace now, the time has come for us to face Ekong, we either win this battle or we lose it, but let’s hope and pray to the gods for the best’ Odudu commanded.

‘My lord, but we are outnumbered’ one of the warriors said.

‘We have always been outnumbered, the gods will be with us’ Odudu replied. All his thoughts were focused on Afianmma, he had to fight for her, should Ekong get hold of her, all their plans would be ruined.

‘We don’t have much time, this journey would take a night, you must hurry’ Emem said.

‘I will, stay here and guard the place’ Odudu kissed her.

‘No, I’m coming with you’ she replied defiantly.
He saw the fire in her eyes and knew it would be futile to stop her, so he nodded and they all trotted together, the time had come.

***
‘So tell me what I want to hear, tell me more about the guild’ Ekong released his blade from the scabbard.

‘I would never, you’re free to kill me, you bastard’ Asawo spat angrily at him. he’d been a fool, how could he have trusted the words of a man like Ekong who was as worthless as his late father? Men who never honored their words or kept to their promises.

‘No, I wouldn’t give you the pleasure, you’ll tell me what I want to hear or we start your torture all over again, I’m sure you like it when your skin is carved’ Ekong smiled wickedly.

‘Kill me at once, you cursed man’ Asawo groaned. That wasn’t what he’d bargained for, Ekong had tied him in the dungeon for days, time had lost meaning for him in the abyss of darkness. He had been beaten, bruised and questioned, but he’d hardened his heart, Ekong deserved no loyalty.

‘No. no, by the gods I wouldn’t, betrayer’ Ekong mocked him. He was about plunging the knife into Asawo’s eye socket when a warrior climbed into the dungeon.

‘My lord, a girl showed up here and says you asked her to come work here, she is a slave’ he informed the king.

‘What girl?’ Ekong rolled his eyes.
‘My lord…’ another servant climbed into the dungeon.

‘Yes…’ Ekong wondered why the servant seemed so scared.

‘Your mother, the queen has been struck by the gods, as I cleaned her room, thunder struck and she fell to the ground’ she explained to the king.

‘Abasi! Why would the gods be so heartless? Fetch me the priest immediately and all the chiefs’ Ekong rushed out of the dungeon.

‘May the gods have mercy on me, I offended Odudu’ Asawo cried. He wondered what Ekong had in mind for him.

***
She had arrived the palace easily, the gods were on her side, she knew the urgency of this mission, so she wasted no time.

‘I greet you all’ Afianmma bowed as she approached the area where food was prepared.

‘Who are you and where do you come from’? a stern looking woman asked.

‘I have come to work in the palace, I was invited here by the king’ Afianmma lied. She knew such a lie could have her dead but she was willing to die to make Odudu happy.

‘You have missed your way, we have more than enough hands to help us’ the harsh looking woman said and backed her.

‘She is free to work, I told the king about her’ the warrior Afianmma had met returned to see her once again, he’d been captivated by her beauty.

‘Thank you’ she bowed.

‘Very well then, come and stir this soup, then you wash the wine gourds and the calabashes and you mop all the kitchen floors and apply new clay on them’ the harsh woman listed all her activities.

‘Thank you, I shall do as you’ve said’ Afianmma smiled. The woman had hoped to scare her away, but she was doing her a favor. She clutched the raffia bag she held tightly and washed her hands in readiness to stir the soup.
***
"Mother? By the gods, what has befallen you?" Ekong rushed to his mother's side, he'd had enough for one day, first of all, the cunning Asawo had revealed some information about some men that sought to take his throne and now this?

"I erred in my ways, I failed you and I failed the gods" Ekambamma cried. She had felt it, their eyes were everywhere, from the night she'd decided to keep one of the cursed children, she had never really enjoyed peace.

"We have all erred, by the gods do you injustice, don't worry, I have sent for the palace priest, he'll offer a sacrifice of cows and goats and make you a potent charm, you'll be fine again" he kissed her forehead. The woman that lay before him had given him life, his symbol of strength, he needed her more than ever and he prayed the gods let her stay with him.


"No, there's no need for that, I'm paying for my sins" she cried. Pain threatened to tear her into pieces, it was a miracle she still was able to speak.

"Why mother? Why?" Ekong wondered why she was so reluctant.

"I am so sorry for everything, the lies..." The Queen paused.

"I don't understand" Ekong rose to his feet.

"You're not who you think you are...." She struggled to speak as the pain clogged her oesophagus.

"Mother"? He arched a brow

" The priestess Nkoso died by my hands, I killed her to protect you" the queen said.

"What? You killed an innocent woman? No wonder she kept appearing in my dreams" he was shocked.

He was about to speak when a servant rushed into the Queen's chamber.

"My lord, it seems we are under attack" the servant informed Ekong.

"Attack? By whom and how so? Who would dare ride into the lion's den unafraid? Who dares to step on the angry soldier ant"? Ekong laughed wickedly.

" We don't know who for sure, but as we speak, unknown warriors have penetrated the village and they are slaughtering people, should I give our men the command"? He asked.

"I have a feeling that bastard is behind this, Odudu would die by my hands, we have the largest army put together, we'll feed their bodies to the owls and vultures." Ekong ranted angrily. How could that vermin fight him?

"Please don't go to battle, gather your men to fight for you" the queen whispered weakly as she remembered the words of the prophecy. The gods had stated that Ekong would fall.

"Fetch my machete and poisoned arrows, gather all the men, let's wait for them" he ordered the servant then turned to face his mother.

"Save your breath, you have a lot of explaining to do" he said to her before rushing out.

****

***
‘You all are useless to me! There is an uprising in all of Annang against my peace, against my life and all you do is sit here in your garments and stare at my face, I shall have your heads by morning if I do not find those that wish me dead’ Ekong yelled angrily at his cabinet chiefs.

‘My lord, we are as surprised as you are, but I assure you, we would put our heads together and find a solution’ one of the chiefs tried to placate his fury.

‘By the way, where is chief Asawo and why isn’t he at the meeting’? Ekong noticed his seat was empty.

‘I am here my lord, I am sorry for being late, I swear by the gods, this would never happen again’Asawo panted and reached for his seat.

‘You are always late, I have no time for lazy and stupid old men, I give you all tomorrow morning to find me the men that seek my downfall or I would have your heads’ Ekong rose to his feet and trotted towards his chambers.

‘My lord, I come with troubling news’ a warrior approached him.

‘And what news could that be’? Ekong asked.

‘The Priestess Nkoso is dead, we found her body rotting in the forest’ the warrior said.

‘The priestess? How did she die’? Ekong was shocked, his mother had mentioned the news to him casually, he had intentions of meeting with her in person. Why had she always called him ‘stranger’?

‘I think she was murdered’ he replied.

‘Abasi Akan! Abomination!, may the gods forbid and expose the evildoer’ the chiefs spat on the ground.

‘Shut up old fools, and next time you pour out venom from those stinking lips of yours, I shall clip your tongue with my blade’ Ekong walked away angrily.

‘See the way he insults us, he is just like his father, he would never respect us’ one of the chiefs said once Ekong was out of their sight.

‘Like father, Like son’ Asawo rose to his feet, he had his plans. Not on his life would Odudu be made king, he hated the warrior, why was he favored by the gods and also by men?
He had his reasons for walking out on the guild, he knew the consequences of swearing to the mbiam gods with a double mind, that was why he’d left. He would reduce Odudu to nothing, he would work against the guild and destroy everything they’d built, he’d sworn it since the day Odudu became the chosen one. He’d hoped they would choose him as king, instead, they favored Odudu.
***

She had never been that happy in her entire life, she had not known her parents or any living relative, but leaving among people that loved her and accepted her even though she was a slave meant the world to her, the gods had finally answered her prayers.

‘Are you still sharpening that blade? Odudu never asked for that’ Emem laughed as she approached the fair maiden Odudu had brought back from his journey to Aswana.

‘I’m just trying to do something, you wouldn’t let me touch anything, I haven’t set my eyes on Odudu for days now, I’m starting to feel bored’ Afianmma sighed.
The warriors of the guild had a hideout in the great Asandiana forest, they lived there, trained there and had some women, slaves and freeborn who took care of their needs, but Odudu wouldn’t let her work with those women, he preferred her being with Emem.

‘Well, Odudu gave me instructions not to let you do anything, I cannot disobey him’ Emem replied. She felt jealous of this firebrand beauty he’d returned home with, Odudu had rescued her from her abusive husband who’d almost beat her to death, and for that, she owed him her life, that was why she agreed to go for the mission.

‘He did?’ Afianma asked as her heart fluttered at the mention of his name, it sounded like music to her ears, she suddenly realized her affection for him developed by the day.

‘Yes,he seems to really care about you’ Emem looked around nervously, she couldn’t let anyone have Odudu, he was hers alone and she would fight any woman that dared to separate them.

‘I think I like him too, but I don’t know much about him’ Afianmma smiled as she voiced her thoughts.

‘You don’t need to know much about him, he’s easy to like’ Emem patted her shoulder and walked away.

‘I guess so too’ Afianmma smiled dreamily and resumed her job, stroking Odudu’s machete with a piece of rock.

‘Careful of that woman, I don’t think she likes you very much’ a slave girl whispered to her.

‘Why? She seems very nice’ Afianma was confused.

‘Meet me when sunset comes, I have something to show you’ the slave girl said before running off to face her duties.

‘I hope all is well’ Afianmma inhaled deeply’.
***
How had his mother come to the knowledge of that truth, that Nkoso had died? He was greatly troubled by the news, she seemed to know something deep about him and he’d planned to find out.

He sighed and sat on the edge of the bamboo bed, confused, he had two things to follow, but which was more important? Investigation of the priestess’ death? Or finding those that crafted the prophecy against him?

‘I shall defeat Odudu and his disciples, I shall scatter their heads all over Annang land and when all shall hear, they shall tremble before me’ he beat his chest with his fist.

‘My lord, one of the Chiefs is here to see you’ his guard announced.

‘Who’? Ekong asked.

‘Chief Asawo’ the guard replied.

‘Let him in’ Ekong wondered what the lazy fool had to say, he would be true to his word, he would kill all his chiefs as promised, they were useless to him.

‘Long like the Okuku, King above all, I hail you’ Asawo bowed before him.
‘Dekkeda, rise up’ Ekong ordered.

‘Why are you here? have you found the men that seek my death’? Ekong asked.

‘You must learn patience my lord, why not offer me a seat’? Asawo scanned his eyes over the king’s chamber, soon all would be his’, he just needed to work with wisdom.

‘Sit’ Ekong scowled, deciding whatever the fool had to say was worth some salt.

‘I know the very men that seek your death my king…’ Asawo started

‘Go ahead,tell me where they are, everything about them, so we can destroy them all’ Ekong jumped to his feet.

‘Not so fast, these men are my friends and betraying them would come at a high price my lord’ Asawo added.

‘What price? Name it’ Ekong smiled knowing how greedy he was.

‘I want to be the most honored chief’ Asawo replied expecting some opposition but to his surprise, Ekong was willing to comply.

‘Fine, you’ll have it, once your information proves useful, I swear by the gods’ Ekong replied.

‘Thank you’ Asawo bowed his head ready to set his plan in motion.

‘I know the men that seek your downfall, they have constituted themselves into a group called the ‘guild’, they plan to destroy you and snatch the throne away, concerning the death of the priestess, they found a royal dagger stuck in her’ Asawo paused hoping he hadn’t said to much.

‘Enough!’ Ekong smiled wickedly.

‘I am very pleased by this, we should dine together’ Ekong called to his guard who came rushing in.

‘Yes my lord’ the guard bowed.

Asawo smiled, his plans had started yielding results, how foolish the young king was.

‘Akanimo, bundle this man and take him to the darkest dungeon, keep him there till you hear from me’ Ekong ordered.

‘What? That is not what we agreed’ Asawo was stunned, his world was about falling apart, the King had betrayed him.

‘Agreed? You’re a bigger fool than I thought,to think I’d come into any agreement with you, take him away, Fool!’ Ekong yelled.

***
The clouds had parted and given the yellow sun a place to hide herself, for evening had come. Afianmma had not set her eyes on Odudu for a long time, she waited patiently at the edge of the forest where the slave girl had instructed her to, she was curious to see what the girl wanted to show her.

Crickets sang their evening song and the birds flew in numbers, it was really beautiful there, she had never felt this free, she then realized, life was only a burden without freedom.

‘I see, you came’ the voice broke her thoughts.

‘Yes I came, what do you have to show me’? Afianmma asked.

‘You are not very patient are you’? the slave girl laughed dryly.

‘You said Emem does not like me very much, I’m curious to know why, she doesn’t even know me much’ Afianmma replied.

‘Alright then, follow me’ the slave girl beckoned to her and they both walked deeper into the forest.
It was a dense land, a hideout for members of the guild and all the warriors that were loyal to the course.
As they went further, Afianmma heard a different sound, one different from that of the birds and wild animals, the sound of laughter,only people who were much happy with each other could laugh that way.

‘Who are they’? Afianmma asked as her heart beat faster.

‘Lay low and see for yourself’ the slave girl replied and she obeyed willingly.

‘Why did you bring me here? this hurts so much’ Afianmma tried to rise to her feet but the girl pinned her down.

So he had a lover? And she already imagined herself being with him, she felt a pain she had never experienced as Odudu made love to Emem right before them, he seemed content and happy with her.

‘To see for yourself, It’s obvious you like Odudu and maybe he likes you too, but he only wants you for his bed, you are a nice person, that’s why I’m showing you this, so you wouldn’t get heartbroken’ the girl blinked the tears that had settled in her orbs.

‘Why are you doing this?’ Afianmma asked, it seemed she had good intentions.

‘Because I was stupid enough one time to actually believe a freeborn could be in love with my kind, it didn’t end well, just be careful and stay as far as possible from him, he loves her very much and she does too, that’s why she’s helping him alongside the guild’ the girl said.

‘Helping him? how’? Afianmma asked.

‘Swear not to say a word, but I eavesdropped, the guild has this plan to penetrate the palace and poison the king and some of his guards, Emem wishes to be the heroine,that would make Odudu cherish her more, he could even take her as wife’ she answered.

‘Abasi! That is dangerous, what if she loses her life? What kind of hero would that make her’? Afianmma replied and stared at the lovers once more.

‘Well, that’s not our problem, I have warned you, be careful’ the slave girl replied.

‘I have heard you. Thank you friend’ Afianmma smiled, this time, the smile was sad. From the way he kissed her, he was so much in love with her and could never notice her.
‘I’m doing this for your happiness’ she muttered to herself. She couldn’t let Emem do something so dangerous, if she died, Odudu would be deeply hurt and she didn’t want that for him, she had fallen in love with him.

‘Who are you talking to’? the strange girl wondered.
‘No one’ Afianmma replied. She had made up her mind, she was going on the mission in Emem’s stead, even if she died, at least, it would be written on the pages of history, that a slave saved the Annang lands from tyranny.