₦airaland Forum

They will be fine.

**smiles

Toeyean1507:
U ehn, I knew u were gonna twist d whole thing.
At d end of it all, things fell in place.
Chai, if u see how I don dey anticipate d kind gbege wey Yetty for show Fatty. But it's all cool sha. Thank God say she called herself to order.
But wait o, if she and Tunde finally end up 2geda, na which eye she go take dey look her hubby?

You are welcome.

Violence doesn't solve anything. When two elephants fought, it is the grass that suffered. The little boy would have bore the brunt of the battle.

Toeyean1507:
Wow. I dint see this coming, honestly.
I was preparing for a show down, a very serious one at that.
Well, d msg has been passed across. (ko kin se gbogbo nkan ni waju waju MA hun tun se) meaning ' violence doesn't solve it all'
Thanks for d update, ma.

Another reader said the same.

Nothing is impossible. It can end up on the TV screen one day..

divinehand2003:
BOLAPE, the way you do the twisting of the story make me wanna watch this on tv. Great update again. I pray the next set of updates drop early.

I am glad to put a smile on your face.

You are welcome.

Ann2012:
Awwwwn, this update got me smiling. Thanks ma'am

Life is full of ups and downs.

kunbeex:
so saaaaad

**smiles

You are welcome

aprilwise:
This how I want this to be done not her initial approach. lekan he is just a kid he will understand things soon. thanks for the update.

SEVENTEEN (CONTINUES)
It was Saturday. Yetunde was drifting in and out of sleep. She could hear Funmi and Lekan’s voices in the distance as they ran around the big house, shouting at the top of their voices and making shooting noises with their mouth. She burrowed deeper into her bed and pulled the cover up to her neck. She heard her husband came into the room but refused to acknowledge his presence until she felt his hand on her swollen rounded Tummy.
“Go away. I’m still sleeping.” she muttered under her breath as she turned away from him. Just then her phone rang noisily, Ademola laughed out loud at the sound when she grumbled aloud. He reached for the phone.
“It is a strange number, you better pick it up.” He held out her phone to her and she collected it as she tried to sit up in bed.
“Hello” She frowned as she watched her husband put a tray of breakfast on the stool beside the bed and sat down at her feet.
“Hi, Mrs. Badmus. How are you this morning?” An horribly-familiar female voice said pleasantly with a smile in her voice. Yetunde groaned inwardly as she closed her eyes in exasperation. She could feel her anger building up gradually in her and her husband was alarmed at the change in her expression.
“How did you get this number? Can’t you just let me live my life in peace?” Yetunde asked in a cold voice.
“Getting your number is not a problem to me. Neither is knowing your home address. I’m not asking you to give up your child, I’m just asking to be let into his life and acknowledged.” The voice pleaded quietly.
“I don’t have your time. Let me warn you for the very last time, don’t ever call me again. I won’t give up what is mine without a good fight and I’m waiting for that fight. Have a pleasant day ma” She cut off the conversation and dropped the phone with a clatter.
“That should be Delilah Smith, I guess?”Ademola said quietly. She nodded tightly.
“How long has she been calling you?” He asked as he got into bed beside her.
“She has been disturbing my peace ever since I heard of her dreadful and hateful name. She has been haunting me. She calls my number in the shop and now she has started calling my mobile number. I wonder how she got it though.” she muttered as she rubbed at her temple.
“What else are you not telling me about the mysterious woman?” He took her right palm and rubbed it gently between his own.
“I don’t know what to do about her. She has sent several types of gift to Lekan but I’ve been confiscating it and she keeps begging to be allowed into his life. How can I do that? He is my son for crying out loud.”She turned to him in outrage as tears filled her eyes. He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.
“Yetunde, will you please listen to what I have to say to this? Please?”He said pleadingly. “I know what you are going to say but go ahead and say it anyway.” She gave a defeated shrug.
“Lekan is your son. I know you love him as much as you love yourself but the painful truth is that he has a biological mother and father who want him back. God has answered your prayer after all these years and your own baby is on the way, the one that can never be taken away from you and that belongs to you and me alone. Why not be grateful to God for re-paying the kindness that you did for the poor boy and his parent by giving you your own child?” He paused and watched in concern as warm tears trickled freely down her face.
“You have a way of making things simple but it is not going to be as easy as that. I love him.” She said with a little shake of her head.
“I know. I’m just asking you to give it a thought and get used to the idea that he has to go back to his parent sooner or later.” He pulled her into his arms and cuddled her as she wept silently in his arms. “I love you, baby. Please remember that always.” He whispered into her ear and her arms tightened around him.
*****
However, they got surprising visitors the next day. They were having a late breakfast when a black Pajero jeep drove into the compound.
“This car is fantastic. I love it! Who could it be?”Funmi was out of her seat before she could be stopped and ran to open the door.
Yetunde and Ademola exchanged puzzled looks and continued with their breakfast but her instinct told her who her visitor was and she loses her appetite at the mere thought. Funmi opened the door and stared in surprise at a little girl standing on the front porch. The fair-skinned little girl looked cute and pretty in a pair of shorts and pink halter neck.
“Hi. I came with my mum” She said with a hesitant smile which revealed a set of tiny, gaped teeth as she pointed towards a car.
Funmi looked towards the direction of the car park and saw a woman locking up her car. She was clad in a short flowery gown and matching low-heel sandals. She looked too young to have given birth to such a grown-up kid but the resemblance between the two females was quite striking. “I see. You look like her.”Funmi smiled at her.
“Thank you” The little girl returned the smile.
“Hi” The woman greeted as she approached them.
“Good morning ma.”Funmi replied with a smile.
“Morning, young lady. I’m Delilah Smith. I’m here to see your step-mum. Is she in?”Fatihat said with a smile.
“Sure. Do come in.”Funmi opened the door and stepped aside for both of them to walk in.
“Thank you.” They waited in the middle of the sitting room while Funmi went to call her step –mum.
“Aunty Yetunde, you have a visitor.”Funmi announced as she went back to her seat and resumed her breakfast as if she has never abandoned it in the first place.
“Who is it?” Lekan asked curiously in a whisper but she gave him a quick jab in the rib and he fell silent.
Yetunde looked at her husband and he leaned over to touch his lips to hers. “Follow your instinct, love but be fair in whatever you do.” He whispered with a grin.
She nodded as she swallowed hard and dragged the seat back to get to her feet. Yetunde wished she could really hate Delilah smith the way she really wanted to as she approached the beautiful young woman standing in the middle of her sitting room with her daughter latching possessively to her mother’s fingers but she realized she couldn’t and this made her angrier. Her feature tightened with anger but her anger dissipated with the little girl’s first words to her.
“Wow! Are you going to have a baby? You look huge!” Gift whispered in awe as she watched the very pregnant woman waddled towards her.
“Gift!”Fatihat stared down at her daughter in horror, dismay, and embarrassment but the older woman actually laughed out loud.
“Guess I’m going to have one. You like babies?”Yetunde grinned down at the little girl who was still staring at her belly. She nodded her head vigorously.
“Will you let me play with it when the baby comes?” she asked innocently, looking at her in earnest.
“Oh! I’m so sorry, Mrs. Badmus. She is such a lousy little girl.”Fatihat apologized in earnest, giving her a reproving look.
“It is okay, really. She is just being curious. Don’t worry; your mum will get you a little baby to play with very soon.”Yetunde smiled at fatihat as she sat down and gestured to them to have their seat too.
“My mummy is not married to daddy and she doesn’t have any other boyfriend, so I guess I can’t get a baby to play with.” Gift said in a very important voice. Her mother stared at her in horror while Yetunde laughed again.
“Oh my God! This kid will not kill me. Is that right, Lilah Smith?”Yetunde turned to the younger woman who was looking very embarrassed now.
“Don’t mind this big-mouth girl. Go and bring my purse from the car.”Fatihat gave her the car key.
“In a moment, mum, I think I’ve seen you once. You are Lekan’s mum, right?”Gift turned back to her. Fatihat gave a defeated sigh.
“Yes, I am. Lekan is taking his breakfast, would you like to see him?”Yetunde asked with a smile.
“No. I don’t like him.” She said with a huff and went out of the room.
“I guess that means she has a serious crush on her brother.”Yetunde turned to her with an indulgent smile.
“I think the feeling is mutual.”Fatihat gave a nervous laugh, wiped her suddenly sweaty palms on the soft sofa and looked at her straight in the eye. “I’m not here to take him away. I just want to get to know him, please.”Her voice ended in a teary whisper as she looked pleadingly at the older woman.
Yetunde returned her stare unflinchingly for a moment. “I really want to hate you, you know but I realize I can’t and I think you have the right to know your baby, no matter what I think and how I feel.” Her voice was quiet.
“Thank you, Mrs. Badmus. Thanks so much. I really do appreciate it.” She moved to sit beside her and took her palm in hers, then kissed her swollen knuckles which made Yetunde laughed again.
“I ought to employ you and your beautiful daughter to make my wife laugh the way she has been doing this morning.”Ademola said with a smile as he approached them.
“Good morning sir. My name is Delilah Smith and I could see your handiwork on your wife. She looks radiant.”Fatihat smiled.
“Thank you” He sat beside his wife and it was then fatihat saw Lekan behind him.
“Good morning Aunty Delilah.” He said with uncharacteristic quietness which had her heart-wrenching in her chest.
“How are you, Lekan?”She smiled at him.
“Lekan, Miss Smith is your biological mum which made Gift Abeeb your sister. Tunde Abeeb, the man you met a few months ago is your daddy.”Yetunde pulled him unto her lap and told the little boy in a gentle voice.
“I know.”Lekan said in a strong clear voice that had the adults exchanging surprised glances. “I heard you all discussing it in our old house.” He added with a shrug. “So what do you have to say to that?”Ademola asked curiously.
“It makes no different to me as long as I can still live with my mum.” He looked up at her. She nodded as she swallowed the lump in her throat.
“That is okay with me. I will never take you away from your mum. That is a promise.”Fatihat said quietly, even as her eyes shone with unshed tears. She tried to come to term with the fact that she has lost him forever. Lekan kissed Yetunde’s cheek and walked out without another word.
Fatihat sat back and closed her eyes for a moment.Yetunde and Ademola sat and watched the young woman tried to come to term with her fate and her heart went to her in concern. “Gift is supposed to be back by now, what is she doing outside?”Fatihat got to her feet with a smile.
“I guess Funmi is with her.”Ademola got to his feet too.
“Thank you so much. I really appreciate your hospitality.” She went to shake Ademola’s hand and turned to hug Yetunde.
“I’m sorry.”Yetunde said in a hoarse voice.
“Don’t be. I tried my best and I will let it go. I will be right back to celebrate the birth of this triplet, okay?”Fatihat patted the huge tummy. Yetunde batted her hand away with a smile.
“Triplet, my foot. Get out of here, my friend.” She said with a laugh.
“Shall we bet? We shall see.”Her voice was solemn before she burst into laughter. She took her leave a few moments later.

P.S

Do you want to study, work and live in Australia? We offer free education consultancy, assist with Admission processing and student visa application. We also do flight reservation and ticketing to any destination outside Nigeria. Chat me up if you are interested. I can be reached at @obolaji on twitter and https://web.facebook.com/olanrewaju.mobolaji on facebook. You may also inbox me at obolaji2002@yahoo.com......

SEVENTEEN

A few hours later, Yetunde was holding a positive result of a three months old pregnancy in utter disbelieve. “It happened that night.” She stared at him as she remembered the night her baby was conceived vividly as if it was the yesterday.
*****
Lekan’s school had organized an over-night excursion trip to ile-ife and she found herself feeling very lonely and alone when she got home from her shop that night. It was the first time and the first night they would sleep under a separate roof ever since he was born. The house was erringly silent and ghost-like without him.
By ’o clock in the evening, she thought she would run out of her mind with loneliness, so she dressed up again in a casual button-down blouse and wrapped –around skirt. She picked up her car key and locked up the house, leaving all the lights on before driving over to Ademola’s three bedrooms flat in Omole estate where he lived alone with his daughter. The road was free at that time of the night. Barely fifteen minutes later, she was pressing the doorbell at his door. The door opened almost immediately and Funmi stood in the doorway in surprise.
“This is an august visitor, Aunty Yetunde. I can’t believe my eyes” Funmi shouted and hugged her excitedly.
“I’m sure you were thinking it was one of your boyfriends, which was why you open the door so quickly.”Yetunde teased as she hugged her back and the latter dragged her into the house before closing the door behind them.
“Hush! Daddy should not hear what you are saying, he will think I have more than two boyfriends.” She said in a stage whisper loud enough for her father who was coming out of his bedroom, to hear. He was shocked to hear Yetunde’s voice.
In the three years they have been dating, she has visited him just twice and has not stayed more than a few minutes before leaving with her little boy.
“If you mentioned that word “boyfriend” in my presence once again, I will kick you out of my house.” He glowered at his daughter. The two females burst into laughter as they moved to sit down in the sitting room.
“What can I offer you, Aunty Yetunde? I didn’t know you are coming over tonight, I would have prepared something special for you.” Funmi grinned at her as she picked up the remote control. She respected and admired Yetunde so much ever since the first time she met her and she happened to be her favorite out of all her father’s girlfriends.
“I’ve taken dinner before I leave my shop this evening, so I’m still okay for now. How is school today?”Yetunde sat back as she tucked her feet under her.
“School is okay, lots of assignments as usual but I’ve done it all.” She hastened to assure her as Yetunde opened her mouth to chide her.
“That is better. Which of the super-stories is this? Is it “Oh Father! Oh, daughter”!”Yetunde asked with a frown.
“Ah! Aunty Yetunde, we watched the last episode for that about a few weeks back. This is “Toyin Tomato”, Have you watch any of the episodes?”Funmi asked her eagerly. “Where do I get the time? You may fill me in any way so that I will be able to enjoy this one.” She smiled.
“Where is your rascal by the way? I’ve been wondering what it is about you that I’ve missed and it is that little scallywag” The little girl asked abruptly. Yetunde laughed again.
“Just let him catch you calling him little scallywag. Thank God your father’s sitting room is large enough for a wrestling match. He went on an over-night excursion trip to ile-ife and they will be back by tomorrow.”Yetunde told her as scenes from the last episode of the super-story flashed on the screen. “I see. Sohara lost his job in the last episode and ….”Her voice trailed away. They talked in-between the scenes.
Funmi went to bed immediately after the program. Yetunde was coming out of her bedroom when she saw Ademola coming towards her.
“Is she asleep now?” He pulled her back into his daughter’s bedroom, checked and fussed over the giggling girl before snapping off the light once again. “Should we lock up and go to bed now or you still want to watch a late-night movie?” He asked her quietly.
“I guess we can retire for the night now but I think…….”Her voice trailed off nervously as she glanced at her wrist-watch and at him.
“What are you thinking, Yetunde? Don’t tell me you want to go back home at this hour of the night?” He asked in an amused voice. She gave a light shrug and went to sit in the sitting room while he locked up and checked on the security light before finally joining her. He switched off the T.V set and pulled her to her feet.
“Is your guest room free?” She blurted out nervously, trying not to jerk on the fingers he was holding.
“Yetunde, we both know I will never allow you to use my guest room as long as my bedroom is free. Even though I know you came here because you are feeling lonely without your son, I’m glad you came.” He paused and gave her a direct stare. “Lekan has his own life to live and he will live it with or without you. You’ve put your own life on hold ever since you left that son of a bitch that was your ex-husband. Don’t you think you’ve punished yourself long enough for whatever reason or for how long do I have to prove to you that I want you for YOU and not for any other reason?” He demanded in a low voice and she swallowed hard.
“Look, Demola, I don’t know what to say right now. Can we just go to bed and sleep?” She started to step back but he stepped right up to her.
“Look at me in the eye, Yetunde and tell me I mean nothing to you.” He tipped up her chin and it quivered beneath his fingers. He bent his head and touched his lips to her. He felt her stiffen in his arm and he was about to let her go, to give up on her permanently when he felt her arms went around him in response. He felt like a gold-medal champion as he gathered her into his arms and deepened the kiss. He knew the moment she let go of the past and gave him a chance in her heart.
It was then he realized how much he loved and needed this very reserved woman in his life. Something seemed to snap in her as she responded to his kiss with the passion of a starved woman and she was all over him in moments. Her hands ran over his bare chest and back and she heard him sank in his breath. Their kisses grew hotter, deeper and threatened to consume them both. He swung her into his arms and headed for his bedroom where he penetrated the solid, carefully built wall she had built around her heart and stripped her down to her soul. It was a night she would never forget and whose physical evidence was now staring her in the face.
*****
“Wake up, Yetunde. Where did you travel to?”Ademola waved his fingers in her face and she blinked at him before she now realized they were alone in the doctor’s office.
“I am three months pregnant! He is a wonderful God.” Tears filled her eyes. He pulled her into his arms. She wept as if her heart will break and he continued to pat her back.
“It is okay. It is his loss and my own gain.” He told her and finally got a smile in response.
“You are right.” She blew her nose on his handkerchief and looked at him through red-rimmed eyes which made his heart constrict.
“This is the most wonderful gift anybody could give me. Thank you, Ademola.”She said solemnly.
“I didn’t give you anything. God gave us a gift and we should be thankful to him. So will you marry me now that you are carrying my baby? I have proposed to you one thousand times already.” He said with a wounded look and she burst into laughter.
“Where would we live when we get married or should I sell my house to you?” She asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Selling your house to me is not a bad idea but have you said yes? Did you?” He asked eagerly. She grinned at him.
“I will marry you, you idiot.” She said with a smile and he hugged her tightly.
“You just made me the happiest man on earth and I promise you won’t regret marrying me.” He said solemnly and she nodded as tears filled her eyes again.
Two months later, they were wedded. They moved to Ademola’s palatial duplex in Lekki.
*****
“She has moved with my kid.”Fatihat announced as she walked into her mother’s bedroom one Saturday morning.
“I guess you are talking about Yetunde Kolawole as that is the only thing you talked about these days.”Chenille sat up in bed and pulled up the bed cover.
“She is now Yetunde Badmus but Lekan is still in his former school. I also find out Funmi Badmus attends the same school with my kids too, though she would be sitting for her Common entrance examination any time from now.” She moved to the small fridge in the corner of the room and removed a chilled bottle of orange juice from it.
“So what should we do with this information, Miss Delilah Smith?” Josephine said from the doorway. She was clad in a blue mini robe and her eyes were still swollen from sleep. “And she is pregnant, isn’t that good news?” She grinned as she poured herself a cold drink and looked from one woman to the other.
“It is good news for that woman but it doesn’t make it any easier to release her baby to you.” Chenille told her quietly.
“I know. I’m going to appeal to her maternal instincts and hope it works. What do you think?” She asked earnestly.
“I think you and Tunde should get married and stopped sneaking behind our backs to kiss and neck and do whatever.” Josephine blurted out. Chenille hides her laughter behind a cough when the glass cup slipped out of Fatihat’s hand. It dropped on the rugged floor and the yellow juice sank into the rugged floor.
“What has my relationship with Tunde got to do with the issue on ground, Jose?”Fatihat glared at her sister.
“If you guys are married and have a decent home, you will be in a better position to claim your kid and do it legally too. You don’t have any chance of winning that case if she takes it to court, so what are you talking about? If you want your child badly enough, go and marry his father!” Josephine glared back at her. She went speechless.
“Mum, what can you say to that?”Fatihat turned abruptly to her mother. The older woman realized it was the first time she would refer to her as “mum” which made her sound like Gift.
“To be honest with you, Josephine is right. Despite the past, it is obvious you guys are still attracted to each other. Do something about it and stop messing around.” she stated quietly.
“Marry Tunde? It sounds ridiculous. I can’t just believe my ears.” She burst into laughter. “He is not good enough to marry but he is good enough to kiss and cuddle. I thought our streetwalking days are over, obviously, I was wrong.” Josephine’s voice was cold.
“What is your problem anyway? If you want to get married, go ahead and do so. Stop playing the saint with me.”Fatihat snapped back.
“I have better things to do. Excuse me mum” Josephine disappeared from the doorway. “What is eating her this morning?” She turned to her mother.
“What is going on between you and Tunde?”Chenille asked instead, staring her in the eyes.
“There is nothing going on between us. We are not even dating.”Her voice trailed off as she paced back and forth in front of her mother. “Well, maybe I’m beginning to like him more than I used to but it doesn’t mean anything and I don’t have to marry any man for that matter.” she ended with a shrug.
“We will postpone this discussion till another day. I need my breakfast,please. I have an appointment with a customer by 10 am and I can’t go on an empty stomach.”ChenilLe glanced at her bedside clock and jumped out of bed.
“Go and take your bath then. I will bring your breakfast in a moment.”Fatihat turned towards the door.
“You are a darling. I love you, baby. Don’t ever forget that.”Chenille gave her a swift hug and a kiss on the lips before rushing into the bathroom.
“I love you too mama” Fatihat grinned at the closed door and went out to the kitchen.

Just keep your fingers crossed, bae.

Let's see how it rolls....

Toeyean1507:
see ehn my sister, I don't like the way u've given Yetunde the reason to not drag it rough with Lilah.
Honestly I aint hating on d gurl, she has come really far. I just wanted someone that'll put her in her place. Wealth, beauty, brains and power doesn't always have it all.
Now that Yetty is preggy, she wouldn't see any reasons to fight. U'll decide sha but pls, don't disappoint ya homey, bae.
Lavyaplenrry.

Yes ooo. Na so life be...

skubido:
hmmmmmm. Haba.

Good. You are welcome back.

Baron7:
I have logged in that's why I was able to comment

Thank you.

I look forward to the poem.

divinehand2003:
BOLAPE, we are game.

Love the updates as usual. I owe you a poem.

Thank you.

Ibunkun1:
Wow,i'm So Happy For Yetunde.Welldone Ma'am

Please log in and join us to enjoy the ride.

It is a blissful one.

Baron7:
See please Ehn sister Bolape, this one they are already reading about aka bad girl on magazine please don't let anything happen to Iya ibeji o. I have not logged in to nairaland since 2017 I always view as guest. Please what it's worth. Thank you in advance

Amen my friend. Amen. Life is full of shit. It takes courage and faith to live through certain crisis.

skubido:
Sist i gat your point ooo

Ma Sista, it's easier said than done ooo, it's not easy ooo.
Yoruba says( Enibaa Loma )

I pray God should not let us encounter situation we cannot face

Just like you say, everything happened for a reason and all event in life is predestined.

Thanks for reading.

skubido:
Hmmmm , to me I say everything happen for a reason.

I can't blame fatihat too much sha,,
Ma blame is on tunde...

He's d one that cuz it all..

@mrs kolawole.. Am happy for her if through she's pregnant.



Aunt BOLAPE thanks a lot for the long update.. E make sense wella..


Jah bless. Respect

You are certainly right.

It is when a mosquito landed on a man's penis that he will realize violence doesn't solve everything..

aprilwise:
There are many ways to kill a rat in a clay pot without destroying it. lilah should use her brain.

Thank you.

Chibake:
Love this story

Yes, Lilah acted like an ass. She is never be a nice person anyway..

Toeyean1507:
Lilah has no right to go this blunt with Yetunde. The latter has d right to sue her and win sef.
She's just being an a*ss.
Thanks for d update,dear

SIXTEEN (CONTINUES)

As Yetunde approached the sitting room to attend to her visitors, she heard Lekan bombarding them with questions and rolled her eyes in exasperation.
“Aunty Delilah, Is this your husband? I thought you are not married.”Lekan asked curiously.
“I’m not. Tunde is not my husband but he is Gift’s daddy.” She heard fatihat patiently explained to the little boy. She frowned slightly as her steps slowed down. Tunde? Could that be Tunde Abeeb? She thought, puzzled.
“But you are Gift’s mum and he is her daddy, why are you not married then? I thought mummy and daddy are supposed to be married.”Yetunde groaned to herself as her son embarrassed her visitors with his question.
“You are a smart boy.” She heard the deep masculine voice laced with laughter and assumed that was Tunde Abeeb as she came into view. She went absolutely still with shock as she noted the striking resemblance between Tunde Abeeb and her son, Olalekan Kolawole.
“Are you okay ma?”Fatihat asked in concern as she got to her feet.
“I’m fine, Thank you.” She smiled at them and moved to sit down across them as her son walked out of the sitting room discreetly.
“I’m Yetunde Kolawole. How may I help you both?” She asked as she sat back.
“My birth name is fatihat Ali but people called me Delilah Smith and I’m Gift’s mother. We met on the open day at our children’s school” She paused for effect and Yetunde nodded in agreement. “This is Tunde Abeeb, he is Gift’s father.” She touched his arm lightly. “Good morning ma.”He bowed in greeting.
“You are both welcome. Thanks for the gifts you both sent to Lekan on his birthday. It is highly appreciated.” She stated gratefully, even as her heart picked up speed.
“All kids need to be pampered once in a while. Thank you for allowing him to attend Gift’s birthday party.”Fatihat smiled at her.
“Her birthday party ran in the kiddies’ magazine for weeks. I think she won the best birthday kid of the year. It was fantastic. You did a great job. I have to commend you, guys.” She complimented them with undisguised admiration.
“Well, we were just trying our best.” Fatihat smiled as she wiped her sweaty palms on her blue jean.
“So what can I offer you both?”Yetunde looked from one face to the other.
“Please don’t bother yourself with our hospitality. We are here for a reason and you are not going to like it at all.”Fatihat told her solemnly as she sat forward.
“Can I hear it then as time is running out and I need to get to my shop?” Her voice was quiet even as her hearts started thumping in uncharacteristic panic.
“I’m going to tell you my life history and give you a reason why what is supposed to be mine become yours.”Fatihat summarized her life history very briefly in an emotionless and very practical voice while she paced back and forth in front of her two audiences.
“If I get you right, you were raped in your boss’s house and you gave birth in an uncompleted building, right?” Yetunde asked, puzzled.
“That is right. The uncompleted building happened to be yours as I later found out.” She proceeded to give her a blow by blow detail of how she came by that theory. Yetunde had to admit that the young lady has definitely done her homework, even as her heartbeat increased.
“That is okay. Where do I come in, Miss Smith or miss Ali?” Yetunde asked in a polite voice.
Fatihat took a deep breath, looked very briefly at Tunde who gave an encouraging nod and turned back to the woman in front of her who she knew she was about to hurt very badly. “I came to prove to you that your only son, Lekan Kolawole is mine and Tunde’s biological son.” She stated in a calm voice. There was complete silence as both women stared at each other.
“I beg your pardon?” Yetunde asked in a blank voice.
“You heard me quite alright, Miss Kolawole. I know you noticed the resemblance between your son and Tunde when you came in a moment ago which was the reason you stood very still as you looked from one to the other.” She paused for effect, pacing back and forth very briefly before continuing.
“Is that a point for claiming a child?”Yetunde asked coldly.
“I have a set of twin, Miss Kolawole, a boy and a girl. The first thing I noticed about both of them is that they have a small mole at their lower back which I later realized was a family birthmark in their father’s family. I saw the one on Lekan’s back when he came out of the pool on Gift’s birthday. That is apart from the obvious resemblance between the two of them. You can’t deny that, can you?” She paused again as the older woman stared at with a blank look on her face. Tunde thought Fatihat should have gone to study law, instead of studying Business Administration. “Moreover, I did my homework very well and I know your birth record.” She ended in a soft voice.
Yetunde felt herself trembling from inside but she stilled it with an inner strength. “I know your reputation, Delilah Smith. I heard you are mean but I’m not scared of you. You can gather as many evidence as you like, I don’t give a damn about. You can drag it to court if you like, I will meet you there. I want you to know I will fight you with everything I have before I turn my son over to you.” She stated in a cold voice.
“I expected this from you, anything less would have made you less of a woman.”Fatihat cocked her head to a side thoughtfully. Yetunde got to her feet. “I just wanted you to know and think about it. I have no intention of taking him from you but he has the right to know his biological mother and father and to know that we want and love him. That is the only thing I need from you, madam.”
Tunde got to his feet too and gave her trembling hand a warning squeeze.
“If you both want and love him like you are claiming now, why did you drop him years ago? It shows the kind of woman you are. You are nothing but a useless and irresponsible LovePeddler.” Yetunde stated maliciously. Fatihat winced as the barb caught deep.
“She is not a LovePeddler, Miss Kolawole. It was circumstances beyond her control that forced her to do it. We are here to undo the wrong that was done in the past, at least part of it. We appreciate your care and love for Olalekan. We understand how you feel. You have every right to be furious and justifiably so too.” Tunde stated in a calm voice.
“Please get out of my house, both of you. You have over-stayed your welcome.” She shouted rudely and made to walk out on them but fatihat pulled her back by her wrist. “You have not seen the last of me, madam. I will be right back.” She stated calmly and walked out, closely followed by Tunde after a brief courtesy in Yetunde’s direction.
*****
Yetunde sank back into the sofa and let go of her grieve and sorrow. Tears shook her body as she curled up and cried her heart out. Somebody offered her a handkerchief and she took it gratefully, sniffing into it.
“Mummy, please stop crying. Nobody can take me away from you.” Little arms wrapped around her body. It was then it occurred to her that her son had obviously been eavesdropping on them but she was too distraught to chide him at the moment. She turned to hug him fiercely and let her tears flowed freely.
“I guess you’ve produced enough salt water to cook rice.” A familiar, most unexpected voice chided her with mild sternness. She looked up through red-rimmed eyes to see Ademola Badmus towering over her.
“When did you come in?” She asked in surprise.
“I called him when you refuse to stop crying, I got his number from your phone.”Lekan told her quietly as she struggled to sit up.
“I guess you heard my conversation with my guests then?” She asked as she got to her feet and the ground rushed up to meet her. When she opened her eyes, she was lying on her Queen Size bed and the doctor was bent over her. “I’ve never fainted in my entire lifespan, what happened to me?” She asked puzzled, looking from the doctor to Ademola who stood behind him.
“That is what we are about to find out.” The doctor smiled as he checked her pupil and palm.
“When last did you see your period, Miss Kolawole?”He sat back on the chair beside the bed.
“I’m not sure. It’s been quite sometimes but it does seize once in a while, so I don’t bother about it. Is something wrong with me?” she asked with concern.
“I’m fairly sure you are pregnant but you have to come with me to the lab for a proper test before I can be absolutely sure.” The doctor told her frankly. She gave him a blank stare before she laughed lightly.
“Are you telling me I’m pregnant at my age? Tell me something else please.” She gave a nonchalant shrug.
“Has it been confirmed to you medically that you are barren?” The doctor got to his feet and picked up his medical kit.
“Well, not really but I don’t care for it.” She shrugged.
“Wash up. I’m taking you to the hospital now.” Ademola commanded quietly. She shrugged again as she got to her feet.
Ademola walked out of her room with his doctor-friend and Lekan met them in the sitting room.
“Thank you very much, Mr. Badmus for coming to see my mum.” He stated gratefully. His friend moved out of the house as he bent down until he was on the same level with the little boy.
“Thanks for giving me a call when she needs me most. You will never know how much I appreciate that and respect you for it.”Ademola said frankly and he shrugged.
“I guess she would prefer your company to mine.” He drew a circle on the rug with his toes.
“I love your mum very much and I want to take care of both of you. I want to marry her so that we can live together like one big family. I’m not your daddy but I can take care of you like one and we can be real friends. Are we game?” He realized that his heart beats had increased in anticipation of the little boy’s answer and he seemed to take his time in answering.
“My mummy has been hurt before, I don’t know what happened to her but I’ve heard her talk about it to her friends when she thought I’m not listening. Are you sure you won’t hurt her too?” The little boy stared unflinchingly at him.
“I promise.” He placed his palm on his chest.
“Okay. At least I will be able to play games with Funmi all the time, can we?” He grinned suddenly. Ademola found himself swinging him into a manly hug.
“You are my best guy.” He smiled and Lekan giggled happily.
“What is happening here?”Yetunde asked moodily as she came down the staircase.
“I’m taking your mum to the hospital for a test, we will be right back.”Ademola said as he put him down.
“Okay.” He ran for his bicycle room and rode out as they left the house.


P.S

Do you want to study, work and live in Australia? We offer free education consultancy, assist with Admission processing and student visa application. We also do flight reservation and ticketing to any destination outside Nigeria. Chat me up if you are interested. I can be reached at @obolaji on twitter and https://web.facebook.com/olanrewaju.mobolaji on facebook. You may also inbox me at obolaji2002@yahoo.com......

Cheers

SIXTEEN
Fatihat went straight to her daughter’s room immediately she got home but the little girl was fast asleep, so she kissed her good-night and walked out of her room silently in a thoughtful mood.
“You are home.” Josephine came up the staircase and paused on her way to her own room.
“Yeah, I am. You were in the study, right?”She asked quietly.
“That is right. Where have you been? Gift asked after you before she went to bed and I told her you went to a friend’s house which is unusual on Sunday evening.” Josephine gave her a searching look.
She took a deep breath. “I went to see Tunde about my other baby to discuss how we will get him back but he said we can’t win if the woman took it to court because people that want custody has to be married and stuffs like that.” Her voice ended in a weary sigh. “He is quite right on that score. Getting married to him shouldn’t be a problem now, should it?” Josephine grinned at her.
“I beg your pardon?” She arched an eyebrow at her. Her sister laughed out loud.
“I’m not blind, baby sister. Don’t tell me your feeling for Tunde Abeeb has not changed? I’ve never known you to lie for any reason at all, not even to yourself, so tell me what is going on.” Josephine watched her exhaled softly.
“I honestly don’t know, Jose. One moment, I hate him so much that I want to kill him and the next I’m all over him, wanting his touches and kisses. I’m a very confused human being at the moment. I think I should just Bleep him and get over it.” She smiled ruefully.
“The fact is that you’ve always liked him, even back then. If he had been a bit more patient, you would have fallen for him eventually. Are you in love with him?” Josephine asked bluntly and saw her winced.
“God forbid bad thing.” She muttered under her breath.
“I reserved my comment on that anyway. Let’s get a good night sleep, please. Tomorrow is Monday and I have an early morning test.” Josephine headed for her bedroom and she did the same.
*****
“Mum, do you know tomorrow is Lekan’s birthday?” Gift told her mother on their way home.
It was Friday. Today is her birthday. She is eight years old. She was in school for the first part of her birthday party and to invite her friends and classmates to her afternoon party which would take place at her mother’s home.
She looked really cute in a black long sleeve bodycon gown with a flaring skirt which ended just above her knees and her feet were adorned with a black solid heel ankle-length shoe. Her hair was bounded into two pony-tails and held up with fancy and colorful ribbons and artificial flowers. She felt and looked great.
“Really? That is great. Is he coming for your birthday today?”Fatihat asked with a smile. “He has no choice than to come since the whole class was invited. We are going for his birthday bash tomorrow.”She shrugged.
“Bash? It should be a 'party' for kids, where did you learn that word?”Fatihat frowned as she glanced briefly at her.
“Well, that was what he called it this morning. Do you know uncle Tayo send my birthday gift all the way from Chicago?” Gift exclaimed excitedly. Tayo was the last of the Abeeb boys. He just left the country a few weeks back after searching for employment for many months in vain.
“Don’t worry Gift abeeb. You will receive more gifts than you can ever count on this birthday. Wale and Ayo have dropped theirs on their way to work this morning.”Fatihat told her with a grin.
“I’m going to have the most wonderful birthday in the world.” she gushed happily.
“You deserve it, baby.”She patted the little girl’s cheek and guided the car expertly into the compound. The sight that met Gift’s eyes made her jaw dropped with astonishment and disbelieve.
*****
The compound has been turned into one huge wonderland. Fatihat has gone out of her way to hire an event planner at an exorbitant fee to turn her daughter’s first birthday party into a fairy tale.
The flowers were trimmed beautifully and strings of balloons and twinkling colored lights coming out of nowhere were strung around the whole place. This was accompanied by soul-penetrating birthday song that welcomed them as they drove in. The house itself looked like a big toy house in the middle of a Disneyland. Artificial pathway and bushes were created and there were hidden games for the kids in the least expected corners and cranes. Some fresh roses decorated the path where she was to take and on a closer look, she realized with a shock that it spelled, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY GIFT”.
“Oh God! Mum, is this all for me?” She turned to her mother with tear-filled eyes. “Some of your friends are already arriving. Go up to your room and change.” Her mother pushed her gently towards the car door.
“Thank you, mum. I love you so much.” She threw her hands around her mother’s neck and hugged her tightly.
“I love you too, baby. Mum and Josephine are waiting for you.” Fatihat smiled when she saw Josephine peeped out from the window.
“Is dad not coming?” Gift asked as she opened the car door.
“He is on his way already, I guess.” The girl has already catapulted out of the car before she finished her sentence and was running towards the house as she shouted at the top of her voice.
Fatihat pulled up in the Car garage and got out of the car, then bent to pick up her daughter’s school things before locking up properly. She went into the house through the back door and went straight to Gift’s room. Different types of birthday gifts in different shapes and sizes littered the little girl’s bed and she bent to inspect it. There is a gift from Chenille, another from Josephine, Yusuf, her gateman. She turned up her nose when she saw the gift from Yemi, Tunde’s mother. She dropped Gift’s things and went to her own room to shower and change.
*****
Chenille was on the phone while Josephine sat opposite her with a novel in the private sitting room when fatihat opened the door and came in to join them. She looked extremely tall and slender in the navy blue short-sleeve gown she wore, the top bodice had a low cut that accentuated her full curves to advantage and the flaring skirt stopped just above her kneecap while her legs ended in a pair of low-heel navy sandals. “Hmn….I hope you know Tunde is around?”Josephine told her coyly. She glared at her. “Big blabbermouth! I know you won’t keep your mouth shut. Hi mum.”She went to kiss her mum on the cheek and the latter grinned at her.
“You look good, baby.”Chenille told her with a pat on her cheek.
“Thanks, mum. You are not looking bad at all too.” Fatihat grinned back as she straightened up and looked out through the window.
“The kids are sure having fun.” She smiled as she moved to the window that looked out into the swimming pool where the kids were swimming and splashing around.
The MC of the day was calling the kids to order. Lekan came out of the pool in his swimming trunk, water dripping down his body. He turned his back towards Fatihat’s view as he talked to another little girl and the smile on her face drained away slowly.
Just above his black trunk was the tiny black mole exactly on the same spot like the one on Tunde’s back!
*****
“Are you okay, Lilah?”Josephine asked in concern as she noticed the frozen expression on her face and went to stand beside her.
“Look at that little boy with the black trunk pulling at the white girl’s hair.”Fatihat pointed.
“What about him? Is that Lekan Kolawole?”Josephine guessed right.
“You are right. Can you see the small mole just above his trunk? Can you see it?” she asked anxiously. Josephine nodded.
“Do you know anybody in our family who has that kind of birthmark at the base of the back?”Fatihat turned to her.
“Of course, I do. Gift has it at that exact spot.” Josephine paused. “Wale has it at the same position on his back. I guess it is a family birthmark.” she added more slowly.
“You are right. Tunde has it too, I saw it the day I met him on the beach. So what do you think?”Fatihat looked at her long-time, best friend who has become a blood sister somewhere along the way. They stared at each other with growing anticipation.
“And he is Tunde’s spitting image.” Chenille added quietly. She has come to stand behind them and watched the little boy.
“You are right, mum.”She moved to sit down wearily.
“Who is he?” Chenille asked as she sat beside her daughter. Josephine patiently explained everything to her. Chenille took her daughter’s cold hand in hers and stared straight into her eyes. “Baby, everything will be alright in the end. Just follow your instinct and do what you know is the best, okay?”She told her solemnly.
Fatihat nodded, even as she swallowed hard. “That woman is going to be a tough nut to crack. I won’t blame her for anything she decides to do but if you don’t ask, the answer is always NO. Go ahead and remember that whatever you do, we all love you dearly.” Josephine grinned at her and she found herself grinning back before she was enveloped in the warmest hug she has ever received.
*****
Yetunde was surprised when Lekan received a Toy Ferrari as a birthday gift from Lilah Smith and seven-foot-tall Robby Robot from Tunde Abeeb. She wondered who Tunde Abeeb was while Lilah Smith sounded vaguely familiar until she came across her name two days later on a glamour magazine she bought on her way to her shop.
Boldly written on the front page was the headline “One of The Youngest and Most beautiful, Eligible CEO, Delilah Smith”. Her picture covered the front page. She looked solemn and beautiful in a sinfully short red gown and matching red pump. The following pages covered her inexhaustible and expensive wardrobe and shoes. There wasn’t single native attire among them. It made the ladies sighed with envy and the men sighed with desire, reluctant respect, and admiration. There was a brief but very vague write-up about her journey up the ladder of success and it ended simply with “She has fame, wealth, unthinkable power and connections. On top of it all, she is extremely beautiful, wild, sophisticated, elegant and brave. She is Lilah Smith aka the b-a-a-d girl”
That just summed it up and something about the woman made her heart beat with fear. She is Gift’s mother, she remembered Lekan had called her “Aunty Delilah” but it was difficult to believe that kind of woman would bother to get pregnant, talkless of giving birth. Maybe she just sent a gift because Lekan attended her daughter’s birthday party but who is Tunde Abeeb?, she wondered briefly but eventually pushed it to the back of her mind until she received some august visitors a few days later on a Saturday as she was preparing to leave for her store.

I hope so too.

Maymac:
Nice one. keep the good work moving.

I hope Lilah won't suffer bcoz of her past

I have already responded to your mail.

Thanks.

des4ella:
I sent u an email. Pls check and reply me ma.

Finish quickly and come and read. Lol

murphymakun:
When I saw update by Bolape I was like let me quickly finish my lunch

Hi,

I don't know how to check nairaland mails.

Please send a mail to my email on obolaji2002@yahoo.com and i will respond to you.

Cheers!

Bemby69:
nice one . would like to discuss with you further , sent you a mail . regards.

Thank you.

modupedee:
You're indeed a great writer, I must say the sky can't limit you. You've got a wild imagination kudos to you expecting more from you.

FIFTEEN (CONTINUES)

Fatihat needed to see Tunde urgently but she has been so busy at school and knew the only way she could see him would be to go to his house. She finally had a chance on Sunday and drove to the Abeeb’s residence in the evening. She locked up her car and moved to the main house where she pressed the doorbell and waited. The door opened after a moment and Yemi peeped out.
“Good evening ma.”She bowed slightly with a blank look and walked past her into the corridor which led to the sitting room.
“Good evening, Fatihat. I hope there is no problem?”Yemi locked up the door and turned around to follow the young woman walking in front of her. She was dressed in a baggy combat knee-length shorts and a black tank top that barely covered her navel. Her feet were tucked in a fluffy black house slipper and a black hair band secured her jet black hair from her youthful face. She looked nothing like the mother of a 7yr old girl, Yemi thought grimly to herself.
“Evening, Fatihat.”Ayo, Tunde’s immediate younger brother said from where he lounged on the sofa.
“Evening, Ayo. Where is Tunde?”She rocked on her heels as she dangled her car key.
“I guess he should be in his room.He was down with slight fever since yesterday.” He picked up the remote control and changed channels.
“Thanks.” She took the staircase two at a time.
“She doesn’t look like a mother at all. I really wish to see my granddaughter.”Yemi said with quiet longing as she sat down beside her son.
“I doubt if she will look like a mother, even after six kids. She has always been a beautiful girl even back then when all she wore were rags. You can talk to Tunde if you want to see his daughter but I doubt if he sees enough of her himself.” He shrugged. She sighed heavily.
*****
“Hi, Fatihat.”Tunde closed the business journal he was reading as his bedroom door opened and she came in without knocking.
“Hello. How are you? Ayo said you had a fever.” She notched the door closed and leaned against it.
“I was stressed out at work these past weeks but I’m feeling better now. Why were you not at work all these days?” He asked accusingly.
“I’ve been busy going to school, running my other business and taking care of your daughter.” She told him coolly.
“I see. You must have been very busy indeed.” His voice was heavy with sarcasm. Her gaze narrowed with rising temper.
“You are quite right. I want to claim my son back and I need you to be there with me all the way because he is yours too.” Her voice was blunt and watched his face go blank. “What son? Do you have another kid beside Gift?” He asked in obvious confusion.
“I told you I gave birth to a set of twins, a boy , and a girl. The girl is Gift and I’ve found a woman I could attach to my son. I’ve been investigating the whole issue and I think I’ve met my son.”
‘How did you come to that conclusion, fatihat?”He asked in shock. He has to admit he was a bit scared to be suddenly saddled with two grown kids he hasn’t known existed all because of a stupid mistake he made in the past.
Fatihat paced the room as she explained the whole issue to him and stopped directly in front of him when she was through. “So what do you think? Are you in or out?” she asked bluntly and he took a deep breath.
“It is going to be a very tricky situation. That woman doesn’t have any other kid apart from our boy and we want to snatch her only source of happiness. Moreover, if she takes it to court, we can’t win because a couple who needs custody of a child needs to be married and we are not married. I’m not even sure if we are friends.”
Her brows knitted together in thought as she considered his words. “I guess you are right.” She nodded as she moved to lean against the door again.
He got out of bed and she was surprised to realize he was clad in only his boxers’ shorts. “Fatihat, do you want this kid because he is yours or you are actually ready for motherhood?” He asked quietly, watching her steadily.
“What is that suppose to mean? Are you telling me I’m not capable of taking care of my own children?” She snapped in anger and her jaw dropped in surprise when his hands settled on her bare waist.
“What is it?” He grinned at her stunned expression and dropped a kiss on her open mouth.
“Tunde, get away from me this instance before I do something you won’t like.” She glared furiously at him as she struggled to move away but his arm only went around her and held her against him effortlessly.
“Look at me in the eyes and tell me you don’t want my kisses. Tell me with all sincerity that you are not as attracted to me as I am to you.” He said quietly, solemnly, trapping her against the door with his two hands on both sides of her head. His gaze was locked on hers and the denial which rose swiftly to her tongue died there as she stared back at him.
“That is ridiculous!” She forced a smile and tried to look away but he held her chin with his fingers.
“You are so lovely!” He murmured against her mouth before tugging on her lower lips with his teeth. He nipped softly.
“Tunde……..”She began in protest which died in her throat when he kissed her fully on the mouth as he swept her into his arms and headed straight for his bed. The kiss deepened even as he laid her gently in the middle of his bed and settled between her legs.
Fatihat moaned softly as her arms went around his neck and passion threatened to consume them both. He rolled onto his back, carrying her with him and his palms caressed her smooth back lightly. His fingers came into contact with the clip of her bra and undid it rather easily, and then he had easy access to the back of her neck.
Blood pounded vigorously in his veins and his body was sleek with sweat but he was not near getting satisfied. He broke the kiss and reached for the tank top which he yanked away from her head. Her skimpy pink bra followed immediately and he dived for her lips again while running his fingers up and down her back, then to the side of her breast. She broke the kiss with a shudder and stared at him through eyes, hooded with desire. She moved slowly, sensuously, rubbing the tips of her breasts against his naked chest and he groaned out loud. He rolled her beneath him again and stared down at her kiss-swollen red lips.
“I want to make love to you. I need to…”He paused slightly, his voice husky with passion and he trailed a finger from her navel up to to her flat Tommy and stopped beneath one-rosy tipped breast. She caught her breath and he could feel her trembling with desire. “When I do, I don’t intend to use any protection. Are you on pills?” He asked softly. “I’ve stopped using pills since last month because …….”She stopped abruptly and glared at him.
“You are not seeing any man at the moment.” He stated matter of factly, watching her steadily and traced a finger very lightly over her nipple. She shuddered violently and slapped his hand away.
“Stop that and let me think. Why don’t you want to use protection? You don’t have any in your room or what?” She asked puzzled voice.
“I don’t have any at the moment. Believe it or not, it is a long time since I’ve slept with any woman and even if I have one, I won’t use it for you.” He told her firmly.
“That is crazy. What if I get pregnant? I’m off pills and I’m not in a safe period for now.” Her voice was blunt.
“I would love it so much to have another baby from you, in fact, it would be the best thing that ever happens to my life.” He grinned down at her shocked face as he patted her flat stomach.
“You are crazy. I am just confirming that now” She raised her hands to push him away but he caught them easily and silenced her effectively with a deep kiss which rocked her to the bottom of her soul.
“Do you still smoke?” He asked huskily when he broke the kiss and tugged at the strings on her shorts.
“Hmn……once in a while. Gift is always around and I have to be careful of what I do in her presence.”She tried to clear her voice.
“It would be nice to have this second baby on the way. It will keep you quite busy and away from those naughty friends of yours.” He gave the short a final tug and got it out of the way.
“You are one dumb ass.”She hissed viciously as she rolled away but he caught her easily and held her beneath him again. The next moment they were lost in their own world of passion and rising desires, oblivious to the outside world until a knock was heard on his bedroom door which at first did not penetrate the fog of passion until it came again, louder and stronger.
*****
Tunde raised his head and stared at the door for a moment.
“Tunde, please remember to lock the door when fatihat is leaving or is she staying the night so that I can lock up now?”Ayo’s voice came through the door. She bolted upright. “Will you stay the night? Please?”He asked quietly as he glanced at the wall clock and could see it was an hour to midnight. Her gaze followed his and her jaw dropped in horror.
“Oh my God!” She catapulted off the bed and started putting on her clothes one after the other.
“It is late already, Fatihat. Don’t be a stubborn idiot. Why can’t you spend the night?” He asked in exasperation as he watched her dress up in a hurry but she only glared at him and started looking for her car key. “It is almost midnight. You can use the guest room then and I promise I won’t disturb you.” He added solemnly.
“I must be out of my mind if I believe what you are saying. I’ve driven at 2 am-midnight before in this same Lagos city and nothing happened to me.” She spotted the key under the bed and retrieved it. “Tell your brother to leave the doorway.” she told him quietly.
“What!” He asked with a blank look and realized with a shock that she was embarrassed. Ayo moved away from the doorway, laughing quietly to himself. He heard their conversation as he turned up at the door and had an idea of what was going on before his appearance at the door.
“I can’t believe this! Fatihat Ali aka Delilah Smith embarrassed?”Tunde grinned to himself as he opened the door and saw his brother’s retreating back. “The coast is clear.” She shot out from behind him before he finished the sentence and bounded down the staircase two at a time.

P.S

Do you want to study, work and live in Australia? We offer free education consultancy, assist with Admission processing and student visa application. We also do flight reservation and ticketing to any destination outside Nigeria. Chat me up if you are interested. I can be reached at @obolaji on twitter and https://web.facebook.com/olanrewaju.mobolaji on facebook. You may also inbox me at obolaji2002@yahoo.com......

FIFTEEN

Tunde was watching a movie titled ‘Lord of the ring’ with his younger brothers in the big sitting room when fatihat paid him a surprise visit. She was on her way from school, the school just resumed another session and she was in her final year.
His brothers gave her a polite greeting and disappeared one after the other, leaving both of them alone in the sitting room.
“Why did you resign?” She asked bluntly as she looked down at him where he lounged on the sofa carelessly.
“I resigned because I feel like doing so.” His gaze didn’t waver from the screen. She picked up the remote control before he guessed her intention and switched off the television. “Are you okay, fatihat? What is the meaning of that?”
“At least I have your full attention now.”
“What do you want? How may I help you, Miss Delilah Smith?”
“All I want is for you to pick up your lazy butt and get back to work. I just reject your resignation letter.” She brought it out of her slim black bag, tore it into pieces and dropped it on him.
“I don’t give a damn about what you want or don’t want. I still own part of the company and I can do what I want without your permission.”
“I also learned that you are planning to sell your shares, is that right?” She went to sit directly opposite him. He gave a nonchalant shrug.
“So?” He raised an eyebrow.
She gave an amused laugh. “I need you in that company, Tunde. You are not going anywhere. I won’t buy the shares and no one else will. Don’t bother trying to apply for jobs elsewhere because I will always be ahead of you.” She said with quiet confidence which stunned him. He was momentarily speechless. “I may dislike the fact that you are my daughter’s father but I can’t change it and I want a father who my daughter can be proud of. Your office is waiting for you.” She got to her feet.
“Not so fast, Mrs. high and mighty Delilah Smith.” He stopped her with his icily cold voice as he got to his feet too.
“I’m listening, Mr. Abeeb.”She raised her eyebrow at him.
“You have nerves, Fatihat Ali. You have the gut to come to my house and threaten me with your supreme power and connection. Who the hell did you think you are by the way?” His eyes narrowed on to a slit as he rocked on his heels.
“You can try me and find out what exactly I am capable of doing. Stop wasting your time and get back to work. See you on Monday.” She turned on her heels and walked out of the sitting room. Tunde watched her go and didn’t bother to stop her because he wasn’t sure of what he would do if he tried.
*****
“She is only working on your emotional attachment to that company. Why not take her up on the offer and just go back, instead of wasting your time at home? You have a kid to support, you know?” Wale told him from behind. He swore under his breath as he turned to face his elder brother. “You love that company and she is begging you back in her own crude way. Go back and continue what you’ve been doing. You can’t survive in another company, take my word for it.” Wale patted his shoulder and moved towards the door. “Can you imagine the nerves of her?” He muttered under his breath.
“You have plans, kid brother, go ahead and execute it. You are the best for the job. Delilah Smith knows it as well as you do.” Wale grinned. He found himself grinning back in absolute relief.
*****
It was an open day in CTC international school, Ikeja. Gift was on the queue with her mother. She moved forward when it was her turn.
“Good afternoon, Miss Molara. Please meet my mum. Mum, this is my class teacher, Miss Molara.”
“You are Gift Abeeb’s mum?” Miss Molara, a dark complexion attractive woman in her late-twenties tried not to stare in disbelieve. Fatihat was casually dressed in sky blue trousers and white long sleeve silky blouse. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail and low heel blue sandal adorned her small feet. Her face was devoid of makeup and she looked like an eighteen- year-old, instead of twenty-five. She smiled and held out her hand.
“I’m glad to meet you, Miss Molara. I have heard so much about her wonderful class teacher.” She smiled as they shake hands warmly.
“It is my pleasure, Mrs. Abeeb. Your daughter is very intelligent and smart. She even got a gift for the best hand-work in the class.” Miss Molara paused as she brought out her report sheet and hand-works.
“But?”Fatihat prompted because she sensed it in the hanging sentence. She didn’t miss the fact that she has been addressed as ‘Mrs. Abeeb’. That will be over my dead body, she thought to herself in annoyance.
“But she could get an award for the noisiest and naughtiest girl in the class. She usually led the class when it comes to causing trouble. She plays a lot too but there is room for improvement.” She continued with a rueful smile.
Fatihat gave her daughter a questioning look and the little girl stepped back from her, unconsciously. “Thank you very much, Miss Molara. As long as she is in your class, please feel free to punish her when she deserves it. That is a direct order from me.” She ordered as they exchanged another warm handshake and a sealed bulky envelope before moving away for the next parent to be attended to.
*****
“Aunty Delilah!” A boy’s voice called urgently as she was about to get into her car. She turned around in time as the little boy launched himself against her.
“Hello, Olalekan. What a pleasant surprise!” Fatihat grinned as she caught him and hugged him affectionately.
“So you are Gift’s mom? She is the new girl in my class and you said you don’t have a kid like me.” His voice was faintly accusingly.
“What I remember saying is that I haven’t got a boy like you. So you guys have met then?” She looked from one to the other and her daughter shrugged.
“I don’t like him. He plays too rough.” She murmured under her breath but Lekan heard her and glared at her.
“I know what you and your dummy friends used to say about me. I don’t like you either. You act like miss high and mighty.” He told her pompously. Her daughter looked down at him over her tiny pointed nose.
“Wow! What is this? Do you guys have a crush on each other?” She said with an amused laugh at both of them. Gift turned and got into the car with a hiss.
“Hello” Yetunde approached the group cautiously. Fatihat turned around slowly and frowned slightly as she looked at the moderately tall plumpy woman who was dressed in expensive lace native attire.
“This is my mum, Aunty Delilah. Mum, meet Aunty Delilah. She was the lady that chose my bicycle for me at the store.” He held his mother’s fingers with pride and the latter squeezed it affectionately.
“It is nice to meet and know you, Lekan’s mum.” She was smiling as she held out her hand and the older woman shakes it warmly, politely.
“It is my pleasure, Aunty Delilah.” Yetunde returned the smile before she stepped back. “Lekan, have a nice day” Fatihat waved at them briefly before she turned and got into her car.
*****
Fatihat sat on Josephine’s bed while the latter took her evening bath and came out to meet her glancing pensively through a file.
“What is that?” Josephine’s voice was muffled as she rubbed her wet hair.
“It is the report of the findings on Yetunde Kolawole, the owner of that building where I gave birth to my babies. I think I met her today.” She looked up at her sister.
The latter lowered the towel from her wet head slowly. “How do you mean?” she asked in a puzzled voice.
“There was this little boy I met sometimes ago in a departmental store. His name is Olalekan Kolawole. I met him again in Gift’s school today and his mother. Her two pictures that are here did not do her any justice but I’m quite sure it is the same woman.” She glanced down at the grimy picture that was taken at a distance and back up again. Josephine moved and sat down on the sofa, facing her.
“What else did you find out about her? Does she have other kids apart from this little boy?” She asked curiously.
“No. She is divorced and her medical record shows that she has never been pregnant, talk less of giving birth but she is quite rich, I must tell you.”Fatihat gave a faint smile. “What does she do?” Josephine robbed moisture off her long smooth leg.
“She sells clothes, pieces of jewelry and accessories in Balogun market. I think that boy is the center of her life.” Her voice ended with a heavy sigh.
“What does the little boy looks like?”
“The day I met him, he was arguing heatedly with another boy over a bicycle and I stepped in to settle the dispute. We got talking and there was this expression of stubbornness on his face which was so familiar. Thinking back now, I realized Tunde always wore the same expression on his face when he is convinced he is right about something. “She took a deep breath. “I think he is Tunde’s spitting image but wait till you see him.” She shrugged.
“This is going to be trickish and quite difficult. Assuming she is married with kids now, it would be easier but she is not even married, not to talk about having kids. I don’t know what to say about it, Lilah.” Josephine’s voice was quiet.
Fatihat shot off the bed to pace the room. “At least I’m not still sure he is mine but it is too much of a coincidence if he is not. If you don’t ask the answer is always No.” She was thinking aloud.
“So what do you intend to do? Approach her for your kid? I will come with you if you want me to.”
She gave a short bitter laugh. “It is so funny actually. The kids I don’t want years ago have suddenly become the center of my life and I seem to want them by all means. Is that not insane?” She looked worriedly at her sister.
“You convinced yourself back then that you don’t want them because you know you don’t have the means to take care of them but you do now and you want them back. There is nothing wrong with that, Lilah, stop beating yourself silly.” Josephine chided her and she swallowed hard.
“I’m going to fight for him, Josephine and I’m taking Tunde with me on this because we made him together.” Her voice was grim.
“It is going to be a bitter fight, Lilah. Please know when to step back when it gets too bitter. We can’t have everything we ever wanted in life; we just try our best and leave the rest.” Josephine said in a cautious voice.
“I will give it my best shot, Jose but I understand what you mean though. I will try to tread as softly as possible.”
“That is better. Is Tunde back at work?”
“Yeah, he is but I’ve not been going to work that much because of my Schooling, and assignment so we barely see each other.” She shrugged as picked up the file from the bed. “Are you guys making a head way?”Fatihat asked in concern and saw a blissful smile spread over her sister’s face which answered her question before she did. “Everything is under her control except for the iron woman he called a mother. We will soon pick a wedding date. Keep your fingers crossed.” She grinned at her.
“Hmn…..I don’t envy you but I’m happy for you anyway. It is good to know.”Fatihat smiled as she headed for the door.
“Thanks. So what is happening with you and Tunde?”Josephine asked as she stepped out. “There is nothing going on between us. I’m not a lovesick puppy likes you, darling, so please keep your romantic dream to yourself.” She shouted back and heard her rich and hearty laugh behind her.

P.S

Do you want to study, work and live in Australia? We offer free education consultancy, assist with Admission processing and student visa application. We also do flight reservation and ticketing to any destination outside Nigeria. Chat me up if you are interested. I can be reached at @obolaji on twitter and https://web.facebook.com/olanrewaju.mobolaji on facebook. You may also inbox me at obolaji2002@yahoo.com......

I am coming ooo

Lol...

MidasTouche01:
Bolape, please come and update o

I hope so too.

The past has a way of catching up with us.

mofy1:
Wow this story is top notch. I just hope she get away with her crime because something pushed her to it.

Thank you.

gal10:
Wowwww could not stop...this is so good!

Thank you.

des4ella:
U are talented.. More Grace my dear.