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So one of the twins find a home, what do u think will happen to the other one?

SIX

It was Friday. Tunde left his place of work earlier than usual and went to his usual Friday joint in Ogba, partly to cool off and partly to see Nike. He was not ready to give up on her and their dream to get married yet.
He was fairly sure she was going to be at the club tonight with her friends. He was halfway through a can of cold beer when his best friend came in, who was followed by his elder brother, Wale.
They pulled out a chair each at his table.
“Docky Oloye! How are you?”Olayiwola hailed Tunde’s brother.
“I’m fine, kiddo. How is your wife?” Wale grinned as he sat down and signaled to the waiter.
“She is fine.” He grimaced before answering.
“Are you guys having problems again?” Wale asked in a puzzled tone. The waiter arrived and they gave him their order.
“They are always having a problem since they got married. I’ve always known it would be the greatest mistake you will ever make. You don’t need to get married because she got pregnant with your baby.”Tunde glared at him for the umpteenth time. Ola sighed heavily.
The issue had been a bone of contention between the two friends ever since he told him about his intention to marry his longtime Edo-state born girlfriend, Enobong. “You know that was not why I marry her, Tunde. Can we drop this issue?”Olayiwola said angrily. Their orders were delivered and they were silent for some time, listening to the music blaring from all direction in the room.
“I spoke to the family lawyer. I didn’t know things have gotten this bad, Tunde. You didn’t bother to inform me.” Wale’s voice rang with silent accusation.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t want to bother you with the whole issue. It was enough that mum’s business has gone down the drain already.” Tunde sighed heavily and sipped his drink. “They‘ve put most of our properties on sales too. Do you have to result to such drastic measures? I mean it can’t be that bad, can it?”
“Yes, it is. The values of our stocks have dropped drastically and we have just one shareholder holding solid right now, even Tayo and Ayoola wants to sell theirs too to anybody at any cost.” Tunde’s tone was bitterly angry.
“Who is the shareholder?” Wale asked curiously.
“Delilah Smith.” The two friends chorused. Wale’s jaw dropped in shock.
“Lila Smith? That is Josephine’s younger sister.” He exclaimed in surprise. Tunde shrugged, indifferent.
“Well, all our landed properties have been sold. There is just one buyer for it as well.”Tunde informed both of them ironically.
“I think I can guess who the buyer is.”Olayiwola said ruefully.
“I see. I think something is going on here. No wonder she took an instant dislike to me. Do you guys have an idea of what it is?” Wale asked, truly perplexed.
“I have a guess. Can you remember the episode I told you about her and Nike in my bedroom a few days ago?”Tunde turned to his friend.
“Yeah. You are here to see Nike, right?”
“You are right, guy. She hasn’t been picking my calls. There is something else I didn’t tell you.” His voice was somber. The two men stared at him in expectation. “She is Fatihat Ali.”His voice was barely above a whisper. The can of beer in his friend’s hand dropped abruptly. The waiter ran over to mop the table and his trouser while he went practically mute with shock.
“I don’t understand. The name rings a bell but I can’t place it.” Wale said in confusion. “She was a former housemaid in our house. You were in the school of medicine then and you never met her.”Tunde popped open another can of beer and drank as if his life depended on it.
“Tunde raped her during her stay in your house.”Olayiwola recovered at last.
Wale looked from one friend to another in horror that gradually changed into anger. “What kind of human being are you, guys? You’ve been going around destroying women’s lives in the name of being young virile men and now we are all suffering the repercussion of your irresponsible actions. You are so disgusting!” His voice was full of fury. The two friends stared into their drink silently. “What are we going to do now? Why is she hitting on the whole family?” He asked after some time.
“I have a clue but I’m not so sure until I talk to mum and I don’t want to do it alone.”Tunde looked at him and his heart sank in dread. “There is more to this, isn’t it?”Wale asked in near whisper and he nodded, looking away in time to see Nike’s friends came in but she wasn’t among them. The girls moved to another table and refused to acknowledge his presence, his heart sank like lead.
“No problem. We will have to see mum together then. I need to talk to those little boys as well. They need to hold on to their share of the company like a lifeline.” Wale got to his feet and bade them goodnight before walking out.
*****
Tunde woke up the following morning with a heavy hangover and strolled over to the bar in his room to down one more extra smooth. It has been a restless night, yet he was not near getting a solution to his problems. He took his bath and changed into combat shorts and t-shirt before heading for the kitchen.
His mum was out of the house, probably still shuttling around for funds that were not forthcoming.
He took a breakfast of toast with hot tea and drove over to the Alpha beach to cool off. By the time he got there, the sun was up and the weather was growing hotter by the minute.
Few people were already there. He felt he could relax and at the same time tried to work something out. He strolled along the sandy shore, thoughtfully and saw a camp bed in the distance with a huge umbrella shielding the person lying on it. He could make out a lady’s figure on the bed.
She was reading a novel and smoking simultaneously. He strolled towards her direction. It was Delilah Smith.
She was clad in a pink bikini bra and pants and her body glistened from a recent swim in the salty water. He strolled over to her and looked down at her.
She felt a shadow fell on her and removed her sun shade glasses before looking up.
“Hi, Fati.”
“I beg your pardon? There must have been a mistake. I’m Lilah Smith.” She told him haughtily.
He got to his knees and stared her straight in the face. “Call yourself any dog name you feel like but you are fatihat Ali and that is what I will always call you.” He told her firmly.
“Whatever. Can you please move on and let me enjoy my peace, Mr. Abeeb?”Her voice dripped with unhidden hostility.
He sat down on the sand beside her camp bed and pulled off his t-shirt as sweat trickled down the middle of his back. “You are still free to call me Tunde like you used to. I’ve no intention of obeying your orders.” He grinned at her.
“It is a free world. Enjoy your stay in my territory.” The sunshade glass was back firmly in place and she went back to her novel. He snatched the novel out of her hand and dropped it beside him, out of her reach.
“Are you with your sense at all? What is your problem, Tunde Abeeb?” She asked coldly, staring down at him as she lifted the sunshade glass away.
“I want to talk to you.” He stared right back.
“We have nothing to say to each other. We’ve said it all years ago, Mr. Abeeb.”She informed him.
“That is where you are wrong, fatihat Ali. If you don’t want anything to do with me, you won’t bother to interfere in my family business, talkless of having the audacity to buy our assets. We have a lot to say to each other for a very long time.” He told her quietly. “Really? I deal with your lawyers and stockholders. I have no business with you, sir. Get in touch with mine if you have something to say.”
“Yes, you have a business with me when you also wade into my personal relationship. Moreover, we are also co-owners of Abeebs group of company and we need to meet to discuss the way to move the company forward. I heard you’ve turned that building on Opebi road into a big five-star hotel, right?”His voice was heavy with sarcasm which covered the raging fury in him.
“What I do with the properties I acquire is none of your damn business. I want to be a silent partner in your father’s company, how about that for a thought?” She glared at him. “Chickening out? I thought you have more gut than this.” He openly mocked her.
“I don’t run away from anything, guy. When is your next board meeting?” She swallowed the bait and instantly regretted her words. Her heart hammered heavily in her ribcage. She has always been a silent partner in all her business acquisition. Money opens all doors was her belief until now…
“It is on Monday at 9.00am.”He informed her as he got to his feet. “I will see you then” He threw over the words over his shoulder as he moved away.
She stared at his back, seething with rage and then she froze abruptly.
Just above his belt at the index in his waist was a dark mole, a birthmark, the type she has noticed on the back of her twin babies and wondered where it has come from because she didn’t have one!

*****
Yetunde Kolawole believed she was the most miserable woman who lived on the surface of the earth.
She had grown up with her grandma who was a well-known businesswoman during her time. The older woman sold clothes and pieces of jewelry and Yetunde learned the trade as she grew up.
She finished her secondary school at the age of seventeen and went straight into business. She usually traveled to the north to buy the merchandise at a cheaper rate and sold it in a store in Balogun market.
By the time she was in her twenties, she could boast of several thousand in her bank account.
She met her husband, Adeniyi salami during one of her travels to the north.
Niyi was three years older than she was and was an accounting student at Kaduna Polytechnic when they met. He was from a polygamous family and was always having financial problem which she never failed to sort out.
She had also helped him secured a job in a reputable firm in Lagos in addition to introducing him into business. She was in her mid-twenties when they got married and they had been very happy at the initial stage of their marriage.
After five years of marriage, she couldn’t get pregnant and hell was let loose in her home. The pressure from her in-laws increased every day and she ran from pillar to post in her bid to get pregnant.
She went for medical check-ups and test in exclusive hospitals but the results were the same. She was fertile and there was nothing wrong with her medically, then she resulted in visiting traditional practitioners.
However, matters came to an end when rumors reached her that her husband had impregnated a younger woman but he denied the allegation outright. A short nikka (Islamic wedding ceremony) took place in her husband’s family house when the young lady by name, Oyinlola gave birth to a baby boy and she was officially brought home. After a while, things started heating up between herself and the new wife.
She packed her things without informing anybody one fateful day and moved into her new house. She then filed for divorce.
Despite all her marital problems, her wealth has continued to increase in leaps and bounds and she started investing in landed property and estates. Her new home was one of her properties and she just acquired another half-building when the crises in her home got to the peak.
*****
Her first free Saturday as a single woman, she got into her car and drove to the new site after breakfast. The environment was covered in weed but the main building was surprisingly neat. She made her way around the house and stopped in the front when she saw a bundle of rags on the floor.
Her heart picked up speed and she made to turn away in haste when she saw a slight movement, then an ear-splitting yell filled the air.
A baby? She thought in amazement as she edged closer and peered into the bundle of rags. It was a newborn baby; it raised its legs and hands into the air and screamed loudly with his lungs.
“Is somebody here?” Yetunde shouted as she looked around from corner to corner. There was a sign of previous, very recent occupancy because the place had been swept clean and there were traces of blood which revealed the fact that the birth had taken place in the house.
She also thought that the mother must have been a sane reckless young girl because there was no sign of rubbish to point at an insane woman. She walked back to the front of the house and stared down at the screaming baby. Tears filled her eyes as she thought of the way she had prayed to have one of her own while some stupid woman has the gut to throw hers away. She picked the baby up and drove straight to her private hospital to carry out all medical check- up on the new-born!

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!

Yes, i will do that once it is completed.

Thank you.

queentener:
Weldone Dear, wonderful as always. Please give ur more update. why not upload it on okada books?

Tunde's mum didn't do well at all. She has complete faith in her sons.
It is such a pity for the innocent babies.
quoteor=skubido post=65697760]Hmmmm. Nawa 4 Tunde mum oo. She no even reason with d girl.


Chai c dat twins[/quote]

Yes, She really suffered. It was such a pity for an intelligent young girl.
quote author=bimberry1307 post=65693677]wow! she went through hell truely.[/quote]

FIVE

“Tunde raped you?” Josephine asked in horror, staring at her.

Fatihat laughed bitterly, swinging her legs off the chaise and lit a cigar. She dragged on it with all her strength and blew the smoke out slowly. “That was the beginning of my woes.” She grinned at her friend.

“The beginning? How else could it get worse?” Josephine asked bitterly.

“I got pregnant.” She said solemnly and Josephine’s jaw dropped this time around!
*****
Tunde rolled off the screaming girl and felt sick to the bottom of his stomach. His judgment had been so wrong, so wrong this time around. He turned away as fatihat dragged herself from his bed and left his room, sobbing wretchedly. He stared at her and then at his bloodstained bedspread. After that, he burnt everything that was stained in his bedroom and went back to bed, feeling feverish.

He fell critically sick and was on admission for three good days. His best friend, Olayiwola Douglas came to see him at the hospital and was surprised to see him in such a state.

“What happened to you? I’m sure you are not sick, Tunde, you don’t fall sick.” He pulled a chair over to his bedside immediately his mother left the hospital premises.

“Can you remember our new house girl? The one I told you about?”Tunde sat up in bed and lay on the pillow.

“The pretty one whose picture was on your phone? I think I remember. What about her? Did you finally sleep with her or what?” He asked impatiently and he nodded solemnly.

“She was a virgin.” He added quietly and his friend’s jaw dropped in shock.

“You don’t mean it? She looked so worldly..….”Ola’s voice trailed away as he stared at his friend.

“You are right. That was my impression too but I find out I was wrong. I felt like shit.” His voice was full of misery.

“You should. Anyway, the deed is done; guy. We’ve done worst things. Pull yourself together and move on. I’m sure she won’t die, there is always a first time for everything.”Ola said with a grin.
“But I will be discharged from this cell tomorrow, how will I face her.?” He looked at his friend.

“Is it not you, Tunde Abeeb? You will survive”Ola’s grin widened and he grinned back.

Tunde avoided fatihat in the house after his discharge from the hospital and they exchanged not a single word, even when they meet.

Fortunately, he got admission into the University a few weeks later, so he packed his bags and went back to Port Harcourt to start a new life.

*****
However, Fatihat was facing a new set of trouble entirely. The term was coming to an end and she tried to put that horrible event behind her as she worked hard for her final exam but it wasn’t an easy task.

Her hard work paid off. She got an excellent report at the end of the session after which she was promoted to her final year in school.

She hasn’t experienced her menstrual period in the past few weeks. She also noticed other changes in her body that were getting her worried. Her breasts were growing bigger and tender and she got tired easily after doing a few house chores.

She didn’t know what to do or who to confide in. Her worst fear was confirmed finally when one of her boss’s friend, Mrs. Kafilat Akintola, a former matron in a teaching hospital came visiting.

*****
Yemi was taking her breakfast when her friend drove into her compound and fatihat ran out of the kitchen to open the front door for her. She dropped her bag on the sitting room settee and went into the kitchen to get her drinks.

"How are you, madam? Please join me."She said with a smile.

"Thank you. I have already taken my breakfast. Is that your house girl?" Kafilat Akintola asked casually as she strolled in and sat opposite her friend.

"Yes, she is. Is something wrong with her?" Yemi asked with a frown as she sat back.

"She is a beautiful young girl and she must have hordes of admirers. Have you noticed anything about her?" She asked quietly.

"What is wrong with her?"Yemi asked puzzled.

"I'm fairly sure she is pregnant." She stated with confidence.

"Are you serious?"Yemi asked in disbelief.
"She should be about three or four months gone by now. She will start showing very soon."

Yemi burst into laughter, a harsh bitter one. "I know it. I know it will come to this. She is too beautiful for her own good."Yemi said coldly as Fatihat came out of the kitchen and dropped the tray of Cold Drinks on the Dining room table.

"Fatihat, when was the last time you saw your menstrual flow?"Kafilat asked quietly.

"Last month ma."She lied through numbed lips.

"Are you sure? Come here." She moved closer. Kafilat checked her pupils and her palms. "Do you know you are pregnant? You can be menstruating and be pregnant at the same time. When was the last time you had sex?"She looked down at her feet in shame.

Before she could answer, Yemi gave her a hard slap from behind and she went sprawling on the floor.

"Take it easy please, Yemi."Kafilat cautioned her.

"So you've been sleeping with a man under my roof, isn't it? I've always known you are a born harlot. You've been flaunting your beautiful body around the street and opening your legs wide for anything in trousers that comes your way. Shame on you! You are not even smart enough to protect yourself. LovePeddler!" Yemi said with a sneer.

"I wasn't sleeping around."She protested with a sob and Yemi gave her a hard kick. She scrambled to her feet and moved several feet away from her boss, crying in earnest. "For your information, I'm not going to start taking care of you and that bastard in your womb. You will have to leave this house for me."Yemi told her in a final tone.

"I wasn't sleeping around ma. Please believe me. It was Tunde who raped me some weeks ago."Fatihat fell on her knees, begging desperately.

"You, gold-digging harlot! You are even lying against my son after I told you to stay away from them. You are crazy, girl."She slapped her again and the young girl cried raggedly. Kafilat turned away and walked into the kitchen. Yemi picked up her purse and brought out some naira notes which she flung at her. "I'm going out with my friend now. Please don't let me meet you in this house when I come back or else you will regret ever being born. Kafilat, please let's go." She took her bag and walked out, closely followed by her friend.

*****
She was thrown into the street, helpless and homeless with another being growing inside her. She wished she could terminate the unwanted baby but she had no clue how to go about it neither did she know where to go. She had neither a relative nor friend to go to, even for the main time. She thought of sleeping under the bridge but she was terrified of rapists who took advantage of helpless young girls, so she started sleeping in different mosques from day to day as she moved around.

Her baby was growing and her clothes were getting tighter while she was equally running out of funds. She worked in the market at times, helping people to carry their commodities to the car or their shops and she got paid for it. She would then spend the night in an open store.

Towards the end of her third trimester, she worked on construction sites as she was able to earn more there and spent the night in the building of the site where she has worked during the day.

She woke up one morning in an abandoned building when she felt the first labor pain. The intense back pain graduated into painful contraction around her abdomen and pelvic girdle.

She sat up slowly and saw water trickling down her legs. The pains subsided a little and she felt the urge to visit the toilet. She picked up a used paper and waddled to the back of the building.

Immediately she bent down, she saw the head of the baby and stifled a terrified scream. She looked around furtively but nobody was in sight to help her.

For the first time in her life, she felt she was truly lonely and alone in the world. It was the scariest moment of her life. She knelt down carefully and prayed to God for help, mercy, and guidance.

Fortunately for her, it was an easy birth and the baby came screaming into the world. It was a baby girl. She felt nothing for the tiny pink bundle. She wrapped the baby up in numerous ragged clothing and walked far away from the building. She left the baby on an isolated and deserted pathway and retraced her step to the building to rest.

She got the shock of her life in the evening when she started having another contraction and gave birth to the second baby. It was a boy this time around.

It was quite dark by then and she couldn't go out again. She spent the whole night rocking and watching the baby, noticing little things about him. The baby stared at her face as if he could actually see her and she felt a twinge of guilt for his unknown fate.

Early the following morning, she bundled the baby into warm clothing and placed her carefully in front of the neglected building, then she packed her few belongings and wandered aimlessly away, trying not to think of what will happen to her babies.

She walked into the heart of Lagos, listlessly with no destination in mind until dusk fell and sank into the side of the road. When next she opened her eyes, it was broad daylight and a young lady was peering curiously into her face. It was Josephine Bob!

*****
"You saved my life. I will forever be indebted to you for giving me a reason to live, Jose." Fatihat said with a grateful smile.

"Did I? I thought you have newly turn mad or something when I first saw you lying by the roadside. Especially with the tattered clothing, you wore that day but my instinct screamed at me to draw closer." Josephine smiled ruefully and she grinned at her. "But you told me you are Delilah Smith. Now I know you are not. What is your real name, Lilah?"Josephine asked quietly.

"My initial name is Fatihat Ali but I don't bear that name any longer." she said firmly. Josephine lay back on the chaise and stared into the night thoughtfully. "What is on your mind, Jose?"Fatihat asked after a moment, curiously.

"I have a lot on my mind, baby sis. The day I watched my only sister died of malaria, I felt so hopeless and so lonely and I thought it was the height of suffering and wretchedness in this world but you've been through the worst. You are so brave, girl!"She ended in a whisper.

"So?"Fatihat sensed there was more and she gave a slightly nervous laugh.

"You seem to know the Abeeb family quite well. From the little I've heard so far about them, I'm not impressed at all." She raised her glass cup and drained the content.

"Hmmm. I hope you are not thinking of dumping your boyfriend? Tunde is different from Wale. You cannot judge a whole family by the action of only one or perhaps two of them. "Fatihat cautioned quietly.

"Come off your high horse, kid sister. Is that not what you are doing too?" Josephine shot right back.
"Love one tin tin. Shebi na you wan marry, you should be ready to bear the consequence. Abeg, move to your room or wherever, I want to sleep." She told her, rudely.

Josephine got to her feet and stretched her body. "I have an early morning lecture tomorrow. I can curse that lecturer." She complained bitterly.
"That reminds me. I have a test tomorrow. I'm in trouble. mo gbe ‘o."Fatihat vaulted to her feet in haste.
"It is you, Delilah Smith. I know you will always lead the class either you read or not." She shouted after her.
"I can't even bring myself to sleep with the rotten teeth lecturer and I'm so broke I can't get fuel into my car. So how will I pass his exam?" Fatihat shot back as she changed into jeans and t-shirt and head for the study room.
"Have you forgotten you have a photographic brain?’ Josephine chuckled in amusement. ‘I really pray that my baby have your kind of brain.’ She added in a loud voice and Fatihat came back to her surprise.
"Are you pregnant?" She asked in a solemn tone. "What if I am?" She challenged her and was shocked to see something close to fear enter her sister's eyes. "Are you serious? You are expecting a baby truly?" She asked in a whisper.
"No. I'm just joking. What is it to you anyway? Am I too old or too young to have one?" Josephine asked puzzled.


Fatihat heaved a visible sigh of relief and hit her sharply in the middle of her back. Josephine staggered and stared at her in shock.
"That is for scaring me to death, you slowpoke."Fatihat told her and started down the staircase again. Josephine went after her and pulled her back by her wrist. "Why are you scared of my having a baby? Aren't you supposed to be glad for me?" She stared into her eyes and she looked away.
"Well, I don't want you to have a baby now because I am not ready to share you with anyone yet. You are the only loved one I have in my life and I am not ashamed to say that." Fatihat told her solemnly and tugged at her wrist to move away. Josephine closed the gap between them and engulfed her in a warm tight hug. She stiffened for a moment before she hugged her back.
"You can never lose me to anything except to death like you once told me. I will always share everything I have in life with you including my baby. I love you, bad girl, and so much." She took the beautiful, innocent looking face in her palms and placed a kiss on her forehead.
"Don't share your man with me. I don't want him."Fatihat said with a grin and slipped away before Josephine could smack her. "He is the only thing I won't and can’t share with you." She yelled at her and laughed. Fatihat burst into laughter too before closing the study room door.
Josephine Bob was just two years older than she was but they become very close since they met several years ago and the relationship hasn’t changed since then.

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!

Yes, it is cruel. Anything can happen..

Ehmjay:
Wow! That was a cruel act
Really devastated but I am certainly sure they will end up together

FOUR

Chief Mrs. Olayemi Abeeb was a Lagos state-based businesswoman who rarely stayed at home. She has a big departmental store that was run by her manager and salesperson while she traveled around the world for one business deal to another.

She had dismissed her previous house help a month ago when she discovered that the later was in possession of some of her misplaced pieces of jewelry. She needed to replace her as soon as possible as she rarely stayed in Lagos the few times she was less busy.

Her husband stayed in port-Harcourt with her four boys who visited Lagos only when they were on holiday.

She was watching a TV program when her driver arrived with her new house help. She pressed the ‘pause’ button on the VCR and stared in horror at the teenage girl who walked in to stand in front of her.

‘Good afternoon ma’am.’ Fatihat went on her knees in front of her, clutching the Ghana-must-go bag which held her few belongings, in front of her.

She has four boys; three of them are teenagers while her first son, Olawale just got admission into University of Ibadan medicine school. He rarely visited. Her second son, Olatunde was the most notorious and most handsome out of them all. He just finished his secondary school and would be coming down for a long break while the last two were still in secondary school.

“Oh my lord of mercy!” Yemi exclaimed as she stared at the fair, dark-haired girl clad in faded Ankara blouse and skirt. Despite her poor dressing, even Yemi knew she was a walking temptation for any hot-blooded man. She felt scared for her kids. She has a houseful of men! “What part of Nigeria do you come from?” She asked disgustingly.

“I’m from Kaduna ma.”Fatihat stared at her toes.

“I see. Are you a half-caste? I mean is any of your parents from outside Nigeria?’ Yemi’s eyes narrowed suspiciously, taking in her small sharp nose and naturally lined small pouting lips.

“I don’t know. I promise to be good, madam. Please don’t send me away.” Fatihat raised her palms in a plea, aware that the woman has taken a sudden dislike to her. She didn’t know why.

“Well, I don’t care where you come from but I want to give you a warning. I have four boys and they spend their holidays with me. Please keep your distance whenever they are around. Is that clear?” she demanded.

“Yes ma” Fatihat nodded her head vigorously. Then it occurred to her that the girl didn’t even understand what she was talking about. She sighed with relief and smiled politely at her.

“How old are you?” She asked curiously.

“I’m fourteen ma” She refused to meet her eyes.

“Well, you are certainly naïve and small for your age. Kofoworola told me you want to continue with your schooling, is that true?”She sat back.

“Yes, ma. I promised it won’t affect anything I have to do here.” She hastened to reassure her.

“That is fine. You are very smart but I hope Lagos will not teach you a lesson?” She murmured under her breath. She shook her head again. “I will show you to your room and give you the whole night to settle in” She got to her feet and shut down the television set.

*****
Life in the Abeeb’s home was slightly better than what it was at home. At least she is getting paid for her services, even though her boss was as harsh as her step-mother was but she cared less about it all.

At almost fifteen, she was averagely tall and her body was filling out in the right places. She was a sight to behold in her school uniform, a green pleated short skirt and white long sleeve shirt.
She has her shares of toasters and admirers both at school and wherever she went like any other adolescent young girl but she was smart enough to realize any wrong step could jeopardize her future. However, destiny has something else in store for her.

*****
Tunde Abeeb wrote his last paper before the school term was over but he waited till his younger brothers were on vacation from school and decided to come down to Lagos with them.

Their mother was not home when they got into the house. They were informed by their security man that she was still in the shop.

His brothers retired to their room to play games after helping themselves to the cold lunch they found in the fridge. Obviously, their mother has been expecting them.

He went to his room to watch his favorite season film ‘Prison break’. His bedroom window faced the gate. He heard the gate opened around 5 pm in the evening, and then he heard voices at the gate. He expected to hear the sound of a car but when nothing came, he stood up and went to the window out of curiosity.

He whistled long and slowly under his breath and stared with blatant admiration at the walking vision who walked through the gate. His loin tightened with desire.

It was the vacation day at Fatihat‘s school. She was in senior secondary school one. She felt on top of the world and whistled a soft tune to herself as she came in through the gate. She was clad in her school uniform with her school beret under her armpit while her report sheet was folded in the other hand.

“I feel good! Tra la la la la. Baba, good afternoon.” She grinned at the elderly security man. The man couldn’t help returning her infectious smile.

“You win visa lottery this afternoon, fati?”He asked curiously.

“I passed all my papers, baba. I can’t wait to show my madam. I feel so good.” She hugged him joyfully. He laughed out loud.

“You do well, my girl! Well done!” He smiled at her.

“Two pieces of meats for you tonight. Don’t let madam hear that ‘o.” She said in a stage whisper as she cat-walked away towards the house, oblivious of her young admirer who stood at the window, watching till she disappeared into the house. She didn’t know about their new visitors until her boss came in quite earlier than usual and announced their presence. She came to serve them at dinner and returned to the kitchen to finish her chores for the day.
*****
“Who is she, mum? Where is Mariam?”Tunde was unable to hide his curiosity.
“I have sent Mariam away. She is the new replacement and her name is fatihat.”Their mum watched each of them very closely.

“Really? She is the prettiest house maid we ever have. Where did you find her, mum?”Her last born, Tayo asked curiously.

“My friend, kofo, the one who stayed in Kaduna sent her to me.” She reached for the salt.

“I see. She must be a Hausa girl then, isn’t it?” Ayo gave her a questioning look.

“She is Hausa. You guys should eat your food. Stop this question and answer session about my new house girl.”She chided softly.

They discussed every other thing about their lives except their housemaid but Tunde’s mind was on the pretty face and he couldn’t wait to talk to her.

On the other hand, fatihat kept to her post and away from her boss’s son but she could feel Tunde’s gaze on her back each time she walked past, so she avoided his presence altogether.
*****
One evening, Fatihat just finished taking her bath very late in the night and came out of the bathroom, clad in a towel wrapped around her middle to find Tunde, sitting on the only chair in her room. She stifled a scream and ran straight back into the bathroom. Unfortunately, the bathroom door has no lock.

“Come out right now, fatihat or I will come after you. I know the bathroom does not have a lock.” He was greatly amused. She scrambled into her dirty skirt and blouse and came out, furious.

“What are you doing in my room, you unmannered idiot?” She screamed at him.

“You better keep your voice down or everybody will come in to know what we are talking about. You still look pretty by the way.” He told her with a grin.

“What do you want? Please get out of my room right now, I want to sleep.” She stood by the bathroom door with beating heart.

“I want you.” He said simply and quietly. She felt her jaw dropped in shock. “Stop acting naive, baby girl. You know I’ve always wanted you and that was why you avoid me like plague. Come off it, you know I can give you a nice time. All you need to do is to say yes.” He said with undisguised arrogance and her jaw dropped even further.

“You are mad, stark, raving mad, Olatunde Abeeb! What kind of girl do you think I am? A call girl, LovePeddler or a harlot?” Her voice was hostile.

“Okay, I’m sorry. We will start all over again but can we at least be friends? I truly want to be close to you.” He got to his feet and she took a step away. “Common, fatihat. If I want to do anything to you, I would have joined you in the bathroom even before you came out. I’ve been watching you all night. Don’t be a spoilsport. Please!” He said quietly and she stared at him for a moment, trying to read his mind.

“Okay. I will be your friend but please keep your distance from me. Don’t get me into trouble please.” Her voice was firm.

“But I still want to date you, Fati. I want to know you in every way a man knows a woman and I won’t give up on that.Goodnight” He blew her a kiss and walked out while she stared at him, stupefied.

*****
Tunde’s father, Mohammed Abeeb has a growing manufacturing company in Lagos. He shuttled between it and the company where he was an employee which was located in Port-Harcourt. With the assistance of his business-oriented wife, the company has been thriving and they were already considering diversifying into other areas.

After his secondary school, Tunde joined his father’s company pending the time his result would be out and subsequently his admission into a higher institution. He went to work every day and came back a few hours after fatihat returned from school, then he would join her in the kitchen and chat about his day until his mum returned from the shop.

The long vacation ended and his siblings returned to Port Harcourt, so he was often alone in the house with her most of the time.

At first, fatihat was edgy and uncomfortable in his presence, no matter where they were, especially as he continued flirting with her and trying to touch her whenever he could but after sometimes, she stopped taking him seriously and actually enjoyed his company. However, affairs came to a head one fateful morning.

*****
Fatihat was in senior secondary two. The class was proving rather challenging for her. It was the middle of the second term and her school was on two days mid-term break. Once they resumed, they will have a series of tests which she was determined to pass at all cost.

Her plan was to do her chores on time and as fast as possible, then returned to her room to start studying. She has the whole house to herself that morning except for the security guard who was inside the security house. She moved from one bedroom to another, scrubbing bathroom and toilet.

She was inside Tunde’s room, clad in her short skirt and T-shirt when he came in. He wasn’t feeling too good that morning and decided to take the day off from work. He got permission from his immediate boss and headed home only to find her in his bedroom, oblivious to his presence as she sang softly under her breath.

She was scrubbing the bath and he could see her fair thigh up to the beginning of her cheap panties.

Desire slammed straight into him and sweats beaded on his forehead which has nothing to do with his rising fever.

He walked out briefly as he unbuttoned his shirt and removed his trousers with hammering heart, then came back in with a determined look on his face.

Fatihat came out of the bathroom as he was locking his bedroom door and she dropped the bowl and brush she was holding abruptly.

“What are you doing at home at this hour? Why are you locking your bedroom door? Don’t you know I’m in?” She asked curiously as her thoughts raced ahead of her.

“I wasn’t feeling fine at work, so I decide to come back home and rest.” He came towards her. She took several steps back until the back of her knee connect with the bed, and then she lost her balance and toppled onto the bed. He was on top of her.

“What are you doing? Please get off me.” She screamed at him, terrified and scared.

“Common, Fatihat. Don’t you even have any feelings for me at all? Stop pretending you don’t want me.” He put his hands in the v-neck of her t-shirt and tore it into two equal halves, exposing her firm young breasts to his lustful gaze.

“Get off me, you brute.” She fought him with all her might, galvanized by her rage and fear but she was no match for his masculine strength.

He took her two arms and pinned it with one of his own while he settled firmly between her thighs, holding her lower body down with his own.

With his free hand and mouth, he sampled, sucked and licked at her exposed breasts, paying attention to the taut, rosy nipple which tightened even more as he sucked at it. She released an involuntary moan and tried to bite him with her teeth. He bit her nipple sharply and she cried out in pain as tears filled her eyes.

“Will you stop fighting me? Can’t you see yourself? You are already as aroused as I am. Quit fighting and let’s enjoy this like two civilized adults.” He chided her and continued his expert touch and petting on her body.

“Please, Tunde let me go for the sake of God.” She said in a ragged sob, tears running down her face but the only response she got from him was the tightening of his fingers on her breast as he squeezed harder.
She gave one last struggle with all her strength, twisting beneath him but she realized quite too late that she only got him aroused the more.

He reached beneath her and tore off her cheap panties, then pushed her legs apart and entered her with one plunge. She screamed and he froze in shock as he realized quite too late that she was a virgin!

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!

Yes, I felt for her too.

Eddyella:
Really felt 4 d poor girl.

More ink 2 ur pen.

BIRTHMAK: #3

Chenille Thomas came from a small village in Toronto, Thornloe. She was working in The Grove, one of the big restaurants in the Ontario city as a waitress when she met Usman Ali.

She had been an only child to her parent whom she lost them in a fatal motor accident at the age of ten and ended up living with her paternal uncle. Her uncle tried to rape her when she was twelve after which she ended up in the orphanage. She left the home to be on her own when she was eighteen.

She got a job in the first restaurant she approached for a job and ended up sharing rooms with a colleague, Olivia Wilson who eventually become her friend. She was a 19-yr old, dark-haired girl with a striking look and a lush figure when they met.

*****
Usman worked as an engineer with Nigeria Bottling Company, Kaduna branch. He was sent to Toronto for a six-month training program.

He went into town in the company of a black American friend, Derek on his second day in town. They walked into the restaurant café for a cup of steamy coffee and for a change of scenery from the hotel environment.

The first person he saw bussing the table was this incredibly pretty dark-haired, white girl who smiled at him. He returned the smile.

Chenille was greatly attracted to the tall, slim, Hausa Youngman. She couldn’t stop talking about him, long after he had left.

Fortunately, he came back the following day and asked her out. It turned into a sizzling affair between the two of them which lasted for the duration of the six months stay. He was the one who deflowered her.

A night of unprotected sex in the back of a rented cab after a whole day out resulted in a pregnancy which they both discovered when it was three months old. They decided to keep the baby.

Usman’s training period ended and he returned to Nigeria with his fiancée to the surprise of his family.

*****
Chenille’s dream of happily-ever-after marriage ended abruptly when she met her hostile in-laws who made no attempt to hide their dismay, shock and dislike for their white daughter –in- law- to- be.

Not only did she have a different skin color from theirs, she was a non-believer who wore skimpy dresses without bothering to cover her head and didn’t understand their language. Usman tried to bridge the gap between his bride and his family by making sure she did everything they wanted.

Apart from the hostile family, the northern harsh weather was not a comfort to her white skin. The only happy spot in her life was her very supportive husband and the growing baby in her tummy.

After a brief stay in his family house which ended in a bitter row between the couple and his family, he got a new apartment in Kaduna city and moved his fiancée there.

She gave birth to the most beautiful baby girl in the federal medical center a few weeks later. Usman was moved to tears at the sheer beauty of his baby girl.

They were married formally and quietly in a court of law the same day their baby was named.

Fatihat Elizabeth Ali was six months old when her father came home one day to find out that his wife had disappeared mysteriously into thin air and had left his baby wailing her head off in the cot. He dropped his baby with his mother and went to report to the police. The search lasted for almost one year in which Usman's hope of ever seeing his wife dwindled.

His anger and hurt at her disappearance festered every day which he took out on his toddler daughter. He reduced the frequency with which he visited his daughter at his family home and eventually stopped visiting when he started dating another lady.

*****
Amina Mohammed was the daughter of his father’s best friend. Her family was from Zaria. They met at his immediate sister’s Nikka ceremony and started dating to his family‘s delight. Usman got married again when fatihat was three years old and he took her back.

*****
Fatihat was the combination of her parent’s best physical traits. She was a walking temptation by the time she was old enough to walk on her two feet.

Her father’s family regarded her as a curse which was why she was so beautiful with her ever curling dark hair and treated her like one. She was maltreated and neglected until her father came to take her back, then her real nightmare began.

Amina settled into her husband’s home as a full housewife and turned her step-daughter into her personal housemaid.

Fatihat started doing household chores immediately she was old enough to walk and understand whatever instruction was given to her.
Her father enrolled her in a government primary school while her immediate younger siblings started in an exclusive private crèche.

She hawked wares for her stepmother whenever she comes back from school. She took care of everybody in the house except herself. Most times, she was the last person to go to bed at night and the first to wake up in the morning. Her study time was limited to her school time.

She was an exceptional student in school; she did well in both her academic and out-doors activities. Her numerous awards were tucked away in the privacy of her room from the prying eyes of her step-mum and hostile uncles and Aunts.

Amina suggested in a subtle way to her husband to get Fatihat betrothed to a man as soon as she finished her primary education. Usman agreed but when he saw the result of her entrance examination, he changed his mind and enrolled her in secondary school.

However, destiny had another plan for her because her father died when she was fourteen years old.

*****
It was a cold Saturday morning. The harmattan was blowing fiercely. Amina just puts to bed her fifth child. She was alone at home with the kids because her husband has traveled to Abuja on a business trip.

Fatihat was scrubbing the kitchen floor while her siblings were watching cartoons on kiddies’ network when she saw a police car drove into their compound, closely followed by an ambulance.

She dropped what she was doing and went to peep through the kitchen window in time to see a police officer walked up to their door.

Amina opened the door on the second knock and stared at the uniformed policeman, truly puzzled.

“Good morning, madam. I’m inspector Adam Abdullah. Can I talk to Mrs. Aminat Ali?”The man greeted with a polite smile.

“I’m Amina Ali. How can I help you?” She asked in a trembling voice.

“I’m sorry madam but is there any other adult in the house, probably a man?” He asked uncertainly.

“I’m the only adult in the house except for the kids. Please tell me what happened to my husband. It is him, isn’t it?” She pleaded, wriggling her hands. She tried not to glance beyond him at the waiting ambulance.
“Well, I’m sorry to tell you this but your husband was involved in a fatal car accident on his way from the airport. His car had a head-on collision with a coming tanker driver and he died on the spot.” He told her solemnly. She screamed in agony.

Fatihat stood at the window as the remains of her father’s mangled body were brought out of the car and washed and wrapped properly. She watched as his janazat prayer was observed on him and he was laid in his final resting place.

She watched as their friends and relations trooped in and out of their house to console them and not even one person asked about her or how she felt.

It was as if she doesn’t even exist in the household, she thought miserably, feeling chilled to the bone because the only person that cared, no matter how little had just left her in the world to face its cruelty alone. She knew it was time for her to make another choice. Her education has come to a sudden standstill and she needed to think of another way of survival right now.
*****
Madam Kofoworola Akinola lived down the street from Ali’s house. She was a divorcee and her children resided mostly with her ex-husband abroad, so she was almost always alone in the house except for her house helps.

Most of the elites in the society were on her client’s list as she supplied them with house helps whenever they needed one.

She was having a late-night dinner one evening when her doorbell rang. She went to open the door by herself as she had dismissed her house-maid for the night.

“Who is it?” She asked cautiously a few feet from the door.

“This is Zainab, madam. I came to introduce the girl I told you about ma'am. ”A feminine voice answered. Zainab was a house girl in one of the neighborhood houses and it was Kofo who introduced her to her employers.

She opened the door and the girl walked in, closely followed by fatihat Ali. She let in both girls and flagged them to a seat. She sat opposite them and studied the younger girl, clad in a faded Ankara blouse and skirt with a head tie covering her head.

“How are you, fatihat? Please accept my condolence on your father’s death. May His soul rest in peace” Kofo addressed her in sympathy.

“Thank you, ma'am.” She bowed her head and studied her feet.

“So how may I be of assistance to you, girls?” She addressed them both now, looking from one to the other.

“Do you remember that you told me if I find anybody willing to work for your friend in Lagos, I should let you know? Fati wants to go.’ Zainab nudged the other girl in the rib.

“Fatihat, you want to go and work in Lagos? Are you aware it is far away from home?” Kofo’s voice echoed with surprise. She was well aware that their tribe does not mingle with Yoruba.

“I no longer have a home. I can work in any part of the country as long as I will be allowed to school as well.” Fatihat stated with a boldness which surprised the woman, meeting her direct gaze.

“It seems as if you’ve already made up your mind about this but you have to assure me that you won’t allow your schooling to affect your chores in the house.”Kofo warned her.

“That is not a problem, Madam, it won’t.” She smiled shyly at her.

“I think that is settled. Be ready to leave by 8 am on Sunday morning. I hope you are aware of the way your salary will be paid?”Kofo raised an eyebrow.

“It is okay by me. Zainab explained everything to me. Thank you very much. You just saved my life.”Fatihat went on her knees. The woman got to her feet to raise her up.

“You are welcome, Fatihat. You girls should start going. It is late already.”Kofo glanced at the wall clock. It was an hour to midnight.

“Goodnight ma.”They chorused as they filed out. She locked the door behind them.
*****
On Saturday evening, the last thing fatihat did was to pack her things and dropped it with a neighbor.

She woke up unusually early on Sunday morning, did all her regular morning chores, took her bath and was dressed to leave by the time Amina woke up.

“Where are you going?”Amina asked sharply, taking in the fact that she was dressed to go out.

“I want to get something down the street. I will be right back.” She fidgeted nervously.

“Postpone whatever it is you want to get. Go and washed those soaked baby clothes I have in the bathroom.”Aminat ordered briskly.

Fatihat glanced at the wall clock. It was ten minutes to eight already.

“I’m sorry, ma. I need to go right now.” she insisted firmly, edging past her. It was the first time she had ever rebelled against her step-mother. Amina swirled round in shock.
“Did I hear you right?”Aminat stared at her in shock as she headed for the door.
“You heard me quite right ma.”She moved on very fast in case her step-mum decides to strike her which wouldn’t be the first time.

“Please don’t bother to come back to this house because if you do, I will teach you a lesson you will never forget in your whole miserable life.”Aminat threatened her, shaking with rage.

Fatihat turned around when she got to the door of their sitting room and looked her squarely in the eyes.

“When next we meet, Aunt Amina, you will be shocked because by then you will be willing to end your miserable life. This is just the beginning of it by the way.”Fatihat informed her and walked out.

Amina sputtered with rage and remained furious for the rest of the day but it was the last she saw of Fatihat Ali in years.

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!

BIRTHMARK: #2

Fatihat was just ending a call when her foster sister, Josephine Bob came in. The latter went straight to the kitchen. She was wolfing down a piece of fried cold chicken which she found in the fridge with a cup of garri soaked in cold water when fatihat joined her with a big grin on her face.

“Did you win visa lottery?” She asked with a bulging mouth.

“This is even better than visa lottery. I owned a bigger share of the Abeeb Group of companies at this moment. The share was losing value and his brothers released theirs into the market. I asked my stockbroker to get it all with his name. Isn’t that great?” She grinned at her sister as she spooned garri into her mouth.

Josephine was silent for a long time. She finished her impromptu meal and rinsed away the cup before facing her sister.

“Let me tell you something, little sister. Can you remember that medical association dinner party I was invited to by a friend a few weeks ago?” Josephine began quietly.

“What about it? What does it have to do with what we were discussing right now?” Fatihat demanded angrily.
“It has everything to do with it if only you will listen to what I have to say.” She returned with a hand on her hips.

“Go ahead, I’m listening.”Fatihat sat down on the kitchen table, obviously seething with anger but her sister continued anyway.

“I met this guy there. He was their guest of honor. He is a doctor. He works in Lagos university teaching hospital. His name is Olawale Abeeb.” She paused. Fatihat frowned, trying to remember where she had heard the name before.

“We‘ve been seeing each other since that evening. I’m afraid I’m fast falling in love with him.” She finished solemnly.

“You are falling for a guy you barely know, someone you just met? How stupid can you be at times, Josephine?”Fatihat stared frostily at her.

“I am stupid enough to say yes if he asks me to marry him.” Her voice was firm.

“It is your life. You can live it any way you like. It is none of my business but please don’t cry to me when it all ends.”Fatihat warned her, coolly.

“Don’t worry. I won’t.” Her smile was indulging.

“So what does this have to do with what I just told you?” Fatihat asked, puzzled.

“Well, Wale is Tunde’s older brother. They are siblings.’ She told her sister who looked shocked for the moment. “They are four of them. Wale is the oldest, followed by Tunde. I realized he is quite close to his younger brother. He is aware of everything going on in his father’s company and in Tunde’s personal life.” Josephine paused again.

“So what am I suppose to do with this story that touches the heart, Jose?” Fatihat demanded of her.

“How am I supposed to tell him it was my sister who is behind their entire problem without apparent cause?” Josephine snapped as her anger sparked to life.

“Without any apparent cause, you said? Why don’t you ask for the reason instead of just jumping to a conclusion? Are you so blind with love or lust?” She asked angrily, staring at her sister.

“Maybe you can tell me now because I want to know.” Josephine responded as she stared right back.

“I don’t think you are interested in knowing. You are only interested in defending your boyfriend. I don’t give a fucking shit about him, is that clear?”Fatihat walked out. She took a bottle of red wine and its goblet from the bar and went straight to her room.
*****
A week later, Fatihat came back from class quite earlier than usual. Olawale Abeeb was in the sitting room, watching a movie while Josephine was apparently busy in the kitchen.

“Who are you please?” She asked, barely polite as she dangled her car key.

“I’m Wale Abeeb. You must be Delilah Smith, Josephine‘s younger sister, right?”He got to his feet but didn’t bother to extend his hand for a handshake. He could feel the waves of hostility coming from the beautiful young woman who stood a few feet away from him.

“I am. Welcome to our humble abode!” She gave him an up and down peruse. She had to admit he bore a striking resemblance to his younger brother.

“Hey, Lilah. You are back early today. How was your lecture?” Josephine came out of the kitchen with a tray of cold drinks with snacks and placed it on a stool in front of him.

“The lecturer didn’t turn up.” She sat on a sofa, adjacent to him and brought out a pack of a cigar from her bag.

“I guess you guys have met, right?”Josephine looked from one to the other.

“Yes, we have.” He replied quietly, wondering why Delilah disliked him on the spot. He has always been liked by most people on first meetings.

Fatihat removed a stick and dropped the pack on a stool, then lit it with a lighter.

“Lilah, what is the meaning of that? When did you start smoking in the sitting room?” Josephine went to stand in front of sister and glared down at her.

“I can smoke anywhere I like, girlie.”She inhaled deeply and blew smoke into the air slowly, then smiled at her sister through the cloud of thin smoke.

“God of mercy! You can’t even behave yourself in the presence of a guest. You are so rude, little sister.” Josephine was furious. “Which guest?” She feigned ignorance and then glanced at wale as if she just remembered his presence. “Oh! I’m so sorry. Enjoy yourselves, kiddies.” She laughed heartily, got to her feet and went upstairs.

Josephine stared after her, frozen with embarrassment before she finally turned towards wale and saw him smiling.

“It is okay, sweetheart. I’m sure she will get over it, she is just feeling insecure.”He tried to reassure her.

“I can’t just believe that. It is so annoying.” She sighed with feeling.

“Forget it. It is okay.” He took her wrist and pulled her down unto his laps.

“Please accept my apology on her behalf. She is usually not like this. I don’t know what got into her.” She hung her head in shame. He kissed her gently on the lips.

*****
Later in the evening, fatihat was lying on the chaise lounge in the balcony of her room, clad in just her bra and panties. She stared into the night thoughtfully while she chain-smoked when her sister came to join her.

The latter lay in the second chaise, clad in blue shorts and white jumper. She poured herself a glass of cold fresh juice and sat back to drink it.

“Your guy has left, right?” Fatihat asked quietly.

“That is right. He extends his regard to you though.” Josephine told her and sipped her drink.

“At least he has his manners. He must have been thought in the school of medicine because they lacked it in their household.” Fatihat gave a bitter laugh which echoed between them.

“You seem to know a lot about the Abeeb family. Is there anything I need to know?” Her sister asked as she turned to look at her.

“There is nothing you want to know that your boyfriend cannot tell you.”Fatihat shrugged. She dropped the half-smoked cigar into the ashtray and lit another one.

“Lilah please cut down a bit on your smoking habit.” Her sister said with deep concern. She laughed at her.

“Are you scared for me? Please don’t be. I can’t die now but if I do, I’ve got nothing to lose. You have a lot to gain though.”Fatihat grinned at her.

“I don’t want your wealth or money. Your dead body is of no use to me. I want you alive, kicking and swearing at me. That is the only thing that matters.” She told her fiercely and fatihat laughed again. “So what happened to you, Lilah? You never came around to telling me about your childhood. Will you tell me now please?” She said pleadingly.

“Do you really want to know?” She smiled faintly at her.

“I want to know. Please tell me.” Josephine pleaded quietly.

“I will tell you. My real name is fatihat Ali and I was born in Kaduna.” Fatihat began quietly....




Do you want to study, work and live in Australia? We offer free education consultancy, assist with Admission processing, assist with student visa application and also do reservation and ticketing. 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!

Thank you. Don't kill yourself please.

Just read it and enjoy!

Cheers!

Ehmjay:
I was a silent reader on yourr previous story "TWIST OF FATE" but I kuku kill mai self dan keep my hands from praising your work on this...
Keep em coming...Am loving this already

Dear My people,

Good morning to you all!

'BIRTHMARK' has started already.

Here is the link to the story on nairaland , https://www.nairaland.com/4343594/birthmark

Kindly follow the thread so that you won't miss subsequent episodes.

Have a great week ahead!

Cheers!

I am sorry.

Just follow the thread so you won't miss the next episode.

Cheers!

oly0511:
you did not mention me abi

Thank you. **winks

kunbeex:
Thumbs up

This will be double wow!

Keep on reading.

Thank you.

heemah:
I'm so following this story. The previous one was wow

Amen.

Thank you.

Keep on reading!

skubido:
Nice wan sist, following... Like d starting. Oya les go dere. As we are starting dis journey. We sha land savely. Any hindrance on d way God we take it away IJN..



More of God ma

Yes, I am here with a bang.

This one will blow you away too.

Carry your popcorn and watch out for this space.

Cheers!

lonesome501:
arabinrin bolape z here again with a BANG!!!

BIRTHMARK : #1

Fatihat Ali a.k.a Delilah Smith came sweeping down her rugged staircase. Her supple body was clad in a cream-color terry robe and a fluffy white house slipper adorned her beautifully manicured feet. A stick of King of Denmark cigar dangled from her lips as she searched in the pocket of her robe for a lighter.

“Good morning ma” Her longtime security man, Mallam Yahaya greeted from the foot of the staircase.

“How are you, Yahaya? Is there any problem?” She halted half-way down the staircase.

“The managing director of Abeeb group of company, Mr. Olatunde Abeeb is here to see you.” He told her in a voice, heavy with Hausa accent.

“Take him into the reception room. I will be waiting for him.” She said briskly.

He retreated from the foot of the staircase with a murmured “yes ma”.
*****

Fatihat sat in a corner of the room in her favorite armchair, rocking gently back and forth. Her legs were crossed over each other, giving a tantalizing glimpse of her fair, smooth thigh. She blew smoke out slowly through her pursed lips and watched it curled lazily into the air. A glass of chilled white wine stood on a stool beside her when Olatunde Abeeb walked into the room.

“Good morning” He greeted with a slight frown.
“Good morning, MD. Please have your seat.” She waved him to a seat with a careless gesture of her beautiful, well-manicured fingers.

“I’m here to see Miss Delilah Smith.” He sat down directly opposite her.

“You are looking at her. How may I help you?” She asked with a carefully masked rising irritation.

Rotten asshole, she thought angrily. She recrossed her legs and noted with satisfaction the way his eyes followed the movement.

“So you are the one who bought into half of my company’s shares, right?” He asked in a faintly accusing voice as he studied her closely.

“The shares are in the market for sale. You got a buyer for it. Do you have a problem with that?” She asked with a raised eyebrow.

“I’m fairly sure you don’t know what you are getting into. That company is in a deep financial mess. It is on the edge of bankrupt. Yet, you went ahead to tie up such a huge amount of capital when you know its chance of recovering is fifty percent. What kind of stockbroker are you dealing with?” His voice was full of condensation.

She looked at him for a moment and then dropped the half-smoked cigar into the ashtray before sitting back. She regarded him in silence for a moment longer.

“If you are hoping to scare me into withdrawing my offer, you are talking to the wrong person because I know exactly what I am doing.” She told him with a quiet confidence that grated on his nerves.

“That makes it obvious that you are not in this for the profit. Why else would you buy into a company that is almost going under? Are you aware that it was a private company? We had to go public because that seems the only way the company can survive and get back on its feet.” He paused for a moment. “Moreover, if I have been around when this decision was taken, I would have preferred those shares to be sold to someone who has interest in the business.” He gave her a direct stare. She stared back unflinchingly.

“So you are indirectly telling me I have no interest in business, isn’t it? Can you tell me what gave you this impression, Mr. Abeeb?” She raised an eyebrow to him.

“Well, are you interested in doing business with us or you have a hidden agenda, Miss Smith?” He asked with a tight-lipped smile.

“What do you have in mind, Mr. Abeeb?” She tapped her fingers impatiently on the glass top of the stool.

“You can give me an idea. Come off it, Delilah Smith or Fatihat Ali, whichever you are, you don’t need this partnering. There is no gain in it for you. Look for another way to indulge your whims.”

“Are you trying to tell me you can’t make it work? If you have so little faith in your father’s company getting back on its feet, then why are you there? What kind of businessman are you?” She asked as she steeped her slim fingers together.

“I see. Welcome on board ma.”He got to his feet and gave her a slight bow. “Since you now own half of the damn company, we are going to ride through the storm together. Is that okay with you? On the other hand, I can give you another option.” He decided to play his last card.

He hoped it would work and prayed that his instinct about this whole thing is wrong.

“Oh! What is your option?” She got to her feet, too.

“I want to offer you another form of distraction provided you will let go of the company shares.” He smiled indulgingly at her.

“What form of distraction might that be? I am curious.”
His eyes suddenly snapped to life as it roved over her from her hair down to her toes slowly in pure male approval and went back to meet her eyes again.

Fatihat felt thoroughly exposed and embarrassed, something she hadn’t felt in years in the presence of thousands of men.

“I can offer you a more fun-filled and charming distraction than getting involved in a run-down company. We both know we will enjoy it. I have not lost my touch over the years.” His smile was flirtatious.

“I didn’t know you have added the job of a gigolo to your resume. It shouldn't surprise me though. You have the look. However, I will consider your proposal and get back to you. I hope that is fine with you?” She bent and carefully removed a stick of cigar from its pack. She lit it and blew smoke quickly into the air.

His jaw tightened with anger but he made no comment.

“In the meantime, I already owned half of your father’s company. There is nothing you can do about that unless I decide to change my mind. I find it difficult to resist good looking men. Let’s call it a day. I will see you soon. Please see yourself out.” She wagged her fingers at him and walked out before he could utter another word.

*****
She was livid with rage by the time she got to her study room. Her foster sister, Josephine Bob has gone to school but it was a lecture-free day for her, so she has the house to herself in the main time.

She went into the kitchen to get herself something to eat while she thought of what next to do.

After taking breakfast, she went into her study room and sat down at her laptop. She inserted her flash drive and downloaded the file on the Abeebs’s family which her private detective had sent her a few days ago.
She went straight to the file titled ‘Tunde’s love life’.
Her lips tightened with displeasure and festering hatred as she went through it.

*****
Adenike Jacobs was the only daughter of a prominent senator in Lagos. She met her fiancée, Olatunde Abeeb during his twelve months masters programme in the United Kingdom while she was running her degree programme in the same university.

The meeting took place at a friend’s Get-together party. It was an instant attraction.

After the first meeting, they become quite inseparable. It was assumed that they would be getting married as soon as they get back in the country but things didn’t work out as planned.

On getting back to Nigeria, Tunde realized his father’s company was in a deep murky water of trouble. His father died a few months before he traveled out. He was supposed to take over his place in the company but his mother wanted him to get his master’s degree before he joined the company. She gave the reign to the company’s management board.

This turned out to be a great mistake because Mrs. Olayemi Abeeb realized quite too late that the company had been run into the ground by the so-called management team.

Tunde also found out to his horror that his mother has invested her capital in the last attempt to save the crumbling company, so he invariably put off his plan to get married and plunged in to save the company before it was too late.

*****
Fatihat studied the picture of Adenike Jacobs closely. She decided that she was not bad at all.

I’m so sorry, girlfriend; you won’t have him because I didn’t. Both of you are in for the shock of your life, she thought with a malicious grin.
*****

It was Friday. Tunde couldn’t wait to leave the office. He has spent the day in a series of strategic management meeting. He was exhausted.

He was also emotionally drained because he has needed to take some difficult decisions and asked for the resignation of some management staffs whose loyalty was no longer with the company.

He picked up his briefcase immediately after the last meeting and drove home.

‘Good evening, baba. Is Nike around yet?” He paused on his way into their compound and spoke to their gateman.

“No, sir. She is not in yet.” The elderly man answered, holding the gate opened.

“Thank you.” He drove in.

The man closed and locked the gate.

*****
Barely ten minutes later, the gateman heard the sound of the horn of another car and peeped to see a brand new tinted Cherokee jeep just outside the gate.

He came out of the side gate as the window glass on the driver’s side was rolled down. He caught his breath at the startlingly beautiful young lady who smiled at him.

A long thin veil wrapped around her head and neck and a black shade covered half of her face.

“Good evening sir. Please is hajia in the house right now?” She asked in a voice laced heavily with Hausa accent.
“No ma. She is not in but her son is in. will you like to see him?” The man smiled at her, completely charmed by her beauty.

“Thank you, sir” The glass window went up.

She drove in when he opened the gate and went straight to the back of the house where she pulled up. She tried not to be swamped by the memories of her stay in this house.

Barely minutes later, a short plump woman came to join her through the back door. She was the cleaner in the house. She looked furtively around before sneaking up to her car.

“He is in the shower right now. I am sure she will soon be here. I heard him talking to her on the phone.” She whispered to her.

“Thank you, Mama Ruth. I will take up the rest from here.” She gave her a bulky envelope. The elderly woman nearly fainted at the sight of so much cash.

“Don’t say anything. Just go home, you deserve it.” Fatihat got out of the car in the long silky button-down caftan she wore and locked the Car door.

She gave the woman a peck on the cheek and glided away while the woman stared after her with eyes blurring with tears.

*****
Nike took the staircase two at a time, shouting her fiancée’s name.

“Sweetheart, I’m home. Where are you?” She opened his bedroom door and got the shock of her life.

She stared at the naked woman in her fiancée’s bed who was fast asleep. The lady opened her eyes slowly and then, sat upright with a shocked expression on her face, clutching the blanket to her chest.

Nike was aware of the running shower in the background as she felt her fiery anger building gradually.

“Who are you?” She asked coldly as she advanced slowly towards her.

“I’m fatihat. Who are you?” Fatihat repeated the question as she stared right back.

“Darling, I will be with you in a moment.” Tunde said loudly, thinking he heard the door opened while the two ladies glared at each other.

“Can you hear that?” Fatihat cocked her head to the side and gave her an up-and-down appraisal which annoyed Nike immensely.

“Are you aware of the fact that you are in my fiancée’s bed?” She stood beside the bed and looked down at her.

Fatihat stretched slowly and practically purred.

“I could kill you, do you know that?” Nike sneered as she bent until their faces were a few inches from each other.

“Try it.” Her voice was deadly as she stared right back. Nike felt a shiver of fear ran down her spine.

The shower stopped. Tunde came out a few seconds later. His jaw dropped in shock when he encountered the gazes of the two furious ladies.

“What is going on here?” He whispered, at last, looking at fatihat, noting her naked back and stared back at Nike who was practically glaring at him.

“Well, will you say something?” Nike asked coldly, the anger in her been slowly replaced by a dull pain in her heart region.

“Fatihat, what are you doing in my bed? I thought …………..God!” He sat down on the edge of the bed, realizing with a sick feeling that his instinct was on track.
“So you know her, right? How long has this been going on?” Nike told him accusingly, her eyes filling with tears.

“I’ve never slept with her.” His denial ended weakly when fatihat cocked an eyebrow at him.

“Is that right? You’ve never slept with me?” Her voice was quiet as she sat back against the pillow.

“Please answer that question, Tunde. I want a Yes or No answer. Have you ever slept with her or not?” Nike asked in a trembling voice.

“It is not what you think, Nike. I just spoke to you a few hours ago. Why will I bring a woman in when I know you will be visiting at any time? Please give me a chance to explain myself.” He got to his feet and went towards her with a pleading look.

“Don’t come near me. I want to know what a naked woman is doing in your bed. Just answer my question. A simple Yes or No will do.” She held up her hand and stepped away from him.

“We all have our past, Nike. Dont you have yours?” He tried to bluster his way through.

“You forgot to tell me about this past that is lying naked in your bed right now. Please answer me” She pointed at her.

He dropped his hands in defeat. He stared down coldly at Fatihat for a moment where she was still lying on the bed. She returned the stare with a faint lift of her lips.

“Yes, I have slept with her but it is not the way you are thinking it. Please let me explain.” He pleaded desperately.

“That is all I need to know. Thank you very much, Olatunde Abeebs but you’ve not seen the last of me” She picked up her bag from where she dropped it in shock and turned towards the doorway.
“Nike, please wait. I knew her a long time ago.” He began pleadingly, reaching for her arm.

“How long is that?” she asked sarcastically as she snatched her arm away.

“We even have a baby, Nike. Please don’t waste your time with him because we are going to get married real soon. You can ask his mother if she knows me or not.” Fatihat smiled as she got out of bed and wrapped the blanket around herself.

“She is lying!”Tunde said in hot denial. He looked surprised when Nike gave him a resounding slap on his cheek.

“So your mother knows about this too? God, you are going to pay dearly for this! All of you in your family will pay very dearly. I will use everything in my power to fight you till I breathe my last.” She swore savagely and walked out of the room.

*****
Fatihat looked at Tunde and burst into a hearty laughter. He came towards her with menace. She dropped the blanket, revealing her nude form in only lacy scanty panties. His steps faltered and his fingers knotted into fists.

“I can kill you, fatihat Ali.”He gritted his teeth.

“You know I was considering your proposal after all.”She gave a stretch of her lithe, shapely body.

He realized with horror that his body was actually responding to the sight of her. He turned away abruptly and went to sit on the only sofa in his bedroom with his head in his palm. He felt as if his whole life had just shattered into pieces all around him.

Something else came to his mind as he looked up in time to see her picking up her handbag after buttoning up her caftan.

“Were you serious about that baby stuff or it is all part of your wicked scheme?” He asked with a narrow gaze. She stared at him for a moment and her sultry gaze grew very cold.

“Go and ask your mother.” She moved towards the door but he got to his feet and pulled her back.

“Are you serious?”The hand he laid on her arm was trembling. She shrugged it away.

“The battle line has just been drawn, Olatunde Abeeb, kindly deliver that message to your mother.” She told him and walked out of his room.

Tunde felt like fainting and went to sit down on his bed very slowly.


For your affordable flight tickets for both local and international trips within and outside Nigeria, Kindly contact @obolaji on twitter or send an email to obolaji2002@yahoo.com.
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Cheers!

Dear My People,

Happy valentine day in advance!

I am glad you guys enjoy reading my story titled 'TWIST OF FATE'

I hope you are going to enjoy reading 'BIRTHMARK' too.

It starts today.

Sit down, get your popcorn and start reading.

Cheers!

Thank you.

nastynic:
A SKILLFULLY CRAFTED EMOTIONAL ND INTERESTING PIECE....... The sky is Your Stepping Stone Ma'am

This is my account details oo. 2189591081. Olanrewaju kafayat mobolaji. Zenith. Thank you as i expect credit alert.

Hector09:
Job weldone ok send me ur acct details

Thank you for reading.

I am glad you enjoy it and learned from it.

I hope you enjoy the next story as well...sit tight!

It is loading already...

divinehand2003:
Nice story. Thank God I never missed an episode. Great piece I must confess. My heartfelt gratitude goes to BOLAPE for sharing this fairytale with us. Thanks for the moral lessons. I personally learnt a lot. We love you always.

Wishing you more grace to write more stories. Byes.

No, It is not.

It is a different story on its own.

Watch out!

oly0511:
wow!!! here we are nice story but hope birthmark is not the Continuation of twist of fate

Hello Guys,

How was your weekend?

This is the final chapter for TWIST OF FATE.

Hope you enjoy it? The e-book will be out soon and will let you know as soon as it is ready.

Be on the lookout for the next story, 'BIRTHMARK'

Have a great week ahead!

Cheers!

TWIST OF FATE: # 32

‘He has a visitor, Lizzy. I shouldn't have come to Lagos. It was a big mistake.' Rebecca told her sister with a smile that didn't reach her eyes. Her lips trembled to her horror and she turned sharply on her heels, heading out of the office.
‘Becky, wait, please. I didn't know he has a visitor.' Elizabeth hurried after her elder sister but she didn't slow her pace.
‘I will see you later. I can't talk now.' Rebecca's voice cracked with tears, and then she broke into a run.
The pedestrian gate was opened when she approached the company entrance as a staff just walked in. She ran through the gate to the consternation of the security guards on duty and crossed the road without checking for oncoming vehicles in her haste to get away.
The Car screeched to an abrupt stop but not before she was hit with a gentle thud and she went down like a log.
‘No!' Elizabeth screamed in horror as she ran onto the road.
The car driver put the Car into a reverse and drove away at top speed.
***************
Joseph was a few feet behind Elizabeth and felt as if his heart had come to a sudden stop as he witnessed the accident. He walked back into the company premises to give orders to the security guys on duty before turning around to join Elizabeth where she was holding her sister to her chest, crying in earnest.
‘How bad is it?' He crouched beside her.
‘Go away. Don't touch her. This is your fault, you arrogant baboon.' She screamed at him, batting away his hand away as he tried to touch Rebecca.
‘I am sorry. I am truly sorry. I hope she will be alright?' His voice trembled as he stared down at the still figure on her lap. She looked too still for his peace of mind.
Blood trickled from a cut on her forehead.
‘If anything happened to her, I will never forgive you.' She spat distastefully at him.
‘I will never forgive myself.' He mumbled under his breath as the sound of the company's siren cut through the air.
The van pulled up beside them and the ever-ready paramedics came down to lift Rebecca's limp body into the van.
Elizabeth rode with her at the back of the van while Joseph ran back into the compound to get his Car. He followed the siren and was soon driving closely behind the fast-moving van. Jumbled prayers ran through his mind as he speeds dialed, Andrew.
‘I am in trouble, Andy' He said hoarsely, sticking close to the Van, even as other motorist blared their horns angrily at him.
‘What is the problem? Becky?' Andrew guessed right.
‘You are right.' He told him what happened.
‘You messed up, guy. I thought you have discarded the babe long before now.' Andrew's disgust was obvious.
‘I thought so too. I swear the woman is like a leech. It is as if she has an informant in the company. She always turned up immediately I stepped my feet on Lagos soil. I am glad she doesn't know where I stay. I am sure she would have packed her baggage and moved in.' He complained bitterly.
‘That served you right for everything you put Becky through. I sincerely hope she is alright?'
‘I hope so too. I know I overreacted. I was so angry.' He sighed resignedly.
‘Do let me know how she is faring when you get to the hospital. I may pop in tomorrow morning.'
‘Thanks. Give my love to Bella and Stanley.' He put an end to the call as he drove into the hospital premises.

***************
Elizabeth was pacing the waiting room like a caged tiger when he walked in.
‘Where is she? Who is attending to her?' He asked anxiously.
‘She has been taken to the emergency room for treatment. I can't remember the name of the Doctor on duty.' Her voice was hostile.
‘What is Becky doing in Lagos?' He asked curiously.
‘She has been looking for ways to talk to you in person since you threatened to take her son away from her and then disappeared off the surface of the earth. I informed her when I learned you would be coming to the office today. She arrived yesterday evening and stayed in my house. I regretted giving her that information' she muttered bitterly.
‘How did you know I will be in the office today?' The level of his curiosity increased as he turned to stare at her in surprise.
‘Does it matter? I have my sources.' She mumbled as she walked away from him. He watched her closely. ‘What the hell happened in there?' She narrowed her eyes at him. He sighed heavily.
‘She met Barbara in my office. I have broken up with the girl but she took that unfortunate time to kiss me goodbye.' He scrubbed his palm down his face in a weary gesture. She scowled at him.
‘That bitch again?' Her scowl deepened as she turned to him. ‘Are you trying to hurt my sister just because you thought she deliberately kept your son away from you?' Her scowl turned into a frown.
‘No. How will I know she will be in my office today of all days? I had every intention of getting back home today to meet her. That was why I was rushing through all my schedules.' He sat on the edge of the seats in the waiting room, his shoulders hunched forward with his hands dangling between his legs. ‘I was hurt. I was furious that I have missed almost five years of my son's years on earth.' He closed his eyes briefly.
‘I thought you love her? If you truly do, you will find it in your heart to forgive her. It was circumstances beyond her control.'
‘I know. I realized that now and I hope I am not too late.' His voice grew hoarse and he coughed to clear it.
‘I hope so too, especially in her present condition.' She sighed forlornly.
‘What condition are you talking about?' His eyes sharpened as he looked at her.
‘I hope my mouth won't put me in trouble one day.' She mumbled to herself.
His eyes narrowed at her as he got to his feet.
Fortunately, the doctor came out of the emergency ward at that moment and she breathed a sigh of relief as she moved forward.
‘Good afternoon, Mr. Coker' He beamed at him as he held out his hand and Joseph gave him a firm handshake.
‘Good afternoon, Doctor. How is your family?' Joseph smiled at him.
‘We thank God. Do you know the young lady in there?' He asked curiously.
‘Yes, Doc. She is my fiancée. Is she going to be alright?' He asked with concern.
‘She is very lucky indeed, especially with her condition. She is well stabilized now and no longer unconscious. She has slipped into normal sleep.' He assured him.
‘What condition are you talking about?' He frowned as he looked at Elizabeth who refused to meet his gaze.
‘She is pregnant. Thank God the baby wasn't hurt.' The Doctor smiled at him.
‘My God!' He whispered in awe.
‘Congratulations sir!' The Doctor pumped his hand enthusiastically, smiling widely.
‘Thank you, sir.' He said in a dazed voice, feeling dizzy.
‘The Nurses will let you know when to see her. We will prepare the bill and sent it as usual.' He walked away to attend to other patients.
**************
He moved to sit down as if he was sleep-walking. She nearly died because of my foolishness! I would have lost her and lost my baby as well. The thought went round and round his head.
He closed his eyes and groaned out loud.
‘Are you angry again?' Elizabeth asked tentatively as she sat beside him.
‘Angry?' He looked at her. ‘I nearly lose her. I hope she finds it in her heart to forgive me.' His voice was full of despair. She breathed a visible sigh of relieve.
‘You, guys will be fine. I will go and harass those nurses a bit so I can see her.' Elizabeth walked away to the nurse station.
He continued staring into space for several minutes longer.
***************
Sunlight filtered in through the open blinds and caressed her eyelids. They fluttered open slowly and it took her a few moments to realize where she was.
‘Good morning, Miss Badmus. How are you this morning?' The slim nurse greeted her with a smile.
She frowned as she tried to sit up and winced slightly when pain radiates down her right leg. She sat back with a whoosh as the nurse put a restraining hand on the shoulder.
‘Take it easy. You have a sprain in your leg and few bruises on your back. You are very lucky indeed.' She said soothingly as she went about her business of cleaning the wound and putting fresh bandages and ointment.
‘Your breakfast will be here shortly. I will come back to give you your injections and medications after you have eaten.' The nurse picked up her tray and turned to leave. ‘Good morning Sir. You are welcome.' The nurse addressed Joseph who was standing just inside the room, with a smile.
‘Good morning, Nurse. Thank you. How is she this morning?' He returned the smile.
‘She is improving. She just needed to rest more for the wound to heal nicely. She is good as new.' The nurse smiled at Rebecca to include her in the conversation but her gaze was on Joseph.
‘I am happy to hear that.' He hides a yawn behind his palm. He looked tired.
‘You should try and get some rest, Mr. Coker. I am sure dozing in a plastic chair is not the best way to spend the night.' Her smile was full of understanding.
‘It is not. I will get the much-needed rest as soon as Elizabeth comes in this morning. I appreciate your empathy.' He smiled at her.
‘You are welcome, sir.' She went out of the room.
Rebecca wasn't aware tears were running down her face until he sat beside her on the bed.
‘Please don't cry. I am sorry, Becky. I didn't mean to hurt you.' He took her cold palm in his and kissed the back.
‘Who was that woman you were kissing?' She blurted out.
‘I wasn't kissing her. She kissed me and it was a goodbye kiss. I dated her briefly before we met again. Please believe me.' She searched his gaze for several moments before she sighed audibly.
‘How are you feeling now?' He asked quietly.
‘Dizzy. Lighthearted. I am hungry but I have no appetite.' She closed her eyes tiredly.
‘Is it because of the baby?' He asked quietly. Her eyes flew open and she stared at him.
‘How do you know about the baby?' She frowned at him.
‘The Doctor told me. He is a good friend of the family.' He smiled at her.
‘You are not angry about it?' Her voice sounded unsure. He sighed heavily.
‘I have been such an animal that everyone believed the worse of me. Why will I be angry because you are carrying my baby? I love you, Becky. I really do.' He looked into her eyes tenderly.
‘You were angry when you found out about Michael. I didn't keep him from you deliberately. I am sorry I hurt you but it was never intentional.' Her eyes were full of remorse.
‘I know. I realized that when I sat down enough to think it through or better still when Titi talked some sense into my head. I took the next flight back to Nigeria after dropping Michael with Rose. I am sorry, Love.' He caressed her cheek.
‘Promise me you won't get angry at me like that again. It was terrifying.' She rubbed her cheek against his palm.
‘I promise. Will you marry me now? I want to wake up beside you every morning.' He pulled out a box from his trouser and flipped it open.
‘You are so sure I am going to take you back?' She teased as she stared down at the glinting ring.
‘No, I bought it on my last trip before I find out about Michael. We have wasted too much time. Destiny has brought us back together and I don't want to lose this opportunity again. Please marry me and complete my life.' He pleaded solemnly as he took her hand and put the ring where her wedding rings used to be.
‘I hope I am woman enough to keep my man this time around.' Her lips trembled as she stared at her ring.
‘I am not going anywhere. You are stuck with me forever if you will have me.' He told her fiercely.
‘It is simple and beautiful. I love it. I love you.' She turned her full smile on him.
‘You are so cheap, Becky. You ought to make this man suffer till kingdom come.' An amused voice said from the doorway. They both turned to see Andrew grinning at them.
‘You are such a bastard, Andy.' Joseph glared at him as he got to his feet.
‘He was begging for my love. I just took pity on him.' Rebecca laughed heartily.
‘How are you, sweet? Congratulations.' Andrew went to hug her.
‘Thank you. I appreciate you for everything.' She hugged him back.
‘You deserved the best and more, dear.' He drew back and sat beside her. ‘ Bella and Bobo sent their love.' He smiled at her.
‘I will get that breakfast, Becky. I am starving.' Joseph announced as he left the room but they didn't pay him any heed as they chatted with each other.


For your affordable flight tickets for both local and international trips within and outside Nigeria, Kindly contact @obolaji on twitter or send an email to obolaji2002@yahoo.com.
A personalized service is a guarantee. Thank you.


THE END

Amen. Thank you.

ogunholla:
oh sorry about this. hope you didn't spank him? God will make a way for you to repair it.

Thank you. I appreciate your kind words.

Tobennz:
So sorry 4 bin a ghost reader 4 a very lng tym...
Dnt waver, 4 d Lord shall provide all ur nids ....
Kip t up.... Thumbs up

Dear All,

I will need your patience for now.

My boy stepped on my laptop and the screen is spoilt. It is quite expensive to replace.

Kindly bear with me for now.

Cheers!

Thank you for the feedback guys. I appreciate.

The story is gradually coming to an end and another is cooking in the cooler. LOL!

Keep your fingers crossed!

Enjoy your week!

Thank you. God bless you too.

Jowise:
It will be a bad thing if I don't say sumfin about dis story......am in love wit dis story had to cum out of my ghost mode because of dis story God bless the writer

CHAPTER 31

‘Ola mi, what are you going to do about the issue on the ground? He is locking everyone out. I can't even penetrate the wall he built around himself. He refused to talk to me.' Naomi faced her husband at the breakfast table. Olayemi sighed heavily.
‘I am worried, mum. He is not talking to me too. Becky has been here several times but he refused to see her. The poor woman is dying inside.' Titilola's voice was worried. She was also angry at her brother.
‘It is partly her fault. Why did she keep his son away from him?' Olayemi asked angrily. Naomi glared at him and he shut his mouth.
‘Naomi, I can't even reach him. He has decided to take on the project at Coker group in the U.K and he is out of the country at the moment.' He gave her an apologetic look.
‘He didn't even bother to tell me. What is wrong with this boy?' Naomi's jaw dropped in shock.
‘He is an adult. He is old enough to take certain decisions on his own. He will sort himself out eventually. I don't think we should interfere in what is not even our business.' He muttered to himself and tried not to squirm under the disapproving gaze of the two precious women in his life.
‘Mum, please give me permission to take two weeks off. I promise to find him and talk some sense into his head.' Titilola turned to Naomi as if her father was spouting rubbish.
‘Thank you, dear. I appreciate you. When do you want to leave?' Naomi's smile was full of gratitude.
‘Give me few days to tidy up my desk and I will be out of the country.' Titilola grinned at her.
Naomi came around the table and hugged her to the bosom. She placed a kiss on her forehead.
‘Don't sweat it, mum. He is my brother. I am off to the store.' Titi smiled as she pulled her seat back and took her plate to the kitchen.
‘Ease up, Ife mi. They will be fine.' Olayemi drew her unto his lap and hugged her tightly. She sighed audibly.
‘I am so worried about him, about her and I just wish I can knock their heads together so they will come to their senses.' She rubbed her cheek against his as he hugged her close.
‘They will be fine. Trust me.' He smiled at her.
***************
Elizabeth snatched up her phone on the second ring and flipped the green button with her thumb.
‘Rose, how are you?' She was smiling.
‘I am in trouble. He has come to take Michael while I was away. What am I going to tell Becky?' Rose's distraught voice reached her ear.
‘I take it you mean Joseph right?' She asked for lack of something to say.
‘Who else am I talking about? He was so hostile, cold and angry when I spoke to him. He promised to return him if the kid is not his.' Rose wailed into the phone.
Elizabeth sighed heavily, rubbing her forehead wearily.
‘I never knew he was capable of such cold fury. The resemblance is so strong you can't even arrest him for kidnapping.'
‘That will make matter worst. I don't even want to go down that lane. Alex is blaming me for everything. He said Becky deserved what he got for denying him the right to his biological son. Men are pigs!' Her voice was full of disgust.
Elizabeth laughed, despite herself.
‘I will talk to his sister, Titilola. She is a very good friend of mine. Please try not to tell Becky anything for now. She is a shadow of herself. I think she is also expecting another baby but she refused to discuss it with anyone.'
‘Jesus!' Rose exclaimed. ‘I will start praying hard. I am going to mass this evening.' She added.
Elizabeth laughed again harder.
‘You are such a clown, Rose. I will talk to you later. My boss is glaring at me already.' She coughed lightly as she put an end to the call.
***************
Damn, I have forgotten how cold this dreadful country could be. She thought angrily as she pulled the jacket close with her gloved hand and pressed down on the security bell.
‘Good morning miss. How may I help you?' A thick British accent voice asked gruffly. She knew she was being thoroughly scrutinized by a camera.
‘I came to visit my brother. My name is Titilola Coker. It is a surprise visit, so I don't want him to know I am here until I am on his doorstep.' She blew warm air into her gloved hand.
‘You are welcome, Miss Coker.' The door slides open and she stepped into the warm foyer.
She sighed with relief and the elderly security guard whose name tag was ‘Mark' smiled at her.
‘Cold morning, huh?' He grinned at her.
‘I don't like your country, Mr. Mark. It is too cold for my liking. Come down to Nigeria and experience all year round summer.' She flashed him an answering smile.
‘I wish to visit your country, even if it is just once in my lifetime.' He murmured wistfully. ‘Mr. Coker is in Apartment 10 on the 7th floor.' He smiled at her.
‘Thank you, Mr. Mark' She went into the elevator and pressed the 7th-floor button.
‘Who is it?' A childish voice answered a few moments later when she pressed the bell. She saw his eyes through the peephole before a shriek followed.
‘Aunt Lola!' Michael flew into her arms immediately he threw the door opened.
‘I miss you, cupcake. How have you been?' She hugged him tight and kissed his cheek.
‘I miss you too. How is my mum? I miss her.' He grinned at her.
‘I am sure your mum misses you too.' She put him down as she cocked an accusing brow at her brother who stood a few feet away from them with a frown.
‘How did you find me?' His voice was unwelcoming.
‘I was born and bred in this country, Opemiposi. I know the nooks and cronies of this city and finding you is quite easy. How are you, brother?' She went to kiss his cheek.
‘Aunt Titi, come and have breakfast. I am having Toast and bacon.' Michael told her as he went back to his breakfast.
‘I will join you soon. I need to talk to my brother.' She smiled at him.
‘Michael, take your breakfast to the room. I will join you soon to play a game.' Joseph smiled at her.
The little boy obeyed without another word.
***************
‘Why are you here?' His voice wasn't friendly.
‘Let's cut the crap, brother. Do two wrongs make a right? Why did you kidnap the little boy? Why did you separate him from his mother?' She rocked on her heels as she stared frostily at him.
‘This is none of your business. You have no right to interfere. Secondly, he is already away from his mother on vacation, so I didn't separate him from his mother.' He told her coldly.
‘He has no business being here with you. He is supposed to be with Rose and Caitlin. You also told his mother she won't be seeing him if he is yours. Is he?' She cocked her head to a side.
‘Yes, he is mine. I didn't make an idle threat. I have a right to the number of years his mother deprived me of his childhood.' He snapped at her.
‘That means you want to punish the innocent little boy for what his mother did, right? You know he is missing her already. Is that the only way to solve this?' she asked pointedly.
‘Go away. This is none of your business.' He glared at her, even as guilty conscience stabbed at him.
‘That woman is suffering, Opemiposi. Please give her a chance to explain and find it in your heart to forgive. She went through hell in her first marriage. Must you put her through this too?' She appealed to his conscience.
‘Stop talking as if I am the one at fault.' He stormed away from her and came to a standstill when he saw Michael standing a few feet away from them.
‘Are you my real dad?' He raised innocent eyes to him.
‘Damn!' Joseph looked at Titilola for help. She rolled her eyes skyward and covered the distance between them.
‘Yes, cupcake. He is your real dad. Will you like to confirm from your mum?' She drew him into his embrace but his eyes were on Joseph.
‘I thought my real dad is in jail.' Oh God! This boy knows too much, she thought forlornly.
‘Let's talk to your mum instead.' She sat on the warm rug and pulled him unto her lap as she video called Rebecca.
‘Hi, mummy. I miss you.' Michael grinned into the camera.
‘I miss you too, darling. How are you? Where are you?' Rebecca's voice cracked with tears but she was smiling. Joseph walked away from them, pacing the room restlessly.
‘I am with Uncle Joe. Aunt Titi is here.'
‘Hello, Doctor Williams.' She smiled into the camera. They have become good friends during her frequent visits to their home to look for Joseph.
‘I will punch you from here, Titi.' She made a fist into the camera. They all laughed.
‘You look pale, Becky. Are you alright?'
‘I am fine. Thank you for this. I appreciate you.'
‘You are welcome.'
‘Mum, is Uncle Joe my real dad?' Michael asked quietly.
Rebecca visibly inhaled and breathed out slowly. Titi's heart went out to her.
‘Yes, love. He is your real dad.'
‘That is so cool.' He grinned excitedly. ‘But who is my dad in the jail?' he asked with a frown.
‘It is complicated, love. I used to know Joseph before I got married to the dad in jail. I find out I was pregnant after marriage. By then, I and Joseph didn't see each other any longer until now.' She smiled at him.
‘Okay, mum. I don't like my other dad anyway. Uncle Joe is cool. Bye, mum. I love you' He scrambled off Titi's Laps and went to hug Joseph.
‘I love you too, son.' She murmured.
‘Everything will be alright, Becky.' Titi smiled at her.
‘I hope so. I don't know why I am so weepy these days.' She sniffed as tears filled her eyes.
She covered her mouth as she coughed discreetly.
‘Go away, Titi.' She went offline. She laughed heartily as she looked up to see her brother standing a few feet away.
‘What is wrong with her?' He asked with concern.
‘Have you lost her number? Shift,please. I want to eat. I am hungry.' She walked away to the kitchen.
He stared after her in exasperation.
***************
Joseph got to Nigeria the previous night on British Airways flight and resumed in the Lagos office the following morning. He had every intention of catching Overland last minute flight to Ilorin that evening.
He spent the morning in meeting with the heads of department and started working on his reports for the board at noon.
He was halfway through when his door opened and Barbara walked in.
He groaned inwardly and sat back with a frown.
‘Where is my secretary?' His voice was harsh but he tried to soften it with a half smile.
‘I guess she went for lunch. I didn't call because you weren't picking my calls. What is happening to us, Joseph?' She asked with a worried frown as she came around the desk to stand in front of him.
He sighed heavily.
‘I have nothing to offer you, Babs. My heart belonged to another woman and I just find out she has a kid for me.' He flipped his phone and showed her Michael's picture.
‘He is adorable. He is also your spitting image.' Her lips curved up sadly as she stared at the image of the grinning boy. A lone tear rolled down her flawless cheek and she flicked it away with a painted nail.
‘I am sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you.' He got to his feet and drew her into his embrace.
‘I should have seen it coming. All the signs were there but I didn't listen to my head.' She sobbed quietly as she clung to him. ‘I was just a pastime to you, right?' she murmured.
She was right but he didn't answer as he patted her back gently, even as he glanced at his wristwatch impatiently behind her back.
‘I wish you the best. I hope you keep in contact?' It was a question as she drew back to cup his cheek.
‘Sure, I will.' He lied with a smile.
‘Thank you.' She kissed him on the mouth with a passion which reminded him of the reason he was attracted to her in the first place.
The door opened. Rebecca walked in and their eyes met across the distance.
‘I am in trouble.' He whispered as he pulled himself away from the kiss with more force than was necessary.
‘Excuse me. No one was at the front desk. I am sorry for intruding.' Rebecca inclined her head and withdrew from the room, closing the door behind her.
‘Becky, wait!' He ran to the door but Barbara pulled him back.
‘Is she the one?' Her voice was cold.
‘Yes, she is. Get the hell out of my life please.' He stated sharply as he pulled away and hurried out of the office.

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