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Damex I see ya....
Hahahahaha @ Tomeseen, cool ya temper please. Tony is a kul guy you know...

@ everyone sorry for mixing the names Tony and David, i'm so used to David that's why...ama try to stick to Tony. Thanks.

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"Ijoba Orun, lere oni..."
Lara's phone rang waking her up rudely from her nap. She squinted at her phone's screen- 'Mummy' was all she could see.

"Hello?" she said in a sleepy voice.

"Iwon omo buru yen, what on earth is your problem?" Funke -her mother screamed into her ears.

"Mummy, is anything the problem?" she rubbed her eyes.

"Nonsense!" came her mother's reply.
"People use what they have to get what they want in life, is anything wrong if I give my only daughter out to a rich family?" Her sounded aggressive.

Lara glanced at her phone screen again in terror, before placing back to her ear.
"Mummy, If I did something wrong, just tell me..." she began to say softly.

"Do I need to remind you of your deeds? You've become disrespectful, you no longer cook for your husband, you're even threatening to leave your matrimonial home!" her mother queried.

"But..mum..."

"No buts, sho gbo? Rubbish! And let me remind you, don't just come to my house if your husband divorces you due to your stubborness." he mother shouted again.

Lara bit her lower lip.
"Mum...."
the line went dead.

She stared at her phone in silence, what kind of life is this? Tony had told her mother fake stories about her. How can her mother be this selfish? She pondered.

"Hello..." Tony intoned behind her.

She turned sharply, her eyes widened, how did he get there?

"So are you ready to turn a new leaf?" he wore a mischievous smile.

She pursed her lips, fidgeting at her dress.

"Go make me a mug of choco." he ordered walking out of her room.

She swallowed hard, she felt her heart split. She ran her fingers gently on her chest.
"It's well, I'll survive, somehow, anyhow, one day, it'll be over." she whispered to herself as she fought to keep back tears.

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Lara wiped her hands on her apron, she pushed the flask of food away from her, before proceeding to peel some plantains.
Tony had called her earlier, to make a meal for two, as he was bringing a guest home.
Whoever the guest was? She shrugged.

She began setting the table when the door bell rang, she rushed to open it.

"Welcome" she said as Tony brushed past her.

She turned to look at the guest, she almost mistook the guest to be a male.

"Good day." Lara said softly.

The guest was wearing a trouser suit, she was masculine, her hair cut very low. If not for the earrings, she could be called a male.

"Hy," the guest said coldly.

"Errm, Sophy, have a seat, make yourself comfortable.." Tony began to say.

"Not so fast, won't you introduce me to her?" the guest said with a low laugh.

"Welll...okay..., sophy, meet my Illiterate wife- Lara, errrm, Lara meet my cutie pie-sophia." he chuckled.

Sophia laughed out loud.
"Well Lara, I've heard alot about you..." she extended her hand for a shake.

Lara shook her head in pain, she didn't take sophia's hand. She began counting her toes.

"Errm, sophy darling, lets proceed to the dining area, I believe she should have set the table by now ." Tony led Sophia towards the dinning room..

Lara watched them from the corner of her eyes, her eyes stung her as tears rolled down her cheeks.

"Hmm, she cooks well..." sophia said eating in mouth fulls.

"Oh yes! And that's the main reason I'm still keeping her, else, she should be in her parents house by now" Tony said loudly.

"Oh sweerie, that was too rude..." Sophia laughed.

Lara walked lightly into her room, she went on her knees. Is this real? She thought.

She felt she needed to talk to somebody. Her mum was out of question, Deji isn't in town for now. She decide to pray, though she doesn't belive in prayers.

"God..." she looked towards heaven.

"I know you can see all that's happening, do I deserve such treatments?" she sniffed.

"I have no one to talk to, nowhere to go...you are all I have now...my father is no more..." she sobbed.

"I heard you are a father to the fatherless, don't forsake me O'Lord....help me dear father...." her body shook with sobs.

She laid on the hard floor, she liked its coldness, it gave her some sort of comfort.

Tony isn't a human being...she thought. He is either a beast or the devil himself. He dared bring his mistress into their home...he knew there's nothing she could do.

Sorry for the late update. Thanks for ya understanding. @ white mosquite sowi for d mistakes, promise to take note

Thanks alot @ Humming Bed.
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Lara sprayed some perfume on her skippy nightie, she walked to her mirror again.
"Hmm yummy! Plan number four on point!" she laughed before proceeding to Tony's room.

She opened the door gently, she peeped first before walking into the room.
Tony was lying down on the kingsized bed, the covers were drawn half-way stoping at his waist. His chest was bare revealing his 'Six-packs' features. She craved to touch, but that isn't on her list.

She came here to discuss something important-their marriage.
She crawled beside him, his breathing was slow and steady.
So this man can sleep?! She thought.

She shifted closer to him, how would she wake him up? She felt like a rat trying to bell a cat.
She touched his arm slightly and...

Tony's eyes shot open, his face transformed into a scowl.

"Sorry to disturb you..." Lara said in a shaky voice.

"What do you want?" he growled

Lara's lips moved but no words came

"Damn it!" he sat up.

"Can't I sleep again? Can't you gerrit into your brain that I need to rest? This illiterate girl is something else! Is s-ex a necessity?" he yelled at her.

"No..I..was ..was...was..just..." Lara moved away from him terrified.

"Get outta my sight!" he barked at her.

Lara scampered out of the room full of fear and hate, she threw her self on her bed and wept.
What would she do? She had tried all she can? Besides its not that she's interested in the marriage too, but she had to do this for her mother.

He called her an illiterate! She sobbed some more.
She was definitely going to show him, Illiterates can go crazy to! She wiped her tears, wishing for sleep to come.


::::::*****
The sun rays bathed her room. She glanced at the wall-clock, 7:30 am.
She stretched lazily on her bed. She had her plans on mind, no more cooking till further notice.

"Lara!" Tony banged her door.

Devil! She hissed pulling the blanket over her head.

"Lara!!" Tony banged some more, louder.

Nonsense, are you hungry? She hissed again.

"Lara?" Tony said walking into the room.
She didn't move, she remained motionless on her bed.

"Lara!" he shook her roughly.

"Uhm? Uhm? What is it?" she muttered pretending to be just waking up.

He pointed at the wall clock. Her eyes followed his hand, then back at his face.

"Ehen? So?" she asked with a frown.

Tony felt like squeezing her lips
"Are you daft or something? Don't you know I'm running late for work? Where's my breakfast?" his voice was fierce.

"Illiterates don't know how to cook!" She quipped, lying back on her bed.

David glared at her, his eyes bloodshot
He pulled off the bed angrily, throwing her on the hard floor.

Lara shrieked in pain, she stood up to face him.
"where's my breakfast?" he barked


"I'm fed up Tony! Did you hear me? I won't cook in this house anymore! Go and get a girl with masters degree to cook for you!" She screamed at him.

He charged at her, she didn't move, she just stood there rooted.

He stoped facing her, he brought his face close to hers
"If you don't cook in this house, then you should be ready to go back to your parents!" he told her.

"Hehehehe! Wonder shall never end!" she clapped her hands eyeing him derisively.

"This is an opportunity I've been waiting for.." she laughed.

"Really?" he sneered

"Yes o! Wait and see If I will not leave! Do you think you are the only man in the world?" she told him.

Lara flung her wardrobe open, and started throwing some clothes into a bag. She started singing loudly.
"I'm coming home, I'm coming home, tell the world I'm coming home..."

Tony watched her for a while, before leaving the room. He chuckled as he walked to his car.

This girl is crazy! He thought.
He had to stop her from leaving, he suddenly felt he had a soft spot for her.

"my oga, good moni!" Adamu- the gateman greeted him as he drove out.

He beckoned to Adamu, who walked up to him smiling.
"Errm, Adamu, do not let Lara out of the house. Make sure you lock the gate properly. Gerrit?"

"Yes my oga!" Adamu waved at him.

Atleast, he would stop her from leaving! Tony thought quitely as he drove away.

Thanks to ya'all for your encouragement.

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Lara gazed at her full length at the mirror; satisfied by what she saw, she smiled to herself.
She smoothened the hips of her flimsy knee length gown, she loved her hips, its one of her greatest physical asset.

"Hmmm can't wait!" she told herself excitedly as she oiled her cornrows.
She should have fixed a weavon or plaited some braids as her friend-Deji had adviced, but she isn't a fan of those artificial stuffs, she preferred to go natural.

"What's lacking?" she asked her beautiful reflection.

"Nothing more, just to wait for the man." she chuckled.

Tony, her husband, would be back home, after spending five good months overseas on his so called 'business trips'.
Their marriage was barely a year, and Tony has spent more than half of it travelling. She hissed.

Their's was an arranged marriage, she had met Tony for the first time on their wedding day. She remembered how harsh he was on that day.
She shuddered at the thought.

He had always gave excuses when it comes to making love. He had never touched her, not even a kiss...

The door bell rang, interrupting her thoughts.

"Yea baby! Time for action!" she said excitedly as she catwalked to the door.

"Hey...welcome back home!" she said pleasantly as he walked in.

"Thank you!" Tony mumbled.

She tried to hug him, but he stoped her
"Please!" he raised his hands.

She swallowed hard, plan number one failed. Next plan...

"Errmm, why don't you take a cold shower? You must be tired after such a long journey...errmm, I'd be setting the table..so that errm...you can eat." Lara said with a sweet smile.

Tony ignored her, instead, he walked past her into his room.
Lara followed him with her eyes.
What was she gonna do, he still hates her this much. She sighed heavily sitting at the edge of a sofa.

She was lost in her thoughts when Tony's phone rang sharply. She stared at the phone as it vibrated on the center table, she was tempted to pick it but couldn't, Tony had warned her severally never to pick his calls.

"Hello Baby?" Tony said into the phone catching Lara's attention.

"Yea, just arrived few minutes ago." he said again.

Lara swallowed hard. Baby? Did he just call another woman baby?

"No no no! That's not true baby, you know I'll miss you more." Tony said again.

Lara rose sharply, she felt her anger rose, this was a disrespect to the highest order.

"Yea love, ama call ya later. Okay? Take care sweerie." he cooed softly before ending the call.

He turned to Lara who glaring at him.
"Why don't you get me my food, instead of you standing there like a palm tree?" he said scornfully.

"Who is she?" Lara blurted out.

" 'she' is not your business i-diot!" He snapped at her.

"Now move your bum into the kitchen!" he ordered.

Lara walked quitely into the kitchen, she was no longer angry but scared. She was scared of something she couldn't fathom.
Well, she won't give up, plan number three...

"so do you like the food?" she asked as she watched Tony eat up his food in mouthfuls.

"Your mum told me its your favourite dish." she added not minding his rude silence.

Tony coughed slightly, gulped down some water.
"Please Lara, let me eat in peace! Do I need to choke?" his voice was harsh.

"But..I..." she looked confused.

Tony rolled his eyes.
"I wonder why this illiterate girl can't just let me be!" He muttered at the Bewildered Lara.

"Can't you gerrit that I don't talk while eating? Didn't your mother teach you table manners?" he asked angrily.

"I'm sorry." Lara mumbled leaving the dinning area. Tears clouded her eyes, she looked visibly scared.

Tony watched her leave, he felt sorry for her. He shouldn't treat her that way, he knew! But he just hated the marriage, he was forced into it by his parents.
She was beautiful and lovable, but his anger has already taken over his heart.

His food became tasteless, he hated to see beautiful girls cry.

Thanks alot hon @ splendblex.

Hey Bigsholly, wish ya all da best in ya exams o. Take kia

Hey guys, another story coming up. Please your advice are needed.
Story begins tonight.
With love from Bukky Dan

Thanks Tovot, candis and Damex.#big hugs#.
It aint a true life story, just one of my silly imaginations

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I got into the car beside him, waited for some minutes for him to say something. Each time I turned I met his probing gaze...

"You didn't call me here to stare at me right?" I said avoiding his eyes.

"Yea and nay." he chuckled.

I don become this guy playmate shebi? I asked myself.

" Look,I've got something important to..."

"That thing can wait!" he cut me short.

"Teju..." he began softly.
I felt my heart melt.

"I want us come together as one, you know too well how much I've wanted you as my half..."

"For Eniola's sake right?" I heard my self say

"C'mon that's cold! Count Eniola out of this. We've been together before Eniola came...." he continued.

" we weren't together, you left me when..." I began to say.

"I didn't leave you!" he cut me
"I left for school, If I had known you were pregnant-I'd have stayed back." he tried to explain.

"Now, what do you want?" I folded my hands across my chest.

"I want us to get married." he replied in a husky voice.

"Married?" I laughed.

He nodded saying
"Please..."

"I don't know." I said quitely.

"What don't you know?" He teased

"I...I...need some time to think." I replied trying to get out of the car.

"Teju.." he gripped my arm.

"You and I know, you don't need to think. We both know we love each other and would want to be together forever." he said quitely.

I open my mouth to speak but couldn't. He was right, I love him. He was my dream man!
I exhaled sharply.

"Is that a yes?" he mumbled, his hands drawing imaginary shapes on my laps.

I pushed his hands roughly away.

"Thank you for accepting me Baby." He said sweetly, swaying towards me.

I shifted to the extreme end of the seat, pressing myself against the door.

"Love you baby." He pulled me towards him.

"No, David don't...." His kiss stoped the remaining words

"We can't do this." I moaned catching my breathe.

"Can't do what?" he teased, nibbling at my ear lobes.

I felt his hands sliding underneath my dress...I took a swift journey to heaven within a few seconds and came back.

I could feel his hips pressing against mine...what more could I ask for?

"David please..." I tried to break free.
He let me go smilimg lazily.

"When last did we..."
I hurried out of the car before he could complete his sentence.
I could hear him laugh, I wanted to laugh too.

I needed to tell Maami everything, we're getting married. She'd get ready to become a mother-in-law.

My princess Eniola would have a family, probably with two or more brothers.

All is well that ends well.
Who says life isn't sweet? It sure is very sweet, more than honey.

Its MY LIFE, I've lived it in an advebturous way, now I'm gonna have a happy ending.

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****THE END****



Thanks guys for reading through my story, thanks for all ya encouragements and patience. God bless ya all.

Oh prisi...
#short of words#

Hey splendblex...
@ candis- you're still vexed? Sowi dear.

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I sighed tiredly as I rested my head on maria's laps, we just came back from Ibadan,- she'd taken me to see my Father's people.

"that's how it happened o." she concluded her half-heard story.

"hmm" I closed my eyes.

"If you want to sleep, lie down properly now." she said adjusting my position.

"Grandma, you'll be staying with us koh?" Eniola asked.

"Yes, for a while o, I'l be going back to Ibadan." She explained.

"No maami, I don't want you to go, please stay with me." I pleaded with her

"Me too.." Eniola pouted.

"see this children o." Maria laughed
"Okay I'll stay small oo"

"Yeeee!" Eniola hugged her.

"Mummy, lemme go and play with Tola?" she asked me.

I nodded.
"Don't injure yourself o" Maria cooed after her.

"Teju omo mi, there's something I want us to discuss, though I know, it might sound some how..." she hesitated.

"Uhum?" I shut my eyes.

"Teju, don't sleep, let's talk please." she shook me.

"Okay, tejumola is all ears." I laughed sitting up.

"My dear, you know, every mother wants something good for her child..." she began.
"As a child progresses in life, there are different things he or she needs to do..." she hesitated.

"hmm." I wondered where all the sermon's were coming from.

"Teju, let me ask you, how old are you?"

"24 na!" I chuckled.

"Good, according to the societal law, you are supposed to be in your husbands house..." she paused to see my facial expression.
I gave her a deep frown.

"this style of you living alone, fending for your self is not just it, you need a man in your life Teju. A man who would take good care of you." she explained.

I mumbled some words.

"Ehn? What did you say? Abi the men are not coming?" she searched my eyes.

I looked away. Left for me, I would never marry.

"Take David for example, I mean, Eniola's father. The boy seems to be all over you, ehn? You don't need a future teller to tell you he wants you..." she was beginning to sound excited.

"hmmm Maami, you read meanings into things o, I and David are just close cos of Eniola, if not, I have no deal with him." I began to say.

"Heehn! You think I'm blind? The way he use to talk to you, the way he use to..."

"Maami...ah!" I cut her short.

"All I want from you is to consider him." she said adamantly.

"Ehn! I've heard, can I sleep now?" I rolled my eyes.

"omo yi...hmn, Your still stubborn, when will you change?" she laughed lying down beside me.

"Well that's when my name changes from Tejumola." I laughed with her.

Soon Maria was fast asleep, but I remained awake. Different thoughts flooded my mind.

She wanted me to get married, sure that's right.
But I don't think I'm ready to take any poo from some Adam's generation...

Talking about David, he's putting up some moves recently. Those unnecessary things he would buy, knowing too well I'd use them, The regular shoppings all in the name of shopping for Eniola. I know he'd give anything to have us together, but I just can't bring myself to accept that. Tejumola isn't that cheap!

"Mummy! Daddy is here!" Eniola yelled from outside.

"Daddy what did you buy for me? Ehn?" she asked loudly.

" Mummy see ooo" she bashed into the room.

I jumped up swiftly, adjusted my dress.
"Hy." I greeted David as he walked in.

"Hy hy Hy...that's a nice dress." he made to hug me.

"Thanks." I backed away.
He shrugged
"Mummy, see, my daddy bought me ice cream, chocolate, and...and...and..." she sounded happy.

"And samosa." David helped her out.

"Samosa! What kind of name is that one?" Eniola laughed.

"Grandma see!" Eniola told Maria who was exchanging pleasantries with David.

"Oma se oooo, ah! Daddy Eniola thank you o." Maria said to the amusement of Eniola.

I shifted from one feet to another, I could feel David's eyes boring into me. This man should stop looking at me na! I frowned.

"Did I tell you I love that dress?" David asked not minding Maria was listening.

I grimaced.

"Actually, I came to see you...we've gat some talks to do." he wore one of those seductive smiles.

Don't even waste your time o! I wanted to tell him.

He walked gently to the door
"I'd be waiting outside."

I nodded, waited for sometime, before following him.

Sorry for the late update o

******::::::::*
I winced silently as I felt something pinch my wrist, I must have had a long night, I thought.

"Yes Doctor, this is the fifteenth bag of drips."
I heard a female voice say.

"hmn, her pulse? Still normal?" a familiar male voice asked her.

"no, its a bit faster Doctor." the female voice replied.

"Lemme check her heart beat."

where the eff was I? Who did they give drip? Whose pulse was a bit faster?
I felt something cold on my chest, I resisted all temptations to open my eyes, I was to lazy to do that.

"Yikes! Her heart beat is too fast!" the male voice exclaimed.

Just then my eyes flew open, I took a quick glance round me, I was on a hospital bed, doing what? How did I get here?

A smallish woman was standing at my feet in a white uniform, maybe she's a nurse.

"Doctor?" she gasped pointing at me.
She looked visibly scared.
But why? Am i a ghost.

"oh my God! " a male voice exclaimed.
I turned to the direction, Dr Raymond was standing there.

"What happened to 'your God' " I snapped. I was getting irritated by the way they were staring at me like they've seen a ghost.

They didn't reply, I made to sit up.

"Ouch!" drip needle got pulled away.

"What happened to..."

"We need to conduct some checks on her quickly" Dr Raymond said trying to hold me.

"Take your hands off me jor!" I pushed his hands away.

"What am I doing here?" I shrieked at them.

"Ask Mr David to come in." Raymond told the nurse.

"Oh Jeez!" David exclaimed as he marched towards me.

"She's awake? Oh my God!" he told the doctor before hugging me.

"We thank God" he laughed looking me all over, like what I don't know.

"What happened?" I frowned at him.

"Baby we need not talk about that now..."

"I insist." I snapped

"You've been unconcious for 7 day now..." Dr Raymond began to explain.

"uhm?" I was getting more confused.

"You had a shock, convulsed, became unconscious and..." he shrugged.

"I had a shock, convulsed, became unconscious and..." I mimicked him.

"How?"
David shook his head

"Mummy!" Eniola squealed rushing towards me.

"Lil' cutie.." I hugged and kissed her.

"Mummy, I thought you won't come back again...I've been crying since o" she snuggled at me.

"Mummy, don't fall again you hear? Don't sleep that kind of sleep again, you hear?" she rattled on.

"Kpele- sorry" I heard Maria's voice.
How did she get here?

Just then, different episodes began to dipslay before my mind's eye.
I remembered been told my father was dead, and...maybe that was how I got here.

"Maami..." I whispered as I hugged her, she looked worn-out and lean. She shook as she wept on my shoulders.

"I don't think she's strong enough to bear such emotions." Dr Raymond cautioned Maria.

"I'm sorry." She pulled herself away from my grip.

My head began to ache badly. So it's true? Very true that my father was gone! I now a complete orphan.
My only asset was gone. I ran my fingers through my cornrows.

"Don't cry." David dabbed some tears of my face.

I didn't stand a chance to apologise to my father for all the wrongs I did.

"young lady, due to your health condition, you are not supposed to be ..." Dr Raymond began to say.

"Hold your peace!" I raised a hand interrupting him.

"Do you know what it means to lose someone dear to you?" I asked him slowly.

"I'm the reason why he died. He couldn't bear my absence. My Father loved me but I failed him, now here am I...all alone..."

"Stop casting blames on yourself please." Maami patted my back.

"I wish.. I wish..." I sobbed as I hugged her.

"You are not alone, I'm here, as your mother." Maria told me slowly.

So she forgave me, after all I did to her..,.

"I'm here too.." David whispered

"mummy, me too!" Eniola sniffed, she'd been crying too.

I shook my head slowly, I wished my father would just appear and tell me he's there for me too...only his presence counts more than anything...

Wow Aunty Serah, i love you ooooo
your story is one of the best I've read so far. You are a genius.
God bless ya

Sorry guys for the late update.

::::::::********:
The room seemed tensed. I felt the earth stoped revolving in its orbit, the gravitational pull slacking its grip on me. I tried not to move, cos I feared I might float.

She too returned my gaze, she tried to shape out words but there was no sound. She gave up trying to speak, she let her tears flow freely instead.

"Maami..." I found my voice after much struggle.

As if suddenly drawn by a cord, Maria rushed at me, locking me in a tight motherly embrace.

"I'm sorry..." was all she could mutter as she wept.

I swallowed hard. I saw the softness in her eyes, the motherly love printed all over her face. I wondered if she actually was my step-mother.

"I never knew I would ever see you again." she whispered looking me all over admiringly.

I tried to speak, but my tongue cleaved to the roof of my mouth. I was so overwhelmed by the love she was bestowing on me. So I really mean something to her? Maybe she never hated me, I was just been naughty while I was younger.

"Thank God you're alive." she said softly, hugging me.

"I'm sorry for what we did to you, please..."

"No..don't" I stopped her

"Please forgive us." she persisted.

"I didn't hold any grudges against you, you didn't wrong me." I wiped her tears.

"I love you my daughter, I really do." she hugged me for the tenth time.

"me too." I forced a wry smile.

"what about Baami? Where's he?" I asked looking around.

Maria's face dropped, she looked away.
"Maami?" I peered at her

she didn't reply, she just shook her head painfully.

I turned to look at David who was watching us all this while, he looked sad.

"What's happening?" I whispered to myself.
Why were they all looking sad? I racked my brain.

David took my hands gently squeezing them.
"You have to take heart." his voice was low

"What heart should I take?" I was trying my best to believe all was well.

"Your...I'm..sorry Teju, he...he..passed away...few months after you disappeared." He stammered.

"Just like that?" I heard myself say

"He suffered a stroke the day you left, and was bedridden till he passed on two month's after." David explained slowly, tightening his grip.

I sighed slowly, I wanted to scream, but couldn't. How could he die just like that? Without a word?

"So I'm responsible for his death!" Tears blurred my vision.

"Teju, don't talk like that." Maria said soothingly.

"He left without a word. Maybe he never forgave me. Maybe he left full of pains and hatred for me." I reeled towards Maria.

She held me tight. I felt sweat trickling down my face. I felt a pang of pain in my head, I knew it came from my brain. My eyes shut gently despite my efforts to keep them open.
Everything was wrong with my body. I screamed, my body shook convulsively. I heard Eniola's cry, David said something, but their voices was distant, I was far-gone

Prisi darling, where are you na?
Are you still ill?
If not, please come and update this story.
I can't bear the suspence anylonger o

" let's go to my place" David said casually as we drove from the hospital.

This guy is damn crazy! He thinks I'm that cheap.

"No, take me and my daughter back to my place!" I replied.

He didn't miss the heat in my voice, he shook his head gently.
"No harm intended, it's just that I feel its more safe to be at my place, since Akpan and the rest are not yet tried in court." he tried to explain. He's trying his best to sound so nice.

"No!" was my firm reply.

"Your place? You mean your house?" Eniola chirped. He nodded.

"Ehn now! Let us go na! Then I'l know my daddy's house, then I'll be coming to visit you abi?" she said flippantly.

"Eniola shut up!" I glared at her
"How many times I have warned you not dip your tongue into Adult issues?" I was actually venting my annoyance at her.

"Don't talk to my daughter that way!" David told me in a harsh voice still looking at the road.

I turned to look at his face, he wore a frown. See father! I thought to myself. Wonders shall never end! I started to laugh.
David and Eniola turned to look at me, like- am I alright.

"okay, you'll take your Daughter with you, drop me at my place first, but please bring her back in the evening." I said, my voice lighter.

"No, I can't Eniola without you." he placed his right hand on my lap, but I pushed it away.

"There's something I'd want to show you...errrm...I want you to meet some people there..." he turned to look at me.

"Some people? Who are they?"

"Wait till you see them." he smiled.

"Am I safe?" I creased my eyebrows

"Yea, very safe." he said brushing his hand against my laps, feigning an attempt to change the gear.
I glared at him.

In less than twenty minutes, we were in front a large gate. The gate man opened the gate, murmured some greetings.

I got out, and observed the house.
Truly the house was big, more of a mansion. The interlocked compound gracefully designed with flowers. Well I didn't expect less, David's got a taste for big things. I was jolted from my thoughts by Eniola's giggle.

"Is this your house? You live her daddy?" Eniola asked looking around.

"Yea baby," David replied sweeping her off her feet.

"Hmm, no wonder my mummy said I'm a princess, so my father has a beautiful palace:" she said meditatively.

"Lets go in." david laughed.

"Your wife and your children? They are in?" I asked on impulse.
For the first time it struck me that the "Some people" David was talking about could be his wife and children.

He turned to look at me, in some kind of amused way.
"Lets get in first." he led the way.

I followed at a slow pace, I'm not ready for any drama o. What if his wife poured hot water on me? Or she trys to fight me?

"Here we are!" David placed an excited Eniola on a sofa.

I stood by the door, waiting for what will happen next.

"Anybody home?" David called out.

"David ekabo! Welcome." I heard a female voice coming from the kitchen direction.

I turned swiftly, to see who she is.
She was standing there staring at me, my jaw dropped as I couldn't decide what to do or say next.

Thank you all
::::::::::::*****
I hesitated when I got to the string of wires surrounding the pond, I wasn't really sure I wanted to die. The thought of hell was scary. I knew it was a sin to commit suicide.
I took a quick glance around, the whole place was empty except a Fulani man sipping his tea. I wondered how he enjoyed the tea, since the afternoon was hot.

The fulani man was staring at me, he got to his feet and sauntered towards me. I felt the urge to act fast, but each time I try, some unseen forces pulled me back. I started to wonder if the mammy waters don't like me.

"Ke! Wetin I dey do for diya?" the fulani man asked.

I didn't reply, I moved closer to the pond.

"Kai! I wan kill mysef koh?" he placed his palm on his mouth.

I was already squeezing through the wire when he pulled me back roughly.

"Leave me alone!" I glared at him.

"Wallahi I dey craze, I don't have hankali ne?" he gesticulated angrily.

I got to the wires again, he pulled me this time before I could squeeze through. I put up a struggle but he threw me down.

"Ke! Stop flaying fa!" he warned.

I sized his tiny framed figure, I thought I could break him into two parts.

"wallahi, zan beating you fa?".

Beat who? Me? He should try stopping me again if I don't pull him into the pond with me.

He took hold of my hands and pulled me away cursing loudly. I struggled with all my might to free my self, but I couldn't overpower him.

A police van screeched to a halt beside us as we got to the end of the street.
David got out giving us a questioning look

"This girl I want to kill herself o" the fulani man told David.
"She wan pall inside zat water o"

David's eyes grew larger
"Water? You wanted to drown yourself?"
I looked down, tears blurring my vision.

"Mummy!" I definitely heard that, but I thought It was my imagination

"Mummy mi" Eniola said again

I turned swiftly and saw her standing beside the van. Was I dreaming?

"Baby? Are you the one?" my voice was low.

"Uhm" Eniola nodded before running to give me a hug.
I held her tightly like it was my last.

"Mummy don't cry you hear."

I wept whilst examining my daughter, I missed her so much.

"I love you my princess"

"I love you too mummy" Eniola replied tears streaking down her cheeks.

What if I had drowned, I wouldn't be sharing this joy.

"It's alright, thank God we found her, and thank God you didn't hurt yourself." David hugged us both.

:::::::******
"Will the nurse give me injections?" Eniola asked.
David was driving us to the hospital, he had insisted we took her for a check-up.

"Maybe." David smiled at her.
She was sitting on his laps as he drove. I became a spectator.

"No! I don't like injections" she wanted to cry

"Please, you hear? Its painful o, please uncle" Eniola pleaded.

"I'm not your uncle."

"uhm?" Eniola blinked.

"I'm your father." David stole a glance at me

"You are my daddy?" Eniola's jaw dropped

"Yea sweet heart."David replied stopping the car at the parkinglot.

I got out quitely, this guy is really looking for my trouble.

"Wow!" Eniola squealed hugging David.
"So I now have a daddy? My daddy has a car, my daddy likes me and my daddy looks fine." she was very excited.

I watched them both as they rejoiced.
"Can we go in now?" I sounded impatient.

"sure" David gave me a winning smile.

Doctor Raymond examined her for a while.
"Was she sexually abused?" he directed his question at David, but Eniola answered first.

"Ehn now! They abuse me very well o, Akpan called me an Idiot, Lois called me naughty, You see?" Eniola quipped.

I rolled my eyes, this girl is a talkative.

"Baby, he meant, did they touch you?" David was looking for the best way to explain to her.

I smiled to myself, I knew she'd give a funny answer again.

"Yes o! All of them touch me o! Even madam Lina sef, she touch me too. All of them touch me plenty times sef!" she explained excitedly.

Doctor Raymond couldn't help laughing.
"This your daughter is a case on its own." He told David.

"Yea, a big one!" David laughed

"Why are you laughing na? Didn't I answer the question?" Eniola frowned.

"Come baby." I pulled her gently to my side.

"Did anyone of them do what Akpan tried to do that day?" I whispered into her ears.

"Oooh!" she giggled
"No, they did not! Maybe Akpan is still scared of your beatings o" she joined in the laughter.

"Well, Mr David.." Raymond tried to control his laughter.
"I think there's nothing wrong with your daughter, no damages at all"

"Thank you Doctor, God bless you for the injection o" Eniola squealed at him before we left.

Thanks to ya'al
:::::::******
"I don't think I can survive my daughter's absence." I whispered to David.

"I'd become lonely without her..." I wiped a tear.
"I've gat no one than her, she's my father,mother, husband, daughter and friend, she's all I've got, the only fountain my joy springs from."

"C'mon, stop talking that way, she'd be fine, besides I'm her for you." David wiped my tears with a handkerchief.

I looked away.
"I'm trying to believe that she's fine, its just that, I think she's in danger." I told him, hugging Eniola's picture.

Just then, his phone rang.
"Hello?" David said. He listened for a while.

"Okay, Inspector, I'd be on my way now. Yes, say 15 mins I'd be there."

"my attention is needed at the police station." he explained to me.

"You don't need to come along, just rest okay?" he peered at me

I nodded quickly.

He searched my eyes for a while.
"please don't do anything funny while I'm away, okay? Or would you come along?" he suspected something

"Oh no, I'l be fine, don't worry." I wore a plastic smile.

"just take care." he hesitated.

"Bye! Go now!" I shoved him to the door of my room.

"Good riddance!" I whispered after he's gone.

I quickly wrote a note to life, read my Bible, prayed to God for forgiveness before launching my target.

I sneaked out of the compound to avoid Mummy Tola's interrogations.

I walked swiftly, looking around at intervals as though someone might see me.

The pond was few matres away, thank God I wasn't a good swimmer, I'd just drown quitely, and then find myself in Heaven or hell after a few moments.

:::::::::*********
Eniola fidgeted as she watched Lois untie her gags.
"Now.." Lois began, shoving her into a waiting car.
"behave yourself when we get to the airport okay?"

Eniola nodded.

"Good, and remember, I'm your mother." Lois added.
Eniola gave her a sweet smile that made her wonder if she's alright.

"Where is the aeroplane taking us to? Heaven?" Eniola asked as they both sat down at the airport, waiting for boarding announcement.

"We're going to Italy, its a fine place, you'll meet fine kids too." Lois patted her.

"Uhm, so you'll be my mummy?" Eniola asked again.

"Yea baby."

Eniola fell silent, she studied almost everything around her, her palms, fingers and toes, the ceiling, the passers-by and all.
She tugged at Lois wig...
"Hey stop that!" Lois pushed her hands roughly.

"Your hair is ugly o" Eniola said laughing.

Just then, the boarding announcement was made. Lois picked her handbag, she was already at the tarmac when she realised Eniola isn't with her. She searched round and found her playing with some flowers.

"Come here naughty girl." she pulled Eniola's cheek.

"I'm not naughty! My mummy said I'm a princess." Eniola pouted.

Lois sensed trouble.
"Now come baby, lets go, I've got some chocolates here for you." she said gently.

"Awww! My mummy said chocolates will make my teeth rotten." Eniola replied

"Okay, can we go?" Lois was impatient.

"No! Take me back to my mummy!" Eniola yelled, drawing some attention from people around.

"Shhh! Now girl, don't act funny, okay? Lets go." Lois told her in a hush tone.

"I don't want your Italy! I want my mummy! You called me naughty! I won't follow you again!" Eniola screamed at her.

Lois looked around, they were creating a scene, a little crowd had gathered. She quickly made a face at Eniola.

"Stop doing that face for me jor! Its not even fine!" Eniola pouted again.

"hey! What's going on here?" a huge man walked up to them.

"my daughter is just acting funny, and we have to board the plane now" Lois explained looking nervous.

"C'mon pretty, your momma is running late." The man told Eniola.

"She's not my momma! I don't know her." Eniola snapped,

The man glanced at Lois then back at Eniola. Lois quickly pinched Eniola's arm

"Stop pinching me!" Eniola shrieked angrily.
"Take me back to my mother!" she placed her tiny palms on her eyes and began to cry.

"Don't mind her o, it's child's talk." Lois laughed nervously.

"Please sir.." Eniola moved closer to the man.
"My name is Eniola David,my mother's name is Tejumola Benson, I don't know this woman! I don't like her!" she whimped.

Lois knew her game was up.
"Errm, actually, I'm taking her overseas for treatment, she has mental disorder" she explained.

"Really? Well, you have to forego this flight." the man said sternly.
"I'm Richard Roy. A security officer. I need to confirm some things." he showed her his ID card.

"What's your name?" he asked Lois

"Tejumola Benson." she replied quickly.

"Liar!" Eniola shrieked
"Her name is Lois o!"

Richard looked at Eniola searchingly, the girl looked lost.
"Sir, she brought me here o! I don't know my way home, I could have gone since. They tied my hands and legs with ropes, they even put something in my mouth!" Eniola rattled like a magpie

"really?" Richard squatted to view her more closely.

"Yes o! My mother has a shop in the market. The name of my school is Blessed Stars primary school." Eniola explained again.

"Please sir take me home, I want my mummy, I don't want Italy!" she resumed crying again.

Richard spoke into a reciever, some security men moved to where they were.

"Arrest this woman." he told them.
"Detain her, till you get further orders from me." he instructed.

"get me a car and some men, we're going to Blessed stars primary school." he ordered

"I'm innocent o" Lois squeaked as she was led away.

"yes you are! Everyone in Italy is innocent!" Richard chuckled.

He picked up Eniola and walked towards a waiting car.

::::::::::***
I felt something squeeze my palms gently, I woke up thinking I was asleep. I heard people talking in low whispers, I peeked from my left eye and saw David and Bola conversing.. David looked worried.

"You said she just slumped?"

"Yes, after recieving a call." Bola explained.

"Uhm" a man in white coat, came in, maybe a doctor.

"Thanks for coming Doctor Raymond" David shook his hands.

The doc. Examined me for a while before looking up.
"Her heart beat is close to normal, she'd be fine, she's just stressed out. You know, her brain needs rest." he explained.

"Thank you Doctor." David replied glancing at my direction.

How did they get here? Maybe Bola called him. Maybe Something happened..

"is she your sister?" I heard Doctor Raymond say.

"No, she's my wife." David replied peering at me, as though I might jump up and attack him.

This guy ko gbadu o...wife ke! No Baby Mama noni o, I smiled to myself.
The door squeaked and The doctor left.

"Were you able to identify the caller?" David asked Bola.

"No, but she mentioned a name that sounds like Okon or something." Bola replied scratching her head.

Just then I remembered what happened earlier. Akpan rang into my brain.
"Akpan has my child." I said, startling them both.

"Wow, thank God, You've woken up." David looked pleased.

"Akpan, Lina's gateman," I said to no one in particular.

David seems to understand what I want, he quickly put a call across to the police. In less than an hour we were driving to Lina's house that dead night.

:::::::::::*********

"Seriously, I don't know what you're talking about." Lina said sitting on a chair at the police station.

"Where's Akpan?" a policeman asked her for the fifteenth time.

"He...he..travelled." she stammered.

"Okay, maybe a night in the cell will reveal where he is." Ade an inspector told her.

She cringed at the mention of a cell, she muttered something under her breathe.

"You want to say something?" Inspector Ade asked

"Errrm, I don't want to go to the cell." she pleaded.

"Good, then tell us the info we need, and we'd let you go." his voice was coarse.

"I...know where he is, I can take you there now, but please dont send me to prison." she looked frightened.

"Good take us there!" Inspector Ade smiled triumphantly.

I and Bola stayed behind at the station, while they left with David.

After two hours which seemed like eternity to me, they came back. It was almost Day break.
I rushed out to the van.
They've Arrested Akpan and two other men, but Eniola isn't there.

"Where's she?" I tugged at David

"they said she's missing again" he looked tired.

"Inspector?" I held inspector Ade's hand, tears streaming down my face.

"She's not there. I think this case entails more than we've imagined. But after a thorough Interrogation, they'l open up." he replied gently as Lina, Akpan and the other men were led into a cell.

"No, it can't be." I whispered to myself.

"We'll find her soon." David held me gently as I wept on his shoulders.

#singing in Asa's voice#
there is fire on the mountain, Ludasam is on the run....

You are in trouble, just use your brain o, dat preggie doesn't belong to you o.

Ludasam, before I open my eyes, come and update oooo

"I want my baby...give her back!" I wailed.

"I...calm down Teju, please." david said soothingly

"What happiness do you derive in wrecking my life? You're always intrested in stealing my joy" I lamented letting him go.

"I didn't take her!" he wore a painful look.

I searched his eyes, somehow I believed him, but I wasn't too sure.

"But you..." I started to say.

"Come." he pulled me into the shop. The crowd began to disperse.

"Baby, you have to stop crying, calm down please." he tried to make me sit down.

"Stop telling me to calm down!" I yelled.

"okay.." he sighed.

"Can we go to the police now...to report the issue?" he said patiently.

He helped me lock the shop, before leading me to his car, Tola was with us too.

At the station, David gave the statement's and all.
"What's your relationship with the girl?" a police inspector asked.

"She is my daughter." David replied stressing the word 'my'
He stole a glance at me, maybe he was expecting me to shout him down again, but I was too tired to do that.

David drove me home, I wept all the way.
Bola was waiting at my door, she hugged me and we wept together.
::::::::::::******
That night was a terrible one, full of lament and tears.
David had to leave cos I won't let him spend the night at my place. He beged Bola to stay with me, promising to come back the next morning.

"Bola? Do you think I was born to suffer?" I tapped Bola who was dozing off.

"stop talking like that, ehn, please." Bola looked worried and tired.

I sighed, and walked towards Eniola's picture that was hanging on the wall. She was all smiles.

"My lil' princess..." I began.
"where ever you are, remember mummy loves you..and I'm missing you now..you're precious to me.." I ran my hand over the picture

"Please Eniola, come back to mummy" I whispered gently, wiping a tear.

"Teju...whats this now? Stop crying, she'd be fine." Bola pulled me away from the picture.

My phone rang., I squinted at the strange number.
"Hello?"

"Hello Tejumola" a male voice replied from the other end.

"Yea, who am I speaking with?" I asked quitely.

The caller laughed cruelly
"Teju- Teju...you mean say you no recognise my voice?" he laughed again.

"No, please, who are you?" I asked in faint voice.

"ah ahn! Okay na Akpan dey talk. Madam Lina gateman..remember" he replied.

I was shocked, how did he get my phone number? What was he calling me for?

"Hello..Akpan..." my voice trailed off.

"I just call make I inform you say your pikin dey with me...you dey hear ko?" Akpan said with ease.

I clutched my stomach.

"your pikin dey for my hand o, anything me like, me fit do am, remeber wetin you do me ko?" he chuckled wickedly.

"Akpan..please...I..I'm..."I gave up trying to speak.

He laughed some more, before cutting th call.
"Hello? Hellloo?"
no response.

I slumped to the floor..I'm doomed
"Teju..what's wrong? Are you okay?" Bola held me

"Akpan has my child." was I could whisper before every thing blacked out.

Yea I gat ya flow!
Come and continue ooo