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Literature / Re: The Wall Between Us. A Novel By EneChelsea by Culin(f): 8:13pm On Dec 27, 2020
oyinella:
We are glad you pulled through, and you are fine.. we love you Culin, welcome back

Thanks a lot.
Literature / Re: The Wall Between Us. A Novel By EneChelsea by Culin(f): 7:43pm On Dec 27, 2020
Hey guys, compliments of the season and sorry about the long silence, I've been fighting my own demons and lord knows I've been trying to win. Not to sound pitiful but I even tried to take my own life last week Saturday, trust me I'm fighting to win my mental health back. Special thanks to @millieademi for constantly checking up on me and encouraging me even when I kept replying late and falling behind on my promises, you're heaven sent. And thanks to the readers for being patient with me.

Soon...very soon, I'll complete the story on Nairaland but would have to take more than half of the story on Nairaland and Wattpad down later because it'll become a published paid story on Okadabooks and maybe other sites, and eventually, hard copies...I don't know if now is the best time for this info, just thought to share my thoughts/intentions.

Enjoy the best of this season. X

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Sports / Re: Why Don't Nigerians Like The Nigerian Football League by Culin(f): 9:26am On Aug 24, 2020
Because na who dey home must win...or else. grin
Watching NPL is like eating Nigerian rice, stone everywhere, literally. The last time I was in Gombe, tried to watch Gombe united and plateau united game, plateau united won that game and it ended in stones and pure water being thrown everywhere, police had to come disperse the crowd with tear gas before we could go out of the stadium. Never doing that shit again. cheesy

2 Likes

Literature / Re: The Wall Between Us. A Novel By EneChelsea by Culin(f): 2:31pm On Aug 23, 2020
This Chapter is dedicated to Millieademi , girl I'd dedicate the whole chapter to you but them other readers (I don't want to call names) gon be jealous! cheesy

Chapter 29- All aboard!

"Dear past, thank you for all the lessons. Dear future, I'm ready now."
Anonymous

Song- Bitter love by Pia Mia

ENITAN

Jameel pulled up outside the domestic terminal of the airport few minutes before ten.

Though it took time, Tanya had somehow managed to get Everest to take a walk down the beach. I still couldn't understand how she did it but I was so relieved to be out of the beach house-out of the Adakoles' lives and soon, out of Lagos for good. We were lucky to beat the morning traffic but I was running late for check-in and could only count on 'African time' to have a little chat with my father before boarding.

Jameel stepped out of the driver's seat, put on his dark Burberry sunshades and walked to the back of the red Toyota Camry. The light from the sun was blinding and the heat unbearable, it was hard to believe it had rained till the early mornings; Lagos weather was crazy and unpredictable like its inhabitants.

I adjusted my white tank top over yellow palazzo pants and joined Jameel at the back where he already had the trunk opened. He heaved the suitcase from the trunk and dropped it on the ground then waited for me to pick up the carry on backpack that contained my laptop, makeup and skin care products, when I was done he shut the trunk and turned to me.

"Are you ready?" He asked for maybe the tenth time this morning.

"Yup!" I replied, adjusting the multi-coloured shoulder bag and backpack over my right shoulder.

"Great, let's go." He had taken my news about moving away so well and was helping in every way that he could.

I walked behind while he pulled the trolley towards the automatic airport doors. Immediately we got into the busy ticketing hall, I rushed to the check-in desk for Jos travellers. Luckily, there were still about three people on the queue who were yet to print their boarding passes. Using the few extra minutes I had at the back of the line, I scanned the waiting area for any sign of my dad, he was a man who kept to time so I knew he had to be somewhere around.

I spotted him seating on one of the stainless steel chairs but he wasn't alone, he was sitting with my mom. My mood soiled immediate and I began to wish I'd not asked him to meet me before my flight. Three weeks ago he didn't want her around and I thought he'd finally moved on, but clearly the manipulative woman hadn't got back into his head. What did she want from me? I fumed on the line as I waited for my turn.

"Morning ma'am. Your ID card and booking reference number, please," The plump lady in a neatly ironed white shirt and blue tie asked.

"There!" I slammed the voters card and flight tickets against the counter.

"Thank you Ma'am." She gave a puzzled look then smiled politely and I felt stupid.

"I'm sorry, I'm a bit cranky today," I apologised.

"It's fine ma, trips can be nerve-wracking," she smiled politely.

No. Runaway mothers can be nerve-wracking. I corrected in my mind.

I waited as she inputted some details into her computer and printed out my boarding pass. "The Arik wing and your departure lounge is just on the first floor to your right." She pointed to the escalator to her left. "Please proceed immediately as the plane will begin boarding in twenty-five minutes."

"Thank you!"

I rushed back to Jameel who was now sitting with his AirPods on and sunshades hanging in front of his T-shirt, I tapped him on his back and he turned.

"I have only twenty-five minutes to pass through security. Got to go."

He stood up. "Whoa! Without a hug or proper goodbye?"

I smiled and cleared my throat. "My father is seated behind us and most likely has his four eyes on me."

I was grown but that didn't exempt me from my father's scolding. It was all thanks to the elevator accident and self guilt that I escaped a mighty chastisement for getting pregnant. But I was sure to get one if he caught me hugging or being pecked by a strange man at an airport terminal while I was pregnant for another man-one who was getting married this moment.

"Oh! Hands off then," he laughed. "Take care of you and my babies."

I smiled at his joke. "Sure."

"And I hope you let me visit soon, as a friend of course." He placed his hand on mine that held the trolley handle. "But then again, I hope you consider my request one day."

I swallowed and shifted from one foot to the other. I was hoping he wasn't going to mention his proposal. "Alright." I nodded and gave a brief smile.

He made no attempt to leave first, his eyes secretly pleaded for me to stay, his warm hands never left mine. It felt good to be needed, but I was done with this city.

"Got to say goodbye to my dad too."

"Yeah, sure!" He lifted his hand off me and chuckled nervously, "you do that. Bye." He placed both hands in the side pockets of his jeans and slowly turned to leave.

I pulled the suitcase and carry on bag to the other side of the sitting area while my dad stood up to meet me.

"Who's the fine young man," he asked, his gaze on Jameel's retreating figure.

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes but I did it inwardly anyway. "An old friend."

"Ok." He captured me in a bear hug and I pouted like a little baby. "I don't understand why you're so adamant on leaving," he said not letting go.

I heaved a deep sigh. We'd argued over the phone about my leaving for days, nothing I said was going to make him feel good about it.

"I'm going to miss you too dad, but I'll see all of you when I'm settled." I freed myself from the long hug and began to pick my stuff, hoping to leave before he got the chance to mention my mum.

"Your mother, she's here to talk to you and if you don't listen, say goodbye." He pointed to our side where she sat with fidgeting hands and a bowed head.

"I don't have much time dad, I'll miss my flight if I stay back to talk." I stressed on the last word. "I'll let you know when I'm settled." I moved to hug him again but he moved backwards.

"It is important that you speak with her." Something about the final tone in his voice and the serious look in his eyes made my stomach churn.

He gestured with a wave of hand and she stood from the chair to join us. How long has it been? Six years?

She looked so much different-skinnier and three shades darker. Surprisingly, she wasn't wearing any expensive jewellery or flashy accessories, just a plain black jumpsuit and blue satin scarf.

"My baby," she smiled but the edges of her eyes wrinkled like in a frown. Her palms reach for my face and instinctively I jerked away.

"I'm not your baby."

A painful expression crossed her face but I wasn't going to fall for acting skills.

"Do you really have to go?"

"Like you have any right to ask that! What do you want?"

"Forgiveness." Did that word even exist in her dictionary? It didn't even sound nice rolling from her tongue.

"Wow! Such a perfect timing to ask for that." I folded my arms across my chest.

"I've been trying to reach out to you for some time now-"

"Stop running around in circles and tell me why you're really here." I was getting frustrated now.

She was always after something-money. After all that was the reason she left us without looking back.

"When Tolani told me you were pregnant, I knew I had to come see you and be there for my grandchild-"

I laughed, interrupting her. 'My grandchild.' This woman had some nerves.

"I'm dying, baby. End stage liver cirrhosis and carcinoma. And I want to be with my family, you and my grandchild in the little time I have left."

I laughed louder, attracting curious looks from few people close by. What! This woman would even claim terminal illness and death just to extort someone!

"Look, mum. I know Tolani told you I was pregnant for a very rich dude, but he's not involved in my life anymore. As you can see, there's no sign of money on me. In fact, all I have currently is what I intend to start a new life with. So if you're here playing tricks because you consider me your new gold mine, you've wasted your time."

"Enitan!" My father scolded. He'd been quiet all through our exchange I almost forgot he was still here.

"But it's true, dad! She leaves then comes back pretending to be sick just to gain pity and money from me. It's preposterous."

"She's not pretending!" There was a new fire in his eyes that hadn't been there, a new determination to make me see reason. "I've seen the medical reports and scans myself."

"You're not a doctor dad, you can't tell a fake."

"Here!" He pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket and unfolded it. "Read this and tell me if it looks like a fake!" He shoved it towards me.

I glanced at the a4 paper with a bold letter head of 'University of Abuja Teaching Hospital Gwagwalada' splashed in green colours. Refusing to take the medical report from his hand, I looked up to him.

"Dad, have you forgotten the pains she put us through. Letting me raise two teenage girls when I needed her to raise me. Making us subject of ridicule in church and at school, how could you forget!" I wiped a tear that sneaked out.

"It's my fault that all that happened, I can see it now."

"Stop it, dad!" I grunted. I was done taking his self-blame whenever things went wrong.

"No it's my fault," my mum interjected. "When the diagnosis had come back as hepatitis, I thought there was a way out, your father and we were handling it just fine."

She was once diagnosed with hepatitis and my father knew but never mentioned it? What if they planned this story to stop me from travelling.

"But it began to damage my liver about same time he'd lost his job, I couldn't bring myself to tell him because I knew he was going to go all out. So I left to cater for my health."

"You left to enjoy the good things of life! Don't you dare insult our family by giving a logical explanation to your actions!"

"Fine. I'm everything you say I am. But can you not leave, please! I just need this time with you so bad."

She was joking if she thought I'd cancel my trip for her sob story.

"Dad, I have to go now. I'll let you know when I land." I grabbed my luggage and stomped towards the escalator leading to my departure lounge without looking back once at my parents.

***
"Ladies and gentlemen, this is Sandra Lay and I’m your chief flight attendant. On behalf of the captain and the entire crew, welcome aboard Arik airline, non-stop service from Lagos, Nigeria to Jos. Our flight time is one hour thirty minutes.

At this time, make sure your seat backs and tray tables are in their full upright position and that your seat belt is correctly fastened. Ensure that your carry-on luggage is stowed underneath the seat in front of you or in an overhead bin.

Also, your portable electronic devices must be set to ‘airplane’ mode until an announcement is made. Thank you.”

I lifted my head from the plane window as the flight attendant finished her announcement and the plane door was closed. I followed all take-off protocols the buckled my seat belt.

Since boarding, I'd been crying silently and dreading the choices I made. Not only was I leaving the only place I knew as home for twenty-four years, but I was leaving the man I loved and running away with his kids. And now, a possibly sick mother. What if I was wrong and she was really dying?

'No. She's fine and just trying to get to me.' I comforted myself. I was just having cold feet.

She wasn't going to get forgiveness or a dime from me so easily.

But what if she was really sick-she looked thinner and feeble unlike her former energetic self. My heart was literally breaking and I couldn't bear the thoughts.

Was I making a big mistake? In the attempt to loose my past would I loose my mother too?



Authors note: What do you think about this chapter? I love comments and feedbacks. Please check my Wattpad for each chapter's pictures and asthetics. I'll format (bold and italicize) the chapters later I promise. Thanks for reading and have a wonderful Sunday. See you soon!

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Literature / Re: The Wall Between Us. A Novel By EneChelsea by Culin(f): 2:19pm On Aug 23, 2020
Chapter 28- Wedding bells

"A great marriage is not when the 'perfect couple' come together. It is when an imperfect couple learn to enjoy their differences."
David Meurer

Song- Us by James Bay


NATHAN

It must have been over an hour I stood outside in the rain before Ms. Maria gave up on trying to walk me back into her house. Enitan's was the only place I could think of going to soothe the numbness that had overtaken every part of me.

And though she took me in, I couldn't bring myself to tell her for fear of her perception changing, I was glad she didn't press further. Her arms felt too right, too perfect for me, I wanted the feeling to last forever.

I'd woken up from the couch at dawn and watched her sleep and knew for sure, my life was bleeped without her. It had taken all my strength to say goodbye and leave the room, but was that not the least I could do for her-walk out of her life so she could finally live a normal one. I was going to let her be until she was having my babies, then I'd show up and be the dad my children needed.

***
Before leaving the beach house, I instructed Everest to keep an eye on Enitan to make sure she didn't attend the wedding, she didn't deserve to witness that.

I didn't know how I'd managed to drive home safely with all the emotional turmoil in my life. My thoughts were still muddled from the bombshell Ms. Maria had dropped on me, but a few pieces were starting to fit; the subtle tension that existed between Ms. Maria and my mother, also the fact that she'd taken a liking to me for no apparent reason.

It was all so confusing. But nothing was going to change the way I saw Mrs. Margaret. She'd shown me the love of a mother and more, that was all that mattered.

I arrived the penthouse in time to meet Ivan dropping off a garment bag which I assumed contained my suit. She was already dressed in a beautiful dark green off-shoulder lace gown and dramatic red ashoke gele. The diamond studded earrings and necklace that adorned her sparkled from meters away. Her make-up was heavy, especially the bright red lipstick but it was flawless. She was party ready, the only things missing were her heels and clutch, which I assumed were ditched in the car for comfort.

"You're here? I must have missed your car downstairs," I spoke in monotone as I approached the glass coffee table and dropped my car keys.

I found it hard to believe we didn't share the same mother, we were closer than Siamese twins.

"You had everyone worried. Where did you spend the night?" She squinted her eyes in a scrutinizing manner.

I cleared my voice and averted my eyes. "Thank you for the suit."

Ignoring her question, I took the garment bag from her and trudged to the master bedroom. She followed behind but I could feel her eyes boring into my back. I sat on the accent chair beside the night stand with my head in my hands.

"Wow!" She said, her eyes bulging wide in realization. "I can't believe you right now!" She chuckled and folded her arms across her chest.

"Ivan, not now." My head throbbed no matter how hard I massaged it.

"Then when!" she asked. "You spent the eve of your wedding at your ex's house! We should talk about it."

"No. I'll see you at church," I dismissed her and made for the bathroom but her small slender hands held on to my arm softly, bringing me to a halt.

"Look at you, you're miserable! Why do you still want to do this?"

I watched as her eyes burn with passion, I was impressed at her guts, flattered even. But would she give this same amount of love and concern if she knew I was only her half brother? Or would she despise me for being a result of her father's unfaithfulness?

"Please Ivan, I need my space. I'll see you in church."

"I'll leave," she said, throwing her hands up in surrender. "But know that after today, there's no turning back. Father would always remain the ungrateful and insatiable man that he is. How much more do you have to loose for him to be satisfied! You can back out now and let us fight this the Adakole way, it doesn't matter if we loose, we're loosing this way already-"

"Fine! I've heard you," I interrupted, not hiding the frustration on my face. She was igniting the thoughts I couldn't bare to have. Not just because of Avalon loosing their fortune, but me. What would become of me when words of my illegitimacy and claim to Avalon got out?

"You've heard me? That's all you have to say?" She hissed and walked out after I said nothing.

I bounced on my feet with my eyes closed.

Of course there was no turning back, not just because our pre-nuptial agreement (drafted by her lawyers and signed even before the false proposal) stipulated that in the event of a divorce, I'd forfeit half of my Avalon and Foxtrap shares to Annabelle, but because Enitan would never forgive me.

Today and the moment I took those vows, I'd loose her forever. I'd lose her trust and my worth in her eyes and lose my kids to the doctor.

***
It was already ten minutes past ten a.m. when I exited the shower. I got dressed under five minutes and stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the red-patterned satin bow tie and admiring the cream-coloured three piece suit. Ivan's fashion choices were never wrong and I owed her a lot for taking care of my outfit.

I swallowed a lump as I walked out of the penthouse. In fifteen minutes I was going to be in St Mathew's cathedral, standing before the priest and my family, proclaiming tales of love that didn't exist and making promises I had no intentions to keep. Was that how I wanted to live my life?

I rode the elevator downstairs and on getting into my car, I realized I'd not even bought a ring. I pinched my eyebrows together and hit my forehead with my fist. I didn't need a reminder when I got a Vera Wang diamond ring for Enitan last Christmas, one I stashed away before the planned proposal for fear of rejection.

'What a nice start to your marriage Nate! What a nice start to your marriage.' My inner man mocked.

Turning on the ignition and exiting the underground parking lot, I fished out my phone from my pocket, switched it on and dialled Patrick's number. I knew he was going be so furious from trying to reach me all night, and I was right.

"You're so dead man! How dare you ghost on me on your bachelor's eve?" He spoke on top of his voice. Patrick never raised his voice, not even when his extremely annoying actress girlfriend annoyed him.

"I promise I have a good reason, but now is not the time. I forgot to get a r-"

"And you may never get the time to tell me if you don't get down here real quick." He wasn't willing to listen to whatever I had to say. "Find your way here before Annabelle develops a heart attack or strangles me. Please," he grunted into the phone before ending the call.

I pursed my lips and blew out a long breath.

'Whatever happens, happens.' I braced up as I continued driving to the cathedral.

From the parking lot where I sat in my car, I could see a fretting Annabelle and her family at the back of the church building. I alighted the car and strolled into the main auditorium, ignoring curious glances and honest 'congratulations' from a few bystanders outside. The church was packed with familiar and happy faces, extravagant outfits, different perfume and cologne scents that made me dizzy and hyperventilated.

It looked like the processional hymn had been on for a while, because by the time I walked the aisle, past my seated parents at the second pew, I was met with a scowling middle-aged priest on the altar and an unexcited choir who sang like they were on their death beds.

My friends-Patrick and Tochi, my cousin-Oche and my brother-Kevin were surprisingly in matching dark blue suits as they all stood at the front pew.

My brothers.

I didn't plan on having groomsmen but they were here. I wished the circumstances were different and we could all enjoy the moment like every other day when the energy between the boys and I was off the roof.

Right now I was battling hyperventilation and the view of Annabelle walking down the aisle with arms interlocked with her father's wasn't helping. She looked suffocated in the tight wedding dress and I wondered how she'd managed not to trip with the long layered train of the dress. Tight as it was, the dress was unique and she looked beautiful. Just beautiful to my eyes-my heart didn't flutter as it did whenever Enitan was in a jaw dropping outfit.

Everything was unfolding before me like magic. I was barely part of the wedding planning and yet it had all taken shape nicely. I was surprised to see Monic's son and Annabelle's niece in cute page boy and miniature bridal outfits. They both trudged in front of Annabelle while her bridal train walked behind.

Her father brought her to the altar and stepped back while the bridal party went to their seats at the left row of the church. I unveiled her and the activities that followed were a haze as I kept falling in and out of deep thoughts until I found myself seated.

"Dearly beloved, we're gathered here today, in the presence of God to witness the joining together of our Children, Nathaniel Adakole and Annabelle Martins in the holy covenant of marriage," the priest's voice echoed around the solid walls of the large church as the congregation sat and listened attentively. "Nathan and Annabelle recognize the significance of marriage. They know that marriage was God’s plan for mankind since creation and they have accepted to be part of this plan. Marriage is not a social function with a touch of religion, it is a declaration of your obedience to God's will."

My fingers drummed on my laps and my feet tapped against the tiled floor rapidly as Patrick and Kevin who were sitting on both sides stole glances at me.

Kevin nudged me with his shoulders and bent his head sideways to my ears. "Are you going to be alright?"

I shook my head. "I'm leaving the only woman who's ever truly loved me for me to marry another who only wants me for all I have," I chuckled and ran my palm across my face. "Am I not the dumbest person ever?"

"Why are you still sitting here If your heart knows this?"

"Because unlike you, my burden is heavier and I don't have the courage to face whatever is to come."

"You don't need courage to face the future, you just need to want your sanity so bad and well, throw in a little bit of madness." He smiled.

"What if I regret not doing this?"

"You're going to have to figure that out yourself. But I have a feeling you already know which choice you'll regret," he whispered then turned his head back to the priest.

"Who gives this woman to be joined in marriage with this man?" I heard the priest ask.

Annabelle's father stepped forward and echoed an 'I do.'

The other officiating minister signalled Annabelle and I to climb the altar. We both did and he asked us to hold hands. We obeyed but there was no spark or excitement, just coldness and dread. Was I ready to live with this for the rest of my life?

"Annabelle Martins, if it is your intent to marry Nathan Adakole, please respond with 'I do,'" the priest spoke as one of the servers held the microphone to her mouth.

"I do," she replied faintly, her barely audible voice caused the priest to cock an eyebrow at her. "I do," she repeated, this time a lot louder.

"Annabelle Martins, do you take Nathan to be your lawfully wedded husband, to live together in holy matrimony and forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto him, for as long as you both shall live?"

"I do."

He turned to me and returned his gaze to the book in his hands. I stood numb, waiting for an earth shattering sign or miracle to end the moment, but there was none.

"Nathan Adakole, if it is your intent to marry Annabelle Martins, please respond with 'I do.'"

I bowed my head, my mouth opened but nothing came out. The priest repeated his line and I looked up. If looks could kill Annabelle's intense glare would have struck me dead.

The priest focused an amused look on me. "I think the young man is so love-struck he can't even speak. Because I don't see a reason why he'll be here and nicely dressed if he had no intent to marry."

The congregation erupted in laughter and chatters before going quiet again.

What nonsense!

"Aha, let us move on," he chuckled, ending a laughter of his own.

"So, Nathan Adakole, do you take Annabelle Martins to be your lawfully wedded wife, to live together in holy matrimony and forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her, for as long as you both shall live?"

Enitan. My kids. My future.

I was making the same decision as my father-picking myself and dignity ahead of Enitan, even though I knew how much it hurt her. I didn't want to turn out like him, but with the choices I've been making, I was half-way there.

Every sound faded into the background, except the beating of my heart that stuck in my head like a timer to a ticking bomb.

I'd be stupid to have been blessed with a woman like Enitan and let her go, just because I was scared of being termed illegitimate or lose my position at Avalon. How selfish, hiding myself from the same judgement I was exposing my own children to.

"Nathan Adakole!" I heard the priest yell from a distance, though I knew he was only a feet or two away. "We don't have all day to spend here. I believe some people are already looking forward to Jollof rice ehn," the congregation broke into another bout of laughter and I became more aware of my surrounding.

"Mr Nathan, do you take Annabelle Martins to be your lawfully wedded wife, to live together in holy Mat-" he started saying again.

"I can't do this," I said, more to myself than the congregation, but the microphone carried the sound around the whole building.

There were chatters and whispers and heads turning around with confusion plastered across their faces. I glanced at the pew my parents were seated and my mother-or my father's legal wife shut her eyes and hung her head low while my father stood and stared fiercely at me. Ivan and Monic who were also seated at the second pew clutched their chest as their faces beamed with smile.

"Say again, young man?" the bewildered priest asked.

"I'm sorry Annabelle." Her face was now filled with dread. A part of me felt awful but it didn't change the fact that my heart was with someone else.

"Nathan, don't you dare!" she warned, gritting her teeth.

"I'd be lying before God, before man and to myself if I go ahead with this." I moved the microphone away from my mouth and stepped closer to her. "I'll be signing up for a lifetime of depression, self loathe and hatred for you if I let us do this."

"Are you out of your mind! You can't do this to me. Nathan!" She shrieked, throwing the red rose bouquet to the floor.

"I'm sorry it took me this long to realize how big of a mistake I was making." I bowed my head and walked down the steps of the altar.

There were mutterings from the congregation but Annabelle's voice could still be heard over the ruckus. "You'll regret this, I promise you!"

Not sparing a glance at the congregation, my family or friends, I walked out of the church.




Authors note. This chapter has been restructured and restructured and I'm so tired, I'm leaving it at this. So much for a climax huh? What are your thoughts on this chapter. Currently cooking and posting, if my food fall inside fire, just know y'all are getting me a new one! grin

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Literature / Re: The Wall Between Us. A Novel By EneChelsea by Culin(f): 2:09pm On Aug 23, 2020
This one is for you Millieademi . So sorry I missed your birthday. Happy birthday girl, you inspire me everyday!

Chapter 27 -before I go

"Lean on me, when you're not strong and I'll be your friend. I'll help you carry on...for it won't be long 'til I'm gonna need somebody to lean on.."
-Bill Withers

Song- If the world was ending by JP Saxe


ENITAN

I looked around the room to make sure I'd packed every of my stuff into the last luggage, which was the smallest among all the three and the only one I was to travel with. Tanya was going to send the rest later through courier service. I'd been so busy packing I didn't notice the day was far spent. Closing the suitcase and lifting it off the bed, I dragged it to the corner of the room , then headed downstairs to grab a late dinner.

Not that I was hungry-the thoughts of Nathan tying the knot with his fiancée by morning was enough to kill my appetite- but my babies needed the nutrition. Putting on a pot of noodles on the stove to simmer, I brought out bananas and a carton of yoghurt from the fridge and unenthusiastically dumped them into the electric blender and turned it on.

In no time I was sitting at the dining table, eating noodles and scooping banana flavoured yogurt while scrolling through my social media feed. My father would have snatched the gadget out of my reach if he was here, he hated it when people were glued to their phones especially at a meal. Luckily he wasn't and wasn't going to see me until an hour before my morning flight.

The intercom at the front door buzzed and I glanced at my phone to check the time.

Ten P.M

I dropped the phone and spoon on the table, dashed to the kitchen and grabbed a knife, just in case I needed it-like an intruder would use the doorbell or even get past Everest who was busy being invisible somewhere around the building. But even though I wanted to believe Everest would never hurt me or let anyone, I couldn't trust my life in the hands of a man who took part in hiding an important secret from me. I sashayed to the front door, snuggling the oversized cotton robe tighter.

I stood on my toes and peered through the peephole, but the heel of my foot came back down immediately. My heart must've skipped ten beats seeing Nathan standing outside. I opened the door slowly and got into attack mode, rehearsing all the hurtful words I was going to send him back home with. But I paused, everything seemed off about his disposition, he looked broken and crushed, something I'd never witnessed. His hands hung loosely to his sides as he raised his head to reveal a sullen look. My eyes travelled down to his body, his shirt was dripping wet and it clung to his body, making the unrhythmic heave of his chest and slight shiver of his body even more pronounced.

Was he robbed? Did he get into a fight? I slowly dropped the knife behind the door and stepped aside so he could come in. He walked into the large living room area with slow shaky steps and stopped in the middle. I leaned in to shut the door, pausing shortly to put my mind together. My first instinct was to be hostile, but when I turned and stare into those eyes under the light, I didn't recognise the eyes that stared back at me. His eyes had always carried power, excitement, anger even. Now they held nothing but brokenness and emptiness.

***
He sat in silence in the lounge upstairs, wrapped in a duvet I took from one of the spare rooms. I put on the room heater and joined him on the couch, examining his now shirtless body for injuries but finding none. We sat in silence for what felt like eternity.

"What happened?" I asked, turning towards him with one leg on the couch and the other on the ground. Instead of an answer, he put his head down and avoided making eye contact.

"Just hold me," he said. Though he'd always loved been held, tonight his plea wasn't of a man needing pleasure. It sounded like that of a man drowning on the inside and looking for an anchor to hold.

I shuffled closer, one hand pulling him to my body and the other bringing his head softly unto my shoulder. His large frame covered me and because of his weight, I rested my back on the couch.

My thoughts were flying in different directions. Was it work? But the business news had reported the Asian deal to have fallen through. Nathan was always in control of his emotions. I'd never seen him this distraught and it made me even more restless. Was it related to his father or Annabelle? He'd mentioned few days back that he was working on something, did that have anything to do with his present state?

"Did something happen?" I asked. Of course, something must have happened for him to be in my arms on the eve of his wedding. I just didn't know which other way to get him to talk.

"I'm just going to turn out like my father. I'm no better than him," he drawled, raising his head from my shoulder.

"Ok?" I replied with a wavering voice. "Did you try to murder someone?" I stared at him for an answer and was relieved when he bobbled his head.

"Then what is? You show up to my door a total mess and you won't even tell me what's wrong! Please make me understand what's going on."

He threw back his head on the couch and groaned. "How do I make you understand when I don't understand myself?" He grabbed his head with both hands and he let out a low-pitched cry. "This is too much to understand."

I should've kicked him out since he obviously wasn't in any danger, but I found myself cradling his face and bringing it down to my shoulder again.

He fell asleep leaning on me and I laid him on the couch, covering him with the duvet. His phone kept buzzing with calls and text, I had to switch off the device.

I heaved a deep sigh. I was physically and mentally drained from staying up and watching him sleep. Even in his sleep, his eyebrow creased and his breath was ragged.

My mind finally went on a hiatus and the only thing I could think of was laying on my bed and hopefully, catching an hour or two of sleep, although that luck wasn't on my side these days.

At three A.M, I sauntered to my room and set an alarm for seven. Pulling off my robe, I sunk into the bed. A part of me prayed for Nathan to be gone by morning, but another part-the honest part wanted to find him there and talk about what was bothering him. If only my heart would stop betraying me.

****
I woke up with a start, thanks to the annoying alarm tone that was coming from underneath the pillow. Cursing time and whatever wizardry that made it run so fast when I'd finally managed to find little sleep, I reached under the pillow and shut it down.

My flight was for ten A.M but Tanya and Jameel were going to be here by eight, that would give Tanya enough time to work her magic with Everest and still give Jameel ample time to beat the morning traffic.

I sat up on the bed, pushing the duvet off me and placing both hands behind me for support. The last time I'd gotten four hours of sleep, I'd spent the night at Nathan's and dozed off in the bath tub.

I yawned as my eyes fully opened, the view of Nathan staring at me from the doorway welcomed me.

Oh God. He was still here? Three hours to his wedding...he was still here.

I reached for my robe and draped it over the satin lingerie. "You should really stop doing that."

He smirked. "Why? The view is great."

"It's lovely to see you're feeling better," I replied, emphasising the sarcasm in my voice with an eye roll before getting off the bed.

He chuckled, attempting to put on his signature corky smile but he failed as I still saw the sadness lurking behind his eyes.

He walked in and sat at the foot of the bed. "Are you going somewhere?" He threw a glance at the packed suitcases by the corner of the room.

"No. Just rearranging," I began to fold the duvet, a tedious effort to avoid meeting his intense gaze or answering any more questions.

"Rearranging? With the closet completely empty and name tags on your luggage?"

"Yes." I let go of the duvet and turned to him with hands clutching my hips. "Don't you have a wedding to attend? The last thing you want is to keep a woman waiting on the altar."

He exhaled and clasped his hands, then bent forward to support his elbows with his knees. "Nine months ago I'd have thought today was going to be a normal Saturday." A brief smile broke at the corner of his lips. "How can you your life be ending in months and you don't get to see it coming. Not cool."

I scoffed inwardly. Was he seriously trying to play the victim card? "Your life isn't ending, you're just getting married. A decision you made in your right senses."

"It's not just about the wedding. So much has changed in such a short time," he said, sweeping his large palms across his face. "I don't even know who I am any more." His breath quavered and his eyes turned misty. "Everything I stood for...everything I thought I wanted...none of that makes sense any more." He let out a bitter laugh and turned his head to me. "Don't believe what they say about clarity; it isn't so peaceful after all." He smiled again.

His eyes were like an open door to the internal struggle he was having, the more I looked into them, the more I wanted to go in. "You were a total mess last night," I said, hoping he'd talk about why he showed up last night looking like a homeless man.

Instead he stood, two long strides was all it took for his overpowering figure to tower over me. "I don't deserve you," he let out a string of short broken laughs, "I never did. And even after I'd forced you into my world, you never really belonged in it. You were too good for it. I wanted you from the first day, I thought...maybe loving you would make me feel more human, alive, and real. But in the end, I'm just my father in a younger body. This life of romance was never made for me. I'm sorry I dragged you into it. I'm sorry I couldn't protect you."

A weak breath escaped me. I swallowed as I watched his Adam's apple bobble and eyes grow darker. Was this the official breakup and apology I never got? It just hurt to hear him say he didn't deserve me? Why did I want him to believe he did?

I should have never let him in yesterday, now the weight of reality was crashing down on me and it didn't matter that he was only half a feet away. This was the end of us, an official goodbye. And all the pain I'd felt for three months felt like a joke compared to the torment ripping through my soul. I wanted to clutch my chest, stop my heart from sinking, salvage what was left, but I let it sink anyway, it was going to be of no use to me after this.

"Yeah, it's all good," I managed to say without breaking down.

It's all good

"It's all good," I whispered to myself as he held my head in both palms and placed a soft kiss on my forehead, my eyes closed as his lips lingered for a brief moment. The feel of his lips ended but I didn't dare to open my eyes, by the time I'd gotten enough courage to, he was gone.

****
"Babe, why aren't you dressed yet?" Tanya said as she rushed into the room. "Jameel is already waiting in the car."

More than forty-five minutes after Nathan had left, I was still sitting on the bed, panting and clutching my bump. The tears wouldn't drop. I looked at her and her eyes went soft.

"Babe?" She removed the long strap of the handbag from her shoulders and stooped low. "Are you ok?"

I bobbled my head in response. "Nathan just left."

"Oh, my baby. Come here." She enveloped me in tight hug. "Are you sure you still want to leave?"

Now more than ever. I nodded. "Yes. I'll just clean up and be down shortly," I said, detaching myself from her arms. I glanced from her head to toe in slight amusement. "For God's sake, what are you wearing?" I asked, gesturing to the short black fish net dress she was putting on.

She smiled and jumped to her feet, twirling around in a 'check me out' manner. "Beach wear. I'm taking him to the beach."

"Beach wear? Looks like a fishing net." I examined the dress again.

"Fishing net for catching a very big fish!" She winked.

My God. I face palmed. This distraction act was already destined to fail from the start. Everest wasn't going to take her serious dressed like this. "You better not screw this up, Bunny," I said, sending her a warning glare and sauntering to the bathroom.

"You underestimate me Enitan Alaide, you underestimate me," she called from behind me.



[b] Authors note: Alexa play me "broken record" by Enechelsea. I know, I know, I'm tired of the excuses too. I've had this chapter and the others saved (as first drafts) for almost three weeks now, the plan was to update on my birthday then edit whenever I had time, but mehn! I read the chapters again and I couldn't help but cringe at the many rubbish I encountered. Ah! So I  had to do fleshing out and grafting and word replacements and change of scenes and.. just restructure everything. But I didn't have time for that immediately because I got a new job few days to my birthday and had to deal with moving to a different state and fitting in at a new job and then, a breakup, so please go easy on me. Right now I'm just trying to be on my toes at work, it's covid era, people are loosing their jobs left, right and centre without doing anything wrong, I'm lucky I even got hired, sooo I'm going to be giving my work all the attention until I settle fully. That being said, I'll edit the remaing chapters and post gradually. I already have the completed draft and it just needs a bit editing. Thanks for sticking with me and reading this awfully long epistle and not scolding me for going AWOL but instead showing concern. Y'all make me feel too special.

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Literature / Re: The Wall Between Us. A Novel By EneChelsea by Culin(f): 3:34am On Aug 07, 2020
succana:
Culin, Happy birthday wishing you many more beautiful, inspiring years. I must say your story really got. Despite the long days and months of waiting for updates, I just couldn't forget about it. You sure know how to wet your viewers appetite. I can't count the number of times I kept checking today to check for the lastest updates. Kudos sis

Yippie!!! Made my morning. Thanks a lot.
Literature / Re: The Wall Between Us. A Novel By EneChelsea by Culin(f): 2:58am On Aug 07, 2020
This one is for you Enirock, for being as solid as a rock! Thanks for all your encouragement.

Chapter Twenty-six—Curiousity Killed The Cat

It would be better for us to have some doubts in an honest pursuit of truth, than it would be for us to be certain about something that was not true.
Daniel Wallace

Song- Trampoline by Shaed and Zayn (I hope I've never used this one before)

NATHAN

With all the Wedding shenanigans, the days sped by so fast and I was counting less than twelve hours to my wedding. Friends and relatives from within and outside the country arrived non-stop and the Adakole's Mansion lost its usual quiet ambience.

Ivan had returned home after my mother's plea. She, Monic and my aunts had turned Ivan's room to a fashion house, with similar exquisite outfits and designer accessories littered everywhere. My incertitude towards the wedding was family knowledge but it wasn't going to stop them from showing up with a bang, especially with BellaNaija featuring the wedding on their website.

Loud chatters in Idoma by people who'd travelled from our village and children running about was the height of all the noise I could take. I exchanged quick greetings with the elderly women who were drinking beer in the lounge and headed for my car. I'd made sure to avoid my father all week, but he still got the last laugh as all traditional rites were performed in my absence.

I didn't know what the invitation card looked like and yet, I was shuffling between the family house and hotels, greeting family and friends who arrived by the hour.

Removing myself from the wedding chaos inside the house, I sat in my car, outside the gate staring at the email Mr. Yusuf sent.

He'd accessed my father's bank statement. There were unexplainable, random deposits to a certain account, from one year ago and as far back as many years. But what I couldn't wrap my head around was why Ms. Maria Ahmed, his secretary for fifteen years and mine for four the recipient of all those payments.

Was he helping her out with a medical bill? But he'd scolded her like every other staff on the last floor. He'd barely spared her glances and she feared him, even more than the rest of the staff did.

Surely there was another explanation to this.

But my heart knew. The only explanation for the Millions of Naira sent to her was if she was the other woman.

'The affair happened years ago and Williams assured me it stopped.'

My mother's words were floating carelessly around my brain, I punched the steering wheel and cursed.

Many years ago.

Was it before she started working for the family or after? Was it during the times she'd travelled across continents to visit me in school when my mother couldn't make it?

Was that why she remained unmarried even at fifty-two?

'Marriage isn't for me. Besides, I look thirty-five and can easily convince any of those young Lagos boys to marry me.' She'd joked, one time when she forced me to have her home-made lunch and I teased her about getting a her own man to pester.

And her child? How old was he or she now? She never mentioned having any child before.

Backstabber.

I slammed my hands against the wheels again. My head fell back on the headrest and it remained like that for almost half an hour.

I turned on the ignition with only one destination in mind. Ms. Maria's apartment. She owned a semidetached duplex in one of the neighbourhood on the Island, a few Kilometres from Avalon. I'd dropped her once when she was too sick to drive home and stopped by another time when her house was burgled.

I was going to give her the chance to explain why my father, her employer was sending her even more money than his company was paying her.

I stepped harder on the gas, hoping to beat the oncoming evening traffic.

I endured two hours stuck in the traffic and rain before finally pulling up in front of the sky-blue painted house. I alighted and before I could shut the door, my phone rang. I intended to let it ring but I saw my best friend's name displayed on the screen.

"Where the hell are you?" Patrick yelled over the phone while an afro-beat music boomed in the background. "How can you be running late for your own bachelor party?"

"Patrick, Man! I thought I asked you not to bother with that."

"Bro! You got to be kidding yourself. There's no way we're giving out the most eligible bachelor in Africa without shutting down Lagos!" I heard cheers of agreement from familiar voices in the background and I wondered how long they'd been drinking.

"Just get an Uber and go home, man. I'll see you in the morning."

Ignoring his drunk protests, I removed the phone from my ear and matched to the house. The large wooden door opened before my knuckles landed on it. A smiling Ms. Maria dressed in a yellow woollen sweater and white jean trousers stepped from behind the door.

"Oh, hey you. I thought I saw your car parked outside," her formal attitude was gone and replaced with a care-free smile. "You're not trying to run away from home, right?" She smiled.

I chuckled, biting back a smile.

With the oversized office suit and large circular medicated glasses gone, her face and body appeared slimmer. Her natural curly hair was tied in a high bun and her skin glowed even with little light. She was beautiful and could pass for a decade younger. Little wonder my father wanted her.

"It's too late to run away now, isn't it?" I shrugged.

She gave an understanding smile. "Why don't you come in?" She opened the door wider and stood aside. "I don't think the rain is about to stop drizzling anytime soon."

I nodded and walked into the average-size living area. Warmth and a mixture of ginger and fruity scent welcomed me. The only light in the room came from the medium sized TV screen and a variety of scented candles lined on the coffee table and side tables.

"One second," she said, before shuffling to the wall and toggling on the switch, lights from a number of bulbs in the POP ceiling came on in the process.

"Water? A drink? Or food?" she asked, pointing towards where I assumed to be the kitchen. I'd not even sat and she was already planning to fill up my stomach. Was this how she ensnared my father?

"For how long have you been sleeping with my father?" I asked, still standing with my hands in the back pocket of my trousers.

Her lips parted slightly but nothing came out. She shook her head then gave an unapologetic smile.

"Nineteen? Ten, maybe?" I asked, attempting to shame her and wipe off the smirk on her face.

"Try thirty-three," she replied with zero guilt in her voice.

Thirty-three.

My parents had been married only thirty-two years and met a month to the wedding. She was the victim of their marriage, and not the enemy like I thought.

Instantly, I felt  pity for her. Was that why she had sympathy for Enitan—because she'd been in the same position once?

My father claimed love wasn't for men like us, but he kept the love of his youth hidden for three decades. Was this I and Enitan's fate?

"I'm sorry. I should never have come," I said, turning back to the door. I'd come with the hopes of finding something to threaten my father with, only to realize that he too was just a man like me, once in love, but made the necessary sacrifice for family.

"Nathaniel."

I stiffened at her tone.

"Now that you know, let me explain myself. I can't have you hating me for ever."

"I don't hate you," I replied, grabbing the door handle and pulling the door open.

She blew out a shaky breath. "Just like that? I know you enough to know you can be unforgiving. So telling me you're ok with your family being blackmailed because of my affair with your father doesn't make sense."

What?

I turned back and watched her intensely. "What was that?"

It was then she knew she'd made a mistake and slipped. "Lord, what have I done," she muttered into her hands.

"Wow! What else is going on that I don't know about!"

She took her seat while I stood frozen, waiting for her to speak up.

"You should be having this conversation with your father."

"But he's not here now, is he?" I asked impatiently.

She remained silent for a while then heaved a deep breath. "Your father and I had been dating when he got married. I broke things off with him but a few years later he said he wanted a divorce and I believed him," she spoke slowly like she was counting each word. "I was stupid in love. So I started seeing him again and I got pregnant, but he never went through with the divorce."

"But you kept seeing him."

She looked down as her hands played with the hem of her sweater. "I should have stopped. But I loved him, and wanted to be around my kid. If only I'd made the right decision to leave earlier, Martins would never have gotten that lucky break and your father would have since wriggled his way out of this corruption case."

So the corruption charges...that was only a cover-up? The affair was being used to blackmail him to not fight the charges. I held my throbbing head.

Mr. Martins, the snake.

Ivan was right all along; her speculations and theories. And I was just too desperate to chair Avalon that I didn't see something was off.

How was it that of all the forces in the universe that could combine, it was that of a woman prepared to destroy me and the other offering the opportunity. They'd succeeded in ruining my life.

"Why not risk it? How do you know Mr. Martin is not bluffing. It's not like he'd openly admit to blackmailing with an affair. So father should pull his weight on the charges and find a way to reduce the blowback should words of the affair gets out."

"No. We're not going to risk hurting our son!"

Wow!

"So my life is a mess because of your mistakes and all you care about is your son!"

"Yes! The world can never know that he was the product of an affair!"

"Just great. How lucky he is to have you both, ruining other lives just to protect his. But I don't share in this keenness for your secret love child. So when I walk out of here, I'm going to call off this sham of a wedding and let you handle the consequences of your actions!"

"No, please!" She jumped from her seat and clung to me. "You can't do that."

"Like hell I can," I ripped my arm off her grip and headed for the door.

"We're doing this for you!"

"For me?" I turned around in surprise. "How dare you?" I yelled with a shaky voice. "All these past months have brought me nothing but pain and anguish. I've had to endure hurting the woman I loved most in the world. And you dare say this it's for me?"

"It is! Because we're trying to protect you! My son!" She shook my arms violently but I couldn't feel them.

It was like the air had been knocked right out my lungs.

"No." I laughed and dismissed her with a wave. "I'm out of here."

"Yes. You're my son. But in the eyes of the world that adore you and siblings who accept and love you, you're a legitimate child and that cannot change. Do you understand me?"

I must have damaged my eardrums somehow because I could only hear clangs in my brain. The ground around me was starting to spin and I leaned on the door for support.

"I'm sorry you had to find out like this." She held on tight to me. "I'm so sorry."



Phew. When this story came to my head for the first time, this was the first scene I imagined (very funny) and I'm glad to have finally written it. Don't forget to like this chapter guys, and tell me how you feel about this chapter in the comments. Kindly pardon any error you come across o. I don tire.

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Literature / Re: The Wall Between Us. A Novel By EneChelsea by Culin(f): 2:34am On Aug 07, 2020
jupitre:
Wishing you beauty, happiness,joy,peace and sunshine for the coming year culin, may your days be filled with the love and perfections..
Happy Birthday...


I can't wait for the remaining updates

Amen and amen. Thanks a lot.

Updates coming right up!
Literature / Re: The Wall Between Us. A Novel By EneChelsea by Culin(f): 2:33am On Aug 07, 2020
jupitre:
Wishing you beauty, happiness,joy,peace and sunshine for the coming year culin, may your days be filled with the love and perfections..
Happy Birthday...


I can't wait for the remaining updates

Amen. Thanks alot. Coming right up.
Literature / Re: The Wall Between Us. A Novel By EneChelsea by Culin(f): 2:33am On Aug 07, 2020
adeboizy11:
Culin my love, happy birthday boo. Allah ya sanya albarka. Sorry it's coming late.

Ameen. Na gode.
Literature / Re: The Wall Between Us. A Novel By EneChelsea by Culin(f): 6:44pm On Aug 06, 2020
Chapter Twenty-Five Moving—Away

Innocent people can get into terrible jams, too. One false move and you're in over your head.

Ben Hecht

Song—Smiling when I die by Sasha Sloan

ENITAN

I didn't know what to do with the information I'd learnt; Nathan's father had tried to murder me. Nathan's family were responsible for the pain I had to go endure, the sleepless nights. Yet, his mum had pretended to be nice, offering her house and pretentious smiles. I was so blinded by all the nice things to remember wealthy people were all the same and every act of kindness had a hidden motive. That also had to be why Everest was always around me. Was it for my protection or to keep an eye on me? And to think I was beginning to confide in him.

Leaving town was the best option for my family and children's safety. So, even though I'd smiled with Everest every morning and lived in the beach house like my life was perfect, moving far away from Lagos, Nathan and his family became my greatest obsession.

Sitting on a white bench beside the house, I glanced one last time at the two options on the screen of my HP laptop.

'Make Payments'
'Cancel Reservation'

I hovered the cursor above both options and began to doubt my decision. Not giving myself enough time to panic and back out, I clicked on 'make payments' and a new page with my flight details popped up. Just about the same time, Jameel's skype call came in. I blew out an exasperated sigh. I could'nt ignore him forever.

"Enitan, have you been avoiding me?" Jameel asked immediately his face appeared on the screen.

I smiled at the inscription on his red T-shirt; here I am. Now what are your other two wishes.

Classic Jameel.

His laptop was placed on his well laid bed while he sat on a stool beside it.

He'd dropped me off at Tanya's place after the ruckus with Nathan and Annabelle...even kept me company and insisted on seeing me afterwards, but I couldn't let him get entangled with my complicated life, especially now that I knew I was dealing with a dangerous family. I was also beginning to doubt his true intentions. For all I know, he could be lying like Nathan and his family.

"There are so many things happening, I need to clear my head," I said, dragging in a long breath and exhaling a sharp one.

"Am I part of those things?"

"Yes, you are."

"Then why don't we talk about it. Look I'm sorry for coming hard at you at the awards. I just got carried away."

I sucked up air again and decided to ask one of the many questions that have been plundering my mind.

"Are you gay?"

"What?" Jameel's face contorted into lines of shock and confusion. "Why would you even ask something like that?"

"Then, are you sterile?"

"Christ! Enitan! Where are all these questions coming from?"

"Because I need to know why you're so hell bent on having me!"

"Wow. I didn't realize you had reservations."

"You still haven't answered my question."

"Wow." Lost for words, he swept his hands over his head, it was then I noticed he'd gotten a fresh cut with a different style of carving.

"Are you using me to cover up for something?"

"Is it so hard to believe that I like you?"

"Jameel, please. I can't stand anymore lies."

"I have never and will never lie to you or use you for anything! You seem to have forgotten our history. I loved you, Nita. You were my first. That hasn't changed. Six years later and my feelings for you haven't changed."

I looked at him like he'd just told me Aliens had evaded earth.

"You don't believe me." He bobbled his head slowly, in a somewhat hopeless manner, then a look of determination crossed his face and he drew closer to his computer. "When I saw you on that hospital bed for the first time, I knew fate had given me a second chance. And when you told me the father of your child couldn't be there, I knew for sure it was destiny."

"Jameel—"

"I see this as a continuation of an old race, Enitan. Not the beginning of a new one. It doesn't matter if there are two additions to your life, I love them equally as I love you."

A spell of dizziness hit me. I should have shut him down when he brought roses to my hospital room. When his hugs lasted seconds longer. I should have dashed his hopes when we hung out. Instead I led him on and on out of own hurt.

"I like being around you, Jameel. But those feelings—I'm trying to heal from something—I can't reciprocate those feelings."

"I know. Your heart is with him, maybe it always will. But I can live with that. I just want you to let me love you. You don't have to give anything in return."

"I'll never forgive myself for denying you such a beautiful thing."

"I deserve it. For not reaching out to you after school."

"You don't. You deserve love, Jameel. You're sweet and kind, and any woman would be lucky to have you."

"Any woman except you," he smiled, a sad one as his shoulders slouched.

"I thought I wanted this. But I was only being a coward. I need to learn to face my future alone."

"But you don't have to!"

"I do!" My voice raised and he drew in a ragged breath, covering his face with both palms.

"I do," I repeated.

When his hands came off his face, his eyes were glittery with tears. "How are you going to do that? Accept the things people will say about you and your kids?"

I kept a straight face so he didn't think I was joking around or being stupid. "I'm just going to go somewhere new to start all over. Get a job and have my babies. Away from all the confusion."

"Ok," he smiled and nodded. "Do what you want, but I'll be there to assist you all the way."

"No. I want to do this alone. With a clear head."

"Wow." The hurt on his face was glaring even though he tried to cover it up with a smile. Sighing, he looked back up at the screen. "If I give you enough space, tell me that when you're ready again, you'll give me the same chance you gave him."

"What?"

"I'm saying, would you consider marrying me when your head is clear enough."

"Jameel, I—" the side of my eyes caught some movement, I turned to see Mrs Adakole strutting towards the bench. My heart skipped at the sight. "Got to go J. I'll call you soon.” I closed the laptop and met her halfway.

"Hey, my darling," she greeted with a peck.

"Good Evening, Ma," I replied, faking the best smile I could.

"I thought I'd stop by, check on you and bring you something. Come," she said, gently placing a hand on my shoulder and leading me inside the house. I walked like a programmed robot until we got into the living room and my eyes found Nathan's frame leaning against the wall with a bored expression on his face. He looked up from his phone and straightened when he spotted me beside his mum.

"Hey," he said stiffly.

"Hey," I replied in the same manner.

His mum's eyes travelled between the both of us, expecting more pleasantries but the next few seconds were only followed with a loud silence.

"Okay then,’ she spoke up, ignoring the awkward atmosphere. She continuously asked about my welfare while I replied with fake smiles and nods. I couldn't help but feel like a hostage who had to be polite to her captor in order to stay alive. She was no different from her husband.

When Nathan's mum was distracted with feeling my bump, I felt the heat of Nathan's gaze on me. I lifted my eyes and truly, he was staring. I shifted my eyes away immediately and focused on his mother.

"Hopefully these should help you sleep better.” She gestured to a pretty blue foam that looked like a neck pillow, only it was larger and longer. "Dr Helena told me you were finding it hard to sleep."

I smiled again. "Thank you, ma."

My eyes fell to my hands as Nathan picked the pillow and headed to my room upstairs, coming back down in less than a minute.

"So, since you're now family, I was thinking you could attend the wedding," Nathan's mum spoke up. "You know, it'll dissolve this feud and help you form a great bond with your children's step mother."

"Oh." I was sure my blood pressure sky rocketed.

Help me form a bond? I want out of here!

"That is not happening, mum," Nathan countered as he sent her a stern glare.

"Of course it will!” she laughed lightly. “We can't afford to have anymore rifts in this family, for the sake of your kids. Trust me, it will work the charm with Anna. And you get to meet the rest of our family."

"No. She won't." His expression remained resolute as he moved across the room. "What are you up to!" he whispered into her ears but I still heard. She shrugged off his arm from her shoulder and smiled expectantly at me.

"Mum, let's go. I have one final wedding fitting to attend.’

She waved him off dismissively. “Oh, please. We both know that's a lie.”

I glued my eyes to the ground, praying for their exchange to end.

"So, Enitan, will you come?"

"Mm," I lifted my head at the sound of my name. It wasn't a question, her expectant smile said enough. So I nodded in agreement.

"Great! I'll get one of our designers to fix you a nice dress before Saturday."

I nodded again.

"We'll get going now."

"Yeah, sure," I laughed awkwardly. "Thanks for coming around."

She pecked me on the cheek again and I walked her to the door while Nathan followed in a slow pace behind us. He stopped when she was out of the door and reached for my hand.

"Hey. I'm sorry about last time—"

"It's nothing." I cut him short, pulling my hand out of his hold.

"We should at least talk about it."

"No. We shouldn't."

"I'm working on something."

"I don't want to know."

He closed the distance between us and I knew what was going to happen next if I gave him the chance. "You should leave. Don't you have one final wedding fitting to attend?"

He cursed under his breath and walked out frustrated.

***
"Olorun! Look at this house!" Tolani yapped for the hundredth time since she walked into the beach house. "Are you sure I won't go in search of a rich baby daddy too?" She hobbled from the balcony overlooking the beach and back to the room. Plopping down on the soft bed, she stretched out her arms and smiled in a childlike manner. "You can even see all the stars from here."

Though against my wish, I was grateful Tanya brought my sisters, Tolani and Kate along on her rare night visits. I didn't want them around the house of a family that had tried to kill me but the wedding was now only three days away and I needed their advice. Well, Tanya and Kate at least, Tolani's advice was pretty much invalid.

"Nathan's mum invited me to Nathan's wedding this Saturday," I blurted.

"What!" The three girls screamed all at the same time, their mouths hanging open and eyes wide as saucers.

"My God! You're officially an Adakole," Tolani squealed. "Can I come along?" She pleaded with puppy eyes.

"No!" Kate directed a chastising glare at Tolani, then turned to me. "You're not going, right?" she asked. She'd always being the sensible one, though just twenty, two years younger than Tolani.

"Of course not." I held her hands. "I'm leaving Lagos, to somewhere far and peaceful."

"The Caribbean Islands or Ibiza?" Tolani asked with all her teeth on display.

"No!" I deadpanned. "Plateau State."

"Where?" Tolani looked unsure about whether I was serious or joking.

"Jos," I clarified. "The weather is cool, the environment is less noisy, and life is affordable. It's far from home but nobody would recognise me. I can get a new job or something and start a good life," I rasped non-stop.

Tanya rounded the bed and sat on it, holding my hands and staring at me with fear written all over her face. "What is happening? You look agitated." She drew closer. "You don't have to attend the wedding, you can always come up with an excuse."

"Bunny—" I wish I could tell her the truth behind the accident. Tanya would demand we sued Avalon and fight it. But I knew it could only end one way-our loss. "I just need a change of scenery."

"Change of scenery?" Tolani who had been staring at me like I was crazy, yelled from the other side of the room as she clapped her hands dramatically. "When God was giving people smart sisters, he gave me you. Haa!" she exclaimed again, this time settling both hands on her hips. "Instead of making the best out of this, you're talking about moving away and not even abroad."

Tanya chuckled and Kate hissed.

But Tolani was not done yet. "You'll go to that wedding, and strut in there like the hottest baby mama ever. Let everybody know who you are. Since its drama they want, you'll give it to them hot hot."

"No, she won't,” Kate Countered. “And if at all she's forced to go, she'll go to like a properly raised girl and leave without any drama.”

Tolani and Kate argued endlessly about my decision and eventually ended up in the balcony. Tanya looked at me with pity and whispered, "What do you need to move to Jos and when?"

"Just someone to drive me to the airport on Saturday. At least the Adakole's will be so distracted by then to notice I'm gone."

"Ok. But how do you intend to get away from that bodyguard of yours?" she asked.

"I don't know, I guess I'll just have to explain to him."

"And you think he'll let you leave without his employers knowing?"

She made a good point. Asking him to take me to Tanya's was different than asking him to drive me to the airport without Nathan's knowledge.

"Let me handle it," she smiled naughtily.

"Bunny!" I slapped her hands playfully. "I'm being serious here!"

"And so am I! I can be a great distraction while Jameel drives you to the airport. I can't stand goodbyes and airport farewells anyway."

"Do you like that guy? Because you're wasting your time o. His heart is stronger than a rock and there's nothing you can do to distract him."

"Hmm. You've forgotten so soon how many Samsons this ass has brought down before," she said, spanking her bum.

I laughed, throwing my head forward. For a moment, I forgot how messed up my life was. "Fine then. I'll let my dad and Jameel know."

3 Likes

Literature / Re: "Ocean Of Secrets" A Story By Millieademi by Culin(f): 6:25pm On Aug 06, 2020
[quote author=millieademi post=92522256]So this update is dedicated to

*drum rolls*

CULIN

Happy birthday dearie! Long life, prosperity, and all the best things life has to offer.


******

Millieademi! You're too cool and I wonder how I ended up being so lucky. I really don't deserve you. Amen and thanks darling.

1 Like

Literature / Re: The Wall Between Us. A Novel By EneChelsea by Culin(f): 4:17pm On Aug 06, 2020
millieademi:
Please do not tell me Eni's mum is William Adakole's mistress

Hahaha, hang on to your hat!

1 Like

Literature / Re: The Wall Between Us. A Novel By EneChelsea by Culin(f): 3:23pm On Aug 06, 2020
Chapter 24 - Spotting A weakness

The satisfaction derived from the fleeting things of life is not lasting; and our wants remain unfulfilled. There is thus a general sense of dissatisfaction accompanied by all kinds of worries.

Meher Baba

Song - Fate by H.E.R

NATHAN

When I'd buttoned my tux and stepped into my car for the award ceremony, I'd expected the night to be a normal one. I did not expect to meet or kiss the woman who'd handed over my kids to another man and had me locked out of my mother's home for hours.

Neither did I expect Ivan would tell my fiancée of my whereabouts or that it'll lead to hitting her.

Two weeks later—and only few days to my wedding, endless thoughts of Enitan and the consequences of the events of that night were far from over.

"Please tell me the rumours of the IFCA currently sniffing around Avalon isn't true?" My mum asked with a worried expression immediately I crossed the large doors leading to the living room of the Adakole's mansion.

Good day to you too, Mum.

I knew her request to see me was related to recent IFCA retaliation engineered by Mr Martins that could've only been a result of me hitting Annabelle two weeks ago, leaving her alone at my home and refusing to show up for any of our wedding plans.

I threw my hands up frustratingly. "Unfortunately, its true."

She became flustered. "Does this have anything to do with your ex?" she yelled. I hesitated and she crossed her arms, waiting impatiently for a reply.

"I may have hit Annabelle," I murmured, looking down in shame.

"Nathaniel Adakole! I raised you better! What madness came over you?"

"I'm not making excuses, but she went too far, defaming father and I by implying I was following in his steps of having an affair and expecting her to support it like you do."

I looked at her face, expecting her to laugh at the ridiculous accusation. After all, her husband, though a rugged businessman, was a principled and faithful husband, one who wouldn't dare expose his family to such a scandalous life. Instead, I watched as blood drained from her face.

"W-What?" She stuttered. Holding her belly and grabbing the sofa by its arm, she sat and stared into space.

"Mum, are you ok?"

"Look, if Annabelle told you this then you can't ruin this thing with her."

"It's true then?"

'You're clueless and desperate, little wonder it's so easy to manipulate you.'

Annabelle had said that night as she cursed and trudged behind me, hot on my heels before I pressed the elevator shut against her face.

What else was I clueless about? She was right, I was being manipulated and the frustration was reaching it's peak.

My mother's face softened and she looked at me, silently begging me to drop the subject. Ever since the incident of the fake heart attack, she'd been trying to get on my good side, a place where I could trust her and her motives again. She wasn't willing to lie to me again, and neither was she ready to talk.

"Mum, please, say something, all this is driving me insane," I pleaded in a low tone.

She shook her head, frowning and biting her lip.

I moved to her side and crouched beside the sofa. "Annabelle can't keep her mouth shut, it's only a matter of time before people find out."

It was clear, the Martins family were going to be our undoing, there used to be a time when we no one could mess with our family. But now, a family of opportunist were riding on the waves of intimidation and using us as surf boards.

Her palms covered her face. "Why would this come up all of a sudden—and how does she even know this? The affair happened years ago and Williams assured me it stopped."

"Oh, God," I groaned, flexing the muscles in my jaw.

Hearing her admit it hurt. Mr 'we do things for family' didn't respect his family enough not to hurt them. Hypocrite.

"How sure are you it's stopped! Not just financial crimes but a scandalous affair? We'll never recover from the blowback!"

"I'll have a little chat with Annabelle and take care of this!" she challenged.

"Yeah, just like you took care of the construction and oil block deal before putting me in this mess. How do you still love that man when all he's done is hurt and disrespect you?"

"I don't resent him for making the mistakes he made. I'm proud that he ended it."

"It doesn't change the fact that he cheated! And somehow, a family who's already blackmailing us has that knowledge," I said, standing from my crouched position and making my point with hand gestures.

"It's not his fault! We were struggling with our marriage! Your father was still trying to grasp the terms and—"

"What terms? You both met in a park in London and fell in love after that."

"No. We both met in Benue State, a month to our wedding. My father's company was one of the best paint producers in Otukpo and the country at the time, but in 1985 he made bad investments and was in so much debt." She intertwined both hands and continued speaking. "To survive, he needed a merger or a buyer. But your father offered to buy just our patent rights and lift manpower, it was cheaper. But my father wasn't going to let his great name and hard work go so cheaply, so he insisted that whoever he sold it to, his family had to be involved. And that's how your father and I got married."

"How come we never knew this?"

"Now you do, and you know why you can't let anyone ruin this company."

"Who's this woman?" I asked, after a while of silence.

"You don't need to know that! Your focus right now should be presenting yourself as a suitable husband and good father to your unborn kids. You're going to perform both responsibilities perfectly and take care of both women without fault," she warned sternly. "And that begins now when you take this pregnancy pillow to Enitan," she said, pointing to a blue hollowed-rectangular pillow on the wooden coffee table. "You'll drive me there so I can check on her too."

She'd completely switched from my father's topic with a straight face like we'd never spoken about it.

"Mum, no more secrets, you said that!"

"Someday you'll understand that somethings are better left unsaid."

I scoffed and shook my head in disappointment.

'What is with you Adakole's and baby mamas.' Annabelle's statement in the hospital came rushing to my memory.

"I'm going upstairs to change into something more comfortable, can you drop this in your car?" She pointed again to the pillow and made for the staircase.

"Did this woman have a child for him?" I asked as she walked upstairs, my question catching her unawares.

She grabbed the railings. Her breath hitched in her throat and I couldn't tell if she was still breathing.

"I know what your motives are. You are angry at your father and want to get back at him," she stated as a matter of fact. "But you can't pursue this any further."

"Ok." I nodded. "Don't tell me. I'll find everything I need to know."

****
My mother had been smartly vague, not giving specific details. There was no woman that came to mind as I thought of who my father's mistress or child could be. But I was done waiting around for information from outsiders. Banking on the hopes that he'd have occasionally had financial transactions with whoever this woman was, I called the manager of the bank Avalon and our family used.

"Hello, Yusuf." I said as I picked the pillow and headed for the front door. Yusuf Maigida, a 39yr old Fulani, was the GM of Apex Bank and a long time friend.

"Good afternoon, Abokina. Having a lovely weekend?" He asked in his usual hearty voice.

Nothing close. But there was no need filling him in on my life's crisis. "It's perfect. Yours?"

"With the family. Alhamdulillah for weekends like this." Yusuf often took the late Friday flight to visit his family of four in Abuja and was back to Lagos on the first Monday morning flight.

"That's great. I need a favour, Yusuf." I opened the back door of my car and dropped the pillow on the seat. Anxiety of seeing Enitan again for the first time since the hotel incident was beginning to build up in my chest.

"Anything. Just say the word."

"Can you track the spending of the Chairman?" I asked, returning to the drivers seat and settling in while waiting for my mother.

"Is there a problem sir? The auditors rounded up quarterly audits just a month ago. I believe if there was anything spectacular I'd be the first to know."

"Not the official records, I meant his personal bank statement."

The line went silent.

"Sir?" he sounded struck. I knew he'd heard me the first time. My request was as easy as telling him to walk into a burning building, but he was the only one with such access. Even the IFCA needed a search warrant for it.

"Please, Yusuf, I won't be asking if it wasn't important."

"Not only is it illegal to do that without his signature, but snooping around the Chairman's financial records could get me fired and out of a job forever, and you know this!"

I sighed in defeat.

He heaved a deep breathe and after some seconds, he asked, "What exactly are you looking for?"

"Deposits. Deposits to any account that appears often. Payments for cars or houses, vacations, anything.

"And if this backfires?"

"Your lawyers can claim you were under duress. I'll take full responsibility."

"Honestly, I'm only doing this for the sake of our friendship.”

“Thank you!”

“I'll need my work station at the office for that. I'll get to it as soon as I return tomorrow and forward a copy of whatever I find to your mail within the week."

Within the week

God. That felt like a year but compared to confronting my father or trying to force his bodyguard to snitch, it was my best shot to finding clarity. "That's fine, Yusuf. I sincerely appreciate your help."

"Anything for a brother. Oh, and congratulations on your wedding. Mariam sends her wishes."

"Thanks, bro. Expecting your mail."


Curiosity they said, killed the cat. But as I drove to the beach house with my mother in the passenger seat, I couldn't help but wonder; what if whatever I found was going to liberate me?

'Leave her.' Enitan's words echoed at the back of my mind.

What if it was all the leverage I needed to push my father to the edge of finding another solution to his problems.

5 Likes

Literature / Re: The Wall Between Us. A Novel By EneChelsea by Culin(f): 1:52pm On Aug 06, 2020
Wow. I don't deserve you guys. Thank you so much for the wishes and amen to all your prayers.

Millieademi no cake o, just finished two wraps of semovita. cheesy

Enirock, your comments get me emotional everytime. Amen and amen.

Make una sitdown relax, updates 'bout to start flying in.

2 Likes

Literature / Re: The Wall Between Us. A Novel By EneChelsea by Culin(f): 3:41pm On Aug 05, 2020
enirock:


I am a reservoir of calmness. I just wanted to remind you that tomorrow would be 6th grin

I am a reservoir of calmness. I just wanted to remind you that tomorrow would be 6th

Yes mami, and you're getting the last 7 updates tomorrow as a gift from me to ya. kiss

1 Like

Literature / Re: The Wall Between Us. A Novel By EneChelsea by Culin(f): 3:39pm On Aug 05, 2020
millieademi:



Guy...

I'm not sure I appreciate this comment o. Every writer has their own life, what they are going through and how they write.

Culin may not have as much free time as I do. She posts edited and proofread work, whereas I post rough drafts.

So, please... try not to compare? I'm not sure if that's the right word but you sha get my point.

Thanks Millie, you're totally bomb!
Literature / Re: The Wall Between Us. A Novel By EneChelsea by Culin(f): 12:16pm On Aug 01, 2020
jupitre:


We all have our views though..But as much as I know that Nathan is a jerk,I still don't blame him,his father orchestrated that accident,and if it were me,I wouldn't want that anything to happen to her again,I guess that's what he's trying to do,as much as he wants her,he's still doesn't want her hurt..
That's the way I see it though..

Another smart angle. cheesy
Literature / Re: The Wall Between Us. A Novel By EneChelsea by Culin(f): 12:15pm On Aug 01, 2020
enirock:
Please has anyone seen or heard from Culin
My blood sugar is rising and only a dose of this write up can calm my nerves ooo

Culin I thought we had an agreement of regular updates Hope you're good though


Hehehe, oya calm down na. Putting on finishing touches to the last seven chapters. I promised to end the story by 6th and nothing has changed.
Literature / Re: The Wall Between Us. A Novel By EneChelsea by Culin(f): 7:47pm On Jul 26, 2020
adeboizy11:
And I pride myself the best psychologist that's ever liveth. Just got the truth out of you. Now respond to my mail and gimme your number.

That was a voluntary answer!!! grin you didn't trick me.
Literature / Re: The Wall Between Us. A Novel By EneChelsea by Culin(f): 1:35pm On Jul 26, 2020
Ann2012:
Nathan is just so selfish angry, he wants everything to himself.....
Now that Eni realized that Nathan's father was responsible for her accident, hope she'll know how to protect herself and her kids by staying away from Nathan. Annabelle......you're killing yourself for a man who doesn't care one bit about you, well done ma. Sorry for the punches doctor Jameel grin

Thanks for the update dearie

She may be in love, but she's not stupid. Trust me, Enitan will do the needful. *winks.*

And as for Anna (lmaooo, she's your namesake), I'm tired of that girl always causing unnecessary trouble.

1 Like

Literature / Re: The Wall Between Us. A Novel By EneChelsea by Culin(f): 1:24pm On Jul 26, 2020
adeboizy11:
The scary clue I've gotten after you said it will be a sad end is that she won't have the babies.

Whoa! whoa! whoa! Calm down dear. I may be a 'saddist writer' but not to the point of killing innocent baby characters. wink Plus I if they survived the accident, it's their destiny to survive. So be rest assured those kids won't die. They are the ones who will offer Enitan comfort and hope when this is all done.
Literature / Re: The Wall Between Us. A Novel By EneChelsea by Culin(f): 1:22pm On Jul 26, 2020
millieademi:
Girl, you're amazing!! Period. No controversy.

So, time for my analysis and ranting.

Someone once told me love is. a choice you make. I never really realized how true it was till I met Nathan Adakole. He is by far the most selfish male character I have ever dome across in a romance piece.

This is I can't have her no one else will in a less obsessed way.

Really, he makes me wonder if guys like Nick Young from Crazy Rich Asians actually exists. A friend of mine once argued that no rich guy would ever chose love above a fortune. Nathan is making me believe that.

Or maybe she was coming from the Nigerian perspective, then in which case, there might just be a Nick Young out there for me (just kidding)

Anyway, I'm totally rooting for Jameel. But I think he went too far calling Eni his girlfriend in public. Mama was still trying to make sense of everything.

Eni please never borrow me your shoes. I don't want this Kain drama. Really, I can feel your pain.

Thanks for listening to my TED talk.

Cumin, you're amazeballs.

Millie, you always have a way with words. The tear I was trying so hard to hold back from Enirock's comment just dropped after seeing yours. It's like you guys have a plan to make me an emotional reck today oo.

And yes, it's a rarity for rich boys to choose love over fortune. It's not just from a Nigerian perspective. The truth is, power, money and status are addictive. Only a few people would be willing to let go... for love.

1 Like 1 Share

Literature / Re: The Wall Between Us. A Novel By EneChelsea by Culin(f): 1:10pm On Jul 26, 2020
enirock:
All I can say is thank God I was not here when this amazing piece began- the wait and the suspense and the updates not coming as at when due would have given me a heart attack and possibly stroke.


That said, Culin I must acknowledge and appreciate your skillful /silky penmanship and arrangement accompanied by music(a soothing relief to the soul). You made it look so simple that dull head like me'(in terms of writing), would want to give writing a try. Thanks for blessing us with your gifts and seeing that the updates are now frequent, I stand and beat my chest to say ' na God win'.

We eagerly await more as we believe you would not leave us hanging, given how close your birthday is(seeing as you would want to end this piece before then). I don't know what else to say other than Thank you and pray that this gift of yours continually improve, make way for you as you strive to keep us entertained/happy.

I am dancing Alanta right now(don't mind me, I am an old soul like that).


Wow. Usually, I have all the words but this rendered me completely speechless. My heart is bursting with Joy. Enirock, God bless you and amen to your prayers. This comment is just, wow.

And Alanta is a great dance irrespective of the times, at least you can dance, I can't even dance to save my mom's life.

1 Like

Literature / Re: The Wall Between Us. A Novel By EneChelsea by Culin(f): 2:07pm On Jul 25, 2020
Chapter Twenty-three - Be My Mistress


"The cure for a broken heart is simple, my lady. A hot bath and a good night's sleep." -Margaret George

Song- Know Your Worth (afro version)- khalid ft Davido and Tems

ENITAN

"Enitan!" Nathan roared behind me as I removed my heels and walked faster towards the emergency staircase. The elevator would've been much faster but I wouldn't dare, not after the last time.

"You'll stop walking right now and talk to me! Enitan!" He called again but I quickened my pace instead.

"Let her be!" Jameel's voice brought me to a halt. I whisked around to see both men standing, glaring at each other and then suddenly, Nathan charged towards Jameel like a bull.

Dear God! What have I done!

I sprinted towards both men, too late to stop Nathan. The only time I'd seen Nathan punch so hard-or punch anything at all was during his gym workouts. But right now, I could have mistaken Jameel's face for a gym's punching bag.

"Stop!" I cried, tugging at Nathan's hands and suit, but he continued like he'd gone deaf. "Nathan, please, stop!" I begged, completely breaking down. "Please!"

He stopped and stepped back. Pacing the breadth of the hallway, he covered his face with both palms.

I was furious. Furious that Nathan would do this. Most of all, furious that Jameel had clearly refused to defend himself, not even a finger raised.

Did he have a death wish!

I cupped Jameel's face, his dark skin starting to show darker patches. His eyes were a shadow of sadness as he looked into mine. I broke into another fit of sobs. "I'm sorry, this is all my fault. I'm so sorry," the words rolled of my tongue for what seemed to be the hundredth time.

"You and I need to talk. Get this man away from me before I completely loose it!" Nathan thundered beside us.

"No. I'm not talking to you, Nathan, not when you're in this state."

He laughed, "oh, you will!"

"I'm not leaving her alone with you, psycho!"

Nathan surged towards Jameel again and I jumped into the way.

"Fine! We'll talk!" I yelled at Nathan.

"No, he's out of his mind. I'm taking you home."

"Jameel, I don't want this to turn to a public disturbance and involve security." He looked at me, somewhat disappointed in my choice. "I'll be fine, and I'll join you shortly."

Nathan didn't wait for his permission as he grabbed my wrist and pulled me down the hallway and into the restroom.


***
"What has gotten into you!" I screamed, hitting his chest repeatedly after he let go of my wrist. "You had no right to do that to him! Or me!"

"Neither did you have the right to make that decision for me and my kids!" He spat and covered his face with palms, clearly frustrated.

"Nathan, you're unreliable. You're insensitive. You're thoughtless and have no respect for me for my feelings."

He stopped pacing, then chuckled, "does this have anything to do with Annabelle's recent tweets?"

I backed away from him and dumped my shoes and clutch on the countertop, leaning against it and folding both arms across my chest. My eyes conveyed all the answers he needed.

"Wow," he nodded and bowed his head. "That wasn't my doing, Enitan."

"Here you go again with the 'it's not my doing' crap."

"But it isn't! Annabelle tried to kill herself and the doctors insisted she stayed with me."

"Wow! You're just unbelievable."

"I don't even live there any more. I moved out even before those tweets. You have to believe me!"

"I can't," I raised my hands, pleading for his silence. "I can't do this."

"You have to think this through, Enitan."

"I already did."

"I won't let you."

I raised my head, putting on a serious demeanour. "You can't stop me. Listen, you still get to call them your kids when they're born. But Jameel will help me with appearances and my reputation."

"I don't want that!"

"I don't care about what you want! I don't."

"You have to care! This is absurd!"

"I get it! You're scared. You're scared I may do something nasty with your kids still inside of me." His stoic expression faltered, his eyes moving to my belly. "I'm not stupid and Jameel is a gentleman. My moving on in that aspect would be after I've nursed my kids to full satisfaction," I mumbled the last sentence, but I could tell he caught on anyway as he kissed his teeth and his jaw tightened.

Closing the gap between us, his breath fanned my cheeks and his body pressed mine against the Marble countertop, I held tight to it's edge for support while leaning backwards.

"That's not what I fear," he said drawing even closer. I turned my neck sideways to avoid his warm breath. "I can't stand seeing you with another man," he whispered, nuzzling into my neck while the back of his palm stroked my cheeks, gradually making me forget why I needed to stay angry at him.

"It's not your place anymore."

"Then why does it feel like my chest is about to snap?"

I swallowed. "Because you're a narcissist who always wants to have his way."

"Is that so?" He smiled, bending his head even lower. His thumb moved over my lips, wiping off my nude lipstick.

"Yes," my voice faltered.

"Ok," he chuckled as his lips brushed mine.

"Stop-" I breathed.

The rest of my protest was lost in his lips as he captured mine in slow sensual strokes. His breathe, too calm unlike my heart that was racing above speed limit. A moan escaped my lips and my knees began to fail.

His other hand wrapped around my waist, holding me steady before my knees could give way. I wanted him. Legally and publicly. Not in a rest room of a hotel. It became clear; this man would be the death of me. My arms clutched to his sides weakly for support.

"Leave her," I said, pulling my lips away and trying to breathe. He remained silent, my voice must have been so croaky he didn't hear me. "Leave her," I repeated. "We could start all over like this never happened."

I couldn't believe myself. A part of me was ashamed at my desperation-the other part clung to hope.

"I can't," he inhaled, resting his forehead on mine, his strong arms still firm around my waist. My heart crashed to the pit of my stomach.

I nodded my head in realization. He wasn't going to change. I managed to whisper, "okay." I pushed away slightly and tried to move past him.

He pulled me closer, his grip so tight it hurt. "Eni-this can still work. We can still have what we use to."

"As what? Your mistress?" I laughed bitterly. "No."

"You make it sound awful. At least we still get to have each other." His free hand tucked a loose strand of my pony tail behind my ear.

My neck fell to his sturdy chest, swallowing up the cry that threatened to burst out of my throat. I didn't know how to feel; disappointed at Nathan for even thinking of cheating on his future wife, or insulted that he made such a proposal?

"I can't trade the things I have to loose for what you want."

Wow.

"Let go," I said in a monotonous voice. "Please."

He did. I exhaled deeply, my nerves tried to sort out the hurt, anger, disappointment and incomprehensible emotions that surged through me. It was happening all over again. I never learned. I nodded and moved past him, grabbing my clutch and shoes from the countertop and swaying to the door.

"I wish you a happy married life," I said, sniffing, walking out of the door and shutting it behind me. My eyes welled with tears. I stood against the door and tried to regain my composure.

You can't cry Enitan. Not over him.

With a blurred vision, I turned to make my way back to the hall, but I bumped into someone, a woman, with a familiar strawberry scent.

"I'm sorry," I said, wiping my eyes and clearing my vision.

Annabelle stood with a taunting smile plastered across her face. Her skimpy black dressed settled above her thighs while a silver purse slung over her shoulder.

"Poor Enitan, crying her eyes out." She placed her hands under my chin, shaking her head. "He dumped his seed in you and you thought you were one in a million."

'It's not my doing' he had said. But he brought her along. Liar.

I slapped her hands off, putting on a strong face for my dignity, if I had any left.

"It's nothing special," she continued, "he's done it with me once, wanted us to be a happy family. Nathan is sweet like that. But unlike you, I wasn't stupid enough to keep it," she laughed, throwing her shoulders forward.

"I'm sorry. I-" I stuttered. I didn't know what I was apologizing for. Maybe I was sorry for myself. My pathetic stupid self.

"You're only a set back to his big aspirations. Enitan, why have you refused to understand?"

I walked past her but she grabbed me by my arm. "You will stay away from Nathan. Or this time, his father would have to finish what he started in the elevator."

My face snapped sideways in confusion. "What does that mean?"

"Ouch!" She said, faking hurt and placing a hand on her chest. "Nathan didn't tell you?"

"Tell me what?"

"That his father was responsible for-"

"Annabelle? What the hell are you doing here?" Nathans deep angry voice cut her off.

"Responsible for what?" I asked, shaking her arms and ignoring Nathan's interruption.

"You'd get the hell out of here at once. Or so help me God, I'll-" Nathan said, shutting the rest room door.

"You'll do what? Tell me! If you think I'd encourage an adulterous habit like your mother encourages your father's, you're in for a-"

A loud slap came across her face before she could finish her sentence. She screamed, holding both palms to her right cheeks. I didn't even notice he'd moved to our side.

Nathan adjusted his suit and stormed off, not looking back once.

"How dare you!" She turned, screaming at him. "This is all your fault!" She spat at my face before storming off behind Nathan.

Air sucked out of my lungs, I held onto the wall, guiding myself to sit against it. I supported my folded knees with my hands, letting my head fall to my knees, I let all the pain out through my eyes.

The only thing I could be to him was a mistress. His father was responsible for my accident. My kids weren't his first. I'd shamefully begged him even after he'd punched the one person who was looking out for me. I sunk my head deeper into my knees and let out a string of sobs.

"Enitan!" Jameel's voice called as the echo of his footsteps drew closer.

I dared not lift my face to look at him. How would he react if he knew I'd begged a man who punched him to leave his fiancée and take me back, and worse, just three days after he'd offered to cover my shame and be a father to my kids.

Who have I become.

He crouched before me and grabbed my face in both hands. "What happened?" His eyes bulged out and his pupils dilated. "Did he do this to you? The bastard!" He yelled, moving swiftly to stand, but I held his hands.
"Please, just take me home."

Hey guys! How is the weekend going?

So, when I read novels, I watch out for clues to how the novel might end or hints to plot twists. I've sure been dropping lots of clues, hope you've been catching them. Have a blessed Saturday people.
Catch me on Wattpad and Instagram @EneChelsea

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Literature / Re: The Wall Between Us. A Novel By EneChelsea by Culin(f): 10:50am On Jul 24, 2020
MejiLoyon:
thanks for keeping me occupied all day. Beautiful style of writing.

Thank you and you're welcome! cheesy
Literature / Re: The Wall Between Us. A Novel By EneChelsea by Culin(f): 4:45pm On Jul 23, 2020
Dedicated to Opeade939 for coming out of Ghost mode. Thanks kiss

Chapter Twenty-Two—Run, Enitan. Run

“If all hearts were open and all desires known — as they would be if people showed their souls — how many gapings, sighings, clenched fists, knotted brows, broad grins, and red eyes should we see in the market place!” — Thormas Hardy


Song—Party Scatter by FireboyDML

ENITAN

"You really are not going to answer his calls?" Tanya asked, her eyes darting from her phone to mine that was ringing silently.

"Nope." I replied as I sprawled across the floor in the living room of her two bedroom flat, while faking attentiveness to the music channel on the flat screen TV.

She sat up straight on the rug she was laying on. "Not only did you make an irrational, illogical and reckless decision. You're not going to talk to him about it?" She demanded..

No. Not after listening to him bang the door of the beach house and try to get in. Not even after watching him from my window fall asleep in his car and angrily drive off late in the night. The fact that I'd forced Everest to drive me to Tanya's at ten pm and swear an oath of secrecy was proof enough. Nathan was sweet when he needed to be, but not this time.

"I will, when he's calm."

"He'll never be calm! You should call that Jameel guy now and tell him you've changed your mind. Have you even asked yourself what's in it for him?"

"Jameel is a selfless person. There's nothing in it for him."

"You're angry. I understand. But have you thought of the implications on your children? They'd grow up and you'll have to explain, eventually."

"For a woman in my position, I made the best decision."

"But is it fair to Nathan? How do you expect him to feel."

Oh, I hopped it ripped his heart apart. What right did he have to pause my life while his continued like a merry-go-round.

"Same way he expects me to feel about his new life—cool."

"Babe na! You're making an already difficult situation even more difficult!"

"I'm the one making things more difficult? If I wasn't pregnant for him we wouldn't even be having this discussion!"

"It's not about your pregnancy. Nathan cares for you!"

"Cares for his children! And honestly, I'm sick and tired of his obsession with this pregnancy and being just a baby vessel that he needs to monitor. Jameel is offering more and I'm not passing out on the opportunity."

"What are you saying? Even before he found out about the pregnancy, he was so worried about you that he had to place that hunky bodyguard of his at the hospital, and now he has him following you around."

"What?"

"Yes, duh! Told you it's not about the babies."

"No. Not that. The part where he had Everest at the hospital."

"Best believe it babe! That man is crazy over you."

All through my time with Nathan. I never had a need for a body guard, until now and I assumed it was because he didn't want anything happening to his babies. I didn't feel elated discovering this. Instead I felt disturbed.

I joined her in sitting, crossing my legs. "Well, Nathan is a douchebag," I said, waving my my index finger in the air. "And guess what that makes anyone who supports him?" I tilted my head and looked at Tanya knowingly.

Her mouth fell open and her eyes widened in shock. "If you weren't pregnant with my god-children right now, I'd smack you upside the head!" She slapped my legs.

I smiled and she held my hands. "I know you're hurt, but can you take days to think about this first?"

"Ok." I'd say anything to escape another long lecture from her.

"Well, got to sleep now. I'm on ATM duty tomorrow and Sunday. I need all the sleep I can get." She stretched and yawned.

"Yeah, sweet rest, Bunny." I left out any information about the Gala I had to attend with Jameel tomorrow. I didn't want a dress-down again, it would be triple the one she gave after I told her about my other two meetings with Jameel. She'd probably tie me to the bed post this time. Luckily, she was going to spend all day at the bank were she worked, I'd be out before she returned.

****
The crowd at the ground floor of the Eko hotels and suites was more glamourous than I imagined. Who knew medical practitioners could be so fashionable! The sun had descended beyond the horizon, making the evening bearable with all the heavy outfits.

Jameel intertwined his arms with mine as we walked away from the red carpet where we'd just had our pictures taken.

He looked dashing in a blue suit with black revers combined with a white shirt and black bow tie. While I wore a red deep U-neckline fitted gown with shimmery golden overlay and feathered embellishment below the knee. The gown was styled with golden accessories and nude makeup.

When it was time to go upstairs for the main event, I pulled off my heels and in silent understanding, he walked the stairs to the third floor with me.

"Hey Doctor," a busty and half-clad woman hailed as we entered the gold themed hallway that led to the banquet hall. "Congratulations on the award. Maybe we can get to celebrate later, at my place," she flapped her fake lashes that looked like those Chinese hand fans.

"Thank you, Nurse Cindy. But as you can see, I have my girlfriend right here," Jameel replied and I gulped.

Girlfriend? My heart thumped. Was that what we were now? Lovers? It should've sounded pleasing to my ears that a fine young man still wanted a used good like me. But instead the word made my stomach clench into a knot.

"You didn't tell me you were an award recipient tonight," I asked, completely ignoring his girlfriend remark as he passed on two envelopes to the men in suit by door and we walked into the blue lit hall.

"I didn't?" He feigned surprise. "Must have totally slipped my mind."

Ushers dressed in black satin gowns and coloured neck scarves lined the aisles, one showed us to a table. Each of the round tables had six seats around them, with glowing sculptured ornaments, drinks, champagne flutes and multi-coloured flowers on arranged on them. Jameel, ever the gentleman, pulled out my seat and I sat, acknowledging the two couples that sat to our sides.

A beautiful lady opened the ceremony by gracefully singing the National Anthem, followed by prayers from both an Imam and a popular Pastor. Star artist, Simi's performance dulled any memory of the excruciatingly long welcome speech. The awards began and I could see how much good people there still where and how many sacrifices we didn't even know where being made.

"At this juncture, distinguished ladies and gentlemen," the hostess with a British accent rapped through the tiny wireless headset microphone. "We would like to honour our very own, one who has sacrificed so much for the good of Nigeria. For four years, he ran a hospital in Dapchi as the sole doctor, then moved to Chibok to support the town's dwindling medical services. He's back to Lagos on an assignment and we're privileged to have him in our midst. Join me to welcome this year's Medal of Valour recipient, Doctor Kevin Adakole!"

The hall erupted with cheers, clapping, and a standing ovation from the crowd, I joined them too. I recognised the name. He was Nathan's brother. The one who, against his father's will to study Law in an Ivy league school had insisted to study medicine in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Nathan didn't talk much about him, but whenever he did, it was in admiration.

Kevin took giant strides to the platform, his large frame overshadowing the hostess. I clapped even more, not just for his bravery in the field. But his wit to stand up to The Williams Adakole.

The crowd settled on their sit but there was one vaguely familiar figure who stood through out Kevin's appreciation speech and clapped till Kevin returned to his table and hugged him.

Oh my God!

My stomach churned. I felt dizzy and sweaty.

Nathan Adakole. How was this possible! I'd avoided him and ignored his calls all through only to end up five tables from him—with Jameel at my side.

I bent forward to rest my elbows on the table. My head was floating and I needed to rest it on something.

Calm down! It's a big hall with hundreds of people. He'll never see you.

"Are you ok?" Jameel asked, placing a hand on my back and looking at me with creased brows.

"Mm mm," I replied, barely able to open my lips. The hostess droned on and on, while people clapped and one or two walked up to the stage. It felt like everlasting torture. I just wanted this over with.

"Jameel Nenkat!" The name jerked me back to the present. I realized everyone one was standing and clapping, while Jameel rose with a wide smile. I stood up too, completely clueless. I didn't even know what he was been awarded for. He hugged me and made his way to the stage.

"It's an honour to stand before great men and women today. Medicine in Nigeria has come a long way and it is thanks to all of you. When the council sent the letter to me weeks ago, I was overwhelmed with joy—I still am, " he chuckled. "I want to thank you all, especially all staff of Midridge hospital. And to my girlfriend, Enitan who, against unlikely odds, was able to make it here with me tonight." Heads were turning around, looking for the girlfriend.

Would it be rude if I didn't stand to acknowledge his appreciation, if I just sat and smiled back, or maybe waved.

The lady beside me, tapped me, urging me to stand. Soon, the whole table joined in loudly. I stood, clinging to the edge of the table. "You inspire me everyday," he finished. I sat back in a haste, looking towards Nathan's table, hoping I didn't catch his attention.

Disappointment gripped me as he stared back at me, his face transforming to that of the Devil—I didn't need to have seen the devil before to know.

Jameel made his way across the aisle and I noticed Nathan whispering something to his brother before standing up. We were in public. Nathan wouldn't do anything stupid or scandalous. Or would he?

Out of Impulse, I picked my clutch, grabbed the train of my dress and made for the exit of the hall. Sparing a glance behind me, fear and relief at the same time flooded my body as Nathan walked towards the exit instead of towards Jameel.

I doubled my steps and reached the door, I resigned to the temptation to glance back one last time, no! Jameel was trotting right behind Nathan.

3 Likes

Literature / Re: The Wall Between Us. A Novel By EneChelsea by Culin(f): 4:42pm On Jul 23, 2020
Ann2012:
Thanks for the update dearie

UWC Ann kiss
Literature / Re: The Wall Between Us. A Novel By EneChelsea by Culin(f): 4:42pm On Jul 23, 2020
millieademi:



Yes o.

August 28.

Love you too baby

Wawu! cheesy God keep us till then.
Romance / Re: We Met In 2017 On Nairaland And In July,2020 We Got Married by Culin(f): 11:02am On Jul 23, 2020
NoToPile:


Lool in all honesty I dont think its even about activity at all, its more of time and chance.

The few I am aware of even myself never set out looking for a partner on NL it was mostly business transactions that turned to meeting much later and something came out of it.

Best wishes sis kiss

cry Phew! Thanks!
Romance / Re: We Met In 2017 On Nairaland And In July,2020 We Got Married by Culin(f): 8:36am On Jul 23, 2020
NoToPile:


Dont worry sis, if you are meant to meet the one on nairaland you most definitely will.

People are meeting and getting married very well on nairaland, most don't even open a thread about it.

Business transactions involving millions are being done by people who met on nairaland, some peoples major customer base was gotten from nairaland, some deep circle of friendships have happened on nairaland.

I did meet my husband via nairaland, he was rendering a service, contacted him , we met much later and led to marriage that has produced beautiful children. My husband has lots of clients that he met on nairaland in fact most of them are/ were nairalanders.

I have a circle of friends that we met on nairaland, males and females as a group about 8 of us one is not even a Nigerian.

The Job that God used to elevate me to the current job I am doing now was gotten via nairaland, all the interviews I ever attended during my job hunting days I got the tips from nairaland because somebody somewhere will surely open a thread about it and the discussion will begin.

Some nairalanders are cashing out big time. This platform has changed the lives of some people, some learnt the business they currently survive on from here.

The funniest part is the people that gain the most of this forum are not really the shouting ones.


Wow! I should really try to be more active then.

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