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Episode 26 & 27 continuation


of the persons stood by the door. It was Richard’s course mates from his department. They made way for Rebecca as walked into the room. When she got closer, she found Richard to have finally woken up. She instantly ran to him and bent down to held his hand.

“You are finally up,” she cried.

“Yes I am,” Richard smiled.

“I thought I have lost you.”

“Is okay,” Richard said as he stroke his fingers against her hair.
Rebecca stood up and sat by the edge of the bed and watched as Richard smiled.
“Excuse me, is this Richard’s room?” Asked a female voice behind the crowd.
“Yes,” the crowd answered.
Richard and Rebecca became curious about who the person was. The crowd made way for her as she walked in. When she walked in, Richard couldn’t believe what he was seeing. It was his younger sister Suzanna. She wore black dress that was slightly over her knees with black shoes.

“Suzan!” Richard screamed.

She ran to him and hugged and suddenly burst into tears. Everybody stood in sympathy and watched the two cry as hugged each other. Rebecca suddenly started feeling jealous. She wondered who was that girl bold enough to hug Richard in her presence.

“Excuse me, but who are you?” Rebecca said trying to separate the two of them.

“She is my younger sister,” Richard announced.

“Really?” Rebecca asked surprisingly.

Before Richard could reply, Suzan interrupted.

“How are you feeling now?” She asked.

“I’m feeling much better,” Richard answered.

“I can’t believe this is you, you have no idea how much we miss you,” she said.

“I’m so sorry,” Richard apologized.

“You are so good at apologizing, you haven’t changed at all,” she smiled.

“But you have changed a lot, is like you are even taller than me now,” Richard replied.

“If you could remember, I once told you that I’m going to he taller than you,” she laughed.
The rest of the crowd left leaving only the three of the room.

“Why


did you abandon us?”Suzan asked.
“I didn’t abandon you. Infact, there hasn’t been a single day in the past 6 years that I didn’t think of you,” Richard said.

“If what you are saying is true, then why didn’t you come home?”

“I just couldn’t face big sis, I have disappointed her and made all her hard work go into waste,” Richard replied.

“Oh just listen to how dumb you sound. You are going to regret this for the rest of your life,” she replied.

“I’m already regretting it,” Richard said.

“You regret more if I tell you what happened.”
“What happened?” Richard asked curiously.
Suzan became silent and the smile on face faded again.
“Please tell me what happened,” Richard requested desperately.

“I will tell you, but not now,” she uttered after a long silence.

“I heard one of the doctors is looking for, I will be back,” Rebecca said as she stood up.

“Okay, babe,” Richard replied.

“Babe?” Suzan retorted and Richard smiled.

“She is so pretty, no wonder you didn’t remember to come home,” she continued.

“We used to know each other in my previous university, we recently got United, just about 2 months ago,” Richard responded.

“Oh I see,” she replied.

“So, how is big sis doing?” Richard asked, and at that time, Rebecca has just returned. Suzan remained quiet and couldn’t talk.

“What is it?” Richard asked.

“She died last 3 weeks giving birth to her second child,” Suzan revealed.

Richard became totally confused and was unable comprehend what she was saying.

“What do you mean by that?” Richard asked unbelievably.

“I mean she is death, she no longer alive,” Suzan added.

.”Please stop kidding around Mimi,” Richard pleaaded.

“How stupid do you think I am to joke with something like this? She is no longer with us, she died giving birth to a baby boy. But the boy is alive,” she explained.

“Did you come all the way here to tell me something like this?” Richard asked.

“Believe it or not, she is dead. Do you how hard she tried to look for the past five years? She kept blaming herself for not being friendly towards you, that’s why you got scared and didn’t return home,” she said as she cried.

Richard started crying like baby. The memories of his started coming back to him. He remembered how she used to defend him in primary school when other kids try to bully him. He remembered how she can easily give up her toys to him when they were kids just because he liked them. He was planning to impress to her with his business once Prof. Grace gives him the money she promised. But she is no longer around to him succeeding, and those thoughts broke his heart more than anything else. When Rebecca noticed, how the two of them were crying, it touched her so much to the extent that she started crying too. She quickly walked out of the room and hurriedly went to her car.



After the Richard heard the news about his sister, his whole turned upside down. He couldn’t think of anything than her. His sister sat in sorrow and watched him crying like a child.

At


about 12 pm, Alice and Amirah arrived at the hospital. Rebecca went to the entrance of the hospital and welcome them.
“You are welcome,” Rebecca said to them.
“Thank you,” they both smiled.
“Why do you come empty handed?” Rebecca asked.
“Actually, we don’t plan on staying long here. We just came to see you and Richard, we’ll be on our way back in the evening,” Amirah replied.
“That’s unfair,” Rebecca frowned.
“Okay we’ll spend the night here, we will leave the first in the morning tomorrow,” Alice inferred.
“Alice, have you forgotten that my shift starts tomorrow?” Amirah asked.
“Come on, is just a single day, you can call one of your friends to cover for you,” Alice said.

“How is Richard doing now?” Amirah asked as they headed to his room.

“Not so good, his younger sister came today,” Rebecca responded.

“Really? Shouldn’t that be a good thing?”

“It is, but you know he hasn’t been home in six years. She announced to him that his older sister is death, and it has completely broken him,” Rebecca explained.

“Poor Richard, I feel really terrible for him,” Alice sympathized.
When they got into the room, they found Suzan sitting next to him. He was still crying that he barely noticed the people around him.

“We are sorry about your lost,” Alice finally uttered, and that was when he looked and noticed.

“Thanks for your concern,” Richard replied. The three sat down on the sofa and watched Richard in silence. Some few minutes later, Prof. Grace walked into the room. Alice and Rebecca quickly stood up from the spot to give a space to sit.
“Please sit down, I’m not going to stay long here,” Prof. Grace instructed and they sat back.
Richard tried his best to hide his emotions when he heard her voice, but couldn’t.

“Good afternoon Ma’am,” Suzan greeted Prof. Grace.

“Good afternoon, it seems like your face look familiar,” Prof. Grace said trying to recall her face.

“Yes we once came to you with my sister when we were looking for my brother six years ago,” she replied.

“Oh yes I remember you, you have quite grown into a beautiful woman now,” Prof. Grace smiled.

“Yes,” Suzan smiled.

“How did you find Richard?”

“Well, I saw the incident that happened to him published in one of the newspapers. Then I thought I should come and check if it was my brother,” she replied.

“That’s incredible.”

“Richard, I’m glad you are finally up,” Prof. Grace as she walked closer to see his face.
“Thank you Ma’am,” he replied with his voice shaking.
“Are you okay? Should I call the doctor?” Prof. Asked worriedly.
“Actually, he just received a bad new from his sister,” Rebecca quickly interfered.
“What was the bad new?” Prof. Grace asked Suzan. Suzab became quite for a moment before she finally spoke.
“Our older sister died last month,” Suzan announced.
“You don’t mean the lady that came with you the other time, right?” Prof. Grace asked.
“Unfortunately, she is the one,” Rebecca sadly replied.

“Oh! I truely am sorry to hear about your lost Richard,” Prof. Grace said will all sympathy.
“Thank you ma’am,” Richard replied.

“May her soul rest in peace,” she added.

“Ameen,” Richard replied.
After a short moment, Prof. Grace revealed to them that she’ll be going.
“Please take good care of Emmanuel while I’m away,” Prof. Grace said to Rebecca.

“Are you going now?” Rebecca asked standing up.

“Unfortunately yes, and I may away for weeks,” Prof. Grace replied. Rebecca ran to her and hugged her.

“I hope you will come back healthy,” Rebecca anxiously said.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be fine,” Prof. Grace said with a fake smile.

“Alright Richard, I’ll call you,” Prof. Grace said as she walk out.

“Thanks for all your help and support Ma’am,” Richard said with appreciation.

Rebecca walked her Mom out of the hospital to her car that was parked outside. As soon as her driver saw them approaching, he quickly went to the and had the door opened for her.
“Don’t worry about me, study well and take care of your brother,” Prof. Grace said.
“Alright Mom, I promise I will,” Rebecca responded.

“Okay, then off I go,” Prof. Grace closed the door. Rebecca stood in her position and watched as the car started move. After the car went a certain distance, Rebecca ran after wave at the driver to stop.

“What is it?” Her mother asked.

“Can I come with you?” Rebecca asked crying.
“If you come with me, then what will you do about your studies? And who will look after Emmanuel?” Prof. Grace asked.
“I can ask the maids to take of him, and I’m okay with repeating my current year,” Rebecca cried.
“I didn’t know you love me this much,” Prof. Grace smiled as she wiped off her tears.
“Of course I love you.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll be fine,” her mother said.

Rebecca watched as the car drove until it was no longer visible. She then went back to the room and sat beside her friends. Even though Richard was in pain, he still was able to see the behind Rebecca’s eyes.

“Is your mother gone?” He asked her.

“Yes she is,” Rebecca replied.

“Don’t worry, she will be fine,” Richard replied.

“Let’s hope so,” Rebecca replied.

“Let me go home and something for your sister to eat,” Rebecca announced.

“Oh thank you,” Suzan smiled at Rebecca.

“Oh come on, that’s not a big deal,” Rebecca replied.
Rebecca left with her friends leaving only Richard with his sister in the room. Shortly after they left, Thomas and Achuba arrived at the room. They were so surprised to a girl other than Rebecca sitting beside him holding his hand. When she turned, her eyes caught Thomas’s eyes. Thomas felt his heartbeat skipped for a moment and he quickly looked away. As far he can recall, he had never felt something like that in his entire life.
“Richard,” Achuba called.

“I’m glad you are back,” Richard replied.

“Good afternoon,” Suzan greeted them. And when Thomas heard her voice, he became completely taken by it.

“Good afternoon, how are you doing?” Achuba answered. At this point, Thomas couldn’t help but explore her beauty. Her round bold eyes, her hairstyle and dress we’re all captivating.
“Hey, this is my sister,” Richard said when he noticed how Thomas was staring and Thomas quickly looked away.

“Really?” Achuba asked surprisingly.

“Yes of course,” Suzan smiled.

“That’s great, when did you come here?” Achuba asked.

“Some few hours ago,” she replied.

“That’s wonderful, it an honour to finally meet you,” Achuba smiled.

“The pleasure is all mine,” she smiled back.

“How are you feeling now,” Achuba asked Richard.

“Much better,” replied Richard.

“Why is your other friend silent since you came in?” Suzan asked looking into Thomas’s eyes.
“I.., I,” Thomas stammered and stopped.

“You what?” She asked and his heart beat faster as he try to speak.

“I think I’m sick,” Thomas finally uttered. He wondered what was happening to him. He had never been like that around any other girl.

“Really? What’s wrong?” Achuba asked.

“It might be a headache,” Thomas replied.

“You are not even sure,” Achuba laughed.

Some few minutes later, Prof. Grace called Richard on the phone. His sister helped him to answering the call.


Richard: Hello Ma’am

Prof. Grace: I hope you are feeling better now?

Richard: Yes ma’am, I’m much better.

Prof. Grace: is Rebecca there with you?”

Richard: No she has left

Prof. Grace: Good, I promise to give you 20 million Naira, right?

Richard: Yes, Ma’am

Prof. Grace: Okay, I’ve already given my lawyer the money. He will it to you when you recover.

Richard: Thank you so much Ma’am

Prof. Grace: is okay, just take care of Rebecca and Emmanuel for me.

Richard: I promise I will. But wait, you are coming back, right?

Prof. Grace: God’s willing I will be back.

“Who was that?” Suzan asked after Richard finished the phone call.

“It was Rebecca’s mother,” Richard replied.

“She really is a nice woman, she reminds me of Mom,” Suzan said.

“Yes,” Richard said.

“Could you please go and get the nurse please? The drip in my hand is aching,” Richard said.

“Okay, I’ll be on my way,” she replied and stood up.

As she was walking out of the, she again caught Thomas staring at her irresistibly. Thomas tried his best not to make it obvious to his friends. About a minute, after she walked out, Thomas stood up and headed out.

“Where are you going?” Achuba asked.

“I want to check on something” he replied. And when he got out the room, he saw Suzan approaching with the nurse. She was just some few inches behind the nurse. They both looked into each other’s eyes as they got close to each other. She suddenly stopped walking while the nurse Continued her walk to the room.
“What’s your name?” Thomas asked after he had gotten to where she was.

“Me?” She asked pointing at herself.
“Of course I’m talking to you, is there anyone around here that my question can be referred to?” Thomas asked.

“Oh I thought you can see the ghost around me,” she laughed. And when he noticed her laugh, his fear suddenly vanished.

“All the ghosts are over there having a party, none of them is close to where we are,” he replied.

“By the way, my name is Susan, how about you?” She asked.

“I’m Thomas,” he replied.

“Are you also a student of this University?” She questioned.

“Yes, I’m in the same department with your brother,” Thomas answered.
“Oh that’s great.”

“

The pink Clouds

#Episode_26&27



 

 

“Do you think the senator did this?” Rebecca asked as she stood up.

“Most likely, but I’m not certain,” Armstrong replied.

“I’m going to meet him right away,” Rebecca said trying to walk out in a hurry.

“Hold on a second, we have no strong evidence that it was the senator. Confronting him like that could be risky,” Achuba said blocking her.

“I think he’s right,” Thomas supported.

“I’m not scared of him,” Rebecca said and pushed him out of her way.

She walked out of the hospital angrily and took a taxi to the senator’s house. It was 20 drive from the teaching hospital. The house was a two storey building surrounded by a very tall fence. There were about five military soldiers sitting under a canopy close to the gate of the house. As she walked towards the gate, one of the military officers hurriedly stood up and had it opened for her.

She hurriedly walked into the living room and found the senator sitting with his friends. The living room was filled with their voice as they laughed.

“Hey babe, did something happen?” The senator asked grinning as he walked to her. When he got to her, she slapped him on the face that the whole living room echoed the sound. There was a total silence in the living, as his friends were intrigued by what happened. They both stared at each other angrily without a word.

“Are you in your right senses?” He questioned after about 30 minutes of silence.

“Yes,


I am on my right senses,” she replied.
“I think there something wrong with you, you are not mentally stable,” he added. Rebecca tried to slap him, but he held her hand.
She made an attempt to slap him with her other hand, but he grabbed both of her hands.

“Let me go, you bastard!” She shouted as she struggled to free herself. He let go of her hands and slapped her to the extent that she fell on the ground.

“You better watch your mouth,” he said. Rebecca was silent, looking at the ground. She remained like that for more than a minute until she finally raised her head.

“Thank God I didn’t marry a monster like you,” she uttered at last.

“Why are you behaving like that Rebecca?” One of his friends asked.

“I’m going to sue you for trying to kill my friend,” Rebecca revealed.

“Good luck with about that,” he laughed.

Rebecca stood up and walked out of the house and took a taxi back to the hospital. On her way to the hospital, Rebecca suddenly remembered about her mother’s illness. She screamed at the top making the taxi driver stop.

“Is everything okay?” He asked confusingly.
“No is not, Rebecca replied,” she replied as she started crying.
“What happened?”
“I’m about to lose the two people I love most in my life,” Rebecca said.
“I’m not good at comforting people ma’am, but I think everything will be okay if you pray and ask for God’s assistance,” he offered.

She ignored him and kept crying. He dropped her as soon as they arrived at the university teaching hospital. she walked her way to the entrance of the hospital, her phone started ringing. When removed the phone from her hand bag, she noticed that it Amirah calling. She couldn’t speak after answering the call.

Amirah: why are you crying?

Rebecca: my mum has lung cancer.

Amirah: Are you serious?

Rebecca: Have I ever joked to you on something like this?

There was about a minute of silence after Rebecca said that. Suddenly, Alice started crying too. They both cried for about five and none of them could uttered a word.

Rebecca: And Richard is in the hospital, he was shot with a gun.

Amirah: why do bad things like this keep happening?”

Rebecca: I don’t know why

Amirah:I will talk to Alice, we will be on our way tomorrow.

Rebecca: Okay

Rebecca walked into the hospital after the phone call. She found Thomas and Achuba in Richard’s room when she arrived.
“you are back,” Achuba said

“Yes.”

“you


know we can take care of him, you can go home and rest,” Achuba offered
“I’m not going anywhere,” she replied.

“Sorry I didn’t mean to make you angry.”

“Could you please excuse me, I want to sit here,” she declared after she got to the chair close to Richard’s bed. Thomas quietly stood her and gave her the chair.

She sat on chair and held Richard’s hand. After a while, she laid her head on the bed and watch him breathing. Around 3 am, Thomas and Achuba left the hospital while Rebecca slept shortly after the left. Around 5 am, one of the nurses waked her up and invited her to go and sleep in an empty room next to Richard’s, but she insisted she will stay there.

At around 7 am, a journalist arrived at the hospital and questioned Rebecca about how it happened. She jotted down what Rebecca told her and left.

“Hey,” came a voice behind her. When she turned, she saw Dixxy and Mary standing by the door wearing their lab coats.

“Hi,” Rebecca barely uttered.

“We are really sorry to hear about what happened to him,” Mary sympathized.

“Is okay, he’s going to be fine,” Rebecca replied.

“Are you coming for Doctor Fatima’s lecture?” Dixxy asked.

“I will be there,” she replied.

After Dixxy and Mary left, her mother walked into the room.
“Good morning Mom,” Rebecca greeted.

“Did you sleep at all?” Her mother asked as she sat down on the sofa.

“I barely slept,” she answered.

“Come on, go home and take a shower,” her mother suggested.

“No, I will be here until he wakes up,” Rebecca insisted.

“Okay, I will be going to India for treatment tomorrow,” Prof. Grace announced.

“Really?” Rebecca asked.

“Yes, you have nothing to worry about.”
Rebecca stood up with tear falling her eyes.

“Stop giving me hope, I have seen your medical report,” she cried.

“Don’t worry, I’m going to be fine,” she said as she hugged Rebecca.

“And please, don’t tell Emmanuel about it,” she pleaded.

“Why shouldn’t I? He will eventually find out,” Rebecca protested.

“Besides, it will be to tell so that he will cherish the last moments he will have with you,” Rebecca said.

“Are you crazy? Why are you saying things like this?” Prof. Grace shouted at her

“I was a fool to live a happy life thinking that you are going to be by our side forever,” Rebecca cried.

“I beg you Rebecca, even if the 1% chance of me surviving it, we have to believe it,” Prof. Grace said.

At about 10 am, Rebecca decided to go home and change the clothes she was wearing. She got dressed after her shower without even bothering to put on some makeup. She took her car and drove out of the house.

By the time she arrived at the hospital, it was already 11 am.
When she got close to the room, she noticed that it crowded with people to the extent that some

Protected
Episode 11 & 12

MAGIC.
It's been a week since miss julliet took me to the pool to have a manicure session, I haven't had that much fun in a long time.
I remember master justice's words to me the other time, they didn't hurt me, instead it made me realize how lonely he looked.
I stand in front of my mirror and think.
I tilt my head, why can't they see it? why can't his siblings see he is heartbroken?
Oh well, it's none of my business, I have to go prepare dinner now before all hell is let loose.
I wonder what I should cook, miss julliet gave me a menu but I feel like doing something different.
Am gonna prepare my famous pot roast, and I can match it with baby potatoes .
I start cooking and after a while when it seems that the food is about to be ready, I start setting the table.

I walk out of the kitchen with the first dish to see miss julliet and Mr Sage going at it.
Oh my.
I think he is trying to swallow her tongue.
I blush, I have never so much as being kissed so this level of making out makes me uncomfortable.
I exit and come back with another dish and they are still at it, Mr sage seems to be whispering something to her and she is smiling dreamily.
I feel a twinge of jealousy, I want that, I want someone to be so in love with me they don't notice when someone enters the room.
Alec and Mr Justin enter and I stand a little ways back in case they need something.
"Gross mom, I can't believe you were sucking face with sage, eww much? I am your child do you want to scar me for life?"
I almost giggle at Alec's words but his voice stops me. Justice's voice.
"My nephew is right sage, just because I give you permission to stay over does not mean I want to see you eat my sister for dinner".
He says this as he enters, and I nearly swallow my tongue.
He's wearing ripped jeans and a white polo, with bare feet, his hair looks wet.
I love his feet

. Le sigh.
I catch my self when I see what I am doing, no no no, we are not having girly feelings for the bastard, nope, nada, zilch.
I tune in to the conversation to hear Mr sage say..
"You wish you had to give me permission J, we all know I own you".
Justice laughs and am stunned speechless, he laughs?
He has a nice laugh, I sigh out loud.
All eye turn to me and I stand straight.
I can't believe I did that out loud, what is wrong with you magic?!
I back away a little but Mr Justin's voice stops me.
"Hey, little one, come join us"
I shake my head, no.
"It's alright sweets you can join us, justice won't mind".
That was miss julliet, I glance at justice and I see him filling his glasses with water.
I nod, I look around , the only seat available is next to master justice.
Well damn.
I take my seat tensely.
"I can see you prepared something different today"
I nod, waiting for master justice to comment after Mr Justin makes this observation, but he doesn't, I am surprised.
In the last few days he has found all opportunity to criticize me.
Salt was too much, coffee too thick, the sauce too light, even I was breathing too loudly.
He criticizes everything.
I serve my self and I take a bite, as I do I see that it really tastes good.
Alec is stuffing himself and he has oil on his chin.
I take some serviette and wipe his face, he smiles with his mouth full and I grin.
I turn back to my food .
"Am gonna be traveling the day after tomorrow magic"
I raise my head at miss julliet words and i tilt it in question, she countinues.
"Sage's parents will be coming from the Caymans in 5 days, he wants me to meet them"
I can see she is nervous about that so I smile.
"You will do fine, they will love you".
I say this and she smile.
"Well I will be with Alec, so you don't have to worry"
I say this but she shakes her head..
"A will be coming with me, I want them to meet him too."
Mr sage takes her hand and entwines it with his, I nod, it only makes sense.
"It's the weekend, I won't be at home too,"
Mr Justin says,
That's right, mr Justin never stays at home on the weekends.
Wait..
Does that mean I will be alone with master justice?
Am dead.
My life is dead ass over.
"I will be traveling too, no need to look so lost girl".
Master justice says and I relax, I instantly go tense again when I finally realize what will happen.
I will be left alone.
I hate been alone.
"Will you be okay alone magic?"
I nod and smile thinly, "I will be fine" I say.
I won't be fine.
I clench my fingers when I feel a tug of pain at my abdomen.
Just great, I have to go and have cramps when everyone won't be at home.
That would make it more lonely.
My life.
*******************
Justice.
I shake my head as I lie on my bed, she is such a bad liar, magic.
I could see clearly that she is not ok being left alone.
I shake my head again as I drift off.

*****************
Justice.
I make my way to the airport gate, I am so damn late, my flight is leaving soon.
I won't be late if the girl called magic had remembered to iron my gray sleeve. Dunce.
I make my way to the gate but remember I left my briefcase, I turn, oh shit.
I hate rushing for anything.
My PA decided to fall sick this morning, I won't fault her, she is pregnant.
I had to do everything by my self.
Sage came to pick julliet up this morning, she would have helped.
An impromptu flight to Cameron is not how I planned this trip.
I grab my briefcase and close the door, I turn looking at my wristwatch, 15 minutes more, mercy.
I bump into someone and I lift my head.
Oh eff no.
"Well hello there darlin'"
She purrs and I feel myself getting sick.
"Selene".
"Well hello sugar, fancy meeting you here"
"Am in a hurry Selene, I don't have time for this"
She pouts and frowns, once upon a time that would have made me move the Earth to please her but now it just makes me sick.
I feel bile rise to my chest and I clutch my briefcase, she is touching my chest,.my elbow, I don't like that, I step away, she steps forward.
"Didn't you miss me?".
"I have yo go selene"
I walk past her and she calls after me.
"Call me sometime so that we can catch up"
That wasn't going to happen, the bitch.
I feel my temperature get high and I think, oh hell.
I don't need this today, this meeting is important.
I wish I can tell that to my rapidly growing pulse.
Just like Selene, always there to turn my life upsideTomorrow

MAGIC.
Oh my God, I feel like dying, my stomach hurts, I haven't even started my flow and my stomach hurts like hell.
I roll on the ground of my room, the thought of going out to buy sanitary pads is a very daunting task I don't want to perform.
I roll over on the ground again, oh sweet Lord, when will this end?

I close my eyes for a while, I open them when I hear a car drive into the driveway.
Oh Lord, hope a visitor is not coming to see the Maxwells today,
what are those gate men doing, letting someone in when they very well know nobody is around?
Am just gonna stay here until the person leaves.
I drift off but as I hear a door bang I open my eyes.
That sounded like master justice's room, he leaves on the opposite hallway from mine so I have gotten used to the creaks and groans of the door.
I groan, did he forget something?
I wait for a while, waiting for him to leave but I drift off again, the pain was too much.
About an hour later I open my eyes and I see that it's almost sunset, I don't think master justice left.
I walk downstairs to prepare something for it, my stomach is still giving me problems, I still have to go get sanitary pads, ugh.
I make a little bit of spicy rice cakes and I place it on the dinning.

I wait for a while, leaning against the wall, he doesn't show up, I ring the bell to signify that food is ready.
I wait for a while, he still doesn't show up.
Is he even around?
Does he want me to bring it upstairs?
I place the food in a tray and walk upstairs, I knock, no response.
I balance the food on one hand and open the door with the other, I see his figure on the bed, so he did hear me.
Bastard.
I place the food on his desk and I turn to leave.
I stop, I turn around.
He is lying deathly still.
Wait, is he still wearing his loafers?
I am going to regret this, I just know it.
I walk slowly to the bed, I see him sleeping but there's a fine sheen of sweat on his forehead.
He seems to be having a restless sleep based on the way his eyes are moving under his eyelid.
I go to the foot of the bed and kneel, I take one of his legs and gently pull his shoes off, I pull his other one off and I start in on his socks,as I do so I notice that his feets are cold
He has nice feets but they are ice cold, he has been wearing shoes it Should have been warm.
I stand and walk to the head of the bed, he is clutching his pillows and murmuring .
I place my hand on his head and hot damn.
I can totally boil yam on it.
I pull the bedsheets away and I see he is fully dressed, I pull off his jacket and unbutton his sleeves, he rolls away.

No no.
"Hey big guy, you have to let me UnCloth you, promise it will make you feel better"
He seems to hear because he rolls back and stays still.
I take off his shirt, that thing was hard, I stand and glance at the clock, it's past 8.
I go to his bathroom and get some water and a towel, I walk back but stop abruptly when a twinge of pain goes through me.
Ha, my stomach.
I go to the bed after powering through the pain and I begin to Pat him down with the cold towel.
He pulls away, oh no.
"You have to stay still sir, it only walks that way"
He throws the towel across the room.
I become angry.
"Justice!, So help me God, if you do not stay still so I can try to reduce your fever, I will tie you to this bed.....". I can feel tears trying to push through.
"Am in pain, please work with me here". I sniff.
He groans,

. "No tears....." He says softly.
"If you don't want me to cry, stay still,"
I say just as softly and he nods slowly.
I get the towel and I start again.
I try to reduce his fever as much as I can.
When am done , i glance at the clock, it's past 10, my stomach still hurt like hell.
I stand up and go to leave, he holds my hand and I turn.
He says a word. " Stay...."
I sit back down.
"Am not going anywhere, I just want to make some rice porridge so you can take some flu medicine"
He let's go and I exit the room, when am.done with the porridge it's almost 11:30, am so tired.
I go back and he is mumbling, about Selene and a some other things.
I wake him and he opens his eyes slowly and turns to me.
"You have to eat this so you can take some drugs"
"Not... hungry.."
"Please? Just a bite?"
He sits up a little and I know I won.
I spoon feed him a little and he gets in some porridge, he looks so pale, and fragile, so different from the justice I know.
What Happened?
I make him take some drugs and he lies back.
I stand with the tray to leave.
"Please, don't go, stay, for just tonight"
Am shocked, he says please?
Am tempted to tell him no but I don't.
I just drop the tray on the ground and walk back to the bed.
He makes space for me by shifting, well guess he wants me on the bed.
I tie my hair and I gently sit on the bed and I lie.
The moment I do he pulls closer and rests his head on my stomach.
Well.....
I place my hand on his hair and begin to stroke, he instantly relaxes.
Well this is different.
I feel his breathing go soft and I know he is asleep.
I don't think I will be able to sleep.
My body betrays me as I fall into a deep and calm sleep.
It was so deep that I didn't feel him raise his head, I didn't feel him pull the covers around us, I didn't feel him kiss my head softly.
I was sleeping, I didn't know.
Tomorrow, Tomorrow.

For more episode visit dapalace.com

The Fault in our Romance
(He's a human, She's a mermaid)
Episode 6
Written by Johnny Patel
Please don't comment next or next please
***************************************
(At the castle)
(In Princess Marianna's room)
(Silvania polishes Princess Marianna's tail)

Silvania: How is it my princess?

Princess Marianna: It's good, Keep going. (She stares at Silvania for a moment) I heard some merfolks discussing about the mermaid that went up to the surface. They said she had black hair, silver eyes, a golden-orange tail.... That kinda describes you, Don't you think?

Silvania: I don't know.

Princess Marianna: Maybe you're the mermaid who went up to the surface. (She stares at Silvania with narrowed eyes)

Silvania: (nervously) Princess Marianna, It's can't be me. I wouldn't dare disobey the King's orders.

Princess Marianna: (suspiciously) Hmmm, Okay fine... (She collects the polish from her) You're finished for today, You may go now.

Silvania: Okay. (bows) Thank you my princess.

(She leaves the room)

Princess Marianna: I'm suspecting that girl.

Suzanne: We're gonna follow her, Aren't we?

Princess Marianna: (smirks) Oh yeah, Big time.

(Princess Marianna and Suzanne sneaks out of the castle and follows Silvania)

(Meanwhile)
(Silvania swims to the borders of the Mer kingdom, She looks around to see if anyone's watching)

Silvania: (sighs) I have to see that human again. No matter what it takes.

(Silvania swims out of the Mer Kingdom. Unknown to her, Princess Marianna and Suzanne, Who's been following her, come out of their hiding)

Suzanne: I wonder where she's going.

Princess Marianna: That's what we are going to find out. Come on!

(Princess Marianna and Suzanne keep on following Silvania and sees her going up to the surface)

Suzanne: (points) There she is!

Princess Marianna: I knew it! She's the mermaid that went up to the surface!

Suzanne: Are you going back now to report her to your father?

Princess Marianna: I definitely will. But first, I wanna find out why she's been sneaking up to the surface.

(At the cave)
(Silvania goes to where she hid Stephen)

Silvania: I'm back... (She stares at him) I wonder what's happening to him, He looks so sick and pale. (She checks his body and sees injuries all over him) Oh no, He's been injured badly. No wonder he's been unconscious. (She checks if he's breathing) Oh good, He's still alive. (She looks around) Mother told me about some herbs that can help to cure injuries.... I have to look for some (to Stephen) I'll be back.

(Silvania jumps back into the water and swims out of the cave to look for some herbs)

(Few minutes later)
(Princess Marianna and Suzanne arrive at the surface and looks around)

Princess Marianna: The world up here looks so distinct from our world. But anyways, There's not much to see here, My father's kingdom is much more beautiful than this place.

Suzanne: That's true. But I wonder where Silvania is.

Princess Marianna: We'll find her, Come on...

(Princess Marianna and Suzanne search around for Silvania and goes to the cave where she hid Stephen)

Princess Marianna: So far we've traced her to this place.

Suzanne: What's that thing covered with seaweeds?

Princess Marianna: I don't know....

(Princess Marianna goes closer and removes the seaweeds that Silvania used to cover Stephen and sees him)

Princess Marianna: (amazed) Oh my goodness....

Suzanne: He must be a human.

Princess Marianna: Yes. And he's so handsome, He must be the reason why Silvania sneaks up to the surface.

Suzanne: Marianna, We've already confirmed that Silvania's the mermaid that's been coming up to the surface. Let's go back.

Princess Marianna: Suzanne, Aren't you seeing how beautiful he is?

Suzanne: (worriedly) Yes i can see that. But we're way beyond the Mer kingdom. We have to get back before the King notices anything or we might get in trouble. The King will pardon you but he definitely won't pardon me.... I don't wanna get killed!

Princess Marianna: Alright, Fine... (To Stephen) Goodbye human.

(Princess Marianna and Suzanne enter into the water go back to the Mer kingdom)

(Hillwood City)
(At the police station)

Police 1: Good evening sir, How may we help you?

Sir Griffin: I'm here to file a report. It's about my son, He got involved in an accident along with his friends, Some men found his friend's bodies but did not find his. (He shows them a picture of Stephen) Here's a picture him, His name is Stephen.

Police officer 1: (he writes its down) It's alright sir, I'll alert the other officers. We'll go look for him

Veronica: (To Sir Griffin) Don't worry, Everything will be okay.

Sir Griffin: (worriedly) I really hope so.

(Meanwhile)
(Silvania returns back to Stephen with the herbs)

Silvania: Wow, These herbs are REALLY hard to find... (To Stephen) But don't worry human, You're gonna get better very soon.

(She places the herbs on his injuries)

Silvania: This should help....

(Just then, Someone taps her from behind and she turns around in fright)

Silvania: (frightened) Ah! (She breathes a sigh of relief when she sees it's her brother, Simon) What the.... How'd you know I'd be here?

Simon: I'm your brother. And I figured you're the mermaid that went up to the surface because you're always talking about knowing what lies above the waters. Look, We need to get back to the Mer Kingdom right away.

Silvania: Hold on, What about him? (She points at Stephen)

Simon: Is that a human?

Silvania: Yeah. I saved him from drowning yesterday. Can't you see how gorgeous he is? (blushes) I think I'm in love.

Simon: Don't be silly. You can't possibly fall in love with him. He's a human and you're a mermaid.... You're from two different worlds.

Silvania: (disappointedly) I know...

Simon: Silvania, You can't keep him here forever. You have to get him back to where he belongs.

Silvania: (sighs) Okay.

Simon: Just get him back, I'll be waiting for you over here.

Silvania: Alright.

(Later)
(Silvania carries an unconscious Stephen and takes him back to the seashore)

Silvania: It'll be easier for the other humans to find him here.

(Just then, Stephen weakly opens his eyes)

Silvania: The herbs, They worked! (she waves at him) Hi. My name is Silvania.

Stephen: (weakly) Uhhh.... (Stephen catches a glimpse of Silvania and is mesmerized by her grace and beauty, But he's unaware that she's a mermaid) Are you an angel?

Silvania: (chuckles) I don't know....(she smiles at him, revealing her sparkling white teeth) What is your name?

Stephen: (faintly) Stephen.

Silvania: (she sings to him)� My heart is pierced by Cupid. I disdain all glittering gold... There is nothing can console me, But my jolly sailor bold �

Stephen: You have a beautiful voice.

Silvania: (blushes) Thank you.

Stephen: (he closes his eyes) Uhhh....

(Stephen goes unconscious once again)

Silvania: (taps him) Stephen? Stephen?

(Silvania sees some men coming)

Silvania: This is where we say goodbye, Goodbye Stephen.

(She kisses Stephen on the lips before she goes back into the sea)

Man 1: (points) Wait... Isn't that the man that disappeared yesterday?

Man 2: Yes! Looks like he's the one, We have to get him to the hospital...

(Silvania watches from afar as the men carry Stephen away from the riverbank)

To be Continued.

Rebecca: come in five minutes if you really want to find out.


Richard got down from his bed and wore the clothes he wore the previous night.
“It was Rebecca, right?”
“Yes it was her, she said need to see me in five minutes,” Richard revealed.
“Imagine what would have happened if I didn’t pick the call.”
“Thank for helping me out, I’m really grateful,” Richard smiled.

“You are welcome,” Achuba answered.


Rebecca walked out of hospital waiting to see Richard’s arrival.
“What is wrong with you?” Came a voice behind her. When she turned, she noticed that it was senator speaking.
“I thought you say we should break-up,” Rebecca said.
“Do you really want us to breakup?” He questioned.

“Yes I do,” Rebecca responded.

“You must be crazy, do you think you can find someone better than I?” He proudly questioned.

“It doesn’t matter if I find someone better than you or not. What matters is we are no longer together,” Rebecca answered.
“Fine, if that’s what you want. I know you will come back in days begging for my forgiveness while it will be too late,” he said.

“God forbid! This will never happen,” she replied.

Soon, Richard arrived at the scene in a taxi. All the people around were watching what was happening. Richard’s heart started pounding harder, knowing trouble won’t be Faraway.

“Before I leave, I want to know why you want us to break-up,” he requested.

“You were the one who suggested that we should break-up,” Rebecca responded.

“Okay dear, I’m truly sorry. Tell me what is wrong.”
“To be honest with you, there is someone I really like. I have been in love with him for six years, and I just can’t help,” Rebecca replied.
“You are kidding, right?” He asked.
Rebecca suddenly saw Richard standing among the crowd behind them.
“Watch me and tell me if this is a joke,” she said as she walked to Richard. Richard’s heart beat increased more than ever as she got closer to him.

“What really going..” before Richard could complete his statement, Rebecca held his shoulder and kissed him on the lips. He became totally shocked and surprised and couldn’t believe what was happening. She let him and turned back to the senator.

“Does this still seem like a joke to you?” She asked.
The senator angrily walked to his car along with bodyguards and drove away.

“And if you excuse me, I something to do,” Rebecca said trying to walk back to the hospital. Richard quickly grabbed her hand and pulled her closer to him. Rebecca’s heart started beating faster and her breathe started to seize.

“You

know people are watching us,” she uttered.
“Really?” Richard asked.

“Yes, I know,” Richard responded.

“I will call you later,” she said taking off his hands.

“Okay, I’ll be waiting,” Richard smiled.

Richard headed back to the hostel and thought about what happened as he walked. He was surprised that Rebecca was willing to show the world that she loved him. He felt like his life couldn’t get any better than that moment. He brought out his phone and called Thomas. It rank for a moment, but there was no answer. As he was about to get into their room, he received a call from Thomas.
Richard: hello

Thomas:where are you? We about to write a test right now.

Richard: Oh my God! Really?

Thomas: yes, and you will miss the test if you don’t come at once.

Without any preparation, Richard ran to his department. He looked at the theatres of the department and finally found the lecture venue at the extreme end. When he noticed that it was the lecturer he once had problem with, he gave up the test and went to a class opposite to the theatre and sat down. He sat there for half an hour before his mates started finishing their tests. He then received a call from Thomas requesting for his location.

About five minutes later, Thomas walked into the department.
“Why didn’t you write the test?” Thomas interrogated.

“I didn’t know we have a test today,” Richard replied.

“Oh really? Can I be honest with you Richard?” Thomas asked.

“Why is that your studies seriously?” Thomas requested after Richard had given him the go ahead.

“Have you forgotten that I’m going quit the school?” Richard asked.

“But what if you are repeating the same mistake again?”

“I ran away without anything to do before, but this time, I will be doing something,” Richard replied.

“You should at least wait until Prof. Grace gives you the money before you start thinking of leaving. What if she changes her mind?”

“I trust Prof. Grace with my life, she will never change her mind,” Richard replied.



Around 4 pm, Rebecca was finally done with the teaching hospital. As she was trying to find her way out of the hospital, one of her colleagues who was a very good friend of hers called for her attention. She turned and watched him as he walked fast to her.

“We will be having a friendly football match today in the city stadium, I hope you will be president,” he announced.

“I don’t really know, if my mom doesn’t give me work when I go home, I might show up,” Rebecca replied.
“Okay, I will be expecting you,” he said hopefully.

“What time is the match?” Rebecca asked.

“By 5 I think,” he replied.

“Okay, I will see you then,” she said and continued walking.

She entered her car and drove home slowly. The gate was opened for her and she drove in slowly. She parked the car under the capony and headed to the leaving room. When she got in she found her sitting on a sofa reading a newspaper.

“Good afternoon mom,” she greeted her mother.
“Afternoon, how was your kiss with Richard?” She asked.
“Oh My God!” Rebecca said covering her face with her and increased her steps.

“Don’t you want to tell me about it?” Her mother laughed.

“I’m sure the snitch has told you everything,” she said and went to her.

She began to wonder about who told her mother about her relationship with Richard. She thought of all the possibilities but couldn’t come up with a single person. She went to bathroom and took a shower before changing into a white T-shirt and a black jeans. She had white Snickers on her legs. She quickly took a full selfie of herself and sent it to Richard with the caption: how do I look?

Richard: You look incredibly beautiful, I wish I could see you right now.

Rebecca: the university football team are having a match by 5:00 on. Get ready, I’m coming to pick you.

Richard: okay, I’ll be expecting you.


By the time Rebecca got her room, her mother was not there. She quickly opened the fridge in the dining room and took some chocolate in it. She hurriedly walked to her car and drove out of the house. Soon, she arrived at the male hostel and informed Richard that she had arrived. She waited for about five minutes before Richard showed up. He was also wearing a white shirt, white Snickers and a black jeans.

“Come on Richard, you know we can’t go out like that, right?” Rebecca said.

“Why can’t we?” Richard asked as he sat down beside her in the car.
“It seems very local to me, whoever sees us will think we are couples,” Rebecca complained.

“No, whoever sees us will know we are couples,” Richard smiled.

“And since when did we become couples?” Rebecca asked lowering her eyes.

“Since when we went out yesterday,” Richard smiled.

“Oh, but I can’t recall the last time you said you love me,” Rebecca said lowering her voice.

“To be in relationship doesn’t necessarily require saying romantic things at the initial point. It involves the compassion and commitment you show your partner, for they say, action speaks louder than words,” Richard said.
Rebecca became speechless after Richard made that statement. They drove out of the school on to the highway.
“You know, I still can’t believe I’m doing this with you,” Rebecca revealed.

“What do you mean?” Richard asked her.

“I just feel everything is not real,” she responded.

“Me too, I wish I could remain as happy as I am right now forever,” he said.


They arrived at the stadium and parked their car at the entrance. As they were walking to get in, Richard held Rebecca hand. She turned and looked and smiled. They bought some popcorn just by the door and walked in. They stadium was filled people shouting all over. Because the seats in the front had been filled, they had to seat at the back.

“Which team is ours?” Rebecca asked.

“I don’t know, I’m supposed to ask you this,” Richard replied.

“I’m not quite a fan of football you know,” she responded.

“Really? Then what kind of sport are you into?”

“Basketball maybe, I used to play it with Amirah and Alice when were kids,” Rebecca responded.

“When was the last time you played it?”

“I don’t really know, ten years ago I think.”

“Wow! No wonder you are getting fat, you don’t move your body,” Richard laughed.

“If I get fatter than I am right now, I will b very Happy,” she laughed.



The match ended some few minutes past 6. They talked and laughed throughout the March without paying much attention to it. After the match, they head to a small restaurant close to the restaurant. They headed back to the university after their meal. She dropped him close to his hostel and headed home.


After her parking her car, she walked into the living room and found her mother sitting on the sofa. She totally forgot about what happened earlier and sat beside her mother.
“I don’t see you studying much nowadays,” her mother complained.

“I most study in the night,” Rebecca replied.

“Well, you have two more years to go, you have to put in your maximum effort,” her mother adviced.

“Okay Mom,” she replied.

As they were talking, her mother suddenly sneezed and blood oozed out of her nose.

“What wrong with you Mom?” Rebecca asked looking very frightened.

“I’m okay, is just a cold,” her mother said trying to calm her.

“Okay,” Rebecca responded, but she always knew when her mother is trying to hide something from her. She stood up and sneaked into her mother. She searched for minutes before coming across her mother’s medical report.

The instance she set her eyes on the report, she screamed louder than she ever had. Her knees became so weak that they could no longer support her. Her mother ran to the room and found her on the floor crying.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Rebecca cried.

“Because I didn’t want to distract you from your studies,” she replied.

“Who cares about studies when you are dying?” Rebecca cried out loud.

“Who told you I’m dying?” Prof. Grace asked.

“I’m medical student Mom, I know what I saw.”

“Seeing you becoming a woman is the most joyous thing that has ever happened to me in my life, I will not regret it even if I die now,” Prof. Grace said as bent down to hold her hand.
Rebecca quickly stood up and ran out of the house. She went to the stream that was at the entrance of the staff quarters and sat on rock. She cried out loud there as if she was a little baby. She brought out her phone and called Richard. The moment he answered the call, he heard her crying.

Richard: what’s wrong dear? Why are you crying?

Rebecca: my mom is dying of cancer.

He became silent knowing that she finally found out.

Richard: where are you right now?

“I’m at the steam close to the bridge,” she informed.

Richard quickly boarded a taxi to the place she told him. Richard saw her sitting on a rock that was just below a very huge street lamp. When she saw Richard, her voice increased as she cried. Richard felt bad for her when he saw her in that condition. He began to think of the method he is going to use to calm her. When he was just some few inches away from her, a man wearing a mask appear from the bush.

“Richard! Behind you!” She screamed.

When Richard turned, he saw a man holding a gun. Before Richard could make any effort to run, he was short twice on the chest making him to collapse on the spot. Rebecca screamed out loud like her lungs were going to explode. The man ran back into the bush and Rebecca ran to Richard. She saw as blood rushed out his chest. She quickly removed the white shirt she was holding and tried to stop the bleeding. Soon, people gathered in and noticed her screaming. An ambulance was summoned, and Richard was taken to the teaching hospital.


After arriving at the university teaching hospital, Richard was taken to the emergency room where the doctors started operating on him. Rebecca sat on the waiting bench with her hands covered in blood. Her face was completely wet with tears as he had cried terribly. She wished and prayed that he will be okay. She had never been so scared in her entire life like she was at that moment. As she was sitting, her mom suddenly call her on the phone.

Prof. Grace: I heard that a student has been short, where are you?

Rebecca: it was Richard

Prof. Grace: what do you mean it was Richard?

Rebecca: Somebody shot him, he currently undergoing a surgery.

Prof. Grace: Oh Lord, where are you?

Rebecca: I’m at the teaching hospital.

Prof. Grace: okay I will be right there.

After the call, Rebecca went into one of wash room and cleaned herself up. By the time she walked out, her mom had arrived at the hospital. She ran and hugged her mother as she cried.

“What really happened?” Her mother asked.

“I was talking to him in the garden when a man came out of nowhere and shot him,” Rebecca cried. Her mother could feel her tears wetting her shoulder.
“How could something like this happen in the university?”
“The security in this school is just use. How can a criminal get through with a gun without being detected?” Rebecca furiously asked.

Suddenly, one of the doctors walked out of the operation room. The instance Rebecca saw her, she stood and ran to her.

“How is he doing?” She asked anxiously.

“Don’t worry dear, he’s going to be fine.”
.”Thank God,” Rebecca said with a huge relief.

“Good evening ma’am,” the doctor greeted Pro. Grace after she had gotten to where they are.
“Good evening, how did surgery go?” She asked.

“Fortunately, it went well,” she smiled.
“Thank you so much,” Prof. Grace said gratefully.

After a short while, Richard was taken to one of the best rooms in the hospital. The room was of medium size, and the sick bed was placed close near the wall beside the glass sliding window. Opposite to the bed was small table with a basket of flowers kept on it. Beside the table, was a door that leads to the bathroom. Rebecca and mother walked into the room and sat on the two sitter sofa that was next to the table. They watched as his chest go up and down with the oxygen tube in his face.
“Is he going to he okay?” Rebecca asked.
“I believe he will be,” Prof. Grace replied as she placed her hand on her daughter’s shoulder.

“I feel really bad for him,” Rebecca said.

“Me too,” her mother replied. Just then, Richard’s phone that was on the table started ringing. Rebecca stood up and walked to the phone and saw Achuba calling.

Rebecca: Hello

Achuba: Hi, how are you?

Rebecca: I am fine.

Achuba: is this Rebecca speaking?

Rebecca: yeah how do you know is me?

Achuba: because I know you are the only girl that answer Richard’s phone.

Rebecca: I’m flattered, but do you know that your friend is in the hospital?

Achuba: I have no idea, what happened to him?

Rebecca: didn’t you hear about the gun shot?

Achuba: Don’t tell me it was Richard that got shot.

Rebecca: why should I be the one answering your call if he wasn’t the one?

Achuba: Oh my God, in which hospital is he?
Rebecca: the T.H

After the call, Rebecca went and sat beside her mother.

“I will be going home now,” her mother announced.
“Okay Mom, I think I will spend the night here,” Rebecca replied.
“Is okay, you can call me if you need anything,” Prof. Grace said as she walked out of the room. After her mother left, Rebecca went out of the room and took a small chair and returned with it. She placed the chair beside Richard’s bed and sat on it and watched as he breath. Suddenly, she heard some footsteps behind her. When she turned, she discovered Richard’s roommates.
“You can come in,” Rebecca replied after they asked if the can come in.

“How did he get shot?” Thomas asked.

“I was talking to him close to the garden when a man suddenly from the bush and shot him,” she explained.

“I never knew Richard getting involved in people’s affairs, why should somebody shoot him?” Achuba asked.

“He did, when he started liking the senator’s girlfriend,” Armstrong said.

“Do you think the senator did this?” Rebecca asked as she stood up.
“Most likely, but I’m not certain,” Armstrong replied.
“I’m going to meet him right away,” Rebecca said trying to walk out in a hurry.

“Hold on a second, we have no strong evidence that if it was the senator. Confronting him like that could be risky,” Achuba said blocking her.

“I think he’s right,” Thomas supported.

“I’m not scared of him,” Rebecca said and pushed him out of her way.




Tbc

Read episode 24 @www.dapalace.com
PINK CLOUDS

Episode_25

 



It was the happiest night of Richard’s entire existence. He walked back to hostel excited feeling like he’s floating on the air. By the he arrived, it was already midnight and Achuba and Thomas had already slept. He wished they were awake so that he can express his happiness with them. He lied on his bed without any sign of sleep in eyes. He remained like that for an hour until he got to the extend he couldn’t take no more. He jumped down from his bed and tapped Achuba on the shoulder.

“Wake up,” Richard whispered.

It took minutes before Achuba woke up when he noticed that Richard is not going to give up.

“What is it you have to tell me that you can’t wait until morning?” Achuba asked as he sat up with his eyes still closed.

“I almost kissed Rebecca today,” Richard happily announced.

“Really?” Achuba asked, and this time, his eyes were widely opened.

“How did that happen?” Thomas who was lying on the other side of the room asked.
“Hey we thought you are sleeping,” Richard and Achuba laughed.
“I was, until you guys mentioned something about a kiss,” Thomas laughed.

After Richard told them everything that happened, they both laughed at him.
“You know we will also punish you for not telling us about your birthday,” Achuba laughed.

“It didn’t matter to me,” Richard responded.

“It matters now that you miss a kiss for the most remarkable lady in the school,” Thomas commented.

“Yeah,

and I have to wait until next year,” Richard said pretending to be sad and they all laughed at him.
“I also have another big news,” Richard announced.

“Really? What could that be?” Thomas asked.

“Prof. Grace said she is giving me twenty million naira to start a business after she comes back from her treatment in India,” Richard announced.

“Oh my God! Are you telling the truth?” Achuba asked.

“Of course I am,” Richard replied.

“Beside your mother, no any other woman can do what she did to you,” Achuba said.
“I think she considers you to be her son Richard, because this is beyond ordinary,” Thomas commented.
“That’s why I don’t think I can ever thank her enough,” Richard replied.

“You can never thank her enough,” Thomas said.

“So, do you intend on starting the business as soon as she gives you the money?” Achuba asked.

“No, I tend on finishing school first,” Richard replied.

“Bleep the school. What would you waste your time here and do when you have a huge capital of starting a business?” Achuba asked.

“But I want to learn the fish farming system at school before going into the business,” Richard replied.

“You can learn about that online without even having to complete the course here. You can employ people who are professionals in this field to work for you,” Achuba said.
“I think you are actually right,” Richard replied.
“I will give you some books to read on entrepreneurship, they will help you,” Achuba announced.
“Thank you,” Richard replied.
“I wish I could be like you Richard,” Thomas said.

“What do you mean by that?” Richard asked.

“I mean you make any decision without someone interfering it,” Thomas said.

“You guys have also interfered in my decisions recently, and I’m very glad you did,” Richard responded.

“That’s not what I meant. I mean you are free to think of what’s good for you without being treated like a child. I don’t think I like computer engineering anymore, but I won’t dare face my family saying I want be an entrepreneur instead,” Achuba said.
“My family used to be like that until my brother proved them wrong. The thought going to university is the only way you can succeed,” Achuba said.

“Exactly,” Thomas replied.

“Have you ever talked to them about how you feel?” Richard asked.

“No I haven’t,” Thomas answered.

“You should try talking to them,” Achuba advised.

“I will do that,” he answered.



Rebecca woke up the next morning feeling like the previous was all a dream. She sat on her bed and smiled as she thought of him. Her mind was lost in her thoughts that she didn’t even notice it when her mother came into the room.
“What are you thinking about?” Her mother asked.
“When did you come in?” Rebecca asked looking very startled.
“About a minute ago, and I noticed that you are thinking about something,” her mother suspected.
“No, I’m not thinking about anything,” Rebecca said as she ran out of her bed.
“Are you sure?” Her mother asked.
“Yes Mom, I’m very sure,” she said walking into her bathroom.
After her shower, she dressed in a white gown and walked to the dinning room carrying her hand bag.
“You are finally out,” her mother said.
“Yes I am,” she smiled and sat beside her mother.

“Where

is Emmanuel?” She continued.
“He has gone to school already.”

“Is out quite early today.”

“Yes he is,” her replied and soon they started having their breakfast.


After the breakfast, Rebecca took her car and drove out of the house. On her way, she noticed the senator calling her phone. He has been calling her since the previous night, but she didn’t pick any of his calls. She was wondering how she would tell him she doesn’t feel the same anymore. It became the most thing for her to do. She wished something would come up to cause their separation. She drove for minutes before arriving at the school teaching hospital.
She parked her car in the parking lot and was walking her way to the teaching hospital when she received a message from the senator saying:is over between us

Rebecca felt so relieved when she saw the message, she finally had an excuse to breakup with him. She happily replied: thank God it is.

He retried to call her after the messages, but she still didn’t pick up his call.

The instance she walked into the hospital, she was approached by Mary and Dixxy.

“Why dont you pick up his calls?” They asked furiously.

“Can I ask you guys something?” Rebecca uttered.
“Yes you can,” Mary replied.
“Do you really want me to be happy?” She asked.
“Of course we do.”
“Then I’m following my heart right now. Richard is my first love, I tried to deny it at first. But as time went by, I felt like his love is synchronized in every cell of my body. I just can’t help it. And if you really are my friends, you should be happy for me,” Rebecca said.

“Is okay, we just thought the senator is the perfect match for a perfect girl like you,” Mary stated.

“I mean he’s rich, handsome and intelligent,” she continued.

“I Don’t think money matters to me anymore. I used to think my life was perfect until Richard came back. I felt something extraordinary that I only feel when I’m with him. I can give up anything to be with him,” Rebecca replied. Few minutes later, they were being called by their supervisor.

About 30 minutes later, her boyfriend arrived at the teaching hospital. When Rebecca saw him, she ran into one of the doctors’ office to hide herself.

“Good morning sir!” She greeted the doctor.

“Rebecca! How are you doing?” He asked.
“I’m fine sir,” she responded.

“What brings you to my office this early morning?” The doctor asked.
“I just came to say hello sir,” she smiled.
“Are you sure you don’t have any favour to ask in return?” He doubted.
“Yes I’m sure sir,” she replied.
She walked out of the office as soon as he passed. She quickly brought out her phone and called Alice.

Alice: Who is trying to disturb my peace?

Rebecca: there is no time for your silly jokes, I want you to send me Richard’s phone number right now.

Alice: you must be kidding right? How comes you don’t have his number?

Rebecca: please send it quick, is important. I will tell you everything later.

After about 2 minutes, Alice shared her the number, and she instantly called it. Richard was sleeping when his phone started ringing. He couldn’t hear the phone ringing due to the fact that he slept late the previous night. Achuba shoke Richard very hard that he had to wake up.

“What is it?” Richard asked with his eyes closed.

“Your phone is ringing,” Achuba announced.

“I will call the person later, I really need this sleep,” Richard replied.
“What if it is an emergency? This is the third time the person is calling,” Achuba explained.
“I don’t think so,” Richard replied.
Achuba quickly picked up the phone and answered it.

Achuba: hello

.Rebecca: hello, is this Richard?

Achuba: no this is his friend, he is still sleeping.

Rebecca: is that so? Okay tell him that if I don’t hear his voice in 10 seconds, he will lose me forever.
Achuba covered the mouth piece of the phone and delivered her message. Richard quickly jumped up from bed and collected the phone from Achuba.

Richard:


hello who is this?
Rebecca: I heard that you’ve become a big man now, you
don’t answer calls in the morning.

Richard: I truly sorry, I was a wonderful dream about you, that’s I don’t want to be interrupted.
Rebecca: Really? What was the dream about?

Richard: I can’t tell you, but is probably the best dream of my life.

Rebecca: If you are able to meet me in the teaching hospital in five minutes, I will give you the biggest surprise of you life.

Richard: what is it?

Protected
By Bebe Ernest
Episode 10

MAGIC.
It's morning, I don't come out of my room, I can't find the will to, am tired.
I glance at the clock it's past 6, I have to go prepare for Alec to go to school, it's a Monday morning.
I stand, as I pass my mirror, I stop and stare at my self, what exactly about me tells people am stupid.
Don't I look good enough?

I have long black hair, it's almost to my waist, I have silver eyes, a nice body, don't I deserve some respect?
I sigh and make my way out.
I go to the kitchen and make some coffee, I get Alec's backpack and food flask ready.
I make a stack of pancakes, I take them to the dinning with freshly squeezed juice and some maple syrup.
I set the table and I see Mr Justin enter.
"Good morning Magic"
I nod.
"You not going to join us? I noticed you haven't for a while now"
"Am fine sir"
He nods, miss julliet comes, i greet and exit to go get Alec's backpack.
As I enter I see Alec already sitting and Master justice entering.
I stiffen.
"Yo, magic, you not going to join us?"

I shake my head, my eyes on the ground.
"I will be in my room If anyone needs me"
As I exit I glance at master justice and I see him reading the news papers looking unconcerned.
I vaguely note that Mr Justin and miss julliet are watching me.

***************************************
JUSTIN.
I watch magic leave and I turn to my A-hole of a brother.
I don't normally concern my self with things like this because am a person who observes rather than talk but my brother is acting like a little bitch.
"What did you do?"
He just keeps reading, I pull the paper out of his hands, he slowly lifts his head.
"Keep her away from me Justin"
"What's your deal with her? You are an a-hole but never to this extent"
I hear julliet cough.
"Baby on board brother kin".
She points at Alec who is staring back and forth at I and justice.
"I am an a-hole we have made a fact out of that, then what makes you think that I would be kind to your little stray".
"Well maybe I thought you would at least have some human feelings"
He just rolls his eyes.
What happened to my brother when I was gone? He was always so free and out going, down to earth, always ready to help.
This greedy, snobbish man In front of me is person I don't know.
"What happened to you brother?"
Julliet leans forward, waiting for his answer.
He looks me in the eyes and says.
"The day you tell me where you go to every Saturday and Sundays, that is the day I will sit and talk about my feelings with you. "
He waits but I don't reply, that is one thing I can never talk about.
He seems to get that.
"That's what I thought, this is my house and I make the rules, you don't like it, leave".
He stands up calmly and leaves.
I sigh and lean back in my seat.
Well Hell.
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
MAGIC.
By two pm, am more than hungry but I can't just go downstairs.
Ugh, I hate this.
I turn again on my bed, am wearing one of justice's sleeves, I mean I can't let it go to waste can I?.
And also the man is so big, his sleeves almost get to my knees and the hand encompasses all of mine.
I hear a knock on my door.
I stand and walk to it, I open and see julliet standing there with another woman.
"Miss julliet, how may I help you?"
The woman with her speaks.
"You were right julliet, she is beautiful"
I blush, she is talking about me, that feels good.
I turn to miss julliet and I see her looking at my choice of wardrobe .
I blush again.
I open the door wider and they enter.
"Magic, meet Sandra Jacobs, she is the sister of my fiance"
I shake her hand, she is as beautiful as Mr sage is handsome.
"Magic is a very cool name, who are your parents?"
"I never knew them"
"Aww, that's shitty, I love mine, I can't imagine not knowing them."
I nod, even as I blush at her cuss word and she smiles,.
"We are going to the pool to do some manicure, you want to come?
Miss julliet asks and I know Master justice must have told them what happened for her to come try to cheer me up.
I shake my head no.
"There will be champagne and strawberries"
I shake my head again, Sandra pulls me.
"Actually you don't have an option, Justin told us to kidnap you"
I blush, feeling good, I see julliet grimace, she must suspect I have a crush on mr Justin.
They pull me down the hall, I am still wearing master justice's sleeve.
They pull me to the pool and we get comfy.
Sandra starts on my hand and starts filing.
"You have lovely fingers"
I thank her and she continues in silence, miss julliet plies me with chocolate and strawberries and champagne.
I love.
After a while miss julliet asks.
"So do you have a boyfriend?"
I don't respond but I lift my head when I feel both of them watching me.
"Are you talking to me?"

. They nod.
"Oh no, I don't"
Sandra nods.
"Do you?"
I feel compelled to ask Sandra.
"I am going to get married to Justin, he just doesn't know it yet."
I still, she is mr Justin's girlfriend, I feel julliet watching me.
I nod. "that's good"
"We are not dating yet, but we will"
I frown, i.dont understand.
"He will fall in love with me, just watch."
I laugh so hard, I like this woman, she knows what she wants.
Julliet joins me.
I mistakenly spill champagne on me and squeal.
"What? are you alergic to liquid?"
I nod.
"I hate cold water"
I say this while cleaning my body so I did not see them share a look.
I am so surprised when I am pulled and pushed into the pool.
My nail polish will be ruined but it was funny so I burst out laughing.
Am threading water and doing so.
I feel good.
I climb out, soaking wet and they are laughing at me.
I push Sandra in and I squeal as she splashes water at me.
"Stop!"
She doesn't, miss julliet is laughing untill I push her in.
I laugh so hard my eyes burn with tears.
Ha.
***************★★*****************
Justice.
I watch her, she is beautiful.
I look away again, am standing at my window, they can't see me .
I look again , I can't help myself, she is laughing.
I remember how she felt in my arms the other day, I like how she looks in my clothes, I remember her smell on my pillow.
I take a step forward, I stop and shake my head, I can't do this again.
I can't like someone again.
I turn away.
I walk out of my room and down the stairs to the kitchen, I turn the corner and bump into her. Magic.
She squeals, laughter in her voice.
It dies when she sees it's me.
I feel something, I don't like it so I lash out.
"Stay the hell away from me girl, are we clear?"
"Crystal clear sir".
I watch her walk away, head down, hurt, i dont care.
Or so I tell myself.
For more episode visit www.dapalace.com
***
tbv

Protected
By Bebe Ernest
Episode 9

MAGIC.

I am pacing my room, what do I do? Father Lord, am finished.
I can see it, master justice will ask me to pack up and leave.
Where will I go? Oh Lord.
I look at the time, it's past 7 in the evening, he should be back now and he will be expecting his clothes .

Oh God, this is a typical example of my village old women pursuit me, again what do I do?.
Ok.
I have to get things in perspective.
I have to tell him, I have to apologise.
I glance at the pile of clothes again and I almost loose my wits.
I ironed them after trying to wash them by hand again, I rhino I mad it worse.
Sweet Lord.
Am so stupid, I mean who adds bleach to coloured?
Me apparently.
I grab the perfectly ironed clothes and match to hi room before I loose my mind.
I knock, no answer, I put my ear on the door and listen.
I can hear soft rock music, he is inside, but he can't hear me because if the music.
I send a silent prayer to God, please let there not be any woman in there with him.

My death will be definite then.
I open the door slowly, I don't see him, I open it more widely and I see him.
He walking out on the running thing.
I think it's called a treadmill.
I stand at the side for a while, i
expect him to notice Me but he doesn't.
Seems I'm have to suffer for this.
I call out, he doesn't seem to hear.
I walk to the music player and press a button, the music goes up, oh no.
I press another button and it increases.
Bt this time he has stopped and is watching me like an irritating bug.
I smile at him nervously and countinue pressing buttons.
How many does this thing even have.
This is not helping my case, my village people o.
He walks to me and holds my wrist as I go to press another button, he switches the music off and turns to me.
He glances at pile of clothes I am holding and lifts his eye brow.
I yank on the wrist he is still holding and he let's go.
"Am sure you have an explanation for you being in my room without I calling you in".
I nod, he walks to the treadmill and gets his water, he takes a swig and cleans his face with a white towel.
"Am listening girl"
I kneel, I have no other option.
He turns and his trademark single eyebrow goes up.
"As much as I like my women in this position, you are not my woman, and I see no reason why you should be in that position."
I notice he doesn't tell me to stand up.
Bastard.
"I ruined your clothes, am so sorry"
His eyes hoes to the clothes and comes back to me.
"Do you know how much they cost?"
"I don't sir and I promise to pay".
"Oh you do? " He asks.
I nod.
"They are custom made, direct from the maker, one cost a hundred grand, and I reckon you ruined 8, do you have 800 grand lying around, girl?"
He says the girl likes it's a curse.
And hold on, what happened to people getting there clothes at bend down select.
If it wasn't that miss julliet gave me some clothes I had lanned to go buy some at a used clothes store.
I Definitely don't have 800 thousand lying around.
I tell him this.
"I thought so"
He peruses me for a while, he is standing over me, am still kneeling.
"Get up"
I wince, am sure he is going to hit me.
He walks to his desk and seats, he gestures to a chair and tells me to take my seat.
Am surprised.
I seat down and he speaks.
"Tell me about you"
Wow, this is a surprise.
"What do you want to know sir"
"How old are you?"
"Am 19, my birthday is December 21st".
He nods.
"That means you are almost 20 in four months time?"
I nod.
"My birthday is December 21 too"
I smile, wow.
He asks some series of question, some I want to do, my dreams, even if I have a boyfriend.
I blush when he asks that and I tell him no.
I tell him everything, as in everything, about kelechi, about my dreams of wanting to be a fashion designer, how I want to go back to school, when am done he nods.
I glance at the clock on his table and I see we've been talking for over 30 mins.
"I have friends coming over in an hour, I want you to prepare some appetizers, just fruits or something"
I nod.
"Make sure there is an abundance of whiskey and cognac and a little bit of wine ok?"
I nod.
"Crushed ice too."
I think I can do this.
I nod.
"You can leave now"
I stand up but hesitate, he raises an eyebrow.
"What do I do about the clothes sir?"
He waves an hand.
"Throw them away, use them as nightclothes, I don't care"
I nod, how rich is this guy that he can throw away 800 thousand worth of clothes?
I pick up the clothes and exit.
I think I and master justice are officially friends.
Yay.

***************************************
I think everything is going well, I have served him and his friends thier drinks and appetizers.
It's past 10 and there are no signs of this coming to an end.
Am standing on standby incase he wants to something else.
Am so sleepy.
Maybe it was the sleep that made me make a mistake.
But what I got I totally did not deserve.
He calls me in to the dinning and I see he has about 5 friends over, I greet and turn to him.
"You called sir?"
"You peon"
Am taken aback, i know what that means.
"Is there anything in that head of yours? Is there anything you can do right?"
"Sir....."
"You slowpoke, I told you to offer whiskey not whisky, what is wrong with you?"
I hear some of his friends swallow thier laughter and I feel tears rush to my eyes.
"I didn't.know...."
"You never do, do you? That's why you were almost killed....."
I gasp, the tears spilling out.
"Get out of my sight, I don't want to see you, fool."
I run upstairs, crying.
O God.
My chest.
I think its going to break.
I cry and cry and cry untill I finally fall asleep.
Tomorrow, Tomorrow

�Protected�
Episode 8

MAGIC.
It's been five days since I got to this house, I found out that that there is a system to how. N things work, I have gotten used to it.
After feeling sorry for myself that I have had no contact with kelechi because of my phone, I got myself together.
After one failed breakfast, forgetting to wake up early, and almost burning the kitchen because i don't know how to use the gas, i think I have gotten the hang of it.
I met miss julliet's son, Alec, he is cute as can be, am sorry cool, he is cool.
Am currently cleaning the kitchen, this place is spotless, I don't even know why they need an house keeper.
I stand when I hear the door open, its Alec.
"Yo, magic, watcha doing"
I found out that Alec and his mother just came from the states not too long ago.
I love the way he speaks, his accent is like an oyibo man own.
"Alec, as you can see i was cleaning."
He nods.
"what can I do for you?"
"I want cookies, some of my friends will be coming over, I want chocolate chip cookies"
Okay.......
"What are cookies.?"
He looks at me like??
"Are you joking?"
I shake my head no, way to go magic, show the boy you are as dumb as they come.
"Magic, cookies are like the best thing ever"
I nod.
"But what is it exactly"
He shakes his head.
"Wait here"
He leaves, I countinue with my cleaning, in a while he returns.
He has a phone with him, Jesus the phone is so flat, and it has an Apple on the back.
I want one.
"Here see, read this, this is a cookie, and how to make one"..
I read the screen and I see a cookie is an American version of biscuit, it's a lot bigger.
I nod.
I can bake, but not very well, I can try to replicate what i see.
I get the needed ingredients and I begin with Alec standing beside me.
As I knead the Dough I feel at peace, I begin to analyse how far I have come in the previous days.
I ran away from home, I witness a murder, am more or less in withness protection right now.
I know I have nothing to be happy about but at least I am alive.
I haven't been sold to any person now .
Even though living in this house is not ideal, at least I have a roof, a job, some money and food.
I can ask for nothing better.
If I can just get kelechi's number, everything will be perfect in my world.
I and Alec cut the dough into different shapes and sizes, I catch him eating it sometimes but I don't say anything, just warn him that he should be careful of stomach ache.
He smiles, I do too.
"Magic, you have flour on your nose"
"I do?, Am just going to clean it ok....."
I stop talking when the door opens, I glance up and my stomach tightens when justice enters.
What now? Cue Rihanna's voice.
"What are you doing"?
"Am sure it's obvious....."
I close my mouth when his face darkens.
"Yo, uncle justice".
"Yo, Alec."
He looks away from me to Alec and back.
"Come".
He exits and I follow after throwing a wink at Alec.
I walk upstairs and enter his room, he is standing by his bed shirtless.
I gulp. Uhh?
He looks up and I believe the word I would use to describe him is smoldering.
"These are some of my sleeves, I want them back before tomorrow"
I finally notice the pile of clothes at his feet.
I nod, I can do that.
"They are dry clean only, am sure you can manage to get this done right?"
I nod. No need to insult me.
He walks to his bathroom, dismissing me.
I grab the pile of clothes, they are not even dirty.
I walk to the laundry room and I see a big washing machine.
How do I use this stuff?
"Whatcha doing?"
I turn to see Alec enter.
"Am trying to figure out how to use this stuff"
"Cool, I think you just have to press this button."
He presses it and the machine whirs, wow, magic.
I put all the clothes, white, black, gray, blue and all, I add some detergent and bleach and water and I close it.
"I think we have to time it"
I nod and we time it for 30 minutes, we go to the kitchen and the cookies has risen, we place it in the oven and we wait.
15 minutes later when the timer goes off, I bring out the cookies, we leave it to cool before putting it in a jar.
I take a bite of one and , hmm, yummy.
Alec takes one and I remember I have clothes in the machine, I look at the time, it's been one hour.
Sweet jesu.
I run to the laundry room, Alec at my feet, i open the machine and i bring out the sleeves.
O my God.
This is not right.
There are no longer whites in the soaking pile.
They are either black or shades of Gray.
O my God.
"I think we shouldn't have added that bleach"
I nod my head.
Am dead, justice will kill me.
What do I do?

The Fault in our Romance
(He's a human, She's a troll)
Episode 5
Written by Johnny Patel
Please don't comment next or next please
***************************************
(Silvania sees the car tumbling into the river and falling inside)

Silvania: What is that?

(Her curiosity drives her to go to the river, She peeps into the river and sees the car sinking into it. She then jumps into water and swims to the car, She manages to get the car door open and sees Alex and Bethany then she carries them out of the car to the surface)

Silvania: They must be the humans Mother always talks about. (She carries them to the riverbank and examines them) Their skin is so smooth and their teeth is different too.... Oh no, There's still one more human in the river.

(She jumps into the water and swims back to the car and when she sets her eyes on Stephen, She falls hopelessly in love with him. She removes his seatbelt then carries him out of the car, taking him to the riverbank)

Silvania: (smiling) Wow, He's so handsome....

(She sees two men approaching the riverbank and hides behind a large boulder)

Man 1: I'm glad we caught enough fish today.

Man 2: Yeah, Most of the fishes have migrated towards our area that's why.

Man 1: (grins happily) We're back in business!

(They see two figures lying lifelessly at the riverbank)

Man 1: Hold on, Who are those people lying over there?

Man 2: I don't know...

(They run to Alex and Bethany)

Man 1: (he shakes Alex and Bethany) They're unconscious. (He checks their pulse) But they're still alive... We have to call the ambulance quickly.

Man 2: Ok. Let's first of all get them away from the riverbank.

Man 1: Okay

Silvania: (she overhears them) Ambulance? That sounds dangerous.

(When the men carry an unconscious Alex and Bethany away from the riverbank, Silvania comes out of her hiding and carries an unconscious Stephen away)

Man 1: (he returns back) Wait a minute, Where did the other one go?

Man 2: (surprised) I don't know, He was here just now....

Man 1: We have to look for him!

(Meanwhile)
(Silvania takes Stephen to a nearby bush close to the Troll Kingdom and examines him thoroughly)

Silvania: He doesn't seem dangerous at all (she glances at the sack and remembers she was sent on an errand) Oh shit, I have to get back to Princess Marianna (To an unconscious Stephen) I'll be back...

(She covers his body with large leaves then returns to the Troll kingdom)

(Hillwood City)
(At the foster home)

Bobby: Hey Lucas. Where're you going?

Lucas: I'm going to Mr Felix's. To walk his dogs.

Bobby: Just be home early today.

Lucas: No worries...

(Lucas leaves the house. Just then, Mr Blackwell enters their room)

Thompson, Patrick, Williams & Bobby: Good morning Mr Blackwell.

Mr Blackwell: Morning!

Thompson: Why're you all jittery?

Mr Blackwell: There's a lady coming here to inspect the foster home so I want you all to be on your best behavior. Is that understood?

Thompson, Patrick, Williams & Bobby: Yes Mr Blackwell.

Mr Blackwell: Where's Lucas?

Thompson: He went out.

Mr Blackwell: Argh! That boy!

(Just then, The doorbell rings )

Mr Blackwell: She's here! Okay, I want you all to behave prim and proper and act like you've been having the best time of your lives here.

Thompson, Patrick, Williams & Bobby: (excitedly) YES MR BLACKWELL!!!!

Mr Blackwell: Take it down a notch. Nobody's gonna believe that.

(He goes to open the door)

Mr Blackwell: Good day Miss.

Miss Elyse: You must be Mr Judas Blackwell. I'm here to inspect the foster home that's been put under your care.

Mr Blackwell: Go ahead. I assure you, The kids here have been enjoying their lives here.

Miss Elyse: I'll see for myself.

(Later on)

Mr Blackwell: So....?

Mrs Elyse: Apparently, You've been taking really good care of the kids. (smiles) I'll make sure to give your foster home a good review.

Mr Blackwell: Thank you very much

Miss Elyse: You're welcome.

(She leaves the house)

(Later that evening)
(Lucas returns to the foster home)
(He attempts to sneak back into his room when Mr Blackwell appears behind him)

Mr Blackwell: Lucas.

Lucas: (frightened) Ah! (He turns around to see him) Mr Blackwell?

Mr Blackwell: Where were you since? Do you know an inspector came here for a survey? What if she had given me a bad review because of your disappearance?

Lucas: I'm sorry Mr Blackwell. I went out to walk Mr Felix's dogs so I can get paid and start saving up some money.

Mr Blackwell: I'm gonna pardon you this time but next time, I won't be so lenient. I mean, You can't just be sneaking out of the foster home like that. What if something bad happens to you or you get kidnapped?

Lucas: I'm really sorry sir.

Mr Blackwell: It's alright. Go to your room.

(Lucas enters the room)

Bobby: Welcome back. Hope Mr Blackwell didn't see you?

Lucas: He did.

Thompson: I told you you're gonna get in trouble with Mr Blackwell one day and today's that day.

Lucas: I didn't get in trouble. I explained what happened to him and luckily he understood.

Thompson: Well, Next time.... You might not be so lucky!

Bobby: Ignore him. Are you going out to see the fireworks today? I was planning on coming with you.

Lucas: I don't think I can. I'm really exhausted, Maybe tomorrow

Bobby: Alright then.

(Meanwhile)
(At Sir Griffin's mansion)

Veronica: Honey! I just got a call from Hillwood Central Hospital, Bethany and Alex just got admitted there. They were on their way back when their car crashed into a river. The locals said they found Bethany and Alex's body

Sir Griffin: Oh no... What about Stephen?

Veronica: That's the problem. His body was nowhere to be found.

Sir Griffin: (worried) No, This can't be... We have to head to the police station right away!

Veronica: Okay, I'll go get the car keys.

(Meanwhile)
(The Troll Kingdom)
(Silvania returns to the castle)

Prince Erik: Silvania, Where're you coming from?

Silvania: Your sister sent me on an errand to collect some blueberries.

Prince Erik: And why're you wet?

Silvania: It's a long story. I have to go meet the princess now...

Prince Erik: Hmm, Ok then.

(Silvania rushes back to Princess Marianna's chambers)

Silvania: My princess.... I'm back

Princess Marianna: (enraged) Where have you been?

Silvania: Umm.... I was out collecting the blueberries that you asked me to go get.

Princess Marianna: Liar!

(Princess Marianna furiously slaps her)

Princess Marianna: Do you know how long I've been waiting for you? You left me hungry!

Silvania: (she rubs her cheeks) I'm really sorry my princess...

Princess Marianna: You won't get away with this. I promise you.

(A guard enters her room)

Guard: My princess....

Princess Marianna: (furiously) What is it? Can't you see I'm in the middle of something here?!!!

Guard: The King ordered me to send for you. He wants to see everyone in the throne room.

Princess Marianna: Fine. (To Silvania) You're coming with me!

Silvania: (nods her head) Yes my princess.

(In the throne room)

King Jerod: (he addresses everyone) I want you all listen... My guards just reported that there's a troll who snuck out of our Kingdom to the outside world.... Whoever that troll is should better watch out because if that troll is caught, I'll have him/her put to death! I can't afford to have any troll endanger the rest of us!!!

(Silvania stares at King Jerod in fear)

To be Continued

The Fault in our Romance
(He's a human, She's a troll)
Episode 4
Written by Johnny Patel
Please don't comment next or next please
**************************************
(Hillwood City)
(At Sir Griffin's mansion)

Sir Griffin: (he sniffs the air) Mmmm.... What's that smell?

Veronica: I made some delicacies in honor of Stephen's return. I made Mac and cheese, chicken soup noodles, gravy, corn dogs and few other meals.

Sir Griffin: Wow. You made them all?

Veronica: Yeah. (sighs) I just want Stephen to accept me.

Sir Griffin: Don't worry, He's going to accept you.

(He pulls her into a hug)

Veronica: Hold on. I need to go check if the waffles are done.

Sir Griffin: (amazed) You're making waffles too?

Veronica: Yup. (She goes into the kitchen)

Sir Griffin: (smiles) I don't even regret divorcing Stephen's mother to marry her.... I made the right choice.

(The Troll Kingdom)
(At Donald's house)

Simon: Good morning Mom.

Beatrice: Good morning honey. Did you sleep well?

Simon: Yeah I did

Beatrice: Your father's still sleeping?

Simon: Yes Mother..... (He looks around) Where's Silvania?

Beatrice: She's at the royal castle.

Simon: Oh yeah. I forgot

Beatrice: You know, I wanted to suggest to her that if she doesn't want to work for the princess, She should just tell the King.

Simon: And risk the King throwing all of us in the dungeon for opposing him? I don't think so.

Beatrice: (sighs) Her well-being is my utmost priority. Anyways, I'll need you to collect some apples, I want to prepare apple sauce for lunch.

Simon: Okay Mom.

(At the castle)
(Princess Marianna speaks to her father while Silvania combs her hair)

Princess Marianna: Daddy, Why do you forbid all trolls from going beyond our valley?

King Jerod: Because they'll endanger themselves. The humans are dangerous and will capture us if they see us

Princess Marianna: Oh...

King Jerod: Yes my daughter.

(Just then, Two guards bring in two trolls)

Guard 1: My King, We caught these two attempting to leave the valley.

King Jerod: (to the trolls) Why did you try to leave the valley? You know the law!

Troll 1: Yes my king, I aware of the law... But I only left the valley because I was trying to get my brother to return back. He's always wanted to see what beyond the valley looks like but I usually warned him against it.

King Jerod: Do you know the punishment for your crimes?

Troll 1: Please forgive us my King, We won't do it again....

King Jerod: It's too late for you...

(King Jerod points his scepter at the two trolls and a powerful blast emerges from it towards the trolls, killing them. Silvania and Princess Marianna watches in horror)

King Jerod: (to the guards) Take their bodies away.

Guard: (bows) Yes my King.

Princess Marianna: (to King Jerod) So you're going to kill anyone who trespasses and breaks the law?

King Jerod: Precisely.

(Later day)
(In Princess Marianna's room)

Princess Marianna: My Dad really scared me today. He killed those two brothers right before my very eyes.

Suzanne: The King must be extremely serious about the law. We can't ever go beyond the valley for the sake of our lives.

Princess Marianna: I know. I can't even step out of the castle without guards following me everywhere I go let alone leave the valley.

Suzanne: I'm hungry.

Princess Marianna: Okay, I'll have my handmaid get something for us. (To Silvania) Hey! Scummy maid!

Silvania: (bows) My princess?

Princess Marianna: Go get us some blueberries from the kitchen.

(Silvania leaves her room and returns a few seconds subsequently)

Silvania: There's none in the kitchen.

Princess Marianna: Did you check the stocks?

Silvania: Yes my princess.

Princess Marianna: Maybe we're all out. You know what, Take that sack and go and collect some from the center of the kingdom.

Silvania: (she takes the sack) Yes my princess. (She bows as she leaves)

(At the Center of The Troll Kingdom)

Silvania: (she finishes collecting the blueberries) This should be enough.

(Just then, She sees a large door from a distance)

Silvania: That must be the door that seperates our valley from the outside world... (She carries the sack and heads to the gigantic door) There's no guard around, That's weird.

(Silvania looks around to see if anyone's there. Then she opens the door, leaving the Troll Kingdom )

Silvania: Whoa, The world out here is so so different. (looks around) And I don't see any humans....Mother was wrong after all.

(She ventures further away from the Troll Kingdom)

(Meanwhile)
(Stephen, Alex and Bethany return to Hillwood City and are on their way to their house)

Stephen: Finally! We're back in Hillwood City!

Alex: Yea. That was a LONG flight.

Bethany: This is so exciting. I can't wait to resume my modeling career, The company's going to earn so much money especially now that I'm Stephen's fianceé (giggles)

Alex: (To Stephen) How many companies does your Dad own?

Stephen: Two. The first one is the modeling company which we all work at and the second one is a business company.

Bethany: Yeah, I'm the top model at the modeling company, Thanks to Stephen.

Stephen: You're welcome babe.

Bethany: I love you.

Stephen: I love....

(Before he completes his sentence, Bethany pulls Stephen into a kiss)

Alex: Can't you guys just hold on till later. (To Stephen) Don't forget you're driving.

Stephen: (he breaks the kiss) Oh yeah...

Bethany: (To Alex) Don't be a glitch.

Alex: Hey I'm just worried about our safety...

(Just then, Stephen lets go of the steering wheel and clutches onto his head in pain)

Stephen: (groans) Argh! My head!

Bethany: (worriedly) Stephen, What's wrong?

(A truck approaches their car with full speed)

Bethany: (shouts) STEPHEN! LOOK OUT!

Stephen: NO!!!!

(In order to avoid colliding with the truck, Stephen turns the steering wheel the opposite way but his car goes out of the road and falls into the river below with him, Bethany and Alex inside it)

TO BE CONTINUED

The Fault in our Romance episode 3
Written by Johnny Patel
Please don't comment next or next please
**********************************
(Next Morning)
(Hillwood City)
(At Sir Griffin's mansion)

Veronica: Good morning my love

Sir Griffin: Morning. Did you sleep well?

Veronica: I did, How're you feeling?

Sir Griffin: I'm okay my dear... Thanks to you

Veronica: Awwwnnn...

(Sir Griffin and Veronica kiss until someone calls his phone)

Veronica: You should get that.

Sir Griffin: Okay. (He checks his phone and sees it's Stephen calling, He picks it) Hello....

(In Hawaii)

Stephen: Hello Dad. I just called to let you know that I'll be retuning home tomorrow. I've already booked my flight.

Sir Griffin: (over the phone) Okay son. We'll be expecting you.

Stephen: We?

Sir Griffin: Yeah, I and your step mom.

Stephen: (annoyed) Bye Dad. (He hangs up)

Bethany: An estranged relationship with your father?

Stephen: (sighs) Yeah.

Bethany: When are you gonna work things out with him?

Stephen: I don't wanna talk about it.

Bethany: We're going to get married soon, Stephen. You shouldn't be keeping things like this, a secret from me. (she pecks him on the cheek)

Stephen: I know, I know. Look, Let's just pack our things and get ready for our flight back to Hillwood.

Bethany: Okay.

(The hidden valley)
(The Troll Kingdom)

Silvania: Good morning Mom, Good morning Dad.

Donald: Morning honey.

Beatrice: Silvania, Where're you going to this early?

Silvania: To the castle. The King said his daughter will be needing my services very often.

Beatrice: Okay but aren't you going to have breakfast first before leaving.

Silvania: It's alright, I'll eat at the castle. See you all later. (She leaves the house)

Donald: I have a feeling she's not gonna be around frequently from now on.

Beatrice: Well, It's as she said. She'll be too busy working at the castle.

(Meanwhile)
(At the castle)

Silvania: (bows) Good morning my King...

King Jerod: Morning.

Silvania: You said the princess will be needing my services...

King Jerod: I did. (To a guard) Take her to my daughter's chambers.

(The guard takes Silvania to Princess Marianna's room and she sees her checking herself in the mirror )

Silvania: Good morning my princess...

Princess Marianna: (she checks who it is from the mirror) Oh it's you.

Silvania: (bows) How may I serve you my princess?

Princess Marianna: Enough with the groveling. (She turns to face Silvania) I know you don't like me, I know most people in this kingdom don't like me but i don't care. According to my Dad, It's better to be feared than to be loved. Anyways, I want you to take that polish and furbish my skin.... The polish is over there (points)

(Silvania does as instructed)

Princess Marianna: Can't you go any faster?

Silvania: I'm sorry my princess, But I don't want to make a mistake or apply too much polish.

Princess Marianna: Whatever. Just hurry up. I want my skin to be the shiniest in the kingdom, It has to befit my royal status.

Silvania: Okay.

(Princess Marianna strikes Silvania across the face)

Princess Marianna: Okay? What else are you supposed to say?

Silvania: (she rubs her cheeks) Okay.... My princess

Princess Marianna: Good. (eyes Silvania) Worthless troll. You should be happy i picked you as my maid, Do you know how many people would die for this opportunity?

Silvania: Forgive me my princess.

Princess Marianna: (hisses at her) When you're done, I'll need you to go fetch me some blue berries which grows at the center of our kingdom, When you get back, You'll clean my all mirrors... I need them to be sparkling clean. Next you'll look for some ornaments for me to decorate my room. Oh yeah, You'll also clean my dresses and shoes....

Silvania: Sorry my princess but umm... How many things am I going to be doing for you today?

Princess Marianna: A lot of things! As I was saying, You'll clean my dresses and shoes then you'll go to the kitchen to fetch my lunch and don't even think about poisoning me....

Silvania: (she stares at Princess Marianna in disgust as she keeps on talking)

(Hawaii)
(At the beach house)

Alex: I'm really gonna miss this place. This was the best vacation I've ever had.

Stephen: Too bad it had be over. There's a reason why we have to get back to Hillwood City. There's another company who wants to make a deal with my Dad's company and we're short of models, We'll need to campaign for more models

Alex: Bethany's a model.

Stephen: We'll need more, To promote the business, sales and all.

Alex: You told the right person. I can get more models.

Stephen: Ok cool...

(The Troll Kingdom)
(At the castle)
(Princess Marianna's best friend, Suzanne visits her)

Princess Marianna: Finally you're here. I thought you wouldn't come.

Suzanne: Sorry. I was kinda busy at home, Papa needed me to run some errands.

Princess Marianna: Alright. Fine.

Suzanne: (gazes at her) Wow, Your skin looks so flawless.

Princess Marianna: Thank you. I was born this way.

Suzanne: I can tell.

Princess Marianna: Yeah. I wanna tell you something, Do you know that other creatures exists beyond our valley.

Suzanne: Really?

Princess Marianna: Yes. My father told me. He called them "Humans"

(Silvania eavesdrop on their conversation)

Suzanne: Humans?

Princess Marianna: Yes. Humans.

Suzanne: I wonder what they look like.

Princess Marianna: Me too.

Suzanne: Well, It wouldn't hurt to explore beyond the valley.

Princess Marianna: I wish we could but my father forbids it and anyone found guilty of trespassing would be punished severely, Me inclusive.

Suzanne: (she looks to where Silvania is) What is she doing?

Princess Marianna: Oh, I asked her to clean my dresses and shoes. (To Silvania) Hey you! Scummy maid!

Silvania: (she turns to look at them) Yes my princess?

Princess Marianna: Don't act oblivious. I know you've been eavesdropping.

Silvania: No I wasn't.

Princess Marianna: Just hurry up with what I asked you to do.

Suzanne: Where did you even find this girl?

Princess Marianna: She's the one I picked as my handmaid. There we're many other options but the role kinda befits her. Don't you think?

(Princess Marianna and Suzanne laugh mockingly at Silvania)

Silvania: (To Princess Marianna) I'm done cleaning your dresses and shoes.

Princess Marianna: Good, Keep them over there. (points)

Silvania: (she does as instructed) Anything else?

Princess Marianna: No. You're done for today, You may go now

Silvania: (bows) Yes my princess

(Later on)
(Silvania returns home)

Simon: Welcome back sis.

Beatrice: Welcome back honey. How was working at the castle like?

Silvania: Stressful.

Beatrice: Awwnn, What happened?

Silvania: A lot! I don't wanna go back to that castle anymore.

Beatrice: Why? Is the princess giving you a hard time..

Silvania: Yes, She's everything I imagined her to be. Annoying, rude, uncouth, snobbish and she thinks she's better than everyone else just because she's a princess (sighs) She's despicable.

Beatrice: Don't worry my dear, You'll be fine. I'll go make you your favorite meal okay?

Silvania: Okay.

(She leaves)

Simon: Anything interesting happen at the castle?

Silvania: None that I can remember. (She looks around to see if her Mom or Dad are in sight) There's something I want to tell you, The princess and her friend were discussing about the humans. She also wants to go beyond the valley.

Simon: So?

Silvania: Aren't you curious to see what lies outside our kingdom?

Simon: Look, Mom told us that it's not safe out there any troll who leaves the valley is doomed, it'll be wrong for us to go against her instructions and stupid for anyone who attempts to leave the valley. (He stands up from the chair) I'll be right back...

(Silvania watches him as he leaves)

Silvania: (adamantly) I have to know what lies beyond our valley....

To be Continued

�Protected �
Episode 7

MAGIC.
I feel tears rush down my face, ugh, I can't believe am crying over some silly words a stupid human being said.
Ugh.
He is an ... An...an...
A-HOLE!

There I said, I don't curse but this warrants for cussing. I rush to the room Mr Justin said is mine and get changed quickly into my blood stained clothes.
Am leaving.
I get my purse and I match to the door, I fling it open and come face to face with Mr Justin.
"Ha, there you are, I was about to, ....are you ok?"
I match pass him, I have stopped crying but that does notean I won't leave this house.
I walk downstairs and toward a door that looks like it might lead outside.
" Hey, magic where are you going?"
I don't answer, it's not in my character to be rude but right now am as pissed off as Medusa's snakes.
I open the door with my all my strength, gosh it's heavy.
"That's the laundry room, little one"
Oh heavens, am so embarrassed.
I don't let it deter me though, I match pass him and I pass a dinning room, I enter and I finally I see a door leadt out.

Am held back.
I turn, Justin is holding my hand and looking at me imploringly.
"What happened little one?"
I break down, and cry, he hugs me to his chest.
"Shh, it's alright"
I can't believe am crying like a baby, where's Emilia? Where has she gone to? Emilia never cries, never.
"Tell me what happened?"
I explain and he tenses.
"Am so sorry that happened to you little one"
He says this while stroking my hair, that feels good, too good, I take a deep breath and his scent feels my nose.
I like this man, I blush, he is my saviour.
I go to take another breath but a clearing of throat pulls me away from him and I look over his shoulder.
I see a man and a woman eating, or it seems they were.
The woman is currently sitting on the man's lap.
The man is glaring at both Mr Justin and I .
I guess we interrupted something.
Opps.
"Magic, meet my sister, julliet, and her fiance, Sage"
"Good morning ma, sir"
She looks at me from my head to my toe and I get a feeling she is not pleased to see me in Mr Justin's arms.
God I hope she is not like the man upstairs.
She glances away from me and turn her attention to Mr Justin, she just dismissed me. Witch.
"Who is this J?"
I can see the man called Sage stroking her back and I see him perusing me also from head to toe, but this time there is no emotion in his eyes, he is looking at me the way he will look a ceiling fan.
Jesus, are all rich people like this, well my Justin isn't.
I blush at my thought.
"This sister kin is magic, she is a stray."
I might not have gone to the university but I know what stray mean, that hurt.
My hurt disperse when I see him wink at me, he was just joking.
"Where did you get her from?"
I am tired of being talked about like I wasn't there.
"Her--is standing right here, you know".
I almost slap my mouth, this is a wrong time to be mouthing off.
I panic at what she will do, but she smiles and stands up from Mr Sage's body and walks to me.
"I like her Justin, she doesn't scare easily"
I am shocked

. What?
"Hi, am julliet, that's my soon to be husband Sage"
She says this while putting her hand out for a shake, I glance at Mr sage and I see him watching me with still no emotions.
I guess that's how he treats everybody, I instantly feel better, they are not snobs, Amen..
I shake her hand.
"My name is magic"
"Beautiful name".
she pulls me into a hug.
"Go on, you can tell me all your secrets, you can cry, am here for you"
Am shocked, I glance at Mr Justin for guidance and he winks.
I don't know what to say, I needn't have bothered because my stomach growls.
Ugh, embarrass me much?
"Ha, you must be hungry, come let's eat"
The woman julliet leads me to the dinning table, I can see some rice, I want.
My stomach growls, I blush.
"You can't eat the rice chit, my little bird is everything but a cook, have some toast and coffee"
I glance at Mr sage at his words, he speaks?
He must have seen the question on my face because he winks.
Holy God, all the men in this house are handsome, even the bastard upstairs.
I get some toast, no a lot of toast, I spread some jam and I devour.
I haven't had anything to eat since the day before yesterday.
When I become full I slow down and I glance up to see them watching me, i blush.
"It's ok magic, we all get hungry sometimes"
I smile and sip some coffee, oh it's so sweet, bittersweet, like a walnut.
It turns sore in my stomach when I hear his voice and words.
"So tell me brother, where did you get this animal from?"
"Justice!...."
This comes from julliet, The man upstairs, his name is justice, it suits him, his eyes are so black and painfilled.
What happened to him?
"Good morning July"
Am shocked because he says that so softly, and I know he loves this woman called julliet.
He fist bumps Mr Sage and he takes his seat at the head of the table.
Am compelled to call him master.
"So Justin, still waiting, what is that gutter trash doing in dinning room?"
"I would appreciate if you tune down the animosity a lot , brother."
Mr Justin says and am surprised to see he looks angry on my behalf.
Le sigh.
Mr Justice lifts a single eyebrow, he looks so intimidating.

"Am listening"
Mr Justin explains my situation, everything, I mean everything, my coming to Lagos, everything, he explains that I will be working as the new house keeper since it seems the other one left.
Am beyond embarrassed.
Miss julliet had tears in her eyes after listening to my story, but master justice is not impressed.
At All.
"So, let me get this straight, she is the new, house slave......sorry, maid?"
He asks and Mr Justin nods.
He picks up the carafe of coffee and pours some in a mug, he takes a sip of the black coffee and I almost die.
He is handsome, albeit a big bastard.
He see me watching him and he lifts a single eyebrow again.
He picks up the carafe and lifts his hands and leaves it, it shatters and black coffee spread everywhere.
"What the hell justice?"
That was miss julliet, Mr sage chuckles, Mr Justin sighs.
Master justice does not respond to them but he speaks to me.
"Go on girl, clean up this mess, this is a warning to you"
I just stare.
"You are the hired help and soon you will be gone, you do not bloody dine with us, you eat in the kitchen like a rat, you get it?"
He says this calmly and I am forced to nod.
He looks away and grabs a newspaper and starts reading, he does this like there isn't coffee spreading everywhere on the marble tile. Like he didn't cause it.
A-shole.

The Fault in our Romance Episode 2
Written by Johnny Patel
Please don't comment next or next please
*******************************
(In Hawaii)
(Stephen and Bethany watch the sunset together)

Bethany: I hate how everywhere looks when the sun sets.

Stephen: How could you possibly hate it? It's beautiful

Bethany: It's bleak.

Stephen: It's funny how you hate almost everything about the world.

Bethany: I don't hate you.

Stephen: I don't hate you too.

(Stephen pulls Bethany into a kiss. He breaks the kiss and stands up)

Bethany: Where're you going?

Stephen: I'll be right back.

(Stephen goes into the beach house)

Stephen: Okay Alex, Give me the ring.

Alex: Where is she?

Stephen: She's still outside.

Alex: Okay (he gives him a ring case) Are you sure this is the perfect time for this?

Stephen: Of course. Bethany and I have been dating for over a year now, We know each other well so what else am I waiting for?

Alex: Okay. Congratulations in advance.

Stephen: Thanks bro.

(Stephen returns to Bethany)

Bethany: You're back.

Stephen: Yeah, I went to take a whizz. (He hands her a coconut drink)

Bethany: Hmm... Could this day get any better?

(Just then, Stephen goes down on his knees)

Stephen: Bethany.... You're one of the best things that's ever made me truly happy, When I look into your eyes, I can only see a reflection of the two of us, And when I met you two years ago, I knew I'd met my match and it was only a matter of time until we arrived at this moment, I knew life would never be complete without you beside me and I can't imagine growing old with anyone else because I want us to spend the rest of our lives together... Bethany, Will you marry me?

Bethany: (squeals excitedly) Yes! Yes, I'll marry you!!!

(Stephen wears the ring on her finger and she hugs him)

Bethany: I love you so much, Stephen.

Stephen: I love you more, Bethany.

(They kiss passionately)

(In Hillwood City)
(At Sir Griffin's mansion)
(Sir Griffin and Veronica are sleeping when suddenly, Sir Griffin jerks up)

Veronica: My love, What's wrong?

Sir Griffin: (sighs) It's nothing. I just had a bad dream (he attempts to get up from the bed) I should go get my pills.

Veronica: No don't worry, I'll get it for you.

(She leaves the room and returns a few seconds later with his drugs and a glass of water)

Veronica: Here... (She hands it to him)

Sir Griffin: Thank you. (He takes his drugs)

Veronica: Are you ok now?

Sir Griffin: Yeah. Sorry for disturbing your sleep.

Veronica: It's alright my love, Health is wealth. And your health is my utmost priority. You should get some rest.

(Next Day)

Mr Felix: Thanks for walking my dogs, Lucas. (He pays him)

Lucas: You're welcome. I'll come back tomorrow so be expecting me

Mr Felix: I sure will.

(Lucas returns to the foster home)

Thompson: Where have you been? Let me guess, You went to see the fireworks? It's not even 8:00pm.

Lucas: I didn't go out to see the fireworks, I went out to walk Mr Felix's dogs.

Thompson: Who's Mr Felix?

Lucas: You wouldn't know him.

Thompson: Why do you even help him walk his dogs?

Lucas: So I can earn some money. I wanna start saving up. Soon I'll be in high school, Hillwood City High to be specific.

Bobby: That's if you don't get adopted.

Patrick: Or if your adopted parents aren't outsiders.

Lucas: No one's gonna adopt me cause my parents are gonna come for me soon.

Bobby: What makes you so sure?

Lucas: (he shows them a locket) This locket has been with me since I can remember and it has a picture of my parents in it and it also has a note saying "We'll meet again one day"

Thompson: And how're you sure it's your parents that's in that picture in the locket, It could be some other people. And how're you sure they're the ones who dropped the note in it?

Lucas: I'm sure. And I have hope that one day, They'll come for me.

Bobby: Sounds good. I want my adopted family to live in a giant luxurious house.

Patrick: You mean a mansion?

Bobby: Yeah yeah

Thompson: Lucky for you guys. I'm almost 17, No one would want to adopt me.

Williams: You're always perssimistic, It's never gonna help.

Thompson: Well maybe I'm the only one living in the real world with no fantasties or happily ever afters. Face it guys, No one's gonna adopt us or come for us.

(He backs them and covers himself with a blanket)

Lucas: (To Bobby, Patrick & Williams) Don't listen to him. There's always light at the end of the tunnel.

(The Hidden Valley)
(The Troll Kingdom)

Donald: What're we eating this afternoon?

Beatrice: Broccoli.

Silvania: Vegetables again? Why can't we have something meaty?

Beatrice: Vegetables are good and healthy and you're all gonna have some.

Silvania: (groans) Uhhh...

(Just then, A castle guard enters their house)

Donald: Good day, What brings you to my home?

Castle guard: The King wants to see your daughter, Silvania at the castle right away.

Silvania: Huh?

Donald: Why? What's the matter?

Castle guard: She'll know when she gets there.

Donald: Well then... (to Silvania) I'll go with you.

(Silvania and her father leave the house along with the castle guard)

(At the castle)
(Silvania and Donald enter the castle)

Silvania: (thinks) I wonder why I was called to the castle? But I've never been in the castle before, It's so luxurious and gigantic.

Donald: Yeah

(Prince Erik approaches them)

Prince Erik: Good day.

Donald: (bows) Good day my prince.

Silvania: Hi

Prince Erik: (stares at her for a moment) You're really pretty...

Silvania: Thanks, I'm Silvania.

Prince Erik: Charming name. What brings you to the castle?

Silvania: Actually we came here to see the King.

Prince Erik: Okay. This way.....

(Prince Erik takes them to the throne room, They enter and see some girl trolls lined up)

Silvania & Donald: (bows) Good afternoon my King...

King Jerod: (he ignores their greetings and looks at Silvania) Stand there...

(Silvania stands where the other girl trolls are)

King Jerod: (he addresses them) My daughter, Marianna is in need of a handmaid and I'm hoping one of you could be of help (To Marianna) Choose your pick.

Princess Marianna: (she scans through all the trolls then points at Silvania) This one.

King Jerod: Very well. (To Silvania) As from tomorrow, My daughter will be needing your services regularly.

Silvania: (feigns happiness) If that is your wish my king... (bows)

King Jerod: It is. (To all them) You may now go.

(They all leave the castle)

(Later on)
(Silvania and her father return home)

Donald: We're back!

Beatrice: Wow. So soon?

Donald: Yeah.

Beatrice: So what did the King want?

Silvania: It's not the King. It's the princess, She was in need of a handmaid and she picked me, So now, I'll have to be at the castle frequently, serving her.

Simon: It's not a really bad thing. I mean, You get to stay at the castle all day, eating different kinds of delicious foods.....

Silvania: Asides that, Princess Marianna is very cruel, She has no tolerance for anyone who disappoints her. I was really annoyed when she picked me. Who knows the torture and hurdles that awaits me.

Simon: Just don't get on her bad side.

Beatrice: (pats her) Don't worry my dear. You'll be fine.

Silvania: (worriedly) I hope...
For more episode visit www.dapalace.com
To be Continued

The Fault in our Romance Episode 1
Written by Johnny Patel
Please don't comment next or next please
***************************************
(In a hidden valley)
(Where the Troll Kingdom lies)

Beatrice: Kids! It's time for supper!

(Her son and daughter, Simon and Silvania come out of their rooms to the dinner table)

Beatrice: Food is ready.

Silvania: Ugh, Veggies. Again?

Beatrice: We eat what the Earth provides us with. Now stop complaining and eat your food. (To Simon) Go in and call your father.

(Simon goes in and returns a few seconds afterwards)

Simon: He said he's not hungry and that he wants to sleep.

Beatrice: Alright then. Sit down and eat and no talking.

Simon & Silvania: Yes Mother.

Beatrice: (she sits down on the dinner table) This is how we're supposed to eat, As a happy family.

Simon: (he points at Silvania's food) Are you eating all that?

Silvania: (she gives him her food) No, You can have it.

Beatrice: You're not eating anymore?

Silvania: No Mom, I'm full. And besides, Simon needs all the food he can get to help increase his brain cells

Simon: Shut up.

Silvania: No, You shut up.

(Amidst their bickering, Simon injures his sister)

Silvania: Owww... (She watches as her injury heals immediately) Good thing we trolls have an amazing healing ability.

Beatrice: Enough of all these squabble. You two are gonna wake up your father.

Silvania: Sorry....

Simon: I'm done eating

Beatrice: Okay good. I'll need you and Silvania to go and collect some carrots and beetroots.

Simon and Silvania: Okay Mom.

(At the castle)

Guard: My King, I've just finished collecting the taxes from every troll in the kingdom.

King Jerod: This is too small.

Guard: Well it's what most trolls can afford.

King Jerod: I'll have to increase the taxes by 25%

Guard: But that'll be too heavy for some trolls, You don't want your subjects thinking you're a tyrant.

Princess Marianna: You know what I think, Daddy? I think you should increase the taxes whether your subjects like it or not and anyone who opposes you should have their heads on the block and their houses burnt to the ground! According to what you always say, It's better to be feared than to be loved.

King Jerod: Yes my daughter, You're right. (to the guard) Pass out the law! Tell all my subjects that the taxes has been increased by 25% and anyone who objects will have their heads on the block.

Guard: (bows) Yes my King.

(Meanwhile)
(In Hillwood City)
(At a foster home)

Lucas: It's 7:58pm, it's almost time to light the fireworks. Bobby, You know the drill...

Bobby: Don't worry, Go. I'll cover up for you.

(Lucas goes to the living room and sees his foster father, Mr Blackwell, asleep on the couch)

Lucas: Perfect.

(He tiptoes past him and sneaks out of the house and runs to where the fireworks are usually lighted)

Lucas: (watches the fireworks) Whoa, It's as beautiful as ever....

(Later)
(Lucas returns back to his foster home)

Thompson: You're back.

Lucas: Yup.

Thompson: We were worried sick about you, Lucas. Where have you been?!

Lucas: I went out to watch the fireworks.

Thompson: The fireworks? Again? You're gonna get in trouble with Mr Blackwell one day.

Lucas: Don't worry yourself, Bobby usually covers up for me and Mr Blackwell would never suspect a thing.

(He enters the room)

Bobby: You're back, Finally. How'd it go?

Lucas: Wonderful.

Bobby: You really enjoy watching those fireworks.

Lucas: Yeah i do. (He climbs his bunk bed) Asides seeing my parents again, Watching the fireworks is what makes me happy

Bobby: I understand.

(Lucas takes out his locket which contains a picture of his parents)

Lucas: I can't wait to see you again, Mom amd Dad.

(Meanwhile)
(At Sir Griffin's mansion)

Veronica: Here's a glass of orange juice, To soothe your nerves. (She hands it to Sir Griffin)

Sir Griffin: Thank you. (takes a sip) It tastes good.

Veronica: Of course it does. (she puts on the TV) Wow, My favorite reality show is on. (She sits on the couch, beside Sir Griffin) I'm so glad everything in our lives is going well, Our marriage is in bliss. (she relaxes on him) I love you so so much.

Sir Griffin: I love you more, Veronica.

Veronica: What about Stephen?

Sir Griffin: He went on a vacation to Hawaii with his girlfriend, Bethany and his friend, Alex.

Veronica: When is he returning?

Sir Griffin: In about a week time.

Veronica: Ok, Maybe you should call him, To know how he's doing.

Sir Griffin: Yea, I will. (He picks up his phone and calls his son, Stephen)

(In Hawaii)
(At a beach house)

Alex: I had so much fun at the beach today

Bethany: Yea me too, With the sands and the orchids in our hair, coconut drinks in our hands and the hula was amazing as well. My day could never have been better.

Stephen: (smiles) Mine too (he notices a buzz in his pocket and pulls out his phone then checks who's calling him ) Oh, It's my Dad calling.

Alex: Aren't you going to answer it?

Stephen: Nope. (He cuts the call) He was probably gonna say something demeaning. God! I hate my family.

Bethany: Just cheer up Stephen, We're on a vacation. We're supposed to be having fun

Stephen: How do you expect me to have fun when my dad divorced my Mom and got married to another woman?

Bethany: Just try to keep your mind off it for now.

Alex: (puts him arm around Stephen's shoulder) Come on bro, Let's go relax at the hammock.

(Meanwhile)
(The Troll Kingdom)

Simon: We're back!

Silvania: And we collected lots of carrots and beetroots.

Beatrice: Okay, Just put them over there. (points)

Simon: I heard the King has increased our taxes by 25%

Beatrice: Yes. And we have to meet up with the standards.

Simon: King Jerod is a tyrant.

Beatrice: Sssshhh, Keep your voice down, Simon. The walls have ears. If you're overheard bad mouthing the King, you'll get thrown in the dungeon.

Silvania: Mother, Can I ask you something?

Beatrice: Sure, Anything.

Silvania: What lies beyond our valley?

Simon: Dragons and Centaurs. (laughs)

Silvania: Ugh, Shut up. (To Beatrice) Mom?

Beatrice: Other different creatures. Humans, Cats, Dogs...

Silvania: But why can't we interact with them?

Beatrice: Because they see us as hideous creatures, They despise us trolls so much. The humans will capture us and even kill us if they see us which is why we must not let it happen. We live far away from them for our own safety and protection, And that's another reason why our valley is only visible to trolls. It's all to protects us.

Silvania: It's not fair that we have to hide ourselves. We may look ugly on the outside but that doesn't mean we're detrimental.

Beatrice: The humans don't understand that. You see, What people don't understand, they fear and what they fear, They seek to destroy.

Silvania: Right.

Beatrice: There was a troll named Albert who went beyond our valley, He never returned back to the Troll kingdom. Some say he's been captured while some say he got killed. That's the reason why King Jerod put out a law, punishing anyone who went beyond the valley. He did that to protect us all.

Silvania: Ohhh...

Simon: The world outside our valley sounds dangerous.

Beatrice: It is dangerous for trolls like us. You two should promise me you won't ever go beyond the valley.

Simon: I promise. And besides, I have no intention of interacting with those humans.

Beatrice: Good. Silvania?

Silvania: (sighs) I promise.

Beatrice: (smiles) That's my girl. I'm going to make a wonderful dinner with the carrots and beetroots you collected, You all are gonna love it.

(She goes into the kitchen)

Simon: See you later sis.

(As they leave, Silvania looks on in curiosity)

To be Continued

The pink Clouds
EPISODE_23

 


Richard woke up in the morning feeling like the previous night was a dream. He couldn’t remember the last time he was feeling so happy like that. When he looked around the room, he noticed that almost everyone had gotten ready.

“So you are finally up,” Thomas said.

“Yes I am,” Richard replied as he stretched his arms.

“Achuba told me that you had a pleasant night,” Thomas said.

“Indeed, it is one of the very best nights of my life,” Richard replied.

“Really?” Thomas asked.

“Yes really, let me take a bath first, I will tell you when I come out,” Richard said.

As they were about to leave for their morning lectures, Richard received a message from Alice.

“Rebecca is not going to lectures, we’ll be having some fun at home” the message said.

“I’m going to see Rebecca,” Richard announced after reading the message.

“Really? What about the lectures?” Thomas asked.

“To hell with the lectures, go and meet her Richard, I totally support you,” Achuba motivated.

“Thank you,” Richard replied happily.

He walked out their hostel and headed to Prof. Grace’s house. At around 9 am, he arrived at the house. As soon as he arrived, he messaged Alice that he is at the gate of the house. About five minutes later, she went out to go and get him.

“Good morning,” she said to him.

“Good morning, how are you?” Richard asked.

“I’m okay,” she replied. She talked to the security guard and he allowed to go in.

When they got into the living room, Richard saw Rebecca sitting on the dining table, while Amirah was sitting on a dining chair besides her. She was wearing a short white transparent gown that rarely reach her knee. Richard looked into her and smiled as he walked to her. Irresistibly, she smiled and looked at him as he walked to her.

“As


a medical student, aren’t you supposed to be more serious than this? Bunking lectures so much unlike you,” Richard smiled as he walked to her.
“I’m going to be busier than the bee starting tomorrow, I just want my friends to have a good time before they leave. Speaking of seriousness, I learned from an engineering kid that was once serious,” Rebecca smiled.

Confidently, Richard sat beside her on table beside her. Suddenly, her heart started beating faster as he got closer to her. When Richard inhaled the scent on her body, it took him back to six years ago and a lot of memories sparked within a second. It was unique that only she had it.
“I missed this perfume,” Richard said with his eyes closed.

“Really?” Rebecca asked.

“Yes really,” he said as he opened his eyes.

“Stop playing around, why didn’t you go for your lectures today?” She asked.

“Well, I’m free today,” Richard replied.

“You don’t even know how to lie,” she smiled.
Amirah silently stood up and went to the living room without them realizing.

“Actually, I am thinking of changing a department” Richard announced.
“You must be kidding, right?” Rebecca asked.

“I’m really serious,” Richard replied as he stopped smiling.
“Why? Tell me what the problem is, if it is money, I can help you with some,” she said.

“No is not about money, I want to be an entrepreneur and I don’t computer engineering is the right course for me,” Richard said.
“Why do you want to be an entrepreneur?” She asked.

“Because studying computer engineering will only make a civil servant in the future. And you know their is a high rate of unemployment in Nigeria and it is projected to get higher in the future because more people are graduating from the universities,” Richard explained.

“But being an entrepreneur will not guarantee you success, many have tried and failed,” Rebecca said.

“But some have tried and succeeded, entrepreneurship is all about risk taking,” Richard said.

“That’s why I don’t longer regret running away five six years ago. It made me realize something big that wouldn’t have realized if I have stayed,” Richard explained.

“Tell


me what it made you realize,” Rebecca asked.
“Getting employed and earning salary is not a success, but rather a slavery. You can get fired at anytime and your income remains the same,” Richard said.

“But if even if you run a business, something unfortunate can happen that can ruin your business,” Rebecca said.

“That’s the difference between an entrepreneur and a civil servant, we don’t rely on a single source of income,” Richard responded.

“You speak as if you already are an entrepreneur,” she laughed.

“I am, since I already have decided to be one,” Richard laughed back.

“So, do you think I as a medical can be an entrepreneur?” Rebecca asked.

“Absolutely, I’m surprised you asked me this. Haven’t you heard of private hospitals before?” Richard asked.
“Of course I have, but the idea of running my own hospital has never come to me,” Rebecca replied.

“Well, you know you will earn much than what you will paid in the public hospitals,” Richard explains.

“It seems like you have gotten smarter,” Rebecca complemented.
“Thank you,” Richard smiled.

“You said an entrepreneur does not rely on a single source of income, how do you think that will work for a medical doctor?” Rebecca asked.

“Well, you can get involved in the distribution of pharmacutical products at the same,” Richard said.

“That’s absolutely a brilliant idea,” Rebecca said excitedly.

“I’m glad you like it,” Richard smiled.

“Have you eaten breakfast yet?” She asked.

“No I haven’t, have you?” He replied.

“No I haven’t, that’s why you have to allow me to go and make some,” she smiled.

“Permission granted ma lady,” Richard replied and she started laughing.

She stood up and headed to kitchen, while Richard turned and watched her as walked. Change hasn’t got much of her for the last six years, but it was like he was seeing her for the first time. He couldn’t believe everything was real.
“You can go to the living room and talk to Amirah and Alice, it might take a while before I will be back,” Rebecca said after turning back.

“Okay,” he smiled and stood up.
He walked into the living room and met Alice and Amirah
watching a movie on the TV.

“I can’t recall the last time I sat down and watch a movie like this,” Richard said as he sat beside Amirah.

“Me too,” she replied.
“So, since when did you become an expert on business?” She continued by asking.

“Some days ago,” Richard smiled.

“That’s wonderful,” she replied.

“Thanks you,” he responded.
“So, when do you plan on going home?” Alice asked.
“As soon as this semester ends,” Richard replied.
“I guess your sister would be extremely happy to see you,” Amirah commented.

“Or perhaps very angry,” Richard replied.
“Of course she will be angry because you left for six years, but she will be happy that you are back,” Alice said.
“Yes you are absolutely right,” Richard replied.

“How are things working out with Rebecca?” Amirah asked.

“Absolutely perfect, I don’t really know I should thank you,” he commented.

“It really makes us to you together,” Alice said.

“Thank you so much, your arrival makes it looks I’ve been taken to the past,” Richard said.

“Don’t just make the same mistake of letting her go,” Alice adviced.

“I will never let go this time,” Richard vowed.

They talked for about an hour until Rebecca called their attention.

“Breakfast is ready,” she announced from the dining room.
“Alright we are on our way,” Amirah replied and they all stood up and headed to the dining room.
“What’s the last time you cook?” Alice asked as they sat.
“About a month ago I think,” she replied.
“Wow! You really are a princess,” Amirah commented.
“Please stop exaggerating it, is because I and my mom are always busy that’s why she hired a cook,” she explained.
“Really? Where is the cook now?” She Alice asked.
“She had already cooked and left, she will be coming back by noon I guess,” Rebecca replied.

“Where is the food she cooked?” Amirah asked.

“Is in the kitchen,” she replied.

“I’m glad you cooked by yourself, because I love your food,” Richard commented.

“Really? She not even that great when it comes to cooking,” Alice opposed.
“Really? The last time we had a coming competition, who won?” Rebecca asked.

“That’s because you gave me a faulty stove with expired food stuff, everything was set up before we even began,” Alice said.
Rebecca burst into a serious laugher.

“Do you hear yourself? You never run out of excuses,” she said after she stopped laughing.

“So even competed,” Richard commented.

“That’s how they have been since when we were very young, they love competeting against one another,” Amirah replied.
“What about you?” Richard asked.

“I don’t have time for their childishness,” Amirah replied.

Alright that’s enough, let’s eat before we continue with all of our noises,” Rebecca said. She opened the flask containing the food revealing the content. It was some fried yam and egg.
“You still haven’t changed,” Amirah said when she noticed the content.

“Oh


yes I haven’t,” she smiled as she served the food on plates. She distributed to everyone and went back to the kitchen to get some tea.
.”You sure are the best cook in the world,” Richard commented after taking his first bite. By that time, she had returned from the kitchen.

“Thank you,” she smiled as she sat down.
“I don’t blame you for choosing yam to be your favorite food,” Richard continued.

“Only nuts would blame me,” Rebecca smiled.

“So you mean we are nuts?” Alice asked.

“Without a doubt, yes,” Rebecca said giving her a playful look.
After their breakfast, they went back to the living room while Rebecca headed to kitchen with the plates they used. She returned to the living room soon after washing them.

“You will surely make a good house wife,” Amirah commented.

“Thank you,” replied Rebecca as she sat beside her.

“Can we do something fun? I’m begging to get bored,” Alice replied.

“How about we play checking the fool out?” Amirah suggested.

“No, that will be very childish,” Rebecca replied.

“And what type of a game is checking the fool out?” Richard asked.

“It is a game we used to since when we were in primary school,” Alice replied.

“And how is this game played?”

“A certain topic is chosen, and players are asked to call the names of things or words in that topic. Any player who fails to think of a name or word when his or her turn arrives losses,” Alice described.

“That sounds quite easy to me,” Richard said.

“Is actually not, we will be arranged in a circle. As soon the first person calls a name of a thing, the person next to him or will call a different thing without any delay and the next person will also do the same. And that’s how it will continue In a circle. No reputation of words, and if you delay for more than a second without calling a name, you will be marked as the loser,” Amirah explained.

“That sounds fun to me,” Richard said.

“No I think is very childish,” Rebecca insisted.

“Is fun to be reminded of your childhood I think,” Richard smiled.
Soon, they started playing the game. They laughed out loud as they played and teased one another. Richard felt like everything happening was in a dreaming. Throughout the game, he couldn’t take his eyes off Rebecca. He felt like it was all a fantasy and everything will disappear any moment. They played for hours until they were exhausted.

“Who is hungry like me?” Rebecca asked?

“We all are hungry,” Alice replied.

“I would to cook, but I’m exhausted,” Rebecca complained.

“How about the other breakfast the cook left?” Alice asked.

“Actually, I’m thinking of getting us some pizza,” Rebecca announced.

“That will be very great,” Amirah announced.

“I can’t go out like this, look at what I’m wearing,” Rebecca said.

“Why don’t you give Richard the money so that he can go and buy?” Amirah suggested.

“That’s a brilliant idea,” Rebecca replied. She ran to her and came out with her purse. She opened and handed Richard ten thousand naira along with her car’s key.

“Can


you get go and get us some pizza?” Rebecca asked.
“I would love to go with you,” Richard said looking into her eyes.

“I would love to go too, but look at what I’m wearing,” Rebecca responded.

“You don’t have to go out of the car, besides I noticed that the glasses of your windows are tinted,” Richard replied.
As she looked into his eyes, she felt an invisible force drawing her to him that she couldn’t resist his request.

“Okay, let’s go,” she replied and they headed out together.

“Are you really going out like that?” Alice asked.

“Of course I am,” Rebecca replied.

“I pray you should meet your mother their,” Alice said.

“Your pray is definitely not answered,” Rebecca replied.

They walked to her car and she opened the passenger’s door and sat at the back so that she won’t be seen while Richard sat at the front. And soon he drove out of the house.

“The last time we drove like this, you didn’t know how to drive,” Richard said.

“Yes, I was young back then,” Rebecca replied.

“So, who taught you how to drive?” Richard asked.

“I went to a driving school,” Rebecca replied.

“But I hope you have never hit something?” Richard asked.

“No, but I almost fell off a bridge,” she replied.

“Is good thing you didn’t fall, I would have been in sorrow right now,” Richard replied.

They drove out of the onto the highway. They were close to the pizza shop when Richard noticed the highway police patrolling on the road.

“Oh my God, we are in trouble,” Richard announced.

“What’s the matter?” Rebecca asked.

“The police are patrolling on the road and I don’t have a driving license,” Richard said.

“What? How comes you don’t have one?” She asked.

“I don’t have a car, remember?” He responded.

“Okay, I think you will have to allow me drive from here,” she said.

Richard stopped driving and Rebecca crossed over to the front seat. As they were trying to exchange seat, Richard heart beat increases when they got really close. They both stopped moving and stared at each other. Suddenly, the urge of kissing her came to him at that moment. He felt something pulling him towards her that he couldn’t describe.

“Let’s go and get the pizza,” she said at last and moved to his seat.

When they got to the police, she showed them all that they need to see, and soon, they arrived at the pizza shop. Richard got down for the car and bought the pizza while Rebecca returned to her previous position. They headed back to the university after Richard came back.


They arrived back some minutes later and found Alice and Amirah already asleep.

“Wake up sleepy heads,” Rebecca said as she shook Alice and they both woke up.

“What took you so long?” Amirah asked.

“Hey, we were gone just for minutes,” Rebecca replied.

“That’s what you think, to us, you have been gone for centuries,” Alice replied.

“Perhaps you had some fun without us,” Amirah winked at her.

“Absolutely not,” Rebecca quickly replied and Alice and Amirah laughed at her.

They sat down and ate the pizza. As soon as they were done eating, Amirah received a call that there will be a verification at her place of work.

“What did they tell you?” Alice asked.
“I think we must leave now,” Amirah replied.

“Why can’t you leave tomorrow as we planned?” Amirah.

“I must go now, I will miss the verification exercise if I stay until tomorrow,” Amirah replied.

 
For more episode visit www.dapalace.com


Story_Continues

Protected �
By Bebe Ernest
Episode 6

MAGIC.
Am dreaming, it's a nice dream, am pressed against something warm, hmm, no wait, the warmness has come closer and wrapped me.
I love Mr Justin's house, everything is so welcoming.
I snuggle deeper, am going to sleep forever.
My stomach growls, am hungry, I can't sleep forever , le sigh.
I almost giggle in my sleep, I got that from a movie I watched once, the actress said le sigh, ha, I know some fancy word.
I feel my self drifting back to sleep and I gladly want to but my stomach growls again, louder this time.
I get smashed into my warm cocoon and I hear a very male voice say..
"You feel so good Selene, don't go anywhere, let's stay like this for a while".
I tense instantly, oh no!
I must have done it again. It happens to me anytime I go to bed hungry, I sleep walk.
it always pisses aunty off, anytime she punishes me by sending me to bed hungry, I get up in the night and sleep walk.
She says it's my way of insulting her.
I can't believe it's not a dream.
I slowly open my eyes and I am assaulted by a very male chest, I think it's Mr Justin.
But on a closer look, this is an older version of Mr Justin.
What do I do?! Mr Justin never told me he had a brother!
I begin to panic.
I mentally slap myself, now is not the time to act like a village girl, get yourself together.
I look again at his face, he is sleeping peacefully, he must think am his wife, he's so handsome.
I carefully extricate my self from his hands, I think I have gotten away safely until he sighs and pulls me closer.
"Selene..."
I muffle my cry of surprise when his hands wraps around my backside and pulls Me much more closer.
Father Lord, let this man wife not enter this room at this time.
I wait for a while, and when I feel like he has finally drifted off I pull a way again, my stomach choose that moment to growl horribly loud.
I tense.
He doesn't move.
Thank God.
I crawl to the edge of the big bed as best as i can, it feels like I was swimming on the bed, it is that big.
I get to the edge and climb out, thank you Lord!
I begin to tiptoe out but a very calm voice says.
"Stay".
I freeze.
"Turn around"
I turn.
"Now, explain to me how the hell you got into my room".
***************************************
Justice.
It was a nice dream, a very good one, I dreamt of Selene, any dream of Selene is a good one.
I feel good, I want to sleep for ever.
I feel movement on the other side of the bed . I can't sleep for ever.sigh.
I open my eyes when I hear foot step, I see a girl, yes a girl walking towards the bathroom, I can't remember bringing a girl home last night, and it's definitely not julliet, my sister.
Were julliet is tall and slender, this ..this ..girl is petite and small, I could crush her with my hand, and her hair, her hair is everywhere.
"Stay"
She freezes, good, I like when my commands are heeded.
"Turn around"
She does, I get assaulted by the brightest gray eyes I have ever seen, it's second was that of Selene, but this one is silverer, this one is more expressive, it's currently telling me it's scared.
I don't care.
"Now, explain to me how the hell you got into my life room".
"Good morning sir"
She greets, the eff?
I just raise my brows, she about starts crying, I just stare her down.
"Sir,! It was a mistake!, I did not mean to...."
"I don't care, who are you"
"My name is magic, Mr Justin brought me home yesterday"
Magic,? Mr Justin? I think my brother is now slumming it, I can't believe he would bring an apparent peon into how house, wait, my house .
And Mr Justin? The shit? What is she 6? Even my nephew Alec, julliet's son does not call Justin Mr.
"What are you doing in my room?"
"Sir..."
Ha, I see what is going on here, she came home with Justin and that wasn't enough, she believes she can get the cream of the crop
Fool.
"You came in here to seduce me?"
Her face blanks in confusion, she is a very good actress, just like her the girl she shares the same eye color with,they are both actresses.
"Am sorry to disappoint you but I like my women more mature, you obviously are a child,come back when you are a lot older"
I can see tears rush into her eyes and I dont care, not a little bit.
"You got Justin and I don't know how, but am telling you, get out now before you LovePeddler your self a lot more, he won't fall for you."
She blanches like I slapped her, ha, seems itty bitty here likes my brother a little too much.
"Now you may get out"
She nods sharply, and walks towards the bathroom, this fool.
"The door is the other way slowpoke"
I see a blush suffuse her cheeks and I shake my head, what a nutcase.
She exits the room and I sigh, I can't believe I thought she was Selene, I fall back on my pillow.
I turn my head and I get on my pillow and I get a whiff of scent, it smells like baby powder.
What a child.
I tell myself this but I find my self pressing my nose into my pillow to get more of the scent.
The hell.
****
This no be blackmail oo, but I may begin posting 4 chapters a day if you like more. Come on, it only takes a sec.

�Protected �
Episode 7

MAGIC.
I feel tears rush down my face, ugh, I can't believe am crying over some silly words a stupid human being said.
Ugh.
He is an ... An...an...
A-HOLE!

There I said, I don't curse but this warrants for cussing. I rush to the room Mr Justin said is mine and get changed quickly into my blood stained clothes.
Am leaving.
I get my purse and I match to the door, I fling it open and come face to face with Mr Justin.
"Ha, there you are, I was about to, ....are you ok?"
I match pass him, I have stopped crying but that does notean I won't leave this house.
I walk downstairs and toward a door that looks like it might lead outside.
" Hey, magic where are you going?"
I don't answer, it's not in my character to be rude but right now am as pissed off as Medusa's snakes.
I open the door with my all my strength, gosh it's heavy.
"That's the laundry room, little one"
Oh heavens, am so embarrassed.
I don't let it deter me though, I match pass him and I pass a dinning room, I enter and I finally I see a door leadt out.

Am held back.
I turn, Justin is holding my hand and looking at me imploringly.
"What happened little one?"
I break down, and cry, he hugs me to his chest.
"Shh, it's alright"
I can't believe am crying like a baby, where's Emilia? Where has she gone to? Emilia never cries, never.
"Tell me what happened?"
I explain and he tenses.
"Am so sorry that happened to you little one"
He says this while stroking my hair, that feels good, too good, I take a deep breath and his scent feels my nose.
I like this man, I blush, he is my saviour.
I go to take another breath but a clearing of throat pulls me away from him and I look over his shoulder.
I see a man and a woman eating, or it seems they were.
The woman is currently sitting on the man's lap.
The man is glaring at both Mr Justin and I .
I guess we interrupted something.
Opps.
"Magic, meet my sister, julliet, and her fiance, Sage"
"Good morning ma, sir"
She looks at me from my head to my toe and I get a feeling she is not pleased to see me in Mr Justin's arms.
God I hope she is not like the man upstairs.
She glances away from me and turn her attention to Mr Justin, she just dismissed me. Witch.
"Who is this J?"
I can see the man called Sage stroking her back and I see him perusing me also from head to toe, but this time there is no emotion in his eyes, he is looking at me the way he will look a ceiling fan.
Jesus, are all rich people like this, well my Justin isn't.
I blush at my thought.
"This sister kin is magic, she is a stray."
I might not have gone to the university but I know what stray mean, that hurt.
My hurt disperse when I see him wink at me, he was just joking.
"Where did you get her from?"
I am tired of being talked about like I wasn't there.
"Her--is standing right here, you know".
I almost slap my mouth, this is a wrong time to be mouthing off.
I panic at what she will do, but she smiles and stands up from Mr Sage's body and walks to me.
"I like her Justin, she doesn't scare easily"
I am shocked

. What?
"Hi, am julliet, that's my soon to be husband Sage"
She says this while putting her hand out for a shake, I glance at Mr sage and I see him watching me with still no emotions.
I guess that's how he treats everybody, I instantly feel better, they are not snobs, Amen..
I shake her hand.
"My name is magic"
"Beautiful name".
she pulls me into a hug.
"Go on, you can tell me all your secrets, you can cry, am here for you"
Am shocked, I glance at Mr Justin for guidance and he winks.
I don't know what to say, I needn't have bothered because my stomach growls.
Ugh, embarrass me much?
"Ha, you must be hungry, come let's eat"
The woman julliet leads me to the dinning table, I can see some rice, I want.
My stomach growls, I blush.
"You can't eat the rice chit, my little bird is everything but a cook, have some toast and coffee"
I glance at Mr sage at his words, he speaks?
He must have seen the question on my face because he winks.
Holy God, all the men in this house are handsome, even the bastard upstairs.
I get some toast, no a lot of toast, I spread some jam and I devour.
I haven't had anything to eat since the day before yesterday.
When I become full I slow down and I glance up to see them watching me, i blush.
"It's ok magic, we all get hungry sometimes"
I smile and sip some coffee, oh it's so sweet, bittersweet, like a walnut.
It turns sore in my stomach when I hear his voice and words.
"So tell me brother, where did you get this animal from?"
"Justice!...."
This comes from julliet, The man upstairs, his name is justice, it suits him, his eyes are so black and painfilled.
What happened to him?
"Good morning July"
Am shocked because he says that so softly, and I know he loves this woman called julliet.
He fist bumps Mr Sage and he takes his seat at the head of the table.
Am compelled to call him master.
"So Justin, still waiting, what is that gutter trash doing in dinning room?"
"I would appreciate if you tune down the animosity a lot , brother."
Mr Justin says and am surprised to see he looks angry on my behalf.
Le sigh.
Mr Justice lifts a single eyebrow, he looks so intimidating.

"Am listening"
Mr Justin explains my situation, everything, I mean everything, my coming to Lagos, everything, he explains that I will be working as the new house keeper since it seems the other one left.
Am beyond embarrassed.
Miss julliet had tears in her eyes after listening to my story, but master justice is not impressed.
At All.
"So, let me get this straight, she is the new, house slave......sorry, maid?"
He asks and Mr Justin nods.
He picks up the carafe of coffee and pours some in a mug, he takes a sip of the black coffee and I almost die.
He is handsome, albeit a big bastard.
He see me watching him and he lifts a single eyebrow again.
He picks up the carafe and lifts his hands and leaves it, it shatters and black coffee spread everywhere.
"What the hell justice?"
That was miss julliet, Mr sage chuckles, Mr Justin sighs.
Master justice does not respond to them but he speaks to me.
"Go on girl, clean up this mess, this is a warning to you"
I just stare.
"You are the hired help and soon you will be gone, you do not bloody dine with us, you eat in the kitchen like a rat, you get it?"
He says this calmly and I am forced to nod.
He looks away and grabs a newspaper and starts reading, he does this like there isn't coffee spreading everywhere on the marble tile. Like he didn't cause it.
A-shole.
For episode visit www.dapalace.com

�Protected �
Episode 4 & 5

The sound of gunshots was the first thing I heard, I jerk awake, i realize I must have slept off, I stand up and am immediately jerked back.

"Shh, don't make any noise, it's agang war, they will kill anybody they see"

Am instantly scared, o my God.

"They will leave soon enough when the police shows up, just be quiet".

I nod, this goes on for quite a while, I keep hearing the gunshots, sometimes shouts of Pain . Sometimes people speaking Yoruba.

I can't believe my first night in Lagos and am spending it crouched under a shed with a man that smells like yesterday's sweat

. My life.

Soon enough I hear the sound of running foots step coming towards our direction

I instantly tense, am going to die!

Am too young to die.

I feel the security guard beside me tense too.

The footsteps pass and I let out a shaky breath. Oh thank God.

I spoke too soon because another set of footsteps comes running again but this time they don't pass, they stop, infact if feels like that are actually coming towards the she'd am in.

I muffle my whimper when the tarpaulin is drawn back and a man enters.

He is exactly how I will imagine a gangster to be.

He looks surprised to see us and immediately points a gun at us.

"If you shout I will blow a hole through both of your heads"

I nod while lifting my hands in a sign of easy.

He nods while still training his gun in us, he cocks his head and seems to be listening for something.

He teases when the first set of feet comes back, I don't know how I know it was the first guys but I just do.

"You are sure you didn't see anyone pass through here"

This question is asked by a person outside and I instantly get that the person outside must be a security operative.

"Yes boss, no one went through here, Simon took out a guy that passed out back"

By took out I think he meant killed, oh sweet Lord.

The man before us seems to know this person they took out because he instantly tenses and I know that if it wasn't dark I would have seen pain flash through his eyes.

"Ok, get Jerri and the rest of the guys, today's operation was a burst, get the cargo and let's go, the local police will deal with clean up"

"Yes boss"

The other guy walks away, I don't know what made him do it, I really don't.

The security guard shouts and calls for the man outside and instantly he is shot in the head, I feel warm blood spray on my face.

Jesus.

The men outside run towards our shed but gangster has already begin to run away, I cry as I see the security guard is dead.

O my God.

The tarpaulin is whipped back for the second thing this night but I don't care, am crying so hard I can't breath.

I look up with tear filled eyes and I see a man staring down at me, it's then I realized I must have slumped down.

When he speaks I don't understand what he says but I recognize his voice as the one being called boss.

"Are you ok miss?"

I nod negative still crying.

"Did you see the man?"

I can't reply and I realize am gulping in air, I think I will faint.

The man kneels down and embraces me.

"Shh, little one,shh, it will be fine."

I don't think it ever will be fine



Protected
By Bebe. Ernest

Episode 5

MAGIC.
The man who called himself Justin was talking to someone else, he took me to an office place and I can see many computers, am sure I saw more than one holstered gun.
Am curled on a chair with a mug of something hot, well it was hot when it was given to me, now it's warm, I didn't bother drinking it, it tasted like Ash to me.
I tried to clean most of the blood, it got out but the one on my clothes didn't, I don't have a change of clothes so,


Am still shaking, a man got killed in front of me, that does not happen in onitsha, I feel so alone.
"How are you holding up?"
I jerk in shock, the Justin man is standing in front of me, by the way he is staring at me, am sure he has been standing there for a while.
I don't respond I just gaze at the ground.

"Hey,"
I still don't respond.
He crouches in front of me and touches my leg fir a bit. I still don't glance up.
"If you don't answer my questions sweetie, we will have to find out where you are from and send you back".
That got through to me, I twitched, he noticed.
"If you talk then I can help you, I promise."
I slowly raise my head, he is kneeling in front of me and on a closer look u see he is not that old, maybe 25 at most.
"So you wanna tell me?"
I nod.

"Good, first, what's your name"
I open my mouth to answer but I see some of his co-workers gather round, I tense, the feeling of being watched is not one am used to.
The man notices and he tells them to go away, they do so without question and am immediately better, I get the feeling this man is an higher up.
"So your name?"
"Magic, my name is magic, Magic Emilia obi"
I don't know why I gave him my middle name as my first name but I felt compelled to do so, I want a new beginning.
"Magic, nice name, ok magic, tell me how you got to be in that shed"
I shake my head negatively, I don't want to relieve that awful moment again.
He seems to understand because he nods and smiles gently, he slowly lifts his hand, as if asking for permission, and begins to stroke my hair .
I don't know I have been craving human touch because his touch opens the flood gates of my tears.
I tell him everything, about how my aunty treats me, how my uncle almost harmed me one day when my aunty was away, how they were going to sell me, how I ran, Andrew's travelling, my stolen bag and finally how scared and alone I feel.
When I finish I realize he has stood up and maneuvered me in a manner that I am now sitting on his lap, while he comforts me.

"It's ok, it's ok, let it all out"
I gulp in air and am suddenly exhausted, I only have my purse containing my money with me, that's all, no where to sleep, nothing at all.

I just want to sleep and forget today ever happened.
"You ok now little one?"
I nod and lift my head from his chest, he gently places me on the couch again and am grateful, if a little embarrassed that I blubbered in front of this handsome man.
I must not be as exhausted as I feel if I have the strength to admire his handsomeness.
"So, you have no relative at all in Lagos?"
I shake my head no . He sighs.
"I will make sure my boys see about getting your bag back from the taxi driver ok?"
I nod, grateful.
"I don't know how long that will take little one, so in the meantime you will be coming home with me"
I instantly tense, am not going anywhere.
He notices because he laughs.
"Good, at least you understand that there are dangers attached to following random men to their house"
I don't answer, Lagos has not been good to me, I don't want to be a victim again .
"But you are still going to come with me"
"You are a random man sir"
He laughs again, I like his laugh.
"I know, little one but I have to keep an eye on you, you are very vital to thus case, you saw the face of the killer, you are our only lead"
Am still not convinced.
"I have a sister, she lives with me, she has a son, I promise nothing will happen to you there."
Am swayed, a nan that has a sister living with him can't be that bad, right?
"And we have position open at my house, you will some minor work and you will get paid, feeding and accommodation included."
Ok that seals the deal, how bad can it be?
I nod.
"Good, let's go, it's just 3 in the morning, we both need some shut-eye"
"Shut-eye? What does that mean?"
"It means sleep, little one"
I nod but I respond.
"Am not little"
He laughs.
"Whatever you say little one"
He calls me the name again but I don't take offense because I love his laugh.

*******""********"""""******"""""*****"""**
MAGIC.

when we get to his place, am instantly overwhelmed, it's a mansion, I have never seen ahouse like this in my life except in movies.
He leads me inside after he we get down from his car, I can't seem to close my mouth, it's even bigger inside, even in the darkness.
He doesn't turn on a light , he explains that it will wake his sister, I nod
He leads me to a room, it's the biggest I have ever seen, my whole house back in onitsha will fit into the room.
"This will be your room,ok?"
I nod .
"Make yourself comfortable, I will get you some change of clothes, tomorrow we will discuss how to get you some clothes"
I nod, he leaves and comes back with a big polo shirt and a boxer, I blush.
He says good night and leaves, I bring the shirt to my nose,it smells like him.
I take my bath in the biggest bathroom I have ever seen and get into bed, I realize ni am hungry, but that has to wait till tomorrow.
I close my eyes and send a silent prayer to the heavens .

Thank you Father for sending me an helper.

******"""*****"'''******'''*****'''*'''''******"

Justice.
I get home really late , around about 4, I was out in the office going over some new contract proposal we got from a company in the states.
I don't turn on a light because it disturbs julliet, i just make my way to my room in the darkness, I strip while dumping my clothes in the ground.
I enter my bathroom and take a quick bath, exhaustion pulls at me,am so tired.

I exit and I manage to pull on my boxer before collapsing on the bed, am immediately asleep.
If I wasn't so tired I would have heard my door open, I would have felt my bed dip as another body rests besides me,I would have woken up as the person snuggles close.
But I don't, I am tired and asleep,am dead to the world.
Tomorrow, Tomorrow.

jullyrosy:
Dapalace dis is a nice story...I'm done reading it on ur site....kudos

Thanks for reading

Episode 22 continuation

When he looked into Rebecca’s eyes, the memories flash back to him, and he felt like it all happened yesterday.

“I know you remember something similar like this happening, right?” Richard asked Rebecca.

“Nope, I don’t,” she shoke her head.

“Oh I forgot, you have a poor memory,” Richard teased.

“Be rest assured, my memory is one thousand percent better than yours,” Rebecca replied.

“Well, if it was better than mine, you wouldn’t have forgotten such happy moments,” Richard said.

“Happy moments?” She retorted.

“Yes happy moments,” Richard replied.

Before Rebecca could reply, her phone started ringing. The name “honey” appeared on the screen.

She put the phone on silent and turned it off. Richard wanted to make a comment about it, but he went silent.

“So, how have you been doing?” He asked looking at Alice and Amirah.

“Good actually,” Amirah replied.

“Which school did you attend after your graduation from secondary School?” Richard asked.
“I went to a nursing school, I’m currently a nurse in your previous university clinic,” Amirah informed.

“Really? Why didn’t you tell me?” Rebecca asked.

“I just got the appointment last week,” she replied.

“Well, then congratulations,” Rebecca said.
“Thank you,” she smiled.

“What about you Rebecca? When are you going to start performing surgery?” Richard asked.

“I’m currently is my fourth year, I shall be operating in the next two years I think,” Rebecca replied.

“That’s really nice,” Richard said.

“I thought you were going to to rebuke me,” Rebecca said.

“I was going to rebuke you, but I couldn’t find a single thing to criticize about you,” Richard said.

“Oh really?” Rebecca asked.

“Yes really, but I think you should change your temper. A doctor is not supposed to get mad people for nothing,” Richard asked.

“I don’t get mad people for nothing, there must be a reason,” she replied.

“Very good. If I may ask, why were you mad at me?” Richard asked.

“Nothing, I just feel like doing so,” she replied.

“You just said you don’t mad at people for nothing,” Richard said.

“When did I say something that?” She asked smiling.
Richard couldn’t believe what he was feeling. They world around him suddenly disappeared feeling like they are the only people on the planet.

“What do you call a disease of forgetting things easily,” Richard asked.

“I don’t know,” she said still smiling. He turned looking at Amirah.

“Don’t even think of asking, let her tell you,” Amirah said.

“Is called Alzheimer disease, thanks for asking,” Alice said.

“Sorry for not asking, I thought you aren’t related to any medical course,” Richard said.

“I’m sorry studying pharmacy for your information,” she replied.

“But pharmacy is not a medical course,” Richard opposed.

“Oh maybe is an agricultural course,” she replied sarcastically.

“More like it, since you deal with plants,” Richard laughed.
They talked for about 2 hours until Alice announced that she is sleepy.

“So soon?” Richard asked.

“We journeyed for hours before coming here, you are supposed to sleep earlier than this,” she replied.

“Okay, I guess we will see tomorrow,” Richard said.

“Alright then, but give us your phone number before you leave,” Alice said.

They left after receiving his phone number. When Richard and Monica went back to their previous position, they found Achuba and Tina still talking.

“Looks like I will have to go without her,” Tina revealed.

“Are you sure you can go alone?” Richard asked.

“Yes, I am very sure,” she smiled. But before they finished talking, they saw Achuba and Tina getting up meaning they were done.

They walked to them and helped them to pack up.

“We thought you guys are spending the night here,” Monica said.

“We wanted to do that but we thought it might rain later in the night,” Achuba replied.

“Seriously?” She asked surprisingly.

“No, I was just kidding,” he laughed.

“Okay, we will meet tomorrow,” Tina said.

“Okay, good night,” Achuba responded.

 

Tbc

THE PINK CLOUDS

Episode_22

 

 

At about 5:00 pm, Richard informed Prof. Grace that he will be going.

“So soon? Is my place really boring?” She asked.

“No not at all,” Richard responded.

“You know I have extra rooms in the guest quarter, would you like to move here?” Prof. Grace offered.

“I would like to move, but friends won’t like that,” Richard replied.

“Is okay, I hope you will come here every day,” she said.
“But before you go, you should at least go and see Rebecca’s party,” she suggested.

“I don’t know if she will like it if I go there,” Richard said.

“She won’t dare,” Prof. Grace replied.

Richard really didn’t want to go, but for the sake of Prof. Grace, he decided to give it a look. He walked out of the living room and slowly headed towards the crowd. As he got closer, everyone turned to look at him.

“Hey, isn’t that Richard?” Amirah said excited.

“Of course is him,” Alice replied.

“Isn’t that the psycho that kept following Rebecca the other day?”

“And how did he get in here?” The senator asked furiously.

“I didn’t know,” Rebecca replied.

Richard stood still and looked into Rebecca’s eyes. Alice and Amirah were shocked and couldn’t believe what was happening.

“This Rebecca’s first love, she used to love him more than anything,” Amirah announced.

“What’s wrong with you Amirah? You know I really hate stupidity,” Rebecca yelled.

“Did you just yelled at me?” Amirah asked.
Before Rebecca could reply, Richard quickly intercepted.

“Look, I’m only here because your mother sent me to remind you of your phone. It has been ringing in the living room for the past hour,” Richard replied and left. As soon as he got out, he heard
Alice calling out his name. He stopped walking and watched as she and Amirah walked to him.

“I
don’t really know where to start from. Is the fact that I’m just seeing you for the first time in six years or the fact that Rebecca has completely become crazy,” Alice said.
“Well, we should start with the immediate problem, we can discuss about you seeing me for the first time in six years later,” Richard smiled.

“There won’t be any later, because we are going right now,” Alice replied.

“You can’t be serious, I don’t to be the reason why you fight with your friend,” Richard said trying to calm them.

“This isn’t just about you Richard, Rebecca has completely changed. Is like she’s no longer the person we used to know,” Amirah replied.

“I totally agree with that,” Richard said.

“Could you please wait for us while we go get our stuff?” Amirah asked.

“Okay, I will be right here,” Richard replied.
Alice and Amirah walked back into the house to the room where they settled. They picked up the small luggage the came with and headed out of the house. As they reached the gate, Rebecca saw the and she quickly ran after them. Before she could get to them, they were already out fo the house.
“Where are you guys going to?” Rebecca asked she got to them.

“Home of course,” Amirah replied.

“I’m really sorry Amirah, I really mean those words I said back there,” Rebecca apologized.

“I’m sorry Rebecca, we feel like coming here unexpected is trying to ruin your perfect party,” Alice said.

“Why are doing this to me?” Rebecca asked.

“The fact is Rebecca, you have changed, and we can’t deal with this new you. Imagine, we spent five hours of journey to come here and see you. When we called to come and pick us, you abandoned us for your precious new friends. I really do understand now, you are now rich and need to upgrade your friends, sorry we tried to downgrade you,” Amirah said.
Rebecca ran to her and hugged her”Please forgive me Amirah, I really really sorry,” Rebecca said as she cried like a baby.
“I really am horrible friend, I swear nothing like this will ever happen again,” she continued.

Amirah lifted her head off her chest and wiped off her tears.

“Is
good to have you back Rebecca,” she smiled.
“Do you mean you have forgiven me?” She asked.

“Yes we do,” Alice replied.

“Thank you,” she said as she ran to hug Alice.

Richard folded his arms as he watched their drama. He looked at Rebecca and wonder what was happening in her mind. When she looked in his direction, she saw him looking at her. He quickly looked at away pretending to be looking at something else.

“Can we please go back?” Rebecca asked.

“Is okay, we can go back,” Amirah replied.

“Richard,” Alice called.

“Yes!” He answered.

“Can we go back to the party?” She asked.

“I don’t think I can,” Richard replied.

“Why not? She already said she is sorry,” Amirah announced.

“I would love to, but I wasn’t really here for party. I was here to see Prof. Grace,” Richard replied.

“That’s sounds like an excuse to me,” Alice said.

“No is not. I will be here tomorrow, right now I have something to do,” Richard said and walked away.

“Looks like he’s still mad at you,” Alice said to Rebecca.

“Yes it seems so,” Rebecca replied.

“We know how to handle him if he comes tomorrow,” Alice said.
“Actually, I will be very busy tomorrow. You know I’m a medical student, our studies starts tomorrow, things are going to be really tough for me,” Rebecca explained.
“Come on Rebecca, is just one day. You can send a report to school pretending you are sick, then we will use that time to have some real fun,” Amirah said.
“Okay, if you insist,” Rebecca replied.
They walked back into the house. Instead of taking them to the guest quarter, Rebecca headed to her room with them.
“Hey, is everything alright?” Prof. Grace asked when she noticed them coming into the living room with their luggage.
“Everything is fine, I just decide we will all live in the same room,” Rebecca said.
“That’s better, I hope you will make them enjoy their stay here,”
“I will,” Rebecca smiled.
As they walked into the room, Alice and Amirah were wowed by it.
“You really are a princess Rebecca,” Amirah said excitedly.
“Look at this bed,” Alice said and she jumped on to the bed.
“And look at all these shoes and clothes” Amirah said she opened the closet.
“You can pick any of them,” Rebecca smiled.
“I’m good actually,” Amirah eplied.
“Hey, have you forgotten that you are running a party?” Alice asked.
“Don’t worry about it,” Rebecca said.
“No, we are good here. You really have to go so they won’t blame us for taking you away,” Amirah said.


By the time Richard got back to his room, it was already dark. He found everyone present in the room.

“Where have you been?” Thomas asked.

“I have been at Prof. Grace place,” he replied.

“Oh I totally forgot about that,” Thomas replied.

“So, how did the event go?” Richard asked.

“It was awesome, I was able to meet a girl,” Thomas replied.
“Was your sister present when you approached the girl?” Richard asked.

“Of course she was present, she can’t do anything about it,” Thomas laughed.

“We are even going out tonight,” he added.

“That’s really quick, what kind of a girl give herself so easily like that?” Richard asked.

“She seem so cheap to me,” Richard continued.

“That’s what you are thinking, but I think she is actually amazing,” Thomas replied.
Richard proceeded to his bed and sat down.

“You don’t seem okay, how was your meeting with Prof. Grace?” Achuba asked.

“It was okay,” Richard replied.

“Are you really sure?” Achuba asked.

“Yes, she wasn’t so mad at me as I expected,” Richard replied.

“She even suggested that I should go to her place and stay,” he added.

“Really? What did you say to her?” Achuba asked.

“I told her that you guys will not like it if I leave,” Richard replied.

“You could have accepted her offer, it will give you the chance to see Rebecca everyday and perhaps make her fall in love with you again,” Thomas said.
“He is right you know, being close to her will give you more chance,” Achuba supported.

“I have already decided,” Richard responded.

“You could have told us before you decided,” Thomas complained.

“Is okay, if we are meant to be together, she will like me even if I live a thought miles away from her,” Richard said.

“You are right” Achuba said.



At around 8 pm, Achuba announced to them that he’s hungry.
“The food I cooked in the afternoon is still remaining,” Armstrong who was always busy with his computer revealed.
“Actually, I have made some plans with Tina, we will be going out on a night picnic” Achuba replied.
“Night picnic? I have never heard of it,” Armstrong said.
“Perhaps, he is taking it to the next level,” Richard teased.
“Not at all, beside, I have to go with one of you because she said she will be coming along with her cousin sister,” Achuba announced.
“Why don’t you go with him Richard? I also have a date tonight, remember?” Thomas said.
“No problem, I guess I will go their and eat as I watch you guys do your romantic stuff,” Richard replied.


/> At around 8:30 pm, Rebecca party ended and everyone started leaving. Her boyfriend called her privately when it was only his friends remaining.
“What just happened earlier?” He asked her.

“I just had some misunderstanding with my friends,” she replied.

“They seemed less civilized and I don’t really like them, why can’t you just get rid of them?” He asked.

“What?” Rebecca asked with her eyes widely opened.

“I mean what’s the point of having people like that in your life?” He continued.

Rebecca could not believe what she heard. She began to wonder how she ended up being his girlfriend. She began to think what her mother had been telling her about him we’re real.
“I have been friends with them right from the moment I started talking. She shared our secret, sorrows, happiness and pains as we grew up together. Do you mean I should just give them up just because they are not up to your liking?” Rebecca asked.

“Yes of course, why haven’t I ever talked to you about your friends at school? Is because they are up to standard. But these your so called childhood friends are humiliating. I hope you can do something about it,” he said.
Rebecca looked at him and smiled, but was totally enraged burning in anger.

“Good night,” she said to him and turned to leave.

“Hey, I am not done talking,” he uttered.

“You can talk to yourself,” she replied without even looking back. She went back to her looking very furious. She sat down at the moment edge of her bed breathing heavily with her face extremely frowned.

“What seem to be the matter?” Alice who was beside her asked.

“I had a fight with my boyfriend,” Rebecca revealed.
“Oh you mean that jerk?” Amirah asked.
“yes I mean him,” Rebecca laughed.
“I can’t believe I’m dating him,” she added.
“You see, I told you she is coming back to her senses,” Alice said looking at Amirah. Rebecca soon burst out of laugher.
“If I should ask, made you fall for him in the first place?” Rebecca asked.
“Well, he’s actually the youngest senator in the Nigerian history. That’s how I was a to know him, plus my friends think he’ll be a good match,” she added.
“Well, is a good thing that you have got married yet, because Alice went through your timeline and discovered that you annoyed getting married to him,” Alice said.
Rebecca was quite for a moment wondering to say.
“You didn’t even tell us you are getting married,” Amirah continued.

“Is okay Amirah, this is also among the mistakes she made, you don’t need to see her fault again,” Alice said.

“I’m really sorry, I’m planning to tell you guys,” Rebecca replied.

“Is okay, for now, let’s forget about him and have some fun,” Amirah said.

“Is
there any ice cream shop around here?” Alice asked.
“Of course there, what do you think of my school?” Rebecca asked.

“I don’t know,” Alice laughed.

“You still haven’t changed,” Rebecca smiled.

“Would you take me there?” She requested.

“Yes of course,” Rebecca responded.
Rebecca went to her closet and took out three small blankets.

“What are you going to use these for?” Alice asked.

“It really cold later, so l think will be nice if we go with blankets,” Rebecca replied.

“Are we going to stay long there?” Amirah asked.

“Of course,” she smiled.

“This sounds awesome,” Amirah said. As they headed out of the house, Rebecca took a power bank from the living room. They entered the car and Rebecca drove out of the house.


Richard and Achuba arrived a very big Field located before the staff quarters. It was covered with grass carpet that made the place look completely green. There were trees and street lights randomly distributed within it. The place look completely bright because of the full moon. Just before the field, lies a shop that sells icream and a man selling a barbequed meat under a canopy. Richard and Achuba went and bought some ice cream and meat before proceeding into the field. They walked to the center of the field before meeting Tina and her cousin.
“Hey, you are finally here,” she said holding a Small basket in her hand. The basket contains a flask with some food and fruits.
“Looks like you are really prepared for this,” Achuba smiled.
“Of course I am, I had some little help from my sister,” she said looking at her cousin.

“That’s really nice of you,” Achuba commended.

Tina spread a blanket on the grass carpet and they all sat down on it. They ate and ate till they all had their full. Achuba looked at Richard signalling him that he need to be alone with Tina. He stood up and went to the tree close to them and sat on bench. Few minutes later, Tina’s cousin stood up and went and sat beside him.

“What is your name?” Richard asked her.

“I am Monica,” she replied.

“You do have a nice name,” Richard complemented.

“Thank you,” she smiled.

“So, which course are you studying?” Richard asked.

“I’m studying mathematics,” she replied.

“Wow! So you are the brain type,” Richard commented.

“Not really, my mother was a mathematician, so I want to be like her,” Monica explained.

“Really? You said your mother used be a mathematician?” Richard asked.

“Yep, she died three years ago when giving birth to our last born,” she informed.

“Oh I’m really sorry to hear that,” Richard sympathized.



Rebecca arrived at the ice cream shop with her friends. They bought some of it with some meat from the man near by. As they walked into the Field, Rebecca suddenly saw Richard sitting with a girl beside him. Her heart suddenly started beating faster than ever. It’s been a while since she last felt something of that nature. It was an unimaginable pain she couldn’t describe.
“Looks like Richard is really having a good time,” Alice said.
“It seems, I know he will definitely pretend he didn’t see us,” Amirah laughed.

When Richard looked up, she suddenly saw Rebecca approaching with her friends. He quickly looked away when his eyes met with Rebecca’s. He then decided to make the topic more interesting that Monica started laughing out loud. Again, he looked in Rebecca’s direction and saw her looking at them helpless and didn’t care to look away. About five seconds later, she looked. Before they could get to where Richard was, the found a place and stopped.

After they have settled, they sat down and started talking. As they talked, Richard noticed that Rebecca’s attention was on him and Monica. At some point, they looked at each other and he felt like she was consuming his heart. At last, he decided to go and talk to her.

“Do you know what?” Richard said to Monica.

“Nope,” she shoke her head.

“You see that girl over there?” Richard asked.

“Which girl are you referring to?” Monica asked.

“The one wearing the sleeveless gown,” Richard replied.

“Yeah, why do you asked?” She requested.

“I have been in love with her for the past six years, and I feel like I should go and talk to her,” Richard informed.

“Then what are you waiting for?” Monica asked.

“Won’t you get angry if you are left alone all by yourself?” Richard asked.

“Not at all,” she smiled.

“You know what? I think we should go there together, I will unfair to you if I leave you all by yourself,” Richard.

Richard and Rebecca stood up and walked to them. When Rebecca saw them approaching, she quickly lie down and started going through her phone.

“Do you mind if we join you?” Richard asked when they arrived.

“No we are not going to mind,” Amirah smiled.

“You party ended sooner than expected, I thought it was going to last till dawn,” Richard said looking at Rebecca, but she kept quiet pretending not have heard him.

“He’s talking to you Rebecca,” Alice tapped her on the shoulder.

“What did you say?” Rebecca asked.
“I said why did your party ended so soon? Is supposed to last till morning,” Richard said.

“Well, it turns out all my guest are busy people, they are something to,” Rebecca replied.

“Well, if your guest are really busy people, the wouldn’t have come to that boring party of yours either,” Richard Said.

“Oh was my party really boring?” Rebecca asked.

“Of course it was. A party that your best friends didn’t enjoy is quite boring to me,” Richard replied.

“And who told you they didn’t enjoy it?” Rebecca asked.

“Because it could have been the topic of your discussion for three days, but I know you haven’t talked about it since the party ended,” Richard said.

“We are currently talking about it right now. It was so awesome that I don’t there is a going to be party that will close to it in the future,” Rebecca said as she widened her eyes.
“To be honest with you, I first thought it was a burial ceremony for your pet until your Mom told me it was your birthday,” Richard said and Alice and Rebecca started laughing.
“What makes you think is a burial ceremony?” Alice asked.

“I rather say not,” Richard laughed.

“Who is this girl with you?” Alice asked.

“She’s Monica,” replied Richard.

“She seems like a good girl, is she your girlfriend?” Amirah asked.

“Hell no, we just met today,” Monica replied.
“Who knows, maybe it was love at first sight,” Alice insisted.
“I don’t believe in that, besides, he told me that he has been in love with a girl for the past six years,” Monica revealed.
“Who is that girl?” Amira and Alice quickly asked.

“He hasn’t revealed her identity to me yet,” she replied.

“So, where have you been all this while Richard,” Alice asked.

“Struggling with life, I suppose,” he replied.

“You didn’t know what our friend went through after you left,” Amirah said.

“Don’t you dare start it,” Rebecca quickly inception.

“Hey! Calm down baby, I wasn’t referring to you,” Amirah laughed.

“I feel like something like this has happened before,” Richard said.

“Do you mean is a deja Vu?” Alice asked.

“Yeah, only that if feels so real, I’m so sure it happened before,” Richard replied.

�Protected�
By Bebe Ernest
Episode 3

Justice.
"If you look closely sir, you will see that this year's profits has greatly increased since we started the charity scheme."
I just stare at the scumbag doing the presentation.
Hell, am bored out of my mind, I hate coming for presentations, I leave that part of business to my sister julliet.

But since she has a child and a fiancee I decided to help.
Good thing I did too, if not I would not have noticed that this guy and some other A-holes in the company has been fleecing me.
I run an automobile company, I run a tight ship, no stray penny gets lost without being accounted for, this man and his cohorts are in for a big surprise.

He is trying to bluff his way through the presentation, hoping I won't notice that the company fund reserves has been tempered with.
I will give him 3 minutes to think he has gotten away with it before I crush him.

Just because I dropped out of my party and no longer want to contest for governorship this year does not mean I have lost my wits, it means am strategizing.
He opens his mouth to speak but I lift my hand, he quiets.
"Mr Collins, I am not here to talk about my charity fund today,"
"Oh but sir,.....…"


I lift my hand again, he shuts up.
"We both know you've been stealing from the company, I want those funds returned in an hour's time or you and your family will be leaving under a bridge".
I can hear some exclamation from the other suites sitting at the PT but I don't say anything, I just stare at scumbag Collins.
He nods, I nod I get up.

"Have a nice day gentlemen"
I pick up my bottle of water and take a swallow.
Today's my nephew's 7th year birthday, I cant be late.

***********
We got to Lagos at about 7, Jesus, this place is big, it is also populated.
I step out of the bus, am very scared, have never been away from home.
Is my aunty finding me? is she scared? Does she even care??
Am so confused on what to do, I raise the phone kelechi gave me, how do i even use this.
Am approached by an haggard looking young man, am instantly on alert.

"Lady, do you want me to help you carry your bag to any bus stop?"
I glance at my bag at my feet and am taken aback by such kindness, people are so kind in Lagos.
I shake my head no, I don't really need any help, I just have to find Andrew's address.
He walks away to ask someone else and I realize it's his job, that he is being paid.
I feel foolish for thinking he was asking out of kindness.
I look at the phone again and dial Kele's number.

"Hey, Emily, are you there yet?"
She is speaking in whispers, am instantly concerned so I ask what is wrong, I can hear shouting in the background.
"It's your aunty, she is here, she thinks, mama and papa are hiding you"
Just like my aunt to be presumptuous.
"Kele, am so sorry for causing all these trouble"..

"Don't bother, it's alright, I guess you are there already, good, find Andrew's and call me when you do, I was not able to reach........"
The phone makes a sound and suddenly it goes off.
Eee, I used it to play games when I was bored in the car, how do I reach her now?.
I feel suddenly alone, I look around and I see a cab with taxi sign on top.
I walk to it after dropping my phone in my ghana-must-go, I will charge when I get to Andrew's place.

"Driver, here, am going to this address"
I hand the slip of paper to the driver and he glances it it.
" Ha, madam this place you are going to is very far o, we are at mile 2 now and you are going to ikotun, it's going to cost you about 5 thousand."
O my God, that's a lot of money.
"Oga driver please carry me for 2 thousand na"
He hesitates a bit before asking me to enter, am glad.

When we get there, I pay him his fare and I get down. Lagos must have the same landmarks in different places, I think I saw a statue more than once.
I approach the gate after asking around for the house no, the area is dark and looking like it's a bad part of town.
I enter and I see a man sitting outside, he looks to be receiving fresh air.
"Good evening brother"

"Good evening girl, how may I help you?"
"Sir am looking for Andrew, is he around"
"Who are you?"
"Am a friend of his".
"Well Andrew's friend, Andrew has traveled not too long ago, about two hours ago, you missed him"
The man was speaking but I was no longer interpreting, Andrew traveled ? How will I survive?.

I thank him and I make my way out of the house, it was at that moment I remember I forgot my ghana-must-go in the taxi drivers car, my phone and clothes are gone.
This is just too much, I begin to cry, my purse is with me but for how long? I can see some guys looking at me like am fresh meat.
I hail a taxi and get in, I ask him to take me back to the bus park at mile 2.
He smiles kindly at me and I smile back, I stare out the window.

When we get there I count out 2 thousand from the money and give to him.
"No my daughter, this is too much, "
he gives me back 1500 and I realized the first taxi man cheated me, i shake my head.
Magic, you fool girl.
I walk back and I explain my situation to a night guard I see there and he nods.

"This is not a place for a lady, but I understand, you can stay for the night but tommorow you have to leave."
I nod, grateful.
I sit on a chair he offered me and I make my self comfortable as could be.
Well welcome to Lagos magic

Episode 19 & 20 continuation

One week later, Richard and Thomas woke up early in the morning. It was the first they were supposed to have their first lectures in the university. It was also the day the new students will be havimg a welcoming ceremony by the school SUG. Thomas was super exited because he was expericing it for the first time. He kept pressuring Richard to get ready on time so that they won’t be late.
“Relax, it will come to a time where you will totally get tired of the lectures,” Richard said.
“You are totally right,” Achuba uttered with his eyes closed while laying on his bed.
“Hey, I thought you are sleeping,” Richard exclaimed.
“We are also going to have a lecture by 8 am, but I feel like we will be skipping the class since this is the first,” Achuba said.
“Do as you please man,” Richard laughed
.
Richard took his bath and got dressed in a black long sleeve shirt and a brown trouser. He wore a black shore that perfectly matched the shirt he was wearing.
“Wow! You look totally amazing,” Thomas commented.
“Thank you,” Richard smiled.
“Have you guys eaten something before leaving?” Achuba asked as they were about to walk out.
“No we haven’t, but we will once we arrived at our faculty,” Thomas replied.
“Okay, I wish you good luck,” Achuba said.
They walked out of their hostel and stopped at a bookshop opposite to the hostel. The bookshop was filled with many kinds of books and photocopying machines. There were many students at there, all trying to buy their materials for the first lectures. Richard and Thomas squeezed through the crowd and found themselves some space in the front. They bought some books and pens before they left the bookshop. They headed to their faculty as soon they were done.
They arrived at the department and were confused on where their venue for the lectures is supposed to be. They walked into the wrong venue with the third year students having their lectures. They sat among the third year student for about 10 minutes before Richard realized that they are in wrong place.
“I don’t think we are in the right place,” Richard whispered in Thomas ear.
“I said it, no wonder I couldn’t find my sister,” Thomas replied.
They sat for five minutes trying to figure out how they could exit the class without embarrassing themselves. At last, Richard finally gained the courage and stood up.
“Where are you going to?” The lecturer asked when he saw Richard leaving.
“I came to the wrong class sir,” Richard answered.
“What do you mean wrong class?” The lecturer asked.
“I’m a 100 level student, so I’m yet to be familiar with the venues of the department,” Richard replied and the whole venue started laughing.
“This is ridiculous, don’t you know which course you were supposed to do? This is a 300 level course, you are supposed to know the moment you walked into this class,” the lecturer criticized.
“Well, I couldn’t tell at first because this course is a continuation of what we were supposed to do this morning,” Richard said.
“Ours is scientific programming, while yours is system programming. Amateurs like us can’t tell the difference,” Richard smiled.
The lecturer was left speechless. He looked at Richard for a while before he gave him the permission to leave.
“Who else is also a first year student?” The lecturer asked and about 10 students stood up and the lecture theatre was sent in chaos with laugher.
“You can leave with him,” the lecturer laughed and the students went after Richard.

Richard asked one of the students he met outside where his venue was and was told that it was on the upper floor. Richard walked to the lecturer and his mates were behind him. He stopped walking when he arrived at the door of the hall. He was hopping that one of the people behind him would walk in before him. But they all stopped as soon as they saw him stopping.

“Why are you guys stopping?” Richard asked.

“You are the leader, you go in before us,” one of the people behind him said.

“Since whe did I become your leader?” Richard asked.
“Since when you spoke to that lecturer,” the boy replied. Richard walked into the hall along with Thomas. Surprisingly, the lecturer didn’t mind. Thomas saw his sister sitting with an empty sit beside her. He quickly went and sat beside her.
“Where you been?” She asked.
“We got lost,” Thomas replied.
She turned behind to take proper look at Richard.

“Hello handsome,” she smiled.

“Hello beautiful,” Richard replied.
“It seems like you were busy with makeup and you forgot about your lecture today,” she smiled.
“I didn’t even want to come out, I was forced by your brother to come out,” Richard replied.
“Really? Why didn’t you want to come?” She asked.
“I’m not prepared,” Richard answered..

At this point, the lecturer caught sight of them talking.
“It seems like those two over there are delivering a lecture more interesting than mine,” the lecturer said she walked to them.
“The two of you should stand up,” the lecturer asked. Richard and Thomas’s sister stood. He asked Thomas’s sister a question about his lesson, but she couldn’t not answer. But when asked Richard, he answered all his questions right.
“What is your name?” The lecturer asked.
“My name is Richard sir,” he replied.
“So Mr Richard, tell me why you are here,” the lecturer asked.
“I’m here to learn sir,” Richard replied.
“No you are not, you came late and did as you like in my class, you should have stayed since you know everything,” the lecturer nagged.
“I’m sorry sir, I’ve made terrible mistake. I promise it won’t happen again,” Richard apologized.
“Of course it won’t happen again, because this will be the last time you will be in my class,” the lecturer declared.
“Now, you should leave my class,” the commanded and Richard walked out alone. He went to small class opposite to the hall and sat there.
About an hour later, the lecture was over and the students started walking out of the hall. As the lecturer was heading to his office, Richard quietly walked behind him. He waited for five minutes after he walked into the office before knocking at the door.
“Come in,” came the lecturer’s voice.
“You again,” the lecturer said when Richard revealed himself.
“I’m truly sorry sir, my behaviour earlier was truly unacceptable,” Richard apologized.
“Why did you do it since you know is wrong?” The lecturer asked.
“This is the first time I’ve ever offended a teacher in school, you know I’m in a new place, so I’m yet to settle psychological,” Richard insisted.
“Judging by your action, I can tell you are a cautious student. I can forgive you this time,” the lecturer conceded.
“Thank you so much sir,” Richard appreciated.
When Richard walked out of the office, he found Thomas and his sister waiting for him.
“Getting yourself into trouble on your first day,” Thomas as Richard approach them.
“Well, you can blame the lady beside you, she got me into it,” Richard replied, and by that time, he had gotten to where they were.
“What did the lecturer said?” Thomas’s sister asked.
“Let’s say he isn’t mad at me anymore,” Richard answered.
“I’m sorry for getting you into trouble,” she smiled.
“Is okay,”.
“Let’s go and get something to eat, I’m really hungry,” Thomas announced.
“That has been on my mind,” Richard replied and the three of them headed out of the faculty.
When they got out of the faculty, Richard spotted Pro. Grace and the Dean of his faculty standing right next to her. The moment he saw her, he quickly turned trying to walk back into his faculty.
“Richard!” She called out. He stopped walking and walked to her feeling somewhat embarrassed. He walked slowly to her and stood before her.
“Good morning ma’am” Richard greeted.
“Good morning, how have you been doing?” She asked.
“I’ve okay doing okay,” Richard answered.
“Can I have a look at your identification card?” She requested.
“Okay ma’am,” politely replied.
Thomas and his sister were ahead of the watching everything. After Prof. Grace took a better look at his identity card, she put it into her handbag.

“Come to my house in the evening and collect it,” she instructed.

“But I don’t know where your house is” Richard complained.
“If you can’t find my house, then you can’t be part of this University anymore. And for your information, if you don’t come tonight, I will make sure that you are expelled. And you know you I don’t joke around with my words,” Prof. Grace warned. At this point, she got the attention of all the students around them.
“Thanks what did he do?” The Dean asked.

“Something displeasing,” she replied.

“Well, the I suggest you do as she say, or else we won’t hesitate to expel you for disobeying the administrator of the university,” the the Dean said to Richard.

“I will do as she say,” Richard replied.

“That’s left for you to decide,” Prof. Grace replied.


“What just happened?” Thomas asked Richard confusingly after he had caught up with them.

“Is nothing,” Richard smiled.

“I knew there are alot of things you are hiding from us,” Thomas doubted.

“Is really not a big deal. She is just mad at me for going to her house as she instructed me the other time,” Richard replied.
“If I may ask, why didn’t you and meet her when she asked for you?” Thomas asked.

“Besides, they way she acted was pretty obvious that she knew you before you even came here,” Thomas said.

He pressured Richard for minutes to tell me what was between him and Prof. Grace. Richard agreed to him what happened, but only after they gone back to their room. At around 12 pm, there was supposed to be a welcoming ceremony for new students. The ceremony was to take place in a very big auditorium opposite to the Senate building of the university. The ceremony was organized by the SUG President of the school. It was supposed to be to some sort of orientation and party at the same time. Richard decided to go back to his room, because he thought it will not be fun.

“Hey, I thought you are supposed to have a welcome party today,” Achuba said as Richard walked into the room.
“I don’t think it will be very interesting, so I decided to come and have some sleep,” Richard replied.

“Wow! Who would ever want to miss that? Don’t you know that after the welcoming ceremony is a party that is going to last the whole night?” Achuba questioned.
“I’m pretty aware of that, I’m not just into that kind of stuff,” Richard replied.

“The my friend you really need saving,” Achuba laughed.
He brought out his phone and called Thomas and informed him that Richard is not going. After about 10 minutes, Thomas was in the room.

“Tell one good reason why you aren’t going,” Thomas asked.
“I just feel like staying in the room for now, afterwards, I Will be seeing prof. Grace shortly,” Richard answered.

“That reminds me, you said you will tell me what happened between you and Prof Grace when we come back,” Thomas reminded.

“Don’t you have a party to attend?” Richard said trying to change the topic.

“I’m not going anywhere until you tell me what happened,” he requested.

“What happened?” Achuba asked curiously.
“You remember when Prof. Grace asked him to go and see her? It turned out that he didn’t. She got really mad about it today that she seized his identity card and mandated him to see her today at her house or else he will be expelled,” Thomas explained. “That’s sounds so serious,” Achuba replied.
“Yes it is. So Richard, tell us what really happened?” Thomas asked.
“Well, is more complicated than you think,” Richard answered.
“I used to be her favorite student back then,” he continued.
“Then..” Achuba said wanting to hear more.
“She hired to teach her daughter,” Richard replied.
“By her daughter, do you mean Rebecca?” Achuba asked.
“Yes I mean Rebecca,” Richard uttered.
Achuba quickly sat up when he heard that.
“This is getting more interesting,” he smiled.
“Don’t get so excited, because things turned out to be messy after that,” Richard replied.
“I used to have a girlfriend called Janet, she committed suicide when she discovered that I was in love with Rebecca, that’s why I left school,” Richard narrated.
They became silent after Richard made that statement.
“What your family said about you quiting school?” Achuba asked.
“I haven’t been home for the last five years,” Richard replied.
“That’s really insane Richard, why would you do something like that?” Thomas asked.
“That’s why I didn’t want to tell you in the first place, I know you will be mad at me,” Richard answered.
“I’m not only angry, I’m also surprised. And do you know the worst part of it? Is the fact that you even left home,” Thomas complained.
“You weren’t in my shoes, you don’t know what I’ve been through,” Richard replied.
“Do your parents know where you are?” Achuba asked.
“Actually, my parents died when I was young,” Richard mentioned.
They became weakened after hearing that.
“I’m sorry about that,” Thomas and Achuba both said.
“Is okay. My sister worked all her best to get me an admission into the university, and I left school at the end. I couldn’t bring myself to go see her,” Richard explained.
“Why did you have to leave school in the first place just because somebody died?” Achuba asked.
“Because everyone keep blaming for her death, even my best friend was against me. He warned me serveal times not get involved with Rebecca, but I ignored him,” Richard explained.
“I know understand, but you shouldn’t have left home no matter what,” Achuba explained.
“How about Rebecca, do you still love her?” Thomas questioned.
“More than ever,” Richard replied.
“But you walked pass each other at the restaurant the other like you have never known each other,” Achuba commented.
“Well, I have become a totally failure, she doesn’t want to do anything that has to do with me,” Richard replied.
“Has she ever loved you?” Thomas asked.
“Absolutely, she couldn’t even help it, but I don’t she will ever love me again,” Richard said.
“Is so unfortunate that you left school, you could have been successful with a job right now,” Thomas said.
“Yes definitely,” Richard replied.
“Do you think you really need school to be successfu?” Achuba asked.
“Of course you do,” Thomas replied.

“That’s the problem with most our people, we are made to made to believe that going to school is the only way to get a decent life,” Achuba Said.

“But in reality, you can be successful with the so called degree certificate,” Achuba said.

“But they probability of you getting a job government is also low,” Richard replied.

“So, you believe if you get a job from the government, you now become successful,” achuba said rhetorically.
“Yes,”

“The government work is nothing but salvery. The ones at top of the parliament do nothing much and earn more than the ones at the bottom,” Achuba said.

“That’s how it is,” Richard replied.

“You break out of that system by being an entrepreneur,” Achuba said..

“You talk as if that will be an easy thing to do,” Richard said.

“You know what? I currently have a business going at home. I didn’t come to school because I need the certificate to get a job, I want to be a politician in the future, that’s why I’m studying political science,” Achuba explained.

“Really? What kind of business do you do?” Richard asked surprisingly.

“I engage in many businesses, but the major one of them all is that I import phones and computers,” he explained.

“Wow! That means you are rich,”

“Not really, I just live an average life. The point is, you really don’t need this certificate to succeed,” he explained.

“So, how about you? What do you need your certificate for?” He continued by asking Richard.

“I don’t know, I just thought it will be fun being a computer engineer,” Richard replied.

“Didn’t you have guidance and counseling unit in your secondary School?” Achuba asked.

“We do, but is not functioning well,” Richard replied.

“That’s major problem of the Nigerian educational system. It only trains people to be civil servants and not entrepreneurs, that’s why they don’t give much emphasis on guiding young people to be independent in the future,” Achuba explained.
“You seemed to be more knowledgeable than I expected,” Thomas commented.

“I’m studying political science, remember?” Achuba laughed.

“So, what do you suggest I should do?” Richard asked.

“What do you think is your talent? Think of the course that favours your talent, that’s what you should be studying in the university. People’s opinion shouldn’t bother you as far you believe it will help you,” Achuba replied.

“I’m only good at calculation, that’s why I chose computer engineering in the first place,” Thomas replied hopelessly.

“Think deep within yourself, you must have some experience of any kind,” Achuba insisted.

“Well, I used to work in a poultry farm and a fish pond,” Richard replied.

“Excellent, you know you can earn alot from that, right?” Achuba asked.

“Yes I’m aware of how much my employer earns,” Richard replied.

“And I’m pretty sure that you emlpoyer didn’t study anything relating to fish farming or poultry farming. Think of possibilities ahead of you if you study some relating to that in the university and learn more about business,” Achuba said.

“I can’t believe I have never thought of something like that. I just feel I’ve been blinded all this while,” Richard said excited.

“Don’t think you are failure yet, you can change a course and study fish farming. Is a course that many people look down at in the university, but that shouldn’t bother because you are going to studying with a purpose,” Achuba adviced.

“I will look into that,” Richard replied.

For the first time in five years, Richard had confidence in himself more than ever. He stopped regretting why he left, he felt like meeting Achuba is the best that has ever happened to him.
“So, what about Rebecca?” Thomas asked.
“It seems like she doesn’t care for me anymore,” Richard replied.

“That’s bullshit, why can’t you make her fall in love with you again?” Achuba asked.

“I will consider doing that too,” Richard smiled.

“That means you don’t love her if you have to consider making her fall for you,” Thomas replied and Richard started laughing.

 

__________________

Story_Continues

Episode 19 & 20 continuation

Don’t you see that there no is lightening around there? Don’t you think it will dangerous?” Richard asked.
“Relax Richard, this not a jungle,” Achuba replied.

“You will make a terrible hunter had it been you were born in the olden day,” Thomas laughed.

“Thank God I was not born in the olden days,” Richard laughed.
They walked over the bridge to the staff quarters. The house were all similar with even the same flowers and trees planted around them. They looked so similar that one cannot tell them apart. They were arranged in rows with much space between them.

“Wow!


Do the occupants of these houses tell which one is their house?” Thomas asked confusingly.
“I guess the houses are numbered, besides, they can’t be 100% similar. There have to be some difference that they can use to know which one is their house,” Richard explained.
“Can you tell me the difference between those two houses?” Thomas requested.
“Is pretty obvious, the tree in the first house is taller and tinner, while the one in the second house is shorter with more branches,” Richard explained.

“Wow! You are actually right,” Thomas smiled after nothing there differences.

They walked for some minutes before arriving at the female hostels behind the staff quarters. There many trees at the front of hostels. Under the were park benches painted black and white.

“Is this a romance university or an academic university?” Richard asked when he noticed that all the benches were occupied by couples on a date.

“You haven’t seen anything yet,” Achuba laughed.
Thomas brought out his phone and called his sister. Some minutes later, she came out along with another girl.
“Wow! You made friends already,” she said as they approach them.

“Yeah, I can see that you’ve also made a friend,” Thomas replied.

“Yes, she is my roommate,” she replied.

“Hello,” the other girl said.

“How are you?” Thomas asked.

“I’m fine, how about you?” Thomas inquired.

“I’m okay,” Thomas smiled.

“So, how did you meet your friends?” His sister asked.

“They are my roommates, and you met with Richard earlier today if you could remember,” Thomas informed.
“I don’t remember meeting anyone that looks like him,” she said as she took a proper look at Richard’s face.
“Of course she can’t remember me,” Richard replied.
“Do tell me where we met,” she requested.
“Do you recall being rude to anyone today?” Richard asked.
“I’m quite a naughty girl, I’m rude to almost everyone,” she said with a smiled.
“Oh if that’s the case, then I shouldn’t have taken it personal,” Richard smiled back.
“But at least do me how we met,” she insisted
“I will tell you if we meet again,” responded.
“I insist that you tell me now,” she replied.
“You asked me earlier if I have had a shower before coming here,” said Richard. She thought for seconds before she finally remembered.
“Wow! You have changed completely, I couldn’t even recognize you,” she said.
“I must have gotten more handsome,” she joked.
“Indeed, i’m already falling for you,” she laughed.
“Hey, we could give you some space you know, you don’t have to do it in our presence,” Thomas said.
“Is all a joke,” Richard said feeling somewhat guilty.
“Don’t mind him, he dated almost all my friends in highschool, I think is time for me to payback,” she explained.
“I don’t think you will be able to do that,” Thomas said.
They talked for minutes before they noticed that the sky was getting cloudier.
“It seems like is going to rain soon,” Richard informed and they all looked at the sky.
“You are right, we should probably head back,” Achuba suggested.
“It was really fun having you guys here today,” Thomas’s sister said.
“It was really nice meeting,” Richard smiled.
They looked around and couldn’t find a taxi. At last they decided to walk before they find one. They started walking their way back. When they were around the garden’s bridge, they noticed the headlights of a car approaching. But when it close to the bridge, one of the tires of the car broke and the car stopped moving. They noticed as the driver got down from the car to observe. As they got closer to the car, the passenger door was opened. Because it was dark, they didn’t see whom the person was.
By that time, the sky looked like it will started raining any moment.
“Richard! Is that you?” Asked a female voice. When Richard got to the car, he was absolutely shocked to notice that it was Pro. Grace.
“Is that really you?” She asked as she walked closer to him. He felt guilty about what happened five years ago. He has ruined his life and embarrassed of seeing her.
“Where have you been all these years?” She asked. But Richard remained silent and couldn’t utter a word.
“Good evening ma’am,” Thomas greeted when he realized whom she was.

“Evening,” she barely responded.

“Are you a student in this school?” She asked Richard.

“Yes I am,” Richard replied.

“Okay, it looks like is about to rain now. Make sure you see me in my office tomorrow, we need to talk,” she instructed.
“Okay ma’am, I will be there,” he replied. And soon, another car came and picked her.

“So you know Prof. Grace,” Achuba said.

“Yes I know her,” Richard replied.

“You are more strange than you appeared to be,” Thomas commented.

“You can say that,” Richard smiled.

“Is there something you are not telling us?” Achuba asked.

“No


at all, she used to be my lecturer in my previous school,” Richard explained.
“Ohh that explains,” Achuba replied.
They came across a taxi as soon as they left garden. They boarded and made their way back to their hostel. By the time they arrived their room, it was already some few minutes after 10 pm. As soon as it they entered their room, it started raining heavily. Dino had already slept when they arrived.
“Where have you guys heen?” Armstrong asked. He was going through hi phone while lying on his bed.

“We have been to quite many places,” Achuba replied.

“I finally talked to Tina today,” Achuba continued.

“Really? How did that happen?” Armstrong asked as he sat up.

“Well, it was all thanks to Richard, you don’t happy I am today,” Achuba explanation.


Rebecca had just left her friends’ place and was heading back home in her car. As she was driving, a thought of Richard came to her all of a sudden. For the first time 3 years, a thought of Richard came to her. She remembered how she was broken for days after she was told that Richard had left school. She thought she had forgotten about him completely, but after seeing him today, she felt something unique that she only felt once in her entire life. It was an old feeling she couldn’t resist only when she was around Richard.

But considering how perfect her life is, she thought it was a good thing that she pretended not to have known him. Besides, the way he appeared earlier was quite obvious that he had lost it. It was disappointing to her that he was like that. She arrived home at about 11 pm and still found her Mum in the living.
“I thought you have slept already,” Rebecca said as she sat beside her.

“I’m about to go to bed, I have had something done,” her mother answered.

“I’m super exhausted, I think will be going to bed” Rebecca said as she stood up.

“Alright dear, sleep well,” Prof. Grace answered.

“Thank you,” Rebecca replied answered.

She headed to her bedroom and was some few meters away from her mother when she was being called. She stopped walking and turned.
“I saw Richard today,” her mother announced.
“I did see him today too,” Rebecca replied.
“What a foolish boy, look how he wasted his life,” mother said.
“Indeed,” Rebecca replied.
“I tried looking for his sister’s phone number, but I couldn’t find it,” Prof. Grace added.
“What do you want to do with his sister’s phone number?” Rebecca asked.
“I will inform her that about his whereabouts of course, she came to the school almost five times after he had left to see if he will come back,” Prof. Grace explained.
“I don’t think you should interfare in other people’s life. He chose to be like this so that’s his problem,” Rebecca said.
Her mother was so surprised when Rebecca said that.
“Are you sure you know which Richard I’m talking about?” Her mother asked.
“I’m very sure I know which Richard you are referring to,” Rebecca replied.
“Have you forgotten what he had done for you? You were able to pass your final year exams at one sitting because of him,” her mother reminded.
“I could have done it even without his help,” Rebecca answered.
“Wow! You are getting more ungrateful every single day, why are you like this Rebecca?” Her mother asked.

“Goodnight


Mum,” Rebecca said and walked to her room.
____________________

The pink Clouds


Episode_19&20

 


Richard became totally disorientated after seeing Rebecca. More than ever, he regretted why left. He remembered about the good times they used to have and how happy she used to be when she see him. But now, he is just a trash in her eyes. He became silent and couldn’t think about anything but her.
They boarded a taxi and were on their way to the university. Richard leaned his head against the car and was lost in his thought, while Achuba kept talking about happy he was to have finally talked to Tina. Thomas was the only person talking back.
“Hey Richard, what’s the matter?” Achuba asked when he noticed his silence.

“Is nothing, I just feel like going mute for some minutes,” Richard answered.

“So, how many girlfriends do you have?” Thomas asked.

“I have none,” Richard replied.

“That’s lie, do you expect us to believe this shallow lie?” They both laughed.

“For the past five years, I haven’t been myself,” Richard replied with his head still leaned on the car.

“Is something wrong?” Achuba asked noticing Richard’s reaction.

“Is nothing, I just I’m not alive,” Richard uttered.

“Please do tell us what’s bothering you,” Thomas insisted.
They pressured him for minutes, but Richard refused to tell them what’s wrong to the extend that left him alone. They arrived at the university at about 7:30 pm. As they were heading to their hostel, Thomas received a call from his asking him to go meet her.

“Do you know where the female hostel is?” Thomas asked Achuba.

“Well,


is quite far from here, is at at the extreme of the university,” Achuba explained.
“Do you suggest we take a taxi there?” Thomas asked.

“We will surely get tired by the time we reach there, but at least you will take stroll around the university,” Achuba replied.

“What do you say Richard, do we walk their or take a taxi?” Thomas asked Richard.

Richard thought about it for while. He thought he can be relieved of his pain if he is occupied having fun.

“I think walking there will be fun,” Richard replied.

“That’s great,” Thomas said and they started walking. They explore the university as they walked. When they come across a fine building, Achuba will tell them more about it.

After minutes of walking, they came across the university staff quarters. It was much bigger than the one Richard had previously seen. There was a very big garden just before staff quarters. There were many trees of variety of fruits planted in rows. There was a stream that divided the university from the staff quarters. A bridge was there the end of the garden. He was suddenly of the garden he usually sit and study in his former school. He remembered the second time he saw Rebecca walking close to the garden and how beautiful she looked. He happiness faded as soon as he remembered how she treated him and happy he saw her with the senator.
There were some few students around the stream who were on some kind of romantic date.
“I guess you will be bringing Tina here soon,” Thomas said to Achuba.

“I hope so,” Achuba replied after he had stopped laughing.

“I heard that there is a waterfall behind those trees over there,” Achuba continued and pointed in the direction of the trees.

“Wow! Can we go and take a look?” Thomas asked.

“

Guys please read episode 17 @ www.dapalace.com I have tried to post it severally but they keep blocking me here

“I can’t believe it happened, I have never imagined myself talking to her like that,” Achuba said as they headed back to their table.

“I told you, you could have been her boyfriend for a long time ago if you had spoken to her earlier,” Richard said.

“I’m really glad I’m talking to her today, because without your advice, I could have ruined my chamce,” Thomas revealed.
“What do you mean?”

“I was thinking of express my feelings to her on the first day we start talking,” he explained.

“It would have turned out terribly,” Richard laughed.
They walked back to their table and ordered for a chicken and fried rice. They ate til they were satisfied. At last, they decided to go back to their hostel. The three of them stood up and headed to exit of the restaurant. As soon as they got out, Richard saw two expensive cars parking in front of the restaurant. Unexpectedly, he saw Rebecca coming from one of the cars. Another young man came down from the car and held her hand, and soon, they were surrounded by tree of his bodyguards.
Rebecca was wearing a red gown at that time. She looked so beautiful that Richard couldn’t take his eyes off her. When their eyes met, he instantly felt like he was sinking into the ground. He instantly felt like he was in a vacuum with no air. Rebecca quickly looked away as if he doesn’t exist. Richard felt like he has been stabbed with a sword through his heart.

“That’s the daughter of our new Vice chancellor,” Achuba announced.

“Wow! I never knew girl like her exist in our school,” Thomas said.
“You just arrived at the school today, there are a lot for you to discover,” Achuba laughed.

“And who is the man with her?” Richard asked.

“He is a senator of this district,” Achuba explained.

 

Story_Continues

The pink Clouds

Episode_18



 

 

Richard was almost done with his registration. He was asked to go and conduct a blood test before his registration would be completed. As he walked out of faculty, he suddenly remembered about the teaching hospital saw opposite the main gate of the school. He wanted to board a taxi to take him there, but he thought he can save money if he walks there. He walked beside the university highway and watched as vehicle were moving on the road. The bricks that divided the highway was painted black and white. Beside the highway was a walking path constructed with interlocks. Between the walking path and the highway were beautiful yellow flowers.

He was suddenly reminded of the he had on his first day at his previous university, he felt a pleasure he hadn’t felt in years. The buildings around him, and how the people around him interact were pleasing. He walked for some minutes before arriving at the main gate of the school. He saw the teaching hospital as soon as he got out.

As he was approaching the hospital, he saw that something that made him to question his consciousness. He thought the brief excited he had was too much for him to handle that he started hallucinating. But as he got closer, he came to term with the fact he wasnt hallucinating. The girl in front of him was indeed Rebecca. And she looked so beautiful more than ever. She was more like the perfect being he could ever describe. He felt as if everything that happening to him was in a dream. She talked and laughed with her course mates as the headed towards her parked car.

Richard


felt as if his legs were glued to the ground as they got closer. Rebecca finally looked when she just some few metres away from him. The instance their eyes met, his breathe seized and his heart started beating faster. Hundreds of memories flashed back to him within a matter of seconds. He felt something he hasn’t felt in while. Rebecca stopped walking the instance their eyes met.
“Why do you stop?” Mary asked.

“Is okay, let’s keep going,” Rebecca replied.


Richard finally gain the courage to walk to them. As he got close to them, Rebecca looked away, Rebecca looked and frowned her face.
“Rebecca!” Richard called out excitedly. she turned and looked at him angrily and didn’t care to stop.
“Rebecca, are you going to walk pass me with bothering to say hi?” Richard asked and kept walking without looking back.

“Are you really blind? Can’t you see that a girl like her is way out of your league?” One of her mates said trying to him away, but Richard didn’t bother to reply.

“Rebecca Thomas,” he called her by full name.
Rebecca turned towards him slowly.
“Were you talking to me?” She questioned.

“Are you really going to ignore me?” Richard asked.

“I don’t even know you, besides, while should i bother talking to a trash like you? What do you think I am? Do you think I’m useless like you?” Rebecca shouted.
Unknowingly, tears started dropping from his eyes.

“I’m sorry for bothering you,” he said as he walked away.

“Crying over a rejection. Are you even man?” Asked another boy.

“Can’t you see how dressed? This guy is a psycho,” Dixxy replied.

“He got what he asked for,” Mary commented.
Rebecca got into the car with her friends and drove away.
Richard walked to an empty bench close to the parking lots and sat down. He covered his face with hands as he control himself not cry. For the first time, he regretted all the decision he had made in his life. He wished be has stayed in school and graduate. At some point, he thought he deserved what she did to him. But he promised himself he will make her regret it.
After about 30 minutes, he finally stood up and went into the teaching hospital and had the blood test. He returned to his faculty and completed his registration. He was given an accommodation in hostel that was not faraway from his faculty.
“Hey, where are you heading to?” Someone asked behind him. He discovered that it was Thomas when he turned.

“I’m


heading to my room in the hostel,” Richard replied.
“I’m heading to hostel too,” Thomas said as he covered the distance between them.

“That’s great, do you happen to know where Block D is?” Richard asked.

“Is not faraway from here, I’m also in block D,” Thomas responded.
They walked to the tree where Richard kept his luggage.

“Is this everything you came with?” Thomas asked confusingly noticing how scarce it was.
“Yes,” Richard replied somewhat disappointed.
“Is okay, let me help you with it,” he said as collected the small bag Richard was holding.

“Thank you,” Richard smiled.
As they were walking to the hostel, Richard thought he should be Thomas’s friend noticing how nice he was.
“When did you finish your secondary school?” Richard asked breaking’s the silence.
“I finished my secondary school last year, how about you?” He asked Richard.
“Six to seven years ago I guess,” Richard replied.
“Wow! I was a little boy at that time,” Thomas laughed.
“You can say that,” Richard smiled.
“But how about your sister?” Richard continued.
“Actually, she is my twin sister,” Thomas replied.
“We attended the same school and the same class throughout our lives,” he added.
“Really?” Richard asked astonishingly.

“Everybody get surprised when they find out that we are twins. We actually the opposite of each other; she is tall and I’m short, she fair in completion and I’m completely dark in completion,” He revealed.

“You are completely nice, and she is totally the opposite of that too,” Richard laughed.
“Well being nice is one thing we have in common, you will realize that when you get to know her,” Thomas replied.
They walked for about ten minutes before arriving at the dormitory. It was a ten storey building, huge enough to contain almost three thousand students.

“Wow! This certainly is the biggest hostel I’ve ever seen, is about ten times larger than the one of my previous school,” Richard revealed, though he was not planning on revealing to anyone that he once attended a university.

“Did you attend a school before coming here?” Thomas asked.
“Yes, but I got expelled for cheating in the exams,” Richard said to cover up.

“Oh that must have been very devastating for you,” Thomas said.
“Yes it has been,” Richard replied.
The hostel was surrounded by a tall fence that was almost as high as the ground floor. The walked through the gate into the surrounding of the hostel. Richard was so impressed by how beautiful the surrounding was. The floor was Covered in grass carpet and there many short trees around.
“Which room are you going to be staying?” Thomas asked.
“Room 106 I think,” Richard replied.
“That’s amazing, that’s also where I’m going to be staying,” he said excitedly.
“What a coincidence, I’m really happy web are going to be staying together,” Richard smiled.
The walked to their room that was on the third floor. When they entered the room, they found three other people in it. There were three bunks in the room with a mattress on each. They were arranged side by side, and opposite to them was a very big locker. There was ceiling fan that was moving with a very high speed at the top of the room.
“Are you done with your registration?” Asked one of the boys. He was sitting at the upper part of first bunk.
“Yes I am, and this guy happen to be in this room, we are from the same department,” Thomas responded.
“That’s great, is always nice to be in the same room with your course mate,” the boy replied.
“You can put your stuff in the locker,” the other boy offered.
“Thank you,” Richard replied. He opened the locker and noticed that it was divided into six segments. That brought him to the conclusion that the room is supposed to be occupied by six people. He was so impressed by how neatly the things were.
“So are you from this place?” One of the boys asked Richard.
“No, I’m from Kogi state,” Richard answered.
“That cool, I’m also from Kogi state,” the boy replied.
“What part of the state do you live?” Richard asked.
“I live I lokoja, how about you?”
“I’m from Okene,” Richard smiled.
“Did you also graduate from secondary last year like Thomas?” He asked.
Richard suddenly started laughing when he heard that.
“What’s so funny about my question?” The boy asked.
“Do I still look that young?” Richard asked.
“Maybe,” he laughed.
“He is quite older that he looks, he told me that he finished his secondary school six years ago,” Thomas interfered.
“From the moment he set his foot in this room, I knew he was an old man,” sat the last boy. He had been silent Richard came in.

“Well,


I will take that as a sacarsm,” Richard laughed.
“By the way, I’m Achuba, and the other two are Dino and Armstrong,” the boy introduced.

“You can call me arms for shot,” The other boy added.

“And I am Richard,”.

“So, which course are you studying?” Richard asked.

“We are studying political science,” Achuba replied.

“Wow! But I know is not a coincidence that the three of you ended up in the same room,” Richard suspected.

“Clever boy, my uncle works here and he happened to be in charge of the accommodation committee, so he sorted it out for us,” Achuba smiled.

“That’s really nice,” Richard replied.

In the evening, Richard had already settled. He tried his best to fall asleep, but he couldn’t. He kept thinking about Rebecca and the words she said to him. He regretted why he left school and his family. He wished he had endured all the criticism people laid on him back then about Janet’s death. He thought about his sisters and neice and imagined how she might have grown up.
He thought about Rebecca to the extend that it drove him crazy. He vowed to himself that he is going to be great again and make her regret how she treated him. He finally got up and came down from his bed.
“Are you going somewhere?” Achuba asked.
“Do you know anywhere around here where I can buy some new clothes?” Richard asked.
“There is mini market behind our hostel, you can get anything you want there,” Achuba replied.
“Do you mind taking me there or you are busy right now?” Richard requested.
“No I don’t mind,” Achuba replied.
As they headed out of the room, Thomas went after them.
“I’m also going,” he announced.
The three of the walked out of the hostel and stopped by the highway of the university.
“I thought you said there is a small market behind our hostel,” Richard said when he noticed Achuba trying to stop a taxi.
“There is somewhere I would like us to go,” Achuba replied.
“I hope we are not going to a party?” Richard asked.
“Absolutely not,” He laughed.
“He wouldn’t be dressing like this he was going to a party,” Thomas commented.
They boarded a taxi and drove out of the school. They drove for some minutes before arriving at a very big shopping mall. It was a three storey oval shaped building made completely of glass. The lights in it were all emitting of golden colour.
“Are you sure you have taken me to the right place to shop? Because I don’t have much money with me,” Richard announced.
“Don’t worry about it,” Achuba smiled.
They walked into the building and Richard could see many shops in it selling all sorts of things. The climbed to the third floor to one of the shops that happened to be a boutique.
“Hey customer, its been a while since you last came here,” the owner of the shop gladly said when he saw Achuba.
“We just came back from the holiday remember?” He smiled.
“Well, then how was your holiday?” The man asked.
“It was great, I just have some few complains about it,” Achuba replied.
“I can see you brought me some customers,” he said referring to Richard and Thomas.
“Yes, my friend here says he need some clothes, could you please make him look perfect?”

“Don’t


bother, I will make sure that I make girl go mad over him,” he winked and the three of them started laughing.
The boutique was filled with many different kinds of clothes and accessories. Richard kept looking around and was really thrilled by beautiful it was. The went around the boutique brought Five T-shirts, five long sleeve shirts and five trousers. He asked Richard to go a small room at the extreme of the shop to try the clothes. Richard went to the small room and tried them, he was so picky that he couldn’t choose any of the clothes.
He came out of the room wearing a blue T-shirt and a black jeans. He was holding two long sleeve shirts and a brown trouser in his hand as he walked out.

“After a long period of decision, I finally choose these once,” Richard announced as he walked to them.
“What do you mean by that? Don’t you that your friend has already paid for all of them?” The shop owner asked.
“Really?” Richard asked looking completely flabbergasted.
“Yes, so if you want any of the clothes to be changed, you can say so. But believe me, I have chosen the best for you,” the man said.
Richard was completely surprised that he didn’t know how to start thanking Achuba.

“Are you satisfied with the clothes?” The man asked again when he noticed Richard silence.
“Yes of course,” Richard smiled.

“I’m glad you like them,” the man said.

“I don’t really know I should start thanking you,” Richard said after he had gotten close to Achuba.

“Oh please don’t mention it,” Achuba smiled.

The shop owner put the clothes in a white packaging bag.

“What about your old clothes?” The man asked.

“I don’t need them anymore,” Richard replied and Thomas started laughing at him.

“Well, at least I can use them for dusting,” the man smiled.
“Alright, we’ll be leaving,” Achuba announced.
“I hope I will see you around soon,” the man smiled.
As soon as the walked out of the shopping mall, Richard noticed a saloon on the opposite side of the road.
“I think I should cut my hair before we leave,” Richard suggested.

“I was thinking of telling you that, but I thought you love your hair like this,” Thomas joked.
“Well, I change my mind,” Richard laughed.
They went to the saloon and Richard had his hair cut.
“Wow! You look absolutely great, I wonder why you left your hair to he so messy,” Achuba commented.
“I have my reasons,” Richard replied.
It was already night at that time, and Richard thought they should head back to the university.
“Aren’t you hungry?” Achuba asked.
“Of course I am,” Richard replied.
“I know of a very good place to go when it comes to excellent meals,” Thomas offered.

“Alright then take us there,” Achuba replied.

They boarded a taxi and went to the most expensive restaurant in the city.

“Is this where you call the excellent place? I have been here several times, and their food isn’t even that too,” Achuba complained.

“Maybe you have been ordering the wrong food,” Thomas laughed.

They walked into the restaurant through the glass door. The lightning in the restaurant bright, and the tiles on the floor were reflecting it. All the tables and chairs in the restaurant were white. At the edge of every corner was a flat screen TV. It was so cold due to the Air conditioners installed. Richard has never been to a restaurant like that as far as he could remember. The way things are in the restaurant, it was obvious that it was meant for rich people.

They were approached by the waiter who gave the menu. While they were deciding what to order, a girl walked into the with two of her friends.

“Wow! What an absolute beauty,” Thomas said as he was facing the entrance of the restaurant.

“I know who her, she is called Tina,” Achuba announced.

“Really? Can we go and talk to her?” Thomas asked as he was completely captivated.

“Actually, I have been in love with her for the past 2 years,” Achuba replied.

“Really?” Richard and Thomas asked interestingly.

“Where did you meet each other?” Richard asked.
“In school, we used to attend the same courses during our first year. She left our department when we were in the second year,” Achuba explained.
The girl walked to an empty table with her friends and sat. They ordered for a chicken and it was soon brought to them.

“Have told her how you feel about her?” Richard asked.

“No I haven’t, we have only spoken only once,” he replied.

“Okay you should try and be her friend first before you ask her out,” Richard adviced.

“I just can’t. I have tried several times to talk to her, but each time I get close to her, I instantly get consumed by fear,” Achuba explained.

“Well, is quite normal to feel like that. Even the greatest play boys get scared when they talk to a girl they really love,” Richard said trying to calm him.

“I don’t know that you are a love expert,” Thomas teased.
“I’m veteran, you can come to whenever you have a problem,” Richard winked and Thomas started laughing.

“What do I do now?” Achuba asked.

“We will go and talk to her,” Richard smiled.

“I can’t do that,” he complaint.

“Listen, all you have to do is be yourself. Don’t complement about her look, and try to avoid bragging and showing off as much as you can, I’m sure she will listen to us,” Richard said.
“What if she embarrasses us?” Achuba asked.
“Is better to try and fail than not trying at all. Just talk to her freely as if you are talking to a normal friend

After some minutes, Richard and Achuba finally stood up and headed to the girl’s table. Achuba tried to walked back, but Richard held his hand tightly and Thomas couldn’t resist laughing.

“Good evening ladies,” Richard said when they arrived at their table.
“How can we help you?” The girl asked.
“My friend and I are new to this restaurant, what do you do suggest we should order? We are looking for the best meal,” Richard asked as he smiled.
“That’s the job of the waiter, you should go and ask him,” the girl replied.

“The last time asked him the same question, he suggested a food that taste like it was prepared by a girl,” Richard replied.

“And how does a food cooked by a girl taste?” Tina asked.

“You are a girl, you should be familiar with the answer. It was so spicy that I almost drank a sachet of a toothpaste trying to neutralize it,” Richard replied.

“You are lying, aren’t you?” Tina asked.

“Of course I am, I will be a psyco if I drink a sachet of toothpaste because of some spicy food. Besides, they don’t even have spicy foods in this restaurant,” Richard uttered.

Tina suddenly started laughing after Richard said that.

“Nobody will believe this lie afterwards,” she said after she had stopped laughing.

“Actually, your friend have actually believed me. Perhaps is because they never been in political science class. They would have been taught how to lie and identify a lie” Richard mentioned.

“Wait, how do you know that I once attended a political science class?” She asked confusingly.

“My friend here used to be your course mate,” right said pointing at Achuba.

“Hey your face look familiar, you are that smart kid,” she said.

“Kid? I was 17 years old when I came to this university. You can’t call a 17 year old boy a kid,” Achuba said and Richard was impressed by his statement.

“Well, a person less than 18 is considered to be a child according to the law. I thought you should know that since you are a political science student,” Tina replied.

“I’m pretty sure you didn’t know my age back then,” Achuba smiled.

“I have quite an extraordinary gift of knowing people age just by looking at their faces,” she smiled.

“If that’s the case, then how old do you think my friend is?” He asked as he held Richard by the shoulder.

She paused for some few seconds before she finally moved her lips.

“20 I guess?” She uttered.

“He’s actually 27,” Achuba said.

“Hey! Where are you taking me?” Richard shouted and the girl
started laughing.
They talked for minutes before she finally gave them her phone number. She left the restaurant with her friends after that.

� PROTECTED �
By Bebe Ernest
Episode 2

"They said what?!"
I shush kelechi as she shouts in outrage.
"They want to sell you, how wicked can this people be?"
Kelechi is aware of what I go through at home.
It's about 2 hours after we get to the market, I have sold most of my bananas, I just told kelechi what I heard and she is not happy.

"Kele, what do I do?"
"You can't go back there,that's for sure".
I nod but ask
"Where do I go? I don't have any relative that I know of "
She nods, she is quiet for a while, I sell groundnut to a boy that approaches me, the market is busy and crowded but I feel like am alone.
"Ha!, Have got it!"
I turn to kelechi as she exclaims.
"What have you got?"
"You are going to run away"
"I have already decided that"
"You will go to Lagos, the city is big, you can hide better there"

"Kelechi, lagos? who do I know that lives in lagsos, I don't even have enough money"
"Magic, you have about 14 thousand with you don't you?"

I nod, I don't go anywhere without my money stash.
"And also the money from these bananas cost about 6 thousand, you will take that also, I mean, they deserve it".
I nod, she countinues .
"I will give you my 10 thousand for my bread, you will go to Lagos, I will give you the phone number of one of my boyfriend, you will stay with him untill you can rent your own house"
I shake my head no,
"Kele, your father will kill you, what will you say happen to the money"

"Oh don't worry, I will tell him that some of the customers have not yet paid, in a week time I should be able to replace the money"
I nod,. "But how sure are we that your boyfriend will be at the address?"
"He will, I was supposed to go see him next month remember?, You can stay with him for a while, you will get settled and you will move out, simple".

Kelechi is making this sound so easy but I know it's not, and besides, what other option do i have?
She squeezes some naira note into my hands, I don't look at it but I know it's a lot of money ..

"In fact, take my purse, put the money inside, be careful, I hear they use to steal in Lagos."
How am I going to repay this girl?
"Kele..."
"Ehn ehn, none of that, let me just find a piece t paper so I can write down Andrew's address"
Andrew must be the boy Friend, I nod, she leaves for a while and come back with a piece of paper and a phone.
"What's that?". I ask her?

"Have you never seen a phone in your life?, Bernard over there gave it to me, I want you to have it".
I feel tears rush to my eyes.
"Kele..".
"Ehn ehn, don't thank me yet, this is andrews address, I will give him a call and tell him to expect you, you have to leave now".
I sigh

. "kele, do you think this is wise?".
"Yes I do, now stand, let's find some bend down select clothes for you to buy"
"What are you going to tell my aunty"
"Am going to spit on her and scratch out her eyes if she so much as look at me wrong"
I trust kelechi, she can do that.

********
We get to the bus station and it's almost noon, I have a Ghana must go full of clothes we bought at some cheap rate, it on top my head, kelechi has gone to pay for my ticket.
I wait around, she arrives .

"Here, this is your ticket, don't loose it, when you get to Lagos call me, I programmed my number into your phone, "
I nod, feeling overwhelmed.
"Make sure you call me, eat good food, work, find a place to learn your fashion designing, ok?"

I nod again.
"Kele...."
"No don't thank me yet magic, Don't, I know you will be a great woman, all am asking is that you don't forget me, ok?"
"Never, kelechi, never"
She nods and give me a tight hug, she let's me go.

"Here, some bananas and bread incase you get hungry on the bus"
I laugh, just like kele to actually think of that.
"I love you kelechi".
"Abeg,oyibo film Don spoil you, but I love you too Emilia".

Ha!, She said my name correct this time.
The bus driver starts calling passengers on to the bus, I turn and climb in, I sit at a window seat and o see kelechi looking at me, I wave, she waves back, she looks to be holding back tears, I can't hold mine, a tear falls.

The bus starts moving, I keep on staring at her untill the bus pulls away and she becomes a speck, I noticed that not once did she move away.
Thank you God, for good friends.
I turn forward in the 18 sitter bus, clutching the purse kele gave to me.
Lagos here I come.

TBC...