₦airaland Forum

''Then how do I explain my lifestyle to my kids? How do I get them to understand mummy loves women? How would they understand you are more than a friend to me? My first daughter is old enough for God sake and that would kill her faster than anything else! Can't you see why you need to drop this running away talk? I can't leave my husband or my kids and you've got to understand that. My family is not ideal but I appreciate my life…'' then Blossom began to cry ''I appreciate my family but I love you…''

Then Belinda began to cry too ''is this fair for me? Is it fair I live the rest of my life like this? I didn’t create myself. I didn’t ask to be like this so why should I continue to suffer? Why should I sit waiting for you until Cosmos hurts you and you need me again? Why should you eat your cake and still have it?''

Suddenly Blossom stopped crying. It was the first time she would see Belinda cry in years. Usually, she was the one who cried whenever she told tales of what Cosmos was doing or not doing. She also cried whenever she was frustrated of her marriage or whenever she felt guilty - guilty because she was stringing Belinda along. Guilty because the poor girl was stuck and that was because she (Blossom) was somehow stuck. Well she was not really stuck because she was moving on with her kids and husband while Belinda remained like a statue. She had no meaningful relationship and had not bothered getting into a proper one. The last attempt was with the architect but it ended as quickly as it started.

To the outside world, whenever Belinda was asked about the man she would say, ''God's time is the best'' but she knew there was nothing like that. She didn’t like men and had no intention of getting into that sort of relationship. She didn’t like the idea of getting pregnant or having kids with a man.

After some time, Blossom wrapped an arm around Belinda's and began to whisper to her ''hey shush! Don’t cry or perhaps you should cry some more, I've not seen you cry in ages!''

Immediately, they began to laugh together. They held hands and the tears dried up in their eyes. Belinda looked into Blossom's eyes and clutched her arms ''just leave him, do it for me''

''Hush now!'' Blossom whispered. She placed a finger on her lips and Belinda shook her head to get rid of it. She looked like a child who was about to throw a temper tantrum. The pair began to laugh again and this time, it culminated in kisses - deep sensual kisses. They began to struggle to take their clothes off when Blossom groaned ''I got to go babes not today… please don’t look at me like that''

''You will go but not now. This is the first time you are coming to my place in how many weeks?''

''I can't Belinda, I can't…''

''My husband, my sister-in-law, market things, children plait hair, my this, my that so what of me? Now I've got you, you want to run away again. We've not being together like together in ages''

''I'm trying to quit, I can't keep doing this''

''Yes you can and you will! You need my help with your husband's visa. You will call him now in my presence and tell him you will be coming home late''

''Belinda, this is my husband''

''Oh don’t even bring that leg here. Don’t try to make it seem like I'm the jealous butch that sees nothing good in your emotionally abusive horseband''

''I can't believe you would use my words against me in my time of need. I can't believe you would march me to the ground when I'm already on my knees…''

Then Belinda screamed ''what are you still doing with that man? You hate him!''

''He is my husband, the father of my children. Do I just walk away with our kids and begin to play house with you?''

''Yes, yes and I say a big bloody yes!''

''What is wrong with you? This is Nigeria with 14 years hanging over our heads. Have you forgotten or what?''

''You should never have married that man. Look at you, a graduate and all you do is sit pretty at home and cook his meals. He won't let you work, but now he needs your contact to travel out. You can't fight for yourself no more. You used to have dreams, big dreams. You wanted to be a newscaster but someone's got you thinking loose women do that! Who in God's name thinks like that but Cosmos?''

''That’s not really his reason but the one you formulated in your head. All he wants is for the kids to grow up a bit before I start that kind of demanding job. My boy is just…''

''I can give you contacts in them stations plus you have the look that TV cries out for. I have someone who is willing to take you on as an intern and I know you can do it but dude would not let you be''

''I can't do that sort of work now. I can't leave house from morning to night with kids so young. Cosmos would not agree so what can I do?''

''You can leave. Yes, come with me and we'll travel out or something. I've always suggested that. If we can't express ourselves here, we can do that outside the shores of Nigeria. No one would look at us twice in a place like…''

''And my kids?''

''Bring them if you must''

''Bring them if I must? I love my kids and I could never leave them behind''

''Bring them then''

''And my husband? Do I just take them out of his life? Is he not their father? Would that be fair for them? Those children love their father and they deserve to have him in their lives as well. They didn’t ask for any of this so why should I deprive them of that precious relationship?''

''Oh God, here we go again!'' Belinda groaned.

''We are talking about a medical doctor here but one would think he's an agbero or something else along that line. He is supposed to be learned and most supportive, but he's a tout in a white coat!''

''Okay nah''

''Blossom, you're smarter than this I swear. I knew something was wrong with that man. I told you then but you wouldn’t listen to me''

''Isn't it a bit late in the day to be saying that? I admit you were somehow right but is there any perfect marriage out there? Is there anything I can do to change this now?''

''I don’t know for you''

''So I ask again, isn't it a bit late in the day to be saying all this?''

''I agree it's late but allow me vent. I'm annoyed that’s why and now you're asking me to pay in some money and organise some sort of invitation letter for him. Why would I do that for someone I pretend to like? It's not like I'm resident there full time''

''I know but you helped me then and you can help him too. You know people there that will help you. Your siblings are there and they would do anything for you''

''Yeah right?''

''Bel, if you want to help me, you know you can. You told me your brother's wife just put to bed. He can swing something for Cosmos like an invitation to his baby's christening abi naming ceremony. He can even do it like a normal holiday for him. Please help me now''

''I don’t know Blossom, I'm still thinking''

''All you have to do is snap your finger and this invitation letter is in your email. Why are you doing this to me nah? Why are you making things so difficult for me? Why are you acting like I'm asking you for the world? You know in your heart this is a small request''

''Are you saying dude does not have a single friend in the States who can swing that for him?''

''He doesn't. I wouldn’t be asking for your help if he did''

''Fück him, he's an arrogant bástard that’s why!''

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''I wouldn’t ask if it weren’t important'' Blossom said.

''I could do it but why would I do it for him?'' Belinda replied.

She was talking with Blossom in her apartment that hot Sunday afternoon. From time to time, Blossom would look at her watch in worry. She had been pleading with Belinda to help her husband but Belinda was not convinced. She didn’t really like Cosmos and Blossom knew it!

About 10 years ago, Belinda had helped Blossom with a surprise trip. It was not something Blossom was expecting after informing her friend she was getting married. Belinda was heartbroken but she wanted to do something special with her special friend before she tied the knot with the snotty doctor.

She provided her with an invitation letter and even pumped some money into her bank account for their special trip. That was just before her marriage to Cosmos Ndukwe. The trio had a lovely ladies only outing in the quintessential town of Irving. There was no way Blossom would have gotten her US visa without the help of Belinda and her generous parents. And now she was here seeking Belinda's help for Cosmos.

''Promise me you'll do it'' Blossom continued.

''I can't promise you anything but I'll think about it''

Blossom looked at her watch again and stood on her feet ''okay then let me go now''

''It’s a fücking kids party for God sake. Sit down!'' Belinda announced in annoyance.

''I've got to be back on time, Cosmos would be worried if…''

''Look at your life! Look at what that man has done to you. You just dropped those kids off and you're trying to pick them cos of Cosmos. It’s a kids party where children unwind but no, you've got to be the first parent to pick em up cos Cosmos says so! You can't even sit still and be calm while the kids unwind with their friends. You don’t have a life unless you are at home with a man called Cosmos. I saw beyond the he loves me, he loves me talk right from day one. Dude was so possessive but you failed to see it''

''Let's not do this again please''

pastorpussy:
After 10 years...
We haven't gotten to know about natasha storyline
What has she been upto apart from the marriage ??
Has she changed her way as per aristo level??
How was she able to climb the ladder so fast and get to pull strings for her husband??

Fantasyisland

All shall be revealed; keep reading.

Next stop was Lekki Phase One, the home of Miss Okiemute Daisy Oki. Something had happened that morning when he woke up. It was something she (Okiemute) knew never to do. She had called him on his main line! She had not sent a text but called and there was good reason for it. She had told him something and her words still made him shiver.

And all the while he drove to her place, he kept thinking of what she said earlier that morning ''we need to see Ken. It has happened; I am pregnant!''

''You've got to take something dear!'' Natasha wailed out in despair. Sometimes something strong like pepper soup will soothe your tummy’’

Then Ken frowned and she changed tactics ''what of salt water?’’

‘’Okay get me the salt water thing''

She rushed off and arrived with a glass of salt water solution and Kenneth knew he was sunk. He wished he had asked for something else instead. He was hypertensive and salt was his enemy. Meanwhile, Natasha stared at him as he held the glass, she was waiting for him to drink the entire content! Ken put the glass to his lips and took a sip then he gave it back to her ''I feel a lot better dear’’ he announced.

‘’Are you sure that was enough; you barely took a mouthful’’ she paused for a while and watched as he continued to frown his face ‘’abi do you want let me crush small scent leaf and do scent leaf drink for you? Abi would you like to chew dandelion leaf? It works like magic for me’’

‘’Let me rush to the pharmacy and take something instead''

''Would you like Dan to get it instead? What medicine is that by the way?''

By now Ken was getting irritated with all her fussing about and his tone made it clear ''I feel a whole lot better especially after using the toilet. I'm not sure of the name but once I see the sachet, I'll know'' then he picked up his car key and walked out of the bedroom. She followed him behind and continued to advise him to take things gently. It was typical Natasha but he was sick and tired of her today.

The moment he was out of the house, he heaved a sigh of relief and tuned into his favourite radio station. First stop was the pharmacy. He had to get that drug, Natasha was a nosey person and he knew her quite well. She might ask about it later and it would be great if the packet was lying around somewhere. As soon as he came out of the pharmacy, he threw a tablet on the floor and flung the medicine packet on his passenger’s seat.

***
Kenneth Abe could hardly sit still all through service in church. His wife looked at him a couple of times as he shifted uncomfortably on the seat. At a point, she asked him if he was okay and he shook his head to indicate he wasn’t. He felt terrible lying to her. She looked very beautiful today with her long weave that swept the side of her face. She was wearing a Green knee length flowered dress with a black killer stiletto to match. She had not changed much since their university days, perhaps it was because she had not given birth yet. She had added a little weight on her arms and thighs but she looked like sweet sixteen with her flat tummy.

Kenneth thought this looked cool at first, but over the years he often wished she would come out one day with a real protruding tummy… just a little - not that her faith inspired balloon tummy. He wished she would walk up to him and say she was pregnant. He wished she could carry a baby to term and make him proud. Then he wouldn’t give a rat's ass if her tummy was rounded or not. He would accept her tummy condition however it turned out as long as a baby came out…

''It must be that left over moimoi'' Nat whispered. ''I told you to leave it alone last night. It was too late to eat…''

Ken groaned in reply but said nothing else. He had set the ball rolling and he knew his wife would pick the bait. That was Nat for you; she could not bear to see him writhing in pain. Again, he felt so guilty doing all this to her, but like his friend once told him, it was not personal. He was only looking out for his own interest. True to his thoughts, long before the end of service, Natasha leaned closer to him and whispered ''would you like us to leave now?''

''Yes please''

The drive home was one of the longest in his entire life. All of a sudden, the short drive from Ligali Ayorinde to Osborne Foreshore Estate became something else.

The driver was not driving fast enough! At some point, Ken wanted to take the key from him and drive himself, but he decided to remain sane. Once they got home, he flung his native aside and wore something casual while Natasha continued to fuss around him like a mother hen. She brought some medicine his way, but he frowned like it was poison ''would you like pepper soup or something else?'' she asked.

''No''

''You can tell me all about it in the car dear''

''Tania, I didn’t get much sleep. I slept by 4am or so, can't you see how red my eyes are?''

Then Tania relaxed. For the first time, she could see how red his eyes looked. She had been prancing about and had forgotten to pay close attention to the person she had been chatting with. Wole looked tired like a weary old man. He looked like someone who carried the weight of the world on his shoulder and she felt sorry for him. She dropped her bag on the kitchen counter and moved closer to him with a worried look on her face ''are you okay babes?''

As she spoke, she placed the back of her palm on his forehead but his temperature was fine. ''Are you ill or something or did you hang out late last night?''

''None of the above. I stayed up all night playing games then I managed to catch some sleep by 4am''

''Why so late?''

''I was preoccupied with some thoughts, that’s all''

She held his hand and led him towards his long couch ''what happened?'' she whispered.

''I think I may be out of a job!''

''Jesus Christ! What happened?''

Then Wole cracked and told her everything. He hid nothing from her even his earlier involvement. However as a guy man, he minimized his earlier involvement before he found out who Ebube was. He made it seem he was trying to help her as opposed to encouraging the sexual banter. Once he was done, Tania sighed heavily and threw her face away. She stared at nothing in particular for some seconds and Wole was starting to feel foolish for confiding in her ''Tania, are you okay? T, talk to me'' Wole pleaded.

Then she looked at him and smiled with an announcement ''the devil is a liar! We will talk about this extensively but first you have to get ready for church. More than ever before, we need to seek the face of God. If you hurry up, we can still make the second service. Please go and have your bath, I'll be waiting in the car''

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Tania parked her car in front of her fiancé's flat and horned repeatedly. It was Sunday and they always attended morning service together. She horned again but decided it was an exercise in futility. She finally picked up her phone and was punching in Wole's number when he pinged her:

Wole: I can hear you just fine, please come in dear.

Tania was a bit impatient, she served as an usher in church and Wole knew she didn’t like going late. However impatience turned into the shock the moment she made her way into his home. Wole was in the kitchen drinking tea when she strolled in ''what da hell!'' she swore.

He placed the red mug on the counter and held out a hand to her ''I can explain…''

''Towel? Wole Akinleye, you are putting on a towel by 9.45 am? Why didn’t you just tell me to be going my own jeje? It’s the same thing you did yesterday. You knew we had an engagement, you knew you would no longer be able to make it yet you kept quiet. I have to call you or come over to pick you before getting stuff like this? Is this fair? This thing you are doing to me is it good?''

''I'm so sorry, you have no idea. Sit down and let me get dressed, we'll go for 3rd service…''

''Lie lie!'' Tania yelled. ‘’You know the work I do on Sundays plus my lesson note is there’’

''You didn't even ask what happened''

Thank you everyone; hope your Christmas celebration went well? I had a quiet one and that's how I enjoy it.

''Please take advantage of me. If this is what you call taking advantage then go ahead and take advantage of me. You have my express permission''

''I'm so sorry but I can't ma'am. I'm sorry if you feel that feel I've betrayed you. I should never have come today but what choice did I have? You saw to it that I came here! I'm sorry if I hurt you but you need to make up with your husband. You need to reconcile and…''

''It is not a matter of reconciliation dummy! We are not quarrelling and I've told you that countless times. He is just not into sex again!''

By this time, Wole was fully dressed and ready to leave. Ebube was still explaining away but he had nothing else to say to comfort her ''... and he has said... my husband wants nothing to do with me sexually. It's not just me, dude is no longer interested in sex. It's probably some sort of midlife crises and I don’t see how I'm going to get out of this…''

''I'm sorry Mrs Uzoh but that is not my problem'' then Wole hurried out of the room. He actually ran out of her house. The moment he was outside her gate, he heaved a sigh of relief and made the sign of the cross.

Then Wole stood up from the chair in a hurry and it fell to the floor. He held the side of her face firmly as they continued to kiss. Soon his shirt became unbuttoned, her blouse became undone and he began to unbuckle his belt. Next Ebube's trouser suddenly dropped on the floor! Wole ran a hand around her bosoms and held the band of her panties when a voice whispered in his ears. It was Tania's and she was saying something inaudible. Then it was accompanied by the familiar sound of her laughter - it was long and prolonged like a child's. He shut his eyes and froze for a second or two and guilt washed over him. Meanwhile Ebube was doing things with her tongue but he still had his eyes shut. He allowed that familiar voice speak to him again and again until he found strength.

Finally she managed to unbuckle his belt and she flung it aside. She ran a hand across his private and that certainly woke Wole up! Immediately, he began to withdraw though she continued to kiss him ''I can't, Tania, I can't, Tania help me…'' Wole continued to chant like a mad man.

At this stage, Ebube was beyond desperate ''don’t do this to me'' she hissed.

''I can't'' Wole continued.

''Don’t leave me like this please''

''I'm so sorry; I'm engaged to another, Tania…''

''Let me be your Tania tonight''

Then Wole laughed nervously; and Ebube stared at him with a raised eyebrow. To Wole, she had no idea. As a matter of fact, she had just shot herself in the foot. She couldn’t be Tania even if she tried. She didn’t know anything, if she knew the faintest thing about Tania, she would not even try to bonk him in the first place! Suddenly he wanted no part of this. He held her at bay and when she tried to break free and cosy up some more, he gently pushed her aside ''am I cursed or what?'' Ebube cried out in pain.

Her hair was all over the place, her button was still undone but she had pulled her trouser back on her waist. She sat down on the chair in the room and began to cry as Wole hurriedly wore his clothes. He looked around the room for his belt and bent down to pick it when her lamentation continued ''what is wrong with me?'' Ebube cried out.

''Nothing is wrong with you ma'am. I believe you are a great woman but that’s not for me to find out. I mean not in this manner. You need to settle this thing with your husband… I'm so sorry''

''How can you leave me high like this? You know everything about my husband. I've told you everything yet you do this to me? I've not had sex for nearly seven months now! Not seven weeks, I mean seven months! Then you act like a friend, you listen to my woes, you come here and leave me like…''

''I'm so sorry erm but I can't do this. You are right about the fact that I'm a friend and a good friend would not take advantage of you in your moment of weakness''

Wole nodded at her and took his seat again. From the corner of his eye, he could see Ebube had walked away again. He stared at the computer screen and began to play around with the mouse. The computer was fine and just as he suspected, there were no issues of programmes popping up or cursor dancing around. All he needed to do was update the antivirus and some other programmes she had on the laptop.

Some minutes later, Ebube returned and stood by his side ''I hope you like coconut rice. My coconut rice is second to none but don’t take my word for it, you should try it'' there was something about the way she spoke. She spoke in a low voice like she was teasing but in actual fact, Ebube spoke in that manner all the time. Her words were always slow, calculated and she thought things through before she opened her mouth. People often referred to her as quiet, wise but to Wole, she was a scheming woman! She was the perfect example of Jekyll and Hyde.

Suddenly she announced ''I'll get the food''

''I really appreciate your hospitality but I don’t want to eat anything''

''Are you angry or something? Did I take you away from your fiancée or is there somewhere you need to be Mr Akinleye?''

''None of the above. I'll take a drink but I'm not hungry. I'm not mad or anything, I promise''

''What should I get you then? Wine, whiskey, brandy or beer? Most Nigerian men would take beer so do you want Guinness or is it Star?''

''Ermm…I don’t know how to say this but I don’t do …erm… can I just have a simple drink? Do you have maybe malt or juice?''

Then Ebube began to laugh ''are you serious or something?''

''I'll take a glass of water if nothing else is available…''

''I'll get you malt then''

Some minutes later, she returned with a bottle of cold malt and set it before Wole. She opened the bottle in his presence and Wole reached out to take it. Then it happened rather quickly, she reached out and placed a hand over his and Wole stopped breathing ''why you acting so coy?'' Ebube whispered.

Wole tried to remove his hand but she wouldn’t let him do that. She had a firm grip on his but somehow, she managed to caress the back of his palm. Then Wole began to stammer ''I'm so sorry but I can't do what you want me to do''

''I'm not asking you to do anything''

''I can’t give you what you want''

''Yes you can, you are a man'' as she spoke, she moved closer and kissed his cheek. Outwardly, Wole was protesting but his body was saying something else. He was getting weaker by the minute; if he were a table, he was standing on three legs already. Ebube pushed the bottle away so it was no longer a barrier between them. She still had her hands on his and this time, when she leaned closer to kiss his cheek then his mouth found hers. They kissed lightly at first while Wole stared into her eyes in an unsure manner.

It was almost like he didn’t know if it was okay to continue but of course it was. He shut his eyes and they kissed again but this time it was hard, prolonged and more demanding. Then he opened his eyes, they continued to kiss and grope each other. As a matter of fact, lunge is the word, they lunged at themselves and shamelessly continued to kiss.

He was still standing like a statute when she returned with a silver coloured laptop ''take a seat; don’t be a stranger'' she said. She spoke in an exasperated tone like she was tired of faffing around.

She placed the laptop in front of him and moved away. Wole opened it and frowned slightly. The system was password protected and there was no guest account. He called her attention to it and she returned again ''silly me!'' she murmured, ''let me sign in and…'' suddenly he could smell her because she was so close.

He quickly removed his elbow from the table to make room for her but she moved even closer. He could almost feel her breathing down his neck, he could see her sheer nylon blouse and her black bra was visible through it. Her boobs brushed against his arm and he froze like a teenage lad. She smelt of fresh flowers in spring and everything about her called out to him even her earlobe! Yes, even her earlobe. She was not putting on an earring and he wanted to kiss her neck before sucking her earlobe. He was weird in that sense. He liked ear lobes, a lady's neck, and … ''done!'' Ebube announced.

By now Wole was breathing heaving and staring to sweat even though work had not commenced ''are you alright?'' Ebube asked in an innocent voice. She had that smile playing on her lips and Wole felt helpless ''what are you doing?'' he whispered.

''I want you''

''Why are you doing this to me?'' Wole continued in a weak tone. ''Your husband is my boss. I respect that man with everything I own…''

''Shush! He doesn't have to know, I'm not a kid''

''Why me?''

Then Ebube ran a hand along his arm and continued ''because I have my specification''

Suddenly Wole snapped back to life ''I need to work on this computer'' he focused his attention on the gadget and began to fiddle with the mouse''

''There is nothing to work on there'' Ebube replied in a quiet tone. ''That’s my personal laptop and its fine. The kids computer is equally sound''

Suddenly Wole stood up and announced ''then allow me go''

''SIT!'' Ebube commanded in a stern voice. She smiled at him again like she didn’t give the earlier command then she continued in a softer tone ''we can talk. You just came in; you don’t have to run away. I promise I don’t bite besides I've got something cooking so you can have lunch with me. I don’t like to compel you, but it would be nice if you stayed'' then she touched his arm again and pressed lightly ''I would really appreciate it if you did. Please stay''

She was wearing a white blouse with carton coloured pants and she looked absolutely beautiful. Her long hair abi was it weave fanned her oval shaped face. The hair was long, wavy and jet black. For a second, Wole was dumbstruck in awe. He wondered if what she said about her husband was indeed true. How could a man have such a woman and not touch her? Suddenly he found his voice ''afternoon ma’am''

''Afternoon to you too, come in Mr Akinleye. I'll show you the computer, come this way''

She shut the door behind him and they walked in like two strangers ''thanks for coming on such short notice ''Ebube continued.

Wole grunted but said nothing else in reply. Once they got to the study, Ebube placed her hand on the door handle and stared straight at him ''I told you you'll come'' she whispered. It was the first time she dropped her façade and revealed the women he knew via chat. Immediately, his heart began to beat like crazy.

Wole wanted to say something really explosive, but he knew he had to tread with caution ''did you think I was joking or something?'' Ebube continued.

''Can I just take a look at the computer?''

Ebube stared at him some more, she had a smile playing at the corner of her mouth and for the first time, Wole smiled at her wearily. She pushed open the door aside and walked in without another word ''I hear the cursor keeps moving around the screen'' Wole continued.

''Yes I guess''

Wole stared at the large study. He had been here before, just once when he was looking for the document his boss had asked him to get. It was the first time he met Ebube and since then, things had continued to decline slowly. At first it was scary, daring, fun but now it was starting to trouble him. He knew she was playing around with him. His boss had told him it was not the Apple so he knew it had to be another computer ''I hear it’s the kids computer causing problem; I hear it’s in their study area'' Wole continued.

''I'll get it''

‘’I thought it was a desktop?’’

Then Ebube eyed him like a mother who was sick and tired of her inquisitive brood ‘’I said I’ll get it’’ she replied in a weary tone.

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Wole remained at home for as long as possible. He was dressed but somehow, he could not get himself to leave his house. His initial plan was to leave by 12noon but it was 1pm and he was still wiping his brow. By 2.00pm, he got a call from Ebube but he refused to pick. He allowed the phone ring and ring while he continued to stare at it like it were some precious artwork. Some minutes later he picked up his phone and sent her a message: you're happy about this, aren’t you?

At the other side of town, Ebube stared at the message but she decided not to reply. She went into her kitchen instead and began to prepare something for later that evening. The kids were out to play with friends. The housekeeper was away for the weekend. It was just her and the gateman.

On the other hand, Wole waited some more before finally deciding to move. He never got a reply from ''the Mrs'' and somehow it made him more anxious. Usually, she was the one to chat him up or text some cryptic message but she was mum today. Did that mean she was upset at him, his message or wasn’t just in the mood to type? Had she returned back to her exalted Mrs position or was her computer really bad? Perhaps that was the case and she wanted to prove him wrong.

He was going to prove her wrong too. He was going to act like the perfect gentleman. He was never going to reply any message no matter how desperate or sad she seemed. He was going to be all professional and have his poker face like they've never had those sort of conversation. Wole dressed really casual, a v neck T-shirt and jeans trouser. He wanted to downplay everything about him, run in and out of that house at Omole and get on with his life.

His house was not terribly far, he lived somewhere at Isheri Magodo. It was a decent mini sized flat but he paid a hefty amount for it. He arrived at the Uzoh's residence at exactly 3.15pm on that hot afternoon. The gateman opened the gate for him and ran off to inform his madam. While this was going on, Wole tapped a foot and looked at the compound again. He had been here just once but every time, the place looked different. He looked at the long row of flowers, they were lovely to behold. They seemed like the same variety but with different colours. Suddenly the door flung open and Ebube walked out.

''Babe chill abi what did you expect me to say? Say no? If I told you I said no, nor be curse you for curse me? He is more than a boss T, he is my helper and mentor. He helped me with this job, this same job that will make our marriage possible in no distant time''

''I hear but it's not fair to capitalize on the fact you helped someone''

''Na you dey look am like that oh. It's not like I've being asked to carry block on my head. Abeg, let me go''

''You're right sha but we had our day planned that’s all''

''Let's do it tomorrow after church babe. Give them a call and push it by a day or so. It's not too much is it? The baby is going nowhere that’s for sure. I love you T, gotta go now''
Tania groaned in reply then stared at her neatly arranged shoe. She tossed her car key to a corner and eyed the cupcakes which had just being brought. The icing was blue with the word congratulations spelt on it. She wasn't sure about it staying until the following day.

Tania lived with parents and siblings who had no concept of another person's food. If she left the cake in the fridge, by evening, she was guaranteed to have one or two missing regardless of whatever warning she stuck to the cake box! As she thought of these things, her younger brother knocked on the door and pushed it open without a reply from her ''mummy said I should tell you…hmm is that cake I see?''

''Don’t even think about it!'' Tania screamed ''it's for Folake them''

''Can I just have one?''

''No you can't. It's lettered so if I gave you one, I'll have like ongratulations or something dumb''

''Well you can give me the s at the end so it's like congratulation instead''

Then the disappointment left Tania and she began to laugh ''Really?'' she asked. ''Like seriously? Did you just say that?'' as she spoke, she wore her shoes, picked up her car key and lifted the cake from the table. She wasn’t sure what to do before but now she had a fairy good idea. She was going to see what her mother wanted first and thereafter, she was heading off to see Folake and Jimi's baby - alone.

contd

''I'll need you to check it out tomorrow''

''Okay sir''

''It has to be tomorrow please, preferably in the morning. The kids have assignments and stuff which they need to turn in by Monday. I'm sorry to do this to you Wole but…''

''It's not a problem sir''

''Thank you very much. If you have to buy anything at all, the Mrs will see to it that you get it''

''Not a problem sir''

''Goodbye now''

Immediately the call was over, Wole sat back on his seat with a thud. Suddenly sweat began to pour from his forehead even though the air-conditioner was on. The Mrs AKA Ebube promised him she would make him come over and she had just done it.

***
Everything about Saturday was a drag. Wole woke up late, very late and then he dragged his feet around the house like a man who had a rock tied to his ankle. By 9am, Tania called and reminded him of their friend whose wife had just put to bed ''remember Folake and Jimi?'' Tania asked. ''It's for today at…''

''I can't dear, I can't. My boss has asked me to check on a computer at his place''

''Oh my God and you couldn’t communicate this information to me earlier? I just got the cake from the baker plus…''

''I'm so sorry dear. I can't do Omole waka then start heading to Ajah again…''

''Nawa oh! Nigeria is a sick place sha. Gosh, I feel like screaming into my pillow or something. I mean who does that? If this were aboard, it would be impossible. Plus if you have to work outside your normal working hours, they pay you overtime. Mehn, I can't deal! This is not even overtime matter, this is private house matter, this is not company work! How does helping with his home computer benefit your company? I'll tell you what this is about - using people!''

theyomight:
She ran a hand along(not alone) his bare chest and smacked it.

Many thanks bro.

@Idiataqueen please be patient, I will settle all the major characters with time. If I begin with Belinda again, na you go begin complain sef.

@ everyone I say a big thank you for your patience, corrections and comments. After this update, I will take a rest from this story but will continue as soon as I get the chance. Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

[size=18pt]22[/size]
On Friday after the close of work, Wole got a call from a foreign number. For a minute he forgot someone whom he knew was outside the country until the familiar voice spoke ''how are thing going at the office?''

Immediately, Wole stood on his feet as though his boss was physically present ''evening sir, I mean morning sir, its evening here though. We are fine sir. Office is fine and …''

''Have you closed for the day?''

''Still at the office sir, just about tidying up and…''

''Anyway I just got a call from the Mrs. I'm sorry I'll have to disrupt your weekend''

''Okay sir''

''They are having issues with the computer at home, a virus I believe. They are unable to do stuff. I hear the cursor keep moving around the screen when it's not being controlled. In addition, it has refused to print. They are not sure if its toner problem or the virus acting up. Its driving them nuts!''

''Is that the Apple sir?''

''Goodness no! It’s the desktop we have in the kids reading room. The Mrs uses it sometimes since it's connected to the printer. Unfortunately everyone is affected, I'm afraid I've not had the time to upgrade it to Apple. That’s what you get with Windows product, they have everything in the world including virus…''

''I know but I don’t expect that system to give any problem sir. I made sure it was upgraded to the latest antivirus and malware when you first got it. It's fairly new so I don’t foresee any major damage''

''I'll need you to check it out tomorrow''

''We need to be positive dear''

''The entire process is draining, that’s all''

Nat sighed and stared into space for sometime before whispering ''I'm weak dear. I wish you could be strong for me sometimes''

''I've been down this path a thousand times''

''Wrong. We've been down this path thrice and it's my body that takes the heat. I'm not asking for much, the money is not the problem dear. All I'm saying is come play your part, support me and pretend to be positive. Then pray with me, fake it with me sometimes, come with me to expecting mother fellowship. I see men with their wives too and it breaks my heart cos you've never been there once. Do you know the support you'll be giving me if you lay aside your discomfort and sit by my side there? Help me Ken, help me. I'm drowning in this thing''

''I don hear but you know I support you in other ways''

''I know you do dear but it can be better''

''I will keep doing my best. By the way, sorry about the funds thing, I for like play my part but business has been slow, contract has dried up like a well in the desert''

''I know, better days ahead. The board has finally approved the new director''

''Thank goodness, any idea who this new guy is?''

''Not yet, they are keeping mum on the issue. We hear he is someone from the branch in South Africa - a Nigerian though''

''Before nko''

''Nah, dey don learn their lesson since that last time nah. It has to be a Nigerian unless we will begin to play politics again. We have 3 names flying around but one can't be too sure. It should be over by the end of the week though''

''Good one, about time baby. About time''

***
Natasha strolled into the parlour and wrapped an arm around her husband's neck. Ken smiled at her and continued reading his paper ''I've got good news'' Nat whispered. She ran a hand along his bare chest and smacked it.

''Tell me'' Ken replied. Then Nat stood in front of him and he frowned ''what this about?'' he pointed at her protruding tummy and she smiled at him with a ready reply ''faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen''

''Is that why you have a pram in our bedroom?''

''Pastor Tony said…''

''Oh for God sake Nat, you need to chill with this make-believe stuff. You look and sound ridiculous. Look at your tummy, what do you have in there, another balloon or old wrapper?''

''Can you just pretend with me for once?''

''I can't, it's silly!''

''Pastor Tony said to fake it till you make it''

''Oh that slick fellow! He can pass for a magician in Las Vegas! Please, take that cloth out and kindly remove that pram from the bedroom. I need space to move around. Anyway what is this thing you wanted to tell me?''

''The doctor said it’s a good time to have another go at it''

''Meaning?''

''IVF''

''Hmm, I don’t know about that one oh!''

Eb: Says who?

Wole: It's not fair for your husband - my boss

Eb: He does not really care

Wole: I care

Eb: Aww! No surprises there, I know you do

Wole: But not like that, I didn't mean for it to sound the way you think

Eb: Don’t be coy with me mister

Wole: I'm not coy, trust me

Eb: But that’s sort of why I'm attracted. You are an enigma. I unwrap the packaging but I can't see the gift yet. It's got layers upon layers of wrappers - sparkly nice wrappers. I like the wrapper already so imagine how nice the gift would be

Wole: Erm thanks but I don’t quite get it

Eb: You'll get it someday…very soon

After another minute or so…

Eb: You've gone silent on me again

Wole: I'm sorry but maybe it's because I've got nothing more to say. I just settled in and I'm trying to watch the news

Eb: I must be boring then or perhaps you don’t like my lilac panties

Wole: Don’t do this, don’t even go there

Eb: Oh well… that’s the way the cookie crumbles

No reply.

Eb: Hello are you still there?

Wole: Yes ma'am

Eb: You like the chase don’t you?

Wole: Meaning? #cryptic lingua

Eb: Oh stop that! You sure know what I'm on about. I get the feeling you enjoy the chase. I like it too. I'll get you eventually

Wole: I think you should try to patch things up with your husband

He felt awful hearing these things but he kept telling himself that he was helping her. At least he was not going to sleep with her. Ebube confided in him and he could use the opportunity to advise her from herself. That evening, Wole was set to play his role again but he had no idea that his patient was about to take it a notch up. He clicked on the picture with shaky hands and waited a bit for it to clear up. Suddenly he blinked twice and drew in a sharp intake of air.

Meanwhile at another part of town, Omole Estate to be precise, Ebube was still on her toilet seat. Her heart was beating fast but her focus was on her smart phone. She was not worried or ashamed just anxious. She was like a young mother who had sent off her precious toddler to school for the first time.

She was hoping her child had a great day! She waited for about 10 seconds but there was no reply and she was slightly disappointed. Didn’t he enjoy the lunch she painstakingly prepared and packed? Did that mean her child didn’t enjoy his first day? He had no choice though; he would have to return to school again and again until he was educated. In the same vein, she would send these sort of things again and again until it culminated in one thing - sex! So she typed the next sentence:

Eb: So? What do you think about it?

Eb: Ping

Eb: Ping

Eb: Ping

Eb:

Eb: What do you think?

Wole stared at the picture of a lilac pant. It was low waist and Ebube had pulled it further down so he could just get a peek of her recently shaved pubic region. After about a minute of contemplating on what to type, Wole finally replied:

Wole: You shouldn’t be doing stuff like this.

[size=18pt]21[/size]
On Monday after work, Wole had had his bath then headed to the kitchen to make something. He ended with a plate of semovita and his delicious okro soup. In less than 6 minutes he had demolished the meal. He drank a glass of water then pushed the plates to a corner before turning on his television. It was his daily routine on most work days. It was not uncommon for him to sleep off on the couch and wake up by 2 or 3 am. When that happened, he would stumble across his plate as he made his way to the bedroom.

However today was different, the moment he turned on the television, a familiar sound came through. It was one he had been hearing a lot of lately. He looked at his phone and picked it up. It was none other than his new chat buddy - the boss's wife.

Eb: I'm sending you a picture

He stared at her message for sometime before typing a reply.

Wole: Really?

Eb: Yep

Wole: What is it?

Eb: Why not check it yourself

Wole looked around his small room but of course no one was around. However he was scared like someone would jump out from somewhere and see he was chatting with the boss's wife. His heart was racing really fast. It always happened like that whenever he was chatting with Mrs Ebube Uzoh. It scared him but fascinated him at the same time.

The chat session had been going on for quite a while now and he had heard enough to make a grown man blush. For instance he had heard the embarrassing tale that his benefactor suffered/once suffered from erectile dysfunction. Then it moved on to another gist - that he was no longer interested in sex! It was embarrassing to say the least and such stories only made Wole weak. In the meantime, he turned to Ebube's resident e-psychiatrist.

olashas:
I knew it was only a matter of time

I tried nah; I held out for as long as I could but we back on track.