[size=18pt]47[/size]
Ebube was struggling to wear her clothes while Belinda watched in amusement. She was leaning on a large table while trying to tidy her hair. From time to time, Ebube would stare at her as she struggled with a clothing item; undies, blouse et al. Such a simple task had become a cumbersome one and she nearly fell as she tried to put a leg into her jeans trouser. At a point, she yelled at a composed Belinda ''do something will you! Do something for Christ sake and stop lounging''

Then Belinda smirked and replied ''do what? Would you like me to help you get dressed?''

''This is not funny, we need to reach Natasha''

''Erm in case you've forgotten, Natasha is a sprinter. She just pulled an Usain Bolt on me right there. There is no way I would have caught up with her. All those years of relay at the boarding house has not left that her body''

''Try her number. Keep calling it!'' Ebube yelled. Then she got up and pulled the jeans up. Thereafter, she flopped on the bed and placed her palm over her face ''this is hard'' she murmured. ''Oh God, help me, help me. This is so wrong and I know Nat. She will need all the convincing in the world before she accepts this thing only just begun. She would never trust us again''

''Is that your problem?''

@Discoprophet well done for foreseeing what would eventually happen. You were the only reader who voiced it out...


Not supporting anyone; just playing devil's advocate here. I see a lot of people writing they'll rather have a friend like Nat as opposed to Ebube who is covering truth. That's great but lets not forget that sometimes its not a matter of a friend hiding the truth from you. Some people think like Ebube and its not because they are hiding the truth from you. Its fair to note that there are people in Nigeria that think like her. They are indifferent (as longas you don't try to date them) or even sympathetic towards the issue of homosexuality and gay rights. Such people wouldn't agree they are bad friends. That's exactly how Ebube's character thinks in this novel.

@everyone thanks. Goodnight oh.

The pair stared at her in shock and the brown dildó dropped from Belinda's hand ''you too?'' Nat asked. She looked at Ebube in shock and gasped.

''It's not what you think'' Ebube replied. ''I'm not gay. I'm just … it's just...'' then Natasha fled from the doorway before she could complete her sentence. As she ran, she hit her shoulder against a door and yelled out in pain. The wood caught her dress and a portion ripped off as she zipped past. Meanwhile in the bedroom, Ebube was yelling at Belinda to hurry up and catch up with Natasha ''please get her!'' she yelled.

But Natasha was out of reach. Belinda wore a house coat and ran outside the house without a slipper. Meanwhile at the gate, Natasha was already banging on it like a mad woman. A perplexed gateman came out of his small house and quickly let her out. And as he did, Natasha could hear Belinda's voice screaming from the doorway ''Natasha please, come back. Natttttttttttttt!!!''







TBC

A very long time ago, Belinda had given herself and Ebube a spare each in case of an emergency. As Natasha let herself in, she was hit with a blast of cold air. The air conditioner was still on and the empty tray and glasses (they had used) sat on the low table. From a corner of the house, she could hear low music playing and above that, the sound of female voices floated by. All of a sudden, she felt like she was intruding but something urged her on. As she moved closer to Belinda's bedroom, the music and chatter increased with every step.

She knew it was Ebube and Belinda; she could recognise their voice from a stadium full of roaring fans. She was a bit surprised that Ebube was still around though. It was around 8.30pm and one would have thought a mother with young children would be rushing home on a weekend. Besides Ebube lived on the mainland (Omole Estate) and her journey was longer.

Curiosity got the better of her and Nat pushed the door in. It was ajar so as it swung open, it made no sound. Her hand was still on the door when she was greeted with a scene from Hammer House of Horror!

Belinda and Ebube were down to their birthday suit and were doing things to themselves. Someone's legs were in the air and another person was holding a brown object that looked like the wooden stick for turning garri or was it a mallet? ''What da hell!'' Nat whispered.

''I understand how you feel'' Pastor Tony chipped in. ''We wouldn’t lie to you though. If you spoke to her in the manner which you described, then you should apologise''

''However if she remains set in her ways, you should sever the friendship but continue to pray for her from afar'' Mrs Chudi added.

''And if she is open to confession and deliverance, we are more than happy to help'' Pastor Tony concluded. ''There is no sin God cannot forgive as long as she turns away from her wicked ways"

And so the meeting came to an end with a short prayer. Afterwards, Nat decided it would be a good idea to apologise to Belinda. She lived in the same vicinity with her anyway and it was not like she was rushing home to meet her husband.
On the other hand, Ebube was quite mature so she could do her apology another day. She could even call her and get it over with. Ebube was that understanding. And so armed with that thought, Natasha drove to Belinda's house for the second time that day.

Once she arrived, she parked outside and knocked on the gate. The gateman knew her quite well so he allowed her in without the usual formality of calling his madam. Natasha strolled to the front porch and spent some time knocking on the front door but there was no reply. She knew Ebube was still around; she could see her white Toyota land cruiser still parked in the driveway. After knocking for close to a minute, she decided to let herself in.

[size=18pt]46[/size]
After evening service, Nat hung around to see her pastor. Actually it was pastors; the pastor and his wife. The pair had been instrumental in trying to get her to accept her husband back. They were not only working on Nat but also counselling a willing and contrite Ken.

On that cold evening, Nat spoke to them about the latest discovery on her friend claiming she was a lesbian. Nat was just that sort of person. She was quite good when it came to confiding in her pastor over something that worried her. The good thing was that she didn’t call any names; she actually lied that Belinda was a cousin.

It was all in a bid to help her fictitious cousin. Unlike Ebube who had decided to take things calmly, Nat was actually troubled about Belinda's lifestyle. She wanted advice on ways she could help her dear friend. And as she spoke that night, Pastor and Pastor Mrs Tony Chudi continued to nod their head in agreement. They were all of the opinion that the said cousin needed deliverance.

However, Mrs Chudi was skeptical of how Natasha had handled the matter. ''Your cousin will not trust you if you were so dismissive''

''Ma, it's not like I wanted to be but I could not help myself'' Natasha replied. ''I was so shocked. This is a cousin that is so close to me. We grew up together as children and even attended the same secondary school and university. Ma, I have my own challenges oh but it paled in comparison with what I heard today''

Ossaifamous:
Ohhhh interesting

Where have you been? You should comment more often. LOL

SexySapphire:
I think Nat is starting to take this issue too far. We all know she's going through some psychological and emotional problems, but she shouldn't take it out on her friends because they care about her. She should have atleast given them a listening ear and not judge them like that.

I quite agree. Why she decided to take it out on her friends is something I myself cant explain.
We will see the far reaching implication of her actions on that day. Stick around...

write2obi:

Fantasy I think you made a little mistake here, is it over two months or little over 4 months?

Thanks. A little over two months would mean just into the third month abi? Therefore it is safe to infer that such an event is coming to the 4 month mark. Does that make sense? Confusing I know; I should find a simpler way to express myself sometimes. tnx tho


@eagleeye, no one wants this story to finish as much as I do but sometimes its beyond my control. Bear with me @ everyone. Tnx

''Thank you too but can you people do the same? Is it not the Belinda that just admitted she has been sleeping with her fellow woman? A married woman for that matter - a mother! And you as the second half of her best friend has been supporting that sordid lifestyle''

''I haven’t you homophobic creature from hell!''

''Oh yes you have Mrs Renegade and don’t you dare deny it! By your action or inaction you have… how do you people say it again in law? Ehen! I remember now, you have acquiesced!''

''You are pathetic! Fancy using my own words against me and can I just say you are no angel. Your fancy little sermon is pretty rich coming from you''

''I agree but I am sorry I cannot act Great Britain while you play USA and we pretend to be politically correct allies. My method may not be right but my conclusion will always remain the same. I will trek to the ends of the earth and return but I'll say the same thing. Belinda has got a problem and you should not be an enabler!'' then Nat picked up her bag and strapped it across her shoulder with another announcement ''ponder on that Ebube and take a stand for Christ. I'm off now, I have evening service to attend''

''Good riddance'' Ebube whispered.

''I heard you darling'' Nat yelled. Then she shut the door behind with a bang.
 












TBC

''Can I speak now?''

''I didn’t stop you. On the contrary I've been waiting for you to say something''

''Well thank you for quoting all my sins but I'm glad you don’t have one against me today. I am glad there are all in my past. You are talking past tense and I'm speaking present tense - halleluiah!''

Then Ebube turned to Belinda and said ''watch her turn it around and start acting like the fanatic she is. Mad woman! Fücking lunatic! We keep quiet and even laugh when you act like this but let me tell you, that shít aint cool!''

''Why I nor go mad thank God? The bible said David tore his clothes while praising God, wouldn’t we call that madness today? Why won't I shout halleluiah with all the plenty sins you have reeled on top my small head yet my father has forgiven me. My bible says who the son of man has set free is free indeed. At least I can put my hand on my chest and swear no man other than my husband has seen my nakédness since I got married''

''Thank God for you, you sure needed to take an early retirement''

''I hear you'' Nat replied.

''Am I lying? Swear you didn’t bonk that old man until he entered plane out of this country. Go ahead and lie and let thunder strike you dead this second! Do you think we are fools? If you are such a good Christian as you claim to be, why haven’t you quit that job? Why haven’t you made restitution abi you think say God don forget?''

''Are you done?'' Nat asked in a calm manner.

''Now your mouth nor sharp again abi? At least manage and answer one of my questions. Why haven’t you forgiven Ken and confessed all your plenty runs sins to him? Has it ever occurred to you that’s probably the reason you are without a child?''

Suddenly Belinda stopped crying and stared on in shock. She had never seen Ebube that mad and certainly what she just spewed was something massive! You needed to eat the heart of a lion to say something like that.

Meanwhile Ebube continued to talk ''I'm asking you. Do you know where your problem is coming from?''

''Don’t go there Ebube'' Nat sang in a high pitched tone.

''I'll go everywhere bítch cos you've done just that! You are no saint so why do you suddenly think you are better than Belinda?''

''You are a bloody hypocrite!'' Ebube spat out.

''Leave that level because I know where you want to go''

''Like hell I'll go there!''

''Let me tell you, the word of God does not change. Are you not aware of Sodom and Gomorrah? Why did the bible say God destroyed those cities? Are you not aware that there is a spirit behind homosexuality? That is the spirit that has held our friend captive and prevented her from getting married. That is the spirit that almost ruined Blossom's home and it’s the same spirit that is urging you to pretend like this is okay''

At that point Ebube began to yell at her while Belinda continued to weep ''you have deep issues Natasha'' Ebube said. ''You are blinded by spiritual doctrines that have held you captive. You are also homophobic but I don’t think you quite realize it. You ought to be ashamed of your actions today. Whoever judged you while you were doing runs in school? Did I or Belinda ever call you out? Whoever judged you while you were tying scarf on your head and going from church to sleep with man? Whoever judged you about your oil company work which we all know you got through bottom power abi did you polish Uncle Edwin's shoe then he smiled and accepted your CV? You bloody well knew what you were on your knees polishing before he got you got that blasted job!''







cc:eagleeye2 (dats the portion I was talking about)

''It is not for me to say what is right or wrong. At the end of the day, whatever Belinda chooses to do, she has my full support. It’s the same for you; whatever you choose with Ken, you have my full support. That is what friends do for each other. We may not understand her choice but…''

''Bull! Crap! Friends are there to tell each other the truth no matter how much it hurts. It’s the same way you advise me to get back with Ken although you add the caveat that either way you'll support me. That makes me know what you truly wish I'll do. In the same vein, I kind of know where you stand with Belinda on this issue and i must add that I'm sorely disappointed''

''Okay now this is getting deep'' Ebube replied.

''We've only just started; I'll make it go deeper. Do you know your problem Ebube?''

''Tell me''

''You are trying to be politically correct but if you continue like this, God will judge you too! Ebube, God will judge you and he would do it harshly because you knew the truth yet allowed our friend wallow in sin'' then she turned to Belinda and continued ''Bel, come to my church and let my pastor pray for you. This thing will drop so quickly you'll wonder why you'd not done it years ago. Come and allow my pastor deliver you''

''But I don’t need deliverance'' Belinda whispered. She was already beginning to tear up again and Ebube yelled ''Nat, that’s okay! I’ve not seen Belinda cry in ages and I find it rather upsetting’’

''Ebube, where do you stand?'' Nat asked. ''Are you holding brief for Belinda? Are you not a Christian? The bible says you cannot be lukewarm - you are neither hot nor cold so he will spew you out of his mouth; that’s God talking now not me''

She was so disappointed but she continued in a softer tone ''you got caught up with the wrong person and stuff happened. Blossom may not even be a lesbian but she probably had naughty thoughts running through her mind like most young ladies. Do you want to know the number or women that have fantasised about kissing another woman? Hell I know i have. Then do you want to know the number that go out to act that role just for the fun of it? I haven't though.

Listen, all I'm trying to say is that people have crazy thoughts as humans. Sometimes they act them out but that does not make them gay. Perhaps Blossom was lonely then and just like a matchstick and a matchbox… boom… you were all she needed and thereafter you guys just continued. You must forgive yourself and move on dear. This kind of thing should not even get out there. Please stop claiming what you are not because this is not a good thing oh! There is power in your tongue. You are trying to wear that title like it's a garment of honour. God forbid that remains your portion. Belinda, you deserve to be happy. You deserve to be with a man who loves and adores you. You deserve to have your own kids…''

''But I don’t want kids''

''I think we need to respect Belinda's wishes here'' Ebube added.

Then Nat looked at her in shock and lashed out at her ''Ebube, are you for this lifestyle or against it?''

''That is an unfair question to…''

''Do you support lesbianism? Simple yes or no?''

''Nat, please there is no need to be graphic plus the word butch is an offensive term to describe a lesbian''

''Wow! I'm sorry but I'm just astonished. I'm beyond stunned, like this is pure drama for me. Was Belinda like the man in the relationship?''

Then Ebube spoke in a calm voice ''there is no man or woman in the relationship. They were two people who dated - finish''

''This is a lot to digest. You are chilled because you've got a good head start honey'' Nat concluded.

''I understand but we need to be here for our friend. It has not been easy for her too'' then Ebube continued to talk and at a certain point, Belinda took over and finished the entire tale right up to when Blossom's husband found out about them. As soon as she was done, Nat sighed deeply and announced ''hmm, it is well even in the well. The good thing is this behaviour can be unlearned''

Suddenly Ebube frowned at her while Belinda asked ''unlearned?''

''Yes, you were not born with it. It began in 100 Level and if you want to drop it, you can''

''But I was born with it, I am gay…''

''No you weren’t. At least you were not gay while we were in secondary school; you said so yourself''

''But I kind of had the tendencies so…''

''No, that’s not true. You are making it up as you go along. Why are you trying so hard to align with that lifestyle?''

''But I am not, it is who I am, who I have been and…''

''What are you on about Belinda? We lived for how years at the university and not once did I suspect a thing. We were young and innocent at the boarding house and again this thing never cropped up. If you were truly a lesbian, then the best time of your life would have been in an all girls secondary school but it never happened. That is where you would have thrived unhindered. Is anybody seeing this from the angle I'm at?'' Nat paused for a minute and looked at her friends but no one said a thing. At this stage, she expected Ebube to nod in agreement or say something in her defence but she noticed Ebube could not even look her in the eye.

''BB King?''

''Yes, Blossom nee Okara''

''Jesus Christ! How on earth… how couldn’t we have known. Oh God! Now it's all coming back to me. It's all making sense; her coldness and unwillingness to be friends with us. I didn’t understand it then but now… apparently she was jealous or something. God this is shocking!'' she kept quiet for some seconds then yelled again ''Arghhh! Her not wanting to marry or have kids… damn, I should have known. Then all those times in school Bel kept insisting she was a virgin and we would tease her and call her a liar''

''She wasn't lying about that. She hadn’t had sex at that time; at least not penetrative''

''I'm sorry, forgive my faux pas in the event I err. So is it like Blossom wasn’t doing her but she was doing Blossom? Like Belinda was the man and Blossom was the woman who was erm you know now. Like is Belinda still a virgin? Is Belinda like the butch or…''

''I wasn’t joking when I said I was gay''

''She is gay'' Ebube reiterated.

''Gay like she is happy or gay like you are a lesbian?''

No one said a word and Nat quickly realized it was no joke. She tried to reason it out for some seconds but it was not making any sense. Afterwards, she shook her head and announced ''this is wrong. This is wrong yall''

''Is that all you can say?'' Ebube whispered. She eyed Nat and continued to comfort Belinda. She had an arm on Belinda's back and she continued to rub it ''is that all you can tell our friend?'' she yelled at Nat.

''No I have more to say. When did this start? Secondary school? University? I don’t believe this. How could it have gone on and I didn’t have a clue? Are you girls kidding me or something? And why am I just hearing about this?''

''It's not only you. I actually learnt of this just before you went on your trip. Belinda opened up to me and…''

''Belinda, when did this start? Please sit and let's talk about it''

Belinda refused to sit, she merely folded her arms and leaned against a wall. Natasha continued to look at her but the answer was not forth coming. Finally Ebube spoke up ''university'' She looked at Belinda and Belinda nodded her head like it was okay for her to continue on her behalf. And so Ebube did ''it began in second semester 100 Level with Blossom''

Then as if on cue, Belinda walked back into the living room and began to speak and cry at the same time ''you've got no clue, have you? I've been unhappy for a very long time but I couldn’t even tell you because you've been immersed in your own problems''

''Belinda, it's okay'' Ebube said.

''Not it's not and I'm sick and tired of pretending like it is. You try being the black sheep of your family. Try being the person everyone asks about wedding, men and babies. Try loving someone selflessly and not having them love you back. Try dealing with betrayal. Try helping someone and her husband obtain a visa then they throw you under the bus the first chance they get. Try living in a judgemental society that has set standards you can never ever attain. Try being the best in your field and having your parents continually sing medicine for you. Try having your parents compare you with your doctor siblings all the bloody time! Try doing your best but it's never good enough. Try being gay in a country like Nigeria!''

For the next few seconds, the room was quiet, so quiet you could hear a pin drop then Nat pushed aside her handbag and announced ''that’s 14 years darling. Barrister Ebube, there is a law to that effect, isn't it? Didn’t GEJ sign that bill into law? Wasn’t that the bill that pit the western world against us?''

Finally Ebube lost it ''Fück you!'' she yelled. She stood up and went to hug Belinda.

''Hey yeh! What did I say wrong?'' Nat announced. ''Why is everyone so serious today? Is it just me or am I having a blonde moment?''

[size=18pt]45[/size]

Warning - strong language!

Nat continued to pick the small chops until it was finished. Once she was done, she pushed the plate aside and announced ''that was good. Do you think she has some more?''

''You've lost it'' Ebube whispered.

''I'm done talking''

''I wish you did sooner''

''Listen, Bel is mad at me already so don’t join her''

''I'm mad at you too but I've chosen to ignore you today. Nat, you've got to apologise to her before you leave. I know you are hurting but you don’t have to hurt everyone too. This was supposed to be a nice day but see how you've ruined it''

''If she comes out, I'll apologise and take my leave''

''Belinda, let it go!'' Ebube yelled.

''No, let her have it. If she can dish it surely she can receive it. She has been yapping all afternoon. She has been talking like we don’t care but we do. She's the one who has been in town but has kept quiet all the while. We ignored that and organised this gathering because we haven’t seen her in ages then what do I get in return? She eats my food and insults me while at it. Because I'm not married abi? No wahala. Let me tell you, no one is struggling to be the sorrow's poster child so keep your highly esteemed position to yourself!''

Then Nat took another drink straight from the container and belched loudly ''truth hurts!'' she concluded.

''Get her out of my place this minute!'' Belinda announced. Then she got up and walked away again.



TBC

''Oh calm down people, all this because I said she wouldn’t understand because she isn't married? Is that a lie? Belinda doesn’t want to get married before. She doesn’t want to have kids. She says it all the bloody time!''

''But that doesn't mean I don't want to be happy''

''Okay I give up, I beg nor vex. Ebube, I'm sorry for what you're going through too but don’t forget you have kids sha''

Then Ebube gasped ''Nat, I'm just 36 for God sake!'' she cried in a hurt tone.

''I know but lack of sex will not kill you; there is no known case of someone who died because of a build up of kongi else those folks in the convents and monasteries would have died!'' then she held up her hands and continued ''I'm sorry if I'm still speaking from the last century. I've been living under a rock so perhaps things have passed me by''

''What da hell is wrong with her?'' Belinda asked.

''You think you have a problem?'' Nat continued, ''then come swap with me. Sex is not food. You have kids, don’t you? I'll give anything to have a child and bone sex for the rest of my life''

Then Belinda stood up and yelled at her ''I'm sorry about that. I'm sorry your husband cheated on you. I'm sorry someone else has his baby but you've been effing rude to both of us today. You've dismissed our problems and held out yours like you were the only one suffering in this world!''

Nat scoffed then picked up a spring roll and popped it in her mouth. Once she was done, she picked up another and announced ''whose problem is bigger than mine?''

''I don’t know'' Belinda replied. ''And just because I don’t wear mine as a badge does not mean I don’t have any. I ended a relationship some months back and I'm still dealing with the betrayal I suffered…''

''Next please'' Nat announced.

Then Ebube laughed and continued ''I've been having problems in my marriage for a little over a year now. Try living in a sexless marriage''

''Next please''

''You are an ice cold bítch!'' Belinda replied then she got up to get the drinks. Some minutes later, she returned and dumped them on the table. The tray clattered and Ebube watched in disgust as Nat reached for a pack of juice and drank straight out of the carton. ''What is wrong with you?'' Ebube whispered. ''I hope you are not having an emotional breakdown this minute?''

''I think there is so much bullshít going around this table. It makes me want to puke!''Nat replied.

''I'm just taking it easy with you because I know it's been tough for you. But this is not even about me, it's about Belinda. You've got to apologise to our host this minute''

Then Nat said something that would change the course of the day ''no leave her. She is not married and has no intention to do so hence she wouldn’t understand the concept of for better for worse''

Suddenly there was silence, it was not meant to sound like that but that reply opened the floodgate and a lot of talk would follow ''Wow! Easy now tiger'' Ebube yelled then Belinda got up and walked away ''that was below the belt'' she whispered to Natasha.

''It was not intentional. I need support. I need help and encouragement not that kind of talk''

''You know Belinda, she didn’t say that to hurt you. She is quite vocal about her feelings like that and you know it''

''Well you people know me too. I wouldn’t say that to hurt her. I need to be excused if I fly off the handle once in a while''

Almost immediately, Belinda returned with a tray of small chops. She dumped it on the table and announced ''help yourself ladies and Nat, I heard you quite well. I want you to know everyone of us around this table has problems of their own''

''Stressful?'' Ebube and Belinda repeated at the same time. Then Belinda began to joke around ''I believe its spring time in America. The birds are chipping, the flowers are blooming, everyone is out in shorts and the kids are licking their lollies'' Ebube and Belinda laughed but Nat didn’t. Then Ebube sighed and continued ''the trip was supposed to leave you rejuvenated dear. I worry for you, for your health and general well being. You are pushing us away too. You've been in town for about a week and if Belinda didn’t call you na so the matter for end''

Nat said nothing else and so they delved into other things: work, children, politics, food and other mundane things. Finally it got around to the topic everyone had been dancing around. Nat gave them the latest on her marital saga. It was not hard to see she had shifted ground somewhat. She appeared open to reconciliation and Ebube was happy about this.

On the other hand, Belinda was surprised. She didn’t know how a woman could consider forgiving a man such as Ken. She had very little patience for such things and at some point she blurted the words she shouldn’t have said ''I'm sorry but I think you need to kick that man to the curb and leave him there forever!''

''Hmm!'' Ebube replied. ''Belinda nor be so oh!''

''Girls, what is wrong with you people?’’ Belinda yelled. ‘’Nat is the breadwinner here. She is successful all by herself and she is in her mid thirties. She does not need any man to validate her more so a man who would hurt her in that manner. She is still young and full of life. There is time yall. How you can talk about forgiving such a man is beyond me. I mean Ken is a great guy, I've known him right from our university days and stuff but making a baby outside while our friend is moving from one IVF cycle to another is a sin I cannot forgive''

Ebube eyed her and spat out ''that’s you but this is Nat. If she is open to reconciliation then as her friends, we need to support her''

[size=18pt]44[/size]
The following weekend, the three friends decided to meet. The plan was to have lunch somewhere on the island, but Nat decided a home visit would be better.

And so on a warm day, the three friends gathered at Belinda's house for a natter and lunch. If anyone thought Nat would be in a better place, they thought wrong. It had been a little over two months since she found out her husband's secret and time had not healed the open wound. It was even worse after his mistress put to bed plus she had to cancel their IVF arrangement.

Nat had since made up with her husband although they continued to live in separate houses. If Ken had his way, it wouldn’t have been that way but Natasha kept saying she needed more time. More time, more time and the separation was almost inching closer to the 4th month. Family and friends had wadded in but nothing had changed.

On that day the 3 friends met, Ebube was the first to arrive and 15 minutes later, Nat knocked on Belinda's door. The moment she entered the house, there was silence. Nat looked like she had aged by 5 years! She was looked tired, thinner and gaunt. Belinda rushed to hug her and Ebube joined in ''are you getting enough rest dear?'' Ebube asked in concern.

''You look pale'' Belinda chipped. They began fussing over her but they had no idea what the day held. In less than 15 minutes, Nat would show them she was not as weak as they thought. The trio began to talk immediately and the talk centred on Nat's latest trip ''how did the trip go? Did you have fun in New York?'' Ebube asked.

''It was stressful'' Nat replied in a bored tone.

And things begin to unravel...

''I still have it. I never deleted anything about you. You were the one that blocked abi removed me from BBM, WhatsApp and even Facebook. I never went anywhere so now you can add me up again. Our cat and mouse friendship continues''

''Oh Fejiro, I'm just ashamed of myself. Please forgive me for all that happened''

''My dear, I forgave you long ago so forgive yourself. I must go now. I will call you later tonight so you can talk with hubby''

Long after the call, Okiemute held her phone and continued to cry. But her tears were more of gratitude than sorrow. She felt lighter, more optimistic and at peace with herself. She couldn’t wait to pack her things and leave Lagos.

Already she had begun to sell some things she didn’t need for the extra cash. She wasn't even going to wait until next weekend. As soon as the money touched her account, she would return to Delta State. Suddenly her daughter began to cry. She must have woken up from her sleep and she needed to be breastfed again. So Okiemute wiped her eyes and rushed back inside the house.

''No. I later got a job at an insurance company. It was the job that took me to the mainland. I was just managing myself in one small place close by. Thankfully, I was able to work my transfer to Abuja''

''Fejiro, you are now a big babe oh! I can even hear it in your voice. Really it pays to be patient'' then Okiemute began to cry again.

''It's okay my dear don’t cry'' Fejiro replied, ''listen, I've got to go now, my lunch break is almost over. Please consider what I've advised you. You didn’t listen to me before but here is an opportunity to re-strategize and redeem yourself. Go home and make peace with your parents. Go on your knees and ask for their forgiveness. I know they will not turn their back on you. You need all the help in the world. You are a new mother and you should not be all alone. In addition, you need a clear head. You need people around and there are loads of them at home. You have your siblings and cousins that will beg to carry Cassandra. Humble yourself and start afresh while you chart a course for yourself and your precious daughter. You said you have to move out by when again?''

''Next weekend''

''By God's grace, I will send you something this weekend. I can only afford 35k for now but I’m sure that will help. By month end, I will do something small for baby''

Then Okiemute began to cry in relief ''may God bless you richly'' she cried out. ''I cannot thank you enough. Ken only gave me something for Cassandra’s needs and he knows I’ve not been getting orders or doing my personal shopper business. Oh Fejiro, I’m so grateful for this. Do you still have my account number? It is still that GTB 014…''

contd

''I now reside in Abuja with the husband''

There was silence for some seconds before Okiemute exclaimed ''wow! Congrats, when did you get married? No one told me about that one''

''Na so''

''Ahh! Nobody said anything; I don’t expect Uncle Monday to talk but even people from Sapele? Is that fair?''

''Perhaps that is because they are not happy with you but don’t sweat it, it was just two weeks ago. It's still fresh besides it was a quiet one. We just did registry but the traditional is at the end of this month''

''Eh, thank God for you. Even with my condition, I must rejoice with you. Marriage is indeed a beautiful thing so now you are Mrs? By the way, is it that your school boyfriend of that time?''

''No, we later broke up but I met someone else in the same school. He is the uncle of a former pupil in my class. He's always been in Abuja, but that time, he was in Lagos for a short course. He came to pick his nephew from school and the rest they say is history''

''Wow! Lucky you. I really don’t know what to say but I'm truly happy for you. By the way, are you still like teaching?''

''Hmm! All you married women, I can never understand you people'' There was silence for sometime before Belinda continued in a lower tone ''sometimes I think and think. I can't shake off all those pills she was taking. Do you think…''

''Not at all. Not at all dear''

''Are you sure? Remember, all day everyday popping birth control pills…''

''Bel, those pills were helping Nat manage her condition not the other way round. Make no mistake about it, they were prescribed by her doctor due to the scarcity of her period ish. The pills were to regulate her period. PCOS is not something you bring upon yourself by your lifestyle. It’s a hormonal thing if you get what I mean. No one plans for stuff like that. In addition, it's not a death sentence. So many women with the condition go on to have healthy children and Nat will have hers in due season''

''Amen''

''My sister, please let this pill talk die between us, don’t even use mistake to talk about it again''

Then Belinda sighed deeply but said nothing else.

''Belinda, let me ask you a question. If Nat leaves that marriage today, what is her gain?''

''She still has her job, she has properties, good academic qualifications, excellent career as an engineer, influential contacts, she is still young, still pretty and she can remarry if she likes''

''Ehen and…''

''And what? She has all that and she has her sanity intact''

''What of the priceless treasure that will outlive her?''

''What are you on about?''

''Her offspring, her children for Pete's sake! What is her gain in that marriage if Ken goes like that? I don’t like what he did to my friend but I will never advise her to divorce him. Nothing is wrong with Nat and God will open her womb when the time comes. Let Ken go back and do his job. 10 years is a long time to just let man go like that? I can't oh!''