''Hah! Remember Uncle Edwin was a widower at that point. I believe he wanted Nat to follow him as he began his retirement life in the States. He wanted something more concrete with her - more like companionship but he was not going to compel her. He wanted her to do it of her own volition''

''Hmm! If only he was 30 years younger. Sometimes I don’t blame Nat for choosing to remain at her job then. The poor girl wanted to go out and forge her own path in life. I only wish she did it with another young man and not that ingrate! It would have been even better to go with Uncle Edwin to lockdown the masters and hopefully get her greencard''

''She is lucky she got the chance to still do her masters in Nigeria. Those days Nat will do ehn, it will be like her parents were sponsoring both of them at the university. Unfortunately, I just take this her matter as bad investment''

''Bad one nor be say''

''That is why I would expect Nat to be thankful. Such a man is a mess. I mean I like Ken, don’t get me wrong but he lost my respect the moment I heard he fathered a child outside''

''Oh my heart! It's broken for her sake and you heard she even met the girl. She met the small girl in Ken's office once and the man introduced her as a niece who was looking for work. Nat said she even folded small money and put inside the girl's hand that day. She said the stupid girl was even bending down to greet her in her dialect''

''Depressing! I can never cry for such a man, I swear to God. Nat is better off without Ken. I said it yesterday and I will continue to say it. Let her never take him back, let him remain out there in the cold''

''Now that is where we differ. We both agree he didn’t treat her well but my take on the issue is that she has already entered so let her manage it. Belinda, it is not easy to be divorced in this our society oh! Here nor be America''

''That is the problem I have with you married women. You will be suffering and smiling just to retain Mrs. I can't, I can't live that life''

''Too much money, oil money, real estate money; you name it, Uncle Edwin had all''

''Ebube, do you know what she told me that time? Nat said Uncle Edwin asked her just before he retired what do you want me to do for you? Do you want to remain in this company or do you want me to sponsor your masters in the States? I feel he also said that because he wanted her to be near him in America. The guy knew he was leaving Nigeria for good and he wouldn’t have the resources like that to spare. I told her that time to take study leave and go but she refused because of who?''

''Imagine! Nat found favour with that man and he was willing to do anything for her back then. She has always been a lucky girl especially with the men. I wish I had who was dashing me stuff for free. Uncle Edwin liked Nat die unfortunately, she chose to remain in Nigeria because of Ken. Ken yeh, Ken refused the education option just because he didn’t like aboard life. Ken wen never even get work that time dey dictate wetin go happen. He convinced Nat to remain because he was already chopping oil money. He couldn't imagine going abroad and working 9 to 5 like everyone else. He has always had an entitled life with Nat and he doesn’t know how to get his hands dirty like a real man''

''Remember even Ken's family got involved. They didn’t want their first son to go there and lost. Nat was at the verge of dumping him but he had an ace up his sleeve. It was then he decided to pacify her with the marriage card. She agreed because she loved him and I can't blame her. Dude had kept her waiting and we all know Nat wanted to marry and settle quickly. She deserved more I tell you''

''I agree''

''She deserves a lot more. I remember telling her then to leave Ken and take the school option. Nat refused because she felt Uncle Edwin was becoming too dependent on her''

''I didn’t know the gist from that angle''

''I think you gave me this gist''

''I must have, it was too important for me to have ignored. Ebube, it was that day it occurred to me that maybe, just maybe Nat is suffering from depression!''

''Hmm''

''The one that is paining me inside is the fact Ken has gone. She kicked his ass but one would think it’s the other way round''

''My dear, betrayal coupled with the fact that man has a kid out there. Some men are really bastards sha. After all she did for that man. Nat took care of Ken in school like she was already a wife. Haba! Me I can't oh, these men aint loyal. I could never have done what Nat did for Ken. And that rubbish persists till this day. I can go on and say more but for client confidentiality, I'll let it slide. I'm not saying she is perfect o but that girl tried''

''Was I not there? Such a pity she stood with that blasted guy! The worst part is she didn’t have to. Nat was already counting clean cash right out of NYSC no thanks to uncle dearest''

''That her fake Uncle Edwin that liked wearing striped suits''

Then the pair began to laugh before Belinda continued ''God bless you jo! Your memory serves you well. That man hold money pieces, that man didn’t even know what to do with all that cash he had amassed''

''Have you noticed how serious she is? I barely know what she will take as joke. Did I tell you how Nat was crying on my head one time?''

''I don’t think you did. When did this happen?''

''My dear, it was shortly after she kicked Ken out. On that day, we were talking just the way we are talking now. I don’t even know how we got there but I made a comment about not wanting a kid. Then Nat said whether if push came to shove I can act as a surrogate for her. I started laughing and I was like hell to the no chic in a jovial manner. End of matter but it didn’t end there oh!''

''You don’t say''

''You won't believe this girl began to cry some minutes later. I was stunned like what did I say to warrant this emotional outburst? Nat started to cry and I began to pet her. I pet sotay my hand wan bend''

''Cry say wetin?''

''She started to say things like no one knows what she is going through, that if we cannot stand for her who can? That I was laughing at her because she was considering surrogacy. That am I saying I can't help her if push comes to shove? She said so many things and I was tongue tied. At the end of the day, I didn’t even know what to say again''

''That is sad''

''I fear for Nat, we must make out time to see her. Next weekend please''

''I would have even gone myself seeing I have the time now''

''Ebube don’t bother yourself, you will not get her''

''Hmm! Weekend then please free up your calendar''

''No wahala. I find it really sad sha. Nat that is so vivacious, so full of life has turned into something else… I'm struggling to find the word to describe her''

''A recluse''

''God bless you; that is the word I was looking for. That day as we spoke, I could hear the sadness in her voice. I tried to joke with her but she was having none of it. I feel she is deliberately staying away from us, I don’t know why sha''

''It's this baby matter coupled with Ken's betrayal. She has forgotten none of us are perfect. We all have our challenges''

''Challenges will come and go and I hope she will have her friends to rejoice with her when it's all over. If she pushes all of us away then it's her loss''

''It's pathetic I know''

[size=18pt]43[/size]
After Ebube and Belinda postponed their last trip to see Nat, she travelled out of the country for a holiday. It been nearly a month since their last attempt to see her and today, the pair were talking in Belinda's house on a Saturday evening ''I think we need to make out time to see Nat'' Belinda began.

''Is she back from her trip?''

''Yeah'' Belinda replied. Immediately Ebube looked up and frowned ''really? When did she get back?’’ she asked.

''I know I had the same look when she told me she was in town. I called her number some days ago, mere coincidence just for the fun of it oh and the number went through one time. I was a bit shocked because I tried that number shortly after she left and it was switched off. She told me the roaming charges were mad and she won't be using it over there''

''I remember but now i believe it was a lie to prevent us from getting across to her''

''Anyway when the call went through, I was like shuoo then I sha just asked her, where are you and she replied in a small voice in my house''

''Which house?'' Ebube yelled.

''Wait nah! Na the same question I ask am. Apparently she's been back for like a week or so and for reasons best known to her, she just lock up''

@Fretfingers you have a point there. Okiemute had no idea how much Ken was dependent on his wife. She believed since she was carrying his child, he would eventually forgive her and condone her excesses. She probably believed Nat would be the one begging for survival to remain in husband's house having lost on bearing his seed.

Unfortunately, she didn't realize how much Ken relied on his wife. Not supporting her but that was probably why she allowed her anger take over. She believed she had everything working in her favour alas she thought wrong.

Guys I'm sorry about the update issue. NEPA nor let me see road. Once I get around it, I'll update.

eagleeye2:


Yes, Natasha has her own peculiar problem. But beneath all those Religious fanaticism, Nat remains a hypocrite. She didn't really leave her Aristo lifestyle. How did she get her job? How did she climb the corporate ladder? How did she corner contracts for DH? Fantasy, she only became very professional in what she does.

Hahaha good points. Concerning the above, you just went into the future and vomited what a certain character would say, hahaha. If you are completely correct is another matter. When we get to that point, I'm sure you'll nearly go "bingo! Said it"
LOL

@olashas, you're forming coy now abi? LOL

@teespice, I'm honoured thanks a lot.

@mubzay, you harsh small sha but I feel you. LOL
I try not to tilt towards a certain character when I write but I must confess this chapter made me feel sorry for Miss Okiemute Daisy Oki. Almost how I felt when I wrote about the death of a certain Crystal character in a previous novel.

Lumzy, eitsei and Aprilwise I appreciate. Okay back to work.

eagleeye2:

Actually Yes. I have been following from the beginning and like always, you have been good with the characters.
I have also been asking myself some very important questions; Like, can someone be like Oki, who used her own hands to destroy promising relationship? or Ebube who instead of being patient with the hubby, resorted to going after small boys and risk crashing her marriage.
I think Belinda is just the only character who stays true to who she is, even though she cannot be bold enough to let the world know. I prefer Belinda to the rest. As per Nat, I feel sorry for her. God has really blessed her materially, but the one thing she wants most keep eluding her.
To an extent I can relate to most of your characters.

I bah to you oh! Not a word the entire time? Only nkwobi can settle this rift.

Okay so now let's look at it this way. I'm shocked at your pick to be honest. The character I've been most afraid of was actually Belinda! Question for you (and this is the nagging thought I had as I wrote about her) is it possible to be gay, live with your best friends for so long and they have no clue about your lifestyle? No clue whatsoever?

Nat for me is the most secure character and so far nothing about her seems out of place. She has always been a religious fanatic (for lack of better words) and she's always suffered from PCOS hence her fertility challenges are not out of place. Like some former runs girls, they quickly settle into marriage proper and do away with their former ways hence her chaste lifestyle appears okay.

Then to Ebube; now how do I defend this one? She is the most stable character (I'd like to think) but like most of us, she has her bad side. She is the picture of perfect but beneath that, something is simmering underneath. With some people, it takes a little to tip them over the edge. In her case, it was the sexual frustration and trust me, some married women can be that frustrated and just lose it!
Ebube enjoys a healthy sexual relationship, she secretly likes young men (call her a cougar) and probably has fantasies about them but has managed to keep this in check. Don't forget while she was dating her husband in final year, she had a toy boyfriend keeping her company on campus. Her straying away when her husband cannot meet her sexual needs should not be too shocking then. She is only acting the script (like a good number of us would) where no one is watching.

Okiemute hmm, I'm gonna make this quick. Let's just say people (especially young, insecure and immensely jealous) do really silly things when they are incensed. Need I go any further? You should comment more, I enjoy conversations like this...

aprilwise:
A triangle with three bad sides.

I love this. I actually contemplated changing the title of this story based on the quoted but I'll let it slide. @Base83 you want to know more about the bullet and rabbit, please ask Olashas. I don't even need to write about it just PM that lady for more info. She bad gan!

Eagleeye2, I kinda miss your input in this story. I don't know if you are following this one. Have a good day everyone.

''My dear, that is story for another day. I don’t want to talk too much but so much has gone wrong with that relationship. You can imagine I texted Uncle Monday and his wife after I'd given birth and till date none of them called or even texted back to say congratulations. Na that kain house you want make I go stay?''

''My dear cousin, please don’t take this the wrong way but I will follow Ken and advise you to go home''

''So you can't help me? But I heard you moved to mainland''

Then Fejiro sighed and announced ''Okiemute, I am no longer in Lagos''

''Really? When? I didn’t hear oh!''

''A lot has happened to you as has happened to me. It's been more than 6 months since we last spoke; isn't it?

''You are right my sister''

''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''






TBC

''Hmm''

''Ken is saying he does not have money for that now. He is saying I should go to Sapele first. But I remember Uncle Monday saying you have gotten a place on the mainland so I say make I call you first''

''Hmm! My dear, why not consider Uncle Monday himself?''

''Oh Fejiro, dem nor tell you?''

''Tell me what?''

''I can't…''

''Cant what?''

''I can't put up with Uncle Monday again at least not for now''

''And why?''

''Bad blood through no fault of mine. I say make I do good for am unto giving am contract, na so my good turn to bad on top this same Ken head. You nor see as Ken finish me come alienate me from my family and friends?''

''Hmm''

''Fejiro, naim I just free the car for am. My sister, I have really suffered a lot in this life''

''Dear cousin, it is well''

''I just pray make Cass grown fast make I begin my hustle again. I want to forget this ever happened to me but I need help. I just need to get back on my feet. If I can get myself back to the point before I met that God forsaken man, then I will have achieved much. I didn’t have the world but my business was doing well then. I dey manage myself that time. Today all my big big neighbours are looking for something more sophisticated. The other day a new neighbour was telling me na only from patisserie she dey chop her snacks. The day I hear that grammar, I swallow spit begin nod my head like Agama lizard. I had no idea what she meant by patisserie until I check am for dictionary. I never enter Cotonu talk less of Paris so tell me how I can compete?’’

''It is well’’

''At least if I start my pastry business again, I know I will pick up. I just need a source of livelihood again. Fejiro, I'm down and out''

''So what do you want now? You have said many things but not pointed that out. Use your own mouth and tell me''

''I need where to lay my head first… just me and my baby. My rent expires next weekend and the agent just left my place. You know how they do in this estate. Dem nor dey hear I beg sir''

''Na lie? Nor be baby mama I be now? Call a spade a spade jare! No time for niceties. If e nor be baby supplies for Cass, I'm on my own. Ken nor get my time again''

''Hmm''

''Okiemute, let me just be honest with you, I am suffering. On the days I visit hospital for post natal or vaccination, na so I go carry big umbrella dey enter molue. Sometimes I go come dey wonder say, na me be this? Na so my life come be? I didn’t believe my life will turn out like this in a thousand years''

''What of the Camry? Surely you can manage that instead of jumping molue with such a tiny baby''

''Which Camry?'' then Okiemute began to laugh in a bitter manner. Once she was done, she continued ''Fejiro, e be like say you nor know wetin dey happen for this Lagos. At the height of the madness with Ken, he came one day and drove that car away!''

''Joking''

''I can't joke with such a thing. He had the spare key all along. I came down from the house with my big belle and was ready for a show down. I even called estate security that someone was trying to move my car away but guess what?''

''What?''

''This man whipped out the papers for the car and the damn thing was in his name! You don see that kain thing before? Na there I know say gift pass gift! This is a car that has been giving me trouble for sometime sef. I've being meaning to focus on it after the birth of my daughter but Ken didn’t even give me the opportunity. Even the guards were telling him to pity me and just leave it because of my state but Ken nor gree. He said he took loan to buy the car and since I ruined his business, he is trying to recoup his investment. He was telling them that he will find me something smaller for me once he has money, but we all know he is a big liar. He was just yarning rubbish that he needs to pay rent for his office and so on. The guards had to let him go; he was the owner after all. The car was never really mine in the true sense''

''Hmm, I don’t know what to say. This is indeed sad''

''No really. I've been meaning to call but each time, sometime will happen and I will forget. But today I say no, I must call whether the devil likes it or not''

Fejiro chuckled and the pair began to talk like nothing was amiss. Okiemute did not hesitate to pour out her sob story. From time to time, she would burst into tears and begin to curse Ken. All the while, Fejiro didn’t say a word until she was done.

''My dear sister, na so my life come be oh!'' Okiemute announced. ''25 years plus with no money and a new baby to cater for. Where I wan start?''

''It is well, God is there for you''

''My dear, you were right the entire time. You warned me about this man but I didn’t listen. Fejiro, I have entered once chance, bad market, dead end, in short mumu better pass me. My life is over, virtually every night I wet my pillow to sleep. My child will be crying and I will be crying to join her. I'm sure it is depression. I checked my phone and there is a condition like that. I'm sure it's what they call baby blues''

''God forbid bad thing! Don’t say things like that and stop crying in front of your baby. And I use God to beg you, please don’t breastfeed that child and be weeping. Fejiro, don’t lose hope. It is not the end of the world. At least you have a healthy baby, some people don’t even have that opportunity yet they remain thankful. Where there is life, there is hope''

''Where the hope dey nah? I can't go home like this. The insult will be too much. My parents are very angry with me even my mother didn’t come for omugo. One full month don pass and na only me dey here. Everything about the baby, I ask nurse or Google. Is this fair for me? No help from Ken at all to at least to make life comfortable for his baby mama''

''E don do oh! Nor dey call yourself dat name. Ive always hated it; I personally find it degrading. You are better than that sis''

''Okay no problem. It's just to remind you that you should leave the key with the gateman but I will be on hand to inspect the place on the …'' the agent continued to talk while Okiemute stared at him. Once he was done, she thanked him and he walked away.

The moment he left, she crumpled on the floor and began to cry inside her palm. She stared at her colourful flowers after some seconds but she found no comfort in them so she continued to weep. She cried for so long, that she forgot the concept of time. She wondered where she was going to move to with a new baby. She knew some friends but none of them would be willing to house her talk less of adding a wailing baby to the equation.

Then after some minutes, the memory of someone flashed before her eyes. That person had always had her back and she prayed the person wouldn’t ignore her now. Instinctively, she reached for her phone and dialled a certain number.

It took just two rings before the recipient picked up her phone and a familiar voice cried out ''If the mountain won't come to Muhammad then Muhammad must go to the mountain"

Then Okiemute wiped her tears and began to laugh ''indeed Muhammad must go'' she cried out. As she laughed, the tears continued to roll down her eyes. It was refreshing to hear Fejiro's voice after so long. Ever since she put to bed, she had been contemplating making this call, but she was unsure how her cousin would take it. Alas she had hit a brick wall and she had nowhere else to turn. She knew she had wronged Fejiro, but she began by playing dumb after her cousin's opening phrase ''nor be so oh! I've been trying your number like forever''

''Hmm, tell me something else jare'' Fejiro replied.

As Okiemute thought of these things today, she continued to look over her balcony. She was so caught up with the pretty view, she didn’t realize when the estate agent climbed up the staircase ''congratulations madam'' the man greeted. He had a rich baritone and Okiemute always wondered why he couldn’t put it to better use like being a radio personality or an MC instead of an agbero agent.

On the other hand, the agent was indeed happy he had finally caught up the reclusive runs girl. ''How is your body now?'' he continued.

''I bless God'' Okiemute replied.

''I asked of you the other time but the gateman said …''

''Go straight to the point oga agent''

''Ha madam, it is not all about money oh! Nor be so nah. Dem nor dey pluck pikin from tree. A child is a blessing so when I ask, I genuinely mean that. We had one woman like that in our compound that went to born and did not come back so I thank God for safe delivery. Anyway I am here concerning the property. I don’t know whether you want to extend the tenancy or …''

''I will be moving out'' Okiemute whispered.

By the time she went on to have that conversation with her cousin, poor Fejiro had no idea they were already trying for a baby! As a matter of fact, they were hard at it by that stage. Okiemute was charting her cycle and fishing for her fertile days like it was a lost gold coin. On the other hand, Ken was calling to find out if she had begun ovulating or not.

He was coming around nearly every day and they were having sex like dogs on heat. There were two mad people on a secret mission that was guaranteed to tilt in the favour of one party. Okiemute didn’t know it then but she would become the biggest loser. That was old gist though and today as Okiemute reflected on these things she shook her head in pity.

Then she continued to muse again. On that day Ken visited his daughter, she watched as he tried to start his car. He looked around helplessly before he began to hit the steering wheel in frustration. He finally solicited for help from the gatemen while his lazy companion stood at a corner and watched as the guards pushed the car!

Okiemute was so irritated, she spat into her flowerpot (something she would never have done on a good day) as she watched them - truly she was better off alone. Ken was a lazy man and even his cousin abi friend was in the same club. Two lazy men so lazy they couldn’t even make their situation better.

She remembered those nights they used to disturb Lekki Phase 1 with the car. It was the same car they once rode to Badagry in. That trip happened on the spur of the moment and that day as Ken rode into the setting sun, she never thought she would love another man like she loved him. As he drove, he would occasionally turn to look at her and Okiemute felt her heart would melt. He was too good, too handsome, too perfect and too rich to be burdened with any issue in life.

It was in the same car (on that day) he casually suggested they make a baby and she laughed at him. But the way he looked afterwards made her realize he was serious. He looked like he would cry. As a matter of fact, he veered off the road and parked in a corner. Then she reached out to stroke the side of his face. Afterwards, she held his face with both hands and kissed him. She was the one making all the moves because Ken had indeed begun sobbing like a baby. She kissed away his tears and afterwards whispered in his ear ''I'll do it if it means that much to you bae'' and then the tears dried up as his face lit up with a smile.

And so the deal was sealed right there on his car seat. Then like two mad people, they began to kiss passionately. Thereafter they made love in the vehicle and for the first time since they started dating, they didn’t use protection. Okiemute had since fallen in love with him for what he could offer but seeing him so vulnerable was the thing that moved her.

Then just before he left, he reminded her of the need to move out before the rent came to an end. When he spoke, he spoke without emotion and when she began to weep, he got up to leave. When she pleaded with him for more money, he advised her to return home and stay with her parents for the time being.

He claimed he was penniless and had borrowed money for the baby supplies he brought. He also reminded her that he had to cough up more money for her C section ''I was shocked it ended up being CS'' Ken remarked. ''God my father knows I was not expecting that but I thank the good Lord it ended well''

Ken reminded her that it was her fault things had deteriorated to such a level. He also mentioned the fact he had not gotten a single contract from Nat since she kicked him out. He claimed he was now putting up with his cousin (the one waiting in the car) while trying to patch things up with his wife.

He actually said something like Okiemute should pray he gets back with his wife so that things would improve. And in that moment, Okiemute was ashamed of him. Not just him but of the poor choices she had made. She had no idea how fully dependent he was on his wife. It made her sick to the pit of her stomach that she had once loved such a grown baby!

He was just as good as Cassandra who cried every other hour for milk! Thereafter, Okiemute had nothing more to add. She watched from the balcony as Ken jumped into his car and struggled to start it. Just like Ken, the car had aged as well. There was a big dent at the right side and it looked tired as hell! The once gleaming wheels and polished interior had faded like the setting sun. Okiemute could scarcely believe it was the car they used to frolic in. She wanted to ask if it was the same one but she had bigger issues to contend with.

[size=18pt]42[/size]
2 months later

Okiemute looked over her banister and admired the place she had called home for the past year. The thought of what the future held made her heart skip a beat. The future was indeed bleak plus now, she had a child to cater for.

It had been two months since Ken came to her home and called it quits. She had given birth to their daughter weeks ago. The child came earlier than expected perhaps due to the stress she was going through. It was a very difficult birth and Ken was not there with her in her moment of pain and triumph. After putting to bed, she waited for him for 7 good days before he showed up.

Then Okiemute began to reminisce on the epic visit. On that day Ken visited, he came with a friend abi family member who refused to enter her house but instead chose to sit inside his car. When she asked him the name he had for the baby, he said he was still thinking so she suggested the name Cassandra - Cass for short. Ken didn’t seem to mind; he merely shrugged his shoulder and said he was still in talks with his family for a suitable native name. That got Okiemute thinking but she said nothing else in reply. She wondered why a grown ass man needed his family's help in naming his own child. First child for that matter. Indeed he was pathetic! He actually put the letter P in the word pathetic.

On that day, Ken spent some hours with his daughter before dropping some supplies. Truth be said, he was really happy to see her and he said she looked lovely. He even apologised for his inability to arrive earlier. He said he was chasing a contract at Ondo but he didn’t mention if it was successful or not. And when Okiemute asked if it went well, he said grunted in reply.

He appeared tired and older with the white hair on his chin. And when Okiemute jokingly remarked about it, he grunted again but said nothing else. He was not willing to have those little sidetalk like normal people would do. It was obvious he was even more disconnected from her. When she spoke, he frowned but if their baby gurgled or cried he turned in the child’s direction and smiled. It was clear to see the only thing that held them together was Cass.

Kajiang02:
A simple response to my mail would've been ideal and less mentally stressful.
Hope you're great and back for good.

How are you?

I'm good; thanks. Morning everyone.

ismokeweed:

Omonomose... wa ke' vae

I know the first part but i'm not sure about the second bit. Thanks tho...

''Kidding, is it that good?''

''I'm talking about a drilling machine like no other. Looks, colour, imitation, feel, design, sound, tick, tick tick - it ticks all the boxes babe. I'm talking even down to the tinniest detail like…''

''E don do! You are so shameless but I'm completely sold. You would make a good sex store owner''

''I know right, time to diversify my business interest. They call it multiple streams of income. Now tell me where that store would be located or should I go online? Everyone is doing e commerce now you know. Do you think Konga or Jumia would accept my e-services? I promise to be a good player on their e-platform''

Then Ebube slapped her back and continued to laugh hysterically. Belinda joined her and after the laughter subsided, Ebube spoke in a serious tone ''I need one then''

''One or two toys? I'll get you two instead with a year's worth of battery. Proper battery oh nor be that tiger head''

''Quit joking you this yeye woman!''

''Okay I'm serious; I'll get you two toys. One is the rabbit and the other is called the bullet. Once you're done, you'll understand why they have those names''

''Please just get me one. One would do''

Then Belinda smiled at her and whispered ''I am your genie, your wish is my command''





TBC

Then Belinda smiled at her but said nothing else. She got up and picked her things with an announcement ''I gotta go home now''

Ebube stood up as well and the pair continued to talk about their new found secret ''…by the way if you need help with like an adult toy until this thing with Charles blows over, I can help'' Belinda said.

Then Ebube began to laugh ''of course it's going to be brand new'' Belinda quickly added. ''You don’t expect me to give you something I've used''

''Eww, just stop! That’s gross, you're making it worse''

''You should consider it though. I don’t want to presume but if you ask, I shall freely give. I don’t withhold my blessing. I'm like a don in that area if you know what I mean. I've got all shapes, colours, sizes that would drive your imagination nuts!''

''Belinda, would you just stop. This is new territory for me with you. I'm actually squirming on your behalf''

''Dey there nah! I dey try help your temporary condition. At least it's better than chasing men or treating infections. Blossom used to tell me it was even better than her husband's kondo''

''Thank you, I am tired of this country sef. I've been struggling with life here but Blossom made it worth living… and now it's all over, nothing else is holding me here''

''Don’t be too hard on yourself. You've got a great job and you've got your friends that love you to the moon and back''

Belinda looked at her and a tear rolled down her eye ''thank you'' she whispered. ''You managed to get me emotional and that’s just earned you a medal. But I'm seriously thinking about relocating to the States for good''

''Texas?''

''Hell no! I'm thinking of somewhere really obscure like Alaska, Wisconsin or even Oklahoma''

''Nor go lost oh!''

''Nah, it's still the same old USA and I've got family holed up somewhere so they can always make sure I'm still breathing''

''Very funny''

''I've got my brothers with their family in Texas but that's the last place I want to be. I feel Texas is too choked. They say it's big but it's not big enough for me. Everywhere I turn, I see a Nigerian''

Then the pair began to laugh and Belinda continued ''I need to start afresh and just get on with life. I need a fresh break from this heartbreak and madness in Lagos''

''I hear you but I think you're just blowing hot. You talk about relocating then the next time I see you, you're back to grinding on the streets of Lagos. You love this place even more than I do''

''It's okay, you can trust me''

''I know but when I say between ourselves, I mean just the two of us. I don’t want even Nat finding out about this. I mean we are best friends and all but…I'm sorry but I'm not ready for Nat getting to know my sexual preference at least for now''

''I understand but if you don’t mind me asking, what is your reason? She would be hurt if she eventually finds out I've always known about it''

''You will find something to tell her then. The problem is that Natasha is not as exposed as you are. She is wealthy and she travels the world, but she wouldn’t get it. I mean not like in that bush sense. I mean she wouldn’t get my lifestyle; Nat can be very judgmental when she wants to be. You see the way I've spoken and you didn’t judge or curse me out and start preaching for me? Nat can't be like that. She lacks that finesse and she can't even pretend. You know what I mean nah; don’t let me talk too much''

''I get it''

''You know that her strong Warri behaviour that has refused to leave her upon all her exposure, I mean I can't deal. I can't bear for her to look at me in that condescending way and start with the 14 years crap or deliverance tale. Perhaps much later, maybe when I don’t care how my loved ones would react''

''I respect your wishes Bel. You have nothing to fear''

''Babe, I'm the one looking at it from the outside and it doesn't look good on you. 10 long years plus and you're still standing by her window and serenading like Romeo to Juliet? I don’t know how to say this but leave another man’s wife alone''

''Well I'm done. It's okay for her to sever ties because her family has gotten what they wanted from me abi? I acted the fool and helped her husband secure his visa to the United States. I helped her too that time before her marriage…''

''Yes I remember both of you travelled out then but I thought it was because she wanted to shop for her wedding things''

''Who dash monkey banana? Cosmos is just a simple doctor in a private hospital that knows how to use their employees. He would not have been able to afford that trip. I lied so you people wouldn’t read any meaning to it''

''It obviously worked''

''Ebube, Blossom just used me and I was the fool. When she wanted to marry, she married. When she wan born, she born. When she wan travel, she travel. When her husband wan travel, dey come meet me. And before this fracas, she was telling me her husband was planning on relocating the entire family to the States''

''Hmm''

''It's all good, I've learnt my lesson''

''It is well. Who am I to judge?''

Then Belinda reached out and touched Ebube's shoulder ''Ebube, I have opened up to you today but I will kindly ask that we keep this between ourselves for now''

''Hmm''

''I think it's time to respect her decision. You said it yourself that you've been having this talk with her since our days at the university. She has since gone on to marry, have kids, quarrel with you, castigate her husband yet continue staying with him''

''She sure has because on that day, her husband called me and said some real explosive things. He threatened me with police and stuff but the shocking part was that Blossom came on the line afterwards and threatened me too! And I was like, who is this? She just continued talking as if she was addressing a stranger. I tell you, I've not been myself since that day. That is a man she called a brute, unreasonable, horseband and what have you yet she would pick him over me? I swear I cannot deal; for the life of me I can't handle it. Why would she pick him over me?''

''What does that tell you? Don’t you see what I see? Her husband may not have been as bad as she made him out to be. It may have been a mind game she's been playing on you. She knew you would be a sucker and that’s what you've been feeding on all these years. I think its time to close the chapter on Blossom''

''Hmm! It's been so hard for me I must confess. I hate her and then I love her the next minute but I think I hate her more…''

''Yet you were still trying to call her in the car today''

''Her number does not even go through anymore but I just…''

''Just keep trying… just can't get over her…just love her…just what? I would leave that family alone if I were you'' Belinda tried to say something else but Ebube held her by the shoulder and announced in a stern voice ''Bel, you need to let it go because you're beginning to act like a stalker''

Then Belinda frowned and shook her head vigorously ''oh no!'' she announced. ''I could never be like that''

''No, gay like I'm a lesbian!''

Then Ebube opened her mouth in shock as Belinda continued to talk. It went on for over 9 minutes and by the time it was over, Ebube felt sorry for her. All her problems paled in comparison to Belinda's ''I'm sorry dear'' she whispered. ''But you should have said something; I don’t even know what to say. I mean all those times we teased you and stuff. Oh my God! How couldn’t I have known? And Blossom… well I'm shocked she was like your… I'm so sorry for what you're going through''

''I know and that’s the part that hurts the most. Like now, my eyes are clear because the scales have fallen off. It just dawned on me that I've been used by her. I mean every time, there was always an excuse but I accepted her the moment she ran back to me. Time and time again I took her back but what do I get now? I mean I can't even speak with her again. The only time she called, she screamed at me and cussed me out. She accused me of putting that mark on her body on purpose. She said it was from that moment her husband began to suspect her. She even went further to say I forgot the nightgown on purpose! Imagine that. Why would I do something so evil?’’

''Nawa!’’

‘’It was almost like I was speaking to someone else; it was like an out of body experience. This was like some days ago and I've not been able to reach her ever since''

''She obviously does not want to speak to you again''

''Apparently she blames me for her husband finding out about us. I was hoping she would at least stand up for us and…''

''Belinda, this is Naija oh, there is 14 years in store for people who do this thing. Blossom is a married woman with children. You don’t know what her husband told her or what she is currently going through. You've got no idea the battle they've been fighting ever since''

''We could have gone to the States; I told her that a thousand times''

''This thing is hard. I'm not quite sure how it works for you guys, but I think Blossom has pretty much pitched her tent. Please remove yourself from the equation and just imagine. Close your eyes and imagine what she is going through with her husband. I shudder to be in that position''

''Yeah keep laughing at me''

''I'm not but I thought it was just a one off thing. You mean you like them young?''

''Kind off'' Ebube covered her face with her hand and began to laugh at herself.

''This is totally stupid but was it about Idongeist? I mean he was the only younger guy you dated'' then Belinda began to laugh ''if that is the case, perhaps you should have looked for him then''

''Oh no, he was just a waka pass character; he doesn’t have a special hold over me or something. In any case, dude is now married with children plus he's no longer young as such. And worse of all he is a pastor. I hear he pastors a church somewhere down south - Calabar or Akwa Ibom one of them''

''Oh dear, Cougar Ebube''

''Don’t you dare Belinda!''

''Okay I'll just call you baby C. It's going to be between us - no one would know what that means''

''Oh for Pete's sake!''

''I know, I'm just teasing you. I believe you will never make such mistake again''

''You are right Bel. Argh, now I feel super silly! I was supposed to be the good girl''

''My dear, we've all acted silly at one time or the other. Let me tell you, I'm not particularly innocent''

''Haba Bel! Don’t castigate yourself to make me look good. You've never had any relationship drama so…''

''Says who? Let me tell you, it is not what you think''

''How do you mean?''

''Well I may just talk since we are in the season of opening up'' then Ebube rubbed her hands in glee and smiled but all that was to change when Belinda opened her mouth next ''I'm gay'' she whispered.

''Gay? Wait, gay like gay like you're happy?''

''Don’t even go there dear, we all have our challenges. But then again, I must be honest with you, that move with the teacher's fiancé now husband… that was bad chic''

''I know and I realized it when the poor man quit his job because of me. I was plagued with guilt''

''Hmm! Remember what we used to say in school then, you don’t defecate where you eat. I mean if you really needed someone perhaps you should have done all those Nat's sugar daddy school moves''

''Oh Lord, I couldn’t have''

''You are a cougar darling''

''Oh don’t tease, this is somewhat shameful''

''I didn’t know you liked them young''

''Really? Have you forgotten who I dated in my final year''

''Now let me see; you dated Joshua the liar, Charles and then…oh my God, how could I have forgotten? Idongesit of course! Yeah I remember but I didn’t know it was a pattern''