Hello guys.

I know I shouldn't even be here.
I know what I have done is unforgivable and unreedemable and there is probably nothing I can do to redeem myself. You guys did no wrong by loving my stories yet, I still fail on my part to serve you the best or dothe needful and finish them. I know this apology might serve no purpose but here it goes all the same;

I am so sorry. I might have been busy, I might actually have been going through some things but I shouldn't have left without a word. I intend to make this up to you guys (hopefully), by only dropping completed stories if I at all I would be writing again.

I am grateful for all the emails received asking about my wellbeing...

I am grateful for you guys reading my stories and caring enough to be mad at me for not completing them.

I love you guys so much and I will understand if you do not accept this apology.

If you wish to ask me anything, I mean anything at all, I want you to know that my email remains forever open.

Thank you

iiru:
welcome back fiyah, i pity Rhoda when she realise too late what David is up to

Thank you

toyhin123:
Nice update fiyah nd welcome back Happy new year

Same to you dear

*Rhoda*

I was on my way out of the compound with Rachel following closely behind me. It wasn't hard pretending I couldn't see her nor was it hard pretending I couldn't hear her even though I was sure she was calling my name.

'I want to talk to you.' She said as she arched her way forward until she was standing in front of me, hands folded across her chest while I had no choice but to halt to a stop.

I fiddled with my car keys impatiently wondering why she has to pick Today of all days to want to approach me.

We were doing fine ignoring each other and yes, I have had enough of her melodramas although, I was starting find them amusing and cute.

Maybe if she had chosen a day aside from this, I may have considered the possibility of listening to her whille she tries another failed attempt at breaking David and I up.

'Well, I'm sorry I don't want to talk to you.' I answered, pausing for a while before resuming my trip to the gate while making sure I steered clear of the assumedly 'nice' Rachel who followed me.

'I don't do this on a normal day and yes, I still don't like you and I won't pretend I do but I guess that feeling is mutual. Either way, I feel obliged to be real with you, I feel like I need to let you know what you are walking into...' She stopped following me when she realised I was rather too focused on getting out of the house coupled with the fact that I made it obvious I was ignoring her.

'I shouldn't be doing this but I am doing it anyway and I don't even like you. I am the one with the information and you should be the one running after me to get it and not the other way round 'cos guess what, this info isn't going to break or make me but it could make or break you. I won't chase after you anymore. I believe if you feel something is off somewhere, you would come to me. Only pray then that I won't have exhausted my patience' She yelled after me as I made my way out of the gate right after signaling to the gatekeeper to lock it after me.

'In a hurry?' David's voice boomed as I ran my body into his. He jostled me from falling as his mahogany hard chest provided some sort of support which kept me on my feet.

'Not really... I am just... I want... I just want to drive around. You know... I am tired of staying locked in....' I stammered my way around each word finding my own voice kind of strange to me.

A pouch of silence enveloped the air around us and that made it more than hard for me to keep up with the staring contest we were both having. I let my eyes cruise everywhere but his face.

'What are you up to?' He asked leaning back into his car, his forehead creasing curiously.

'I told you already. I want to just drive ar...' I tried to stay devoted to my lie but it turned out he could read right through me.

'We don't have to do this Rhoda. Just tell me what you are up to. For all you know, you might actually need my help deciding.' He said, scanning my face, leaving me vulnerable to his eagle eye.

'I am not lying. I don't know what makes you think I am but I am not up to anything.' Who was I fooling anyway? The tone of my voice already gave me away.

I would need to try harder to convince even me.

'I would tell you you are terrible at lying but that would be unnecessary since I might have assumed you know that already.' He answered, then took a brief pause. 'Now, tell me, what is the plan?' He asked, still leaning into his car.

I slumped my shoulder in defeat as I frolicked with the zippers of my bag.

'I am going to see my dad. I asked him for a meet up.' I finally let that out, while I mentally prayed it wasn't a bad idea.

'I would have asked why but since I can't think of any reason, except bad ones for meeting up with your Dad, I am just going to assume you are naive and you don't know what you are doing. Just like I predicted.' He replied after being closemouthed for a minute or so.

He leaned away from his car, pressed the lock button on the key and made to go inside.

'So, does that mean you are okay with that?' I filed in even though I knew the answer to my own question.

'Of course I am okay with that. Oh, lemme illustrate how the conversation would go. You'd be like ' Hey, Dad. David and I are planning to take the company away from you. Hope you won't be too mad about that?' And your dad is gonna be like. 'It's alright baby. I am fine with that.' And you guys will hug it out like one big, happy family.' He expressed with pure sarcasm protraying me stupid and childish.

'I am only going to ask him a few questions. I want to know what he is thinking. I want to know if it's right to take the company away from him. I want to build my actions and I don't care if you find that stupid or naive but that is the right thing and that is what I'm doing.' I said, trying hard not to waver off my new found confidence.

****

I waited patiently and nervously for the moment of truth.

The moment I knew would decide what my next line of action would be.

My heart thumped loudly at my chest and the silence that enveloped the air around us made the thumping quite audible and I was almost scared my dad would hear it.

My dad was sitting across the table just in front of of me. The light from the roof of the hut was too dim making it hard to make out the outline of his face talk more of reading his face. Even though he found it ridiculous we were meeting in the open, in the dark, I was certain I made the right call.

I don't want to see the expression on his face nor do I want him to read mine.

'I'll be giving the company to Peter.'He answered after what seemed like forever. My shoulder slumped in exhaustion. I felt stabbed and betrayedp and was I surprised my dad would be the dude with the knife.

I remained seated, silently wishing I heard wrong and he hadn't talked yet.

I wanted him to say it.

I wanted him to laugh abruptly. I wanted him tell me this was all games and he is done playing.

I wanted him to tell me I was his choice but... that never came.

I held back the tears that had suceeded in welling up in my eyes and was I grateful to the darkness for hiding my tears?

I don't want to look weak especially since that's the least of things I want to be right now.

'Okay.' I muttered under my breath. Lifting my purse off the table, I made to leave.

'That's it? You are not going to shout at me? Demand for a reason?' He asked, holding out his palms worriedly.

My back still turned, I wiped the tears off my face then turned to look him in the face.

'A reason? Do I need to know the reason for this? You chose Peter over me and it is no assumption anymore. I clearly don't need a reason for this. Fact remains, I'm not your priority anymore. You chose him despite me giving up my goal to support you...'

'I never asked you to. I always remind you to follow your goals so don't make this sound like it is my fault!..'

'But I did follow your goals anyway. I wanted to be of more help not knowing you would eventually repay me this way...'

'Repay you? For something I didn't even ask you to do?' He wasn't remorseful or anything and I instantly knew it was a lost cause talking to him in the first place.

David was right and it was all up in my face.

'Okay. I'll just leave then.' I turned one last time and took the long walk to my car while tears streamed down my face. I was past caring. I didn't want to hear it anymore. This wasn't my father and I sure as hell knew I would be doing him a favour taking away the company from him.

I scroll through my call log and put a call through to David.

'When are we starting.' I announced immediately he picked up the call.

Hey guys


I am sooooo sorry for delaying the update this long. I had some acadamic thing I had to do but I guess I'm back now and I'd try as hard as possible to increase the speed of update.

**EHi**

I was still on the swivel chair in my office and I was almost certain I was having the time of my life just sitting back there, swirling left and right while I stared at my supposed responsibilities in form of untended piles of files stacked on the table before me with little or no regret gnawing at my conscience.

It was easy not being regretful because I knew, from the moment I stepped inside the office up to the moment when I picked up a ball pen and started scribbling that I was just a few seconds close to having no responsibility whatsoever in this company.
And the neatly folded resignation letter in my hand somehow attests to that.

Yes, my resignation letter was handwritten because I definitely didn’t feel like switching on some PC while waiting for it to boot before typing when I could just get a neat sheet of paper lying freely on my desk waiting to serve a similar purpose.

I don’t know why I was still sitting down, swirling back and forth, waving the small envelope that housed my letter in the air when I could just stand up and get everything done with.

I have never been this sure of anything so I was cocksure this wasn’t hesitation. I felt I owe my office a few glances before leaving…

…finally.

This could be my last moment here and the least I could do is give my office a quick glance.

One thing was sure though, it wasn’t a quick glance. I had been sitting here for an hour or half an hour or so and instead of glancing around like I want to inarguably believe, I had been trying to weigh my priorities, my options and my decision, everything which ultimately synopsized into one thing; I have no business here anymore.

I never did.

I may have tried to fit Rhoda’s dad in the vacant slot my dad left when he died and even when he was alive but I should have known better that things don’t work that way. Rhoda’s family isn’t mine and I shouldn’t have gotten myself involved or anything. I have nothing left here for me. My best friend wouldn’t talk to me.

She may never do.

Her brother whom I was almost convinced my heart ache for doesn’t feel the same way and even if he does feel the same way and the best way he could show it is how he has been showing it, then I’d rather keep flying solo.

I rose swiftly with a resolution so strong, I was sure nothing could mess it up. I was outside my office right after tucking a stray lock of hair dangling in my face in place and also moistening my lips. I took a long deep breath as I began my trip towards Peter’s office.

I was in the lobby when something… I mean someone caught my eye and that someone, even though I tried to not believe it, was Rhoda.

She was wearing a nude body-hugging top that melted on her trunk like butter. The top was tucked inside a black Palazzo while her blonde hair was packed into a French twist which left a few strands brushing against neck. I slowed down my pace, with my eye still fixed on her. She was busy staring at a stack of printed paper just right outside David’s office and I could see her nervously reply greetings offered by staffs that walk close to her oblivious of the fact that I was staring at her.

What could possibly make her change her mind to resume?

Or did she just come here to see her creepy Fiancé?

But it doesn’t look like she was here for a visit. She had heaps of papers in her hands like she was on an official assignment coupled with the fact that she was formerly dressed

If at all she actually resumed while Peter is still the acting CEO, I was certain David wasn’t the one who convinced her. He wouldn’t do that.

I was just a few distance away from her and I realized I was torn between trying to talk to her to settle our differences and walking past her to save my face from any embarrassment if at all I talked to her and she ignores me.

At the point when I was going to make a decision, she looked up to see me and the gasp that escaped from her mouth coupled with the fright spread on her face made me realized my presence may have jostled her a bit. The fright was immediately replaced by a scornful stare after which she brushed past me to walk in the direction I was coming from with not so much as a syllable leaving her mouth whilst unconscious of the fact that left a sheet of paper fly off the stack she was holding to drop right at my feet.

‘That was close.’ I mouthed to myself, as I bent to pick up the paper. I glanced briefly at it then folded it as I continued my trip down the hallway to the elevators.

*
‘What a coincidence! I was just on my way down to your office.’ Peter exclaimed as I entered his office and true to his words, he was at the door and it seemed like he was just about to leave.

‘I guess I saved you a trip then.' I replied, clearing my throat inaudibly as I tried to maintain a professional stance while trying hard to not get wobbly legs or swooned just staring at his face. ‘I am here to have a talk…’

‘Where do you think would be okay for a getaway weekend for just two people? Obviously couples. I was thinking we should stay here in Lagos, we could get a fine suite, something like a penthouse, with a pool and a view of the city… but you might have other… you know… plans…’

‘I am not here for….’ I tried to talk again but he interrupted me as he returned his pacing

‘Or… we could go somewhere far away…. We can catch the next flight to SA… We won’t have to think about work and we could just sleep the days away…’

‘We are not couples and I’m not here to discuss a weekend vacation... or getaway or whatever you called it…’ I almost yelled but again, he cut my statement short.
‘Of course, you are not here for that… it’s my job to plan and let you choose. There is the last option though. It’s Abuja. It’s not as close as Lagos here nor is it as far as SA... Or, what do you think?’ For the first time since I entered his office, he gave me a chance to talk.

‘I think you should read this.’ I held out the envelope containing my resignation letter.

I could see hesitation and doubt in his eyes as they roved to the envelope. I could tell he knew what the envelope housed because he suddenly became quiet.

‘What is that?’ He asked in whispers when he finally found his tongue.

‘Why don’t you read it and find out.’ I answered, my hand still held out.

He took a long pause first then draw his gaze away from my hand to my face and the excitement I saw in his face earlier reappeared even though the zeal had diminished.

‘So which weekend would it be?’ He chipped in again, evading the matter at hand.

‘It is not going to be any weekend!’ I yelled frustratingly. ‘Are you even listening to me?’

‘Of course I am not! I can’t listen to you!’ He yelled back.

‘It is a resignation letter. I won’t be working for you anymore… I won’t have to see you anymore nor would you have to see me. It is the best way for me. For us…’I argued.

‘It isn’t for me… I don’t want you to leave…. I don’t want you to ever leave me. I’d be alone. I want to right my wrong. I need another chance. I am sorry… but I can’t let you go. I love you. I really do and I know I don’t deserve someone like you but that doesn’t mean I would ever give up. ‘ He paused and I could see the emotions literally seeping out of his pores . I almost thought he was going to cry but he continued even though he was avoiding eye contact now.
‘I need you to help build me. I need you Ehi… I am out of convincing words… It may seem like I’m babbling but I need you to trust me on this…

‘No, Peter. I can’t build you. I am not the right person for that job. I don’t even want to get involved with you anymore. It just keeps hurting… I don’t want to hurt anymore… your effort in making things right just makes it much worse than it is already… stop fighting it. Stop trying to make things right for me. I don’t want you to cos we can’t work.’ I could tell my eyes were flooded with tears already but I blinked it back.

This isn’t the time to show weakness of any sort.

I had my mind made up already and nothing was ever going to change that.

‘All I want from you is a recommendation letter to add to my resume and it doesn’t even matter if you will try to deny me that cos I can get it from your Dad… you can make things easy for both of us and just let me have it.’ I paused then added, ‘Please Peter.’

‘Ehi…’ He started. ‘I want to show you something.’ He said, snatching my arm like he owned it and walking me to the door.

‘No…’ I said, wringing my hand off his grip while my heel stuck to the ground. ‘I am not going anywhere until you tell me where. Where exactly are we going?’ I asked, my resolution suddenly faltering.

He rubbed his palm across his face. ‘I’d tell you when we get there.’ He said and tried to hold my hand again.

‘Tell me now.’ I maintained my stand as I folded my hands across my chest.

‘Okay,’ He started and I could see his forehead become instantly sweaty.

‘I am taking you to see my mum.’ He announced in a reduced tone.

My eyes widened at the realization and I couldn’t help swallowing.

‘Your mum?’ I asked in a surprise laden voiced.

I watched him nod his reply.

‘She isn’t dead.’ He paused for inflection before continuing. ‘But she is dying.’

.

***RHODA***

‘Here…’ David announced as he hurriedly scribbled the last name on his list of board members to approach right before handing the list to me. ‘What do you think?’ He added as I collected the sheet of paper from him.

We were lying on his, side by side and we’ve been working on this ‘list’ for almost an hour now and I could swear I was barely listening.

‘It’s okay but I don’t know. Something seems to be missing.’ I replying holding the paper a little too close to my eyes like I couldn’t see a thing even though I could see every ink on it.

To be sincere, nothing was missing. The only thing that could explain my deterring cooperativeness would be the fact that my body, my soul, my whole being is not prepared for this. Everything feels so…

I can’t find the word….

Everything feels so… not right.

‘You know there is a pen if there is anything you need to add or change… or even erase…’ He opined holding out the black pen he was scribbling with earlier. Even though his statement seemed to be the most courteous thing I have heard in a while especially if the calmness with which he said it was put into consideration, there was still no hiding the pissed off sarcasm behind his eyes.

It took me moments to decide on whether or not to collect the pen from him. I wasn’t still sure what to do with the pen but I collected it anyway. The last thing I wanted to be is appear indecisive before him but my effort at trying to seem decisive just compounded the conspicuousness of how very unready I was. I took the pen between my fingers and squiggled lightly on the paper before abandoning the effort knowing there was nothing to write and I only seemed stupid.

‘Look, David… I don’t know what it is…’

‘Of course you don’t…’ He interjected rising up and pacing the length of the bed frame while I overlooked his actions and focused on completing my statement.

‘… but I just think there is something off, something missing… maybe we just have to give it more time’

‘You know what I think Rhoda?’ As much as I wouldn’t like to know what it was, the burning determination in his eyes only communicated the fact that my opinion doesn’t exactly matter. He was going to say what he thinks whether or not I was prepared to listen. ‘I think the only thing missing here is your gut…’

I don’t know why I felt bad when what he said was simply the truth.

‘I gave you so much time to get your act together. It took you weeks to finally do that but it was okay since I understand this is big for you even though in some ways it shouldn’t be. I need to understand one thing though, are you ready? Are you ever going to be ready? If you are not, you can as well say so and I won’t have to push myself fighting for you, burning my ass off all in the light of making what you obviously have little or no interest in a reality. It’s not so hard you know. Just say the magic words and I would be off this case.’ He finished and crossed his arms over his chest in a fashion suggesting he was frustrated and impatient.

It was true.

Everything he said.
But I would be a coward backing out at this point.

I clearly don’t like the situation as it is but I also don’t know if I wanted it to change.

Okay, scratch that, I want it to change but I don’t want to influence it in any way.

‘You need to make a choice right now, Rhoda. I won’t be giving you another week to decide on this…’ He stopped around his statement as his phone lit up and vibrated just right beside me on the bed. That caught both our attentions.

He could see the caller’s ID from where he stood and I could also.

We both know who is calling even though no name was displayed. It was the same number that texted him the other day and yeah, I knew who was calling because I was forced to memorized the number the other day. Yeah it seemed a little… I mean a lot ‘not me’ coupled with the fact that I almost dialed the number this morning but I eventually decided against it when I knew David had given me no reason to not trust him.

‘Are you going to say anything or…?’ He asked cocking his head sideways and ignoring his phone like it wasn’t sitting beside me, vibrating incessantly.

‘You have a call. You might want to answer that first.’ I pointed at his phone hoping that way, it would catch his attention again and he wouldn’t have to pretend he couldn’t see it.

‘Yeah, I can see that…’

‘So, you are going to ignore it or what?’ I asked getting unnecessarily uneasy. Do I really need to worry about something now?

“Okay I get…’ He said, wiping his palm across his weary face. ‘You prefer infatuating yourself with my unimportant call than talking about the important stuff we were discussing before that distraction in form of a phone call came in.’ He said chuckling a bit even though he seemed angry.

It was at this point that his phone stopped ringing and for a moment, I was disappointed.
But almost as soon as it stopped, it started again.

This time it rang and both of us just stared at it.

‘For God’s sake!’ He cussed under his breath as he reached for his phone and swiped across it to reject the call right before switching it off, then tucked it in his short’s pocket.

‘Now, there is nothing you can obsess with.’ He added and I could see his forehead crease distressfully. He seemed to have lost his interest and stance on what we were previously discussing.

I sat upright, slipping up until I had my back rested on the wall.

‘You want to… you know… talk about that?’ I asked, moistening my lips as I became suddenly perturbed. It was hard scrutinizing his expression as I could barely maintain gazing at him for a second before looking away.
I wasn’t scared or anything… Okay, that is a lie. I was scared of what it could be that he was hiding. I never had to worry in the past and I just didn’t know what to feel if now of all the time spent in this relationship is when to worry.

I felt all the memories of our relationship flash in my eyes. I know I was over doing it but I couldn’t just bear the thought of not trusting David.

‘Trust me, you are acting paranoid. There is nothing to talk about. Like, who would have thought I have to face a jury just because I decided to not pick a call. If not picking calls require a judge and an attorney, you would be behind bars for all the calls you don’t pick.’ He presumably joked.

Although his intent was to ease the tension which was literally seeping off the walls in the room, the only thing I got the wind of was the fact that he was deflecting off the main topic which Is quite unusual and unlike him.

One thing David never does is deflect, or joke in the middle of a serious conversation.

‘See, you are just making this much more complicated that it already is. There is something about that call and I just want you to tell me what it is.’ I nervously and brusquely urged.

‘There is nothing to talk about! It’s just like any other call I don’t feel like answering and I don’t think I need to explain that to you!’ He half yelled and that just confirmed the building suspicion that there was actually something to worry about.

I watched as sweat oozed out of his forehead while he shut his eyes. Something he does whenever he regrets his outburst.

‘I’m sorry but why are we doing this? Why are we having this toxic conversation?’ He asked in a lowered voice although he still seemed tensed.

‘I don’t know. Maybe because I happened to stumble on a text which whoever is calling you sent and that actually made me discover this isn’t just another call you don’t want to answer.’ I dropped the time bomb.

‘ Like, I don’t know… Is this even the only thing I have to worry about? What else are you hiding from me…’? I splattered in an accusing tone.

I guess the discovery of what I actually knew threw him off the edge.

‘I can’t believe this actually worked.’ He said releasing the tenseness in his shoulders as he sat at the edge of the bed right next to my outstretched legs.

‘And what has that got to do with anything?’ I asked a bit surprised while trying to alienate his statement with what we were discussing.

‘it’s all Rachel’s plan. I hate it so much that she is a genius and her plans somehow always work. I never planned to tell you this but I guess I have to in order to avoid a misunderstanding of this kind some other time.’ He started gazing right into my eyes. ‘Toni, the girl that keeps calling was my ex-girlfriend. The one I dated before I met you.’

‘If I could remember clearly, we met about eight, nine years ago. Why is she calling you now?’ I asked trying to fathom what sick person wouldn’t be over their ex after almost a decade. I don’t even care if that was the jealousy speaking. It all just doesn’t seem right.

‘Yeah, that was where Rachel comes in. I don’t know how she met with Rachel but Rachel gave her my number. Her plan was to get us both worked up and it worked.’ He said flipping his arms apart as he scoffed disbelievingly.

‘Wow.’ I suddenly relaxed my nerves although, still pent up about why she was blowing up David’s phone. ‘Do you have any idea why she is calling?’ I asked hoping my curiosity would be eased with an answer from him.

‘I don’t know and honestly, I don’t want to know.’ He answered as he stretched himself beside me.

‘Why did you guys even break up? You never gave me a reason…’ I inquired further.

‘It was a childish fling… we were both infatuated to each other and we both mutually agreed to break it up when we outgrew the feeling. And I guess I got lucky, ‘cos if we hadn’t I may have never got the chance to be with you.’ He replied staring at me with a smothering smile on his lips.

I could feel the butterflies in my stomach do a flip. It’s amazing how he still makes me feel this way.

‘Okay…’ I cleared my throat. ‘About the company, how about you give me until tomorrow to make a decision. There is something I urgently need to take care of between now and tomorrow, when that’s taken care of, we can initiate the plan.’ I said with pleading eyes.

I watched him give that a thought.

‘Okay that’s fine. Tomorrow, it is.’ He replied giving me an encouraging smile.

olatex25:
hmm.. u abandoned one to start another, its unfair ooo.. anyway, nice story u got up dere. oly if u won't abandon dis one again.... kipin tag on dis

Thanks for reading olatex25. But I will like to tell you I didn't abandon one of my works for another. This short story is a story that started and ended with the first update. It is a short story and I am sorry if I whet anyone's appetite.

I am so sorry guys. I have been very busy and I know the updates have been really slow. One thing I want you guys to know is, I would try my best to improve especially since I am almost done.


E Jo,

Bikonu,

Forgive me.

**PETER**
I held the bouquet tighter like I was scared it was going to fall off if I didn't. I could feel my hand tremble as I folded it to knock on the door. I stopped to wait for an answer of any kind in the dark, cold night while my hands gave off tremor like spasms.

It was so evident I was nervous. I couldn't help it.

After what seemed like eternity of waiting, I edged forward and put my ears on the door to listen to movements. After moments of waiting, I heard nothing.

Taking a quick glance at the wristwatch fastened around my left wrist, I didn't want to believe she was asleep even though the details on my watch only screamed she should.

I tried knocking at the door once again while silently hoping I would get a response this time. I could feel my forehead dampen with sweat and that was quite surprising considering how cold it was outside. I didn't need a weather forecast to tell me how cold it was. The way my teeth clattered like an old typist typewriter was enough forecast.

I was going to try my luck at knocking on the door again when I heard rustling and prattling in the keyhole. I stopped in my tracks and waited patiently for the door to slid open with my heart literarily in my throat.

She stood in the door way, arms folded across her chest while she stared insipidly at me like an inanimate object waiting to be tossed away. She was in a brown turtle-necked cardigan whose long sleeve hand was a few inches longer than hers. The sparks I always see in her eyes were completely gone and what I see as replacement was a stomach turning blank stare.

Why a blank stare scares me so much, I don’t know. I couldn’t find the perfect explanation.

Maybe I wouldn’t be worried if what I had seen on her face was a frown or a scowl that shows she was angry at me. I am someone who agrees with this orthodox belief that if someone is mad at you enough to show it, the person still cares and would accept an apology if offered. Which explains why I was frightened by what I saw in her eyes.

She was standing right there, staring down at me like she wasn’t expecting an apology.

Like she didn’t care.

Although this might be the first time I ever admitted such, this is my greatest fear!

I want her to care about me.

A light smile spread across my face as I held up the bouquet in my hands in concerted effort to lessen the tension welling up in the atmosphere around us.

‘I’m sorry I’m late.’ I added while hopefully waiting for her to collect the flowers from me. It was hard reading what the mixture of emotions on her face suggested but either way, there was no hiding the disappointment masking it. Her face looked sullen and it was hard telling if she was actually looking at me. She seemed rather too deep in thoughts

We stayed like that for minutes.

Just staring at each other with no word leaving either of our lips.

“Peter.’ My name, being her first word ever since I got here got my attention rather too engrossingly.

'You don’t get to be two contrasting characters at the same time. You don’t get to be a jerk and prince charming concurrently. You have to choose one. Be one. Maybe you’ll find someone who will love you for who you are even if you choose to be a jerk because I am done.’ She paused for air and it was clear-cut obvious that she was at the verge of breaking down.

‘I am done hoping you would change. I am done making excuses for you. I am done having to tiptoe around you like you are some time bomb waiting for the perfect time to explode. I am done believing we might have had something which we clearly don’t. I know I might have been living in this fantasy world thinking you would be better. It might be a one sided thing; it might just be only me but I actually thought we could be better than whatever we presently are. But that doesn’t matter anymore because whatever we were is stupid. And I might have just placed my priorities and hopes too high to think you might just be ‘the guy’. I have come to realize you are not the guy. You are just another guy I risk getting hurt if I ever got tangled with.’ She said that calmly. She wasn’t angry and even if she was, she did a good job hiding it. She wasn’t screaming either. She was just standing there, delivering her statement like she had it all planned.

‘I’m sorry Peter but I guess we have to terminate what hasn’t started.’ She continued. ‘Goodnight Peter.’ She added then stood there for a few moments before she tried to shut the door in my face.

‘I…’ I started and I saw her pause. Her eyes were waiting for me.

It almost felt like she still had faith in me.

I could see it.

She still had hopes. She was hoping whatever I wanted to say would change everything.

She was expecting whatever I had to say to be a reason to change her mind.

She was so vulnerable that her desires and emotions could be read off her face.

‘I…’ I struggled to get the words out of my throat but they were stuck there and she was getting impatient.

And it was at that moment that I knew I had to do the right thing.

‘I am not the right person for you.’ I started once again, crushing the tiny flame of hope lighting up in her eyes.

‘You are right; it is a one sided thing. I really don’t feel the way you do… I don’t even know what I want! I am just a messed up, broken, stupid guy who will most likely hurt you more than you have been hurt before and you don’t deserve that.’ I paused for a frustrating sigh.

‘You don’t deserve me.’

I let the last statement linger in the air and I watched her give me the blank, hurt stare again right before she slammed the door in my face then the rustling sound of key inside the key hole, like the other time resumed.

I took a few steps backward still staring at the shut door. I sighted a trash can just right beside the front porch and dumped the flowers in it while trying so hard to refrain from yelling.

I head to my car and jumped in after which I closed the door after me.

I put my head on the steering wheel as my eyes began to sting…

It hurt so bad.

Who was I kidding?

My whole body hurt and the pain wasn’t physical in any way.

I have never felt like this before.

I really am in love.

I don’t know which hurts more; the part where I lost the only comfort I have ever felt in a while...

The only person I have undoubtedly been convinced I love.

Or the part where I lied while being conscious of the fact that if I had said the truth, I would have kept her.

'Come out, come out baby. Mummy's here!'

She cooed in the sweetest and gentlest voice known to man as she paraded the length of the room with her eyes darting and searching different parts of the room while her fingers rake and claw at her already rough hair. Her reverberating voice penetrated every wall in in the room like a classic soul music.

Her voice, even though comforting and enchanting, only made him push himself further into the ever resisting wall while wincing slightly and noiselessly.

He could see much of her from where he hid but he was certain she couldn't see him hiding behind the locked bathroom door, peering through the key hole with his sad, frightened eyes.

There was no way she could see him.

She had smashed her own glasses, the only thing that makes her see clearly on the wall during the chase, shattering it into tiny crystal pieces.

He was terrified.

Oh, scratch that!

He is only seven but he might as well be a few minutes away from having a mental breakdown
He is only seven but even he can understand when he should be scared. And he knows he ought to be really scared right now.

He has every right to be scared because standing on the other side of the door with disheveled hair, face splattered with blood, eyes roving and lips etched into an oddly comforting but spooky smile was the woman who was his Momma five minutes ago.

This lady with torn, blood stained pajamas all wreaking of her own handwork isn't his Momma.

No, his Momma wouldn't shout at him for offering her her evening pills because his Momma knows that is his job when his Dad is out.

His Momma is someone who takes her pills right before tucking his little sister and him into bed.

His Momma is definitely not that person who just used the kitchen knife on Jennie.

This monster in his Mommas skin, successively used the knife on his little sister, creating several stab wounds on the poor girl's little face.

He could still hear the little girls agonizing cry right before she stopped making any sound.

She was silent.

Probably dead

And it wasn't until then the Monster knew she had to stop.

He was there and he saw it all and she knew he did.
That must have explained why she went after him as he ran to his bedroom, holding gingerly the knife dripping of her daughter's blood.

Calling out to him sweetly each time she took a step.

Calling out to silence him like she just did to little Jennie.

He gripped the medicine bottle in his hands tighter with reinforced resolution.

If he could only read the small letterings on the body of the bottle.

If he only knew two pills from the bottle a few minutes earlier would have saved poor Jennie.

If he only knew the pills had been taming the monster in his Momma for a year now.

But, he knew none of that, so he knew not to blame himself for delaying his Mommas medication a few minutes later than normal.

'Come out Dan!!!' She called out, again. Only, she was yelling this time.

As tears of fear cascaded down his face, he mentally recited his survival anthem.

Daddy, where are?

He knew he can't leave his safe haven irrespective of how tempting the thought of opening and bolting out of the door, far away from the beast is.

He knew he had to hold on to and believe in the bathroom door to never give way even if the beast tries to bring it down.

All he needed was to hold on till Daddy comes.
To save him from the knife in his Mommas hand.

(That is if she never gets to use it on Daddy first)

I am so sorry it took this long. I apologize. Again.

EHI
I could tell the excitement was literally seaming off my pores and I couldn’t conceal it even though I tried.
I tried concealing it, because as crazy as this may sound, I felt I was betraying Rhoda. I don’t know if it was me trying to repress my guilt or if I was in denial, but I couldn’t lay my hands on which part of my actions was actually betrayal.
Rhoda may not know it but I can’t just hate her brother just because she wanted me to. I tried to hate him but it all just happened and I realized I can’t because there was actually nothing to hate aside the fact that he has his own personal issues which could be traced to his very horrible past.
He wasn’t even competing with her like she thought!
I kept asking myself why everything felt so wrong, yet so right?
Why do I feel warm all over even though a part of me was in ice?
I have never been at lost or more confused about my own emotions than I currently am right now and oddly as this may sound, it still felt so good that I could swear I have never felt better.
I can’t even tell if I was just scared of catching some feelings or if I was scared of getting hurt. Well that doesn’t matter because I certainly know I’m scared.
So scared yet I couldn’t stop the butterflies fluttering in my stomach whenever the image of Peter’s lips pressed to mine comes shuffling in my head. I shrugged of the slide show in my brain and turn off the shower.
I wasn’t with a wristwatch or anything but if at all I have to guess, I would say I have been in the shower for an hour. The greater part of which was literally spent reminiscing the kissing episodes and also humming a love song from the 90’s.
Who the hell have I suddenly become?
I shouldn’t be like that about a guy especially, if I have to consider the fact that he isn’t my first… or even my second!
Why does he feel so special even though he was just plain and simple?
And just cute…
… and has thin supple lips that perfectly align with his perfectly carved face, hiding whatever hardship he had to face in the past…
What is wrong with me?
I stepped out of the bath, shaking off the shameful thought I just had as I took my bathing robe off the hanger right before slipping it on. I entered the bedroom and glanced over the heart-shaped wall clock hanging over my bed. I realized I still had the time to damp my face in make-up and find something nice to wear before Peter arrives.
I took a little tour to my closet and the moment I opened the door, some hurtful but memorable memories came flooding. I could remember the first time I was supposed to go on a date with Peter. I had troubles deciding whether or not to go but Rhoda was here to encourage me. It’s amazing how everything changed with her discovering I was friends with her brother…. Or more like lovers… which we apparently seem to be.
I flipped through the dresses hanging in the closet until I stopped before the dress she picked for me the other day.

****
It was a few minutes to 10.
Ten, in the night.
I mean, ten pm and I was still in my red dress, sitting one of the seats in the dining room, phone tightly held in my right hand as I forcefully tried to refrain from calling him!

Again.

Trying to be considerate, I even tried to pretend that I forgot the date was mutually agreed to start by 8 which he promised to come pick me from home! But it is a few minutes to 10 and he isn’t even picking his calls talk more of him showing up!

Was he probably preparing some sort of surprise?

This better not be a surprise because this is one hell of a crazy surprise… and I was so not feeling it.

I gritted my teeth hard until I was almost bleeding. All was just to stop myself from trying to call him again and be tagged desperate.

The knock on the door startled and got me excited so much that I almost slipped trying to stand up but I was lucky enough to hold the table for support just in time. I half ran to the door then stopped before it to take a deep breath and smoothen my dress. I slowly opened the door, with a pretend frown on my face.

Standing there, looking a bit disturbed was Rhoda’s mum.

I’ve never been so disappointed and unexcited seeing her than I was.

There was a car parked right beside mine in the compound and I could see a man in the driver’s seat as the light from the car reflected on his face.
Staring at her absentmindedly and still surprised, I ushered her in with a brusque and lifeless smile before closing the door behind her, noiselessly.

‘Were you expecting someone?’ She threw the question at me and I didn’t even know how to answer that.

‘Not really…’ I later replied as I followed closely behind her as she walked to one of the couches in the living room.

I tried to grasp what her mission at my place would be at 9:57pm.

I can’t even remember the last time she came here.

‘That’s relieving. I was so scared you might be sleeping but it just couldn’t wait. How have you been Ehi?’ She asked and I don’t need to a psychic to tell me she didn’t come all the way here, at his time, just to ask how I was.

‘I am fine… I am just pretty surprised you came here…. You know it’s late and you could have just called… or texted.’ I cringed after I said that. And even though I had a wide grin plastered on my face the whole time I said that, it felt like I was being rude. But I don’t know if there is any other way one could ask a middle aged woman who happened to be your best friend’s mother what she was doing at your place at 10pm. ‘Rhoda isn’t staying here anymore.’ I added and it wasn’t until I said it that I realized I might have been dropped off a cliff when I was young.

‘I know. I know I shouldn’t be here but I certainly wouldn’t take much of your time.’ She paused then continued. ‘Speaking of Rhoda, do you know if she had been up to something abnormal lately?’

Aside from hating me for being friends with her brother? No.

I never said that aloud though.

‘No. I don’t think so. She has been a lot bitter about the company lately but aside from that, she has pretty much been herself.’ I answered. ‘Why are you so curious?’ I supplemented.

‘Rhoda is up to something. I don’t know what it is exactly but I have guesses. But whatever it is, it isn’t going to end well for anybody most especially Rhoda.’

I tried to ruminate on what she said but it all didn’t quite mix.

‘Do you think Rhoda has suicidal plans?’ I asked and it sounded wrong again.

Like, who tells a mother her only daughter is planning a suicide?
‘I mean, trust me. I know Rhoda and the last thing she would do is hurt anybody or herself.’ I tried to assure the worried mother.

‘I don’t think Rhoda has a suicidal plan but I think she’s about to do something stupid.’ She said, flexing her arm nervously.

‘Ma, I know Rhoda is your daughter but she is my best friend and I know she would never do anything stupid irrespective of the magnitude. I know she’s just so mad at everything right now but all she needs is a little break and she’d be fine.’ I assured the worried woman before me who suddenly lapsed into silence.

I could tell she was a lot relaxed than she initially was.

‘Thanks, Ehi.’ She smiled at me and I smiled back.

We stayed rooted to a spot in silence for a few minutes before she eventually broke it.

‘I think I should get going. It’s late.’ She said then pulled me into a surprising hug which took me a few moments to reciprocate.

She released me from the embrace and headed for door just right after smiling at me.

‘You know Rhoda needs you right?’ She said, immediately she was outside the door and I was just behind her. ‘She doesn’t have any other friend. You just need to tolerate her until she gets over this childish act. Please do that for me.’ She was almost pleading.
‘I don’t know if she ever wants to see me but, I’ll try my best.’ I answered and gave her one last encouraging smile.

I watched her stepped inside the car, and also watched the car zoom out of my compound.

I ran back to the dining table where my phone laid face down. I picked it up and eventually succumbed to the pressure of dialing Peter’s number once again.

And again.

And again.

And for the fifth time in 10 minutes. Yet, he picked none of my calls.

Okay, Calm down Ehi. Nothing bad happened to him.

I dialed again and the phone rang for a few seconds and as I was about to hang up for the last time, he picked the call.

‘I don’t have time to talk right now. I will call you back? He said from the other end before I could even say HI!

I felt my lips freeze in a ‘WOW’

*Rhoda*

Angrily unwinding the shawl tied around my neck and removing the shades on my eyes, I slowed down to pause before the room I share with David.

There was a loud noise coming from in there and Rachel's voice, which was surprisingly overshadowed by David's, kind of got me curious as to what could possibly be happening.

I've never seen her enter the room ever before.

Not when I am around though.

At first, I thought whatever led to the argument must have everything to do with Rachael making things up and throwing tantrums about me.

Again.

But as I inched closer, I noticed from the door left wide open to the way they looked each other in the eye that David and his sister were too engorged in their heated argument to notice my presence. Their argument, from the little I overheard, had little or nothing to do with me or maybe it did have something to do with me.

'… I never gave you permission to give her my number! I am done ignoring your immature attitudes and childish acts cos it isn't funny anymore! You have just gone way overboard with this and you need to understand the magnitude of what you've done and take responsibilities for your actions!' David was yelling at the top of his lungs with his fingers gesticulating in different directions as he tried to make his point.

I do say he looks scary whenever he is angry but looking at him right now, scary would be an understatement for whatever the scowl plus the mixture of rage and fury adorning his face suggest.

'I am still trying to comprehend why we are even having this conversation. Who could have thought there was some sort of restriction on when and who gets your number...' Rachael defended, rolling her eyes as she placed her hands on her hip for support.

She looked all shades of unfazed by David's show of anger. I could tell that her calmness and lack of show of remorse completely pissed David off.

'You know what is annoying about this whole thing? The obvious lack of penance from your part! You are taking this so lightly that you see no need for an apology…' David wasn't allowed to finish his statement before Rachael interjected. He was shirtless and only had a pair of shorts on.

'I see no need for an apology because nothing warrants I apologize! I see nothing wrong in giving someone you obviously know your number when she asked for it. You never made any rules on who and who not to give your number! So, it beats me why you are getting all worked up over something as bland as this!' Rachael was equally raising voice now.

'I am getting worked up knowing fully well you are not doing this because it's right or because you really want to be nice or anything. You are doing this because you are suddenly out of tactics on how to keep bugging Rhoda and I that you are ready to stoop this low!' He paused for air while a huge string of amusing disbelief hung on Rachael's lips.

'When will it eventually dawn on you that irrespective of how hard or the number of times you try, irrespective of the way, irrespective of the tool you use, you are not ever going to create a dent in our relationship' He opined leaving Rachael a space to chip in her own part.

'So you thought this is all about you and your girlfriend?…'

'Fiancée!' David corrected, interrupting her.

'Whatever, I don't care about you two! Bugging you two or whatever the hell you called it, is the last thing I want to do because I have no business with you two. Your relationship is so silly and disgusting that the last person you'd want pointing that out for you is a third party, most importantly, me!' She spoke so fast and irritably that it was hard making out what she was saying.

'If you are going to make a big deal about giving someone your number,…' She put an air quote around the last three words. '…then, trust me to never again step into your business. With that duly said, I'm gonna leave you to grovel on how very pathetic you seem right now.' She completed her statement, then stumped out of the room as she brushed past me acting like she wasn't seeing me for the first time when she turned around.

David watched her leave and his eyes fell on me as well.

Surprise!

'What was that about?' I asked as I took slow but casual strides inside the room, acting like I wasn't all that curious as I tore my gaze off him to stare on the plain wall.

'You don't have to worry about that. It's Rachael bringing up her dramas again. Where have you been?' He didn't even pause before asking a diverting question.

His actions all seemed suspicious to me.

'I went to see my mom.' I folded my shawl as I neared the closet. Opening the door, I placed it on a pile of neatly folded cloths. 'Is Rachael's drama something I should worry about?'

'Rachael's repugnant ways of showing her dissatisfaction about our relationship hasn't changed from being something not worth discussing.' He replied, not looking at me as he stripped himself off the last piece of clothing on his body, his shorts; I watched him stood stark naked before me.

'You not reprimanding me when I said I went to see my mum and also your tireless effort in trying to change the topic makes me think it might just be worthy of being discussed. You can't really tell you know. Let me be the judge of whether it is worthy or not.' I said, closing the closet door behind me as I turned to face him, hands folded

'Your posture, your persistence and bothersome questioning have got me thinking this is some interrogation of some sort. I didn't ask about the outcome of the conversation with your mum because I can tell it ended badly just like I said it would. Your sullen face and pissed expression gives you away and me not asking is not because I'm avoiding your question' He answered, folding his short as he spoke. 'You shouldn't have gone.' He added.

I swallowed hard, his words hurt even though I knew I deserved it.

'But, about Rachael…' I tried my luck again.

'About Rachael, you are obsessing with that because you are looking for ways to vent your anger. The anger you left with after conversing with your mum! You are doing it all wrong cos there is nothing about what Rachael said… if at all you didn't hear anything Rachael and I talked about, I hope you heard the part where I said whatever her tactics is, it has got nothing on us. Bite and chew on that.' He said as he head towards the bathroom, his towel hanging loosely on his shoulder.

'Wait…' I stopped him right before he entered the bathroom. 'Before you go in there…' I paused, suddenly feeling light headed because of what I was about to say. 'I've been thinking a lot about what you said and I think I am ready. I am just not all that sure if there is any way we can get the board to vote my dad and his son out. It seems so impossible because my Dad is like invincible. There is no way we can stage a coup…' I was interrupted by the shushing sound David made as he let his eyes feed delightedly on me.

'Everything is possible cookie jar. You Dad has allies, a lot of them, yes. But one thing he isn't, is invincible or untouchable. He may seem like it but he isn't.' He was almost whispering as he said this.

'Amongst his allies, there are the weak ones who all it takes is a little convincing here and there. And for the strong allies whose loyalty lie in the company, all it takes is a tarnishing record of your dad or his son's administration. Something, I've luckily come to lay my hands on. The Company would be yours in no time. ' He smirked at me but his smirk was weirdly unamusing to me.

'I am glad you finally consented.' He said, flashing me an encouraging smile.

'David…. I'm not so sure… I have a bad feeling about this. I feel bad about this.' I stammered as I suddenly felt jittery.

'No, Baby. You don't have to be. Trust me, you are doing your Dad a favour by taking the company away from him. Peter has created a dent in the company's finance. From my findings, he is trying to embezzle a huge sum of money...Nobody knows what it is for but we don't have to. What we should be concerned about is the fact that he has compromised your dad's leadership. Which is good for us... That is what we are going to use against him. We are going to save your Dad's company while we still can. Okay?' He gently coaxed and I nodded after what seemed like eternity.

'I m going to go shower now and when I come out, we'd discuss this together... and most importantly, with my dad. We are going to need him on this. You know right?' He added.

I forced a smile and watched him enter the bathroom, closing the door behind him.

I can't believe I am doing this?

Doesn't it sound so desperate?

But if whatever David said about Peter embezzling is true, I would actually be doing my Dad a favour.

My chain of thought got interrupted by the a vibration coming from the bed.

It was David's phone.

I ignored it but it vibrated again, getting me curious.

What if this has anything to do with the conversation with Rachael?

I edged closer to the bed and reluctantly picked up the phone.

It was a pop up SMS text from a strange number and it read;

'You don't need to pick up the call. All I want is to just meet up for a talk. Please, it's really urgent.'

I dropped the phone, face down on the bed as I thought about how the text is related to the conversation I overheard

Olabantu:
Thanks sis for the update

You are welcome bro

Hey guys.


I am terribly sorry about releasing this update so late. I want you to know it wasn't intentional and it was because I had stuff to attend to

ftosino:
lovely work of literature, i really love your style of writing, its beautiful. whedhone mha.


I Don Join Una For Waiting Zone, Hajia Fiyah, Pls Comman update na.

Thanks so much sir. You are welcome on board

Happy Birthday Bellefidel. For your special day, I tried to find the right words to describe you and I could only think of one: amazing. To me, you're an amazing friend slash sister slash blood. Happy birthday in arrears.







I am so sorry this is coming late...

******
*Peter*

For the umpteenth time, I lost the game I was playing on my phone. The football game had been the only thing that kept me company while leaning across the wall close to Ehi's office, waiting for her to end the conversation she was having behind closed doors with her ex fiancée. I don't need an emotional scanner to deduce the meaning of the expressions gracing the faces of the few staff members that saw me standing there like one of the statues erected in Imo state to know they all were curious.

It wasn't until one of the staff members curiously asked me what I was doing there that I decided to maybe check on those two.

I was going to head in when the door to her office slid open and Francis exited. I wasn't quick enough to read his face as he walked rather too fast completely oblivious of my presence or existence.

'Were you standing outside the whole time?' Ehi asked immediately I entered the office. She was on her feet and she had her jacket flung accross her left shoulder while closing the drawer attached to her desk.

I rubbed my palm across my tired face while I solidly placed myself behind the closed door.

'I figured you could use some help if at all anything decides to go wrong. Considering proximity and also not getting involved in your conversation, I observed that outside is the best place to be if I want to be of help.' I managed to not stammer my answer through after which I tucked my hands in my trouser's pocket, trying hard to hide the nervousness and tingling in my fingers.

Why was I feeling this way?

It wasn't like I was meeting her for the first time or anything.

'You shouldn't have bothered. I can handle it.'. She said, picking up a yellow, leather handbag on her desk. ' I handled it already.' She added glacing at me briefly before heading towards the huge window behind her desk.

'I guess you did. So, how did it go?' I asked as I walked to her desk. My palms were wet and I couldn't help wondering where the fluids keep coming from.

I wasn't even sweating!

'Well, it went the same way any conversation with someone you've considered marrying in the past would have gone.' She answered, turning her back at me to close the blind.

'Could you be more specific? I certainly don't know how a conversation with someone you've considered marrying would go.' With an arched eyebrow and fingers tapping on her desk, I asked.

'Okay,' Clasping her palm together as she turned to face me, she started. 'He came here to tell me he called the wedding off because an affair he had while we were together apparently turned into pregnancy. He got informed about the baby a day before the wedding and he thought it right to call it off. He thought I deserved better. Better than him. So, he came to apologise for having an affair, for not telling me about the affair and also for making a decision to leave on our supposed wedding day.' She paused for air while she maintained eye contact with me. 'He also said he is currently involved with his child's mother.' She added then stayed at the same spot for a few minute with a plastic smile etched on her lips.

Silence enveloped the atmosphere for a brief moment and she ended it with the clicking sound her shoes made as she walked back to her desk, sitting on it just right beside me.

'I'm sorry.' I don't know why or how I said that but I did say it and there was no retracting.

It wasn't even like I ever want to retract it.

'I don't understand why you are sorry.' Her forehead creased in surprise as she placed her palm beside her for support. 'You don't have to be sorry for me. I am fine and you really have to trust me when I say I have never felt any better. You wanna know why? The thing is, ever since the day I got dumped, I've always thought I was the reason why. I thought I was a mess that is unfixable and every guy I date just have to leave me as they can't deal with me. You should have imagined how happy I was when it turned out he left me at the alter because he felt guilty. I know it seems like I'm rambling and all… you may not understand how I feel right now but I feel good and I don't want you to be sorry for my predicament.' She completed her statement with a bright smile.

I listened to her with rapt attention and I suddenly became tongue tied for no specific reason at all.

I wanted to say something but a cowardice feeling held me back.

'I need to get home now.' I'm suddenly weak and tired.' She broke the silence once again as she lifted herself off the desk then proceed to the door while I followed closely.

'I'm sorry.' I said again just right before she opened the door. She turned and tried to say something but I stopped her by placing my finger on her lips.

'I am sorry for everything I did.' I paused to take a deep breath before proceeding. Bravely.

'I was wrong. I've always been. I know I'm all messed up and crazy but I should have known better than getting you involved in my personal problems. I've got issues. Huge ones. And I can't help the way they control my emotions which makes me a very despicable person. I was supposed to not let my problems define me but I did let them and I hate myself for that. I kept you waiting at the restaurant after which I eventually didn't show up and yet, the best thing I could do as the jerk that I was was yell at you and use your weakness against you. I kind of disgust myself right now and I don't think I will ever forgive me if you don't. I'm so sorry for every single way I've wronged you.' I lifted my hands off her inviting lips as I waited for her to say something.

'I don't… you are… I have…' She took a break to coordinate her speech. 'Peter, we don't….'I didn't let her finish that before reflexively pinning her body against the door, my chest pressed against the bulge and softness of hers.

My mouth lips wasted no time in finding hers whilst savoring the caramel sweetness on them. My tongue dug into the wetness of her mouth, enjoying every blissful moment. It took her a while to overcome the shock she had spread across her face and instead of punching or pushing me away like I've feared, she leaned in to the kiss, flipping and exchanging positions with me as she now had me pressed against the door, my head between her palms, reciprocating every move I make much more aggressively than I did.

'What just happened!' It wasn't actually a question as the statement literally protrayed. I bet she was trying to fathom how, why and when we started kissing. Ehi leaned away from me, taking slow strides backwards while holding her flushed face in her palm, embrassed.

'I didn't mean to assault you like that. It was a reflex, I couldn't help it. I apologize if that makes you feel uncomfortable.' I quickly said, hoping I didn't get her all wired up with the idea that I was taking advantage of her.

'No, it's fine.' She hurriedly dismissed the apology as she released her face from her palm. 'It wasn't an assualt in any way. I kind of kissed you back you know…' she added, avoiding eye contact.

My lips still tasted of caramel and I couldn't help licking it while rubbing my eyes lightly, trying to pretend the atmosphere around us didn't have this air of awkwardness filling it up.

'Do you mind going to see a movie with me like right now? Like a real date? Please, don't say no.' I was so fast saying that that I could barely hear myself. Saying that must have been so hard for me because I realised I closed my eyes while saying it.

'I don't….' She tried to say but I stopped her knowing her statement might not end so well for me.

'You don't have to say anything. Trust me, I won't bail on you like I did the last time. Just give me another chance and I won't screw it up. All you have to do is come with me and we'd be at the cinema in no time…' she didn't let me finish before interrupting.

'I am not saying I don't want to go. I am saying I don't want to go right now. Not like this anyway.' She pointed at her dress.

'But nothing is wrong with you or your dress.' I commented, confusion creeping up my face.

'Everything is wrong with my dress, Silly. You said it's like a real date. I want to freshen up and not look all stressed out plus have my dress changed.' She argued.

'Okay. I guess you would be ready by 8 then?' I asked and I watched her nod affirmatively. 'I'd be at your place 8:00 sharp!' I said with a will so strong, I was so sure nothing could screw it up.

Or so I thought…

bimberry1307:
[color=#000099][/color] oh fiyah! please come and update nau. been refreshing this page since forever.

I just did nah Ma'am

*RHODA*

I could see my mum through the dark shades I wore. She was sitting on a concrete slab made into a seat under a huge almond tree in the children's park. I could see her from where I was but she couldn't see me and I could tell with the way her eyes were busy roving the small park while she fitfully rubbed her blue skirt at intervals.

The park wasn't all that crowded like it always is on weekends. A few people could be seen roaming the park and going about their businesses but the head count wouldn't be anything more than ten.

Glancing at the digital time displayed on my phone, I did a quick review of my plan. I knew I had less than an hour to discuss whatever I had to discuss with my mum as David would be home in an hour or so and the last thing I want to do is get myself involved in an argument with him based on where I had been and what not.

We've both been lapsing into arguments over trivia issues lately and I guess that's an entirely different topic which I would love to save for another day.

I took seconds to assess my mum from where I stood before finally putting up the courage to approach her whilst she remained unaware of my presence as she had her eyes fixed in the opposite direction.

While walking to meet her, I couldn't help wondering why she changed her mind to eventually come meet me here. I had figured she wasn't going to show up judging by how adamant she was on the phone about me coming home to discuss whatever we had to discuss.

The speed at which she even granted my request was quite unexpected and seeing her sitting down right there waiting for me, kind of ignited the flame of optimism in me for the first time in a while although that did nothing to smother the aching disappointment I felt towards her.

For the first time today, I felt my persuasion would work.

'You showed up.' I said, immediately I sat on the little space left unoccupied on the concrete slab she was sitting on.

'The only reason why I did is because you weren't ready to listen to me.' She answered not acting any bit surprised. 'I figured if your Muhammad wouldn't come to my mountain, my mountain has no choice but to come pay your Muhammad a visit instead.' She reinforced the statement she made earlier with the famous 'Muhammad-Mountain' metaphor.

She acted as though this wasn't the first time she was seeing me in three months or so.

I have known my mum to have always been the ever confident type but never has it occurred to me that she would be this confident.

I mean, I am her only daughter. The one she hasn't seen in months and I can't believe she is acting like she had only seen me a few seconds ago.

This wasn't how I expected this moment to be. I was expecting a motherly emotional moment on her part where she would break down and cry for some weird reasons while gushing loudly about how she terribly missed me.

I bit my lower lip like that would help hide my disappointment.

'Oh, wow.' That was the next thing that left my dumbfounded mouth. There was no better thing to say.

'So, I am here now. What is that urgent thing we have to discuss?' She asked leaving her statement imbedded in a glowing ditch of sarcasm. 'You know what?' She continued again before I could answer her question. 'This is just guilelessly ridiculous. I can't believe, I as your mother can't even talk to you and you'd listen to me.' She said while leaving her eyes to rove over me. The disbelief in them was quite evident.

I removed the dark shade from my eyes, thinking she wouldn't take me serious with them on.

'You never called.' I ignored her statement. 'Not once.' The accusing tone in my voice was plain and it was intentional. I needed to make her feel guilty.

'Oh, that would have been great accusation if you weren't the one who changed your number.'

'Pardon my ignorance, Who could have thought a changed number would have stopped a mother from reaching out to her only child.' My voice was laced with fury but I tried to maintain my calm as hard as possible.

'There are a lot of people you could get my number from if you were ever interested to.' I added again.

'That is very lovely your royal highness. I guess I should be ashamed of myself for allowing my only child, who is an adult by the way, play hide and seek with her mother.' She sarcastically replied again leaving a long pause before continuing.

I'm guessing my sarcasm is a trait I inherited from her.

'I knew you'd be fine.' She started, calmly and seriously this time. ' I always call Ehi to check up on you. I told her not to tell you about it.' She added. 'Speaking of Ehi, what is this I hear about you two having some big fight.'

I stared at her for a while while refraining from replying her.

The formal atmosphere between my mum and I seemed kind of funny. It would have been the last thing I would have imagined if I ever had to think about any of these things that have changed in the last few months at all.

'How have you been?' She asked out of the blues. I gazed at her in silence. Knowing I wasn't going to answer, she rested her chin on an open palm, sighing.

'I can't believe I granted the request to meet up with you here only for you to have me turned into some miserable radio from the '80's ' She said in frustration.

She gave me a look that suggested she was having seconds thoughts about me. She was staring at me like I was some clone.

'Why can't you come over to the house? It is your home and we meeting up here is the most ridiculous and unexpected thing that has ever happened to me since forever.' She tried again when I let her statements linger in the air before eventually offering an answer.

'Well, it ceased being my home ever since that…' I paused, looking for the right word to use. '…. ever since your husband's favourite child stepped in. I'm just surprised you as my mother would allow me get treated this way by your husband and the best you could do is sit back, accept your husband's child from another woman with open arms and watch me go through all of this bullshiits!' The pent up emotions, the fury, the anger, all took full control of me and I just had to caution myself before lashing out the wrong words.

' It isn't like you have some other child somewhere which is why I am just so amazed you'd be silent through all these!' I took a break to take a breath while making sure I had all of my mum's attention.

' You should be after my happiness. Isn't it obvious your husband never really loved me? He only treated me like a person in the past cos Peter wasn't around. He treated me like a princess cos he doesn't have a choice then. Now, he has and he has made a choice. This is no secret but I guess I have to spell it out to you. He made a choice and that choice wasn't me. That choice isn't your daughter! Do you realise how much that hurts?' I was partly screaming now and I didn't need an hankie to know my cheeks were miserably wet.

'Of course you don't which is why all I'm asking of you is to just speak to your husband! Could that ever be harder than what I am currently going through? He is your husband for goodness' sake..'

'…and your Father!' She interjected, cutting me short while rising up to make her point. 'Save me the 'I-am-still-a-baby' bull crap cos you are not. You are an adult and you should be doing the talking. Why do I have to be the one talking on your behalf?' She threw the rhetoric question at me. Her face was strewed with different shades of anger.

There was no denying what I said did all that. She was pretty riled up.

' And what is this I hear you say about me accepting my husband's son? So, based on your criteria on what a good mother should be, I am a bad one for accepting the son my husband had from his first wife not excluding the fact that I've always known about that child and his mum?' She paused to let her message sink in.

'You know what Rhoda, I am mightily disappointed in you. I have always commended myself for raising my only child to be a strong person. I was so proud I didn't raise a sissy… but how disheartening could it get as I could barely fathom who or what exactly I raised judging by what I am seeing right now. Standing right in front of me is someone i'm not sure I have ever met talk more of that person being a part of me.' Her words were like a ninja's pin. They pierced my weakest points leaving me broken.

I bet she saw the wavering emotion in me because she suddenly lowered and calmed her voice, while placing her palm on my shoulders.

'It isn't like the world is going to end if you don't get the company. You are great at what you do and you shouldn't let yourself get defined by an inheritance.' She sat back down, her hand still on my shoulder.

'The company was never yours to start with so why act like the company is who you are when you could be something greater?' She said encouragingly.

…but that wasn't encouraging. It only stirred up the dying flame of anger in me.

'Now you get my point. The company is who I am! It has always been. I have lived my whole life for it. I prepared myself all my life for it. So yes, it is who I am and I can't just watch it slip off my fingers even if you are going to.' I said rising up with tear flooded eyes.

'Rhoda.' She started calmly again. ' I know you are furious. I know it isn't fair. I am not happy about it either. You gave it your all, I get it but there are times when you know it's time to let go. This is one of those times. Talk to your father and know where you stand.'

'You are not happy with the development but you are fine with it? Cos if you weren't, you'd have talked your husband out of this and I won't be meeting up with my mum in a park.' What she said sounded ridiculous to me and I just had to voice out.

'You can say whatever you want to but I won't be talking to your father on your behalf. It is your your thing to do and it doesn't matter how long you'd keep dragging this. The thing is, your father's opinion is what would eventually matter in the end so why not ask him.' She said in a concluding tone.

I knew I would be wasting my time trying to convince her.

In actual fact, I was done trying to.

She had her mind made up and it would take 2-3 angels plus Jesus to convince her.

I picked up my bag and wiped my tear stained face while maintaining eye contact with her.

'You can't be so sure his opinion matters in everything. It may not really matter in issues like who runs the company. You two might have just pushed me to that edge. I guess this is goodbye then.' I finished that and head off towards the exit of the park, leaving her awed and starstruck trying to figure out what I meant by my statement.

It wasn't long before she was thrown out of her daze because I heard her say this after me;

'Don't you dare do anything stupid Rhoda!'

OluwabuqqyYOLO:
Red flows in me. Which do you support? It will be my other team.

I was and I'm made for the blues honey bunny

OluwabuqqyYOLO:

Name: Jewels Atataeledumarelorileaiye Oluwabuqunolamilaishishefun Isholaogoojulantifunrawa Mohammed

Location: Niger state

Relationship: Separated and still sourcing for a woman like Fiyah.

NL Crush: Fiyah (I really like this lady)! Then, Debbietiyan (I am attracted by her stories); Girltee1 (she was my first NL crush; Helenbee (this one is my honey and baby mama); Leesah (I love her body shape: exquisite!); LilyJoe567 (her stories are great); Evajael (I am always crushing on her name); Smartestpopqueen (don't be surprised. I really, really like this married woman); and Rodha (my crush since 2015). Queenitee is my very, very special woman and I'm jealous when it comes to her, no one is permitted to breathe around her. If I'm permitted to crush on guys, my first pick is Souloho19. Next is Kayo80. Then AkposB.

I'm almost addicted to PES gaming. I'm a die-hard fan of Manchester United. I love BrymO and I trip easily for people I meet while on a journey. Sadness, loneliness, and pain are my greatest sources of motivation.

Awwn.... Can't believe my name is appearing on your crush list.... But, why Man U though

*EHI*

I could tell I was damped with perspiration despite the AC being on judging by the sudden chillness my shirt had on my skin.

I averted my gaze from Francis to stare at Peter who took his time assessing Francis before turning to stare at me. We gazed blankly at each other for what seemed like minutes and even as good as I was at reading facial expressions; everyone and everything seemed blank at that very moment.

Francis noticed I wasn't looking at him anymore, so he followed the direction of my gaze to meet Peter's stare.

The room was so silent I could hear both of them breath from where I stood while my fingers nervously dug into the softness of the chair before me.

Seconds passed, and nobody made a move to talk or even change positions. During that moment, I did the geometry and the physics of how I ended up alone in a room with two people who have in some ways wronged me.

Why did Peter even come back when he was just doing fine being the jeerk that he actually is?

Did he perhaps forget something even though I was sure as hell he didn't? He only came with a binder which he left with and which he is now back with.

I retracted my gaze from him and casted it on Francis whose entrance still has me dumbfounded.

I waited for something to change in the atmosphere. My thought was, if something changed, I would get the cue to act and do something aside standing like a broken mannequin in front of the two world most hated men.

'Ehi, I need a minute with…' Francis ignored Peter's presence to say that to me. He took two steps towards me but I stopped him by holding out my palm while taking careful strides backwards and away from him. I never knew imthe right time to stop untiI felt my back press against the wall.

I took a glance at Peter and I could swear, I almost pleaded for help with my eyes.

'Just let me explain myself.' Francis continued walking towards me not minding the stop sign in form of my fully spread palm. 'You really need to hear me out. You need to stop being like this! Give me a chance to at least redeem my already damaged reputation.' He said until he was just inches away from me.

His persistence and determination was starting to scare me and I was lost on what to do

My palm was doing nothing to stop him and it had begun to hurt as I had all my energy concentrated on trying to spread it wider than it was already.

I took another glance at Peter hoping my tear-clouded eyes would do the pleading. He remained at the doorway staring at us comfortably with curiosity etched on his face.

Like he was waiting to see how it would all end.

'Stay away from me!' I finally yelled pushing my body further into the ever resisting wall. My voice was my last resort since the piece of wasted muscle at my door didn't seem nor look like he was ready to help in any way.

'I am not leaving until you are ready to listen to me!' Francis was adamant. It didn't seem like he was going to change his mind. I knew I needed an escape route as he was etching a lot closer.

I quickly snatched myself from off the wall and took to my heels before he could stop me. I brushed past Peter who had his eyes follow me down the hallway. Tears flew off my eyes as I ran. I ran into one of the restrooms down the hallway and hurriedly and safely locked the door of one of the toilets behind me.

I sobbed and sniffed in silence while hurriedly wiping my face each time a tear fall on it. I stayed in there trying to fathom why I was crying.

I thought I was past this.

I was supposed to be strong.

I wiped my face and sniffed one last time before bravely exiting the restroom from which I narrowly missed slamming myself across peter who was solidly standing before the restroom.

Did he follow me down here?

'What is wrong with you?' He announced. It was more a statement than a question. It was like he already assumed something was wrong with me which got me confused on the reason why he even asked.

Ignoring him, I took my eyes from off his face. I avoided eye contact with him and made to go but he yanked me by the hand and pressed me against the wall, catching me off guard and getting my eyes darting up and down the hallway. The position was as incriminating as being found pants down in public and the last thing I wanted was getting involved in office scandal of any sort.

Luckily for me, the hallway was deserted. And even though there was no one in sight, I still tried to free myself from his tight grip. A mission that eventually proved abortive.

'Stop struggling!' He commanded and I don't know whether it was the tone with which he said that or the fact that I was tired of fighting, whichever one it was, I obeyed as my strength faltered progressively.

'What is wrong with you?' He threw his 'now' favourite line at me. Again. I was calm now and I was barely fighting.

'Well, maybe if I wasn't pressed against a wall, barely breathing and with your face inches away from me while you find it extremely comfortable breathing in my face, maybe it would have been easier answering your goddamn question.' I sniffed amidst each word while a drop of tear still lingered on my eyelashes.

He let go after what seemed like seconds of assessing me while I futilely tried to hide my face.

'You were crying.… Again.' He said in a disbelieving tone while his eyes still lingered on me. 'Just when would you realise crying and running away from reality wouldn't solve a thing?' He rhetorically asked leaving a space for me to chip in an answer.

'Wow! That's so easy for you to say since you ain't the one with an ex fiancé who dumped you on the alter so, I guess you deserve a medal for giving an advice on something you've never experienced.' I sarcastically commended whilst wiping my palm across my face one last time.

'Ehi…' He called, his deep and sultry voice getting me weirdly excited with the way it sounded pronouncing my name.

Geez! I really need to snap out of this real quick.

'…you need to have a chat with him. He isn't leaving unless he talks to you.' He said, tucking his hands in his pocket in an intimidating pose.

'Well then, he could as well die in the office. I am not going back in there.' I replied, folding my arms across my chest.

'Wow, that is very mature!' He sarcastically interjected, rolling his eyes to compliment his statement.

'I could call security on him. How about that?' I quickly added.

'Of course. What was I expecting you to say. You can't sit down and have mature conversation with him like an adult. Running away and evading things that matter is one of those things you have in common with Rhoda aside your friendship. That should be you guy's motto already.' He hurled the words at me and somewhere deep down, I knew it was the truth.

I slumped my shoulder reluctantly 'There is nothing to discuss with Francis. What is there to say
for goodness' sake? There is no good reason to justify his actions. He left his supposed bride to be hanging on her big day. He left without a word. Now he is back here to exonerate himself and you expect me to just grant it? I almost lost it! I almost lost my head! I can't even bear breathing the same air with him talk more of staying under the same roof, conversing…' My voice was breaking and I just had to stop talking because I was scared of breaking down.
I sniffed back the tears while trying to hide under his gaze.

'Life isn't fair. It has never been fair to anybody. Bad things happen to good people.' He was talking calmly and comfortingly now. ' You aren't the only one dumped at the time of need, you weren't the only one who got left to find her way...' He closed his eyes as though he was trying to force the words out of his mouth.

I don't need an Einstein to tell me he was talking from personal experiences.

'Just listen to him. You don't even have to talk or reply him. With an open heart, you just have to listen to what he has to say and I'd be waiting outside the whole time to make sure nothing goes wrong. Get it done with and get him off your back. You don't have to keep hurting. Trust me, he won't be here if it weren't for a good enough reason. For all we know, he may even be here to render an appropriate apology and that won't hurt in any way. You don't have to be a coward. You can do this.'

I watched him say the words with enthusiasm. Like it mattered to him.

For the first time ever, it seemed like he genuinely cared.

How can someone be two completely different characters at the same time?

'I am not sure…' I stammered. 'I don't want to…' I added.

'Why not? It doesn't hurt. You have nothing to lose. So, why not? You can do this, Ehi.' He paused to place his hand on my shoulder while squeezing it lightly. 'We can do this.' He encouraged with a dashing smile that weirdly triggered an odd sensation in my chest.

I forced a smile, then nodded and with a reinforced willpower, I said;

'Let's do this.'

I have been in a network deprived area for a while now. So, I'm sorry about not updating

****
*PETER*

'Wow… Isn't that too harsh? I may not be a perfect judge of what is right and what isn't but that is simply inhumane even from someone like you.' David was leaning across the wall just beside the door and my eyes caught him the moment I exited Ehi's office. He was wearing a white T-shirt which had a black tie held with a tie clip and a grey pair of trousers.

His hand held blue binders gingerly and he had this sly and mischievous smile on his lips.

I gripped the blue file in my right hand tighter as I became suddenly nauseated by his presence. Tucking my left and empty hand inside my left trouser's pocket, I finally turned to meet his gaze.

'I can't remember having your office etched right where you are comfortably perched or has stalking your boss become one of those things you do now?' I attacked him making sure the scowl on my face did so much as convey enough meaning as well.

I watched his lips curved into an amused smile. A very annoying smile.

This guy just knows the right way and the right time to be so annoying. I couldn't help wondering if I actually did a good job concealing my anger or he just thought it right to ignore the well placed crankiness in my physique and actions

'There are times when I want to believe you deliberately act like you don't have a conscience. I don't know why I chose to believe that. I guess I am just scared of the realisation that you might actually not have a conscience.' He was now in front of me, slapping the binder in his right hand across his left palm repeatedly as he talked.

I could sense my forehead crease in surprise as I was simply amused by his show of confidence in confronting me.

'How long have you been standing there?' I ignored his deliberate attempt to make me feel guilty or whatnot.

Why the hell would he even want me to feel guilty? It wasn't like he really cared or anything.

'Long enough to hear you say whatever on earth that was with your girlfriend back there.' He paused to moisten his lips for reasons best known to him then continued.

'She just lost a girlfriend! Her freaking best friend. You may not know it and I don't know why she is being too modest to tell you but you are the reason behind that!' He was speaking fast now. And for a moment, I thought I sensed some passion and sincerity in his voice.

'The least she deserves right now is some comforting from you and you are even too pompous to give her that? Just how selfish could you get?' He yelled it in my face.

I couldn't help it. I blinked twice to be sure I heard him right.

I don't know if it was the fact that Ehi and Rhoda reportedly got into a big fight because of me or because my supposed sister's fiancé was yelling at me for acting 'inhumane'.

Shocked would be an understatement, I was simply flabbergasted and if I hadn't known better, I would have thought he really cared about my reputation and Ehi's feelings which he clearcut doesn't.

I have always thought him to be the ambitious type.

Judging by his strong opposition towards me during board the meeting and the personal beefs afterwards, I had no choice but to believe he has more than an ace up his sleeves and none of those aces was in Rhoda's interest.

And he just had to prove me right by the statement he made.

Something was off about the dude. I don't know what it was but I knew something was.

'Hold on a second, if I heard you correctly, you are trying to tell me to make things right with Ehi?' I wasn't expecting an answer and he gave none.

'You know what is weird? What is weird is you don't care about us two. It isn't like you are doing it for either of us yet you want us to make things right?' I was lost then I suddenly paused in realization before continuing.

'Ridiculous as this may sound, I can't help thinking that's one of your tactics to get Rhoda to hate Ehi more. Your tactic is to push both girls farther away from each other. Rhoda would be infuriated if she learns Ehi replaced her with me. She wouldn't be willing to mend whatever they had going between them and that would be a cue for you to act. It would be a cue for you to carry out whatever you had planned. I don't know what it is but I can't help getting this evil vibes whenever I'm around you.' He couldn't even wait till I finish my statement before bursting into bouts of throaty laughter which ended almost as soon as it started.

'You are really one funny dude. Thank God you pointed out earlier that you sound ridiculous.. oh wait...' He paused in some pretense thoughtfulness. 'Even if that was really true, who would believe you?' He added chuckling.

'Okay. The thing is, I have this thing called compassion. You may not know what it is, I heard it is only meant for humans. So, you may decide to not take my advice which isn't a problem by the way. As long as that weird slash ridiculous theory you made up makes you sleep at night and doesn't prick your conscience in any way, I guess you are fine.' The amusement had completely disappeared from his eyes and he had his hand stretched out. He was holding out the binder while his other hand remained in his trouser's pocket.

'I signed it already. You can have it.' He added when I made no move to take the binder from him.

I took the binder off his hands and flipped to the last page where he had his signature inscribed in black ink whilst tucking his other hand in his pocket.

'Okay.' I said flipping the binder closed.

He stayed rooted to a spot for a moment before eventually turning and heading towards his office.

'You were the one, right?' I had been doing a lot of thinking within the short moment of him handing me the binder and it all just suddenly occurred to me.

He stopped walking, then turned to look at me while a clueless expression hung on his face.

'You split those two up. You made them fight and put it all on me.' I announced and even though I expected him to be a bit shocked or amazed, he wasn't. He just maintained his cool, smiled at me, then finally walked off.

I knew something was off about that guy. As hard as I tried to stop him from getting in my head, he still manages to.

I tried to shut off my thoughts by closing my eyes. I opened them, then continued my trip down to my office and it was then I realised I couldn't shut the voices off. They were still there reprimanding me. Yelling and screaming at me.

I wasn't prepared to listen to David but even I know there was some sense in what he said.

I felt guilty for the first time today.

I really was harsh on Ehi.

She didn't deserve all that.

She doesn't in any way.

I shouldn't take out my frustration on anybody. Definitely not her. Somehow, she had managed to soften the blow I got dealt with in some ways and the least I should do is make things right with her.

Not minding the distractions I was trying to avoid,

Not caring whatever David's plan was and if I was acting in synch with it, I know I had to do the right thing.

Some things are just meant to be right and damn the consequences.

Before I knew what I was doing, I was on a U-turn tracing my way back to Ehi's office.

Before I knew it once again, I was standing fixedly before her door.

Maybe I actually have a conscience after all.

Turning the door handle, I started my impromptu planned speech.

'Ehi, I am...' I stopped midway around my sentence as my eyes suddenly adjusted to the scene before me.

There was a guy in her office.

He was wearing a plaid T-shirt over a pair of blue trousers.

He looked familiar.

Oh yeah! He was Ehi's Fiance… the Francis guy.

What could he possibly be doing here?

Which part of stay away does he not understand?.

Ehi was standing behind her desk, and for the first time since I entered her office, I realised she was actually staring at me.

Her eyes were red, flooded and damped with tears…

Tears from the bad memory standing before her…

She was staring at me. Not angrily or in disgust like i feared.

She was sad but I could sense the comfort while she had her eyes on me.

I could sense the pleading in her silence.

IFECODBLISSEDBOY:
Abeg have dis story been delete from this forum

You can get it on Okadabooks

****
*EHI*

I could barely keep my mind off how things keep falling apart for me in different and new catastrophic ways so I busied myself with work since it seems like it's the only thing that works for me.

Nothing works for me.

Nothing has. Ever.

I suck at a lot of things. Friendship, relationships… Life.

It was hard concentrating but I made it half way through the day anyway and that was commendable enough.

I have been a lot of things.

I have been broken, lost, disappointed, hurt, failed, abandoned…just name anything that could be regarded as sad for any human. I had and have been all that but one thing I have never been in all my years on earth is lonely…

… and helpless.

Irrespective of how hard life tried to hit me, Rhoda has always been there to soften the blow and make all the wounds heal faster. She has been my consolation for years. The shoulder I lean, cry and eat on.

That was as perfect as PERFECT could be until I got myself entangled in her family mess. The mess involving her dumb half bro who by the way, hasn't shown up to clear himself talk more of rendering an apology.

My friendship with Rhoda is very important to me but somehow, I couldn't help squeezing in the agent responsible for its crumbling somewhere in my thought. You can't just bail on someone and not show up to say anything about it. Peter's morals during his pitiful childhood must have been crumbled along with his conscience.

I can't even believe I lost my friendship of a decade and more to something so mild as a family feud and because of someone so not worth it.

'You haven't signed yet.' Fola's voice threw me out of my reverie. I cleared my throat stylishly while avoiding the impatient look that was conspicuously spread across his face. Gripping the pen in my right hand tighter, I scribbled my signature in the box on the the last page of the document lying on my desk.

I was sitting at my desk and he was standing over me waiting to collect a file I was supposed to go through and sign at the appropriate places. I was doing fine until I blanked off.

'Here.' I closed the white file that housed the document and handed it to him while adjusting my glasses.

'Thanks.' He muttered and hurried to the door just in time to stop in front of it. Someone was going to enter…

Peter was going to enter.

I watched Fola exchanged a short greeting with him before exiting.

While Peter took his strides towards my desk, I picked up a random book and opened it before me.

'I need you to sign this.' He said, placing a huge brown file on the book I was pretending to read. He was seated before me right before I could ask him to.

Not that I was planning to ask him to anyway.

I was mildly shocked by his lack of care and moves that shows he wanted to command respect.

That's it?

No 'Hey, good morning. I am terribly sorry about yesterday blah blah blah sheep…?'

Or is 'I need you to sign this' another way of saying 'I am sorry?' Cos I couldn't be anymore lost that I already am.

Biting my lower lips firmly and getting ready to play along in his stupid game, I picked the file up with an angry scowl gracing my face while I stared at him.

He wasn't staring back. He wasn't even looking at me and it wasn't like he was avoiding eye contact. He wasn't. He just didn't want to look at me.

I flipped through the first few pages of the documents, before turning it over to the last page which had '47' written at the base. I closed the file and set it aside.

'I'd read it, sign it and get it back to you before today runs out.' I said averting my gaze back to the lettering on the book I was pretend reading.

'It is freaking urgent! You don't need to read anything, just sign the goddamn file.' He yelled at me, standing up swiftly, lifting my book up and sending it flying across the wall until I was staring at nothing but my mahogany desk.

'That was why I said I will get it back to you before today runs out!' I reciprocated by raising my voice as well. 'I am not putting my signature on something I didn't read and this file has a freaking number of 47 pages.'

'By urgent, I mean now. NOW is my definition of URGENT!' He spat aggressively.

'Which part of I will read and get it back to you don't you understand? How can someone be so arrogant, selfish and massively annoying at the same time!' I didn't know where that come from but I said it anyway.

'Hold on a sec, is there more to this than signing a file?' He paused to catch my attention. 'Okay, this is about the dinner. Right? I didn't show up and we get it. Get over it and sign already.' He said.

To say I was stunned, would be an understatement. I was simply 'comatosed'. I was tongue tied and he got the gist cos he continued.

'You wanted a 'no' talking policy and now I am consenting, now you have a problem with it? It is what you want and now you don't anymore? Was all your drama yesterday pretence?' He threw the rhetoric questions at me successively without a pause. 'You wanted to just do your job… I am asking you to do just that.' He added looking at me right in the eye.

'Oh, it is my fault that I decided to grant your pleading? It is my fault to want to be nice? It is my fault to want to be the only friend you ever had?… okay I get it. It is my fault cos I was dumb to have never seen this coming back to bite me hard but whichever way that is, I am not signing until I read this. Now you deal with it.' I said rising to his height daringly.

We glared at each other in silence for minutes before he tore his gaze off.

He picked the brown file, stared at it then stormed out of my office without saying a word.

*EHI*

I stopped for a moment at the door just after closing it behind me while I let my eyes feed on the sight before me. Rhoda was wearing a grey hoodie over a pair of black trousers and she was obviously, as weird as it may sound, emptying her stuffs from the closet into a huge leather box at the speed of light. She had her back turned to me and not once did she turn to look at me when I entered.

It was some minutes past 10 and I read this while letting my eyes rove to the side of the room where a huge violet wall clock lay.

I walked to the other side of the room as wordlessly and as noiselessly as anything could be.

I couldn't even tell the reason for my muteness.

Well, it could be because I unanimously got abandoned and forgotten at a restaurant where a dinner which I got begged to give in to was supposed to take place with the host of the night canceling at the last minute with a text.

Or, it could be because I just find out my best friend may not exactly be whom I always thought her to be as she did a very good job in hiding her wedding plans up to her wedding invitation from me.

Or it could be both.

Could tonight get any sadder, regretful and disappointing for me?

I strolled casually and sluggishly to the other side of the room still wallowing in the depressing pool of self pity and anger whilst acting completely oblivious of the other person in the room with me.

There was no need exchanging words with her.

I feel awfully disgusted just staring at her and I know saying a word to her at that moment would end up being disastrous. I know I can't help myself from spitting and spewing a whole lot of hurtful words while chipping in swear words when I am angry.

As badly as I want to yell out my frustration and disappointment in her face, I know it would be wrong taking out all my anger out on her.

She will be getting the silent treatment until she eventually figures out why and she comes to me with more than good enough reasons why she kept me in the dark on her wedding plans.

I removed my shoes and flung it a distance away from the bed. Climbing into bed with my dress and rolling the duvet over myself, my eyes caught Rhoda heading towards the door while dragging her now filled box after her.

'Where are you going?' So, yes I broke my silent treatment contract.

I wasn't going to go back on my words but I had no choice but to after taking a glance at the wall clock and another quick glance around the room.

The time was half past ten and the room was completely deficient of anything that could suggest Rhoda's presence. She had the room cleansed of everything that belonged to her.

Except maybe the bag she had me take to the dinner.

I watched Rhoda turn to scowl at me from under the hood that covers almost half her face without uttering a word.

Seriously?

She really was the one giving the attitudes?

I stood up and walked to meet her at the door. She was about to open the door but she stopped when I approached her in a confronting posture.

Standing before her with lips ready to do justice to the issues on ground, I rubbed my tired eyes lightly.

'Don't you think it is strange and hard to explain when someone obviously in the wrong tries to flip the table?' I said throwing my hands in the air in gesticulation.

'Oh, you mean stranger and harder to explain than your relationship with my brother?' That was the word that came out of her mouth.

It was like she was ready for me.

It was like she had always been ready for that question.

Her eyes were red with anger and they stared daggers and swords at me. And for the first time today, I actually became reflexively mute.

'Cat got your tongue? Are you suddenly speechless?'' She folded her arms across her chest while pecking herself into a somewhat intimidating pose.

I didn't know where to start explaining myself but I knew I had to start somewhere. Rhoda can't go about with the idea that I was dating her brother.

'What are you talking about?' I knew that was so wrong on many levels but it was the best thing I could come up with as my brain was kind of messed up with the sudden and unexpected declaration.

'Okay, how about I rephrase,' Rhoda started again rubbing her hands together violently. 'You have been sleeping with my brother… well, I am beginning to think you don't know. So, news flash, I have only one brother and I hate him and you know how much I do.'

She had her brows raised in a dare kind of way.

Her brows dared me to say something.

I knew she got it all wrong and I am to blame. I knew it was upon me to convince her and let her know the whole truth even though she was already spewing some really hurtful words.

'Look, I am not dating Peter and yeah, he isn't bad. You only have the wrong impression about him because you weren't ready to meet him yet and I respected that as your friend. Okay, he was a jerk at first. Everyone thought he was but trust me, he is cool. He isn't here to compete with you or anything. I know this goes against everything you want to believe but you can admit to even yourself judging by the little time you spent with 'Fred', that he was nothing like the Peter you fictionally created…' I was interrupted by Rhoda before I could complete that.

'So easy for you to say just right after he slept with you.' She hurled the word at me and that hit me in a very hot place. 'You should have listened to yourself.' She paused, peering closer at me and making me throw my heads backwards slightly. ' You sounded like you really want to be in his arms right now.' She gave me a disgusted frown with disappointment strewn on her face.

'You lied bout his name.' She continued in a sullen tone and there was no mistaken the tears flooding her eyes.

'He slept in your bed and you still have the gut to think I would be so gullible to believe you like I stupidly used to' She was yelling at me in the face and I knew there was no saving me.

'No wonder you were so eager to convince me to give in and make up with my family even if it would cost me the company. I was going to do what you advised not knowing your loyalty had been compromised and you just wanted your boyfriend to win…' I listened to her ridiculous speech and I couldn't help it this time.

She may choose to not believe me but one thing I won't have her doing is dragging me into her family feud.

'Okay, that is just way too ridiculous and you are being completely unreasonable!' I uttered that with a shut eye.

Actually, I yelled it.

'So, now I am the one being unreasonable. You sleeping around with my foster brother ain't unreasonable again? You throwing away a friendship you've built over a decade and which is by far the most meaningful thing you'd ever possess isn't being unreasonable anymore? You falling for someone you know would end up dumping you probably on your wedding night like you've always been dumped ain't unreasonable anymore? Please, unless the dictionary meaning of unreasonable has changed, you and I both know who the exact definition of unreasonable , selfish and irresponsible is.' She paused to take a breath as tears streamed down her face.

'You were supposed to have my back Ehi.' Her tone had fallen but the anger was still quite evident.

'I can barely look at you in the face anymore. My best friend is dead. You are dead to me.'

With that last statement, like the reaper, she exited the room leaving me in silence with a sense of guilt, hurt, anger and sadness settling in the pit of my stomach

*****

*RHODA*

'You didn't call, you didn't text, you just showed up and I know I shouldn't be asking you this but it is unlike you' I said walking closely behind David as he head towards the room, briefcase in hand.

He hasn't talked since he entered nor has he taken a second glance at me.

'I am talking to you David!' I said snapping my fingers in his face while standing on my toes to meet his height. He looked down at me but I knew he really was absent minded. 'Did something bad happen at work?' I asked, letting my feet lay flatly on the ground once again as standing on my toes began to hurt.

'Where is Ehi?' He asked as his face darted around the place at a surprising speed.

'Hold on a second, ' I stood rooted to a spot suddenly becoming enraged. 'I can't believe after every single question, every single statement I have made, the first thing you'd be saying to compliment that is asking about my friend who isn't even here?' I paused, staring at his back. He was in front of the door now and all he had to do was open it but he also paused.

'Is it about work? Is it something I should know?' I asked,my voice flaking in dying curiosity.

David turned and took several steps toward me, staring at me in the face for the first time today.

'Nah… it isn't anything you have to worry about…' He said pulling my head closer to his chest assuredly.

I listened to his rapid heartbeats for a second and I felt calm.

'Where did she go?' He asked once again as he caressed strands of my hair with his fingers. His question, got me lifting my head off his chest to stare at him worriedly. 'I need to talk to her about something… it is work related and it is nothing you should worry about?' He quickly added.

'Ehi went out on a date.' I wriggled myself off his grip and walked to the bedroom while David followed. 'She is seeing someone now and I would have told you but you haven't been around a lot.' I added, flinging myself into a supine position on the bed with my feet still on the floor.

'Isn't that quick? Didn't she just have very awful wedding a few months ago?' He asked sitting beside me on the bed with his briefcase.

'Yeah yeah yeah. But that doesn't mean she has to give up you know. She's just got to keep trying. I have a feeling this one would end up fine. The guy seems pretty nice and trust worthy.' I retorted stretching my hand to pick up a pillow from an end of the bed and shoving it under my scull.

'The last time I checked, you aren't exactly the perfect judge of that word, 'TRUST'. You trust virtually everyone and every thing.' He literally murmured that but I still heard him anyway.

'I am 100% sure this time anyway, that's not the point here, if you have any message for Ehi you can tell me and I would deliver it to her.' I said turning sideway to stare at David who was trying to remove his shoe.

'It isn't exactly a message, I need her help with something.' He said wrapping his arms under his head as he lay beside me, staring at the ceiling.

'Okay. Why don't you tell me, let's see if I can help.' I whispered wrapping my arms around him as I roll onto him.

'I have an unedited article to upload on the company website. The article is due tomorrow and I haven't edited yet and I am so tired.' He said that while his eyes were on me the whole time.

'And why do you think only Ehi could help you with that? The first person that should have come to your mind when you thought of that should be me.' I batted my eyelids to highlight how odd his statement was.

'Of course. You came to my mind first but I don't know, you didn't want to have anything to do with the company and I didn't want to force you. So I opted for Ehi instead.' His explanation was plausible. He was just being considerate.

'How about I help you with it this time? I don't want you stressing yourself either.' I said while letting my fingers rub against the hair on his face.

'Well, I guess that's fine then.' He said and propped himself back into a sitting position. Unlocking his case and fishing out a medium sized laptop. He type in his password and handed me the laptop just after fitting the MODEM into the appropriate port.

'It is under my profile draft and all you have to do is edit and upload.' He instructed as he slowly unbuttoned his shirt.

I was on the web browser and the company page was staring at me in the face.

Something else was also staring at me in the face.

It was a familiar face. A very familiar one and I could feel my heart thump at my chest at a reality I didn't want to believe.

'David, who is this?' I asked, my eyes still fixed on the PC's screen.

David took a peep at the screen from where he sat in his underwear.

'That's your brother, Peter.' He said and I could tell he was gazing at me.

I knew it was him.

I just needed a confirmation.

Only the CEO has his/her picture on the front page.

It had been my dad's picture all this while and I never knew it had been changed.

Until I logged on to the website now and I saw a different picture.

A different person, obviously the new CEO. My half brother.

And more weirdly, my friend's boyfriend, 'Frederick'.

There was no greater backstabbing.