₦airaland Forum

datjohn:
Mehnn... dis Fiyah is jst something else. I jst keep marveling at d level of creativity.

how much I have missed you bro!

it's so good to have you back. just like old times

bellefidel:
fiyah dear pls is de story on okada books I would love to buy.. I can't wait...the anticipation is killing... can u imagine this is like my tenth time of checking this story today

mami, don't worry dear, I would try as much as possible to finish it on here. I am simply honored by your enthusiasm toward my stories. It is with tears and kisses that I say thank you so much for reading.

*EHI*

Kale's sat at the edge of a hill overlooking a children's park to the south and a police station to the north whilst leaving a grand view of a five star hotel to the right. I entered the ultra expensive restaurant with a gait that spelled authority. I was showed to a table by a female waiter who received me with a wide smile at the entrance shortly after the guard in black overalls allowed me in just after confirming my name on the reservation log he had in his hands.

As I followed the waiter to where the supposed table was, I took my time to assess the restaurant right from the few customers warming the seats to the staff who were all dressed in matching camouflage outfit.

'Please make yourself comfortable.' The waiter said bowing slightly as I sat down on one of the two fancy chairs surrounding a round table.

I watched the waiter shoot me a smile while still on her feet. My eyes were quick to catch the name inscribed on the tag taped to her breast pocket.

'Thanks, Sarah.' I added flashing her an encouraging smile. ' Hmmm, i'm just a bit curious, has my date been here or….' I asked hoping I wasn't too late when there seemed to be no sight of peter anywhere.

'No, Mr Peter isn't here yet. You should probably call him.' Sarah advised which I considered she did by reading the worry strewn across my face.

'I will. Thanks.' I quickly answered, dismissing her with a quick smile.

'Would you like your meal served now or…?' She inquired, her legs rooted to the same spot and I was starting to get the vibe she is a bit into poke nosing.

'No… I don't. I will wait for Peter.' I quickly answered right before she could proceed.

'What about a drink then?' She further asked leaving me no choice but to nod affirmatively.

She nodded her acknowledgement then left.

I sighed a little and placed my bag on the table before me. That did a great job relieving the tension in my head. With a slumped shoulder, I let my eyes travel around the restaurant right from the bar just anterior to me, to the reception on my far right and the kitchen, which was separated just posterior to me by a heavy iron door.

My scanning spree got interrupted when my phone suddenly vibrated, jerking me back into reality.

It was peter.

I swiped at the screen to answer the call.

'You are late.' I said as soon as I put the phone to my ear.

The situation isn't the one that warrants an 'Hello' or all of those irrelevant frivolities.

I listened to the rasped breath on the other end but I was too preoccupied with thoughts of being delayed to even care.

'I was starting to think you misplaced your phone or got robbed cos I find it hard to believe there would be a much plausible reason for missing my countless calls and numerous texts!.' I could tell I was half screaming because the couple sitting right next to me suddenly directed their gaze at my table with a frightening stare lingering on their faces.

That got me flashing a smile reassuring them that I wasn't a psych patient on the loose.

I listened quietly hoping I would get a reply of some sort but the only thing that came from the other end of the line was rapid and heavy breathing.

'I'm sorry. I don't know… I would be there… I surely would be there but I'd be a little bit late.' He took a few moment before saying that and his voice sounded tired and rough that I suddenly start to worry.

'You are already an hour plus behind time… that isn't a little late anymore.' I said and instead of getting a witty reply of some sort, there was a long pause on the other end and all I could hear was heaving breathing.

'Are you sure you are okay?' I asked with a concern laden voice.

'I'll talk to you later.' was his reply before hanging up on my partly shut mouth.

I took the phone off my ear to stare at it in dismay.

Something seemed off about Peter... He sounded like he was in some sort of distress.

'Here.' It was Sarah again and she was placing a bottle of drink and a glass cup on my table. I watch her pour the drink into the glass cup while giving me a side stare that spelled 'pokenosing'.

'You look disturbed. Are you okay?' Sarah asked just in time to prove to me that she really can't mind her business.

'I am fine. Thanks for the concern though.' I replied, forcefully lifting the side of mouth in a fake smile.

'Well, you don't seem like you are.' She said giving me a scrutinizing stare which oddly made me cringe.

Is there not some staff- customer restriction of some sort in this restaurant? This Sarah is starting to creep me out.

'I think it is boy problem.' She said, taking quick glances around the restaurant like she was being wary of someone. Her superiors, I guess.

Dropping the drink beside the now filled glass of wine, she draw out the chair directly facing me to sit on.

'I also had a boyfriend.' She started, clasping her palms together in a 'tell-tale', dramatic way and I instantly knew I wanted to escape from this lady.

Everybody just had to be a relationship psychologist.

I lifted the filled cup to my lips to create a distraction for myself.

'Until yesterday of course. He ended it with me on a reason as stupid as he doesn't like the tone of my skin! He said he prefers his wife's now.'

I don't know how, but her last statement was so ridiculous, it got me coughing out the little drink I took and half of what was in the cup on my dress.

Shit!

I thought this conversation was meant to be about me?

Why is she making it all about her?

Doesn't she have some friends she can drop her pathetic love life on or something? She clearly looks like someone going through a rough breakup and she could use some shoulder to cry on.

But definitely not the shoulder of a stranger she ran into in the restaurant.

Definitely not me.

I have a enough to deal with myself.

'If I were you, I will spill my drink too.' She continued not really bothered about my stained dress which I was trying so hard to clean with the table napkin. But instead, I succeeded in spreading the stain a lot farther from the original spot.

Okay that's it.

It's either I become rude, report her and make her lose her job or I walk off and never come back.

Lifting off my phone and tucking it inside my bag while having a quivering smile replace the disgust on my face, I excused myself with my bag securely slung across my shoulder and head to the restroom before she could agree to my request of an excuse.

'Thank God.' I sighed immediately I entered the Sarah free zone, the restroom. Dumping the now damp and badly stained napkin in the bin right beside the door, I took a worried look at my dress.

I was going going to wash my hands from the basin when I got a beep from my phone signalling a text.

It was from Peter and it simply read 'GO HOME. I CAN'T MAKE IT.'

As much as I tried not to think about it, I couldn't help scoffing disbelievingly at my phone.

He had to call off a date I never wanted to agree to through a text?

How absurd and insulting does that sound?

I wiped my face with my wet palms while staring at my mirror reflection. Tucking my hair behind my ear, I searched my bag viciously for something to clean my face with. An hankie, a small piece of cloth, anything at all.

And it was then I stumbled on wades of fancy envelopes inside the bag. They were so many there would be at least fifty in there. Squeezing my gaze to read the calligraphic lettering inscribed on it, I felt my heart jump to my throat in shock.

It was an invitation card to Rhoda's wedding.

Never has there been a greater backstabbing.

HelenBee:
I hope David doesn't have ulterior motives with this company?

I guess we are going to find that out.

Thanks for reading. You have always been an awesome follower of my write-ups irrespective of how crappy they are.

Am I glad to have you?

bellefidel:
o files hot.. David....... u re a failure...mu plan no go work......thanks fiyah love

Thanks for reading ma'am

****
*RHODA*
'You are five minutes behind time! You need to get dressed as fast as possible.' I said as I shuffled through the dresses hanging inside Ehi's closet.

I took a particular interest in a yellow, short jumpsuit which had glistening silver stones adorning its neck.

'This is nice… How come I've never see you wear it?' I said, throwing the jumpsuit at her. She made no move to catch it as it ended up right at her feet.

Ehi sat on the bed, her PC on her outstretched leg while a pair of glasses hung loosely on her nose. Her lack of interest got me folding my hands across my chest while I gave her a stomach turning frown.

'What?' She said, her eyes still fixed on her laptop screen. She must have seen me from the corner of her eyes. 'I thought I made myself clear when I said I am not going anywhere.' She said finally shutting the PC which she shoved to her side.

'What did this guy ever do to you to deserve this? You are making it seem like loving you is some big crime.' I exclaimed, throwing my hands up in the air to ascertain my point.

She bit her lower lip to finally look at me in the face.

'You get carried away easily when it comes to my business. Nobody asked you to go through my phone in the first place. In some cultures, that is considered very rude and you could go to jail for it.' She said glaring at me before continuing. 'Besides you are getting it all wrong, there was never a date or love or romance of any sort. You don't even know who I was texting before you snatched the phone off my hands!' She said as she removed the glasses from her eyes.

'I don't need to know who it was. You were calling off a dinner with someone and that is enough reason for me to snatch your phone off of your hands. I knew it was Fred even though you chose not to save his contact. You not trying to dismiss my suspicion proves my point.' I tried to explain myself.

'Okay. Thanks very much for your concern and for creeping up on me while I personally text someone. I have resorted to take no offence so, can I have my phone back now.' She held out her hands while a stern look graced her face.

'Of course. Right after I…' I said, fishing out her phone from my back pocket. I unlocked it and typed a short message to the anonymous number Ehi was trying to text earlier. '… send this.' I completed as I pressed the send button on the phone

I watched Ehi spring up to her feet to snatch her phone from my hands. But she was late. The message was sent already.

'Seriously?' She exclaimed as she took a glance at her phone.

She threw her phone on the bed and gave me a reprimanding stare.

'You don't have to act all worked up. 'I am sorry I am late but I am on my way already' isn't too much a text to drive you crazy.' I calmly said as I picked up the jumpsuit I threw at her earlier. 'So, how about you get dressed?'

'Look, just because you sent him that message doesn't mean I would go.' She said climbing back into bed.

I sighed while my eyes followed her every step.

'Okay. Why don't we settle this once and for all.' I said joining her on the bed. 'Do you like him?'

'I don't.' She hurriedly said just before I completed my question. The speed at which she averted her gaze made me deduct she was simply faking.

'Look, I know you have had troubles with your past boyfriends and it would be pretty hard on you trusting someone and getting into another relationship this quick.' I said, pulling myself up beside her with my legs folded.

'I know it seems like there ain't no good guys out there anymore. But if you keep shutting out everyone, you would eventually shut out the good guys as well. I have a hunch Fred is a good guy and he just deserves a chance from you.'

'You also thought Francis was a good guy. Your hunch isn't a very reliable source boo.' She smirked, and even though that was meant to be humorous, she had a shade of sadness carefully hidden behind her bright eyes.

I gave a soft smile to ease the tension in the air and we both remained quiet.

There was a long pause and I knew it was on me to break it.

'See, we don't have keep going round in circles. You are old enough to know what is right for you and I don't need to decide that for you.' I paused stretching out my folded legs as they started to hurt.

' If you really think it is right, if you really want to be at that dinner why don't youjust go for it. You don't have to be shy about it and if you feel otherwise, then fine too. You can just plainly tell him you ain't interested in the advances. It is your choice to make. Just make sure it is the right one.' I finished my lecture with an encouraging smile.

'Rhoda… I don't know… It just… I don't even know what to say' I watched Ehi become a sudden stammerer and that was amusing enough to get the sides of my lips lifting up in surprise.

'You know the funny thing about this whole thing? You had me thinking for a moment that you are scared of something… like you are scared of me. I am not your mum and you are not thirteen anymore. Just make the right choice. It doesn't doesn't even have to be perfect, it just has to be right.' I grinned at her in assurance and watched her reply me with a nervous smile.

I gave her some minutes to make her choice.

'Why don't you just get me something nice and red from my closet then?' She flashed me a smile as she made the announcement.

'Way to go…' I said, beating my palms together in excitement. I sprang from the bed just in time to jump down from it near the closet.

'You are specific with the colour I'm guessing was a special demand.' I said, teasing her with a wink.

'Maybe.' She replied lightly while trying so hard to avoid eye contact. She also stood up from the bed to join me as I flipped through the hung clothes in the closet.

'You don't really have much red dress…' I said holding two red gowns out from each of my hands. 'But. If I would go for anything in your closet, I would go for either of this.'

Giving both dress a thoughtful look, she pointed to the one on my right hand. It was a short, strapless ball gown.

'Nice choice.' I said as I handed it to her. She accepted it with a grateful smile and an almost 'inaudible' thanks lingering on her lips

'What colour are you going with for the shoe and the bag?' I asked as I watched her pull her body out of the plaid shirt she had been wearing all day

'Black.' She didn't even give that a second thought. She was now in a pair of matching black undies while she held the red gown in her left arm.

'By black, you don't mean that very terrible grandma bag you call your favourite bag right?' I asked hoping her answer wouldn't be the affirmative.

'Exactly that very terrible grandma bag I call my favourite bag.' She answered chuckling lightly at the hilarious description I gave her fav bag whilst slipping the gown on.

'Why was I scared you were going to say that?' I scowled in disgust 'Anyway, I won't have you leaving this house with that thing. You can take one of my bags.' I said picking up a black bag lying carelessly on the closet shelf.

'There is nothing wrong with my bag. You just don't like it cos it doesn't match your taste.' She argued.

Ehi was now in the red, knee-lenght gown which hugged her hourglass figure like a second skin.

'Anything that doesn't match my taste is terrible and wow! That dress looks breathtakingly amazing…' I said, my mouth hanging loosely in the air. I couldn't help complimenting her attire.

'Wow! Am I surprised you are using two very positive adjectives to qualify me?' She rolled her eyes as she walked to the bedside mirror to damp her face in a light shade of make-up.

'Truth is, I am complimenting the dress not you. It is so gorgeous anybody would look like a queen wearing it.' I quickly lied. 'Even you.' It is our thing to never admit how pretty the other looks.

I believe it is every best friends' thing.

'Here.' I handed her the bag I had picked for her the other time as she slipped on a black heeled shoe

She stood before me looking like an homecoming queen and I felt proud of myself while letting my brain do a cerebral calculation of how much I would make as a life coach slash shrink slash hot dinner date advisor.

'With the way you are staring at me like two horns just sprouted out of my scull, I can't help thinking it could only be for two reasons. It is either I looked really great that even you couldn't raise a bad comment or two horns really grew out of my head.' She asked her eyes searching mine inquisitively.

'Did I, perhaps damp my face in too much make-up?' She added with a slightly worried expression spreading across her face.

'Nah, the make-up is just fine.' I said patting her lightly on the shoulder like a football coach stirring up his new player with inferiority complex

'So,….' I let the 'so' trail off for a while before continuing. 'This is it, I guess.' I added clasping my palms together while sighing.

'Have a wonderful night cupcake.' I said pulling her into a warm, sudden and unexpected hug which got her stunned for a little while before she eventually reciprocated.

She wiggled herself out of the embrace which lasted a minute or so and when she was done, she had this suspicious look on her face.

'Why did you hug me?' She asked, her eyebrow creasing curiously.

'It is nothing. I just… I just feel so very happy for you tonight…' I stammered while blinking back the tears threatening to erupt out of my eye.

Ehi didn't change her pose nor did the clueless expression leave her face.

'Don't mind me. Just go have a wonderful night.' I quickly wiped the drop of tears damping my eyelashes.

She remained at the same spot while the side of her lips lifted up in abysmal surprise as the surprise suddenly changed to worry.

'You don't have to get all emotional about this. It isn't even a date and even if it was, I don't want you crying for me and making me feel all pathetic.' She said that with the clueless plus worried expression she plastered on her face.

'No, I am not crying.' I said as I quickly wiped off the tears forming in my eyes with my palm and immediately wiping the palm accross my denim trousers.

'You know what?' I started again and simultaneously, shoved Ehi out of the door. I didn't want my weird show of emotion to discourage her from going to this date that had required so much energy convincing her to go in the first place.

'You are late already and.... here's a bit of advice. Try to make this night fun and enjoyable for both of you.' I said my hands still on her shoulder.

She was standing in the door way while I was only thing between her and the opened door.

'Once again, Goodnight.' I concluded, lifting my hands off her shoulder and waving at her. And just before she could say another word, I shut the door in her face with a smile.

I was soon alone and after a few minutes of standing behind the door, I heard her car drive out of the compound.

Sighing, contentedly, I threw myself across one of the sofas, grappling the remote as I did.

I turned the TV on, reclining comfortably into the chair, I silently hoped nothing goes wrong with whatever is brewing with those two this time around.

As soon as I did relax, a knock from the door drew me out of my comfort zone.

'Who is there?' I asked as I took a short trio to the door. I placed my hand on the door handle while waiting for a reply.

'David.' I didn't need to reaffirm that, I turn the door handle and standing there before the door was David.

'Hi.' I waved at him as I slid behind the door, making way for him to enter.

I followed him into the house, locking the door behind me while trying to figure out why he showed up so unexpectedly.

Gloria007:
Fiyah,what is going on?In other news,I checked you out on Twitter... Beautiful and Young

Thanks Ma'am

gr8skillz:
Nice story
But don't you think this is too short? or is it just an appetizer? 'cos I'm famished for more already.

Much love

Another update should be coming right up

Joislim:
fiyah.... I thought you have forgotten us
how are you doing dear

I can't now

****
*EHI*

'You are really going on a date with him?' David's voice boomed from right behind me. He was standing at the foot of the stairs and how I missed him while descending the stairs still amazes me.

To say I was stunned would be an understatement, I was simply shocked. Concealing my shock as hard as, I could, I turned my gaze to look at him.

'David.' I said forcing an excited smile. He had his hands in his trouser's pocket and was wearing a green blazer underneath of which was a white shirt. On the shirt, a black tie was held with a tie clip.

'Should I take your evasion as 'guilty as charged'?' He said again as he walked toward me. His accusing tone was enough to drag me off the edge.

'I don't know how long you've been standing there but judging by the tone of your voice and the only word you are emphasizing, I am afraid you might have misconstrued me.' I replied trying to not sound fazed by his intimidating pose.

'It doesn't matter whether I met the conversation halfway or at the end, fact remains, you were going to go on a date with him.' He said stopping before me, his hand still stuck in his pocket.

'Come to think of it, I never knew going on a DINNER with MY BOSS to discuss WORK RELATED ISSUES would require a thorough investigation from no other person than my MY COLLEAGUE who also happens to be MY BESTFRIEND'S BOYFRIEND' I said while etching up a nervous smile on my face.

'Is that a subtle way of saying this is none of my business?' He asked, pointing his index finger at his chest.

'Maybe. Cos I fail to understand how my professional relationship with my boss would raise this many questions' I said, holding the smile in place even though I was just boiling inside.

'I think it is my business once your professional relationship with your boss requires you shoving unsolicited and ridiculous advice down my girlfriend's throat.' He leaned closer to say that to me while putting an air quote on the 'professional'.

I felt my mouth widen in surprise as I tried hard to blink out what he was insinuating.

'Are we having this interrogation because I thought it right to advice my best friend to drop the childishness and make up with her father and her brother?' I rhetorically asked while silently wishing all these to be a very bad hallucination.

'No, we are having this conversation because you wanted Rhoda to make up with your boyfriend.' He dropped that like a time bomb. And yeah, he did a good job cos that exploded right in my face.

My brain wasted a few minutes processing that then it dawned on me he actually meant what he was said.

'Seriously? You really think I am dating Peter?' I asked scoffing.

'I KNOW you are dating him… The cafeteria, in the office… you guys act like couples. Rumours has been making rounds that you guys are seeing each other. I didn't want to believe it but you just had to prove me right.' He said with a smirk lingering on his face like a detective who has succeeded in cracking a century old case.

'So, you have been stalking me. Us rather. Peter and I.' I asked to be sure I heard him correctly.

'I wouldn't call it stalking but if you call it that, then it fits. Anyway, that isn't even the point here. The point is you are using your position as someone Rhoda trusts to make things easy for your boyfriend.' He said again, as-a-matter-of-fact kind of.

'Wow, that makes sense. How I wish I have a tape recorder to have everything you say taped down so that you can listen to how very ridiculous you sound.' I said, getting offended.

I never thought I would be here getting pissed at David but he was somehow creeping me out with his questions.

There was something in his eyes I couldn't place.

'How did he even win you over? Is it the money? Or is it, you know…. Sex?' I was taken aback by his last statement. I felt my mouth dry up in an instant and my cheeks seemed to be in flames. I glanced around to see if anyone heard him, but it appeared nobody did. People were busy filing out of the almost empty basement.

'No offence actually,' It appeared he wasn't done because he continued, ignoring my terminal volcano state. 'But judging by your past relationships and everything, I couldn't help thinking you would jump in bed with anybody that comes your way just to feel loved again. But, dammit, the sex must have been really good.' He ended with a sly wink.

Okay that was it.

He simply went way overboard and I was thirsty to feel my palm on his cheeks but I couldn't. My hands felt numb and too heavy for me to lift.

'I am done talking to you.' I blinked away the tears welling up in my eyes and turned to walk back to my office.

'Quick question though, does Jane knows Jack has been visiting you?' He yelled after me.

I didn't bother looking back to see his expression when he said that. I tried not to trip off my shoes as I carefully strode to my office while madly wanting to convince myself that the weird dude I just talked to wasn't David.

The David I've known all my life would never say such insensitive things and if I were someone who believed in demons, I would have thought he was possessed by one.

I got to my office and flung myself on the swivel chair. I relaxed comfortably in it while twirling left and right with closed eyes. That was a strategy to flush out the nasty episode that occurred a few minutes ago off my head.

I was partly glad I was going to have dinner with Peter. As his friend. He trusted me enough to admit he doesn't have a friend and I believed him judging by the sincerity in his eyes.

When Peter first came to the office, he was a snob. He shut everyone out. A reason I eventually had to link to his terrible childhood.

He deserves a chance to trust someone now especially since he is willing to let someone in and I just can't deny him that on an excuse as flimsy as my friendship with Rhoda.

It would just be an harmless dinner.

David doesn't have to ruin this. It is totally harmless.

But is it?

Am I suddenly feeling comfortable with Peter even though I shouldn't?

Is Peter really worthy of giving up my decade old friendship?

I felt the need to weigh the magnitude of my decisions on whether or not to go for a dinner that could make or mar.

Dynamik007:
good morning fiyah... nice update... hmm what is DON.... fiyah.. hmm you are a suspect fiyah this update hmm...... kudos friend... who I wish we could go just fast..

Lol. I didn't even know how the don got there. It was a typo Sir. Thanks for reading

****

*PETER*

'She said she'd be here in a minute.' Tola's voice came from the other end of the telephone.

'Good.'I said and replaced the receiver.

I adjusted my tie and patted my straw coloured suit like that would smoothen any imaginary wrinkle while staring at my reflection on the iPad before me.

I have gone three days without talking to Ehi which is a miracle by the way as I was itching to talk to her every single hour of each passing day.

I have a lot to say to her ranging from random unimportant stuffs to finishing the story I told her the other night.

She might not know it but she is the first Person I ever talked to about me and I don't know... it felt oddly good confiding in someone. And, for the first time ever, I wanted more of that.

I wanted to share with someone.

I wanted someone to listen to me while I talk.

I have always been the listener as I am not exactly the chatty type and I have lived all my life convincing myself that I don't really need anybody. It still amazes me how talking to one person could change all of that.

And if I weren't me, I would have called me stupid.

Trying to respect her no talking policy might have been the hardest thing I've ever had to deal with aside you know, my mum... You don't know how hard it is watching your only comfort zone slip off your fingers while you just let it go without even a fight. That is simply cowardice robed in a false coat of pride.

I don't care how petty and how 'un-dignifiying' this may sound, I needed to talk to her even if it is simply under the guise of working. At least, that was better than nothing.

I didn't even make the call. I made my secretary do it. It has to seem all professional for her to not suspect a thing.

She might be my only chance at ever having a friend or anything close to it. And I don't want to screw this up like I did with Kate.

A light knock on the door got me sitting upright and smothering my suit one last time. Wasting a few minutes clearing my throat inaudibly, I waited for the second knock which came as soon as I thought of it.

'Come in.' I said loud enough for whoever was at the door to hear and for a moment, I thought I sounded like Theodore from Alvins and the chipmunks.

I pray that was only my imagination screwing with me or that would have been very embarrassing.

Ehi entered, taking careful strides toward the seat before me. Although, I pretended I wasn't giving her the slightest interest, I could tell every detail of her right from the way she braided the tips of her long hair, to the peach blazer she wore over the knee length black gown, and right down to the black open toe high heel shoe she had gracing her legs.

'Please sit down.' I asked in my most formal tone while flipping through the pages of a file I just realised was lying on my desk. From the corner of my eyes, I saw her drag out the chair to sit on it.

'I wanted to discuss the Kobi community law suit with you. I already discussed with the boards and they agreed. Now the only person left to be consulted in the implementation of my idea is you.' I paused hoping if I paused long enough, she would eventually say something.

'And?' She asked after what seemed like five minutes of silence between us.

It worked.

'And, it is late already. How about we discuss this over a plate of Chinese at Kale's say something around 8pm tonight. They have one of the best delicacies around here and I already made reservations. For two to be exact' I closed the file I was looking at to finally look at her in the face.

She remained calm like I didn't just ask her to dinner. This wasn't how I imagined her reaction when I was solo role playing a few minutes ago.

'Or how about we discuss whatever it is right now. I am willing to sacrifice a few minutes of my non working hours.' She said looking right back at me.

This wasn't how the conversation was supposed to go. I think this is the part where she says 'Okay, Fine. But those Kale's better be good.'

Don't blame me. I happened to be a very optimistic individual.

'Well, I can't sacrifice a few minutes of my non working hours. I need to freshen up and relax you know...' I tried to get myself out from under the bus which she apparently threw me in.

'Okay. We discuss this tomorrow then. See you tomorrow, Sir.' She concluded then made to leave.

'Whoo whoo...' I stopped her and I realised I was standing on my toes too.

'What is wrong with you? You are willing to sacrifice a few minutes of your non working hours to talk but not at Kale's? Did you perhaps have a problem with the owner of Kale's?' I switched from desperate to pathetic.

'Now, I am the one with the problem? You are willing to sacrifice a few minutes of your non working hours to talk at Kale's but not here? Do you perhaps have a problem with... you know... your desk?' Her eyes wandered around my office and eventually landed on my desk when she said that.

'We are both yelling at each other like little kids fighting over a stick of candy. See why we should you know, talk over a bowl of hung sung at Kale's?'I tried my luck once again.

Shaking her head in what seemed like regret but isn't actually regret. she exclaimed. 'Oops, it's past my working hours. Talking to you now is illegal She said and finally made for the door. 'Hung sung is a terrible pretend name for a Chinese food by the way.' She added.

I followed her and before I knew it, we were outside my office.

'I already made reservations. Wasting that would be bad for your reputation as the financial secretary of this great company.' I tried woefully again. We were at the stairs and the glaring eyes we got from all the people we met on our way seemed to be getting to her. I could tell she wasn't enjoying the attention.

'This is just sad!' She said finally stopping on the first step to look up at me. 'Which part of 'let us never talk again' don't you understand?' She seemed pretty riled up and it was no joke anymore.

We stayed like that. Her eyes staring daggers at me while I stared back in defeat. Knowing she had succeeded in finally passing her message, she continued descending the stairs while I stayed at the same spot.

'What should I do the about the reservation?' I asked again in a fallen tone.

'Call a friend and go eat. It doesn't have to waste.' She replied not looking back at me.

'I don't have a friend.' That was as sincere as sincere could be. I guessed she deduced the sincerity from my voice cos she stopped.

'I...I...' I tried to continue but I don't know what happened. My vocal cords seemed clasped. For the first time in my life, I was feeling a very weird emotion.

'I just want to talk to someone.'I finally found my voice and that was what came out.

'I need to share. I want to finish my story, the story I told you. I.... need a friend. Maybe just this once? Just this night?' I could swear I heard nothing but pleading in my voice.

She turned to look back at me with a sad smile on her face.

'I will meet you at Kale's at eight then.' She said. 'Just tonight.' She added before continuing her trip down the flight stairs.

'I will like you in red though!' I yelled after her and got nothing except the shaking of her head.

I threw up my fist in excitement but that didn't lasst as I was interrupted by my ringing phone.

'Hello.' I said, holding the phone close to my ear immediately I picked the call.

*****

*EHI*

The day was going exactly as planned unlike every other thing that I have tried recently.

Who could have thought I would make it through a day without getting to see Peter?

This could actually be because I was no longer his secretary as I now have my old office back.

Or, it could be because I have been attending to all my paperwork at a secluded portion of the company's cafeteria without stepping in the said office at all.

Why do I need to worry? The Cafeteria has all the essential things I need for a smooth running and for performing my duties diligently. There is a socket close to where I sat and I could easily connect my PC without stress. There is a table, athough plastic, but that doesn't matter as long as I could do all the writing and typing and eating without having to worry. And there is the most important part, I don't need to worry about snacks and lunch break as I could simply order from where I sat with just a snap of my fingers!

And also on the plus side, I get to to stay away from Peter. The least of all places he would search for me would be here.

Just how cool is that!

I know a lot of people don't agree with me cos a lot of my colleagues who came in for lunch have been giving me the side eye and some just had that look that clearly spelt 'sanity test in progress.'

'There is a giant rat in my office. That's why I am here. But this is actually fun, you should try it sometimes.' I informed Gloria with a full mouth when she won't stop shaking her head as she had to jump over my PC cable to cross to the other side.

I was going through some documents on my PC when I felt someone standing behind me. I could tell someone was as the brightness of my PC screen suddenly dimmed.

And before looking back, I knew exactly who it was.

I looked up to see Peter staring down at me with a look that clearly registered disappointment while a mischievous smile managed to play at the corner of his lips like he was the seeker who just found the hider after a long day of searching in a brand new hide and seek game.

'This is sad.' He exclaimed

"God" I muttered and made to stand up but he stopped me.

'You aren't going anywhere. You have succeeded in making this place your little office. It won't be easy taking everything down that easy.' He said as he walked to the seat opposite me. Pulling the seat out, he sat down.

'So why don't you sit back down. We need to talk.' He asked… I mean commanded.

'We don't need to talk. We don't even have to talk.' I said as I sat back down reluctantly. 'Plus, you are demeaning yourself sitting and chatting with an inferior colleague. Your ex-secretary to be precise in a place as open as the company's cafeteria.' I added, tucking the sandwich in my mouth while I spoke with a mouthful whilst my eyes roved to an end of the cafeteria where two ladies in matching pantsuits kept staring at us.

Those are the twins in the marketing departments.

They are adult twins and they still rock matching outfits? Who does that?

'You have been avoiding me...' He started but I cut in before he could continue.

'What I have to say to that is, you've be thinking too highly of yourself... I have not been avoiding you.' I argued, maintaining a straight gaze with him.

'Of course, you haven't. You only chose to leave the comfort of your office for this place not only because it is perfectly sane but also because you are the exact definition of anti paranoid.' He said and I was no fool figuring out what he said was plain sarcasm.

'I have been avoiding this. You have suddenly become nice to me. You suddenly want to talk to me about personal stuffs. I don't want that. I don't want you to be...'

'Are you embarrassed by what happened the other day?' He said not looking at me. He dropped the bottle on the plastic table.

'I am not!' I yelled back unconsciously and we turned to look around as I have suceeded in drawing attention... I mean more attention to us. I shrugged off the faces and continued. 'I just don't want you to start feeding me with lies about how my life doesn't exactly suck and how I should be grateful cos I'm lucky to have a life to start with...'I gestured while I rolled my eyes.

'I'm not going to tell you all those things. Your life actually sucks.'

'Weirdly as this may sound, that kinda hurt.' I scrunched up my face in disgust.

'It is the truth. It does sucks and no one cares. It's your choice to make it suck more or suck less. You are clearly not doing the latter. Just try to shun whatever you are going through. Talk to people you trust more often. You'd be a lot happier that way.'

'Are you happy?'I don't know where that came from. I just felt I should say something after the long silence.

'That's the ironic stuff about people like me. Some of us don't even believe in what we advice. You can just call me an hypocrite.' He said and he smiled as he looked up at me.

'You are truthful and blunt to a fault.' I said that aloud like I just made a mindblowing discovery. 'I bet you don't even do the white lie. A lie you tell your loved ones to protect them from being hurt by the truth.'

'I won't exactly use 'honesty' as an adjective to qualify me. It doesn't even fit.'I could help thinking he was just acting all modest despite how serious he sounded.

'The point is, you don't have to run away from me and make me feel guilty for some strange reasons when I actually shouldn't 'cos I did nothing wrong. It doesn't have to be awkward when we are around each other. Why don't you try erasing those awkward memories off your tiny little head while making sure you don't act like some Butterfinger when we have to deal with each other.' He broke the silence once again as I pondered on what he meant by honesty not being the perfect adjective for him.

'Look, I have a better way to fix this. To fix everything.' I sat upright, placing both my palms on the table to stress my point. 'How about we stop talking to each other?'

'Wait… What?… it does… it.. You can't…' I watched him stammer as he unexpectedly became incoherent. I guessed he eventually realised he was babbling. So, he swallowed before starting all over again.

'That doesn't even make any sense. We work together. I'm your boss and we would always talk as long as we both work here… for example, I already came up with a plan on how to fix the company and you would want to hear all about it because it's your job to hear all about it as the financial secretary of this company. So, that can't work…' He paused as if something just popped into his head.

'You wanna know what I think? I think you making a decision like this just showed how very terrible you are at handling delicate and even undelicate situations… You just can't run away from things and think they'll go away… Do you think not talking to me would make everything better?' He asked.

'Well, Yes. It would for a start. You are a splitting version of an headache and you just show up at my place unexpectedly. You even tried to reveal your identity to Rhoda which is a fatal mistake by the way. She will get suspicious ,would eventually find out and that will cost me my friendship especially since she has this crazy idea we are lovers. I don't want that to happen. So yeah, it is all about Rhoda and not because of me. I want us to stop talking. It should be a lot easier especially since I'm no longer your secretary.' I delivered my unplanned speech and for a brief moment I wasn't so sure that was a good idea. But as long as it felt like the safest, there was no regret.

'If you have anything to discuss with me, professionally, I would always grant that. So, this doesn't have to affect our work relationship in any way.' I added when it doesn't seem like he was going to say anything.

'I fail to understand why you have to be the overprotective mother hen. As much as I hate to say this, it is clearcutt Rhoda isn't a realist which is really bad for her as an adult. Enough with the unnecessary sulking already! She is making herself this brand new world where no one mattered except her and you are willing to cheer her on? You just want to make her feel good about herself because for some weird reasons you are… scared? Or is it feeling guilty?' Saying that, he scrutinized my face which momentarily made me feel a bit odd.

'Whichever one it is, I don't care. Making your so called best friend feel good when she is obviously making the wrong call is a very bad quality for you as her friend. You shouldn't be scared. Especially when you know you are doing the right thing. One thing is true and you know it. Nothing changes unless Rhoda brings down those walls around her!' He was rather too serious while saying all these but I didn't care.

I had my mind made up already.

Staring at each other, while silence enveloped the air around us, I made no attempt to speak or break the silence.

The gist eventually got to him that the 'we aren't on talking terms' contract had just been sealed whether he consents or not.

Scoffing loudly, he stood up. 'I guess nothing I said actually matters. Suit yourself then.' With that, he exited the cafeteria looking massively pissed.

Gloria007:
Hope all is well Fiyah?

Yes o, my Sister. Just had a lil bit of Power issue

****
*PETER*

I was standing before Ehi's door whilst internally dealing with the conflicting thoughts which had succeeded in settling in the pit of my stomach.

I don't know how I got here.

I actually do know how. So, putting it more appropriately, it would be; I don't know why I am here.

I have had this argument with myself this morning at home, in my car so I can't believe why I have to go over that all over again just when there's just a door between me and her living room.

'I am only here to update her about work. I know am being unnecessarily paranoid but I am over that now. I am just over thinking what I actually shouldn't. There is no personal reason attached. She had been away from the office for a few days and she needs updates about the latest development especially those directly concerning her.'

I mentally recited this 'anti paranoia' anthem which I composed on my way down here and surprisingly, it worked as I became confident that I had a good reason for being here once again.

To be sincere, I decided to come see Ehi because she had been ignoring my calls right from the day she called in sick and I don't need a Sherlock to tell me it had everything to do with the confession and secret sharing episode that took place the other night.

I knew it was bound to come with regrets. For her, not me.

She was emotional that night. Broken is the right word and she just spewed every detail she had hidden and that moment, it sounded so right sharing with someone… anybody and coincidence had me being the 'somebody'. It was simply fate that drove me there which is why she really doesn't need to attach any meaning to it nor take it out on me.

The thing is, I have no problem with her ignoring me.

What I wasn't fine with was the reason why she kept ignoring me.

I hate to be the reason why someone feels uncomfortable enough to avoid me just after confiding in me.

It makes me feel like crap knowing I am a reason for someone's discomfort somewhere and I knew the only way to make things right is not by texting her an epistle which she probably wouldn't even read. I knew I just had to come see her and assure her that telling me her secret doesn't have to compromise her confidence. All she needed was erasing that particular episode off her head and we can both pretend it never happened.

My confidence meter seems full enough for me to knock on the door so, I did.

'Ehi, you don't need…' I started rambling immediately the door swung open but was interrupted midway into my statement

'Huh, as much as I would like to listen to you till the end and know what or who 'Ehi do not need', I would prefer the confession, or narration happening inside.' Rhoda was standing by the door, she held the door with her left hand while grinning. That got the side of my lips lifting up in a half smile realizing how dumb I would have seemed pouring it all out like that.

How could I forget Ehi' s place was like her second home.

'Hi' She said stepping aside for me to enter whilst her voice jotted me back to reality

'Hi, Rhoda.' I replied letting the 'hi' linger in the air for a while before adding 'Rhoda'.

I slowly strolled inside the medium sized sitting room while Rhoda closed the door behind me.

'Why don't I get you something to drink while you settle down and maybe just…' She said spinning at a spot like she was looking for something. '… go through this.' She said tossing a large book… I mean album lying on the centre table beside a cup of fruit juice at me.

'It is actually my album. My family album to be precise but it is more like Ehi's too. We practically lived together back then, so that album contains half her picture and half mine. The summary of this impromptu speech is you can ignore my pictures and just go through hers.' She uttered barely taking a break amidst each sentence which eventually made her take a deep breath when she was done..

..or just when I thought she was done.

'Do you take alcohol or you would prefer a fruit juice?' She was peering into the opened fridge on the other end of the room. Only God knew how she got there that fast

'Rhoda, can I…' I tried to say but she was a serial talkative on the loose.

'… you can scratch the alcohol part. Ehi's fridge is a disaster. She has only got soft drink here.Let's see…'
She said peering deeper into the fridge while I tried my luck once again.

'Is Ehi...'

'Okay there is a fruit juice and Coca Cola, which one would you prefer…'

'Rhoda,' I called again and thankfully this time, she looked up at me so I continued before she decides to change her mind 'I just came to see Ehi, is she in here, somewhere?'

'Ehi is inside.' She took a moment before answering that. 'She's in the bathroom. She's taking her bath. I would let her know you are here, don't worry.' She added moving toward me with a bottle of Coca Cola and a wine glass in the other.

'So, I am guessing you've been calling her and she had been ignoring your calls?' She asked as she handed me the half filled glass. Although the statement was declarative enough, she still found a way to make it sound like a question.

'With a tone like that, there is no hiding from you. So, the answer to that would be affirmative.' I answered, careful not to spew the irrelevant.

'I knew it! And she kept telling me it was her Service Provider's customer care.' She said then almost immediately, she added. 'Did you guys have a fight?'

With the album still sitting on my laps, I flipped through the pages, trying to avoid my sister peering eyes.

'No we didn't…'

'How did you guys even meet? Was it at a party? In the mall? Or is it in a traffic? I have heard a lot of love story starting on a traffic. Hold on a second, did you guys meet at a wedding?…'

'That's a lot of question and I am not so sure I can even remember them all… is there any chance Ehi would be out of the bathroom soon?' I asked, trying to create a distraction while straining my ear to catch any movement or sound whatsoever.

'Are you avoiding my questions?' She asked again.

'Yes.' I replied and I saw a smile crept up her face. 'Why don't I do the asking instead…' I said sitting upright.

'That would be fine by me only if…'

'Why were you going through an old album? You were alone in the living room all by yourself, sipping a drink and going through a family album. That only means two things. It's either you have a childhood memory you want to rekindle or you currently have have a family issue and going through pictures of you and your family will bring back memories of when things were fine and unwindy and that would in some ways, calm you.' I started hoping that way, I made the first shot of getting her to talk about her brother.

Me.

There was a moment of silence as the excitement on Rhoda's vanished.

'Well, that is…' She was going to say something before scrunching up her face in realisation. 'Wait a minute. That theory is not legit. You just don't assume family issues by an old album. The only explanation is you knew about my family issues before even stepping inside this room.' She said and I found myself tongue tied. 'Ehi told you right?' She asked.

'Well, not really…'

'That girl has got a leaking mouth, hasn't she?'


'You don't have to be mad at her okay… She was simply worried about you. She asked for my opinion…' I tried making my wrong right but…

'I am not mad at her or you. One thing I know is, you opinion won't be anything different from hers. Who knows, maybe she already fed you with what you need to tell me when you succesfully bring the topic up.' She argued putting an air quoute around the last three words.

'If you don't mind, I would like us to cease talking about my family. Let's talk about you and Ehi. You haven't answered my question yet…'
I stopped her right there knowing we were back to square one. She was deflecting and I needed to too.

'Shouldn't Ehi be out of the bathroom now?' I asked, glancing around the room

'Actually…' Rhoda started, like she was about to confess. I couldn't help guessing what the 'actually' was all about. 'Ehi isn't in. She went to a nearby store but she should be back soon.'

Now I get it.

She lied to me because she wanted me to stay so that she can interrogate me.

'Huh… I will text her then...'

'Are you leaving already?' Rhoda asked.

'Actually, I also have to be somewhere right now. Please let her know I was here.' I rose from the chair and made for the door while Rhoda tried to cajole me into staying.

****

*EHI*

'YOU DONT HAVE TO IGNORE MY CALLS. ALL I WANTED TO DO WAS INFORM YOU ABOUT THE RECENT CHANGES IN THE COMPANY. YOU'D BE BACK AT YOUR POST AS THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY STARTING MONDAY. BTW, I JUST LEFT YOUR PLACE'

I read the text message from Peter as I strolled into my living room with mixed feelings. I was coming back from the convenience store where I got some boxes of cereals and a few stuffs to stock up my fridge.

I dropped the shopping bags on the kitchen counter while still staring at my phone.

'What took you so long?' Rhoda's voice came from behind me and for a moment, it seemed as though she had been standing there the whole time

Tucking my phone into my trouser's pocket, I turned to face her.

'Yeah. You and I know how very crowded the store gets on Saturdays so it isn't weird you are asking this when I have only been out for a few hours.' I poured pure sarcasm in my statement.

'Four hours isn't a 'few hours'. You've never taken that long.' Rhoda said and she had this inquisitive tone. 'I have this feeling you didn't really go to the store just because you needed things. You went there cos you wanted to be away from me.'

That won't be untrue actually. She had been suffocating me the past few days to talk about Peter whom I clearly don't want to talk about.

'Yeah. Staying away from you was one of the reasons. You wouldn't stop talking about some guy who just happened to sleep in my house four days ago!'

'No random guy just sleeps in a girl's house. You guys much have reached a level of compromise before that happens.' Rhoda argued.

'You know what I think Rhoda?' I said, unloading the materials I bought from the shopping bag. 'I think, the only reason you are obsessing with me and a relationship that can never happen is because you are terrible in the game of deflection. You don't have a good reason for not calling your dad yet. So, instead of focusing on that, you busied yourself with unrealist things. Like me and.. that… Fred… you should start talking about your brother. Stop pretending like he doesn't exist. He does!' I lectured, dropping the final bottle of wine on the counter.

'He does exist or why else would you tell your boyfriend about him? He was here by the way, he left a few minutes ago, you should have met him on the way..' She added, walking to me and leaning on the counter.

I was starting to get confused.

'What did you mean by tell my boyfriend…' I stared at her while scrunching up my face in confusion.

'Now, don't play the 'I have no idea what you're talking about' game, cos you do. Fred came here and he knew I had some issues with my half brother and my dad. How else would he possibly know if you didn't tell him?' Rhoda said, rummaging through the items I just bought.

Well, the other way he would have known is because he is your brother and he knew the whole time!

'Oh… I did….' That was meant to be said in a declarative tone but it only came out more like a question.

That's what happens when you have to admit to something you know nothing about.

'Well, it doesn't matter. I didn't even listen to the speech you had planned for him. I would address my family issues when I want to address my family issues and none of your lame method to get me to talk will work…' Rhoda added.

A knock on the door got us both staring at it.

'Come in.' Rhoda answered the door from where she was by yelling.

I guess she was expecting someone.

David.

He was in front of us in no time.

He was in a casual wear of a white T-shirt over a black trouser while a pair of black sneaker graced his legs.He looked 'outing ready'

'You are late.' Rhoda said as David planted a kiss on her lips.

'But ready, you are not.' He answered wittily.

'All I have to do is put on something. It won't take that long.' Rhoda replied reciprocating his kiss.

'By it won't take that long, you mean an hour or two?' He asked before flashing me a bright smile. 'Hi, Ehi. I got carried away, don't mind my manners.'

'Of course, I was starting to think I was invisible.' I playfully teased holding two bottles of wine while heading to the refrigerator.

'It wasn't intentional. By the way, you won't mind if I steal your girlfriend for today?' He asked.

'Gladly. You can keep her for as long as you want. She had been nothing but a pain in the neck. I could use me some peacefulness.' I answered closing the refrigerator after I put the drinks in it.

'And loneliness…. ' Rhoda said, completing what was supposed to be my statement. ' We would be back before 7 right?' She asked, while David kissed her on the forehead.

'Uhhrgh…' I groaned loudly. 'You two should get a room already.'

David chuckled and Rhoda excused herself then made to leave for the bedroom.

'Huh, it almost skipped my mind. Did Peter, by any chance come here this morning?' David asked searching my eyes and Rhoda's for answers. I could hear my heart hammer through my chest.

' I saw his car on my way down here and I thought maybe he came to see Rhoda.'

'You mean my half brother? Why would he want to come here?' Searching my eyes for unknown clues.

'Maybe it wasn't him you saw. You can't be so sure. Our eyes could be deceiving sometimes. ' I added, chuckling nervously.

'Yeah you are right. Or it may be him and he just came to see a friend down here.' David said, also dismissing the idea.

'Or it wasn't him at all. I would have seen him a couple of times if he has a friend on this street. So I don't think so.' I didn't want any controversy in the statement and I didn't want to sound all defensive.

'I was almost sure it was him…'

'You know what, let's just leave it at 'It wasn't Peter', I don't want this moment ruined by talks about him.' Rhoda concluded. And it was obvious she was getting riled up just mentioning his name.

*RHODA*

I don't even know why I left Ehi outside to stay in kitchen all in the name of calling my dad. It's not even like I am trying to hide anything from her. She knows everything there is to know already but I still left anyway.

I think I just felt the need to have a private conversation with my dad especially after being strong headed for a while now and knowing fully well the conversation with him would come with a lot of remorsefulness and 're-bonding' which would be too embarrassing to me. Particularly before Ehi whom I sure as hell know would be making silly faces the whole time.

I closed the kitchen door behind me then leaned over it as I let my thumb do the swiping across my smart phone.

The 'Dad' contact icon stared at me in the face as I breathed in deeply, summoning the courage to tap it and get the conversation done with.

How hard could it possibly be swinging one's flag down in surrender?

Actually, it isn't even surrender.

It is being mature and additionally, according to Ehi's metaphor, being strong and rational in reasoning.

I will just agree that I'm mature enough to accept rejections and failures.

I closed my eyes and breathed in one last time then opened my eyes almost immediately and that wasn't because I was finally going to make the call. It was because my phone was ringing.

I had a call.

It was David.

'Hey' I said into the mouthpiece as I held the phone close to my ear and I could have sworn my voice sounded… odd.

I was trying to fake an excited voice but my vocal cords failed me. They succumbed to my emotions and gave me a flaky 'Hey' instead.

'Huh… Are you just going to say Hey? What happened to Cupcake and all those sweet jams u add?' He teased playfully then he paused abruptly like he just discovered something. 'Are you okay?' He asked suddenly sounding worried.

'I am fine. I am just having a little bit of a hard time calling my dad.' I could as well tell him. He was bound to find out anyway.

'You are going to call your dad? What happened to 'Hey, I am so not going to make peace with nobody if they don't try to make peace first.' What happened?' David asked making a voice impression of a dreadfully voiced person who I am starting to scare might be me.

'First of all, that is a terrible impression of me right there. And by terrible, I mean terribly terrible impression. Like, I almost lost my whole breakfast listening to you talk like that.' I started then continued. 'Secondly and most importantly, Ehi said some things. She made me see reasons why I should call my dad and make peace. I am starting to think I need to give my half brother a chance too. With me beside him, working under him, supporting him, we might as well just be unstoppable.' I said and for a moment, it was relieving listening to me say something like that.

'Hold on a second Rhoda. I want to be sure I heard you alright so, i'd be repeating what you are implying so that you can listen to yourself.' David said and the disbelief was quite evident in his voice.

'Rhoda, you are not calling your dad to probably ask him to see reasons with you on why you should be leading the company, you are not calling your dad to tell him how unfair it is on your part on choosing Peter, you are calling your dad to make peace? You are calling your dad to tell him you would support his decision in applauding your half brother up the ladder? You are calling your dad to tell him you quit?'

'Look, David. I know this sounds pretty stupid after everything I've been through but I can't help thinking it's the right call and Ehi seems to think so too. It is not even like I have another choice aside this…'

'You know what Rhoda, it doesn't sound pretty stupid. It is stupid! I mean, look at all the sacrifices we made! And I don't care what Ehi thinks cos I am beginning to think she probably forgot the sacrifices you made just to be here. It surprises me that she calls herself your best friend, yet she is willing to see you throw yourself in a well while she cheer you on!' He wasn't yelling but his voice was louder now and his anger was apparently in the air.

'I've always thought you knew what you wanted. You are.. I mean you were this strong willed girl who is willing to achieve the unachievable. You are… I mean were strong. I thought I was strong but you gave me a run for my strength. I admired you for that. I haven't told you this before but knowing what you want and getting it was one of the reasons why I couldn't help tripping for you but now, I am not sure who you are anymore!' His words cut through my chest and pierced my heart like a god's spear.

Was I really being stupid?

Do I really need to stay strong and not back down?

'Maybe I am just tired of fighting. David, I don't think I can keep doing this…'

'Baby, you can't be tired. You need to be strong. The company needs you now more than ever….' He wasn't angry anymore. He was calm and he is consoling me for some weird reasons.

'Your brother had been negligent of his duties. He has been forfeiting a lot of things. He seems distracted by the sudden power he got adorned with and if nobody takes the wheel while he continues like that, the company's ship will sink and there will be no saving it.' David added and I just had to pause and think about everything he said and it was then it dawned on me.

I was more than confused now.

The conflicting thoughts just kept messing with my head.

'So, baby before you make any drastic step you may end up regretting, you should think about this. Think about this very well and don't let anyone get in your head. For all we know, we are the only ones who know what we have been through.' He said once again while I remained mute.

'I'll see you this evening. Bye now.' He said and I also bade him goodbye before he finally hung up.

I sighed deeply then took another glance at my phone to see my dad's contact still staring back at me.

After what seemed like days, I put my phone on standby.

There was no way I was making any call with all these weird thoughts in my head.

*EHI*

I succeeded to get her to repeat what she said after admitting proudly that I wasn't listening while shooting her an apologetic smile.

'Okay, here is the thing and you better be all ears this time around.' She said tentatively then started with all seriousness.

'Yesterday at David's place, his dad said something that actually made so much sense. Something I haven't thought about and that I should actually be thinking about.'



'What is it?' I asked while I remained attentive.



'He said something about a rumor. I am very sure it isn't a rumour because with his influence, he doesn't look like someone who spreads rumours.He is the director for goodness sake. I believe he used rumour as an euphemism for the truth.' She stopped then continued. 'So, he said my dad is planning to retire and it seems like he's planning to make my step brother his successor. I don't know what to think. But do you really think it's possible my Dad would want to make him his successor? Why would he do that? Even if he eventually do, what becomes of me?... Everything seems so insane, complex and just too complicated for me to comprehend. I don't even know what to think anymore....'

She was talking too fast and I discovered it was time I interrupt.

'Look, Rhoda. It isn't as complicated as you made it seem. It's pretty simple. You meet up with your Dad and you guys talk about it. Know what his decision is and act through that and not just on rumours. There isn't any harm asking and I'm sure he'd be pretty glad to have you talk to him about it. He'd tell you whether he plans on making you and Peter partners, or whether he'd be handling power to either of you. But I want you to know one thing, whatever his decision is, you'll be just fine.'I encouraged with a subtle smile.

'What if his plan is simply just for Peter? What if, he actually wants to make him his successor as rumours have it? I've been prepared for this my whole life. I have given it my all. I was so sure nothing could go wrong. At the early stages of my life, I've always thought I had a thing for broadcasting but here I am pursuing a career in Business Management thinking that way, I would be of more use to my Dad whose company I would lead someday. What happens if all these sacrifices get squashed because my Dad decides to suddenly just hate me?' She asked throwing her hands in the hair in exhaustion.

She wasn't angry. She was just all shade of worried.

For the first time since we've been having this conversation, Rhoda was being rational. She was focused and she really needs all the advice she could get. The right ones and not just what she wants to hear.

'Look, Rhoda. There's always a plan B. In fact, there are twenty six amazing letters in the English Alphabet. If one doesn't work, you move on to the next. If by chance, the worst happens, trust me you'd be fine. You need to have this at the back of your mind, your Dad loves irrespective of how weird he shows it.' I answered then I got an idea.

'You remembered that hilarious movie we watched at the cinema the other day. Lazer Squad or something?' I threw that at her sitting upright like that would make my point a lot more magical.

'Lazer Team you mean.' She said giggling. I understand her gigle had everything to do with each and every scenes in the movie.

I remembered it was 'Team'. I just didn't want her to be silent while I talked. I wanted to be sure she was attentive.

'There was this dude that had trained his whole life to be the Champion of Earth. He was so sure he was the champion of Earth. Everyone had no doubt either. He was the perfect Champion of Earth. He had the looks and the skills and everything needed to become the Champ. Then, out of the blues came four groups of pathetic and retarded idiots who were pronounced the Champs without earning the title with the even tiniest effort possible. They had nothing worth displaying as skills but they were still the Champs. Our dude was mad. He was angry and although he took him a while, he eventually did realise those retarded adults were the Champs and they would eventually save Earth. So, all he did was work with them. He coached them to victory because, in the end, all that mattered was Earth.' I felt proud of myself at my wonderfully delivered speech which had Rhoda giving unconscious, attentive nods.

'You are right. There is always a Plan B. Thanks Ehi.' She said thoughfully after a moment of silence which I guessed was used to digest my words.

'I should give my Dad a call.' She said and for reasons best known to her, left me where I was to place a call to her dad like I assumed inside the apartment.

***
What is a dream?
A dream is the first thing we abadon when we understand how this world works
-ANONYMOUS
****

*EHI*

It was all coming back to me.

Everything we talked about last night. Everything that happened was coming back to me.

I was sitting on a plastic chair just on the front porch of my appartment. Rhoda was there with me, the novel she had abadoned still on her laps while she kept bringing up random and different topics of which she practically did the solo talking. I was barely listening to her as I was too preoccupied with the thoughts in my head to hear her but I still encouraged her to keep talking by maintaining a serious countenance while I ensured I had an half smile on my lips.

I had caught a cold and also, my ankle appeared to have worsened. So, I called in sick only to have myself stuck with this talking machine who was prepared to talk me to death.

Was I glad she eventually dropped the conversation about Peter.... or Fred or whatever?

How did I even come up with Pior Fred...

Speaking of Peter... or Fred, he just might have gone through what I have. Or even worse.

'I almost lived my whole life believing the wrong man was my father. 'Peter had started his story yesternight.

According to him, right before he knew who his real father was, he had always hated his supposed stepfather. He had always had his doubts about him.

'They call him Podo and he was a drug dealer and that being the most conspicuous of his personality, there were other things he was that people don't exactly know.' He continued, starting with his early lives. The ones he spent with his stepfather whom he believed was his dad

'He was a wife beater, a child abuser, a monster creator, the godfather of holigans, bandits, thugs, a multiple divorcée, a murderer amongst others.'

'He was popular in the neighborhood for everything illegal but surprisingly, he never got caught. If he ever manages to, which he rarely does, he would be free before the blink of an eye. He has friends in the police, in politics, in the streets. He was known everywhere.'

'He knew just the right way to go about his business. By, right way, I mean he doesn't do his deals in person. He chose the least suspicious person to do his supplying and buying. And that was of course, eight year old me. And who was my mum to go against his will? I have always thought my mum was weak when it comes to him. She takes his insults and allow him to get away with whatever he does. But the moment he mentioned getting me all mixed up in his illegal businesses, she flared up and as much as I hate to remember what happened the moment she did, I can't forget having to visit her in the hospital for a week or two.

'Podo told me that's what would be my mum's fate every single day if I chose not to do what he says. Left with no other choice, I started pushing drugs for him. Spent days, weeks and even months locked up some times, which brings me to the part where he created a monster. An emotionless monster.

'At some point while growing up, I couldn't help questioning my mum. I asked her why she married him. 'What even attracted you to him in the first place?' I asked with tears in my eyes as I watched my mum bleed from the impact of his jaw cracking punch on one of his bad days. It's not even like he had ever had a good day before. She never told me why.'

'Living with Podo left us with nothing but horrible memories and we never had good ones. Not until I fought for our freedom'

'He was high like he always is but unlike before, a lot of things had changed. But maybe he didn't realise it. Maybe the drug he took made him believe time was static but I wasn't eight no more. I was an eighteen year old, fresh out of college, emotionless dude with a built boys my age don't exactly have. It was like I was blind
all these years and I just got healed. He was going to hit my mum but I stopped him. A move that left him dumbfounded for a few seconds. He made to slap me but I also stopped him. Twisting his shoulder backwards which left him with a dislocated arm, I barraged him with punches, kicks, and blows and before I knew it, he was unconscious. It was a flawless victory. And even though, I thought I beat my dad then, it didn't feel wrong. It just felt like dealing with a big, useless bully.

'I spent a few days in the cell. Yeah, he got me arrested and when I got out, he sent us parking.'

'Although things were harder than we thought it would be without Podo, we survived and it was the happiest years my mum and I spent together. I struggled to get myself through school but surprisingly, things weren't looking up for me like I thought they would after school. It was simply getting worse and so was my mum's health. It was at this point that two things happened to me. Two things that changed my life forever.'

His story was sad.

I couldn't tell which one was sadder. Mine or his.

I tried to remember what he said after then but I couldn't.

That must have been the point where I waltzed off to sleep and he suspended his narration.

What did he say after then?

What were those two important things that changed his life?

Why did he just show up all of a sudden here?

What happened to his mum?

Did his mum ever told him why she left chief for Podo?

All these were the thoughts going through my mind that needed urgent answers.

'...company. Are you even listening to me?' Was the last thing I hear Rhoda
say. I greeted her with a blank stare with the half smile, which I wasn't quick enough to erase still jutting on my lips.

I guessed that saved her the trouble of doing the math.

She knew instantly that I wasn't listening

***
What is a dream?
A dream is the first thing we abadon when we understand how this world works
-ANONYMOUS
****

*EHI*

It was all coming back to me.

Everything we talked about last night. Everything that happened was coming back to me.

I was sitting on a plastic chair just on the front porch of my appartment. Rhoda was there with me, the novel she had abadoned still on her laps while she kept bringing up random and different topics of which she practically did the solo talking. I was barely listening to her as I was too preoccupied with the thoughts in my head to hear her but I still encouraged her to keep talking by maintaining a serious countenance while I ensured I had an half smile on my lips.

I had caught a cold and also, my ankle appeared to have worsened. So, I called in sick only to have myself stuck with this talking machine who was prepared to talk me to death.

Was I glad she eventually dropped the conversation about Peter.... or Fred or whatever?

How did I even come up with Pior Fred...

Speaking of Peter... or Fred, he just might have gone through what I have. Or even worse.

'I almost lived my whole life believing the wrong man was my father. 'Peter had started his story yesternight.

According to him, right before he knew who his real father was, he had always hated his supposed stepfather. He had always had his doubts about him.

'They call him Podo and he was a drug dealer and that being the most conspicuous of his personality, there were other things he was that people don't exactly know.' He continued, starting with his early lives. The ones he spent with his stepfather whom he believed was his dad

'He was a wife beater, a child abuser, a monster creator, the godfather of holigans, bandits, thugs, a multiple divorcée, a murderer amongst others.'

'He was popular in the neighborhood for everything illegal but surprisingly, he never got caught. If he ever manages to, which he rarely does, he would be free before the blink of an eye. He has friends in the police, in politics, in the streets. He was known everywhere.'

'He knew just the right way to go about his business. By, right way, I mean he doesn't do his deals in person. He chose the least suspicious person to do his supplying and buying. And that was of course, eight year old me. And who was my mum to go against his will? I have always thought my mum was weak when it comes to him. She takes his insults and allow him to get away with whatever he does. But the moment he mentioned getting me all mixed up in his illegal businesses, she flared up and as much as I hate to remember what happened the moment she did, I can't forget having to visit her in the hospital for a week or two.

'Podo told me that's what would be my mum's fate every single day if I chose not to do what he says. Left with no other choice, I started pushing drugs for him. Spent days, weeks and even months locked up some times, which brings me to the part where he created a monster. An emotionless monster.

'At some point while growing up, I couldn't help questioning my mum. I asked her why she married him. 'What even attracted you to him in the first place?' I asked with tears in my eyes as I watched my mum bleed from the impact of his jaw cracking punch on one of his bad days. It's not even like he had ever had a good day before. She never told me why.'

'Living with Podo left us with nothing but horrible memories and we never had good ones. Not until I fought for our freedom'

'He was high like he always is but unlike before, a lot of things had changed. But maybe he didn't realise it. Maybe the drug he took made him believe time was static but I wasn't eight no more. I was an eighteen year old, fresh out of college, emotionless dude with a built boys my age don't exactly have. It was like I was blind
all these years and I just got healed. He was going to hit my mum but I stopped him. A move that left him dumbfounded for a few seconds. He made to slap me but I also stopped him. Twisting his shoulder backwards which left him with a dislocated arm, I barraged him with punches, kicks, and blows and before I knew it, he was unconscious. It was a flawless victory. And even though, I thought I beat my dad then, it didn't feel wrong. It just felt like dealing with a big, useless bully.

'I spent a few days in the cell. Yeah, he got me arrested and when I got out, he sent us parking.'

'Although things were harder than we thought it would be without Podo, we survived and it was the happiest years my mum and I spent together. I struggled to get myself through school but surprisingly, things weren't looking up for me like I thought they would after school. It was simply getting worse and so was my mum's health. It was at this point that two things happened to me. Two things that changed my life forever. The first of which is, I got to know about my father and I got married.'

His story was sad.

I couldn't tell which one was sadder. Mine or his.

I tried to remember what he said after then but I couldn't.

That must have been the point where I waltzed off to sleep and he suspended his narration.

What happened to his marriage?

Why did he show up all of a sudden here?

What happened to his mum?

Did his mum ever told him why she left chief for Podo?

All these were the thoughts going through my mind that needed urgent answers.

'...company. Are you even listening to me?' Was the last thing I hear Rhoda
say. I greeted her with a blank stare with the half smile, which I wasn't quick enough to erase still jutting on my lips.

I guessed that saved her the trouble of doing the math.

She knew instantly that I wasn't listening

*****

*Rhoda*

I was reaching out for an handshake with the handsome stranger I was starting to get to know in Ehi's room before she practically dragged me out of the room into the living room for reasons I am guessing she dragged me out to let me know.

'What are you doing here?' She asked still holding to my hands when we were in the living room. She seemed scared. Drug deprived addict kind of scared.

'Are you on drugs?' I asked, my face scrunched up in a rather annoying surprise.

'Since when do you start asking me these kinds of questions? This is your house and I have a key.' I emphasized on the last statement trying to help the strange amnesiac patient before me with her memory loss.

'But I thought you are still at David's! Since when have you been here? Was it in the night? Don't you know it is dangerous to drive at night?' She rambled on while flipping a strand of hair from her face from time to time. Her rambling was begining to get on my nerves so I stopped her.

'Now, before you start acting like my second and weirdly single parent in order to divert the conversation from the god of hotness in your room, I got here this morning around seven. I mean, I have been in this house for two hours without you knowing! I fixed breakfast and you didn't know because you were busy with whoever that is in your room and It's pretty obvious you are trying everything possible to avoid talking about him. But, you will talk about him because I'm so going to make you.' I said slapping her disturbingly warm arm away from mine.

Is she sick or something?

She is heating up.

'Trust me Rhoda, it is nothing like what you are thinking.' She weakly argued. She seemed tired and the huge bags under her eyes made her look somehow sick.

'If by what I'm thinking, you mean the part where you have a hot guy sleepover at your place. A guy I'm completely unaware of but who seemed to have known for quite a while now and who you did quite some wild and nasty things with in the night then wake up to hide him from me, Yeah. That's what i'm thinking. And it is everything like what I'm thinking.' I said while I watched her rolled her eyes in surrender.

I don't get it. What's up with her attitude. She is mature enough for all these kind of things and she knows I was and has never been the type that judges. So, why is she so disturbed and worried then?

'If I don't know you so well, I would have thought the reason why you are being secretive, nervous and worried is because he is a one night stand.'I threw that at her.

'Of course not. What you don't understand is, he is not even any stand! Look, nothing happened last night. I cross my heart...'

'And you hope to die.' I completed that for her. 'I still don't believe you.' With my statement, I watched her groan frustratingly.

'Why are you being like this? This dude is freaking cuuuuteee and you know it.' I made her see reasons why I can't fall for her pretence.

The attention seeking cough from the left side of the room got Ehi and I directing our gaze to the hotness in human skin that made the sound.

He was fully dressed now and he looked as cute as ever.

'I'd be leaving now.' He said confidently but to no one in particular. 'I guess we'd see some other time, Rhoda.'He added then beamed a soft smile at me. I could tell Ehi was mentally rolling her eyes with the menacing stare she gave him.

'Rhoda? I can't remember telling you my name.'I walked toward him, an impressed smile on my lips.

'Yeah, you didn't. But someone wouldn't stop talking about you.' He said shooting Ehi, who has her palm on her face while remaining on the same spot a glance.

'Wow! How long have you two known each other? Weirdly enough, she kept your existence a secret from me.' I uttered while glaring at Ehi who still had a disturbed look on her face 'But luckily for both of us...' I continued. ignoring her. '..and unluckily for her, we had to meet in person. What's your name?'I asked raising my eyebrow curiously, while I folded my arms accross my chest.

'A boy has no name' Ehi appeared out of nowhere to cover his mouth before he could respond. '...and enough with the chitchat. He already overstayed his welcome. ' Ehi said glaring threateningly at him while saying each word forcefully, in between gritted teeth.

'He was just leaving.' She added,wrapping her arms around his while leading him to the door

'Will you just let him say his name?'I gave Ehi a 'this-isn't-how-you-act-before-a-cute-guy' stare.

'The name is P....'He was going to say but Ehi was quick to clasp her palm around his mouth.

'His name is..Pi...' She lingered on the 'P' thoughtfully, while I raised my eyebrow, to tell her to get on with it.

'Pi...or... His name is Frederick. Fred for short and he already said his goodbyes.' Ehi answered for him again as they were now close to the door.

Every ounce of me knew she was lying.

'His name is Pior Frederick?' I was astonished. 'Your name is Pior Frederick?' I tried to confirm from the horse's mouth but Ehi was all over him. There was no way he could do what he wills with her palm on his mouth, while she tried to pathetically obstruct him from me. It ended up being a feeble and poignant attempt on her part because he was taller and bigger than she was. It was like hiding a huge iroko tree behind a thin pole.

I watched her ignore me and also prevented him from answering as she literally heaved him out of the front door.

'Bye Fred.' I called out.

If that's even his name.

And just before they exited, I heard him reply;

'See you again.' Before Ehi succeeded in slamming the door in his face while mumbling a 'No, you won't' after him.

*****
*RHODA*

'Don't tell me you are leaving already' David's Dad said when he saw David drag my luggage to my car while I stopped to say my goodbyes to him. He was sitting on a rocking chair just outside the house while he read the morning papers.

It was some minutes past six in the morning and it was still pretty dark outside but I wanted to leave early. The last person I wanted to see this morning is David's mum.

'I am sorry sir but I think I have to. I'll still come visiting some times.' I said smiling at him.

'That's okay.' He smiled back at me. I bowed slightly then made to leave.

'Rhoda,'He called so I stopped.

'I hate to get in the middle of your family... er... er... issues but, if you'd ask me, I personally think what your father did is unfair. I made it clear I wasn't in support of that because we were all routing for you. But your father chose what he wants and knowing the kind of father you have, it's hard for anybody to change his mind. I don't know what it's going to be, whether your brother is just going to lead for a while, or is going to be a permanent replacement of your father since his retirement rumors had been making rounds...' At this point, I didn't hear anything he said.

I totally blanked out. I was too preoccupied with the various thoughts going through my mind to even comprehend what he was saying even though I could see his mouth move.

Could Dad be really planning to make him his successor?

Do I really need to start thinking about a Plan B?

Why would dad do that to me?

'...if you need any help. Whether in the company or any sort of help whatsoever, you can contact me any time. I would be at your service, okay?'He assured.

I nodded, smiled and bade him goodbye.

'So, this is see you again right?' David said, placing his arms on my shoulder while I nodded. He had dropped the luggage in the trunk and he was standing close to the driver's side of the car.

'I'll come see you after work today.'He added then gave me a kiss on the cheeks.

I moved closer to him, held his face in my palms, then softly said.

'Don't forget to apologise to your mum.' after which I returned his kiss then climb into my car.

****
So hurt with me
I'd hurt with you
And maybe you and me can hurt together...'
-SIA
****

*EHI*

I was awoken by what seemed like someone banging at my door. Slightly opening my eyes one after the other as they adjusted to the light rays, I heard two successive knocks land on my door again.

Right before I opened my mouth to ask who was at door, Common sense took over and I kept shut a that point.

What if it's a burglar?

I couldn't remember locking the door to the appartment yesterday...

Oh! It's all coming back to me. I couldn't remember because I wasn't the one who locked it. Peter did.

Speaking of Peter, why is my head on his chest, his arms around me while he is sprawled out on my bed, his shirt completely unbuttoned to reveal his mahogany hard chest with the lower part of his body completely hidden by the blanket?

I bolted off the bed in a second almost tripping as I could barely stand on my legs when I realised how implicating the position we were in was.

It is implicating enough that he knows my place, talk more of him entering, talk more of him staying the night and like that wasn't enough, we had to sleep like we were a couple!

What the hell even happened last night?

'Gosh, this is bad...this is really bad... Oh God, this is just terrible...' I mumbled as I paced the lenght of the bed while I tried to coordinate the memories of last night which were all jumbled up in my head.

'Hey Ehi, it's me.' I heard Rhoda's voice said from the other side of the door as she completed her statement with two consecutive knocks on the door.

I totally forgot someone was at the door and this got me glancing at the figure completely knocked off on my bed.

Now, this is terribly bad!

Rhoda and Peter?

Fire and Water?

Raining season and dry season?

Now i'm out of opposing words.

'I can hear footsteps. C'mon, open the door.' Rhoda said again.

My cover is blown. I just have to keep her out for as long as possible before I figure out what to do with her brother who amazingly, hasn't flinched despite the fact that his sister was technically loud!

Who sleeps like that?

I hurried to Peter's side of the bed, patted him on the shoulder hard enough to make him open his eyes but not hard enough for Rhoda to hear. Once his eyes were opened, I simultaneously shushed him in whispers, gesticulated to him not to make any sound then explained the situation to him in whispers while my hands and face also helped.

'Hold on a second, what are you doing in there? What's taking you so long to open a stupid door?'Rhoda remarked and the suspicion in her voice was considerably obvious.

'I'm naked...' I said then added surprisingly to me as well...' I'm trying to put some clothes on.' as I literally pushed Peter, who really isn't getting the situation judging by how slow he was to the bathroom in tiptoe.

'And when has you being naked been a restrictive criteria for me entering your room? Never mind, the door isn't even locked.' She confirmed that by pulling the handle. 'i'm coming in.' She announced and opened the door to find me trying to hide her brother.

Awkward.

****
I was haunted by the distant past.
called to the sky but she was overcast...
-SIA
****

*PETER*

Now, that was surprising and highly unexpected. I guessed she realized I needed to be put out of my daze, so she continued.

'He was drunk. He was always drunk and when he is, nobody comes in his way. Not my mum, nor me, nor my elder sister Chi before she died when I was twelve. It was one of those nights when he comes back from his outing when everyone was already asleep, drunk. My door creaked open in the middle of the night and my dad came in heavily drunk. I was frightened because I thought it was time for the whip like it was his tradition some times. I sat up , cuddling my own knees, waiting for the lashes to start coming but instead it was him.... He had his way with me while muttering our married neigbour's name. I cried the whole night as he laid on me throughout the night and slept that way. I couldn't push him off. He was too big and I was just a fragile, tiny malnourished girl then. I couldn't call out to my mum. Don't know why but I couldn't let her find out what has happened.
The next morning, I couldn't find him on the bed anymore. My dad was nowhere in sight. He was gone and I was woken up by wailings and crying. My father had hung himself and only I knew why.'

'But I never told anyone except my Fiancés who broke up with me based on that reason. Henry ended it with me because he told me it's either I tell my mum about it or he calls the wedding off.'

'His arguement was, stuffs like that, truths that hurt, should not be kept from the affected for too long. He said if I can't tell my mum, that means I can hide worse from him when we get married but what he didn't know was I was never going to tell my mum. What good will it do to her after almost 2 decades? That her husband whose lifetime memories bore nothing but pain raped her only surviving daughter. His own daughter! No, I wasn't going to tell my mum and not even Henry could change that. I planned to carry it to my grave. But Henry, he wasn't ready to listen to me. He gave me a deal, which I shunned. Then he told me it was over. He told me what we had was over. There wasn't going to be any wedding.' She paused, and heaved a sigh...

relief, anxiety, I couldn't tell which one it was.


'And, although Francis hasn't told me why he left me on my big day without a single warning yet, I think it has something to do with the incest episode which I have learnt to carry gracefully for years...' She stopped talking then heaved a sigh of relief and I could tell it felt so good.

It felt like she just unloaded a truckload full of sins.

'I'm so sorry, Ehi.'I managed to say when she was done with her narration

'No, you don't have to be sorry. I am perfectly fine. Trust me.' She said giving me a reassuring smile, sniffing while a tear, which she hirriedly wiped off as soon it came, fell on her cheeks.

There was silence and it was then I realised her leg was still on my laps.

I bandaged the previously abadoned ankle.

'But, You really shouldn't just assume for that dude... The Francis guy. He has his reasons for coming here and i'm guessing it's a good reason or he wouldn't have showed up at all. You shouldn't make up an assumption that you know what his reason is. You should schedule a meeting and hear him out.' I tried to say but she cut me short.


'But I don't want to hear him out!' I watched her yell that, startling me.

'I don't want to see him.' She added

' I'm scared... I... I don't want him to tell it to my face that it was the same reason I've always dreaded. No! I don't want that....' She was yelling.

And crying and holding her head in her palms.

I hurriedly sat beside her, holding her to my chest while I shushed her.

After minutes of petting her, she eventually calmed down and the only sound she made were those from sniffing and breathing heavily.

She wasn't okay. She was heating up.

'If it will make you feel better,' I made to break the silence.

Hard as it was, I felt the need to share.

This felt like the moment of truth. She trusted me enough to share her deepest secret with me. She barely knew me yet she did and the least I felt I could do is share a bit, if not all of mine as well.

'if it makes you feel better to realize you are not the only one with an history of child abuse, I'll like to share my story with you.'

****
I wanted to play though
Thought I could do all these on my own
But even Superwoman sometimes needs a Superman soul
- SIA
*****

*EHI*

I was in my bed, the blanket rolled up to my waist. I had changed my cloth into a grey hooded sweatshirt under which I wore a woolen black trouser with the help of Peter who got me the cloths from the closet then excused himself from room while I dressed.

I had stopped crying now but the atmosphere in the room had become rather too klutzy.

'Now, let's work on your ankle. Do you have a balm, an ointment or menthol?' He asked, rubbing his palms together nervously as he walked back into the room when I was done dressing.

I guess he hasn't been in this kind of situation before.

Neither have I.

I pointed to the drawer on the other side of the bed.

'So, I guess that means it's inside the drawer and you are not talking to me. Yet.' He said looking at me like that would make me say something. 'Now nod if your cotton wool, pain meds and the bandage are also inside the drawer.' He said then waited for me to nod. Which I did.

'Okay. Thanks and Good job. You are doing just fine.' He said and ran to the drawer.

I bit my lower lips ashamedly.

Why did my own body have to betray me?

I wasn't supposed to cry.

I never thought I would cry. It had been a month and I didn't care. I was so sure I didn't care about all these things.

I didn't even think about it all. The marriage, Francis, my relationships, I didn't think about them all.

I had it all bottled.

My feelings, my memories. They were all perfectly bottled.

But all it took was just a reminder. A piece of my memories and my feelings. Francis just had to show up and everything had to come crashing. The bottle cracked, broke, shattered to the tiniest pieces and my feelings escaped. My memories, my relationships. Everything I had hidden in my subconscious all came back to me in form of hot, real tears.

Now I can't stop.

I want to talk to someone about it all.

I really want to.

I badly want to

'I got it.' Peter announced and sat on the bed beside my outstretched leg, holding all the materials he needed in his cupped, joined palms. He removed the affected leg from under the blanket and placed it on his lap. Rolling the trouser up to my knee, he gently massaged the leg.

'See, I'm not very good at these kinds of things but...' He started but I cut him short.

'What kinds of things? Fixing a broken joint or talking about what you just witnessed outside my place?'I talked for the first time in the room.

He was surprised I talked but he quickly shrugged it off.

'Both.' He said then continued. 'I am not good at many things. But I would try to fix your ankle.' He said, massaging my ankle gently with the ointment. 'Now, the other stuff that happened right before your door...er...I am not a smooth talker nor a psychologist and I also know you don't trust me. You may also think you can't confide in me but you have to trust me when I say I'm a good listener. You may even decide to close your eyes like I was never...' He was starting to sweat in the cold.

'That was Francis. The man I was supposed to be married to a month ago.' I started cutting his epistle short and getting him shocked yet again.

'Wow, that was easy. And I was working my self up here.' He said with the relief apparent on his face.

'I was meant to be Mrs Ifechuckwu a month ago but he called the wedding off on the D day leaving only a note saying he was sorry.' I sighed for no good reason at all.

I can't believe I'm talking to someone about this.

And it's not even anybody. It is Peter Silva to be exact. My best friend's brother who I barely know.

Whom we've both decided to hate.

But I couldn't stop talking

I needed someone to talk to.

'Surprisingly to even me,...' I continued, 'I wasn't bothered. I never thought about it. Never cried and everybody thought I was crazy. My mum, Rhoda, my colleague, everybody was worried except me. It was like the wedding never happened to me. Until Today of course when he showed up and I cried. I shed out the tears that were approximately a month old. Why I wasn't really bothered the whole time was because I thought I knew why he called the wedding off. It was a reason staring at me in the face. A reason that had been haunting me. For years, it had haunted me. And I knew, I knew if anything was going to go wrong with the relationship, I knew it would be for that reason.' I paused and I watched him listen with rapt attention.

It felt so good talking to someone about this.

Someone I wasn't emotionally tangled with.

'I dated him for just two months before we started making wedding preparations. He wasn't prepared. I wanted to be married to him as quickly as possible. I didn't want what happened in my previous relationship to repeat itself. Before I met Francis, my ex, Henry called it off with me too. For the same reason I think Francis did.'I was going to continue but Peter stopped me

'Can you tell me the reason? That reason you keep talking about? The ones who you think was your Fiancées excuse?... It is fine of you don't want to... ' He was curious but he didn't want to seem pressuring.

'I was...' I was going to tell him point blank but the words got caught up in my throat.

It's too early to start talking about these things with him!

What's wrong with me?

Why can't I stop myself?

'I shouldn't be telling you this but I don't know, I can't help it. There is this air around you that keeps suggesting I can trust you on this.' I said that aloud swiping my palm across my face nervously.

'I have never told anyone aside those two. I mean Henry and Francis. Neither Rhoda nor my mum knows about this' She paused to take a deep breath with closed eyes. 'My Dad. He raped me. Once.' I bravely opened my eyes to see the expression on his face

He was shocked.

Very shocked and he couldn't hide it this time. His mouth was hanging open. Widely agape.

****
*PETER*

For a moment, It was like the earth stopped revolving, like all clocks stopped ticking and it was just the two of them in the whole world.

I could see it in Ehi's eyes. She saw no one but him.

Two pairs of eyes stared each other down and it was evident that the stares spoke volume.

Actually, it was three pairs of eyes.

Only the third was clueless, not involved in the telekinetic conversation those two were having, was solely staring at the guy and holding on to the lady.

I watched Ehi jerked off my grip. She tore herself away from me. Forgetting she couldn't really walk, she limped a few distances away from me towards the guy before her legs gave up on her body and she fell on her knees, her palms on the coarse, sandy floor.

'What are you doing here!? What do you want from me, you bastard!?'She yelled in a shaky voice that I couldn't tell if she was crying or not. Her back was turned to me and I didn't know the expression on her face. Ehi has yelled at me a few times before but never has she yelled at me this loud.

Never have I seen her so full of rage.

Never have I seen anybody so angry and so sad at the same time.

I watched her grab a fistful of sand as she maintained her grip on the solid ground.

The dude made to help her up as I was too stunned to even comprehend what was happening but...

'Don't come near me! Stay away from me! Peter, tell him to go away....'

'Please Ehi. I just want to talk. The last thing I want is to end everything on a day that was supposed to be your day. Your wedding day. But trust me, I had no choice...'The guy was keen on making his point but Ehi wasn't having any of that.

Not today.

'I don't want to hear it. Just leave this place. Go away. Peter, please tell him to leave. Peter...' The last time she called my name, with a crackled voice like she was about to break down threw me out of my trance. The reverie of realising the rumour that was making rounds... the lady that was left hanging on the latter was no other than my secretary... my sister's best friend.

How could I not have known?

I brushed aside the thought to face the issue at hand.

Mr. Oval face with brush bristle goatee has overstayed his welcome.

I just had to interfere.

'Bro, you heard the lady.' I said stepping between the two of them with a stance that whispered 'back off'

The dude raised his hand in surrender, tipped his head back, glanced at Ehi who wasn't even looking at him, then walked to his car, entered and drove off.

'Are you okay.' I crouched near the lady in distress who was still in the same position, her knees and palms still on the floor. Her afro locks made it hard to see her face so I raised her chin up to look at it. She was crying. Her smooth, oval face was wet and her face was still scrunched up as she cried. Hard.

'My leg. It hurts so bad. It really hurts. The pain is too much. I can't hold it in... I can't...' The tears were falling freely and her words were barely audible as she cried. Hard.

I know no adult would cry that hard because of a twisted ankle.

It wasn't her ankle.

It was her heart.

'There.' I patted her shoulder with one palm while I cleaned her face with another. 'Now, let's go in and fix that ankle.' I said lifting her off the ground and carrying her, bridal style towards her door.

AryEmber:
Half could also means same father different mother,step siblings are not related by blood at all except through marriage.Haven't you watch Cinderella?

Thanks for drawing my attention to that. I just got lectured and I agree with you. It should be half brother but being the lazy little thing that I am, I may not be able to correct that in my previous posts but I assure you, it would amended in the subsequent updates.


Thanks AryEmber

****
*PETER*

'I still can't believe you followed me!' I said aloud, my eyes on the road after minutes of silence. I drove with Ehi sitting beside me, her eyes on the road as well, her face blank and her lips clattering as I drove in the cold night. 'But I knew it! I knew it has to be either you or that Afolabi guy in Production Department or is it Marketing? Neither of you know how to hide your lack of trust for me.' I don't know why I was even angry. It wasn't even like I was worthy of being trusted anyway.

'I don't even know why I'm giving you a ride to start with.' I murmured under my breath but she still heard me.

'Oh, I guess you made that clear already. You drove off leaving me in the rain with a broken ankle! You already pulled over but when you realised it was me, you drove off!' She sounded angry and that only lasted for a minute because she finished her statement with a painful wince. I guess it must be her ankle.

I saw how badly red and swollen it was when I drove back.

She could barely walk and I had to carry her in my arms to the front seat.

'I drove off but I came back even though you don't deserve it. What you derserve is walking all the way back to Lagos. Trust me, no car comes here this late. No car comes here at all. So, walking is what you deserve for stalking me.' I said.

I was surprised when someone flagged me down in the middle of the night in a place as lonely as this and I was even more surprised when the person turned out to be Ehi. I zoomed off when I saw it was her leaving her stunned, disappointed and angry. I was mad at her. But not for long. I drove a few miles before realising it wouldn't be humane leaving her out there like that. There was no way she could limp her way back into town.

But knowing there was no other reason for her being out at this place, at this hour aside she was following me, I wouldn't help staying mad at her.

She has always been the one following me.

She was the one who told my Dad all those things. Only God knows how she ended up like this in one night.

Oh! Or was it her car that got immersed in that big ditch I saw on my way back?

Pathetic!

'Why were you even following me?' I asked still stunned I caught her like this.

'Enough with the stalking, sneaking, following talk already. It's all your fault to start with. I wouldn't have ended with a broken ankle, my car in a ditch, a clogged nostril if you hadn't been all creepy in the first place. I wouldn't have followed you if you had done your job diligently and not disappear or lie about where you were going!' She was yelling back at me now.

How very professional.

I was supposed to be her boss but she has yelled at me a couple of times that I am not exactly surprised anymore. She is more like a co owner of the company with the kind of mutual relationship she has with the executives.

'You say what now? That it is my fault you followed me?' I asked surprised that she could still get defensive.

'I am saying it is your fault I don't trust you which is the reason why I decided to follow you. What have you been hiding?' She asked and a glance at her, I saw a rather amusing and funny detective stare on her face.

I laughed as I kept my eyes back on the road.

I wasn't even mad at her anymore.

That was quick.

'Do I look like a clown to you? Do I amuse you? what are you laughing at?' She scoffed before barraging me with those rhetorical questions.

'I'm just saying. I can't tell you just because you demand for it!' I said in an 'as a matter of fact' tone.

'See why I followed you? Why can't you tell me?' She said.

I kept mute as I slammed on the breaks then honked at a motorcycle which came out of nowhere to overtake me.

We were in town and the rain had stopped already. I could see a few vehicles on the road and the traffic had ceased.

'Where is your place?' I asked knowing I have to drop her off first before heading home and also because I was avoiding where the conversation was heading.

She told me and silence enveloped the atmosphere.

'Are you going to ignore and act like you didn't hear my question?'She is persistent isn't she?

'It is personal and I won't be answering any questions anymore. All I want is your apology for following me. And it would only be accepted if you set up a meeting between Rhoda and I. Convince her to talk to me.' I bargained. It was a major and effective way of changing topics.

'If you think Rhoda is going to talk to you, then maybe you need to reconsider what ever made you had the thought in the first place. You are the last person she wants to see or meet or talk to right now. You just have to take that from me.'

'You can set up a meeting if you want to. You are her best friend. You two are like legends. The living prophesy. I heard your stories. You two are friendship goal for a lot of people.' I said, no flattery this time.

'Look, I can't convince her even if I want to. And to be sincere, I don't want to convince her for you.' She replied, sincerely this time.

'Why?' I inquired.

'Because you know. You are an as*?'

'That was cruel and I'm your boss.' I said not even slighlty offended. I don't know why I wasn't offended.

'There. That is the junction to my place.' she pointed to a T-junction before me.

****
*EHI*

'Even though it was your fault, thanks for getting me home with a leg I can't walk with.' I said as an attempt to move my leg and get down from the car proved really painful and impossible.

We parked under the almond tree just beside my appartment. The problem now is getting inside my place since it is impossible to use my right leg.

'If you want me to help you inisde, you would have just said so outrightly. There is no need you use sarcasm before you make your point known.' He said then got down from the driver's seat to walk to my side of the car.

'No. I'll just lean on you' I protested when he offered to carry me. It was awkward enough he carried me the first time.

'Okay.'He replied and didn't argue or repeat his offer. He offered me his shoulder which I leaned on instead. He closed and locked the car door after me as I limped towards my front door while placing one of my hands on his shoulder. He supported me around the waist with his arm making my walking not so difficult.

Here I am, leaning on my best friend's hated brother for support.

It was odd and... and... I couldn't find the adjective. Before I knew it, I was laughing out loud for reasons I couldn't pin point and I almost fell but he held me tighter.

'Hold on a second. Why are you laughing? What's funny?' He was clueless and curious and I could see a smile on his lips. I guessed he was just amused
at me laughing.

'I don't know. It is just....' I stopped walking and my words and my laughter trailed off as my eyes fell on a car parked before us. A figure alighted from the car and stepped into the darkness approaching us confidently. I was startled and I was going to scream until my eyes adjusted and I saw the face. It was a very familiar face.

It was Francis.

My estranged groom.

****
*Rhoda*

'I locked her out, so what? This isn't her house to start with and she has no right whatsoever to stay in this place! I have had enough of her living right under my nose... And you even have the gut to approach me like you are her saviour! What effrontery! The best thing you can do, Saviour, is to go back in and tell your trophy wife to go back to her father's house...'

'Enough with that Funmi.' I heard David's Dad cautioned.

'You know what mum? She is my girlfriend! My fianc閑! My wife! You can't push her out when she hasn't wronged you in any way. This is just pointlessly immature, childish, inhumane and simply unfair!' David's voice thundered through the hallway and I could tell he was frighteningly raving. I've never seen or heard him this mad before. I know he has a temper and he tends to lose it rapidly but he has always tried to keep it in check. Especially to people he conidered family. Talk more of his mom!

This is going just out of hand.

'Do you realise you just refered to mum as being childish, immature and inhumane?' This couldn't get anymore interesting, Rachel was also present.

The whole Afolabi's family were tugging it out in the hallway because of me and all I could do was hide in David's room, in the puffy pullover David wore for me while I sat on the bed listening to their comversation. I mean, their argument.

'You can't keep doing all these!' David started again ignoring his sister 'The earlier you both realise I am going to end up marrying this girl irrespective of whatever you or anybody thinks, the better... if you are not going to support us but instead, be a pain in the neck, you can as well forget you ever had a brother, or...a son.' Okay that was scary. Things have escalated beyond normal.

'I already forgot I had a son since you decided to listen to your selfish father...' His mum said, her voice higher than any other person's

'Now, don't bring me into this...'David's Dad quickly interjected to exonerate himself.

'It's all your fault...'David's mum cut in.

'ENOUGH!' David's dad silenced the whole house with his deep thunderous voice. 'There would be no word exchanging in this house tonight and that's final!' He added but before he could finish his statement, the door to David's room opened and David came him shutting and locking the door behind him.

'Hey' he said to me as he removed his slightly wet jacket and dropped it on a chair just beside the door. He walked towards me and all he had left on was his white shirt and black tie.

'I'm sorry about today. It was all my fault...' He started as he propped himself into a sitting position beside me, while I placed my head on his shoulder. I stopped him by raising my head to place my index finger on his lips.

'It was never your fault. Not yours nor your Mum's so you don't have to apologize.' I started. Prepping myself to initiate the conversation I had all mapped out in my head. 'It has always been my fault and I failed to notice that.' I paused, then continued. 'And also, your Mum is right, actually. It doesn't speak well of me to live with you when we ain't married. It is just not right. We both know it but we both ignored it.' I said and the uncertainty and doubt written on David's face threw me back a bit.

Did I strike a nerve?

'You aren't trying to imply you are leaving, right?' He asked giving me a curious look.

'I'll leave for Ehi's first thing tomorrow morning.' I said determinedly.

'But... But... I want you close here.'He said and the disbelief, the need, the want was still in his eyes. 'Since when have you been thinking about this?' He asked after taking a long pause.

'It doesn't matter. I can't be the reason why your family fight. I can't be the reason why youk all aim for one another's throat. I have caused enough havoc already and it's just about time I end my visit.'I said with a smile on my lips. I overstayed my welcome already.

'And you have to apologise to your mum cos you said some nasty things out there. Some real nasty things you shouldn't have. She's your mum for goodness' sake. What did I say about that temper?'I scolded David who was quite amused by my 'mother-figure' role playing.

'But she...'

'No 'Buts'. You will go to her room right now and render an appropriate apology.' I commanded.

'I'd do that tomorrow. I'm still pretty riled up. Goodnight.' He turned his back to me and crawled under the duvet.

'David.' I called but got no answer. 'David' I called again and I was replied with silence.

'You aren't going to sleep in your wet, hideous work cloths, are you?' I asked hoping he would at least reply that.

'You watch me.'He mumbled sleepily.

'Goodnight.' I said as planted a kiss on his cold cheeks while I also crawled under the duvet, curled up to him.

I am sorry I denied you guys updates yesterday. I was slightly indisposed but I'll try my best to make it up to you.

****

*EHI*

I was on a lonely street, trekking all by myself in the middle of nowhere while the rain mercilessly battered me. My hair was wet and my dress of course was dripping. My twisted ankle made my walking difficult as I literally limped slash dragged myself across the dusty, lonely road. I would have sought shelter from the rain if there was actually any shelter to be sought after and if I weren't surrounded by a miniature rain forest typical of.

It was so dark I could barely tell if I was going on the right path or not. I would have opened my mouth to reprimand me for embarking on this suicide journey in the first place but I could barely move my mouth due to the cold and I was scared I would just freeze that way.

The rain intesified like it hadn't been raining for the past two hours or so!

'Yeah Nature, we get it. You hate me but do you really need to make it this obvious? ' I yelled into the darkness like a crazy being.

I know it had been two hours because I had been checking the time on my phone. The phone that had become a hand clock as it has become incapacitated of performing its main function of calling as this place was simply network deprived.

By network deprived, I mean no mini network coverage whatsoever.

'What on mother earth is this place? Why did the rain choose today of all days to do a marathon show too?'

These were the thoughts raining through my mind as I couldn't just take the blame all alone. I am so sharing it with this place, my phone, the rain Peter and most importantly, my car! Or why would it choose today of all days to fail me?

If you are wondering how I ended up in the MON (middle of nowhere), all by myself, stranded, with a stupid phone, wet hair, broken ankle, wet clothes and without my car when I was supposed to be trailing my sneaky, secret-hiding, foxy boss, here is a recap.

Everything was going quite fine. I was on to him and he had no idea I was and I knew this because I was much more careful this time. It was all jolly until we started swerving through corners, turns after turns, driving through a small plantation until I was sure we ended up in a small town on the outskirt of the city with fewer than normal houses.

Peter's Destination!

That was my thought but surprisingly, we kept driving. We drove past the town and it still didn't look like our trip was going to end anytime soon. Driving through a narrow path in a bush, I still followed Peter, leaving a huge distance between Peter and I as we were literally the only vehicles on the road.

It was getting dark and the rain had started by this time. I was beginning to doubt if I really wasn't embarking on a fool's errand but I was too stubborn to follow the small voices screaming 'this might be a trap. Don't be a fool!' until I swerve my car into a ditch on the path. By ditch, I mean a large, deep devil of a hole that swallowed half my car just right before my eyes. I knew there was no saving me as I watched Peter, my supposed 'followee' drive off until he disappeared right under my eye.

This is the second time I am loosing this guy!

I climbed down from my car, jumping into the ditch and as a result twisting my ankle. The twisted ankle hurt for a while before I finally shrugged it off as a single glance at my car from the outside needs no second guessing it is a tow truck job to pull it out of the huge trap.

How could I be so dumb?

This was the trap my instinct was so keen on blowing my mind off with.

Mad at myself for missing a ditch as big and as wide as that and at Peter for being so secretive and at my stupid car for no good reason at all, I wasted a few minutes trying to figure out how Peter managed to avoid the ditch when he was just right before me. Then, I later concluded he succeeded in doing so because he was used to this place and he knew there was a ditch on the road and he must have gone all the way around it which confirms my theory that he had been coming here for a while.

Just when I thought nothing could get worse, I picked up my phone and tried dialing random contacts to come get me from this Bermuda triangle in disguise and it was then it dawned on me that the network coverage had totally disappeared from my phone and my call keeps getting disconnected each time which brings us back to me trying to trek my way back into the city when no car decided to show up talk more of me asking for a lift from random strangers. Who could be kidnappers

Or politicians,

Or cannibals,

or ritualists who needs a dark, slender lady of about 5'6, in a blue suit possibly with a broken ankle and a shattered heart.

I am not thinking too much, it could be their dibia's specifications.

I was beginning to get tired. I dragged my feet on the ground as my now swollen ankle and legs have started to ache badly. I muttered a silent prayer hoping a miracle of some sort, of any sort would happen.

And surprisingly, my prayer was answered. The bright headlight of a vehicle I could barely identify caught my eyes. It was a car and it was coming from behind me. I stopped by the roadside, flagged the car down to a stop with all my might. I was so desperate that I shunned the voices trying to tell me the driver might be a ritualist.

I watched the car slowed down and pull up before me.

Thank God!

I limped towards the car. Leaning on it, I pleaded with the driver whose face was carefully hidden by the darkness to help me with a ride into the city.

'I could use your help to the city sir, i'd be so grateful if you can he....'

'Ehi?' The voice was undeniably Peter's. And yeah, the day just got a lot worse than I imagined.

thestevens:
fiyah this is another nice work from you, the name EHI is actually spelt "EHIKO'OWOICHO, it a Benue name of the Idoma origin. that my tribe. Good job and please don't abandon this one like the other one.

Thanks for correcting me there... and welcome on board

****

*EHi*

'Where are you?'I asked, my phone tightly pressed against my right ear. I was wearing a turquoise blue jacket, over a matching skirt and underneath the jacket was a white shirt which I intentionally left the first three buttons unbuttoned.
I was standing on the front step leading to the exit or entrance of the company. My eyes roving from the parking lot on the left to the gate on the extreme right, I searched for Rhoda. Looking intently at the faces and the backs of those entering and leaving the company for a resemblance. My eyes eventually fell on someone standing on her toe, waving, apparently at me with a cellphone stuck to her ear and also standing beside my car. She was wearing a black, silky, short gown over which she draped a nude kimono jacket and also gracing her legs were a pair of black stiletto shoes. The pair of sunglasses and the church hat she had on made it quite hard to identify her. That must have been the reason I missed her the first time I glanced at the parking lot.

Hanging up, I walked to go meet her.

'What the hell are you wearing? I could hardly recognize you you know.' I exclaimed when I found myself standing before her.

'That was the whole point. I didn't want anyone to recognize me. I didn't even come in my car.' She said, tearing off the sunglasses from her face and swiping her sweaty face with a white handkerchief.

'I never thought i'd be asking you this but what are you doing here? It doesn't seem like you have called off your solo strike have you?' I asked when neither of us would say a word and staring at each other had resulted into an awkward staring competition which I admittedly am not very good at.

'I think it is pretty obvious I am not here for work. The thing is, I don't even know why I am here. I am just so tired of staying back at home reading novels after David goes to work... I just thought I should take a break from all that especially since it's getting pretty boring. I thought I needed a chat with you.' She said gesturing hurriedly with her hands while avoiding looking directly at me in the face and when she eventually did, I guess the 'I-don't-buy-that' expression on my face eventually got to her.

'You don't buy that do you?'She asked rhetorically and I could sense surrender in her voice.

'Of course I don't buy it. Now tell me the real reason behind you just showing up here an hour or so before closing?'I asked.

'Okay, fine! The major reason I'm here is to take a sneak peak at my supposed step brother. I just thought I need to put a face on my nemesis.'She said with a somewhat anger-seriousness laden voice. The not so helpful expression on my face which was literally asking if she was kidding or not made her continue. 'Before you judge me by saying it is stupid and childish and I need help, I want you to know it isn't the only reason why I am here. Another reason is to talk to someone aside David.'

'It is stupid and childish and you seriously need help. If you need someone to talk to, then talk to your dad and your brother.'I was slightly raising my voice now and I just couldn't help it.

'You know I won't do that so I suggest you just drop that issue already.'She said with so much seriousness that I was certain nothing could change her mind.

'Yeah, right, you won't change your mind. And probably, your dad won't too. If this continues, how do you expect it all to end?' I tried my luck at trying to convince her.

'Wait a minute, whose side are you on now? Are you going to support my dad when it is quite conspicuous who the victim of his favoritism is?' I watched my best friend play the guilty card seeming offended and I know it wouldn't help trying to explain to her that I was merely trying to view the whole situation from an holistic perspective.

'Rhoda, you know what you need?' I started calmly now, evading her somewhat declamatory statement. 'You need some time to clear your head and ruminate about it all. Then maybe when the right time comes, you'd realise you might just want to talk to your dad about this. The summary of which is, there is no point peeking at your brother.' I lectured and when it appeared my words miraculously got to her, I added, 'Just go home.'

'By home, you mean David's house? See, that is where another problem lies. David's home becomes hell whenever he leaves for work. I stay in his room all day thinking that way, I wouldn't run into his mum or his sis. But that doesn't help because my effort trying not to run into them eventually ends up with them running into me multiple times. It is so hard living under the same roof with a family where you are partly liked and partly hated. David's mom and his sis are just, you know... I can't find the right adjective... they are just...'I watched her stammer her way around each words with difficultly and intense concentration before deciding to help.

'Pure evil?'I interjected hoping that would suffice.

'Oddly good as that makes me feel, I can't help thinking they are still my in-laws you know.' She said, a doubtful smile on her lips.

'Of course they are your in-laws, yet they treat you like crap. I don't know why you have to make a decision as irrational as moving in with David knowing fully well that his mum and his sister don't like you. You still have the key to my place so you can move back in just when you think you have had enough insult from his lousy-mouthed sister and his evil mom.' It was crystal clear I was angry and also disappointed.

'Wow! You are so mad at me.'

'Of course, I am. Sometimes, the speed at which you make decisons amaze me.' I quickly said.

'Seriously, you can't blame me. David was gone for more than a month. It is just right I spend as much time as I can with him when he got back.' She argued.

'Yeah. And three weeks ain't just enough.' I asked. Watching her open her mouth to answer my rhetorical question, I stopped her by placing my index finger on her lips and simultaneously shushed her to quietness.

'There are some situations when argument isn't the saving grace but you don't give up easy, do you?' I said, mentally rolling my eyes.

'I wasn't going to argue.' She said, slapping my finger off her lips. 'I was going to say you are right. There is no point peeking. Besides, I am not so sure I want to see or know him just yet.' Rhoda said and I was thankful she actually listened to me. 'I guess I will just head home while I leave you to do your thing.' She said putting her sunglasses back on even though the sun was just about setting.

I watched her head towards the gate and out of the premises.

Turning to walk back into the company, I found peter standing just in front of me, startling me a bit.

'Where have you been?' He asked

'I... have... err..' I watched myself pathetically as words fail me.

'It doesn't matter. I am heading home.' He said and headed towards his car.

I didn't need to look at my wristwatch to know he wasn't supposed to leave work just yet.

I didn't argue with him knowing fully well he wasn't going home.

I watched him head out of the company in his car. Giving him enough headstart to head into the street, I jumped inside my car and followed him.

It's about time someone found out what he is hiding.


****
*RHODA*

It is either this is some horrible nightmare or I actually just got denied entrance into David's compound by the gatekeeper. As unbelievable as this may sound, I remained outside the gate, in the rain, drenched to my toes with no shade in sight to run to for shelter.

'This is ridiculous.' I muttered as I tried my luck again, banging on the gate continuously with both hands hoping that would capture the gatekeeper's attention to come repeat what he said earlier. I stopped when my palms began to hurt, biting my lips furiously.

I paused for a while, shivering in the cold before resuming again. Luckily for me this time, I heard someone pull at the locks from the other end of the gate. I paused and waited, ready to lash out the rage that has succeeded building up in me while drops of rain cascaded from my head down to my chin.

The sight of the gate sliding open got me rupturing like I've waited my whole life for this.

'What the hell do you mean by you can't let me in?' I yelled spreading my arms in fury only for me to realise I was actually yelling at David's mom.

She held an umbrella close to her head while she partially hid behind the slightly opened gate.

'Which part of you can't be let in don't you understand? I am quite sure Uche delivered my message quite alright.' She said giving me an hateful look.

So this was all her doing and the gatekeeper was merely acting on her orders while I got beaten mercilessly by the rain?

I couldn't be anymore furious but keeping my rage in check, I tried to sound as polite as possible.

'I fail to understand why you would do that, Ma. This may be your house but it is your son's house. By son, I mean David who is clearly my fiancé. So, I fail to understand why you would deny your son's fiancée entrance especially when it is dark and RAINING!' I laid emphasis on the last word as I managed to utter between clenched teeth. The clenched teeth was partly due to the anger and partly due to the cold.

'You can't understand because you already failed to understand what is meant by one's father's house and one's fiancé's house. You of all people should know you have no right whatsoever to claim any form of belonging in this house.' I didn't let her finish her statement before cutting in.

'I am not claiming any right and you know it and you don't have to throw words in my mouth. All I'm asking is for me to be let in, if not for anything, consider the rain and the darkness outside! Courtesy demands one to do this for a stranger talk more of someone planning to join your family as your son's wife!' I was becoming enraged and I couldn't keep my anger in check anymore.

'Courtesy and tradition demands you also stay at your father's house until you are legally married irrespective of whatever little fight or issue you have with your family. And, stop whinnying already, it isn't that dark. You can still find your way home before eight.' And that was it. That was the last straw that broke my back and I came erupting like a volcano.

'Why don't you just come clean. Be straightforward and tell me all these are just baseless excuses to kick me out of your house and it isn't like you care about modesty or me setting things right with my family. Just tell me you are doing all these because you clearcut hate me.'

'If trying to drill some senses into your thick, hard scull is what you call hatred. Then, I hate you.' With that, I watched her slam the gate in my face and replace the lock from the other end.

I have never had a direct confrontation with David's mum in the past before. This first time certainly proves why evil is just the perfect adjective to describe her.

'This is ridiculous.' I mumbled as I tried to fathom what just happened.

I was still at the gate shivering just in time for David's car to pull up behind me.