Episode One


“You’ve been quiet.” Lara sighed. “Are you sure you want….”

“I’m fine.” I gave Lara a weak smile.

Lara studied my face for few seconds. “Ok o.” She leaned back in her chair, of a Toyota bus that was driving us to Abeokuta. As the bus rolled to a stop, I stretched my body, cramped from the long journey.

“Let’s take a bike.” Lara said sharply. “This way.”

The shrine was located in a very small quiet village. It took us another 45 minutes from the main town to the village.

“How did you get to know this place?” I asked.

“A friend.” Lara paused, as if choosing the right words. “A friend brought me here when I got poisoned.”

“Poisoned? ” My eyes widened. “When?”

Lara sucked in a deep breath. “It’s a long story.” She sighed. “Last year news.” A soft smile played about Lara’s lips. “We are close, the next house.” Lara pointed toward the shrine.

The compound was quiet. Lara glance around and knocked. “Good afternoon. Is anyone home?”

“You may enter.” A sharp order came from inside the shrine.

Lara pushed open a wooded door. “Baba it’s me Lara.”

The herbalist sat down on a small mat. He pulled himself up and turned toward us. “Ahhh! Lara omo mi....Please do sit down.”

We sat down on a small wooden chair. “Baba, this is my friend I told you about.” Lara said with a soft smile.

The herbalist brows drew together thoughtfully. “Oh! Welcome my daughter.” He said with a cracked voice and cleared his throat. “Put your mind at rest. As long as you’re able to made it here, you will have a child.”

“Thank you baba.” I said with a smile.

The herbalist advance into a small room. Within minutes he came back, and sat down opposite us. “What is your name?.”

“Nkechi.” I said in a quick reply.

He lay a small white cloth on the floor and threw some cowries on it.”Ifa olokun aso oro dayo.” He said some incantations, and stared at me silently for a moment. “Show me your left hand.”

I stretched forward my left hand. He studied my palm for few minutes and laughed, a hard, unpleasant sound. “You will have a child. He stared straight into my eyes. “But she will have to die."

“Die? ” My gaze slide to Lara. “I don’t understand.” Fear shadowed my voice.

“Someone will have to die, for you to have a child.” He pulled himself up. “That’s the only way.”

“Baba please, open up to us. We don’t understand.” Lara pleaded.

He turned his gaze toward me, and studied my face for a moment. “Your mother-in-law is the one behind it. She's the reason why you could not have a child.” The words exploded from him.

“My what? ” I swallowed hard. “Did you just say my mother-in-law?” I turned my gaze to Lara. “Did you hear that?”

How on earth would I believe that? How could my mother-in-law that has been giving me sleepless night for not giving her son a child could be responsible.

Lara drew in a deep breath. “This is unbelievable.” She shook her head. ” What a wicked world.”

"I can't believe this." I said to Lara.

The old man laughed and met my eyes. "I know you won't believe it. Wait and see with your eyes." He walked out of the shrine and back with a small clay pot filled with a kind of dirty water. "Two of you come closer."

We got up and moved closed to him. He washed our faces with water and told us to sit down. He pointed toward a red cloth that was hung like a poster on the wall and said some incantations.

I couldn't believe my eyes as the red cloth displayed my mother-in-law standing beside a river. She held a small padlock in her arm. She called my name three times, that I will never have a child, then locked the padlock and threw it into the river.

My eyes widened in disbelief. I glanced at Lara and back to the old man. “Baba please help me.” My voice trembled.

The herbalist stared at me and laughed. “Relax your mind young woman.” He cleared his throat. “You will have a child. But what must be done, must be done.”

He brought out a small calabash and opened it. It was filled with black soap. “Take this.” He said. “Wash yourself with the soap inside the calabash for seven days. Each day at midnight.”

I stared at Lara and back to the old man. I sighed, and collected the calabash from him.

I stood unmoving for many minutes the moment we left the place. Lara glanced at her watch. “It’s getting late, Nkechi.” She blew out a long breath. ”Standing here will not solve the problem.”

I sighed, crossed my arms over chest and met her gaze. “I don’t know what to do, Lara.” I shook my head and turned my gaze away. “I don’t think I can hide this from Emeka, I will have to tell him. He deserve that much.”

Lara stared at me with a gaze steady and firm. “I would advice you to keep this to yourself.” She said in a low tone. “If you want to keep your marriage, you would have to fight this battle alone.”

I met her gaze. "Do you think it would be possible following the herbalist instruction without him knowing? We've been married for years, and we don't hide anything from each other. I'm thinking how he would feel if he finds out."

"Why are you talking like a child?" Lara met my gaze. "This involves his mother. How do you think he would feel if you tell him that his mother is responsible for the mystery, do you think he would believe you?"

I pulled my eyes toward the ground. This is not going to be easy, I thought. Could it be true? You can't trust those herbalist. They could do anything to get more from you. My mind was flooded with many thoughts. I glanced at Lara. "Are you sure this man is saying the truth?"

Lara crossed her arms over her chest and stared at me silently....


© Harry Enomamien...2018

Chivera018 ebonyfaf daviesblaze babyurgly1 Ann2012 Izaray aprilwise labelle123 Godwindanielboy mikelife15 pinkie2018 harunablezin light1259 usmandaddy ndy87 KingdomStar89 dupsai Bulcglay timestone Okuchris Gucciqueen38 FortunateB pweetygiftofgod skubido.

Here is another piece of cake.

Get ready for some good entertainment!

A Story Of Harry Enomamien

I pulled my eyes toward the ceilings in tears as my mother-in-law quarried my husband for not taking a second wife. It wasn't the first time, she was always like that whenever she paid us a visit, trying her best to persuade her son to do her wish.

"How long will you keep this firewood you called a wife .” My mother-in-law yelled angrily.

"Mama please, I don’t like all this.”

“You don’t like what, Emeka? I am your mother and I want the best for you.”

"It's God that gives children, mama."

"For how long will I wait to see my grandchildren?” Anger snapped the old woman's words. “For good seven years, Emeka.” She yelled and turned her gaze toward me. “If you think you can hold my son with your juju not to take a second wife, you lied." She said, while I watched her silently as she walked out of the living room.

Emeka stared at me, and slowly settled beside me. “I’m really sorry sweetie. Please sweetie, please.”

"It wasn’t her fault.” I was in tears.

“It’s ok sweetie.”

The fear of losing my husband to another woman made me thought about what my friend, Lara told me. She told me about an herbalist with a guarantee of having a child. She claimed the man’s power was undisputed, and going to an herbalist for help was the last thing on my mind. But do I really have a choice?

It had been seven years since I married Emeka. A lot of prayer had been said. Many white garment churches, burning of candles and dry fasting for days, still nothing happened.

The pressure from my mother-in-law was killing me slowly. I can't stand the heart seeing my husband taking a second wife. Then One day, I summoned courage, and decided to see an herbalist.

My name is Nkechi Onyemaechi. I have a story to tell you all.

Babyurgly1:
U are good. Thumb up.

Thanks dearie..

Godwindanielboy:
This is wonderful, harrystories. When i thought i have read it all, you still spring suprises. Bravo!!! Thumbs up!!! Kudos!!! Thanks a lot. Keep souring high.

Thanks dearie..you're the best.

mikelife15:
thanks for the story @harrystories nice work more grace bro

Thank you sir. God bless you...

Gucciqueen38:
Nice one... Thanks

HarmonyJael:
I knew it! I knew dah Abigail will finally end up with James.
Nyc one Harrystories, ure doing a great job.
Buh wat abt Andrew, Spenky nd Abigail's friend, u didn't include dem na.
Atleast u should hv told us hw dey ended(my opinion though).

Thanks for reading.

chivera018:
An Unexpected twist.
Nice ending.
Thanks for sharing this story with us Harry. Well done.

Thanks dearie...

Ann2012:
Happiness at last.....well done Harrystories

Thanks for the appreciation. God bless you.

labelle123:
Wow thanks for this wonderful story.

Many thanks to you dearie. God bless you.

skubido:
Wow, Ayo lojasi. Nice ending..this tin called Love sha
Tanks a lot OP. God will continue to bless ur hand work.

U too much

Amen...and you too dear. Thanks

DEIFIED:
Nice story. I enjoyed it and so thanks mr harry.

I'm glad you enjoyed it

Thanks for reading.

dupsai:
Nice one Harry, many thanks, more blessings.

Amen..Thanks dearie

Pinkie2018:
Bravo Harry
nice piece; kisses

Thanks dear..

Epilogue

Few days later, Abigail woke up with a smile on her face. It might be the fact that she dreamed about John. In her dream they held each other tight. She smiled softly, letting out a soft breath. It just a dream, but a nice one.

She said her prayer and got out of bed, then advanced into the kitchen. She opened the refrigerator, brought out a bottle of water and poured it into a glass cup, then swallowed a few content. In a main time, she needed a shower. As she did that she laid out a plan of action for the day. First she needed to go see Bode at hospital before going to work. At noon, she had planed having lunch with Andrew, and that's what she had been going for the past few days.

Just about the time she got out of the shower, her doorbell rang. She walked into the sitting room with a tower around her body. "Who's there?"

"Madam na me." Her gateman said from outside. "Some people dey ask of you outside."

"Some people? How many are they?"

"Madam they plenty o, with plenty police men."

Abigail narrowed her eyes. Police men? Could it be Sarah? No, Sarah always come alone. What is happening? "Okay, give me two minutes." She hurried back into her room and quickly put on her dress, then hurried back into the sitting room.

She walked outside toward the small gate of her compound, and pulled it opened. A wine coloured jeep with tinted glasses parked at the middle of two police escort vehicles. About four policemen stood on a standby while two other men in black suit with dark eyeglasses, stood at each side of the jeep.

Abigail watch as the two men in suit opened the back doors of the jeep. James stepped out of it with a smile on his face, followed by a woman in her late fifties. Abigail widened her eyes in disbelief, the woman walking toward her was nobody but James's mother, the queen, stately and slender. She wore a short neatly trimmed bead that only added to the overall effect of nobility. The queen was the epitome of grace.

Abigail quickly went to her kneels. "I'm blessed to have you here ma'am." She smiled perfectly.

"Get up my dear," the queen held her up and pulled her into a hug. "I'm glad to meet you."

"Why taking the stress ma'am, you should have sent for me.."

"You deserver much my dear," the queen said.

"I'm really happy to have you here."

"Hi," James said with a soft smile, which Abigail's had never seen on his before.

"Good to see you, James." Abigail stared at James with a renewed sense. "How are you feeling?"

"Much better."

Abigail smiled. "Can we go inside my apartment?"

"Show us the way," the queen said.

Abigail took them into her apartment, and the queen sat down happily while James settled beside her. "If I had been informed I would have organized a party for your arriver to show how happy I am to see you."

The queen met her eyes with a smile. "That's why I makes it a surprise so you won't waist all that money."

Abigail laughed. "I don't know what to offer your Highness."

"Don't bother yourself," she said. "Have a sit."

"Thank you ma'am."

The queen stared at James. "Excuse us, I want have a talk with her."

"Okay, mum." James said and walked out of the sitting room.

The queen met her gaze. "The last time I met you, I had the feelings that you're innocent, and I'm glad you proved my feelings right. You're such a great woman and a woman like you deserve the best of life."

"It was God all the way." Abigail said softly.

"James was the only son left for me after his brother's death, I don't know what would have happened to me if he had died. Thanks for saving him."

Abigail stared at her with a soft smile. "James was the reason I'm alive today. If not him I would have been dead, and John's killer would have escaped."

"I really commend you for fishing out the killer. You did a good job that only a great mind would do. John wasn't wrong in choosing you." She said. "How about your parents?"

"They're fine. They lives in the village."

"I will like to meet them before this mouth runs out."

"As you wish, your highness."

"There's no amount of money would be enough to thank you for what you have done. But kindly accept this little I will offer."

Abigail shook her head slowly. "You don't need to offer me anything ma'am, it was my duty to do what I did."

"If John was alive today, you might have been my daughter-in-law. But it's never too late." The queen stared at her for few seconds. "I will give you a full right over the family's companies, both home and abroad, and you will do me a favour by marring my son, James. Though he's an arrogant type, and very aggressive, but I believed you can turn him around."

Abigail stared at the queen silently. James? Did the queen knows what she's asking of her?

"I know you may not like the idea, but help a mother" the queen said. "Take him as he is, and build him to your taste."

Abigail shock her head slowly. "James is a man of authority. He do what pleases him."

"His father was once like that, but with time I was able to changed him to my kind of man."

"You were able to achieved that because of the love between you both. But this case is different, James don't even have such feelings for me."

The queen smiled. "I think he's in love."

Abigail felt her eyes narrowed. "James? In love?"

"I was surprised myself, but I'm happy for him because this is the first time in his life that he would fall in love."

Abigail leaned back in her chair and let out a soft breath. She didn't see this coming. It would be a hard decision for her to take.

"I will be more than happy if you would help fulfill his dream, at least he would be a responsible man." The queen said. "Will you do that for me?"

Abigail leaned forward with another soft breath. "I will have to think about it."

"Don't let it be long, for the wedding will come as soon as possible." The queen pulled herself up. "I will be expecting you at the palace."

Abigail got to her feet. "Alright ma'am."

They made Small talks as they walked toward the gate. James was sitting was on a plastic chair beside the security post and pulled himself up immediately he saw them coming.

Abigail's eyes were fixed on James as they got to his side. "Can I speak with you for moment please." She told him.

"Sure," James said.

The queen stared at both of them with a smile and walked out of the compound.
Abigail held James arm and dragged him to the corner of her apartment. "If you think you can gain my heart by bringing your mother here, it won't work. I can never marry you, and don't even think of it."

James stared at silently. Truly, he hadn't planed that with his mother, but he had started having feelings for Abigail since the last time she saved him. "It wasn't what you think."

"I want you to get this clear," she said with more seriousness on her face. "I can't marry you, and that is the truth." She turned to leave.

James held her arm and stopped her, then fell to his kneels. "Please, take me for who I am. I'm sorry for what happened between us, please forgive me. I promise to be a better man from today."

Gosh! Abigail let out an explosive breath and met his gaze. "Don't you get it? I'm not ready for this, not with you."

"I'm not what you think I am," James said, still on his kneels.

"What do I think you are?"

"You think am I bad guy, but I can explain."

"You have nothing to.." Abigail paused, and stared at James with surprise. She noticed something different in him. Though he looked much like John, but his voice had changed. The voice she heard was that of John. Her eyes narrowed in tears.

"Please," James said softly, but his voice was John's voice. "I promise to treat you right, I love you."

Abigail stared at him with tears in her eyes. "What do you know about love?"

"I've never felt this way before. I never knew love is this strong. I always thought it just a four letter words, but it got me. I love you, Abigail. I've loved you from the day I saved you from Jessica. And I've loved you more with every passing day. I can't deny the feelings. Love is the best thing that's ever happened to me. I want to spend every morning of my life waking up beside you."

Abigail tried to speak but couldn't. The lump in her throat wouldn't allow it.

James grinned and gave her an innocent pleading look as he stammered. "Would..you do me the honor of marrying me?"

Her eyes filled with tears as James reached into his pocket and brought out a tiny box. Her heart beat faster as he popped it open to reveal a large, exquisite marquise diamond in with gold setting. Could this really be happening?

"I love you, Abigail. I promise to be a better man."

Abigail pulled him up to his feet with tears in her eyes and hugged him tight. "I..I..don't..."

"Don't say anything," James held her arm and slipped the ring on her finger. "I will love you for rest of my life."

She buried her face in his chest, and cried. They held each other tight for a long moment.

"I love what I'm seeing here," the queen walked up to them. "Nice one, James."

Abigail pulled herself from James shyly. The look of pure joy in the Queen's eyes was worth any amount of embarrassment.

"I will fixed the date of your wedding as soon I get back to the palace." The queen said with a beautiful smile. "And see me tomorrow so we can arrange to go see your parents."

Abigail slowly met her gaze with a smile. "Yes, your Highness.."


THE END!


All rights reserved. No part of this story may be produced or transmitted in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including recording or by any information storage and retriever system, is forbidden without the written permission of the author. coolface30@gmail.com

chivera018:
hehehe, i never knew you lived inside a website.

Don't worry, we will follow you to ur home even if na inside fridge.

Chivera you won't kill me with laugh. I like you dear..

aprilwise:
Thats wonderful. the battle for the gold has come to an end. thanks

Thanks dearie.

ebonyfaf:
Good riddance to Osagie... But what happens to Bode, the doctor and John's colleague afterwards?

As I've quoted above, the epilogue will throw more lights to it.

Thanks a lot. God bless you

Pinkie2018:
Harry kudos
be waiting for the epilogy

Thanks dear. God bless you...

pweetygiftofGod:
This is not the end o, what happened afterwards, like the lady in prison, Bode, the twins best friend romance with Abigail etc

Jessica was sentenced to life in jail na. As for Bode and Andrew, let's see what happened to them in the epilogue.

Cheers!

izaray:
This harrystories self, you are too much jare

God bless you dear

Bless you too madam..

Cheers!

rukidanty:
nice write up

Thanks dearie.

daviesblaze:
By God Harrystories, you are a genius.

From the Constant update, to your tenacity in making sure you finish the story. am speechless..............

Please don't forget me in your next story. Goodluck and Keep it Up.

Aww..Thanks sir. It's the words of people like you that motivates me to keep writing.

Thanks for being there.

ndy87:
I love dis story.

I'm glad you did Thanks dearie.

chivera018:
Kudos Harry, you are very lucky,
cause i don buy fuel finish for you.


Well done.

You always make me laugh. I love that. Thanks dear.

This story is just a piece of cake. Watch out for the best of Harry Enomamien. Though I'm taking my next story to Naijastories.com. That's my home. They thought me alot.
Cheers

KingdomStar89:
To be sincere, you're a wonderful writer. Your story is full of suspense and unavoidable. The only regret is Lola's death

Aww...Thanks for sweet appreciation. I love that...

God bless you ma'am.

usmandaddy:
finaly james got it thanks to abigail, Harry nice one keep it up

Yes o, he finally got it. Thanks a lot, may God be with you.

skubido:
Wow. U too much.

Respect.

Thanks dearie.. God bless you plenty.

Godwindanielboy:
James got the gold at last. Determination is the key word.

I am very impressed by your write-up, you kept me in suspense. The write-up was full of action and thriller which i love so much. You did a very good job. You have good writing skills. God bless. Keep soaring high. I appreciate.

Thanks for the appreciation. God bless you dear...