₦airaland Forum

I decided that the best thing was to persuade Steph to go for abortion. She still had a lot of exuberance in her and she needed to be bridled. The next day, few minutes after noon, I decided to call her. I decided to be subtle with her.

'Hello, dear,' I started. 'Hi, Alex. How d'you do?' 'I'm fine.'

'Good to hear that. How's Enny?' 'She's fine.'

'I need a favor from you, Steph. I hope you'll oblige me.' '

What could that favor be?'

'I want to beg you in the name of God, go and abort that baby.'

There was a pause. 'Do you realize abortion is a sin before God?' she asked. 'D'you realize what you're asking me to do is a sin before God?'

I was shocked by her reaction. Wonderful! Steph was now pontificating and telling me what was a sin before the almighty God.

'Look at it this way,' she went on. 'Is it not a sin to take another person's life? That baby is an innocent soul and you want to take his life. You're asking me to be wicked, Alex. I'm sorry, I won't do that. Rather, I'll be the one to plead with you that you should spare the life of an innocent soul, in the name of God.'

I was dumb-founded by her answer. Oh, God.

'Are you still there, Alex?'

'Yeah,' I answered, my mouth heavy.

'You should be praying for the safe delivery of the baby. That's what you should be praying for.'

'So, you want to go ahead and have the baby? You want to have a baby outside wedlock? Is that what you really want?'

She laughed as if I had said something funny. 'Don't you worry about me, Alex. There's no problem at all.'

I sighed and gave up. Steph was the lady with the strongest head I had ever met. An idea suddenly came to me. There was no need to disturb Steph again.

I ended the conversation. What I had in mind might sound ridiculous, but I believed it was worth trying. I would confess all my sins to God. I would pray for forgiveness of sins. Then, I would plead with God to put an end to the fetus in Steph's womb. That was how desperate I was about the matter.

That particular prayer was never answered. Rather, the fetus developed by the day. Madam appeared not to know a thing about it, and I never broached the topic. I continued to play the role of a dotting husband to Enny, pretending that all was perfect.

When the baby was twelve weeks old, Steph sent pictures of the slight bulge on her tummy to me, clad only in bra and panties. She repeated that when the pregnancy was sixteen weeks old. The more the bulge was becoming obvious, the more I lived in chagrin.

In the first week of November, Mandy reminded me that madam's birthday was a matter of days. She would be fifty and it was planned to be marked in a grand way. I discussed the matter with Enny.

'What befitting gift do you think we can present to her?' I asked.

We thought over it and finally decided to give her picture to an artist for a life portrait. The birthday was marked in a popular event center in Magodo estate. It was attended by many dignitaries. When we presented our gift to her, I could see that she really appreciated it.

The first Christmas that Enny and I had together, we decided to have a very time together. Madam suggested we could go to Abuja, but I preferred somewhere else. We went to a resort at Ota, Ogun state. We had a blissful time together. All would have been well, except for the aspect of Steph. Anytime I remembered her, I would feel some shiver.

She kept sending her pictures of protruding belly to me, and I kept getting agitated.
By January 1st, we had returned to our home. While we were away, Deola went to spend Christmas with her parents, but she returned to the house the moment we were back. We all went out on the New Year day for fun. At the beach, we surfed around and took pictures. We returned late afternoon to continue the rest of the holiday indoor.

I resumed office on January 2nd. Madam had given me more assignments, which included project supervision. I felt no qualms about that as I was greatly enjoying my job and all that came with it.

By March, Steph's stomach had really gone big. She kept sending me pictures of her advancing pregnancy, pictures I dared not let Enny see. I was amazed that Steph was excited about the whole thing. It was so paradoxical to me. Enny that I would have wished to become pregnant had not conceived but an ill-conceived affair with a lady far away in America was the one that brought pregnancy.

I was also amazed that Steph could keep the knowledge of the pregnancy away from her mother. Madam B had never said anything about it, so I assumed that Steph did not tell her. Oh, how I wished it was Enny that was expecting my baby. By the middle of March, I was becoming concerned about Enny's inability to conceive.

I NEED THEE EVERY HOUR

1. I need Thee every hour,
Most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine
Can peace afford.

CHORUS:
I need Thee, Oh, I need Thee;
Ev'ry hour I need Thee!
Oh, bless me now, my Saviour,
I come to Thee!

2. I need Thee every hour,
Stay Thou nearby;
Temptations lose their power
When Thou art nigh.

3. I need Thee every hour,
In joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide
Or life is vain.

4. I need Thee every hour,
Teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises
In me fulfill.

5. I need Thee every hour,
Most Holy one;
Oh, make me Thine indeed,
Thou blessed Son!

Hmm...

I agree that our religiosity in Nigeria is too much.

We can help ourselves.

Yet, some people will still claim that there are no mysteries in life.

‘Above all, be very careful. Don’t let woman or lust lead you into trouble,’ he counseled.

I thanked him profusely for his fatherly ways.

Later that evening, I was back in Madam B’s house to take Sophia in lesson.

‘Mum said you’ll be working for her as Special Assistant,’ Sophia said as soon as she sighted me.

‘Yes, but as Personal Assistant, not Special Assistant.’

She shrugged. ‘What’s the difference?’

I wanted to tell her, but she brought in another topic.

While I was teaching her, she interrupted again when she said: ‘Mummy must really like you to be making you her Assistant.'

I raised an eyebrow. ‘What makes you say so?’

She grinned. ‘It’s because of the way she talks about you. She doesn’t trust people, you know?’

My eyebrows remained raised.

‘Really?’

‘Yes. But she seems to talk as if you an exception.’

I nodded and continued with my teaching. The following morning,

I woke up around five and started getting reading for my first day of working in a real firm.

I tried to look good in my black suit, white shirt and black shoes. I must make a good impression of myself.

The head office was at Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja, Lagos. I was there by seven thirty a.m.

I introduced myself to the uniformed Security man and told him my mission. He said I would have to hold on a bit as nobody had come to the office. He gave me a plastic chair to sit on. I waited for ten minutes before the Office Assistant came.

I followed him up to the first floor. Even then, I had to wait at the Secretary’s office to await madam. The Secretary came in twenty minutes af-ter eight. Madam had told her about me, for as soon as I introduced myself, she became very respectful.

‘I’m sorry for coming late,’ she apologized. ‘Madam has talked about you. Please, let me take you to your office.’

I followed her to the passage and to an office. It was evident Madam’s company occupied the whole floor. Many of the offices were locked and it was either that they were yet to be used or their occupants had not come.

My office was cool and comfortable. I surveyed the place and liked what I saw. The glass desk and the swivel, leather seat looked and smelt new. As a matter of fact, everything in the office looked new. It was few minutes to nine when the secretary came to tell me madam had come and would like to see me.

I got up from my seat.

‘Sorry, I didn’t get your name the other time,’ I said.

She smiled. She was fair in complexion and was probably in her early thirties.

‘Oh,’ she said. ‘I’m Mandy Oroh.’

‘Miss, or Mrs.?’

‘Miss, please.’

I followed her to madam’s office, which was right after Mandy’s
own.

That's a crazy idea. Your mummy will still get to know. How do you explain who is responsible for the pregnancy? And for Enny, one way or the other, she'll also get to know.'

She smiled again. 'I told you not to worry about mummy. I'll handle that. As for your wife, I won't tell her a thing. She won’t know about it. Well, except you tell her. There's nothing to worry about, dear.'

My headache had intensified. 'Alright, Steph. We'll speak again. Right now, I have a headache.'

'Don't you worry about anything. I'm not asking you to support me or the baby. I can well take care of everything. I only wanted you to know that your baby is on the way.'

'See you again, Steph,' I said and disconnected the line. The headache was real. I left my office in search of the office assistant.'Please help me get some paracetamol or aspirin,' I told him and gave him some money. I went back to the office. I must calm down and think rationally, I told myself. I sat down on my seat, closed my eyes and tried to make my mind blank. Koli soon came back with what I asked him to buy.

'Thank you.' I collected the drugs from him. I took the required dose and tried to relax my mind again. There was no doubt that Steph was driving me crazy.

But, it wasn't her fault. I was to be blamed for whatever trouble came my way. If a man could not resist a sultry lady like Steph, then he must be ready to face whatever came his way. I suddenly realized that I was not that scared about Madam B. I didn’t believe she would sack me just like that, going by the antecedents.

My greatest fear was Enny, my wife. If Enny should know, she would be mightily disappointed! Oh, what a mess.Then Steph’s image came to my mind. She said she was happy about the pregnancy, how could she? What made her so confident and smug about the whole thing!

How could a young and beautiful lady like her from a wealthy family feel happy about carrying the baby of an up coming starter like me? Honestly I was confused.But what if she was just teasing me? I shook my head. From the way she had talked, that was very unlikely. I believed she was saying the truth. Thinking back now, that Sunday morning that she came to my house should be about eight weeks ago. That must be when the conception took place. Oh God.Well, be a man and face it, my mind said.

Then, I remembered Steph saying she would take care of her mother’s aspect. How would she do that? What about Enny? Calm down, calm down, I told myself.Steph's news spoilt the rest of my day. I tried to concentrate on my work, but it wasn't easy.

The headache, of course, compounded my situation. When I closed from work, I drove home slowly. I just had to face the situation, as unsavory as it was, I told myself. Of course, I did not tell my wife about it. When she noticed my mood, I told her about the headache.I decided that the best thing was to persuade Steph.

There was a long pause. She stared at my face with the radiant smile there. ‘Alex, I’m pregnant.‘

My face became frozen. ‘What, what did you say ?’ I stammered.

‘I’m pregnant, Alex. I’m carrying your baby.‘

My hands became stiff, so stiff that the phone dropped from my hand. It clattered on the floor and switched off. I picked it up and switched it on again, breathing heavily. Did I hear correctly? Did she say she was carrying my baby? Oh God! Oh God!‘If indeed it was true, then there was one solution. No lady or woman had ever had such on my behest. In Steph’s case. I was really to go that way. My mind was in a frenzy mode.

Well, so what if she was pregnant? We would go for that' simple solution' and that would be the end of the hassles.I sat down and thought of many things. What if Enny knew what had happened? I visualize disappointment and pain in her countenance. No, no, no.

This whole drama must end at this stage.Steph called back.

‘What happened?’ she asked.

'Sorry the phone fell down and switched off,’ I explained. ‘Are you really sure of what you were saying?’

‘Of course. I’ve done the pregnancy test. It’s eight weeks old.‘

I whistled. Beads of sweats had started forming on my brows. ‘What do we do now?’ I asked tentatively.

‘I’m keeping the baby, Alex.‘

My heart beat increased again. ‘You will do no such thing, Steph.

'That’s exactly what I’ll do. I want to have him or her.'

'You don’t know what you’re saying young lady. Do you realize I’m a married man now? Do you realize this will ruin my marriage, and even my relationship with your mum?'

'Alex, you’re shouting,’ she scolded.

I breathed in and out slowly. ‘I’m sorry. Now, listen to me, you can’t have your way. Maybe I should ask first: is it my baby or not?’

‘What kind of question is that? Of course it’s your baby!'

'Alright. Very good. So, do what I said.'

'No way. I want the baby and I’m going to have him.‘

I realized I was having a headache. ‘But why, Steph? Why d’you want to ruin my marriage and career?'

'No one is ruining anything. You can go ahead with your marriage and your job. As for me, I'm keeping that baby.'

I was exasperated. 'Think, Steph. How do you think mummy will react to this? What about Enny? You think she'll hear this and things will go on normally?'

To my surprise, Steph laughed. 'So you can be scared over little matter like this?'

'This is no little matter, Steph. My marriage and career are at stake here.'

'Alright, calm down.' She smiled again.I tried to calm down. Maybe she was joking, after all. Maybe she was just pulling my legs. I wished and hoped she was. 'Listen, Alex. I've thought out everything. I don't want to ruin your job, neither do I want to ruin your marriage. I'll go ahead and have the baby, but you don't worry about mummy. I'll take care of that. As for your wife I won't ever tell her. It's as simple as that.'

I shook my head vigorously. 'That will not work, Steph. That's a crazy idea. Your mummy will still get to know. How do you explain who is responsible for it? And for Enny, one way or the other, she'll also get to know.'

So?

Is he afraid or what?

If he really loves the lady, he will not take such a hasty decision.

‘Hope no problem,’ the security man at the gate said as he was surprised to see me at that time of the day.

‘No. No problem. Madam said I should come and see her.’

He opened the gate and I walked in. A driver had already driven Sophia to school. The house maid said I should wait for madam in the expansive sitting-room. I sat where I had sat on Saturday and waited for her. After about ten minutes of wait, I could hear some footsteps com-ing from the staircase. Just as I guessed, it was Madam B.

She was wearing a black skirt suit that fitted her perfectly. The skirt was a little bit above the knees. The face, the legs and even the aura she carried were beautiful. I could smell her alluring perfume, metres away. She smiled as she drew close.

‘Good morning, ma’am,’ I greeted. I stood up to genuflect.

‘Good morning, Alex. Sit down.’

‘Thank you, ma’am.’

The house maid soon appeared with madam’s briefcase. She got it
from the maid, sat down and opened it. She then brought a file out and opened it.

‘Yes, let’s discuss business. Your schedule of work indicates that you’ll work from 8.00 a.m to 5.00 p.m, Monday to Friday. You can also be required to work, sometimes on weekends. The work can also require you to travel at short notice. In addition, you can also be required to work on computer.’

She looked at me critically. ‘Do you have any question, so far?’

I shook my head. ‘No, ma’am.’

‘There are many fringe benefits attached to the work. There are housing, medical and transport allowances.’

She gave the documents in the file to me. ‘This is the letter of employment and the paper on your schedule of duties.’

I took the letter from her and quickly read through. My heart was thumping when I saw the remuneration. It was a mouth-watering offer that ran into six figures in naira.

‘I really appreciate you and thank you for this, madam,’ I said. ‘Thank you so much, ma’am.’

‘It’s okay. I hope you’ll live up to expectation. I hope you’ll not disappoint me.’

‘Madam, I want to promise and assure you that I will never disappoint you.’

‘Yes, Alex.’ She looked at me sternly.

‘Let me tell you this: I will nev-er tolerate any failure or disappointment from you.’

‘Yes, madam.’

She stood up. ‘The letter contains the address of the head office, which is where you’ll be working. As you can see, your working takes immediate effect.’

Really? I didn’t see that. In my excitement, I didn’t see that my appointment took immediate effect.

‘Do you still want to continue taking Sophia in lesson, or you want me to get another teacher?’

Again, I had not thought of that. I reflected briefly over it.

‘Continue taking her,’ she interjected. ‘I’ve asked her and she says she will like you to continue as her lesson teacher.’

‘Oh, well. It’s okay, ma’am.’

‘You’ll start your office work tomorrow. Get yourself prepared.’ She stood up. I stood up too.
‘Mariam!’ she yelled to summon the house maid. The latter came to meet her deferentially.

‘Take the briefcase to the car I’m going out with.’ She faced me.

‘Come, Alex. Come with us and we’ll drop you on the way.’

‘Yes, ma’am.’

That was how I came to be working directly with Madam B. When I got home, I started preparing myself for the work ahead. When I got to the church about nine a.m, the G.O had already come. I went to in-form him that I would start working for Madam B the following day. The man prayed for me and wished me the best. He admonished me to still be active in serving God in the best way I could.

‘Above all, be very careful. Don’t let woman or lust lead you into trouble,’ he counseled.

As I left the office, I could not but wonder how so unpredictable the character of Madam B could be.

‘Madam Da Rocha?’ I said, totally surprised.

After I left the church, I thought over whether I should go and visit madam B in the house or I should call her. I decided to do the latter. She picked the phone after the fifth ring.

‘Good afternoon, ma’am,’ I greeted.

‘How’re you, Alex?’

‘Fine, ma’am. I just left the pastor’s office, now. He told me what you discussed with him.’

‘Yes. I didn’t tell you directly because I really want you to take an independent decision on it. So, what do you think?’

‘It will be a great honour to work with you, ma’am.’ ‘That’s my boy.’

I could sense that she was smiling at the end of the line.

‘So, when do you want to start with the work?’

I had to think fast. ‘It depends on when you want me to start, ma’am.’

There was a long pause. ‘You know what, try to see me in the house on Monday morning by seven before I leave for office. Can you do that?’

I did not hesitate. ‘Sure, I can do that.’

‘Yes, do that. We’ll discuss. I’ll be expecting you.’

‘Okay, madam. Thanks a lot.’

She disconnected the line. I whistled to myself. Honestly, this Madam B was a character.

I looked at him ‘Yes, sir.’

‘I think you should take the offer. Go and see her and discuss the terms and details with her. Let me know when you will start the work with her, so that we will get another administrator. It has been wonderful, working with you. I wish you the best of luck.’

The pastor extended his hand for a handshake and I took it humbly.

When I got home, I told my uncle/guardian about my imminent change of job. He was happy for me. My challenge was how to tell Enny.

Since she had expressed her reservations over my relationship with the madam, I had become cautious about discussing the woman with her.

Later that Sunday evening, I went to Enny’s parents’ house at Ketu. When we were alone, I broached on the new job issue.

‘Enny dear, this our God is wonderful and still answers prayers o,’ I started.

‘Of course, God answers prayers,’ she concurred.

‘Thank God for me, He is about to take away my toiling.’

She became very interested. ‘Really? What happened?’ ‘I’ve been offered the job of a P:A.’

She smiled. ‘P.A of who?’

I smiled too. ‘P.A to Madam Bimpe Da Rocha. She just gave me the offer.’

The smile went off her face, but not totally. ‘Oh. How much will she be paying you?’

I shook my head. ‘I don’t know yet. She actually told me about the offer through the pastor By tomorrow morning, I will be going to see her, and, we’ll discuss the details.’

‘So, you don’t even have an idea of what she’ll pay. What if the pay is not much?’

‘I’m sure it will be much,’ I quickly put in. ‘It’s going to be alright. Even our G.O advised that I should take it.’

That got her. She smiled. ‘Alright. I hope everything will be alright.’ ‘Of course. I’m sure everything will be all right.’

That was how I was able to communicate the development to Enny and make her accept it without much fuss.

The following morning, I took my bath, wore a t-shirt and jeans and took a bike to Madam B’s house. I got there exactly five minutes to seven.

‘Hope no problem,’ the security man at the gate said as he was surprised to see me at that time of the day.

'That’s good,’ she said again. Her eyes went to the file she put on the stool. ‘How much are you charging me for the service you rendered on those documents?’

I nearly chuckled ‘Oh, that. Don’t worry, ma’am. Don’t pay anything on that. You’ve already been so good to me, and I really appreciate all you’re doing ma’am.’

‘Hmn, we thank God. So, you don’t want any pay for all you’ve done on the documents?’

‘No, ma. No sweat.’

She smiled again and stood up.

‘Alright, Alex. Thank you for your time. Have a nice weekend.’

I felt that was rather abrupt, but who was I to complain?

‘Thank you, ma’am.’ I stood up and bade her good bye.'

As I made my way back to my place of abode, I wondered if I had said and done the right thing.

Things went on normally for the rest of that day. The following day was Sunday. As usual, I was in the church as early as six a.m. Other
workers later started coming in. I remained in the good books of the G.O and his wife, as they kept commending my efforts. The two services ran smoothly. After every member had gone, the head pastor (the G.O) said he would like to see me in his office.

I went to meet him in his cozy office, which was not far from mine. ‘Well done, sir,’ I curtsied.

‘Thank you, brother Alex.’ (the pastor liked to call me brother Alex, though he should be of my father’s age). ‘Please, sit down.’

I sat down and looked at him expectantly.

‘Yes, brother Alex. It’s Madam Da Rocha that reported your matter
to me.’

My mind went into frenzy. What did she say I did? What went wrong? What could make the matter to be so serious that she would re-port it to the pastor?

Unconsciously, I realized I had become nervous and anxious.

The G.O sensed my apprehension. He smiled. ‘It’s okay, brother Alex. What she said about you was positive.’

I was relieved, though still a little bit anxious.

‘I understand that you go to her house frequently; that you take her daughter in home lesson.’

‘Yes … yes, sir.’

‘She said she was really impressed with your performance. She came to meet me for a request. That request is that we should relieve you from being our church administration.’

Again, my mind went into turmoil. What kind of request was that? What did I do wrong? My mouth was dry but I managed to look straight and unruffled.

‘She requested that you should drop this work so that you’ll work for her as P.A.’

I stared for few moments without saying a word. Now this Madam B would not stop amazing me. She had that kind of desire, yet she did not hint me! She went ahead to tell the pastor, thus creating some tension in me! This Madam B, ehn!

‘Well, I, I’m surprised to hear that, sir. I did some work for her on Saturday, and she was impressed. However, she didn’t offer to make me her P.A, sir.’

The pastor nodded. ‘Now, that’s what she’s offering you. What do you think about that?’

I appeared in thoughts, wondering if I should take such an offer or not, and the manner the offer had come. I did not even have an idea of what the pay would be.

‘Brother Alex?’ the pastor’s voice cut into my thoughts.

I looked at him ‘Yes, sir.’

‘I think you should take the offer. Go and see her and discuss the
terms and details with her. Let me know when you will start the work with her, so that we will get another administrator. It has been wonderful, working with you. I wish you the best of luck.’

The pastor extended his hand for a handshake and I took it humbly.

‘Thank you, sir. Thank you very much, sir.’

As I left the office, I could not but wonder how so unpredictable the character of Madam B could be.

I was indeed happy that my status had changed from single to 'happily married.'

On Monday morning, the three of us – Enny, Deola and myself – left the house together. They got down at Ketu bus stop to take a connecting bus to their destination, while I continued on my way to Ikeja. Mandy created a little scene when she sighted me.

'Here comes the latest bridegroom in town,' she said as she got up from her seat and rushed to hug me. I could not understand her zeal.

'Hey, I'm not the latest groom,' I pointed out.

'I'm sure between over a week ago and now, many couples would have got themselves wedded.'

My cautious assertion still did not dwindle her enthusiasm. I resumed work in full force. The following day, around noon, Mr. Taju and I went to the airport to welcome Madam B from her foreign trip. It was good to see her again.

The couple of months she sent in America had obviously done her good as she looked rejuvenated and more beautiful. Somehow, I had a faint hope that Steph might come with her. It was a wishful thinking. Madam came alone, looking radiant and refreshed.

'Look at you, Alex,' she commented after we had hugged. 'You look so robust. Without doubt, Enny, your wife is taking good care of you.'

As Mr. Taju drove us to madam's mansion, she chatted excitedly about her trip. Somehow, I wished Enny and I would relocate to live in God's own country.

Later that evening, Enny and I went to formally greet madam and to thank her for the immeasurable contributions she made towards our wedding. When we were about to leave, she gave Enny gifts of Cartier gold wrist watch, handbags, shoes and some clothes.

As I drove Enny back home, she could not but comment about madam's generosity.

'This woman is really generous,' Enny said.

'After spending so much on you, look at the exorbitant gifts she gave to me. She must be the most generous person I've ever seen.'

I nodded in agreement. 'Without doubt, madam is very generous.'

Three days after Madam B had returned, Steph called me. She sounded bright. She informed that she had been shortlisted by a foremost computer firm in the U.S and was positive about getting a good job soon.

'Oh, that's good news, Steph. I wish you all the best.'

'Thanks. How's Naija?'

I sighed. 'All is not so well, but we thank God.'
We chatted for more several minutes before the conversation ended. I observed that she always called about noon on working days. Steph

hardly called on weekends and anytime she did, she would first ask if I was alone or if Enny was with me.

About a week after she first informed that she was shortlisted for the computer firm job, she called again to tell me that she had secured the job.

'Congratulations,' I enthused. I was indeed happy for her. When she told me her remuneration, I mentally calculated how much that would be in naira. I could not but whistle when I realized how much she would be making.

'I still miss you, Alex,' she said.

'You don't have to,' I replied. Even to me, my voice was unconvincing.

'Steph, you're very beautiful. I'm sure many guys over there will love to have you as their own. Go ahead and have yourself a good man. Forget about Alex. He is happily married now. Move on with your life. You have a wonderful life ahead of you. Live it to the best.'

I felt I had given a homily, a necessary one. There was a long pause.

'Hello, Steph, are you still there?'

'Yeah, I am. I wish it's as simple as you're trying to make it.'

'There's nothing difficult in it,' I pointed out.

'Just zero your mind to that place. America is a wonderful land. Many young ones here are ready to sell an eye to get over there and have the kind of opportunity you have.'

We chatted a bit more before terminating the conversation. I thought over the whole thing. Madam B must have planned to take Steph away, I had no doubt. I realized it was a good idea. Steph being out of the way would make me focus on my marriage and to build it properly.

Some minutes later, Enny returned from the market. I joined her in the kitchen as she fried the chicken and prepared the soup. She was good in cooking, no doubt.

'Steph called not long ago,' I informed.

'How's she? When is she coming back?'

'It's like madam wants her to remain in the U.S.'

'That will be better,' Enny said with finality. 'Let her work and have some working experience over there.'

I only grinned.

'Deola would be coming over today,' Enny said, a couple of minutes later. 'She called me a while ago that she would soon be on her way.'
Deola was one of her younger sisters. Enny had earlier told me that she would like Deola to come and be staying with her – or rather, with us - and I had acquiesced. At twenty one, Deola was a level 200 Mass Communication student at Lagos State University.

'No problem. She's welcome.'

Truly, some minutes later, Deola came in with her bag. What a change! About a week and a day ago, I was the only occupant of the apartment. Now, we were three. Glory be to God.

Some hours later, Madam B called to inform that she would be returning to Nigeria by Tuesday the following week. She explained further that Steph would not be returning with her as she – the madam - had come to realize that it was better for her to have a couple of years' working experience in the U.S. The way madam glibly explained the reason for her change of mind gave me no room to argue that Steph should be allowed to come back home.

She spoke about her state of health, which was perfect and how she longed to come back home. After she had disconnected the line, I was full of thoughts. From what she said, Steph and I would not be seeing each other for a long time. What a life! Some weeks ago, when she was around, it was as if the relationship would last till kingdom come.
Abruptly, it had ended, and life continued. Life indeed has whims and caprices.

We got some visitors in the house towards evening. They had come to felicitate with Enny and I over our recent conjugal bliss. The following day was Sunday. Enny and I wore the same traditional clothing to the church. I was indeed happy that my status had changed from single to 'happily married.'

STANDING ON THE PROMISES OF CHRIST OUR KING

1. Standing on the promises of Christ our King,
Thro' eternal ages let His praises ring:
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.

CHORUS:
Standing, Standing,
Standing on the promises of God my Saviour;
Standing, Standing,
I'm standing on the promises of God.

2. Standing on the promises that can-not fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail
By the living word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God.

3. Standing on the promises I now can see
Perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me;
Standing in the liberty where Christ makes free,
Standing on the promises of God.

4. Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
Bound to Him eternally by love's strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit's sword,
Standing on the promises of God.

She was good in cooking, no doubt.

'Steph called not long ago,' I informed.

'How's she? When is she coming back?'

'It's like madam wants her to remain in the U.S.'

'That will be better,' Enny said with finality. 'Let her work and have some working experience over there.'

I only grinned.

'Deola would be coming over today,' Enny said, a couple of minutes later.

'She called me a while ago that she would soon be on her way.'

Deola was one of her younger sisters. Enny had earlier told me that she would like Deola to come and be staying with her – or rather, with us - and I had acquiesced. At twenty one, Deola was a level 200 Mass Communication student at Lagos State University.

'No problem. She's welcome.'

Truly, some minutes later, Deola came in with her bag. What a change! About a week and a day ago, I was the only occupant of the apartment. Now, we were three. Glory be to God.

Some hours later, Madam B called to inform that she would be returning to Nigeria by Tuesday the following week. She explained further that Steph would not be returning with her as she – the madam - had come to realize that it was better for her to have a couple of years' working experience in the U.S. The way madam glibly explained the reason for her change of mind gave me no room to argue that Steph should be allowed to come back home.

She spoke about her state of health, which was perfect and how she longed to come back home. After she had disconnected the line, I was full of thoughts. From what she said, Steph and I would not be seeing each other for a long time. What a life! Some weeks ago, when she was around, it was as if the relationship would last till kingdom come.

Abruptly, it had ended, and life continued. Life indeed has whims and caprices.

We got some visitors in the house towards evening. They had come to felicitate with Enny and I over our recent conjugal bliss. The following day was Sunday. Enny and I wore the same traditional clothing to the church. I was indeed happy that my status had changed from single to 'happily married.'

On Monday morning, the three of us – Enny, Deola and myself – left the house together. They got down at Ketu bus stop to take a connecting bus to their destination, while I continued on my way to Ikeja. Mandy created a little scene when she sighted me.

'Here comes the latest bridegroom in town,' she said as she got up from her seat and rushed to hug me. I could not understand her zeal.

'Hey, I'm not the latest groom,' I pointed out.

'I'm sure between over a week ago and now, many couples would have got themselves wedded.'

My cautious assertion still did not dwindle her enthusiasm. I resumed work in full force. The following day, around noon, Mr. Taju and I went to the airport to welcome Madam B from her foreign trip. It was good to see her again.

The couple of months she sent in America had obviously done her good as she looked rejuvenated and more beautiful. Somehow, I had a faint hope that Steph might come with her. It was a wishful thinking. Madam came alone, looking radiant and refreshed.

'Look at you, Alex,' she commented after we had hugged. 'You look so robust. Without doubt, Enny, your wife is taking good care of you.'

As Mr. Taju drove us to madam's mansion, she chatted excitedly about her trip. Somehow, I wished Enny and I would relocate to live in God's own country.