The sacrifice

It was the kind of day that Eric had been dreaming about for months—the sun was shining and the birds were singing. He had stopped at the local flower shop to purchase a bouquet of red roses, his heart pounding in anticipation. He had even splurged on a box of chocolates and a teddy bear, both of which he was carrying in his hands. But it wasn't just any special day – it was Jessica's birthday, and Eric wanted to make sure that she felt truly loved and appreciated.

He arrived at her doorstep with a huge smile on his face, but what he found behind the door made his heart drop into his stomach: Jessica was standing there with another man, holding hands and wearing matching necklaces. His eyes filled with tears as he realized that she had found someone else; this was not how today was supposed to go. He quickly handed her the gifts before turning around and walking away dejectedly.

But something strange happened next – instead of feeling sadness or regret, Eric suddenly felt an intense sense of determination coursing through him. He knew what he had to do: if he wanted to win back Jessica's love, he needed to prove that there was no obstacle too great for him to overcome. And so Eric determinedly set off in search of a way to make enough money fast enough so that he could buy her an extravagant gift—one that would show her just how much she meant to him.

After days spent scouring every nook and cranny for potential solutions, Eric finally came across an unexpected opportunity: there were people who were willing to pay large sums of money for human organs like kidneys or parts of livers —and since Eric did not need either one anymore than anyone else does...he decided that this was the only solution left for him. In order to raise enough money for Jessica's gift, Eric sold one of his kidneys on the black market; although it seemed like a drastic measure at first, once he received payment from an anonymous buyer, all doubts evaporated from his mind completely as soon as he saw the amount written on it—it seemed like more than enough for what he wanted!

Eric rushed back home with newfound enthusiasm; this time when arrived at Jessica's doorstep things were different—instead of receiving a cold shoulder or worse yet being turned away empty-handed again, she opened up her arms wide open in joyous surprise after seeing what Eric had brought her—an expensive necklace fashioned out of diamond and gold! She couldn't believe her eyes as tears started flowing down her cheeks. These weren't tears of love, but pity.

Eric surely wasn't ready for what came next.

End

Vibesking:


Wow! This is beautifully written. I love the build of suspense. I'm certainly following.

Thanks for your kind words.

A Strange Desire

Alice stared into the darkness, her heart pounding. She had no idea how she got here. The last thing she remembered was being with her friends at a club downtown, and before that… nothing.

It had been hours since she'd been taken, but Alice still couldn't move. Her arms were tied up behind her back and something cold and metal pressed against her wrists.

Every so often, a soft whisper would float out from the shadows around her – like a ghost in the night – but it was impossible to make out any words or even tell what direction they were coming from.

Suddenly, there was movement on the other side of the room and Alice felt her breath catch in her throat as a figure stepped forward into the dim light.

He moved slowly and cautiously, as if he was uncertain of his surroundings too.

His hood was pulled low over his head and face so that all she could see were some bright blue eyes peeking out from beneath it - mesmerizingly beautiful despite the darkness of their surroundings.

Alice's heart skipped a beat as their eyes locked for an instant before he quickly turned away again, seeming to realize he had revealed himself too soon.

But something strange happened inside Alice's chest; somehow, despite the situation she found herself in, she couldn't help but be drawn to him in some inexplicable way…


As days passed by with only brief glimpses of him here and there, Alice started to form an unlikely bond with her kidnapper.

At first it started off with small things like passing glances or shared meals – anything they could do while avoiding each other's gaze – but eventually they began talking to one another more often than not during their time together… Until one day when everything changed between them forever...

Alice had just finished telling him about growing up in foster care when he finally looked directly into her eyes for what felt like an eternity until finally he reached out his hand towards hers and said: "I know this isn't easy for you right now," his voice filled with compassion unlike anything she'd ever heard before, " I can no longer keep you here against your will. I'm setting you free." And in that moment something sparked in Alice that she couldn't explain - both terrified and excited by the sudden intensity of the connection - she didn't want to leave...

And just like that Alice had fallen madly in love with her kidnapper; two people who seemed like complete opposites, yet she felt a connection she couldn't explain.

End.

The Crime

.

The streets of the city were quiet and deserted. It was late at night, but there was no one around to witness what happened next. John had just been fired from his job that day, and he was feeling betrayed by the girl he had worked so hard for. In an effort to make amends, he decided to do something drastic. He knew it was wrong but then again, the reward far outweighed the risk; if only someone could have seen him then.

John stepped out from the shadows and closed in on the girl who now stood alone outside a convenience store near his former workplace. She had pinned a crime on him and this was his opportunity for revenge. He approached her with determination in his eyes and asked her why she had done such a thing. She started to cry as she begged for mercy, but he wouldn't relent until she told him what really happened that fateful afternoon when they'd both been accused of stealing from the store's safe.

He listened carefully as she explained how another boy had come into their work area and pulled out a gun right before running out with cash-filled bags. She said that in fear of being implicated herself, she blamed John instead, knowing full well that no one would believe him if he tried to confess otherwise.

John felt rage boil up inside him as he realized what she had done to him; getting fired from his job because of her lies! He clenched his fists tightly by his sides as he considered what action he should take next; should he seek justice or should he let it go? His heart pounded wildly with anticipation as reality set in - either way, this decision would change his life forever.


End.

Rose


.

As soon as Rose stepped through the door of the church, she was instantly overtaken by a wave of emotion. She felt like someone had hit her in the stomach with a hammer.

Her eyes widened as she took in the scene before her; there he was, standing at the end of the aisle, looking so perfect and handsome in his tuxedo that it made her heart ache. Tears started streaming down her face as reality set in: he didn't love her back.

She felt like all of her dreams had been crushed and every ounce of hope she had ever had vanished into thin air. As he looked up to meet his groom, Rose suddenly knew what she had to do—she needed to make him pay for not loving her back.

Without another thought, Rose reached into her handbag and pulled out a gun that she'd taken from one of the drawers at home earlier that morning.

In a matter of seconds, she aimed it directly at him and fired without hesitation. The wedding guests gasped in horror as they watched Rose shoot him dead right there on the spot—but then something strange happened.

Rose awoke with a start, realizing it'd all been a dream! She let out an exhausted sigh of relief; thank goodness it was only a dream! But then again…what if this incident wasn't actually dreamt up by pure imagination? What if somehow this vision was meant to warn her about something? She shook off these thoughts - surely it was just silly superstition - and sighed heavily once more before getting dressed for school…

Her mind raced throughout classes that day; did the nightmare mean anything? Or perhaps more accurately, who did it mean something about?

As time went on and no answers presented themselves, Rose's suspicions only grew stronger until finally nightfall came around again and brought clarity with its darkness.

It dawned upon Rose then: could this be a sign from fate itself warning me against him? With newfound determination filling every fiber of her being, Rose got ready for bed with renewed vigor—whatever tomorrow holds I will face head-on.

End.

The boy & the Experience

.

The sun was setting on the horizon, slowly fading away into the night sky. The air was filled with a sense of anticipation and excitement as he made his way up to the house. He had been told that this would be his first time, and he could feel his heart beating faster as he got ever closer to the door.

He paused for a moment before knocking on the door, taking in a deep breath and letting it out slowly. His hands were trembling from nervousness but he finally mustered up enough courage to knock three times. When no one answered, he decided to peek through the window before entering inside.

As soon as he stepped foot inside, there was an overwhelming sense of anticipation in the air. He wondered what this night would bring him – would it be something good or something bad? He brushed aside these thoughts and continued walking further into the living room where two figures were waiting for him. It was only then that he noticed them – two people sitting side by side on a couch wearing nothing more than their underwear.

This sight sent shockwaves throughout his body as realization set in: tonight will be when I lose my virginity! Fear and excitement coursed through his veins simultaneously as a wave of emotions washed over him like an ocean tide.

He hesitantly took off all of his clothes until there was nothing left covering his body but embarrassment and nerves. The other two smiled at him warmly and told him not to worry; they said that everything would be alright if only he allowed himself to relax into their touch. They asked if he wanted to start right away or if needed some time before beginning – in response, all he could do was nod in agreement.

What happened next is still hazy in his mind; all that remains are fragmented memories of pleasure and pain mixed together until they formed one single experience that changed his life forever…

And so it began– a beautiful journey of self-discovery full of surprises and feelings never before experienced by anyone around him– especially not himself– until now!

As dawn broke on the horizon, he knew with certainty that this night had marked a new beginning for him.

~End.

Not a writer.

This is just an outlet to express my numerous thoughts.



~All rights reserved.

#Continuation

I had arranged my bag and was already prepped to go home. While exiting the class, Tama hurriedly approached me and handed me my note. She thanked me and suggested we walked together to the gate.

"My seatmate told me you're the best in class." - Tama uttered smiling.

Me: I don't really know. Up until last term, Akpan always came out first. He's always topped the class since kindergarten.

Tama: So how did you do it?

Me: I have no idea how it happened. Akpan is very intelligent. I don't know what happend that he came third.

Tama: You're obviously intelligent too and I'd like to suggest something, if you don't mind.

* At this point, my mind began scrabbling as to what she possibly had in mind. However, as we spoke, the nervousness in my voice had faded. My confidence had returned.

"Let's become seatmates." - Tama.

*My ears was probably playing tricks on me. Or is this another dream?

"Ehn, what did you say?" - I replied with a puzzled look.

"Let's sit together starting tomorrow. I'm new to this school and you're the only one I know. Besides, Bisi talks too much (her seatmate)." - Tama replied.

"Ermm. I don't really know. I've always sat with Nonso. Besides, Mr. Chris will have to approve." - I responded scratching my head.

Tama: It's easy. I'll tell Bisi to find somewhere else. You can come over. Or Nonso and Bisi could sit together.

*I was skeptical about this arrangement. I knew my classmates quite well. How I decided to change my seat to go be with the new girl will be the talk of the class.

While I was muling over what Tama suggested, she didn't seem to be seeking my permission. More like she was informing me about what she had decided and I should get on board.

"Tamara, I'm not sure I can be your seatmate" - I uttered.

Tama: Why, don't you want to sit with me?

Me: No, that's that's not the reason. It's just that....

*As I was about trying to tell her the reason this arrangement wouldn't work, she interrupted...

"My mom is here already. See you tomorrow. Bye. "
*She reached out, gave me a quick hug and waved me bye.*

I was shocked. I was expecting a hug. I was so engrossed in our conversation that I didn't realise we had already gotten to the school gate which is quite a distance from the school's class block.

After watching her get into her mom's car and seeing the vehicle drive off, I looked around me whether someone other than me witnessed what just happened. I hoped no one was paying attention.

*While I convinced myself that no one saw what just transpired, I could not have possibly fathom what was waiting for me the next day. My childhood was about to change.

___________
I arrived home at about 2pm. My school wasn't too far from my house so I always walked home.

My compound had two blocks. The first block housed a family of eight. They were very much older than me. The last child was probably 19 or 20 then. His name was Matthew, and he was a very spoilt fellow.

I was close to him and everyone in their house. I probably spent more time over there than I did in my house. This was because my mom left the house early for work and got back late. So during the time my mom was away, I'd be at my neighbour's. This was where I got early introduction to some of the obscene things a kid could possibly be exposed to. More on this later.

The second block had two flats. The left wing housed my mom's uncle, his wife and three kids– a girl(first child) and two boys. I was just a year older than the girl.
My mom and I occupied the right wing of the flat.

*When I got home, I made my way to the back of my flat where my mom usually hid our house key. I retrieved the key from under the mat and made my way to the front door.

I got inside, took off my uniform and put on some house clothes. Headed straight to the fridge, took out bread and went to the kitchen to make Milo.

After eating, I zoomed off to uncle Matthew's house (we always referred to our elders by 'uncle' or 'aunty').

When I got there, the door was usually left unlocked. But this time around, it was locked. I knocked and no one answered. I knew folks were inside cause I could hear persons muttering quietly. I decided to go through the back door which led to the kitchen. Viola! It was opened.

I made my way from the kitchen and stepped into the living room. What I saw shocked the brakes out of me!

First, I saw uncle Matthew, his elder sister Eva who was probably in her late 20s, and two of my mom's uncle kids who lived in the West wing of our flat (I was older than them).

My jaw dropped with what I saw. They were...

Episode #2:

Tama wasn't a stranger to me. I had seen her just once though— during the holiday— It was at my mom's friend daughter's birthday party.

It was a fun party. There were lots of games and abundant gifts. I didn't exactly get to speak with Tama at the party. We were all just busy playing and running around. However, Tama didn't participate much. She stayed glued to her mom. I guess the futility of childish rabblings didn't appeal to her.

*In the eve of school's resumption, I had dreamt of Tama. It was the second time. A disturbing dream which a kid still in primary school shouldn't be having.

No, it wasn't a wet dream. However, it was intimate. She'd reach out for my joystick and we'd embrace. It was uncomfortable. Weird. I had never had such a dream before.

I was uncomfortable to tell my mom. So I'd tell her of one of the nightmares I had.

I often woke up in between sleep sessions. Hence, in a single night, I could have up to 2 or 3 dreams, and at least one would be like a replay of a horror movie. Sometimes I'd wake up screaming.

This particular one was different from what I had ever had. More so, I seemed to like it. Sure, it was deeply uncomfortable. But it felt good.

Here I was, staring at the girl I had seen in my dream.

"I guess she's your dream come true" — Nonso said jestingly.

Tama didn't seem to notice me. Or did she? I mean, I could bet I saw her pass a couple of glances at me. Or probably I was just seeing things. Besides, I lost count of the number of times I nervously looked at her direction.

*The bell sounded for Break time. I, Nonso, Emma and Payi went to the cafeteria to get snacks. These guys were my clique. In school, we always moved together. We were inseparable.

Unlike my peers who brought food from the house, I never took a lunchpack to school. My mom always gave me N10 or N20 for lunch. Digestive biscuits was my favourite. I'd always buy two and have it with water. My clique would escort me to the cafeteria and we'd come back to the class and eat.

On our way back to the class, I saw Tama approaching with two other females. They were our classmates.

My heart skipped a beat! I tried scouring the perimeter to see if it would be possible to evade the imminent encounter. There wasn't. Moreso, I didn't want my friends to know this girl made me feel uncomfortable.

"You're Marvis, right?"

I didn't answer. I tried, but the words wasn't coming forth.

"No, he's Maven. Not Marvis". — Nonso interjected.

"You were at that birthday party, right? I think I saw you with Peace and Segun during the dance competition." — Tama.

"Yes, I was there. I didn't think you'd recognise me."— I muttered. Almost stammering

You can't blame me. This girl had appeared in my dream in which we were doing unmentionable things. And here she was, talking to me in-person.

"Yes, I saw you saw you looking at me during class."— Tama.

The giggle from Nonso and suprise from my other friends made me feel embarrassed. I had only shared my dream with Nonso. Hence, they had no clue why he was giggling.

"May I borrow your English note? I missed first period and I'd like to copy what was given. Mr. Chris told me I could ask you" — Tama.

We proceeded to class and I gave her my note.

"So you were looking at her during class abi?" — Emma teased after I had given her the note.

"I wasn't. Why would I look at her? She's not even fine sef." — I lied. She was beautiful.

Breaktime ran fast and after three more subjects, the bell sounded for closing.

......

I couldn't post today. Promise new update tomorrow morning.

Episode #1:

I woke up feeling weak. A bit of finger-like scratches around my thighs. It was the second night in a row I was having the same disturbing dream.

I shared it with my mom but as always, she'd dismiss it and tell me dreams are just my imaginations gaining expression.

However, these dreams were vivid and felt so real. They terrified me a great deal. I slept in same room with my mom cause I couldn't bear the thought of being alone.

"Why do you keep seeing her in your dreams, and what did you do when you saw her coming towards you?" — my friend, Nonso asked me.

*It was the first day of school. The new session had kicked off. Primary 4. Second term. Here I was, narrating the weird dream I had to my friend—who was too excited to indulge me.

Nonso was my seatmate and coincidentally, my best friend. He was my partner and coexecutioneer in the dubious deeds we perpetrated.

People called us twins. Same complexion, close heights, and similar interests.

Nonso and I met frequently during the hols. This was possible cause our parents were extremely busy. Hence, getting out of the house wasn't a hurdle. We had unresticted freedom when our folks were off to work.

Despite the close friendship we shared, our parents had never met. There was never a reason to. However, they knew their kids were friends.


"When she was coming towards me, I tried to..."

*Was still in the process of narrating the dream I had to Nonso when the bell sounded for morning devotion (It was popularly called Assembly).*

All the pupils were out. Arranged according to their classes. After the praises and worship, we recited the "Lord's Prayer", and the National Anthem was sang to culminate the exercise.

The headmistress mounted the podium to formally welcome us back to school. She cited our performance last term and urged those who did poorly to try harder this time around.

*My last term's result was the biggest shock of my life! It wasn't just a surprise to me, but also to all those that heard about it.

Up until that point, I had always performed poorly in school. I always competed for second to the last position with Esther.

But things took a dramatic turn last term— I took the first position and Esther came out second— the two dullards now topped the class.

In our little world, it was the biggest upset in the school's history! No one had ever had a leap from 25th position to 1st.

This made me popular at school. I received accolades from my teachers and a great deal of admiration from my peers. All of a sudden, people wanted to hang out with me. It was weird. I liked it.

I couldn't exactly explain the reason behind my drastic change in performance. I wasn't ab avid reader. As far as I can recall, I never picked up my book to read for an exam in primary school. For some inexplicable reason, I just got smarter. Probably because I developed a keen interest in listening while my teachers taught.

However, this was not always the case. I have an active imagination. While in class, I could zone off and veer into my own world of fantasies.

While having one of my periodic 'moments', the bang on the desk jerked me back to reality when everyone stood up to greet a lady who came in with a girl.
*We banged the desk to call the attention of the students to greet whenever an elder comes into our class*

Our class teacher had a brief chat with the lady. Apparently, the young girl was her daughter who had just enrolled with us.

After the lady left, our class teacher, Mr. Chris ushered the girl into the class and asked her to introduce herself.

"My name is Tamara and ...."

While she was talking, the class was awfully quiet. And the reason was simple. Tama (as she would popularly be called), had something different about her. Right from the point she opened her mouth, there was a tone of maturity that permeated how she laced her sentences. Sure, we were age mates. But she didn't speak like it, and as it'd later become glaring to everyone, she didn't act her age either.

Everyone was transfixed as she spoke. Her long weaved braided hair ('all-back' as it was popularly called) which appeared to have been touched with ointment, blended perfectly with her caramel skin and slender feature. She was beautiful.

"Nonso, she's the one!" — I uttered while tapping him on his shoulder with my mouth opened in shock.

"What do you mean?" — Nonso replied looking confused.

"The girl I saw in my dream. She's the one" — I responded while pointing to Tama.

"Mayv are you sure?" — Nonso replied with his eyes popped up.

*My dad named me Maven. But for short, people often call me 'Mav', pronounced /may-ve/*.

"Dude. I'm not even trying to be funny. She's the one. I saw her last night. She was the one trying to touch my pe..." — Me.



To be continued...

Right off the bat...

I had an abnormal childhood. Weirdly, it seemed I and my peers were cut from the same cloth. Particularly folks that grew up in my region.

I'm no writer. This is just a piece of my childhood I'm putting out here. It was a struggle deciding to do this. Well, here it is.

I'll do my best to limit typo and grammatical errors.

Cheers.