Episode 19 - Journey to the past.

Rosanna curled into a ball, crying her eyes into streams of tears. The pillow underneath her head was getting soaked but she wasn't going to be done crying anytime soon.

If only she had gotten there on time. If only she'd booked her flight earlier. If only she has so lackadaisical and sluggish, then maybe she'd have been able to stop him.

Three knocks on the door broke her hair of regret and she turned towards the door.

"Ro, please come out!" Ose begged.

She wiped her snotty nose on her sleeve. She had probably gone a bit too far locking herself up in Ose's spare room, but she had nowhere else to go. Her mum was back in the States. She hadn't spoken to her dad in three years. Ose and Seyifunmi were the only people she knew in Lagos.

And she couldn't stand the sight of Seyifunmi. How dare she say she let another woman steal Dare away? Did she know how hard she fought? Did she know the sleepless nights she spent by his bed, waiting for him to open his eyes? Did she know what risks she took to fly to Moscow as a Black American just to check out the illegal organ transplant hospital?

Seyifunmi knew nothing.

After storming out of Ose's flat, she'd gone back home and packed up her things and come back to his house. It was probably rude and uncouth but she had no other option. Just the mere thought of Seyifunmi rent her already bleeding heart.

Dare's death left a wound in her heart that could never be healed. It would fester and kill her. That was her fate. To die of a broken heart.

"Ose, please. Leave me alone." Rosanna answered.

"Ro, please." He begged with a soft sigh.

"Ose, I beg you. Just leave me alone." She sobbed. "I want to be alone."

He sighed again and said, "I just want to remind you that it wasn't your fault."

She scoffed and heard the sound of his feet walking away. He was deranged. Along with her mother.

It was her fault. If she had left Moscow that night, maybe she'd have made it back to Dare on time before he made that decision.

If anyone had given her some heads up, she'd have ceased Dare's phone and maybe have opted for a civil wedding.


The wedding planner tapped her watch and murmurs filled the hall. Aunt Martha, Dare's Aunt who'd looked after him and his siblings after his parents died in a plane crash, walked up to the Reverend to appease him, while Gwyneth, Dare's sister appeal to everyone to wait and that the rehearsal dinner would still hold.

Dare was almost an hour late and her heart raced. Had he changed his mind and run away? He couldn't. Could he? A look of pity came her way and her fear engulfed her.

Did Dare get cold feet? Or had he run off with a bridesmaid?

A voice reminded her that she only had one bridesmaid and it was Gwyneth.

What if he realized, a Nigerian wife wasn't the kind of wife he wanted to spend the rest of his life with?

"Hey!" Ose called and she turned to face him. His face morphed from confusion to worry at the sight of her pooling eyes.

"Hey, don't cry." He cooed and held her hands.

"What if he doesn't come?" She squeaked.

"He will. Call him. Maybe he's stuck in traffic." Ose said and pressed her phone into her hands.

"I'm scared, Ose. What if he says he doesn't love me anymore?" She whispered with her eyes filled to the brim with tears.

"Are we talking about the same Dare who came to Nigeria to woo you?" Ose asked. "And stayed for almost a year. Despite your drama and the mosquitoes and Lagos sun."

She sighed. Ose was right. He was probably stuck in traffic.

She nodded and dialled his number. It rang for a few seconds before she heard his voice.

"Babe, I'm sorry. I forgot my vows at home and had to go back for them." Dare rushed to say.

Her racing heart slowed and she smiled at Ose.

"Well, hurry up already. I almost died here thinking you got cold feet." Rosanna quipped.

"Me? Cold feet? Nah. I'll be there in a jiffy." Dare said.

"Okay. I love you."

"I love you too."

She hung up and smiled at Ose.

"He had to go back home to get his vows." She told Ose, smiling.

"See."

Her calm nerves turned frazzled again when after forty-five minutes Dare didn't show up. A few guests had gone and the Reverend was already counseling her to take heart. She'd snapped at the old man.

Dare wouldn't deceive her. If he said, he was coming, he was.

Her phone vibrated in her sweaty hands and she tapped the receive button.

"Dare, where are you?" She cried, hoping his response wouldn't be along the lines of 'I'm sorry but I can't do this.'

"Ma'am," a female voice said, "the owner of this phone had an accident and's been brought to Saint Peter's Health."

"Oh my God." Rosanna cried. "Is he gonna be okay?"

The woman replied, "You'd have to come over, ma'am."

"Okay." She wheezed.

Why did this have to happen? Today of all days.

Her mother and Gwyneth and John rushed to her side, asking if she'd heard from Dare and if he was still coming.

She shook her head and said, "He had an accident. He's in Saint Peter's Health. I don't know if he's going to be okay."

"He's gonna be okay. My brother wouldn't let an accident come between you two." John, Dare's brother jived. "He loves you too much."

Rosanna sighed and stood there unable to come to terms with what was happening, while her mother and Dare's siblings tried to manage the situation.

Maybe John was right. Maybe Dare's accident wasn't so serious.

She comforted herself with those thoughts as John drove them to the hospital. She ran to the nurse's station as soon as they got to the hospital.

She asked the nurses for Alisdare Shaw and she was told he was still in the OR.

As she paced the length of the waiting room, she could only hope he was safe.

The next thing she knew she heard a woman rush in, asking for Alisdare Shaw. She turned to face the lady along with his family, only to find the look of recognition and shock on their faces.

"Madison?" Aunt Martha cried out.

The lady spun to face them.

"Ms. Davenport," the lady cried in tears and ran to hug Aunt Martha.

Who was she? She had never heard of a Madison. And she certainly couldn't have come in for the wedding. She didn't remember inviting her. And why was she crying like her husband was dead.

"It's been close to fifteen years, Maddie. What are you doing here?" The older woman asked as she pulled away from her.

"Hey, Maddie." Gwyneth greeted and hugged the lady.

"Wow, Maddie, it's so good to see you." John said and hugged her.

"It's good to see you too." She responded with a weak smile. "All of you."

Who was she? An old friend? A relative? And why was she crying like it was the end of the world?

"How did you know Dare was here?" Aunt Martha asked.

Good question. And who are you?

The lady sniveled and wheezed, "I was on the phone with him when the accident happened. And the hospital called me."

"How've you been, Madison? You and Yolanda just left without any explanations or notice. Why?" Aunt Martha asked.

Who is Yolanda?

The lady sobbed harder. "I got pregnant and Aunt Yolanda said we had to move back to Georgia so I could have my baby."

"You were pregnant?" Gwyneth cried in shock and Madison nodded.

"Dare and I have a daughter together." The lady said and Rosanna spoke for the first time.

"What?!"

The lady turned to her with the question'who are you' on her face.

"She's Dare fiancee. They were supposed to get married tomorrow." Aunt Martha answered.

The lady turned mortified.

"I am so sorry. I never meant for any of this to happen. I just needed Dare's help. Alicia needs a kidney transplant and I," she started and broke down into a fit of sobs.

"I can't afford it. I would never have come to Dare or tried to cause any problems for you," the lady said facing Rosanna, "the transplant costs close to half a million dollars and I don't have that kind of money."

A wave of vertigo hit Rosanna and she slumped.

enirock:
Now Tinu wants to take the children away. Which kind rubbish be all this one They forget that lives and relationships are at stake. Seyi went to the extreme with her choice of words and now Tinu is about to make a 'bad' decision.

I won't blame Tinu. You can't hate me and love my kids. She's just trying to protect herself and her children.

Episode 18- The Five Musketeers

Tinu smiled as she walked into the living room to meet a waiting Seyifunmi. She was happy for Seyifunmi and Dele. He had told her of his plans. By Friday, he'd whisk her away on a romantic weekend getaway and then propose to her on the lawn of their new house. He had already sized the ring on her finger while she slept and it fit perfectly.

Seyifunmi was overdue for the proposal in her own opinion. She'd stood by Dele through the good, the bad and the nasty. Though she'd started to dislike her after her squabble with Tomini, after her explanation, she'd forgiven her.

She was proud of her work on their home. She hoped Dele would remember to recommend her to his friends and clientele. Anyway, she'd pester him to. And besides, her work ought to speak for itself.


"I'm sorry for keeping you waiting. I had to make an important call," Tinu said as she sat in an armchair opposite Seyifunmi.

Seyifunmi pursed her lips and nodded.

Okay. Why did she seem irritated? She wasn't on the phone for that long.

"So what brings you here? Did Dele send you to us?" Tinu asked smiling.

Seyifunmi perched on the edge of her seat and glared at her.

"Dele doesn't know I'm here. And no, he didn't send me to you."

Her tone reeked of hostility and Tinu's brows furrowed. What was this about.

"Look, I don't know if this is some sort of reverse rescuer syndrome, that has Dele lurking round you like a puppy on a leash; or you're the one reeling him in. Honestly, I don't know but I couldn't care less. Whatever it is, I want you to end it Now." Seyifunmi gritted with her eyes narrowed.

Tinu frowned and said, "I'm not sure I get you."

Seyifunmi smirked and tsked shaking her head.

"You really are shameless, aren't you? It's bad enough you're sleeping with my boyfriend and yet you won't own up to it. Look, your good girl facade might have Dele and everyone else fooled but not me. I can see you for what you are.

"Can't you be content with your choices? You chose Chris and now he's-"

"I'd advise you to choose your next words very carefully." Tinu gritted, her confusion fading to anger.

How dare she mention Chris's name?

"Live with your choices, Tinu and stop trying to use the kids as a ladder back to Délé's life." Seyifunmi snarled and eyed her. "It's a shame, those beautiful kids have a slut for a mother."

Tinu stood, unable to bear any of Seyifunmi's insults any longer.

"Get out of my house. Get out before I do something I'll regret." Tinu said pointing at the door. "And I don't ever want to see your face again."

Seyifunmi hissed and stood too.

"Just stay away from my boyfriend and you'll never see me here again." Seyifunmi said and walked out of the house.

Tinu panted in rage and palmed her head.

Was there a mark on her forehead that screamed man-stealer? Just that afternoon, she'd spilled a drink on a man at the food court. She'd tried wiping the stains off when his wife came and embarrassed her in front of all the diners.

She sighed and wiped away the tears that slipped out of her eyes. She never faced thus kind of insults and ridicule while her husband was alive. Was this the kind of life widows led?

"Mummy?"

Tinu gasped as she heard her son's voice. She wiped her tears quickly and turned to face a frowning Temi.

She smiled brightly to hide her tears.

"What are you doing here? I thought you were rehearsing with Mr. Agbe." Tinu called as she walked closer to the boy.

"Tomini was right. She is a witch." Temi said.

Tinu's smile faltered. Did Temi hear everything Seyifunmi told her?

She sank to her haunches in front of him.

"What did you hear?"

"She called you bad names, mummy and that's why you're crying. Tomini was right about her." The boy said with tears in his eyes.

Tinu felt hatred unlike anything she had ever felt before.

"Stop crying." She cooed, wiping tears off his face.

"I'm crying because you're crying, Mummy." The boy said and wiped away the tears she didn't even know she was shedding.

"Mummy, you're not all the bad things she said. She's a liar. A pathological liar." Temi said and she pulled her son in her a hug to comfort herself.

Usually she'd have asked him where he learnt the big word but today she couldn't. She was too overwhelmed with its aptness.

"Mummy, stop crying, please." Temi sobbed.

She pulled away and wiped her tears and smiled.

"See. Mummy's not crying again."

He nodded and sniffled. "What are we going to do now?"

"We?"

"Yes, we. We are the five musketeers. All for one and one for all. Remember?" The boy said.

She chuckled, sniveling.

"First, we keep this between the two of us." Tinu said and the boy frowned.

"You always say no secrets."

She smiled and said, "It won't stay a secret for long. Just please. Not a word about this to Tomini, Chris, Grandma and Grandpa. And certainly not to your Daddy."

Temi frown weakened as fear coated his eyes.

"She's not going to be our stepmom, is she?"

"Not if I have anything to say about it." Tinu promised and Temi nodded. "Now go back to rehearsal."

Temi nodded again and left the room.

If Seyifunmi saw her as an opportunist because of her rapport with her children's father then she'd end it.

She wasn't going to ask Dele to choose between his girlfriend and his children.

She'd make the choice for him . She walked back to her room to place a call to her travel agent.

Josipov:

Try amala plus Abula with ogunfe as dinner.
You'll thank me later.
Well done for the good works so far.

Already had Lafu and Egusi for dinner. You can support with the ogufe.

Sorry it's short. Today's been wild for me.

Comment please.

Episode 17 - A warning.

Seyifunmi barged into the flat with tears in her eyes. She'd been right all this while. How could Dele? How could he?

She never thought him the kind of man to cheat, but it wasn't really written on the forehead. Her heart writhed in extreme pain and all she wanted was to take it out. But that wasn't possible, thus she was doomed to suffer the worst kind of pain.

The pain of a heartbreak.

She yelled and through her handbag across the room,not minding her phone was still in it.

"Jesus Christ!" Ose shouted.

She turned and saw her two man audience.

"Shay, what happened?" Ro called and walked up to her.

Her tears spilled as she ran into her cousin's arms.

"He's a bastard. A godforsaken bastard." She sobbed.

"Oh my God, Shay, you're scaring me. Were you raped?" Rosanna whispered.

"Délé's having an affair with Tinu." She cried and clutched unto Rosanna tighter.

The twin gasp from Ose and Rosanna deepened her wounds as she recalled everything. She sobbed harder and felt Ose rub her back.

She wanted to die, evaporate, vanish, or anything to get away from the tremendous pain Dele had dealt on her. Her heart kept on quivering along with everything visceral in her. It was as though someone had poured acid on her internal organs and she was helpless to stop him or heal herself. Everytime she remembered what happened earlier in the day a ton of acid flowed onto her being and she was powerless to stop it.

"Shay, are you sure? Did you catch them together?" Ose asked. She broke away from Rosanna and turned to face him.

"Yeah. Invariably. I heard their phone conversation." She answered and walked to where her bag lay and fished out her Dictaphone.

She walked back to them and tapped the navigation buttons to select her last recording. She had been on a conference call working on a proposal with a few of her subordinates and had been recording their ideas.

She got her period and ended the call as she left to get herself some sanitary pads. When she got back to her work she found her Dictaphone still recording.

She was rewinding the recording to listen to the ideas she recorded when she stumbled upon Délé's conversation with Tinu.

She should have known Délé's disinterest in sex was more than just a headache. He wasn't interested because he was getting it elsewhere.

She bit her lips as she fumbled her Dictaphone as she fast forwarded the recording . Her eyes were blinded with tears and her heart pounded in pain.

Didn't Dele think of how devastated she'd be? Did he even think of her feelings? Most certainly not. She could still hear the thrill in his voice as he said, 'I'll see you at the hotel, babe.'

She was right not to have trusted Tinu. The skank was shameless. She left Dele for Chris and now Chris was dead, she wanted to return back to her vomit.

She shouldn't blame Dele. It was all Tinu's fault.

She tapped the play button and Délé's voice filled the room.

"Hey babe. I saw your missed calls…. I know you're waiting for me at the hotel…. I'm sorry. Seyifunmi wouldn't leave the house and I'm running out of excuses to give her…. Babe, babe, I said I'm sorry…"

He let out a hearty chuckle and said, "Don't even try it, Atinuke. You know I have what you want…. You're telling me 'if you want it, come and get it.' Somebody will let you have few minutes of control, you will be doing anyhow….You know if I handle you will cry…. Oh, just wait. Your 'please Dele' will be like music in my ears…. Don't worry. I'll see you at the hotel, babe... I'll just get the keys from the receptionist.…. Okay….Yeah…. Me too babe."

Rosanna sighed and looked at Ose.

"Seyifunmi, maybe they were talking about something else. I mean those could be like sexual innuendos. Dele doesn't seem like the type to cheat." Rosanna said.

Seyifunmi chuckled and said, "So the hotel and room keys were innuendos as well?"

Rosanna groaned and turned to Ose. "Please, reason with her."

Ose scratched the back of his head.

"I don't know-"

"Don't tell me you believe Délé's is cheating just by listening to that one-sided conversation." Rosanna cried.

"Ro, be factual. I have what you want? If I handle you, you will cry? Your please Dele will be like music to my ears? Seyifunmi wouldn't go out? And I've run out of excuses to give her? If that isn't a man cheating, I don't know what is!" Ose cried.

Seyifunmi bit back a sob as she realized she wasn't just over thinking. Ose saw it too.

Ro rolled her eyes at Ose and turned back to her.

"Seyifunmi, calm down. It might not be as you're thinking. Maybe it's a misunderstanding. Maybe-"

"Rosanna, you're amazing but too trusting. And that was why Dare was able to hurt you." See said as she wiped her face.

Rosanna frowned and shook her head.

"So what are you going to do?" Ose asked.

"I'm going to put Tinu in her place and tell her to leave my man alone. If not, I'll show her children what are skank she really is." Seyifunmi said.

"That's a horrible idea!" Rosanna cried.

"What would you have me do? Sit back and let Tinu steal Dele? Just like you let another woman steal Dare away from you?" Seyifunmi fired back.

Her head tilted from the force of Rosanna's slap and the sound resonated in the room. Alongside Ose's gasp.

"How dare you?" Seyifunmi cried and raised her hand to retaliate.

Rosanna caught her hand midair and slapped her on the other cheek with tears glistening in her eyes.

"You have no idea what happened, so don't go running your stupid mouth when you don't know everything." Rosanna shouted and stormed out of Ose's house after grabbing her handbag.

Ose ran after her but came back a few seconds after.

"Did you see what she did to me?" Seyifunmi cried as she rubbed her cheeks.

"Yeah. And if I were her, I'd have slapped you some more." Ose snapped.

"Sure, take her side Romeo!" She sneered and walked towards her bag. "I don't even know why I came here."

She picked up the bag and walked towards the door. Her hand was on the handle when Ose groaned, "Date didn't dump Ro or run off with another woman. He died."

She stilled and turned back with her face questioning.

"Yeah." He clarified. "Dare died. He gave his life for his daughter."

"What?!"

Counter24:
Wow!!!
Millie, how do your thoughts even function sef...
Like you drop these things like you are merely drinking water.

I pray for you and I hope God answers this prayer of mine...... "You will get a PUSH, the right PUSH that will send you to stardom and be celebrated".

Amen ooo. I receive it.

Episode 16 - Trouble in paradise.

Timi slapped his friend on the back as he rounded the table to take a seat. Dele exchanged greetings with his friend, grateful his friend had finally finished his rounds. His thoughts had almost killed him.

The worst thing had happened to him. The worst, most embarrassing thing that could ever happen to any man happened to him. He'd never forget that day for as long as he lived.

"So, what brings you here?" Timi said. "I'm sure the mighty CEO couldn't have left work on a Monday afternoon to come and gist."

Dele perched on the edge of his sofa and frowned.

"Timi, I'll go straight to the point. I think something is wrong with my…" He said and looked down at his crotch.

"Your what?!" Timi asked with his brows furrowed in confusion.

"My…" Dele said and looked down.

"Your what?" Timi said smiling.

"My d*ick, you slowpoke." Dele gritted and Timi burst into laughter.

"It's not funny." Dele shouted.

"So you couldn't say the word d*ick? You act like a nun during Lent." Timi said and sat up in his chair.

"Just shut up and tell me what to do. I'm about to propose marriage and my d*ick goes AWOL?"

"Sounds like your village people's work to me." Timi joked.

"Shut up and give me something to use!" Dele scolded.

"What exactly happened? I can't just prescribe drugs or a treatment without knowing the full details." Timi said dropping all drollery and putting on his concerned physician look.

"I've been having trouble getting in the mood for a couple of days because of a severe headache I've been nursing. Finally, I got in the mood and Seyifunmi and I were making out. I had an erection then. And as we were about to make love, it disappeared. Gone. Just like that and I couldn't get it up again. And for two days now, there's been no show." Dele explained.

Timi sighed and said, "Has it ever happened before?"

"No. Never." Dele cried as Timi opened Délé's file to check the nurses' report from Délé's preliminary medical examination.

Seyifunmi had been understanding and shrugged it off, saying it happened. But it didn't happen. Not to him. Those five minutes were the most embarrassing of his life.

"Your blood pressure is a bit on the low side." Timi mused as he went through the report. "And your urine sample unusually dark."

"Timi, am I okay?" Dele asked in fear. Was he down with something serious enough to affect his libido?

Timi looked and said, "Are you thirsty right now?"

Dele shrugged and nodded.

Timi closed the file. "Nothing's wrong with you. You're dehydrated is all."

"Phew." Dele sighed.

"Dele, it's not to be taken lightly. You need your eight glasses a day. Dehydration could lead to hypertension, heart disease and kidney infection. And with your dropping blood pressure, you could go into shock if it becomes chronic. It's already causing Erectile Dysfunction in you." Timi warned frowned.

"I have ED?" Dele cried in shock.

"Temporary ED. Research had shown some cases of dehydration in men causes ED. Dehydration affects how much oxygen is delivered to penile tissue and releases a hormone that restricts blood flow to the penis. Thus, causing no erection or one to fail." Timi explained.

"Is there a drug I can take then?" Dele said.

"Yes." Timi quipped and pursed his lips. "It's called H2O. It's sold in bottles and sachets."

Dele hissed. "Be serious."

"I'm serious. You have to hydrate your body. Drink more water and fluids. Water preferably. Or if you can get coconut water. It hydrates faster than regular water."

"Then how soon does my penis begin working again?" Dele asked.

Timi shrugged and said, "As soon as your body is hydrated."

Dele sighed and said, "Thank you."

"No problem."


*******
Seyifunmi placed a lingering kiss on Délé's lips as she leaned in closer to him. She straddled him on the bed and placed kisses on his neck. She heard him groan and she smiled and licked a trail on his neck.

For the first time in the four years she'd been with Dele, he lost an erection. It was the most humiliating thing that had ever happened to her.

Once, while a freshman in college and desperate to lose her V-card , she'd approached a sophomore to help her. She'd never forget the jerk. J.J. He was an international student just like her and an African too.

She thought for some reason, he'd be nice about it. The guy had lost his erection just as he was about to penetrate and claimed she was the cause. He said the erection wasn't hers anyway. He had been thinking about some other girl because she was too unattractive to give him one and she was too unattractive to sustain it hence the deflation.

She had never felt more ugly in her entire life. She hadn't been confident to date any guy or sleep with anyone until she was twenty-five, seven years after.

When Dele's erection had gone down, she couldn't help but feel like an Ugly Betty again. At first, she thought it was his headache again but for three days now, Dele made no attempt to touch her. And she couldn't help but wonder she was actually unattractive to him.

She lowered her hips, searching for the familiar hardness that would be in his crotch right about now. Her core was aching for some friction and it found nothing.

She masked her disappointment and hurt and kissed his lips again. Dele remained passive. His hands would have been roaming her body but he just placed them lightly on her waist.

"Shay, I'm sorry but I'm not feeling the mood. Let's just go to bed." Dele said as he pulled away.

Her heart broke.

"Um, sure. Okay." She whispered and rolled off him.

"Goodnight, my love." Dele said and kissed her cheek. He turned on his side with his back facing her.

God!

She was losing her sex appeal.


******

Dele chugged on the bottle of water and screw the cap back in anger. This water thing wasn't working. It was already a week and his erection wasn't back yet. He felt less of a man every time he turned his back on Seyifunmi as they slept after telling her he wasn't in the mood.

He'd have to go for a follow up with Timi. This thing was more than just dehydration. He needed pills. Something that would bring back his action. Maybe he'd just go and buy Viagra.

The thought of him buying Viagra left a nasty taste in his mouth. He wasn't even fifty yet.

"What did that bottle of water do to you?" Tinu jived as she held out a file to him.

He shook his head and collected the file.

"Doctor said I'm dehydrated." He grunted and flipped open the file.

"Have you tried coconut water?" Tinu asked as sat opposite him at the dining table.

His frown vanished and he looked at her. Timi had mentioned it too.

"Timi said to try it but I didn't pay much thought to it."

"I used it for Reggie when she was recovering. I think I still have a couple of bottles left. You can have it, if you want." She offered and put on her glasses.

"Yes please." He said.

Maybe this was his solution.

"Okay, then."

She hollered for Temi. The boy came and she asked him to bring the three bottles of coconut water left in the kitchen.

"I have this customer near the hotel in Badagry. She set up her own plant. She produces coconut water, coconut milk and coconut oil. She recently even got her SON approval along with her NAFDAC number." Tinu informed him.

"Then maybe when we go to Badagry on Saturday, you'll take me to her plant so I can buy a couple of cases.

Tinu shrugged and said, "No wahala. Oh and by the way, I'll drop off the keys to your place on Saturday. The boys should be through with the guestrooms by Friday."

Dele smiled. Finally. He could propose as soon as the house was done.

"Thank you, Iyabeji Interior Decorations." Dele jived.

She scrunched up her nose and frowned.

"My business name is Tris Interiors. Ogbeni, respect yourself. Besides, I've told you to stop calling Iyabeji. Iyabeji is meant for old, fat women. Me, I'm a babe."

Dele howled in laughter.

"Babe ko, babe ni. Iyabeji is what I will be calling you. If you like don't answer."

happyjuliet:


Nice write dear, I have read this story in one site like that (About the lady who did 4abortions for her bf)

Probably just a coincidence.

Episode 15 - And first position goes to….

Dele walked towards the balcony where he met his mother's husband sitting reading a newspaper. He bent in a half prostration and greeted the elderly man.

The man turned and smiled at him.

"Ha, Bamidele. Welcome." The man greeted and closed the newspaper in his hands and folded it.

Dele smiled back and took a seat beside him.

"Bawo ni? How's work?" The man asked and turned to face him.

Dele shrugged and said, "All's well. How are you and mummy and Robert? It's been a while since I last saw that guy."

Donald chuckled and said, "Reggie has a case of food poisoning. She's been stooling, so Tinu took her to the hospital. Elsa went with her. So, Motunde and Robert are watching the kids."

"Oh. I hope it's nothing serious." He said. He knew just how much Reggie mattered to Tinu. He couldn't imagine just how frazzled Tinu would be now.

No wonder she hadn't been picking his calls. He had wanted to come apologise for Seyifunmi's behavior.

"It's a little but it's under control now." Donald said. "Anyway, I wanted to ask you something."

"What sir?" Dele asked.

"What exactly went down between you, Seyifunmi and Tinu on Sunday?" The man asked and leaned his head on his upright arm.

Délé's mouth opened. Did Tinu come home to report to them?

"Tinu didn't tell us what happened, if that's what you are thinking. Tomini came to me and your mum. She said her mother wanted to take away your visiting rights because of Seyifunmi and that she didn't want her to and that we should beg her." Donald said.

Dele sighed and smiled weakly at his daughter's acts. He had always thought winning Tomini's love would be impossible but somehow, maybe by divine orchestration, Tomini loved him and Seyifunmi was going to ruin it.

He explained everything to the man. He decided explaining the situation would help if Tinu chose to make good on her threat. He was tired of having that threat hanging over his head.

"Wow!" The man said. "Are you sure Seyifunmi's action is not propelled by jealousy?"

He scrunched his face in doubt. Seyifunmi? Jealous?
"Of what? The kids?"

That was ludicrous.

"Them and Tinu." The man supplied.

Dele chuckled and shook his head. "Seyifunmi? Jealous of Tinu? Because of what?"

Donald smiled. A smile that meant you are naive.

"Seyifunmi has no reason to be jealous of Tinu-"

"Had." Donald corrected. "Before, Tinu was married and you were single. Now, you both are single due to the unfortunate passing of Chris. You are friends and co-executors of Chris's will. And being candid, Tinu's easy on the eyes. Any woman would be jealous."

Dele shook his head. "Not Seyifunmi. She's knows how serious I am about her. We've talked about marriage and our future together. I mean, I've gotten a ring already. This is the woman I want to make my wife. If she feels jealous, then she should talk to me. Not lash out on my children."

Donald pursed his lips.

"Jealousy is usually irrational. Let's say she's not jealous of Tinu but of the children. From what I've gathered with my little knowledge of your relationship, correct me if I'm mistaken, Seyifunmi wants to come first with you but you place your children first." Donald put in.

"Of course. Omo eni l'omo eni. Your child will never desert you. My father left my mother. I was all she had left. I'm not going to place a woman who storms out at the barest provocation above my children." Dele answered. (Your child is yours.)

Dele frowned and continued, "I remember when Seyifunmi and I had an argument about her mum, she walked out on me. I gave her a few days to cool off and then I called her. Guess what. She'd blocked me from calling her. She deleted me as a friend and blocked me on her social media accounts.

"She didn't reach out for close to six months. That wasn't a singular occurrence. Another time, we fought about something as trivial as a beggar I gave too much money who turned out to be a phony. She walked out again. Just the other week, we fought because I let food go to waste. Granted, I know I was at fault, but she stormed out again. She always leaves rather than stay and work things out.

"Recently, I've been wondering if my love for her is enough reason to marry her. Maybe one day when we argue as a couple, the next day she'll slap me with divorce papers. It's infruriating and discouraging. When we argued on Sunday, I was pissed and told her to leave. I meant to leave me alone. The next minute, Seyifunmi was packing her bags and I haven't been able to get through to her.

"I can't always be chasing after her with apologies. It's exhausting. I need her to be mature and stop acting like a petulant child. I don't know. Maybe it's because she's the last born in her family. I honestly don't know. If I place my children first, it's because Seyifunmi isn't worthy of being that esteemed.

"And she knows how long I've waited for my children to love me just as much as they loved Chris. Why would she try to jeopardize our relationship?"

Dele panted in soft gasps as he finished airing his mind.

Donald sighed and said, "You have a point but what are you going to do? Are you going to dump her and look for an understanding woman?"

Dele raised his brow.

"Dele, do I need to remind you how old you are? Bi igi eleyi o da, a yo nu. Igi oun o da, a yo nu. Dakun, nigba wo l'ama s'ounje tan. Rather, than complain, have you tried talking to her? Communication is key in any relationship. Keeping your feelings bottled and making Seyifunmi second place will not help your relationship with her. Talk to her. Dele, I know you love that girl and I'm certain she loves you. She looks at you the same way your mother looks at me."(Proverb: If you keep complaining, when will you achieve what you want?)

Dele chuckled and the man smiled.

"Don't tell your mom I said that. But jokes apart, she loves you and she's stuck around for three years and counting. For what it's worth, she's ready for a commitment. I'm not saying you should go ahead and marry her. Don't get me wrong. If there are more warts, then maybe you should consider ending the relationship, rather than leading her on. She doesn't deserve it. But if it is only this issue that you've told me, then talk to her." Donald advised.

Dele sighed and said, "Ese sir."(Thank you, sir)

Donald waved it off, "It's nothing. You're a son to me. And-"

The man was interrupted by Délé's ringtone.

"Sorry sir. Excuse me." Dele said as he brought the phone out of his pocket.

His pupils widened at the caller ID.

Seyifunmi.

"I'd take it's Seyifunmi calling." Donald said and Dele looked at him.

The man smiled and got up.

"I'll go and check on the children. I hope Chris has not turned Robert to a horse again." The man put in and shuffle out.

Dele sighed and tapped the answer button.

"Hello?"

"Hello Dele. Hi." Seyifunmi's shaky voice said. "Um, I wanted to talk and I came to the house, but you're not in."

"Yes. I went out."

He heard her gulp and said, "When will you be back?"

"I'm not sure. Maybe in three hours or more. I don't know. Do you want to talk over the phone? I don't want to keep you waiting."

"I'll wait." She put in. "Just take your time. I'll wait."

He shrugged and said, "Okay. I'll see you later."


******
(Insecure by Sauti Sol.)

Seyifunmi wringed her hands as she heard the door open. She hoped her apology and the peace offering dinner she made would appease him. He smoothed out a crink on a napkin and walked towards the door.

"Hey." She greeted with her voice shaky.

"Hey." He answered and walked towards her. His eyes widened for two seconds as he took in the dining table and then they remained passive.

"I made Amala, Ewedu and pork stew." She announced. People said the way to a man's heart was through his stomach. She didn't believe it but she needed all the help she could get.

"Oh. I'm sorry. I didn't know you'd be making dinner. I already ate. I thought you'd be gone already. I texted you that I was stuck in traffic." Dele said.

"I know. I felt you'd be hungry." She answered.

Dele sighed and said, "What do you want to talk about?"

A tear slipped out of her eye and she wheezed, "Dele, I'm sorry. I'm sorry for insulting Tomini and for saying things that could put your relationship with your children at risk. I'm really sorry. I know I f*ucked up big time but I'm sorry."

His face softened and he asked, "Why?"

She choked on a sob. How would she tell him that she was going insane with jealousy? How would she tell him that she was going mad waiting for his proposal?

"I'm sorry." She pleaded.

"Why did you do it?" Dele asked as he neared her trembling frame.

"I don't have a good reason or a tangible explanation. I don't know what came over me. I just want you to forget me." Seyifunmi cried.

Dele sighed. "Seyifunmi, I need you to tell me that bad reason and that intangible explanation. I'm ready to talk now. I want to understand what I did wrong that made you lash out on Tomini, so it won't repeat itself. Seyifunmi, please, I can't have the woman I love and my daughter playing Iran and Iraq. Tell me why you made that comment."

Seyifunmi sobbed and said, "I'm sorry."

He groaned and yelled, "Tell me the reason. Please. I need to know why."

"Because I'm scared." She shouted back. "I'm scared you'll leave me, Dele. I'm scared you'll dump me and never look back."

Dele placed his hands on her arms. "Why will you think that?"

"Dele, I'm not young anymore. Soon, I won't be attractive anymore and I'm scared you'll grow tired of me." She lied.

If she told him of her anxiety at waiting for his proposal, he might just propose out of sheer pity or guilt and she didn't want that. If she told him of her jealousy, he'd get angry that she mistrusted him. And it wasn't him she mistrusted, it was a certain widow who strutted around braless around another woman's man.


Why was she so insecure? She was the one Dele came home to every night.

Except the nights he was working with Toni. A voice said in her head.

"Seyifunmi, answer me!" Dele shouted and shook her out of her thoughts.

"I'm sorry. I was just listening to LTS the other day and a girl said-"

"I am not that girl's boyfriend. I am yours. Seyifunmi, please don't measure our relationship with the yardstick of others. Please." Dele begged and she nodded.

"I'm sorry." She said and hugged him. "Dele, I'm sorry. I'll apologise to Tinu and Tomini. I'll make this work."

His hand palmed her head. "Thank you and I forgive you."


******

Tomini ran to her room when she saw the person at the door. She didn't want to face the wicked witch. Only God knew what she wanted. She steeled her back. This was her house, her turf.

If the wicked witch tried anything, she'd give her an Osoto Gari and show her her Nikyu(blue belt) wasn't for decoration.

Maybe she'd get grounded but she'd have the satisfaction of showing the lady who was boss. Her lips spread into a smile as she imagined Aunty Seyifunmi on her back crying and writhing in pain.

Too bad her new school didn't have judo. Her mum promised to find her a dojo .She sighed as she flopped on her bed as Dapo came to her mind. She missed her best friend. When she called him to tell him she was moving to a new school, he was disheartened.

She missed him. She hoped she'd be able to make new friends who were as good as Dapo.

She picked up her jotter and started reading the lyrics of the song they were going to sing Grandma on her birthday. If she forgot another word, Temi would flip.

She heard a knock and looked up. She met her mum standing by the door.

"Baby, there's someone here to see you." Her mother called.

"If it's wickedy witch, tell her to go away. If not I'll pluck out her eyes." She said and continued reading.

"I thought I told you to stop calling her that." Her mother said and walked in to sit beside her on the bed.

Tomini dropped her book and looked down at her hands.

"Tomini, she's here to apologise. At least hear what she wants to say. And besides, I told you to apologise to her for being surly and naughty. This way you kill two birds with one stone." Her mother said and carressed her head.

The girl looked up at her and said, "Mummy, she's evil and pretending. She wants to take Daddy away from us. That's her plan. Once she married Daddy, he won't love us again. Can't you see? She only wants us to believe she's nice but she isn't."

"Tomini," Her mother drawled in exasperation.

"Mummy, I'm eight now. I'm not stupid. If Daddy marries her, they'll have their own children and he won't have time for us anymore. And it will like when Daddy died all over again." Tomini said crying.

"We'll be alone. And I don't want us to be alone." Tomini sobbed and her mother hugged her.

"Tomini, your Daddy will never abandon you-"

"You don't know that!" Tomini cried.

Tinu pulled her away and said, "Look at me," the girl slowly raised her head, "if your Daddy wanted to abandon you, he'd have done it when I was in the hospital. But he didn't, because he loves you."

"But what if she casts a spell on him? And-"

"You used to like Aunty Seyifunmi before!" Tinu sighed.

"That was before." Tomini sniveled.

"Tomini, do you trust me?" Her mother asked and she nodded.

"Nothing will take your father away from you. I promise you."

Tomini nodded and hugged her mother. "Thank you, Mummy."

"That's okay. Now, go and meet Aunty Seyifunmi and be nice to her."

Episode 14 - And the mountain comes visiting Mohammed.

Seyifunmi paused the movie airing. Her heart thanked Dele for fixing her up with a HD-PVR decoder. Her mind shunned it as she remembered how he'd asked her to leave him. She was always going to be second place with him.

Temi and Tomini would always come first and she wasn't sure if she could stand that. He was first in her life and she expected the same from him. But time and time over he'd proved she was second fiddle.

"Coming." She shouted as the door bell rang again. She sprinted to the door and opened it. Her heart sank as she saw who came visiting. She gulped and her palms grew sweaty.

Her mother's frown and her immediate older sisters' smug looks made her want to melt in fear. If her mother had left Ibadan to come to Lagos, this was not going to be a good visit.

"Se o o ni kuro l'ona ka wole?" Her mother said and pushed her out of the way and entered into the apartment.(Won't you leave the way, do we can't enter?)

Sister Simi followed their mother humphing and Sister Liza gave her a weak smile as she entered. Sister Liza was the closest to Seyifunmi. She was the only one of her siblings she had a rapport with.

Though they were twins, fraternal twins, they were as different as night and day. Where Sister Simi was dark, Sister Liza was fair. Where Sister Liza was average chested, Sister Simi had jugs the size of Russia. Where Sister Liza was understanding, Sister Simi was a cross between Hitler and Gadaffi.

Sister Simi was their mum's favorite. Only God knew why. However with all their differences, they were thicker than thieves.

Seyifunmi sighed and locked the door. She walked back to the living room and stood.

"E kaasan ma," Seyifunmi greeted, genuflecting.

Her mother grunted a response and Seyifunmi greeted her older sisters.

"Should I get you something to drink?" Seyifunmi asked. "Water or juice?"

"Did I tell you I came to Lagos for water or juice?" Her mother snarled. "Jo ko."(Sit down.)

Seyifunmi sighed and sat opposite her mother. This was not going to be fun. She stifled a smile.

"Look, I came here to talk sense to you. And I brought your sisters, so that they can talk to you. And so that they can be my witnesses. So that when people say why didn't you talk to your daughter, they will be there and say, 'Won so fun. Seyifunmi lo ko lati gboro.'" Her mother started.
(She told her. It was Seyifunmi who refused to listen.)

"To. Eyin mejeji, ke la eti yin, ke gbo." Her mother continued and placed the handbag sitting on her laps on the couch.(So. You two, open your ears and listen.)

"In seven years, Seyifunmi, you will be forty and you don't think you have a problem? For four years, you and Dele have been traipsing around and it has not occurred to either of you that it is time to get married?" Her mother said and Seyifunmi resisted the urge to roll her eyes.

"Shebi, bi iwaju o se lo, eyin se pada si. If Dele has no plans for the future, then leave him and find someone who is future-oriented."(If one can't go forward, then it's best to turn back.)

"Me, I can't leave Dele o." Seyifunmi grumbled and crossed her arms over her chest in protest.

That wasn't an option.

Her mother sneered and pointed at her, "Ewo bi o se n soro bi ode. Se won ri obi e si eyinkule e?(Look how she's talking like a fool. Was your placenta buried in his backyard?)

Seyifunmi's mouth turned acrid at the insult and her frown deepened.

"So if he doesn't propose in ten years, you will be waiting like a fool?" Her mother asked and scoffed. "O je ya ara e ni brain, Seyifunmi."(Lend yourself some brain, Seyifunmi.)

Seyifunmi mumbled under her breath and her mother scorned, "See this one. You think you're doing me? If you don't know, ile obinrin o kin pe su. Because your breasts are still standing,you think you are young abi it is the Mary Kay you people are rubbing that is deceiving you?" (A woman's beauty fades quickly.)

Her mother's voice and gaze hardened. "Mo n so temi ni sin. If you think it is grandchildren that is hungrying me, think again. I have twenty one. I'm just telling you so that it will not be too late for you to have children."(I'm saying my piece now.)

Her mother pursed lips and clasped her hands together as she stared away from Seyifunmi.

"Seyifunmi, what exactly is going on with you and Dele? When you brought him to Adesua's wedding, he said you guys would be next. Was he just joking or what?" Sister Liza asked.

And just as Seyifunmi opened her mouth to talk, Sister Simi eyed her and said, "If I know Seyifunmi, she has sent the man running with her irrational behavior."

Seyifunmi glared at her and said, "I am not irrational."

Her mother flung a throw pillow at her. "Gbe gbogbo enu e soun."(Shut your mouth.)

Seyifunmi mumbled and tossed the pillow on the floor.

Her mother stood and walked closer to her, "Wo, tin ba ko igbati fun e, wa gba pe Olorun o loga. You think I can't beat you? I will sit on your head and beat you. You just try me."(If I slap you, you will realize God has no boss.)

"Mummy, it's okay." Sister Liza pleased.

Seyifunmi shrank at her mother's words and knew better than to dare the woman. She could actually make good on her threat.

Her mother hissed and returned to her seat. Seyifunmi thanked God for Sister Liza's presence. If it only Sister Simi, maybe she'd have stooled down like the old days after being beaten black and blue.

Her mother huffed in anger, "Nonsense. I don't know what is making you so proud. Nobody can talk to you."

"Is it because some people are calling you Oga?" Her mother shouted. "Let me tell you. Aponle o si f'obinrin ti o ba l'oko."(There's no regard for a woman with no husband.)

Leave it to a Nigerian mother to make your successes seem like a failure.

"I don't kukuma blame you. It's your father that spoilt you." Her mother continued.

"Mummy, Dele and I are still together. We've just been going through a rough patch because of his ex-wife and daughter. That's what caused the delay." Seyifunmi said.

"What happened?" Sister Liza asking and Seyifunmi relayed everything that happened during her last visit to Délé's place.

"Ahh!" Her mother shouted. "Omo n ba j'oni, a ba yo. So he told you to leave and you too, you carry your tiny legs like matchsticks and left?"(It's a joyful thing if a child takes after you.)

"Mummy, calm down. Don't raise your BP. You shouldn't be stressing yourself. It's not good for your health." Sister Simi cautioned.

A pang of guilt bit Seyifunmi. It was a miracle that their mother recovered from her stroke with only a limp in her walk. The doctor had specifically warned them not to stress her. Seyifunmi wished she didn't have to put her mother in this situation.

Seyifunmi's mother sighed as her voice cracked. Tears fell from her eyes and she sobbed, "Seyifunmi, so fe pami?"(Seyifunmi, do you want to kill me?)

Sister Simi left her seat to go perch on the arm of her mother's seat.

"Mummy, it's okay." Sister Liza and Sister Simi begged and Seyifunmi felt her eyes sting with tears.

She hated seeing her mother cry.

"All I want is for all of you to have a happy home. K'eni ibujoko ayo. I want all of you to be happily married, so that anytime God calls me home, I can rest peacefully, knowing all my girls are maritally settled. Why is Seyifunmi now making me seem like a monster?" Their mother howled in tears and Seyifunmi cried at the sight.

"Mummy, you're not a monster." Sister Simi said, rubbing their mother's back.

"Mummy, you're not." Sister Liza reiterated.

Seyifunmi's mother wiped her tears and looked at her.

"If you knew you couldn't stand sharing a man, why did you now agree to date a divorcee? Look, let me tell you something. A man who has children with a woman is forever linked to that woman by those children. This Tinu lady gave Dele his first born. No how, no how, he will have some form of attachment towards her. But that doesn't mean he doesn't love you. Seyifunmi, this boy is a good boy. If you push him away with your jealousy, you will regret it and I will hands off your matter."

Please o....

Who are we shipping?

Dele&Tinu or Dele& Seyifunmi.


Just curious.

Episode 13 - Your house or your life?

Tinu smiled as the Temi and Chris ran to her mini van, screaming mummy. Temi pulled open the door for Chris and ran to sit shotgun.

Dele strode to the car holding the children's bags and Tomini walking beside him looking sullen.

Did her Daddy scold her?

Leave it to Tomini to look like someone died whenever somebody scolded her.

She smiled at Dele as he drew closer.

"Hey. Thanks for looking after them." She greeted.

"No p." He said as he dropped their bags on a seat in the back. Tomini hopped into the vehicle after mumbling, "Mummy, good afternoon."

"Emi sha ni mo ran e n se." Dele said and pocketed his hands. (I'm the one who sent you on an errand.) "How did it go?"

She grinned and said, "The delivery should arrive next week. Also, I need the cheque for the plumbers. I already sent you the invoice last night."

He nodded. "I fell asleep while going through it. Don't worry. I'll just transfer the money to you. You can then on pay them."

She nodded.

"Well, I have to go and prepare the kids for school. They can't go late on their first day." Tinu said.

"That's true. Anyway, thanks for everything and for agreeing to stay in Lagos." Dele responded.

She nodded. "Ko t'ope." (It's nothing.) "Just propose and let me come and rice. Wedding rice is hungrying me."

He grinned.

"Bye."

"Bye D.D." Temi and Chris shouted, with Tomini staring at the headrest in front of her.

"Se e ja ni?" Tinu whispered. (Did you two fight?)

Dele shrugged and said, "She's been moody since she cut her finger last night. The glass cup she likes using broke."

Tinu frowned. That wasn't enough reason to get Tomini moody.

"Okay. I'll see you around." She said and raised her window as Dele pulled the door shut.

She activated the child lock and reminded her children to put on their seatbelts. They did and she started the vehicle.

Temi and Chris began jabbering about the cool shows they watched on TV. Temi informed her about the process of making music boxes and Chris told her about the leatherback turtle eggs Diego rescued.

Tomini kept quiet throughout the drive till they got to the nearest traffic light. She watched her daughter through the rearview mirror and caught her wiping her tears off.

What happened? It had to be more than the broken cup.

"Tomini, why are crying?" She asked and the jabbering stopped.

"It's nothing, mummy." Tomini sniveled.

"Mummy, Tomini was naughty yesterday." Chris reported. "She was talking back to Aunty Seyifunmi."

Tomini turned to glare at her brother.

"Mind your business." The girl hissed.

Did Seyifunmi scold her and that's why she was moody?

"N gbo." (Is that true?)

Tomini bowed her head.

"Oluwatomini Oduah, I am talking to you. When I talk to you, you answer me. Why were you rude to Aunty Seyifunmi?" Tinu shouted at her daughter.

The girl flinched and started crying.

"Because she is an evil witch." Tomini said.

"Don't be silly. She's not your mate. She's old enough to be your mother and you will respect her. Do you understand me?" Tinu snapped.

When did that one start? All these American shows are giving these children liver. This is Africa and they better understand that.

Tomini looked at her squarely in the mirror and cried, "But she wants you out of the picture. She wants Daddy to get sole custody. She called me a little, rude, ill-mannered witch."

What?!

"Tomini, tell me everything. From the beginning and don't leave anything out. And you better not lie to me." Tinu instructed with her head pounding.

What gave Seyifunmi the right to call her daughter names? If there was one thing she believed, it was that you could discipline a child without calling him names. From the little she knew, name calling reduced a child's self-esteem.

Tomini narrated everything. From how she heard Aunty Seyifunmi and Rosanna talking in the kitchen to how she broke her ATM card and hid her novel to how she asked for toast and to how she broke her cup and how Seyifunmi called her a witch and said nobody in their right senses would want a child like her.

Tinu's head spun. Was Seyifunmi indirectly insulting her by saying nobody in their right senses would want a child like Tomini?

So because she knew she had a mental infirmity once, she started using it as a point of reference.

The light turned green and Tinu made a U-turn. She was going to teach that loudmouth a lesson.

******

"Dele, did you see my book? I've been looking all over for it?" Seyifunmi asked and lifted up the throw pillows on the couch.

"No." He answered as the door bell rang. He got off the couch. "Check the kitchen."

"I already have." Seyifunmi grunted and flopped on the couch in exasperation.

"You'll find it. Don't worry." He said as he strode to the door.

He unlocked it and pulled it open. He met a frowning Tinu and a teary eyed Tomini.

"What happened?" He asked and held the door wide open for them to come in.

Tinu raised her hand in rejection.

"Bamidele, I don't know what silly games you and your girlfriend are playing, but the next time she calls my daughter names again, I'll skin her alive." Tinu shouted.

What is going on?

"Tinu, why don't you come in and let's talk about this civilly?" Dele said hush.

Tinu chuckled sarcastically and rolled her eyes. "The same me that is not in my right senses? I'm not here for that. Eyin oju mi ni awon omo mi and mi o kin fi won sere." (My children are the apple of my eyes and I don't joke with them.)

Her glare returned as she said, "Kilo fun. Ko gbodo try e mo. If not, I'll show her the Obiliwisky in me and what she can do for her children." (Warn her. She shouldn't try it again)

"Tinu, I'm not sure I understand what you are saying." Dele said frowning.

Why was she accusing Seyifunmi?


"What's going on?" Seyifunmi asked as she drew near to the door.

Dele turned to her, hoping she could clarify what was going on.

"Ask your girlfriend." Tinu retorted.

"I'm right here." Seyifunmi answered and crossed her arms over her chest.

Tinu raised her hand. "Aunty, mi o ba yin soro. I'm talking to Dele, Tomini's father."(Aunty, I'm not talking to you.)

Tinu eyed her and Seyifunmi eyed her back.

"Stop this, please."

Tinu hissed and said, "Tomini said your girlfriend called a rude, ill-mannered witch and that no one in their right senses would ever want a child like her."

Dele turned to Seyifunmi in shock.

How could she say that?

"And that she couldn't stand her." Tinu continued.

"Is that true?" Dele asked Seyifunmi.

"Why don't you ask your pesky, little tattletale what she said to me?" Seyifunmi snapped.

"Seyifunmi." Dele chided.

"She said you shouldn't touch her and that you're not her mother and that you'll never be." Tinu said.

"Oho, why won't I call I rude and-"

"You should have known something made her to be rude to you." Tinu interrupted.

"What are you saying?" Dele asked.

"Tomini overheard your girlfriend talking with her cousin about you getting sole custody of the children," Tinu fired at Dele and then turned to Seyifunmi, "Look, you are not her mother and by the grace of the living God, you never will be."

She faced him and said, "Dele, you know me. If she puts up this attitude and you don't rein her in, I will take you to court and take away your visiting rights on the grounds that I am not comfortable with whom you are exposing my children to. Tomini, let's go."

She pulled her daughter with her and stormed away from the doorway.

"Tinu." He called but she slighted his calls and entered the elevator.

He sighed as Seyifunmi walked back to the living room and he locked the door.

How could she? She knew everything he went through to get to this level with his children. What gave her the impression he wanted sole custody?

"How could you?" He turned to face her.

"You don't know the attitude she was giving me." Seyifunmi said.

"She's just a child." He screamed in exasperation.

"Sure, just go ahead and take her side." Seyifunmi said and walked closer to him.



"This isn't about sides. She's just eight. Even if she was rude, you should have come to me."

"Are y-you saying I can't discipline your children?" Seyifunmi stuttered. "Is that what you're telling me?"

"You didn't discipline her. You insulted her. And that aside, what made you think about talking about sole custody with the children around?"

She shook her head and muttered under her breath, "In fact, I'm glad you don't have sole custody."

What was wrong with this woman? He didn't expect this from her. Why was she putting on all these ridiculous at this time? Was this a sign not to go ahead with proposing to her? He didn't understand.

If she was going to cost him his children, then maybe they'd have to call it quits.

"Let me tell you something. No one else in this world may want Tomini but I want that girl . In fact, I'd give up everything including you to be with her." He snapped.

Seyifunmi squinted and scrunched up her face in confusion.
"What are you trying to say?"

He shook his head. It was easier said than done. He couldn't bring himself to leave Seyifunmi. He loved her too much. Would he really have to pick between his children and the woman he loved?


"Just leave."

"The living room, your house or your life?" She asked.

"Pick whichever suits you." He answered.

She hissed and said, "I'm out of here."

She walked away and he clenched his fists in anger.

Today's pretty quiet.

Anyway, I decided to drop one last update, so that you sleep well.

Or not.

Episode 12 - Little, rude, ill-mannered witch

"I'm through!" Chris shouted from the visitor's restroom by the living room and Tomini groaned.

It was her turn to go call Aunty Seyifunmi from the kitchen. Temi chuckled as he stared at the television screen. She groaned again. It was Temi's two hours of television. He got to pick what to watch and she was so hating the Discovery Channel show he was glued to.

She got off the couch and turned towards to kitchen.

"Please, bring me a glass of water on your way back." Temi said and she replied, "Okay."

She walked to the kitchen and met Aunty Seyifunmi and her cousin, Aunty Ro, laughing.

"Sorry, Aunty Seyifunmi, Chris is done pooing." Tomini announced.

Seyifunmi nodded and said, "Okay. I'll be right there."

Tomini nodded and left the kitchen. She walked back to the living room and then remembered she forgot to get water for Temi.

She sighed and walked back to the kitchen.

"Especially that Tomini that looks like her mother. She reminds me that Dele wasn't mine first and that he'll never be mine completely. And I don't even know what that husband of hers was thinking making Dele an executor. Was he trying to play matchmaker? I wish Dele had gotten sole custody of the twins when Tinu was in the asylum. Then she'd be out of the picture."

Tomini paled as she heard Aunty Seyifunmi's voice say all those words.

So she never really liked them? She knew stepmums could be mean but she thought Aunty Seyifunmi was different.

And she wanted mummy out of the picture and Daddy to get sole custody?

What does sole custody even mean?

She walked back to the living room and tapped on Temi's arm.

"Where is the water?" Temi asked.

"I'll get it later. First, answer me. What is sole custody?" She asked.

Temi shrugged and turned back to the TV.

"Daddy has a dictionary in his room." He answered.

Tomini hissed. "You will see who will bring water for you."

"I have legs." Temi answered still gawking at the screen.

Tomini walked to her father's room and opened the door. She turned to the six foot tall book shelf by the door and found the dictionary on the top shelf.

She sighed. She wouldn't be able to reach it even if she climbed a stool. She looked around the room for something she could add to the stool of a boost and found Aunty Seyifunmi's phone charging.

She smiled and walked to the phone. She knew her password. She had seen her enter it once. She spelt it out as she typed it in.

S-H-A-Y-L-O-V-E-S-D-E-L-E

She clicked on the Google app icon and typed in the sole custody meaning for dummies.

The results came up and she clicked on the first one. Nearly dropping the phone in shock, her jaw dropped as the ramification of what Aunty Seyifunmi wanted dawned on her.

She wanted their mummy out of their lives. She shook her head.

Not on her watch.

She cleared the tabs and dropped the phone.

*****

"Guys, your rice is ready!" Aunty Seyifunmi hollered. Temi and Chris cheered and rushed to the dining table. Tomini hissed and picked up the remote Temi had abandoned and changed the channel.

She caught a Barbie animation airing and sat cross-legged on the sofa.

"Tomini, are you not eating?" Temi called. She ignored him.

Tomini heard Aunty Seyifunmi's footsteps head in her direction and she pretended not to hear anything.

"Tomini, food is ready. Come to the table." Aunty Seyifunmi said smiling.

Evil, pretentious witch.

"Tomini, I said food is ready." Aunty Seyifunmi said with her voice hardening.

Tomini continued watching the tale of Barbie as Rapunzel.

"Didn't you hear me?" Aunty Seyifunmi gritted.


Tomini turned to her with her brow raised.

"I'm a girl. Not a guy. You only asked the boys what they wanted. You didn't ask me. If you want to know, I don't want rice. I want toast bread. Not with fresh pepper but with dry pepper and eggs and sardine. With a cup of Bournvita. Thanks." Tomini said and turned back to the television.

"Why didn't you say this before I went to make the rice?" Aunty Seyifunmi said, grinding her teeth.

Tomini turned to her and smirked.

"Oops. Sorry."

She caught the look of surprise on Aunty Seyifunmi's face and she beamed at her.

You have no idea what is coming on.

Tomini had already broken her ATM card and hidden the novel she was reading. Aunty Seyifunmi had declared war by wanting her mummy "out of the picture" and she'd get war.

Aunty Seyifunmi shook her head and left the living room.

******
Tomini ran to her Daddy's room with her bleeding finger held up. She had been trying to get a glass of juice but her favorite glass was dirty. She tried washing it but the glass slipped out of her slippery, wet hands and fell to the floor. Trying to clean up her mess, she cut her index finger on one of the broken pieces.

The finger kept on oozing blood and her eyes watered. She knocked on the door with her good hand.

"Daddy!" She called.

She knocked again and shouted, "Daddy."

She heard whispering and then the key turning in the lock. The door opened and the evil witch came out.

She looked down at her bleeding finger and her face contorted into a mask of concern.

Pretender.

"Sorry, let me help you." Aunty Seyifunmi said and stretched her hand out to touch her. Tomini slapped it away and glared at her.

"I want my Daddy." She whined.

The lady stared at her in shock and then pursed her lips and crossed her arms across her chest.

"He's on a call now."

"I'll wait for him." Tomini retorted.

"Do you want your wound to fester?" She said and dropped her arms.

Tomini tilted her head in confusion.

What did fester mean?

"To get infected?" The lady simplified as though she heard her thoughts.

"I want my Daddy." Tomini reiterated staring the witch down.

"And I said he's on a call." The lady fired at her frowning.

"And I said I will wait for him. Sheesh!" Tomini snapped.

What was her business?

"Don't make me smack you." The lady shouted.

"Don't you dare touch me," Tomini shouted, pointing her bloody finger at the older woman. Who did she think she was?

"Only my mummy has the right to beat me and you're not my mummy and you never will be." Tomini shouted at the lady.

The lady raised her hand and then stopped herself.

You should have hit me. Then, you would have faced my mummy.

Tomini smirked at her with a cocky grin on her face, satisfied the lady couldn't push through with her beating and loving the seething look on her face as she clenched her jaw.

"You little, rude, ill-mannered witch. Do you think I want to be your mother? In fact, no one in their right senses would want a child like you." Aunty Seyifunmi gritted in her face.

Tears pooled in Tomini's eyes. The lady just insulted her mother. Her mummy was in her right senses. Maybe she had been sick before, but she was better now.

"Take it back!" Tomini shouted crying.

"No." Seyifunmi said.

Tomini grimace and shouted at her, "I hate you!"

The lady laughed and said, "Guess what. I can't stand you either."

Wickedy witch. Evil monster.

More tears fell from Tomini's eyes. The door opened and her Daddy appeared and took off his earphones.

"Baby, why are you crying?" Her father asked as he crouched in front of her.

Tomini sobbed and hugged him.

"She cut her finger." The evil witch supplied.

"Sorry," Dele said and pulled away. "Common." He said and picked her up grunting. He took her into his bedroom and sat her down on the bed.

"I'll get the first aid kit and clean up your wound."

He left to get the box from medicine cabinet in the bathroom. She waited and saw the evil witch looking at her, smiling.

Rage tore through Tomini as the urge to tackle the lady and beat her like she beat up the boys in her judo class came over her.

Her father returned with the box and sat by her side and cleaned her wound up with antiseptic and bandaged it with a smiley face, cloth-strip plaster.

"As good as new." Her father said and kissed her finger. "I've kissed it better. It will healed in no time."

He chuckled and ruffled her cornrows. She just stared blankly at him with tears still dropping from her face.

What did he see in this wicked monster? Why did he and mummy not stay together? Was it because of her? Was she the reason for their divorce?

"Why are you still crying?" Her Daddy asked and wiped her tears.

"Thank you, Daddy. I'll go to bed now." She said and kissed his cheek.

She left the room without looking at the monster. She hoped she'd go to the kitchen and step on the broken pieces of glass.

Hi guys.

Please there was a part of Episode 7 that was cut off.

I've modified the update. So please do well to read it. Please. It properly explains why Seyifunmi began hating on Tinu and it forms the basis for the subsequent acts of Seyifunmi.

Josipov:
Right from Genesis Dele has not shown any kind of respect to Seyifunmi.
Sex/lust is the only thing binding them both.
His treatment of her is disgusting to me.

If we are being exposed to the sexual part of their relationship, it's because they've been apart for three months and recently just got back to each other.


I don't feel Dele doesn't respect Seyifunmi. I just feel he is aloof and so caught up giving Seyifunmi the proposal of her dreams.

And besides, maybe you all didn't read that part in episode 2. Dele had asked Seyifunmi to marry him severally but she took it as banter.

Anyway.....

Khriztarl:
Jeez.. Bamidele, kilode? Why are you so insensitive? You've lived with seyi for so long and you can't even notice hurt in her voice. You can't communicate her feeling. Some one who's always been cooking for you just said. 'i am not your wife' and you stand here to tell her 'i am not your husband'. Do you even ever consider her? I mean, you have kids, she doesn't. You live in nigeria, you should have an idea, of what our mums do here. Why acting oblivious of the fact that she might be under pressure?. Dele, it's been 3yrs+. She's stood beside you all this while, even when you were in dark moments. Yet, you get her this pained. No, am asking again, what sort of statement is 'i am not your husband'? You berra briddle your yeye tongue and do the need full.
seyi, tinu's not your enemy sha o.
millieademi, please tell temi and tomini not to ask dele to move in with their mum. Please, don't even let any flame spark between tinu nd dele. Make e end for friend zone. Thankyou.

Please for the record, Tinu and the children are staying in Elsa's old apartment. So even they stay in Lagos, they'll be staying there and not with Dele.

Ochyglowsglows:
This Seyi's jealousy is getting out of hand and setting her off the edge. Communication is key in every relationship. If you have issues, talk about it without holding anything back. She should simply talk about her fears and doubts with Dele na

Abi o

genius43:
Seyifunmi, we be her own undoing.....

So much insecurities backed up with poor communication.

You don't know the half of it.

Destiny4fame:
@millieademi, nice work you're doing here, God continue to bless you. Also, you stopped updating DIVIDE, Please, I'm really loving it, why did you stop nah? Please.

Thanks love. And amen.

As per Divide, I'll probably continue once I'm through with this book, before moving on to book three.

Thanks for asking though.

Episode 11 - Her Mumu Button


Tinu groaned as he rejected another ring. He couldn't blame her. This was the fourth store she'd accompanied him to. The rings he'd been shown were beautiful, ranging from antiques to modern and whimsical designs, but they all seemed mundane. He hadn't seen anything that conveyed in detail just how much he loved Seyifunmi and wanted to be with her.

"Just pick one na." Tinu said pointing at the array of rings in front of him.

He ignored her. Anyway, if it were him, he'd have up and left. And Tinu had been really helpful, teaching him the four Cs and how to judge a diamond. She had even impressed the manager of one store so much that he offered her a job on the spot.

He laughed at the memory. The woman whose husband used to mine diamonds for a living. Anyway, he probably judged Tinu unemployed because of the faded jean shirt-dress and sandals she had been putting on.

Tinu claimed not to have been so knowledgeable about jewellery until one snooty socialite had been bent on humiliating her at one ball she attended with Chris. The woman had asked her what gold she was putting on and Tinu had responded yellow.

The woman and her cohorts laughed her to scorn. Tinu later learnt from Chris that the woman wanted to know how many carats the gold necklace was and that it was an eighteen carat gold necklace.

She further learnt the woman was pissed with her because she had wanted Chris to marry her daughter.

Tinu said Chris took it upon himself to explain to her every detail about any piece of jewellery he bought her.

"I don't think I'll get what I want here. I'm sorry for wasting your time." Dele said and stood.

"Wait." The attendant said with her hands outstretched beckoning.

Dele sat back down and met Tinu's exasperated face.

"I swear you will buy me lunch." Tinu said.

The lady returned with a mauve velvet cube and opened it.

"This just arrived today."

This was the ring.

"Oh my God!" Tinu cried and collected the ring from the lady. "This is beautiful."

The frazzled lady beamed and said, "The purple diamond is a three carat, brilliant, fancy intense IF and the flat shank is made of platinum with palladium inlay. It is stone finished. The purple gem is in a cathedral setting. And-"

"Are those leaves filigreed to the inlay?" Tinu asked smiling.

"Yes." The woman said and nodded. "Lavender leaves. Lavender is an evergreen herb and is the symbol of eternal love."

"Oshey." Tinu said and jabbed him the side. "You were right to reject every other ring. If someone gave this to me, I'd marry him that very second."

Dele chuckled.

"I have the diamond authenticity certificate here, sir." The lady said and slipped him a pamphlet.

Dele still examined the ring while Tinu went through the certificate.

"Can I have this engraved?" Dele asked looking up at the attendant.

"Yes sir. We also offer laser engraving services here. The item will be delivered after four working days" The lady responded nodding.


"Can I get a note then?" Dele asked.

"Of course." The lady said and rushed to get a form. She slid it over the glass counter to him along with a pen.

He clicked the pen and scribbled on the paper with Tinu peering over his shoulder. He filled in his bio-data and the address he wanted the ring delivered to. They'd have to drop it off at his office, since Seyifunmi was at home. He filled the blank box the message he wanted engraved on the ring.

My silver lining, my rainbow.

"I go love o!" Tinu guffawed.

"Amebo!" He turned and said to her.

He handed the attendant the form and the ring.

"Sir, I'd advise you have the ring sized first before engraving." The attendant suggested. "Because if it's too thin or wide, it will ruin the engraving."

"That's true." Tinu affirmed.

"Okay." Dele said and collected the box and the form back from the attendant.

"Shall I ring you up?"

"Yes, please." Dele said and the lady left to get a POS machine.

"Dele, how will you size the ring without letting Seyifunmi know?" Tinu asked.

"I have no idea."

Tinu shrugged and asked, "So what about the samples I showed you for the tiles for the master bath? I wasn't able to get the one in the picture. Which do you prefer?"

Dele sighed as he remembered he had another problem. He had to finish furnishing and decorating the house before he proposed to Seyifunmi. He had hired Tinu to decorate the house he'd built for Seyifunmi and himself to her taste. At least, to the taste on her Dream House Pinterest board.

Last night, he had had to lie to Seyifunmi that he was reviewing reports with Tinu, so he could leave to pick out some furniture with Tinu for the game room. Keeping the house a secret was more work than he thought. And decorating was even more exhausting.

"Well, I'd leave it to your professional judgement." He answered.

"Okay then. Then we'll be through with the master bedroom by in three days. I'll order the tiles this night and the boys will begin work tomorrow. After the master bedroom, we'll move to the kitchen. I've already ordered most of the appliances Seyifunmi chose. I must say she has impeccable taste." Tinu said just as the attendant returned.

Dele smiled softly and handed his card to the attendant.

"You can say that again."


*******
Dele got off the phone wondering how he'd convince Seyifunmi to watch the twins and Chris. Tinu had to go out of town to get some maple wood floor boards for a dealer in Port-Harcourt and she needed him to take care of the kids while she was gone.

He had no problem with it. He had planned to take the day off, but he just got a call from his engineers that he was needed at a client's office.

He sighed and walked into his room. Seyifunmi stood by the window and he walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her waist.

Maybe he'd borrow a technique from her. Only God knows why she was so bent on him not leaving the previous night, that she tried seducing him.

She flinched slightly in shock and then leaned back into his embrace.

"What are you watching?" He asked and kissed her neck

She moaned lightly and said, "Some guy tried proposing to his girlfriend in the parking lot. Let's just say it didn't end well."

He chuckled and slipped his hand underneath her tee-shirt. Somehow seeing her in her regular tee was more comforting than the silk nightgowns.

She moaned again as his hands palmed her flat stomach.

"Babe, I need a favor."

"What?" She breathed out.

"I need you to watch the kids tomorrow while I'm at work." He said and the spell was broken.

She pulled away from him and turned to face him with her features painted with horror.

"All four of them?"

"No. Just the twins and Chris." He answered, hoping to dispel the look of terror on her face.

"No. I can't," she said, shaking her head, "I don't want to."

"Please, na. I won't be gone for long. Please." He begged.

She shook her head.

"Dele, that was what you said the last time and you left me alone with them for three days. No. Those kids have enough energy to kill an elephant. I honestly don't know how they do it." She complained and crossed her arms over her chest.

"It's probably all the sugar they eat." He said and pulled her closer.

She shook her head and stamped her feet.

"Dele, I don't want to." She whined.

He smirked, knowing her resolve would soon break.

"C'mon. It will be practice for when we finally have our own baby." He teased and her arms fell from her chest.

"I - I am still on b - b - birth control." She stuttered in shock.

He shrugged and said, "I know but that doesn't mean we can't keep practicing how to make a baby."

He kissed her lips and she wrapped her arms around his neck.

******
"Hey babe." Rosanna greeted as she entered the kitchen.

Seyifunmi turned from the book in front of her and smiled at her cousin. Rosanna joined Seyifunmi at the island and hopped on to the stool in front of the counter.

"What are doing here?" Seyifunmi asked as she slipped a book mark into the book.

"Well, since you left me to die of boredom at home and Ose's on writing lockdown. I decided to come pay you a visit." Rosanna chippered and dropped her black, baguette on the counter.

Seyifunmi raised her brow. Who was Rosanna deceiving?

"Really?" She said and pursed her lips.

"Fine," Rosanna groaned, "DStv subscription finished yesterday and today's the season finale of The Bachelor."

Seyifunmi shook her head smiling.

"Sorry to disappoint but Dele has the TV on parental guidance." Seyifunmi informed her and Rosanna groaned.

"So I wasted five hundred naira for nothing?" Rosanna lamented as she laid on the counter.

"We have WiFi." Seyifunmi put in and Rosanna reared her head.

"That's why I love you."

Seyifunmi shook her head and picked up her book. Rosanna turned to look at Seyifunmi and her peering eyes spotted a mark on Seyifunmi's neck.

"Is that a hickey?" Rosanna cried in delight.

"Where?" Seyifunmi asked, feigning ignorance.

"Right here." Rosanna said as her hand reached out to touch the mark at the base of Seyifunmi's neck. Seyifunmi swatted Rosanna's hand away.

"Mind your business." Seyifunmi said with a shy smile on her face.

"You had sex with him again?" Rosanna cried and Seyifunmi clouted her arm.

"Keep your voice down. The kids are here and I don't want to be the reason why Dele has to explain what sex is." Seyifunmi scolded.

Rosanna tsked smiling. "You slept with him again."

"More like again and again." Seyifunmi said, smiling bashfully.

"I thought you were going celibate till he proposes." Rosanna asked.

"You have no idea what that man does to me." Seyifunmi sighed.

"Is he that good?" Rosanna asked squinting in disbelief.

"I can't begin to explain."

"Wow," Rosanna said smiling, "this guy is pressing your-"

She raised her head in thought.

"How did Ose say it? Oh yeah!" She said and snapped her fingers as she remembered. "He dey press your mumu button."

Seyifunmi shrugged.

She wouldn't deny it. She knew she was putty in Délé's hands and her celibacy regime wouldn't last that long, but she couldn't help it. It was her reflex and primal reaction to him.

Episode 10 - The era of celibacy

Délé's eyes followed Seyifunmi as she got ready for bed. When he had changed her wardrobe, he had specifically instructed the personal shopper he hired to get her exotic sleep wear. Seyifunmi had splurged on a silk nightie once and he enjoyed seeing her in it.

Ever since the wardrobe facelift, she never wore any of the sleep wear he bought her. She loved sleeping in oversized cotton tee-shirts. She claimed the absorbed heat better. He didn't mind, since they were mostly his tee-shirts.

But, since she decided to spend her three week leave with him, she'd been strutting around in gossamer silk sleep wear and exciting him. But for three days now, Seyifunmi had not been 'in the mood.'

He didn't know if this was torture or a punishment, but it was hell.

His eyes trailed her till she crawled on to the bed and kissed his lips lightly.

"G'night."

She rolled on to her side of the bed and laid on her side with her hips thrusted out to his side.

God, what is this?

The black sheer mini gown left nothing to the imagination as he saw her skin teasing him from underneath it. The skin he wanted to touch, kiss and hold.

Did she want him to beg or what?

His eyes working on their own accord skimmed her over from her exposed neck to the tips of her toes. Somebody was loving the view and blood began to flow down south.

Well, it was time to take the bull by the horn.

He inched closer to her and from her heavy breaths, he knew she wasn't sleeping. He smirked.

C*ock tease.

His hand went to her silky smooth thigh and carressed it as he planted kisses on her neck. He didn't miss the hitch in her breath as he placed open mouthed kisses to her neck.

He felt her body heat up as his hand moved higher. He got the curve of her hip and tipped over the side to reach the apex of her thighs.

A hand reached out to grab his.

"Dele, not tonight." She said.

"What do you mean by not tonight?" He asked and pulled his hand out of her grip.

"I mean I am not having sex this night." She replied.

He chuckled mirthlessly.

"You're funny."

"I'm dead serious. I'm not in the mood." She said.

"You can't dress like that and tell me you're not in the mood." He said with anger slowly coating his tone.

Why on Earth would she clad herself in sleepwear like that and tell him she's not in the mood?

She turned to face him with a glare.

"So because I'm putting on what you bought me it automatically means I want to have sex?"

"No, but you don't usually wear this." He fired back.

She sighed and pressed her nose bridge.

"I apologise if I sent some kind of mixed signals. I'm sorry. But, I'm not having sex this night." She said and turned her back on him.

"Is this some kind of punishment?" He asked, irritated.

"Nope." She said, popping the p.

"Then what's the meaning of this drama? Since when are you not in the mood? The Seyifunmi I know is always in the mood."

She turned to face him, with her brow raised. "Are you calling me a nymphomaniac?"

"No," he sputtered. "I'm just saying you're usually prurient. Not that I ever complained. I like it." He answered.

Her hard look softened and she smiled at him.

"Thanks but I'm still not in the mood."

She turned her back on him and he shook his head in disbelief and irritation.

"Then maybe you should cover yourself." Dele said and tossed the duvet over her sleeping form.

He hissed as his ringtone blared. He grabbed his phone and saw the caller ID.

Tinu.

He accepted the call and put the phone to his ear.

"Hello, Tinu. What's up?" He greeted.

He answered by her sob., "Hello Dele."

He sprang out of the bed in fear. Had something happened to the kids?

"Tinu, what happened? Why are you crying?" He asked.

"Dele, are you okay?" Tinu cried.

"Why are you asking? I should be the one asking that. You're crying. Did something happen to you?" He asked.

"Dele, just answer me. Are you okay? Are you safe?" Tinu cried again.

"Yes. Yes, I am." He said and she sighed in relief. "Tinu, is everything okay?"

"I don't know. I woke up restless and the last time I felt like this, Chris died. I was just scared. I've called AJ and everyone I care about. Everybody is fine. I was just scared that you-"

"I'm okay, Tinu. Go back to bed. It's probably your mind playing tricks on you. Go back to sleep." Dele cooed.

"Okay. Thanks. Stay well." She said and hung up.

Dele dropped his phone, hoping Tinu wasn't going to have another relapse.


*******
"You disappointed me." The Cyan Lady told him with tears in her eyes.

"I'm sorry." He apologized. "Please don't cry."

Her tears fell, causing him immeasurable pain.

"You don't want to be with me. You don't love me anymore." She cried.

"I do. I swear."

"Then why won't you come be with me?" She cried with her eyes red.

He cursed the nurse who sounded the alarm. Ever since he met the Cyan Lady again, all he wanted was to be with her, and she'd told him that was only possible if he killed himself. After planning for months, he finally got the chance.

He'd gotten rope from the storage room and had hung it over the ceiling fan in his room. He had prepared the noose just like she showed him. He had climbed the stool and placed the loop around his neck and tightened it.

She held his hand as he pushed himself off the stool. Her sweet smile egged him on as he waited for death to claim him. But right before he lost consciousness, a nurse came in and thwarted his plan to be with the Cyan Lady again.

"Please stop crying." He begged her. "I will try again. I promise."

Her sad eyes lit up at his words.

"Really?"

"Yes. I will try again."

*******
Seyifunmi slipped on her bathrobe and knotted it. She walked out of the bathroom and met Dele pulling a Polo shirt over his head. She chewed on her lips as she watched the roll of his back muscles.

The past few days had been torturous, but it was a necessary evil. If she had to abstain just to get him to propose then so be it.

She walked to the vanity and asked as she sat on the stool in front of the table, "Where are you going this night?"

"I have an appointment with Tinu." Dele responded as he opened his wardrobe to get a belt.

Seyifunmi's ears tingled and itched at his words. She turned to face him.

"Sorry?"

"I'm going over to Tinu's place. We have to review a few reports and documents." Dele said as he passed his belt through the loops on his jeans.

"But it's late." She said. "When will you be back?"

"If we don't finish on time, I'll spend the night there." Dele said.

What?!

How could Dele not see this for what it was? She scoffed and shook her head at Tinu's diabolicalness.
If Tinu thought she'd take this lying down, she has a different thing coming to her.

"You can't go." She purred and stood.

Dele raised his brow at her as he buckled his belt. She sashayed towards him unknotting her robe slowly as she took each step.

"Seyifunmi, what are you doing?" He asked as she stopped in front of him with her robe open. She shrugged the terrycloth garment off and wrapped her arms around his neck.

"What do you think?" She purred again.

"Seyifunmi, this is not the time for this." He groaned as she rubbed her damp body against his.

"I know but I need you." She moaned as she leaned on tiptoes to kiss his neck.

"Seyifunmi, this is important. Stop this." He groaned again as her kisses reached his ears and her hands descended to palm his back underneath his shirt.

She brought her lips to his and teased them open. She smirked in victory as he kissed her back and led her to the bed.

He laid her slowly unto the bed, while kissing her tenderly.

Well, you win some, you lose some.

If she had to keep Dele away from Tinu with sex, then it was a fair bargain.

Dele pulled her hands and laid it over her head as he kissed her neck.

He brought his lips to her ears and whispered, "Why don't you let me get out of these clothes and call Tinu to cancel? Then we can get back to this."

She nodded and kissed him one last time before he rolled over her. Her tongue stuck to the roof of her mouth as she salivated in anticipation.

Her trance broke as Dele grabbed his phone and keys on the bedside table and said, "I'm sorry but I have to go."

He bolted out of the room, leaving her all primed and ready.

Episode 9- Apologies and Forgiveness

Seyifunmi locked the door behind her and tossed her keys on the tray sitting on the table by the door. She removed her hand bag and laptop bag from her shoulder and rolled her arm to ease the sting in her shoulder.

She sighed and walked towards the living room.

"How about this one?" She heard Ose's voice ask.

"No. It reminds me too much of the Dare and Alicia drama." Rosanna answered.

Who was Alicia? Was that the woman Dare left Rosanna for?

Honestly, she couldn't still believe Dare left Rosanna. He seemed so genuine, so sincere. She thought there could never be a man who.would live Rosanna as much as Dare did. But she thought wrong. They all did.

The first few weeks after Rosanna returned to Nigeria, she'd stay cooped up in a couch and stare out the window. She wouldn't eat or sleep, only stare into space. Even her mother had come down to talk her out of it.

Apparently, Ro left the States because she couldn't stand her mother's nagging for her to move on. She couldn't exactly blame Ro. If Dele left her for another woman, she'd be devastated as well.

"Hey people." She greeted as she walked into the living room.

"Oh hi." Rosanna said grinning. "How was work?"

She crashed into a sofa and stretched out her hand for the plate of small chops Ose was holding. He passed it to her and she tossed two lime sized puff-puff into her mouth.

"Okay." She answered with her mouth full.

"Somebody's hungry." Ose commented smirking and placed his laptop on the coffee table.

"I haven't eaten anything since the noodles I had at Délé's place yesterday evening." Seyifunmi said after swallowing.

Rosanna shook her head and said, "Wasn't I begging you to eat last night?"

Ose turned to Rosanna and asked, "What happened?"

"She and Dele had a fight." Rosanna answered.

She stiffened in her seat. "We didn't fight. We just… It's just complicated. He's so annoying and so aloof and so stupid."

"Here it comes." Rosanna quipped, rolling her eyes as she left the room.

"Why the hell is he bent on driving me crazy before he proposes? I'm a spec, you know. I had tons of suitors, men who were ready to marry me once I said the word. But I left them all for him. Why? Because I love him. Now, because he knows I love him he's playing me like a fiddle, taking my love for granted and hurting my feelings." Seyifunmi ranted with tears in her eyes.

Dele had been so mean the previous day. He had brought the food Tinu cooked and ate it right in front of her, all the while praising her cooking.

"Shay," Ose called, "what did you do?"

What?!

"What?!"

How could he ask her that?

"Seyifunmi, I know you. You tend to overreact a little. So, what did you do?" Ose said.

She narrated the entire episode to him, holding back her tears.

"So am I at fault?!" She cried out.

"Well," Ose started, scratching his head "if I am to be honest, I'd say you both are."

"Tell her." Rosanna chipped in carrying a tray of food. She placed the food on a sidestool and put the stool in front of Seyifunmi.

Seyifunmi was too irritated with Ro to remember to thank her. Rosanna had since the night before accused her of being as guilty as Dele in the issue. She couldn't see how. She was the girlfriend who went out of her way to prepare her boyfriend a nice meal. He didn't eat the food and he let it go to waste, knowing how much she detested it.

If he had even forgotten to eat, that was forgivable. But Dele went ahead to eat at Tinu's place, flaunted his washboard abs for her to see and she was at fault?

"You shouldn't have gone so aggressive, telling him to starve or get something to eat outside." Ose said.

"He didn't even apologise." Seyifunmi cried in bewilderment. How could they tell her not be mad, when he didn't even apologise until he was hungry.

"Seyifunmi, even still. There are things you do to me that you don't apologise." Rosanna said. "Still, I forgive you without you even asking. Why? Because I love you."

"Exactly." Ose put in. "Sometimes, you don't have receive an apology to forgive."

Seyifunmi rolled her eyes and picked up her fork.

"You people are ganging up on me." She said and shovelled rice into her mouth.

Rosanna rolled her eyes and picked up Ose's laptop.
"Abeg, let's watch Deliver Us From Eva. I'm in the mood for some black Romcoms. Or do you prefer Brown Sugar."

She asked and Ose shrugged smiling at her.

Seyifunmi paused as she watched the scene. Ever since Ro returned, she and Ose picked out a day in the week to watch movies and eat small chops. While it worked to get Rosanna out of melancholia, it also resolved her doubts about something.

Now, she was a certain as death that Ose had feelings for Rosanna. She watched him stare at her as Ro's gaze was fixed on the screen.

She smiled. He couldn't even hide it.

Life was funny. If only Ose had feelings for Rosanna before Dare returned, maybe Rosanna wouldn't be the heartbroken mess she was.


She just wished Ro would let go of the past and look to her future or at least, stop the happy girl facade. Her smiles directed at the screen made Seyifunmi want to weep at their deciduousness. Sometimes, the sound of Ro crying woke her up in the middle of the night. The agony in her sobs made her want to find Dare and gut him open like a fish,so he'd know pain too.

Every time she tried to get her to talk about her feelings and what happened, Ro would cut her off and tell her to drop it.

What if Ose was the one who'd take Rosanna's sadness away?

Wow!!!

Such expressive comments.

Double updates for this but let's not be quick to hate on Dele yet.

Episode 8 - Cooking pots and Honeypots Part 2


Seyifunmi dug her fingers into her palms as thoughts of what happened last week danced into her mind again like they had been doing for the past two hours. She looked at the seven lines of codes on her screen.

She'd been trying to work on a honeypot to entrap some students who had been using their University's Campus Connect WiFi for cyberbullying and fraud of fellow students. She was supposed to have it ready by the evening but all she could think of was Tinu in a camisole and shirtless Dele and the food she'd made that had gone to waste.

She couldn't believe Dele left her food to go and eat at Tinu's place. If he knew he wasn't going to eat it, why didn't he put it back in the freezer?

She had gone to the market after a stressful day at work, bought ingredients, returned to her place to prepare fried rice and then headed back to Délé's place.

Why?

All because he said he was craving fried rice.

After all her stress, Dele still didn't eat the rice when he got back from work, saying he had grabbed a bite to eat on his way back. Like the good girlfriend she was, she stored it in the freezer and brought it out to defrost the following day.

Was it a crime to be caring? Was it because he knew she loved him, he took her for granted?

It wasn't fair.

And he knew just how much she hated wasting food. He knew it was a deal breaker for her and yet he did it anyway. And he didn't see it as a big deal and her annoyance as an overreaction.

She shook her head and pursed her lips.

Seyifunmi Aladesuyi, get your head in the game. A man isn't worth you slacking on the job.

She cracked her knuckles and got back to working on her honeypot.

She had written a few lines when hands wrapped themselves around her and a kiss got planted on her cheek.

She shivered at the feel of his cool hands. He probably just took his bath. She shrugged them off and continued her work.

"What are you working on?" Dele said as he took a seat beside her at the table.

"A honeypot." She said still coding, letting him feel how angry she still was.

"Ooh! How wet is it?" He jived.

Seyifunmi looked up to see a smirk on his face. Her burrowed brows framed her rolling eyes and she shook her head.

"Get your dirty mind out of the gutter." She said and bent her head again.

"I know you love my dirty mind." He drawled in that sexy baritone she loved. Her toes curled and her loins quivered and her fingers slowed.

She knew exactly what his dirty mind was capable of and her body knew it too.

She bit her lips to shock herself out of lusty haze.

"Whatever you want to believe, Dele." She muttered.

A few seconds passed, then Dele asked, "What are we having for dinner?"

Her brow shot up as she looked up at him with her lips curled in anger.

"What did you say?" She asked.

"What are we having for dinner?" He repeated. "I went to the kitchen and saw nothing. Only an empty pot of Indomie."

Did he think she was going to cook for him again? After what he did? And not apologising?

"Dinner ko, dinner ni." She quipped. "If you're hungry, you can go and make Indomie for yourself. Or better yet, go and buy yourself some food. I'm not cooking anything in this house."

Dele chuckled. "Oya. I'm sorry. Shebi, you want me to apologise for what happened yesterday? I'm sorry. It won't repeat itself again."

She eyed him and said, "Of course, it won't repeat itself, because I'm not cooking anything for you again."

"Oya nau, I'm sorry." He repeated.

"Dele, look, I don't want to be rude or anything. I'm not cooking. If you want to eat, go out or cook for yourself. At least, when I'm not here, you make your own food." Seyifunmi snapped.

"Ahan!" Dele said. "How will I be cooking when you're here!"

"Then ebi o ti pa e. T'ebi ba ti pa e, wa lo s'ounje." Seyifunmi said and snapped her laptop close. (Then, you're not hungry. If you're hungry, you'll go and cook.)

Dele frowned. "What's the meaning of this? I already apologized. Why are you overreacting? Is it more than a plate of fried rice?"

"Really?" She turned to face him. "You're unbelievable."

She shook her head and stood.

"I'm not cooking. If you want, cook. If you like, starve. I don't care, because the last time I checked," She said and raised her left hand, "I am not your wife. I owe no obligation to cook for you. Do you understand?"

Just then the doorbell rang and Dele turned his glare away from her. He walked to the door, shaking his head and mumbling under his breath.

She hissed and sat back in her seat and kicked the chair he sat in in anger.

He just had to ruin her mood to work.


"Daddy!" She heard a female voice squeal.

Tomini? What did Tinu want this evening?

She craned her neck and saw Tomini hug her father. She rolled her eyes.

"How's my baby?" Dele asked and kissed her cheeks. "You're looking good. I love your hair by the way."

"You see. I told you your hair is fine." Tinu said as Dele shut the door behind them.

"Tinu, bawo ni." Dele said and gave her a brief hug.

"I'm good." She replied and flipped her long, straight weave over her shoulder.

Seyifunmi felt a beast rear its head within her. Was Tinu trying to flirt with her man?

"Aunty Seyifunmi, good evening!" Tomini chippered waving.

Seyifunmi grinned widely and waved back, putting on a mask of excitement.

"Tomini, how are you? Tinu, good evening." Seyifunmi hollered.

"Good evening, Seyifunmi." Tinu greeted, smiling.

"So, what brings you too over here?" Dele asked and shoved his hands in his pockets.

"Well, since you left yesterday, the kids have been clamoring for pork. So this morning before church, I had Grace go to the market to get some. Tomini, here, said we should have your favorite food for lunch and we should bring you some," Tinu explained and held out the wedding souvenir tote, "so we brought you your favorite. Amala, ewedu and pork stew."

Are you kidding me?

Seyifunmi stood and walked to the living room to make sure her ears were tuning into another conversation.

Délé's eyes widened and he scoffed in shock. Seyifunmi's heart pounded as she hoped she was wrong.

"Are you serious?" Dele asked chuckling lightly.

Tomini nodded. "We made it for you with extra love. And we all helped out. Temi washed the tomatoes, I blended them in the blender and Chris peeled the Maggi cubes. Reggie, well, she just sat in her chair and did nothing." Tomini listed.

God no. Seyifunmi thought as her stomach turned queasy.

"Really?" Dele asked as he collected the bag and checked its contents.

My area sis used to say, ' Cook for your husband, because once he starts eating from another woman's cooking pot, it's only a matter of time before he starts eating from her honeypot as well.

Tara's words replayed in her head, and the reality of Tinu's stratagem to win Dele dawned on her.
Walking around the house braless, bringing food over.

Seyifunmi thought she was imagining Tinu's subterfuge, but now she could see it clearly.

This lady is not fighting fair at all. Using the children? I couldn't have been more cunning.

"Seyifunmi, are you okay?" Tinu asked with her brows furrowed in concern.

You can take your fake concern and shove it up your pretentious ass, bi*tch. There is no fu*cking way, I'm losing Dele to you.

Seyifunmi beamed at her and said, "I'm perfect."

Dele turned to look at her and wagged his brows in derision.

What she had failed to do, Tinu had done it.

God. I have done myself.

"Anyway, we have to leave now, before Mumsy sues my daughter for hogging her husband." Tinu jived.

Dele chuckled and said, "Okay."

"Bye, Daddy." Tomini said and hugged Dele. "I love you."

"I love you too, princess." Dele said and kissed her forehead.

"Dele, Seyifunmi, take care." Tinu greeted.

"Take care." They both responded, Dele meaning and Seyifunmi hoping Tinu would turn ugly overnight.

They left and Dele proceeded to lock the door. After locking it, he turned to her and smiled.

"I serve a very big God, nla nla. He's always by my side. A very big God o. By my side, by my side," he sang and laughed in her face.

He walked away towards the kitchen.

She ran after him and held his hand.

"What are you going to do?" She asked.

He stared at her as if she asked if he was a man. "Seyifunmi, I thought you're smart. I'm going to heat the food up and eat it."

"You can't." She blurted out in frustration.

"I can and I will."

"I don't want you to."

He chortled so loudly and she felt like a fool.

He raised his left hand up and wiggled his fingers and said, "Seyifunmi, last time I checked, I am not your husband. I am not obligated to eat only meals prepared by you."

She shrank at his words and tears pooled in her eyes.

He walked into the kitchen and she stood in the hallway, listening the opening of cabinets, the clicking of flatware, and the beeping of the microwave as Dele set the timer.

"Me, I no go suffer. I no go beg for bread." Dele sang to spite her and her tears fell.

"Father, I thank you for my daughter. She's not even grown yet and mo ti n jeun omo. Father, bless her and her siblings for me." Dele prayed out loud.

She chewed on her lips and walked back to the dining to continue her work.

Enjoy!!!!

And don't forget to drop your comments.

Episode 7 - Cooking pots and Honeypots Part 1


Dele rolled over and reached out to hold Seyifunmi. His hands caught empty space. He palmed the bed for her only touched the cotton sheets. His lids flew open as he mentally counted what day it was.

A sigh of relief left him as he remembered it was still Saturday. He still had two days with her before she was gone for the week. The door of his en suite opened and Seyifunmi stepped out wearing work clothes. He sat up and counted the days again.

It was still Saturday.

"Where are you going?" He asked.

She smirked and said, "What am I going to do with your short term memory? Today's my promotion interview."

"Oh!"

She shook her head. " I can't believe you forgot." She walked to the vanity. She stared at her reflection and adjusted the puffs from where her brown, brocade patterned chiffon blouse was tucked into her black, tube skirt. She patted her weave which was pulled back into a French twist. She picked up a vial of perfume oil and rolled it on her wrists, neck and behind her ears. She dropped the bottle in her black, quilted saddlebag and turned around to face him.

"How do I look?"

He smiled as he assessed her from head to toe.

"Like you're gonna kill that interview." He said and she grinned.

"I have to get going. I've already placed the fried rice on the counter in the kitchen," she said as she placed the gold chain strap of her bag on her shoulder, "Warm it in the microwave."

"Okay." He said as he reached for his phone.

She pursed her lips and said, "Dele, if you don't want to eat the rice, don't let my food waste. Put it back in the freezer."

He groaned, "I said okay, na!"

She shrugged and said, "You were the one who asked me to bring it. Sha, don't let it waste."

He rolled his eyes. "I've heard you. I will warm it after bathing."

"KK. Bye." She said and walked to the door.

"No goodbye kiss?" He asked her back.

"Bye." She reiterated and closed the door behind her.

He chuckled and switched on his phone. After replying a couple of messages and emails, a call from Tinu came in. He tapped the green button to accept the call.

"Hello, Tinu. What's up?" He greeted.

"Dele, good morning." She replied.

"Good morning. Are you okay?" He asked, noting the edge in her voice.

"Yeah. Um, I got an email from the children's school yesterday. They sent the reminder for the school fees payment. I was wondering why they sent the reminder for fees payment, so I called the bursary. I was told their fees hadn't been paid. I called Stellar Wealth Managers. They told me you instructed them not to pay yet. What's going on, Dele?" She asked.

"Is it possible-" He was interrupted by crying from her own side of the line.

"Tomini, if I get a hold of you, you will see stars. I said you should pack your sister's hair not pull it." Tinu shouted.

"Sorry about that." She apologized. "What were you saying?"

"Can we see? It's not something to talk about over the phone." He said.

"Okay. I'm not going out today." Tinu responded.

"I'll be there in an hour." Dele answered.


******
"I'll get it." Tinu said, motioning Grace to sit. She dropped the jug of water on the table and walked towards the door.

The doorbell rang again and she walked after, only to stumble over a toy truck.

"Ahh!" She hissed. She turned back to her children on the dining table. "I thought I told you three to pack your toys."

"We did." Temi and Tomini answered looking down at their plates.

"And I'm the one that this one here, abi?" She shouted. "Eyi te mase ti e o ni fi wo TV leni, leti se yen." (You won't watch TV today because of this.)

She hissed and walked to the door. Who knew raising kids would be this hard? She knew it wasn't a walk in the park but it was exhausting. Especially when they didn't do as they were told.

She'd been up since five, preparing their luggage back to Abuja, washing clothes and cleaning the apartment. She'd sent Grace to the market, and when she'd returned, she got to cooking. In between all that, she had to call suppliers to make sure her clients' orders were ready.

She unlocked the door and opened it. She gave Dele a weak smile and moved aside to let him in. Her eyes took him in. He looked spruce in his white, guinea native blouse and dark pants. His cologne hit her nostrils and she swallowed back bile.

Oud.

She hated it. It was just too irritating for her.

"Hi." She greeted and locked the door.

"Hey." He stated and pulled her into a side hug. "Bawo ni?" (How are you)

"Mo wa." She said and pulled away. She led the way to the dining.(I'm fine.)

".D!" The children shouted, with their face animated. Tinu couldn't help the joy that stroked her heart as she watched Dele fistbump the children's left hands.

"Good morning, sir." Grace greeted.

"Morning, Grace. How far?" Dele replied. Grace smiled in response and continued eating.

"E ma n gbadun." Dele called as he watched the children eat their brunch of Lafun and Ogbono soup.(You're enjoying yourselves.)

"Mummy made Lafun and Ogbono with chevon." Temi announced.

Dele turned to Tinu with a confused smile on his face. "Ewo tun ni chevon sin?"(What is chevon?)

"Don't mind them. It's goat meat." Tinu said giggling.

"Ehen, so it's goat meat you people are calling chevon?" Dele asked with mock amusement.

".D., don't you know it's called chevon or cabretto if it's an adult goat or natale or capretto, if it's a kid?" Temi quipped smiling.

"It's on Google,you know." Tomini said and put a morsel of Lafun in her mouth.

Tinu burst into laughter and Dele shook his head.

"I don't blame you. I did not go to a big school like yours."

"S'oma jeun?" Tinu asked. (Will you eat?)

Dele shook his head and said, "Thank you. I'll just wait in the living room."

"Daddy, na, eat." Tomini whined. "Mummy can cook very well and the food is delicious."

"Yes, Daddy eat!" Temi whined and soon Chris and Regina joined the plea chants.

He sighed and threw his hands up in surrender, "Fine, I'll eat." He took a seat beside Chris and Tinu set a plate before him. He dropped his phone and keys on the table and waited as she dished out the cassava flour meal from the warmer on the table.

"Daddy, what's your favorite food?" Chris asked. "I like Chinese rice and sweet and sour sauce."

"Ehen!" Dele called in wonderment.

"Mine is Plantain and fried egg." Temi shouted just as Tomini announced hers was fried rice and chicken and salad."

"Wow!" He cried in excitement. "What about you, Reggie? What food do you love most?"

The girl looked up from her bowl of cereal and said, "Pancake."

"Aunty Grace, you nko?" Dele asked smiling. The lady blushed and shook her head.

"I don't have any."

"What about you, Iyabeji?" Dele asked Tinu, who held out a bowl for him to wash his hands. He muttered his thanks as he rinsed his hands.

"Mummy's favorite food is beans and potato." Chris shouted.

"No, it's rice and stew!" Temi shouted back.

"Stop shouting! I don't have a favorite food either." Tinu scolded as she took the bowl of water away.

"Daddy, you didn't tell us what your favorite food is." Tomini said.

"Well, as for me, I love Amala, Ewedu and pork stew." Dele announced proudly.

"Ewww!" The children shouted.

"You like pig meat?" Temi asked and scrunched up his face in disgust. Tomini and Chris too had their faces rumpled with disgust.

"See these ones, o," Dele said laughing, "something that is very delicious."

"But pigs are dirty." Chris said.

"Uncle pigs are dirty, the bacon you people love comes from pigs." Tinu said as she sat at the head of the table.

"Really?" The three children shouted.

"You see!" Dele announced laughing.

"Oya, enough talking. Let's eat."


*****

Dele handed his used napkin to Grace and muttered his thanks. The meal had been quite filling and as Tomini said, delicious. He waited for Tinu to finish her call as he thought of how to convince her to stay in Lagos.

"Daddy twins, how far?" Tinu jibbed, smiling and took a seat opposite him.

He smiled, knowing he had started the name calling.

"I dey."

"So what happened? Why did you instruct them not to pay the school fees?" Tinu asked with her smile slowly fading into a frown.

He sighed and said, "I've been thinking for a while and I decided that it will be most irresponsible of me if I let a man in the grave still be performing my duties as a father."

Tinu's frown deepened and she squinted her eyes.

"I'm not sure I get you."

"What I'm trying to say is that from now on, I want to be the one taking care of Temi and Tomini's needs. From their fees to anything else they need. They are my children, regardless of whose last name they bear and I want to be a father to them not in name only,but also in deed." He answered.

Tinu pursed her lips and sighed.

"Dele-"

He could see the wheels turning in her eyes.

"Please, Tinu," He said shaking his head, "don't deny me my right to be a father to my children."

She heaved a heavy sigh and shrugged. "Okay. If you want to take care of their needs, then you can."

He smiled and said, "Thank you. I'll make the payments on Monday."

She nodded and made to leave. "If that's all-"

"No, it's not. I have something to ask you."

She sat back down.

"What is it?"

"I was wondering if you and the kids could move to Lagos permanently."

"What?!" She cried out. She chuckled and shook her head. "Dele, my life's in Abuja. The children's schools are in Abuja. They practically grew up there and…"

She trailed off and shook her head. "Dele, we can't."

"Please, think about it. This shuttling between Lagos and Abuja is neither safe, convenient nor cheap. If you all move here, the kids and I can bond better over weekends and who knows, Seyifunmi and I can take them off your hands for a whole week. You'd get to relax, work. It'll be a win-win for everyone." He persuaded.

He hoped she'd give in as she scratched the back of her neck. He could her double mind in her eyes and knew he only had to nudge a little further.

"Dele, I don't know. What if something happens to them while they're in school and-" Tinu started.

"Tinu, there are good schools in Lagos. We could transfer them." Dele said.

Tinu shook her head. "The kids won't like it. Their friends are in Abuja. My friends are in Abuja. You're asking me to move my life down here for you."

She stood and said, "I'm sorry. I can't."

He stood and said, "I know I'm being a bit selfish but it took me eight years to hear my kids call me daddy. I don't want to lose the relationship I have with them. Who knows? By the time they come on Christmas holiday, I might have lost my allure to them-"

"Dele, you won't. The kids love you." Tinu said.

"But out of sight is out of mind," Dele whined and reached for her hands, "Tinu, please. From one parent to another. I beg you."

"Dele-"

"Please." He begged and she stamped her feet grumbling softly.

"Fine." She groaned.

"Yes!" He shouted. "Thank you!"

"Don't thank me yet," Tinu said frowning, "We'll move here on two conditions."

"Okay." He nodded, grinning.

"One, you help me find a new school." She dictated and crossed her arms over her chest.

That was easy. Teni could get him a list of schools in a day and within a week, they could go check them out.

"Done."

"Two, you'll explain to them the reason for the move." She said and narrowed her eyes.

"Easy-peasy." He said, chuckling.

"If you say so." She said, shrugging. "I have laundry to finish."

The dial tone was beginning grate Seyifunmi's nerves. It soon gave way to what was already annoying her - the female, automated operator voice saying, ' the subscriber you are trying to call is not answering.' She hung up and tried to video call him again. The call was picked on the second ring. Her relief and joy at the call being picked gave way to surprise and mild irritation.

"Hi, Seyifunmi," Tinu greeted with a cheery smile.

"Hi, Tinu," Seyifunmi answered with mock excitement. She wasn't exactly glad to see Tinu now. Not when she had been dialing Délé's numbers for close to a quarter hour. Apparently, he was too busy to pick her call himself.

And…

Seyifunmi's eyes strained at the phone.

Were those Tinu's nipples straining through her camisole?

Horror filled Seyifunmi's mind as she wondered if Tinu strutted around braless with Dele around.

"How are you doing?" Tinu asked as she slid off the bed.

She was on the bed? Somebody kill me!

Seyifunmi swallowed the bile in her throat and the real response she wanted to give to that question. She widened her smile and said, "I'm fine. How about you the kids?"

"We're all fine."

The sound of Délé's laughter and groans filled the background.

"Surrender!" She heard her boyfriend's voice call in a playful baritone.

"Never," The children chorused their groan.

A pang of jealousy bit her. She had been trying to get through to him for the past quarter hour and he didn't pick her calls because he was playing with his children. Didn't he even care that she might have been in trouble or in desperate need of his help?

Evidently, she faded into the background when it came to his children.

"Seems y'all are having fun there." She said, trying to mask her jealousy.

Tinu's laughter was followed by a feminine squeal, most likely from Tomini.

"Dele, don't wound my children for me." Tinu turned to yell at Dele.

"Mummy, come and help us defeat D.D." Tomini squealed, laughing.

In that moment, Seyifunmi felt like an outsider, an interloper, the third leg and an intruder into a happy family.

"Dele, come and take o. Seyifunmi is on the line." Tinu said and handed the phone over to Dele.

Seyifunmi didn't know which razed her anger more, seeing Tinu braless or seeing Dele topless and sweaty in Tinu's home.

"Hello, my love. What's up? How did the interview go?"

She opened her mouth to speak when the screen of her phone faded into black with the message 'Call Ended' blinking on the screen. She voice called him but his phone was switched off.

She groaned and tossed her phone on her desk. So much for her promotion. Ever since she became a HOD, she got to spend less time with Dele. It didn't seem to be a problem until Tinu came on summer holiday with the kids to Lagos. Now,Dele spent every spare second of his free time with the kids and invariably, Tinu.

Eighteen minutes ago, she had been glad when her boss informed her of her promotion to the head of their new campus ethical hacking hub. Now, she was wary of the promotion. It meant even less time with Dele, which equaled more time for Dele to spend with Tinu.

This was a battle she was ill-advantaged for. In Tinu's corner was the fact she was the mother of his two children, their history, and their friendship. In her corner, she was only the girlfriend with great cooking skills and maybe, a sex goddess in bed. Everyone knows great food and explosive sex does not keep a man.

Tinu had all the ammo to win this battle and Al the reinforcements to tie Dele down, if she wanted. And add, the fact that Délé's mum loved Tinu to the list of things Tinu had going for her. The woman adored Tinu. On the other hand, the woman saw her as a swearing slut. She cringed as she remembered Délé's birthday. The woman's judgy eyes were engraved to her memory. Whereas the woman's eyes held immense love for Tinu.

She turned around in her swivel chair to face the window as a thought flew into her head. She could get off her birth control pills. If she got pregnant, certainly Dele would be tied to her and maybe finally propose. She sighed. Even Dele aside, she couldn't imagine the shame if her plan didn't work out and Dele left her. It would all have been for nothing.

What do they even see in Tinu? A voice in her head asked.

The first time she met Tinu was during her trial days. Then, she was gaunt, emaciated, but still easy on the eyes. Now, she had filled out, and if she was being honest with herself, Tinu was gorgeous. She had a figure that turned heads and a stunning face.

She was totally out-matched, but she wouldn't give up without a fight.

And Tinu probably didn't know: it wasn't about the size of the woman in the fight, but the size of the fight in the woman.



*******

"I thought you were charging the phone na." Dele whined as his phone went black.

"Sorry, my charger shakes. I even wanted to get a new one today." Tinu said and rubbed her eyes. She hadn't even been able to sleep for ten minutes when Délé's phone began vibrating on her bedside table. She'd picked up the phone thinking it was a call, only to find they were receipt notifications for WhatsApp messenges.

She had gone back to sleep, forcing herself to ignore the vibration. When it persisted for close to fifteen minutes, she decided to check if they were calls. She met an incoming video call from Seyifunmi.

Délé's eyes skimmed her over and she crossed her arms over chest.

She should have grabbed a robe.

"I guess I better get on my way. Maybe Seyifunmi forgot her keys." Dele said and averted his gaze. "Is my shirt dry?"

"Oh, right!" She turned towards the kitchen.

Chris had stained Délé's shirt with soup while eating and she had washed it and hung it behind the fridge to dry. She hoped Seyifunmi wouldn't get the wrong idea, seeing her in a camisole and Dele shirtless.

Tinu shook her head and berated herself.

Tinu, not everybody has a wild mind like you.

She grabbed his shirt from behind the fridge and returned to Dele in the living room.

"Here it is." She said as she removed it from the hanger.

"Thanks." Dele said and pulled on the blouse.

"Daddy, are you going already?" Tomini said as she walked up to them.

Temi and Chris stopped playing and turned to look at him.

"Yes. I have to get home. Aunty Seyifunmi is locked outside." Dele explained.

"But can't you stay ten more minutes?" Temi asked.

Dele chuckled and shook his head.

"Don't worry. Mummy is bringing you guys over next week. And we'll enjoy ourselves." Dele pacified.

The children murmured and grumbled.

He pulled Tomini in for a hug and kissed her head.

"Don't worry. You'll have me all to yourself from Thursday next week. I won't even go to work because of you." Dele said, holding his daughter.

"Really?" They asked.

He nodded and they roared their cheers. Tinu shushed them and they quieted down.

"I'll be going now. Take care of yourselves and listen to your mom." Dele said and pulled away from Tomini.

They waved him bye as he walked to the door and left the house.

Episode 6 - This ship must put to sea

Dele frowned, puzzled as he read Seyifunmi's text. He had been worried sick when he got home last night and didn't meet her. He tried calling her, but she didn't pick up her calls. He resorted to calling Rosanna, who told him Seyifunmi had been working late and came in around after eleven.

He'd been expecting her to call him this morning. He only got a lousy text from her around after one in the afternoon, saying she would not be coming over that weekend.

He dialed her number and he waited for her to pick up. If she would.

"Hello." She said.

"Hello." He waited for her to apologise or say something but the line was quiet as she kept mute. Irritation revved up within him.

Calm down, Dele. Just be calm.

"How are you doing?"

"Good. You?"

"I'm not good. I was worried sick. I thought something had happened to you. Why didn't you text me or something?" He stated, trying not to sound edgy.

"I was busy. Sorry."

"To send a text to your boyfriend?"

"Look, Dele, now's not a good time. I'm in a terrible mood and I want to be alone. Let's talk later." Seyifunmi said and hung up.

Dele pulled the phone away in shock. What was wrong with her? Why was she so saucy?

He shrugged. He didn't do anything wrong. Maybe she got irritated at work and needed to cool off.

"Dele, let's go!" Tinu said as she walked up to him.

He had come with her to inspect some of the property Chris left her. The rundown resort, part of the chain of hotels and restaurants Chris owned, was making more loss than gain, and Tinu was considering selling it off.

He doubted anyone would see the place as a fixer-upper. It would take lots of funds to get it up and running again.

He nodded and they walked together to the parking lot. Tinu pulled down her shades propped up in her hair as the sun shine over them. He wiped his forehead with a handkerchief. The heat sizzled the back of his neck.

This Badagry sun get as e be.

"So, I need a favor to ask you." Dele said.

"What is it?" She stopped and asked.

"I've figured out how to propose to Seyifunmi."

Tinu squealed and hugged him. He cringed and realized where Tomini got it from.

"So what are you going to do?" She asked and linked their arms together and led him to the car.

"It's a secret for now but I need your interior decorating skills. Figured I should take advantage now, before your company registration is complete." Dele said laughing.

She eyed him and said, "Cheapskate. Anyway, for the DeMi ship, I'll do it without professional charges."

"Wow. Thanks."

"You deserve to be happy, Dele." She said as they got to their car. He opened the passenger door for her and she slipped in. She stopped him from closing it and said, "Really."

He smiled and said, "Thank you."

He shut the door and rushed to enter his car. He started the vehicle and put the AC on full blast.

*******
Dele stood patiently as he heard the shuffling of feet. The door swung open and he heard a soft gasp of surprise as his eyes met hers.

"Dele, what are you doing here?" She asked and crossed her arms over her chest.

Two weekends had gone by and she didn't come over. After not seeing each other for two weeks, this was not the reaction he was expecting.

"Can I at least come in?" He asked and sighed. "Please."

She pursed her lips and nodded. She stepped aside and he walked in. He walked to the nearest sofa and took a seat.

"Why are you here?" Seyifunmi asked as she locked the door.

"Because I feel like there's an ish between us and we haven't settled it. Ever since I showed you the gift I bought my mum, you've acting weird. Is there something I did wrong?" He stated.

Her blank eyes looked down and she shook her head. She looked up and opened her mouth. She stopped.

"Dele, I'm sorry. It's just I'm having a lot of issues at work. Damilola and her cronies are making work a living hell. I just lashed out and on the wrong person. For that, I'm sorry." She apologized with tears in her eyes.

His brows furrowed as he stood to hug her. Her tears fell faster and she sobbed in his arms.

Was it that bad?

"It's okay." Dele pacified.

She shook her head with her hands clutching his shirt.

"No, it's not. I can't take it anymore. It's so tough waiting. And soon I'll become the junk nobody wants-"

Junk?

"What are you talking about?" He asked as he tried to pull away.

Her breath caught and she held him tighter.

"Don't leave me!" Seyifunmi said. "Please."

"Seyifunmi, you're scaring me. You're not coherent. Isn't this about Damilola and your job?" He asked.

She sniffled and pulled away.

"Sorry. It must be my period driving me crazy." She said and wiped her tears.

"Seyifunmi, are you okay?"

She nodded and smiled. "Are you hungry? I made jollof rice."

"Are you sure you're okay?"

She nodded.

"If you are sure, then I believe you."

She smiled and said, "You care for rice?"

"Yes , please."

Her smile widened and she pulled his hand to lead him to the dining.

Episode 5 Indomie vs Jollof Rice


Seyifunmi put on her car radio and tuned in to her favorite show, not just because she wanted to catch up on the show, but also to drown out the noise of the men in her back seat arguing who was better- Real Madrid or Barcelona.

The woman in the passenger seat smiled at her and mouthed, "Thank you."

Adekunle Gold's Sade filled the car and soon the argument died.

"My babe loves this song and I don't understand why!" One of the men, Victor, said. "What is even so special about this Adekunle Gold guy?!"

"Ehn!" The lady in front shouted and turned in her seat to face the shell shocked man.

"Abeg, no talk am again. Don't. Just don't. You can say Real Madrid is the only club in La Liga but don't come near my AG. I take God beg you!"

Seyifunmi and the other man burst into laughter.

"Pat, na so you like AG reach?" The second man, Usman, said.

"I love am, no be like!" The lady said and turned to face the windshield.

Seyifunmi's giggled and continued driving.

"Seyifunmi, do you share the same sentiments?" Victor asked.

Seyifunmi shrugged. "I just like his music. I'm no stan like Pattie."

Pattie hissed, "Na una sabi."

The other three burst into laughter and enjoyed the song. The song came to a slow end as Seyifunmi drove into a standstill on the Third Mainland Bridge.

She sighed as her mind returned to the incident that happened over the weekend and she tuned out her colleagues.

She'd hoped Dele would propose but apparently, he didn't. And to make matters worse, her mother called and gave her another tongue-lashing this morning. Was Dele just playing with her? In another three months, their relationship would be four years, if she started counting from the day they met and the time they spent apart.

Was she a joke to him?

"Welcome back to your favorite relationship show, Lara and Tara Show, where we give you advice no one else can give you-" one of the OAPs started and snapped Seyifunmi out of her thoughts.

"And tell it to you like no one else can," the other continued.

"So, we have two more messages to answer. But before we get to that, this is African Queen by 2face, as requested by Reyhan for his lovely Iman. Iman, this is for you." The first lady said.

"We'll be right back. This is Lara"

"And Tara." The first lady said.

"And this is Kiss FM. We'll be right back."

African Queen played with Pattie singing along. Seyifunmi wondered if she could ask Lara and Tara for advice. She shook her head. Maybe she was just blowing things out of proportion. Besides, Sister Liza, her immediate older sister, dated her husband for six years before he proposed.

"So, now, we have a message from Wonuola from Lere and her message goes thus," Lara began, "'L and T, how are you doing? I love your show and I love you too'"

"We love you more, babe!" Tara replied. "XXXXX and plenty Os too"

"'I'm in a big dilemma and I need your advice. My husband cheated on me-" Lara continued.

"Gbam!" Tara commented.

The car went into utter silence as they listened in rapt attention.

"With his secretary!" Lara read out in an exaggerated sigh.

Pattie hissed.

"'He claims it was an accident!" Lara read out.

"Accident ko, accident ni!" Pattie commented.

"Make we hear na!" Usman said as Lara continued to read.

"He says it was a mistake, happened once when he went to eat in her house while I was on a six month refresher course-"

"Wetin he find go im secretary house?" Pattie asked and Seyifunmi and Victor shushed her.

"He confessed to me. Should I forgive him?" Lara finished.

"Before!" Tara commented. "Babes, it's obvious your man loves you. I mean he confessed. That should count for something. Forgive him."


"Babe, you were away on a six month refresher course. Body no be firewood nau and he came clean. He deserves a second chance." Lara said.

"My area sis used to say, ' Cook for your husband, because once he starts eating from another woman's cooking pot, it's only a matter of time before he starts eating from her honeypot as well.'" Tara said and everyone in the car burst into laughter.

"We are not excusing or justifying cheating. Wonuola, we are not. But let's be factual-" Lara started but Tara cut her short.

"This is why women should teach their son's how to cook. I mean, if men knew how to cook then this problem of she enticed me with food will not be there."

"I was just about to say that, Tara. Really, I don't get why women don't teach their sons how to cook. I honestly don't get it!" Lara emphasized with her voice strained.

The two ladies went on about the sexism in homes and later reiterated their advise to Wonuola to forgive her husband.

"Lastly, we have Imogen from Ibeju-Lekki." Lara read out. "Lara, Tara, I need your advice. I'm crying in pain as I write this."

"Wetin happen?" Tara asked in concern.

"I've been living in with my boyfriend for the past five years. More like he was living with me in my apartment. His uncle kicked him out from his house where he was squatting here in Lagos. He said he loved me and we would get married. I fed this guy for the years he was jobless till he got a job with NNPC. I thought once he got financially stable, we'd get married. He's earning more than I do but he did not proposed. I went to work one day and I came back to meet an empty apartment. He'd moved out. He refused to pick my calls or reply to my messages. And now, I heard he's taken another lady to meet his parents and they're getting married next week. Lara and Tara,I had four abortions for this guy-"

"Ahh!" Everybody in the car shouted.

"He called me and just broke up with me. No explanations. No apologies. What should I do?" Lara said.

"He he he!" Tara laughed clapping, "Wonders shall never end. Babe, there are two possible things to do. Number one. Gate-crash that wedding, make a scene he and his wife will never forget. Even till their fiftieth wedding anniversary. That is if they last that long. After that hook up with one of his friends or better yet rivals."

Lara giggled and said, "Number two. You can first go to MFM for deliverance or any church where they will wash your head well. Maybe they can deliver you from lust, blind love and stupidity. Babe, four abortions? We don't judge but really? If not for anything, first go and ask God for forgiveness. Next, after you've completed the deliverance, go and buy yourself Steve Harvey's Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man and Sherry Argov's Why Men Love Bitches and Why Men Marry Bitches. Read them. Digest them. Let them be ingrained in your consciousness. Then maybe move to a different state and then, you can start afresh."

"And when you start that new relationship, be celibate and sincere with him. Let him know your past once he proves himself and earns your trust." Tara added.

"So, Imogen, you'll be alright. The heartbreak will hurt like a bitch at first but you'll get through." Lara added.

"So, that's all for today. Before we go, we have to announce the winners of our Twitter contest." Tara chimed in a singsong manner.

Seyifunmi crossed her fingers hoping she won.

"Surprisingly, they are both guys" Lara announced and Seyifunmi groaned.

Another contest she didn't win.

"So, Isaac Samson from Omole and Charles Idowu from Okota, congratulations. You both won copies of John Gray's The Sacred Marriage and Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus. You can redeem your prizes at our office here at Jibowu, Lagos." Tara announced.

"Today is Matchmaking Monday." Lara said and Tara burst into applause. "That means one lucky guy got hooked up by yours truly with one lucky girl and they both won an expense paid movie at Genesis Cinema. Proudly sponsored by the new dating app in town Linx XOXO."

"So, today, our winners are Chelsea Sunday and William Agbakogba." Tara announced.

"Interesting surname." Lara said

"I was thinking the same thing."

"Anyway, that's a wrap for today. You know the drill. If you want to be match made by the relationship experts-"

"That's us." Lara interjected.

"Send us an email at landtrelationshipadvice@kissfm.com. You can catch us same time, same station, next week. Until then,"

"Bye." The two ladies sang together.

An advert came on air and Seyifunmi reduced the volume. Pattie tsked and shook her head.

"Men can be wicked at times!" She sighed.

Seyifunmi raised her brow and started her vehicle, thankful the standstill had started moving.

If she was being candid,the girl was at fault.

"Woman!" Usman commented. "She has started generalizing.

Pattie turned in her seat to face Usman. "Is it not true? How can a man string a lady on for five years, have her abort four times for him and not still marry her?"

Victor cleared his throat and said, "Let's be factual. The girl is stupid. How will you abort up to four times for a man who shows no signs of seriousness? After the first one, you kept sleeping with him till he got you pregnant four times in five years? The guy wash her head!"

"I don't understand how people will be having sex outside marriage. Especially ladies. I mean I married as a virgin." Pattie commented and sat back in her seat.

Seyifunmi turned to look at her.

"Yes!" Pattie affirmed. "And because I told my husband there was going to be no show till he put a ring on it and walked me down the aisle and we said our vows, he got his head on straight. After a year of dating, sharpsharp, he proposed, we did intromimo, before six months, I was already his legally married wife."

Really? That got her married?

"I mean, if you're giving a man free food, he will most definitely not want to pay for it!" Pattie continued.

Was that why Dele was hesitant to propose? Because they had sex regularly?

"Sister Pattie, I want to grab your logic," Victor teased laughing, "So this our brother that was getting free food for five years, why e kon go pay for food?"

"Abeg, if somebody dey give you free Indomie and you kon see better party jollof wey you fit afford, you no go buy am?" Pattie said and the men burst into laughter, much to Seyifunmi's horror.

Was Dele going to leave her for a better party jollof rice?

Was she going to be his left over Indomie?

Divepen1:
Do avoid mentioning names the way you're doing...

Will take note. Thanks.

.....

oklahrelo:


Where is THIS..
Tomorrow...[color=#000099][/color]

Tomorrow, on the new thread