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We did not communicate again that day. The following day, just as I had planned, I went to Ikeja to attend the church that Precious and her family attended.

The Sunday service had already started by the time I got there. I could see Precious among the choir and though she sighted me, she avoided eye contact with me.

Her father was on the pulpit. After service, I went to greet him.

"Young man, it's quite some time," he responded, offering his hand for a handshake.
Thereafter, I went to see Precious' mother.
Right there in the church auditorium, I told her that her daughter had been avoiding communicating with me for several days and that she should intervene.

"Precious has told me what happened," she said. "She also said categorically that she is no longer interested in the relationship."

I was shocked. "She actually said she is not interested in continueing the relationship?" I asked.

"Yes. At this stage, I will advise that you should move on."

Again, I was greatly surprised. The person I had thought would intervene was the one sounding the death kernel.

I left the place a disappointed man. So, that was the end? Was that really the end of what I had thought was a blossoming relationship?

Time would tell.



* * *



By three p.m, I was back to my residence. I was still thinking about Precious. I should not be totally surprised by what she did. I could have been heartbroken.

Besides, I had always stelled myself against such a possibilty. No problem, I would take my time to decide what next to do.

About four p.m., I called Big Aunty. She picked it at the second ring.

“Good afternoon, madam," I greeted.

“Good afternoon. I've been waiting for your call."

"How is your day?"

"Well, so far, so good. How's yours?"

It had not been a good day, especially from what I heard about Precious. But then, life must go on.

"I thank God for everything, madam."

"Can you come around to my place? I will like to see the physical you."

Would I like to see her? Although things were
going at a fast pace, I would like to see.

"It will be a pleasure, madam. Where do you live?"

She gave me the address. She lived at Ikosi and from my place, it would take about forty minutes.

"I live at Ogba," I said. "Within an hour, I should see you."

"Alright, I'll be waiting."

She disconnected the line. My heart was thumping as I dressed up to go. It was Sunday and the traffic was light. Thirty-five minutes after I had talked to her, I was the gate of her residence. It was a storey building.

A Hausa guard attended to me.

"Who you want see?" he asked.

"Big Aunty."

"Big wetin?"

I suddenly realized that I did not even know her real name. I put a call to her.

"I'm already at the gate of your house," I said.

"Good. Just hold on."

Within a minute, I saw a woman walking towards the gate from the main building.
Big Aunty was the one. I studied her intently. She was wearing jeans trouses and blue t-shirt. She really looked attractive. I hoped the attractiveness would be beyond the looks. I beamed in smile at at her.

"Good evening, madam."

She smiled too. "Good evening, Seyi."

Then, she turned to the guard. "Bashir, you see this man, anytime he comes around, allow him to see me."

The guard bowed slightly. "Yes, oga, madam."
She turned to me. "You are welcome. Please, follow me."

"Yes, ma'am."

I followed her to a side stair case that led to the first floor. There was a short passage that we took to the sitting-room.

"Please sit down and make yourself feel at home."

I nodded. "Thank you, madam."
She left the siting-room. A girl I suspected to be the house-help soon came in with a tray that contained a bottle of peanuts and packets of fruit juice.

"Thank you," I told her.

She courtesied and left. The sitting-room was large and comfortable.

The air-conditioner system was on and I felt cool.

Big Aunty must be living a comfortable life. She soon came to the room and sat on the leather seat opposite me.

She studied me closely.







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Food for thought

The first document had about fifty pages, the second one had fifty-five page, while the third - thank God - had twenty pages. In between, I could see madam opening her wardrobe, going inside an attached room, which I guessed would be the bathroom, and taking her bath.

  While she was still in the bathroom, I paused in my work to look around the large bedroom. From where I was sitting, I could see that she had her purse on the bed, and I could see some clothes she left there. I remained on my seat and continued reading the reports.

  The door leading to the bedroom opened and Sophia came in. 'Good morning, uncle Alex.'

  'Good morning, Sophia.'

  She didn't seem surprised to see me there; as a matter of fact, it seemed she expected to see me in that place at that very time. Her mother must have told her I would be there.

   'Where's mum?' she asked.

   'In the bathroom, I guess.'

   She went to the bathroom and without knocking, opened it and went to meet her mother. I shook my head. This mother and daughter had peculiar character. Sophia soon came out and left the room. I read the documents thoroughly and put down my notes on a jotter on the table.

   Madam B came out of the bathroom with only towel wrapped from her chest down. I must say she was quite distracting me, but I tried to look indifferent and be engrossed in the work. At a point, I wanted to ask her if I could take the documents with me to the study room downstairs and continue the work there.

   'Don't you think you should take the documents to the study-room downstairs, and continue the work there?' Madam asked.

   It was as if she was reading my mind.

   'Yes, ma'am.'

   I put the documents in the file and moved towards the door.

   'You can find your way to the study-room, can't you?' she asked.

   Of course, I could. 'Yes ma'am.'

   I left her room and went downstairs. Again, I felt relieved. I went back to work and got really busy. The housemaid came to ask me what I would like to take for breakfast, but I declined the offer.

All the same, she brought tea, orange juice and toasted bread. I took the breakfast and continued with the work the same time.

  After three hours, I concluded the task and rounded up my notes. By then, Madam too had come down to the lounging-room.  She had some visitors, so I decided to wait in the study-room.

I had not seen Sophia since she came to the bedroom when I was there. Maybe, she went out.

   After the visitors in the sitting-room had left, I went there to see Madam B.

   'How far with the work, Alex?'

   I smiled briefly. 'I'm through with it, madam.'

   'Good, let's see your reports.'

   I presented the reports and explained my observations. She listened keenly, without saying a word. Even after I had finished giving my observations, she was silent for some moments.

   Madam B sighed. 'Where're the notes you wrote,' she finally spoke.

   'Here, ma'am.'

   She took the jotter from me and read the comprehensive report I had written. She took her time, as if she was studying the contents.

I waited.

   She nodded. 'This is good, Alex. Well done. You have done a good job.'

   I smiled modestly. 'Thank you, ma'am.'

   She put the documents in the file and placed the file on the glass stool close to her. 'Sit down, Alex'

   I chose a seat not far from her. 'Tell me about yourself,' she said.

   I was surprised. 'About myself?'

   'Yes.'

   I raked my brain. What did she want to know about me? What could possibly be interesting about my life? 'I don't know where to start, ma'am.'

   'Start from your childhood,' she urged.

  I cleared my throat and told her about my growing up, from primary to college and to the university. I told her about my meeting Enny when I was in the university and how we had struck intimacy since then. I also told her how Enny had been supportive and our future plans.

   She listened raptly as if what I was saying was very interesting. After I had finished, I looked at her eagerly.

   'Do you really want to marry her or you're just playing her?'

   Just playing Enny? 'No, ma'am. I'm serious with her. I really want to marry her.'

  She nodded again. 'That's good. So, when are you planning the wedding?'

   I was delighted to hear that. 'As soon as possible. I'm saving towards renting a place of my own, even if it's a mini flat. After that, she and I can now properly plan the wedding.'

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






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"Good evening, madam. I had called you earlier. I appreciate what you sent."

I paused briefly. "Thank you for the pictures you sent. They are beautiful. I didn't realize until now that I've been talking to a very beautiful woman."

"It's okay. Thanks for the compliments. Now, I called because there's one important aspect I ought to have discussed."

I did not wonder what she meant for long. By instinct, I could sense it.

"I think I know the aspect you have in mind, madam."

"Really? Can you tell me what aspect that is?"

I allowed a meaningful silence.

"I think the aspect has to do with platonic clause."

I could hear her catch her breath.

"That is very correct. How did you guess right?"

"As I said, I could sense it."

"Good. That is what it is, that is what it will always be. Do we have a deal? Can we still go on with this?"

"With all pleasure, madam. I can assure that you will not regret meeting me."

"Okay," she said. "Send me your pictures too."

"I will do that." She cut the line. I spent more time studying her pictures before I decided to send five of mine.

We did not communicate again that day. The following day, just as I had planned, I went to Ikeja to attend the church that Precious and her family attended.



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Didn't Madam B say there would be nothing like sex in the bargain? Did she not expressly state the fact that she admired my 'decency'? So, why was I here, alone with her, in the bedroom?

I could feel her soft hand as she held my hand. 'Come over here,' she said.

Meekly, like someone without a will of his own, I followed her.



Chapter Three


She led me to the desk. 'Here, sit down.'
As I sat down, a sigh of inexplicable relief came out of my breath. I started breathing properly again.

She stood by the table side and opened one of the files.

'I have a task for you, and I have no doubt you are capable.' From the file, she brought out three documents that were spiral bound.

'See, these documents are reports of companies activities. They are general reports, not just records of figures. I want you to read the reports, note all the figures that are mentioned, see if there are discrepancies and write your observations on each of the documents in one page.

I know this is the work of a personal assistant, but don't worry, you'll be paid for your efforts and time. You can do it, can't you?'

I wasn't an accountant, neither was I a guru in financial reports or analyses, but if it was just to read, spot errors and summarize in one page, I should be able to do that.

'I'll try my best, ma'am,' I told Madam B.

She smiled and nodded. 'I know you'll do it. Alright, go ahead.' She soon left me to do some other things.

I shook my head in amazement. This woman would not stop amazing me. If you were a man, and a woman led you to her bedroom, what would you think about? Don't blame me for thinking dirty.

Well, it was okay that reading reports was the task she had for me. I was even glad by that, since I was not sensuously inclined.

I set to do the work. The first document had about fifty pages, the second one had fifty-five page, while the third - thank God - had twenty pages.

In between, I could see madam opening her wardrobe, going inside an attached room, which I guessed would be the bathroom, and taking her bath.

While she was still in the bathroom, I paused in my work to look around the large bedroom. From where I was sitting, I could see that she had her purse on the bed, and I could see some clothes she left there.




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Sorry you can't have the statue back.

All the same, you have succeeded in voicing out a remarkable opinion against neo fascism. The message is loud and clear.

👍

Unconsciously, Mandy looked at herself. At thirty-six, and after having two child births, she still had a trim and lovely figure. She was still pretty and desirable. Why couldn’t Ayo be content with what he had? Covetousness, that was the problem. She decided that she would intensify her prayers against the spirit of lustfulness in his life.


About seven p.m., he got to the Arrival Lounge of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. As he sauntered towards the exit door of the expansive hall, he saw Jane and a man approach him.

‘Good evening, sir. You’re welcome, sir,’ Jane greeted him.

He could not hide his surprise. ‘Jane, how’re you?’

‘Fine, sir. How was your flight?’

‘Fine. What are you doing here?’

‘I’ve been sent by the Permanent Secretary, Ms. Popo, to bring a driver and convey you to your residence, sir.’

Now, his surprise was total. ‘Ms. Popo went through all this trouble for me?’

‘It’s no trouble, sir. It’s all to make things convenient for you. You should not be jumping from one cab to another, sir.’

He nodded. ‘Well, that’s very considerate of her.’ He looked at the man that accompanied her curiously.

‘This is Mr. Ahmed, the driver.’

‘Good evening, sir,’ the man she had just introduced as Ahmed greeted and gave a slight bow.

‘Good evening.’

‘If you don’t mind, sir,’ Jane said and extended her hands towards his valise. He handed the bag to her.

‘This way, sir.’ She preceded him out of the hall, while Ahmed was on his heels. They went to the park where an official Peugeot 604 car was parked. Jane opened the right back door for him. She then dropped the valise in the car and joined the back seat from the left side.

The car slid out of the park and joined the main road.

‘So, how is everything, Jane? I’ve not seen you or heard from you for a while.’

‘All is well, sir. It’s the job that has taken over my time.’

‘The job? The job shouldn’t stop you from at least calling, dear Jane.’

She smiled. ‘I apologize, Mr. Ariyo.’

‘By the way, how did you know I would be arriving at the time I arrived?’

‘It has become a routine, hasn’t it? We knew you traveled and would be getting back to Abuja Sunday afternoon or early evening. We’ve been at the airport waiting since four o’clock.’

‘Wonderful,’ he said.

Because of the presence of the driver, he could not discuss much with her. Many minutes later, the car slid inside the compound of his residence.

As he got down from the car, the house maid quickly came out of the house to welcome him.

‘Welcome, sir.’

‘Thank you.’

The maid got the valise from Jane and took it inside.

Ayo turned to Jane. ‘Thank you very much for all the troubles. My regards to Ms. Popo, but I’ll soon call her to thank her for everything.’

‘With all pleasure, sir,’ Jane replied. ‘So long, sir.’

He nodded. ‘See you.’

He entered the house and went straight to his bedroom. The maid had already opened the place and had put his valise there.

He changed from the brown, kaftan dress to casuals of t-shirt and boxer. He then called Mandy.

‘I’ve safely arrived Abuja,’ he said.

‘Ah, thank God. Hope everything is all right.’

‘Yes. No problem.’

‘We thank God.’

‘Okay, see you again.’

‘Bye.’

He disconnected the line. There was a short knock on the door and before he could answer, the knocker opened the door and stepped inside the bedroom.

It was Juliet. She closed the door and had her back on it. He turned to stare at her.

‘My dear Juliet. My baby girl, how’re you?’

‘Not fine,’ she answered briefly.

‘Oh, Lord, why that? Why are you not fine?’

‘Because I missed you terribly.’

‘Oh, my baby.’ He went on to her and hugged her. ‘Well, I’m back. I’m back, dear.’

She smiled, hugged him, but still made a face.

‘I’m also not happy that you didn’t bother to call me.’

‘I’m sorry,’ he said quickly. ‘Mandy was with me throughout the weekend. I could not call you.’

‘Hmn.’

‘To make matter worse. The lady Ore, that you called had hinted Mandy that I have a lady friend in Abuja and she is suspicious. So, I have to tread carefully.’

Juliet pretended her sister had not hinted her about the ‘Abuja babe.’

‘You mean Ore went to the extent of informing your wife about a lady friend here? She must be very bad and desperate to do that.’

‘That’s what she did, and I’m so miffed with her.’

He pulled her to the bed and they sat on it.
‘How was your flight to and from Lagos?’






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After about seven minutes, another call came through.

"What are you waiting for?Why the delay? Send the account number and bank right now."

It was the same woman.

"Excuse me ..."

The line was dead before I could finish my sentence. What an impatient woman. I decided to call the number.

She picked on the second ring.

"Hello, madam. I think you got the wrong number," I quickly said.

"But this is the number you gave to me at the supermarket this morning. My ATM had issues, I was short of cash and you bailed me out. Now, I want to pay you back as I promised."

I shook my head as if she was physically there to see me.

"There's a mix up, madam. I was not the person. I've not been to any supermarket today."

"Hmn, some Nigerian men will not stop amazing me," she countered. "Is it that you're so proud you don't want to receive repayment from a woman or what?"

I chuckled. "I will gladly receive payment from you if I was the man. But then, I was not the person. Thanks for your time madam."

There was no further response, so I cut the line. If I thought that was the end of the conversation, I was wrong.

A couple of minutes later, she called again.

"Hello, madam," I started.

"Do you know who's calling?" she asked.

Again, I was bemused. "Yes, you are the woman who thought I was the man that she met in the supermarket this morning."

She laughed shortly.

Was that funny?





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Thumb 👍

The voice sounded like a mature woman's own.

"Oh, I'm sorry to disturb, madam. I'll call later."

About thirty minutes later, I called again.

This time, Sharon picked it. "Big Aunty told me you called minutes ago," she started. "How are you?"

"Fine. I called to find out how you are too."

"I'm fine. Thanks for calling."

We chatted a bit more before cutting the line. My mind went to Precious. Shouldn't I try to see her mother as soon as possible? I could go to their church the following day to worship.

After the Sunday service, I would see her. That Saturday afternoon, I was watching a live football match when my phone rang. I picked it up almost immediately.

"Good afternoon," I greeted.

"Send the account number to me and send it right away so I can do transfer."

Before I could say anything, the line was disconnected. I was bemused by the caller. I wasn't expecting any payment from any body, so I ignored the message.

After about seven minutes, another call came through.

"What are you waiting for?Why the delay? Send the account number and bank right now."

It was the same woman.

"Excuse me ..."




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l didn't know I would have an imminent challenge from my fiancée over the gifts.

The following day when Enny popped in to see me after closing from her place of work, still basking in euphoria, I had shown her all the items madam bought for me. Enny looked at them in wonder.

   'You mean Madam Da Rocha bought all these for you?' she asked as she picked the item up one by one and examined them.

   'Yes, o.'

   Enny suddenly dropped the items and faced me squarely. 'Can you honestly tell me what's going on between you two?'

    The smile slid off my face. 'What do you mean by that?' I tried to sound angry but I doubted if I actually sounded as such.

   'You know what I mean!' Enny said petulantly. 'Tell me, what's between you and that madam?'

   'Oh come on,' I said indignantly. 'If there's anything between us, will I be showing you all these?'  That seemed to make sense a bit, but she still looked uncertain.

  'But why is she buying all these for you?' she asked. 'What does she want from you?'
  I knew I dared not give her the true answer.  I decided to play smart.
  'I think she just likes me. She says I've been teaching her daughter well. I think it's because I've been doing the work well.'
   She sighed. I knew she was not totally convinced. Maybe I shouldn't have shown her the gifts. But she would still see them when I wore them and would raise eyebrow. I was like a gold fish that had no hiding place. Henceforth, I decided that I would be very smart in the way I handled Enny. I would eat my cake and still have it, I decided.
   That weekend, Saturday morning, about seven a.m., Madam Bimpe Da Rocha ( henceforth, I will refer to her as Madam B) called my number.

I was just loitering around the house, thinking of what to do with my time that Saturday morning when her call came through.

   'Good morning, Alex.' Her voice was cool and soothing.  'Are you very busy?'

   'Er, not exactly, ma'am.'

   'Can you come over?'

    'You mean to your house, ma'am?'

    'Yes, of course.'

    Since I had nothing to do that morning, why not? 'Okay, ma'am,. I'll soon come over.'
 
  I wondered why she wanted me to come to her place as I took my bath.

Could it be that she wanted Sofia to have extra lesson? Could it be that she had a special task for me? Well, don't worry, man, I told myself. You would soon know.

   I told the wife of my uncle I would be going to the church.

Since I did not know the exact thing I would be doing in madam’s house, I felt I should not mention her place. I realized that I had started lying.
   I arrived at the gate of Madam B's house eight a.m.  She was in the expansive sitting-room, still in her night dress.

 'There you are. How're you?' she greeted.
   I curtsied. 'Good morning, ma'am.'

   'Good morning. Hope your coming is not so inconvenient?'

   'No, ma'am. It's okay.'

   'Come, let me show you something upstairs.' She stood and I followed her to the staircase. My heart was beating fast.

  It was the first time I would be going up to the first floor.

We got to a large passageway. The whole floor had marble tiles, and everything smelled fresh. There were doors, leading to different rooms. We went to the last door to the right.

She opened it and stepped inside. I followed her inside. She closed the door to my back. It was a large bedroom, the largest I had ever seen in my life, so far.

At the edge of the room was a king size bed. There were long wardrobes.

Towards the right side of the bed was a small desk and a chair. There was a laptop, an i-pad and some files of documents on the table. The room smelt as if an exotic female perfume had just been sprayed there.

  As I stood and looked around the large, room, my heart beat increased. I was more curious than eager. But why did she bring me to the bedroom? I asked myself.

   Didn't Madam B say there would be nothing like sex in the bargain? Did she not expressly state the fact that she admired my 'decency'? So, why was I here, alone with her, in the bedroom?  

   I could feel her soft hand as she held my hand. 'Come over here,' she said.

   Meekly, like someone without a will of his own, I followed her.


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:Dq

.

I was surprised at the extent of her bitternes. "If you had watched a bit more, you would have seen that the whole thing did not go beyond the hug."

 She looked away. I could see that she did not believe me. 

I had to go. "Okay, Sharon. Goodnight."

 She didn't say a word as I left. I went back to my room. What a day it had been. I tried to put Sharon's tantrums off my mind. How wrong she was. I soon slept off.

 Friday was the third and final day of the workshop. Once again, Rose was nice to me, while Sharon continued to sulk. After the second presentation, we were given certification. 

Rose gave us a valise each to pack our clothes. By four p.m., I was set to leave the place. Despite her reservations, I exchanged telephone numbers with Sharon. 

It had been a worthwhile experience after all. I got back to my residence some minutes past seven p.m. It looked like I had left he house several weeks ago. 

That weekend, I could not visit Precious's mum as I had planned. 

On Monday morning, I started work at FGC headquarters at Ikeja. There, I submitted my letter of acceptance of job offer. I was posted to the Media department while Sharon was posted to the PR department. 

From my first day at work, I could tell that it was going to be a fulfilling work. The official working hours were eight a.m to five p.m. I was punctual to work as usual. 

On Wednesday afternoon, Sharon came to see me in the office I shared with a colleague. It was break hour and the colleague was not in the office. 

"I want to apologize for the way I behaved and talked to you the other time," Sharon said. "I overreacted. Sorry about it." 

I smiled to play it down. "It's okay, we all make mistakes." 

We talked briefly about the challenges of our new work before she left. Later that evening, Rose also called. She wanted to know how I was faring on my new job. 

She still thanked me for the other time and professed that I was a special man. I told her to God be the glory. 

On Saturday, I decided to  rest indoor. 

On instinct, around eleven in the morning, I decided to call Sharon. Her number rang many times before it was finally picked.

 "Hello, Sharon. This is Seyi on the line." 

There was a pause. "Sharon is not around. She just stepped out to buy something but did not take her phone along." 

The voice sounded like a mature woman's own.





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