₦airaland Forum

virtuedagirl:
I really enjoy dis story,Olajhidey22 tanks 4 sharing dis wonderful piece.abeg where i go find dis kind love? I am happy 4 Tobi,God always move ahead of us walking 4 us even through d disappointment we may face.

Smiles...A Big Thanks to you also for taking your time to read through this virtuedagirl.

Thanks for the encouragement and am glad you gained one or two lesson from this.
But worry less, your true love will locate you soon *Chuckles*

You might also wanna check my first story update on this link www.bussydave.com.ng/2015/11/hear-my-story/

Stay Blessed dear

Joy189:
Nice story....i enjoyed every bit of d story. keep up d good work

Thanks Joy189...I really feel encouraged by your warm wishes. Please stay tune for more

Thanks for reading through, God bless

And incase you miss my previous stories check my blog www.bussydave.com.ng/2015/11/hear-my-story/

Pals...Am so sorry for the delay updating the remaining episodes. My schedule has just been tight lately.

Kindly check www.bussydave.com.ng/category/entertainment for the remaining episodes. Have updated it on my blog already.

So sorry for any inconveniences.

Wishing you a prosperous new year fans

aprilwise:
Not all that glitters are gold tobi be careful. Ride on

Zeeenas:
BEAUTIFUL. I hope Tobi isn't in 4 anoda hrt brk o bcus afta dis 1 she will not even have a hrt to b broken.

You may be right, You may be wrong! We'll get to know soon......Am glad you are following through

Episode 12...

Tobi went to bed very early that day, but sleep evaded her. At about 2:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning, when the whole house was asleep, she went downstairs and searched for Monday’s paper.

Her uncle usually kept the newspapers for the entire week in a magazine stand in the sitting room, and only threw them away on Sundays. He usually went through the newspapers a second time on Sunday afternoons to decide which articles he would keep. The ones he retained typically had some important information on the furniture industry, especially as it related to the Southern part of Nigeria.

Tobi was grateful for her uncle’s peculiar habit because if he destroyed the papers immediately after reading them, she would have had to go to one of the newspaper vendors hoping they still retained the copy she needed. Thankfully, she could conduct her own hassle-free research within the confines of the house.

As she predicted, her uncle had destroyed the newspapers for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday of the previous week. So, the only ones she found were bits and pieces of the newspapers for Thursday, Saturday, Sunday and the entire newspaper for Monday, which was the day before. She started out with the newspaper for Monday, scouring it for any kind of news or information on the Aba rapist. Nothing. Then, she looked at the cut out articles for the other days.

She was just about to give up her search, when she saw on the back of an article, which talked about a new furniture company that had opened in Asaba a month ago, the sketch of a man’s face. It was just an amateur pencil-drawn sketch from the top of the man’s head to his upper chest, but the details in that drawing were enough to freeze the blood in her veins.

From the large eyes to the broad nose to the thick lips and even down to the Adam’s apple, the face in the picture closely resembled Dimeji’s face. Even the piercings in both ears were present. However, some features were missing. The man in the sketch did not have the dimples, which showed whenever Dimeji’s face contracted into a smile.

Furthermore, this person had laugh lines near the outer corners of his eyes, and Tobi strained her mind to remember if she had ever seen similar lines on Dimeji’s face. She grabbed her phone and quickly looked at Dimeji’s pictures. No laugh lines.

“Phew! Thank God!” she said.

But now that she had his pictures to compare with the sketch, her temporary relief dissipated, and was replaced instead by worry. Dimeji bore an uncanny resemblance to the man in the sketch.

Not knowing what to do next, Tobi read the little article that followed the picture. It basically said that some of the victims had described the man who raped them and an artist had pieced together their descriptions to produce the drawing. People were asked to contact their local police station if they had any information about the identity or whereabouts of the man in the picture.

“If Brother James was so sure that Dimeji was the man in the picture, he would have alerted the police. Why didn’t he do so? It can’t be because of any sympathy he feels for Dimeji, that’s for sure. So what could be the reason?”

As she sat there deliberating, the answer came to her: he was not completely sure. And to tell the truth, Tobi herself was not sure. She certainly hoped that it was not true, but Brother James had succeeded in planting the seed of doubt in her heart. There was a chance that he was wrong. Brother James was not the only person who had seen the sketch in that paper: the whole of Asaba and its environs had seen it too. They probably knew people who fit that description, apart from Dimeji.

“Of the 2 million people in Asaba, why must the Aba rapist look like my own boyfriend?” Tobi groaned.

She decided there and then to let the police investigation run its course. But from that point forward, she would watch Dimeji closely. She went to bed but did not fall asleep until it was almost 5:00 am. She did not wake up until around 2:00 pm on Tuesday afternoon, spending the rest of the day indoors. Time seemed to crawl by slowly, but eventually, Wednesday arrived.

Tobi and Dimeji had agreed to meet at about 5:00 p.m. that day. He arrived from Calabar just before 3:00 pm, but had to attend to some pressing matters at the new branch before finally making it to Tobi’s house around 4:30 pm.

When Tobi saw Dimeji, she struggled with mixed feelings. There was a part of her that wanted to embrace him, but another part distrusted him. Dimeji could tell just by looking at her that something was wrong. He walked up to her and hugged her, but she did not respond. Her body was stiff and cold like a tree trunk. Dimeji was alarmed.

“Tobi, what’s wrong? Tell me. I’m here now. What’s going on?” a worried Dimeji asked her.

“Let’s go to your house,” Tobi responded.

The house where Dimeji lived actually belonged to his close friend who lived in the United States. Apart from Dimeji, the only other people who lived there were the caretaker and his wife. They both stayed in the boys’ quarters, and they saw to the upkeep of the house in the absence of the owner. Dimeji’s friend had agreed to let him stay there whenever he was in Asaba.

As the house was Dimeji’s temporary residence, it was the one of the few places where they could talk with some measure of privacy. Normally, Tobi avoided going alone to Dimeji’s house out of concern for her reputation in the neighborhood. She did not want anyone peddling rumors to her uncle and aunt, so she usually went to his house in the company of her cousins.

That day, however, she did not care. She needed answers and that was all that mattered to her. They walked in silence to Dimeji’s house, and he led her to the sitting room. There was no one else in the house.

“Okay now, will you tell me what’s going on?” said Dimeji, sitting beside Tobi on a leather sofa. He tried to take her hand, but she pushed him away.

“I saw Brother James at the bus-stop on Monday,” Tobi started.

“For real? Is Brother James the reason why you’re boning for me?” Dimeji asked in surprise.

“Let me finish.”

“Okay o, Madam. Carry go.”

Tobi launched into a detailed account of her conversation with Brother James. As she narrated Brother James’ pathetic attempt at toasting her, Dimeji burst into laughter. But as soon as he caught the no-nonsense look on Tobi’s face, he cleared his throat, and assumed a serious look.

“…And he said you were a criminal, and even named you as the Aba rapist,” Tobi said, looking straight at Dimeji.

Dimeji jumped to his feet boiling with anger.

“And you believed him? What a joke! My goodness! Tobi, are you that gullible?! Please tell me you don’t believe that nonsense?”

Tobi took note of his reaction and continued swiftly with the second allegation.

“He also said that … that you had a son. Is that also a lie?” Tobi asked in an icy tone, looking directly into Dimeji’s eyes. At the mention of the word ‘son,’ Dimeji tore his gaze away from Tobi and turned his back to her. In that moment, Tobi’s worst fears were confirmed.

– to be continued –

Source: http://www.bussydave.com.ng/2015/12/story-long-distance-relationship-episode12

Long Distance Relationship....Episode 11



The school where he (Bro James) taught was located on the same road as the hotel, and he was just leaving for his second shift at the home of one of his students where he gave private English lessons. Tobi did not see him until he was standing right in front of her. By then, it was too late to escape.

“Sister Tobi, how are you doing?” said Brother James, genuinely happy to see her. He could not believe his luck, and his smile was only outshone by the bright sun.

“Fine, thank you,” replied Tobi reluctantly.

Oh God! Where did this man come from? Is he stalking me?

“Sister Tobi, I looked for you after service yesterday, but I did not see you. What happened?”

I ran away from you! That’s what happened. I wish I could run away again. If I had a horse, a camel or even a donkey, I would ride far, far away from you, Brother James. Where are the horses in Asaba?

“Oh, Brother James, I … er … I had to leave early. I had an appointment right after the service.” Tobi did not mention, of course, that the appointment she referred to, was an appointment with her bed. She had taken her cherished Sunday nap as soon as she got home.

“Issokay, Sister Tobi. These things happen. So where are you–?”

“I don’t want to miss my bus, Brother James,” Tobi interrupted impatiently.

While they were having this conversation, she had watched three buses she ought to have boarded, stop, drop off passengers and then leave. All because of this yeye man.

Either Brother James did not realize this or else he pretended not to notice, and instead, continued talking.

“So, the thing I wanted to discuss with you, Sister Tobi,” he began, pulling his suit closer to his body as if he was cold, even though he was sweating like a Christmas goat, you know all those church brother like that, them no sabi toast.

“Can’t this wait, Brother James? I’m kind of in a hurry,” said Tobi. She was thinking of an excuse to give so she could rush off, but none was forthcoming. Besides which, there were no other buses coming at that time. So, she was forced to stand there and listen to Brother James’ speech.

“Ah, Sister Tobi, it can’t wait o. In fact, it’s an emergency,” said Brother James, a sly smile spreading across his face. That smile made Tobi uneasy and at the same time piqued her curiosity. What could be so important that he wanted to discuss?

“Okay, go on. I’m listening.”

“The first matter has to do with your soul, Sister Tobi.”

“My soul?” said Tobi, unable to hide her surprise. “What about it?”

“Yes, I’m glad you asked. You see, the Bible says that the soul that sinneth shall die,” Brother James started.

“Ehen … And so? Aren’t we all sinners?”

“Sister Tobi, the Bible also says that a believer should not be unequally yoked with an unbeliever. I know you’re a child of God. I have watched you serve in the Children’s Ministry, and I can see that you love the Lord–“

Stalker alert! So this man has been watching me? Chineke, have mercy! Which kain person be dis? See how he’s just jumping to conclusions left, right and center. Make I hear wetin he go talk finish.

“I see. Continue,” said Tobi, with a calmness that surprised even her.

“… But that man you are dating is not a child of God. He is bad news. That man is a deceiver, an unbeliever and possibly even a molester.”

You dey craze! Na all your family dem, na dem be deceivers! Useless man!

With her eyebrows raised and even though she could feel her blood pressure rising dangerously high, she managed to ask him:

“And, what makes you think you can level such accusations against Dimeji in my presence? You don’t even know him.”

Tobi knew she was under-reacting to what Brother James said, but something inside her told her to be patient and hear him out. Although she was on the verge of knocking out the something inside her with an uppercut, she obeyed nonetheless. She knew Brother James was not done.

“You see, Sister Tobi, you are a treasure, not just to the body of Christ, but to me as well,” said Brother James.

Tobi could have sworn she saw him blushing.

“You are a rare jewel, more precious than rubies, sapphires, and even emeralds. I consider it my responsibility to acquaint you with the character of the man you think you know. Believe me, Sister Tobi, there is more to him than meets the eye.”

Ehen! See grammar plus toasting! So men too gossip? Wonders shall never end. No more Sunday school for me, after this. Definitely. And how did he leave out diamonds? For that reason alone, person suppose vex.

Tobi was past the point of vexing, but she waited for him to finish. Brother James continued.

“I know you must be wondering why I would say these things about him, but I have my reasons.”

So you can’t even say his name? Rubbish!

“Oh please, enlighten me,” Tobi said, folding her hands across her chest, her purse dangling from her right shoulder. That posture was strategic. It was calculated to restrain her hands from reaching out and decorating Brother James face with assorted slaps. He deserved it for the insults he was hurling at her, but she waited for him to finish. Her time would come soon enough, and she would certainly not let this one slide.

“First of all, Sister Tobi, I want you to know that if you persist in this relationship with that man, you will go to hell. He is an unbeliever and he will surely lead you to sin. If you are serious with your relationship with God, you will leave him and be joined with a believer instead. In fact, I had a dream where I saw you and me in a boat–“

“Brother James, I am not interested in your dreams, visions or hallucinations,” Tobi spat in anger. “Your proposal is hereby rejected. Next!”

“Ahn ahn wait now, Sister Tobi,” Brother James pleaded. “It’s not like that–“

“Oh really? So tell me, how is it?”

“Look, I did not make this up. That man is a deceiver! He has a child with a woman right here in Asaba and if you ask me, he might even be the Aba rapist!”

Tobi felt like someone had just poured cold water on her. What did this idiot just say?

“Brother James, repeat what you just said,” said Tobi, breathing heavily.

“That man you’re moving around with already has a child with another woman. And he’s a criminal. So, it’s better you break–“

“You are mad! As a matter of fact, you are out of your bloody mind! How dare you?!” Tobi thundered, inching closer to Brother James, who instinctively took a few steps back. He knew he had crossed the line.

“No-o-o, Sister Tobi! It’s what I heard o. I did not make–“

“Shut up! I said shut up there! You know what? You’re right. My soul is in danger, and so is your life too if you don’t vamoose from here right now. Na by force? Am I the only sister in church? You must truly be a coward, running down another man with baseless accusations just because you want to take what he already has. Aba rapist indeed! Of all the accusations to level against an innocent man. Why did you stop there? Why not take it further and accuse him of all the armed robberies in Asaba? Who knows if you are not the Aba rapist? And Dimeji has a child? You’re just a pathetic liar, and a disgrace to Christians everywhere!”

By now, Tobi was shouting at the top of her voice and had attracted the attention of other people waiting at the bus stop. Some of them began begging her to calm down, while others told Brother James to leave since he was the one who had angered her. Brother James reluctantly left, but before he did, he yelled one last time to Tobi:

“If you don’t believe me, ask him! Ask him about his son. And look in the newspapers for the sketch of the Aba rapist. You’ll know who is lying then.”

That was the last thing Tobi heard Brother James say as he walked away and disappeared further down the road, fuming. But his anger could not be compared with Tobi’s own. She blamed herself for waiting to listen to all the rubbish he just said.

I should have slapped that his mouth shut. I should have thrown my shoe at him. Foolish man!

But as she considered the second option, she was glad she did not take it because she would have had to walk home with just one shoe that day. The people, who had calmed her down, soon entered the buses taking them to their destinations and so did Tobi, just a few minutes after Brother James had gone.

Throughout the journey home, she was restless, reconstructing in her mind what she ought to have done to Brother James and how she had been too lenient with him. But the one thing that troubled her the most was this nagging feeling that there was some truth in what he had just told her. What if he was right? What if Dimeji had lied to her about fathering a child and was actually the Aba rapist? What if he was married?

To make matters worse, Dimeji was still out of town and would not be back till Wednesday. What was she going to do? Should she confront him with these accusations over the phone or wait till he got back? Should she even believe what Brother James said? After all, he had ulterior motives for levelling these accusations against Dimeji. Tobi began to worry that maybe she did not know Dimeji well enough. Wasn’t their relationship based on trust? Could she really trust him?

All Tobi had were questions, but no answers. She needed answers fast. Her impatience made her want to ask him these questions over the phone, but she remembered her breakup with Mayowa, and how he had broken up with her in person rather than on the phone. A breakup is painful, but the seriousness of such matters makes anything less than a face-to-face confrontation less humane and less personal.

Tobi wanted to look into Dimeji’s eyes while he answered those questions. Anything less would be unsatisfactory. She knew her heart would not rest until she had talked to him in person.

So when she got home, she called him and told him that when he came back to Asaba, she had a very serious matter to discuss with him. He noted the graveness of her tone and asked her to tell him what was wrong. She refused and said this was not something they could discuss over the phone.

Dimeji reluctantly agreed to let the matter pass and promised to see her as soon as he arrived in Asaba on Wednesday.

For the rest of the day, Tobi was restless and lost her appetite. It did not slip Auntie Priscillia’s watchful eyes, but when she asked Tobi what the matter was, her niece declined to answer. Auntie Priscillia surmised that she had quarreled with Dimeji and that when Tobi was ready she would tell her what had happened. So, she let her be.

– to be continued –

Source: www.bussydave.com.ng

Solidkay:
I cant help bt make my contribution.
This i say is one in a million,out of d blue. Ichommy check dis out.

Zeeenas:
So sweet, true love dey say last 4ever

You are very right Zeenas. Thats just the truth!

You could check another great story of mine on another thread https://www.nairaland.com/2823409/long-distance-1

aprilwise:
Brother James vs Tobi.

Smiling...... Just watchout!!!!!!!

Long Distance Relationship...Episode 10

Long Distance Relationship - BussyDave.com.ng


Brother James was the unapologetically longwinded and pompous leader of the Sunday School class for youths in the church Tobi attended.

Truthfully, most people referred to it as the “Singles’ Sunday School Class,” because it was attended by young, unmarried people. The married folks had their own class. But for whatever reason, the church chose to call this one the “Youths’ Sunday School Class.”

Brother James partially fit the definition of a youth as envisioned by the Church. He was a tall, saucy-faced, energetic 32-year old, who was gainfully employed as a Geography and English teacher at a secondary school in Asaba.

Although he was just a teacher, his ambition was far-reaching. His desire to attain the position of school principal in the near future was matched by a parallel desire of the same intensity: to find a wife. He believed that he had found the right woman. Her name was Tobi.

In Brother James’ mind, Tobi was the embodiment of everything he desired in a woman: she was tall, elegant, attractive, well-mannered, and for the time being, quite active in church. In Brother James’ dictionary, active in church meant God-fearing.

You see, at Aunty Priscillia’s insistence, Tobi had become more involved in church activities to while away time. She joined the Children’s Ministry, but she only served there on weekdays. Sunday morning was the time set aside for her and Dimeji to attend one service together.

Sometimes, Dimeji attended the one hour Sunday school class with Tobi, before going to the main service, but on other days, they skipped Sunday school entirely and went straight for the service.

Whenever Tobi and Dimeji showed up for Sunday school together, Brother James would invariably steer the topic for that morning’s class in the direction of ill-suited relationships. Unequal yokes, was the term he used regularly.

Tobi had brought this observation to Dimeji’s attention many times, and each time, he dismissed it casually. He said that Tobi was only being too sensitive, and on one occasion, even said that she was probably imagining things.

“Just ignore him.”

That was Dimeji’s advice.

Tobi tried to take Dimeji’s advice to heart. Oh, she really tried. But, the harder she tried to ignore Brother James and his little digs, the more obvious it was that he was being deliberate and determined to oppress them, as Tobi put it. To complicate matters, she noticed another trend.

On the rare occasions when she came for Sunday school alone, Brother James would change his strategy: he would ask her to read almost every single bible passage referenced in the Sunday school manual, and would call on her by name to answer questions. By name.

The entire thing irritated Tobi, but she kept attending because in her own stubborn way, she felt that it would take more than Brother James’ bullying to force her to leave. So, she kept coming, and Brother James kept at his game.

That Sunday morning, Tobi reluctantly went for Sunday school alone. Because she had dragged her feet getting ready for church that morning, she got to church late. She entered the room for the Sunday school class when the lesson was already in full swing.

Before she came in, they had been discussing one topic: faithfulness in serving the Lord. Brother James stood in front of the class, wearing a black suit that looked like he had inherited it from a man twice his size. The multi-colored flower print shirt he wore underneath did nothing to redeem the faux-pas that was the suit.

This ensemble was his typical Sunday morning outfit, with the shirt he wore being the variable, and the suit being the constant.

In one hand, he held a well-worn black leather bible, and in another hand, he held the paperback Sunday school manual. If the church had granted him permission, he would have brought a cane to flog those he considered to be less intelligent, who did not answer questions correctly. In the absence of a cane, however, Brother James employed a more effective weapon: his tongue.

He had just made a long and verbose statement on Abraham’s dedication to God. As soon as Tobi entered the room, he quickly changed the topic to companionship.

“…. And Abraham loved Sarah!” cried Brother James, with so much fervor that the other people in the room looked at one other in surprise. One look at their faces told Tobi all she needed to know: Brother James had just changed gears. He was up to his usual trick again.

“Without Sarah, there could be no Abraham! Without Rachel there could be no Isaac! Without Mary there could be no–“

“Rebecca,” said Tobi, under her breath, to correct Brother James’ improper reference to Isaac.

“What was that? Sister Tobi, is there something you would like to share with us?” Brother James said, hope rising in his voice, along with his Adam’s apple.

Tobi could not believe it. Did this guy have a recording device hidden somewhere on her person? How on earth did he hear her from that distance? She was sitting at the very back of the classroom of about forty people, with six rows of chairs. As she sat thinking about it, she realized that he must have had his eyes glued to her the entire time, and saw her lips move.

“Rebecca,” Tobi repeated, in a loud voice. “I was just correcting you, Brother James. You paired Rachel with Isaac. Rachel was married to Jacob. Rebecca was married to Isaac.”

Ordinarily, Brother James detested being corrected or reproved in any way in front of other people. But because it was Tobi who was doing the correction, he was more forgiving, and even praised her.

“Brethren, you see, that is why it is good to study the word. We should all become scholars of God’s word, just like Sister Tobi,” said Brother James, beaming and pointing a long nail that should have been clipped weeks ago in her direction.

A few people turned around to glare at her, mostly women, and Tobi could feel the disapproval of the other class attendees from all corners of the room.

“I don’t know what this guy thinks he is doing, singling me out like this. At this rate, he has succeeded in making more people hate me,” Tobi thought to herself.

She was right.

There were other young women in that room who hankered after Brother James’ affection and craved that sort of attention. But he showered it on the one person who would rather not receive it. The irony! Such is life sha.

Tobi endured Brother James for another ten minutes, after which it was time for the service. As she picked up her things to leave, Brother James all but flew from the front of the class to the back row where she was.

“This guy is the original Superman!” Tobi exclaimed inwardly. “I could have sworn I saw him in front just a second ago.”

The man who stood beside her was all smiles as he told her that he wanted to see her briefly after the service. Tobi laughed at the word “briefly.” She wondered if he even knew what it meant, seeing that he hardly ever kept to time.

“Ah, but you are seeing me right now, Brother James. Abi, is it someone else that is standing in front of you?” said Tobi, hoping he would get the hint and leave her alone. He did not.

“No-o! Sister Tobi, you’re so funny! God-fearing and funny. You are truly blessed,” Brother James said with a smile, exposing a chipped tooth in the upper row of his teeth. Tobi wondered if he had chipped it while trying to crack a bone, or if someone had filed that particular tooth with a nail file in his sleep. The angle of that chip …

“Really?” said Tobi, failing to see how her sarcastic remark could have been interpreted as a joke.

“Yes, you are. Too funny, in fact,” he insisted.

“Okay, Brother James. I am all ears.”

“No, Sister Tobi. Not now. Let’s see each other after the service. There will be more time then. God bless you sister,” he said as he sped off to secure a seat in front of the church.

“See each other, indeed,” said Tobi, mimicking him. “E be like say you no know me.”

Clearly, Brother James did not know Tobi. She dutifully went through the motions of the church service. But as soon as the Pastor’s sermon was over, while most people’s eyes were closed during the altar call, she slipped out and headed home.

By the time they shared the Grace, she was sitting on top of an okada, halfway to Okpannam Road. The meeting with Brother James would only take place in his dreams.

The following day was a Monday. She had a job interview at one of the numerous hotels in Asaba, which was famous for its hospitality. The position was for a front desk clerk, something she was over-qualified for. Who goes to the university, goes through the trouble of acquiring a degree, and then graduates to work at a job that does not even require a secondary school certificate?

Tobi considered this over and over again as she prepared to leave, but under the circumstances, she knew she did not have a choice. It was far better to be working at this job than to be unemployed. She was sick and tired of staying at home.

The interview itself lasted less than thirty minutes, but Tobi ended up spending more than four hours just waiting for her turn. There were almost twenty other people waiting to be interviewed for the same position that day, and the interviewer, a small, robust man who was one of two managers at the hotel decided that interviews were not his priority.

He went to take care of numerous official and unofficial duties, while the poor interviewees waited. He made phone calls, dictated memos to his secretary, possibly left comments on people’s Facebook walls, and even went out to lunch, while all these people waited for him. Tobi, whose interview was scheduled for 9:30 am did not get interviewed until it was almost 1:30 pm.

As she left, thoroughly exhausted, she decided in her heart that if she ever owned her own business, she would do things differently.

“Chei! I have suffered. All this wahala just for one miserable job interview? How much will they pay me sef?” she thought to herself as she walked to the nearest bus stop.

“Not enough, that’s for sure.”

She was so deeply immersed in her own thoughts that she did not see the man across the street that first waved to her, and when he did not receive any response, crossed the street to meet her. It was Brother James.

– to be continued –

Source: www.bussydave.com.ng

aprilwise:
Love is a beautiful feeling. I guess brother James is another toaster of tobi. Ride on

Lets see!......Thanks for following through @aprilwise

Miminat:
Well i couldn't help my curiosity, has to go to the link you provided.... done and satisfied...Thank you!

Smiles...Thats so fast of you!

Am glad you really love the story. Hoping to hear your feedback on the story; Good side and the bad side which will help improve my writing in my next story.

Thank You!

Source: www.bussydave.com.ng

Long Distance Relationship...Episode 9


By now, it was already dark, and although the electricity supply was a lot better in Asaba than it was in Lagos, the power was out that night. The generators in the neighborhood had taken over from where PHCN stopped.

Chief Fashola’s compound was no exception. The hum of his generator was loud enough to mask Tobi and Dimeji’s conversation from the gateman who sat at his duty post near the gate.

When Tobi stepped outside the gate and saw Dimeji, she immediately noticed that something had changed. He looked different.

Dimeji had changed from the purple button-down shirt and gray trousers he wore earlier in the day, and now donned his usual t-shirt and jeans. He was smiling. No, beaming when Tobi came outside. He could easily have outshone the bright fluorescent lamp, which lit up the front of Chief’s house. Tobi wondered why he was so happy. He read the question in her eyes and pronounced the answer with his lips:

“I should have asked you this weeks ago, but I kept looking for the right opportunity and … Tobi, you have to promise me that you’ll say ‘Yes.’ Will you?” Dimeji looked at Tobi, hope written all over his face.

“How can I make a promise when I don’t know the terms? What if you want me to steal someone’s fowl? I’m not a thief o,” said Tobi, laughing nervously (you sabi as lady dey always form nau ). She hoped the laughter would mask the sound of her heart racing. Nerves! Was he really asking her out?

“Come on now, you know what I mean. Okay, okay, I will come out and say it: I want you to be my girlfriend.”

“Is that how they ask people out in your village? There should at least be a marching band and maybe atilogwu dancers. Maybe the atilogwu dancers are on their way sef,” said Tobi, unable to hide the smile that was growing wider and wider. She could not believe it. Had he been eavesdropping on her conversation with Auntie Priscillia? Strange things has happened.

“Oya now, what’s your answer? Please say Yes,” Dimeji pleaded, grabbing Tobi’s hands and clasping them in his own.

“Yes. My answer is Yes,” Tobi said, and before she could say anything else, Dimeji pulled her close and planted a light kiss on her lips. Tobi suddenly remembered that her uncle could burst out of the gate at any moment, and quickly pulled away from Dimeji. He looked mildly offended.

“Did I do something wrong?” he asked, puzzled.

“No-o. Not at all. It’s just that my un–”

“Oh yes, I forgot about your uncle. But you’re not a child now. He should be okay w–”

Tobi’s laughter interrupted him in mid-sentence. It was the sort of laughter that was designed to pass across a message, and the message embedded in Tobi’s laugh was, “You must be joking.”

“My father is not even as strict as my uncle. As long as I live under his roof, no matter how old I am, he won’t be happy to find me kissing our neighbor outside his gate at night.”

“Ah, how did I suddenly become ‘our neighbor’ all over again? You’re my girlfriend now.”

“Girlfriend, not wife. Oya, I have to go back inside before they start looking for me.”

“Wait now. You said you wanted to talk. I’m listening.”

Tobi paused and then smiling, she told him: “It’s settled. There’s nothing left to talk about. I’ll see you tomorrow morning. No English wear o.”

“Okay o. Come now …. There’s something else …” said Dimeji.

Tobi obliged. With one swift move, Dimeji cupped Tobi’s face with his hands, and gave her a proper kiss. This time, she did not pull away.

“See you tomorrow then,” he said, as he let his hands slide to her waist.

Tobi nodded. He held her for a minute and then reluctantly let her go. As she retreated into the house, she thought to herself:

“This is what they call promotion, for Dimeji is a far better kisser than Mayowa.”

The following day was a Saturday, and Dimeji came to pick her up as planned. He wore a powder blue brocade buba with matching trousers, and Tobi wore a purple and gray lace blouse with a matching long skirt. She left her hair uncovered.

“I don’t want to go there looking like Mr. Johnson’s second wife,” she replied when Dimeji asked her why she was not wearing a head tie. She felt that wearing a head tie would make her look older, a big no-no.

“Don’t cover your hair, then. I prefer it like this,” he said, referring to the individual braids she had tied into a ponytail. Tobi blushed. The purple and silver eye shadow she had carefully applied was not lost on Dimeji either, and he made several jokes about it all the way to Agbor. Although they had to stop several times on the way to ask for directions to the street where Mr. Johnson lived, they finally arrived in Agbor late in the afternoon.

The party was already in full swing when they walked into the spacious compound. Mr. Johnson, who was too busy celebrating life, did not even comment on Tobi’s relationship with the young man who she introduced as Dimeji. As it turned out, her fears were unfounded. After eating and drinking, Tobi got a chance to assess Dimeji’s moves on the dance floor to highlife music. She was quite impressed, but complained bitterly about it all the way home.

“I’m sure you went to practice before coming to Agbor today. I’m so sure of it! Ahn, ahn, how can a man beat me on the dance floor like that?” Tobi lamented as they made their way home. Nightfall was fast approaching as Dimeji steered the car along Asaba-Agbor Road.

“Babe, don’t jealous me! I sabi dance pass you. Just accept it,” said Dimeji. His feigned arrogance only served to irritate Tobi further.

“I’m not inviting you to any more parties, until I have satisfied myself that I can beat you at this,” said Tobi, still sulking. Dimeji just laughed at her and turned on the radio.

If you love me, you go wait for me …

Onyeka Onwenu’s soulful voice blended with King Sunny Ade’s lighter tones in a delicious harmony. Tobi tried to change the channel.

“Why? What are you doing?” Dimeji asked in surprise. “I like that song,” he said, making a futile attempt to flip the channel back to the previous radio station.

“Well, I don’t. That song is–” Tobi began, and then, her voice faltered.

“What’s the matter, Tobi?”

“That was our song. Mayowa always sang it on my birthday. We even had a dance for it.”

Dimeji burst out laughing, but when he realized that Tobi was serious, he swallowed the rest of his laughter.

“You’re serious? That Mayowa guy used to sing this song to you and dance to it? Wow! I don’t think I can top that. In fact, I am begging you, please don’t ask me to. That’s the lamest, dumbest thing I have ever heard in my life!”

He turned and caught the look on Tobi’s face. She looked hurt.

“Sorry,” he apologized. “I shouldn’t have been so insensitive, he being your ex and all.”

“Prove it.” Tobi said. She looked and sounded so serious that Dimeji parked the car by the side of the road. His abrupt move startled a woman selling roasted yam nearby. The woman actually jumped up in fright and made as if to run from what she deemed imminent danger. Seeing that the car’s brakes worked perfectly fine and that he did not knock over either the yam or the keg of palm oil sitting on the floor, she cautiously returned to her spot. Spreading her palms menacingly at Dimeji, the sign otherwise known as Waka, or in this case, double Waka or Waka raised to the power two, she yelled:

“God punish you!”

Unfortunately for her, Dimeji was totally oblivious her cursing. He had turned off the car engine and was looking at Tobi.

Then, he did the unthinkable.

He got out of the car, walked over to Tobi’s side, opened her door and pulled her aside gently. With Tobi leaning on the front passenger’s side, confusion written all over her face, Dimeji’s lips parted and a song floated out. Tobi recognized the song immediately. It was P-Square’s I love you.

“… The personal person for me-e-e …” Dimeji sang gleefully. One would think the guy actually composed the song himself.

“Bros, you don craze finish o. Na song she go chop? If to say you buy her yam now, na she go dey sing for you!” said the yam seller, who had now turned to a roadside amebo.

Why this woman thought that roasted yam and palm-oil was a romantic meal was anybody’s guess. Even more puzzling was the fact that she thought that insulting a potential customer would entice him to patronize her. Tobi and Dimeji simply ignored her.

After Dimeji’s impromptu performance, Tobi smiled her thanks. Then, they got into the car and continued to Asaba in silence. Mostly.

When they arrived in front of Chief Fashola’s house, Tobi turned to Dimeji and said:

“I enjoyed the performance. Thanks again.”

Before Dimeji could say anything, she leaned forward and planted a kiss on his cheek.

“Is that all I get? A peck? For all my hard work?!” Dimeji said, feigning surprise.

“Good Night, Dimeji,” said Tobi as she got out of the car.

As she climbed into bed less than an hour later, it finally dawned on her, the lesson Dimeji strove to teach her that afternoon: that although both good and bad memories can spring from the same experience, you can overwrite bad memories with good ones. Or something like that.

As for Dimeji, he did not sleep a wink that night. That peck that Tobi had planted on his cheek had set him on fire, and it would take a lot to quench that fire.

The following day was a Sunday. Dimeji travelled very early that morning and left Asaba for some business in Calabar. That meant that Tobi would have to go by herself to church. She was not looking forward to it, and it was not just because of Dimeji’s absence. She was avoiding Brother James.

Who be brother James again?

– to be continued –Checkout in the next episode
Please keep following and let the comments keeps flowing in!

Am open to criticism also. So its welcome

arinze3131:
u re doin a grt work here,keep it up..

Thanks for the encouragement @arinze3131....Am glad you are enjoying the story. Stay tune and keep following till the last episode!

Miminat:
Ahn ahn, please update this story asap! Running outta patience..

Thanks for reading through miminat. Am glad you are enjoying the story.

Promise to continue with the story tomorrow. Am having a little problem with my phone at the moment. Hopefully tomorrow i will continue

Expect more episodes..

aprilwise:
Every relationship must be define nd give it a meaning nd value if not abuse is inevitable. Thanks man for d update.

Exactly @aprilwise...You've said it all!

Am glad you are still following the story...*Thumbs up*

Source: http://www.bussydave.com.ng/2015/12/story-long-distance-relationship-episode-8

Long Distance Relationship....Episode 8



Tobi tapped Dimeji on the shoulder, told him she was leaving and retired indoors. She knew that she would have another opportunity to ask more questions the following day.

One of her father’s friends was celebrating his 54th birthday in Agbor that Saturday, and Dimeji had volunteered to take her there. The man, Mr. Johnson would not have bothered celebrating 54. After all, most people threw parties to celebrate major milestones like 21, 30, 40, 50 and so on.

But Mr. Johnson had survived a major boat accident earlier that year, and felt that a party was in order.

Tobi’s father would not be in attendance, but his daughter would represent the family. Chief Fashola and Auntie Priscillia would also be out of town attending another function.

As soon as Tobi entered the house, she went to the back of the house, where Auntie Priscillia was sitting eating sugar cane. Tobi greeted her, fetched her own plate, and joined her aunt to consume the sugar cane.

“Tobi,” Auntie Priscillia began, after spitting out the chaff from the chewed-up sugar cane, “That man you’re always going about with, what’s his name?”

“Dimeji, Auntie. His name is Dimeji,” Tobi replied, before throwing a piece of sugar cane in her mouth. She was not surprised. She had expected her aunt to question her about her friendship with Dimeji and was ready with answers.

“So, what are the two of you doing together, ehn? You’ve been spending all this time with him, and you’ve been gallivanting all around Asaba together. Tobi, I know I am not your mother, but I won’t open my eyes and keep quiet if I see something wrong happening to you.”

She paused. She did not expect a reply from Tobi, but started coughing. Tobi dived indoors for a glass of water. After drinking and clearing her throat, she continued.

“Now, this Dimeji, has he made his intentions known to you? I mean, has he asked for your hand in marriage?”

“Haba, Auntie! We’ve only known each other for four months, and you’re already talking about marriage. We are just friends.”

“You children don’t know anything. How long do you think it took before your uncle married me? Just two months. Marriage was his intention from day one, and he made it clear. He didn’t waste time at all. Tobi, I don’t want this man to waste your time like that other Mayowa fellow. If a man wants you, he will make it clear.”

“Auntie, we are just friends. I’m not his girlfriend or anything and–“

“You see, that’s the problem. Anybody seeing the two of you together would think you were in a committed relationship, and you’re now telling me he is just a friend. Tobi, it is a woman who determines the pace of a relationship, and she is the one who sets the boundaries too. With your mouth you’re saying you both share a casual friendship, but your actions tell a different story. Don’t let any man make a fool of you. I know not every man is upfront about his intentions like your uncle. Some men need a little push to make a commitment. This Dimeji fellow must decide whether he will commit himself to you or move on. If he has not raised this issue with you, then it is your duty to do so. Or else–“

And here, Auntie Priscillia’s voice trailed off as she threw another piece of sugar cane into her mouth and chewed it with a rugged determination. It was like the words that should have come after “or else” were crushed with the pulp of the sugar cane and promptly discarded with the chaff.

Tobi knew that what her aunt had said was true. She had thought about it many times, but each time the thought presented itself, she had pushed it farther and farther away into the recesses of her mind. It was something she was not willing to deal with simply because she was enjoying the steady pace of her friendship with Dimeji.

They were getting to know each other without the boyfriend-girlfriend tag, which in Tobi’s opinion, could ruin everything. Their friendship was unhurried and she did not feel the pressure she had felt with her relationship with Mayowa. Until that evening with Aunty Priscillia.

Why rock the boat?

Tobi was sure that bringing up any talk about relationships or commitment with Dimeji would spoil the simple friendship they already had. Besides, wasn’t that his place? Why did she have to do a man’s job for him? And she did not want to repeat the same mistake she had made with Paul with any other man.

Certainly not with Dimeji.

Tobi was forward, outspoken sometimes, and in the months after her breakup with Mayowa, she felt a deep sense of guilt for the way things had panned out between them. A part of her felt that her being too forward was to blame, and she had consciously tried to tone it down when she came to Asaba.

Poor Tobi! If only she knew that there was no amount of ‘toning down’ her character that could have saved her relationship with Mayowa. They had already drifted apart before he went to Abuja, but she still held on to him like a drowning man clutching at straw.

For Mayowa, the physical distance between them was a manifestation of what was already going on emotionally. He had gone to Abuja thinking of starting afresh. It just so happened that it was Folake who had walked into his life at a time when his own heart was searching for someone else. Tobi with all her letter writing, phone calls and emails was fighting a lost battle.

But our dear Tobi was not a mind reader. She only knew what she could see and understand. This revelation, of course, came later.

That evening with Auntie Priscillia, she realized that her attempts to suppress her nature were failing. In fact, they had failed. The longer she sat there thinking about what her aunt had said, the more she realized that she had been the one deceiving herself.

There was nothing simple about her friendship with Dimeji. They had crossed the friend line a long time ago, but they never made it official. He never made it official.

“I’m not going to Agbor without a formal commitment. In fact, I’m not going anywhere without defining this yeye friendship. What would I even introduce him as? My friend? Let me not disgrace myself. I will confront him today.”

With her mind made up, Tobi thanked her aunt for her advice and retired to her room. Once she was within the confines of her room, she sent Dimeji a text with the four words men do not like to hear:

We need to talk.

Tobi had expected that Dimeji would reply with “Okay, we’ll discuss this tomorrow.” But she got a big shock when he replied with “Okay. Me too, I have something to say. Meet me outside your gate in five minutes.”

Five minutes? She had hoped for a meeting the following day so she could collect her thoughts and decide what to say. But now, five minutes?

“Well, there goes my plan,” she muttered to herself as she went to the designated meeting place.

How did the discussion went?

– to be continued –

aprilwise:
Yeah. Am an addict follower of ur epistle.

Thanks @aprilwise. I sight you boss

virtuedagirl:
following o.nice piece

Thanks Virtuedagirl

Source: www.bussydave.com.ng/category/entertainment

Long Distance Relationship....Episode 7


Tobi shook her head and rolled her eyes. This guy was just jumping to conclusions, but she was enjoying his company. They continued talking as they ate their lunch.

Tobi told Dimeji that she was in Asaba job-hunting. He told her that he was in a joint venture with his best friend, Chuka in Lagos. Their company sold electronics and was considering opening a branch in Asaba. He had come to do the groundwork to prepare for the new branch, which they planned to launch before the end of the year.

“You’re lucky you have an uncle who is willing to help you secure a job. At least, you studied a sensible course: Business Admin. As for me, na Geography I read o, so I knew I was on my own.”

“My friend, don’t talk like that! You know that even those who graduate with a degree in Yoruba work in banks,” said Tobi.

“Yes, but they need serious connections to cut that deal. I didn’t have that. I’m happy with the path I chose though. Entrepreneurship, I mean. More like it chose me. Even if I worked at a bank, for example, I could not possibly work there forever. I was going to be an entrepreneur eventually. It has brought fulfillment in a lot of ways.”

“I wonder if your girlfriend, Tiff, agrees,” Tobi said, a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

“Haba! Don’t tell me we’re back to this non-existent girlfriend? Did that bobo hurt you so much?”

“How did you know?”

“That was the only logical explanation for your refusal to let go of my presumed infidelity.”

“Or you took a wild guess and got lucky?” Tobi queried.

“That too … Look Tobi, I understand. I really do. I have been there.”

There was something genuine and sincere about the way Dimeji said the words ‘I have been there’ that was heart-stirring. Tobi wondered what his story was.

“So, Mr. I-have-been-there, what happened between you and her?”

“You know, it is not good to discuss exes on our first date,” Dimeji said, a naughty grin on his face.

“Say what?! Which date? Don’t get it twisted. I’m just here as–” Tobi said, clearly flustered.

“Sister Tobi, cool down for Jesus! I was just kidding … for now,” Dimeji said. That mischievous twinkle re-appeared so often during their conversation that by the time Dimeji dropped her off at home, she concluded that he was born that way.

Later that evening, she spoke with her mother who called to find out how she was settling down in Asaba. She gave her mother a condensed version of her experiences, including this neighbor who had taken her out to lunch.

“Keep an open mind, Tobi. You don’t know what God has in store for you in Asaba.”

Those were her mother’s words, and that became the mantra she recited to herself every morning. It helped her through the disappointments she faced over the next four months, where she attended job interviews that were unsuccessful. Her uncle’s connections helped her get a foot in the door in some companies, but that was only for the application process. It seemed like the same ill luck that she had tried to escape from in Lagos had followed her to Asaba, and she battled discouragement daily.

In the midst of all this, Dimeji remained at her side, being the listening ear she needed and occasional shoulder to cry on. Tobi had thought that her cousins would have played that role, but they were both disconnected from Tobi’s reality. They had not tasted the pain of disappointment that came from having doors shut in one’s face in places where open doors were expected, promised even. Dimeji, who had walked in Tobi’s shoes a few years back, having gone through the same process, knew exactly what she was going through, and it seemed also, how to comfort her.

He was usually out during the day, busy with the demands of opening a new branch office. However, in the evenings, he made himself available, coming to visit her at home and taking long walks down the quiet streets in their neighborhood. Occasionally, they visited local attractions like the Mongo Park Building, FSP Children’s Park and Otu-Ogwu Beach, but it was those long walks that Tobi loved the most because they got to enjoy each other’s company and talk for hours. What better way is there to get to know a person than talking to him?

In four months, Tobi knew more about Dimeji than she had known about Mayowa in five years. She knew that he had two younger brothers who were still in the university, that his parents had divorced when he was just five, and had learnt to speak Hausa fluently while he attended primary school in Kaduna, where his mother lived.

Because his parents felt that the schools in Lagos were better than the ones in Kaduna, he had moved to Lagos after finishing primary school, to attend a private secondary school. He studied Geography at Olabisi Onabanjo University, in Ogun State, formerly known as Ogun State University (OSU). Youth service was at Kogi state, and that was the last time he had been in a relationship.

He was reluctant to tell Tobi about this past relationship, but Tobi was not one to be ignored. She cornered him one Friday evening, during one of their numerous leisurely strolls, and asked him point blank to tell her about his ex-girlfriend.

“Talking is therapeutic, Dimeji. You of all people should know that. It’s what you’ve been drumming into my head almost every day since we met,” Tobi said, grabbing his chin and forcing him to look at her face. “Oya talk.”

“Why now? You’re ruining the mood. Look at the way the sun has colored the sky as it is going to sleep. Isn’t God amazing?” Dimeji said, making a last minute attempt to change the subject. Tobi did not fall for it, and insisted on him speaking about her.

“Okay. Remember that day at Mr. Biggs? I told you that I love deeply and that people often take advantage of that.”

“Yes, I remember.”

“Okay, that’s what happened. I loved her too much and she knew it. It didn’t work out. The end.”

“Oh no, sir. That summary is unacceptable. You’ll have to do better than that.”

“What do you want me to say, Tobi?” Dimeji asked, in a frustrated voice.

“For starters, you could tell me her name,” Tobi said, coolly.

“Her name. Hmmmm …. Her name was … is Enitan Ibiwoye.”

“See, that wasn’t so hard now, was it?”

“No, it wasn’t. She was a fellow corper. We were both posted to a secondary school in Asaya, Kogi state. She taught English, and I taught Health Science. We spent a lot of time together.”

“Was she fine? Or should I say beautiful?”

“Yes, she was … on the outside. We were inseparable.” And here, Dimeji smiled as he remembered some happier times he had shared with this Enitan person.

“Go on. I’m listening.” Tobi began to wonder if asking him to talk about his ex-girlfriend was such a good idea.

“She had this … this face. How do I describe her? When she braided her hair, she looked just like a Malo chick.”

“Malo what? What’s that?”

“Hausa girl. She looked like an Hausa girl.”

“She was very athletic too. She represented our platoon and won many of those running competitions. Her favorite meal was–“

“Abeg, abeg! I didn’t ask you for all the details on her life. I just wanted to know what went wrong.”

“Shebi you were the one asking about my ex? Now, you’re tired of hearing about her abi?” Dimeji asked in surprise.

“Why did you people break up? Simple question. Oya answer it,” Tobi responded, arms folded across her chest.

“I was not the only one who was attracted to her. I mean … she was hot! A lot of the other male corpers thought so too. They were always toasting her, flirting with her, and she did nothing to discourage them. I confronted her with this shortly after we started dating, and she just brushed off my concerns. Said I was too sensitive. And then the rumors started … that she was seeing other men.”

“Sleeping with other men, you mean,” Tobi said, a stern look on her face.

“Well … yes, that’s what they said.”

“Let me guess … You didn’t believe them. You thought she was above all that. Am I right?”

“Yes, yes, exactly. I told her that people were talking, but that I didn’t believe them. That I believed in us.”

“And what did she say?”

“The first time I confronted her with the rumors, she threatened to break up with me. That there were many people who were jealous of her, especially other female corpers, and they were the ones spreading the rumors.”

“There’s no smoke without fire,” Tobi muttered under her breath.

“What was that?” Dimeji asked.

“Nothing. Continue. I’m listening.”

“She denied it and said that I should stop feeding my ears with gossip. So, I took her advice and ignored the rumors. I actually quarreled with some of my friends over this issue. At some point, some of them said I was jazzed.”

Tobi laughed. That was typical. An African man’s unshakeable loyalty to a woman could always be explained by jazz or juju. It had to be a love charm mixed liberally with some mouth-watering meal she had cooked for him. Love by itself, in its purest, unadulterated form was not enough.

Dimeji paused, took a deep breath and continued.

“The rumors increased and so did the intensity of Enitan’s denials. At some point, I thought I was hallucinating, that I had imagined all these stories about her and other guys. Eventually, I got tired of self-therapy, and decided to find out for myself. So, the very next rumor that reached my ears, I took it to heart and investigated.”

“And what did you find out?” Tobi asked, even though she already guessed the answer.

“That I had been a big fool. She wasn’t only messing around with corpers but with teachers and even the headmaster.”

“Headmaster? Well, I have to hand it to her. She didn’t aim low. She went straight for the oga at the top … if you can call the headmaster that,” Tobi said. Dimeji did not find her joke funny and told her immediately. She apologized.

“After that, I broke up with her. The funny thing is that I still loved her though. If she hadn’t–“

“Do you still love her?” Tobi asked, looking into Dimeji’s eyes. Without hesitating, he replied:

“No. It took a while … years actually, but I got over her.”

“And how do you know? I mean, how do I know you’re telling the truth?”

“Because when she came–“

Dimeji’s phone rang at that minute, interrupting their conversation. He answered it before Tobi could stop him and began to speak Hausa to someone over the phone. Tobi could not make head or tail of the conversation, but she wanted Dimeji to conclude his Enitan gist, so she waited for the phone call to end. Five minutes turned to ten minutes.

By this time, they had walked back to Okpannam road and were standing in front of Chief Fashola’s house. The front gate opened, and Rita, the house help came to call Tobi.

“Madam dey call you, Auntie,” she said to Tobi.

– to be continued –

Thanks guys. Am encouraged by your comments. Keep it comin pals

Now lets continue!

Essyprity:
I hv read ur story till d end and I must confess that I was moved to tears when at last Tobi's sister said she wud join d next available bus to asaba. I also love d part when Tobi turned back to hear Dimeji's explanation. You did a good job but I wud advise u get firmer with ur writings.

Thanks for the encouragement @Essyprity..... Would make corrections to that, thanks for the observation. Am glad you love the story

Anyone following??

aprilwise:
Funmi don't know what she want initially. She expect biyi to wait for her like statue in one position. Thanks

Exactly!
She never opened her heart to love and when she eventually did it was too late for her...She's loosed a rare gem!

Long Distance Relationship…..Episode 6

As they drove, there was a beep from Dimeji’s phone, which was in his breast pocket and he made as if to retrieve it. “What do you think you’re doing?” Tobi asked, a tinge of fear in her voice. “Don’t tell me you’re going to check your phone while you’re driving?”

“You’ve predicted my future by asking a question. O Great One, if you already knew, then why did you still ask?” Dimeji asked in a playful voice. Tobi was not smiling. “To knock some sense into your head, obviously.” “Are you saying I’m senseless?” “Your words not mine,” Tobi said, pouting like a spoilt child. “Or how else would you describe a person who fiddles with his phone while driving? There’s no way you’ll be able to concentrate on your driving.” “You mean to tell me that you don’t text, answer calls, type articles, make eba, pound yam, make akamu and even wash clothes while you’re driving?” Dimeji asked, a wicked smile playing on his lips.

Tobi laughed at his effort to lighten her mood. “I don’t drive, so the answer is ‘No.’ I don’t make eba while driving. But, put me on the back of an okada, and I might even make stew to go with the eba.” Dimeji laughed. It was one of those genuine, heartfelt laughs that rise from the belly and explodes through the mouth.
“Hmmmm … But you’re clearly one of those back seat drivers,” he said, as the laughter died down. “What gave me away?” “Ah! The way you’ve been pointing and gesticulating and telling me to slow down since you entered my car. I’ve been waiting to ask if maybe you be yellow fever or LASTMA officer.” Tobi chuckled. And then it struck her. That mention of LASTMA could only mean one thing.

“Wait o, Dimeji. Have you been to Lagos?” “Ah, I resemble village boy to you? So, on top of all my baffing up, you still think I’m a local boy? See my life?!” he moaned in jest. “O-o-o-h! Stop it jo. I was referring to the LASTMA comment, not your clothes. No one says “baffs” anymore, old papa youngy …” “Your body don wrinkle …” Dimeji sang. “Pata-pata!” they both chorused and the car erupted in laughter. “You dis girl! You’re just as razz as I am. I like that.” They had by now arrived at the Mr. Biggs on the ever busy Nnebisi Road. This was one of Asaba’s commercial areas, but it was less busy that day, being a Sunday. The restaurant was not as packed as Tobi had expected. Many of those present were young couples with small children, but some older people were also there.

Dimeji paid for their food, and they went to sit at a table with three chairs. “Won’t you check your phone? Your girlfriend won’t like to be kept waiting,” Tobi teased, in between sips from a bottle of Fanta. Dimeji pulled out his phone and came round to where she sat. Still holding it, he placed it right in front of her eyes, and opened the text message that had come in earlier. It was from someone called Tiff Adesanya, and it read:
I hope you’re expecting me, Dimeji. I’m coming to visit in one month. With a questioning look, Tobi tilted her head and looked up at Dimeji. “Oh, that’s my cousin, Tiffany. We … I mean … I call her Tiff for short.”
“Hmmm … That’s what you all say. It’s always your cousin when you’re out of town. But if she was here, you would act like you didn’t know me.”

Dimeji cocked his head to one side and gave her a funny look. But, he walked back to his seat without another word. Tobi wondered if she had not offended him. She did not have to ask him for he spoke up: “I can’t speak for all men, and I shouldn’t even have to. But let me say this: Regardless of your own past experiences with men, we are not all the same. There are still some good men out there, and–“
“Let me guess,” Tobi said, interrupting Dimeji’s one-minute sermon. “You’re one of them, right?” she asked in a voice dripping with sarcasm. “Yes.” “Ever heard the saying ‘Don’t blow your own horn’? It’s good advice, you know. Your opportunity to convince me of your humility just flew out of the window. It has probably flown half-way to Onitsha by now.” “I had to address a more pressing issue, my dear,” said Dimeji. You made a generalized, and might I add, very stereotypical statement about men, when in fact, the qualities you referenced are reserved for certain types of men.” “And what sort of man are you, Dimeji?”Tobi asked, throwing the question at him in a deceptively quiet voice. Tobi had already drawn her own conclusions about the sort of man Dimeji was, but she took delight in drawing answers directly from people.

To her, listening to people describe themselves offered a rare opportunity to test the level of humility in a person. A proud person would describe himself in near-perfect terms, omitting his weaknesses and over- emphasizing his strengths. But a humble person would either decline the invitation or give a more balanced description of himself.

As Tobi was about to discover, Dimeji fell closer to the humbler end of the spectrum. “I’m a patient and forgiving man, who still has a lot to learn in life. I love deeply and people often take advantage of that, but it won’t stop me from pouring myself out.” “Is that all?” “The rest you’ll have to find out over time.” Tobi who had paused in the middle of her struggle with a piece of chicken to listen to Dimeji paint a self-portrait with words, resumed her war. The chicken was winning against Tobi even though she was equipped with a fork and knife, but by the time Dimeji finished speaking, Tobi had won the battle.
“Who says we’ll be spending more time together?” Tobi asked. That Dimeji assumed that they would be spending more time together was inferred from his last statement. “You just said ‘We,’ Tobi. I rest my case.”

– to be continued – Stay tune!
Source: www.bussydave.com.ng/2015/12/story-long-distance-relationship-episode-6/

aprilwise:
Hope demiji is not d rapist in town? Nice job well done

We'll get to know soon!...Just watchout

Episode 4 ..... www.bussydave.com.ng/2015/12/story-unreciprocated-love-episode-4/

Episode 5 ....www.bussydave.com.ng/2015/12/story-unreciprocated-love-episode-5/

Episode 6 (Final Episode).... www.bussydave.com.ng/2015/12/story-unreciprocated-love-episode-6-final-episode/

Hope you guys are enjoying the story?
Comments please before i continue with my story

Long Distance Relationship…Episode 5

The following day, Tobi woke up still full of hope. The day was pregnant with the promise of great things, and she basked in it. She savored that warm, delightful feeling, which envelopes a person rising from sweet sleep, that sweet nothingness that entices the waker to sleep back under the covers and continue dreaming. But a noise reached her ears, forcing her to abandon any desire to go back to sleep. It was the same noise that had woken her up. “Papa, please … please … I’m sorry. I won’t do it again,” a voice pleaded. “You said that last week, and the week before. Why should I believe you?” a male voice fired back in response. Wham! Wham! Wham! Tobi did not need a foreteller to tell her what was going on. Someone was getting a thorough beating, and she knew it had to be one of her cousins. What had they done this time? She quietly went downstairs, and walked into the sitting room to witness the scene that was already playing. Her uncle, was wearing a house robe, which Tobi admitted, actually made him look younger. Gone was the kind-faced man she called uncle, and in his stead was a man keen on stamping out every form of disobedience from his children. His face portrayed this determination. In his hand was a long thick cane, that looked like it had been freshly plucked from a tree because it still had a few leaves attached to it. One of her cousins, she could not tell which, was half-kneeling, half- prostrated on the floor of the sitting room, wailing in a loud voice. Her mother stood nearby, hands extending outwards, dressed in a lace blouse and wrapper and crowned with an elaborate head tie. Tobi deduced that this was Auntie Priscillia’s Sunday wear. She did nothing to withhold her husband from administering justice, but instead encouraged him more, yelling to her daughter that this was what happened to children who disobeyed their parents. Tobi walked over to her Auntie’s side and asked her what had happened. “Can you imagine? This one–” and as she said ‘this one,’ Auntie Priscillia walked over and gave the girl a knock on the head (Am sure you also received this same knock when you were young ) It was when she raised up her head in protest, that Tobi saw that it was Mary, the older of her two cousins. “This one,” Auntie continued, rejoining Tobi, “went off yesterday night, when she thought we were all asleep,” and did not come back until 6:00 a.m. this morning. 6 am!” Auntie yelled, as she made as if to attack the girl again, but Chief who was closer to Mary gave her another stroke of the cane on her back side. Mary yellled out in pain and pleaded again for mercy, but it fell on deaf ears. Tobi looked at the time. It was barely 6:15 am, and she wondered why her Auntie was already dressed up so early in the morning. “I was getting ready to go for the 7 o’ clock service,” Auntie continued, “when I remembered that Chikodi had asked me for money to buy materials for a Maths project. I came to their room to give it to her, and saw Chikodi sleeping in her room. When I asked her where Amaka was, she started stammering: ‘I-I-I don’t k-k-k-now, Mama,’ “Auntie said, mimicking her younger daughter’s voice and mannerisms. “These children think we were born yesterday,” her husband interrupted, still glaring at the offending child. “Yes, Papa. They do. As if I was never a teenager myself. I knew she was trying to cover for her sister. So I went and told their father, and we both waited. Papa waited at the front door and I waited at the back door. Within a few minutes, I saw her creeping in through the back door–“ “Dressed like a harlot! You see her? My own daughter, wearing mini skirt and brazier! Your bride price has reduced,” Chief said his voice heavy with anger. The mention of what Mary was wearing earned her another five strokes from her father, who beat her as if he had just heard that she stole a neighbor’s goat. The girl’s voice was now cracked from shouting, and Tobi felt sorry for her. But her parents were not done. “Foolish girl! So, it is when the news is everywhere that the Aba rapist in now in Asaba, that you decided to be going for night parties and gallivanting all over town, abi? She said she was in Agbor for a party. What if a car had hit you or the Aba rapist had finished you–” Chief began, but his wife cut him short. “Tufiakwa! God forbid. My daughters will never be raped or killed. I will not mourn any of my children o. Papa, it’s enough.” Auntie Priscillia switched gears and began to plead with her husband to forgive the naughty child. At first, he vehemently refused, but after a few minutes, he agreed. Mary ran upstairs to her room still crying. Her sister, Chikodi who had watched quietly from the top of the stairs, had also disappeared into their room. She had made herself scarce during the entire session knowing that seeing her might make her parents transfer some of the beating meant for Mary to her as well. Tobi tried to go after Mary, but she locked the door of the room behind her, putting an end to any consolation from her cousin. Tobi, who was now living in one of the spare rooms upstairs, retired to her room briefly. As she began to meditate on what just happened, she recalled that she had seen the Sunday newspaper lying on the dining table. Her uncle’s brief reference to the Aba rapist had stirred up her curiosity and she went in search of the paper. After retrieving it, she went back to her room and looked for an update on the ongoing investigation. There was a short article mentioning the cities that the rapist had struck, and they included Agbor, Onitsha and finally Aba. Some of the victims had provided the police with brief descriptions, and the paper reported that the man they were looking for wore two studs in his ears, and smelt like fish. The other descriptions they gave were common place and from what Tobi could see, they might as well have been describing any man who lived in that region: medium height, thick lips, beard, moustache, strong build. “Good luck catching him,” Tobi shrugged as she put the paper down. The report also mentioned that he had struck in Agbor the night before. Tobi could now understand her aunt and uncle’s fears for their daughters, especially since Mary had been in Agbor that night. She got up and got ready to go to church. She had no intention of going to her aunt’s church, which was a Baptist Church. Instead, she planned to attend a popular Pentecostal church on Ilukwu Ilah road, which was not too far from the house. Being that it was a Sunday, Godwin the driver was off duty, and since Tobi could not drive, she had to find her way to church alone. She walked to a street corner not far from the house and stopped an okada, which took her to church. When she got there, the service was in full swing. She thought the service was for 10am, but as it turned out, she was an hour late. A well- dressed usher shoved a bulletin into her hand, and directed her to an empty seat in the middle of a crowded row. She had barely set down her bag, so she could join in the praise and worship, when someone on the right tapped her. She turned to come face to face with her neighbor, Dimeji Bakare. She could not hide her surprise. “Don’t look so shocked. I’m not an infidel (un-believer)!” he yelled into her ear, trying to make himself heard above the noise of talented and talentless vocalists alike, singing praises to God. Tobi thought of telling him that she did not know him well enough to come to such a conclusion, and that coming to church did not mean he was a believer, but decided against it. She just smiled and shook the hand he extended to her. Less than twenty minutes later, when the woman on the pulpit asked visitors to stand up for the church to welcome them specially, Tobi and Dimeji stood up at the same time. It was his first time too? Tobi was shocked. After the service, they went with other visitors to the visitor’s parlor for refreshments and to learn more about the church. Dimeji attached himself to her, and followed her everywhere like a lost puppy. Tobi was amused. When the meeting was over, Dimeji asked if she had other plans for the rest of the day, to which she responded in the negative. “Might I interest you in lunch at Mr. Biggs?” he asked her. “Why not? Which one?” Tobi replied. “Is that a trick question? The only one of course. The one on Nnebisi road.” “That was a trick question. I’m not pleased that you didn’t fall for it.” “Oh yeah? Don’t worry. I’ll pretend to fall for the next one.” They both laughed and Dimeji led the way to his silver Toyota Camry, which had been mercilessly roasted by the sun. “So do you always take your neighbors to Mr. Biggs every Sunday?” Tobi asked, as Dimeji drove them to the restaurant. “Of course. Haven’t you heard? Father Christmas moved to Asaba, and he’s not an old man.” Tobi smiled and proceeded to ask him where his red suit was, and why he was delivering presents in August. Dimeji did not have an answer for that, but announced to her in a clear voice: “If you hang around me long enough, you’ll uncover even more secrets.” Then, he winked. That wink. It spoke of upcoming mischief and reminded Tobi of someone she used to know in primary school. The boy used to wink at her anytime she saw him stealing pencils from the store at the back of the class, which was quite often. Tobi wondered if Dimeji had ever stolen anything before, and then rebuked herself for thinking such evil thoughts of a man who was treating her to lunch.
– to be continued –
Source: www.bussydave.com.ng/2015/12/story-long-distance-relationship-episode-5/