₦airaland Forum

Ride on.

I followed Desire to the big sitting room downstairs.

‘Please, sit down,’ the house girl told us.

Desire and I sat together on a sofa. The house girl disappeared upstairs.

I held Desire’s hand. ‘I really appreciate all your troubles,’ I said.

‘It’s alright. What’re friends for?’

Some moments later, the house girl came with a tray of malt drinks and two glasses.

‘Oh, no, I’ll have nothing,’ I said. ‘Thanks.’

Desire decided to take a bottle of the malt. We still awaited Madam Aleshi. Desire sipped her drinks and then put the glass cup in my mouth. I didn’t really want the drinks but I took some sips. That was what love could do.

We could hear approaching footsteps. Madam Aleshi was on her way. As soon as I sighted her, I understood why they called her Madam Aleshi. Everything about her was big - her weight, height, body frame, and even her bosom.

Desire knelt to greet her while I stood on my feet.

‘Good evening, mummy,’ Desire greeted.

‘Desire, my daughter,’ the woman greeted. ‘How’re you?’

‘Fine, ma.’

Madam Aleshi turned to me. ‘This must be your husband,’ she told Desire. ‘I trust you. I know he must be handsome.’

Husband? Not yet, ma, my mind said. I smiled, but said nothing.

Desire too smiled. ‘His name is Richard,’ she said.

‘Ah, Richard and Desire, please, sit down.’

‘Thank you, ma,’ we chorused and took our seats.

‘Yes,’ the woman turned to face me. ‘Desire has told me a lot about you. I’m happy for her that finally she has decided to settle down. She’s a good friend of my daughter, but she’s my daughter too. Even after you people have married, continue to stay here. I’ve told Desire to move over here, but she says the place is too far from her place of work. I hope the two of you are working hard on doing your wedding. For Desire’s sake, I will travel down to Nigeria to grace the occasion.’

We were all smiles.

‘Yes, I’ll be traveling to the U.K by next week. The house girl of course will go back to her people, but I don’t want this place to be completely vacant. The boys’ quarters is also big and comfortable. I’m sure you’ll enjoy the place. You can stay there for as long as you want.’

I gave a bow. ‘Thank you so much, ma. I surely appreciate.’

‘When are you moving in?’

‘He’ll be moving in by this weekend, ma,’ Desire quickly answered.

‘Yes, that’s very good.’ She turned to Desire. ‘Don’t take too long before you join him. The almighty God will make you the best of couple.’

‘Amen,’ Desire and I chorused.

Some minutes later, Madam Aleshi took a bunch of keys and we all went to the BQ together. The place was not built like a boys’ quarter. Rather, it was a semi-independent, detached two-bedroom flat. The interior too was good. There were already furniture in the sitting-room, beds in the bed-rooms, and cooking gas and pots in the kitchen. All the floors were tiled, including the kitchen. It was a nice place and I liked it.

She handed the keys to me. ‘You’re free to move in, even tonight.’

I prostrated for her. ‘Thank you so much, Madam Aleshi.’

‘Mummy, thank you so much,’ Desire said. ‘I would have loved to stay with you much longer, but we have to go now. We’ll see you on Saturday when he’ll be moving in.’

‘I’ll be expecting you people. How I wish you, Desire, will be moving in with him straight away.’

‘It won’t be long again,’ Desire said and smiled reassuringly. ‘We’ll be going now, ma.’

Madam Aleshi accompanied us to the gate. We waved goodbye to her as we entered the car and Desire drove off.

‘Wow, she’s a Madam Aleshi, indeed,’ I said. ‘I don’t know how to thank you, Even before becoming my wife, you’re already playing the role of a strong pillar.’

‘We thank God,’ Desire said.

‘Oh, you’re such a wonderful person. How do I thank you enough for this?’

She smiled. ‘Maybe you should try this.’ She pouted her lips.

‘But, you’re driving,’ I pointed out.

‘Very well.’ She slowed the car down and stopped. I moved across to her and kissed her.

‘Hmn,’ she muttered.





https://selar.co/28s117

Keep it coming.

👍

Ride on.

‘Very well.’ She slowed the car down and stopped. I moved across to her and kissed her.

‘Hmn,’ she muttered.

‘Let me take over the wheel,’ I suggested. ‘I’ll drive you to your house as a compensation for all your troubles.’

‘You can drive?’

‘Sure.’

‘Okay.’

Her petite figure made it easy for her to move to the passenger’s side while I took over the wheel without us getting out of the car.

I drove the car with ease, while she was glued to my side.

Thankfully, we were moving against the traffic. After about an hour, we were at her Abina residence.

We entered her flat. Jemima opened the door for us. She was reading in the sitting room when we got there.

‘Sorry I came late,’ Desire told her. ‘I took Richard somewhere.’

‘Okay,’ Jemima said softly.

‘Now, what food can I quickly prepare that you can eat before you go?’ Desire asked.

‘Food? Don’t worry. Go ahead and prepare your dinner, but I won’t be able to wait. It’s already few minutes to eight o’clock.’

‘Can I get your snacks? They sell egg roll and dough nuts in the neighborhood.’

I shook my head. ‘No, don’t worry. Let me one more time thank you for all you’ve done. I appreciate you, Desire.’

She smiled. ‘You’re welcome.’

I kissed her again without minding that her daughter was there.

‘Good night, Desire. Good night, Jemima.’

‘Good night,’ the girl said.

Desire accompanied me briefly before I insisted that she should return to the house.
Wow! What an exciting day. I didn’t get home until ten thirty in the night. The following morning, I decided to tell my uncle all about Desire, my attempt to rent a place and how she came to be of help. He listened very well to all that I said. The conclusion was that by Saturday morning, I would be leaving the house.

‘I wish you luck,’ he said. ‘But be careful with this Desire lady. She looks too good.’

I smiled. ‘There’s no problem, uncle. I’m on top of the situation.

‘You and I will go there on Saturday,’ he said further. ‘I’ll like to know the place.’

‘No problem, uncle.’

Later, I told Desire about what I discussed with my uncle.

‘It’s okay,’ she said. ‘Jemima will be going to my aunty’s place that same Saturday morning at Masha. I’ll be coming to meet you there later on Saturday. What d’you say to that?’

‘Perfect.’ I said.

On Saturday, I moved my packed bags to my uncle’s car. I bade everyone farewell. Thank God that Bimbo had not returned from school.

She would come in to learn that I had relocated. What a big surprise that would be for her. My uncle drove and we chatted along.

‘This your new lady had finally replaced your former lady, I suppose,’ he started.

‘Yes, sir. I begged Farida, but she would not listen. Now, Desire has come to the scene. I thank God for her.’

‘Are you serious with her or are you just frolicking about?’

‘Ah, I’m serious with her, uncle.’

‘So, when are you introducing her to us?’

‘Soon, sir. Very soon.’

He nodded. ‘From what you have said, she seems to be a nice lady.’

I nodded. ‘Yes, sir. But there’s something I’ll like you to know.’

He stared at me briefly. ‘What’s that?’
I paused to weigh my words. ‘She’s slightly older than me and she already has a daughter.’

‘Really?’ he seemed totally surprised.

‘Yes, uncle.’

He was lost in thoughts. After a long while, he sighed.

‘Do you really love her?’ he asked.

‘Yes, I do.’

He nodded. ‘Are you ready for the jibes of some of your friends who may mock you for marrying someone older than you?’
No friend would dare mock me for my choice, but I nodded. ‘Yes, uncle.’

‘Alright. Follow your heart.’

‘Thank you, sir.’

I directed him to the place. We drove inside the compound and since I had the keys, I went straight to the apartment. Even my uncle was impressed with what he saw.







https://selar.co/28s117

Even my uncle was impressed with what he saw.

‘You’re surely lucky, Richard. This is a big place,’ he said.

‘Thank you, sir. Let me quickly go qnd inform the madam of the house that I’ve come.’

‘Sure. Go ahead.’

I went to the main building to see Madam Aleshi.

‘She dey bath,’ the house girl informed.

‘Alright. I’ll come back to greet her.'

I went back to my new apartment. My uncle prayed for me. He prayed that the place would turn out to be of comfort and not of sorrow. He also prayed that very soon, a good and wonderful wife chosen by God Himself would become my wife. I said enthusiastic Amen to his prayers.

‘Alright, Richard. See you again.’

‘Thank you so much, uncle.’

I saw him off at the gate. I returned to the apartment and surveyed the place. It was a paradox of life that while some people were desperate about securing accommodation, some people would want some others to come and occupy their empty space. I thanked God for my good luck.

After sitting in the sitting-room for a while, I decided to go back to the main building to greet Madam Aleshi. This time around, I met her.

‘Good morning, mummy,’ I greeted with a deep bow. ‘I’ve been here earlier to greet you. I want to thank you for everything, ma. God bless, ma.’

‘You’re welcome. Where’s Desire?’

‘She’ll soon be coming ma.’

‘Sit down, Richard,’ she offered.

‘Thank you, ma.’

She studied my face. ‘Are you just playing with Desire, or do you really intend to marry her?’ she asked.

‘Oh, I intend to marry her, ma.’

‘You’re a fine, young man. I hope you’ll not be distracted by Lagos ladies.’

‘Oh, no, ma. Not at all.’

‘Where do you work?’

‘Glorious Bakery. I’m the assistant production supervisor.’

‘You studied Food Technology?’

‘No. I studied Mechanical Engineering.’

‘Where is that your bakery?’

I told her.

‘Are you the people that produce Amazing Loaf?’

I smiled. ‘Yes, ma.’

‘That’s good. I like their bread.’

‘Thank you, ma.’

She nodded, then looked at me seriously.

‘Listen, Desire is like a daughter to me. You must treat her well. I know her very well, she deserves the best.’

‘I love Desire well, ma and I’ll treat her right.’

‘Yes, you must. Be faithful to her. Don’t break her heart.’

‘Yes, ma.’

‘She’s a good lady. She’s going to be a wonderful wife.’

‘Yes, ma.’

‘And that her daughter, take her like your own.’

'Yes, ma. Thank you, ma.’

‘You’re welcome.’ She stood. It was the end of the ‘interrogation.’

I returned to the apartment without having a doubt that Madam Aleshi talked a lot. I rested on one of the sofas, then it dawned on me that there was no television set in the house. I would have to get that as soon as possible so that I would ease off boredom. For now, I played some music on my phone. About an hour after arriving the house, I could hear the sound of a car being driven in. from the sitting room window, I could see the gate.it was Desire’s car that was driven in.

It took her some time before she came to my apartment. She must have gone to the main building to greet Madam Aleshi. Desire finally came around and I could see her carrying a polythene bag.

‘Desire, my baby,’ I greeted her.

‘Hello, dear.’ She put the nylon on the center table while I kissed her.

‘I had to prepare some food. That’s why I came quite late,’ she explained.

‘It’s okay, my dear. Thanks for everything.’
‘Let me take this to the kitchen.’

I followed to the place and we chatted as she washed pots and poured jollof rice and some stew she had brought. She also brought a loaf of big slice bread out.

‘We’ll be together till Sunday evening when I’ll return to Surulere,’ she said.

‘Oh, that’s marvelous.’

‘I told my aunty about you.’

I nodded. ‘Where does she stay?

‘At Masha. That’s where Jemima is.’

I nodded.









https://selar.co/28s117

Nice work.

Thumb up.

‘At Masha. That’s where Jemima is.’

I nodded.

‘She wants to know you,’ Desire said.

‘That will be no problem,’ I replied. ‘Let’s fix a date and a time for that. My uncle wants to meet with you too.’

She washed the food flasks she had brought.

‘That my aunt has been on my neck that I should bring a husband home,’ she said.

I nodded again. ‘Maybe we should go there next Saturday.’

She agreed with me. ‘That will be great.’ She dried her hand on the hand towel. ‘Are you ready to eat now?’

‘No. Not yet.’ I smiled. ‘I’ll rather eat you.’

She frowned. ‘Eat me?’

I continued my smile. ‘Yes. Let me show you how.’

I brought my lips to hers and sucked them.
‘Is that food?’ she asked.

‘That’s the appetizer.’ I lifted her and took her to the bedroom where I had put my things. We stood face to face and breathed into each other’s nose.

‘I like your hair,’ I said

‘Thank you.’

I sniffed the air close to her nose. ‘And I like the perfume you’re wearing.’

‘Thank you.’

I looked at her all over. Her pink cotton shirt and the red skirt showed how chic she was.

‘I like your outfit. You look like somebody going for a fashion show.’

‘Thank you.’

‘Now, let me see if the inner wears are as fitting as the outer wears.’

She smiled but said nothing. I unbuttoned the pink shirt. Today, she was wearing a red bra. I always had special attraction for red bras, and now, seeing what she was wearing made me go crazy.

‘Maybe I should UnCloth myself,’ she suggested.

‘Oh, no. let me do it with all pleasure.’

She sighed and closed her eyes. I removed everything she was wearing and stripped myself too.

‘Now, food is ready,’ I announced.

‘Naughty boy,’ she said.

Naughty or not, it was one food the two of had until we could eat no more. Several minutes later, we lay under the bedspread, savoring our ‘meal.’

She still held on to me as if she expected more, but I would have to recuperate.

After the acts, we lay next to each other and cuddled like a couple crazily in love. My left held her right hand, while my right one drew imaginary image of love on her body.

‘When will you take me to the altar?’ she asked.
I rubbed the back of her neck and her back.

‘When d’you want me to take you there?’

She drew in a deep breath. ‘As soon as possible.’

‘That is ASAP,’ I said jokingly.

We laughed shortly.

‘I don’t want any lady to snatch you away from me,’ she said.

‘My dear Desire. No lady can snatch me away from you.’

‘We don’t have to make elaborate wedding,’ she said. ‘Once we do the traditional part, we can formalize the rest at the Registry.’

I nodded in agreement. I never fancied elaborate wedding too. ‘That will be okay.’

‘All these can be done in a matter of months,’ she said.

‘Yes. It will be wonderful, that you, Desire should become my lawfully wedded wife’

I touched her face. She closed her eyes.

‘Madam Aleshi warned me not to break your heart,’ I said.

She smiled. ‘Thank God for Madam Aleshi.’

‘She also said you’ll be a wonderful wife.’

She opened her eyes. ‘She said that?’

‘Yes.’

‘Thanks to her for her compliments.’

‘When is your birthday?’

‘August 10.’

‘Ah, Augustina. Mine is September 9.’

She sighed and closed her eyes again. ‘I wish we can be together like this forever,’ she said.

‘But we’ll soon be married,’ I said. ‘Don’t worry, Desire baby. I’m going to be a wonderful husband to you.’

She smiled slightly.




https://selar.co/28s117

My name his Ola from Lagos single cause girls always leave me cause I have a high sex drive..love having sex everyday and can go for more than 4 rounds in a role and would like to meeting someone so my contact is 09030623315

PowerofthePosit:
‘At Masha. That’s where Jemima is.’

I nodded.

‘She wants to know you,’ Desire said.

‘That will be no problem,’ I replied. ‘Let’s fix a date and a time for that. My uncle wants to meet with you too.’

She washed the food flasks she had brought.

‘That my aunt has been on my neck that I should bring a husband home,’ she said.

I nodded again. ‘Maybe we should go there next Saturday.’

She agreed with me. ‘That will be great.’ She dried her hand on the hand towel. ‘Are you ready to eat now?’

‘No. Not yet.’ I smiled. ‘I’ll rather eat you.’

She frowned. ‘Eat me?’

I continued my smile. ‘Yes. Let me show you how.’

I brought my lips to hers and sucked them.
‘Is that food?’ she asked.

‘That’s the appetizer.’ I lifted her and took her to the bedroom where I had put my things. We stood face to face and breathed into each other’s nose.

‘I like your hair,’ I said

‘Thank you.’

I sniffed the air close to her nose. ‘And I like the perfume you’re wearing.’

‘Thank you.’

I looked at her all over. Her pink cotton shirt and the red skirt showed how chic she was.

‘I like your outfit. You look like somebody going for a fashion show.’

‘Thank you.’

‘Now, let me see if the inner wears are as fitting as the outer wears.’

She smiled but said nothing. I unbuttoned the pink shirt. Today, she was wearing a red bra. I always had special attraction for red bras, and now, seeing what she was wearing made me go crazy.

‘Maybe I should UnCloth myself,’ she suggested.

‘Oh, no. let me do it with all pleasure.’

She sighed and closed her eyes. I removed everything she was wearing and stripped myself too.

‘Now, food is ready,’ I announced.

‘Naughty boy,’ she said.

Naughty or not, it was one food the two of had until we could eat no more. Several minutes later, we lay under the bedspread, savoring our ‘meal.’

She still held on to me as if she expected more, but I would have to recuperate.

After the acts, we lay next to each other and cuddled like a couple crazily in love. My left held her right hand, while my right one drew imaginary image of love on her body.

‘When will you take me to the altar?’ she asked.
I rubbed the back of her neck and her back.

‘When d’you want me to take you there?’

She drew in a deep breath. ‘As soon as possible.’

‘That is ASAP,’ I said jokingly.

We laughed shortly.

‘I don’t want any lady to snatch you away from me,’ she said.

‘My dear Desire. No lady can snatch me away from you.’

‘We don’t have to make elaborate wedding,’ she said. ‘Once we do the traditional part, we can formalize the rest at the Registry.’

I nodded in agreement. I never fancied elaborate wedding too. ‘That will be okay.’

‘All these can be done in a matter of months,’ she said.

‘Yes. It will be wonderful, that you, Desire should become my lawfully wedded wife’

I touched her face. She closed her eyes.

‘Madam Aleshi warned me not to break your heart,’ I said.

She smiled. ‘Thank God for Madam Aleshi.’

‘She also said you’ll be a wonderful wife.’

She opened her eyes. ‘She said that?’

‘Yes.’

‘Thanks to her for her compliments.’

‘When is your birthday?’

‘August 10.’

‘Ah, Augustina. Mine is September 9.’

She sighed and closed her eyes again. ‘I wish we can be together like this forever,’ she said.

‘But we’ll soon be married,’ I said. ‘Don’t worry, Desire baby. I’m going to be a wonderful husband to you.’

She smiled slightly.




https://selar.co/28s117

Nice update.

Ride on.

‘But we’ll soon be married,’ I said. ‘Don’t worry, Desire baby. I’m going to be a wonderful husband to you.’

She smiled slightly.

‘You’ll see,’ I said.

We later left the bed and had breakfast of bread and tea. We were behaving as if we were already married. From the experience, I could project the kind of wife Desire would be.

Despite the fact that she was some years older than me, coupled with the fact that she earned much more, I could see respect in the way she treated me. I could see real love, affection and submission. All these I saw, except she was just pretending.

To kill boredom, I brought a game of scrabble out. We were still playing the scrabble in the sitting-room when the house girl came to inform that Madam Aleshi would like to see us.

‘Alright, tell her we’re coming,’ Desire answered.

We suspended the game.

'That Madam Aleshi can talk,’ I said.

Desire smiled. ‘She’s very friendly and nice.’We went to meet the woman.

'Ah, ah, Desire, this love dey shark you o,’ Madam Aleshi said as soon as we got to her sitting room. ‘You and your man just stay put in your apartment without bothering to come and relax with Madam Aleshi.'

‘We were still planning to come together, mummy,’ Desire explained.

'Oya, two of you, sit down. Relax with me.’

We sat next to each other.‘You’re going to make a wonderful couple,’ she said. ‘Yes, I can see that. God must have designed Richard for you, Desire. That’s why you’ve been waiting all this while.’

We smiled. ‘I pray God will make everything to work out well,’ Desire said.

'Things will work out well,’ Madam Aleshi said, as if she was a prophetess. ‘There may be some challenges, but things would work out well.’

'Amen,’ Desire said.Madam Aleshi regaled us with the tale of how she met her husband many years ago in England and how they had married and had three children over there.

Later, they had relocated to Nigeria. According to her, up till the  time her husband died about three years ago, the love between them was as strong as ever.

Not long after, the house maid served us lunch. We remained with Madam Aleshi until about seven p.m. when we returned to my apartment. I could not but agree that Madam Aleshi was nice and friendly.

Later that night, while we lay on bed, we held each other’s hands and stared into each other’s eyes.

‘How many children will you like to have?’ she asked.

‘How many children will you like to have?’ she asked.‘

Two should be okay. Plus Jemima, making three.’She smiled.

‘Yes, that number is reasonable.’We chatted into the long hours of the night, until we slept off.

She was the one that woke me up Sunday morning with a kiss.

‘Good morning, darling,’ I greeted.‘Morning.’ She smiled.

‘How was your night?‘

'With you, it was wonderful.

I was delighted to hear that.‘Today is Sunday,’ I said. ‘I will look for a good church around here where I’ll be worshipping.’

‘Good idea,’ she said.

Minutes later, I went to have my bath. I then decided to iron the clothes I would wear to church.

‘You can bring your clothes for ironing too,’ I offered.She brought a well-designed Ankara wear for ironing. We took bread and fried eggs for breakfast before we left for the church which was a stone throw away.

Her Ankara wear was beautiful while I looked good in my well-starched, sky blue Guinea brocade kaftan. When we returned from the church, I brought my phone out.

‘Let me take your pictures, honey. You look so sweet,’ I said.

'You look sweet too,’ she said.I took her pictures in different postures, and she took mine. We also took many together.

'I’ll paste them on my Facebook and Instagram,’ she said.

When it was time for her to return to Surulere, I drove her there.

‘Thanks for coming around and making my weekend worthwhile,’ I told her as I drove the car.

'Thanks for giving me a warm welcome,’ she replied.

When we got to Ojuelegba, she asked if we could drive straight to Masha so that she could pick Jemima.

‘Why not,’ I replied.

She directed me to the place.‘You will know that my aunt today. I will have to introduce you to her, but we’ll still tell her that we’ll be coming to properly greet her on Saturday.'

‘With all pleasure,’ I answered.

The aunt turned out to be a sturdy woman in her late forties. She welcomed me jovially and kept smiling at me. She and Desire spoke in a mixture of English and Itshekiri, but I could still pick some words from the Itshekiri.

'Auntie, be expecting us on Saturday,’ Desire said.

She and Desire spoke in a mixture of English and Itshekiri, but I could still pick some words from the Itshekiri.

'Auntie, be expecting us on Saturday,’ Desire said.

We departed from there. I drove to Abina.

'Come, I want to show you something,’ Desire said.

We went to her bedroom.I was curious about what she wanted to show me.

'I was thinking that to ease your moving around,’ she said, ‘I’ll like to hand over my second car, the Honda Accord, to you.'

'No, you won’t do that,’ I said quickly.

'No.’

'Why not?’

I shook my head. ‘If I take it, people will read meanings to it. People will say my reason for choosing you is gold-digging.’

She smiled wryly. ‘I thought you’re a man of independent opinions.’‘Yes, I am.’

‘So, why is it that people will now be the one to decide what you will accept or not from me?’

She got me there. I pandered. She smiled again and opened her wardrobe from where she brought a large envelop out.

'All the car documents are in there,’ she said.

She dangled the keys. ‘Here are the keys.’

'But …’

She hushed me with a short kiss. ‘Don’t be so proud, my dear.’

I sighed and took the keys and envelope from her.

'Thank you so much my darling for this kind and magnanimous gesture. I really appreciate it.’

'You’re welcome.’

'I still warmed the engine as at yesterday morning,' she said.

I nodded and started the car. After listening to the working for just a minute. I was convinced it was in a very good condition.

'The engine is okay, ' I said.I thanked her again for her magnanimity.

'The engine is okay, ' I said.

I thanked her again for her magnanimity, gave her a good bye kiss, hugged Jemima and drove to my place. I could not but marvelled at my luck. I thanked God for making Desire to come my way. The car was close to Majidun when Bimbo's call came through.

‘This is not the way to treat a person you call your friend,’ she said. ‘How could you relocate from the house without informing me? Not even a call.’

I shook my head. ‘I’m sorry, Bimbo. I guess things happened in a frenzy way.’

‘But you could have just call me to let me know. It’s not fair the way you’re treating me, Richard.’

‘I’m sorry, Bimbo. Truly, I’m sorry. How was school?’

‘Not bad. Uncle said it’s your new lady that helped you to get the place. Na wa o.’

‘Na so we see am. She’s instrumental to my getting the place.’

‘Hmn, hmn. You people are really serious. Are you going to marry her?’

‘Well, yes, that’s the plan.’

‘Ha, wonderful.’

I tried to think of how to digress from the topic. ‘When are you finishing your exams?’

‘I’m true already. When can we come and say hello to you in your new place?’

A red light went up in my brain. I must be careful about Bimbo. ‘Anytime, but don’t come on weekends. I’m busy on weekends for now.’

‘Okay, o. So, when are you planning to marry her?’

I laughed shortly. ‘We’ve not fixed a date. We’re still in courtship. In any case, she’s yet to know my people and I’m yet to truly know hers. First thing first.’

‘Interesting. Congratulations in advance.’

I was surprised to hear her say this. ‘Thank you, Bimbo.’

‘Alright, goodnight for now.’

‘Thanks for calling. Good night.’

I whistled softly to myself. I hoped Bimbo truly meant what she said about the congratulation. I truly hoped so.

The following morning around five, I decided to call Desire.

‘Good morning, my love,’ I stated. ‘Did I wake you up?’

‘Yes. Good morning.’

‘Sorry about that. I just want to say I love you.’

‘Oh, that is sweet of you.’

‘I also want to thank you for your generosity. Believe me, I appreciate all you’re doing a lot.’

‘Oh, theses are wonderful words from you. Thank you, too.’

‘How’s Jemima?’

‘She’s fine. I will soon wake her up to start preparing for school.’

‘I wish you a wonderful day, my darling.’

‘Thanks. I wish you the same.’

I decided not to drive the car to work, yet. From my new residence, I could easily take an ‘Okada’ to work with no stress. After closing from work, that day, I decided to buy a 45 inches Samsung flat screen and an antennae. I would still have to buy a decoder, but not right away.

As soon as I got home, I fixed the antennae and switched on the t.v. I liked the sharp HD pictures.

Not long after I got home, Madam Aleshi sent for me.

‘Good evening, mummy,’ I greeted her.

‘Good evening, Richard. I want to let you know that I’ll be traveling tomorrow.’

‘Oh, that’s good, ma.’

‘Remember, you’re like the care taker of the house, now.’

‘Yes, ma. I won’t forget that.’

‘Above all, remember to treat Desire well. You may not realize it, but she’s a big asset.’

‘I’ve realized that, ma,’ I replied.

‘Good. Let me have you number, so that I can be calling you from time to time.’

‘That will be no problem, ma.’ I gave her my number.

‘I wish you a safe trip, ma.’

‘Thank you.’

I went back to my apartment. The stew Desire brought still remained. I warmed it and decided to cook white rice. There were only two pieces of meat left, but they were okay for me.

On Tuesday morning, I called Desire around nine.

I went back to my apartment. The stew Desire brought still remained. I warmed it and decided to cook white rice. There were only two pieces of meat left, but they were okay for me.

On Tuesday morning, I called Desire around nine.

‘What d’you say to my coming over to your place and sleeping overnight?’

‘That will be wonderful,’ she replied. ‘I’ll be expecting you.’

As soon as I closed from work, I took a bike home. I packed a cotton shirt, a pair of black trousers, my brush and toothpaste inside my hunchback bag and locked the gate. Madam Aleshi had traveled, while the house girl had left. The whole house would be deserted that night. I realized that I would be the sole occupant of the whole compound henceforth.

I shrugged. There was no problem with that.
I drove out of the compound and padlocked the big gates. I then drove to Surulere. I got to Desire’s flat few minutes to seven o’clock. As usual, Jemima came to give me a hug, while her mother gave me a peck.

‘Good to have you around,’ Desire said.

‘Yes, good to be here,’ I said.

‘Madam Aleshi called to inform me that she would be traveling today,’ she continued.

‘Yes, she told me the same yesterday. She must have traveled already as the house was deserted when I got home after closing from work today.’

‘How was work?’ she asked.

‘Fine. What about yours?’

‘All went well.’

I turned to Jemima. ‘Hey, Jemima, how was school today?’

She brightened up. ‘School was fine.’

‘I’ve always wanted to ask, but keep forgetting. What class are you?’

‘JSS 2,’ she replied.

‘That’s good.’

We sat in the sitting-room and watched Nigerian movie on one of the cable stations. Later, Desire prepared food and we all ate. By ten p.m., we retired to the bedroom, while Jemima went to her room.

‘I’ve made photocopies of your credentials and have given some to my contacts at some oil marketing companies including Eaglets oil,’ Desire informed me.

‘You’re wonderful, Desire darling.’

‘I know the woman that owns Eaglets Oil.’

‘Oh, that’s good of you. Thanks for your efforts.’

‘I hope one of them will become a reality.’

‘I hope so too,’ I said.

She changed to a night dress while I stripped to my boxer short.

‘Everything seems to fit you perfectly,’ I said.

‘Even the night dress seems to be tailor-made for you.’

She smiled. ‘Richard, the toaster, you’ve come again.’

‘Oh, so you think I’m toasting you, right?’

‘Yes. What else are you doing?’

‘No, I’m not toasting you. I’m only telling you exactly how things are.’

‘Okay, o. Thanks.’

‘You’re welcome. What stain is that?’

‘Stain?’

I pointed at her chest. She looked at the place quickly.

‘I can’t see any stain.’

I touched her right tit. ‘Oh, sorry, I thought it was a stain.’

She smiled and jokingly punched me. ‘Oh, you’re such a naughty boy.’

‘Those things look like a school girl’s own. A young school girl.’

‘What things?’

I gently rubbed the things on her chest.

‘You don’t like them?’

‘The truth is I love them as they are.’

‘Are you sure?’

‘Let me show you how sure I am’.

I completely drew her to myself. It was another moment to go on a trip to fantasy land.

The following morning, we all left the house by seven a.m. since I was driving against the traffic, I was able to get to work few minutes before eight.

‘You’re looking very fine now, bro Richard,’ Sarah, one of our health officers was quick to observe.

‘Thank you, Sarah,’ I replied. ‘It’s the work of God.’

I went to work and was immersed in it. By noon, I had an unexpected visitor. I was surprised when one of the security guys came to inform me that Farida wanted to see me. She was waiting for me at the cubicle which served as my office. I went to see her there.

‘What a surprise to see you here, Farida. Long time no see.’

She tried to smile. ‘Hello, Richard.’

‘How’re you?’

‘Well, so so.’ She shrugged.

I sat down and motioned her to a seat.

‘I’ve come to see you,’ she said.

Well, that was obvious, wasn’t it?
I nodded.

‘Richard, I’ve come to realize that I’ve gravely wronged you. I shouldn’t have made the accusation of not caring I made against you. I’m sorry, please forgive me.’

‘Richard, I’ve come to realize that I’ve gravely wronged you. I shouldn’t have made the accusation of not caring I made against you. I’m sorry, please forgive me.’

I mused briefly over what she said. ‘It’s alright,’ I finally said. ‘To err is human, to forgive, divine. I’ve forgiven you.’

Her face lit up in excitement. ‘Oh, thank you so much. Yes, I know you’ll definitely take you back.’

I looked at her curiously. ‘Saying I’ve forgiven you is not the same as saying we’re back together as before,’ I pointed out.

The excitement disappeared from her face.

‘What d’you mean? Are you saying you’re not taking me back?’

‘I’m sorry I’m in a new relationship now.’

She shook her head vigorously. ‘No, Richard. You don’t mean it.’

‘I mean it, Farida. I’ve met another lady and we’re seriously in love. We can’t go back to how things were.’

‘But you can’t do that to me,’ she blurted out.

‘That’s not fair.’

‘It’s not my fault,’ I reminded her. ‘In the first place, you’re the one that quit the relationship. In the second place, I made some efforts towards reconciliation but you made me understand that there was no going back. This time now that you’re coming is late.’

‘I can’t believe you’re saying this to me. You should be glad to have me back!’

I smiled. ‘Things have changed Farida. Sorry, but we can only remain ordinary friends.’

She shook her head again. ‘Who is she? Is she more beautiful than I am? Is she better than me?’

‘It’s not about beauty,’ I said. ‘I love her and she loves me. That is what is important.’

‘So, you never loved me.’

‘You know that’s not true. I’ve always loved you, but you gave me the red card. In between, I met another lady and the vacuum you created was filled up. That’s what’s happening now.’

‘But, Richard, I still love you.’

I shook my head. ‘There’s nothing I can do about it.’

‘Of course, there’s something you can do about it. Tell her to go away; that your real love has returned.’

‘Really?’

‘Yes.’

I chuckled. ‘You know that will not be possible. I can’t do that. That will not be fair.’

‘But it’s not fair the way you treated me too.’

‘You’re the cause, Farida.’

I stood up. ‘Sorry, but it’s all over between us. Look at you, you’re very pretty. Don’t worry, you’ll soon get any guy, greater than Richard. Now, if you don’t mind, I’ll have to go back to work.’

She still looked ruffled but stood up. I left here there and returned to work. Now, that wasn’t my fault, was it? I had pleaded with her, but she was recalcitrant. Now, it was late for any reconciliation.

Nice one.

She still looked ruffled but stood up. I left here there and returned to work. Now, that wasn’t my fault, was it? I had pleaded with her, but she was recalcitrant. Now, it was late for any reconciliation.


On Saturday, I was in Desire’s place as early as eight-thirty in the morning. I had a breakfast of boiled yams and fried eggs there. By eleven, the three of course left for Desire’s anutie’s house.

Auntie Mary was very jovial and warm. She was one of the junior sisters of Desire’s mother, and the closest relative Desire had in Lagos. She had married long ago and already had grown up children.

I noted the way she referred to me as ‘our –in-law.’ She obviously was pleased that Desire had brought a man for future plans.

‘Have you told your mother about him?’ Auntie Mary asked.

Desire smiled knowingly. ‘Yes, I have.’

‘There’s no room for eternal courtship o,’ Mary said. ‘I think you should seriously start making plans right away.’

We nodded. We were there till she made lunch for us. By two thirty, we rose to go.

‘I’ll keep you posted about developments,’ Desire told her aunt.

‘Sure, you must,’ she replied.

Jemima whispered something into her mother’s ears. I could see Desire glancing at me and smiling. We left the place. I was the one behind the steering wheel of the Lexus jeep. The plan was I would pick the Honda car when I returned Desire to her residence on Sunday.

‘Jemima said she would like to follow us to your place,’ Desire said as soon as I hit the road.

I smiled. ‘That’s very good. We can all go together.’

I drove on the Ikorodu road and several minutes later, we were at the front of my residence. I got down from the car to unlock and open the gate. Then, I drove in.

‘It’s a big place,’ Jemima exclaimed.

‘But I only occupied the part at the back’, I said. ‘Come, let’s go.’

Desire offloaded two bags from the boot and we went to my apartment.

Desire showed Jemima the second bed-room.

‘That will be your room,’ she told her.

We played the ludo game Desire had brought until it was time for Desire to prepare dinner. Mother and daughter went to the kitchen while I watched the news channel. While Desire was still in the kitchen, Jemima came to meet me.

‘Is it true you’re going to marry mummy?’ she asked.

I smiled. ‘Yes, we’re planning towards it.’

She beamed in smiles. ‘That means you’re going to be my daddy?’

I nodded. ‘Yes, that means I’m going to be your daddy.’

In a show of emotion, she came to hug me. I was moved by her action. A couple of hours later, Desire and I were in my bedroom.
‘Don’t you think we’ve been missing something?’ she asked.

I raised my brow. ‘What’s that?’

‘You’ve not been using condoms and I’m not on pills. What if I get pregnant?’

‘That will be wonderful, won’t it?’

She smiled. ‘You really want me to get pregnant for you?’

‘Well, that will hasten our plans, won’t it? It will be a welcome thing.’

On Sunday morning, we all went to church together. On coming back to the house, once again, we took pictures. I took pictures of Jemima and Desire individually and together. I also took pictures with Jemima separately and selfies with the three of us together. In the evening, we piled into the car and returned them to Surulere. I kissed Desire good bye, took the Honda Accord car and returned to my residence.

On Monday morning, some few minutes to ten I received a call from an unknown number.

‘Is that Mr. Richard Babajide?’

‘Yes, please.’

‘I’m Tinu, secretary to the CEO Eaglets Oil and Gas. Can you make it to our office by ten tomorrow morning? You’re invited for an interview.’

‘Oh, that’s great. Of course, I’ll make it to the place. Please, what’s your address?’

She told me the place. It was at Lekki. It meant I would have to set out on time from my place if I should meet up the apartment. I called Desire to inform her of the development.

She told me the place. It was at Lekki. It meant I would have to set out on time from my place if I should meet up the apartment. I called Desire to inform her of the development.

‘Ah, I trust Big Mummy,’ she said.

‘The moment I discussed your matter with her and she said no problem, I knew she would be of help.’

‘I must really thank you my dear Desire for all you’ve been doing. I won’t forget all this favor.’

‘Let’s just hope everything will turn out well.’

I nodded. ‘I have no doubt that things will turn out well.’

On Tuesday morning, I carefully picked the white shirt, the tie and the black two-piece suit I wore. I must really look good and must create good impression.

I called the supervisor to explain that I would be coming late to work and would explain details to him later. I took the BRT bus to CMS.

From there, I took a smaller bus to Lekki. By few minutes to ten, I was at the reception of the company. I was immediately asked to go to the first floor where the secretary to the CEO attended to me.

‘Please, sit down,’ she offered.

‘You must be Tinu,’ I said.

She nodded. I sat and waited to be called. I thought I would see some other applicants who had come for the interview, but saw none. I waited for almost thirty minutes before Tinu informed me that the CEO was ready to see me. I was directed to her office.

‘Good morning, madam,’ I curtsied.
A woman in skirt suit probably in her fifties looked up from where she was writing behind her desk to appraise me.

‘Good morning,’ she replied and motioned me to a seat.

‘Thank you, madam.’

I took the seat she had offered me while Tinu retreated from the large office.

‘Yes, you are Richard from Desire?’ she asked.

‘Yes, ma’am.’

She nodded. ‘Desire is a good lady. Having somebody recommended by her means that person must be good. I believe in her judgment.’

I kept quiet. She had my c.v in her hands and she looked at it. ‘You’re currently working in a bakery as assistant production supervisor, right?’

‘Yes, madam.’

‘If we want to offer you this job, when are you ready to start?’

I thought briefly. It was already middle of July. Starting in August would not be bad. Before I could answer, the woman interjected.

‘Actually, you need to start soonest. Can you start next week Monday?’

That would be the last week of July. I nodded. ‘Yes, I can.’

'You’re going to be working as Assistant General Manager.’ She called Tinu on the intercom. ‘Tell the GM to see me.’

A man in his forties soon came into the office.

‘Yes, madam.’

She looked up at the man. ‘Yes, Mr. Ette, here is Richard. He will be working with you as your assistant. Put him through and assign some tasks to him. He read mechanic engineering and he has been recommended by a very reliable source.’

‘Yes, ma,’ Mr. Ette said.

‘But he will be resuming with us next week Monday. Just explain some things to him today so that he can fully prepare for the task ahead. Alright, Richard, follow him to his office, but before you go, collect your letter of employment from Tinu.’

‘Yes, ma’am. Thank you very much ma’am.’

I stood up and followed Mr. Ette to his office. Everything turned out to be easy, too easy as a matter of fact. Just like that, the woman had offered me employment. I was yet to know how much I would earn, but had no doubt that it would be substantial.