Hi guys.I've been a silent reader and follower of threads here in the literature segment of nairaland and decided to take a giant leap into becoming a writer myself.I've gained knowledge and zeal reading stories from amazing writers like Repogirl(she's awesome),Princesa(rocks),Kayemjay,Ishilove,The rock555,trixandra and Vantee of course.They're all splendid.So here I've put together this story with the hope of matching up to this amazing group sometime.


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All rights reserved as no part of this publication is to be used or reproduced in any manner or form without the consent of the writer.
Hope you enjoy reading this piece. All criticisms are most welcome.So much love and HAPPY READING!!!


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Chapter 1

Loud music was blaring from the sitting room,distracting Sophia from getting her much needed rest. After finally getting a one-month leave from her firm to relax, she had to deal with this again.

She jumped off the four-poster mahogany bed and got out of her room as she made her way to the living room downstairs to see what on earth was going on. Soon as she stepped down into the living room, she walked up to the home theatre sound system and turned it off. She then turned to scold her younger sister who had her arms akimbo and stood firm ready to challenge her sister for ruining her fun.

"Don't give me that look, Bimbola. You should go out if you want to start a disco,not here," she stated.

"You know, for all I care you are nothing but a pain in the as-s. Always ruining my fun every single moment you've got ."

"I'm not in the mood for a word battle with you today. I just got on leave and the one thing I need right now is rest, okay?"

"Yeah, sure. I'd rather find better people to hang out with than be with you, anyway," and with that she stormed out in her stretch jeans and thin strapped blouse that barely covered her abdomen.

That was a bit of concern to Sophia but calling her little sister back to dress more decently was going to involve more nagging which she so wasn't into now. The girl was just nineteen anyway and could have her share of freedom.

She slumped into nearest by couch and let out a sigh. Things weren't getting any better, even her sister couldn't stand her any longer considering all she did was nag at the teenager even when she tried to lighten up her mood, though that estrangement only began in the past one year and half she had returned to Nigeria. But then she couldn't exactly do anything about it as her life was getting more miserable by the day. Getting a life for herself was becoming tiring and she found herself overworking at her law firm also. She was always the ready advocate for most cases. Her boss had to give her a compulsory leave even though she tried to avoid it to no avail. Now she had to look after her sister who didn't exactly need looking after,the girl had coped on her own for the past five years since their mother had remarried some rich Alhaji after separating with their dad for close to five years.

Their dad had left when she was barely fifteen and her sister was eight as a result of her mom's constant efforts at ruining the matrimony. All she knew was that he moved out of the house and never came back. Some family members said he had remarried though she found out otherwise, but who cared. He called a lot to speak to his angels as he addressed them and had them well catered for knowing the sort of mother his wife was but she always thought it was irresponsible to leave your 'angels' in the hands of their mum whom you knew never cared about them in the first place.

Her mum had begun dating various lots of men the very minute their dad had walked out that door she was staring at that moment. When their dad finally gave her a divorce, she got married to the richest man within her reach and deserted her daughters to their life with the claim that she couldn't take them to her new husbands' as he might not like that arrangement.

They'd been left then at the three bedroom duplex where their dad had left them. It was fine since the house was theirs, they just had to learn to survive alone with a housekeeper employed by their dad to look after them. The old nun only quit when she went abroad to further her education.
She'd grown in these circumstances and decided to fall in love with her books. Her dad ensured they got quality education, so when she got picked to study law in the university of Minnesota, she left and her sister went to boarding school.

Life over there was much better and she thought she had found her peace abroad, away from the family drama at home but man they say proposes but God ultimately disposes. Such was the case when she thought her life was almost perfect up until she learnt to abhor love and friendship.

Though it was long over now, she knew she couldn't ever be over him, all of them at college.
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As he drove into the premises of his grandma's, Michael felt an air of relief whoosh past him. His grandmas' was the only place where he always felt at ease as though the world didn't exist within those walls or maybe it was just moving at a slower pace.

He pulled his car to a halt in front of the building which was an eight bedroom duplex at a serene estate on the outskirts of Lagos. The old lady stayed alone with a few domestic servants and even his dad always found the perfect excuse to why he hardly visited.

He opened the door and noticed his timing couldn't be more accurate as he was just in time for dinner.

'Smiling to yourself there, won't you come and say hello to the old lady here,eh?" His grandma hailed from the sitting room where she sat knitting as it was her hobby.
The cardigan she was knitting then was allegedly for her first great grandson she was expecting from her favorite grandson.

Michael walked on towards her and prostrated slightly before hugging his grandma to say his hello.

'Seems you planned on eating alone, grams. I wonder how you planned on that,' He said as he sat beside her on the couch.

She smiled and spoke, 'I could have asked for some to be posted to you to ensure you had dinner. Maybe that would show you how much I care'

'You do a great job staying alone here.Even dad hardly checks on you,' He observed holding up the wool for her as folded her work to be put away.

'Your dad is always busy which I understand quite well and moreover you come here every week which keeps my spirits up,' Just then the head of the domestic servants,Mama cook came in to inform them that dinner was completely served already.

They both walked to the ten seat dinning table to settle to a meal of Amala and Gbegiri soup well garnished with assorted meats as Mike teased his grandma about her teeth all falling off. Just as he swallowed the third morsel, his grandma broached a question he never was willing to answer not then, not ever. He feigned as though he didn't hear so she asked again,

'I asked you if you still see Dotun often?'

'No,' he replied curtly.

'Just 'No'. Isn't he your best friend?'

'Not anymore and I doubt ever'

'Why is that?' The older lady tried pressing further.

'Grams, I really don't wish to lose my appetite discussing some idiot somewhere, please,' He pleaded looking up at her.

'Alright if that's the way you want it. I can always find out what's wrong myself'

'Sure, no problem,' he said reaching for a glass of water.

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'Look who's here?' Dammy exclaimed soon as she saw her friend at her doorstep.

'Abi o.You can't even call your bestie,' Sophia teased as she made her way into the living room, 'Hope you're home alone o,' she asked dropping her bag.

'Yes, Daniel went to see his friend'

'One day, both of you will marry sha,' she teased her friend who had been living with her fiance for close to two years now but they weren't married yet. Daniel couldn't marry her yet because according to his family's tradition as his parents termed it, it was wrong for him to get married before his older ones. Moreover,his dad felt he wad too young to get married,though he was 25 already. They keep telling the couple to get patient and feel the odds before getting married.

'So what do I offer my long seen friend, eh?' Dammy asked as she made for the kitchen.

'Anything o. But I'd prefer chilled water because of the terrible heat out there,' Sophia said kicking off her shoes.

'Coming right up,' was Dammy's reply from the kitchen, 'and moreover I've got gist for you. In fact plenty'

'I'm on leave for a while now so I've got plenty of time,' Sophia said as she relaxed into the sofa. She tried focusing on what was on TV, some talk show or something but her eyes soon drifted off to nowhere in particular before finally settling on the glass central table with some fake fruits decorations.

Dammy had practically been her only friend for the past three years now. They'd attended the same secondary school but parted briefly when she had left for study abroad and Dammy proceeded to the University of Ibadan where she obtained her BSc. in Psychology. Though they weren't exactly BFF's back then as she had thought she had a perfect friend but she had thought wrong and was now left to her next bestie, Dammy.

'What on earth is going through your head?' Dammy's voice brought her back to present as she handed her a glass of cold water.

'Nothing much.Just thinking about "back in the days", " She said making air quotes.

'Yeah, right! I'm warming up some rice for you, maybe you'd manage that for now,' she said as she sank into the sofa opposite Sophia.

'It's alright. I ain't got a problem with that. So what hot gist do you have for me. I'm all ears,' she said as she drank from her glass.

'I'm glad you've got some time to rest,' Dammy observed sincerely, 'that by the way,you won't believe this. Guess what?' she said widening her eyes.

'You know how terrible I am at that,' Sophia said folding her legs into the sofa.

'Well, Abigail got married without informing either of us, can you even believe that? To think we all thought we were best friends. I couldn't believe it myself until I saw the pictures of the wedding,' Dammy concluded.

Sophia was way beyond dumbfounded on hearing the news about her once best friend as she stared on blankly.

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All through her drive back home, Sophia's head felt hazy as her mind kept drifting back to her earlier discussion with Dammy. It was true after all, as she also saw the pictures of the so called millennial wedding. It was right before her eyes, no kidding. The bit-ch was having the time of her life after all but she still couldn't get on with her own life. To think they'd both been shortlisted for admission into the University of Minnesota was an overstatement right now.

Abigail had been selected to study computer science and they'd left the country together. They were the ideal best friends at secondary school as Abigail was well aware of how messed up her family was.

She and Bimbola had slept over at Abigail's parents' so many times that she'd lost count. They were quite close and always shared everything they had together. But even the best of friends could hate each other when some situations arose and a friendship of eight years could become that of solely hatred enough to almost successfully ruin each other. She never could forgive Abigail for making her life her worst nightmare, while she busied herself with living life to the fullest.

Sophia wiped her eyes with the back of her hand to get rid of the nasty tears welling up about to flood her face as she stepped on the accelerator and sped off.

Hi guys,I would so much love it if I could get comments from you.Thanks a bunch

Alright,the no comment part isn't cool but I'd still post the second chapter here hoping someone changes his mind and inspires me.
...................
Update right now

Chapter 2

The security guard at the exit of the grocery store saluted as Sophia walked out. She smiled and dug into her bag for some change to give him as he'd been friendly to her since he got posted to the store. She found a five hundred naira note and handed it over to him, waving as he kept on thanking her. She walked over to her car and brought out her car keys.

Just as she was about to open the car door, she saw a lady walking towards her but make out her face due to the intensity of the sunshine. On moving closer she saw it was no one but her worst nightmare standing before her, Abigail.

She smiled at Sophia, 'I can't believe it's you. How long has it been? Three years? You look fabulous than ever,' she observed. Abigail was a dark complexioned, slim and tall lady of about 5ft 9". Her front teeth were gaped and her face was totally masked in makeup that one could take her for a form of painting if she stood still. She had her hair in braids and 4-inch block heeled sandals on making her really tall and not easy to behold to the face, with a short Ankara gown that barely reached her knees and was fitted to bring out her curves.
Sophia was dumbfounded and couldn't utter a word.

Abigail chuckled, 'Seems the nice girl attitude doesn't suit me the least bit. I should quit it, maybe?' She said changing her friendly tone.

'So what do you want from me? You aren't happy enough being married or you just got a little high and decided to check on old friends?' Sophia asked on regaining her voice trying to look as confident as she best could.

Abigail laughed shortly, 'You sure have been been keeping tabs on me. Are you mad you didn't get an IV to my wedding? Aww, I can't believe my bestie got the attitude also. Impressive I must say,' She crossed her arms across her chest.

'I doubt having anything to discuss with a bit-ch like you anyways, so move over. I've got better things doing,' Sophia pulled her car door open and dropped her shopping bags in.

Abigail called her back, 'I wish you all the best fixing the broken pitcher you might refer to as your life. I'd do you the last favor as friends and probably invite you to my baby's naming ceremony. Ah! That won't do for my baby's safety. I remember you killed yours,' laughing loudly Abigail walked off leaving Sophia to the hot tears streaming down her cheeks now.

She felt as though the ground should open wide and swallow her on that spot.Dejected,she hopped into her car and started the engine,zooming out the park.

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Abigail threw the door open as she stormed in annoyed. That bit-ch she once called her friend was becoming more of a pain as the time rolled by. No one could have told them both that a situation could once arise whereas she would get into a such a position with Sophia.

Jealousy on her part and stupidity on Sophia's had escalated beyond its measures and led to this sort of icky grounds they'd found themselves, she thought to herself kicking off her shoes and sinking into the sofa unaware of her husband's entrance. She hissed loudly still unaware he was standing before her.

'I wonder what would cause for that right now, you know. I thought my wife would at least welcome me with smiles but I don't think I can get disappointed anymore since you never cease to amaze me,' he said in a resigned voice.

She looked up finally noticing him, ' Well if you must know that hiss isn't yours as yours should be much worse since it's all your fault things like this happen after all. If you had passed your final interview and had become the company's director, I bet I wouldn't have had to still look inferior to someone who isn't even worth as much as trash. It's all your fault for making me believe your stupid lies of how capable you were. You disgust me!' She yelled and barged into the masters bedroom of the three bedroom flat they resided in.

Confused about the sort of female species he was married to, Tunde sighed and slumped into the sofa. They'd been married for close to eight months now and their relationship seemed to worsen by the day especially since he'd been refused the position of director at his company's head office.

Abigail just repulsed him since then as though she'd been comparing him to someone else before they had tied the nuptial knots. He'd always tried to please her but she never seemed satisfied, not ever. He barely knew her past but knew someday his endurance would wear off and then it all would be over finally..... maybe never.

Okay... I only came here because someone said I was awesome, lol!

Now to the serious stuff!

kizzykeziah, good stuff you got here, I can see promise in the story but ehm *clears throat*

First and Foremost, paragraphs, take time out to outline your story in paragraphs, its well worth it in the end.

After writing, go over it a few times, not just for typos but also for the flow. Sometimes some sentences/phrases don't sound right and you have to go over it in your head again and again till it seems fine. Par examplé

A little jealousy on her part and stupidity on Sophia's had escalated beyond their measures and led to this sort of icky grounds they'd found themselves

could sound like this:

Jealousy on her part coupled with Sophia's stupidity had aided in escalating the situation beyond its measures and led to the icky relationship they now shared.

Sounds a bit better, doesn't it?

So go over your work, rephrase and let it sound easy to comprehend.

Good job so far, keep posting, I guess when people have an idea where the story is heading, you'll begin to hear from them.

repogirl:
Okay... I only came here because someone said I was awesome, lol!

Now to the serious stuff!

kizzykeziah, good stuff you got here, I can see promise in the story but ehm *clears throat*

First and Foremost, paragraphs, take time out to outline your story in paragraphs, its well worth it in the end.

After writing, go over it a few times, not just for typos but also for the flow. Sometimes some sentences/phrases don't sound right and you have to go over it in your head again and again till it seems fine. Par examplé

A little jealousy on her part and stupidity on Sophia's had escalated beyond their measures and led to this sort of icky grounds they'd found themselves

could sound like this:

Jealousy on her part coupled with Sophia's stupidity had aided in escalating the situation beyond its measures and led to the icky relationship they now shared.

Sounds a bit better, doesn't it?

So go over your work, rephrase and let it sound easy to comprehend.

Good job so far, keep posting, I guess when people have an idea where the story is heading, you'll begin to hear from them.

Thanks so much.I'd take note and try harder.It could be because I copy and paste.BTW,You really are awesome

Chapter 3
The barman passed Mike another glass of whiskey which he received with a smile. His friend,Dayo wasn't there yet. Too bad, he thought to himself.

He had really wanted to celebrate his first successful contract signing since he became president of his dad's company four months back with someone, but here he was all alone. He missed his best buddy, Dotun. On days like this, they'd toast to brighter days and have fun.

He laughed at himself, quite stupid of him to ever still think of Dotun as his best buddy. The guy was much worse than a jerk. He thought he had forgiven him but realized he had taught himself to hate her, hate himself and blame no one.

He stared straight at his almost empty glass now and thought to himself why she had to come up in his head again. It had been three long years for God's sake and every memory about her seemed just like yesterday. But then, he didn't want to think he still heard her in his heart, that would make him pathetic. Like he wasn't already.

He had a fiancee now, a pretty one at that and she loved him so much but it was bad enough he never for once could feel the same way.

Most times when he listened to the lyrics of Chris Brown's, she ain't you, he'd feel as though he wrote that song and then hate himself all over again. No. He didn't hate himself, he hated her and just her for walking into his life and making a mess of him.

He could remember clearly the last time he had seen her. She'd been crying and he'd stood there stupefied unable to say everything was going to be fine because it never could be. It wasn't then and still wasn't now.

His best friend had slept with the love of his life and she'd let him. Well what? It was alright? It never could have been alright no matter how much he had loved her. Even she could never have claimed it was a mistake.

A girl like that was destined to break his heart since everything about the both of them being together was next to perfection. An epic love, they call it.

On second thoughts, he hated Dotun now for being part of the whole drama, more than ever.The crazy guy could have done better and it being this way was much more unforgivable.


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'Errm....Sophia,' Bimbola cleared her throat and called to her sister, 'Sophia! Sophia! Soph....,' the door to Sophia's room opened and she walked out still dressed in her nightgown though it already was eleven a.m.

She closed the door behind her and rested against it,
'What now?' She asked her seemingly worried sister.

'Oh nothing much. I just wanted to tell you your food was getting all cold and moreover you didn't eat all through yesterday. So.......I was just worried,okay?' She quickly added as Sophia turned to go back into her room.

'Well I'm fine. And I'd come for my food later'

'You've shut yourself in there for a whole day and your face looks all terrible. You think you're fine but you know what I think? That you're selfish. You don't want to be helped and wouldn't share your problems with anyone. I thought we used to be really close but you've changed, and a lot at that. I don't understand why you've become uncaring and indifferent no matter how much I try to provoke you into saying what's eating you. You are just stone cold,' Bimbola rattled on unable to hold her thoughts in any longer.
She was already crying, genuinely worried so she ran off and out of the house as Sophia heard the front door slam.

Sophia sighed and walked into her room and sat on the floor beside her bed as she rest her back against the wood.

Her phone began to ring and the caller id displayed Dammy, she reached for it and answered the call,

'Hello'

'Thank God, Sophia. I've been trying to reach you since like forever but the phone just keeps ringing. I was worried something had gone wrong. Is everything ok and where on earth did you drop your phone?'

'I'm sorry about that but I'm fine'

'Are you sure because you don't sound all that great'

'It's nothing. So I hope all is good'

'Yeah, it is. I simply wanted to invite you to this get together tomorrow. It's an award ceremony and I've got an extra invitation card and it's also slated for tomorrow's night so I want to know if you're interested. You could use some air, you know?'

'Yeah, I guess so. I'd be there'

'Alright and don't dream of bailing out, okay?'

'Alright, bye'

'Make sure you take care because you're far from being adorable when you don't'

'You too,' Sophia smiled and hung up.
She really needed to get some air for herself. Life should go on no matter the situation one finds oneself, she thought as she made for the bathroom. First,she needed to get rid of this throbbing headache.

I won't miss out.
Good job Kizzy.

vonn:
I won't miss out.
Good job Kizzy.

Thanks a lot.
There's popcorn o and coke

Just stumbled on this story.. I love it already and I'm definitely following till the end.. Keep it up

Oolayeancah:
Just stumbled on this story.. I love it already and I'm definitely following till the end.. Keep it up

U're most welcome to the cinema

Chapter 4

The atmosphere seemed lively enough as different groups of architects, civil engineers and other big goons in the construction industry hung around different parts of the big hall where the cocktail party was taking place.

It was an award night of the the construction industry and was to give recognition to those that deserved it. Most of the men came with their wives as dates, some with their fiancées or girlfriends while others came alone.
Sophia fell into the category of the lone-walks.She'd just walked in and the program seemed to have begun already as tried to search out her friend while she carefully avoided waiters. She'd left the salon quite late as she waited to get her hair properly packed after perm and curling.

She'd driven back home to get dressed and had settled for a yellow gown that fitted perfectly. It had short sleeves and the lower end in pleatings that ended just above her knees. She had a blue purse to match and a blue four-inched block heeled sandal pair. She wasn't wearing much makeup save the lip gloss and a little touch up to the face as she didn't fancy so much make up. Though she wasn't feeling flamboyant,she could feel the devil stare most ladies shot at her. That was their problem,she thought to herself.

She finally sighted Daniel in the company of his colleagues as he was an architect working in a really successful private architectural firm.He waved slightly to her and she smiled back, Dammy was probably close by him.


As she walked forward towards them both, she wrongly calculated her steps not noticing a slight depression just before her. She nearly tripped but got grabbed by muscular arms that held her shoulder and waist but the touch felt strange though, like she knew the person or something.

She regained her balance and looked up to thank whosoever it was but rather she got a shock. One of her worst nightmares she thought was long gone was staring straight into her eyes. Dotun.


'Are you ok?' He asked taking control of the situation.

Sophia was just dumbstruck as she stared blankly at the guy who ruined her life and made her into this.

His personal assistant chose that minute to break in,'Sir,you're next up for the award,' His eyes lingered on her for close to thirty seconds before he turned and left immediately.


Sophia stood there hoping it was a dream she'd wake up from until she got tapped by Dammy from behind,

'You are one naughty girl. Come on over to the front row. That's where I've been all this while,' she said motioning forward as Sophia followed absent-mindedly.


The master of ceremonies voice finally became audible as she picked a glass of wine from a passing waiters' tray,

'....... receiving this peculiar award of excellence on behalf of Solur construction, a company that has shown so much dexterity in every project they handle, I would like you all to give a rousing applause for the director, Dotun Adebola.


Dotun walked up to the stage and received the award whilst muttering some thank you to the organisers of the event. The co-host of the ceremony who very well turned out to be his girlfriend walked to him and hugged him,
'I'm so proud of you, dear,' she said as he smiled simply while the photographers tried to get the best shot they could of the seemingly perfect couple.


Sophia could hear a little conversation among some guys standing behind her and it turned out the girlfriend, Kike as her name turned to be was also the current minister of works daughter.

She looked up to them both and coincidentally made an eye to eye contact with him. So much for being a bastard, she thought.


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Mike bounced the basketball he was holding a couple of times, then he looked up and shot straight into the hoop. It went right in.

Just then he heard Dayo's voice who seemed to have been watching for a while,

'Nice one man. You still haven't forgotten what you were taught at Minnesota, I guess,' Dayo called over smiling at his friend, 'You do realize you've got a general board meeting tomorrow,right?'


The ball bounced off and Mike walked up to pat his friend, 'Yeah,well. I wasn't feeling exactly comfortable stuck with my computer all day, it kind of gets me sick. So I came out for some air and then thought you would make the perfect buddy to spend time with and I called you over.'


'Seems fair, as long as your fiancee doesn't come kick us both back in like the kids she treats us,' They both burst out laughing.


'You know Stella's a control freak. She'd say I had better start acting like the magnate I am or she'd make me,' Mike observed as Dayo went for the ball and they dribbled a while before they both lay back on the floor of the basketball court exhausted.

Dayo was the first to speak, 'I miss days like this. Back then, the three of us would play until we were dripping in sweat. Really miss that crazy guy, Dotun.'


Mike sat up, 'Sometimes I do too and other times I want to kill him with my bare hands,' he said as he stood up and began shooting hoops straight into the basket,

'It's his birthday today and that's probably why I'm this way today.'


Dayo sighed and just then, the topic of their discussion walked straight in to them at the court,

'Anyone miss me?' Dotun hailed as he moved across the court towards them.


'Talk of the devil,' Mike muttered, 'Why are you in my house?',he asked as he dropped the ball.


'Because I missed my buddies,' Dotun shrugged and smiled.

'How have you been? Been a while,' Dayo said trying to take a hold of the situation, 'You could have called at least. Give us a heads up.'


'I see you are still the rich guys' sidekick, eh?' Dotun observed to Dayo jokingly.


'I'd just be inside. You two have a cool gist without me. I'm out,' Dayo said getting up, making to leave.


'I'm not sure you'd meet him alive if you leave without him closely following,' Mike warned as his face lit up with disgust and anger.

Dayo stood transfixed while Dotun simply laughed, 'Wow, so my best buddy is mad at me. Why? Because I didn't call in a long while?' Dotun remarked sarcastically.


'Hey, you two should ease out. Throwing punches doesn't sound cool for nice guys,' Dayo said pacifyingly seeing they would be at each others throat if he didn't step in.


'I wouldn't waste my time on trash like you,' Mike said and was walking off when Dotun drew him back with his shirt and lowered his voice,

'I won't let you just walk off while I remain the guilty party. Why don't you let it out and punch me at least once?'

'Hey, Dotun I don't want a fight here so why don't you take a walk? Disappear the way you know best,' Dayo tried talking him off.


'Look here, Dayo. I'm so done hiding out. It's become tiring considering I get haunted wherever I run to. I'm done being the coward,' Dotun raised his voice.

'What you seem to forget is that you really are a coward, you bastard,' Mike retorted angrily and punched him straight in the gut.
He punched him again across the face until he fell, back down onto the floor.

Mike kept raining punches across his face till Dayo could push him back forcefully,
'Let go of me. Let me kill that animal,' Mike cried.Dotun laughed as he spat out saliva already made into blood thanks to his friends' strong fists,
'That's more like it. Beat me up a lot more and let out all the anger you've bolted up for three long years. Let your rage out.'


'I'm going to kill him,' Mike swore as he broke from Dayo's grip and ran punches and kicks over Dotun filled with rage, 'You're a bastard and I hate you,' He roared as he punched his fist into his palm.

Dotun staggered up, 'I can't believe I ran from you for three years to avoid this,' Dotun said laughing, 'I feel better, you know. Damn it, Mike. I screwed up big time and I want to tell you how sorry I am but I just can't. I was mesmerized and wasn't thinking then but I can only beg your forgiveness when I've obtained mine which I haven't,'
he finished,and he dragged himself up and out.


Mike slipped down onto the bare floor with his back against the wall as he ran his hand over his head. It was a lost cause after all.

That's the fourth chapter and I've tried modifying the previous posts too.I'm not exactly perfect but I hope it's worth something.

Abigail tapped the front door again. She'd been there for a while and no one was answering as though the house was empty though the hausa gateman could swear on anything that his madams were in.

She raised her hand about to knock again when the door opened from inside and Bimbola exclaimed loudly on seeing who was knocking,

'Oh my God! Sister Abigail, I can't believe it's you,' She'd been so surprised and genuinely happy as well to see her sisters' best friend after such a long time.

She never really got to know why they didn't hang out together after Sophia returned from college and had always asked after Abigail until Sophia told her off.
Seeing her in their house now was just too pleasant for her,

'Come on in,' she said gaily.

'Whoa, you're an adult already. Look at you. Whinny little sister then and now all grown up,' Abigail observed smiling at her once best friends' sister.

She walked into the living room and nodded, the house hadn't changed one bit, 'How about Sophia? Is she at home?' She asked.

'No, but she'd be back anytime soon. I don't think she went that far,' Bimbo said excitedly, really happy seeing Abigail.

They both started chatting within seconds with Abigail asking about what school Bimbo had gotten into and how well campus was treating her.

Bimbola was about asking what happened between them both when the back door into the kitchen opened and Sophia walked in.

She was surprised seeing Abigail in her living room and was about to rush up to her and challenge her right there when she looked over at her sister and saw the expression on her face.

She calmed herself and asked her sister to excuse them both and leave for wherever, just not stay around.

' So what are you doing here? Want to make me feel worse than I already am or what?' Sophia said finally as she heard Bimbola walk out the gate of the compound.


'I guess I felt too guilty and needed to check on how well you've been faring. Not a bad idea between friends, is it?' Abigail said getting up the sofa.


'If I must remind you, you're no longer welcome here and I'd rather you walked out that door before I inform security of the presence of an intruder in my home. So just get the hell out if here,' Sophia yelled as she went ahead to open the door wide and point Abigail the way out.


'Come on, take it easy. I came by to say hi and would you stop acting the victim here cos we both know things got this bad also thanks to you. For turning your back on your friend, flaunting your amazing boyfriend and managing to seduce his best friend also. You really are amazing and your skills marvel me a lot,' Abigail shot back.

Annoyed, Sophia who was now standing in front of her back stabbing friend landed two slaps across Abigail's face,
'I should have done that a long time ago, you psychotic devil.You know your problem? You lack everything and thought ruining me would lessen your misery but guess what, you'd rot in that misery. That's how pathetic you are. I might have had an abortion because I didn't want to have a child that never would have a good history but then even if you had a thousand kids, you never would match up with me.You want to know why? It's because you never would get that trick. You miserable bit.ch. Now you've overstayed your welcome so get out right now before I really make you
regret coming here,' Sophia stated as she crossed her arms across her chest tapping her feet nervously.

Abigail was about to say something but thought again and angrily picked up her bag, eyed Sophia and walked out.

Sophia let out air she didn't realize she'd been holding in all that while. She sank into the sofa behind her. She didn't even realize where she had got the strength to voice out her insides but that didn't make her feel so great either.

:oMods, frontpage o. M seriously enjoying every bit of this. Keep it up

emperordemi:
:oMods, frontpage o. M seriously enjoying every bit of this. Keep it up

Wow...thanks
A lot

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Hannah hurried into the living room. Her phone had been ringing but she barely heard while she was using the blender in the kitchen. Now it seemed the call was about to be disconnected as the ringtone was nearing its end.

She reached for it and answered the call just in time,'Goodness, Sophia. I thought you would never call but I knew you'd get drawn to Temi soon. Blood ties? It's great you called'

Sophia chuckled over the phone,'I'm sorry I didn't call all this while. My mind was a bit jumbled up'

'That's no problem. How are you doing?'

'I'm very good. Bad memories have coming up. But I'm doing alright'

'Okay. Missed your baby,huh?'

'Am I still allowed to do that?'

'You're the mum here'

'Yeah right.How's she?'

'Sleeping finally after a lot of naughtiness'

'Oh yeah. I also wanted to speak to you. We have a lot to catch up on. I hope you're not busy'

'Not exactly, I'm all ears.Who on earth dared provoke the queen of Minnesota?' Susan joked ready to be the listener she'd always been for her longest distance friend.


After their graduation ceremony, Sophia had found out she was eight weeks pregnant leaving her devastated.

Frustrated, she had gone to a hospital to get an abortion forgetting Abigail's aunt worked there making Abigail catch wind of her state since her aunt thought they were still friends and had mentioned Sophia's coming to her.

The newly transferred doctor however happened to be her dad's acquaintance, the latter being a successful consultant gynecologist in Iowa. He saw her as naive and told her dad what was going on.
Her dad came down to get her and tried speaking to her but she just didn't want anyone to teach her what was right or wrong telling her dad it was his fault for not being there when he should have.

She didn't give up and kept trying with pills but when she fainted once and had to be admitted in the hospital, her dad had angrily yelled at her for treating herself like a piece of crap when she was worth much more.

It was at the hospital Sophia met Hannah, a midwife few years older than her who warned that aside it being a terrible risk and murder, Sophia would never be able to forgive herself taking the life of the unborn. With Hannah being there, she gave up thoughts on abortion and told her dad that though she would have the child, she rather would give it up to a great family for adoption.

Her dad had kicked against the other option and offered to take care of his grandchild himself if she was so bothered about returning to Nigeria with a baby.
She had also voted against that asking him how he planned on explaining to Bimbola where he got a child from as she didn't want to be constantly reminded about her unpleasant past in Nigeria.

That was where Hannah came in and since she was trusted enough and could be monitored by her dad, she was handed over the six month old Temi, while Sophia returned home like nothing ever happened.

Chapter 6


'Sir, the expatriates from Korea have arrived. I've just been informed they've been settled in the best suites at Le Meridien,' Rukky said as she walked into her boss's office.

He barely seemed to be listening and kept staring at his laptop treating like she was invincible so she repeated her statement to make sure she had his attention.

'I heard you the first time. So you may leave if that's all you've got for me,' Mike retorted sharply, angry she was still standing there interrupting his thoughts with annoying office information.
That was the last thing he needed now so he looked up from his laptop computer, 'Why are you standing like a statue? Leave!' he shouted angrily.

'I'm sorry, sir,' she muttered as she hurried out of his office.

She was a bit confused on her boss's behavior today. He was really acting strange as though he was mad at someone and wanted to pour his anger on whoever it was that stood in his way. So much for having a cute boss, she thought to herself and settled into her seat in her adjoining office.

Mike sighed as he rest his head back in the chair. It was all getting to him after all though he still lied to himself he was fine. After he'd had that face off with Dotun, it had felt as though life had played his mind and temper back to when he'd just arrived from the States.
Now, he was even getting annoyed unnecessarily at the slightest provocations.

He closed his laptop and put it in its folder. It was high time he went for a drive, away from everything around him that made him feel as he did.

He would probably stop by at his grams after having a little fun. He got up from his chair, the old lady might just know what to say to get him together again, he thought as he left his office.

'It's fine. I would drive myself,' He said to the chauffeur and hopped behind the wheels of the Lexus.

His phone rang then and as he reached for it hoped it was the prefect distraction he needed. He checked the name displayed and put his earphones in,

'Hey,man,' he answered the call.


**********************************************************


Sophia hopped out of her car and said a silent prayer that Peter shouldn't be mad at her. She'd promised to pick up her boyfriend at the airport but couldn't make it due to her mind going off lately which had caused her to totally forget about his arrival time.

Thanks to how understanding he was and fully knowing how she could relapse easily, he'd found a way for her to make it up to him by asking her to meet up at some place they'd hung out a couple of times.
She'd said she loved the bar, Keshs', ever since she'd been there,totally my style, she'd said the first time Peter had brought her there.

She could see his car as she walked towards the entrance. She smiled to herself and walked in as the guard opened the door from within.

He waved soon as their eyes met and motioned for her to hurry on.

'Hey you,' She said as she got into the high seat next to him, 'I'm so.....' he broke her off as he pulled her in for a hug, '......sorry'

'I missed you,' He said smiling, 'and you're also forgiven for ditching me at the airport. Thank goodness I had my credit card to get a taxi home. You really are a forgetful sweetheart, did I ever tell you? I can't believe I had kept hammering that for a while. It makes me wonder why I love you,' he said letting her go.


'I swear I never planned on ditching you. My leave has been a drama filled one,' she muttered a thank you to the barman who placed her drink in front of her.

'You wanna talk about it?' he asked concerned.

'Nah, it's fine. You know I do well in taking care of myself,' She assured.

'I hope so,' He nodded as he gulped his brandy.

'I need to use the restroom. Be right back,' she said and got up.

'Alright, I ain't going nowhere,' He assured raising his glass, 'Cross my heart'.

Sophia laughed. Peter really knew how to calm her whenever, it only hurt her when he told her he loved her and she couldn't sincerely say the same. They had dated for about seven months now and though she never exactly wanted to ever get involved with any guy, Peter had swore to never give up until he had her.
She saw him as her friend better and treated him just like that, though he wasn't bothered about that, so long as people saw them as a couple.

She got into the restroom and looked into the mirror as her plain reflection stared back at her, not bad, she thought and smiled.

Soon as she walked out, she nearly had a fit as she saw her ex-boyfriend walk into the bar and like she wasn't shocked enough, he walked up to Peter and they greeted themselves familiarly as they patted each others back.

Dumbfounded was an understatement for what she felt at that moment. What was Mike doing there and why was Peter acting all 'friendly' to him? If Peter wanted to play games with her, oh boy, he was so going to get it from her.

She at first felt her feet stuck to a point but she was soon enough surprised at her new found confidence or was it plain courage?

Bracing herself, she walked up to them both,

'You guys having fun?' She asked smiling.

Chapter 7

Sophia lay awake in her bed staring at the ceiling. She just couldn't get herself to sleep and she'd been lying there rolling from edge to edge of the bed.

Peter wasn't aware of anything after all and he'd really just met Michael a month ago during his trip as he had explained when she tried accusing him of wanting to play her and make fun of her. He'd looked confused and she'd eventually told him most things she'd kept to herself all through their relationship since she couldn't exactly tell him everything. Now she had a feeling she had lost his trust also. She sighed.

Her phone's ringing buzzed through her thoughts and she jerked up to reach for it
. It was her dad,

'Good evening, daddy'

'How are you, Sophia? I called last night to speak to you two but Bimbola told me you weren't in
. She also said you've been out of it lately'

'I'm fine, dad. How are things over there?'

'It's all fine. I do plan on coming over for the Christmas holidays and spend some time with my daughters'

'That's good. It's less than three months to Christmas from now so we'd better start getting ready to welcome you home'

'And try making peace with your sister. She told me you weren't all that friendly anymore and I promised to speak to you'

'You know Bimbola is whining half the time. She's a spoilt brat'

'You should be a good sister to her always. You know you're all she's got there'

'She's got you too. I miss you around, dad'

'Same here. And I checked on Temi yesterday. Hannah said you called'

'Yeah well. It's nice of you to check up on them often'

'I wanted to propose bringing them with me. Spend time with you during Christmas'

'Dad, really? Stop kidding around. You know what answer I'd give you'

'You have to deal with this sooner than later if you don't want to become the kind of mother your mom is'

'Don't even start, dad. I can never be my mom'

'Just think over it'

'Okay, we'll talk later'

'Have a good night's rest, dear'

'Sure, you too,' She bade and hung up.
She was to resume work the next day and lying there was doing nothing to get her ready for the cases she was sure would have gotten piled up for her. She threw the phone beside her on the bed and jumped off the bed ready for a shower.

*************************************************

Sophia unlocked the entrance door and walked in. It had been a long day for her at the office as she'd been away for a whole long month. She'd gotten a lot of cases piled high for her already as she expected and she'd gotten to work immediately.Now she was dead tired.

She went up to the refrigerator to check if, Ada the domestic worker who came in around 9 a.m and left before 3p.m had made any meal for her. Her sister had left for her campus the previous evening for the resumption of the second semester though knowing her sister, she was sure to come home for the weekend. She was studying pharmacy at the university of Lagos and since they lived at the Ikeja GRA, Bimbola hardly spent weekends on campus and always came back home with the excuse of wanting to pick one thing or another.

She found a dish of salad probably prepared by her sister before leaving for school, God bless her soul, she muttered and brought it out to the living room settling to eat. Just then, she heard a knock on the door after which the doorbell rang.
So much for wanting a second of peace, 'It had better not be Abdul,' She said to herself and went for the door.

Michael was standing right there as she opened the door. He was the last person she had thought would be standing in front of her door that evening making her feel at a loss for words.

'You going to let me in or just stand there?' He asked breaking the silence ensuing for nearly five minutes.

'I don't want to,' She stated on regaining her voice, 'Just leave the way you came. I need some peace in my life,' She said and was about to shut the door in his face when he held the door back and walked in.

'You're still as stubborn as always though I must commend the fact that you've changed. You seem to carry an expression that portrays you being stronger,' He observed as he looked round the living room.

'Strength is absolutely needed when one finds oneself in some stances and why on earth are you in my house?' She asked, her temper flaring.

'I took up all the courage I could muster and came here on finding out where you stayed which was quite easy. I'm here because I have to be if I want to ever get my sanity back because three years did little in bringing it back,' He paused to check if she was paying him any attention, 'I say I want us to talk.What do you say?' He concluded as he offered a prayer within him that she wouldn't walk him out.

Sophia kept silent. Everything she'd been wishing for everyday for the last three years was right here. She had always wanted Michael to listen to her, hear her voice and believe her. But right now, she could swear she badly wanted to hit him hard for making her go through hell all these while.

As if on impulse, she inched forward and landed a slap across his face, 'That's for wanting to talk now and aside that I can't find anything else to say to you.'

Mike regained his composure, 'That was a good way to start the conversation. Let me admit I was a total jerk for not knowing the facts and never bothering to find out. I guess I deserve more than a slap'

'You sure do and I can't help being unable to hate you as much as I want to. I can't help the fact that you walked off when I thought I needed you the most either,' her eyes were beginning to get teary but she badly wanted to keep the tears in and began to choke on her tears.

'Just go. I really don't want to speak to you,' She said clearing her voice.

Mike hesitated for a minute staring at the figure before him, 'I'd be back some other time,' He said and left without her saying a single word to protest his last statement. She just sat with her head buried between her palms.

He'd been gone nearly an hour before she could gain strength to lock the door from within. She had lost her appetite now so she placed the dish back into the refrigerator and went straight to bed. The day had sure been terribly long for her and the future didn't seem like it could get less hectic.

Kizzykeziah, hope all is well maam... I'm enjoying the story plz update soon

Oolayeancah:
Kizzykeziah, hope all is well maam... I'm enjoying the story plz update soon

I'm alive and kicking here.Update right about now.
Thank you so much for following

********************************************************************************************************

Stella reached for her glass of wine and sipped. She glanced at the clock as it struck ten p.m.

'I hope nothing has gone wrong. If only he could pick my calls,'
She lamented to herself and began pacing clutching her glass close. She really wanted to surprise her fiance who though never exactly cared the least about her still remained very dear to her. He simply saw her as a tutor on how to run a company, she thought and sighed.

Her paces began to quicken as she tapped her glass with her engagement ring. He gave her that exactly one year ago which was the second time they had met in their lives. She remembered his expression on that day perfectly well. He didn't care. But even though she was perfectly aware she was in a 'contract relationship,' she had still dared to open her heart. She had wanted more than just acquaintanceship with him and this days she really felt like an extra burden Mike simply endured.

Just then, she heard a horn beep. "That must be him finally," She said to herself excitedly, "the five-hour wait is going to be worth it now."

She dropped her glass on the table and tried putting on a smile to welcome him. The front door finally opened after a wait that seemed like forever with Mike walking in.


'Hey, Mike. Rukky said you left the office quite early and I've been here for a really long while thinking you'd be here any second since three o'clock,' she said frowning a bit, 'Don't I at least get an apology or something.'


'I don't remember calling you up to meet and maybe it's just better if you leave. I'm not in the mood for a chat or nag with anyone,' He bluntly said as he walked up to the French doors that opened to the verandah at the back of the house where he stopped and looked out at the full moon hovering above.

'So where have you been all day? I spoke to Dayo and he said you weren't with him. You didn't even pick my calls.....' She ranted on while Mike didn't give a single reply. His mind was far from whatever it was that Stella was saying as the only picture in his head was Sophia's.
'......Mike, are you even still here?' She raised her voice seeing he was absent minded.

'I thought I asked you to leave already. Why are you still here?' He asked seemingly pissed and turned to leave the living room.

'It's too late for me to go home so I'm staying,' She stated.

'I don't give a damn if it's late. I didn't ask you to come here in the first place, so leave,' He said as he walked past her.

Startled at his changed tone, Stella burst out,
'Do you even remember it's our anniversary today? I had really wanted to spend the whole day with you but you turn your back on me. Just when I thought we were getting off well'

Mike paused, 'Well you thought wrong,' He stated and went upstairs to his room.

Stella angrily picked up her purse and stormed out of the house. Her dad needed to know the sort of son in-law he was dealing with or was it future son in-law here.

Thanks for the update Maam... Keep it up

Oolayeancah:
Thanks for the update Maam... Keep it up

I'm not exactly a ma'am here but thanks anyways.
I'd try making it much longer next time

Chapter 9
'It's fine here,' Bimbola told the cab driver who pulled to a halt while she reached for a one thousand naira note in her purse and gave it to him.

She got out of the taxi and waited to receive her two hundred naira change.

'Thank you,' she muttered and walked towards the gate. She hit the gate a couple of times hoping she won't be kept waiting for long.


Turning away, she fondled with her fingers nervously.Just then the gate creaked open by a tall young man,

'Who is it?' He asked holding a torch.

'It's me, Bimbola. I wanted to see Auntie Dammy. Is she at home?' She asked still nervous.

'Oh,Bimbola. Yes,come in,' He let the gate wider open, 'The gateman isn't around now. He went to Kano for Ramadan. So I hope I didn't keep you waiting for too long'

'No, it's fine. Thank you,' She assured as they both walked on to the front door.

'Who was it?' Dammy asked from the kitchen as she heard the front door open.

'It's Sophia's sister,' Daniel said shutting the door behind him,
'Come on, sit,' He turned to Bimbola who was standing and practically trembling on the spot.

Dammy came out of the kitchen not sure she heard right.'What do you mean? At this time?' She asked and paused in her steps seeing the teenager.

'Are you alright? Is everything fine at home? Your face looks pale,' She asked concernedly and turned to Daniel who was watching them, 'Please Daniel, could you get us a glass of water?' Dammy pleaded.
He nodded and went to the dining room.

'Aunty Dammy, I'm scared,' Bimbola finally let out brushing off tears from her face.

'Oh dear. What happened? Is it Sophia?' She was beginning to panic.

Bimbola shook her head making Dammy relax a bit. Daniel handed her a glass of water before sitting and tuning down the volume of the tv set where he was watching the MTN project fame auditions before he went out.

'You should let her calm down a bit,' Daniel suggested.

Bimbola gulped down the water and placed the glass on the table in front of her.

'Maybe I should call Sophia,' Dammy said picking her phone.

'No, don't. She will just get mad at me and I don't want that. It's hard enough for me as it is'

'So what's going on? You scared the daylight out of me just now'

'It's not Sophia. She isn't even the least aware I've hardly attended classes since the beginning of the semester,' Bimbola sighed, 'I'm in deep trouble, Aunty Dammy.'
She said feeling secure around the young couple.

**************************************************************************

Peter glanced at his wristwatch.He had been waiting at the bar for nearly two hours hoping to no avail for Sophia to show up and end his misery.

She had been giving him excuses of just resuming back at work and being busy and all but she'd been neglecting him,their relationship all together for a while now that every part of him had a feel she might as well end it with him any moment.

He swirled his glass contents and thought of how life without her would be.[i]You shouldn't imagine such[/i]were the words that resounded within his head.

He reached for his ringing phone in his pocket while gulping the wine in his glass.He saw the caller's ID display Mike and he picked it immediately.One doesn't refuse the boss's call.

'Hey,man',he spoke lowly into the speaker.

'Evening,Peter.What's up?You sound dull,you good?'

'Yeah,I'm good.Is there a problem with the project or something?'

'Nah.I'm just checking on you',he paused on the other end for a while,'Can we like meet up at the bar I caught up with you the other day?That's if you're close by there'

'Oh sure.I'm right there now.Just hanging alone'

'Alright,I'd meet you in say twenty minutes if you can wait that long'

'No problem.I'm not leaving anytime soon',he reassured and hung up.

He then motioned to the bartender to fill up his glass again whilst taking his time waiting for Mike.


**********************************************************


Abigail walked out on her husband and the doctor in the doctor's office feeling terribly annoyed.

'Those dumb doctors,they act like they know all',she mused to herself and went to sit in the front seat of their car talking to herself while tapping her feet.


She had barely waited for five minutes when Tunde came along and got in the driver's seat.He started the car's engine and tapped his fingers on the steering wheel.
He hesitated and turned off the engine to face his wife,
'What was the drama you put up in Dr. Bola's office just now about?',he asked unable to hold himself back from yelling at her.

'What do you mean by 'drama'?I simply wasn't in for the stupid so-called advice he claimed to be giving me.It's that simple',she defended immediately.


'What trash are you spewing right now?Are we still talking about our child here?Or have you just gone mad?',he spat angrily.


Abigail was drawn aback for a few seconds at her husband's angry outburst before regaining composure,
'Do you want to hit me now just because I said I wasn't interested in ante-natal bullshit?Who cares if the baby is fine or not?It's going to be born to a poor man anyways',she threw back at him but with the last two sentences more to herself.

Tunde was stupefied and unable to figure out what next to say to her,he restarted the car's engine.

'I think I'm getting to know the kind of crazy lady you are.You should just get something straight that if anything should happen to my child,you would hate yourself',he said looking straight in her face before taking hold of the steering wheel and driving out of the hospital premises.


Abigail said nothing and looked out the window staring at the fast moving buildings.Maybe it was karma,she thought.So much for stabbing a friend's back.
Sometimes when she traced her thoughts back to why she had hurt Sophia,she couldn't exactly figure out how she never thought about their closeness and just acted out.

She always wanted to put the blame back to Sophia but every right thinking individual knew she was the stupid one here,the coward.
Her cowardice had led her into refusing to accept things the way it was meant to be and made her rant on and on till their relationship became irreparable.

It had made her get herself into a marriage she abhorred just because she wanted to surpass Sophia.

It had made her lose most of her friends who heard about their crumbled relations.

Above all,it had made her lose all what good could have been left in her.

She wiped off the tears that had flooded her face with her handkerchief,regretting every moment of the last three years of her life.

****************************************************

Sophia paused and tapped her fingers against each other as she sat opposite Mike in the shade of the deck at the restaurant he had brought her.

He had come to her house that afternoon as though he was aware she would be leaving the firm earlier that day and had asked her to have a drink with him somewhere where they could also talk.

She had refused saying she had nothing to say but he had been so defiant and she finally accepted to come with him when he pressed on and she also realized talking could probably make her get over everything that had kept her confined away from reality all this while.

She looked around her and her eyes fell on a sparrow trying to balance its feet on the branch of a near hedge while a gentle breeze blew across making the feathers get caught while it struggled.She watched the bird intently until it finally got itself out not without losing some of its beautiful feathers.

Michael's voice brought her back to present,'You really don't mean the same Abigail one could have taken for your twin on first meeting you two then,do you?',he asked unsure he heard her correctly the first time.


'Yeah.....but we really didn't look alike',she smiled and paused,'.........what made you come after three years?I thought you were gone for good',she asked raising her eyes to meet his.

Mike held her gaze for a few more seconds.He couldn't exactly tell her he had spoken to Peter the other day and after chatting the latter up,he had come to know how lonely she must have been throughout the time he thought he was the only one that had gotten hurt.She had obviously kept her previous relationship from Peter until very much recently as Peter had asked him how happy he was when they were together.The guilt he felt for leaving then was so overwhelming that he couldn't concentrate on anything till he found her Nigerian address and met her.Now,could he exactly say he had felt no remorse up until less than a week ago?

He finally found his voice,'I can't say exactly what.I guess the last straw was seeing you again the other day with Peter.You had this expression that had gotten stuck in my head.It challenged me.Moreover,my grandma also told me to get over myself and speak to you if I ever planned on moving on',he admitted.

'Your grandma?',Sophia repeated surprised having never met the older lady.

'Yes.Is it that surprising?'

'Well,that does very little to change what happened and what could have happened if you had stayed',she said as waiter arrived with their orders.He placed it down entreating them to enjoy their drinks.She looked up and thanked him before resuming her finger handling and staying silent.

'You seem lost',Mike said noticing her absent look.

'My thoughts are in a thousand places right now and the first question on my mind is why I am sitting here having this conversation with you',she looked over to him.

'Maybe because you should at least speak to me and clear yourself of whatever blame I've put to you over the last couple years',he suggested.

'Tch....Well,the first thing you should know is that I was never aware Dotun had anything for me.I saw him as your friend and mine too.So sharing a hotel room with him didn't seem a big deal to me.So when I saw those pictures you threw at me,I felt I had every freaking right to get mad at you for bringing up such trashy allegations',she paused and looked straight into his eyes as if reading him before continuing,
'Well,Abigail came the next day to take up your cause.Challenge me.Ridicule me.She was really mad at me,you know.Probably so much in love with you that she couldn't stand me',she paused again and coughed.

'You okay?',he asked handing her her glass of ice tea.

'I'm fine',she said turning him down and clearing her throat,'I got over my over ten minutes shock and asked her why she did that straight to her face and my dear twin told me I disgusted her so she wanted me to feel disgusting to more people.I cried,she walked away and that was the end to our twin relationship.I took final exams,stayed a while before returning barely two years ago',
she took a sip from her glass and placed it back while they stared at each other.


'So that's it.What you want to know',she said relaxing into her chair and tapping her fingers on the table.Her chest felt like something huge had fallen off it making her relaxed.

'I'm sorry you had to go through that while I hated you thinking you had betrayed me with my best friend',he finally said.


Sophia shrugged,'It's fine since I spent an equal time hating you too,so no hard feelings',she laughed shortly,'we could make it as friends.I'd forgive you since you were nice enough to check on me',she concluded stretching her right hand for a handshake.

He looked on so she re-emphasized,'Come on.A handshake for friends who want to stop hating each other.Take it'.

'It's kind of odd.To think I've spent the last three years wishing you were by me.Hating you and not for a second forgetting how much you had meant to me',he said sincerely.

'Whatever we had was in the past.Times change and feelings change too.That's a given',she stated withdrawing her hand.

He was just about to speak when her phone rang and she excused herself for a second.She got up and walked over to empty the end of the open restaurant to answer the call taking close to five minutes before returning.

She picked up her purse,'It's sort of an emergency.A client of mine's trial suddenly got moved forward to take place tomorrow.I got to leave now',she explained to him.

'Alright,it's fine.I'd speak to you later then',he hesitated for a second before he continued,'You don't mind giving me your phone number,do you?',he asked bringing out his smartphone.

'We'll see about that',she simply said and left.

Mike watched her retreating figure for a while and sighed.He never should have thought that to be easy,he thought to himself.


Her sitting down with him to have a talk was kind enough of her,trying to get closer to her was surely overstepping his boundaries,he concluded within himself and finished his drink before paying the bills and leaving.

Chapter ten

*************************************

Sophia sank deeper into the sofa and stared at the wall opposite her.She had promised Dammy she would take care of things with her sister but was at a loss for exactly what to do when Bimbola would come home probably later that evening.
Even she couldn't take care of her own mess how much more taking care of her sister's.

She heard the front gate open and Abdul as usual asking what the person had gotten for him.It couldn't be any other person other than Bimbola,she thought and stood up to get a glass of water.


Bimbola opened the door and came in dumping her handbag on the nearest sofa.

'Good evening,Sophia.You're home early',Bimbola greeted,'I came to use the washing machine and pick one shoe I forgot before',she continued,smiling at her sister who simply stood and finished her drink without even a nod at her.

Bimbola ignored her and kicked off her sandals.

'How is school?',Sophia asked finally and sat signaling Bimbola to sit also.

'Fine',Bimbola replied curtly and sat to properly get her right sandal off.

'Just fine?',Sophia continued.

Bimbola simply nodded getting suspicious Dammy had spoken to her sister already and subsequently nervous.

'You wrote a test last week',Sophia observed,'How was your result?',she asked.

'Fine',she replied curtly again already getting nervous and handling with her fingers.

'You've started twisting your fingers which means something is wrong,isn't it?Bad results?',Sophia kept up noticing her sister's forehead get sweaty notwithstanding the air conditioning at less than 24 degrees.

'No',Bimbola shortly said and got up,'I need to start using the washing machine now before they cut off the light',she said and was about to leave when Sophia's words stopped her,

'Dammy was here and she told me you came over.You want to talk about it?'

Shit,Bimbola muttered under her breath and braced herself for the worst.

'I wasn't thinking when when I went to see her.Nearly forgot how close you two could get',she slowly said and sat knowing her sister wouldn't let her be if she tried leaving.

'Is that why you come home nearly everyday?You're scared you might get hurt on campus?',Sophia asked,concern in her eyes.

'He's my course mate so I can't exactly hide',she said resignedly.

'How about we start from the beginning,little sister?You seem to forget I'm a lawyer',Sophia suggested smiling at her sister,trying to look as reassuring as she could hoping her sister could make her a confidante.

Bimbola sighed and folded her legs into the chair knowing she could totally trust her sister and wishing she could always have been this attentive and patient.

**********************************************************

Mike held the doorknob into his dad's study and sighed.He really didn't want another round of arguments with his dad but his dearest fiancee who always felt insecure about their relationship and rightly so seemed to have taken her insecurity to a next level.
That was probably why his father had called to see him immediately.The call was made much sooner than he thought it would.But right now,all he wanted was to get this over with.


He pushed the door open and went in.

'I'm here,sir',he said as he walked in and saw his dad at his study table looking at whatever it was.

His father who was presently engrossed with his iPad checking some business news or whatever didn't act like anyone just walked in which sickened Mike considering he had requested his immediate presence at the villa.

Mike seeing his dad was not yet ready to speak sat in the sofa and closed his eyes knowing how much his dad hated interjections.

'You came late',his dad said not raising his head.

'I came as soon as you called.I even skipped lunch',Mike relaxed into the sofa easing his head backwards into the chair.

'You shouldn't be skipping meals.You're looking stressed out',Chief Adeoye observed.

'Like you care',Mike muttered,'Cut to the point,dad.I'm also a busy man',Mike said and sat up.

He smiled and put down the iPad turning in his chair to face his son.

'Stella's father called',he finally said.

Mike sighed,'So what did he want?',he asked knowing his dad loved overemphasis.

'I'm very impressed with you and how you've taken your engagement',the older man continued.

Mike laughed,you sure should be'So what's the point here?',he was getting impatient sitting with his dad.

'You should calm down',he assured,'Going straight to the point,Stella's father has asked the marriage to be moved up.We thought you were young at the time of the engagement and left you two to get to know each other',he paused again,
'Fix your schedules to prepare for your wedding in November.That should be in two months',he finished and waited for his son's reply.

'You didn't think to first.....',Mike broke off his words,'It doesn't matter,does it?',he said and got up.

'We're not done yet',his dad interposed.

'What else should I sit here talking to you about?How to treat my "wife to-be" learning from an awesome role model in you?',he remarked,sarcasm in his tone before walking out.

*****************************************

Mrs Olaitan walked into her son's apartment and looked around the living room before sitting in the arm chair.

'Madam,where make I put am?',her maid asked carrying a bunch of plantains in one hand and a shoppers bag in the other.

'Where else?On my head now',she remarked as her son walked out of the passageway into the living room.

'Don't you ever bother with the heads up,mum',Peter said and smiled at his mum,'Just drop that in the kitchen,dear',he turned to the maid who stood transfixed to a spot.

'I did not plan on coming before but changed my mind when we passed Obalende and picked those from the market close by.I couldn't have come empty handed',she said to her son who sat opposite her.

'You shouldn't have bothered.I take care of myself well enough,you know',he defended.

'If you had a wife to take care of these things,I wouldn't need to bother',she continued,'You think you're enjoying life,abi?'

'Mummy,I'm still young now',he said and reached for the TV's remote control.

'Who is fooling you?At thirty,you are still young,ehn?When Sola that is two years younger than you are already brought hid child to church for dedication last Sunday?'

'Which Sola?Is it our neighbor's son?The one you said got married?',Peter asked.

'Of course.His mother was now dancing in my face making me as if I don't have a better son than the one she is parading with his wife.The same way,I went to Tayo's wedding,the son of your father's friend and they rubbed it in my face that I'm the one sending all the women from my son.That is what I am going through because you've decided to remain a bachelor',the older lady continued while Peter scrolled channels on the tv.His mum always rambled on and on about him being a bachelor every single chance she got and today seemed to be more filled with her ramblings.His sister,Keji had given him a heads up on Sunday's evening about how their mum had spoken non-stop on how she would make sure he got married before the end of the year.

'Se o n fi mi wo teli ni(are you watching tv while I'm speaking?)I am talking about your future here and you don't even care,abi Peter?',she decried her son's nonchalance whereas she was terribly worried about him.

Oh,dear God,Peter muttered to himself and closed his eyes.

'You shouldn't get anxious about me.You might get too much wrinkles on your pretty face',he joked trying to get his mom to relax.

'Are you still with that lawyer or you carry different girls about now,eh?',she paused to look at her son.

Peter nodded,'When will you ever remember her name is Sophia and not 'that lawyer'?And I'm not that irresponsible to be sleeping with every Jane that comes my way',he emphasized and tuned down the volume of the TV.

'So what kind of relationship are you into that you are still single now.Do you want to marry her?',she asked directly.

'Yeah.If I can convince her to spend the rest of her life with a guy like me and a mother in-law like you',he teased.

'Then call her and tell her that if she knows she is not ready to get married,she should speak up and if otherwise,you two should start preparing for your marriage.I would gladly speak to the pastor when you tell me you're both ready to grow into adulthood',she finished and got up.

'That's a cool tone there.How can one do without you?',he praised,sycophancy trailing his voice,'You should at least take a drink before leaving.I don't want to be the terrible son here',he offered as his mom signaled to the maid to get up.

The eighteen year old assistant who had been watching the mother and son drama from a comfortable angle at the dining table and had currently gotten her attention on a documentary about Chinese culture jumped off her seat and went to get her madam's handbag from her.

'I still have to see Mrs. Eniola for my goods.She hasn't called in a while,so take care',she said walking out,'What I expect is that you think about what I just told you and give me a reply.Ma je ki a ja o',she said and got into the Hyundai Elantra while the chauffeur saluted Peter.

'I'd call you,mum',he said and turned back into the house while the car zoomed out of the compound.

I really don't know how many more posts will move this to a next page but I refuse to give up


And I need your comments to get motivated at least a little more.

I know you guys are awesome so please help me out here

Kizzykeziah! You started this story three weeks ago and never bothered to inform me of it. Why? . You are making me look like the unworthy mentor that I am.

Anyways, nothing spoil. I have bookmarked this page already, will come back to read after church.

I noticed something as I was scrolling down though; your punctuation. You should really work on it amidst other things that Repo pointed out to you.

As for the lack of comments, well I have been there. I know exactly how it feels to post an update and get virtually no feedback. However, you shouldn't let that weigh you down. Focus on bettering your craft, on sharpening your writing skills and everything else will fall in place. Mark my words, a time will come when you will have far more comments than you will know what to do with.
My humble advice, for now, is write on!