Wasn't invited, but I'm here sha.
Booked my space already!!

Thanks for the update

ThankS for the update bro

Ann2012:
Thanks for the update

You are welcome, Ann2012

PrudySara:
Wasn't invited, but I'm here sha.
Booked my space already!!

Oh, sorry for the oversight. You are welcome

PrudySara:
Thanks for the update

You are welcome, PrudySara

jesvic91:
ThankS for the update bro

Jesvic9, you're welcome

EPISODE 4
(CHAPTER THREE)

Five Years Later, Kirikiri Women’s Prison.

IT WAS ONE OF those bright days. The sky was spotless blue with no clouds threatening to obscure the rays of the sun. Yet, it was just another day for the inmates of the women’s prison but not for Shakirah and Nicole. It was their big day. The gate of the prison slowly opened, gradually revealing their faces as they got set to leave this Godforsaken place that had been their home for the past five years.

Immediately the gate fully opened, the two ladies stepped out and breathed in the fresh air of freedom once again. Nicole came out running into the waiting arms of her ecstatic parents and the entourage that came with them. Joy radiated on their faces as they hugged Nicole one after the other. She couldn’t have received a better welcome. It was as if a carnival of some sort had been brought to her. The fleet of cars and SUVs left people wondering if she was the Governor’s daughter. Every other sound and sight faded into oblivion. The only ones that mattered were the sight, laughter, and cheers of ecstatic people in colourful attires. It was obvious that they would be headed for an elaborate reception party after leaving this place.

As for Shakirah, there was nobody to receive her. Risi, her best friend was no more. She had reaped the consequences of her lecherous lifestyle shortly after leaving prison. The prison reform was, no doubt, only skin deep. She had gotten pregnant, tried to abort it, and had died in the process. Shakirah had cried her eyes out and starved herself of food for days in prison when she got the news. The more reason Simisola had to pay! Risi wouldn’t have died if she had been with her and not locked up in this hole!

For her, there was no time for parties. She stood still—on a spot—outside the gate, feet and arms wide part. Fingers not clenched but spread out. Head raised heavenward and eyes closed. For five full seconds, she drew in air and let it escape through her mouth slowly. The stance was that of someone in deep meditation or, rather of someone who had surrendered herself to be possessed by a spirit from heaven. And when she opened her eyes, it was as though a demon had actually possessed her. Her eyes thinned out. Her pupils vanished into their sockets. And her lips tightened into a straight line. There was no doubt that the prison had changed her, albeit not for good. The eyes glittered. It was a glitter fuelled by hate and vengeance, and these dangerous emotions had one target—Simisola! This vengeance was now her driving force and the hate her lifeblood. And with vengeance and hate came no mercy. This was the return of Shakirah!

She turned back and took one last view of the prison and then walked away unnoticed by Nicole. By the time Nicole remembered her and wanted to introduce her to her parents, she was long gone.

In no time, the Abimbolas’ fleet sped down the roads of Lagos on their way home where the lavish party was to take place. Nicole sat between her parents at the back of their Toyota Land Cruiser Prado SUV. Mrs Abimbola had insisted she sat close instead of the passenger seat beside the driver at the front. She had stayed away for too long from her beloved daughter for her to sit even inches away at the front. Every now and then, Mrs Abimbola looked at her face, kissed her forehead, and cuddled her like a newborn baby. Nicole had, no doubt, missed her parents badly. She couldn’t remember the last time she received such pure love and affection or felt the cold, unpolluted air coming from the vents of the car’s air-conditioner. The atmosphere in the car was that of happiness, love and affection she had always known in her parents’ house.

Mrs Abimbola suddenly became pensive. She turned to the window and stared at the happenings outside. Her gaze was focused but not on any of the things outside. Rather, it was on the Williamses. She bit her lower lip and rewarded herself with a slow smile. She had waited for five long years.


* * *


Mrs Williams was preparing to retire to bed. It was 10 p.m. already and the day had been a long one. Her husband was already in bed. She was on her way to the bathroom when her phone chimed. She knew it what a WhatsApp notification. That could wait till after she had washed her face and was lying in bed beside her husband. But the chiming sound continued as if the messages were bent on blowing the phone into pieces. The messages must need her immediate attention.

She checked the messages and was surprised to see the sender. “Ah-ah, Ronke sent me messages? That’s surprising,” she muttered to herself. Since Nicole’s sentence, both women had become sworn enemies. The messages were pictures and short video clips from Nicole’s Welcome Party. And they captured every wonderful moment of the party.

It was the most lavish party the neighbourhood had known in recent times. It certainly reflected the joy the Abimbolas felt at having their daughter back. Family and friends, many of whom were dignitaries and celebrities, and former colleagues added colour to the occasion. Many of Nicole’s fans, social media followers and sympathisers gate-crashed the party. Even Mrs Williams agreed that Nicole looked adorable in her shining gown with her sparkling white teeth providing an angelic contrast against her chocolate skin. The make-up artist did a wonderful job concealing the effects the prison had on her.

Mrs Williams took a deep breath. “So, it’s five years already? See the girl I wanted my son to marry and she allowed the devil to use her.” She shook her head slowly in both adoration and regret. She continued scrolling through and admiring the pictures until she got to the end. The last message did not only change her countenance but also tightened her stomach muscles. The words were simple but heavy. It read:

Nicole is back. God shame bad people. (There was a smiley sticking out its tongue) Watch your back and let your son watch his too. Abimbolas never forget! Nemesis beckons!

Immediately Mrs Williams finished reading the threat, she ran into the room shouting, “Adesoji! Adesoji you have to see this!”

Mr Williams sat up and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. He collected the phone from his wife. “You mean Ronke sent this?” he asked with a worried lilt in his voice. “I thought we’ve gone past this. I might have to talk to Wale, her husband.”

Though the relationship between their wives had gone south, the men still maintained a strained relationship.

“Please talk to him ooo and let him talk to his wife. If this continues, I will have to report to the police.”

“Don’t worry, dear. I will handle it.” Mr Williams assured.

However, that was not going to be the last threat from Mrs Abimbola!


* * *


Mrs Abimbola sat in front of her dressing mirror, cleaning off her make-up. The party had long ended. She was in her nightgown and her hair carefully packed into her hair net. Her phone laid on the dressing table beside the face cleanser bottle. She checked the phone screen intermittently as she gently scrubbed her face with a ball of soaked cotton wool. Each time the ‘D’ beside her message to Mrs Williams changed to ‘R’ a mischievous grin lit up her face. When the last message became marked as read also, a giggle left her lips. She looked at her reflection in the mirror and saw her face perfectly capture her deep satisfaction.

She could picture Mrs Williams’ reaction right now. She knew her estranged friend so well. She knew she would be running into the bedroom now, screaming her husband’s name at the top of her voice; such a chicken-hearted woman. The image she saw was very funny. She covered her mouth and giggled again. She laughed so hard that she almost fell off the stool.

She picked up her phone and dialled a number. At that moment, Nicole came in and watched her mother pressed the phone to her ear. She heard her speak into the mouthpiece when the person at the other end picked the call.

“Sharon, I have a job for you.”


To be continued ... Watch Out for the Next Episode!

NB: The book is NOW AVAILABLE on online stores. For those who don't want to wait for each episode to be released, get the book here:

1. OKADABOOKS: https://okadabooks.com/book/about/jewel_from_the_ghetto_2_the_return_of_shakirah/26442

2. SMASHWORDS: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/930731


Àdùkẹ́!
...My Story, My World.

Like my Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/adukestories/
Website: https://okoosiqudus.wixsite.com/author

Nice write up mrJAMES. I so love this story.

op thanks

Well done OP

Hmmmmm thanks a lot for the update and the mention sir.. #latest baba baby#

YoungBruzzy:
Nice write up mrJAMES. I so love this story.

Thank you so much, YoungBruzzy. Glad you love the story.

Kaycee9242:
op thanks

Ann2012:
Well done OP

thank you, guys. I appreciate you both.

becca2017:
Hmmmmm thanks a lot for the update and the mention sir.. #latest baba baby#

Becca2017, I see you.

#latest baba baby#? Hmmmm...you can say that again

Thank you a lot and you are welcome.

EPISODE 5
(CHAPTER THREE)


Banana Island, Yemi and Simisola’s Residence.

Yemi tossed little Kayla, their ten-month-old baby, in the air for the umpteen time. The cute baby girl spread her arms and legs in the air and cooed, revealing an angelic set of toothless gums. She landed softly in her father’s arms. Her dimpled smile was simply adorable. It was an innocent smile, full of trust in her father’s protective arms.

Simisola watched on as father and daughter spend some quality time together. She was reclining on the sofa with the TV remote control in her hand. A benign smile danced on her lips. Yemi had volunteered to care for the baby but what was supposed to be dressing up had turned into a playtime. Just then, Yemi threw the baby higher this time. Simisola stiffened on the seat, her eyes intensely fixed on the baby. She was scared but Kayla chuckled louder instead. The little baby was, no doubt, enjoying it.

“Eh, honey, that’s too much ooo,” Simisola cautioned. “This play is becoming rough.” She was no longer comfortable with the play.

“Hahaha!” Yemi laughed. “You get scared too easily. My little angel is not as chicken-hearted as her mum,” he jested. “Did you see her spread her arms and legs while in the air?” Kayla gurgled as if confirming her father’s assertion. “Oh, you heard that? Do you know what she just said?”

“What did she say?”

“No, she didn’t say really. She sang.”

“Sang?!” Simisola laughed. “Ah, Yemi, the interpreter! So, what song did she sing then?”

“I believe I can fly. I believe I can touch the sky,” Yemi sang, holding Kayla close to his chest with one arm and spread out the other one like the wing of an eagle. With eyes shut, he tilted his face towards the ceiling, swaying to the rhythm of an imaginary beat.

Simisola couldn’t control the laughter that burst out from her lips. “Honey, please stop. You are cracking me up here.”

Yemi turned to Kayla. “Lil’ Kay, don’t mind your mummy. She thinks you are a coward like her. She doesn’t know that you are as brave as daddy.”

Simisola chuckled. “Ah, honey! Brave indeed! Have you forgotten that mum told me how you used to run about the house and sometimes hide in the closet when it was time to bathe?”

“Damn!” My mum told you that?”

“Not only that. And how brother Niyi would run after you to catch you and drag you to the bathroom,” she added. “Or you want me to spill your little secret in front of little Kayla?”

Yemi laughed. “Bad babe! You already did.”

Little Kayla whined in Yemi’s arms. She was wondering why her father was taking too long to toss her up again.

“You see that, sweetie? Do you see that? She wants more.”

Simisola got to her feet. “No, that’s enough. You are teaching this girl rough play. And by the time she becomes an expert at it, you will leave me with her and go to your office.” She walked towards them. “Playtime is over. And you little angel, time to dress you up.”

“Okay, just one more, please,” Yemi begged as he got ready to toss the baby up again. Kayla smiled.

Yemi shook his head admiringly. “Oh, see that smile? That wonderful smile, exactly like daddy’s.”

“But wait ooo, honey. Every little thing we say, you will say exactly like you. If we say Kayla has a lovely nose or beautiful eyes, you will claim she got it from you. The other day at mummy’s place when she admired Kayla’s beautiful, long hair, you said she got it from you. Even mum had to laugh at you because she knew that hair is definitely mine …”

Yemi tossed Kayla up once more.

“So, which feature did she get from me then if she got everything from you?” Simisola asked.

“Hahaha! You are jealous. Lil’ Kay let’s sing for mummy.” Yemi began singing while he cuddled Kayla. It sounded like a nursery rhyme, “Jealous, jealous mummy, how are you? Shame!” He tossed Kayla up once more. “That’s my girl.”

While in the air, little Kayla’s stomach rumbled and the next second, a good dose of semi-watery poo jetted out, straight into Yemi’s face, more like water gushing out from a hose. The poo stunk.

“Ewwwwww! That’s definitely not mine. She got that from you, sweetie.” Yemi puckered. “My poo definitely doesn’t smell like that!”

Simisola burst into a peal of resounding laughter. She crashed into the sofa and rolled up and down. Her ribs began to ache.

“No! She got everything from you.” She emphasized the fourth word. “Don’t forget she’s daddy’s girl.” She resumed the laughter.

“Damn! This stinks.” Yemi held the baby out to Simisola. “Sweetie, please help me out.”

“No, no, no.” Simisola shook her head. “You volunteered to dress her up, remember? Washing her up is also part of the job.”

“At least, please hold her for me while I clean my face.”

Kayla whined and let out another blast from her bum. This time, the excreta spattered all over Yemi’s body.

“Oh-oh!” Yemi’s head dropped. Kayla smiled. Simisola laughed.

“Well, I don’t think it’s only your face that needs washing now, honey.” Simisola collected the baby from him. “I did warn you about the rough play. If you had worn her diaper instead of tossing her up, she wouldn’t have messed you up. It serves you right.”

“Oh, my bad!” Yemi muttered.

“Anyway, consider it a gift from daughter to father,” Simisola teased again.

Yemi left for the bathroom to clean up. Simisola called out to one of the maids to get Kayla’s stuff from the nursery. A while later, Yemi was back. Kayla was now beautifully dressed and sat on her mother’s laps sucking on her knuckles. The moment she spotted Yemi, she stretched out her arms to him and babbled. She wanted the play to continue.

“No, no, no!” Yemi wagged his finger. “Enough of that rough play for today. And I’m not ready for another poo bath.”

“Honey,” Simisola drew his attention to something. “It’s like she’s teething. See the way she’s biting those knuckles. She’s scratching her gums with them.”

“Oh, I see—”

The ringing intercom interrupted him. Yemi went to get it. It was Abdullahi, their gateman. He called to tell them that a visitor was at the gate. Yemi instructed him to send her in and a minute or two later, they heard a knock on the door. Yemi volunteered to get it.

“A minute, please,” he called out as he walked towards the door. “Who have we got—” He opened the door and the words stuck in his throat!

His skin tingled at the sight of the visitor. He gasped. He squeezed his eyes shut and flung them open. He needed to be sure that his sight had not failed him. But the lady was still there with a broad smile on her face. He opened his mouth but his words became lumps as big as cherries in his throat. He felt like running back inside.

When Simisola didn’t hear anything from the door nor see anyone coming in for close to two minutes, she spoke up, “Honey, who it is?”

“My name is Sharon,” the visitor answered for Yemi who was yet to find his voice. “May I?” she asked Yemi, motioning at the entrance.

Yemi’s words were still stuck in his throat. He, however, opened the door wide and gave way for the lady to enter. He clutched to the doorknob as if to support his weight. He watched open-eyed as Sharon sauntered into the living room, turning in every direction and admiring the tastefulness of the expansive living room. Her high heels made a loud tapping sound on the ceramic-tiled floor and the scent of her perfume filled the living room. Simisola felt a strange feeling within her right away. She looked at Yemi who was now walking into the living room like someone whose entire strength had been sapped. Terror hung over his face. Her gaze hovered on him for a while before shifting to Sharon.

Sharon wore a black sequin dress that would have shone brightly if it were night time. It hugged her body tightly outlining every line, every curve, and every detail of her voluptuous body. And was skimpy enough to reveal her long slender legs which were made to appear longer by her red six-inch shoes. Her mascaraed eyelashes were long and curved upwards at the tips, flicking beneath eye-shadows that were painted brilliant red to match her glossy oxblood red lipstick. There was a strange aura around her. Simisola could feel it and it made her belly flutter.

“Hmm, what a nice place you’ve got, Yemi.” Sharon broke the awkward silence.

“Yemi, who’s this?” Simisola demanded to know. Her furrowed gaze was still fixed on Sharon.

Sharon swung her head and her black silky hair swirled in almost a semi-circle before settling down gracefully behind her shoulders, and the fringe on her forehead. The hair was long, almost touching the small of her back. Simisola suspected it was a wig.

“Well, since your husband failed to introduce us, let me do the honours.” She regarded Yemi. “I’m Sharon like I mentioned earlier. Yemi and I dated back to our college days in the States.”

“Really?” Simisola was not convinced.

“And I guess you are Simisola Adepeju Fatunde from Ajele Village, the eldest daughter of Mr Adewale and Mrs Aduke Fatunde. A sister to five other siblings, best friend of Ngozi, Omo Ibo, and once upon a time of Pink Roses Beauty Shop in Agege but now proud owner of the state-of-the-art, Dazzles Beauty Shop on Banana Island.”

Simisola straightened in her seat. “Who ... Who ... Who really are you?” she stammered. That was too much information from a stranger.

Sharon ignored the question and continued, “Sorry, I missed your wedding five years ago. I heard it was the most talked-about wedding of the year and was tagged: ‘The Biggest Wedding of the Year!’ I must have missed a lot.”

Little Kayla coughed at that moment.

“Oh,” Sharon turned her attention to the little baby. “That must be Kayla Fisayomi Williams, Lil’ Kay for short. Born at exactly 10.45 pm in UCSF Medical Center, San Francisco, California, USA ten months ago. I must say she is a very cute baby.”

Simisola clutched Kayla to herself. She felt a sudden need to protect her baby. Her intestines tied up into a knot. Her eyes were a perfect window to the horror that was consuming her from inside. She looked at Yemi. Yemi looked at Sharon.

Yemi suddenly found his voice but too late to put Simisola at ease. He walked briskly to Sharon and placed his arm around her shoulders.

“Erm ... Erm ... Simisola, Sharon is actually a friend from the States like she said.” He faked a smile and faced Sharon. “So, Sharon, when did you come into the country?”

“Last night.”

“That’s nice,” Yemi tried to put himself together. “Do have your seat, please. What should we get you?” He rubbed his palms together awkwardly.

“Don’t bother. I just dropped by to say hi to the family. I will be on my way now.” Her visit had achieved the intended purpose so, there was no need of staying any longer.

“So soon? Well, let me see you off to the door.” Yemi shut the door behind them. Immediately they were outside, he pulled her forcefully to himself. “Sharon, what was that all about?”

“What did you expect when you abandoned me in the States and ran down here to marry that innocent and naïve lady?”

“What?!” Yemi’s emotion was now caught up somewhere between surprise and anger.

“Do you think you can break my heart and come here to nurture yours?”

“Break your heart?” Yemi couldn’t believe his ears. “Are you crazy or something? We didn’t even have a thing between us!”

“Don’t try to play smart, Yemi!” Sharon lost her cool. “Don’t even try it, especially, now that you have a family.” There was a worrisome lilt of darkness in her voice as she stressed the last word.

“Leave my family out of this, Sharon.” He grabbed her and shook her vigorously. “I swear, I will kill you if anything happens to my family!”

Sharon smirked. She broke free from Yemi’s grip, dug her hand into her bag and brought out a park of cigarette and a lighter.

“Yemi, it’s not killing me you should be worried about.” She lit a stick and dragged on it. She took her time for the words to sink in. “It is the safety of your family you should be concerned about!” she said in the cruellest voice Yemi had ever heard.

Yemi’s hands dropped like withered vegetables. He became instantly cold. It felt like he had been buried in ice all his life. He was sure that not even a dozen blankets could warm him up. The anger in him melted in an instant only to be replaced by fear.

Sharon let out a wicked smile that disappeared as quickly as it appeared and gave way to a stone-cold expression. Yemi couldn’t have missed the glint of horror in those smoky eyes—the semblance of glowing embers.

“Wait for my instructions, Lover Boy!” She turned and walked away.

The smoke of the cigarette danced before his face as he watched her behind shake its way out of sight.

“What have I gotten myself into?” His hands flew to his head.




To be continued ... Watch Out for the Next Episode!

NB: The book is NOW AVAILABLE on online stores. For those who don't want to wait for each episode to be released, get the book here:

1. OKADABOOKS: https://okadabooks.com/book/about/jewel_from_the_ghetto_2_the_return_of_shakirah/26442

2. SMASHWORDS: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/930731


Àdùkẹ́!
...My Story, My World.

Like my Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/adukestories/
Website: https://okoosiqudus.wixsite.com/author

Nice and interesting story... Keep it coming man.. The sky is your limit.

Hmmmm

Awwwww am scared oh.. thanks for d update

JamesKudooski:


You are welcome, Ann2012

Read the part one and enjoyed it.please is it possible for us to have an airtime purchase option for the book where we send airtime or do a direct transfer to you if possible for the book rather than the okadabooks or the other one. Some authors here also do this . Thank you

Lyoncrescent:


Read the part one and enjoyed it.please is it possible for us to have an airtime purchase option for the book where we send airtime or do a direct transfer to you if possible for the book rather than the okadabooks or the other one. Some authors here also do this . Thank you

Lyoncrescent, I'm so happy that you enjoyed the part one. And I must say that was nothing compared to what lies ahead in part 2.

As for other payment options, you can do direct payment into the account below. The recharge card option also sounded good. I never thought of that before. So, I'm going to include that too (thanks for the idea).

Account Name: Qudus Adeyemi Oko-Osi
Account No: 2832013934
Bank: Ecobank

Or

Send Airtel Recharge Card to 08028460247.

Price: N500.

Thereafter, please send a mail to okoosiqudus@gmail.com:

Thank you for your interest in the book.

becca2017:
Awwwww am scared oh.. thanks for d update

Hmmm....

Doctorfitz:
Hmmmm

Hmmmmm ...in fact!

YoungBruzzy:
Nice and interesting story... Keep it coming man.. The sky is your limit.

Thanks, bro.

nice work dear

Kaycee9242:
nice work dear

Thank you, Kaycee.

Am scared, too much enemy, thanks for the update

Hello Guys,

Trust you are doing fine. And I hope you are enjoying the story?

So far, we have seen the momentum building up gradually against Yemi and Simisola. Let me just give you a little spoiler: "Winter is coming" for the Yemi and Simisola (like they say in Game of Thrones)! Hope they survive it!

Well, lemme douse your tension a bit.

How?

I just loaded a FREE preview copy of the book on Okadabooks.

Download a free copy from the link below and you will over eleven chapters ahead of others!

https://okadabooks.com/book/about/jewel_from_the_ghetto_2_the_return_of_shakirah/26461

Please, remember to drop your review of book as I have decided to give out FREE copies of the full book to five people.

Who knows your comment may get you one!

Download a FREE COPY:

https://okadabooks.com/book/about/jewel_from_the_ghetto_2_the_return_of_shakirah/26461

bossy512:
Am scared, too much enemy, thanks for the update

Hmmmm.....

JamesKudooski:
Hello Guys,

Trust you are doing fine. And I hope you are enjoying the story?

So far, we have seen the momentum building up gradually against Yemi and Simisola. Let me just give you a little spoiler: "Winter is coming" for the Yemi and Simisola (like they say in Game of Thrones)! Hope they survive it!

Well, lemme douse your tension a bit.

How?

I just loaded a FREE preview copy of the book on Okadabooks.

Download a free copy from the link below and you will over eleven chapters ahead of others!

https://okadabooks.com/book/about/jewel_from_the_ghetto_2_the_return_of_shakirah/26461

Please, remember to drop your review of book as I have decided to give out FREE copies of the full book to five people.

Who knows your comment may get you one!

Download a FREE COPY:

https://okadabooks.com/book/about/jewel_from_the_ghetto_2_the_return_of_shakirah/26461

Nice one bro

Who b Sharon again?

Thanks for the update