Jesubaby:
What a wonderful story with full of lessons. Thanks dear Queen. I wish i see more to read.

Thank you so much. There are more on Okadabooks app
Simply search for Esther Ugbaja.

PlaYaJones:



great. how much?

How much what?

10
***
Imaobong stared at the principal in disbelief. “Are you certain it is Iniobong?”
“Yes Mrs. Okoh. For three days, she hasn’t spoken. Her best friend has done everything she can and teachers have tried all they can. I had to see for myself…” The Principal exhaled. “I sent her to the clinic but it was fruitless.”
She adjusted on this seat.
“Iniobong is one of our best students. We are all pained and worried about this new development. I suggest you seek professional help.”
Imaobong shook her head. She was going to make Ini sorry she ever thought of this prank to the extent of execution. “Where is she? Where is my daughter?” she picked her bag and rose.
The principal led the way.
Frustrated after minutes of threats and talks, Imaobong slapped her.
Iniobong only lowered her head.
When she slapped her a second time, the school nurse came between them.
“Mrs. Okoh, hitting her is not the best thing to do please. It could make her condition worse.”
“Madam, she is pretending!”
“Pretending about what?” Her eyes narrowed. “It is not easy to play dumb and you know it. Ini is a sweet child, I’ll advise you to bypass your emotions, calm down and find out what is wrong.”
Iniobong stared at them tears coursing her cheeks.
“Get your things.” Imaobong strode out.
Ini picked but the nurse took her in her arms. “Hush…it is okay. I know you will return fine. I want you to know that I won’t stop praying for you. Jesus loves you in spite of everything.”
She released her and dabbed her face with a ply of tissue. When she left, she heaved exasperated at the attitude of some mothers.


***
“Sunshine please…” with the head phones on his head and his fingers on the screen, Prince played the game.
“Please don’t sunshine me. I wasn’t your sunshine when you hit me twice.” A hiss pealed out from Eniola.
“Bae, I’ve said I am sorry. Didn’t you get the bouquet of flowers, perfumes, the human hair and clothes? They are from your favourite vendors.”
She spluttered into mirthless laughter. “You don’t understand the enormity of what you’ve done. You got it wrong on two count. To slap a lady and for me Eniola to be at the receiving end.”
He clenched his teeth. Anger was brewing but he was doing all to keep it in check. He never apologize but was now caught up in the love web.
“Sweetheart, I promise not to hit you again.”
“Hmmm…I’ve been told that once a man starts he never stops.”
He paused the game and scratched his head with his fingers. “Eni, I am sorry. I’ll like us to walk the red carpet for my show.”
“I accept on one condition.”
“Anything for you, babe.”
“Come to my house and prostrate.”
“Baby, you know…” The beep sound hit his ears and he muttered all the expletives that came to mind. He yanked the head phone and tossed it.
“What nonsense! Imagine the nerves…” Prince paced the room. She was the best girl he knew. She wasn’t interested in his fame or wealth. Her intelligence command attention and her stubbornness was unrivalled.
He muttered some more expletives. “Damn you, Eniola!”
He snatched the phone from the sofa at the ringtone and hissed in disappointment. The caller was one of his clients, twenty five years of age and the eighth wife to an emir.
“Superman, how far?”
“I’m good, babe.”
“My body aches for your magical touch.” Her voice was sultry.
He lowered himself on a sofa. They had an appointment later in the day.
“Bintu, I have to cancel. I have an urgent business.”
“Don’t tell me that, Prince. I don’t want to hear it.”
“I will send one of my boys over. He will…”
“No! Not after a deposit of half a million. I swear I will revoke the contract and you will taste my…”
“Send me your account details and I will send your refund tomorrow.” He ended the call.
He needed to see Eniola.

***
Cynthia tried effortlessly to wipe her tears when she heard footsteps. She buried her face in the handkerchief.
Chidubem rushed to her side. “Baby…what is it?”
She sniffed and shrugged off his arm.
“Your friend called me to inform me that you’ve been crying since yesterday. What is wrong?” His forehead creased. “Bestie, talk to me. Is everything all right at home?”
“Chidubem…” She wiped her tears and coughed to make her voice audible. “I want to be alone.”
This must be serious. She hardly called his name. He sat beside her on the rug. “I can’t leave you alone. Not now, not ever.”
She shook her legs and heaved.
“Baby, what is all this? I don’t believe you cannot trust me with whatever is bothering you. We’ve gone pass this.”
“I had this mind-set that most men were the same, never to be believed wholeheartedly. I thought you were different, Chidubem Ugorji,” She spluttered a mirthless laugh. “Only to be fooled again.”
His heart sank. “Cynthia, what are you talking about?”
She gave him a cold stare that sent shivers down his spine. She handed him her phone.
He gasped and tears welled in his eyes
The photos said it all. There was no escape and no denying.
***
Her lips trembled and her body shook in uncontrollable sobs. Having listened to the voice note a number of times. Every word was memorized.
He didn’t want her. Efosa didn’t want to have anything to do with her. It had been a week but it hurt than she first time she listened.
How on earth do I move pass this pain? When I thought I had joy, happiness and a companion. Darkness has overwhelm me and darkness is a new companion.
“How could you— after all these months. After everything we’ve been through!” She hurled and then, brawled.
Efosa was meant to be her last bus stop. Most of the guys she met had the AS genotype like she did. It had been painful to break free but she refused to give up.
She met Efosa and it was answered prayers. He was everything—everything she wanted. He feared God, was loving and understanding, hardworking, matured and had a fantastic sense of humour. He was outgoing unlike her and had an admirable fashion sense.
He treated like no one ever did.
They had taken a stroll after a heavy downpour. On a street, there was a pool of water big for her to jump across without having her feet soiled. While she hesitated, he lifted her to his shoulders and jumped.
Tears coursed down her neck.
How could he send her a voice note that everything he had told her about himself was a lie?
She coughed and coughed some more.
She lifted herself off the floor. Her vision blurred and she tried to fight queasiness.
Her feet buckled under her and she laid still.

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9
***
Chidubem brought the car to halt and came out.
As Cynthia jogged towards him. He did all he knew to avoid panic.
“Hey babe.” He opened his arms and swing her. He set her down and kissed her forehead. “I wasn’t expecting you.”
“I called a number of times last night. Your number was switched off and the other just rang. Wanted to tell you how I fared in the exams. Worry and missing my man prompted this visit. Is that yours?”
He nodded.
She left his side to scrutinize the car. “Chidubem, this is expensive. Is this like a latest car?
“Yep.”
“You didn’t tell me you were going to buy a car.”
“What if it was a gift?” He led her inside.
“Really? Do you now have special powers that I’m not aware of? Who gives this kind of car as a gift?”
He chuckled and led her inside his home. “I’m glad you are here. What will my queen like to eat and drink?”
“Sugar plum, I’m not happy that you didn’t tell me you’re buying a car. It is unnecessary expenses. Besides, you have two cars.”
“You’re right on all count. I will have the other two sold. Are you sure you don’t still want a car?”
She shook her head. “I need to focus on my studies not luxury.”
“Okay.” He nodded and excused himself. “Don’t raid my fridge.” He called up the stairs.
“I pray o!” Cynthia responded and rose.
In the bathroom, Chidubem slammed his fist on the wall.
What am I going to do? Is this how I will live for the rest of my life? How long will I keep lying to her? He rested his head on the wall and sobbed.
How do I tell her that I spent last night and this morning having sex with three different women? Two wealthy widows and the other a married woman.
How do I tell her that hardly do any twenty four hours passed by without me having sex at least twice?

***

The special vintage white wine was expensive and he held the bottle with both hands. He handed the tumbler to Prince who was unclad.
Prince took a sip, allow it linger and swallowed. “Ambrose, you can indulge.”
“No, thanks boss.” Ambrose had his briefs on.
“You have lectures?”
“Yes boss.”
“Righty. Get my cheque book.”
It was two hundred thousand naira. He was gave a bow. “Thank you.”
Prince waved a palm dismissively.
“Sir?”
“Yes Ambrose.” He took another sip.
“I won’t be available tomorrow night. A guy died in my department and there will be a candle light procession.”
“Hmmm…what happened to him?”
“He barked like a dog for a week. I witnessed it, scariest thing ever. His family took him everywhere possible. It was revealed that he had sex with a married woman whose husband was in fraternity.”
“That is why you were distracted last night.” He gave a lazy smile. “Take your time”
“Thank you, sir.” He started dressing up.
Prince stood, stretched and strode to the bathroom.
Ambrose heaved and his face contorted. How in the world was he supposed to tell him? He wanted to quit. He was afraid of Prince’s reaction.


***
They stared at the pregnancy strip horrified.
“What if I am pregnant?” Ini asked fiddling her hair.
“So be it, Ini. I will be there every step of the way. We would get the needed counselling and fight the battles together. I promise even if I have to drop out of school.” Indi entwined his palms.
She folded her arms and nodded.
He dipped the strip in the bottle. “Two lines means positive while one line means negative.” He turned away. “We look at the result together.”
Her heart was beating so fast that she felt it would jump out of its cavity. He exhaled and extended his hand to grip hers.
Indi glanced at his wristwatch. “It is time.”
Hand in hand, they covered the distance between and looked.
Ini slumped.

***

“Thank You, thank You Lord, thank You Lord, thank You Lord. Thank You Lord for everything You’ve done.” Temilade sang.
“In our lives.” Efosa interjected.
They repeated the song.
“Every time I see the breaking of another day I say thank You Lord.”
“Thank You, Lord.” Temilade joined.
“Were you able to read our Bible scripture for the week?” Temilade reached out for Bible and adjusted a pillow to support her back.
“I did, sweetheart. Being busy is no longer an excuse not to read God’s word.”
Temilade beamed. “Isaiah chapter sixty verse one to the end is a wonderful and uplifting study. I had to memorize the first verse.”
Efosa chuckled. “Close your eyes and recite.”
“Arise, shine for thy light is come and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. It is risen upon me. It is risen upon our lives.” Temilade placed a palm on her chest.
“Amen.”
“It is risen upon our relationship.”
“Amen.”
It was past midnight and she was having once in a week bible study and prayers with her fiancé. Indeed he had been in an accident and had to be taken to a cottage hospital and admitted. His phone was damaged in the crash and it was with the phone of another passenger that she got across her the next day.


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peacy26:
Incest loading between Ini and her bro oo, except they are not siblings.

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8
***
Chidubem Ugorji touched the tear drop on the frame absentminded and used both hands to touch his face as if to prove that the tear drop on the frame was his. He pulled out a hanky and wiped the frame.
He touched her cheek and smiled. It was the photograph of Cynthia and himself. She has smiling up at him with a hand on his shoulder and the other on his chest with that confident look that made him proud every time. He in turn had been smiling back. He chuckled at the moment before posing for the photograph.
She had won tickets for two to attend a summer jam. As they came out of the galleria, Cynthia had politely asked a random guy to take a snapshot of them. The young man had been willing and like a photographer, he had dictated how they will pose for the photograph.
Here it was, framed with some words inscribed.
I met you, I met the rainbow.
Thanks for adding colour to my life, sugarplum.
Rosebud.
Tears stung his eyes making him blink. He could not remember when last he was this emotional.
The customized ringtone of his phone distracted him. A glance at the screen revealed it wasn’t a saved number.
“Hello.” A male and female voice drawled. He heard the ringing of a bell. “Happy birthday, Chidubem.” They chorused excitedly and began to sing a birthday song for him.
He smiled though his brows furrowed. “Thank you so very much.”
The bell rang. “This is our bell of blessing!”
He laughed, their excitement winning him over
“Who am I speaking with?”
“Do you have a girlfriend?” The female voice asked
“I do.”
“What is her name?”
“Cynthia.”
The bell rang louder this time.
“We are Rufai and Bella Rose of inspiration FM. Cynthia wishes you a belated birthday.”
“Oh…” He beamed speechless.
“Chidubem, what are you saying to Cynthia?
“When I think of all that is right in my life in my life, I think her.”
“Woah!” They rang the bell once more.
He walked into his house minutes later, an envelope in hand. He was a proud owner of a Toyota car courtesy of a senator’s wife. He cast the document aside on a sofa.
He strolled to the kitchen. Cooking was the only option to relieve him of the guilt.

***
Prince Akubor fondled her breasts, kissed deeply the lady scantily clothed on his left and smacked the buttocks of a lady passing by with a tray of drinks who giggled. For each of the ladies, he placed wad of dollars in their panties.
They were all in bikinis. It was a beach party in one of his houses. Three heavily built men were standing in strategic position.
“I’ll be right back, ladies.” He head for his Mercedes hybrid.
Eniola alighted from her car.
He removed his sun glasses. “What are you doing here?”
“What am I doing in my boyfriend’s house?” She snorted. “Is that supposed to be a question, Prince? Have you not caused me enough heartache? I have to hear from someone that you’re having a party without me knowing.” She was hysterical.
“I don’t have time for this ranting. I have a meeting.”
“Me? Ranting?” Eniola touched her chest bristling with anger. “Prince, you’re stupid.”
His brows creased. “Repeat that.”
“You’re stupid!” She hurled. “It’s only a stupid man that treat his lady the way…” The two slaps that hit her face silenced her. She winced and held her cheeks.
“Guys, if this car is not out of my premises in five minutes set it ablaze.” He slide into the car and drove out. His meeting was to fulfil his sexual obligation to a male member of the house of assembly as stated in the contract he gladly signed.
“You have to leave.” The bodyguard said to her.
The husky voice snapped out of her reverie. Tears flowed down her face. “Prince will surely pay for this, I swear.” She clomped off to her car.
“Girls, when will they learn?” The bodyguard shook his head.

***
Temilade dialled his number again and got the same response. She stood from her bed and paced her room.
How can this be happening to me? How else do she reach him? She cough and felt her chest tightened. She drank water and hurried down the stairs. She needed air.
Seated on the bench, tears filled her eyes. They had planned this visit for three months. Efosa had called in the morning to inform her of his departure.
A supposedly five hours journey was now nine hours and counting.
His number was unavailable earlier but it was now switched off.
At the eleventh hour, his call came in for seconds and what she could make out was accident. She had tried in futility to reach him again.
“God have mercy on me. Please protect him…” She sniffed, sick with worry.

***
“Do you have a girlfriend?”
“No.”
Ini chuckled. “You’re lying, big bro.”
“Truthfully.”
“How did you know the drugs to get me for menstrual cramps?” She placed a palm under her chin and focused striking eyes at him.”
Indifreke shrugged. “I have female friends. One can’t help but learn somethings.”
“Why can’t you pick a girlfriend from them?”
“Sincerely,” he glanced at her. “I’m scared of girls.”
She lowered her eyes. “I’m scared of boys too.”
He frowned. “Are you scared of me?”
She shook her head. “Are you scared of me?”
“No babe.”
Her gaze remained on him.
“Spill it, Ini.”
“Maybe—can we be boyfriend and girlfriend?”
Their gaze locked. “I think we can.”
Ini beamed. “Where do we start?”
He leaned so close that he felt her breath. “Close your eyes.”
He touched his lips with hers and closed his eyes.

7

***

Morenikeji froze when she turned the handle and the door opened because she knew Temilade wouldn’t be home yet. Her heart beat quickened. Jide! Olajide! She hurried to their bedroom.
Olajide put the loafers in the box. His hands paused on the zipper when the door opened.
“Olajide.” She whispered in relief but stopped short on seeing the box. “Olajide.” She pleaded.
He turned to look at her overcome with guilt. The same guilt had made him come to the house when he knew she wouldn’t be home. She did look like a shadow of her former self.
Some seconds passed between them.
“It’s a good thing you’re here, Morenike. I intended to leave a note.” He lifted the box from the bed. “Good bye.”
“You can’t leave me like this. I will go crazy.”
“Seven years have been like a curse.” He ambled towards her. “Step aside, I need a fresh start.”
Tears filled her eyes. “No Jide, we are not cursed. There is something you need to know.”
He dropped the box. “I’ve heard enough. Enough of the expletives and the kind of man I’ve become.”
“I can’t let you go, sweetheart.”
He dropped the bag and grabbed her arms in an attempt to move her aside. Her scream rented the air as she fell hard on the floor. Knowing he had pushed her harder than he intended and the fact that she laid still, kept him rooted to the spot.
“Morenike?”
She began to gnash her teeth and it was then he saw blood. She beckoned to him.
“Nike! Morenike!” He lowered himself beside her.
“I’m pregnant.” She whispered with tears in her eyes.
“What have I done?” He was up again to pick his car keys. He lifted her off the floor. “God please, have mercy on me.”
***

Ini had told him that the food would be ready some minutes ago. Having waited long enough, he decided to find out if he had been pranked.
The aroma that greeted him made his lips part into a smile. His sister was gifted. He saw two plates on the counter but the serving spoon on the floor. He picked it and placed in the sink. Confused, he went in search of her.
He found her in foetal position with both hands clutching her abdomen.
“Ini…” he touched her neck. “What is it? You’re febrile. Do I call the family doctor?”
He didn’t hear her response at first, he had to bring his ears close.
“No.” she muttered.
“Do I call, mum?”
“N0— she doesn’t know I’m old enough to see my period.”
“Oh menstrual pain!” He heaved. “Is it normally like this every month?”
“No.”
“I’ll be right back.” He hurried to his bedroom to fetch his wallet
He had cleaned her when she threw up, ensured she ate little before taking the analgesic he had bought and waited until she was asleep before he ate.

***
What would be his excuse if the pregnancy that had taken seven years to come was lost due to his selfishness and immaturity? Olajide buried his head in his palms and sobbed. “Nike, please forgive me. God, please forgive and have mercy.”
Morenikeji opened her eyes and because it was blurred, she blinked until her vision was clear. It returned back to her.
He took her hands in his and kissed it. “Can you organize my life?”
She blushed.
They got talking. She did most talking while he kept laughing like she was an award winning comedienne. He was speechless when she refused him her mobile contact.
Morenikeji was in her third year in the university when she planned the book launch of one of her lecturers. She had been so impressed that she had announced her afterwards. It was there, she and Olajide had been introduced.
Two months later, they had met at her school gate. Olajide had come to see his elder sister who was a lecturer. He didn’t waste time in telling her of his intention to spend the rest of his life with her. The fact she was a single mother hadn’t matter.
Her parents who were fond of their granddaughter’s father were reluctant to give their blessing but eventually respected her choice.
For seven years there was no child and she couldn’t face her parents and older siblings without the look of - We warned you, didn’t we?
Morenikeji adjusted to her side.
“Oh honey! Thank God you are awake.”
“Jide?”
“I am here.” Olajide touched her face.
Her hand rested on her abdomen as her face contorted in panic. “My baby...” tears formed in her eyes.
He hushed her. “Our baby stayed.” He said and kissed her.
“Thank you, God.” She sobbed while her husband took her in his arms.
“The doctor said no more emotional strain.”
Morenike smiled amidst tears.
His phone rang. “It is Temilade.” He announced and flicked the screen.
“Uncle Jide, good morning I’ve been trying to reach mummy since yesterday but she has not been picking her calls.”
“She is with me and we are in the hospital.”
“Hospital? What happened to my mummy?”
“Relax baby T, your mummy is fine. We are expecting a baby.”
“What! Mummy is pregnant?”
“Yes dear.”
“Wow! Let me speak to—you sef Uncle Jide. Where have you been?”
“Emmm….” He scratched his head. “I’m sorry T baby, do forgive me. I will never do that again.”
“Okay, mummy O!” She screamed

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6
***
The blast from the speakers’ continued
Ini swayed her hips and whistled joining the uproar of the crowd who gathered to watch the dance challenge.
“I thought I could dance until today. I don’t even have a clue.” Indifreke nudged his sister.
Ini laughed, eyes not leaving the stage and screamed when a new dance awed her.
Ini sipped from the can orange juice. “Big bro, I really had fun today. Thanks for taking me.”
“Anything for my baby sister.” He navigated the car through the busy street.
“Ha-han Indi, that is not the way home.”
“There is a restaurant I want us to check out.”
“No na, it is almost 5 pm and mummy will be back soon.”
“Is it that you are not hungry with all that shouting and excitement?” He brought the car to a halt as the traffic light turned red. He glanced at her and wink.
“Big brother I am but…”
“But I can’t go back because I will suffer hypoglycaemia before we get home.”
She could say same for herself. At least if she was going to cry, it was best not to do so on an empty stomach. She relaxed as the car was in motion once more.
Imaobong watched them from the window expecting them to be trembling in remorse. From what she saw, they were far from it. They had come out the car, Ini had said something to him and his reply must have been funny because she laughed and chased him into the house.
She shook her head in disdain. These children must have sworn to see her worst. Is it that they didn’t know she would be home or they had decided to spite her? She walked the distance to the bed and sprawled. She would teach them never to mess with her again.
The doorbell rang for the fourth time. It was then she stood and strolled out of her room.
“Good evening, mum.”
She glared at them.
“Mummy, we…”
“Go back to where you two are coming from and sleep there!” Ima slammed the door and locked it.
Indi burst into laughter loud and long.
“Do you think she is bluffing?” Her voice was shaky
“What do I care?” He clutched his abdomen and laughed. “We won.”
“We can’t sleep outside.” Ini fetched her phone. “I’ve to call dad and tell him everything. He has to know we are now prisoners in our home.” Pacing, she dialled his number.
Indi leaned on the wall and watched her.
“No—not now.” She dialled again. “His number is not available.”
Indifreke shrugged.
She raised her hand to the doorbell but he restrained and made her face him.
“We had a great time, Ini. Did you not see those younger than you are there?”
“I did but Indi…” she gestured to the door.
“We will sleep in the car. What she did to you was abuse.” He look down on her arms and the marks remained visible even after two weeks. “Let her sleep in her house.” He held her hand and led her out.
“Thank God we ate.” Ini whispered.

***

“I won’t pay extra. Change his school a thousand and one time in a school session every time he is rebuked, that’s your problem.” Nmenga slipped his legs into the shoes. “He is not my first child. My wife and I don’t run to school all the time our daughters express displeasure. We didn’t even have to change school for any of them.”
“Darling, don’t…”
“Shut up, Shadia. If you want to turn him to a rotten piece…” he stood and shrugged. “Be my guest but tell me no more.”
She picked her bag deciding not to press further, not with the disappointment apparent in his tone.
At the door, he spared her a glance. “I’m giving you and your son five minutes to be in the car if you need to attend the occasion.”
She glimpse at the mirror before hurrying to Prince’s bedroom.
“Mummy, can I get a cupcake?”
Nmenga glanced at his wife and she understood the scowl.
“Not now dearie, probably on our way back.”
“Okay.” Prince unbuckled his seat belt and began raising the tennis ball he had with him.
“Pp, sit and fasten back your seat belt.”
He ignored her. In a swift, the ball hit the windscreen and landed on Nmenga’s leg. He swerved to a halt.
Before Shadia could recover from the shock of what could have happened, Nmenga had pulled prince out of the car and smacked him twice. She scrambled out of the car.
“Darling, haba!” She snatched him from his grip. “Do you want to kill him?”
For seconds he glared at her in disbelief. Since he had not parked well, he got into the car, toss out his wife’s handbag and without another word, drove off.
“Nmenga, how can…? Nmenga!” Her jaw dropped
“Daddy hate me.” Prince sobbed. “My head hurt.”
Perplexed, Shadia picked her bag and wondered what she was going to do dressed with party shoes on a highway in an area she wasn’t familiar with.
“Mummy, daddy hate me.”
“Shut up!” She boomed
***

“Good morning, ma.”
Mama Bisi embraced and kissed him on the cheek. “Good morning my love. How’re you and what have you eaten?”
He chuckled as she led him to a seat. “I am fine, thank you ma. I ate fish and vegetable sauced rice.”
“Nice. I ordered pizza, popcorn and yoghurt for you today.”
“Wow.” His eyes widened. “It feels like Christmas, I’m sure going to enjoy myself.” He pat his abdomen and she laughed.
“I’ve missed you so much.”
“Thank you ma.” She drew him close and embraced him once more.
Later, when he told her he was done reading and could watch TV. She slid the disc and went to the washroom with the remote.
At first, Chidubem watched baffled, then he called out to her and when he got no response. He switched off the appliances from the wall socket.
An hour later, Mama Bisi walked into the sitting room naked. Chidubem turned to flee horrified but the door was locked and key was nowhere in sight.

5
***
Download completed.
On the screen was her correspondent engorged penis.
“Mama, do you like what you see?”
“Yes.” Mama Bisi typed absentminded.
“Show me what you got…”
Today for reasons she couldn’t comprehend, she couldn’t concentrate on the sex chat. Nor on her latest sex partner.
“Mama, this sex chat is boring. When do we see again?”
She tossed the phone aside. There has to be a way. She shook both legs. How on earth was she going to do it if she was afraid of the boy’s reaction but she had three days to execute her fantasy? Three days.
It clicked. She clapped her hands thrilled. She stood and head to her bedroom for the pornography video. She would teach him just like he had taught her to dance.

***
“Mummy!”
Morenikeji looked up from the IPad, a pen posed in one hand. She worked as an event planner.
Temilade bust into the room brimming with happiness. “Daddy sent me a laptop.”
“Congrats dear, I’m happy for you.”
“You know what mum?” She chuckled and pulled a seat. “Daddy is hilarious. He asked that both of us make the decision.”
He did respect her decision despite their history. “Temi,” she beamed. “The ball lies in your court.”
Temilade tilted her head thoughtful. “In as much as I’ll like to go abroad to study, make new friends and be with my family, I can’t.”
“Why not?”
“I can’t mum. I can’t leave you all by yourself.” Her eyes met her mother’s gaze.
Morenikeji sputtered a short laugh that she wished was reassuring. “I’m a big girl, darling. I can take care of myself. Besides, Olajide will soon be back.”
“You don’t even know where he is.” Temilade raised her hand and dropped it. “Mummy, I am your baby but I’m not a baby anymore. I know you’ve been sad.”
Morenike heaved. It was pointless to lie.
“My choice is Obafemi Awolowo University. I can come to check up on you and you can do same for me.”
“Thank you.” She reached out and squeezed her palms.
“I love you mum. You mean so much to me. You had me when you were in school. It might have been excused if you aborted me but you didn’t and I’m grateful.”
She nodded as tears brimmed.
“Daddy and Aunty Modupe did shopping for us.”
“Us?” Modupe was her daughter’s step mother.
“Yes mum. For my school and for you .” Temilade smiled at the obvious surprise on her face. “My step mum is a wonderful person. I hope you meet her someday.”
“I hope so.” She believed her. She expected her daughter’s upkeep to stop when he got married, it only got better.
“I’ll be back.” Temilade stood.
“Don’t raid my fridge.” She called after her.
***

“Show me your breast.”
Queenette laughed, applied lipstick and smacked her lips.
Prince took her hand and swing it. “Show me na.”
“Pp leave me abeg, I’m going out.” She pulled down the hem of the sleeveless mini gown like it was going to cover more than it had. It emphasized every curve on her body.
“To see who?”
The authority his voice commanded made her turn in his direction but she chose to ignore him.
“If you don’t tell me, I will tell mummy.”
Once Prince has spoken, her madam wouldn’t verify before skinning her alive. “I am going to see my boyfriend.”
“Boyfriend.” He repeated with a glee.
“Yes Prince. I really need to see him.”
“Aunty Queen, I don’t want you to go.” He touched her shoulder.
Was that a plea or was she mistaken? “My boyfriend will be angry, I already told him I will be coming.”
“I’ll be angry if you leave and will tell mummy too.” He pouted.
Queenette exhaled.
“Can’t I be your boyfriend?”
She could have laughed in spite of the anger that was threatening to brew but his serious expression.
“Teach me to be your boyfriend.” Prince tugged her hand.
She remembered what her friend who was a nanny told her when they met in the market. She decided to try it out and gain his favour. “Pp, lock the door.”

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4

Morenike stared at the strip and didn't know she was crying until she felt tears trailing her neck. She brushed off the tears. “Oh God,” she muttered. “Was I wrong to choose love?”
This was what they had anticipated for seven years. She had prayed, visited hospitals and did all she knew but had not missed her menstrual period, not once. Now the strip confirmed it twice and he was nowhere to be found. It has been 3 weeks since he left the house. She had done all to contact him to no avail.
She was sick with worry and the pain of not having anyone to tell the good news. She suspected Olajide had left the state or worst still the country. Panic sank fresh claws into her throat.
With trembling hand, she flushed the toilet and discarded the strip. She washed her hands, face and ambled out.
Asleep, Temilade laid on the sofa.
Morenike sat.
“Love.” The Man on screen repeated and laughed.
How could someone laugh with so much abandon when she felt awful?
“Love is the mistake many young people make today. Love is mistaken for feelings and emotions which fluctuate. Love is a deep affection or fondness. Most single look out for love before marriage. You can love anyone, anything so much that you become attached to them in a manner that you hurt, skip meals or weep when something bad happens to them. Have you ever wondered why the rate of divorce is way overboard and alarming now?" He paused. “Then, it was more of arranged marriage but it lasted long and well. Listen, it becomes interesting because less than one month after the death of a spouse the other follows.” He laughed. "Love is a decision to love another despite their imperfection. Love grows, fondness grows. Just get the compatibility right.”
“Are you trying to tell us that love is not a priority?" The Presenter asked.
The question took her back in time.
“Sweetie,” He knelt. “I love you. I love our daughter. Allow me to be your husband, please let me be the one to be there for you, to protect and cherish you, till death do us part.”
“No— Bode, I can't do this. I don't love you.”
"Baby love grows, please let our love grow."
"It irks me when you do all you do. I feel guilty and it is not fair to you."
He pulled her close via her waist. "Temi, I can wait, I love you that much."
"I can't wait, I've found someone I love."
He froze and stared up at her. By the time he lifted himself, tears were coursing down his cheeks.
The magazine, the very one she had kept beneath her box came to mind. The photo of the very man who wept for her love was posed with a beautiful lady and their 5 year old twin boys. His eyes sparkle, his dimple and gap tooth obvious, just like her daughter when she smiled. They looked perfect! It was obvious Bode had found his heart throb.
Where is the man she love? Clasping a palm over her mouth, she fled to her bedroom. Temilade must not see her torn apart.
***

“You want to play smart with me abi?” The belt cracked on her buttocks, on her head and every part of her body void of protection by her hands. “Stupid girl, you want to corrupt yourself in my house!” Each swing descended harder emphasizing her anger. “I warned you, didn't I? I'll teach you that I’ve been in the world before you.”
Ini used both hands to shield her head, face and eyes but she wasn’t fast enough.
“Mummy open this door! Open the damn door!” Having use his fist for long, he used his legs but the door wouldn't bulge. He felt every crack of the belt helpless.
Indi couldn't hear his sister's plea nor wailing and it worried him. “Ini!”
The door flung open and Indi almost fell into the room. He had not heard the key turn. Their gaze locked for a while and he would have confronted her but on sighting his sister's lifeless form on floor, priority changed.
“Ini!” He lowered himself beside her.
She glanced up at him through misty eyes.
“God!” He gasped on seeing blisters, serum and even raw flesh where the buckle of the belt had hit her. “What is the meaning of all these?” He muttered exasperated

She groaned as he lifted her. “Pain.” She muttered when her body made contact with the bed.
“I’m sorry, Ini.” He touched her face and the response he got was tears rolling down her cheeks. Indi hurried out, returned with analgesic and water in a cup. He helped her up to take the drug.
“She hate me. She wants to kill me…” she sniffed. “I didn’t do it. She doesn’t trust me.”
He held her and listened boiling.
“I went to buy her medications where I met the man putting sachet water in the fridge. He pleaded with me to give a minute. You know the light has not been constant and there is a high demand for anything cold. I understood and waited…” Ini swallowed. “Unknown to me, mummy passed by on her way to see her friend. She accused me of making myself comfy and having unnecessary conversation with him. She also said I was now a…” She broke into sobs. “Harlot. She called me that.” Her body shook convulsively. “You know me, I wouldn’t…”
“I’ll be back.” He supported her head on a pillow. He wouldn’t bottle in his sister being abused in the name of correction.
When he didn’t get a response even after knocking twice, he opened and walk through the door.
“What is it?” Her voice didn’t mask her displeasure.
“Why couldn’t you trust her? How could you beat your own daughter like a hardened criminal?”
She dropped the cloth she was about to fold and gestured. “If you know what is good for you, you will leave this room.”
“So what if she was chatting with him? She is not mute. It’s not like you saw them caressing or having sex.”
In a flash, she covered the distance between them and hit him hard across the face.
He flinched and locked gaze with her. “Go ahead, hit me some more or get daddy’s belt. I wonder why you’re so bitter towards us because. This is not how my friends talk about their mother. I wonder if you’ll have treated Ini like that if you knew daddy would be back home in an hour. I wish people really know who you are.” Indi stormed out of the room expecting to be grabbed.
She would have met his expectation but his words had cut through her like a knife and immobilised her. She shrugged and picked the cloth she had discarded earlier. What her children thought of her was nothing compared to not disappointing her husband in their upbringing.
He met Ini asleep and joined her in bed.