₦airaland Forum

***
Katherine came out and leaned at the car, she glanced from the red brick driveway to the everything.else and then up to the top of the building.

'Welcome to my home.' Kelvin told her with a smile and outstretched arms.

'Welcome to my palace would suit better.' She beamed mesmerized. 'This is lovely and magnificent, ' she turned around. 'I wasn't expecting anything less anyway.'

'Thank you. Let's go in.' He extended his hand.

She took a step away from him. 'Must I go in today, I can already imagine what the inside would like. I'll rather go to home.'

'What is this place, hell? ' He facef her with feigned annoyance and managed to put enough irritation in his voice to that effect.

Her jawed dropped in disbelief at his statement that was more like an outburst. Lost of what to say she stared at him. There was definitely something up his sleeves. She sighed wishing she had enough strength to protest. She just wanted to go home.

She saw a dark brown door and head towards it.

He hurried after and took her hand. 'I was only acting up.'

She didn't respond neither did she withdraw her hand.

Few seconds later, he had asked her to sit while he hurried up through one of the two grand stairscase in the large sitting room.

The house was massive, looking more like a mansion as she had told him. Its beauty was  indescribably wonderful to the eye: polished floors which are mirror-like, exquisite choice of paint colours, breathtakingly spectacular interior and exterior design that matched like twins.

She loved the antiques and would have love to a closer look but was tensed and worried. She entwined her palms and directed her attention to the large screen television.

In three minutes, they came in.

Kelvin was hands on his companion shoulders pushing her forward while an elderly woman was behind them.

A smiled formed on her lips as she did comparison with her eyes.

'What do you think of us darl?' Kelvin said as they halted before her.

She stood. 'You two look so much alike, but she look so much like Mr Franklin, same eyes color.'

Kelvin chuckled while Camilla laughed.

'You see, my sister never believes we look alike. ' Kelvin extended a hand to Katherine and drew her close. 'Katherine meet my baby sister, Camilla Sigismund and Cam, meet my darling, a very good friend and SIC assistant director general.'

They hugged each other.

'It's my pleasure to meet you finally, Kel has told me a lot about me.' She loved her, she was so beautiful more like Beyonce with a ebony black hair.

'That am naughty right? ' Camilla pouted and folded her arms.

'Of course not. ' Katherine chuckled. She should be about 23 years of age.

'I've heard so much of you from my brother and the media, you look so lovely in person and I can't help but wonder on how you'll look when you fully recover.'

'Thank you so much.' She beamed.

Kelvin had been so happy at the exchange, he placed a hand on the around the shoulder of the elderly woman. 'Katherine meet my mum in Nigeria, she in charge of the house and also ensures I don't starve.' He rubbed his abdomen. 'Mrs Bridget meet my ...you know all about her. 'He winked at her.

Mrs Bridget laughed understanding him. She opened her arms and Katherine went in for a warm embrace.

'Thank you for all the peppered soup you made me, it worked like magic.' She whispered.

'Thank God dear, I'm happy to meet at last.' Mrs B smiled at her.

'Can you please excuse us? ' He them when they were done exchanging pleasantries.

Camilla took Mum B arm and they left via an adjoining door.

Kelvin led her to a seat and stooped in front of her.

'Katherine you are going to be staying until you feel very much better.'

'Staying as in? '

'Living here.'

'I can't stay here.'

'My sister is here, Mum B is here besides, I wouldn't dare try something I know God won't approve.'

'What's wrong with my house? '

'Loneliness Sweetie, that is what is wrong with it. You are going to stress yourself at home and you don't need those. You can have as much privacy as you need here.'

'There is no need for all that because I can't stay, I want my house. ' She stood. 'I'll hail a cab.'

He stood to face her. 'This is not about what you want damn it Katherine! ' His voice rose exasperated. 'This is about what you need, what you need to recover! What you need so I don't have to sleep on a camp bed in the hospital once more! '

'It's gets better doesn't it. ' She muttered and sat with a palm under her chin and her eyes on the rug.

'Kathy, this all for  you. Please...'.He stooped before her once more

'Can I be left to think about this? ' She glance at his face.

'Not after I've showed you your room.' Before she could protest,  he stood, took both hands and helped her to her feet.

Katherine rolled her eyes. She glanced around for something detachable she could use to flog him.

As soon as she entered the room, a mini suitcase on the inviting bed caught her attention because it was familiar.

Kelvin leaned at the door frame and crossed her legs with a knowing smile.

She unzipped it and lo and behold, the clothing inside were familiar, not just familiar they were hers!
She gasped horrified. 'You went to my house and went you through my stuffs!'

'I closed my eyes most of the time.'

She used a palm to close her face and the other to clutch her chest. 'I think am going to die of cardiac arrest.' She screamed and burst into sobs.

He covered the distance in between and threw his arms around her. 'I am anticardiac arrest.' He declared.

'Silly you, there is no such thing as an anti cardiac arrest!' She shrieked and then picked a pillow and begin to let out her embarrassment on him.

***

lenmafon: gudmorning queenxstar, sounds like u are mad at me pls just try and check first to see what i mean cos i had to read those pages three times.
will u update today? cos i've been hungry since yesterday for more

Haba darling, I'm not angry.

Here is an extract from chapter 19

Just then Kelvin phone rang. 'It's the PM. ' He announced before picking and activating loudspeaker. 'The money was returned back to the vault, I had to ensure it was genuine before calling. '

Katherine shrieked in delight.

'Oh my God...' Olaide placed his palm over his mouth.

'Was that Katherine...? With all due respect Kel, I am not asking for  permission, I am just telling you. I am on my way there, Katherine and I are going to my wife's boutique to pick a dress for the award night. That is the least  I can do to thank her for helping take away that feeling of incompetence that had threatened to overwhelm me.'

'You have my permission.'

Katherine glared at Kelvin with feigned annoyance.

Kelvin burst into laughter and Olaide joined him.
----***

The PM said he was on his way to pick Katherine. It couldn't have been Olaide because he was right there with them.

nnekamezor: Tnx for d update dearie, it was kool

You're welcome Sweetie.

Ziziola: Heeeey finally Kelvin wants to propose. I'm happy for him. I pity Eze smal but it's not his wife's fault now

Hmmm
...

crislyn: Yeah right..*sad*

Don't be na.

Toeyean1507: Painstakingly short and suspense filled! Come and update o

Some days are like that Sweetie.

lenmafon: queenxstar, in chpt 19 u wrote that olaide asked kathy to help him pick a dress for his wife but then in the hospital, he speaks of a fiancee who is a psychiatric nurse or are the two different olaides? pls check and see. cant wait 4 de xt update

That was not Olaide but the production manager, Mr Kings.

lenmafon: queenxstar babe, thank u for ur story, am reading it for the 2nd time. i learnt that to get favor from people, relate and speAk with them in a language they understand, never look down on anyone, give people a change to give their best & a lot more. i pray to train my kids to be like katherine and to ve self-confidence to be able to face the likes of yemisi and patrick. pls before u publish ur book, get a good editor to edit out all grammatical errors. i like the way u put the thoughts of ur characters - </em>. u indeed a good writer. will send u ur fruit wine later

Thank you.

SammyHoe: What about me?

I see you too dear

kennylizzy: I will be right here waiting for ur nxt update ma'ma

I see you dearie.

Toeyean1507: . May we witness more morrows #byHisgrace

One is here.

lenmafon: @queenxstar, babe u so good. i started reading GTG yesterday and didnt drop the phone till i got to pg 14, u got me glued to my phone, i cut cap 4 u.
i hope u wont mind if i point out some error spots to u. i read the story and write them out on ur request. nice meeting u on NLand. congrats on ur success. we'll pop red wine for u later or which one u want?

Indulge me already with the corrections.

Welcome on board dearie. I don't do alcoholic drinks, a fruit wine will do.

23

Azubuike Ezeugo filled the tumbler with McDowell brandy and went ahead to seat on a stool at the bar wing of his expensively furnished sitting room.

The lights were off except that of the bar, so he couldn't barely make out the hands of the large clock in the sitting room which was 1:30am, even if he knew, it wouldn't have made any difference.

He gulped a mouthful of the brandy and sighed as he wiped his mouth.

He allowed his mind drift to the event of the past eight hours.

He and his friend had barely sat through their first bottle legend extra stout in their favorite bar when he was called by his younger sister that his wife was in labor and had been rushed to the hospital.

His friend, Uche had scrambled to his feet and ran out of the bar and he followed suit after paying their bill.

By the time they got to the hospital in an hour, she had already been delivered of healthy twin boys.

When they were ushered in to see the bundles of joy and their proud mother and despite Uche's wife coaxing, he wouldn't carry the pink sleeping babies out of guilt laced with disappointment.

When Uche joined in the coaxing, he took one of the babies from his brimming with happiness friend and when Uche's wife began prophesying into his life concerning conception, he wondered if she would have done so if she knew that he objected to their marriage because she was petite and didn't want his friend to marry a woman with an incompetent cervix.

He sighed and gulped down the remaining content of the glass.

Life was indeed a b*tch as some say.
He reminisced, he that had married a woman with a competent cervix had not missed seeing her menstrual period for once in six years of marriage.

He poured himself around drink and took a sip. Tears formed in his eyes.

'Honey...' Ngozi called softly and approached him, clutching her night tie. 'I woke up and... ' She stopped short startled on seeing the bottle half drained. 'Is everything okay? '

'What kind of nonsense question is that! ' His glared at her with eyes red from sleeplessness, shedding silent tears and deep thought.

'But it's barely... ' She began.

'If you don't get from here, your parents will not recognise you anymore!' He thundered and got to feet.

Ngozi stood rooted with jaw dropped like a statue before a fountain. Her husband had never raised his voice at her.

'Get out! ' He hurled the tumbler at the wall before him.

As the smashing sound, she did dialogue with her feet.

+++
***
It feels good to be unrestricted.' Katherine expressed and pressed her face against the door glass.

Kelvin gave her a glance but maintained a blank expression as he continued driving.

He turned on the radio.

After five minutes of peering outside, she turned to him. 'This way doesn't lead to my house.'

'I want you to see my house. '

'House...?' She tried to read his facial expression which was unreadable.

'I don't want to believe you're in such a hurry. ' He smiled at her.

Katherine didn't bother to reply as she sat back and closed her. Something was amiss, she concluded when it suddenly dawned on her that he had been unusually quiet since he came back from the doctor office earlier in the day.

+++

Toeyean1507: I think some of us can make do with that then. With what I've read so far, I can't help to think like a man and act like a lady. 9c update buh kinda short jo

I'll try updating by morrow.

Thanks Taiwo and Bola.

[quote author=Toeyean1507][/quote]no ma'am

I'm confused o.

For Fhunkhy and all who celebrated my success with me.

+++

I'm so glad you're better for all of our sake and for Kelvin too.'

'How do you mean? ' She glanced at Kelvin who was munching a red apple and had his attention on the cartoon showing on TV.

'When I called him two days back, his voice was all shaky like he had been weeping. I was brow beaten myself.' Kenneth told her.

Katherine chuckled.

Kelvin directed his attention momentarily to her with a frown. Were they gossiping about him?

'How do you feel now? '

'I feel better, at least am no more sounding as croaky as a frog.' Katherine pressed the phone against her ear. 'Besides, your friend has been treating me like if I attempt to snap my fingers, my bones will fracture into unfixable pieces. '

Kelvin rolled his eyes while Kenneth laughed.

'I don't expect him to treat you any less except he want me to whisk you away from Nigeria.'

'You and your bestie are making me feel like a flab.'

'You can prove us wrong, stand from the bed and leave for outside unaided. '

'Oh no... ' She cried. 'I still feel dizzy and my abdomen ache.'

'You see dear. Never to worry, you will be splendid in no time. '

'I'm grateful Ken. How have you been? ' She flexed a leg on the bed.

'Very well. God's grace has been sufficient in my life on daily basis. '

She rounded off with him and handed Kelvin his phone.
'I wonder where my phone is... ' She glanced around and her gaze settled on her hand bag

'Who do you want to call? ' He reached for the bag and handed it to her.

'Lanre, my gatekeeper, he must be worry sick. I am surprise I didn't remember to call him yesterday. '

'I already did. '

She looked at him flabbergasted and her worried expression was replaced with a beautiful smile. The best he had seen since she became conscious the day before.

'Thank you, you're such a darling. '

'And...? ' His eyes shone in delight.

'Thoughtful and Kindhearted. ' She indulged him grinning. 'You are so wise, am surprised you don't grey hairs. '

'My heart is beating fast...' He fanned himself with his phone. 'I'm having palpitation, please call the doctor, I need to be admitted beside you.'

Katherine cushioned her abdomen with a hand as burst into laughter.
+++
*-*

Olaide kissed her on the cheek. 'You look as though you've lost 10kg.'

'Haba Laide! ' She chided.

'I'm serious as a man aiming an arrow at a hair breath.' He sat at the edge of her bed. 'Whoever said illness is not a bad thing need to undergo electroconvulsive therapy. '

Katherine and Kelvin exchanged glances, he shrugged.

'Oga, what does that mean? ' She narrowed her brows.

'I don't know myself... ' He scratched his head. 'It's some word my fiancee says, she is a psychiatric nurse. '

'Wow.' Kelvin exclaimed.

'You should flogged for commiting that to memory without finding out its meaning. ' Katherine joked and sipped water. 'How's everybody at work? '

'They are fine, Anita suggested we prayed for you and majority of us gathered and did for ten minutes yesterday. '

'Awww... I feel so special. ' She placed a palm on chest. 'Thank you.'

'I am very sorry for not coming to see you earlier, with you and the boss away ... '

'I understand Olaide, don't make a mountain out of a molehill that is not even existing.'

He dropped a nylon by her provisions cupboard. 'I brought you some fruits. ' He opened another carton. 'When I announced I will be coming to see today, I began to receive- get well cards and flowers for you.'

Tears sting her eyes as she collected the first card. It was from the head of cleaning department.

Kelvin stood to help out with the other carton. 'Let's decorate this ward with everything. '

'Yea.' Olaide agreed.

While they busied themselves, she dabbed her eyes and tried not to sniff to avoid attracting their attention.

+++

AudreyTimms: Congratulations, my dear.

Sorry I'm late coming here. I've been busy. I'm still on page one much to my chagrin but I believe I'll join you guys soon.

Loving the story so far. Weldone dear

Thank you so much. You're very welcome to the family.

Toeyean1507: This wonderful, educating and inspiring piece's got my determination to be more successful soaring high. I'm one of the few that believes dat pasts shud make presents better and future, d best. I'm an advocate of women shud been seen, heard and appreciated not only for their appearances but for their abilities. Do not confuse me for a feminist! I wanna be Katherine's person. I love her dedication and I'm-up to-the-task attitude. I wish most ladies will borrow a leaf from her and stop thinking and making it appear like men have got it all. @Queenxter, u'll do very good as a Motivational speaker. U just succeeded in making me wanna stand-and-forever-be-relevant-in-the-task too. I dough my cangor for u. Merci beaucoup, madame!

Girlfriend you need to see the way I was grinning from ear to ear even a Cheshire cat won't be envious, thank you.
About being a motivational speaker, I'm shy o.

I love you for all you've learnt, making me know my writing was not vain.

SexySapphire: Omg! Did u jst say ancestors? I tink I nid to watch out for u. The difference btw a dog/cat and a snake is dat snakes are creepy, crawling cold-blood animals dat can't react to a display of affection. We were sent out of the garden of Eden cos of dem so u can imagine how I feel about dem. Cats/dogs are human friendly. They are two parallel lines dat can never meet. Snakes are gross and totally appalling.

Girl you rock in analyzing the differences.

My o my... I was on the verge of screaming out.

lyzee21: Congratulatns dearie, greater accomplishmts IJN.

Amen.

May God give you fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.

Hameenat94: xo happy 4 ur achievement!!! We wrote exam in d same month of July though diff purpose... Lemme jubilate wen d result is awt also...

You will dearie.

Beast ke?

TemitopeDaniel: congrats... my queen.

I just arrived home. I appreciate each and everyone, I can't imagine what other kind of support one can ask for.
May you never lack support in your endeavor.
Good to see you T.Danny.
I see new faces in the royal family. A hearty welcome to you all.

Seat booked.

Daintydaisy: Am glad kathy is fyn now. Nyc work Queeny.

Thanks for voting for me, that's like the first I'm getting and I appreciate it.

fhunkhy: One more update for me too queen.thx

I will darling, when I'm back on Saturday.

pweeeetychi: thank God she is now fine,

I love the way the story is going. Keep it up. Ma'am

Thank you dearie.

I once told all that I went to write a specialist course exam, remember... . Guess what guys, all your prayers and best wishes paid off!

For two days, I'll be traveling to pick my admission letter and finalize other things.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.