Chapter 10D

“Fine, I will stay behind. Is that all or you want something else?” He asked but she shook her head to say no.
“Thanks my dear. Ireoluwa sucks when it comes to parting with people. She hates goodbye and that is why she doesn’t keep friends. She’s always afraid that they will leave her someday” Ireoluwa’s Mum explained the person of her daughter.
“Really! So that’s the reason why she doesn’t have friends?” Fullhouse asked and the mum nodded.
“But I think you made her get carried away with your sister. That’s the first close friend she'll ever have” Mrs. Atanda pointed out.
“Now I understand why she couldn’t handle it well”
“We’ve noticed that from her childhood so we made sure we never introduced people into her life” Mrs. Atanda explained further.
“This is serious” He said and immediately he started thinking of ways to change that part of her cos it’s not cool enough.
“So that means you’ll have a lot of filling- in to do. You have to fill the vacuum your sister has left till she completely gets over her” Mrs. Atanda stated.
“I get you ma but I’ll try to work on her”
“I'll be glad if you can, because seriously, I don’t like this part of her” She acknowledged.
“It’s Understandable” He said. Ireoluwa's Mum left the room and returned with a tray of food.
“I brought you dinner since you are spending the night here” She placed the tray on the table. Fullhouse thanked him and she left the room.
He ate quietly watching Ireoluwa who sat on the bed with her legs curled up. He finished eating and stood up to take the plate to the kitchen but the woman walked in, it was as if she was timing him.
“Are you through, I came to pack the plate”
“No ma. I’ll take it down to the kitchen myself” He insisted. Ireoluwa and her mum said goodnight to each other and she left the room with Fullhouse.
Fullhouse returned. “You shower before going to bed, right?” He asked and she nodded.
“Go take a shower. I need to get some things in the car” He said and left.
He returned fifteen minutes later and she was already lying on bed in her pyjamas.
“Can I make use of your bathroom?” He asked and he nodded again. He went into the bathroom and showered. He came back into the room with his shirt in his hands. He was cladded in his singlet and trouser. He dropped the shirt on the arm of a chair in the room.
“I’ll sleep on the floor. Can I get a blanket?” He asked but she shook her head and gestured for him to come join her on the bed. He obeyed and lay beside her; he pulled her close to him and placed her head on his chest.
“Do you sleep with light on?” He asked and she shook her head sideways. He was wondering if she has lost her voice.
“Where’s the switch? He asked after looking around, there are three switches in the room. She pointed to a switch.
“Really” He said. He didn’t like the silence treatment he was getting from her. He stretched his hand towards the switch which is not far from the bed and turned it off. The room is now dark.
“Why are you not talking Ireoluwa?” She didn’t reply. Then he remembered he has calls to make.
“I want to make some calls, I hope I won’t disturb you” She shook her head again in the dark; he could see her through the light on his phone screen.
Then he started his routine call. He called his Parents first, his sister should be next but she’s still on the airplane.
“I’m supposed to be the next, right” She eventually spoke up, although she said it quietly.
“At last” He sighed when she finally talked. “Back to your question, I’m here with you already so no call for you tonight. So I’m moving on to the next person on my call list” He said with a smile on his face.
‘Let me guess, your fia…..”
She was still saying when Moyin's call came through.
Ireoluwa saw the caller ID on the phone screen. “She’s not a bastard” She said quietly.
“Apparently” He said and picked the call.
“Are you home?” Moyin asked.
“No”
“Why, still on the road?”
“No, actually I’m staying over at Ireoluwa's place. I was about to call you” He revealed. And there was this long silence; Moyin was probably trying to process what she just heard. The silence was so awkward that Ireoluwa had to take her head off Fullhouse's chest.
“Her parents?” Moyin finally spoke up.
“They are home” He replied her.
“So you are in the guest room?” Moyin questioned. Fullhouse wanted to leave the bed but Ireoluwa held him back, she wanted to hear their conversation. So he sat back.
“Where are you right now?” She asked.
“I’m still in her room” He said trying to answer her question with discretion in order not to fuel any doubt. He dare not tell her that he’ll be sleeping in the same room with Ireoluwa. More so, he was really getting uncomfortable, having that conversation in the presence of Ireoluwa was a bit awkward for him.
“They must have really trusted you” She said sarcastically.
“Moyin…..”
“Can I speak to her Mum?” She interrupted him.
“She should be in bed already. And why did you want to speak with her?”
“Don’t you think they should know your fiancée? Anyway, I just want to say ‘Hi’ to her”
“I’ll send your greetings” Fullhouse said trying to be calm with her.
“And I’ll love to meet them” She added.
“If that’s what you want. I’ll arrange that”
Ireoluwa switched on the light and signaled to him to hand her the phone.
“Let me speak with her” She mouthed. Fullhouse read her lips and waved his hand saying no. She put off the light and lay down.
Fullhouse and Moyin spoke for few minutes before ending the call. He went back to lie beside Ireoluwa and placed her head back on his chest.
“I hope I didn’t put you in any trouble” Ireoluwa said almost whispering.
“No. Instead, I’m glad you are now talking” He said, caressing her hair.
“Goodnight” She said. She was already feeling sleepy.
“Goodnight, baby girl” He said and kissed her on the forehead. She slept off almost immediately.
The next morning, Fullhouse was the first to open his eyes. It was 6:00am when he checked the time. Ireoluwa's head was still on his chest. He lifted her head gently and placed it on the pillow but she woke up in the process.
“Good….morning….” She drawled, still feeling sleepy.
“Good morning Sunshine. Did you sleep well?”
“Yes, thanks. You?”
“I slept well too. How are you feeling this morning?”
“Better”
“I’m glad you are better”
“You didn’t call me last night or did I sleep off” She said and Fullhouse took a look at her again, she was probably still feeling sleepy.
“Hello……I slept right here beside you last night and I’m still here”
“Oh! That’s true” She admitted.
“I need to run. I have to go home first” He said and picked his shirt. Then his phone rang, it was Mr. Egbayelo.
“Sir, your wife didn’t sleep at home ni. The last time you called this early was…..I can’t even remember” Fullhouse said whining his boss as usual.
“My friend keep quiet and listen” He said jokingly. There’s nothing that Fullhouse and his friend can say that will get Mr. Egbayelo angry, he’s used to their jokes and pranks.
“I’m listening. Good morning sir”
“Good morning to you too, you and that your blockhead of a friend should be in my office by 7am today. Those investors just called that they are spending nothing less than fifteen minutes. You know what that means if we don’t meet up” Mr. Egbayelo informed.
“Did you just say they are spending fifteen minutes?”
“I’m dead serious. Let me call Gbotemi myself, he may not take you seriously. He may think this is a joke” He said and hang up.
Fullhouse hurriedly wore his shirt. “What happened?” Ireoluwa asked.
“I have to be in the office by 7:00am” He said as he buttoned up his shirt hurriedly.
“Office emergency?”
“Something like that”
“But you need to freshen up, you also need a change of clothes” She said with a concern look.
“Sweetheart, I don’t have that kind of time. I can’t go home now”
“That urgent?” She sat up.
“I’ll talk to you later in the day” He said and wore his thumps foot wear and headed towards the door
“Have a nice day and improve on how you talk to your boss. Bye….” Ireoluwa said and he laughed.
“I’ll try. Bye….have a nice day too” He said and rushed out of the room. Ireoluwa can’t understand the kind of relationship he has with his boss.
He ran into Mrs. Atanda, greeted her briefly, she already saw that he was late for work so she quickly bid him good bye.
He got to the office and ran into the conference room. Everyone was already present; luckily for him the meeting starts immediately he entered. He took a seat beside Gbotemi who was sitting next to the boss.
Gbotemi gave him a questioning look when he saw that he repeated the shirt he wore the previous day.
The investors were true to their words, they spent just fifteen minutes. A deal was struck with mutual benefit and both parties reach a consensus and the deal was closed. Mr. Egbayelo and his two company representatives, the brain behind his company that were present at the meeting were all happy at the end of the meeting.
The investors left and Mr. Egbayelo ordered the two friends to wait behind.
“Wow! Congratulations to us” He said and shook hands with them.
“Boss, we need a brand new car. If you really want to wash this contract for us” Gbotemi said like a typical yoruba guy that he is.
“You just took the words out of my mouth” Fullhouse chirped in.
“Your wish is my command. You guys are genius” He said not minding that he just changed their cars two year ago. He was so happy about the multi millionaira job that was approved by the investors.
Fullhouse and Gbotemi have been so productive that Mr. Egbayelo is ready to do anything just to retain them so that other companies won’t hijack them from him. Unknown to the two friends, he is planning to buy them a house each. That is how far he was willing to go just to keep the wonderful assets in his company.
Then he took a good look at Fullhouse. “Hold on, you” He said pointing to Fullhouse.
“Sir, so you see what I saw too” Gbotemi laughed.
“Where did you sleep last night?” Mr. Egbayelo questioned.
“Sir, we need to prepare for the day” Fullhouse tried to wave the question.
“We need or you need because you are the only one here who is not prepared for the day”Gbotemi said to Fullhouse.
“Whatever, I need to run along”
“Answer him, where did you sleep last night” Gbotemi tackled him.
“I said I need to rush home, so I can come back to work” Fullhouse said and packed the files before him. He made to leave and Mr. Egbayelo stopped him.
“Are you leaving without answering my questions? My friend, come back here”
Fullhouse stopped in his tracks and turned to face him.
“Boss, I’m running late nau. I’ll see you later” Then he turned to leave again.
“Gbotemi! You won’t say anything! I thought you are also interested in knowing where he slept last night” Mr. Egbayelo said and Gbotemi shook his head slowly.
“Boss, to be candid, where he slept last night is none of your business jare, you just like poking into somebody’s affairs” He replied him.
“Really, few seconds ago we were on the same page and now!” Mr. Egbayelo said wondering at the way Gbotemi suddenly switch to Fullhouse’s side.
“Blood is thicker than water” Gbotemi said winking at the boss.
‘Really, fine” He nodded with a feigned smile.
“See, I’m going to my office or do you need anything else?” Gbotemi asked.
“You are not serious but you two are good in poking your nose into my own private life abi!” He tackled.
“Fine. I’ll gist you when I return” Fullhouse said just to free himself from his boss and he left.
Fullhouse returned back to the office around past nine, Mr. Egbayelo understood his lateness, so he didn’t frown at him when they both met in front of the elevator. Mr. Egbayelo was leaving the office when Fullhouse arrived.
Fullhouse entered into his office and settled down. Gbotemi who had been on the look out to know when Fullhouse will arrive walked into his friend’s office.
“Guy, you no get work o” Fullhouse threw at him.
“Between me and you, where did you sleep last night?”
“Okay. I passed the night at Ireoluwa's” He revealed.
“Hold on, which Ireoluwa?”
“The same Ireoluwa you know”
“I know it’s the same Ireoluwa, what I mean to ask is why?”
Fullhouse blew out air and answered. “I got a call from her mum yesterday evening” He started and then told him the whole story.
“And her parents allowed you to sleep in her room?”
“I was as surprised as you even the Father didn’t object”
“Mehn……they really trust you o”
“Maybe it’s because I already took her as my own sister” He shrugged.
“Maybe, hope you didn’t tell Moyin?”
“I told her but I never mentioned that I slept in the same room with Ireoluwa so as not to start World War III” He said and Gbotemi laughed.
“I understand”
“And of course, she demanded to meet Ireoluwa's Parents”
“Lobatan” Gbotemi said in Yoruba, surprised that Moyin was taking things too far.
“I already told her, I’ll make her meet them”
“For what exactly, this women sha”
“Don’t mind her. I understand her strategy” Fullhouse replied and some minutes later they rounded up their discussion and everyone got back to work.

Not quite long, Ireoluwa called to check on Fullhouse. She was sounding a lot better. He would have called her earlier but he thought she might have gone back to bed after he left. She asked if he was through with the impromptu meeting and he replied her and explained to her how he went back home to freshen up after the meeting and also informed her that he is back in the office.
Oreoluwa had called every member of the family when her plane landed in UK. She also called her friend, Ireoluwa. Fullouse had already told his sister all that Ireoluwa displayed after they left the airport. Oreoluwa was sorry that she made her go through all that.
Ever since she left, the two friends never stopped keeping in touch with each other through calls and the internet.

CHAPTER 10C
He was about to enter into his car, then his phone rang and it was Moyin. He picked the call and she apologized for not been able to make it to the airport. She said she had a busy day at work and also asked if he is back from the airport and he said yes.
“I’ll stop by at your place before going home” She informed.
“You may not meet me at home. I’m going out?”
“Where are you going to?” She asked.
“Ireoluwa's place”
“I thought she followed you guys to the airport!” She said trying to sound as calm as possible.
“Yes, I got a call from her mum. It’s like she’s not handling the ‘good bye’ well. You know she and my sister are very close and fond of each other”
“Eh…ya….poor girl. It's not good to be an only child. She’s back to loneliness” She commented but Fullhouse pretended not to hear her scornful speech.
“Try not to stay too long over there, so you can prepare for tomorrow’s work” She said.
“Okay, thanks”
“I’ll call back later in the night” She said and he replied ‘okay’.
Fullhouse got to Ireoluwa's house; she met her parents in the living room. He bowed with one of his fingers touching the floor. They thanked him for heeding to their call and explained why they had to call him; Ireoluwa had locked himself up in the room crying, ever since she returned from the airport. The only one who they know can calm her down is Fullhouse. They believe she’ll calm down once she sees him.
“Can you please tell her I’m here” He said to Mrs. Atanda.
“She won’t open the door, just go meet her yourself” Ireoluwa's father said.
“Where is her room sir?” He asked and her Mum directed him.
He tapped the door twice, he didn’t get any response.
“Ireoluwa it’s me” He said and the locks clicked. It seems she had opened the door.
“Ireoluwa, I’m coming in” He said but she didn’t respond. He paused for a bit then entered.
She was curled up on bed, sobbing like a little child. He sat in front of her on the bed.
“Baby girl” He tapped her gently and pulled her up from the bed and realized her body was hot.
“My God, you are running temperature already; you don’t have to get sick because of this. And I’m very sure you have headache already with this non-stop crying” She didn’t say a word, she only continue sobbing. He sat her down on his lap and she covered her face with her two hands, crying.
“I’m here. Now stop crying. Will you?” He said and she increased the tempo.
“Ireoluwa stop crying or I'll leave!” He stated.
“Awn…..Please… don’t… leave….” She said picking her words one by one. “I… will… stop… crying” She said gasping, taking her words syllable by syllable. Then she tried wiping the tears on her face with her hand. He saw a tissue on her bedside table, he took it and helped her wiped her face clean.
He felt it was time to give her a little lecture. He understood the fact that saying goodbye at times may be hard but one has to handle it well.
“It’s hard to say goodbye, I get it. Look, Oreoluwa travelling out of the country isn’t easy for almost everybody too but you should learn to take things easy. She’s not gone forever, moreover she’ll be coming home for Christmas, so you will get to see her even before the year runs out” He pointed out.
“I know it’s just that I'll miss her” She said with a teary voice. Then she started having hiccups.
“See now! You are having hiccups. Let me go get you water” He said. He pulled her up from his laps and sat her on the bed.
He left the room and went back to the sitting room to request for water.
“Mummy, Ireoluwa needs water” He informed.
“She only wants water?”
“She’s having hiccups ma”
“Okay but she hasn’t taken anything since, except the beverage she took in the morning. Should I bring her food?” She asked.
“You can bring the food ma. I’ll also need drug that will relief her of headache and high body temperature” He requested.
“Typical, Ireoluwa. I know she will fall sick when she refused to stop crying” She said.
“Do you have the drug in the house or should I go get one for her at the pharmacy?” Fullhouse asked.
“Yes, I have drugs in the house that can take care of that but let me get her food first.” Mrs. Atanda replied.
The woman went into the kitchen and came back with a tray that contains food and bottled water. She handed it to Fullhouse. Then she went to her room and came back with the drug which she handed to Fullhouse. He returned to Ireoluwa's room with a tray in his hands.
Ireoluwa sighted a tray in his hands, and backed him immediately using a pillow to cover her head.
“I don’t want food. I don’t feel like eating!” She grumbled.
“Eh! Young woman! You are taking this or else I’ll leave this minute if you don’t. Now sit up!” He ordered.
She threw the pillow on the other side of the bed and sat up grudgingly with hands folded across her chest.
“You said you want to go get me water not food and drug” She murmured.
“True but I didn’t know you haven’t taken anything today until your Mummy told me. As for the drug, you need it for the headache” He said and she eyed him like a little girl.
“Now take this water first for your hiccups” He said and stretch forth his hand to hand her the water he poured into a glass cup but she didn’t take it from him.
“Seriously!” He said, giving her a straightening look. He moved closer to her and made her drink the water from his hand. She drank it halfway and stopped drinking.
“Good!” He said. He then opened the covered food. “Its rice and chicken stew and I know you love chicken. Right” He tried to cajole her.
“Fullhouse…….” She grumbled.
“Shhhh…..” He shushed her. “Now open your mouth. I'll feed you”
Ireoluwa looked into his eyes with the spoon filled rice he held towards her face.
“Open your mouth nau…..” He drawled and pleaded with her with his eyes. She opened her mouth and he started feeding her slowly till she finished the food.
“That's my girl” Fullhouse said as he cleared the plate. “I’ll be right back” He said and left the room with the plate. He met Ireoluwa's Mum who was coming out of the kitchen. She widened her eyes in surprise when she saw the empty plate.
“I fed her” He said.
“I thought as much, no wonder she finished the food”
“Hope she has stopped crying?”
“Yes ma. She has” He said. Ireoluwa’s Mum gave him credit for a job well done.
“Did she eat the food” Ireoluwa's father asked when he walked up to them”
“She did not just eat, she finished everything” Ireoluwa's mum replied her husband.
“Really!”
“Fullhouse fed her” The woman said. Everyone in that house now refered to him as Fullhouse since that’s the name their daughter now calls him.
“Fullhouse, you really know her password” Ireoluwa’s father joked and they all laughed.
He returned back to Ireoluwa's room and informed her that he was leaving; it was already past 9pm. He promised to check on her the next day but to his surprise, Ireoluwa who had stopped crying before started another round as fresh tears flow from her eyes.
“Ire! What is it again? He asked and Ireoluwa's mum entered the room.
She was surprised to see her in that mood. She expected her to be calmed already at least with the presence of Fullhouse who is still around.
“What is it again this girl?” Mrs Atanda asked Ireoluwa who kept mute.
“Fullhouse, why is she like this again?”
“I was surprised too ma. I only told her I was leaving then she started crying” He explained.
“Maybe you should just pass the night here. It’s like she doesn’t want you to leave” Mrs. Atanda Suggested.
“Ma, I’m going to work tomorrow and I…….” He couldn’t finish the statement as Ireoluwa wept loudly.
“Fine, I will stay behind"

enirock:
Sympathy gives birth to empathy, and most times messes up our feelings. Thanks for the update.

Hmmm.......nice quote.

Dara2:
Lemme welcome myself on board!

Welcome on board.

damis28crown:
wow

i cant believe i almost miss out this beautiful piece

welcome back rachealfst

more wisdom

Amen, thanks. Welcome on board.

Missyajoke:
That's whyvi like rachelfast story always interesting. God bless you ma'am

Amen, God bless you too. Thanks

Chapter 10B

The following week, Tuesday precisely, Fullhouse got an incoming call from Ireoluwa. He disconnected the call and called back.
“Hi sis, how are you doing?” He asked fondly.
“I’m not fine jo. I’m bored and tired of following my mum to the store” She complained.
“Eyah and your friend is not in town” He said. His sister had gone to their grandma's place.
“Yes she said so and I don’t have anywhere to go” She muttered.
“Will you come to my office?” He suggested.
“Can I? But you’ll be working”
“Of course I will, we can gist while I’m working. All you need to do is to sit in the office with me, it’s better than staying all alone at home.”
“That’s not a bad idea. I’ll be on my way” She said excitedly. He sent her the address and in less than one hour she had arrived the company.
“Who do you want to see?” One of the two security men by the gate, questioned.
“Fullhouse. Sorry, Mr. Ade….”
“No need, I know who you are referring to. Who doesn’t know that name here” He said jokingly.
“Is your visit official or unofficial?” The security man asked. Ireoluwa scratched her weave lightly. She doesn’t know if it’s right to tell the security man that her visit is unofficial, thinking that they may not allow her in if she says it’s unofficial.
The security man ignored the first question and asked another just to get the answer to his first question.
“What’s your relationship with him?”
“He’s my brother” She said. At least she’s his adopted sister.
“So the visit is unofficial” The security man concluded. “Is he aware you are coming?” He asked further.
“Yes, I spoke with him not quite long” She replied.
“Okay” He said and gave her the visitor’s log book to fill.
“So much protocol” Ireoluwa said in her mind as she fills the visitor's log book. When she was through, the security man dialed a number on the land line in his small office.
“Hello sir, you have a visitor outside. She said she’s your sister. I know no say you get another sister o, I only know the other one” He said in pidgin.
“Sulaiman, you talk too much. Just let her in” Fullhouse said to him on phone.
“Okay sir, I’ll personally bring her myself. Oga your sister fine o…”
“Sulaiman!” Fullhouse cautioned him. “If I catch you ehn”
“Oga na play I dey play nau. Oya sorry. I will bring her now” He said and replaced the receiver.
Sulaiman told the other security man that he wants to take the visitor into the building. He led the way and Ireoluwa followed.
They got to Fullhouse's office and he thanked Sulaiman for bringing her. “You can have this” He said and handed a plastic bottle coke to him.
“I trust you Oga, thank you” He said smiling and left. Fullhouse offered her a seat.
“Nice office” She commended.
“Thanks. What can I offer you?” He asked.
“I’m okay for now” She replied. He was working on the system and talking with her at the same time. Ireoluwa stood up and walked around the office. She noticed an art work, she so much admired it. He raised his head and saw her in front of the art work.
“I never take you for a lover of art work” He said.
“So you don’t know I love art….”
“Wait! I remember you have two in your room in school”
“Good. Thank God you remember” She smiled and went back to her seat. Fullhouse looked at his brown Paneria wrist watch to check the time.
“It’s almost break. Let me take you around to meet my close pals and of course my best friend” He said and he led her out of the office.
They got to Gbotemi's office, they all exchanged greetings and Gbotemi offered Ireoluwa a seat,they chat briefly.
Gbotemi checked his Rolex wrist watch. “Its break time, lunch is on me” He said.
“That’s not cool. You played a fast one on me” Fullhouse said pointing playfully at his friend.
“Don’t worry I won’t spoil her too much” Gbotemi replied him and they all filed out of his office and went to their favourite food canteen.
The three entered into the canteen and the staff including the woman who owns the canteen started hailing Fullhouse and Gbotemi. They love the two friends because of their cheerful attitude. Fullhouse and his friend always make them laugh anytime they come around to have lunch. They’ve been patronizing the woman for the past five years that they joined the company.
They also met some of their staff who also patronizes the canteen. Among them were Martha and Precious. They had already met at Martha’s wedding. Mama K, the owner of the canteen walked towards them.
“My two sweethearts are here. I’m coming to personally serve you myself” The canteen owner said, referring to Fullhouse and Gbotemi.
“Eh…Mama K, don’t let your husband come and arrest us o. Abeg o. Gbotemi don marry and me sef get fianceé. Go look for your sweetheart elsewhere” Fullhouse joked. They took their seats, the three of them sharing the same table.
“From the look of things, you guys are really popular around here” Ireoluwa whispered in Fullhouse’s ear and he laughed.
“You must tell me what you told him o” Gbotemi said to Ireoluwa. But she was shy to talk to him. She's actually the shy type especially with people she just met. The only person that she’s not shy with is Fullhouse.
“Tell him nau” Fullhouse said but she didn’t say it. “So you are the shy type but you’ve never been shy around me” He said and she stylishly covered her face.
“She said we are popular here” Fullhouse repeated what she said.
“Yea, we are popular, in fact very popular” Gbotemi said and she smiled.
“And who is this fine girl o” The chubby woman who owns the restaurant asked.
“She's my sister” Fullhouse replied her.
“So you have another sister aside Oreoluwa?” The woman asked because Fullhouse use to come to the canteen with her sister whenever she comes to visit him in the office.
“Yes” He replied.
Ireoluwa remembered Oreoluwa had told her that she do frequent her brother's office before she got admission. “No wonder the woman knew her very well” She thought.
“Nice meeting you Ireoluwa. I’m your brother's sweetheart. Any other woman is a counterfeit” The woman said jokingly and everyone laughed.
“Nice meeting you ma” She replied with a smile.
“Eat and drink anything you want, the bill is on me” The woman said and Gbotemi tackled her immediately.
“No way, I brought her here to give her a nice treat”
“No! Keep your money! Ireoluwa like I said enjoy yourself the bill is on me” She said and left. Fullhouse who personally has the visitor just kept quiet. He was happy at the same time that someone else cornered Gbotemi while Ireoluwa was just smiling at the ongoing drama before her. And that made her feel really special, courtesy, her adopted brother, Fullhouse.
Mama K called on one of her girls to take their order.
“Our own bill, is it on you too?” Fullhouse asked playfully.
“He’s right o” Gbotemi added.
“Right ko, wrong ni. Shey I know the two of you?” Mama K asked jokingly.
“Ehn..en..you don’t know us again because of Ireoluwa” Fullhouse said.
“Leave her, tomorrow is another day” Gbotemi said to his friend.
They placed their order and everyone started eating. The food taste so good and Ireoluwa wished she could frequent the canteen. The lunch hour was full of excitement as Fullhouse and his colleagues made it interesting. It’s truly fun to be around friendly grown ups.
When they were ready to leave Ireoluwa went over to Madam K's desk and thanked her for the wonderful treat. The two friends too thanked her and they left.
They got back to the office and Ireoluwa was there with him for another two hours before she took her leave.
Fullhouse saw her off to the gate and stopped a taxi for her. He paid the cab man who will take her home. He also gave her additional two thousand naira.
“This is for the transport fare that brought you here,” He said.
“Fullhouse, don’t bother. My Mum gave me transport fare when I was coming. You’ve done enough, you’ve paid the cab man” She said.
“Just keep it” He insisted and dropped the money with her. “Call me when you get home” Fullhouse said and told the driver to move. The man obeyed and he waved her goodbye.
And that was how Ireoluwa's visit to Fullhouse’s office continued throughout the holiday. She visited at least once in a week. Then at weekend, it’s either she hang out with Fullhouse and his friend or Oreoluwa. Some other weekends especially on Sunday when her Parents are around, Fullhouse also pay her a visit. Moyin always act cool anytime she meets Ireoluwa at her fiancé’s, place and this surprises Fullhouse because the Moyin he used to know doesn’t share her man.
In the course of the three months holiday, Fullhouse had always been helping Ireoluwa with one thing or the other; he helped her get courses online to take in order to boost her career just like what he does for his younger sister. He also taught her how to drive and she had started practicing in the neighbourhood. Ireoluwa's parents had come to love him as their own son; they were so happy that he was like a big brother their daughter never had.
They had always pitied their only child who had no siblings. They had tried all after they gave birth to her to conceive but they never had another child. They’ve learned to live with the fact that she’ll be the only child they’ll ever have.

********
Two weeks to OAU's resumption, Oreoluwa, Fullhouse’ sister got a scholarship into one of the prestigious university in UK.
It was Fullhouse who had helped her apply and followed it up but then he hasn’t met Ireoluwa, he would have helped the two friends apply. Although he got to know later that Ireoluwa prefer to school in Nigeria, because she can’t leave her parents.
Ireoluwa was so happy for her friend when she got the news of her scholarship. Although she was sad on the other hand because she’s going to really miss her. Oreoluwa was the only close friend she had, not just a friend; she was a sister she never had.
She had successfully masked her sadness until the night Oreoluwa left the country. Ireoluwa followed the family members to the airport. Gbotemi was also with them. After Oreoluwa's departure, Ireoluwa cried from the airport till she got to her house. It was Fullhouse who dropped her at home; he thought by the next day, she'll be fine. Ireoluwa is not the only one who will miss Oreoluwa. Gbotemi too will miss her; his eyes were teary at the airport too. Fullhouse too was at the receiving end, he loves his sister, and she was his one and only sibling.
Oreoluwa’s parents too equally missed the baby of the house; they only accepted the scholarship in good fate. In fact they almost objected to it but their daughter had always loved to study abroad, reason why Fullhouse wants her to have a decent upbringing so she could stand in her truth whenever she’s away from home.
Ireoluwa cried and cried in her house to the extent that her parents could no longer comfort her. She locked herself up in her room and shut everyone out.
Few hours after Fullhouse got back home and was still trying to relax, his phone rang and it was Mrs. Atanda, Ireoluwa’ mum that was calling, he received the call and sighed when the call ended.
He had already envisaged what is going on with her. He had noticed how fragile Ireoluwa was with the way she cried right from the airport like someone who lost her mother, he knew right there that she won’t handle Oreoluwa's absence lightly. He had only his boxers on, so he changed into a casual cloth and picked his car key and left the house.

CHAPTER 10A
Months later,Gbotemi, his wife and few friends gathered at Fullhouse house to resolve the rift between him and Moyin who was also present. After much plea, he decides to allow her in his life again but he gave a condition.
“I’ll do anything, tell me the condition” Moyin said soberly.
“Moyin you slapped a pregnant wo….”
“I didn’t know she was pregnant” She cut in.
“Whatever, just go to her office where you slapped her and apologize to her. That’s my condition” He stated and Moyin went mute.
“You can’t go abi” Fullhouse said to her and faced the others. “You see…. she’s not ready”
“She will apologize. I’ll accompany her”
“Stay out of this Darasimi!” Gbotemi shot at his wife.
“Moyin are you ready to do as he says?” Gbotemi asked.
“I will” She said grudgingly. That was how the issue was finally resolved. After few chit-chat, everyone left except Moyin who stayed back.
“Moyin, you can’t stay. Please leave” Fullhouse said.
“But we’ve resolved the issue, why are you driving me away?”
“Says who! This issue is not resolved until you fulfill the terms and conditions” He stated.
“I’ll go see her on Monday. At least I’ve promised to do that” She defended.
“Yes you have and until then, we are not an item”
“So I should….”
“Yes, leave my house” He cut in and and she busted into tears. Fullhouse was moved by the tears but he had to take his stand if not Moyin that he knows won’t apologize to Martha. He watched her cry and said nothing to her nor hold her to comfort her. Moyin left his house in tears.

The following week, Moyin went to see Martha at the office. She apologized and Martha told her she was forgiven. Martha claimed she doesn’t want the issue she had with her to turn into something that will ruin her relationship. She told her that she was glad that Fullhouse had decided to get back with her. Moyin thanked her and left. When Moyin left, Martha went to Fullhouse's office.
“You don’t have to go that far with her. I feel like punching you right now” She said as she sat before him. Her little baby bump is now showing.
“That’s the least I can do to make up for what she did to you” He explained.
“It’s alright, I know she had learnt her lessons” She said but Fullhouse knew better. It’s only God that can change Moyin. Fullhouse changed the subject and they discussed about Martha's baby Daddy who has promised to go see her parents that very weekend in order to start their wedding plans.

*****
Fullhouse and Moyin’s relationship was going on fine. Moyin had really changed and this took Fullhouse by surprise. She hardly brings up fight, so everything was cool with them. She didn’t even bring up wedding issue.
Oreoluwa and Ireoluwa who are now two jolly friends are back home for their end of session break. They’ll now be in 200l and both are turning 17 that very year. The two pay each other visit back and forth at home. And their parents too accepted their friendship with love.
Ireoluwa decided to pay Fullhouse a visit, she had never visited him before she only visits his Parent's house in fact there are days she slept at their place whenever Oreoluwa insisted.
Ireoluwa knew Fullhouse can only be available during weekend and of course she told Oreoluwa to accompany her but she said she was hanging out with Uncle Gbotemi, his brother’s friend that weekend. Ireoluwa has not met Gbotemi but she had heard a lot about him from Oreoluwa and Fullhouse.
She got to Fullhouse’s place and met Moyin, his fiancée, Moyin gave her a warm welcome and this gladdens Fullhouse's heart. He only wished things would remain like that. Moyin even referred to Ireoluwa as her sister in-law.
“I now have two sister in-laws” She said jokingly.
She spent like one and half hour and told Fullhouse she was leaving. Fullhouse offered to drive her home. He asked if Moyin too will go with them but she said she’ll stay back. On their way to Ireoluwa’s house, the two started a conversation.
“I like your Fianceé. She’s beautiful and nice” Ireoluwa commended.
“I’m glad you like her”
“She’s so accommodating”
“If you had known her before now, you wouldn’t have said that” Fullhouse said in his mind.
“When are you guys getting married?” She asked and he unconsciously stepped on the brake. The vehicle behind them almost hit his car.
“Fullhouse! You want to get us killed?” Ireoluwa screamed, frightened.
“I’m really sorry. I lost my balance” He apologized. Luckily for him he didn’t cause any accident.
“Are you okay?” He asked looking all over her body to see if she didn’t hit her head on something.
“I’m fine. I should be the one to ask if you are okay”
“I’m fine” He said.
It was the marriage issue Ireoluwa brought up that threw him off balance. Fullhouse still can’t wrap his head around getting married to Moyin someday. Despite the fact that she has changed, he is just scared of settling down with her.
“Did you get displaced because of the question I asked?” Ireoluwa questioned.
“I said I just lost my balance”
“Okay, can you now answer my question? When are you two getting married?” She demanded.
“Well…..Ireoluwa honestly, I can’t tell”
“You can’t tell. What’s that suppose to mean. Is it that your relationship is not defined or what?”
“Ireoluwa can we leave this relationship talk. You are just sixteen!”
“Almost Seventeen, plus I have brains” She corrected.
“That reminds me, your birthday is next week, right!”
“Uncle Kunle! Don’t change the subject”
“Really! We are back to Uncle Kunle again. I thought you said you prefer Fullhouse”
“You are still changing the subject!” She gestured with her hands.
“Ireoluwa, there’s nothing to tell. If anything comes up, I'll tell you myself”
“How long have you two being engaged?”
“It’s over one year”
“Hun! You want to turn her to ‘Lord of the ring’ She exclaimed.
“Can we please drop this topic?”
“Okay o. You even told me your best friend is married and I wonder what’s keeping you”
“Speaking of best friend, he wants to meet you. You would have met with him today but he took your friend out” Fullhouse explained.
“Oreoluwa said so. I’d love to meet him too” She said. They were already in front of Ireoluwa's house, so he pulled over.
They both alighted, Fullhouse wanted to greet her parents before leaving so both of them entered the house.
“Good to see you” Mr. Atanda, Ireoluwa's father said as he shake hands with Fullhouse.
“Same here sir, how’s work?” He asked and he replied. He greeted the Mum who joined them in the sitting room.
“Ku itoju aburo e” (Thanks for taking care of your sister) Mrs. Atanda said.
He left the place after fifteen minutes and headed back home so he won’t keep Moyin alone in the house. By the time he got home, Moyin was already gone. He gave her a call and she gave a flimsy excuse for leaving. He only sighed and ended the call.
The next weekend, Martha got married. Ireoluwa and Oreoluwa attended the wedding, Gbotemi and Fullhouse actually took them along and they all had great fun at the wedding. Moyin and Darasimi, Gbotemi’s wife didn’t attend the wedding, they claimed they also have a friend who was getting married that same day, the wedding is not that important to them but they did it out of spite.

CHAPTER 9
Few days to Gbotemi's wedding, Fullhouse and Moyin's issue has not been resolved still. And the worst part is that Moyin is the chief bride's maid while Fullhouse is the best man. All effort to help settle the matter proved abortive as Fullhouse insisted it is over between them. Moyin too had pleaded and pleaded to no avail.
The wedding came and aside normal greeting, Fullhouse didn’t say a word to Moyin all through. He made sure he put her in her place. The night of the wedding, the couple went on their honeymoon trip, sponsored by the groom’s boss, Mr Egbayelo.
They returned after four weeks and realized things were still the same way they left it. Fullhouse had still not settle with Moyin.
Fullhouse had been frequenting OAU to see her sister ever since his friend got married. He really missed Gbotemi so he had to switch to travelling. During one of his visits to OAU, his sister had to confront him openly.
“Mmm…. Fullhouse, this one that you are coming to check on me every weekend, I won’t talk o but it’s kind of fishy” Oreoluwa teased.
“When I was busy you were complaining I didn’t visit. Now that I have enough time to travel on weekends you are complaining again. You know what, I’ll stop coming” He said.
“Ahn…it’s not like that o. You too think about it, isn’t it creepy. Or….are you dating someone in my school at least I know you broke up with Anty Moyin” Oreoluwa asked subtly.
“Okay, fine! Aside you, I also check up on one small girl like you” He said jokingly.
“Small girl”
“I mean young girl. Sorry, young woman” He said.
“You are dating a girl of my age?” Oreoluwa queried.
“Come off it kid, dating bawo (how). Okay, I'll explain” Fullhouse said and explained everything she needs to know about Ireoluwa including the promise he made to her to be the elder brother she never had.
“Wow! Interesting, I never knew you had an adopted sister. Can I meet her; we can be friends you know”
“Ahhh….. reason why I never mentioned her. Must you be friends with her!”
“Please nau….I just like her from everything you said about her and I like the fact that our names are similar Ire and Ore” She pointed out. Fullhouse gave her a long look and then replied her.
“Fine, let’s go. I’ll take you to her place”
“Thank you…..” She said gleefully.
“Don’t thank me” He said with sarcasm.
“Have you seen her since you got here today?” Oreoluwa asked.
“No, I plan to visit her after leaving here” The siblings entered the car and Fullhouse headed towards the school gate.
“She stays off campus?” Oreoluwa asked.
“Yes” He replied.
“Fullhouse…….” She drawled.
“Don’t even go there. You are staying in the school hostel” He warned. He knew what she was driving at.
“But you didn’t complain about her staying…..” He cut in.
“You are my sister, no staying off campus. At least for now”
“Okay o….” She murmured but he ignored her.
He picked up his phone and called Ireoluwa.
“Hello”
“Hello, Uncle Kunle” Ireoluwa responded.
“I’m almost at your place and I’m coming with my sister. She wants to know the person who is sharing her brother” He joked.
“Really, I’ve been longing to meet her too but I kept quiet because you never mentioned it”
“You should have told me nau” He said and Oreoluwa who was listening to their conversation mouthed and gestured “You see….”
“Okay…. I’ll be expecting you” Ireoluwa said excitedly. Then he ended the call.
“You even call her before visiting but you don’t call me. You just show up” She accused Fullhouse.
“God! Oreoluwa, I’m not doing this with you. You are my sister and its right to give you a close monitoring. So stop comparing yourself with Ireoluwa”
“Okay o” She fold her arms across her chest and frowned. Then she smiled when she remembered she’s meeting a new friend, the so called Fullhouse’s adopted sister.
They got to Ireoluwa's place, she welcomed them and Fullhouse introduced the two girls. Oreoluwa looked around and admired the room; she wished she can have a room to herself too. She loved everything about the room, she wished she can have a kitchen, bathroom and a toilet to herself unlike the way she shared with other students in her hostel but she knew her wish may not come true. The girls got along so well, maybe because they are both student of the same school.
“Oreoluwa, you are free to come over to spend weekends. I stay alone” She said forgetting that Fullhouse doesn’t want her sister off campus. Fullhouse almost regretted bringing her sister because of Ireoluwa's offer which he didn’t like.
Oreoluwa was about to respond to what Ireoluwa said but Fullhouse coughed. Ireoluwa was smart enough to sense what was going on between the siblings. And that cough is what her Mum also uses to put her in check especially when a visitor is around. Fullhouse’s sister quickly changed the answer she intended to give her new friend, she understood what that cough meant as well.
“Emm….I prefer spending my weekends in the hostel but I promise to check on you once in a while” She said quietly.
“Oh! No problem. In Uncle Kunle's voice, ‘It’s understandable’ Ireoluwa said and shot Fullhouse a mean look. “Over protective brother” She said in her mind and smiled at Oreoluwa.
The three started gisting, Fullhouse went out to get snacks and drinks which they all ate. Even though Ireoluwa wanted to cook but he told her not to bother. The girls really enjoyed Fullhouse’s company. He gave them gist of his exciting life in school and all.
He announced it was time to leave after spending close to two hours; he had to return to Lagos. The three stood up and file up to leave. Oreoluwa took the lead, followed by her brother then Ireoluwa.
“Uncle Kunle!” Ireoluwa tapped him. He stopped and turned to look at her.
“Can I see you for a bit?” Ireoluwa requested.
“Sure” He said.
“I’ll be in the car” Oreoluwa said. “Fullhouse, can I have the car key?” She said to her brother.
“Fullhouse? Is that what you call him?” Ireoluwa asked Fullhouse’s sister.
“Oh! You don’t know him as Fullhouse, that’s what everybody calls him except you, I guess” She smiled.
“Really, I never knew” Ireoluwa gestured with her hands.
“No wonder…..I noticed that you’ve been calling him Uncle Kunle ever since we got here” Oreoluwa said.
“Here” Fullhouse handed the key to his sister and she left.
“Fullhouse…….” Ireoluwa teased, smiling at him.
“Now that you have joined the Fullhouse team, can you please say what you want to say instead of smiling like someone who won a lottery” He said playfully.
“I will but before then, won’t you tell me the reason why they call you Fullhouse” She enquired.
“It’s just the English interpretation of Kunle” He explained.
“Okay…..” She nodded slowly.
“So why am I staying back? Though I know already” Fullhouse said to Ireoluwa.
“Smart guy, since you know. Will you please….” She pleaded with her eyes.
“What’s my own. You heard her reply” He feigned ignorance.
“Hmm… I understood that your fake cough!” Ireoluwa spilled and Fullhouse laughed. “We both know she said that because of you. She’s only following your law and order” She pouted.
“I’ll think about it” Fullhouse said.
“Please nau….I like your sister already and I don’t really have friends around here” Ireoluwa pleaded.
“I said….”
“You said if I need anything I shouldn’t hesitate to ask you” She cornered him.
“Seriously! Is that the card you want to play with me?” Fullhouse said with a smile.
“She can be my adopted sister too, you know…”
“Fine! I’ll allow her. Is that all?”Fullhouse asked.
“Yes, thanks big brother…..” She giggled and hugged him out of excitement.
“Look at you, you didn’t hug me the day I came to your rescue o but you hug me because of a friend”
“Really, okay. This is for the day you rescued me on the highway” She said and hugged him again even though he was way taller than her. He’s 6’3” and she is 5’1” feet tall.
He wrapped his arms around her slender body. “Funny you, you know I deserve more than a hug” He said and released her.
“Yea, you deserve a medal” She smiled and they left the room. Fullhouse entered the car and Ireoluwa bade the siblings good bye and he also wished him safe journey back to Lagos. Fullhouse took his sister to the hostel first. He parked in front of Oreoluwa’s hostel and as she was about to alight, Fullhouse stopped her.
“You can visit Ireoluwa to spend the weekends but not every weekend!”
“Really! Thank you….” She moved closer to the driver’s seat and hugged her brother. She alighted and bade him goodbye.



Stay safe
God bless Nigeria

Missyajoke:


Ma'am I don't understand the refill and pay part of the okadabooks can you kindly explain

It's easy, once you click on the refill option, you can refill using your ATM card.

olatex25:


I rather say good morning...
It understandable

Pls is dis already on okada books? cos am not a patient reader like I used to..

Yes, it's on okadabooks.

https://m.okadabooks.com/book/about/underrated/37855

Thanks.

Good evening everyone, I stopped the posting of Underrated because of what is going on presently in the country. Next week hopefully, I might continue, believing God that, the peace of God will reign in the land.

Thanks.
Please Stay safe.

Chapter 8 (Contd)

Fullhouse met Matha at the sick bay and wondered what kind of query he’ll answer if Mr. Egbayelo got to know about the drama that happened in his company. Fullhouse started pleading with Martha seriously for what his fianceé did to her.
“You know I should press charges, right!” Martha said to Fullhouse.
“I know you have the right to but I beg of you, please let it go. Please do it for me” He went on his knees but Martha insisted he stand up.
“No, don’t kneel to me. Stand up or I’ll tell the nurse to throw you out” She said and he stood up quickly.
“Thank you” Fullhouse said.
“It’s okay. You can sit” Martha said. She was sitting on the bed. But Fullhouse remained standing with Gbotemi. Precious was also with them in the sick bay.
“I think you should go see a doctor. Let me take you to the company’s hospital” Fullhouse suggested. They only have a nurse in the company's sick bay.
“I’m fine. Don’t worry” Martha declined.
“I’m saying this because of your condition”
“And I said I’m fine o….No need for that. I’m serious” She said.
“Let me get you milk and malt”
“She’s fine. We’ve done that already” Precious bump in. “Fullhouse, you are so great a guy and I wondered how you got yourself in the claws of that she- devil!”
“Precious, Stop!” Martha cautioned her.
“No allow her. There’s no one in this room that is not angry. So allow her” Fullhouse said sadly.
“No, she shouldn’t have said that to you. None of this is your fault” Martha said.
“It’s okay everybody, thank God, Martha is fine. She also said she’s not pressing charges. Let’s just leave things the way they are right now and not complicate things. Hun!” Gbotemi said.
“I’ll go and report myself to the boss before he finds out himself” Fullhouse said.
“No need for that, I’m the only one who knew about the slap. Others thought Martha fainted on her own” Precious said.
Fullhouse looked at Martha for answers. “She’s right. No one knew about it. Moyin had left before the other staff came in”
“Martha, thanks once again for your understanding” Fullhouse said to her. Gbotemi also thanked her. The two left the sick bay and promised to check up on her later.
“Gbotemi, please I want to leave the office for a bit. I’ll be back soon” He said immediately they stepped out of the sick bay.
“Wait! Where are you going?” Gbotemi asked but Fullhouse didn’t answer him. He drove straight to Moyin's place of work.
Gbotemi went back into the sick bay and told Martha what happened.
“Let him go nau, he need to talk sense into that girl. Na only she get man” Precious said to Gbotemi.
Precious got a call while they were still discussing the issue, she was needed in the office, she had to leave, so Gbotemi offered to stay with Martha.
“I only hope Fullhouse would not go and make a scene at Moyin's office o” Martha said, sounding worried.
“He will do no such thing, I trust him”
“I hope so, because two wrongs can never make a right” She said.
Fullhouse got to Moyin's office and gave her a call. “I give you just five minutes to meet me outside your office. Else, I'll come in there to make a scene just like you did at my place of work” He ordered.
She showed up before the five minutes if there’s anything she knows about Fullhouse, she knows he doesn’t bluff.
“Moyin! I don’t need to ask you the reason why you do what you did, I know that already. You met her in ‘Our Kitchen' right. Just like you put it, so it’s understandable. But this is the height of it Moyin, so guess what. You just got yourself a pandorasbox. I’ll implore you to take off that ring that is deceiving and shacking you because henceforth, you cease to be my fianceé. I’ll never have anything to do with you again!”
“What are you trying to say here, cos I don’t get” She said, rolling her eyes.
“Oh! Well, simply put, it is over between us, have a good day!” He said and entered his car. While she was still trying to talk to him, he zoomed off.
Gbotemi was still with Martha when his phone rang. Precious had also joined them. It was Darasimi. He sighed. “My fianceé” He said.
“You people and the wahala women in your life” Precious said scornfully and hissed. Gbotemi ignored her and stepped out to receive the call.
“Gbotemi's woman is still better at least she does not go about slapping her fiancé’s female friends” Martha said.
Gbotemi picked his call immediately he stepped out of the sick bay. He knew the call will definitely be about Moyin and Fullhouse.
“What exactly is Fullhouse's problem? Moyin just called now, she was crying on phone. She said Fullhouse just broke up with her” Darasimi poured out.
“God, I knew it will come to this. Anyway, Fullhouse is not back yet, when he comes back, I'll talk to him. But did Moyin tell you what she did?”
“Yes but that shouldn’t warrant a breakup nau”
“Really, do you know the lady she slapped is pregnant and fainted? And you are saying it doesn’t warrant a breakup. You try that shit with me and see what I’m capable of!” Gbotemi said and hang up on her angrily.
“Huh! Did he just hang up on me?” Darasimi checked the screen of her phone. “What’s my own now,” She said stamping her feet. She called him back.
“Hello”
“Darasimi not now, we’ll talk later. Fullhouse just got back” He said and hang up.
Martha and Precious got to know from Gbotemi that Fullhouse had returned. They all left the sick bay and went to his office including Martha who claimed she was feeling better.
“Martha, you should be at the sick bay. Why are you here?” Fullhouse asked when he saw her with the other two.
“Leave my issue for now, I’m fine. Why did you breakup with your fianceé?” Martha charged at him.
“Wow! News travel fast here, Darasimi called, right!” Fullhouse said pointing to his friend and gave him a devious look. But Gbotemi said nothing. He knew how angry Fullhouse was at the moment.
“Is it your slap? Shebi it’s my face she slapped. If na play stop am abeg and call the girl back” Martha said.
“You need your rest Martha. Go back to the sick bay or go to your office to relax because I don’t have anything to say to all of you” Fullhouse said.
“Fullhouse, I’m one hundred percent with you on this. That girl own too much abeg” Precious said in her warri voice. She never really liked Moyin ever since she met her.
“Thanks Precious at least one person in this room reason the way I do” He said and insisted he wanted to be alone. So Martha and Precious left except Gbotemi.
“You too leave and tell your woman not to interfere in this” He said bluntly. Gbotemi knew he was still angry so he decided to let him be.
“Just relax and take it easy man….I understand how you feel but please try and calm down” I’ll see you later” Gbotemi said and left.

CHAPTER 8
Few months later, Gbotemi and his fianceé started their wedding preparation. They had their introduction two months ago. The couple to-be started mounting pressure on Fullhouse to take the first step which is introduction but he told them he wants to take his time before barging into marriage.
Moyin, his fianceé didn’t give him a breathing space either. There are times she will cry and cry on Fullhouse’s arms just to make him do the needful as regards their relationship. After a long thought Fullhouse decided to sit Moyin down, so that they'll start making wedding arrangements too, so they started making plans but along the line, something happened.
One weekend, Fullhouse’s colleague, Martha came over to his apartment to pay him a visit. Martha’s friend, Precious wasn’t around that weekend, reason why she visited Fullhouse alone. Martha and Fullhouse decided to cook together.
“Let’s cook for three, my wife is coming over” He said jokingly, he knew Moyin was not yet his wife, he just wanted to refer to her that way.
“Oh! I never knew, let’s cook for three then” Martha said with a smile and they started cooking.
Not quite long, Moyin showed up, came in and met the two who are engrossed in their cooking. Each was trying to show off their culinary skills and they were having fun while at it. Moyin saw them and was pissed.
“Hey…..our wife is here” Martha announced immediately she sighted her standing by the kitchen entrance. Moyin hissed loudly on Martha who was trying to be friendly with her. She eyed her all over and left the kitchen. Fullhouse who was standing right there in the kitchen was really embarrassed. He was about to apologized to Martha then he heard Moyin calling him from the sitting room. He removed the apron he was wearing, told Martha to calm down and left the kitchen.
“What did you just do in there? Is Martha a stranger to you?” He lashed at Moyin who stood with her hands on her hips.
“I should be the one doing the questioning. So hang it there!” She fired back at Fullhouse. He was taken aback. She then continued. “Now tell me, what’s she doing in our kitchen?”
“Our kitchen! Well, in case you don’t know, it’s my kitchen until we are married”
“Then do that. What’s stopping you? Oh! I already know the answer to that, the likes of Martha won’t allow you get marry” She hissed.
“So, you think I will put a ring on it with all this ill mannered behaviour of yours. Moyin, what exactly is your problem. Do you even think before you act?”
“See I don’t have time to exchange words with you, just tell her to leave” She ordered and Fullhouse laughed.
“What’s funny?” She asked and he continued laughing. Then he stopped and replied her.
“Is this a Nollywood movie or something? I’m sorry, she’s going nowhere!”
“Then I’ll leave if she doesn’t”
“Fine! Good bye!” He said and turned back to the kitchen.
“Fullhouse!!” She screamed his name but he didn’t look back as he entered the kitchen. Few seconds later, Fullhouse and Martha heard the front door slammed.
“Don’t tell me she left” Martha said to Fullhouse.
“Madam! Can we go back to what we are doing?”
“Fullhouse, she’s your…….”
“Martha!” He cautioned.
“I’m leaving too” Martha said and removed the apron she had on her.
“You want to leave. Great! See you on Monday” He said calmly but with a sad tone. He left the kitchen, leaving Martha behind. She turned off the gas and followed quietly.
Fullhouse sat on the sofa, Martha walked up to him and sat beside him.
“I don’t want to cause a rift between you and your woman. I’m leaving because it’s not okay for me to stay” Martha stated.
“You can leave. It’s understandable” He said and shot his eyes tight. Then he heard the door closed. Martha had left.
Fullhouse didn’t call Moyin and she didn’t call either. Later in the night, Fullhouse remembered he hadn’t spoken with his family that day. That was his daily ritual, he speaks with his family members every evening but before he knew it Ireoluwa, his new adopted sister had joined the list subconsciously.
That night he called his parents, Oreoluwa, his sister and Ireoluwa. Then Gbotemi's call came through after making all the calls.
“Guy what happened again?” He asked and Fullhouse knew Moyin would have downloaded everything that happened to Darasimi, Gbotemi's fiancée. And that one too would report it to Gbotemi.
“Guy! I don’t want to talk about it. I’m sorry but I just don’t feel like discussing that issue” Fullhouse stated.
“Easy, man. Darasimi said……”
“Whatever she says is what it is until we see. Ore (friend), I’m tired abeg” Fullhouse said.
Gbotemi knew better, if Fullhouse said he’s not talking then he won’t talk so he hang up.
That night Fullhouse couldn’t sleep, he kept on thinking about Moyin and how long he’ll continue to put up with her attitude.
On Monday morning, all the staffs were in their offices working then Gbotemi suddenly rushed into Fullhouse's office.
“Guy! You are still here” He said panting.
“Yes and what’s going on. Did you see a ghost or something” He tried to joke.
“Moyin just left the building”
“Moyin was here?” Fullhouse asked.
“Yes, she was here and obviously not for pleasantries”
“But she didn’t come to my office” He gestured with his hand.
“That was because she didn’t come for you”
“Gbotemi stop talking in parables. Why was she here?”
“She just left Martha's office”
“What!” Fullhouse exclaimed.
“You haven’t hear anything you are exclaiming. Anyway, she left after dishing Martha a very hot slap with a warning to stay away from her man”
“Wait, did I hear you right. Moyin did what?”
“The slap was so hot that Martha eyes became dizzy. She fainted after Moyin left. Precious and some other colleagues rushed her to the sick bay. She’s fine now though”
“Jesus! Moyin slapped a pregnant woman!”
“What! Martha is pregnant, but she just got engaged?”
“Yes she is pregnant. She told me on Saturday when she came to my place. She needed someone to share with because she was worried and that was why she came to my place since her friend, precious was not in town. And that is the reason why I stylishly engaged her in cooking, just to make her take her mind off her worries” Fullhouse explained.
“My God! No wonder she fainted. Moyin shouldn’t have gone that far”
“Where’s Martha right now?” He asked. Gbotemi replied him and he rushed out of the office while his friend followed.

Chapter 7 (contd)

“Fine, if you insist on playing your family friend things, no problem. I have just one condition”
“Condition, Moyin…Okay let’s hear it’”
“You’ll have to introduce me to the girl” She stated.
“Like seriously! Introduce who, I don’t even know if I’ll meet the girl again after tomorrow. So what introduction are we even talking about?”
“Are you not the one that said the girl's family is…..”
“Yes, I like the family and they still stay in touch. So?”
“Fine! Have a safe trip” Moyin said trying not to push the matter further.
“Thanks, I will. I need to go now, just came back from work, I have not even change”
“Alright, we’ll talk later”
“Yea, I’ll call you before you go to bed”
“I love you” Moyin said and he replied. She dropped the call and he sighed.
On Saturday morning, by 7:50am, Fullhouse was already at the front of Ireoluwa's gate. He parked outside and went into the house. He met the woman in the compound and she led him into the house. The house was a duplex with beautiful interior. He met with Ireoluwa in the sitting room, she was set already. All her things are in the sitting room as well. The two exchanged greetings and he asked after her health. From the look of things, she was looking a lot better and she confirmed it herself.
“Shall we?” He asked and she nodded.
“Are this yours?” He said pointing to the big bag in front of him.
“Yes” She replied. She was about to carry it but he stopped her and carried it out of the house while she tagged along, Ireoluwa’s mum followed as well since the car was parked outside the gate. He walked down to the car and kept the bag in the car trunk. He entered into the car, behind the wheels, waiting for mother and daughter as they both hugged each other. When they were through, Ireoluwa joined him in the car. She sat in the front seat beside him and used the seat belt. Ireoluwa’s mum wished them safe journey and told Fullhouse to drive safe. She also told them to call him once they get to their destination. Ireoluwa now has a new phone; her parent got her a new android phone. The woman waved and watched them as they leave.
Their journey was kind of quiet at the beginning but after like thirty minutes into the journey, Fullhouse started a conversation.
“You know I finished from your school” He said.
“Really! What department?”
“Business Administration. You?” He asked her.
“Political Science, year one”
“My sister is also in year one, estate management. So you want to become a politician?” He asked.
“For now, no but I love politics”
“Good, you are sixteen, right!” He said and she gave him a questioning look. He smiled.
“I saw it on your admission chart at the hospital” He revealed.
“Oh!” She exclaimed. He must be really smart, she thought.
“You are same age with my sister. So you can see me as your elder brother”
“Okay.....” She drawled.
“And if you by any chance need anything, do not hesitate to call me” He said even though he knew she didn’t have her number.
“Okay…..”
They got to Ibadan, Fullhouse stopped in front of a fast food at Iwo road. He asked her if she needs anything and she said no. He went inside the fast food and came back into the car with snacks and drinks for the two of them.
“Here” He handed her the plastic bag”
“I said, I….” She was still saying but he raised his eyebrow and she swallowed the rest. She had no choice than to take the plastic bag from him. They continued the journey as they took their snacks.
They finally got to Ireoluwa’s hostel who lives off campus. He never expected that a girl like that will live off campus. I mean he thought her parents would have opposed to it, being an only child. He thought they’d want her to live within the confine of the school. He was so surprised that he had to ask as he parked the car.
“Why are you staying off campus?” He asked curiously.
“I don’t like hostel life; I’m not cut out for it” Ireoluwa replied.
“You are a still young, don’t you want to be meeting people?”
“No, I don’t. I prefer to have my own privacy. I love my space”
“What privacy, you are just sixteen. Talking about privacy, don’t tell me you don’t have a roommate”
“Yes, I don’t. I stay alone”
He didn’t like the idea that she stays off-campus let alone staying off-campus alone at that age. He frowned and Ireoluwa noticed.
“I take it that you’ll never allow your sister stay off campus” She said. She had sensed that he is the ‘overprotective brother' type.
“She stays in the school hostel”
“If this is how brothers are then I thank God I don’t have one.” She said sarcastically and rolled her eyes.
“Really” He said giving her a face. “Are you seriously telling me that you never wished you had one?” He further asked her.
Ireoluwa didn’t really mean what she said. She always wished she has an elder brother but not the over-protective type like Fullhouse.
“You haven’t answered my question” He reminded her.
“I wish I had one” She said slowly.
“Hmm…imagine, so you were forming before. Anyway, back to our conversation. I wish you stay on campus, its lot safer than…..”
“Seriously, this place is safe. Trust me my parent wouldn’t have allowed me stay in this area if it’s not safe” She stated.
“Okay. Just be careful, don’t go out late in the night or return late” He advised.
She shook her head and silently pitied Fullhouse’s sister. This Fullhouse type of brother is something he may not be able to cope with. On a second thought, she actually envied his sister. At least she has someone who is constantly looking out for her.
After the prep talk, Ireoluwa alighted and he followed suit. He had already opened the booth. He helped her carry her things out.
“Lead the way, I'll follow” He said with the big bag in his hand.
She led him to her room and they both entered into the one room self contained apartment. They have like six of them in the building. The house was fenced and the floor of the compound, cemented.
Ireoluwa’s room was painted with a combination of purple and lilac colour which gave the room a sweet appearance. There was a very big teddy bear sitting on the bed. She has a fridge; there was a laptop on the bed as well.
She offered Fullhouse a seat on one of the plastic chairs in the room but he declined, he said he’ll soon be leaving, that he wants to check on his sister before leaving the town. He reminded her to call her mum which she did while he remained standing.
Oreoluwa called her Mum and told her they’ve arrived. She was so happy. She spoke with Fullhouse too and thanked him. After the call, she carried the laptop from the bed and turned to face Fullhouse.
“You know I almost took this laptop with me that very day I travelled. I initially carried it with me. It was after I had locked the door that I decided to return it back into the room. I don’t know why, my spirit just told me to do so. Reason why I just dumped it on the bed instead of keeping it in the wardrobe” Ireoluwa explained.
“Thank God, you didn’t take it along if not, those criminals would have collected it from you”
“They would o, my parents will now have to buy not just phone but laptop as well. Thank God I followed my spirit”
“That reminds me, have you reported your stolen wallet or don’t you have your ATM and IDs inside it?” Fullhouse asked.
“My ATM and school ID are in it. I will report it on Monday. I couldn’t do that in Lagos because of my health” Ireoluwa replied.
“You’ll have to block the ATM card too. You should have done that by now”
“I will but I wasn’t bothered because I don’t really have much in my account. I’ve withdrew almost all my money” She informed.
He advised her to go block it nevertheless and she promised to do so. He brought out his phone and called his sister. He told her she was around and will be with her shortly. Oreoluwa was surprised because he was around last week and the second surprise was that Fullhouse announced that he is coming, something he didn’t do last week but she was happy at the same time, she trust her brother won’t come with an empty hand.
After calling her sister, Fullhouse remembered he didn’t get her anything. Though he didn’t plan checking on her but he felt it wouldn’t be nice for him not to see her before leaving.
“I just remembered I didn’t get my sister anything” He said to Ireoluwa.
“Aww…..” She drawled. “Now you want to make me cry. I wish I have a brother too”
“Well, I already told you. You just got yourself one” He said and she smiled.
“I need to leave now, so I can quickly get to a store to get her something”
“I know of a place, you’ll like it. I can describe the place” Ireoluwa informed.
“Why not go with me” He said and she agreed. She locked the door and went with him in his car. They got there and in no time, he got his sister something nice.
“Do you care for anything?” He asked and Ireoluwa said no.
Fullhouse looked around and saw a beautiful diary for ladies. It's all pink in colour with a fancy lock and a teddy bear image on the cover. He picked the diary and handed it to her.
“You can have this if you want nothing” He said.
“I’m not a diary person but this is beautiful….. Thank you….” She said, adorning the beautiful diary.
“I’m glad you like it. I’m not a diary person either. You don’t have to write anything in it. Just see it as a gift and keep it” He said. Indeed, the diary looks so cute that even if a non-diary person sees it, the person won’t mind having one.
They left the store and Fullhouse took Ireoluwa back to her hostel and from there he went into the campus to see his sister.
When he met with his sister, they hugged each other and after exchanging pleasantries, Oreoluwa was so curious on why he came to her school so she asked but he wisely avoided her question. He didn’t want her getting ideas when she gets to know that he actually brought another girl to school. He stayed briefly with her and then left for Lagos.
He got back to Lagos safely, Ireoluwa's parents called to thank him when he got home that very day. Mr. Atanda said he’ll invite him over to the house once he comes back from his trip. Then he ended the call.
“That means I’ll be seeing more of this family” He said to himself and sighed. He actually planned to curb things with the family but it’s like they still want him around them.
He was busy munching the food he prepared after he arrived from travelling, then his phone began to ring, he checked on the screen, it was an unsaved number.
“Hello” The voice said immediately Fullhouse picked the call. He was quick to recognize the voice.
“Ireoluwa!” He said.
“You recognize my voice!” She said sounding surprise.
“Sure. Let me call you back” He said. He ended the call and called back.
“Hello” He said.
“Uncle Kunle, I’m sorry I’m just calling. I don’t have your number. I had to call my mum to send it. She just sent it now, reason why I called a bit late” She said apologetically.
“It’s okay, I know you don’t have my number”
“So, how was your journey?” she asked and he replied her.
“And your sister?”
“She’s good. She was just surprise to see me”
“It’s understandable. Sorry I stole your line of word” She joked and Fullhouse laughed.
“Hmm…my line of word right, I know you look like someone who is quiet on the outside but I know you are going to be an interesting person” He concluded.
“If you say so” She smiled at the other side.
“Hold on” He said to her. When he realized there was someone at the door. He went to get the door and it was his friend Gbotemi who came visiting.
“You know what, I’ll call you back” He said to Ireoluwa and ended the call.
“Fullhouse baba” Gbotemi hailed him and they greeted each other.
“How far”
“I dey jare. I returned from Ife not quite long” He said.
“Welcome buddy. Hope the girl is very much okay now?”
“Yes, she is” He replied. He continued with the food and asked Gbotemi to go get his portion in the kitchen which he did. They were together till 9pm before Gbotemi went back to his house.

CHAPTER 7
On Sunday morning, Fullhouse had to wake up earlier in order to prepare for church. Moyin called him that morning, she told him that she slept off but she saw his message early that morning. Mr. Atanda, the father of the girl he helped also called that morning.The man, his wife and his daughter all spoke with him. Though he wished they stop thanking him.
He came back from church, tried to prepare a descent meal. He was still cooking when Gbotemi and his fiancee showed up.
He welcomed them and offered them drinks, Darasimi insisted on helping him finish up with the cooking. He ate alone when the food was done because apparently the couple had taken lunch before coming to his place.
When he was through with the food, Gbotemi demanded the full gist of what happened the previous day and he downloaded everything in the presence of Darasimi.

*****
During the week, Tuesday to be precised, Mr and Mrs Atanda gave Fullhouse a call, still trying to show their heart of gratitude. Then it occurred to him that he didn’t ask after the girl. Then he quickly asked the father who was still on the phone.
“How’s your daughter sir?”
“She’s fine” He said in a low pitch.
“She had returned to school right!”
“No she hasn’t, she is in the hospital. We rushed her to the hospital on Sunday evening and she is presently on admission” He explained.
“Really! It’s understandable. I think the ordeal she went through on Saturday aggravated that”
“You are right, that’s exactly what the doctor said but she’s much better now. She will be discharged on Friday. We’ll let her rest on Saturday then I’ll take her back to school on Sunday”
“Okay sir, my regards to her and Mummy”
“I will do that. Thanks” He said and disconnected the call.
On Thursday, Fullhouse was in his office going about the day's business. His secretary buzzed him and told him that his fiancee was around. He told the secretary to let her in.
“Hi, how’s work going” She asked as she stepped into his office and took a seat.
“Smoothly, thanks. Why are you here are you not suppose to be at work?” He said checking his wrist watch. It was past 2pm.
“Yes, I’m running an errand for the company, so I decided to check on you before going back to the office but I perceive you don’t like surprises” She said, expressing her disappointment.
“I’m sorry, it’s just that I was rather tensed than surprised when I was told you are around” He said truthfully.
“I’m sorry if that is what my presence makes you feel. I only wanted to surprise you” She said.
“What can I offer you?”
“Nothing, I’m okay, I just had lunch”
“Okay” He said and continued with the papers he was working on.
“Fullhouse, I need a favour to ask”
“I knew it” He said underneath his breath. “Go ahead” He said without looking up.
“Can you please take me to a place on Saturday?”
“This Saturday! Where’s the place?”
“Easy nau, It’s a friend's wedding party and I want you to take me in your car”
“And who do you want to impress this time?” Fullhouse said sarcastically.
“It’s not about impressing anyone. I just want you to accompany me to the party”
“Hmm…First of all, you know this is impromptu right! Secondly, I have planned to rest in my house all through that Saturday” He stated.
“Fullhouse……” She cajoled. He took a look at her pleading eyes.
“I'll think about it. Whatever I decide, I'll let you know by Friday.”
“Okay….but please I'd really love you to take me”
“I said….I'll…..think about it” He stressed his words to spell it out for her.
Some minutes later, Moyin left for her office. Fullhouse finished the paper work he was treating then remembered he had not called Mr. Atanda to ask after his daughter's health. He had save the parents number on his phone but he decided to call the father since he was the one who informed him about the girl's health.
He called Mr. Atanda and asked after his daughter's health and he said his daughter is still at the hospital. Fullhouse asked for the name of the hospital subconsciously. He wished he could take it back but it was too late, the man had already given him the name of the hospital.
That very day after work, he went down to the hospital. He got there and located the girl's hospital room as directed by the nurse he met with at the nurses’ station. He went into the room and met mother and daughter. The woman sat on a chair besides her daughter’s bed. Fullhouse didn’t really recognize their faces very well especially that of the mother, maybe because they all met in the dark but he was sure they were the ones he came to visit.
“Good evening ma” He greeted. Mrs. Atanda took a good look at him then recognized him.
“Aww… It’s you. I almost didn’t recognize your face but I can’t forget the height.” She said and welcomed him. She gave him a plastic chair to sit.
“Thanks for the other time. God bless you”
“Amen ma. Daddy told me about her health condition, so I decided to come check on her” He explained.
“Yes, Daddy said so” He handed the fruit he brought to the Mother and she thanked him.
“How's she feeling now?” He asked.
“She’s better. All this happen because of that last week ordeal”
“It’s understandable. Don’t worry she’ll be fine” He said. The girl who was sleeping before opened her eyes slowly.
“Hello…” He said as the girl was trying to sit up.
“Oh! It’s you…..but you don’t have to come” She said, aware of who was sitting before her.
“Well, I’m here. I need to see to it that the girl I brought home is well and sound” He said with a smile.
“Thanks for the other time, you saved my life”
“You are welcome. How are you doing?” He asked the pale looking girl but as pale as she was with her slender body, she still looks beautiful even on the sick bed.
“I’m much better now” She replied.
“Good” He said and turned to the mother.
“Éku itoju ma” He said in Yoruba, greeting her for taking care of her daughter.
“Ose dear (thanks)” Mrs. Atanda replied.
“What about Daddy?” Fullhouse asked her.
“Daddy is fine o, he travelled. Duty calls”
“So when will he be coming back?”
“Next week, the next week is not even sure, he may spend more” Mrs. Atanda explained.
“Eyah….I can see you’re missing his absence” Fullhouse pointed out.
“We are use to it, he travels a lot. It’s just that he was supposed to take our daughter back to school on Saturday and I can’t drive long distance and we don’t want her to take public transport, at least for now. She’s still tensed. ” She explained.
“It’s understandable” Fullhouse gave his usual reply. Mrs Atanda continued.
“I even suggested we get her this private Lagos cab but my daughter insisted on waiting for her father. And I can’t blame her, she’s still scared”
“It’s understandable” He said and the girl shot him a look. It’s like she had sense he used that word ‘understandable’ often.
“Hmm…” She said looking at his face. But he continued what he was saying.
“It’s normal for her to act that way. She’s even strong; some people may have to even go for therapy before they can overcome the fear”
“You are right. Her Doctor mentioned that. But we thank God this case didn’t lead to therapy” Mrs Atanda said. Then Fullhouse turned to face the girl on the bed.
“How long will you wait for your Dad, you’re missing out in class, you know”
“That’s our concern too” The mum chirped in.
“I'll take her!” He said not knowing where those words came from.
“Really! Will you do that for us?” Mrs. Atanda asked.
“Yes ma” He said scratching his head with his car key, thinking of what he just got himself into. He doubt if he was using his brain at all. “Fullhouse, are you not suppose to be resting in your house on Saturday” He said in his mind but he quickly feign a smile on the outside.
Mrs. Atanda's phone rang, so she took an excuse to receive the call outside the room.
“You don’t have to take me, Mr…..”
“Adekunle and please remove the Mr” He said.
“Fine, I’m Ireoluwa and it’s about time I say ‘Nice meeting you' She said and offered him a handshake right there on the bed where she laid.
“My pleasure, Ireoluwa” He took her hand and smiled.
He took a close look at her and she saw her younger sister in her. Same stature, average height and a baby face. From her looks, he knew she’ll be of the same age with his younger sister. Then he saw her age from her admission chart that was hung on her bed. Then he smiled, his guess was right.
“You know I have a younger sister too” He informed.
“Really”
“Yes, I was actually coming from her school that very day that I met you”
“What school?” Ireoluwa asked.
“Obafemi Awolowo University”
“Seriously! OAU! I’m a student of OAU too. In fact, I was coming from school that very day. I left school around 5pm though and took a bus on the highway.
“Really! That was the same time I left too, I left around 5pm and there’s every possibility that I drove passed you, since we left the school at the same time”
“It’s true o. But you know the funniest thing is that even if I see your car I wouldn’t have waved your car down on the highway because I don’t like taking free ride from private cars not knowing that I’ll still end up in your car” Ireoluwa revealed.
“Stopping an unknown car could be dangerous, that I know, so I understand your fear but at the same time it is dangerous to also take commercial buses on the highway, its better you go to the motor park, that’s a lot more safer” Fullhouse advised.
“You are right, it just that the highway commercial vehicles are faster, I know they are cheaper too but I take them because they are faster than motor parks but now I have learnt my lessons”
“Good”
“You know I still can’t believe I took a private car on the road and at night for that matter”
“Imagine, who would have thought that the private car you won’t ride on a good day will be the same to take you home”
“Irony of life” She shouldered. “Hold up, why did we now meet at that time of the night when you left early?” Ireoluwa questioned.
“My car broke down and I didn’t get a mechanic to fix it on time because of the heavy rain. But I think everything so far happened for a reason” Fullhouse explained.
“Obviously!”
“If I didn’t had a stop over, I wouldn’t have met you on the highway”
“You are right. You are indeed God sent. And I’m sorry I acted cold towards you in the car. I was scared, I wasn’t even sure if I was safe or not”
“It’s……”
“Understandable” She took the word from his mouth.
“Really!” He exclaimed, he was surprised she knew what he was about to say.
“You have said that word more than three times since you got here. I should just call you Mr. Understandable” Ireoluwa pointed out and they both laughed.
The mother walked in on them” Ireoluwa’s mother who was a business woman stopped in front of Fullhouse. “I’m sorry, I had to attend to a customer”
“No problem ma” He smiled at her.
“So what’s the plan now? Have you discussed on how you’ll move on Saturday?” Mrs. Atanda asked and they both looked at each other. They had been discussing something entirely different from travelling plans when the woman was away. Fullhouse had to talk.
“Not really ma, I'll just come on Saturday morning to pick her”
“What time?” Ireoluwa asked.
“Is 9am okay by you?” He asked her.
“Why not make it 8am my dear, you know you are still coming back to Lagos that very day” Mrs. Atanda voiced out before her daughter could even reply.
“Mum is right, let’s make it 8am. I don’t want you to drive late too” Ireoluwa said in support of her Mum.
“Fine then, 8am it is. I’ll see you on Saturday” He said and bade good bye, Mrs. Atanda saw him off and he left the hospital for his house.
Ireoluwa's Mum liked Fullhouse already but being the spiritual person that she is, she knew outward appearance could be deceptive. She had to be careful of the kind of person she’s letting into her family most especially her daughter’s life. She sat at the waiting room before going back to her daughter's hospital room. She closed her eyes and prayed in her heart.
“Holy Spirit! Is he a nice person?” She asked in her heart.
“He is a good person” The Holy Spirit replied her instantly.
She opened her eyes immediately, unknown to her, God still wanted to speak to her but she was in her hurry. She just thanked the Holy Spirit for the reply she got and stood up. If she had tarried a bit, she would have heard more from the Holy Spirit but she was in haste to go back to her daughter.

Fullhouse got home and was still taking off his shoe then Mr. Atanda's call came through. The man actually called to thank him for helping his family out again; apparently he had been informed that Fullhouse had offered to take his daughter to school. The man would have objected to it and wouldn’t mind her daughter waiting till he returns but he just believe so much in the gentle man from the very day they met. He had taken Fullhouse to be a responsible fellow.
The next day, Ireoluwa’s mother, Mrs. Atanda called Fullhouse and informed him that they had left the hospital. Fullhouse promised to show up the next day which was Saturday according to their plan. After the woman had dropped the call, Fullhouse remembered he had to call Moyin, his fiancée, to tell her he won’t be able to take her to the wedding party. He quickly dialed her number, she picked the call and they exchanged greetings.
“I’m sorry, Moyin, I won’t be able to go with you to the party. Something important came up” He said after they’ve exchanged greetings.
“Fullhouse, so taking me to a party is not important to you, right” She queried and Fullhouse wished he could take the word ‘important’ back.
“Moyin, I said I’m sorry. I promise I’ll make it up to you” He pleaded.
“How! How!! Just tell me. Remember we too will invite people for our wedding one day. When you don’t attend weddings, who will come for ours?”
“I promise to go with you next time. Just let me know when you have another wedding”
“Okay. So what’s that important thing that came up” She asked. Fullhouse scratched his head even though she can’t see him. He knew telling her the truth is a bad idea but he wasn’t ready to lie either.
“I need to travel to Ife” He said hoping she won’t press further, although that was a dream that will never come true.
“To see your sister again, but you visited her last weekend” She stated.
“I knew it” He said in his mind before giving her a reply. “Actually, I need to take someone to Ife tomorrow” He said, expecting more questioning.
“Who?” Moyin asked.
“The girl I told you about” Fullhouse replied.
“What girl? Don’t tell me the girl you picked from the express road is the one you are referring to”
“Yes, her father travelled and…..”
“Wait! Why are you still contacting them? I mean, you owe them nothing!”
“Sure, it’s just that they have my contact and we’ve been talking. It’s a nice family and I didn’t see anything wrong in getting acquainted with them. At least we meet new people everyday”
“You have one minute remaining” The female voice of Fullhouse's service provider said.
“Let me recharge and call you back” He said to Moyin and hang up but she called back instead.
“Hello” Moyin said and he replied her.
“Fullhouse, sometimes I don’t just understand you. Must you get acquainted with everybody you come across with? People are wicked and I hope you know that. I just pray you won’t fall victim……”
“They are good people Moyin, trust me” He cut in.
“And the girl?” She asked. Fullhouse already knew that was what her worry is all about.
“What about the girl?” He feigned ignorance.
“You’ve not answered my question!”
“Yes, because there’s nothing to answer. Moyin the girl is just sixteen, she’s Oreoluwa's age mate. So do you still want to raise an eyebrow?”
“Eh! If I talk now, you’ll say…..”
“I’ll say what? You are ten years older than this girl. So have a rethink before you make her your rival like you did with the other female friends in my life”
“Fine, if you insist on playing your family friend things, no problem. I have just one condition”
“Condition, Moyin…Okay let’s hear it’”

Gvnl:
Thank you for calling me out, dear. I will sure follow this new book, I'm sure I'll learn a lot.

Thank you.

Welcome on board Gvnl

Ann2012:

Seat booked, pls pass me the popcorn

Welcome on board.

aprilwise:
This is a mind blowing masterpiece.

Thank you.....

vickyluvspices:
Nice one Op
Seated already

So someone can bear the name Fullhouse

It's a nick name......

CHAPTER 6
The next weekend, on Saturday morning, Fullhouse left his house in his car and embarked on his journey to Ile-Ife to visit her sister, Oreoluwa who school in Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). He didn’t inform her, not even his parents. The only person who knew about the journey was Gbotemi and he had warned him not to disclose it to Oreoluwa. He hoped that Gbotemi will not bail on him though. Even if he does, Fullhouse will find out. He can read Oreoluwa like a book, if she is surprised to see him, he’ll know and if she feigns surprise, he will equally know.
He finished from OAU so it was very easy for him to find his way around. More so, he and Gbotemi were the ones who brought Oreoluwa to school when she gained admission. They helped her bring her things to her hostel, so he needed no description. He stopped in front of her room and knocked. He was carrying four plastic bags with him, two bags on each hand. A girl opened the door; she took a quick glance at him and then smiled.
“Good day ma’am” He said with courtesy. The girl accessed him from head to toe this time around, and then smiled again.
“Let Moyin catch you” Fullhouse said in his mind when he realized that the girl was actually checking him out. “Girls and fine boy itch” He thought.
“How can I help you Mr. Handsome?” She asked blushing.
“Please I’m asking after Oreoluwa” The girl looked at him keenly this time and saw the resemblance.
“Wow! You are Oreoluwa's brother right?” She asked and he nodded.
“Can you please…...?” She didn’t allow him finish.
“Oreoluwa!” She called out. “You have a visitor”
“Visitor!” Fullhouse heard her sister's voice from inside.
“Yes, it’s your…..” She was about to say brother but Fullhouse playfully shush her. She smiled and gave him a lip sealed sign. Oreoluwa came to the door, her eyes widened in surprise when she saw her brother.
“Fullhouse!” She screamed and jumped on him and he was so quick to catch his sweet kid sister. As strict as he was to his sister, Oreoluwa loved him like nothing else matters. He gave her a bear hug.
“Hi kid sister”
“I’m so happy to see you, thanks for coming” She said with a broad smile.
“Anything for my sweetheart” He said. Oreoluwa took the bags from him.
“They are all yours”
“Thank you…..God bless you for me” She said and ushered him into the room.
The only person in the room was the girl who attended to him earlier. Oreoluwa introduced them. Some minutes later, the girl told the siblings that she was going out. Fullhouse brought out his wallets and gave her some naira notes. She thanked him and left. Fullhouse called their parents and told them he was with Oreoluwa. They were surprised and happy at the same time. He called Moyin too, he was about to call Gbotemi but his call came through so he picked the call. They spoke for few minutes; Gbotemi also spoke with Oreoluwa before ending the call.
Some minutes later, Fullhouse took his sister out to have fun. Oreoluwa was so happy, they had so much fun, as he took her around, showing off that he was once a student of that school. By the time Fullhouse was ready to leave, Oreoluwa wished the fun could continue. He left OAU by 5:00pm and headed back to Lagos.
Forty five minutes into the drive, his car broke down. He pulled over and this heavy rain started. It was difficult for him to get a mechanic in the rain as he tried to get one. He tried fixing the car himself but everything he did, didn’t work. He had to wait till the rain subsided in order to search for a road side mechanic. It was already getting dark and the rain was still drizzling, he started his search for a mechanic all over again.
He met a man who was hiding under a tree that shielded him from the rain. The man beckoned on Fullhouse to come take cover from the big tree. He greeted the man and told him his plight that he was looking for a mechanic. The man told him he was a mechanic, he actually left his workshop before the rain started but because he couldn’t get a bus, he got stranded in the rain. He offered to help and told Fullhouse to lead him to where the car was parked. The car is like 15minutes walking distance from that spot. They walked as fast as they could in the rain and got to where the car was parked.
The mechanic started working on the car and still the car wasn’t responding. Fullhouse was so frustrated, It’s either he fixed the car or just wait by the roadside all night because all the vehicles passing by are not stopping. Even public transport did not stop and they can’t be blamed because that area was a dangerous and risky place to park. At last, the car was fixed; the mechanic spent nothing less than two hours before the car engine started. He thanked the mechanic and paid him more than what he demanded because he really tried for him. The mechanic worked tirelessly under the rain just to make sure that the car works.
Gbotemi, Moyin and Oreoluwa kept on calling him, Oreoluwa was so worried but Fullhouse calmed her that he’ll be fine.
It was already 9pm; he entered the car and continued his journey to Lagos. By the time he got to Lagos Ibadan expressway, it was 10pm. And the rain was so heavy this time around. He had to drive cautiously. “Easy Adekunle, this is Lagos-Ibadan express way” He reminded himself.
As he drove along, he saw a girl ahead who was standing by the roadside. The girl was crying profusely in the rain. She didn’t even make an attempt to wave down the passing vehicles. He slowly drove passed her and still she didn’t wave down his car, he checked the figure through the side mirror and he confirmed that he saw right. Fullhouse was like ‘Is she stranded or is she waiting for someone who will come pick her up or something?’ He was moved by her tears so he swerved to the right side of the road and stepped on the brake.
He was supposed to alight since he was willing to help the girl but he didn’t leave the car. Rather he had a rethink. “This could be a trap, Fullhouse, remember this is Lagos-Ibadan express road” He said to himself. The ignition was still on, he wanted to put the car on drive and just go his way but his eyes caught the girl again through the rear mirror, she was still there crying and he noticed she had nothing on her, from her figure she looks so young.
“God, this is me trying to be a good Samaritan, whatever the case may be, please do not let me get hurt” He prayed inwardly and alighted, he didn’t turn off the engine. He only locked the car and walked towards the girl. It was past 10pm already and the rain hasn’t stopped, his clothes were soaked already so he just walked towards the girl in his dripping wet clothes. As he moved towards the girl, the girl moved backward out of fear. So he had to call out to her.
“Don’t be scared, I’m not coming to harm you. That’s my car over there” He pointed to the car. The girl stopped her backward movements, trying to face her fears.Then he walked up to her and stop right in front of her, the rain was still pouring heavily.
“Hello. Do you need help?” He asked and the girl jerked in fear.
“Where are you heading to? It’s late, I can help you. You are safe with me, all you need to do is trust me” He beckoned.
Then she voiced out. “I’m going to Lagos, please don’t hurt me, I’m an only child, my mother can’t have kids again and my parents are waiting for me, they will be scared already because I should have been home by now” She poured out hastily, crying and pleading with her two hands clapped together.
“I’ll take you home to your parents. I promise! Just tell me where you are going and I’ll be your chauffeur for tonight” He said the word chauffeur to make her relax a bit cos she looked so tensed.
“Lagos, Festac precisely”She said with a shaky voice.
“I got you but God got the both of us. Now let’s go” He said and reached out for her hand and led her to the car. He opened the front door for her to seat. He helped her with the seat belt and closed the door. He went over to the driver side and off they went.
He made sure he wasn’t speeding because of the rain. Some minutes into the drive, he realized that she was still very scared. It was written all over her even though the wet clothes on her were causing her to shiver because she was wet from head to toe; her weaves were dripping of water. He had turn on the car heater just to keep her warm.
“What’s your name?” He asked but she didn’t say a word. He then put the first question aside and asked another.
“What happened? How did you get stranded?” He asked softly? But she was still so scared to talk. Then he remembered something he should have done earlier. He brought out his phone and handed it to her.
“Take, call your parents” Then he saw her calm down and brighten up a bit. She made the phone calls, and from the call; Fullhouse realized how disturbed her parents were already.
“My parent wants to speak with you” She said and put the phone on speaker. He spoke with them, in fact the parents were crying. He calmed them and assured them that he’ll bring her home by God's grace. Then he ended the call even though they kept on calling at every interval to check on them. And the worst part is that the rain has caused so much traffic on the road.
From the conversation of the girl and his parents, Fullhouse got to know the reason why the girl was on the roadside by that time of the night. She was coming from school. She had already called home that she was on her way not knowing that she entered a kidnappers’ bus. It was God that saved her. When she realized that she had entered the wrong bus, she started praying fervently in the bus. Then suddenly one of them suggested that they should let her go and that was how she was pushed out of the car. The kidnappers collected everything on her; the place where they dumped her was not too far from where Fullhouse picked her from.
After she had call her parents, the girl didn’t say a word again, she was quiet all through and Fullhouse also concentrated on the driving. Gbotemi called again to know where he has reached. Fullhouse told him he had already gotten to redemption camp. He explained everything to Gbotemi, how the car broke down and the hours he spent in fixing the car under the rain but he assured his friend that he’ll be fine. He explained same to every other person who called to check on him.
Finally, they entered Lagos and when they approached Festac, the girl smiled for the first time ever since he picked her up and he saw her smile. Now she knew he actually meant his words as he promised to take him home. Then seeing that she is now relaxed, Fullhouse decided to engage her in a conversation.
“You know you are really lucky. Do you know that so many people had fall victim of this wicked people but they never lived to tell the story?” He said and the girl responded.
“I know and I’m grateful to God for saving me and sending me help. Maybe your car broke down because of me”
“Hmm…maybe”
Fullhouse phone was ringing every now and then. He had told Oreoluwa, his sister not to tell their parents that he was still on the road. “You too should relax. In fact go to bed” He had instructed Oreoluwa. She called again and he told her she was already in Lagos.
“Your people too are waiting for you” The girl said when Fullhouse ended the call.
“You can see now that we are in the same shoe, though I dare not let my parent know that I’m still on the road” He pointed out.
They got to the girl’s house around 11:40pm; the road was actually free from Oshodi to Festac because it was late. By the time he pulled over in front of her gate, her parents were already waiting outside.
They rushed to the car even before she alighted. Fullhouse helped her with the seat belt when she was struggling with it out of excitement of seeing her parents. She alighted and hugged them. She cried on her mum's shoulder, the mother also cried for joy of seeing her daughter again. The father was also teary. “It is understandable” Fullhouse thought. The fear of losing an only child.
Fullhouse alighted to say hello. The girl’s mother went straight on her knees and held his legs just to thank him for bringing their daughter back safely; he had to quickly pull her up. She prayed and prayed for him till she didn’t know what else to say. The girl’s father shook hands with Fullhouse firmly, showing the in-depth of his appreciation.
“I’m Atanda by name. Thank you so much”
“All thanks to God Daddy Atanda”
“Young man, it’s late, hope you are not staying far away from here?” Mr Atanda asked.
“I should be home in less than an hour since the road is free” He replied.
“You can pass the night here it’s almost midnight. We have enough rooms” Mrs Atanda beckoned.
“Thank you ma for the offer but don’t worry, I’ll be fine”
He turned to the girl. “Take a warm bath and dry those hairs so you won’t catch a cold” He said and she nodded.
“We already have your phone number, we will save it but we don’t mind if you can drop your address as well. We really need to come down to your place to thank you” Mr Atanda said but Fullhouse told him not to bother with the address. Mr Atanda insisted, so he gave him his address.
“Sir, ma, I’ll be leaving now” He said. The girl walked him to the car and held his hands.
“Thank you!!! I don’t know what else to say. Please be safe” She said, sounding appreciative. Then she let go of his hands.
“I will. Take care too” He said and entered his car and left.
On his way home, his phone rang; it was her sister who was calling for the umpteenth time. He put the call on speaker.
“Baby sis, I told you to go to bed. I’m almost home”
“What happened exactly, I thought you said the car is now okay and still, you are not home!”
“It’s a long story sis, just go to bed. I’m fine; I’ll be home in like….20minutes”
“Then I’ll call back in twenty minutes. Be safe” She said and hung up.
“Oreoluwa worry too much just like mum. Go to bed she wouldn’t listen” Fullhouse said to himself.
His phone rang again, and it was his mum this time. “Christ! Oreoluwa has bailed on me” He said before picking the call.
“Mum, I’m almost home” He quickly said.
“Oko mi! (My son) What happened? Your father and I called you around 8pm and you said you are almost in Lagos. Your sister had to call us now. So you are still on the road. Where are you now?” Mummy Adeyinka said with a worried tone.
“Mum I’m about to enter into my estate” He said politely.
“Your father is here. Talk to him” She said and gave the phone to her husband.
“Dad I’m fine, you and mum should go and sleep”
“Fine! Call us when you get home” Daddy Adeyinka said.
“So you people won’t sleep. I’m an adult, stop worrying about me like I’m Oreoluwa”
“We'll call back in 10minutes” His father said and hung up.
He sighed. “The way parents worry over their children ehn... They don’t care if the child is grown up or not” He thought. He then remembered the look on the faces of the parents of the girl he helped when they saw their child.
His phone rang again. “Huh!” Not again” He exclaimed. It was Gbotemi.
“Guy! What’s up?”
“I’m in front of my house” Fullhouse replied.
“Really, this is 12:20am. What happened nau, the car broke down again?”
“It’s a long story my guy. I’ll see you tomorrow after church service”
“How did you get into the estate?”
“It is that our padi that is on duty. So he helped me out” He said referring to the security man that liked them.
“Good. Alright then, goodnight and rest well” Gbotemi said.
“I will. Thanks” He said and the line went off.
He got into his flat; say a little words of prayer, thanking God for a safe journey. After the short prayer, He called Oreoluwa first. “I’m home you can now go to bed now”
“I’m sorry, I put you through all these” She said to her brother.
“It’s not your fault dear. Some things happen for a reason” He said trying to be positive.
He dropped the call and called his parents as well, he called everyone except his fiancée, Moyin who he sensed had already gone to bed. But he sent her text message just in case she wakes up in the middle of the night.
He went into the bathroom to shower, he returned and heard his phone ringing
“Ooo…..Who is it again” He said tiredly trying to figure out where the ringtone of the phone was coming from. He saw the phone on the bed where he had tossed it earlier. It has stopped ringing by the time he wanted to pick it but the caller called back immediately. It was an unsaved number. He picked it.
‘Hello, are you home?” A male voice said. Then he figured out who it was, Mr Atanda, the girl’s father. “I’m home sir, thank you”
“Thank God, I also want to thank you for helping my family today. What you did for us is something we would never forget. Thank you for saving our daughter”
“Let’s give all thanks to God sir”
“My wife and daughter are also saying hello”
“They should have gone to bed sir, especially your daughter who had been through a lot today. Now you all should go to bed”
“Alright my dear, thanks once again. Goodnight”
“Goodnight sir” He replied and the line went off.
He stood up from the bed and went to the kitchen to get a drink. He was too tired to eat.
At the girl’s end also, Mr. Atanda, told his family that everyone can now go to bed that Fullhouse got home safely.
“Hope he’s fine?” Mrs Atanda asked.
“Yes he is. Let us pray” He prayed with his family and thank God for saving their daughter’s life. They went to bed afterwards.

Invite:
Humbleness, Gvnl, InestimableJoy, Divineroyalty,
genius43, bukatyne, Asco9ty5, olatex25, Ann2012

Fans of Toyin Taiwo, a brand New book is out titled UNDERRATED. Available on okadabooks.
https://m.okadabooks.com/book/about/underrated/37855

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Ven97:
Another blockbuster from rachealfst. Welcome back

Thank you

CHAPTER 5
Fullhouse was at his friend's place on a Saturday evening. The duo was in the kitchen cooking together. In the middle of their gist, Fullhouse informed Gbotemi that he wants to go pay Oreoluwa a visit in school the next weekend.
“Wow! Finally, you want to pay her a visit. Oreoluwa will be so happy”
“Eh! Eh! Don’t tell her I’m visiting o” Fullhouse warned.
“Don’t start; you want to sneak in on her? Guy! Were you born in 1630? Even Parents don’t do that anymore”
“And that is why their children are wayward in school and pretend to be a saint at home. Nothing to put them in check” He pointed out.
“Really” Gbotemi raised his brow.
“Whenever you visit her, you inform her first but as for me, I don’t subscribe to that”
“Free this girl nau….”
“How will I put her in check when she’s aware that I’m coming? So Gbotemi please keep your opinion to yourself”
“You know what? I pity your unborn children especially the female ones. They will suffer in your hand, ehn”
“They can’t suffer. All I want is to raise godly children. Anyway, I’m not even planning to have any female child if God permits. So you don’t have to pity a daughter I won’t have” He said and patted Gbotemi's back. He left his side to get beef from the freezer.
After cooking, they settled down on the couch to eat their delicious bachelor's meal and stepped it down with a chilled fresh orange juice. After that, they both delved into their relationship issues.
“Moyin is getting worse by the day. She will always bring up one issue or the other just to stir up fight and get me annoyed. Gbotemi I’m getting fed up” Fullhouse opened up.
“Same here, Darasimi is not giving me breathing space as well. She’s always monitoring me but guess what? I love her still. My plan is to hasten the wedding, at least when I put a ring on it, all that insecurities will be over” He said.
“Hmm…..” Fullhouse sighed.
“Don’t just sigh; I think you should do the same. I suggest we plan for three months time” Gbotemi suggested.
“Hold on! You mean the wedding?”
“Yes, that had been our plan nau, our weddings will be one week interval. So we can go for our honeymoon together” Gbotemi reminded him.
“Guy! I can’t get married in three month. I don’t even know the woman I want to marry anymore” Fullhouse confessed.
“Fullhouse, listen, I’m scared too. Every guy is scared to take this step”
“Gbotemi I think my own kind of fear is different from yours”
“Our relationship is five years now. We proposed a year ago. Do you want us to turn these ladies to ‘Lord of the rings'?
“Some people wed after two years of proposal nau” Fullhouse said.
“Two years! Darasimi will kill me” Gbotemi said and they both laughed.
“I know it’s not right to propose and still wait years before getting married but who knows what makes people stay so long before settling down. The guy might have doubt after proposal just like what I’m experiencing now” Fullhouse explained.
“Are you saying you are having doubt?” Gbotemi asked. He was about to reply but the door bell chimed. Gbotemi went to get the door and he came in with Darasimi.
“Here comes the first lady” Fullhouse said jokingly. He picked his phone and keys, ready to leave as Darasimi walked towards him.
“Don’t tell me you are leaving because of me”
He smiled and walked past her to the door. “Two is company, three is crowd. I’ll see you some other time dear” Fullhouse waved her goodbye and left.
Gbotemi did not like the idea of him leaving because of Darasimi’s arrival but what can he do. They are just ten minutes away from each other; he can go see him anytime he feels like.
Fullhouse got back to his apartment. He put a call through to his parents and sibling to ask how their weekend was going. Lastly, he called Moyin who asked if she could come check on him since she was also free that weekend and he told her to come.
Moyin walked into Fullhouse' open arms. He hugged and kissed her on the cheek. The couple was interrupted by the door bell. He released her and went to get the door. He opened and it was his female colleagues at work, Martha and Precious who lived on the same estate. Fullhouse scratched his head and feigned a smile. He had completely forgotten that the ladies promised to visit him and Gbotemi that weekend.
Martha and Precious entered joyfully hoping to have fun at their colleague’s place. They greeted Moyin who they met in the sitting room and like the typical jealous Moyin, she replied them coldly despite all the warm embrace the ladies gave her. She went into the bedroom leaving the three in the sitting room.
“Where’s Gbotemi, I thought he’ll be here?” Martha asked as Fullhouse ushered them to sit.
“He's at his place. I left there not quite long” He replied.
“Wow! This place is so nice” Precious commended and Martha seconded it. Fullhouse replied ‘thanks’ and excused himself and went into the bedroom.
He was not surprised at what he saw back in the sitting room. Moyin sat on the bed shaking her legs as she fumes with anger.
“Moyin! What did you just do back there?”
“Seriously, I mean are you seriously asking me that question. Adekunle, you just move into this place in less than a month and the whole office already knew your place.
“The whole office! Moyin”
“Must you tell the whole world where you reside?” She tackled.
He smiled trying to calm himself down because everything she said got him furious and Moyin was really getting on his nerves. He took a deep breath.
“Moyin, you know you don’t have to act like that towards my colleagues regardless of anything you think or feel right now. Imagine, two people came to visit me and you referred to them as the whole office and the whole world. Secondly, those two live on the same estate with me. So if I want to cheat on you won’t I go to their place instead, when I know you can bump into them anytime at my place….”
“Wait o, it’s like I’m missing something here, did you just say those two live in this estate?”
“You heard me”
“Wait o, how on earth did Darasimi and I forget that we came to this same estate last year for that Precious’s birthday party”
“Reason why we got the apartments without your consent because I still don’t know you girls’ problem”
“So… you purposely got an apartment in the same estate with them. No wonder you guys didn’t tell us about the accommodation until after you’ve paid for it” She stated.
“Lower your voice Moyin, those ladies don’t really have to find out who you are, that’s if they haven’t figure it out already”
“Really, so I’m the bad person right. Fine, if they have figured it out, why are they still sitting out there?”
“I’m not going to stand here and exchange words with you, just leave this room and go keep them company while I fix the refreshment because I know you will not entertain them”
“Me, go keep their company! Those who are planning to snatch my man from me. Never! Mind you, I’m not leaving this room till they leave” She said affirmatively.
“Moyin, I will not repeat myself. I’m off to the kitchen” He said and left her in the room.
She evaluated Fullhouse last words and because she knew the kind of a man she’s dealing with, he must not meet her in that room so she had no choice than to go back to the sitting room to play the nice lady.
An hour later, the visitor left. The two didn’t talk to each other for close to an hour. Fullhouse decided to break the silence.
“Moyin, do you know what is killing whatever love and affection we have left in this relationship? It’s this attitude of yours and what amuse me is that you are not like this before. Moyin this is not the woman I fell in love with. Why don’t you change and let us go back to what we use to be in the beginning” He pleaded with her.
She didn’t say a word to everything he said.
“Can I take you home?” He asked and still she didn’t reply.
“I mean there’s no point staying, when we are not even talking” He said.
No reply still. She just kept on looking through her phone.
“Fine, I’ll take a stroll down the street. I can’t stay in an unfriendly environment. I need fresh air” He said and stood up. Moyin jumped on her feet immediately and quickly block him from leaving.
“You are going nowhere, you want to go and meet them abi. So you can continue from where you stop”
“Moyin, I hope you remember we are not yet married. That engagement ring on your finger is deceiving you, right” He said and shook his head.
Moyin sobered up immediately. She knew she had over stepped her boundary. For him to have reminded her of their relationship status, it meant he can do and undo.
“I’m sorry” She quickly went on her knees and held his legs pleading and crying.
“Moyin stand up, you don’t have to kneel down to beg me” He said and forcefully carried her up on her feet because she refused to stand up.
She sat on the chair and started crying. Fullhouse knew it was just crocodile’s tears that she was shedding. Moyin will not change.
“I’ll take you home” He said and she humbly agreed this time. Immediately Fullhouse dropped her off and left, she called Darasimi.
“Hello, how are you…..” Darasimi was still greeting her but Moyin interrupted her.
“See, I didn’t call for pleasentaries, do you know Precious and Martha lives on the same estate with our fiancés?”
“What! Wait o, this is the same estate…….”
“Now you get it, Precious birthday party”
“What are these guys up to?”
“I don’t know o”
“I need to go, my head is spinning right now” Darasimi said and ended the call. Then Gbotemi stepped into the bedroom where she was sitting.
“Gbotemi, how dare you” She screamed.

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CHAPTER 4
“There was this boy and his girlfriend who were both fervent workers in Church. The guy is the choir master while the girlfriend is also a member of the choir. One day, the Church Pastor paid the guy a visit unannounced. Just like what happened in your own case” Mr. Egbayelo pointed at Fullhouse. Then he continued. “On that very day, the boy was in the room with his girlfriend and they were having sex. Just like what happened….”
“In your case” The two friends helped him complete the sentence because they knew he won’t stop referring to it until he’s through with the story. Mr Egbayelo knew they’ve started whining him again. He eyed the both of them and continued.
“Then the Pastor came knocking. They first ignored the knock but then they heard the Pastor's voice. And guess what it’s just a single room, there’s no place for the girl to hide unlike what happened….”
“Boss continue the story nau” Gbotemi said impatiently.
“The Pastor kept on knocking and guess what?”
“Boss, just tell us what happened nau” Fullhouse said.
“Fine, I’ll tell you. The two started speaking in tongues pretending as if they were praying together”
“What?” They both exclaimed. Mr Egbayelo continued.
“The Pastor smiled when he heard prayers coming from the room. He was happy that the guy was busy praying despite the fact that it was afternoon. So he turned to leave but suddenly he heard a scream coming from the room, he tried to open the door but he couldn’t, so the Pastor called for help. With the help of the neighbours, they were able to pull down the door. By the time they entered, the guy and his girlfriend were already burnt to death”
“Jesus!” Fullhouse and Gbotemi exclaimed.
“Nothing in the room got burnt, not even the mattress they lay on, just the couple alone was burnt”
“Hmm….no wonder the Bible says every sin can be forgiven but the sin against the Holy Spirit cannot be forgiven” Fullhouse stated.
“You are right o, they shouldn’t have spoken in tongues nau” Gbotemi said, then Mr. Egbayelo continued with his story.
“The Pastor who knew nothing about what was initially going on behind the closed door lifted up his voice and said ‘God! But these people were praying' And God spoke to him and said ‘They only pretended to be praying when they heard your voice, they were actually having sex' that was how this young ones lost their lives” He narrated.
“Why, they shouldn’t have done that nau” Gbotemi lamented.
“You see….that’s why I said it was better the way Fullhouse came out clean” Mr Egbayelo pointed out.
“And you know what boss, they did all that just because they want to avoid suspension or the shame of facing the rest of the workers in Church” Fullhouse said and his boss nodded.
“The lesson here is that we can deceive man but we can’t deceive God” Mr Egbayelo concluded and stood up. The two friends sighed; they feared God the more that very day.
“Now, get back to work” He said and patted the guys’ shoulders. He walked towards the door and Fullhouse followed.
Fullhouse called Moyin the next day and told her that they needed to go see the Pastor one on one but she made it point clear that she won’t go with him. Another thing he doesn’t like about Moyin, you can never tell her to do something except she feels like doing it. Fullhouse decided to pay the Pastor a visit alone that very week.
“Where’s your fiancée?” That was the first question Pastor Gabriel asked him when he met with the Pastor.
“She didn’t want to come, maybe she’s shy of facing you” He tried to defend her.
The Pastor sat him down and they heard a long talk about relationship, marriage and life in general.
By the time Fullhouse got home, he realised the harms youths expose themselves to when they run away from the counsel of men of God. He made up his mind to create time to visit the Pastor once in a while, because the lessons he learnt from the man of God that day was priceless.

******
Weeks later, the two friends had moved into their new apartment. They employed the services of an interior décor who did a good job on the interior of the house. Moyin and Fullhouse had also stopped having sex ever since the encounter they had with the Pastor.
One day, fullhouse was working on his laptop in the office when Gbotemi barged in on him.
“What! Guy! Easy nau” Fullhouse said.
“I don’t like the way you treat that girl for Christ sake. What exactly is your problem?”
“Chill, if this is about Oreoluwa, then I’m sorry I don’t want to hear it”
“Man! You are too strict with your kid sister and I don’t like it. You can’t handle a girl like that” Gbotemi stated.
“More reason why I have to be strict with her, she is a girl and everyone is pampering her, you been the worst of them all” Fullhouse queried.
“Hold up! What’s so wrong in going for a midnight concert in the company of friends, at least she’s not going alone”
“Gbotemi, she’s sixteen”
“And she’s an undergraduate!” He countered.
“Year one, first semester undergraduate you mean” Fullhouse countered back.
“Must you spell that out? You know the only reason why you can keep tabs on her this weekend is because she’s at home. Assuming she’s in school and she followed her friends to Lagos from school, will you know?”
“She dare not. God help her if I run into her”
“Mr. Big Brother easy nau, I know I don’t have a kid sister but take it easy with the girl nau and let her enjoy her life”
“Let her go face her studies, there’s time for everything. No midnight concert. More so, it’s dangerous out there, anything can happen to her.”Fullhouse said trying to make his friend reason with him.
“Fine, I'll accompany her”
“You are bluffing!”
“Of course I’m not!”
“Don’t you have a date with Darasimi this weekend? Or you want to cancel on her because of Oreoluwa”
“Of course not”
“Oh, you want to share the weekend between them. I hope you know that Darasimi is always cold towards my sister and this is because of the pampering you give Oreoluwa”
“I’ll borrow your words now. It’s understandable” Gbotemi mimicked.
“And how long will that continue. I don’t like it. I don’t at all….Your fiancée practically dislike my sister, I only look away” Fullhouse confessed.
“If Darasimi sees a teenager as her rival, then that’s her problem. I care less” Gbotemi stated.
“Did you hear yourself?” Fullhouse questioned.
“Can I take her? Yes or No”
“No!” Fullhouse refused bluntly.
“Okay! Sooth yourself” Gbotemi said and walked out, slamming the door.
He returned to his office and took a glass of water. He dialed Oreoluwa's number and told her that he wasn’t able to convince Fullhouse. The girl was disappointed, she was 100% sure that her Uncle Gbotemi will help her convince her brother but things didn’t work out this time.
Fullhouse purposely said no this time because he had noticed that Gbotemi always come pleading on Oreoluwa’s behalf for one thing or the other.
That weekend, Gbotemi stick to the plans he had with his girlfriend. Oreoluwa was in the house with her parents all through since she couldn’t go for the concert.
Oreoluwa loved her brother so much and she knew he equally loved her, she hardly lack anything, Fullhouse provides everything for her but he is just too strict with her pertaining some stuff like going for outings, partying and hanging out with friends, especially the one he doesn’t know. Her parents always tell her that she should never see her brother as a bad person because that’s his own way of protecting his only sister.
Early on Monday morning, Oreoluwa returned back to school. Fortunately for her, she was able to watch the concert online.

CHAPTER 3
Pastor Gabriel too fondly refer to Adekunle as Fullhouse since that was the name virtually every youth in Church call him.
“Moyin……” Fullhouse fidgeted.
“Don’t answer the door” She said sternly.
“What! Our Pastor! You think he won’t know I’m inside. My car is even parked outside”
“That doesn’t mean you are in!” She countered.
“Your sandal is outside”
“No, it’s not; I took them in while you were bathing. I think we should just pretend as if nobody is in”
“I will answer the door. It’s my music and I will dance to it” He said and freed himself from her.
“I’m coming Pastor” He said trying to wear something decent.
Fullhouse opened the door for Pastor Gabriel to come in. They exchanged greetings as he stepped into the room. Fullhouse trying to catch his breath closed the door and turned and to his surprise, Moyin had vanished into thin air.
Moyin will never allow the Pastor see her in such a compromising position so she had packed her things and hid in the bathroom.
“I’m sorry for stopping by unannounced. Are you sleeping already?” Pastor Gabriel asked. Fullhouse had to think before talking, trying not to give a false reply to a man of God.
“Not exactly sir” He replied.
The man of God knew that he wasn’t alone in the room. But he didn’t mention it.
“I came to visit one of our new members in this area so I decided to check on you before leaving” Pastor explained.
“Thank you sir”
“Okay then, I'll see you during the week” He said and turned to leave. Fullhouse had a feeling that Pastor Gabriel knew what was going on even though the Pastor pretended not to.
“Ehm…..Sir!”
“Yes” Pastor Gabriel turned to reply him.
“Ehm….he scratched his head. “I’m not alone sir”
“I know!” Pastor replied. He scratched his head again.
“It’s Moyin”
“I also know that. But I thought you knew better”
“I’m sorry Pastor; I'll make things right sir”
“How” Pastor Gabriel asked frankly.
“I'll…..” He interrupted him.
“I’ll let this slide for one reason and that is because you were honest enough to tell me the truth. At least I don’t have any evidence against you. I didn’t see anyone in the room even though I know she’s hiding. I only got to know because the Holy Spirit spoke to me immediately I knocked your door that your fiancée is with you but you know that is not tenable since there is no physical evidence” He said and patted his shoulder. “The Bible says let those who are named by the name of the Lord depart from iniquity. And the Bible further says that things like this should not be named among us. Make things right my brother, you are not serving me, you are serving God and he is the rewarder of every works both good and bad” Pastor Gabriel counseled him.
“I'll make things right sir”
“When are you two planning to settle down?” Pastor Gabriel asked.
Fullhouse was about to answer but he stopped him. “Never mind, we'll talk better some other time” He said and left.
Moyin heard everything, the conversation between the Pastor and Fullhouse, she heard it all from the bathroom. She initially hated the fact that Fullhouse spilled but she later realized that he made a right decision by saying the truth, who would have thought that the HolySpirit had hinted Pastor Gabriel about her presence.
Moyin came out immediately the Pastor left. Fullhouse walked in sad.
“Are we going to be suspended?” She asked curiously.
“Is that the only thing that bothers you? Suspension!”
“I’m just asking, I just want to know what is coming for us”
“Moyin! Are you truly serving God or you are just doing eye service? Imagine, all you care about is for you not to be suspended. Anyway, I believe you heard everything. He knew you are here and since you are smart enough to hide, he said he’s not going to say a word about it in Church”
“Thank God!!” She said elated. She couldn’t imagine the shame of being called out at the workers’ meeting and the suspension.
“I think it’s high time you leave, if you had listened to me earlier, this wouldn’t have happened” He said bitterly.
Moyin was really pissing him off because he knew what was right in the first place and for more than four years of their relationship, he had avoided sex until when she started pressuring him and if he says no, she’ll say he’s cheating and getting the sex somewhere else.
Fullhouse never thought he will ever get to the spot that he found himself that night. He still couldn’t believe that he was almost caught in the act by his Pastor. He wondered where Moyin would have hid herself if he was not living in a self contained apartment.
He took a look at Moyin and she was still lying on the bed. “Moyin, go home! Haven’t you done enough?”
“Are you blaming me for this?’
“Of course I’m not. At least the sex was consensual. I’m only angry at myself”
“I’m sorry, I promise it won’t happen again”
“It’s okay. You should go now” He said. She dressed up and left. Before Fullhouse slept that night, he made up his mind to go see the Pastor at the Church office and apologize. He also decided to take Moyin along with him.
On Monday, he got to work and get down to business. After he was through with all the works on his table, he went straight to Gbotemi's office.
“What’s with your face? You didn’t show up happy this morning. I was even meaning to ask but we all know how busy Monday morning is in this office so I decide to ask you during lunch” Gbotemi said.
Fullhouse sank into the seat in front of Gbotemi and explained everything that happened after he left on Sunday night.
Fullhouse thought he was going to laugh him to scorn but Gbotemi didn’t, he actually felt for him. Gbotemi knew how important his friend’s relationship with the Pastor was; Pastor Gabriel rated him so high among the youth because of his commitment to church work, reason why the Pastor made him the church secretary. Pastor Gabriel really cherished him and he is really going to be disappointed, giving the fact that he almost caught him in the act.
“What about Moyin? Hope she wasn’t too hard on herself. Gbotemi asked.
“Moyin! All she cared about was the fact that she escaped suspension” He scoffed.
“You know the day you told me you guys have started having sex, I don’t really want to support it but I kept quiet. For God’s sake if you can abstain for sex for more than four years why not wait a little longer. I mean you are getting married this year, so why the rush. Sincerely, you guys really tried but you know I wasn’t in the best place to advise anyone on premarital sex since I indulge in it myself. Mine has started ever since the relationship started. And I don’t want to be like a kettle, calling the pot black. ” Gbotemi expressed his view.
“Hmm…you are right. The only reason why I agreed to Moyin's new policy on sex was because I actually felt that the relationship is truthfully losing its grip. So I agree to Moyin's ‘Let’s-start-having- sex' agenda. She said it will spice up our relationship but the truth is that aside the sex nothing else is spicing the relationship up” Fullhouse poured out.
“Fullhouse, will you say it yourself or should I say it for you?” Gbotemi asked with all sincerity.
“Just spill it, spill whatever you have in mind” He said but they were interrupted.
“Company Friends Association Meeting…. So you two are here lazing around on Monday morning” They both looked at the door, it was Mr Egbayelo, their boss.
“Good morning sir” They chorused and bowed in respect.
“Save your greetings. You! I was just coming from your empty office and I wasn’t surprise when your secretary said you are here. My question is….what! Are! You! Doing! Here” He nodded with each word. He wasn’t that serious though.
“Boss, I just came in few minutes ago to brief him on something. I’m sorry sir” He made a move to leave but Mr Egbayelo noticed the two friends were not smiling or whining this time around which means they are having a serious discussion.
“Where is all those playful looks and pranks” Mr. Egbayelo said in his mind and concluded that all is not well.
“You come back here” He said to Fullhouse who was already leaving. “What’s going on, what’s with the faces?” He asked, all serious now.
“Nothing sir” They said simultaneously.
“Are you kidding me? I know you two like the palm of my hands. Something is troubling you”
“Sir, it has nothing to do with the company, its personal stuff” Gbotemi answered, scratching his head.
“Go on…..” Mr. Egbayelo wanted to hear the full gist.
“Never mind” Fullhouse objected.
“He meant you shouldn’t get involve, it’s personal nau” Gbotemi added.
“Ehn..en…..It’s now personal abi. When you two use to whine me about my sex life and me too mumu boss, will be spilling everything out, you don’t know you were asking me personal questions then abi” He said but the two kept quiet again.
Mr. Egbayelo sensed that Fullhouse was the one with the problem since it was Gbotemi who was on the defensive. He then smacked Fullhouse.
“My friend talk” He said but he didn’t answer him. He was just staring at his boss.
“Fullhouse! I said, I’m listening” Mr Egbayelo demanded.
“Oh……Boss nau. Okay, the thing is that….”
“Don’t tell me you want to tell him” Gbotemi cornered his friend who was about to spill.
“Does it look like you two have a choice? I’m going nowhere until he talks” Mr. Egbayelo said and took his seat.
“Boss, its Monday morning o, remember” Gbotemi said but the boss eyed him down.
“You!” He pointed at Fullhouse. “Go on”
“Fine! My Pastor almost caught me in the act. So now he knows that his Church secretary that was supposed to be his right hand man is having pre-marital sex” He confessed.
Mr Egbayelo looked from one friend to another and busted into laughter. The two friends took their seat waiting for him to be through. He was laughing and pointing at the two, he laughed scornfully and he did it on purpose just to pay them back for all the pranks they played on him in the past. It's time to make jest of the so called perfect friends.
“Why is he laughing this hard?” Gbotemi asked his friend.
“It’s understandable. He is trying to get back at us”
Then Mr. Egbayelo pulled himself together cos he needs to get to the bottom of the matter.
“Now on a serious note, tell me the rest of the story” He said and Fullhouse narrated it all.
“You know I love your move. It’s dangerous to lie to a man of God. In fact there are some men of God you dare not lie to” Mr Egbayelo said and decided to tell them a true life story of a similar case.


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Dedication: To God Almighty.

CHAPTER 1
It was a sunny Monday morning in Lagos with the morning traffic as usual, after spending nothing less than two hours, on a route that shouldn’t have exceeded 30 minutes if not for the heavy traffic, Adekunle who is popularly known as Fullhouse finally got to work. Fullhouse was coined from the English version of his name, Kunle. After parking his car in the parking lot, he checked the time; it was 7:55am just five minute left for him to resume work. He took his laptop bag and his two phones and alighted from the car.
Fullhouse (Adekunle) made his way into the company building, Atlas Investment Company and stopped in front of an elevator. He pressed a button, the elevator door opened and he entered. The door was about to close but someone quickly rushed in then it closed. It was Gbotemi who entered, Fullhouse's one and only friend and also a colleague.
As kind as their boss, Mr. Egbayelo was, he will never condone one thing from the staff and that is lateness. And that didn’t exempt the two friends who are the heartbeat of the company.
Gbotemi took a deep breath because he actually razed to the elevator in order to catch up. Adekunle aka Fullhouse only shook his head while his friend was still trying to catch his breath, he pressed a button to take them to their office floor.
“That was close, you almost miss the ride.” Fullhouse teased.
“Good morning to you too” Gbotemi said sarcastically as he panted.
“Hope you slept well? Sorry, scratch that, you didn’t sleep. Darasimi was around, right?”
“She was and to answer the former; yes, I slept well regardless”
“You don’t need to lie my friend. It’s understandable” Adekunle hit his friend playfully. Gbotemi eyed him and adjusted his shirt.
Then the elevator door opened and the two most handsome guys in the company walked out of the elevator. Both are tall, the only difference is that Gbotemi is fair in complexion while Fullhouse (Adekunle) is dark and both are single but in a serious relationship.
Fullhouse and Gbotemi were both employed into Atlas Investment Company the same day. And the two shared the same office alone and this is where their bonding started from.
Four years down the line, the duo had turned into man-made twins. They were both in each other’s life and they had also dragged their families into their friendship because the two families are like family friends.
The most favourite of Gbotemi in Fullhouse's family is the only girl and the baby of the house, Oreoluwa who is sixteen. She just got admitted into the Obafemi Awolowo University. Gbotemi spoilt Oreoluwa rotten, to the extent that his fiancée, Darasimi was jealous of the young girl.
“If you can just treat me half the way you treat your friend's kid sister, I will be the happiest woman on earth” Gbotemi’s fiancée once told him that.
Gbotemi had tried convincing her that she can’t continue to compare herself with Oreoluwa but she was the jealous type, so she never listened. Darasimi is tall, fair and beautiful but her topnotch jealousy is the only problem Gbotemi had with her.
Speaking of pampering Oreoluwa, Fullhouse is exactly the opposite. He is so strict with his kid sister and Oreoluwa feared him more than she even feared her parents.
Fullhouse and his friends entered into their tastefully furnished office and each went straight to their desk and settled down for the day.
They also shared the same secretary as well, even though the secretary is older than them. She is in her mid 30s but the two friends loved her as the elder sister they never had, since they are both the first child in their family. Both friends are twenty eight years of age. They got their job immediately after their youth service and that was four years ago, one of the reasons why they were employed, they were young, talented and vibrant.
“Knock knock” They heard their MD's voice and stood up to acknowledge his presence.
Mr. Egbayelo was strict, principled and doesn’t take nonsense from any staff except from these two friends, Gbotemi and Fullhouse who were his weakness. He took a likeness for them from the very first day he interviewed them.
He purposely kept the two in the same office to his own advantage and that idea worked for him because those two brains turned friends, had been nothing but the pillar of the company, they were powerful team players.



CHAPTER 2
Flash back to the day these guys came seeking for job, Mr Egbayelo was supposed to give the job to just one of the numerous applicants but he was dazed when he saw the potentials in these two. He weighed his options and he realized it will be his loss, if he let one of them go, so he had no choice than to employ the two for the same job. Two heads are better than one like the saying goes. And he never regretted his actions.
“Good morning sir” The two chorused. Mr Egbayelo who was carrying an over serious look that morning, ignored their greetings.
“Today! I am standing my foot, one of you is leaving this office today, you two are no longer sharing the same office henceforth” He said sternly with his two hands folded at his back.
“No wonder boss carried face this morning. We are going nowhere boss” Gbotemi joked and both friends laughed but to their surprise their boss frowned still carrying the stern look.
“The Boss is not joking this time around o, see the look on his face” Fullhouse whispered.
“Security!” Mr Egbayelo called out and two security staff entered.
Then the two friends knew their boss was really serious. They’ve been on that issue for months and they had succeeded in cajoling him to make them stay in the same office.
“Sir…..sir….”They both stammered trying to cajole him again this time.
“Don’t sir me rats. The other office has been prepared. One of you has to evacuate and I mean now!”
“Huh!” Fullhouse exclaimed.
“Sir” said Gbotemi.
“What!” Mr. Egbayelo asked.
The two had vowed never to have separate office. They believe they can’t do without each other in the company.
“Ehm….ehm” They chorused both scratching their heads.
“One of you should just talk and stop stammering” He ordered.
“Okay. Fine, I'll go first” Gbotemi said.
“I’m listening. Ten seconds!” Mr Egbayelo said.
“Sir, I thought we’ve agreed on this nau……” He said slyly.
“Time up! Next!” He cut him short.
“Ehm….sir. Do you know this will be an extra cost on the company? You know…..you have to…..get extra secretary for us…….”
“Mtchww” Mr Egbayelo hissed and cut in. “Am I complaining, is it your money?”
“Boss nau” They tried to plead with him.
“You don’t get it, you two are bosses now and it looks somehow that the top staff of the company are sharing the same office. Even our clients who come for business transactions won’t understand. It’s relegating, don’t you get!”
“Oh! So you are doing all this because of our clients” Fullhouse chirp in.
“If all this is about the clients, then, who cares?”Gbotemi added.
“I care” Mr. Egbayelo objected.
“Well, It’s understandable but we'll think about it” Fullhouse said trying to prank him like before.
“Hun! You’ve been thinking about it for the past two years and both of you haven’t decided who is moving. So today, one of you is moving to the new office”
“Boss….”
“Move the stuff now” Mr. Egbayelo ordered the security men.
“Which of them is leaving sir” One of the security men asked.
“They refuse to decide, so decide for them” He replied.
Then they started moving Fullhouse's things without thinking twice.
The two friends opened their mouth in awe. Reality hit them; Mr Egbayelo meant business this time around after two years of going back and forth when it comes to the issue of separating office.
Thirty minutes later, the new office was set and Fullhouse left for his office reluctantly after hugging Gbotemi tightly as if that would be the last time they’ll see each other.
Mr Egbayelo knew work will suffer for that day because of the displacement. Indeed, work was slow that day and it was not deliberate.
During lunch time, the two were the topic for discussion on each table at the company cafeteria. The other staff teased them but the two waved it off. They told their colleagues to mind their business. The two were loved by their colleagues because despite the fact that they head the key position of the company that didn’t stop them from relating with the junior staffs. They were very playful and funny and their number one fans in the office are the female colleagues. The single ones have crush on them and wished they could date them but it’s a pity that both are engaged. They are not players; either do they mix business with pleasures, they only relate with the ladies as friends, no string attached.
Before they knew it, the two started adjusting, you know guys; they adjust easily, so the two friends started getting use to their ‘separate office’ life.
Weeks later, on a Friday after work, Gbotemi decided to spend the weekend at his friend's place. Fullhouse had stocked the house with food, drinks and everything they needed to have a swell time. Both knew how to cook but Gbotemi was a better cook. They only eat out during lunch time at work but once they are home, they cook.
Another thing the two friends have in common was relationship issue. They had beautiful girlfriends with good qualities but there is a but in the two ladies. As if cursed or something, Gbotemi and Fullhouse are both in four solid years relationship and the two ladies are over possessive and that is their buts. Aside that, they are wonderful ladies and they have a job even though not as high paid as their men.
Around 8pm when the friends were enjoying their space, Gbotemi's phone rang; it was his fiancée, Darasimi.
“Hello sweetheart” He said when he picked the call.
“I’m at your place and I left the spare key at your place last weekend. Where are you?”
“I’m at Fullhouse's” Gbotemi replied.
“When are you coming back, you can’t keep me outside nau”
“Darasimi! I specifically told you yesterday that I’ll be spending the weekend with Fullhouse” He said impatiently.
“So what about the plan I have for us before your own plan came up?”
“And you think I was bluffing when I said ‘no' to those plans of yours. Darasimi, you spent the last weekend with me for God sake”
“And you see Fullhouse every day at work!” She countered.
“It’s stale news that we no longer share the same office. I think you know that”
“So! Are you telling me that you don’t see each other at work? Gbotemi, just get down here fast and stop keeping me waiting”
“Darasimi, I was at your place yesterday after work. Please I need the ‘guy-time’ He said quoting the word guy-time with his two left fingers. “So go home!”
“Gbotemi!”
“My friend, take a taxi and head back home, it’s already getting late. Call me when you get home. Love you. Bye!” He said and ended the call.
Darasimi looked at the phone again to be sure if her fiancé actually hang up on her. She left the place in annoyance as she flagged down a taxi.
“Gbotemi I don’t like that. You should have told her to come over instead” Fullhouse said.
“You don’t get, Darasimi is not ready to share her man with anybody, even if it’s just for one weekend. And why on earth should I ask her to come down here. Am I the only guy that has a fiancée? Must she follow me everywhere?”
“I understand. You know I have someone like her in my life too but we just have to put up with them” He counseled.
“Let her go to her father's house jare, it’s not compulsory we spend all weekends together abeg”
“Just call her and apologize, you played a fast one on her too” Fullhouse pointed out.
“I’ll call her in another one hour; she should be home by then. I’ll only call to find out if she got home safely. My guy! I won’t apologize”
“Gbotemi!”
“Fullhouse, we can’t keep on pampering these ladies. For God’s sake, their over possessiveness is getting out of hand”
“I agree but we can’t stop it in a day”
“True, reason why we should start taking our stand on some matters now”
While they were still talking, Fullhouse’s phone too rang and it was his fiancée, Moyin was on the line. She is also a beauty to behold, tall and dark skin.
He picked the call and they got talking for few minutes, Moyin told Fullhouse to pass the phone to his friend just to say hi. Fullhouse handed the phone to Gbotemi who spoke briefly with her and he handed the phone back to his friend. They talked for some minutes before ending the call.
An hour later, Gbotemi called to know if Darasimi was home. From the tone of her voice she was still angry as she kept on giving him one word answers. Gbotemi knew they can’t have a descent conversation with the way she was responding so he ended the call with ‘Good night, I love you’.
“How far?” Fullhouse asked his friend after he ended the call.
“You need to see the way she was answering me on phone” Gbotemi replied.
“It’s understandable” Fullhouse said. That was his regular slogan. He can’t have a conversation without adding the word ‘It’s understandable’ and everyone who is close to him knew this about him.
Weekend was fun; the two friends watched the weekend football matches together. One is Barcelona FC fan while the other is a Real Madrid FC fan.
On Sunday morning, they went to church together. They came back and prepared lunch and afterward they resumed to their video game.
In the evening, they met with a real estate agent because they planned to get a bigger apartment, since the two were planning to get married that very year.
They finally got the apartment they liked in the same estate, although it was ten minutes walking distance apart. They loved what they saw in the apartment and they paid for it.
Gbotemi and Fullhouse would have involved their women but they decided against it because they won’t allow them rent the place. They will totally disagree out of jealousy, reason been that two of their female colleagues live in the same estate. Precious and Martha are very close to the two guys and they do visit them but Darasimi and Moyin don’t really like the fact that they were close to their fiancés. They only try to play along as if they like Precious and Martha. They got to know where they lived because they had once followed their fiancés to Precious birthday party.
After the payment, Gbotemi went back to his house to prepare for Monday and Fullhouse headed back to his own place as well. He got home and parked his car in the compound,he lived in a room self contained apartment. Despite the fact that he was earning well he never saw the need of getting a bigger apartment. He believed he needed one whenever he is ready to settle down for marriage.
As he was about to unlock the door, he saw his fiancée’s sandal by the door. He didn’t bother to use his key, he just knocked and she opened.
“Welcome” She said, not smiling.
“Moyin, you didn’t tell me you were coming. I saw you in church this morning and we even spoke on phone a while ago” He said not smiling either.
“Okay….I'm sorry” She smiled this time trying to appease him. Moyin already sensed that he wasn’t happy with her.
“Hold on Moyin, have you ever caught me cheating on you before?”
“Fullhouse……” She drawled.
“Just answer my question!”
“No” She replied. Knowing where the conversation is heading to.
“So why sneaking up on me. At least you knew Gbotemi was here for the weekend”
“Fullhouse I don’t see anything wrong in stopping by unannounced”
“And that will stop as from today. You were in Church last week Sunday when I was appointed as the new Church secretary. I’ve also joined the Sunday school department, which means I have to practice what I teach, so that sneaking in and out of my apartment has to stop!”
“You are joking. Are you the only church worker here? I’m a chorister too. And you were the one who drove me into all this when girls won’t stop coming after you. So I decided to protect what I have” She poured out.
“And the only way you can do this is by introducing sex into this relationship!”
“What's the big deal? Who doesn’t have premarital sex? Even your friend does it”
“You can’t compare the relationship I have with God with that of Gbotemi. He doesn’t even get involve in any church activities” He pointed out.
“What difference does it make? We are all Christians. More so, we never had sex until few months ago when I realized that I’m slowly loosing you”
“It’s not sex that is making you lose me. Think and open your eyes Moyin, it’s your attitude, jealousy and over possessive nature. It’s a big turn off for me. Don’t you get it?”
“Fine, it’s my fault, right. Please who turned me into this? When you are busy giving ladies attention here and there, then what do you expect me to do. You don’t even know where to draw the line. Your female colleagues are there o, sisters in church are not left out o. Girls keep flocking around you, Mr. Ladies man. And you expect me to do nothing about it!”
“And you think sleeping over slash having sex with me will fix that. Can't you just trust me for once in your life?”
“Of course I trust you but I have to protect my man”
“You know what, sooth yourself but you are not sleeping in this house tonight”
“That will not work, I’m going nowhere. Fullhouse are you expecting someone and you are now trying to stylishly drive me away?” She asked subtly.
“Think whatever you want” He said and dropped his car keys on top of the glass shelf, and walked into the bathroom to shower.
He came out in his boxers only and Moyin had already changed into a night gown, a revealing one at that.
“I thought I made myself clear. It’s just 7pm, go home Moyin” He ordered but she ignored him. Instead, she moved closer to him and placed her hands on his bare chest.
“Fullhouse, I miss you” She said seductively.
“Moyin, stop” He said as soon as she started caressing him.
“It’s been more than three weeks we had sex”
“So you are keeping records. I told you it was a foolish move and it has to stop. No more sex till we get married and that is happening anytime soon”
“Really!” She lightened up.
“Yes, I just got an apartment today. So you should know I’m serious”
Then instead of her to be happy, she carried an angry face.
“How on earth will you get an apartment without informing me? Are we not going to live in that apartment together?”
“You are right, I should have informed you. I’m sorry”
“Fine! Apology accepted. We need to celebrate this” She said and hugged him tight.
“Celebrate what! You are not sleeping over and I mean it. In fact, I'll drop you off, so change your clothes, I'll dress up too”
“Don’t drop me off, I’ll find my way but please I seriously need you” She said, trying to seduce him. She was all over him as she rubbed her hands gently on his balls and he moaned.
She got him this time around as they started undressing each other. Next, he was already on top of her riding her. Then they heard a knock on the door.
“Are you expecting someone?” Moyin asked.
“No” He said inaudibly as Moyin who was now on top of him wouldn’t stop riding him. Then the knock came again. He rolled over her.
“Let me get the door” He said.
“No…….” She said and covered his lips with her mouth. He was about to respond to the kiss then be heard a familiar voice.
“Fullhouse!” The voice called.
“Jesus!” They both froze. It was their Pastor's voice.

PS:
Underrated is available on okadabooks.
https://m.okadabooks.com/book/about/underrated/37855

UNDERRATED, A brand new book from Toyin Taiwo.
The author of I fell in love, Wrong Number, Anike, Broken Hedge, Pastorzoned and Tolerated.