blesskewe:
Am not going to bash you or anything like that
But omo
This story don over Tay

I know. No vex

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On the third day after I had moved in with Broda, he returned home that afternoon and happily informed me that the had sold of Mama’s wedding jewelry for the sum of 250,000.

“Happy birthday my love.” He said before he kissed me.

I smiled and looked at him with surprise.

“You thought I forgot?” He laughed. “I planned something special for you tonight. I’ll take you out this night.”

I felt giddy as Broda had never taken me out on a date before. I shook my head at the thought of it, no man had ever taken me out on a date and I’ve had 4 kids and been married twice.

That evening, I wore a short pink dress that I had stolen from Nkiru’s wardrobe before I came to Lagos. I packed my long natural hair in a bun. I didn’t have any makeup so I went out bare faced.

I had thought Broda was taking me to a fancy restaurant or something of that sort but to my dismay, it was a local bar our bike stopped at.

“Baby, the place is nice. Big men come here…you would love their palm wine.” Broda said when he saw my sour face.

I pulled down my dress to properly cover my thighs as most of the men were staring at me when Broda left me to search for vacant seats.

The bar was big and crowded. It was filled mostly with loud, drunk and randy men while most of the women looked like local prostitutes.

I hissed as I wondered why Broda would bring me to such a crass place.

Broda signaled to me that he had found empty seats.

As I walked over to the corner where he stood, some useless men called out to me.

“Fine girl, come make I buy you drink.”

“Beautiful angel…”

“Omo, see fresh babe.”

One stupid man even grabbed my arm but I managed to quickly wring my arm free.

Broda ordered drinks and pepper soup for us. He barely spoke to me as he paid all his attention to the football match on the Tv screen.

He pulled out a roll of weed from his back pocket and I widened my eyes at him.

“No level. This place is safe. Other people are smoking too.” He chuckled after I warned him.

I had already started to doze off out of boredom when I felt Broda’s hand rubbing my laps.

I rubbed my eyes and smiled at him. “Can we go home now? Sleep Dey catch me.”

He shook his head. “So early? I haven’t even given you your birthday gift yet.”

I grinned sheepishly as I wondered what it was.

“Come let me show you.” Broda took my hand led me to out of the bar.

As we walked to the back of the building, I gave Broda a frightened look. “Where we Dey go?”

The place was almost dark save for a rays of light that came from the main bar.

“You too dey fear.” Broda teased me. He placed his hands on my breasts and began to squeeze them.

“Stop.” I felt embarrassed. I looked about to see if anyone was watching us.

Broda kissed me as he wiggled his hand under my dress. He slid my panties aside to make room for his fingers.

“You look amazing. See how everyone was staring at you in the bar.” He whispered in my ear before he gave my neck soft gentle bites.

“Baby, stop…let’s go home.” My voice sounded throaty, I was already feeling the wetness between my legs as Broda’s fingers did their magic.

I did my best to stop myself from moaning out loud. I heard the loud voices coming from the bar and it made me uncomfortable.

Broda turned me to face the stack of beer crates that had formed a mini wall.

When he raised up my dress, I tried to turn back but he held me to stay still. “Trust me.” He said.

Goosebumps filled my body as the cold night’s breeze touched my exposed skin.

Broda pulled down my panties before he gently guided himself into me.

After a few strokes, I stopped feeling ashamed as I almost forgot where we were. I started to moan loudly at the intense pleasure I felt.

“Oga I hail o!” I heard a voice call out and voices of laughter followed. The voices sounded so close that I was sure they could see my naked butt.

I didn’t raise my head out of shame. I didn’t want them to see my face.

Broda hailed them back before he resumed thrusting.

I angrily stepped away from him, not caring if people were watching. I pulled up my panties and rearranged my dress.

“Why you Dey vex?”

I ignored him and went outside the gates of the bar to stop a bike.

Tears brimmed at the corner of my eyes as I felt so cheap and embarrassed.

“Cherry, wait.” Broda held my hand. “Why are you angry? I thought we were having fun.”

“What type of fun is that?” I snapped at him as I wiped my tears.

“Calm down, don’t cry on your birthday.”

“You’ve already ruined it for me. You brought me to this local bar and took me to the back like say I be your ashawo…. Just leave me alone!”

I climbed a bike that had stopped and went home. On getting to the apartment, I realized that Broda was with the keys.

I sat down on the flower pavement and cried.
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Born2winnx:
fly back to the hole you crept from, no absolutely respect for your readers

so I got no respect to you

you think you can come here to drop updates anytime you like
once again fûck off.

I ain't reading this shitx, not today!

Abeg boss don’t vex for me….I know I’ve been late with my posts and I’ve apologized a lot. Consider me too because it’s not easy over here. I’m trying to write at my own pace and do the best I can.

I’m sorry for the late posts everyone. I respect all of you that’s why I still try to make updates when I can.

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My phone rang in the bus. My smile dropped after I picked up the call and heard Ebuka’s voice.

“Cherry, where are you? The twins are hungry. I’ve bought food for Mama and Zayan but I don’t know how to prepare their baby food.” Ebuka’s voice sounded strained. I knew the kids were giving him tough time.

“I’m coming. I’m close to the hospital.” I lied and quickly ended the call before he could say another word.

I went ahead to Barr Nkiru, Mama and Ebuka from calling my line. I decided to change my SIM card when I arrived Lagos.

****
Broda raised me up and kissed me as soon as I alighted from the bus.

“Abeg make una hold una self! Small children Dey here.” A park porter hissed at us.

We broke our kiss laughing. Broda took the small bag I was carrying and we entered a keke which took us to his place.



“Your house is fine.” I said to Broda as I walked through his one bedroom apartment.

The place looked ransacked. It was empty save for a plastic chair in the living room and a small mattress in the bedroom.

“Don’t lie abeg. My uncle has taken everything…but it looks beautiful now that you’re here.”

Broda gave a small smile before he moved closer to hug me. He slowly kissed my lips as his hands moved from my back die to my waist before he squeezed my bum through my jeans.

He was about to undo the button on my trousers when I gently pushed him away.

“I had a long journey.” I said to him. My body was already trembling from his touch but I felt too tired.

Broda’s smile revealed his perfect set of white teeth. I wanted to kiss him again.

“Sorry, I’m a bad host.” He laughed. “I cooked for you.”

I raised my brows and laughed in amusement.

“When you start to Dey cook?”

Broda’s eyes twinkled as he laughed out loud. “I Dey lie o. Make we go buy food.”

He picked me up and carried me out of his house like a new bride.

I felt at home.

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The next morning I called Nkiru. As her number dialed, I made a quick sign of the cross.

“Sister, good morning. This one you’re calling this early hope all is well.” Nkiru’s voice sounded croaky.

“All is well. Mama is fine. We are all fine.” I quickly said.

“There’s this doctor that suggested one man that can cure stroke, he said he is really good .”

“No o. Let’s stick to orthodox medicine. A lot of quacks are in town.” Nkiru cut in.

Beads of sweat formed on my forehead. Nkiru was the one holding on to Mama’s money and I knew getting her to send me 500k would be difficult.

“He is not a quack. The doctor said—“

“Sister, I practice in the hospital almost everyday. Some doctors work hand in hand with these fraudsters. We know them well. Don’t worry yourself, Mama will come out healthy.” Nkiru chuckled softly.

I hated how she spoke to me like I was a child. I’m her elder sister for Christ sake!

“Nkiru there’s no harm in trying…since I came Mama’s health hasn’t improved… I don tire to Dey see her lie down for one place, na just 500k be the man fees—“

“500 what?! Nkiru bursted out laughing. “Abeg don’t let anyone deceive you, besides Mama does not have up to that amount in her account.”

My instincts told me Nkiru was lying.

“Okay. Send 250k first let him start. If we see improvement in Mama, we will balance him the rest.”

“Sister, we can’t afford it. Remember we still have to pay Mama’s hospital bills, buy drugs and pay my school fees too.”

“Every time your school this your school that.” I snapped out of frustration. “Me wey drop out of school for you, na monkey i be? You nor fit put your school on hold till Mama recover?”

“I nor get your time.” Nkiru hissed before ending the call.

I plopped down on the chair and grew anxious after I checked the time and saw it was already 8:30am. I should have been on a bus to Lagos.

I dialed Broda’s number but it was switched off. I needed to tell him I couldn’t raise the money and ask if I could come to Lagos with the 50k in my bank account.

“Daddy!” I heard Zayan scream excitedly.

I had been so lost in my thoughts that I didn’t know when Ebuka walked in.

He picked up my son with one hand while he balanced his weight on his crutch with his other hand.

I hissed and rolled my eyes. He was the last person I wanted to see.

He limped towards where I sat.

“I’m so happy to see you again. How are you?” I thought His smile made him look foolish.

“Fine.” I mumbled.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t come as soon as I heard of your return. I had to gather some funds to make this trip.”

I stared at the wall to avoid looking at his spotted face. His presence irritated me.

“She’s asleep.” He asked pointing to Mama.

“No she’s dancing.” I replied with rude sacarsm .

Ebuka smiled awkwardly, trying to hide his embarrassment.

“I pray for her everyday to get well soon. Just like I prayed day and night for your safe return.”

I rolled my eyes again.

“”Seeing her in this condition breaks my heart. I can’t wait to see her be her cheerful self again. Let her go back to wearing her beautiful wrappers and jewelry.”

I sat up immediately as an idea popped into my head.

“Erm…Ebuka I’m coming. I need to go and get something from the house. Help me watch Mama and the kids.” I hurriedly put on my slippers and walked out of the ward.

About 20 minutes later, I was searching the nooks and crannies of Mama’s room until I finally found where she hid her jewelry box.

When I opened it, I found out it only contained the gold necklace and ring my father had give to her as her wedding gift. It meant a lot to Mama as she safely kept them for years and refused to sell it when we went hungry.

I shook my head and closed the box before I thoroughly searched her room again for other valuables but I couldn’t find anything tangible.

I was about to leave when Broda’s came in.

“You don enter bus?”

“I’m about to.”

“Time don go. Where you able to come up with the money?” Broda asked.

I felt a bit tensed. “Uhh…I’ve been trying.”

“Try harder baby, we really need it. My mum is coming next week sef. I want her to meet you.”

My head spun and I felt butterflies in my tummy.

Broda had always refused to introduce me to his family. I concluded he would take our relationship seriously this time and might even propose marriage very soon.

“Just try to get the money, let’s put things in place and start a new life.”

“Okay I will. I love you very much.”

“Call me when you reach Lagos.” He ended the call.

I turned back and took Mama’s jewelry box.

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My heart sank when I saw Mama stretched out on the hospital bed.

She smiled weakly at me and took my hand in hers. Her hand trembled as she struggled to hold on to me.

Mama mumbled some words which I could barely understand. As she spoke, I noticed her lips shifted to a corner of her jaw, slurring her words.

I was so filled with guilt that I could barely look Mama in the eye.

“Sister, it’s not your fault. Stop crying.” Nkiru came to stand next to me and lightly placed her hand on my shoulder to console me.

Nkiru looked somewhat haggard. She had lost weight, her hair looked unkempt and she had clusters of pimples on her forehead. I knew the whole situation I caused had affected her a lot.

After Mama fell asleep, Nkiru narrated to me how Mama’s business was on the verge of crumbling. Mama had to sell of most of her goods at ridiculous prices to raise money for my ransom.

She also told me Ebuka had sent Mama the sim of 550k and even kept his uncle’s taxi on sale but he couldn’t get a quick buyer.

I had a huge lump in my chest as Nkiru spoke.

“Sister are you okay? Your face is red. You need to rest.”

““ọ dị mma. I just need fresh air.”

I silently hoped Nkiru won’t read the guilt on my face. I hurriedly left the room.

As I stood in the small garden in front of the hospital building, I decided to call Broda to ease my thoughts.

I dialed his number 3 times but it didn’t go through. Even though we had spoken an hour ago, I missed him and couldn’t wait to be with him again.

I saw an elderly lady walk into the compound, guiding Zayan with one hand and holding one twin with the other while other twin was strapped to her back.

“Zayan!” I called out happily as I darted towards them.

On sighting me, Zayan squealed and raised his hands for me to lift him up. I carried him and hugged him.

“My baby. How are you?” I asked him gleefully.

He smiled back at me with his chubby dimpled cheeks. I hugged him again and buried my face in his soft curly hair as I thanked God for giving me the chance to see my children again.

“Ah Mama Zayan. Welcome! We thank God for your safety.”

I squinted my eyes at the elderly woman, trying to recognize her face but I had no idea who she was.

I took Nonye from her arms and kissed Adaora who was fast asleep on the woman’s back.

“I am your mother’s neighbor, I came for your wedding don’t you recognize me?”

I shook my head and apologized.

“I’ve been the one looking after your kids since after your kids since your mother got admitted.”

I thanked her profusely before we walked into Mama’s ward.

***
On the 5th day after my return, I was feeding the twins while Mama was asleep.

I kept on yawning tiredly, trying to fight off sleep. Nkiru had returned to school 2 days before to prepare for her upcoming exams and so I was left alone to care for Mama.

I had to bathe, feed and make sure Mama took her drugs at the same time caring for 3 children under the ages of 2. It was strenuous but I did it to appease my guilty conscience.

Broda’s call came in and I excitedly picked up as I had not heard from him in days. I was scared something bad had happened to him.

“Baby.”

I felt fuzzy and warm when I heard his voice. I dropped the plate and spoon I was using to feed the twins.

“My love, hope you are okay? I’ve been trying to reach you for days.” I whispered and looked at Mama to be sure she was still asleep.

“I’m not okay o, in fact I’m dead.”

“Wetin happen?”

“Police catch me with my uncle’s goods.”

I covered my mouth to muffle my gasp. Mama turned on her bed making me suspect she had woken up so I walked out of the room.

“Jesus…they arrested you?”
My heart raced. I knew selling human organs was a felony. Broda could be jailed for years. I didn’t want to lose him again.

“No. I bribed them. They carry me go my banks, empty my accounts. Even seize the organs on top.” He hissed.

I let out a huge sigh of relief. “Thank God.”

“Wetin you Dey thank God for? I no get one naira on me. My uncle Dey on my neck to pay him, he don seize everything wey I get for house. I nor even know where to start from.” He groaned.

I didn’t know what to say to console him. I wished I was with him so I could give him a hug.

“Come to Lagos tomorrow.” Broda suddenly said.

“I wish I could, Mama is still in the hospital and there’s no one to take care of her and my kids.”

“What your mother needs is a hood doctor, she will be alright. Cherry I need you now more than ever.”

I placed my palm over my forehead in a confused state. “I can’t leave just like that…give me 2 weeks.”

“Come tomorrow. You know say na because of you I stay back. If I came to Lag earlier the police for no catch me. But I no regret am. You’re worth the sacrifice. I need you here.”

I bit my lower lip. “I will come.”

“That’s my girl.” Broda cheered, making me smile.

“Bring money when you Dey come or you fit send am to my bank account. My house rent is due…like 500k should be manageable.”

I widened my eyes at his request. “Ha! I don’t have that kind of money o.”

“Borrow from someone na. My battery is low sef. No light. I go find where to charge and call you tomorrow. Stop at mile 2 when you enter Lagos. I’ll pick you up there. I love you.”

He ended the call before I could tell him I loved him too.

I weakly sat on the staircase as I racked my brain on where I could find such an amount of money.

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“Say it louder.” Broda ordered as he rapidly slammed himself against me.

“You own my body!” I moaned loudly as I squeezed the bedsheet with both hands .

Broda lowered his face to suck my lip before he pushed himself deeper into me. He let out a deep breath and collapsed his full weight on my body.

I gently rubbed my hands through his thick hair, savoring his scent before he rolled off me and we both struggled to catch our breaths.

The Ac was turned on to the coolest but we were both sweating like we had just ran a marathon.

Broda pulled me close to his body and planted a kiss on my forehead. I placed my hand on his firm torso and smiled contentedly.

“I love you more than anything.” I confessed to him.

“Same.” He grunted as he stood up from the bed.

He picked up his blunt and phone from the bedside table.

I admired his muscular chocolate body as he walked into the bathroom. He looked more handsome than I remembered.

I stood up from the bed and picked up a roll of toilet paper to clean up with. I felt peppery stings as I wiped off his sperm.

My whole body felt sore. We had been in the hotel room for 4 days and we couldn’t keep our hands off one another.

I laid back down on the bed to see if there was anything good on TV. There wasn’t.

As I stared blankly at a Latin soap opera with Chinese subtitles, my heart went out to Mama, Nkiru and my kids. They must think I’m dead, I thought sadly. I felt sorry for Mama especially, she had paid a huge amount for my ransom, of which I was certain was going to affect her business.

I picked up Broda’s small Nokia phone from underneath his pillow and bit my lip contemplating if I should call Mama to tell her I was fine.

I took a quick glance at the bathroom door which was still closed. I picked up and wore Broda’s shirt and wore it over my pantless bottom, the shirt was oversized and did well to cover most of my thighs so I didn’t bother to put on shorts before I sneaked out of the room.

“Hello?…hello, Mama can you hear me?” I whispered into the mouthpiece of the phone as I stood in the hallway, beside our room’s door.


“Sister, is that you?!” I could hear the joy in Nkiru’s voice.

My insides warmed up with happiness.

It has been months since Nkiru last spoke to Me after my ordeal with her fiancé.

“Yes, ọ bụ m. How are you? How is Mama? What of Zayan and my twins?”

“I should be asking how you are. We have been so worried, it’s been days since we last heard from you.”

“Nkiru I’m fine.” I assured her. “They have released me.”

“Ei! Glory be to God. Ozi Oma! This is good news! Ah, Mama will recover now….Where are you? Let me send you transport money to come back.”

“Mama fell sick?” I hastily asked in a bid to avoid Nkiru’s question. I did not have the liver to tell her I won’t return home.

“Mama had a stroke.”

“Jesus!” I gasped.

“We were so worried when we did not hear from you. Mama’s bp was already high at that point, she thought those evil men killed you. It broke her.”

Tears rolled down my eyes. If only I had called Mama earlier.

“Sister don’t cry, she will get better when she sees you. Your kids are here, they will be so happy—“

I quickly ended the door when I heard the door to our room open.

“Wetin you Dey do.” Broda asked.

I wiped my tears and sniffed. “I want to go home, My mum had a stroke, she thought I was dead…I for don call am since!”

Broda roughly snatched his phone from my hand.

“Wetin Dey worry you? You wan implicate me?”

He looked left then right before he grabbed my my hand and pulled me back into the hotel room before he securely locked the door from inside.

“What is wrong with you? What of them trace my number and talk say na me kidnap you? You nor Dey think?!” Broda snapped.

I bursted out fresh tears. “Sorry… I just say make I call mama, I know she for don Dey panic say Dey don kill me. To say I know, I for don call her since. Na my fault she get stroke!” I sobbed loudly.

The frown on Broda’s face faded and he took me into his arms to hug me.

“It’s okay. If you want to leave, I will give you money to go and meet your mum.” His deep voice was soothing.

I looked up at his handsome face. “I will come back. Make I just go see her. If she sees me, she go recover.”

Broda gently wiped the tears from under my eyes.

“You’ll meet me in Lagos when you’re ready.”

I nodded and he kissed me.

Broda had really changed, I thought.
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Broda collected the tray of food from the hotel staff at the door before he locked it securely, he walked over to the bed and dropped the tray next to me.

“You should eat. See how pale you look. Oh, I have some painkillers.” He opened the cupboard next to the bed and rummaged through it before he handed out the sachet to me. I didn’t take it from him.

Broda chuckled. “I see you don’t still trust me. If I wanted you dead, I would have let them kill you last night. Why go through the wahala myself?”

Broda was playing mind games with me, I thought. I felt perplexed. My body was shivering from the cold air conditioning in the room. The aroma of the food caused my stomach to rumble, apart from the occasional raw garri the kidnappers had fed me with I hadn’t eaten good food in the past four days.

“Cherry, eat.” Broda ordered. He sat on the bed next to me and unraveled the cutlery from the serviette paper before handing it to me.

I devoured the food hungrily and drank plenty of water before swallowing the paracetamol he gave to me. He excused himself from the room as I took a shower.

“I want to go home. Please, my family will be worried.” I said to him when he returned.

Broda sighed. He sat down on the bed next to me, his arm grazed mine and I warily shifted from him.

“Cherry, I really have nothing against you. I deserved what I got and even worse. I was a terrible person to you, I had it coming.” He took my hand into his. “I’m really sorry for all I did to you.”

I looked up at his face for the first time since we got to the hotel. A face I thought I would never see again. The same face that had caused me so much pain and trauma in the past. I didn’t know why I couldn’t bring myself to hate him as much as I should.

“I paid those guys a lot of money for them to set you free, I wouldn’t have done that if I don’t still care.”

He brushed away the hair on my face before he wiped the tears under my eyes with the back of his hand and hugged me. His scent alone brought back so many memories, both sweet and bitter ones.

“I missed you my love. Since you left I haven’t been myself.” He whispered into my ear.

As he hugged me tightly to his body, I realized how much I had missed him.

I gently pushed him away from me. “I can’t do this all over again. I have to go.” I sobbed. I hated myself for forgiving him so easily. If he was truly sorry why hadn’t he tried to find me after all these years?

“Cherry it won’t be the same, I promise. I still want you.” His light brown eyes pierced into mine and I looked away.

“How so? It’s obvious you haven’t changed one bit. You still go the extra mile to make money, now you are even dealing on human parts!” I cried.

“Cherry, you won’t understand.” He mumbled.

“I don’t want to understand. I just want to go home!”

“After you attacked me that day I fell into a coma for about a month, You fractured my skull, I had to undergo a surgery which ate a huge chunk of my savings.” Broda spoke with a solemn voice which made me feel remorseful.

He pointed at the huge scar on his face and gave a weak smile. “I have more of these on my scalp, that’s why I grew out my hair...but I deserve it. Well, when I recovered, my visa got expired. I had to take a loan from an uncle to process another visa, this time to Singapore. Turned out my documents were fake and I got arrested at the airport. I would have been jailed for up to 10 years or more if my uncle hadn’t paid the fine of $20,000. When I returned, He made me work for him, selling and transporting body parts to hospitals, ritualist and the rest to pay him back.”

Broda sighed deeply before looking into my eyes. “You were supposed to be my last trip. I couldn’t just stand by and watch you die Cherry. I didn’t have the heart to carry your pieces in a flask. I still love you. I love you with all my heart.”

He moved his face closer to mine and kissed me. As we kissed, my body felt light like a feather, it felt like I was out of the universe and walking on clouds. I forgot all my sadness, anger, pain and trauma.

I placed both arms over his shoulders and pulled him tighter to me. He slowly pressed forward till my back laid on the bed underneath him. He took his time to nibble my ears and the nape of my neck. I closed my eyes and enjoyed what he was doing to me.

“What is this?” I heard him ask.

My eyes fluttered open. I saw him pointing at the wet spots my breasts had caused on my shirt. I sat up and embarrassingly folded my arms over my breasts.

“You don born?” Broda’s sudden switch to pidgin made it obvious he was either angry or jealous. Perhaps both.

I nodded.

“For who?” He frowned.

“Which one be for who? You gree let me abort the pregnancy that time?” I retorted. “I no see money to remove the belle.”

“It’s alright.” Broda said calmly. “Boy or girl? How old?”

“Boy. He is one year old.” I hesitated a bit. “I also have twin girls. They are 6 months.”

Broda groaned. “Same Dad?”

I nodded.

I recoiled when Broda used his fist to hit the head of the bed, it caused the small mirror on it to crack.

“So you still went back to that bastard?!” He stood up from the bed and towered above me. His eyes turned glassy as they usually did in the past when he was about to hit me.

I fearfully crawled to the other side of the bed that touched the wall, far from his reach.

“It’s not like that... I couldn’t take care of the baby so I went to drop him at the man’s place...they caught me and his mother made us get married.” I stammered.

“Liar! How come you enter Abuja dey do ashawo work?!”

I gasped. The bloody kidnappers had told him!

“He kicked me out when his mother died.” I lowered my eyes and fumbled with the hem of my shirt.

“I knew you loved him! That was why I be wan leave you in the first place! You still go ahead marry and born more children for am when it was obvious he didn’t have an atom of love for you!” Broda fumed.

“I swear, you were not worth saving! I for no just waste my money!” He hissed.

“Then why are you keeping me here?! Let me go!” I cried angrily.

I climbed down from the bed and began walking towards the door.

“She’s dead.” I head Broda say with a low voice.

I turned to look at him. “Who?”

“Our daughter.” He paused. “She died in car accident with her parents last year.”

I frantically shook my head and rushed to grab Broda by his shirt.

“You are lying! See what you caused?! You killed her! So you know where she dey all these while? God will punish you!” I wailed loudly.

He didn’t try to shield his face from my slaps and blows. When I got tired of hitting him, I buried my face in his chest and sobbed. He placed his arms around my body and rubbed my back.

I felt hurt as I imagined the pain she went through as she died and I wasn’t there to help her. She never knew who I was, that I even existed.

I could vaguely remember what she looked like. I only remembered she was a spitting image of Broda.

“You didn’t even let me know her...she was the only child I was happy to have.”

Broda rocked me gently. He kissed the top of my head, then went down to my forehead, nose before taking my lips. He carried me like a baby and laid me down on the bed.

As he took off his shirt, I saw he had a large tattoo of a flying eagle on his chest.

He slowly pulled off my panties and kissed me again as he carefully entered into me. His pace was slow at first before he pounded faster. My eyes rolled and I felt almost delirious

“You see, we belong to each other.” He grunted and suddenly stopped. “Cherry, come with me. You don’t have to go home. “

“Please don’t stop.” I grumbled. We could discuss later.

He pecked me on my lips and hovered above me. Our lower bodies were still locked together.

“We can start afresh. I can tell you are not happy with the life you’re living, it’s very obvious.”

“What about my kids? I can’t just leave them.” I moaned. I didn’t mention about my marriage to Ebuka.

“They will be fine...Your mum or whoever can take care of them. I will personally send them monthly allowance. Don’t say no, please.”

He stared into my eyes and started his slow thrusting and I whimpered.

“Will you come with me?” He asked again.

I didn’t want to go back to my boring marriage with Ebuka. Mama could handle Zayan and the twins. For the past 2 years since I left Broda I hadn’t felt as I happy as I was that moment. No man not even Ifeanyi’s touch could compare to his. Broda was my first and true love.

“Yes, I will.” I answered.

“Promise.” He urged.

I laughed. “I promise.”

I pushed him over so he could lay on his back and I climbed his body and began to ride him.

“I love you more than anything in this world.” I said with all sincerity.

.


.


.

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“Cherry, nwa m. Don’t cry. Your children are fine. We go send the money tomorrow morning . Are you okay? You don chop?”

Mama’s voice sounded so hoarse. It was obvious she had been crying. I hated myself for constantly causing her so much troubles and pain.

“Mama I’m fine.” I sniffed back the catarrh in my nostrils.

“Time up!” The muscular man withdrew the cell phone from my ear before he spoke into the mouthpiece. “We receive the money tomorrow or she dies! Involve the police, she dies!” He cut off the call before Mama could speak.

He rechecked the ropes to make sure my hands are legs were properly tied.

“Your family members no wan co-operate o! Person wey wan come pick your body parts today dey on the way.” He untied the girl’s ropes and dragged her out of the room. He repeatedly hit her with his fist as she screamed and wailed.

I shuddered as I remembered how they hacked the other girl’s body into several pieces the day before. They handled her body parts like butchers did to meat in open-air markets.

I hoped and prayed Mama would pay the money the next day like she promised. I swore to God I’d remain faithful to Ebuka if I came out unharmed.

The next day, the muscular man angrily walked into the room and slapped me across my face. I felt so weak from fear and starvation that I could barely feel the pain of the slap.

“Your family think say them fit cheat me?! Na 5 million them agree to send, now na 4.2 million I dey count inside bag. Since you come anybody don hit you or torture you? He asked me.

I sat there shaking like a jellyfish. I kept on asking myself if this was how I would die.
“Please sir...Na everything them get they sent to you....”

He slapped me again. I tried my best not to scream or cry but I couldn’t hold it in anymore. The boy standing behind him used the cutlass he was holding to hit my arm, leaving a deep red welt with the shape of the blade.

“Hello Doc. Doctor can you hear me? I get fresh meat today o. Which part you need? Kidney and lung? Okay, Na 8 million. Ah Doc the least I fit do na 7. Okay I dey expect you.” He hung up the call.

I sobbed. “Please sir, let me talk to my mother....”

“It’s too late.” The muscular man said walked out of the room with his partner.

I thought of Zayan and the twins. I thought of Mama and Nkiru. Even thoughts of Ebuka ran through my mind. “Oh God, what have I gotten myself into?” I cried.

****
That evening, the door to the room opened again. I heard the muscular man cackle loudly as he came in. I trembled as I thought this was finally the end. Death has come.

He was followed closely by a tall, heavily bearded man. I couldn’t see their faces clearly as it was almost night and the room was dimly lit by a weak yellow bulb which hung from the ceiling by a wire.

“This room dey dark na. No go give me wrong organ o.” The voice sounded so familiar, I felt a strange nostalgic feeling.

“O’boy, I don dey do this work for over 8 years. Even if you blind my eyes now I fit still do am.” The muscular man boasted.

“Please sir, my mama go pay you. Let me just talk to her.” My voice trembled as I spoke.

“Make thunder fire your Mama! See, if I hear pim!”

The bearded man slowly walked up to where I was tied and squatted. He squinted his eyes at me.

Even with his thick beards, bushy hair and a big scar running from his forehead down to the tip of his nose, I still recognized him.

“Hi Cherry.” He squatted and smiled at me.

My heart felt like it was about to fly out of my rib cage. God let my death be quick, I prayed.

“God works in mysterious ways.” Broda said with a grin.


.


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Born2winnx:



The next episode You fit come drop am july 2022.
Na wa....a Good piece of art, you got here, The twist is what's keeping us glued.

Anyway welcome.

Make I go read the updates finish.

Haba. No Na

Thank you for the warm welcome. ❤️

Please don’t forget to like and comment!

Born2winnx:
I tire


Renderhelp u won finish this story 2030?



Come on babe... update pls

Sorry boss.

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.

I applied a thick coat of ruby red lipstick on my lips before I smacked them and admired myself in the mirror.

Ebuka hadn’t returned home that evening. I double checked to see if Zayan and the twins were fast asleep before I quietly exited the room and shut the door.

As I waited for the private cab I had ordered outside the gate, I silently prayed Ebuka wouldn’t run into me. It was already 8pm and he would return home any moment.

To my relief, the car came to pick me up after about 5 minutes of waiting and we headed straight to the main city.

The cab dropped me off at a quiet alley in Jabi and I walked to stand under a tree. I hoped my next client would be like John who was easy to work with and paid well.

I was a bit disappointed when a small Toyota stopped where I stood and the driver, an elderly man beckoned on me to come over to him.

I reluctantly walked to his car and bent to speak to him through the window.

“Fine girl, today is my birthday.” He grinned. His teeth looked brown and he had stubbles of grey bread. He looked rough and haggard.

“60k till dey break and 20k for short time.” I said impatiently. I had made up my mind that if he tried to beat down the price I would walk away.

“I would give you 80k if you show me a very good time.” He grinned at me once again flashing his disgusting set of teeth. I strongly doubted him but then again,some rich old people don’t care about their appearance.

“You have to make a transfer first.” I said to him.

“My dear, you know I no sabi all those una phone something. But I have some cash here.

He opened his pigeon hole and took out a wad of 1000 naira notes. I jumped into the car immediately and took the money from him and counted.

“This is 30k.” I said.

“Business woman!” He teased “I have more in my house. If you treat me well, I will do you well.” He chuckled and began to drive.

As he drove, He placed one hand on the steering while he unbuckled his belt with the other. Without warning, he nudged my head towards his laps.

I squeezed my face but did as he wished, after a few seconds of sucking him, I felt drowsy and blacked out.

****
I struggled to regain consciousness. I couldn’t move my hands or legs as they were tightly bound together. Everything was blurry at first.

I was in a room. I could see 2 other girls they were both tied to separate poles. I began to panic.

“She don wake.” I heard a gruff voice say. I couldn’t turn my neck to see where the voice came from but I knew it wasn’t the old man who had picked me up earlier.

“Oga abeg, I get twins for house...they are still babies.” I cried.

“Shut up!” The muscular man untied my legs and made me sit up to face him. “Crying is not allowed here. Give me any of your family or friend number. Make sure Na person wey no want make you die.”

My chest constricted in fear. It felt like I was about to have a heart attack.

Another man came into the room and walked towards one of the girls tied to the pole. He cut off the rope that bound her hands. She began to wail and plead with him.

“E joor, please my father said he will pay you!” She wailed.

“Since last week?! Na hotel we dey run for here?”

He dragged her to a metal table that had blood stains all over it. He bent her over and picked up a machete. He made deep cuts on her back as she struggled with him.

He raised the machete higher this time and her head rolled off the table in the blink of an eye. Blood oozed from the dismembered head and the girl’s body jerked vigorously.

“Better meat.” The man standing in front of me said.

I felt hot piss flow freely between my laps.

.

****
Mary mumbled curses as the packed her things out of the room. She caught me stifle my laughter and eyed me.

That night, I felt Ebuka’s hand cuddle me as I slept. I woke up to see him laying next to me and Zayan sleeping on the mat where Mary used to sleep.

“Do you want to kill my son with back pain?” I angrily asked him before I went over to pick Zayan from the mat and placed him on the bed next to me.

“Sorry. I planned to bring him over after a few minutes.”

“Can’t you hold yourself for those few minutes?” I mocked him. “Please I’m tired. This bed is not wide enough for the three of us.” I cuddled Zayan tightly to my chest.

“Cherry why are you behaving like this? Why are you just bent on treating me so bad...even when I’m doing my best to make you happy?”

“Okay, because you sent your sister away I should award you with sex? I made you do the right thing. No sensible married man harbors his family in his home, especially not in one room apartment. I hissed.

“Is this how we would keep on living?” He asked wearily.

I lowered the tone of my voice to speak to him softly. “Ebuka, I’m not ready to get pregnant for now, the twins are not even up to 6 months old and I haven’t weaned them. Just be patient.”

He wanted to say something else but I turned my back to him and pretended to sleep.

I cringed as I imagined him having sex with me with his one leg. “Tufiakwa!” I spat.

.


****
“Madam where are you coming from?” Ebuka asked as I walked into the room. There were worry lines all over his face, I could tell he hadn’t slept the previous night.

Mary eyed me as I walked in. She was pacifying Nonye who was crying on top her lungs. She hissed when I took the baby from her.

“Zayan, you are awake? I bought you chocolate—“

“Cherry I asked you a question!” That was the first time Ebuka raised his voice at me.

“I spent the night in a church. I was tired of our constant quarrels. I needed to clear my head.” I lied.

“Church indeed! Where is all the makeup you wore last night? Your pastor wiped it off.” Mary quipped.

Ebuka looked me over for a while and I stared back at him. “Okay but you should have picked my calls. I was worried sick.” He said gently.

“I’m sorry. I just needed space. It won’t happen again.”

“Okay. Have you eaten?” He asked and I shook my head. “I’m coming, let me get you bread.” He said and left.

Mary frowned and ran out after him. I could hear them argue outside for a while before Ebuka started his engine.


****
“Where is that stupid girl? Ungrateful thing!” I heard Ebuka’s mother ask in her thick dialect the next day before the entered the room.

I stood up from the bed and pretended not to hear what she had said. “Ah Nne! I didn’t know you were coming. Welcome, Nno! How was your journey?” I asked with a feigned smile.

“I warned Ebuka not to marry this used up prostitute but he wouldn’t listen. He said he loved her since childhood now see where that rubbish love has landed him.” She spoke to Mary like I wasn’t in the room before she finally turned to me.

“Bia, young lady, if your plan is to come and give my poor son troubles please leave! Go back to your mother’s house! After all, you have had children for two different men and none married you, now you want to heap your burden on my son? It is not possible!” His mother’s saggy, wrinkled skin wiggled as she spoke.

“Nne, can you believe that since she came she has never let him sleep on the same bed with her?” Mary instigated.

“Chi m, daalu! Thank you God! I am sure she has HIV or another terrible disease that all those white men carry, the white man must have given her. That is God’s way of protecting my son.”

I ignored them and placed Nonye on my back and held Adora in one hand while I half-dragged a sleepy Zayan in my other hand. I took my kids out of the room the compound to wait for Ebuka to return.

Mary and her mother came out with my luggages.

“Don’t worry, I will help you with your load and help you find taxi, don’t stress yourself.” Mary offered eager to see me leave.

“What is the meaning of this?” I cried out angrily. I dialed Ebuka’s number and he replied he was on his way home.

I argued with Ebuka’s mother and sister as I struggled to get my luggages back into the house. Ebuka later came in and disengaged us.

“Ebuka She is not the right woman for you! I warned you severally but you insisted on eating rotten food. There are many good women who will be happy to be your wife even virgins! Your leg is not a problem. I don’t know why you chose—“

“Nne, I am happy with my choice.” Ebuka interjected.

“Shut your trap! I have heard how this girl has been torturing you! What kind of woman leaves her children and sleeps outside if not a prostitute?!”

Ebuka narrowed his eyes at Mary who guiltily averted her gaze from his almost immediately.

“Ebuka, see how your family is treating me? This is not fair! I am calling my mother!” I whined.

Ebuka walked over to me and placed a hand over my shoulders to soothe me. “It’s okay, let’s go inside. There is no need to call your mum.”

He picked up Zayan who was crying as he was very tired.

“Nne, let this be the end of this matter. I don’t want any trouble in my home.” Ebuka warned his mother and we both went inside the room.

“I said it! She and her mother has charmed my son!” Nne exclaimed from where she stood.

****

“I have dropped off my mother at the bus park.” Ebuka said to me the next morning.

“Okay.”

“Are the kids asleep?” He asked trying to break the awkward silence, even though it was obvious they were.

I nodded.

We stayed in silence for a while before he made a move to hug me. I stayed still till he moved away from me.

“I love you very much, I really do.”

“Hmm.”

He leaned forward to kiss me and I let him. I didn’t kiss him back. My skin crawled as he kissed me. I slightly opened my lips as he stuck his tongue into my mouth.

I stopped him when he was about to take off my top. “I don’t want Mary to stay with us anymore. I am not comfortable with her here.”

Ebuka scratched his head. “I know what she did was wrong, don’t be angry. I’ve warned her not to try it next time...she will apologize—“

“I don’t need her apology.” I pouted and folded my arms under my breasts. “She should go.”

“Honey, you know I can’t afford to rent a place for her. She has one more year to go in school. She would leave after that.”

“I won’t have peace as long as she’s around...and besides, we need our privacy. The reason why I haven’t let you touch me is because she is always in the room— I just can’t!”

Ebuka thought for a while. He seemed hesitant.

I rubbed his shoulder and kissed him. “Please do it for me.”

“Okay, I will.” He kissed me back and began roaming his hand over my breast.

“Thank you.” I said breaking the kiss. “I want her gone before the end of this week. I need to sleep now. We will talk later.”

I faked a yawn and laid down to sleep facing the wall as I did.

.


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“Ebuka what is this?! This money is not enough to buy the twins and Zayan’s food!” I blew hot.

“Calm down, you know my car has been in the mechanic’s place for the past 4 days. I still have to pay my uncle, he doesn’t take excuses. I need to send my mum some money too. I will give you money next week, just manage for now....Don’t you think it’s high time for Zayan to start eating meals with us? He’s old enough—“

“Oh please don’t inflict your poverty on my son! He’s not yet 2. He still needs his cereals.” I went to grab his crutches from the door post where it rested. “You will go out without your crutches today since you think you can leave us to starve!” I said hysterically.

“How will you starve? Your mum sends you money regularly.”

“What she sends is not enough! Am I even supposed to be receiving allowance from my mum In my husband’s house?!” I argued.

“I won’t argue with you. It’s too early. Like I said I don’t have any more money, but I will try and get some by the end of today to give you. Give me back my crutches please.”

“I need the money now! I need it as bad as you need your crutch.” I said holding the woods tightly to my chest.

He sighed and hopped out of the room.

“If you like hop like a frog all day long, I don’t care!” I screamed out at him.

****
Ebuka returned very late that evening. I sat on the couch waiting for him while Zayan and the twins slept on the bed.

I kept on sneaking a peek at the mirror to adjust my hair, clothes and lipstick. Mary kept on looking at me suspiciously but I paid her no mind.

“Honey, you’re still up? Sorry I’m late. The guy I wanted to borrow money from delayed me. I have your money now, hope you will release my crutch now?” Ebuka asked when he entered the room.

“I don’t need the money again. Go and return the loan you took before you get into trouble.” I hissed.

“Don’t worry, he’s a good friend and I can easily pay back when the car starts working... you look so beautiful. Did you go out today?”

“I’m about to go out. I’ll be back soon. I want to buy something.” I took my handbag from the couch and hurried out of the room.

“Cherry, wait! Where are you going to?!” Ebuka called but I ran out of the compound as quickly as I could.


****

I took a bike to police signboard and stopped just under the bridge. I didn’t know a lot of places in Abuja but I knew rich people lived in the main city, far from the area where Ebuka and I lived.

I asked for directions to the town and entered a public taxi along with three other passengers and we headed straight to Wuse.

I had made up my mind to sell my body that night and damned the consequences. I had heard Dina and Lizzy always talk about how prostitution paid well in Abuja . How girls made over 50,000 naira in a night. If I could make such amount, I would move out of Ebuka’s place without blinking. I couldn’t live with him, I didn’t love him and his disability irritated me.

My heart pounded as I stepped out of the cab and walked down the street. I didn’t know where I was or where I was going to, I just kept on walking. The cold breeze of the night caused goosebumps on my skin. I wished I had worn something thicker.

My phone vibrated in my pocket, I hissed when I brought it out to see it was Ebuka calling. I switched off my phone.

A sleek black car stopped in front of me. I held my breath as the tinted glass rolled down. It was a young dark guy in his early 20s seated in the driver’s seat. He was alone in the car.

“Uhm...hello where are you going to?” He asked.

I didn’t know what to tell him. I didn’t know how to negotiate price. “Not far.” I stupidly said and got into the car.

The interior of the car spoke luxury, from the plush leather seat to the chilly air conditioned atmosphere. I took a good look at the guy driving, He had this cool demeanor. I was certain he was the son of a rich man, probably a politician’s son.

We drove in silence before he finally spoke. “What is your name?” He asked.

“Vanessa.” I lied through my teeth.

“I am John.”

“How old are you?” He asked again.

“23.” I lied again.

“I’m 27. Where are you going to?”

“Anywhere you are going.” I said and he let out a boyish smile.

We pulled up to a fancy looking hotel along the road.

“It is 50k for a night.” I said almost out of breath in the parking lot.

“No problem.” He was about to step out from the car.

That was too easy, I thought. I had expected him to haggle. “You have to do transfer first.”

He asked for my details. I switched on my phone and received an alert almost immediately. I kept on refreshing my account balance to see it it was for real. I wished I had asked him for more.

Ebuka’s messages came flooding in. I had an incoming call from Mary. I switched off my phone again.

We checked into a room. The hotel room was decent. John sat down on a cushion seat next to the coffee table and asked me if I wanted anything. I asked for some wine and sat at the edge of the bed shyly clutching my handbag.

The little wine I drank gave me the courage to get up from the bed and stripped off the dress I was wearing. John looked at me with his lips slightly opened . I could see lust in his eyes.

I was only clad in my baby pink lace brassiere and panties to match. I walked over to where John was seated and sat astride his laps grinding my crotch onto his.

He let out a deep moan and kissed me hard on my lips. He was about to take off my bra but I stopped him and suddenly felt self conscious.

“Please take off your bra.”

I shook my head. I had breastfed the twins before leaving but my boobs still felt full.

“I will add 10k to your money.” He trailed his tongue over my cleavage.

The money sounded tempting but I still refused.

He lifted and carried me over to the bed. He slipped off my panties. He stood above me and took off his shirt and trousers. I wanted to touch him but he pushed me to lay down on the bed and stared at my body for a while.

I blushed and closed my eyes in embarrassment.

I felt him part my legs and his heavy weight on my body. “Wait, wear a condom.”

He ignored me and hurriedly drove into me. I tried to push him off me but he was too heavy. I gave up and after a few seconds he pulled out and released his fluids on my stomach.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t have a condom on me.” He apologized.

I frowned at him and went into the bathroom to take a shower. I washed my female core carefully, silently praying he hadn’t infected me with something.

I was surprised when I came out of the bathroom and he had worn his clothes.

“I just received a call, I have to go attend to something urgent. The room is fully paid for, you can sleep in if you like.”

“Can I get your number?” I asked.

“There will be no need for that.” He said and hurriedly left.

I felt a bit used but happy at the same time. I had 50k sitting pretty in my account.

When I checked the time it was almost 11p.m, It was too late to go home. I stayed awake thinking of an excuse to give to Ebuka on where I had spent the night.

I had to apologize to him. I didn’t want him to send me back to Mama anymore. There was money to be made in Abuja and I planned to stay with him till I could afford a place of my own.

.

.



The saliva in my mouth dried up when I first saw Ebuka on the day he came to pay my brideprice. He had only one leg!

I wondered why Mama hadn’t mentioned this. Maybe she thought I would have absconded from home. Well, She was right. Why did she have to hand me over to a disabled man? I was certain she was punishing me for trying to snatch Ifeanyi from Nkiru.

The ceremony was done in a rush. I didn’t even wear makeup. Mama had handed me an oversize blouse with one of her wrappers to tie around my waist.

I almost threw up when I had to kneel down in front of Ebuka to give him the glass of palm wine. He was light skinned with ugly brown spots riddled all over his face. I didn’t find him attractive in anyway.

He drank from the glass I had handed him and brought out some money from his pocket to place into the cup. He smiled at me and gave me back the cup as everyone present cheered. I pinched myself and wished I was dreaming.

***
“This is my place...it is not much but it is home for now.” Ebuka smiled shyly as he led me into his self contain apartment. His younger sister, Mary was holding one of the twins and she followed us closely behind.

It was 9pm when we arrived in Abuja. Zayan and the twins were tired from the journey. I bathed them with the help of Mary and placed them to sleep on the big mattress in the room.

“Ah! Wife, let Zayan sleep with me. We bought a small bed for the twins, they can sleep there.” Mary suggested. The look I gave her made her shut up immediately.

“It’s okay, give them time to settle in.” Ebuka finally said. He slept on the floor while his sister slept in the small couch.

I wore a pair of jean trousers to sleep that night. “I won’t let this one legged animal touch me.” I promised myself.

I dialed Ifeanyi’s number but it still wasn’t going through. I called Musa, same.

I cried myself to sleep that night.


****
One evening, Mary and I were sitting out in the compound of the house. We were the only tenants in the building. The house belonged to Ebuka’s uncle who live overseas with his family and only came home during Christmas.

His uncle had given Ebuka the apartment behind the house to stay in and also given him a small car to do taxi business with. He gave his uncle about 60% of what he earned weekly.

Ebuka blew his car horn from outside the gate and Mary ran to open it for him to drive in. Zayan squealed and ran to his car.

“Zayan careful! Mary hold that boy Abeg!” I was breastfeeding one of the twin so I couldn’t run after him.

Ebuka stepped out of the car and lifted up Zayan. “Daddy!” Zayan laughed.

“What did he say?” I snatched out my nipple from Adora’s mouth and stood up from the bench.

“Oh you’ve not heard him call me daddy before? He started calling me that last week .” Ebuka said proudly and I felt like slapping the freckles off his face.

I walked over and grabbed Zayan from him. Ebuka almost doubled over and fell from the abruptness. He held onto the open door of his car for support.

“His name is not daddy, he is not your daddy! Call him Mr Ebuka or sir!” I sternly warned Zayan who looked back at me with his large hazel eyes in confusion and began crying.

I hated the way he had grown attached to Ebuka just under 2 months of us moving in. He had never called me mummy before but here he was calling a man who is not even his father daddy. A one legged man for that matter!

“You are getting him upset. Zayan come, I bought you some biscuits.” Ebuka grabbed his crutches from the seat of his car and stretched out a black polythene bag towards Zayan who began to run towards him.

I grabbed Zayan by his hand and held him back.

“Cherry, what is wrong with you?” Ebuka frowned at me.

No matter how hard I tried to make Ebuka get angry at me, enough to shout at or hit me, he never did. He always walked away or ignored me entirely. He would later come to apologize even though I offended him. I needed an excuse to leave the marriage. I wanted him to send me packing back to Mama’s house. 2 months of our marriage and I still didn’t let him sleep on the same bed with me or touch me, he remained patient. I was sure he would run out of patience one day.

“Nothing is wrong with me! Why are you manipulating my son to think you are his father?!” I fumed.

“I am not making him think anything—“

“You are not his father and can never be! His father does not have one leg!”

“Don’t speak to my brother like that! You have been disrespecting him since you came, I have been watching you, but you have gone too far this time.” Mary spoke rapidly in Igbo.

“Are you his spokeswoman? Mechie onu gi! Get out you fat cow!” I snapped at her.

“Cherry, I am three years older than you! If not for the respect I have for my elder brother—“ Her eyes turned red and her body vibrated. Mary was about two times my size but I knew she wouldn’t dare touch me.

“Do your worse! Coward hiding in the name of respect!” I hissed loudly.

Ebuka took his sister by her hand and walked out of the compound with her. I rained insults on them as they left but to my dismay, they didn’t reply.

.

.

“ I tell you say I dey do buy one get one free with my daughters?!” Mama screamed angrily. She threw the bag she was holding aside and briskly walked towards Ifeanyi, she pulled him up from the bed by his shirt.

“Mama leave him alone!” I clenched my teeth as I stood up from the bed. The dull ache in my abdomen turned to a burning sensation, I ignored it and moved to shield Ifeanyi from Mama’s slaps.

“Mama stop!” I managed to wriggle my body in between Ifeanyi and Mama. Mama finally stepped back. She was panting heavily as she stared at me with bloodshot eyes. I could tell she felt like reaping me into two. Even with the scuffle, Zayan was still sleeping soundly, strapped to her back.

“Cherry so this na your plan abi? This na why you come back after all these years ? To snatch Nkiru’s husband? Onye oshi!” She hissed.

“I’m not snatching anybody. He loves me and I love him too...besides he is not married to Nkiru.” I boldly replied.

I was happy Mama had found out about our relationship, Ifeanyi and I didn’t have to hide anymore.

Mama raised her hand to slap me but she left her hand hanging mid-air. “If no be say you just born. I for beat you blue-black. The sense wey you refuse get, you for get am by force today!”

Two nurses and a security guard paced in quickly into the room.

“What is the matter?” The security guard asked.

“There’s no problem.” Ifeanyi’s voice quivered as he spoke. I assured the security guard the same. Mama folded both arms under her armpits and tapped her foot in her usual manner when angry.

“Madam, you should be in bed. Your stitch hasn’t healed yet, see you are bleeding.” One of the Nurses said to me.

I almost passed out when I looked down and saw the blue hospital gown I was wearing was bloodstained.

“Ewo! I nor even see say she dey bleed! Cherry, sorry! Ndo!” Mama rushed towards me but the Nurse asked she and Ifeanyi leave the room.

The other Nurse took me by my arm and led me to my bed. “Please let him stay.” I pleaded with the Nurses. Ifeanyi seemed reluctant. Mama scowled at me.

Ifeanyi didn’t even wait for the Nurse’s answer before he walked out of the room.

Later that evening, Mama brought in food for me. I felt weak and tired. I carefully avoided Mama’s disapproving stare as I ate the food. Mama didn’t say a word as she watched me.

“You don belleful? You Dey okay? Hope say them stitch the wound well?” She asked as she cleared the plates.

“I’m okay.” I muttered.

I laid my head on my pillow and closed my eyes, pretending to sleep. I wasn’t ready for Mama’s talk. I couldn’t wait for her to leave so Ifeanyi could come. I wondered why he hadn’t called to check up on me. Maybe he knew Mama would be around.

Mama walked over to inspect the twins in their cradle. “These Nurses no even sabi how to bathe babies properly. Make them quickly discharge una, make I bathe and massage them well.”

I raised my head from the pillow. “Mama, we are not coming home.”

Mama raised her brow at me and slightly shook her head at me like I was bluffing. “Where una dey go?” She asked with an amused tone, the type used when addressing little children.

“I don’t know...but we will be fine.” Ifeanyi and I had not made plans of living together yet but I was certain he would agree, he had enough money to rent a decent apartment and care for my kids and I. The last thing I wanted was to stay with Mama. How would I face Nkiru? I couldn’t live in the same house with them. What I did was unforgivable.

“You want pack your children go live with Ifeanyi?” Mama asked with a cool, calm voice. She laughed mockingly when I didn’t reply.

“Ifeanyi talk say he no get any relationship with you. He say as he come drop gifts for the baby, you dey cry Thank am, as he sit down for your bed dey console you, you come grab am kiss am.” Mama chuckled.

My head spun. “Mama you dey lie! Ifeanyi no fit talk that one! Na because say you no want make we dey together....” I picked up my phone and dialed Ifeanyi’s number. He rejected my call almost immediately. I tried over and over again with tears in my eyes until he blocked my line from calling.

“Wetin you tell am?! You don threaten am abi?!” I furiously screamed at Mama.

“Cherry, you are nothing but a fool! Onye nzuzu! Sometimes I dey wonder if na sheep born you because I no fit be your Mama. So you think say young man like that ready carry you wey no get work plus another man three children put for house?! You think say he go ready leave Nkiru, a Doctor in the making for a liability like you?! Even if he truly loves you, you think say he family go accept you?!”

My phone slipped from my hand. I couldn’t hold back my tears anymore.

“You are wicked! Very wicked! Tufia!” Mama spat. “Nkiru wey love you, see how you wan pay her back!”

Mama held her breath for a moment before she sighed, I could tell she was trying her best to control her anger. “I go leave you with your conscience to judge you. I don tell Ifeanyi say I no wan see am near any of una. Make he go with him wahala. As for you, once them discharge you, my house dey open. If you say you wan go, na you sabi, leave my grandchildren for me.”

Mama picked one of the twins up to cuddle.


***
Nkiru refused to come home after her exams. I sent her several apology texts but she never replied.

Ifeanyi never called back but I couldn’t bring myself to delete his number even though I knew it was the right thing to do. I silently prayed he would call and tell me he had Changed his mind.

I sent a picture of Zayan and the twins to Musa with a new Facebook account I opened. “These are the twins. Both girls. I gave birth to them last week Tuesday. I named them Nonye and Adora. We need you.” I texted.

I saw he read my message but he blocked me right after.

When the twins were 3 months old, Mama called me into the living room one early morning and told me we needed to discuss.

“Remember Ebuka? Mama Amaka’s son.”

I thought for a while. “Oh, Ebuka...our cousin. I remember him.”

Mama hissed. “Hian! He’s not your cousin.” She snapped.

“Okay.” I agreed but I knew Mama and his father were related somehow. He used to come to our house along with his 2 sisters to visit when we were much younger. It was so long ago I could barely remember what he looked like.

“He is coming to pay your bride price next week.”

I widened my eyes at Mama. “Mama which kind joke be this? Stop it’s not funny.”

“I resemble comedian?” Mama eyed me head to toe before she hissed. “We don set date. The introduction and brideprice will be on the same day. Then you will go with him to Abuja.” Mama declared as if my opinion didn’t matter.

“Mama why? Are you doing this to punish me because of Ifeanyi ? I am sorry.”

“Cherry, which plan you get for yourself? Since you come you never tell me say you want go back to school or learn work. All you do na to eat and sleep. You are 20 years old, you no longer be pikin. If you no fit plan your life I go plan am for you.”

I had always wanted to go to school. Things were too difficult for Mama after Papa died so she could only afford to send one of us to school. Nkiru has always been the brighter one, I had to drop out for her.

“Mama I want to go back to school.”

“And continue the wayward life wey you don start? Never! Na three children you don born keep for my house. I no want more thank you!”

I wished Nkiru wasn’t keeping malice with me. She could have tackled Mama on this.

“Mama I promise, I go behave this time.” I cried pleadingly. I went on my knees to beg her.

“This na your chance to behave. If you fit stay with your new husband for a year with no problem, I go give you money to start any business wey you like. Then later, if he agree you fit go school.” Mama stood up and left me alone on my knees in the living room.

I am so sorry for the delay. Please forgive me guys.





❤️❤️

peter8535:
Nice 1 op...pls don't fail 2 mention me in ur next update

Here.

The Doctor squeezed out a dollop of gel on my bare stomach. I flinched as it felt really cold against my skin. He apologized before he went ahead to place a plastic wand on my belly and moved it around.

I was already 8 months pregnant and this was my second antenatal visit.

“Just as I thought. You are having twins. Congratulations.”

“What?!” I tried to get up from the hard hospital bed but the doctor gently pushed me back down and told me to relax.

“Doctor, are you sure? Please check well.” I couldn’t believe my ears. I pinched my arm to be sure I wasn’t dreaming.

“Yes I am sure. Twins. They both seem healthy. You have to come in next week so we can prepare you for a Caesarean section as the twin closet to your cervix is sideways . If you had been come earlier, we would have positioned the baby properly. That is why we advise you register for antenatal immediately you test positive for pregnancy. I will set up a date for you.”

The doctor said as he handed me a napkin to wipe off the sticky gel.

“Would you like to know their gender?” He asked and I nodded.

“Both female.”


***

I slotted in the new SIM card I had bought a few hours ago into my phone with shaky hands.

I dialed Musa’s number and he picked up after a few rings.

“Hello. Who’s calling?”

I took in a deep breath. “Musa it’s me Cherry. Please don’t hang up.”

I heard him hiss. “I thought I made it clear that you shouldn’t contact me.”

I lowered my eyes to the bill the doctor had handed to me for the C-section.

“I’m having twins.”

“Well, congratulations to you but I don’t see how this concerns me.” He said with a harsh tone.

“The bill is 370,000. I don’t have any money on me...and I can’t care for 3 children all by myself!”I cried.

“You chose to get pregnant. I don’t see the reason you’re whining now. Look, do me a favor and stop pestering me with your incessant calls.” He ended the call.

I tried dialing his number back but he had blocked me. I screamed as I smashed my phone against the wall. I buried my face in my palms and cried.

How would I be able to raise 370,000 in less than a week? I was certain Mama wouldn’t help me. Nkiru didn’t have such money and I didn’t want to impose such on Ifeanyi, it might make him lose interest in me. I was very close to getting him to break up with Nkiru, I couldn’t risk sabotaging my plan.

It was already difficult providing for Zayan and myself and now 2 extra mouths were on the way, how would I cope? I began to regret not taking the pills Musa had offered.

The door to my room opened and Mama walked in.

“Wetin happen? Why you dey cry?” She placed her hands on her waist and stared at me quizzically.

I sniffed as I shook my head and wiped away my tears. “Nothing.”

She retied her wrapper firmly above her breasts before she bent down to pick up the pieces of my phone and sat down next to me on the bed to carefully reassemble it.

“If you no need the phone make you dash me.” She joked but I didn’t laugh. “Wetin be this?” She took the hospital bill from my hand.

“370,000? Maka gịnị? What for?!” Mama exclaimed.

“They said I’m having twins and I have to do an operation next week. I have to deposit at least 150,000 so I can have an appointment.”

Mama rubbed my back as I cried. “Ndo, Ebezi na. Don’t cry. God will not fail us...what of the man’s brother that you said has been sending money to you and Zayan. You don tell am?”

I winced. I had lied to Mama and Nkiru that Musa’s elder brother had been sending me money so they wouldn’t suspect I was getting money from Ifeanyi.

Mama noticed the change in my countenance and hissed. “I talk am say all these your Waka Waka never end! Even with pregnancy and Zayan ehn? Cherry! If you like they mumu yourself up and down, I don wash my hand comot from your matter.”

She stood up from the bed and eyed me. I lowered my eyes to the floor and wiped away mucus from my nose with the back of my hand.

She finally spoke after a moment of heavy silence. “I nor too get money now, I just buy goods for shop but I go first pay the deposit then we go sort the rest out later. No be you I Dey do am for, na for my grandchildren.”

I knelt down to thank her.


***
I smiled as Ifeanyi came into my private ward. He held an extra large teddy bear in one hand and a bouquet of flowers in the other.

Followed closely behind him were two male hospital staffs in green scrubs bringing in baby items.

“Ifeanyi this is too much.” I moaned.

He had insisted on paying the rest of the hospital bills when Nkiru had told him about my surgery.

“Mama twins.” Ifeanyi teased and I punched his arm. “How are you?”
He didn’t wait for an answer before he kissed me.

I had undergone the surgery two days ago. Mama had been by my side all through. She had gone with Zayan to attend to an urgent business issue and I quickly took the chance to call Ifeanyi so he could visit me.

Ifeanyi placed the flowers on the bedside table and the brown teddy bear next to me on the bed.

“I wanted to get you the white one with an ‘I love you’ but....” he said referring to the bear.

“I understand.” I smiled at him and he kissed me again.

“I missed you.” I said to him.

“Where are they?”

“Who?” I pretended as if I didn’t know he was referring to the twins.

“The twins.”

“Didn’t you disturb them enough while they were in my stomach? Leave them alone joor.” I joked and he laughed.

I pointed to the two glass cradles on steel legs at the corner of the room where my twin girls were sleeping. Ifeanyi walked over to peer at them.

“Cute. They look just like you.” He commented.

It was a lie. They looked nothing like me, just like Zayan they had inherited their father’s looks.

“Where is big brother Zayan?”

“He left with Mama. He is jealous of his sisters. He thinks he’s still a baby.” I said and we both laughed.

“I’m happy you are fine but why didn’t you tell me about the hospital bills? If Nkiru hadn’t told me, I wouldn’t have known.” He had a slight frown on his face like I had offended him.

“I didn’t want to bother you.”

“I have been taking care of you and Zayan and I have never complained? You should have asked me.”

“I never knew you loved me that much.” I spoke sardonically.

“I do and you know it.”

I turned to look into his eyes. “Then why are you still with Nkiru?”

He took his eyes off mine. “ I told you to give me time. I can’t just end—“

“If you are not ready to breakup with her then please leave me alone. It’s already bad enough that I have to sneak into different hotels with Zayan just to see you. I won’t do that with the twins!” I adamantly folded my arms below my breasts.

“I feel stupid for loving you! Zayan has begun to think you are his father.” I sobbed loudly

Ifeanyi let out a huge breath before he walked over to my bedside and placed his arm over my shoulders. “Okay, I will breakup with her. Let her finish with her exams first.”

I shook my head vigorously. “No! I’m leaving the hospital in 3 days and if you’ve not broken up with her by then, forget about me.”

He sighed. “Alright, but we have to take things slowly. We would be hurting a lot of people.”

“Promise me you would never leave me.” I pleaded with tears in my eyes and took his hand into mine.

“I promise.”

He sat on the hospital bed next to me and wiped my tears. I sat up straight on the bed. I ignored the pain from the healing suture in my abdomen as I leaned so that my face could meet his.

I closed my eyes as we deeply kissed. His chest pressed into mine and I felt milk trickle out of my nipples and wet his shirt but he didn’t care. I finally felt happy and hopeful.

“Ihe-árú! Abomination!”

Our kiss abruptly ended. I turned to see Mama standing at the door.



.

“Oh God.” Ifeanyi groaned as he gripped my waist firmly and raised his hips to meet mine.

I rolled off him after a few seconds and laid breathlessly next to him on the bed. The air conditioning was turned on but we were both sweating and panting like dogs out in the sun.

I could hear the sound of the cartoon Zayan was watching on the television in the living room. We had turned it on earlier so he wouldn’t disturb us.

Ifeanyi pulled me closer to his body and cuddled me. His naked chest rubbed against mine as he kissed my forehead. I felt safe and loved in his arms. I badly wanted to tell him how much I loved him but I needed to hear him say it first.

I had visited Ifeanyi twice since the first day he had invited me over. Aside from the mind blowing sex, we also had great conversations. I had begun developing deep feelings for him and I thought he felt the same way too.

I giggled as I pushed him away from me. I stood up from his bed and picked up my underwear and clothes which were strewn all over the floor.

“What are you doing?” Ifeanyi asked as I began to wear my clothes.

“What does it look like I’m doing?” I asked sarcastically.

“Please stay...just for a little while.” He pleaded.

I couldn’t take my eyes off his sexy body as he laid naked on the bed. I wished I could spend the night with him. I had lied to Mama and Nkiru that I felt sick and had to visit the hospital. Nkiru wanted to come with and she had raised a brow at me when I refused.

“I’ve overstayed sef. Mama and Nkiru are getting suspicious of my movements.”

Just then, there was a knock on the door. I began to panic as I wondered who was at the door. Ifeanyi stood up from the bed and swiftly put on his shirt and a pair of shorts. He walked out of the room, I heard him switch the cartoon to a music channel on the television. He returned with Zayan whom he handed to me.

“Try to keep him quiet.”

I nodded.

I waited anxiously in the bedroom with Zayan. Ifeanyi returned a few minutes later with a black leather package in his hand.

“Who was that?” I curiously asked.

“It was just a delivery guy. I had expected him to come later this evening.”

The bag looked plush. I suspected whatever was inside to be very expensive. I had a feeling it was Nkiru’s birthday gift and my mood turned sour.

“Is that Nkiru’s gift? What did you get her?” I eyed the bag.

His face glowed as he smiled.

“It’s not a gift par se.” He walked over to sit next to Zayan and I on the bed as he brought out a small velvet black box from the bag.

My blood began to boil as I figured out what it was.

“It’s an engagement ring...I really hope she likes it. Look at it.”

I angrily slapped the box out of his hands. The ring fell out as the box crashed on the floor.

Ifeanyi stared at me with shock. “What did you do that for?”

“You plan on getting married to my sister after sleeping with me?! How dare you?!” I screamed at him. I felt like punching him repeatedly in the face.

“Why are you acting this way? I thought-“

“You thought what?! I was a prostitute you could use and dump?!” Tears streamed down my eyes as I angrily stood up from the bed and picked up a flower vase from the bedside table to smash on the floor.

The sound startled Zayan and he began to wail loudly. Ifeanyi picked him up from the bed and began to rock him. The way he lovingly held Zayan made me more emotional. Musa had never touched or held his own son that way. I needed Ifeanyi to stay in our lives, we both needed him.

“Cherry what the hell is wrong with you? This behavior is out of place and look, you are frightening your son.”

I knew I was overreacting but I hadn’t expected Ifeanyi to propose to Nkiru so soon...if not at all after our encounters. He should have considered my feelings at least. Was I that easy to get over with?

“Frightening my son?! Oh when you were having sex with me in front of him you didn’t know he was frightened!”

I picked up my bag from the bedside table and grabbed crying Zayan from Ifeanyi.

“Thank you for using me! Have a nice life with my sister!” I made to walk out of the door but Ifeanyi caught me by my hand and pulled me back.

“Stop crying.”

He wiped the tears from under my eyes and hugged me. He backed away after a few seconds and went to the closet. He took out a big bundle of 1000 Naira notes which he handed to me.

I gave him a hot slap that I was sure would make him see invisible stars. He looked dazed held his cheek.

“You want to pay me off or what?! You think I’m sleeping with you for your money ehn?! Go to hell Ifeanyi!” I spat at him and walked out of the apartment with Zayan.


***
“Sister, what did the doctor say was wrong with you?” Nkiru asked as I plopped tiredly on the chair in the balcony.

“Just fever.” I lied.

Nkiru the back of her hand over my forehead to check my temperature. “Your temperature seems normal. Your face and eyes are red sha. Ndo, sorry. Were you given drugs? Are you hungry?”

I wanted Nkiru to leave me alone. I wanted to tell her how I’ve been having sex with Ifeanyi. I wanted her to hate him and reject his proposal.

“Sister, I have good news.” Nkiru’s face brightened.

“What?”

“You know my birthday na tomorrow. Ifeanyi said he no go fit come spend am with me because of work and so, I made him bribe me.”

She flashed a huge smile at me.

“How this one take concern me?” I gave her an irritated look wondering how any of that was my business.

“Wait na. I asked him for some money and he sent it immediately...you know I never ask him. We would use it to pay for your antenatal and buy a few things for the new baby.” She spoke with a singsong voice.

“Oh, Daalụ. Thank you.”

She arched her brows. “Sister you don’t seem happy.”

“I am. It’s just this headache that is disturbing me. I need to sleep. Help me bathe and feed Zayan.”

I said as I stood up from the chair to walk into the house. When I entered my bedroom, I laid on my bed and buried my head into my pillow and cried my eyes out.

***

My phone vibrated under my pillow waking me up from sleep. As I picked up the phone, the light from the screen burned my eyeballs.

It was Ifeanyi calling.

“What do you want?”

“I’m sorry about what happened earlier today.”

“There’s no need to be sorry. Your action says it all and I don’t blame you. Who wants a woman with 2 kids, no degree and no job? It’s obvious I am not good enough for you.” I sniffed.

“Cherry, stop talking like that. I think you are an amazing and a beautiful woman, it’s just that it all happened so fast...to be honest I didn’t think this through. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t toy with my feelings, please don’t. I really want to be with you. I- I love you. Since the first day I saw you, I loved you.” I blurted out without pausing. I felt a huge weight leave my chest as I spoke.

“Cherry....” He groaned.

I felt like jumping off a cliff. What was I thinking?

“Goodnight Ifeanyi.”

“Wait— don’t hang up please. Hello?”

“What?” I pressed the phone tightly to my ear with my sweaty palm.

“I love you too.” His voice sounded breathy.

My stomach fluttered. That was all I needed to hear.

“You don’to have to lie. I’ll bring Nkiru to the party tomorrow so you can engage her.” I ended the call.

He kept on calling but I refused to pick the phone.

***

“Surprise! Happy birthday!!” Everyone in the room cheered as Nkiru stepped into the apartment.

“Oh God!” Nkiru blushed and she began smiling sheepishly.

Ifeanyi took her into his arms and gave her a hug before he kissed her. I stood behind them watching jealously. If only Nkiru knew how his lips had roamed all over my body just the day before, I smiled as I thought.

I walked with Zayan to sit on a couch.

I tried severally for Ifeanyi’s eyes to meet mine but he avoided me like a plague. I needed a sign to know if he was still going to propose to Nkiru.

“Sister! So you were part of the plan?!” Nkiru sat on the chair next to me. She had been dancing and she seemed tired. “And you too Zay?!” She lightly pinched Zayan’s cheek.

“Happy birthday sis. It was all your boyfriend’s idea.” I giggled. Calling Ifeanyi her boyfriend left a bitter taste in my mouth.

“Thank you Sister. You are the best.” She leaned in and hugged me tightly. I stayed stiff.

“I have to get going. The music is getting to loud for Zayan and everyone is getting drunk.”

Nkiru agreed with me and helped me order a taxi with her phone.

“I’ll bring home cake and drinks for you and Mama.” She promised as she closed the door of the taxi and waved us off.

***

I tossed and turned in bed that night. I couldn’t sleep. Why did Nkiru choose to spend the night at Ifeanyi’s place if he had not proposed to her?

I imagined them in bed, him taking her virginity and forgetting all about me. I kept on dialing their numbers repeatedly but none of them answered their calls.

Nkiru came home the next day.

“Where you dey since? I been dey call you and that your boyfriend, una no gree answer my call.” I ranted as a she stepped into the compound.

“Sister sorry. We were both tired and slept off. I couldn’t make it home.”

“What made you tired?” I sneered as I eyed her jealously.

Nkiru laughed. “No o! Nothing like that...I danced for long. Some of the guests slept in the apartment sef. I slept in the room with my girlfriends while Ifeanyi slept in the living room with the guys.... I brought cake. Has Mama gone to the shop?”

I heaved a sigh of relief. I searched Nkiru’s fingers for a ring but I found none.

“Give me the biggest share of cake o, I’m eating for two.” I rubbed my big stomach and laughed heartily. I was gradually winning Ifeanyi.

Nkiru’s green body con dress was a bit too tight especially around my stomach area but it did a good job giving prominence to my hips and butt.

“Sister you look beautiful.” Nkiru commented.

“Thanks.” I replied as I swept her powder brush across my face. I smiled as the powder made my facial skin look perfect, almost doll-like.

“You still haven’t mentioned where you are going to.”

I turned away from the mirror to look at her. “I said I was going to meet an old friend.”

She opened her mouth to say something but she closed it back in a split second and looked at me thoughtfully before she spoke again.

“Okay. Come back early o...so that Mama wouldn’t bother me with questions.” She said as she wore Zayan his socks.

“Sure. Nkiru do you have change, like 500 Naira. I don’t have t-fare.”


***
The keke rider stopped at the gate of the house Ifeanyi had directed me to. I checked the house address again on my phone and confirmed before I paid the keke man.

“Hello. I’m outside the gate.” I said when he picked my call.

“Press the doorbell. The security man would usher you in.”

I adjusted my dress one more time. I hissed when I realized Zayan had drooled saliva on my shoulder. He was teething, he had the habit of nibbling his fingers and pouring out saliva.

I grabbed a handkerchief from his diaper bag to wipe his face and hand dry.

An elderly man in a security guard uniform opened the gate to let us in. He looked too old and frail for the job. The building was a beautiful 3 storey apartment building. He led us into the elevator and pressed the first floor button.

“The door by your right.” He said before the elevator doors closed.

As the elevator moved, I was a bit scared as It was my first time in an elevator. I felt relieved when the doors opened and I stepped out.

Ifeanyi opened the door after a few knocks. He was wearing a plain white T-shirt and a pair of stonewashed jeans. His handsome face and his sexy figure made me want to pounce on him.

“There they are! I’m glad you made it.” Ifeanyi smiled revealing his perfect set of teeth. He took Zayan from me and led us into the apartment.

I was disappointed when I saw Ifeanyi wasn’t alone. There were two other people in the living room.

A short light skinned guy with bushy beards was seated at the mini bar, he was drinking from a scotch glass. A tall dark skinned lady in a pink dress was seated on a cushion adjacent to them, she was sipping from a glass of wine and was focused on the large screen television before she noticed our presence.

“Careful with that child please!” The lady in the pink dress said as Ifeanyi playfully threw Zayan up in the air. She stood up from the sofa and took Zayan from Ifeanyi. She was a bit taller than Ifeanyi and her arms were toned with muscles. I suspected she was an athlete.

Zayan squirmed and began to sob when she held him, he turned to look at me then stretched out his arms wanting me to take him away from her.

“What? You don’t like dark women?” She jokingly asked Zayan. Even with the heavy makeup on her face I found her ugly.

“Don’t mind him.” I smiled as I took Zayan from her.

“This is my pal, Chinedu.” He pointed to the short man who still sat on the bar stool, drinking. He gave a slight nod and smiled at me.

“And this is his beautiful girlfriend, Rita.”

“Hi hi.” Rita’s red lipstick cracked as she smiled.

“Sorry for keeping you standing. Take a seat please.” Ifeanyi offered as he took Zayan’s bag from me the placed it right next to where I sat.

I was curious to know what was going on . Why had he asked me to come?

“I’m sorry if I bothered you by asking you to come here.” Ifeanyi sat on the couch opposite me and smiled sweetly at me.

I felt like grabbing him and giving him a deep kiss on his beautiful chocolate lips.

“No...it’s no problem.” I placed Zayan to sit next to me then handed him a toy from his bag to keep him busy.

Ifeanyi cleared his throat before he spoke. “Well, as you know your sister’s birthday is coming up in a few days and I’m planning a surprise party for her and well that’s what we are all here for, the committee.”

I forced myself to look thrilled as he spoke when deep down I wanted to give him a slap across his face. Why had raised my hopes up like that? He could have just told me his plans over the phone.

“Wow, how nice.”

“Don’t worry, we are covering everything. All you have to do is to lure her to the venue, which is this apartment.”

Ifeanyi and his friends went on and on about the plans for the party but I paid little attention to what their discussion. I felt disappointed and jealous.

Neither Musa nor Broda had ever bought a birthday gift for me and here was Nkiru’s boyfriend planning a lavish party for her. Broda was always forgetting my birthday and when I reminded him he would tell me I was too old to celebrate my birthday. At Musa’s house, his mother had asked the maids to bake me a cake which I ate alone. Musa couldn’t care less.

Ifeanyi had even short-let the apartment for some days in advance to her party and I knew it must had cost a fortune.

“Bro, we have to get going. I just got a message from my boss.” Chinedu said as he raised his head from his phone screen. He had hardly spoken all through the meeting. His potbelly jiggled as he talked.

“Ha! Hope you’re not high from all the drinking you’ve been doing?” Rita teased.

“I can drink a gallon and still stand firm. You trust me na.” Chinedu winked and we all laughed.

“I won’t take that risk. I’m driving.” Rita walked to him with an outstretched palm and he placed his keys in it.

“Bro, later.” He and Ifeanyi did a weird handshake.

Rita gave me a hug and shook Zayan’s hand before she walked with Chinedu out of the apartment.

The butterflies in my tummy began their vigorous movements and obscene thoughts began flashing through my mind immediately they left.

“I should get going.” I made to get up from my seat before Ifeanyi stopped me.

“Wait. You won’t get any commercial transport in this estate. Let me order a cab for you. I left my car at the car wash otherwise, I would have driven you to where you can get one.”

He took out his phone from his pocket.

“Ugh! No network...the WiFi is down.”

Thank God. I silently prayed for his phone not to get any signal.

“Oh... I have to get home early.” I feigned worry.

We waited a while as Ifeanyi kept on fumbling with his phone. It was of no use as he dropped it in defeat a few minutes later.

“I think the security guard should have the numbers of some drivers. Let me go talk to him.” Ifeanyi said before he left.

Zayan began fussing and I could tell he was hungry. I whipped out his flask and mixed his pap and fed it to him. After eating, he grew drowsy and drifted off to sleep almost immediately.

“They are all booked.” Ifeanyi said when he returned.

My heart leaped for joy.

“Are you hungry? I think there are some snacks in the fridge.”

I shook my head. “Can I have a drink?”

“Oh sure.” He stood up and walked over to the bar. “Juice or—“

“Red wine.”

He widened his eyes at me. “Uhm, I don’t think that’s good for you.”

I stood up from my seat and walked over to the bar. I sat on one of the high stools. My dress bunched up over my laps exposing more skin.

I stared at Ifeanyi with pleading eyes. “Please. Just a little. It’s not harmful.”

He stared at me for a while unsure of what to do. He then grabbed a wine glass and poured a little amount of red wine into it before he handed it to me.

“Thank you.” I smiled at him before I sipped from the glass. “Won’t you drink some too?” I pouted.

He smiled and poured himself some scotch.

I quickly downed the glass and stood to pour another drink from behind the counter.

Ifeanyi looked at me disapprovingly. “I don’t think that’s good for your baby.”

I laughed. “Just a little more.” I paused before I raised the glass to my lips.”

It had been ages since I last tasted alcohol. I got intoxicated too quickly. Ifeanyi was a free-spirit and he was easy to talk to. As we talked, I crossed and uncrossed my legs, I raised my bust when I laughed, all to get his attention but he seemed unfazed. He kept on checking his phone occasionally to check if the WiFi was up.

“Oh finally! The WiFi is connected. Let me order you a cab...so sorry for keeping—“

I couldn’t tell if it was the wine or my Hot hormones but I grabbed him by his shoulders and planted a deep kiss on his lips. When I felt him try to pull away, I held him tightly and pushed my breasts into his chest.

He placed his hands on my waist and gently pushed me away from him. He looked distraught.

“What are you doing?!” He got down from the stool and stepped away from me. “You’re drunk.”

I placed my hand at the back of my dress to draw down the zipper. He watched as I pushed down the dress just above my bulging tummy. I slowly unclasped my bra and let it drop to the tiled floor, exposing my bare breasts to him.

The pregnancy had made my breasts twice as big. It had also darkened my areola and made my nipples more taut.

He stood there watching me like a frozen statue. Nkiru’s choice of abstinence had made the poor boy sex starved.

I became more brazen to carry on. I moved closer to him and gently took his arms and placed both of his hands on my breasts. I tightened my hands over his so he could squeeze them.

When he began to squeeze, I shuddered at the tingling sensation I felt.

I traced my fingers down his torso to his waist and unbuckled his belt. I worked my hand into his trouser until I found him and began to stroke him stiff. He groaned deeply.

He lowered his face to mine and kissed me deeply before he grabbed my waist and and pulled me closer to his body.

“I don’t want to hurt you.” He whispered with a hoarse voice.

“You won’t.” I assured him.

I pulled him towards the one seater opposite sleeping Zayan. I sat on it and spread each leg over the arms of the chair. Ifeanyi happily took the invitation. He leaned over me and pushed my pantyline aside.

We both moaned as he slid into me. I squirted after a few seconds of his wild thrusting.

Zayan woke up from his nap and began crying. Ifeanyi tried to stop but I begged him not to. He kept on slamming into me, he was careful enough not to let our abdomens touch.

Zayan’s cry grew louder and we both ignored him. He climbed down from the sofa and crawled towards us. He kept quiet and watched in confusion.

My head spun as Ifeanyi pounded faster and each thrust brought me closer to my highly revered orgasm.

“Please come inside me.” I begged when he was about to pull out. I wrapped my legs around him and held him tightly until I felt his warm liquid fill my insides and then I had my own orgasm.



***
“Oh shit, I just made a huge mistake.” Ifeanyi’s face was buried in his palms.

I rolled my eyes as I zipped up my dress. Zayan was standing next to me, holding on to my legs for support.

“Nkiru mustn’t hear about this. Please.” He raised his head to look at me. His eyes were red. It seemed he was at the brink of crying.

“I’m not a baby.” I snapped at him.

Ifeanyi’s phone buzzed and he picked it up.

“Your cab is here.” He informed me.

I pulled back some loose braids behind my ears.

“I need 20,000.”

Ifeanyi raised his brows at me. “What for?”

“Baby food.”

He let out a defeated sigh as he stood up from his seat and walked into his room. He returned with the money and handed it to me. I counted it meticulously before slipping it into the side pocket of Zayan’s diaper bag.

“Look, I don’t know what came over me...I really love and care about your sister. Let’s forget this happened.”

“No problem.”

I stepped closer to him and tiptoed so my lips could reach his. I licked his lips. He didn’t pull back. I allowed my tongue penetrate into his mouth and then he began to kiss back.

I smiled as I ended the kiss and took a step backwards.

“See you tomorrow.”




.

One of the masked men rushed in and began kicking me on my face.

His kicks were surprisingly light. I woke up when I felt something moist on my nose. Zayan was hovering all over my face.

I heaved a huge sigh of relief. I had only been dreaming. The rays of sunlight seeping through the thin curtains made me realize it was day.

I tickled Zayan. “Baby, sorry I woke up late. I know you are very hungry...look, you are already eating my nose!”

I stood up from the bed and picked him up before we headed for the kitchen. I heard voices coming from the living room and I picked out Nkiru’s voice.

Nkiru was back! I excitedly rushed into the living room with Zayan. I saw Mama dancing, wiggling her large waist. Nkiru threw her head back in laughter while Ifeanyi who was seated on the sofa had a small amused smile on his lips as he watched Mama’s display.

Ifeanyi was the first person who noticed me as I walked into the living room. I suddenly felt self conscious, I wanted to run back into my room to comb my hair and change my worn out nightdress into something more fitting but it was too late.

When he smiled at me, I blushed and quickly took my eyes off him. Just the thought of him had given me multiple orgasms the past nights, I felt a bit embarrassed seeing him in person.

“Sister!” Nkiru ran to hug me. I sniffed the scent of Ifeanyi’s perfume on her. I couldn’t help but feel jealous.

I stepped back to admire her. “Why are you looking so beautiful? Are you sure it’s school you went to?” I chaffed.

Her beautiful braids were packed in a high ponytail which accentuated her heart shaped face face. She had on a stylish jumpsuit that looked too expensive to be bought in an open air market, I suspected Ifeanyi had bought it for her from a high-end boutique.

She rolled her eyes and laughed. “Beautiful like this? Sister don’t tease me abeg.” She grabbed Zayan from me and kissed him on both cheeks. He wiggled his tiny legs and giggled loudly. “How is my Prince Charming doing?”

“Are you on holiday?”

“Holiday kwa? No o! We’re on strike. They chased us out from hostel 2 days ago. Do you feel well Sister? Are you taking your prenatal vitamins?”

I couldn’t blame her for thinking I was sick. I looked a mess. My hair was almost 2 months old and the most of the strands had slipped out from where they should be. My forehead had a few blackheads. I had given up on my looks since I left Musa’s home.

“I’m fine. I always take the pills.”

Mama cleared her throat loudly to draw our attention. “Ifeanyi ezi nwa m, my good son. Thank your mother for me. These wrappers are lovely, o mara mma.” She dramatically stooped to wiggle her waist again holding the bundle of fabrics tightly to her chest.

“Mama!” Nkiru laughed.

Ifeanyi stood up from the sofa and straightened his dark brown senator shirt. I admired his tallness and broad shoulders.

“Mama, I have to take my leave.”

Mama stopped dancing and her shoulders slumped. “So soon? Make I quickly cook something make you chop...and I be wan even call one of my boys make he bring small foodstuff from shop to send give your Mama.”

“Maybe some other time Mama. I’m in a hurry.”

Ifeanyi bade us goodbye and Nkiru escorted him out.

After they left, I was about to go into the kitchen to make Zayan’s breakfast when Mama called me back.

“Madam, where you dey go? Come carry these things go arrange them for my wardrobe.”

I placed Zayan on my back and strapped him securely with my wrapper before I began refolding the wrappers.

“You see say your small sister get sense pass you?” Mama sneered. “See how dem take Dey do something? I for tell you say make you follow her footsteps but which sensible man go wan marry you with 2 children?” Mama laughed scornfully.

Her words stung and tears welled up in my eyes.

“You wan cry? Ehen...I nor know say you sabi cry o! That time before I talk one you don talk hundred, see where e don land you.”

I hurriedly folded the wrappers so I could leave her presence as quickly as possible.

“Biko, nor go tear those expensive wrappers wey my in-law send give me. Common cup of garri, the stupid men wey you Dey born-born follow never send give me.... Fold am carefully!”

“Mama! O zuru, it is enough.” Nkiru said as she walked into the living room.

“Are you stupid? Onye nzuzu. I don tell you say make you nor Dey cut me short ever again! You think say you don big pass who dem Dey flog?” Mama chided Nkiru.

Nkiru ignored Mama and began assisting me with the folding. I wiped away tears from under my eyes and Nkiru looked at me empathetically.

“Sister, ebezi na. Don’t cry.”

“Leave her let her cry! With the way I Dey see this one she never learn her lesson. Since she come this house she never look for work, na who to beg she dey find, tufia!”

“Mama after she delivers—“

“Mechie onu there! Shut up! I don tell you say when she comot na you go drop out from school to train her children because you dey always dey support her nonsense.” Mama hissed.

When we were done arranging the wrappers, I ran into my room to cry my eyes out. I didn’t bother to bathe or feed Zayan. When his hunger pangs became unbearable and he began to cry, I stuffed a nipple into his mouth to shut him up so I could wallow in my own misery.

“Sister...open.” Nkiru knocked on my door a few hours later.

I hesitated before I asked her to come in.

She quietly sat on the bed next to me and we were both silent for a while. Zayan still hungrily latched on my nipple and was sucking like his life depended on it.

“Sister...I’m sorry about all what Mama said. You know how she—“

“Don’t apologize for her.”

Nkiru’s pity somewhat irritated me. It made me feel small. I was the elder sister, I was supposed to be a good example to her not the other way round.

She kept quiet and nervously shuffled her fingers.

“He looks hungry has he eaten?”

I shook my head and she took Zayan from my arms and headed out of the room.


***

A few days later, I was seated on the balcony while Nkiru plaited my hair. Zayan was sound asleep on a small mat right next to us. We enjoyed the evening breeze as Nkiru and I chatted away. Mama wasn’t around so we could speak freely.

I was showing Nkiru Musa’s pictures on her phone through an app.

“What a handsome man and he seems so wealthy!” Nkiru exclaimed as she glanced through his pictures. “Zayan is his carbon copy, lee anya!”

“Handsome man with an evil heart....He showed me pepper.” I hissed.

“But seriously, how can a man not care about his biological children? Even if he hates you so much, what stops him from sending monthly stipends to his kids?” Nkiru spat. “I’m sure one day he would realize his mistakes and come begging.”

I nodded. I silently prayed that day would come soon. I still tried dialing Musa’s number daily, hoping he had unblocked me. Sometimes, when my phone rang I half-expected he was the one calling.

“That day should come soon oh. Only me cannot take care of these children.”

“Sister you can. Mama and I are here to help you...you can even go back to school.”

I snorted. “Mama help me? I doubt.”

“I know Mama, she will.”

As we were talking my phone buzzed. It was a text message from an unnamed number.

“Please answer my call in private.” It read.

Who could this be? I thought.

I excused myself from Nkiru’s presence and went into my room. I waited a while before the call came in.

“Hello?” It was a deep baritone voice.

“Who is this?” I asked impatiently.

“It is I, Ifeanyi... I am sorry for calling you like this. I got your number from Nkiru.”

His husky voice made the butterflies in my stomach flutter without caution.

“Uhm...I saw your message... Erm, is there any problem?” I blurted.

“Is Nkiru there?”

My heart began to beat rapidly and my panty line gradually got soaked. The way he made the call seem forbidden turned me on intensely.

“No.” I replied breathily.

“Okay. Can we meet up tomorrow? Is that okay?”

Jesus. I pinched my thigh. Am I dreaming?

“Why? What for?” I feigned reluctance.

“I’ll tell you about it tomorrow. Please don’t turn me down.” He pleaded.

I bit my lower lip. “Uhm...Okay.”

I’ll call to give you details. Please keep this between us... Oh, say hi to your little boy for me. I can’t wait to see him tomorrow.” He ended the call.

I frowned at the last part. What did he want me to bring Zayan for?

I stood up and looked at my reflection in the mirror. I hoped Ifeanyi wouldn’t mind my bulging stomach. I knew some men fantasied being with pregnant women, maybe he was one of those men.

“Sister, why are you smiling like that?” Nkiru asked as I stepped into the balcony. Zayan had woken up and he was sucking out of the sachet water in Nkiru’s hand.

“I just remembered one movie I watched.” I lied through my teeth. “Baby you’re awake so soon? All these your 10 minutes sleep sef.”

Zayan smiled and stretched his arms towards me so I would lift him.

As Nkiru weaved my hair, I contemplated if I would take Zayan along. I cringed at the thought of him watching Ifeanyi and I make love. I knew putting him to sleep would be difficult as Zayan rarely took naps and when he did the slightest noise woke him up.

On the other hand, if I left him at home and went out all dressed up, it would arouse Mama and Nkiru’s suspicion, that was the last thing I wanted.

“Nkiru this hair is too big na... make it tiny and longer.” I said feeling the strands she had braided.

“Ahn Ahn, Sister no be you talk say you nor fit sit down long for tiny hair?”

“I’ve changed my mind. Make it tiny and long. I want make the end touch my waist.”

Nkiru groaned and painstakingly loosed the few strands she had plaited.

I felt a bit guilty for what I was about to do to Nkiru but the past months had been terrible for me. I needed something good and Ifeanyi was the only person who could give me that. I had no plans to snatch him from Nkiru, I only needed to fulfill my desires and probably get some cash off him.

“Sister, check this one. Is it okay?”

I felt the width and length of the braid.

“Ọ dị mma. It is fine.” I smiled and nodded. I hoped Ifeanyi would like it.






.

“Hmm...Ifeanyi.” I kept on moaning his name as he kissed my neck and trailed his tongue down towards my taut nipples.

The way he teased my nipple with his tongue was mind blowing...I couldn’t take it any longer. I badly wanted him inside me.

I pushed him to lay on the bed and straddled his body. I was ready to ride him nonstop.


I felt the gush warm liquid on my fingers. My body shook sporadically and my eyes rolled in their sockets.

I panted as I tried to regain my lost energy. I could still feel the walls of my vagina throbbing.

My orgasm died quickly and I suddenly felt guilty and ashamed of myself. Why did I keep fantasizing about Nkiru’s boyfriend?

I turned to look at Zayan who laid next to me. It was dark in the room but I could still make out his face. He was fast asleep and snoring lightly.

I stood up from the bed and took off my damp panties.

What was wrong with me?

That Sunday Nkiru had visited with her boyfriend, I found it difficult to take my eyes off him. Everything he did seemed appealing, little things like the way he licked soup off of his fingers or how his tongue touched the rim of his glass before he took a sip turned me on.

He handed me a wad of 1000 Naira notes which he asked me to buy something nice for Zayan on his behalf. I shuddered as his fingers lightly grazed my palm.

After he left that evening, I made Nkiru narrate everything about him from how they met to his favorite color.

They had been dating for about a year and a half. He was an Engineer and he was from a prominent family in Nsukka. His Father was a top politician and also a philanthropist. He had come to supervise a project of his father’s in Nkiru’s school and that was when he laid eyes on her.

“Hmm...and they lived happily ever after.” I mockingly joked. Nkiru’s face turned pink as she erupted in laughter.

“So have you guys done it yet?” I clasped my thighs together and tightened the walls of my vagina as I imagined what Ifeanyi sex life was like.

Nkiru’s face changed from pink to red and she rapidly shook her head. “He wanted to...but I told him I can’t until marriage.”

The tingling sensation I felt gave way for jealousy. He still stayed with her even without sex. I had given up my body easily and even birthed children in my past relationships but both men only used and dumped me. I didn’t deserve it. What was so special about Nkiru? I was more beautiful than her....

“Are you sure he isn’t seeing other girls? All those kind men Dey always get comma.” I hissed.

“No, he isn’t like that. I trust him. I even know the password to his phone and use it anytime I like.”

I wanted to say more but I didn’t want her to notice my jealousy. I told her I was happy for her.






I tried to shake the thoughts of him from my head as I laid down on the bed.

I had heard some women developed an overly high sex drive when pregnant but it hadn’t been so in my previous pregnancies. I wondered why this one was different and I hoped that was the reason. I didn’t want to hurt Nkiru.

The atmosphere in the room felt hot and sticky. I was tempted to take a shower but I didn’t dare to. Mama would step out of her room and nag me on how I keep on wasting her water.

I sighed heavily as I thought about how everything I did in the house irritated Mama. Whenever I used her gas stove to boil water for Zayan’s pap she would walk into the kitchen and complain on how expensive gas was and how I keep on wasting it because I don’t pay for it.

I couldn’t afford to buy disposable diapers for Zayan and had to stick to cloth diapers . Zayan developed a terrible rash because of this. Nkiru was away in school and she could not send money to me for his treatment as I didn’t own a bank account. When I finally summoned up courage to ask Mama for some money to take him to the hospital, she brought out a big basin of egusi for me to peel before she handed me the money.

I hadn’t even registered for ante-natal. Nkiru had promised to take me to a hospital for registration after her exams. She handed me a batch of folic acid and blood tonic.

I got depressed daily as I thought about my future. How would I take care of my self and two children with no skill or qualifications for a good job?

I turned to look at sleeping Zayan again.

His cheeks weren’t as chubby as they were while we were in his father’s house. The rolls of fat on his arms and laps were disappearing. Even his curly hair wasn’t as bouncy and shiny.

I felt sorry for him. Although, he had began eating his pap mixed with little powdered milk and crayfish, I knew he only did so out of hunger. He used to munch happily on his oats and banana pudding back then.

I wished he was dark skinned and had thick Afro hair instead of his dominant Arab features. It would be difficult for him to blend in with the lower class. His peers would surely tease him and call him names when he starts school.

I shut my eyes tightly and tried to get some sleep before Zayan wakes up for his nightly feeding but I couldn’t.

I kept fumbling with depressing thoughts. I closed my eyes again and tried to remember life before I met Broda. When I was still carefree and happy.

The memories seemed hazy. Once again, I pictured myself standing stark naked before Ifeanyi. I had no baby bump, my stomach was smooth and flat. Ifeanyi licked his lips as his eyes scanned the full length of my body.

A few minutes later, I had another orgasm and drifted off to sleep right after.

***
About 7:30AM the next morning, after Mama had left for her store, I was mopping the floor in the living room when I heard a knock on the gate.

I frowned as I wondered who it could be at the gate so early.

“Who is there?!” I asked. I didn’t wait for a reply before I opened the gate.

A hand forcefully pushed me which made me crash to the floor with a heavy thud

I was horrified as three masked men walked in through the gate.

Kingdemu:
Make she carry her ashawo self fk the sister guy oo

Lol

Born2winnx:
Please feed me more renderhelp

No wahala. Keep following ❤️

I repeatedly knocked on the gate.

“Mama Biko...please open.” I pleaded while I tried to soothe Zayan by rocking him with one hand.

“Madam pay me my money...which kind wahala be this?!” The cab driver stood impatiently behind me with his hands akimbo.

“Abeg I Dey come...just wait, I go pay you.” I said sniffling, doing my best to hold back my tears. We’ve been standing at the gate for over 30 minutes. I didn’t know what else to tell the boy to keep him from losing his temper.

“Sister?!”

I turned to see Nkiru alighting from a keke napep. She was beaming with smiles as she hurriedly paid her fare and ran towards me.

“Sister, it’s you!” She grabbed me and squeezed me tightly as she laughed, jumping up and down.

“Sister, I missed you.” There were tears in her eyes. She had also changed a lot since I last saw her. Her skin glowed and her clothes clung well to her shapely figure. I admired the way her beautiful braids pulled at her scalp, giving her a facelift. I had never seen her look so attractive.

She snapped her fingers at my face. “Sister?!”

I blinked my eyes rapidly.

“Sister is this your baby?” She pointed at Zayan and I nodded.

“Eh! Fine boy!” She took him from my arms and cuddled him.

“Uhm...Nkiru do you have money on you? I want to pay him.” I pointed to the driver.

Nkiru nodded and handed me her purse. She threw Zayan up in the air and caught him. He giggled loudly. I was surprised Zayan had taken to her so easily, he didn’t like new faces.

“You’ll see my keys at the other side of the purse. Open the gate.”

I shook my head and handed her the purse. “Mama refused to let me in.” I sobbed. “Help me beg her.”

Nkiru looked at me with pity. “Don’t worry, let’s go inside. Even if she Dey vex, she still miss you. She always Dey pray for you since you comot.”

I felt a bit relieved as we both went into the house.

***
The compound was quite spacious with a small whitewashed bungalow in it.

Wow, Mama had really done well for herself, I thought as I admired the building and the compound. It was nothing luxurious but the house looked homely.

“Who open door for this Ewu? She-goat?” Mama was seated on the balcony with her arms folded over her breasts. Her face was red.

“Mama...make she enter first na....” Nkiru spoke coaxingly.

Mama shook her head vehemently. “No be this house she go enter. This place be like where dem Dey rear goats?”

I went on my knees when we got close to the steps of the balcony. The hot concrete felt painful and made me shift my weight on both knees.

“Mama please, forgive me. I made a mistake...I have changed.” I cried.

Mama raised her nose at me. “I made a mistake.” She mimicked with an exaggerated voice.

“A mistake kwanu. Person go think say na pencil or eraser she lost with the way she dey talk.” Mama chuckled and shook her head.

“Mama...it’s enough—“

“Mechie onu! Shut up that stinking mouth!” She swiftly pulled off her slipper and aimed it at Nkiru. She dropped it after a few seconds and hissed. “Ngwanu, before I open my eyes give her back her baby...fast!” She screamed.

Nkiru hesitated before she handed Zayan to me.

“Or you are ready to buy baby items so that she can run again abi?” Mama rapidly tapped a foot on the floor as she usually did when she got angry. “Maybe this time she go leave her pikin. I swear you go drop out from school to take care of am!”

“Mama I’m not running anywhere. I’m sorry for—“

“Hian! How will she run now?” She turned to ask Nkiru like I wasn’t there. “The she-goat is pregnant and has come again for my help. No be Wetin she do us the last time?”

Mama cackled loudly. “After I don borrow money to take buy baby things, pay hospital bills for this she-goat....Sotey people come Dey disgrace me on top!” She sniffed and stopped speaking for a moment. I could tell she was about to cry.

“Mama e don do....” Nkiru climbed up to the balcony and stood next to her to rub her back.

“Me, Veronica!” She beat her chest loudly. “I no go let this ingrate fool me again.” She turned to eye me.

I lowered my eyes to the floor and watched how the tears from my eyes dropped to the concrete floor. I felt like a terrible person. I regretted allowing myself to be swayed by Broda to the detriment of my own family.

We all stayed in silence for a while. Even little Zayan was quiet too as if he understood what was going on.

“Come this girl, where your first pikin? The one wey you come house come born.”

My mouth dried up immediately. How would I explain to Mama that Broda had sold the baby?

“I—uhm... She don die.” I began sobbing loudly.

“Ewo...hmm” Nkiru mumbled. Mama shook her head sadly.

“Who come get this pikin?” Mama pointed at Zayan.

I told Mama and Nkiru the truth on how I had met Musa and how he threw me out.

Mama placed her hands over her head when I was done narrating my ordeal.

“Ewo! God you sure say na me born this girl so?” She stood up from the plastic chair snapped her fingers over her head.

As she walked towards me, I crawled backwards and held Zayan tightly to my body. The rough concrete floor scraped my knees.

“Cherry you be big disgrace to me, yourself and womanhood!” Tears rolled down her cheeks as she spoke. “I swear if no be say you get belle I for don give you beating wey go make you land for mortuary.”

“See your sister Nkiru, she don Dey study medicine for Nsukka. No be me born and train the both of una? You no gree listen to me na man you Dey pursue...when I Dey talk to you that time you talk say I be village woman, I nor know anything because of small change wey that useless boy been Dey give you!” She slapped her knees and mumbled curses in her native dialect.

“As for me I don wash my hand comot from your matter. I go only Dey pray make God show you mercy make you fit take care of your children.” She shook her head and hissed. “Well, I no Dey drive you comot. I go give you room make you and your children take stay...I no be bad person but that na the highest wey I fit do. I no go let you use me again.”

She turned and walked into the house.

***
Almost a month of staying in the house and Mama held steadfast to her promise. She didn’t allow me eat from her pot. It was Nkiru who gave me some money to buy food for myself and Zayan before she left for school.

Zayan grew lean as I could not afford to buy the foreign baby foods he was used to.

I tried calling Musa severally. Even though he had since blocked my number, I kept on hoping and trying.

Mama only spoke to me when necessary. Anytime she looked at me, I saw disappointment in her eyes.

Mama had gone into wholesale business of dry foods. She had 2 big stores and was making good profits. Nkiru told me it was an old friend who she bumped into years ago that had introduced her to the business.

One Sunday afternoon, I was washing clothes behind the house. Zayan was practicing how to stand without holding on to anything, he was doing a bad job at it which made me laugh.

I heard the gates open and the sound of a car drive in. I wiped the washing foam off my hands with a dry cloth and picked up Zayan to see who it was.

A new model Mercedes Benz was parked in the driveway. The black car sparkled brilliantly in the sun. I couldn’t see the driver as the windshield and window glasses were tinted.

Nkiru ran towards us after she bolted the gates securely. She had been away in school for the past 2 weeks. I was glad she was back. The house wouldn’t be as boring.

“Nkiru welcome. Nno.” I greeted as I hugged her. “Are you on holiday?” My eyes kept on darting towards the car. I was curious about who owned it and what it was doing in our compound.

“No o... I came to visit you and Mama. Before I forget!” She leaned in to whisper “Sister, my boyfriend is here.” She giggled like a little girl.

A dark, tall and handsome young man alighted from the driver’s seat. As he smiled and walked towards us, I admired how perfect his facial and body features were.

“This is my junior mummy.” Nkiru introduced me. “Her name is Sister Cherry.”

I felt like giving Nkiru a hot slap. I was only a year older than she was but she made it seem like I was 5 times her age.

“Nice to meet you Sister Cherry.” He smiled to reveal a perfect set of teeth.

“Don’t mind her, you can call me Cherry.” I smiled at him.

Everything about him was breathtaking, I thought. He wore basic white T-shirt which emphasized his biceps. His jeans fitted him perfectly.

“Wow cute baby. A boy or girl?” He asked as he shook Zayan’s tiny hand.

“Boy.” I held his gaze as he looked at me.

“Yes...we are all cute in my family...that’s my nephew, Zayan. He’s 9 months old.”

I wished Nkiru would shut up and leave.

Nkiru cleared her throat dramatically. “Sister this is Ifeanyi, my friend.” She dragged the word ‘friend’ and they both laughed.

“Oh, I see it’s that way. I should leave then.” Ifeanyi teased.

“Leave to where?! Ngwanu, you go nowhere or I’ll seize your car keys.”
Nkiru took him by his hand and dragged him towards the building.

Mama came out of the house. She walked down the stairs of the balcony and gave Ifeanyi a side hug.

“Nwa m nwoke. My son, welcome. Why didn’t you tell me you were coming? I would have prepared your special onugbu soup.”

“Mama, won’t you welcome me?” Nkiru pouted and they all laughed.

I stood and watched them. I felt jealous.

doctorexcel:
Now i can welcome the op back(partially) to the wonderful story

Lol thanks... I’m sorry about last time. I promise to use any phone I come across to make sure I complete this story.

Zayan squirmed out of discomfort on my laps. I smacked him to keep still.

“Ah ah...Aunty small small...make I help you carry am.” The chubby passenger sitting next to me offered. I quickly shoved Zayan into her arms before she changed her mind.

The heat in the bus was stifling. Worse still we had been stuck in a traffic jam for the past three hours. Some passengers had even alighted from the bus and were sitting by the roadside under the shade of trees.

The chubby woman began cooing Zayan who was startled by her strange face. Even though I had stripped him to only his diapers, he was still sweating. I wished I could afford an air-conditioned bus.

Just a day ago, Musa Mother’s will had been read out. It turned out She had only dished out empty threats concerning Musa losing the company if he didn’t have a male child. Musa has wasted no time kicking Zayan and I out of his house.

“This your son is so handsome! ọ mara mma.” The Chubby woman tickled Zayan.

“Yes o. I just Dey admire the boy since. Make God bless me with this kind pikin.” A light skinned lady sitting behind us quipped and some passengers said an ‘Amen’ or ‘Me too’.

I ignored them and turned to face the window. I kept on thinking of how I would face Mama. Would she accept me back after what I did to her the last time? Even if she accepted me how would I take care of Zayan and the new baby?

My stomach knotted and tears welled up in my eyes. I felt like a failure. 4 years since I left my village with nothing to show for it. I was returning home literally penniless. I had no bank account, no savings whatsoever. Musa had not given me a dime as he kicked me out. It was the security guard who had handed me some money out of pity.

I wished I had kept in contact with Dina and Lizzy. I had sidelined them just to please Musa’s mother, they got the message and stopped trying to contact me also. I couldn’t gather the courage to go back to them. After all, they didn’t owe me anything.

My heart almost stopped when I saw the ‘WELCOME TO IMO STATE’ sign board. In a few minutes, I would be in my village. I was still to scared to call Mama to let her know of my arrival. I shut my eyes tightly to pray to God to soften her heart.

***

It was a bit dark when I arrived at the compound gate. The building had barely changed since I left. As I walked in with Zayan on my back and struggling with my heavy luggages I noticed there were mostly new faces in the compound. They stared at me curiously.

“Hey stop there!” A voice behind me yelled.

I turned to see an elderly man clad in a threadbare vest and worn out wrapper loosely tied around his waist. He limped as he walked up to me.

“Papa Chuma?” I squinted my eyes to see if I had recognized him correctly. I was right. It was the Landlord.

“Yes? Onye ka ị bụ? Who are you and what are you looking for?” He chewed vigorously on his chewing stick.

“Papa Chuma...don’t you remember me? Na me, Cherry.”

Papa Chuma scrutinized me with his eyes.

“Oh oh!” He removed the chewing stick from his mouth before he threw his head back and cackled loudly. “Ewo! Cherry na you be this?!”

The idle ‘face me I face you’ occupants trooped around us in no time.

“Ehen! See how you don turn big madam overnight. Welcome! A na m asị gị nnọọ!”
He beamed a smile at me. “Na my old tenant be this.” He explained to the people watching and they also welcomed me.

I wondered what he meant by old tenant. Didn’t Mama and Nkiru live here anymore?

“Follow me. My wife Dey inside, come greet am. Leave your bags for here...nobody go take am.”

I followed closely behind him as we walked into the dark passage. I saw the door to the room which had housed Mama, Nkiru and I. Everything felt nostalgic, I realized how much I had missed home.

“Mama Chuma, where you? Remember that girl Cherry?” Papa Chuma held open the torn net door for me to go in.

“That useless girl?” Mama Chuma replied with a shrill voice.

She sat up immediately she saw me. “Ah...Cherry! Welcome,nnọọ.” She stood up to give me a reluctant side hug. “Ahn! See your fine baby...na oyinbo?”

“Woman enough!” Papa Chuma cut her shut. “Go bring food make she chop.”

“No sir...thank you. Where my Mama and Nkiru my sister?”

“Sit down, chop first nah. You look tired.”

I shook my head.

“Your Mama and sister don move since last year -“

“Yes o... them don move go their private house for owerri. Very fine house-“

“Mechie ọnụ!” Papa Chuma hissed at her.

My jaw dropped open. Mama and Nkiru now live in a private house? How did that happen?

“Make I give you their number.” Papa Chuma offered.

I shook my head. “No thank you. I have their number...I wanted to surprise them.” I smiled at both of them reassuringly.

Papa Chuma insisted I passed the night in their room even though I had lied to them I rather lodge in a hotel.

Zayan and I could barely sleep that night. Even though Papa and Mama Chuma had given us their creaky spring bed and slept on the floor alongside their 5 children, we weren’t comfortable. We were used to sleeping in an air conditioned room not a tiny overcrowded room infested with blood thirsty mosquitoes.

I calculated how much the transport fare would cost to Owerri . I only had 70 Naira in my purse.

***
The rickety taxi stopped outside a big black gate.

“Madam this na the place.” The teenage driver informed me. I was sure he wasn’t older than 15 years. I couldn’t complain as he was the only driver who had agreed to my ridiculous price.

The fence was so tall that I couldn’t see the building inside.

“Madam,nye m ego. Give me money.” The boy stretched out his chapped palms to me after dropping my bags in front of the gate.

“I Dey come make my people answer first.” I smiled at him.

The boy frowned and mumbled as walked back to lean on his jalopy.

I took a deep breath before I knocked on the gate. I prayed under my breath that Nkiru would be the one to open the gate.

“Onye bu?!”

It was my mother. I felt like running back into the taxi and telling the driver to speed off.

Our eyes jammed as she open the gate. Her face looked fuller and fresher. I even got a hint of her perfume! She seemed like a different person.

Her eyes darted from me to Zayan and back to me. Her eyebrows furrowed deeply and she pouted her lips.

“Mama...”

“I am not your mother.”

She banged the gate loudly. The sound frightened Zayan and he began to cry.

iamoyindamola:

Welcome back we missed you

Thanks ma

Born2winnx:


When the story de hot na him de sweet pass.

Then I was hungry for more... like the suspense was just too much to handle... and you went ghost mode on us like that..... common it's annoying...


You not a psycho...your great writer.....I just needed more at that particular time..

Lol ok o