bimberry1307:
I'm already sending a hug to the person (hubby) that recommended your books to me. He's actually someone you know.

Btw, thanks ma'am for this wonderful piece. Can't wait to see the end.

*hugs*

Send my greetings to your hubby.
Curious about his identity *winks*

Halyma:
Well done Mama!!!

Thank you *hugs*

Liposure:
I'm enjoying your work even tho i'm behind schedule.

Thanks. No wahala

izaray:
Interesting, thanks for the update ma'am

You're welcome

Kaycee9242:
Nice one Shewrites

*winks*

crossfm:
Welcome to the world of marriage Ejiro.

Ejiro the computer age lady,it's time to make us of all your technology to solve your marital problem.

You failed to look before you leaped.

Marriage is a serious business,and I ascribe to doing your background check before saying I do,just the way it was done in the olden days.

Thanks shewrites for the update.

*winks*

CHAPTER 12

Oghenekaro came into the flat and found Rukevwe seated on the floor in the sitting room, sobbing as if her whole life had ended. He stood at the doorway for a while, watching the girl, speculating on what the matter was. His heart missed a beat when the thought that she must have had another night or day vision crossed his mind.

“Rukevwe…” he hurried to her side. “What is it? Talk to me.”

She raised her head to meet her father’s worried countenance. “Ejiro…” she whimpered.

His eyes grew wide with fear. “What happened to your sister? Is she okay? Did God reveal something to you about her?”

She shook her head and dropped her gaze.

“Rukevwe talk to me.”

“Ejiro said… she said my… my private part has been rendered completely useless by those men.”

He opened his mouth and closed it. He couldn’t fathom what made his older daughter to speak in such a manner to her sister.

“She said what?!” his voice hit the roof.

Itoro walked in. “I don’t know what has come over the girl. She is acting as if she is possessed or something.”

He regarded his wife. “Is she back from Port Harcourt?”

She made herself comfortable on the chair closest to the television. “Yes. And since then, all hell has broken loose.”

His brows came together in a frown. “What’s going on?”

Itoro gave a shake of head. “Your daughter is pregnant and unremorseful about it.”

Oghenekaro could hardly believe his ears. He used to pride himself with the fact that his daughters and even his sons were disciplined. None of them had given him cause to worry or fear. He could beat his chest and vouch any day, anytime that his daughters were virgins, “She is what?!” the room vibrated.

“She is pregnant, my husband.”

A sudden headache took over his head. It was as if his brain was splitting in two. “Ejiro! Ejiro! Ejiroghene!”

The twenty-four-year-old strode into the sitting room. “Who did I offend? Why did I come home? Who send me message sef? I should have just gone straight to Chukwuemeka’s place.”

Oghenekaro and Itoro shared a confused glance.

Ejiro continued talking to herself. “Am I the first lady to get pregnant out of wedlock? Ehn? Why are you people behaving like stone age men? The world has gone beyond your level of understanding. Both of you are no longer current. You don’t know what is happening,” she eyed her mother, then looked her father up and down.

Rukevwe stared at her sister like one who had lost her marbles.

He placed a hand on his chest. “Ejiro, you are calling me and your mother stone age men.”

The girl hissed and sat on the settee. “Daddy, what else do you want me to say? Your wife has already pronounced judgement on myself and my fiancé. She has decided to play God, and I…”

“Shut your mouth!” he felt like giving her a sound beating.

Ejiro jerked at the tone of her father’s voice. The rage in his eyes terrified her, but she knew that he would never lay a finger on her. The man stopped beating her and her siblings when they all turned eighteen.

“Can you imagine?” he looked at his wife.

“She thinks she is all grown up. She thinks she can say or do whatever she likes. I am so, so sorry for her,” Itoro snarled at the girl.

“I don’t believe this…” Oghenekaro started to pace the room. “First and foremost, you must apologize to your younger sister.”

Ejiro turned to look at her sister. The girl seemed unhappy and distraught. She bit at her lower lip. She knew that she was the cause of her sister’s wounded state.

“Number two, we are going to sort this… this your unwarranted issue out as a family,” he directed his gaze at his wife. “Please call Ochuko. I will call Eru.”

Itoro got up and left the room.

“I said you should apologize to your sister!” his red eyes met her reluctant ones.

Ejiro cleared her throat. “I… I am sorry. I didn’t mean to... to, you know?”

Rukevwe raised an eyebrow. “I don’t believe you.”
She opened her mouth, then turned to her father.

Oghenekaro folded his arms across his chest. “Convince her.”

She adjusted her sitting position. How was she supposed to persuade the girl and assure her that she didn’t mean what she said? She had no intention of reminding her of her ugly past or reopening the scars of her wounds.

****

Eru walked into the large office. He adjusted the hand of the knapsack on his shoulder and waved a greeting at the people in the room. He located his brother’s desk and settled down on the spare seat opposite the table.

“Hey…”

“What’s up?”

“Are you ready to leave?”

Ochuko shook his head. “Almost through. My oga gave me something to do at the last minute."

“Oh…” he eyed the pile of folders on his brother’s desk. “Did dad call you?” He crossed his legs.

Ochuko gave a shake of head, “No, but mum did. She said something about Ejiro disgracing the family and et cetera,” his eyes remained on the monitor.

Eru nodded in affirmation. “Dad said she is pregnant.”

He lifted his eyes to meet his brother’s tired gaze. “Seriously?”

“Yep.”

“That girl…” he hissed.

Eru leaned against the leather chair. “Can you blame her? Didn’t you see the way Chukwuemeka was looking at her during the introduction ceremony?”

His brother started to laugh. “Yeah, I saw him too. He was staring at her like a lion dissecting its prey with visual teeth.”

Eru burst into laughter.

Ochuko’s brows creased in a frown. “Mum is mad.”

“So is dad. But, what is done is done. We cannot turn back the hands of time.”

“Hmmm…” he dropped his head and continued typing. “Are you going there now?”

“Yes. I guess I have to wait for you, shey?”

“Yep. But I doubt if there will be food in that house today.”

Eru smiled. “We will eat something somewhere before going to settle the war, the fight and the indaboski.”

Ochuko couldn’t help but roar with laughter.

****

Ejiro and Chukwuemeka were ushered into the vehicle after they had taken pictures with their family and friends outside the court house, alongside their best man and chief bride’s maid. They arrived at the reception hall in less than twenty minutes.

“I will let the MC know that we have arrived,” the best man, Andy, came out of the vehicle.

“Thanks man, get us some drinks on your way back,” Chukwuemeka called after his friend.

“Sure,” Andy responded and left.

“I will go and get us some food. It is advisable to eat now before all the dancing starts,” Rukevwe climbed out of the car.

“You are right. I once heard of a couple who didn’t taste a spoon out of all the delicacies their caterer made. They left their own reception on empty stomachs,” Chukwuemeka added.

“God forbid!” Ejiro hissed. “I want pounded yam and melon soup with catfish,” she instructed her sister.

“Roger that,” she winked at her and cat-walked away.

Chukwuemeka pulled his wife into his arms. “I can’t wait for us to get to the hotel,” he whispered in her ears.

Ejiro giggled. “Me too.”

“Hope you are ready for some pounding tonight."

Ejiro started to laugh. She was happy that her traditional and court wedding went well as planned. Although they had to scrap the church wedding because her pregnancy was beginning to show. And the pastor that was supposed to officiate the ceremony told them that it was against the church’s rule to wed couples who were already expecting a baby. She found the policy harsh.

“I am more than ready, my love,” her gaze bored into his.

His eyes began to twinkle, “Or should we abandon the wedding guest and flee to the hotel?”

She started to laugh again.

“What’s funny? I am sure you have been dreaming of our wedding night for days and weeks now,” he started to tickle her.

“Emeka stop it!” her screams rented the air.

The best man returned with bottles of wine and glasses. “The wine is chilled, man,” he stood by the window.

“Great…” Chukwuemeka adjusted his tie.

Rukevwe came back bearing a large tray of food. “We need to eat fast. The MC said he will call us in the next ten minutes.”

Ejiro hissed. “They will wait until I am done eating.”

“Exactly, he doesn’t know that she is eating for two, or three sef,” her husband added.

Rukevwe and Andy exchanged glances and they began to laugh.

Hours later, Chukwuemeka and Ejiro left the reception hall and were driven to their honeymoon suite at Sheraton hotel.

****

Rukevwe stood beside the vehicle that was supposed to take them home. Her parents were already seated, but the driver couldn’t leave because they were waiting for Eru and Ochuko. The boys were at the junction, trying to secure a cab that would take their girlfriends home.

“Rukevwe, please go and look for your brothers,” Itoro looked out of the window of the car.

She grumbled and stood where she was. She was in no shape to start walking around and searching for two grown men. Telling her mother that might spark an argument.

“Why are we even waiting for them? Can’t they find their own way home?” Oghenekaro hissed.

“They said it is too late to get to their own apartment. They are coming home with us,” Rukevwe pulled off her high heeled shoes. She was happy that she brought along a pair of slippers.

Her father hissed again. “Maybe you should go and look for them. I can’t sit here and wait.”

Rukevwe looked towards the junction and saw her brothers approaching the gate of the reception hall. She heaved a sigh of relief. “They are here.”

“Thank God,” Itoro leaned against the car seat. She closed her eyes and started to doze off.

Oghenekaro hissed again. He was extremely worn out. All he wanted to do was to shower and sleep.

Rukevwe and her family arrived home an hour and half before midnight that day. She went straight to her room, her parents retired to theirs and her brothers went to the guest room.

“I am so happy it’s all over now,” Ochuko pulled off his jacket.

“Same here. This year, I will be clocking twenty-eight,” Eru lay on the bed. “It will make perfect sense to get married now.”

Ochuko eyed him. “Are you sure you are ready to be tied to one woman for the rest of your life?”

“Yes, I am. I love Ese and she is the one for me."

Ochuko was silent for a while. “This means that there might be another wedding in the family this year,” he winked at his brother.

Eru started to laugh. “You got that right.”

He lay beside his brother. “Tega isn’t bad either. Aside a few of her shenanigans, she is a good woman.”

Eru turned to look at his younger brother. “So, are you also willing to tie the knot this year?”

“I am thinking about it?” he closed his eyes.

Eru placed a pillow under his head. He wondered how their parents would feel if they told them that they might be getting married simultaneously that same year.

****

Six months pregnant Ejiro stirred the soup in the pot and covered it. She slow-walked out of the kitchen and strolled into the master bedroom. She sat on the bed, arranged some pillows and lay on her back.

Chukwuemeka walked into the room fuming. “How long does it take you to cook? I came back from work two hours ago, yet, no food,” he glared at her.

She looked up at him and smiled. Her husband actually returned home from work about forty-five minutes ago, but there was no need to correct him. “Please, please be patient.”

“Patient? For how long?” his angry eyes bored into her calm ones.

She dropped her gaze and kept quiet.

“Didn’t your common sense tell you to make sure that your husband’s food is ready before he returns from work?”

She sighed and raised her head to meet his glower. “Honey…”

“Don’t honey me!” he looked her up and down.

“Dear, you know I went to the clinic today.”

“So?” his face hardened. “Are you the only one going for Ante-natal brouhaha?”

“They didn’t release us till around two, then I went to the market. And by the time I started cooking, it was like five or so.”

“I don’t care!” He thundered.

She trembled at the sound of his voice. It was the first time she was seeing him that angry.

“I am hungry. I want my food now!” He walked up to her and dragged her down.

“Chukwuemeka!” her heart missed a beat. “Take it easy now,” she steadied herself and frowned at him.

“Get me my food!” he stood toe to toe with her.

She backed away. She didn’t know what possessed her husband that evening. It wasn’t the first time his dinner had been delayed. “The soup is not yet ready. Please be patient.”

“Go and bring me my food,” he gave her a push towards the door.

She lost her balance, staggered and almost fell flat on her tummy. “Emeka!” Her heart beat quickened. She held her round stomach and looked up at him. “What is wrong with you? What if I had fallen?” Her throat tightened and tears gathered in her eyes.

“I will not repeat myself,” he pointed a finger at her. “Go and get my food.”

“Am I the fire? Do I look like the gas cooker to you?” she eyed him. She was hurt because he wasn’t even remorseful. “Abeg, abeg, abeg…”
She tried to seat at the edge of the bed, but he pulled her by the hand and pushed her towards the door again. This time around, she fell on her buttocks and shrieked in pain.

“Get up! Lazy bones! Get up!”

“You are crazy! Do you want to kill me? Do you want to kill the baby?!” She looked him in the eye with tears streaming down hers.

He pulled her by the hand again. “Get up!”

“Leave me alone!” When she couldn’t free her hand from his grip, she bit into his flesh.

He yelled in pain and hit her across the face with the other hand. Then yanked his bitten hand free from her sharp teeth.

“Witch! Look at my hand! She wants to suck my blood!” he stared at the teeth marks. Blood flowed freely from the bruise.

She held her hurting face and began to sob. It was the first he was hitting her. She had no idea that the man she married was capable of such atrocity.

“It is my blood you want to go and donate to your coven, right? You will not succeed. You hear me? It will not work,” he picked his car keys from the bedside table and marched out of the bedroom.

Her sobs got louder. She checked her tummy and other parts of the body, hoping that she didn’t hurt herself when she fell. Her mind travelled to her dating period. Chukwuemeka didn’t show such crazy tendencies while he courted her. What was going on? It’s been barely eight weeks since they got married. Did he change? Or was she overwhelmed with his love and gifts and missed one or two warning signals?

Happy Valentine's Day everyone
Enjoy ;-)

HORLADSTAR:
I gotta pitch my tent here mehn cos I can't avoid to miss this story no more.

A very captivating story you got going here, keep it going ma'am.

Thanks *winks*

yewande1234:
Ma'am when will this story be up on okadabooks

Hi, once we get to Chapter 20, I will upload the complete story on bambooks.io, Okadabooks etc

Ann2012:
Hmmmm Ejiro.... I pray all ends well for you ooo

Thanks for the update ma’am

*winks*

crossfm:
The wards of Heraclitus comes to mind,"the only constant thing is change ".

I can't believe what I just read now.This new version of Ejiro is a big surprise.
Her change is so drastic and her words vulgar.

She thinks getting married is the end of the world. It's either her husband to be has been influencing her negatively or she has been like this from the onset.

Thanks shewrites.In the voice of Mr macaroni," you are doing well".

Hehehehe... thanks

aprilwise:
Ejiro do not try at all how could she say such words to her sister. She doesn't know what's a stake. Thanks for the update

You're welcome.

CHAPTER 11

Rukevwe began lectures at LASU School of part-time Studies, Jibowu campus. She was astounded that at twenty-two, she wasn’t the only one in her twenties at the school. Even in her department, there were people in their thirties. Some were working and schooling, others, like her, were unemployed. There were a lot of students between the ages of sixteen and twenty. She pondered on why they didn’t enroll into the university. She overheard some people discussing how the U.M.E examination had disgraced them many times over. Others didn’t have the means to support themselves financially. Working and schooling at the same time was their only option. She attended the morning classes because of her father’s reservations about her being employed before she was a graduate. No one, not even her mother, had been able to convince him to allow her to work.

One day, on her way home after lectures, while waiting at the bus-stop for a vehicle heading to Yaba, she saw her sister’s boyfriend, Chukwuemeka, in his black Hyundai car. She wanted to call out to him and wave, but saw her sister too, seated at the passenger seat! Was Ejiro in town? She rarely visited home since she began her service year in Port Harcourt. She always claimed that the transportation fare was costly.

A large vehicle halted at the bus-stop. Rukevwe got in with a few other people. She found a good seat, but sooner than expected, she was sandwiched between two other women. She endured the discomfort till the bus got to her destination. The distance between her house and the junction wasn’t that far. She could have trekked, but her curious mind made her to stop a bike. She wanted to find out if Ejiro informed their parents that she would be coming home.
The moment the bike rider stopped in front of her house, she paid him and ran to her mother’s shop, but it was locked. She hurried into the compound, let herself into the flat and went straight to the kitchen. She found her mother eating from a bowl of apples.

“Mummy, good afternoon,” she dropped her bag on the table.

“Afternoon dear. How was school today?” Itoro bit into the fruit.

“Fine ma,” she leaned against the refrigerator. “Is Ejiro back?”

Itoro raised an eye brow. “Did she tell you that she was coming home?”

She shook her head.

“I think she is waiting for the Christmas holiday before visiting. Thank God that she will be completing her service year in March next year.”

Rukevwe’s brows came together in a frown. She wasn’t happy that her sister snuck into Lagos to spend time with her boyfriend without the knowledge of her family.

Her mother noticed the expression on her face. “I miss her too. Don’t worry, she will soon be home.”

She looked at the tabletop gas cooker. “What’s for dinner?”

Itoro eyed her, “Dinner kwa? I did not cook.”

“Oh-ooooh!” She stomped her feet on the ground.

The older woman looked her up and down. “If you are hungry, go and cook.”

“Ehn…what about your husband? What will he eat?”

“None of your business.”

“Winch kain wahala bi dis sef?” She pulled the strap of her bag and dragged it out of the kitchen. She went into the room she shared with her sister, dropped the bag on the floor, kicked off her shoes and slumped on the bed. There were days she hated living with her parents.

Maybe Indomie noodles and eggs will suffice for lunch, then she might eat garri and groundnut or meat suya for dinner. She pulled out her phone from her jeans pockets and dialed her sister’s number.

“Hello…”

“Hello yourself? What are you doing in Lagos?”

There was silence at the other end of the line.

She lay on her tummy. “Don’t bother lying. I saw you in your boyfriend’s car this afternoon.”

“I am going back to Port Harcourt tomorrow morning.”

Rukevwe rolled her eyes. “Why didn’t you come home first?”

“I just came to see my boyfriend briefly.”

“How long have you been around, ehn… Ejiro?”

Her voice became stern, “Rukevwe, when did you turn into a detective?”

“Have you been sleeping at his place?” her heart missed a beat.

Silence.

“Wow! Wow! So, you have been sneaking into Lagos and you have been sleeping over at your guy’s place?”

Silence.

“Eh! Ejiroghene Etadafe,” she placed a hand on her head.

“Shut your trap and mind your own business. Is this why you called me?”

She sat up quickly. “Sister Ejiro, you are my business.”

“Gerra-out!”

“You know I am supposed to be looking up to you. What kind of example are you…”

The telephone went dead.

“Hello…” she stared at the phone.

Did her sister cut the call? She dialed the number again, but it was no longer available. She shook her head and sighed heavily. She decided not to intimate her mother. Her sister would probably come to her senses soon enough. She hoped.
Rukevwe was aware that Ejiro really, really liked the guy, but, that wasn’t enough reason to start sleeping over at his place, no matter how short the duration of the visit was.

She tried to call the number again, but, the line was switched off. She dropped the phone on the bed and climbed down. She was so hungry. She wasn’t sure if Indomie noodles would suffice anymore.

***

“Who is watching the chicken frying in that pan?” Itoro yelled from the kitchen doorway.

Tega, Ochuko’s girlfriend came running in. “Mumsie. I am watching it,” she ran to the cooker.

“Watching? The chicken is in here and you are out there playing Romeo and Juliet with Ochuko,” Itoro eyed her.

Rukevwe giggled while she cut the salad ingredients. If she laughed out loud, her mother would surely chop off her head and fry it along with the chicken.

“If you know that you are not ready to assist me, just go back in there and sit on your man’s laps. No hard feelings.”

Tega paid attention to the chicken she was frying. But it was harder not to respond while her boyfriend’s mother lashed out at her.

Itoro frowned when she saw the unattended pot of stew on the cooker. “Who is watching the stew?”

Silence.

“Who wants to burn the stew that our visitor will eat today?” her voice grew louder.

Ese, Eru’s girlfriend ran into the kitchen. “Is the stew done?”

“Ask me again,” Itoro felt like spanking her.

Ese went over to the stew she was cooking. It was cooked and ready. She turned off the burner and glanced at Tega who still had a bucket of chicken to fry.

“Let me help. I will get another pan.”

“Thanks,” Tega sighed in relief.

Ese opened the cupboard and brought out another fry pan.

“Rukevwe, are you going to deliver a baby in that spot?”

Tega and Ese giggled.

She lifted her head and met her mother’s glare.

“How long does it take to cut those vegetables?"

“Mum…”

“Please!” She raised a hand. “Put down that tray. I will do it myself. Go and check on your sister.”

Rukevwe placed the tray on the table and made her way out of the kitchen. She couldn’t wait for the day to be over. Chukwuemeka Obi and his people were coming to see her family to ask for Ejiro’s hand in marriage. It was a small introduction, but her mother was treating everyone like a hired help! She didn’t blame her. The woman simply wanted everything to go well.

“The traditional and church wedding is scheduled two weeks after my service year in March…” Ejiro conversed with two of her friends who were seated with her on the bed.

All eyes flew to the doorway when Rukevwe shut it.

“Are they here?” the excitement in her eyes melted her younger sister’s annoyance.

“Not yet.”

Ejiro lay back on the bed. “It is almost twelve. When do they plan to get here?”

Rukevwe went over to the window. “Relax sis. They will be here sooner than you think.”

“I hope so,” she turned on her side.

“You should get dressed. If mum comes in here and meets you in your pajamas…” she started to shake her head.

Ejiro hissed. “That woman… the sooner I get married and leave this house for you people, the better.”

Her friends started to laugh.

“Senami and Gbemisola are here!” she glanced at her sister, “Did you invite them?”

Ejiro jumped down from the bed. “Yes, I did. I am so glad they came,” she ran to the window.

“I heard that Senami is graduating next year and Gbemisola is now in year three.”

“I know…” Ejiro grabbed her sister by the hand. “Go and bring them.”

“Get dressed…” she pulled at her sister’s pajamas.

“I will,” Ejiro pushed her towards the door.

Rukevwe left. The last time she saw her former roommates was several months ago. Many times, they tried to call and chat her up, but she avoided them. What will they say if they found out that she was starting afresh at a part-time school? She didn’t really care. The important thing was that she was back at school.

“Rukky!”

“Oh my God!”

Senami and Gbemisola flew into her arms when she opened the door front door.

“It’s being ages…” Gbemisola eyes glistened with unshed tears.

“Where is your sister?” Senami peeped into the house. She saw Eru and Ochuko eating from a plate of fried chicken.

“In the room and she is not dressed yet.”

Senami placed her hands on her head. “That girl!” she hurried into the house.

Rukevwe met her friend’s gaze.

“You never pick my call or reply my messages. I am not your enemy.”

“I know. It’s just that…” her throat went dry with emotion.

“It’s okay,” Gbemisola pulled her close in a hug. “I miss you so, so much.”

Rukevwe chuckled. “Me too.”

She backed away, “You didn’t come back to school.”

Rukevwe shrugged. “I am now in a part-time school.”

Gbemisola laughed. “My dear, school is school. So long as you get educated.”

She heaved a sigh of relief. She expected judgement but got understanding. “You’ve got that right.”

“I want to see the bride-to-be…”

Rukevwe led her into the flat. “Come and see her. Maybe you can convince her to get dressed before her fiancé and his people arrive.”

The girls reunited and chatted for a long while. About an hour later, Itoro came into her girls’ room.

“Look at these children! Chukwuemeka is here already with his people!”

“Oh my God!” Ejiro jumped down from the bed. “Rukevwe help me with my clothes!”

Rukevwe and the other girls went into a frenzy, all in the attempt to get the bride-to-be dressed up.

****

Rukevwe got down from the bike and strolled into the compound. She had just completed her first semester examination. She was looking forward to a refreshing holiday. She thought of her elder sister. Ejiro was supposed to complete her service year and come home to get married to her heartthrob before easter.

“Hello stranger.”

The familiar voice filled her ears. She turned around saw her sister standing by the gate, holding her luggage and smiling at her.

“Ejiro!” she could hardly believe her own eyes.

“Wow! Look at you. You have eaten mummy’s food and added weight.”

She chuckled and ran into her sister’s arms. “You look good too.”

“What did you expect?”

They both laughed. Rukevwe helped her sister with some of her luggage. They dragged them into the house, and went straight to their room.

“My oh my,” Ejiro looked around the bedroom. “You have turned this room into…”

“My territory, my kingdom,” she shoved her sister’s luggage to a corner.

Ejiro couldn’t help laughing.

“Dad said that you can stay in the boy’s room till after the wedding,” she settled on the bed.

“Yuck! That’s Eru and Ochuko’s former room.”

“Yeah, it is now a guest room.”

Eyes widened. “So, I am now a guest.”

“You are the one getting married in three weeks’ time,” Rukevwe stuck out her tongue at her.

“Okay, no wahala. I don’t blame you people at all.”

She chuckled and sized up her sister. She looked fuller in all the right places and had a certain glow on her dark skin.

“I am famished,” Ejiro sat beside her.

“I think there is rice and stew in the kitchen.”
Ejiro hissed. “Fresh or leftover?”

She started to clap her hands. “Beggars don’t have choices.”

She hissed again. “I am in my father’s house. Go and bring me food.”

“Soon, all roads will lead to your husband’s house.”

Ejiro pushed her till she got up. “I hear you. Food, Rukevwe, give me food.”

Her sister went out and returned with a plate of white rice, garnished with fish stew, sliced boiled eggs and sweet potato.

Ejiro’s mouth watered at the sight of the food. “Eh-ehn, this is what I am talking about,” she pulled off her boots and loosened her belt.

Rukevwe placed the tray on the bed and returned to the kitchen. She picked a glass cup from the shelf and a bottle of water from the fridge. She walked back to the room and met her sister eating as if she’d been starving all day.

“Man, you are hungry,” she placed the bottle on the floor after filling the glass cup with water.

“You have no idea,” Ejiro collected the cup and took a long drink.

Rukevwe sat on the bed and watched her.
“Senami, Gbemisola and our brothers’ girlfriends are going to be my bridesmaids, right?”

Ejiro nodded her head and continued eating.
“Have you called them?”

She swallowed the food in her mouth. “Yes.”

“What about your chief bride’s maid? Who is she?”

She winked at her sister. “Oghenerukevwe Etadafe.”

Rukevwe started to laugh. “See Trouble in Form Six. Who will pay for my clothes, shoes, bags, jewelry, hair-do, everything?!”

Ejiro drained the glass cup. “Don’t panic. I’ve got you covered.”

“Cool,” her thoughts travelled to the wedding day. She was sure that she would look beautiful beside her sister.

Itoro knocked and came in, “Corper, you are back.”

“Mummy,” she raised her head.

Itoro was happy when she heard the voice of her older daughter on her way to her own room. She had been expecting the girl to come home since last week. “Welcome. Eat, ehn. Tonight, I will pound yam for you.”

“Thank you, mum,” she swallowed the food in her mouth.

Her sister hissed.

“Are you jealous? When you serve, I will pound yam for you too.”

Rukevwe hissed again. “Part-time students do not serve.”

“Says who?” her mum and sister chorused.

She crossed her legs. “Don’t know, don’t care. But those are the rules.”

Ejiro shared a glance with her mother. “Doh…na wa o,” she refilled the glass with water.

“Ehn…don’t worry, when you graduate, I will pamper you too.”

“I hear you,” she rolled her eyes.

Itoro leaned against the wall and sized up her daughter. She looked at her face, then her hands and legs. Her heart beat accelerated. “Ejiro…”

“Ma…” she looked up at her mum.

“How many months?” Itoro’s concerned stare bore into the younger girl’s shocked ones.

Ejiro blinked, then looked away. She ate the last grain of rice and dropped the empty plate on the floor.

Her brows came together in a frown. “How far gone are you?”

Ejiro drank every drop of water in the glass and placed it on the plate.

The girl’s silence confirmed her fears. “I asked you a question!”

Rukevwe looked from her mother to her sister. What were they talking about? She was totally lost.

“Are you still in your first trimester?!” Her voice hit the roof.

Trimester? Was her sister pregnant? No wonder she was glowing and looking round and full. Rukevwe’s hand went over her mouth. Her eyes fell on her sister who looked unremorseful.

“Mum, why all these JAMB questions? Haba,” Ejiro arranged some pillows on the wall.

“You are very, very stupid!” Itoro’s dark eyes turned red.

She leaned against the pillows on the wall. “My wedding is in three weeks. I am approaching my second trimester and it is not going to show.”

Itoro ran a hand through her braids. “It is not your fault. You think you are now grown, abi?”

“Take a chill pill mum,” she rubbed a hand on her tummy.

“God punish that your mouth!” She approached the girl.

Rukevwe got up quickly and stood in between her mother and her sister.

“I don’t understand what I have done wrong,” Ejiro got up and stood in the middle of the bed and folded her arms across her chest.

“You are mad! You don’t know what you have done wrong…”

Itoro attempted to climb the bed, but Rukevwe blocked her way.

“Something is wrong with your brain. When did God start supporting sex before marriage?”

Ejiro hissed. “Are you God? Ehn…mama, are you God?”

The woman pulled off her slippers and flung it at the girl. One hit her on the head and the other on the chest.

“Mama!” Rukevwe hoped her sister wasn’t injured. She began to wish that her brothers were still living with them. Where was her father? She thought he was in his Chemist shop.

“Yeh! Ah my head! Oh, my chest!” she held her head. “Do you want to kill me? Do you want to injure your first grandchild?”

“What child? That bastard in your tummy?!”

Ejiro glared at her mother. “My child is not a bastard. The father is Chukwuemeka Obi.”

“God punish both of you,” Itoro spat at the girl.

“Yuck!” she cleaned the spittle on her arm.

Rukevwe made an attempt to pull her mother towards the door. She wished her father would leave his shop and come into the house. But she doubted if he could hear them.

“If God punishes us, you won’t be left out. You will partake of this punishment!”

Itoro freed herself from Rukevwe’s grip. She picked up the plate and the glass cup and flung them at her older daughter. The girl dropped on her knees in an instant, dodging the flying utensils. They hit the wall, one after the other and the pieces went in different directions.

“So, you want to kill me! Ah! I can see your true colours. Come on, go ahead, come and kill me!” she got on her feet again.

Rukevwe wished her sister would keep quiet. Her attitude was fueling their mother’s anger. “Ejiro! Stop it!” she held her mother by the elbow.

She panted for breath, fuming. “Stop what? Are you supporting her?” she eyed her sister. “Do you want to compare yourself to me? You that five men have rendered your private part completely useless.”

Mother and daughter became still, they looked at Ejiro in shock. Neither could believe that she uttered those unkind words.

“Just one man have seen my unclothedness. Just one man ooooo! And my mother wants to kill me.”

Tears streamed down Rukevwe’s face. Her sister’s words had hit a spot that still hurt her deeply. She let go of her mother and walked out of the room.

“I don’t know that you have decided to ruin your life,” Itoro applauded her. “Congratulations! Well done!” she spat on the floor and marched out.

Ejiro hissed and hissed again. She settled back on the bed and took a long deep breath. She tried to relax, but her body was shaking as if it was connected to a life wire. She placed her hands on her round tummy and sighed. Her four months old pregnancy was becoming obvious. She doubted if she would be able to fit into her wedding dress. She might need to get a bigger one.

She didn’t understand why her mother was so angry. The woman was supposed to be happy for her and supportive. Other mothers would have done just that. Was it her fault that she took in? After all, her body cells were not made up of wood and plastic. She had held onto her virginity for as long as she could remember. At twenty-four, giving herself to someone she loved, was more than an accomplishment.

StacyO:


Wow!
I'm actually speechless. However,thank you so much for this piece.








*hugs & kisses* I've learnt something new.

You're welcome.
*winks*

StacyO:



Dear Mrs shewrite,
Is there anyway I can be able to register on Amazon Kindle without having much difficulties as regards country?
It seems Nigerians aren't permitted to publish their books there.
How possible is it to pull through with the registration process without having to come across such difficulty?

However,I planned registering with okadabooks as well but,was told to pay in a certain amount of money. How authentic is this and what's the easiest way to pull through with it?





I'm an ardent fan of your works and to be candid,your works made me want to write. Though I'm more of a scientist than an artist though

I love your books and the way you craft every detail.

100% interesting.
Kudos and keep up the good work.

Looking forward to getting a reply from you.

Morning beautiful *hugs*

When I registered on Amazon Kindle, I was not stopped to publish as a Nigerian.

My husband is also a Nigerian and he has published books in Amazon Kindle.

The only ish is how to get paid. Amazon fancy PayPal... and Nigerians can't receive payments through this medium.

But some people have been able to bypass these policies... but if you're caught, PayPal will cage your funds.

Amazon Kindle accepts Payoneer as a payment outlet or they send you a direct cheque (I don't know how this work).

My advise, when you register on Amazon, pick Payoneer as your payout option.

I am aware that some people help writers et al to register and publish on Amazon at a fee. But my darling, you can do it yourself. Pay nobody. Except you don't have the time. Na only data the process go chop *winks*

As per Okadabooks, it is free to register and publish on their platform. Pls don't give anyone your hard earned money. They only deduct 30% from the sales of your books, likewise Amazon.

Even a Scientist can also write *winks*. In my view everybody, regardless of their profession can write.

I am available for more questions.
You can also chat me up on WhatsApp 08050445897 or mail me iyareserah@gmail.com

Have a lovely weekend *hugs*

Kaycee9242:
Nice one Shewrites I have even forgotten dt investigation was going on.

Abi... everyday for the thief... one day for the owner...

Ann2012:
Unrepentant fools, I pray they rape them in the prison too!!!

Thanks for the update ma’am

You're welcome...

crossfm:
The unrepentant beasts still have mouth to talk.They should do the needful, castrate the bastards.

Thanks for the update.

*winks*

YoungBruzzy:
SheWrites is here again with another lengthy updates jah bless you momma for this continuity. Because what I love most about you is your continuity and the zeal to always finish what you started. I remain an ardent fan of yours.. Team SheWrites I Stan

*hugs*

CHAPTER 10

Rukevwe sized her sister up. She looked beautiful in the short-sleeve blue lace blouse she was putting on, marched with a fitted blue jeans. “Are you going out?”

Ejiro checked out her make-up in the mirror, then adjusted the water-curls human hair wig on her head. “Yep.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Again?”

Ejiro didn’t respond. She dropped her phone into her purse, then sat on the bed. She pulled her jewelry box close and opened it.

“You went out yesterday,” Rukevwe leaned against the window. “And the day before and now, you are going out again.”

Ejiro shot her an angry look. “Have you finally joined them?”

Her confused stare observed her. “Joined who?”

“Witches and wizards. Monitoring spirits and co. Have you signed up as a member of their clique?”

She folded her arms. “I am just saying…”

“Abeg…” Ejiro raised a hand. “End it there.”

Their mum walked right in without knocking. “Ochuko is here with his girlfriend.”

“No way!” Rukevwe ran out of the room.

Itoro laughed and turned to look at her older daughter.

“Where is she?” Ejiro got up and made for the door.

Her mother blocked her way. “Who is he?”

She blinked thrice. “He who?”

Itoro placed both hands on her hips. “The man that you have been leaving this house to meet for the past few days.”

Her daughter blushed. She avoided her mum’s stare. “When he comes today, I will ask him to come in and greet you and dad.”

“Better,” Itoro walked out of the room without saying another word.

Ejiro looked up at the ceiling and shook her head. She brought out her phone from the purse and texted her boyfriend. She informed him that he needed to say hello to her parents before they leave for their dinner date. She dropped the phone back into her purse, checked her reflection in the mirror again, then dashed out.

“Meet my troublesome sister,” Ochuko pointed at Ejiro the moment she stepped into the sitting room.

She took a seat beside Rukevwe and sized up her brother’s new girlfriend. The light brown skinned girl looked friendly. “Hi…” Ejiro smiled at her.

“Hello…” the girl smiled back at her.

Ochuko placed a hand around her shoulders. “Her name is Oghenetega and she is my heartthrob.”

Rukevwe and Ejiro shared a glanced and they giggled.

“You are welcome, my daughter,” Oghenekaro moved closer to his wife.

“Thank you sir,” Tega blushed.

Ejiro got to her feet when she heard knocks on the door. “I will get it,” she ran to the front door and opened it.

Relief washed over her when she saw her boyfriend. He looked good in the jeans and long sleeve white shirt.

“You look beautiful,” Chukwuemeka sized her up.

She blushed. “Thank you.”

“I got your message.”

She nodded and stepped back, so he could come in. “Everyone meet the man that I am seeing, Chukwuemeka.

All eyes fell on the tall brown skin man.

“Finally,…” Ochuko got up and shook hands with Chukwuemeka. “You are highly welcome my brother.

“Thank you, bros,” Chukwuemeka’s anxiety faded.

Rukevwe watched the man. She was impressed with his looks. No wonder her sister had been running out of the house to meet with him at every single chance she got.

“Good evening sir, pleased to meet you ma,” he greeted his girlfriend’s parents.

“Good evening,” Oghenekaro examined the young man. He could tell that he wasn’t a lay about.

“You are welcome, my son,” Itoro was very happy to see him. She was glad that her daughter was seeing someone again. It had been a long time since she brought a man home.

“Hi,” he waved at Rukevewe.

“Hello,” she waved back at him.

Ejiro pulled him towards the door. “We have to go. I will be back later, later,” she looked in her mum’s direction.

“It was nice meeting you all. I hope to come back soon for a proper visit,” he directed his gaze at Ejiro’s father.

Oghenekaro nodded his head. “It is all right. Till then.”

Ejiro ushered him out and closed the door behind her.

“Where did Ejiro kidnap that fine man?” Ochuko turned to his mother.

Itoro eyed him. “Face your own and leave your sister alone.”

Rukevwe started to laugh.

“Okay o. We too, we want to take our leave,” he got up and pulled his girlfriend to her feet.

“Bye, bye,” Itoro hissed.

“Are you driving us?” he eyed his mother.

“If you want to stay, stay. If you want to go, go. The choice is yours.”

Ochuko pulled his girlfriend close and whispered in her ears. She looked at his mother and giggled.

Itoro hissed again.

“Come and buy me suya,” Rukevwe pulled her weight off the chair and went to stand beside her brother.

“You and who?” he eyed her.

“Please now, what are you a big brother for?”

He clapped his hands and turned to his girlfriend. “See manipulation.”

Tega laughed and laughed.

He turned back to his sister, “I will not spend beyond five hundred naira.”

“Haba!”

“Take it or leave it,” he started towards the door.
She ran after him. “Fine, wait for me.”

“Goodbye sir, see you soon ma,” Tega said to her boyfriend’s parents.

“All right, my daughter,” Itoro smiled at her. “Greet your family for me.”

“They will hear ma,” She went out and closed the door behind her.

Oghenekaro picked up the remote of the television and changed the channel.

“It will be nice if Eru starts dating again. It’s been nine months since his bride passed away.”

He breathed out loudly. “Let’s pray that God will heal his heart speedily.”

She leaned against the chair and folded her arms.

“I don’t know where Rukevwe want me to get tens of thousands of naira for this her part time school brouhaha,” his brows came together in a frown.

“Hmmm… what are we going to do?”

Oghenekaro hissed. “What else? It would have been nice if you were able to convince her to go back to LASU,” he eyed her.

Itoro hissed. “You talk as if you don’t know who we are dealing with. That girl that has a stone where a heart should be. Does she listen to anyone?”

“Who spoilt her to that extent?”

She clapped her hands. “Oh oooo. So, you want to start passing blames?”

He hissed again and faced the television.

“Pass all the blames you want, as long as you include your name on the list.”

“Why should I?” a scowl appeared across his face.

She pointed a finger at him, “You are a major culprit.”

“Says who?”

She hissed, stood up and left the room.

****

Eru sat on the beach sand, eating from a plate of fried peppered chicken, vegetable salad and chips. A colleague of his was celebrating her birthday and she decided to hold the party at the beach after the close of work. Initially, he wanted to head home that Friday evening, but the girl cornered him before he left the premises and begged him till he changed his mind. He was happy that he came along. He couldn’t remember the last time he visited the beach. It was a nice place to unwind after a crazy day at work.

“Don’t just sit there, Eru,” the birthday girl pointed a warning finger at him.

He grinned at her.

“You must come take pictures. I want to post them on Facebook and Instagram later today.”

“I am not in the mood, Linda.”

She eyed him. “It’s my birthday. You must do as I say.”

“Yes, your majesty,” he bowed comically.

She laughed and walked away, shaking her hips provocatively.

Eru shook his head. “Women…” he groaned inwardly.

When he was done with the food, he pulled off his jacket, rolled up his sleeves and the helm of his trousers, then joined his colleagues at the mouth of the ocean. They took pictures and splashed water on themselves.

Suddenly, his eyes caught the sight of a fair skinned girl taking pictures with her friends. They were all in colourful swimsuits. She turned and saw him too. And when she smiled, he felt as if he had won the American Visa lottery. She beckoned at him and like someone controlled by a device, he approached her.

“Hi…” he looked deep into her brown eyes.

“Hi…” she locked gazes with him.

“Eru…” he held out his hand.

“Eserovwe…” she shook his hand.

“This is not a cliché. This is a fact. I don’t think I have seen any woman as beautiful as you are.”

She blushed and tore her gaze away from his penetrating ones. “I will take that as a compliment.”

“Permit me to steal you away from your friends.”
Her cheeks went red. “Steal me all you want.”

“Shall we?” he motioned her towards one of the makeshift bars.

Ese smiled and allowed him to hold her hand as they walked on the smooth white sand.

****

“How is Port Harcourt?” Rukevwe lay on her side and placed the mobile phone on one ear.

“It’s okay.”

“Have you been posted to your place of primary assignment?”

“Not yet. I just hope that I won’t be posted to a primary or secondary school.”

She laughed. She knew how much her sister hated teaching. “You better start to fast, bind and cast.”

“I am on it.”

“I feel so alone in this house,” Rukevwe lay on her back and propped the back of her head with a pillow.

She heard her sister laughing. “At least, you have our room all to yourself.”

Rukevwe hissed. “I do all the work in this house. I cannot wait to leave.”

Her sister’s laughter rang in her ears. “How far with the part-time forms you filled?”

“I settled for LASU School of part-time Studies at Jibowu. Unilag’s Distant Learning Institute is very expensive. And dad is not ready to spend any extra money.”

“Hmmm… can you blame him?”

She turned and lay on her tummy. “We are starting lectures in September.”

“That’s like in three months or so, right?”

“Yes. It feels like eternity.”

“Relax.”

“I will try.”

“I have to go now. I will talk to you later.”

“Okay, later,” she hung up and she lifted her weight from the bed.

She began to scroll through the apps on her phone. Her barely spoke or chat with her ex-school mates on social media. Many of them were commencing their final year in September. If she had gone back to school, she would have been thinking of graduating and writing her project. But now, she was starting afresh. She got up and walked over to the window. She prayed that God will continue to provide and sort her out. She had no other choice but to depend on him.

Her mother dashed in without knocking. “Rukevwe!”

She turned towards the door. “Ma?”

Itoro looked her up and down. “Good, you are dressed.”

She raised an eyebrow, wondering if the woman wanted to send her on an errand.

“A representative of the NGO in charge of your case is here.”

Her heart missed a beat. They haven’t heard from them in a very long time.

“She said that the detectives handling your case have apprehended some men and they need you to identify them.”

Rukevwe swallowed hard. She was elated that the men that defiled her had been caught, but she wasn’t sure she could stomach seeing them again.

“Your father and I are coming with you,” Itoro sensed her daughter’s state of mind. “You will not be left alone with those bastards.”

The girl breathed out loudly.

“Are you ready?”

She met her mother’s concerned gaze, then nodded.

Itoro drew her close in a hug. “It is going to be all right.”

Oghenekaro came in and eyed them. “We need to leave now.”

Rukevwe pulled away from her mother. She flung open her wardrobe and grabbed a pair of sandals.

About an hour later, they arrived at the police station. They met a crowd and there was practically nowhere for them to sit.

The representative of the NGO approached an officer and asked to see the detectives handling Rukevwe’s case. He pointed at the crowd of people and asked her to wait in line. She returned to Rukewe’s side and sent the detectives a text message. Surprisingly, they came out of their office in a jiffy.

“It’s good that you are all here,” one of the detectives shook hands with the NGO lady.

“Thanks for calling us,” she smiled back at him.

The other detective locked gazes with Rukevwe. “How are you?”

“I am fine, sir.”

“Please come with us,” they led them to a private room and asked them to sit on a long bench.

One of the detectives left, while the other remained in the room.

Rukevwe looked around and shivered. She didn’t like the room. She felt as if she was confined in a cage.

“It is going to be all right,” Itoro reached out and held her daughter’s hand.

They began to hear noises. Suddenly, the door swung open and five men clad in boxers were pushed in.

“All of you, stand in a single file!” the detective scowled at them.

Rukevwe sunk in breath when she saw the fair skinned man and his four friends.

Itoro tightened her grip on the girl’s hand when she saw the ghost like look on her face. “Easy girl… take it easy.”

She closed her eyes and bit at her lower lip until she tasted blood. She felt like running out of the room.

“Miss Rukevwe Etadafe, do you recognize these men?” one of the detectives turned in her direction.

“Rukky…” Oghenekaro poked her on the shoulder.

Tears slipped down her face. If wishes were horses, she wished she wasn’t in that police station that very moment.

“Miss Rukevwe. We do not have all day,” his tone became stern.

“Take your time,” Itoro placed a hand on her shoulder.

She opened her eyes and stared back at the men in front of her. They were all glaring at her.

“Do you recognize these men?” the impatience in the detective’s voice wasn’t lost to her.

Rukevwe threw a glance at the detective and nodded.

“Please speak up,” he eyed her.

She stole a quick glimpse at the men that tarnished her body and image. “Yes, I do,” her voice sounded very low.

“Please expatiate,” the detective placed both hands on his hips.

She bowed her head. “They raped me. One by one, they took advantage of me.”

“Please look up at them when you are speaking,” the detective’s voice grew louder.

Tears gathered in Itoro’s eyes. She pulled the girl closer. “It’s okay.”

Rukevwe lifted her head and caught the fair skinned man blowing a kiss at her. No one else saw him because they were all looking at her. Anger brewed within her.

“He injected me with something,” she found her voice and pointed at the man.

“Liar!” he snarled at her.

One of the detective slapped the fair skinned man across the face. “Shaarap dia!”

More tears slipped down her face, “He was the first person that… that raped me, then one by one,” she pointed at his friends, “They raped me too.”

“Liar!”

“Common slut!”

“Bitch!”

“Your pussy will go rotten in three days! Nothing can change this, I have spoken!”

Rukevwe covered her ears with her hands as they yelled profanities at her.

“You have gotten what you needed. Please get them out of here,” the NGO lady addressed the detectives.

One of the detectives kicked the fair skinned man in his stomach. He groaned and fell on one knee.

“Get up!” the detective grabbed him by the elbow and dragged him out of the room.

The other detective pushed the man’s friends along.

“Lying LovePeddler!” one of them glared at her before walking out.

Rukevwe started to sob out loud. Her mother consoled her.

“We are going to try as much as possible to clean your daughter’s name online, by making these men’s photos to go viral. Wherever they go, everyone will know what they have done,” the NGO lady spoke to Oghenekaro.

He watched his daughter, while he listened to the lady. “Okay.”

“We are also going to record the court’s proceedings. And follow up on everything until they end up in the prison,” she continued.

Oghenekaro met her gaze. “Thank you very much. We are grateful.”

They lady’s lips spread in a smile. “It is our duty, sir,” she turned to look at Rukevwe. She prayed and hoped that God will help the girl to find peace regardless of her pains.

gstelly:
will be waiting, a lady ma

All right my lady *winks*

gstelly:
SheWrites

Yes, my lady or is it Sir gstelly?

Hopefully by midnight, I will update... the weekend has been devoid of electricity... it's being off and on continuously.

But, I remain hopeful.

The story continues this weekend...

Katie2021:
Thanks for the update

You're welcome

PrudySara:
Why do I have a feeling that one of these guys had something to do with the incident that happened Rukewve.

Well done SheWrites!

*winks*

Adeola25:
Thanks for the update ma'am

*winks*

Kaycee9242:
Nice one op, but my mind is not at rest with this Ejiro new guy. If he tries anyhow I will personally deal with him oooo

Hehehehe... he has sweet mouth, abi?

YoungBruzzy:
Thanks for this wonderful update ma'am.
I just hope that Ejiro is taking the right step oo because that Senami of a girl ehnn.. It is well.
Make e no come be gbas gbos level

Hahahaha...

CHAPTER 9

Rukevwe stood by the window in the room she shared with her sister. It was the month of September, yet it was raining. She watched the little children in her compound running around in circles. She laughed as they teased themselves and played. She remembered how she used to play in the rain with her sister when they were younger. She missed those forgotten days. Suddenly, one of the toddlers slipped and in the bid not to fall, she held unto another child, but they both fell hard on the concrete ground, bringing everyone else down with them.

“Jesus!” she covered her mouth with her palm. She hoped that none of them got bruised or fatally injured.

Then, she began to hear the children’s mothers and guardians screaming and ordering them to get back into the house. One after the other, they got up. And those who couldn’t were assisted. Some of the children returned to their flats, looking like rats that fell into a bucket of water, while the rest fled! They ran into the street to continue their games.

“Dis small, small children sef,” she gave a shake of head.

“Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday, happy birthday, happy birthday to you!”

She turned around sharply and saw her mum standing by the doorway, holding a pink and red butter-creamed cake. Her dad stood right beside her, grinning from ear to ear. She could also see her sister, and her brothers! Eru and Ochuko didn’t live with them anymore, but they visited once in a while. She had no idea that they were around.

They all sang and sang till she began to laugh. They sounded pathetic because their voices didn’t harmonize. She turned 21 years that day and celebrating her birthday was the last thing on her mind. Little did she know that her family had a plan up their sleeves.

“How does it feel to be 21?” Eru winked at her.

Rukevwe smiled at him and shrugged. She didn’t feel any different. Days and weeks had passed by without adding any colour to her life.

“Come, let’s go into the sitting room. You need to see what mum cooked,” Ejiro pulled her younger sister by the elbow.

Her dark eyes widened in surprise. “Did mum cook?”

Ejiro laughed. “Of course, she did. I have been slaving in the kitchen since morning.”

“I didn’t know,” she giggled. The thought that her mum prepared a birthday meal made her feel loved.

The girls hurried out of the room, followed by their brothers and parents. Rukevwe was astonished when she saw the laid-out meal on the table. There was a bowl of fried rice, fried peppered chicken, catfish pepper soup, ice-cream and chilled soft drinks and malt in a bucket.

“Wow! Wow!” she settled on the chair close to the television and kept gazing at the table.

Itoro found a place for the cake on the table, then she began to dish the food. “Ejiro, get the wine in the fridge.”

Her older daughter groaned. “Since morning, ‘Ejiro this’, ‘Ejiro that’, person no go rest…”

The woman glared at her. “Shey bi your convocation is drawing near? Don’t you dare bring one useless fabric to my shop o.”

Ejiro placed her hands on her head. “Haba mama! Eh no reach so o.”

“No be me and you dey for dis house?” Itoro made a long hiss.

“Hian,” Ejiro dashed to the kitchen and returned with a chilled bottle of Eva wine.

Eru and Ochuko settled on the long leather seat with their father. Their mouths watered as their mother continued to dish the meal, plate by plate.

“Mummy, that big lap is my own. That very one that has flesh dangling at the side,” Ejiro stood behind her sister.

Itoro pointed a spoon in her direction. “Mind yourself this evening.”

The girl folded her arms across her chest and muttered some inaudible words.

“Mummy thank you,” Rukevwe licked her lips.

Her frown faded and a smile brightened her face. “You are welcome, better pikin.”

Rukevwe collected her plate of food and began to eat with relish.

“Call me a day or two before you resume school,” Eru directed his gaze at his younger sister. “I will buy all your provisions.”

She swallowed the food in her mouth, then took a sip from her can of malt.

“Call me too, I will add to the money dad and mum will give you, okay?” Ochuko spoke with a full mouth. He coughed a bit, then downed his cold drink.

Ejiro sat beside her sister with her plate of food. “See enjoyment! Only you. Everybody want to dash you something. I envy you o.”

She turned to meet her sister’s jealous stare. She dropped her gaze and looked down at her food. Her appetite began to evaporate.

Ejiro observed her sister. She could tell that something was up. “What is it?”

Rukevwe shook her head.

“Rukky…” she poked her on the knee.

She moved away from her a little bit.

“You better start talking,” her voice rose a notch.
Everyone stopped eating. They looked from Ejiro to Rukevwe, then back at her.

“I am… I am not going back to LASU.”

Ejiro dropped her jaw and stared at her sister as if the girl had gone mad.

“What is that supposed to mean?” Oghenekaro gave the girl a stern look.

Rukevwe placed her plate of food on the table. “I can’t… I can’t go back there,” she folded her arms across her chest.

Ejiro sighed heavily. She could easily detect the reason why her sister was making that particular decision. She placed a hand around her shoulder and drew closer. “Nobody will remember that video.”

Rukevwe eyed her sister. “Are you sure?”

She turned away and resumed eating. She had no response for the girl.

Itoro glanced at her husband and paled. She remembered almost having a heart attack when she saw the nasty video that circulated the internet. At first, she was angry that her husband hid it from her. “That’s true, we are in the internet age and… and some other news would have overtaken yours by now.”

She turned to look at her mother. “Are you sure?”
“Look here…”

Rukevwe caught a glimpse of her father’s angry face.

“Everybody has forgotten about the incident,” Oghenekaro positioned his food on the table. “Our neighbours have stopped asking stupid questions. People in the neighbourhood no longer talk about you. Even at church…” he met his wife’s stare and she nodded in agreement. “I am very sure that your roommates and course mates and every other student in that your school would have forgotten what happened.”

She began to shake her head in disagreement.

“Ejiro, please help me to find out if lectures have started in your sister’s department. She must resume school this very weekend.”

“Yes, sir…” she stole a look at her sister. The girl was fuming. She could sense that the girl was spoiling for a fight.

Oghenekaro picked up his food and he continued eating.

Rukevwe’s irritated look observed her father. “I am not going back there.”

Eru and Ochuko shared a knowing glance. They started to eat quickly. They both had a feeling that they might not be able to finish their food if a fight broke out between their father and their younger sister.

“And why the hell not?!” his voice made the room to vibrate.

Itoro placed a hand on her husband’s shoulder. “Please calm down.”

He shook her hand away. “No, leave me!” he dumped his food on the table and glowered at his daughter. “Let me get some sense into her thick skull.”

“I want to start over somewhere else. Maybe enroll as a part-time student at Unilag or their long-distance learning institute or register at NOUN,” she locked gazes with him.

“With whose money?” he looked her up and down. “Do you think money fall from trees? Do you think your mother and I pick money up at the beach or something?”

Ejiro ate every grain on her plate. She got up and collected her brothers’ empty plates and headed into the kitchen.

“If I enroll in a part time school, I can also work and make my own money at the same time. I can… I can assist you and mum with my fees and other things.”

Her father began to laugh. He gave his wife a look that seemed to say ‘See your daughter’, then glanced back at the girl. “Tomorrow, pack your bags and go back to LASU. Or else, you better erase Etadafe from your birth certificate. Or better still, go to any Newspaper company of your choice and do a change of name. No child of mine will drop out of school!”

Itoro scanned the food in her plate. Her appetite had flown out of the window. All she could think about was the time spent in preparing the meal and how she wanted to make her daughter happy. The girl had been kind of melancholic lately and she thought celebrating her birthday would cheer her up. Now, it all seemed like a waste of time, money and energy.

“I am not dropping out of school!” she eyed him. “I am simply starting afresh elsewhere.”

“What is the difference?!” a scowl remained on his face.

Ejiro returned to sit beside her younger sister.
“I have said my piece. Go back to LASU or be ready to be disowned!” he got up and marched out of the room.

“Fine! What’s more important? My sanity or some shady degree certificate.” Teardrops rolled down her face in torrents.

Silence filled the room. Every eye settled on the birthday girl.

“Your father is right.”

She shot the woman an angry stare.

“You cannot throw away all the years you have spent in the university. Think about the money we have spent.”

“What about me?” her voice sounded hoarse. “You want to leave me at the mercy of those busybody students who are ready to dig up my not-so-distant-past and… and make my remaining years in that school a living hell?”
Itoro breathed out loudly. She was aware that her daughter’s video could be brought into light any day, anytime and circulated all over the net again.

“And what about those… those useless and randy good-for-nothing lecturers? They are sinister enough to want to also take advantage of me.”

She placed a hand on her forehead as an ache ravaged her head. “You just have two sessions more to go.”

“That is two sessions too long for me to survive. I won’t make it to the graduation day if I stay in LASU.”

Itoro’s eyes turned red. “Why are you being negative? Why are you cursing yourself? This is your education for heaven’s sake?!” the ache worsened.

Rukevwe looked up at the ceiling fan, pressed her lips together and swallowed the rest of the things she wanted to say.

“Your father has said it all. You better listen to him,” she placed her plate of half-eaten food on the table and made her way to the bedroom she shared with her husband.

Ejiro drew Rukevwe closer and placed a hand around her shoulder.

“Eh! See gbege!” Ochuko picked another malt drink from the bucket.

“Authentic gbege,” Eru drained his can and squashed it.

Silence filled the room again.

“Let’s assume you start a part-time program at Unilag or some other school, who will pay your school fees?” she eyed her sister.

Rukevwe remained mum. Then stared at her brothers.

“Why are you looking at me? I don’t have that kind of money,” Eru eyed her.

“I don’t have either. The part-time program is five years for that matter. That’s slavery,” Ochuko hissed.

Rukevwe got up with a jot. “Hell will have to freeze over before I will agree to go back to LASU,” she picked up the butter-creamed cake and sauntered out of the living room.

“Where are you carrying the cake to?” Ochuko watched her leave.

“Is it your cake?” Eru slapped him on the back.

“What sort of question is that?” Ochuko eyed him. “No be birthday party I come? Won’t I at least get to taste the cake?”

“O-Y-O,” Eru pulled the bowl of ice-cream to his side.

Ejiro started to laugh. She was happy that her sister was going to monopolize the cake. At least, she was sure of getting a bite. A very big portion awaited her.

****

Ejiro stood by the glass doors, staring at the lovely red dress on the mannequin. She wished she had extra money in her savings account. She would have gladly purchased the gown.

“It’s a beautiful dress,” Senami stood beside her friend.

“This is one of the moments I wish I was Dangote’s heir,” she puckered her lips.

Senami chuckled. “Dan-go fire!”

“Or will you lend me some money?”

“You and who? You have graduated, I still have one session left. I need all the money I have for my project, biko.”

Ejiro hissed and started to walk away. “This is why I like having enough cash before coming to the Galleria,” she murmured under her breath.

Senami fell into steps with her. “That reminds me. When is Rukevwe resuming school?”

She shrugged and headed for the ice-cream shop.

Senami raised an eyebrow. “I heard that some of her lecturers are threatening to start dishing out tests.”

“I am thinking of gelato.”

She could tell that her friend didn’t want to talk about her younger sister. “Gelato? I thought you said you don’t have money.”

Ejiro grinned. “I was thinking about it. I didn’t say I wanted to buy it.”

Senami rolled her eyes. “Whaat-ehver.”

Her friend laughed and walked over to the show glass bearing all the flavours of ice-cream the shop was selling.

“Those two guys are staring at us,” Senami collected a big cup of ice-cream from her friend.

Her eyes darted left, then right. “Who? Where?”

“Ssshhh…” Senami giggled.

“Where are they?” she whispered.

“They are seated at the entrance, they walked in a while ago,” Senami moved over to a seat near the window.

Ejiro sat beside her friend. “Are they cute?”

“T.D.H.”

“Oh, my world!” she fanned her face with her palm.

“Sssshhhh… they are coming over.”

Both girls remained quiet and dug into their ice-cream.

“Hello ladies,” one of the guys greeted them.

“Hi…” Senami cooed.

“May we join you?” the other had eyes only for Ejiro.

She stared back at him. “Sure.”

The tall young men sat opposite the girls. The two friends exchanged glances and giggled.

“I am Tochi,” he smiled at Senami.

“And I am Chukwuemeka,” he locked gazes with Ejiro.

“Senami,” she spread her shiny pink lips and shook hands with Tochi.

“And I am Ejiro,” she held out her hand.

Chukwuemeka reached out and shook it. “Pleased to meet you.”

Tochi took over the conversation. He made the ladies laugh and laugh, till they almost fell off their seats. Ejiro caught Chukwuemeka staring at her over and over and over again, till she got very uncomfortable. The guy was quite handsome. He wasn’t slim nor chubby. He was broad shouldered, muscled and with an attractive six-pack. Just the way she liked it.

“I feel like swimming. Eko hotel and suites is around the corner,” Tochi winked at Senami.

“I don’t mind swimming…” she grinned at him.

Ejiro stared at her friend, then at Tochi and back at her friend. “I think I will just go home.”

Senami looked at her and frowned.

“I will take you home,” Chukwuemeka offered.

Ejiro met his gaze. “Okay, thanks.”

Tochi heaved a sigh of relief. “It is settled then. They go home, while we go have some fun,” he winked at Senami again.

She bubbled with laughter.

Ejiro picked up her purse and got to her feet. “See you later, girlfriend.”

“Sure,” her complete attention was focused on Tochi.

Chukwuemeka saluted his friend. “Later, boss.”

“Enjoy yourself,” Tochi switched seats and sat beside Senami.

Ejiro and Chukwuemeka walked out of the ice-cream shop.

“So, where is home?”

She could feel his eyes on her. “Far, far away.”

“Interesting. Wherever home is, I will take you there.”

She tried not to laugh. “That’s quite gallant of you.”

He chuckled. “That’s because I like you.”

She blushed and avoided meeting his gaze. She wouldn’t dare say it, but she liked him too. “Interesting…”

Chukwuemeka shook his head and led the way to the stairs. They navigated their way through the crowd and made their way out of the building.

“I parked my vehicle across the road,” he reached out for her hand.

“Okay,” she allowed him to hold her hand while they crossed the busy road.

He opened the doors of a white Skoda and ushered her into the passenger seat, then he got in and joined the teeming traffic.

“Hope you will invite me to your convocation,” he glanced at her, then concentrated on the road before him.

She giggled. “Maybe…”

“Maybe?! Like seriously?”

She started to laugh. “We’ve just met. So…”

“So?” he stole a look.

“If you behave, you will get invited,” she looked out the window.

He nodded his head. “Hmmm… no wahala. I no be stubborn goat before. I go behave.”

She laughed harder. He started to laugh too, then winked at her when she met his perusal. She felt warm all over and quickly looked away.

“Do you have a boyfriend?”

She blinked several times. “If I had one, I wouldn’t be seated here right beside you.”

“Really? Fine girl like you,” he eyed her.

She giggled. “Is it a crime?”

“Nope. Just surprised.”

She kept on smiling. “I made a promise to myself that I would graduate first before venturing into another relationship.”

He raised an eyebrow. “What happened to your last relationship?”

She sighed heavily. “That’s a story for another day.”

“Hmmm… bad breakup?”

She shrugged. “Something like that,” she cleared her throat.

He remained quiet for a long while.

Ejiro thought of her ex. The relationship started well, but ended on a bad note.

“I am serious, though. I do like you. A lot.”

She looked straight at him and noticed the tiny tribal mark at the corner of his eye.

“And I want you to be my girl,” he caught her staring at him.

Her eyes grew wide. “Hold your horses, Tiger.”

“I am not joking,” he smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes.

She turned back to the window. “Let’s not put the cart before the horse, please.”

“I know we’ve just met. But, the moment I saw you, I knew that I wanted you to be my woman.”

She blushed.

“So, let’s cut to the chase. Is either you like me enough to date me or you don’t.”

She smiled and stayed quiet.

“So, madam, which is it?”

She turned to look at him. His eyes said it all. “I am not fond of games.”

“Neither am I.”

She dropped her gaze. “I like what I see. Time will tell if I will eventually like who you are or not."

He smiled and returned his attention to the road. About half an hour later, he parked outside Ejiro’s compound.

“I will pick you up tomorrow by 7pm,” his eyes bored into her relaxed ones.

“Where are we going?”

“You will find out soon enough,” he winked at her.
“Hmmm…”

“Let me have your number,” he pulled out his phone from his pocket.

They exchanged numbers.

“Tomorrow then,” she placed a hand on the door handle.

“Yes, tomorrow,” he leaned forward and gave her a peck on her cheek.

Ejiro felt her temperature rising. “Bye,” she pushed the door open and stepped out.

“Bye,” he waved at her and drove off.

She fanned her face with her purse and walked to the gate of the house. She was indeed excited and looking forward to seeing him the following day. She thought of Senami and Tochi and wondered if they were having a nice time at the pool. She planned to chat her up before she went to the bed that night.

Welcome to February my beautiful people *hugs&kisses*
The story continues *winks*

YoungBruzzy:
Oh what a world Nemesis will surely catch up with those guys sooner than they think..
Thanks OP for this wonderful update.

You're welcome