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CHAPTER SIX

They sat outside the apartment eating from a plate of roasted corn and boiled pear. It was weekend and they had decided to stay at home, rather than go out. She enjoyed spending time with him, be it in the office, at home or anywhere else. Her wish would finally come through when he proposed and they got married. It would be the best day of her life. Her smile thinned into a frown when she noticed the person coming in through the gate. She turned to look at him and his excited expression made her feel worse. She hoped she wouldn’t have to compete for his attention when they tied the knot. Why does his best friend have to be a girl? How many guys out there had girls as their closest friends?

“Hello lover birds,” Bina waved at them and settled on the long bench beside him.

“Look who the cat dragged out of the bin,” Tjay drawled.

She hit him on the shoulder.

“Ouch! Don’t you know it’s not lady-like to punch people?” he eyed her.

Bina rolled her eyes.

“I am serious,” he feigned been hurt.

“Guess what?” her coffee brown eyes sparkled in delight.

“What?” his full attention was directed at her.

She stretched out her left hand. The gold ring on the third finger glittered.

“Wow!” Adiza felt a pang of jealousy. If Tjay was wealthy, he would be able to purchase a ring as lovely as Bina’s own, but, he wasn’t. Nevertheless, he was a hardworking young man who had a bright future.

He pressed his lips together and stilled the anguish he felt within. It was high time he dealt with his feelings for her. Even if he had to relocate to another part of the country, he would do it.

“Eru proposed last night,” she bit at her bottom lip.

“Hmm… don’t you think you guys are rushing it?” he stared at the ring in contempt.

She hit him on the shoulder again.

“Hey! Stop that,” he rubbed his shoulder. If they were alone, he would have resorted into tickling Bina until she begged for mercy, but he doubted if his girlfriend would condone their act of play. He would never understand why women see other women as threats.

Adiza tried to overlook their playful attitude, but couldn’t. Why wasn’t he as free with her as he was with his childhood friend? Maybe because he had known Bina for more than a decade, she reasoned.

“I am meeting his people this weekend,” Bina grinned from ear to ear.

“Nice,” he wanted to be happy for her, but, he couldn’t force it. His heart was bleeding that very moment. Was he really going to lose her? Why didn’t he open up to her sooner? He had been such a fool.

“Congratulations,” Adiza smiled at her.

“Thanks,” she beamed and got up, “I have to go; I have an errand to run.

“Okay, let me see you off,” he got to his feet.

“See you later,” Bina waved at Adiza and turned to leave.

“I will be right back,” he winked at his girlfriend and followed his childhood friend out of the compound.

Adiza sighed and folded her arms across her chest. The sooner Bina got married the better for them all. She didn’t like the idea of sharing her man with another woman.

xxxxxx

The Ogheneochuko family were excited to meet their only son’s fiancée. She was beautiful, educated and from a well known family. They were glad that he had chosen well.

Bina was flattered by their attention. It was good to know that she would be getting married into a good family.

Eru was happy that his family had grown fond of his fiancee. They had dinner the night they arrived, talked about preparations for the wedding and turned in for the night.

Bina woke up early that Saturday morning and found her way to the kitchen. She made herself a mug of tea and toast. She ate, left the used cup, plate, toaster and cutleries in the kitchen and returned to her room.

Hours later, while they all had breakfast, Mrs. Ogheneochuko asked if she had been in the kitchen that morning and she admitted it.
Ejiro, Eru’s younger sister, the only girl in the family and also the last child of their parents, was around with her husband, Omoefe and her children.

Ejiro advised Bina, “Your maid or house help might not always be around to clean up after you. As a woman, you need to take charge of your home.”

“Exactly,” her mother added, “You need to be a good home maker.”

Her husband nodded in affirmative.

Eru felt very ashamed. All had gone well since they arrived. He hoped that his fiancée wouldn’t spoil the good rapport she had with his family with her carelessness.

Bina pushed her plate away and looked from mother to daughter, “Is it because I left that cup and plate in the sink?”

“That is how it always starts,” Ejiro waved a finger at her as if she was a naughty child.

“From a few dirty plates to a whole messed up kitchen,” Mrs. Ogheneochuko added.

Bina gave a shake of head; she felt that her fiance’s mother and sister had ganged up against her, “Wow… just one cup and one plate.”

“Will you just apologize and accept your mistake?” Eru was beginning to feel irritable.

She turned to him. She felt upset that he had taken sides with his family instead of supporting her and coming to her aid, “Apologize? For what now?”

Eru pushed his half-eaten plate of food away. His appetite had flown out of the window, “I want you to apologize for your behaviour this minute!” If she apologized, he believed that his family will forgive her and overlook what she had done.

They all stared at her like a disobedient child.

Bina hissed and clapped her hands together, “I have seen wonders in this life. Why are you making a mountain out of a mole hill?”

Ejiro hissed and directed her sad gaze at her brother, “Is this the kind of woman you want to marry? You are on a very long thing.”

His annoyance increased. He folded his arms across his chest. He would make her apologize to his family whether she liked it or not. He had thought that she could change, but, it seemed that she was beyond help.

“Someone who refuses to listen to you,” his father shook his head, “Major disrespect.”

Eru felt saddened that his father was also disappointed, he turned to his fiancée, “Bina, this is more than leaving a few plates in the kitchen.”

“It isn’t. Your mum and sister are just creating an unnecessary scene.”

Ejiro pushed her chair backwards and got up, “Look at this… this thing. How dare you speak to us this way? Don’t you have manners at all?”
Omoefe, her husband, squeezed her by the hand.

“Honey, let me put her in her place. She is all beauty and no brains. She lacks manners, decorum and etiquette,” Ejiro flared.

Bina started to laugh.

“I want you to apologize to my entire family this minute,” Eru glared at her. What he feared had eventually materialized.

She stared at him angrily, “I will do no such thing. I cannot believe that you are dancing to their tune.”

“If you won’t apologize to them, then you are not ready to get married,” he lashed out.

Her eyes widened in astonishment, “What do you mean?” she whispered.

“I don’t think I want to be married to someone who doesn’t listen to me. Someone who speaks to my family, people I have known all my life… anyhow. It is unacceptable,” his eyes turned red.

Ejro smiled and sat back on her chair. She was glad that her brother had taken control of the situation.

Bina shook her head and tried to hold back the tears threatening to spill all over her face.

“Please give me back my ring,” he stretched out his hand and avoided looking at her.

She opened her mouth and closed it. She looked at them all, then back at him. It was the seventh time someone she was planning to marry would break up with her. Was she cursed or something?

“Give me my ring,” he reached out for her left hand and slipped the gold ring off her finger, “You don’t deserve this,” he hissed.

Tears streamed all over her face. She staggered to her feet, walked out of the dining room and found her way back to the guest room. She packed her things and headed out. The security guard allowed her out of the compound. She stood at the gate and sighed. How was she going to get home?

pweetychyka:
Bina really has to change...else she 'll face worse scenario dan which she has experienced with eru the previous night and by den, Tjay would not av tym to attend to her like he always do

Nice updates ma'am @shewrites

*hugs*

Shakyroh320:
U've really tried dear,may God spear our lives beyond

Amen. Thanks.

Masikay:
You story is captivating.

Thanks.

Masikay:
You story is captivating.

Thanks.

Thank you all for your patience.
Updates continues tomorrow *winks*

CHAPTER FIVE

She stood outside Sweet Sensation and awaited the arrival of her childhood friend. She regretted the way she had been treating him. What was wrong with her? Amongst her friends, he was the only one that stood by her, yet, she made him miserable. She had learnt her lesson. She won’t make that mistake ever again. She recognized the blue Toyota Corolla the moment it halted at the side of the road. She noticed that he wasn’t the only one in the car. There was a fair skinned lady seated at the front seat. Who was she? She got into the passenger seat and thanked him.

“Bina, meet my girlfriend, Adiza,” he seized her up. She looked okay, although a little bit unruffled.

Her eyes widened in surprise. She looked from him to the fair lady and back at him. When did he start dating?

“Hi…” Adiza turned around and smiled at her. Her boyfriend’s childhood friend was very pretty and much more physically endowed than she was. Many men would die to date the likes of her.

Bina waved a hand at her and forced a smile. It didn’t reach her eyes.

“She lives in my compound and also works at PHCN,” he added.

“How convenient…” she said to herself and folded a hand across her chest. It had been a while since she had shared her friend with another woman.

Tjay stopped the car in front of her house fifteen minutes later. She thanked him and got down.

“I would really like to speak with you,” she directed her gaze at him.

He glanced at his girlfriend and back at her, “We will talk tomorrow.”

She frowned, “What about tonight?”

“Don’t be selfish, you can see that I am with someone,” Tjay eyed her.

“Fantastic,” she backed away from the car, “Where is my friend when I needed him most?”

He eyed her again, “You haven’t been friendly lately.”

“Fine! Enjoy yourself,” she glanced at the fair lady, “Nice meeting you,” she turned around and walked up to the gate. She knocked and was let into the house by the security guard.

He sighed and shook his head. She would never change, he thought.

“Maybe you should drop me off and come back to see her,” Adiza tried to suggest.

“No… don’t mind her,” he started the car.

“But…”

“She is an only child who is used to getting her way all the time. I will see her tomorrow,” he assured her.

“A spoiled brat?” She raised an eyebrow.

“Exactly,” he winked at her.

They both started to laugh.

xxxxxx

She sat on a wooden stool outside the bungalow, breaking the shells and chewing the boiled groundnuts in it. The empty shells were littered on the ground in heaps of tens and twenties. It was noon already and her friend had not shown up. She had called him several times and left him lots of messages. Where was he? Maybe with his new girlfriend. A frown creased her brow. She couldn’t remember the last time she competed for his attention with another girl. He rarely dated. She didn’t know why and never bothered to ask. She had been a very bad friend to him. He cared a lot about her and she had always taken him for granted. The security guard opened the gate and someone walked in. Her face brightened when she saw him.

“Where is your car?”

“Adiza needed it,” he approached her.

She raised an eyebrow. How many men would allow their girlfriends to drive their cars?

He found a plastic chair at a corner and placed it beside the stool.

“What took you so long?” she eyed him.

“I am here now, aren’t I?” he looked around him and shook his head, “You will never change.”

“What?” she followed his gaze and saw the empty shells of groundnut all over the ground, “Mrs. Ekaette will clean it up. Care for some?” she passed him the big bowl of boiled groundnuts. He dipped his hand into the bowl and grabbed some.

“What were you doing in Ilupeju last night?”

She threw some groundnuts into her mouth, “I went to visit Eru.”

“Oh… so he lives in Ilupeju?” the groundnuts tasted fresh in his mouth.

She nodded in affirmation and swallowed.

“Why didn’t he give you a ride home?”

She frowned, “We had a fight.”

“Lover’s quarrel,” he chuckled.

She snorted, “It was more or less like wrestle mania.”

“How?” he directed his gaze at her.

She placed the bowl on her laps, “He slapped me.”

His eyes widened in surprise.

“And I slapped him back, twice.”

His jaw dropped in astonishment. He was against men hitting women, regardless of what they said or did. Although Ibinabo was a handful and could bring out the worst in anyone, but, her boyfriend went too far by hitting her.

“I also bit him in the tummy until he bleed,” there was a satisfied look in her eyes.

He shook his head in amazement.

“Stop staring at me like that, I am not a vampire,” she started breaking some of the groundnut shells.

“You never stop to surprise me. What did you do that… that made him react that way?” his worried stare searched her face.

She threw away the groundnuts in her hands and faced him, “What sort of question is that?”

“Why did he slap you?” he pressed.

She hissed and looked away, “Just because… because… he… he said I turned his flat into a pigsty.”

He closed his eyes and sighed heavily.

“And then, he… he ordered me to clean the apartment,” she rose, “Am I his maid or a slave?”

He opened his eyes and looked up at her. Her coffee brown eyes flashed with annoyance, “If you made the mess, you are supposed to clean it up.”

“What, what, what? On whose side are you on? Men!” she hissed and sat back on the stool.

“I am not defending him,” he noticed that she was in a pair of white shorts which barely covered her dark smooth chocolate thighs. Her matching white spaghetti top barely covered her cleavage. He turned away and looked towards the gate, “Men shouldn’t hit women, ever.”

“Eh-hen,” it pleased her that he wasn’t taking sides with Eru.

“He had no right,” he frowned at the thought that she had been hurt.

“True, and to think that I actually liked him,” she hissed again.

He stared at her. She seemed sad. He felt a throbbing ache in his heart. He had not been able to stop loving her, despite the fact that he was dating another, “If he likes you too, he will come back.”

“Really?” coffee coloured sad eyes met brown assuring ones.

“Yes, but, you need to change.”

She lowered her gaze, “I know, I will, it’s never intentional, I just…” a tear slid down her face.

He reached out for her hand and squeezed it, “It is going to be all right.”

The security guard opened the gate. A Prado jeep drove in, followed by a Toyota Corolla. They both got up, holding hands. Eru parked the car and got out. Adiza got out of the vehicle and approached them.

“What are you doing here?” she lashed out at Eru.

He raised his hands and walked up to her, “Please hear me out.”

“I have to go,” Tjay dropped her hand.

She turned towards him, “Okay. Thanks,” her warm gaze observed him.

He smiled, “You know I will always be here for you.”

Bina nodded and pulled him close in a hug. She felt safe in his arms.

Adiza watched them. Seeing her man in another woman’s arms regardless of the fact that they were just friends didn’t make it less painful.

Tjay pulled away and faced Eru, “It is nice seeing you again.”

“And you too,” Eru eyed him. Seeing his woman hugging another didn’t sit well with him.

Tjay put his hand around Adiza and they walked back to his car. They got in and he drove out of the large compound.

“Bina…” the plea his eyes tugged at her heart.

She seized him up, hissed and walked into the house.

He hurried after her and reached out for her hand.

“Don’t touch me!” she glared at him.

“Please… I know I over-reacted that night. I was upset.”

“Oh-oooh,” she hissed, eyed him and went straight to her bedroom.

He followed her, “I am sorry. I promise that I will never ever raise a hand against you again.”

She eyed him and folded her hands across her bosom.

“Please forgive me,” he sounded remorseful.

She met his pleading dark gaze and nodded in acceptance, “All right. I forgive you.”

“Thank you,” he sighed with relief and beamed.

She dropped her gaze and stared at his tummy.

“Don’t worry,” he placed a hand on his stomach.

She lifted her eyes and met his smiling ones.

“It still hurts, but, I am fine.”

She paled, “I am sorry.”

“It is okay,” he assured her, “You have very sharp set of teeth.”

She pouted her lips, “I am not a vampire.”

He raised his hands, “Far be it from me to abhor such nasty thoughts.”

She chuckled and leaned against the wall. She looked up at him and felt the heat of his perusal.

“You look sexy,” he seized her up.

“Go away jo,” she walked past him and sat on the un-made bed.

Eru looked around the room and the desire within him dissolved. The room was untidy. Was this what he was going to face if he married her?
Was he ready for that kind of life? He made enough money and could afford to employ a maid, but, he needed his wife to be at least organized. He really liked her and hoped she wasn’t beyond change.

“Why don’t you change into something and let’s eat out?” he suggested.

“Yippee!” she jumped off the bed and rushed to the wardrobe.

“I will… wait in the sitting room,” he backed out of the room, closed the door and let out a loud breath.

CHAPTER FOUR

Eru returned home from work in the evening, tired and hungry. He had given his sweet heart a spare key to his two bedroom apartment. He wanted her to feel free to visit at anytime she wanted, whether he was in or out. He really liked her. He had planned to propose to her by the end of the month. He didn’t want to waste any time, he was ready to settle down and begin a new marital life with her. The moment he walked into the sitting room, the sight that beheld him weakened his knees. He found Bina sleeping on the settee, surrounded by piles of dirty plates, cups, glasses, mugs, cutleries, wrappers of chocolates, biscuits and candies. The room was in a complete mess. What if he had come home with a friend or worse his siblings? How would they have perceived her? He pulled off his jacket and marched into the master bedroom. He found the room in disarray. Her clothes, shoes and bag were scattered on the unmade bed, and the pillows were thrown in every direction.

What is the meaning of this?

He dropped his car keys and phones in the wardrobe and hung his jacket. He returned to the sitting room and met her still sleeping. He hissed and strode into the kitchen. The sink was unbelievably full! There were dirty pots, plates, glasses and pans in it. The cupboards were open. The floor was smeared with all sorts of paste and liquid he couldn’t discern. He felt blood drain from his face.

“What the hell is this?!” he hurried out and returned to the sitting room, “Bina! Bina! Ibinabo!”

She opened her eyes. She heard her name. She pulled herself up in a sitting position. Was Eru back from work? Maybe she was dreaming.

“Bina!”

She blinked and sighted him ten feet away. She wasn’t dreaming. He was home, clad in a pair of black shiny trousers, a white long sleeve shirt and a long black tie. He looked angry. What was wrong? She pulled her weight up and approached him.

“Welcome home,” she stretched out her hands and yawned.

“What is the meaning of this?” he glared at her.

She squinted her sleepy eyes. What was he talking about?

“Did I commit a crime by giving you the key to my house?” he placed both hands on his hips.

She shook her head.

“Why have you decided to turn my apartment into a dumpsite?”

She opened her mouth, and then closed it.

“The sitting room is a mess, my bedroom looks like a train ran over it and my kitchen is no different from a pigsty.”

She blinked and stared back at him. Was he upset because the house was a little untidy? She looked around her.

“Is that why you came home screaming my name as if…” she glanced back at him, “As if the house is on fire.”

He narrowed his gaze. Her response fueled his anger. Her lack of remorse baffled him.

“We can get someone to clean it up,” she said lackadaisically.

“What happened to your hands?” he looked her up and down.

“Fine! I will clean it up,” she returned to the settee and lay on her tummy. When she wakes up, she would clean his house and go home. At least, no one stresses her there with house-work.

He glanced sideways. His annoyance was at a boiling point, “Will you get into that kitchen this minute and clean all that mess…” he moved towards the chair and pulled her by the leg.

She fell on the rugged floor and scrambled to her feet, “You know you have gone mad!” she pointed a finger at him.

His astonished gaze remained on her enraged face.

“Something is wrong with your brain,” she tapped the side of her face with a finger.

He placed a hand on his chest, “Are you talking to me?”

“Are you daft or something? Do you see anyone else around here?” her coffee coloured eyes darted left and right, “Of course I am talking to you.”

He took several steps backward, turned around and hurried into the master bedroom. He picked up her shoes, bag and clothes which were scattered all over the bed and returned to the sitting room. He threw them at her and pointed at the front door. She followed his gaze and started to laugh.

“Leave my house,” her laughter infuriated him.

She clapped her hands, “You are funny.”

“Bina leave my house! Or else…”

“Or else what?” she approached him, closed the gap between them and eyed him.

He pushed her away, “Leave this minute or else, I will beat you into a pulp,” he warned her.

She staggered and looked back at him. She felt as if a screw had loosened in her brain.

Like a flash of light, she leapt at him and held him by the collar, “Beat who? Your Mama abi? Who do you think you are? The Undertaker or Hulk Hogan?”

He pushed her and tried to loosen his collar from her choking grip, but, she held unto him. Her strength astounded him.

“I am warning you,” he tapped a finger on her forehead.

“Try it now. You think I am one of those spineless girls out there.”

“Let go,” he pushed her again. The buttons of his shirt started coming off one after the other.

“You must beat me today. Thank God we have only dated for three months. It is not too late to call it off.”

His throat went dry and he started to choke. He coughed and hit her across the face. She released him, dazed that he had just hit her.

“Get…” he coughed, “Get… get out of my flat!”

She held her hurting cheek, still in shock.

“Out!” he pointed at the door and pulled off his torn shirt.

She took a few steps towards him and slapped him twice on both sides of the face. Caught unawares, he staggered and almost fell. She lurched herself at him and held his trousers. The next thing he knew, her teeth had gone deep into the skin of his stomach. He cried out in pain and kicked her with one of his legs. She released him and fell on the tiled floor. He held his tummy and noticed that he was bleeding. Horrified, he dashed into his bedroom and hurried into the bathroom. He found the first aid box on the wooden shelf nailed to the wall and flung it open.

Ibinabo picked up her clothes, shoes and bag on the floor and headed out. She had a satisfied look on her face. Next time, he would think twice before laying a finger on her. She wore her blouse over the spaghetti top and slipped into her jeans. She got into her shoes and approached the gate. She smoothened her jet black back-length hair. The security guard allowed her out of the building. She stood by the closed gate and looked around her. The street was dark and empty. How was she going to get home? She thought of calling her grandmother’s driver, and then decided against it. Tjay crossed her mind. She wondered if he would come and pick her up if she called him. They had not spoken to each other for a long time. It was all her fault. Why did she always drive her friends away?

xxxxxx

They lay on the bed and watched a movie on the twenty inch flat screen television. He turned his head and glanced at her. They had been dating for the past two months and he had no regrets. She was homely, kind and industrious. Despite the fact that she was attractive, she didn’t allow her physical beauty to get into her head. She could relate with anyone, regardless of their social status. She was definitely a wife material and he wished he had asked her out earlier. Nevertheless, it was better late than never. He heard the ringing of his phone. He reached out for it on the stool beside the bed and checked the caller’s identity. He blinked and sat up immediately. He had not heard from her since she started dating the Prado jeep guy. What was his name?

“Hello…”

“Tjay hi… please, I need your help.”

The sound of her voice made his heart jump, “Are you okay?”

“Yes, no… please, can you come and pick me up?”

He glanced at the wall clock. It was fifteen minutes past nine, “Where are you?”

“I am in Ilupeju, on the street close to Sweet Sensation.”

“Okay, go to the eatery and wait for me.”

“Oh goody! Thanks.”

Her excited voice warmed his heart. He hung up and got down from the bed. She sat up and looked up at him.

“Are you going out?”

“Yes,” he took out a shirt from the wardrobe, “I need to pick up a friend. She is stranded.”

“Who?”

“Bina,” he zipped the jeans and straightened the collar of the red tee-shirt.

“Ibinabo?”

He nodded. He had told her about his childhood friend, but, he left out the part that he had always loved her.

“Can I come?” Adiza got down from the bed.

He shrugged and picked up his car keys on the stool. He switched off the television and the ceiling fan. She slipped on her slippers and followed him out of the apartment. She had not been introduced to his childhood friend since they had started dating because of the rift between them. She had seen Ibinabo at a distance a couple of times, but, they had never crossed paths. Finally, they were going to meet.

Nwiboko26:
Hey bae anything for us today

Sweet heart, am at a love feast. I don't know when I'll get home tonight.

@all... I apologize for not posting yesterday. I was at my kids' school christmas party.

Unfailingly, before dinner time tomorrow I will post updates *hugs*

@all... Updates commences before dinner time *winks*

CHAPTER THREE

Tjay looked out of the window. The rain had stopped. He had decided to visit Bina that evening. He would have waited for her to come back to her senses and apologize for her behavior, but, he needed to see her. He wanted to let her know how he truly felt about her. He had finally decided to confess his love for her and ask her out. He should have told her ages ago, but, he never got around it. He changed into a brown tee-shirt and a pair of blue jeans. He put on one of his brown leather slippers, picked up his car keys and phones on the table and headed out of the self-contain apartment. He met Adiza at the gate of the house. She was one of his neighbours and also a colleague at work. They both worked at the PHCN, Mafolukun branch. She moved in with her elder sister a week after she gained employment in his place of work. She was a pretty girl, fair skinned, an inch taller than he was, intelligent, homely and with a great personality. He would have loved to get to know her better, but, his heart was engulfed with someone else. He tried as much as possible not to get too close to her. He knew she liked him, but, he didn’t want to lead her on. He didn’t want to hurt her. He knew how unrequited love felt like.

“Hi… are you on your way out?” she smiled at him.

“Yes,” he walked up to his blue coloured Toyota Corolla parked at a corner.

“When will you be back?” her hazel eyes followed him.

“I don’t know,” he unlocked the door and got into the car. He started the engine and backed the vehicle into the muddy street. Bina’s place
was two streets away from his. His parent’s home was on the same street with hers. He might visit them after he had spoken with her. He drove to her place in less than ten minutes. The security guard opened the gate and he drove into the compound. He noticed her grandmother’s green Honda Element which was parked beside a black Prado Jeep. He didn’t recognize the car. They probably had a visitor. He parked his car, got out and locked it.

The house-keeper, Mrs. Ekaette, allowed him in. He met Bina in the sitting room chatting amicably with her grandmother and a brown skin man seated close to her, too close for his liking.

“Good evening ma.”

“Hey… Tjay, how are you doing? It’s been a while,” Lolly smiled at him.

“I am fine ma,” he smiled back at her and sat on the chair beside her, “Evening,” he nodded at the brown skin man.

“Evening,” Eru seized him up.

He directed his dark gaze at his friend.

She eyed him and hissed, “I hope you are not here to see me.”

“Ibinabo!” Lolly glared at her.

“Granny, please, stay out of this. Let me deal with Tjay as I deem fit.”

“I am Erhumu Ogheneochuko,” he stretched out his right hand.

“Tijani Kamson,” they shook hands.

“I guess you are a friend of the family,” Eru rested against on the chair.

“He is the only friend she has,” Lolly interjected.

“Really?” he looked from Tjay to his girlfriend.

“She is exaggerating,” Bina assured him and squeezed him by the hand.

“No, she isn’t,” Tjay eyed her.

“Are you here to make peace or start another war?” Bina attacked him.

Tjay swallowed a response and turned his attention to the flat screen television.

Lolly shook her head at her grand-daughter.

“I will like you to meet my boyfriend,” she leaned closer to Eru.

His shocked gaze flew to his friend and the strange man. He watched her give him a peck on the cheek and giggled. She seemed happy. It had been a while since he had seen her that happy. She must really like the guy. He sighed heavily. He was too late, again. There was no use confessing his feelings for her. She had already begun a relationship with someone else. He wished he had opened up to her sooner.

“Forgive her manners, what can I offer you?” Lolly smiled at him and noticed his pale face.

“Leave him alone. He knows his way around the house. He will get himself something to eat or drink when he is ready,” Bina snapped.

Lolly and Eru stared at her.

“What?” she looked from one to the other.

Tjay got up.

“Are you leaving?” Lolly felt sad. She didn’t like the way her grand-daughter had spoken to him.

“Yes ma. I will visit another day,” Tjay feigned a smile.

“This is your fault,” Lolly pointed a finger at her.

“No, it isn’t. Is he a child? He has the right to come and go as he desires,” she eyed her grandmother.

“Have a goodnight ma,” he smiled at her and turned to Eru, “It was nice meeting you.”

“Same here. Hope we can hang out some other time,” Eru shook hands with him.

“Sure,” he glanced at his friend.

Bina hissed and avoided his gaze.

Tjay squared his shoulders and headed out.

“I didn’t know that you can be this naughty,” Eru turned to his girlfriend.

She folded her hands across her bosom.

“Come, let me tell you her history,” her grandmother offered.

“Granny please! Leave my boyfriend alone,” Bina shot her an irritated look, then hissed.

Tjay got into his car and started the engine. It was probably high time he let go of his feelings for Ibinabo. It wasn’t doing him any good. He had not been able to get into a serious relationship because of his love for her. His neighbor, Adiza, seemed like a good catch. If he drew close to her, he might develop strong feelings for her and forget all about Ibinabo. He needed to move on. It was about time anyway. He made a mental note to visit his parents on his way home. He had not seen them in the past three months. Although he tried to call them once in a while, they would definitely appreciate a one on one visit.

xxxxxx

He got home about past eight that night and met Adiza seated outside her apartment. They exchanged greetings.

“Do you have a cold drink in your fridge? I will replace it when I buy from the Mallam tomorrow.”

Her jaw dropped in surprise. He had never spoken to her for more than ten minutes at any given time, whether at home or at work. It was hard to believe that he was asking her for a drink.

“Em…” she got to her feet, “I think we have coke, I am not sure we have malt.”

“I will drink whatever you have. I need something chilled,” he gave her a smile.

“Okay…” she brightened and opened the front door, then turned to look at him, “Will you like to come in?”

“Yes, sure, thanks,” the ecstatic look in her eyes made him to relax.

She beamed, “Okay, good,” she walked into the apartment and pulled the door wide open so that he could come in.

Shakyroh320:
But miss writer,plz how can Bina folow a total stranger home in Lagos for dat mata,Shinning armor indeed,bina u beta use ur senses before u turn to senseless 30 years old lady.more inspiration dear.

Sweerie, if people open their mouths and gist you about the crazy risk that they have taken, you'll be amazed.

TeleboiZ005:
All work witout play makes daniel the lion slayer


INTERESTING...



Meanwhile...

Op can u see me

mail me iyareserah@gmail.com

crislyn:
when I saw this, I smiled and said... Shewrite is at it again! No doubt this one is another mind blowing story.

lol... yea it is a mind blowing story *winks*

CHAPTER TWO

She stood outside His Majesties Kitchen, a Chinese restaurant, on Town Planning Way, Ilupeju. It had been raining heavily and most of the buses plying the route refused to stop. If only she could get a bus to the next junction, she would be able to board a bike or another bus home. She lived at Mafolukun, Oshodi; she was a bit far from home. If it wasn’t raining, she would have been able to trek to the bridge and board a bus to Mafolukun. She wished she had extra money; she would have chartered a taxi. She had spent her weekly allowance and it wasn’t even weekend yet. How was she going to survive? Her Grandma had warned her concerning how she spent money. If only she had listened. Now, she was drenched, cold and stranded. She wished she had stayed home that day. How was she to know that it would rain? She wasn’t a soothsayer or a witch.

She told her Grandma that she needed a car. The woman could afford it. Yet, she declined her request. She complained that the last car she bought for her didn’t last a year. She doesn’t allow her to drive her green Honda Element. The pathetic old woman wished her all sort of suffering. If her parents were still alive, she believed that they wouldn’t deny her whatever she wanted, no matter how many times she asked. She was already thirty, yet, the old witch refused to give her details of her inheritance. What was she waiting for anywhere, until she was dead and buried?

“Hello,” a black Prado Jeep stopped beside her. The side window was a bit lowered.

She narrowed her eyes and stared back at the driver, but, she didn’t recognize him.

“Can I give you a ride?”

She nodded her head. God truly loved her. He sent her an angel in disguise at the nick of time. She had thought of calling her Grandma’s driver, Martins. If he wasn’t running any errand, he might have been able to pick her up. She pulled at the side-door, it was not locked. She climbed into the vehicle and shut the door.

“Where are you heading to?” he addressed her.

She glanced at his brown square shaped face, “I am going to Mafolukun.”

“Not my direction, but, I don’t mind dropping you off,” he swerved the car back to the road.

“Thank you,” she smiled at him. He appeared to be cool, calm and collected. His blue Hacket short-sleeve tee-shirt attested his well muscled
body. She wasn’t a fan of skinny or fat men. She liked them tall, handsome with muscles and all.

He sensed her perusal and directed his gaze at her, “You are welcome. You are dripping wet.”

“Hmm…” she sighed and thought that he must be worried about his car seat.

“I live in Ilupeju. You can change into something dry at my place, and then I will take you home later.”

She thought to herself. She doesn’t think it would be a good idea to go home with someone she didn’t know.

“I am a Medical Doctor, I am concerned about your health,” he returned his attention to the road.

“Oh… I see,” If she followed him home and he tried anything funny, she would show him that no one messes with her and goes scot free,

“Okay, let’s get me warmed up.”

He chuckled and turned the car into a street. He stopped outside a two storey building and honked thrice. A security guard in red and white uniform with blue stripes opened the white gate. He drove into the compound and parked in-between two other cars. They climbed out of the vehicle and walked into the building. He led her into one of the flats on the second floor and unlocked the door. She noticed that he was about five feet eight inches, exactly two inches taller than she was.

“Welcome to my humble home,” he bowed comically.

She giggled and walked around the large sitting room. It looked homely. The curtains, rug and furniture were in shades of cream and brown. The electronics were sophisticated and everything she laid her eyes on spoke wealth.

“Let’s get you warmed up.”

She turned towards him and noticed that he was easy on the eyes. She could swear on her parents’ grave that he had a lot of female admirers.

“Put your wet clothes in the washing machine, when it is dry, you can iron it.”

“Okay,” she followed him into one of the bedrooms, “Can I dry my shoes too?”

“Yes. There is a big tee-shirt in the wardrobe. She can wear that until you clothes are dry.”

“Okay, thanks.”

“I will make us tea,” he backed out of the room and close the door behind him.

She looked around her. The bed was well made and the room looked spick and span. She made a mental note to organize her room when she got home. She went into the bathroom and got out of the wet clothes and shoes. She found the tee-shirt in the wardrobe and put it on. She looked ridiculous. It was three times her size. At least her hair was in weaves, in an all-back style. It wouldn’t come undone. She packed her wet clothes and shoes and joined him in the kitchen. He put her clothes into the washing machine and turned on the dryer knob. He filled two big mugs with hot water, dropped in bags of Lipton tea and added milk and sugar. They returned to the sitting room and settled on a long chair. The hot tea made her feel warm. She relaxed and thanked God that the stranger stopped to give her a ride.

“My name is Erhumu Ogheneochuko, my friends call me Eru.”

She met his friendly gaze, “I am Ibinabo Udeme, and you can call me Bina.”

He sipped at the hot liquid, “What brought you to this area?”

She sighed, “A job interview.”

He raised an eyebrow, “What’s your discipline?”

She stared back at him, “Business Administration.”

He nodded and took a long drink.

“Where do you work?”

“Grace Springs Hospital, right here in Ilupeju.”

“Lucky you,” she placed the empty mug on the wooden stool beside the chair.

He chuckled and looked at her. Their gazes locked.

“Will I be a little forward if I tell you that I like you?”

“Yes,” she looked away.

He started to laugh. She smiled and rested her back on the seat.

“I like you.”

She turned her head and looked into his dark penetrating eyes. She lowered her gaze and whispered, “I like you too.”

He smiled at her, “Are you in a relationship?”

She shook her head.

“Neither am I.”

She raised her head and tried not to look at him.

“Will you… Can you… Can we…” he cleared his throat, “I will like to go out with you.”

She pressed her lips together. Her last relationship ended badly. Eru seemed like a nice person. If she agreed to date him, she could always
back out if things turned sour.

“I… I will like to date you.”

She directed her gaze at him, “Okay.”

Her response warmed his heart. He placed the half-empty mug on the stool beside him, “So, does that mean that you will go out with me?”

“Yes.”

His dark eyes brightened, “Fantastic.”

She let out a quite laughter. His excitement was contagious.

“Okay, let me get your clothes ironed, then, I will take you home,” he got up.

She nodded, “Thanks.”

He picked his mug and hers and strode out of the room. She sighed and folded her arms across her chest. She had just accepted to date a really nice man, a doctor for that matter. He seemed to be quite loaded and comfortable. She had hit a jackpot! Just when she thought the rain had ruined her day, God sent her a knight in shining armour.

Tife101:
Intriguing piece...Well done SheWrites

Thank you.

Shakyroh320:
This `Bina' is a special patient in a special hospital in a special ward receiving a special treatment from a special Doctor.u are welcome dear,more wisdom by His grace.

Hahahaa... She is seriously special.

@all... Updates commences at lunch time.

pweetychyka:
Am here sha
ma boo always ontop of her game...@shewrites

*blowing-you-a-zillion-kisses* mwaaah!

@all... Complements of the season.
Just posted a new story www.nairaland.com/3505817/broken-bottle
Links to my other stories
www.nairaland.com/3378034/b.f.f-best-friends-forever
www.nairaland.com/3399654/winds-fate
www.nairaland.com/3425755/heartstrings
www.nairaland.com/3320940/together-forever

@all... Complements of the season.
Just posted a new story www.nairaland.com/3505817/broken-bottle
Links to my other stories
www.nairaland.com/3378034/b.f.f-best-friends-forever
www.nairaland.com/3399654/winds-fate
www.nairaland.com/3425755/heartstrings
www.nairaland.com/3378090/torn-based-true-life-story

@all... Complements of the season.
Just posted a new story www.nairaland.com/3505817/broken-bottle
Links to my other stories www.nairaland.com/3378034/b.f.f-best-friends-forever
www.nairaland.com/3399654/winds-fate
www.nairaland.com/3320940/together-forever
www.nairaland.com/3378090/torn-based-true-life-story

@all... Complements of the season!
Just posted a new story www.nairaland.com/3505817/broken-bottle
Links to my other stories www.nairaland.com/3399654/winds-fate
www.nairaland.com/3425755/heartstrings
www.nairaland.com/3320940/together-forever
www.nairaland.com/3378090/torn-based-true-life-story

@all... Complements of the Season.
Just posted a new story www.nairaland.com/3505817/broken-bottle
My other stories links are www.nairaland.com/b.f.f-best-friends-forever
www.nairaland.com/3425755/heartstrings
www.nairaland.com/3320940/together-forever
www.nairaland.com/3378090/torn-based-true-life-story

CHAPTER ONE

Seventy-five year old Lolly made her way into her grand-daughter’s bedroom. Everything was topsy-turvy. The bed was not made. The pillows were scattered about on the tiled floor, the bed sheet was in a heap at the edge of the bed, the wardrobe was wide opened, and clothes were hanging in a big mess. There were lingerie hanging on the chairs, empty plates of food on the table, used cups, glasses and cutleries were under the table. It was a total chaos. A scowl appeared on her dark round face. She couldn’t understand why the room was no different from a pig sty. She didn’t bring her grand-daughter up that way, but the girl refused to be tutored. She grew up strong-willed, stubborn, and undomesticated. Most times, she feared for her. She noticed that the dark chocolate skin girl was fast asleep. She lay on her tummy; head rested on her arms.

She kicked a pillow away from her path and walked towards the bed, “Bina… Bina…” she bent down and shook her by the shoulders.

Bina groaned and turned on her side.

“Wake up. It is already ten o’clock,” Lolly spoke harshly.

“What has that got to do with me?” she raised her head and lay back on her tummy.

Lolly frowned, bent down and smacked her on the buttocks.

“Granny!” she glared at her.

“Don’t you know that you are a woman?” Lolly eyed her.

“Please don’t hit me again, ah-han… what is it?” Bina hissed and rubbed the painful spot.

She settled at the side of the bed, “You are thirty years old for heaven’s sake,” there was a note of disappointment in her voice.

Bina rolled her coffee coloured eyes. She was in no mood for the old woman’s nagging lecture.

“Look at the state of this room, what happens when you get married?”

She flashed a smile, “Till then.”

Her defiance attitude enraged the elderly woman, “This is one of your many problems. You don’t take these things seriously.”

She hissed again and laid her head on her arms.

“Bina!”

She didn’t respond.

What am I going to do with you?

She bit at her lower lip, “Tjay is in the sitting room.”

“I will see him later,” Bina turned on her side.

She hit her on the buttocks, “Get your bum out of that bed this minute!”

“Oh-oooooh! Leave me alone now, ah-han… Granny you have started o, I don’t like this, I don’t like this at all. I am being maltreated in my
own house,” she sat up and eyed her.

They heard a knock. They turned and looked towards the door. It opened and a black head peeped through it.

“My God! This room is worse than the ruins under Oshodi Bridge,” his dark eyes darted around the room.

Lolly got up, “Talk to your friend,” she looked back at her and navigated her way out of the room.

“Young woman, why do you live like this?” the dark skinned, broad shouldered, five feet seven inches tall young man with a round face and full black lips walked into the room.

Bina reached out for the closest pillow to the bed and flung it at him. He dodged it and joined her on the bed.

“Seriously, you need help,” Tjay eyed her.

“Whatever,” she yawned and stretched out her hands.

He gave a shake of head and noticed that she was still in her night-wear. A sleeveless satin lace mini gown which barely covered her soft pear shaped bosom. He dropped his gaze and it fell on her glowing smooth dark chocolate thighs. He swallowed spittle and tore his eyes away. He wished he had waited for her in the sitting room.

“What are you doing here anyway?” she lay on her back and covered her body with a wrapper.

He exhaled with relief, “I… I… Joy, Charles and Nneka came to see me last night.”

She hissed and turned her face away.

“Ibinabo,” his disapproving look seized her up.

A smile spread on her lips. Aside from her grandmother, he was the only one that called her by her full name. Everyone else called her Bina.

“They are supposed to be your friends,” his voice turned sour.

“Good luck with that,” she closed her eyes.

“I don’t like your nonchalant attitude. I don’t support the way you have been treating them, no wonder they have all decided to keep you at arm’s length.”

She flung the wrapper away and sat up, “They can go to blazes for all I care!” her coffee coloured eyes shone with fury.

Tjay looked her up and down. He wasn’t deterred by her annoyance. He needed to tell her the undiluted truth.

“Who does Joy think she is? Ehn? Answer me?”

“She is your friend,” he crossed his arms.

“What friend? She thinks she is the Queen of England because she lends me money once in a while. She wants me to worship the ground she walks on, abi?”

“The same money you refuse to pay back each time and every time,” he stressed the last word.

She hissed and turned her head.

“Do you want to render her penniless? Why don’t you pay her back the money she lent you in the past?”

“When did you become her advocate?” she eyed him.

“She is my friend too. She doesn’t have a wealthy grandmother like you. She works and earns her money. I don’t understand why you borrow money from people in the first place.”

“What, what, what? Is it because you lend me money too? Abeg park well.”

He stared at her with a sad expression on his face. They had known each other for more than a decade. His parents had relocated to the area the same period he gained admission into the university at eighteen. She had just completed her Senior Secondary School examination then, even though she was three years younger, they became fast friends. He had also grown feelings for her over time and had been unable to express it. He watched her date several people over the years and had stood by her side as a confidant. Now that she was single again, he had better sum up the courage and open up to her. The matter on ground saddened him. She treated people badly. He feared she might end up alone and bitter.

“They came to report me to you, abi? Mr. Counselor,” she vented.

He blinked, “You know you need to change,” he was beginning to get upset.

“Oh-oooh is that what Nneka told you?” she pointed a finger at him.

“She mentioned that amongst other things, but…”

“Ah-ha!” she jumped down from the bed, “That Ibo girl, Miss. Einstein, she thinks she knows everything and feels she can advice me at will.”

He placed a hand on his forehead, closed his eyes and gave a shake of head.

“Charles or whatever he calls himself, I just asked him to look for another job for me and he went ballistic. What sort of a friend is that? Ehn?”
she placed her hands on her hips and drilled him with her raging eyes.

He raised his head, “How many jobs has he helped you to get?”

“So?”

“How many did you retain?” he pointed a finger at her.

“What sort of a question is that?”

“What is wrong with you?” he got up, “Don’t you think that something is seriously wrong with you?” he confronted her.

“You are the one that something is wrong with,” her voice rose a pitch, “If you are here to insult me, you better go home, that is the door,” she pointed at the open door.

“You have a problem, a very big problem. You can’t keep a single job, it is one complain or the other.”

“And so?” she clapped her hands, “What is your business?”

“Why do you think all the guys you were supposed to marry left you?”

“You are mad!” his words hurt her, “You are crazy!” she gave him a push.

He backed away. He could see the pain in her eyes. He didn’t mean to hurt her.

“How dare you come to my house and start vomiting rubbish!?

Someone hurried into the room. They both turned towards the door and saw Lolly. She had a worried look on her face.

“Granny, I don’t ever want to see this young man in this house again,” she glanced at her.

Lolly frowned and shook her head, “This is my house. I decide who goes and who stays.”

“Fine, fine, well played,” she clapped her hands and paced the room, “Do whatever you like. But you,” she met his pale gaze, “Don’t come
here looking for me. Stay away from me, you hear!”

He sighed heavily. Their fights and quarrels were always heated, although she was always remorseful afterwards. Nneka, Joy, and Charles had probably gotten tired of her and stayed away. Maybe he should do the same. He wished it was that easy.

“What are you waiting for? Go way! Leave me alone!” she pushed him towards the door.

“Ibinabo stop it! What has come over you?” her grandmother glared at her.

“Please stay out of this,” she eyed the elderly woman.

“Not this time. Do you want to chase all your friends away?” Lolly stood, akimbo.

“It is my decision.”

Tjay turned around and headed out.

“Tjay,” Lolly held him by the hand, “I am sorry.”

He met her saddened stare, “It is okay ma. Your grand-daughter needs help.”

Ibinabo marched towards the doorway, “You are very, very stupid for saying that!”

Lolly stared back at her in shock. Amongst her friends, Tijani was the closest. Why was she so angry with him?

Tjay caught a glimpse of her and walked out.

She hissed and returned to bed. She lay on her side and covered her body with a wrapper.

Lolly looked heavenwards. She had been taking care of Ibinabo since she was five. Her son and his wife abandoned her and went in search of wealth and fame many years ago. They bought a house for her and sent her monthly allowance so that she could take care of the girl. Money wasn’t everything. She had decided to send the girl back to her parents in Europe when she completed her Secondary school education, but, the couple died in a plane crash on one of their numerous journeys. Their entire wealth was in a Swiss account in the girl’s name. She had not been able to tell her, fearing that she might squander it all. She had hoped that she would change, but, had worsened over the years. She was at her wits end.

God what am I going to do with her?

She sighed heavily.

“Granny please shut the door. I want to sleep.”

She dropped her head and glanced at the figure on the bed, “It is almost noon dear.”

“Just go away!” Bina pulled the wrapper over her head.

The seventy-five year old woman sighed again and backed out of the room.

@Nwiboko26... Babes how now? *winks* Your expectations will be satisfied.
@pweetychyka... Missed your comments *winks*
@all... Complements of the season *hugs*

All rights reserved.


Copyright 2016 Serah Iyare


SYNOPSIS


Everyone that came her way, be it male or female, got wounded one way or another.

Losing the love of her life opened her eyes to her catastrophic and thorny lifestyle.

Was there hope for a second chance?

SAHACO:
@Shewrites have been expecting the completion of the story, didn't know it was out. It realy made my day but the end was beyond my expectation. You're a true gifted writer, tumbs up.

Thanks *smiling*

@oluwatymylehyn... Awwww... Am sooo touched *hugs*

@all... I was supposed to have updated a new story, but, got tied up with family affairs.

Before the 1st of December, I will post the new story *Broken Bottle*

oluwatymylehyn:
Just yesterday, I read one of your story and I was awestruck by your laudable talents. Reading "Winds of Fate" this morning did confirm you're a talent that needs to be celebrated. You're simply a phenomenon, your writing skills cannot be matched. You are the best writer around. I love all your stories. Good job as always and I believe the sky is your starting point.

Awww... Thank you so much *hugs*

oluwatymylehyn:
You're extraterrestrial and you ability to write a well composed story like this is laudable. This is your second story I'm reading in weeks. Your stories are always short and concise, I love it that way. I can't wait to read your next piece. Good job and more wisdom I pray.

Thanks. Really appreciate you.

Africanbarbie146:
This story is incredibly interesting!
Well done Shewrites,you are a darling.
This story is incredibly interesting!
Well done Shewrites,you are a darling.

Thanks *hugs*

ROYH:
Nice Story Miss SheWrites, This Piece Is Quite Amazing And Awesome, Infact , Its A Boko In Sambisa ...
Be Kind Enough To Tag Me In Your Next Work
And You , yorhmienerd, Shey Na Like This How Life Be Eh, No Lele, Just Dont Trespass My Neigbourhood Oo.
PamelB, Fiyah , SmartestPopQueen, Mrlemuel, Tgold1, Theblessedman, Fobiflex, AOB1, Opeoluwa99, Countrygirl , Agent R Of Team Hero Is Calling You To Guys To Teleport From Anywhere You're To Come And Take A Sip Of HeartString...
Babsopey, Come Take Off Your Load With This Piece

Thanks. I appreciate you.