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@Elbizzcklinz... Glad you are following *winks*
@Hardybattee45... Thanks
@dexzzy... Kpa-kpa, kpa-kpa-kpa, kpa!

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@dexzzy... Kpa-kpa, kpa-kpa-kpa, kpa!

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HEARTSTRINGS

CHAPTER TEN

His thoughts travelled while he washed the dishes in the sink. He liked weekends. It gave him enough time to recuperate after a tiring week. His nights had worsened after his intimate encounter with Misi. She tormented his dreams and while he was awake, she clouded his thoughts. It had been a while since the thought of a woman had harassed his mind. He heard the door bell ringing. He wiped his wet hands with a napkin, turned around and walked out of the kitchen. He hoped the person at the door wasn’t his neighbour’s daughter. She had kept him at arm’s length for the past few weeks. Many other men would have taken advantage of her, shattered her heart and rendered her body useless. Far be it from him to be reduced to such level. The bell kept ringing. He marched towards the front door, wondering who it was. He peeped through the hole in the door and gasped when he saw her. What was she doing at his place? He rested his head on the door and debated whether to ignore her or allow her in. He gritted his teeth and turned the key. He placed his hand on the door-knob and opened it slightly. His honey coloured eyes travelled over her slim curvy frame wrapped in a sky blue long fish tail dress. She looked like a princess with her brown shoulder length hair swept backwards. He felt like touching it. He lifted his eyes and met her intensed gaze.

“What are you doing here?” he sounded harsh.

The instant she saw him, her throat went dry and her desire for him magnified. She shouldn’t have come. Should she just turn around and return home or take the bulls by the horn and resolve the turmoil on her mind?

“What do you want?” he repeated. His heart throbbed at the sight of her.

She swallowed hard.

God give me strength.

He could sense the battle she fought within. Her eyes said it all. It was similar to the war that rage within him. She shouldn’t have come. She had just complicated things. He backed into the flat and tried to close the door.

Her eyes widened in surprise, “Wait!” she held the door-knob.

“Go home,” his stern tone wasn’t lost to her.

“Hold on,” she pleaded. She really wanted them to sit and iron things out.

“Why?” he eyed her.

“We… we need to talk.”

He shook his head, “I have got nothing to say to you,” he pushed the door, but, she held unto it.

“Bassey… please.”

“I am not ready for this… this thing between us...” he gave a shake of head.

His words cut through her heart. She felt pained.

“If I allow you in, I will sleep with you,” he said plainly, his words were devoid of emption.

She let go of the knob and stepped back. She just wanted to talk. She didn’t want to get sexually intimate with him.

“I will regret it, ask God for forgiveness, repent and it will significantly complicate things between us.”

She nodded with understanding and blinked back the tears that burned her eyes.

“A man can give you his body, but, not his heart.”

She searched his expressionless face. Why was he saying does things to her?

“I can sleep with you right now, but, it doesn’t mean that I love you, sex is not love. They are two different things. You ladies mix them up a
lot.”

She turned away. The tears came. It pooled over her face, “I just… came… to talk,” her voice cracked.

He snorted, “That talk won’t happen. Our bodies are already on fire. If we start to talk in here and right now, our conversation will end in the
bedroom.”

She started to walk away.

“Misi…”

She ran down the stairway.

“Misi!” he hurried after her, clad in his boxers. He caught up with her and held her hand.

“Let me go,” she sobbed.

His chest tightened at the sight of her sad wet face.

“Let me go!” she snapped and yanked her hand back. She turned to leave, but he pulled her close and embraced her.

“I am sorry.”

“Leave me[i] jo[/i]…” she started to cry.

“I am so sorry,” he held her tightly. Her softness melted into him, drugging his mind.

She kept on crying. He felt bad because he knew his words had wounded her. He had no choice; he needed to tell her the truth. He pulled away and led her up the stairs and into his apartment. They sat on a two settee and silence hovered over them. She brought out a handkerchief from her purse and dabbed her face with it.

“I dated a girl two years ago. We were supposed to get married, but, she called off the wedding.”

She glanced at him. His hands were clasped together and he stared at nothing in particular.

“My family and I visited her parents, but she refused to see us and we were chased out of their home.”

She rested against the chair and listened to him. She was happy that he was opening up to her.

“I found out that my childhood friend, my so called best friend had lied to her about me. She believed him. She didn’t even deem it fit to
confront me. They are now married and living happily ever after.”

She wanted to pat his back and console him, but thought against it.

“I have gotten over her. The wounds have healed, but, the scars have not completely faded away.”

She nodded with understanding.

“I don’t want to hurt you,” he glanced at her, “I don’t want to waste your time…” he took her by the hand, “I like you, I really do, but before
I can pursue a relationship with you, I need to sort myself out.”

She sighed with relief. All hope wasn’t lost. It would have been worse if he had rejected her completely.

“I am not going to ask you to wait for me,” he searched her eyes, “But, if you are sure that you want to get committed to me in the nearest future, please, be patient.”

She exhaled and smiled.

“If you can’t wait, you can as well accept any proposal that comes your way,” he felt distressed saying those words.

She looked into his eyes. Her heart yearned for him, her body craved for him; she was head over heels in love with him. She doubted if she would be able to date anyone else. She would wait for as long as it was necessary.

He stared back at her. He could see the answer in her eyes. Her feelings were out in the open. She had fallen for him. He sighed with relief and drew her close. He claimed her lips and trembled when she responded. She ran her hands through his short curly brown her and moaned at his touch.

“Bassey…” she came to her senses and pulled away, creating space between them.

He exhaled loudly and got to his feet.

“I think I should go home,” she got up too and avoided looking at him.

He came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her slim frame.

Her heart missed a beat, “What are you doing?”

He kissed the nape of her neck and ran his tongue along the smooth side.

“Please don’t,” her nerves were set on fire by his caress.

“You came to the lion’s den; don’t you know that you might get eaten?”

“Stop…” she shook him off and hurried to the door, “Good night,” she glanced back at him and hurried out, closing the door behind her.

He ran a hand through his hair and fanned his face with the other. A satisfied grin was pasted on his face.

HEARTSTRINGS

CHAPTER NINE

It was three in the morning. He had not been able to sleep a wink. His thoughts were consumed with his intimate encounter with Misi. If he had not regained his senses, he would have slept with her and regretted it afterwards. He found pleasure in the fact that she was also attracted to him. He turned on his side. Was his heart ready to commit to another woman? He doesn’t know her well enough to trust her. He wasn’t looking forward to getting hurt again. If he took things slow and court her friendship, in time, he might be ready for a serious solid futuristic commitment. What if she couldn’t wait? The thought of seeing her with someone else made his blood boil. He lay on his tummy.

Oh God… I really, really like this girl.

He remembered the day he saw her singing and dancing in the kitchen. He raised the corners of his mouth in a smile. The house had seemed kind of quiet since the Phillips moved out. He missed the noise and coming home to an empty house had turned into a daily unpleasant experience. It was high time he settled down.

xxxxxx

She opened the door and walked into the large office space. She sighted Eno seated in her cubicle and sighed with relief. She had been trying to see her all day, but, she had been tied up with one assignment or the other. She approached her desk and took the empty seat opposite her.

“Hey! Hi, hi,” Eno smiled at her.

“You have been scarce,” she eyed her.

Eno rested against her chair and sighed, “My madam has been on my neck.”

Misi crossed her legs and looked around her, “You are lucky.”

Eno rolled her eyes.

“Seriously, I work in an office with a bunch of guys who wear spectacles… at least, you have a better crowd.”

Eno let out a throaty laugh. She had been to the Accounts office a number of times. There were several unattractive bald guys who had their heads in their books and didn’t talk much.

“I thought there were three ladies in that office,” she grinned.

“Two of them to be precise,” Misi pouted.

“Plus you, that’s three.”

Misi folded her arms across her bosom and feigned sadness, “We need more women in that office.”

Eno reached out and patted her on the shoulder, “You will get used to it.”

Misi pressed her lips together and motioned at the pack of Pringles on the desk. Eno picked it up and passed it to her.

“Thanks,” she opened it and threw a few slices into her mouth, “Is your elder brother unavailable?”

Eno raised an eyebrow, “Which one of them?”

“The doctor,” she looked at her steadily.

Hazel eyes seized up curious brown ones, “Who wants to know?”

“Moi…”

Eno’s interest increased, “Why do you want to know?”

“He is sort of indecisive,” her brown eyes darted away.

Eno drew her chair closer to the desk and focused her attention on her, “What do you mean?”

She sighed and closed the pack of Pringles, “He… he said it’s being a crazy period for him.”

Her eyes widened in surprise. Her brother rarely talked about his personal issues with people he hardly knew. Why did he open up to Misi?

“What does he mean?” she searched her face.

Eno looked away. She wouldn’t wish for a repeat of what her brother went through when the wedding was called off.

“I don’t quite get him,” she stressed.

“Why don’t you ask him?” Eno folded her arms against her chest.

Misi directed her gaze at the poster on the wall. She wasn’t ready to face him yet. The last time they met, things had gotten kind of heated.

Eno noticed the conflict in her brown eyes. Did something happen between them? “Do you like him?”

Misi turned her head her and met her eager gaze. She opened her mouth but no words came out. She closed it and turned away. Liking the doctor was an understatement. She was falling in love with him.

“You do like him, don’t you? I can see it in your eyes,” her hazel eyes brightened.

Misi didn’t respond. She shifted on the seat and cleared her throat.

“What exactly did he tell you?” Eno watched her. She could tell that something had transpired between her brother and her new friend.

Misi scratched a spot on her head, “He… we… I…” she bit at her lower lip. How does she explain the confusion she was immersed in?

“You can talk to me,” she tried to encourage her.

Misi bowed her head, clasped her hands and cleared her throat again, “I have been attracted to your brother since the day he rescued us from the angry crowd on his street.”

Eno listened attentively and observed her.

“My feelings grew each passing day. Initially, I thought it was because he helped us… but, later, I discovered that it was much stronger than
that,” she raised her head. She felt encouraged by the empathy in Eno’s eyes, “I know he likes me too, but, he… he is like… sort of restrained,
I don’t know.”

She nodded. Her brother had been hurt by his best friend and his ex. It would be hard to trust another with his heart.

“Some days ago, he visited us. The craziest thing happened,” Misi averted her eyes.

She narrowed her gaze, “What happened?”

Misi covered her face with a hand, “I kissed him.”

“Lord God Almighty!” Her eyes grew big in wonder.

Misi peeped through her hand, “He kissed me back and... and...”

“Aaaaaaah!” her scream attracted attention.

Misi looked around them. She became aware that some of her new friend’s colleagues were looking in their direction.

“Sorry…” Eno whispered.

Misi folded her arms across her chest and sighed.

“Jesus, Jesus, Jesus,” Eno fanned her face with a hand.

“We… I… the next thing I knew, we were in the bedroom,” she felt the need to tell her everything that had been eating her up for the past few days.

Eno covered her mouth with a hand and stifled the shriek that erupted from within her.

“We came back to our senses before… you know,” she looked away.

“My God… that is some chemistry,” she whistled.

Misi returned her gaze to her excited face.

“Bassey must really like you. As far back as I can remember, he is very principled. He doesn’t touch anyone he isn’t committed to. He doesn’t
sleep with anyone he isn’t prepared to marry, though, he doesn’t believe in sex before marriage. You, you are not even dating him and… and he is all over you,” she gave a shake of head in amazement.

“I have the same ideology.”

“Good for you,” Eno watched her.

“I don’t make out with every Dick and Harry I meet either.”

She chuckled, “He must really, really like you to have thrown caution into the wind and… and ate you all up.”

“He said he isn’t ready. Why?” a pained look took over her face.

“Hmmm…” she darted her eyes left, then right, “Why don’t you ask him?”

She sighed and scratched a spot on her brow, “I don’t know if I can face him…face the truth.”

Eno shrugged, “But, it is better you know what you are up against.”

She covered her face with both hands, “I don’t know.”

“What are you afraid of?”

She peeped through her hands and sighed heavily.

“I trust my brother. He knows how to exercise his self-control, even at the last second. “

Misi wrapped her hands around her body. She wasn’t convinced. The man that kissed her back the other night was far from exercising
self-control. It didn’t bother her, what she was concerned about was that, she might not be able to stop him the next time he touched her.

Eno smiled to herself. She was happy that her brother was falling for someone else. They had been afraid that he might not think of getting marriage in another five years. God had answered their prayers by bringing the Philips into their lives. Misi had broken the spell of depression upon his life. It was only a matter of time. He would be ready to settle down sooner than they had thought.

HEARTSTRINGS

CHAPTER EIGHT

He closed from work and decided to check on the Philips before heading home that evening. Their apartment was in a three storey building, five houses away from where his clinic was located. He said goodbye to the receptionist on his way out and walked briskly to the spot he parked his car. He got in, drove out of the large compound and down the busy street. He maneuvered the car into a space he found outside the brown painted three storey building. He killed the engine and stepped down from the vehicle. He locked it and strode into the building. The Philips’ flat was on the ground floor. He greeted the security guard and walked towards one of flat at the back of the building. He pressed the door bell and waited. He looked around him and noticed the semi-clean surrounding.

“Doctor!” Tofunmi opened the door and saw him standing two feet away.

“Good evening,” he smiled back at her.

“Evening, please come in,” she stepped back into the house.

“I thought I should check up on you all…”

“Oh… thank you.”

He followed her into the sitting room and found Tomisin and his daughter at the dining.

“Good evening sir,” Bassey bowed his head.

“Evening doctor,” Tomisin rose.

“Please sit down sir.”

He smiled and sat down, “Why don’t you join us?”

“Thank you,” Bassey pulled out one of the empty chairs at the dining and sat down opposite Misi.

“Evening…” her eyes remained on her meal.

“Evening,” he lifted his eyes and searched her face.

Tofunmi rushed into the kitchen and returned with a plate of pounded yam and a bowl of egusi soup with grilled fresh fish. She placed the meal before him and took a seat beside her husband.

“Misi got a job as an accountant at your sister’s place of work today.”

He looked from mother to daughter, “That is wonderful,” he felt like a burden had been lifted off his shoulders.

“She is starting tomorrow.”

He glanced at the proud father, “This is good news.”

“God has used you and your family to help us in ways we can hardly imagine. We are grateful,” Tofunmi smiled with gratitude.

“We thank God ma,” he smiled back at the elderly woman and started to eat.

Tomisin held his wife’s hand, “We got a call from your dad this evening.”

Bassey raised his head and stared at the couple.

“They want us to work as Supervisors in their Calabar food restaurant here in Ikeja,” Tomisin’s eyes began wet with tears.

Bassey closed his eyes and sighed. He had spoken to his parents about the Philips unemployment. He opened his eyes and grinned.

“We are also starting tomorrow,” Tofunmi’s excitement radiated on her face.

“God has wiped away our tears and replaced our shame with honour,” her husband chimed in.

The couple exchanged glances. Their dark eyes shone with happy tears.

He was very happy for them. He turned to look at their daughter. Her brown hair was packed in a bun on top of her head. A red hair-band
held it together at the center. She looked pretty with little or no make-up on her face. She had a natural beauty. Many girls lacked that. Her singing and dancing image flashed through his mind. His brows creased in a frown. He hoped her image would stop tormenting his dreams now that she doesn’t live with him anymore. He concentrated on his food and ate it all. He washed his hands in the bowl of water beside his plate and wiped his hands with the napkin on the table.

“Thank you ma, it was delicious.”

The couple laughed lightly and stared at their daughter. He followed their gaze. She raised her head and realized that they were all staring at her.

“Did Misi cook the food?” he searched their happy faces.

“Yes,” her parents chorused.

“Wow…” he got up, “I am impressed.”

Misi dropped her head and tried to stop herself from smiling.

“I have to head home now, please call me as often as you need to.”

“Thank you doctor,” they chorused.

Her father signal to her. She washed her hands and shifted her chair backwards.

She got to her feet, “Let me see you off.”

They both walked towards the door.

“Take care of your parents,” he glanced at her.

“I will,” She opened the front door.

He stepped out and then turned to look at her. Bright honey coloured eyes drilled into brown ones that became tensed due to the intensity of his gaze.

Her heart beat accelerated and the heat of their proximity made her to feel light headed. Out of the blue, something deep within propelled her to close the gap between them.

As if he was been controlled by the same feeling, he brushed a hand over her smooth chocolate brown oval face. She shuddered at his touch and parted her lips. His gaze dropped to her small cute wet mouth. He swallowed hard and tried to still his raging emotions. She wrapped her arms around him and sealed his lips with a kiss. Shock waves flew in every direction in his system. A deep longing within him took over. He kissed her back, lost in the euphoria of the moment. She trembled in his arms and melted into him. His hands slid down her back and caressed her buttocks. She moaned and tightened her grip on him. They moved back into the house and he shut the door with his leg.
She felt his hardness and paused. What were they doing? There was absolutely nothing between them. She shouldn’t have kissed him. Why did she allow her emotions to override her reasoning? She wanted to pull away, but, her hands were limp with desire.

God…

Bassey held unto her firmly and led her into one of the bedrooms down the hall way. He couldn’t stop the kisses. The desire building within him
felt like a volcano about to erupt. All he could think about at that moment was to consume every inch of her.

His weight crushed her on the soft, firm, mattress. It registered on her mind that they were in one of the rooms, hers or her parents’? She couldn’t tell. What if they found them locked in each other’s arms? What would they think? She panicked and tore her lips away. She searched his face and the realization that he wanted her too came as a surprise. Was it possible that he had feelings for her too?

“What are we doing?” she whispered.

His eyelids flickered and his senses returned. What was he doing? What had he done? He released her and sat up quickly.

She lifted herself and sat beside him, “I am sorry,” she observed his firm face.

“No, I am sorry,” he returned her gaze, “I like you… I like you a lot.”

She batted her eyes. His confession shocked and excited her all at once.

“I… I have been thinking about you more than I should,” he looked away, “You have completely taken over my dreams, but, right now… I can’t
do anything about how I feel about you,” he got up and straightened his creased blue long sleeved shirt.

She raised her head and searched his face. If he really liked her, why wasn’t he ready to pursue something futuristic with her?

“It’s being a crazy period for me. I need time… I need time to get my priorities straight,” he stared back at her.

She dropped her head. A pained expression took over her face. If he had asked her out that night, her response would have been positive. What was holding him back? Was there another woman in his life? Maybe he didn’t like her enough to date her. She felt a lump in her throat. Why did she kiss him? She felt so stupid.

“I am sorry, I have to go,” he caught a glimpse of her, turned around and walked out.

She exhaled and wrapped her arms around her body. She placed her head on her laps and closed her eyes.

God … I am falling in love with someone who isn’t ready for a commitment.

Tears rolled down her face.

@BABZIENE... thanks. I appreciate you.

@all... Updates will resume at lunch time today. Am on my way to the cafe. Fasten your seat belts *winks*

@ghettowriter... Thanks *opens-teeth*

@Obinnau... Thank you *hugs*

@Horlorlardaey... Ah! See me see trouble. It is a brotherly-sisterly hug ooo.
@clearboos... Na you talk am o. It's Nepa o. No light for the past 3 days.
@OLAFIMIX... Ah yam fans. Tanquis. The story is on my lappy. No light.
@kupaskeybaba... Thanks jare.
@mistayeancah... Bassey's kind of family do exist for real. Updates on the way.
@Nwiboko26... Before sun down tomorrow I will update.
@Yohmi... Nice *winks*
@cherpret... Thanks. Tomorrow is a date.

@all... Reporting from Jikwoyi, Abuja. There has been light off since Friday night.

I apologize for the long suspense.

Updates will commence tomorrow. *hugs*

@clearboos... Oliver Twist *tongue-out*
@Horlorlardaey... *hugs*
@viktohmarkz... Updates on the way.
@sirblero... Yes o. God is forever faithful.
@pweetychyka... Yes o. Families like this exist. You will be surprised.
@Missmossy... *hugs*
@Jayjezey... Ah! Son of God, why?!
@khalifahsparkles... *winks*
@all... Updates will resume tomorrow *winks*

@clearboos... Oliver Twist *tongue-out* *winks*
@Horlorlardaey... *hugs*
@viktohmarkz... Exercise patience now *winks*
@sirblero... Yes o. God is forever faithful.
@pweetychyka... Yes o. Families like this exist. You will be surprised.
@Missmossy... *hugs*
@Jayjezey... Ah! Ah! Ah! Son of God! Why?!
@khalifahsparkles... *winks*
@all... Updates will resume tomorrow *winks*

@clearboos... Oliver Twist *tongue-out* *winks*
@Horlorlardaey... *hugs*
@viktohmarkz... Exercise patience now *winks*
@sirblero... Yes o. God is forever faithful.
@pweetychyka... Yes o. Families like this exist. You will be surprised.
@Missmossy... *hugs*
@Jayjezey... Ah! Ah! Ah! Son of God! Why?!
@khalifahsparkles... *winks*
@all... Updates will resume tomorrow *winks*

@clearboos... Oliver Twist *tongue-out* *winks*
@Horlorlardaey... *hugs*
@viktohmarkz... Exercise patience now *winks*
@sirblero... Yes o. God is forever faithful.
@pweetychyka... Yes o. Families like this exist. You will be surprised.
@Missmossy... *hugs*
@Jayjezey... Ah! Ah! Ah! Son of God! Why?!
@khalifahsparkles... *winks*
@all... Updates will resume tomorrow *winks*

@clearboos... Oliver Twist *tongue-out* *winks*
@Horlorlardaey... *hugs*
@viktohmarkz... Exercise patience now *winks*
@sirblero... Yes o. God is forever faithful.
@pweetychyka... Yes o. Families like this exist. You will be surprised.
@Missmossy... *hugs*
@Jayjezey... Ah! Ah! Ah! Son of God! Why?!
@khalifahsparkles... *winks*
@all... Updates will resume tomorrow *winks*

@clearboos... Oliver Twist *tongue-out* *winks*
@Horlorlardaey... *hugs*
@viktohmarkz... Exercise patience now *winks*
@sirblero... Yes o. God is forever faithful.
@pweetychyka... Yes o. Families like this exist. You will be surprised.
@Missmossy... *hugs*
@Jayjezey... Ah! Ah! Ah! Son of God! Why?!
@khalifahsparkles... *winks*
@all... Updates will resume tomorrow *winks*

@clearboos... Oliver Twist *tongue-out* *winks*
@Horlorlardaey... *hugs*
@viktohmarkz... Exercise patience now *winks*
@sirblero... Yes o. God is forever faithful.
@pweetychyka... Yes o. Families like this exist. You will be surprised.
@Missmossy... *hugs*
@Jayjezey... Ah! Ah! Ah! Son of God! Why?!
@khalifahsparkles... *winks*
@all... Updates will resume tomorrow *winks*

HEARTSTRINGS

CHAPTER SEVEN

He saw Misi standing at the doorway clad in a knee length straight brown dress with a pink bow at the waist line. The colour blended with her chocolate brown skin, making her look fresh, clean and desirable. Her dark brown shoulder length hair was curled at the tip, giving her a stylish look.

“Welcome…” she felt uncomfortable under his gentle scrutiny. There was a gleam in his honey coloured eyes as he stared at her.

“Evening, how are you doing?” he stepped into the apartment.

“Fine,” she closed the door and followed him into the sitting room.

“Evening everyone,” he met his sister and the Philips watching the television.

“Welcome,” Eno winked at him.

“Evening doctor,” Mr. and Mrs. Philips greeted him.

“I hope there is food in this house,” he directed his gaze at his sister.

“Yes, I will set the dining,” Misi responded.

“Good, thanks,”he glanced at her and headed for his bedroom.

She hurried into the kitchen and brought out his bowl of ogbonna soup and a plate of semovita out of the microwave. She and Eno had made soup and stew that evening. She set it on a tray and carried it to the dining. She returned to the kitchen and brought out a pack of fruit juice from the refrigerator and picked a clean glass cup in the cupboard. She arranged it on the dining and dashed back to the kitchen. She filled an empty plastic bowl with water and reached out for one of the napkins hanging on the window. She took it to the dining table and joined Eno on the settee. She and Eno had hit it off that day. She found out that she worked at Wazobia radio station and coincidentally, they needed an accountant. Eno called her boss that noon and an interview date was scheduled for her. She believed that she would get the job. God had turned things around for her family and everything was working out for their good. She noticed when the doctor started eating. He was in his boxers and a white singlet. His fair skin made him to look like a half-caste. She wondered if his curly hair was natural or in perm. There were times when she was tempted to run her fingers through it.

How will it feel like?

She cleared her head. It wouldn’t be wise to develop feelings for someone that had decided to help her family with no strings attached. Relationship was the last thing on her mind anyway. Her last boyfriend had broken up with her when he got an opportunity to travel out of the country. He didn’t want a long distance relationship and he wasn’t ready to get married. Her family situation had also killed any desire to get involve with someone else. She might be ready to date again once they were back on their feet. She saw him leave the room. He must have finished eating. She got up and walked to the dining. She cleared the table and carried the empty dishes into the kitchen.

xxxxxx

Eno left everyone in the sitting room and went to one of the guest rooms to sleep. She had told Misi to be ready early the next morning so that she could be interviewed by her boss and hopefully gain employment at the Radio Station. She liked the girl, despite her family’s financial condition; there was still an air of affluence about her. She had a calm and peaceful aura. It had been a while since she had met someone who was so full of gratitude and had a firm faith in God. If she was in her shoes, she wasn’t sure how she would have reacted or coped. The Philips had stood the test of time. They were an encouragement to all that God never failed.

Misi came in and joined her on the bed. Her parents and the doctor were still in the sitting room watching the news. She needed to wake up early the next day. She couldn’t afford to sleep late and risk waking up late in the morning. In a minute or two, they were both fast asleep.
Bassey called Tomisin aside and they spoke in low tones. His wife discerned that they wanted privacy. She bid them good night and left the room.

“I have secured an accommodation for you and your family.”

Tomisin gaped in surprise. He prayed within that God would bless the young man. The Lord had used a perfect stranger to rescue them when friends and family turned their backs on them.

“It is a two bedroom apartment right here in Ikeja.”

He clasped his hands together, “Thank you, thank you so much.”

“You are welcome sir.”

“God will bless you,” his eyes glistered with tears.

“Amen. My parents and siblings donated furniture, electronics, kitchen utensils, food stuff, provisions, and a host of other things.”

“Wow!” his excited gaze held the younger man’s happy ones.

“You can move in tomorrow if you like.”

“That is good news, thank you so much.”

“I am happy to be used by the Lord to help you and your family… just thank God.”

He nodded in appreciation. He couldn’t stop the tears from flowing. His heart expanded with joy, “God will bless you and your family beyond your wildest dreams.”

“Amen! Amen…”

Tomisin looked heavenwards, “Thank you so much Jesus. Oh God thank you.”

Bassey excused himself and went into his room. He would speak to his parents about how they could integrate Mr. and Mrs. Philips in their
work force. They had an outlet in Ikeja. The couple could work there and spend less on transportation. His brother had not given him feedback concerning vacancy in his place of work. He needed to get Misi a good job too. He had an accountant already in his clinic. If not, he would have employed her. He lay on the bed and soon drifted off to sleep. His dreams were completely taken over by the Philips’ daughter. She was singing and dancing.

xxxxxx

Misi sat in the reception hall and watched the soap opera been shown on the flat screen television fixed on the wall beside the Front desk officer’s desk. She had done the interview and was waiting for Eno to give her feedback. She hoped she would get the job. She needed it. It would be so good to start working and earning money. Her father told her that morning that the doctor had rented a place for them to stay and his family had furnished it. It was a dream come through. After spending more than a year on the streets of Lagos, they now have a place of their own again. Her parents had moved in that morning and had sent the address through a text message. She planned to leave for their new home immediately she left Wazobia radio station premises. People like the Etims were very rare. How many people would help complete strangers? People hardly help people they knew, talk about strangers. She prayed that God would reward them a million fold.
She sighted Eno across the room, walking towards her, wearing a brown skirt suit. She had a beautiful and elegant physique. Her black high heeled shoes made her look taller than her five feet eight inches height. She was taller than her elder brother. Why was the last child in most families taller than everyone else? The doctor was an inch shorter than his sister, about five feet seven inches. Was he shorter than his younger brother too? She had never met Imabong, though she had heard a lot about him. She had always been interested in guys that were taller than she was. If she dated someone like the doctor, most of her high heeled shoes would become useless. He was her exact height.

“Babes… you got the job.”

“Eureka!” she leapt to her feet.

Eno drew her close in a hug, “I am so happy for you.”

“Thanks.”

She released her, “You are starting work tomorrow morning.”

“Wow!” her eyes glittered in excitement.

“Eight a.m on the dot.”

“I will be here.”

“Let me see you off to the gate,” she placed a hand around her shoulders and led her out.

HEARTSTRINGS

CHAPTER SIX

Tomisin and Tofunmi sat at the dining with their daughter. They were having breakfast at twelve noon. They woke up late that morning and realized that they were alone in the house. It had been a long time since they had slept that well.

“Do you know if the doctor is still around?” Tofunmi glanced at her daughter.

She met her mother’s gaze and shook her head.

“I think he has gone to work,” Tomisin munched at the toast in his hand.

Misi sipped at her chocolate drink. She could still remember when he caught her singing and dancing in the kitchen. She hoped he had
forgotten. The door bell rang. They looked towards the front door and wondered who it was. She placed her mug on the table and pushed back the chair. She got to her feet and strode to the front door. She unlocked and opened it slightly. A tall young girl stood at the doorway. She looked a bit familiar, but, couldn’t place where she had seen her.

“What are you still doing here?” the girl asked her.

Misi was taken aback by her attitude. Recognition hit her. She had seen the girl talking to the doctor the day he took them home. She
probably lived in the building too.

“Can I help you?”

“No!” the girl eyed her.

Misi looked up at her and shook her head. She could discern that the teenager was a trouble maker, “Doctor Bassey is not home. Come back when he returns.”

“I know that he isn’t home,” she snarled.

Misi folded her arms, “So, what are you doing here?”

“You and your family should go back to wherever you came from. You are not wanted here.”

She was beginning to feel provoked, “Shouldn’t you be in school or something?”

Chinyere hissed and pointed a finger at her, “I know your type. Your charms won’t work on him. He is mine.”

“Oh… I see…” Misi started to laugh. Now she understood the girl. She probably felt threatened by her presence. She definitely had a crush on
the doctor.

“What is so funny?”

“You… little girl.”

Chinyere’s nose flared.

“You are too young for the dating game. You better face your books. In five or six years, you might be ready. Right now, you will only get
hurt.”

She backed away, “I don’t need advice from people like you,” she turned away and ran down the stairs.

Misi stepped back into the flat and closed the door.


xxxxxx

Misi lay on the three-settee and dozed off while watching movies on African Magic Urban channel on the television. She opened her eyes and heard the door bell ringing. She blinked and stretched out. A loud yawn escaped her. She sat up and felt worn-out all of a sudden. She yawned again and pushed her weight up. She dragged her lazy self towards the front door and hoped it wasn’t the nosy infatuated teenager again. She peeped through the hole at the center of the wooden door and saw the doctor and someone else standing beside him. She turned the key and pulled the doorknob.

“Welcome doctor, good afternoon ma,” she smiled at the creamy brown skinned lady beside him. If she wasn’t mistaken, she was
unquestionably her age mate.

“Hi, Misi, right?” the lady smiled at her.

“Yes.”

“I am Enobong Etim.”

She threw a glance at him, then back at her. Were they related? Come to think of it, there was a slight resemblance between them.

“Please help us with these bags,” Bassey motioned at the Ghana-must-go bags by the door way.

“Okay,” Misi reached out for one of the bags and pulled. It was very heavy. What was in it?

Bassey and Eno pulled the two other bags into the flat.

“Where are your parents?” he asked.

“In the guest room, sleeping,” she responded.

“Okay…” he regarded her, “The clothes, shoes, jewelry, everything in these bags are for you and your parents.”

Misi looked at the big bags, and then stared at him in bewilderment.

Eno observed her. She was delighted that they were able to help the Phillips family.

“Thank you,” she whispered. Her throat tightened and her eyes smarted with tears.

“My sister and my parents donated everything,” he directed his gaze at his younger sister.

“Thank you,” Misi turned towards her, “Please thank your parents for me.”

Eno let out a chortle, “I will.”

“Great, I am going back to work,” Bassey turned around and walked out of the apartment.

“See you later,” Eno shut the door and turned to met Misi’s uncertain stare, “Let’s get these bags to the guest rooms, then, make something
to eat. I am famished.”

“O-kay.”

“I think these bags have sucked every iota of the food I ate this morning,” Eno rubbed her tummy.

Misi started to laugh.

“I am serious; I think I have also lost weight.”

She laughed harder and reached out for one of the bags.

xxxxxx

Sikemi hurried after her boss the moment he walked into his office.

“Please let Dr. Sylvester know that I am back. He must be exhausted by now,” Bassey instructed her.

“Yes sir, all right sir,” she stood adjacent to the desk.

“You can go,” he took a seat.

Sikemi nodded and turned around. Her high heeled shoes made click sounds on the tiled floor.

Bassey watched her leave the room and leaned against the chair. A relaxed smile lit his face. He felt fulfilled after dropping the bags for Misi and her parents. it was a good thing that his family had helped out. They had also donated furniture and electronics for the two bedrooms flat
he paid for down the street. They would be able to move into the place the next day. He was at peace. Her dancing figure flashed through his mind’s eye. He had not been able to delete the image from his memory. Whether he was asleep or awake, she seemed to linger in his thoughts. It was the first time in two years that he had thought of someone else other than his ex, Lovejoy. His chest tightened with pains.
Although he had gotten over her, her lack of trust and his friend’s betrayal gnawed at him like an old wound. He doubted if he was ready to trust another. Maybe in another year or two, he would be able to give his heart away again. He was already thirty-five and his parents were not pleased with his single status. It wasn’t his fault. He would have been married if not that his ex called off the wedding. He pushed the unpleasant thoughts away and scanned through the files on his table.

xxxxxx

He got out of his car and saw Chinyere and the ladies living opposite his flat standing a few feet away. Were they waiting for him?
What do they want now? He was exhausted and peckish. He trusted his sister to have prepared something. She doesn’t play with her tummy. He locked the car and headed for the one storey building.

“Good evening doctor,” they followed him.

“Evening ladies,” he tried to smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes.

“Doctor, Chinyere told us that you are accommodating those riff raffs who used to live in that uncompleted building down the street,” Halima snorted.

He sighed and moved his head from side to side.

This girl needs to be spanked with a very long, thick, and… and…

“You don’t know what they are capable of, it is very risky,” Simisola chimed in.

He remained mum and climbed the stairs. They scrambled after him, trying to get noticed.

“Some of these people use charms on men and enslave them.”

“You are a nice person. Don’t let them take you for granted.”

He halted at his door and faced them, “Thank you for your concern. Have a good night ladies.”

“Good night doctor,” they sighed heavily and returned to their flat.

Chinyere looked him up and down, folded her arms across her chest and stood in front of him like a stumbling block.

“Chinyere, Chinyere, Chinyere!” he waved a pointed finger at her.

She pursed her lips, “I am only looking out for you.”

“Who made you my guardian angel or my bodyguard?” his tone of voice rose a notch.

She grimaced. She didn’t like the fact that he didn’t appreciate her gesture of care.

He looked up at her, “I am old enough to be your father.”

“You are not my father,” she hissed and stepped backwards.

He heaved a sigh of distress, “Regardless… look young woman; I know you like me…”

She lowered her gaze. She had fallen for him since he moved into the compound but, he had always related with her like a child. She had
hoped that he would see her like a grown woman and learn to love her the way she loved him.

“Look… you are a good girl… but, I cannot go out with you,” he searched her pale face.

She bit at her lower lip. His words wounded her pining heart.

“I am not a pedophile,” he hoped he would be able to get through to her that night.

She looked into his honey coloured eyes, “I know that. It doesn’t matter what people might think… it is ‘you’ and ‘me’ that matters,” her eyes pleaded for understanding.

He raised his head and looked upwards. Why do teenagers have such thick skulls? Nothing ever got through to them.

Lord Jesus help me out here. She is not listening to me.

“Listen to me,” he gave her a long steady look, “I don’t love you, I cannot love you and I will never ever love you the way you want me to.”

Colour drained from her face. Wet dark eyes probed honey coloured firm ones. She gulped spittle, turned around and fled.

“Chinyere!” he took some steps forward, and then exhaled loudly. He ran his fingers through his brown cropped curly hair and stifled a yawn.
He backed up and pressed the door bell.

@sirblero... *hugs*

@Missmossy... True talk.

@pweetychyka... Hmm... Friends. May God help us.

@mistayeancah... Yipee. You are welcome. Updates on the way.

@queenitee... Friends are like the eggs in a crate. Some are rotten and some are very fresh.

@all... Updates will resume tomorrow.

@princessadeola... Amen!
@queenitee... *hugs*

@ALL... I have updated the new story 'Heartstrings' enjoy *winks*

@ALL... I have updated the new story 'Heartstrings' enjoy *winks*

@ALL... I have updated the new story 'Heartstrings' enjoy *winks*