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TORN (Chapter Twenty-nine)

"Don't bother coming home for the holidays," Folake stood akimbo. She directed her gaze at her younger sister.

"I don't want my in-laws asking unnecessary questions," Foluke chimed in. She threw a quick glance at her elder sister.

"Questions?" her puzzled stare met irritated dark ones.

"One look at you and they will assume the worst."

The fact that her sister didn't want her at her wedding broke her heart.

"Have you looked at yourself in the mirror lately?" Folake eyed her, "You look like a sickle cell patient and dried up like someone with AIDS."

Her lips parted in shock. She felt pained and fought back the tears stinging her eyes.

"Exactly, my in-laws will just conclude that we have a genetic illness in the family."

She pressed her lips together and stared at them through blurred vision.

"Just stay off the grid, its my wedding, no one will be allowed to ruin it."

She remained mum and watched them leave, cat-walking and swirling their hips with each calculative step.

TORN (Chapter Twenty-eight)

She loaded the bags into the navy blue Toyota Camry one after the other. She closed the boot and wiped the beads of sweat on her forehead with an handkerchief. She planned to drive home that day for the Christmas holiday. Her elder sister's introduction ceremony, the traditional wedding and the Registry was taking place in two weeks. The twenty-five year old must be estatic. She smiled to herself, locked the car and sauntered into the hostel.

"Funmike!"

She heard her name and glanced back. The corner of her eye caught the sight of her sisters coming in through the gate. It was the first time that either of them had visited her in school.

She turned around and approached them. Both were clad in knee length sleeveless velvet dresses. The body hugging outfit emphasized their curves and revealed an unreasonable amount of cleavage. The blue, red colour matched their blue and red striped pencil heeled shoes.
Her light brown eyes turned green with envy. She coveted their physique.

TORN (Chapter Twenty-seven)

She took a deep breath and approached the car. Her heart beat erratically. She couldn't fathom the reason why he came. She hoped all was well.

"Here is the celebrant," Jibike saw her through the side mirror and got out of the vehicle.

"Birthday girl," Ajibade climbed out.

She stopped in her tracks when she saw her parents. It was the first time they were visiting her since she got admission into the school.

"Happy birthday!" they chorused and grinned at her. When her blank stare became awkward, her father cleared his throat and dangled a set of car keys.

"We got you a car," her mother squeaked in excitement.

"A car?" she looked around and saw a deep blue Toyota Camry parked in front of her dad's vehicle. She glanced back at them wondering if her outburst a few weeks ago initiated the sudden gift.

Were they trying to buy her forgiveness? They had a very long way to go. How do one make up for twenty-three years of neglect? She was glad that they were ready to at least try.

TORN (Chapter Twenty-six)

"I am a full blooded man. Can't be sounding like your kind, emotional see-saw, wavery beings."

"What?! Excuse me."

"Your birthday gift is right here in Abuja."

"Sinister," she narrowed her gaze.

"Not quite."

"Wicked."

"Wicked is good."

"Since when?" she made her way out of the building.

"When you come to Abuja, you will get your gift."

"Send it."

"No way."

"Suit yourself."

"How is my girl?"

She sighed loudly, "Can't wait to move out of that house."

"I feel you."

She boarded one of the cabs heading to the campus gate.

"I saw your sisters' birthday pictures online."

"Hmm..."

"You share the same birth month."

Yep, but, different dates."

"Oh... November children."

She chuckled and alighted from the cab.

"My birthday is three days before Christmas."

"Old man," she walked towards her hostel.

"Twenty-nine is a bloke's age."

"Eeeh!"

"I am a young..."

"Let me call you back," she saw a black Range Rover jeep parked at the hostel gate. It belonged to her father.

TORN (Chapter Twenty-five)

She walked out of her Supervisor's office feeling elated. The first chapter of her project had been approved. She hoped to defend her project before the first semester examination. That way, she would be able to concentrate on her studies and hopefully graduate with a first class degree. The vibration of her iphone got her attention. She pulled it out of her brown hand bag and picked the call.

"Hello..."

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you..."

She recognized his voice and started to laugh.

"How old are you now? How old are you now?"

"You sound terrible."

"Ouch!"

"I am also a terrible singer."

"Is that supposed to make me feel better?"

She giggled and climbed down the stairs. The white lace skirt swirled above the ankle length brown boots.

"How does it feel to be twenty-three?"


"Don't know, nothing is happening. Except that my project is moving forward."

"Yipee!"

"You sound like a girl."

"What?! Heavens no! Hell no!"

Tummy aching laughter flooded her.

TORN (Chapter Twenty-four)

"Why are you ashamed of me? Why do you treat me as if... as if something is wrong with me?"

"Fumike, we..." her mother feigned a smile.

"You don't like to be seen with me. You... you don't want people to know that we are related, why?" she cut in, tears streamed down her face.

Jibike glanced at her husband. He cleared his throat.

"It is not... We just want to..."

"I am fair and slim, why do you punish me for mother nature's crime?"

"That's not... Punish you?" Ajibade frowned.

"I watched you treat Foluke and Folake like eggs for years. You treat me like a parasite. It's not my fault that I look different. You make me feel like I shouldn't have been born."

"That's enough!" nose flared, eyes red. Her words reignited his guilt.

She exhaled with shakes, dropped her head, slouched her shoulders, she headed to her safe haven- her bedroom.

Jibike watched her. They had never been able to come to terms with the fact that she was their daughter. At times, she wondered if God was punishing them for something they couldn't even remember.

Folake hissed and returned to the sitting room. She cared less.

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@marcusagrippa... Thank you. The story is truly the experience of someone I knew. I added a little fiction to sweeten the bitter effect of the tale. *winks*

@zika1... Thanks for following. Updates on the way.

TORN 23

"You know the rules," Jibike glared at her.

"Whenever we have visitors, you are supposed to be in your room?" Ajibade stared at her like a pest. He wished he could spank her, but, she was no longer a child.

Funmike felt the wet stinging tears that blurred her vision. She drew in a shaky breath. She dreaded the tongue-lashing that would come next.

"That young man is going to marry your sister. How do you think he felt when he saw you?" he barked.

"Do you know how embarrassing it is to keep explaining to people why you don't look like us?" Jibike yelled.

Folake eyed her elder sister.

Funmike took a step back, overwhelmed with distress. As usual, they thought of themselves. Do they even care how she felt? She would do anything and pay any price to look like them? Why couldn't they love and accept her just the way she was? She was their daughter for Pete's sake!

Dante's image flashed through her mind's eye. She sighed with relief. At least, how she looked didn't bother him and he cared about her.

TORN 22

She met her parents' stare. Their look seemed to say 'What are you doing here?' She turned her head and met her sisters' glare. They were not happy to see her either. For as far back as she could remember, her parents preferred her absence whenever they were entertaining guests.

"Is she your sister?" he poked his fiancee on the shoulder.

A pretentious smile replaced the angry look, "Oh yes, my younger sister," she glanced at him.

"Unbelievable!" his shocked gaze scanned her, "Why is she so fair and... and so thin? No resemblance whatsoever?" turned to his fiancee.

Funmike eyed him.

Foluke coughed, "She is the carbon copy of an old aunt."

"Oh... I get it now. Recessive Genes."

"Come darling, we are running late," she held him by the elbow and stirred him towards the front door.

He threw her a final glance and followed his fiancee out.

Funmike watched them leave. He wasn't the first person that had been perplexed about her non-existent resemblance with her family. He won't be the last either.

@prisomic... Thanks. I love, love too *winks*

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TORN 21

"If possible we will like the registry and traditional marriage to be fixed before the New Year."

The elderly couple exchanged glances. There was a moment silence. Everyone looked at them in anticipation.

"Very well," Ajibade directed his satisfactory gaze at them, "If it is what you want."

Foluke jumped up and flew into his arms, "Thanks daddy."

"Anything for my baby."

The young man got to his feet, "We have an appointment with the Event Planner this morning."

"Yes, we do," she released her father and helped him to his feet.

"Hope you will visit before you leave for the U.K?" Ajibade beamed.

He nodded, "I will definitely visit," he held his fiancee by the waist.

"It is a good thing that you will be completing your service year before the wedding," Jibike grinned at her eldest daughter and got up.
Foluke smiled back at her.

Funmike backed away from the doorway, turned and walked towards her bedroom. She was very happy for her elder sister.

"Funmike..."

She halted at the sound of her name.

TORN 20

Funmike returned home from the airport via a cab. She made her way into the house and saw a white Jaguar parked in the compound. She went in and heard people laughing and talking loudly. The noise was coming from the sitting room.

Curiousity got the better of her. She tiptoed to the doorway and peeped. Her parents and her younger sister, Folake, were seated facing her elder sister, Foluke and a dark looking man. Who was he? She noticed the way her sister was grinning at him. Was he her new boyfriend? She had lost count of the number of men she had dated that year.

"My parents will be back from Europe before Christmas. The introduction ceremony will be perfect in December," he addressed them.

Jibike glanced at her husband, "That will be lovely."

Ajibade smiled and turned to the young man, "Yes, yes, splendid idea."

"Oh goody! I am so excited right now," she squeaked and held her fiance's hand. He beamed at her.

She stepped away from the doorway. Was Foluke getting married?

@Ralupresh... Thanks.

@Nwiboko26... She is thin o! The first time I saw her, I was speechless. What she went through made me write this story.

@ayoxelee... Am sorry it is short. 'B.F.F: Best Friends Forever' has a longer update. Check it out.

CHAPTER FIVE

Mara lay on her bed and dialed the number again. The operator kept repeating the same message. The number had been switched off. She had been trying to reach her best friend since she returned from work on Friday evening but her line didn’t go through. It’s being two days, yet, it was still switched off. Where was she? Where did she go? She had gotten a text message from her on Friday noon that she would be dining with Uwa and might return late. She didn’t come home. It was unlike Didi to spend the night in her boyfriend’s place. It was unheard of that she would actually spend the whole weekend in a man’s place. She had never done it before. Why start now? She shook her head. No, Didi wouldn’t. Her friend had never liked the ‘Live-in-lover’ drama. Maybe she had gone to visit her family in Ikorodu. If she had, she would have called or texted her. Maybe it was an impromptu visit. But, why was her phone switched off? She hoped she was all right. What if she had spent the weekend in Uwa’s place? Her chest gave a tight squeeze. She shook her head. Didi wouldn’t do such a thing. But, what if she had?

No!

She sat up. If she had spent the weekend with him, that meant things had gotten out of hand. It could mean that they did it.

No!

She couldn’t imagine another woman touching him. He was hers and no one else’s. She closed her eyes. Why? Why? Why? Why did Didi sleep with her man? She placed both hands on her braided hair and began to weep. The doorbell rang. She stopped crying. Who could that be? She hoped it wasn’t her nosy neighbour. She didn’t feel like going to church that morning. Maybe it was Didi. She got down from the bed and wiped her wet face with her blouse. Maybe Uwa was also with her. She checked her reflection in the wall mirror. She was putting on a black clingy V-neck blouse and a three quarter blue jeans trouser. She freed her braids from the hair ruffle and allowed it to dance about her face and neck. She looked beautiful. The bell rang again. She hurried out of the room barefooted and ran towards the front door. She unlocked and opened the door.

“Morning,” Didi and Uwa stood at the doorway.

“Morning.”

“You didn’t go to church,” Didi walked in, Uwa came in after her.

She shrugged, “Where have you been?”

Her dark brown eyes flew to Uwa’s teasing ones and back to her friend’s concerned face.

“I tried calling you. Your phone has been switched off since Friday night.”

"Really?” she brought it out of her bag, “My goodness!”

Mara eyed her. Uwa settled on a chair. She switched on her phone and noticed the brown envelope on the center table.

“What’s that?”

She followed her gaze, “Oh! That’s yours.”

She walked over and picked it up.

“It’s your suspension letter.”

Uwa and Didi stared at her.

“I don’t understand,” she opened the envelope and brought out the letter.

“I forgot to apply for your sick leave, your one week absence from work earned you a four weeks suspension.”

She shook her head, “That is impossible.”

Mara shrugged.

“How on earth did you forget to apply for a sick leave for your best friend?”

She met his angry gaze. She hissed and headed for her room.

“I blame you,” he directed his gaze at her.

Didi turned to him.

“I told you to call your boss and explain things. But, what did you do? You allowed your so called best friend to mess everything up for you.”

She lowered her head and bit at her lower lip.

“I asked you to do one thing, just one! But, no… you will rather do it your way.”

She had been working at PZ Industries for less than a year. The company’s policies was very strict, she could get fired immediately after her suspension expired. What was she going to do? Maybe she should call her boss. Was it too late? Why did Mara forget to apply for her sick leave? What was wrong with that girl? She was beginning to suspect that she was acting out of spite. If she had done anything wrong, she should have confronted her. She would speak with her later.

“I am leaving,” he got up and stormed out of the room.

She heard the front door close. She looked towards the door and sighed. He was upset with her. She didn’t blame him. She wished she had listened to him in the first place. She marched towards Mara’s room and found her standing by the opened window.

“What kind of friend are you?”

She turned away from the window.

“What did I do to you to deserve such treatment?”

“Excuse me.”

“You did it on purpose. That is cruel.”

She began to laugh. Her friend was right. She did it on purpose. She was upset that Uwa had asked her friend out. It was a good payback.

“Since Uwa asked me out, you have been acting weird.”

She eyed her.

“I think you are jealous.”

She stopped laughing, “Me, jealous?”

"Yes.”

“Don’t be silly.”

“You can pretend all you want, but, I know you Amarachi Esther Maduneme.”

She frowned.

“You must have felt slighted when he chose me over you.”

“You don’t know what you are talking about.”

She seized her up, from braided hair to bare feet, “It might hurt, but there is nothing you can do about it. Uwa loves me, get over it. Don’t ruin our friendship with your jealousy.”

She watched her leave. She turned back to the window. It had been a while since she had, had a confrontation with Didi. They usually settled their differences over a week or so, but she doubted if they would ever get past the present situation, not when Uwa remained in her life. She hoped Didi got sacked from work. She doesn’t want to work in the same office with her anymore. It was hard enough living with her and enduring her relationship with Uwa.

xxxxxx

She stared at her blackberry phone and paled. He had not called or texted, not even an email or a ping. She had called him several times and he had given her a dozen excuses. Do people get tied up from one meeting to another all day? Was that common or was he deliberating avoiding her? He wasn’t that kind of person. Was he still upset with her? She needed to distract herself. She would go loco if she continued to check her phone each time she saw a new text message, a new email or a ping. It had been a boring day. She was supposed to be at work, but, thanks to Mara, she was suspended. They had not spoken a word to each other for the past three days. She had not seen Uwa for the past three days. He was definitely avoiding her.

She dialed his number again. She noticed that she had a new message on her blackberry messenger. She cut the call, scrolled through the phone and opened the message. It was from him. Her heart leapt in joy. She sighed with relief. He had sent her a song by Cece Winas titled ‘More Than What I Want’. She clicked the ‘Accept’ tab and waited for it to download. She increased the volume of the phone and clicked ‘Play’.

“I wasn’t looking-All the colours were grey-It’s hard to notice-When you’re out in the rain-All of a sudden-Colours are starting to change-You brought the light-Now the darkness is gone-The search is over-Now I know you’re the one-Somebody tell me-Where does an angel come from-Cos you’re more than just the one-Yea, you’re more than what I wanted-Everything I never had-Gotta get it right to your heart-You can show me where it’s at-You are the miracle I needed so bad-You’re more than what I wanted-Everything I never had….” The song played on.
She held the phone close to her chest. She understood his message perfectly. She felt ecstatic. He was everything she also wanted and more.
Uwa where are you?

The doorbell rang. She got up reluctantly from the settee and dragged her feet towards the front door. It was just five in the evening. Mara doesn’t return home until six-thirty or seven. She turned the key and opened the door. She gasped when she saw Uwa at the doorway clad in an ash coloured Italian suit.

“Good evening My Lady,” he bowed.

She smiled and chuckled.

“Did you get the song?”

She nodded.

“You are all I ever wanted.”

“You are all I need.”

He drew her close and hugged her.

TORN (Chapter Nineteen)

Dantenimu drew her into his arms and held her, wishing he didn't have to let go. Each moment they spent together that weekend had been incredibly blissful. If wishes were horses he would whisk her away to Abuja.

She held back the tears threatening to burst forth from her sad eyes. How she wished they lived in the same city. The thought of not seeing him again until only God knows when made her heart ache.

His flight details was announced. He pulled away slowly and took a few steps backwards. He met her pale stare. He was going to miss her greatly. He would have asked her out, but, he wanted to wait until she graduated.

"We are back to square one,"

"As in?"

"Webcam and phone calls."

He smiled sheepishly, "You can visit whenever you are able."

She smiled back at him, "I definitely will."

Gazes locked.

"I am going to miss you."

"I will miss you more," he brushed a hand over her smooth fair face, "See you soon girl."

On her next holiday, she would definitely spend it in Abuja

TORN (Chapter Eighteen)

They sat by the pool side, sipping chapman and eating from a plate of grilled pepper chicken.

"Will you come to the wedding?" his dark gaze rested on her light brown ones.

She shrugged, "I don't know."

"You are coming and that's final."

"Did you develop dictatorship tendencies overnight?" she eyed him.

"You are the reason why I am in Lagos."

She raised an eyebrow, "What about the wedding?"

"The perfect excuse."

She lowered her gaze. The fact that he came purposely to see her made her to feel special. He was one of the few close friends she had. As a matter of fact, he was the only male friend she found attractive. She hoped something futuristic could be birthed from their friendship.

"Although I hate to let you go, it's getting rather late."

She glanced at her silver plated wrist-watch. It was past nine. She had no will to return home, but, the thought of seeing him the next day thrilled her. She lifted her eyes to meet his calm ones.

"Text me the venue."

He grinned.

TORN (Chapter Seventeen)

He met her pretty light brown eyes. How he wished he could draw her close and kiss her right then and there. It would be inappropriate, they were just friends. Sooner than later, that was going to change.

"Hi."

"Hello," she could read his expression. He found her attractive. It was a dream come true. She had been so worried. It was one of the few times in her life that her thin-frame didn't get in the way.

"Am I going to get a hug or not?"

She placed a hand on her hip and laughed, "No way."

"Haba! Come here girl," he stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her.

"Hey! Back off," she pressed her hands on his chest.

"Shut up. You think I don't know that you are so pumped up right now."

She laughed harder, crushed in his warm embrace.

"It's so good to see you."

"Same here."

He released her, "Wow you are pretty."

She blushed,"You are... not bad either."

"Just say it. I am handsome," he winked at her.

She chuckled, "You are a trouble maker."

"So are you," he held her.

TORN (Chapter Sixteen)

She sat in the lobby of the hotel. She got a text from Dantenimu that evening that he was in Lagos and was staying at Sheraton. It took about an hour to decide on what to wear and another to get to the hotel.

Her heart beat erratically. She had no idea how the night was going to turn out. She held unto the pink leather purse. Eyes darted here and there. Pink leather high heeled peep-toes shoes tapped at the shiny tiled floor. Where was he?

Funmike Williams."

She heard her name, turned her head and saw a tall, dark, broad shouldered bloke in a brown kaftan, brown leather shoes, nicely trimmed low cut hair, clean shaved face, dark penetrating eyes, standing a few feet to her right. She sucked in breath. It was him. She got up slowly.

His gaze seized her up. The tall, slim, fair beau in a white short sleeve round neck, straight knee length dress, long curly brown hair which graced her shoulders in a half-pattern style, looked like a fairy princess. She was as he had imagined.

@Nwiboko26... Hahahaha... Sorry babes. Slept off after the prayer meeting. I will update now *winks*

@snowhite07... Thanks. Will update by noon.

@abefe99... Glad you are enjoying yourself. I will update after prayer meeting. Am in church *winks*

TORN 15

"Hello."

"Hi. Are you home?" his voice soothed her.

"Yes," she walked towards the bed.

"You sound as if it is a bad thing."

She kicked off her shoes, lay on her tummy and sighed heavily.

"Guess what?" his excited tone made her smile.

"What?"

"Guess."

"My mind is in hibernating mode."

"I will be in Lagos on Friday."

"What?!" several thoughts ran through her mind.

"A friend of mine is getting married on Saturday."

The thought of meeting him face to face fillf her with joy and fear.

"I will travel back to Abuja on Monday morning."

What if he doesn't like what he sees? Even though they had communicated via webcam several times, it wasn't the same as a one on one, eye to eye situation.

"I am really looking forward to seeing you."

"Me too," she swallowed saliva.

"Hey! You don't sound... don't you want to see me?"

She sat up, "Of course I do!"

"Hope you are ready to entertain me."

"You and who?"

He started to laugh.

"You better come prepared,"

@Daeveed... Thanks.

CHAPTER FOUR

“You are-My light and salvation-Whom shall I fear-You are-The strength of all my days-Whom shall I be afraid-The world-May rise against me-Of this will I be sure-I will bless the Lord forever-I will bless His holy name-Yes I will bless the Lord forever-I will bless your holy name…,” she closed her eyes and sang along the Juanita Bynum song playing on the DVD player. Someone walked into her office, but she didn’t notice.

“Chorister!

She opened her eyes and smiled, “Didi what are you doing here?”

“Is that your ‘good afternoon’?” she sat on the two-seater beside her neighbour.

She laughed, “Good afternoon madam.”

“Afternoon,” she mimicked an elderly woman’s voice.

Shalewa laughed out loud, “Thanks. It is just a small office.”

“Hmmm… attached to a very large gift shop.”

“Ah!”

“What? Am I lying? What are you going to offer me sef?” she crossed her legs and leaned against the leather seat.

“Offer you ke? I haven’t made enough profit today.”

“Leave that thing. I want a bottle of plastic coke and one or two cupcakes.”

“Ah…”

She pointed a finger at her, “Call your sales girl now and send her.”

“I hear you.”

“Oya now. I am hungry.”

She eyed her and clapped her hands together, “Ah-han see me see wahala o. Why didn’t you eat before leaving the house now?”

“Shut up. Aren’t you happy that I came to visit you?”

She laughed lightly, “Who send you message?”

“Go away.”

“Hey, I have seen something today.”

She hissed.

“Okay I will call her when she is through with what she is doing.”

“Better.”

Shalewa shook her head.

“I haven’t gone to work for the past three days. I am boring.”

She reached out for her hand and squeezed it, “Kpele.”

“You are lucky, you have your own business.”

“Hmmm… being a Sole proprietor comes with its ups and downs.”

“Yes, but you run your own thing. You are your own boss.”

“True,” she straightened her red checkered short-sleeve shirt with her hands.

Didi noticed her neighbour’s heavy bosom. At times, she wished she had a fuller chest and bigger backside. Although she liked her slim frame, sometimes, she wondered what it was like to look like Shalewa or Mara. They were both abundantly physically endowed.

“I thank God, he has been faithful. Several people like me have closed their shops and returned to the labour market.”

She blinked and cleared her thoughts. She tried to listen to her neighbour, but her thoughts drifted away again.
Mara had always prided herself in having such a curvaceous body. Her fair complexion was an added bonus. She had caught the attention of many men over the years. It must have been a shock to her that Uwa chose her. It didn’t matter. Mara didn’t like him. If she did, she would have shown it. Every time they had fallen in love with the same guy, the guys always chose her friend over her. What if her friend liked Uwa? He was her type. He was tall, dark, broad shouldered and good looking. He was a born-again Christian and he seemed capable of taking care of himself. What if Mara liked him? She shook the thought away. Uwa liked her and she liked him too. It was more than mere likeness. They were physically attracted to each other and she was eager to know everything about him.

“A penny for your thoughts.”

She blinked and met Shalewa’s worried look.

“Are you all right?”

“Yes…” she blinked again, “Yes, I am fine.”

“Hmm…” she raised an eyebrow.

“Seriously, I am fine.”

“If you say so.”

“Where is my coke and cup cakes?”

She rolled her eyes and called her Sales girl.

“That’s what I am talking about,” she winked at her neighbour.

xxxxxx

“Welcome to my humble home,” he led her into the three bedroom apartment.

She looked around her. The large sitting room was painted white. A set of brown leather chairs made a semi-circle in front of the LED flat screen television. Was that a 32’ or a 40’ inch? She wasn’t sure. The dining was adjacent to the sitting area. Four set of stainless steel chairs with cream foam surrounded the glass table framed in steel. A water dispenser was at a corner. The whole room was rugged in chocolate brown. Was brown his favourite colour? The curtains were a mixture of cream and coffee brown. It made the room look soft, warm and welcoming.

“Do you like my home?”

She grinned, “It looks feminine. Most bachelors I know, their homes are very masculine.”

He let out a light laughter, “I don’t live in the present. I involve the future in everything I do. When I get married, my wife won’t need to re-decorate. She will meet a ready-made home.”

“Interesting,” she let go of his hand and walked around. She noticed the center table. A flower vase was placed on it. The flowers looked real. Were they fresh flowers? Another set of flowers was placed on the dining.

“When the children start coming, you will need to change the leather chairs,” she winked at him.

He nodded in agreement, “I have heard of how children love leather chairs. It is easy for them to cut it up, chew, tear and re-design.”

She giggled.

“The white walls might have to go too or else they will write all over it and paint all sort of grotesque pictures.”

She erupted with laughter. He was right. She had done worse things to the home she grew up in. It was scary to think of what her own children would do.

Sorry dad. Sorry mum.

She noticed his deep piercing dark stare. All of a sudden, she felt drawn to him like nails to magnet. Her laughter stopped. Her brown eyes matched the intensity of his dark ones. He stepped forward, closed the gap between them and pulled her into his arms. The heat of his proximity coursed through her veins and made her skin to tingle. He could feel her racing heart beats. It was in union with his. It was good to know that she was physically attracted to him too.

“I love you…” the words came out before he could restrain himself.

Her puzzled stare searched his bright confident ones.

“I love you Didi, you are my heart’s desire.”

She swallowed hard. Did he just say he loved her? How was that possible? She had feelings for him too. Yes, she was attracted to him, but love? At that point in time, at that level, she couldn’t say that she loved him. She didn’t know him well enough to love him. Can one love someone just like that? Love at first sight was a myth. One could be attracted to someone at first sight, but, true love needed time to grow and blossom. It could begin at any point in time, but its’ growth was endless.

“I love you Edidiong.”

The desire in his eyes consumed her. She squeezed his muscular arms and tried to still her emotions.

“What is your surname?”

She blinked. Why was he asking her that?

“What is your surname?”

“Ovat.”

“Ovat… I love you Edidiong Ovat.”

She exhaled loudly. The sound of her name on his lips made her feet warm.

“Do you have a middle name?”

She nodded, unable to utter a word.

“Tell me,” he brushed a hand over her creamy brown oval face.

“Uwa…” she trembled.

He raised an eyebrow, “Is your middle name Uwa?”

“No.”

He ran a finger across her slim tender neck.

“Uwa…” she moaned.

“What’s your middle name?” he dropped his head and kissed her cheek, then her neckline.

Heat waves exploded within her, “Uwa!”

“Tell me your name.”

“Edidiong Cassandra Ovat!” she screamed.

He cupped her face in his arms, “I love you Edidiong Cassandra Ovat.”
His lips took hers. His passion intensified her desire. He picked her up and carried her in his arms. He made his way into the master bedroom and let her down gently on the bed. His weight crushed her and he claimed her lips again.
What were they doing? She tried to think. They were supposed to have a romantic dinner. He cooked before he picked her up at home. They were supposed to be dining, chatting and getting to know each other. If they allowed their bodies to be consumed with lust and sexual desires, their relationship would be over before it had a chance to grow. She tried to pull free, but, he wouldn’t let her go. She turned her head and the kisses stopped.

“Didi…”

She met his gaze. His dark eyes were fiery with desire. She closed her eyes.

“Didi…”

“Uwa… we can’t… we shouldn’t.”

“Didi… Didi I love you.”

She opened her eyes. His burning gaze weakened her resolve. She closed her eyes again.

“Please let me go.”

“I can’t.”

“Please Uwa…” she opened her eyes.

“I love you.”

“Uwa…” the plea in her voice wasn’t lost to him.

“I want you.”

“I want you too,” she confessed.

He bent down and kissed her. She pressed her hands against his chest. His kisses sent a thousand volts shooting through her slim frame. She turned head and shook with pleasure.

“We… we can’t do this,” she was finding it hard to breathe.

“I want you.”

“We can’t…”

“I know, I know… but I love you. I want you. I want to eat every part of you.”
God help us.

She said a fast prayer. They needed a divine intervention.

“We can’t have sex.”

“I know…”

“Let’s go and eat. You told me that you cooked a delicious surprise for me.”

“I want to eat you.”

“Uwa,” her restraint was dissolving fast.

“Didi…” he took her lips again.

She tried fighting him off, but he held unto her. Her self-control melted and she gave in to the passionate heat that consumed them both.

xxxxxx

She groaned and opened her eyes. She found him smiling and staring down at her as if he had just won a million bucks.
“Morning my lady.”

“Morning?”

Is it morning already? Lord Jesus have mercy!


“Yes, it is morning.”

She sat up immediately. She couldn’t believe that it was morning. She had spent the night in his place!

“It’s weekend, nothing to fear. You can spend your entire weekend here,” he winked at her.

She shook her head and got down from the bed. She realized that she was stark naked. She pulled the bed sheet away from the foam and used it to cover herself. He began to laugh.

“Come on…”

She eyed him and looked around for her clothes.

“What are you covering?”

She found them scattered all over the rug.

“My lady come back to bed.”

She ignored him and headed for the bathroom.

“Didi… My lady…”

She went in, slammed the door and locked it.

He groaned and rolled off the bed. He found his boxers under the bed and got into it.

“Didi…” he walked to the bathroom and tried to open the door. It was locked.

Where did I keep that spare key?

His dark eyes darted about the room and rested on the cabinet.

It should be in there.

He hurried towards the wooden structure and drew open the drawers. He found the spare bathroom key and returned to the locked door. He succeeded in maneuvering the key into the key-hole. He unlocked the door, opened it and walked in. He found her seated on the white tiled floor sobbing.

“Didi…” fear gripped him, “Are you okay?” he squatted beside her.

She moved away from him, creating a wide gap between them.

“Didi…” he reached out to her and wiped her wet face with the back of his hand. She slapped it off.

“Hey!”

“Don’t touch me!” her dark brown eyes shone with anger. It was a little bit red.

He opened his mouth and closed it.

What is wrong with her now?

“My love…”

“Don’t say that!”

He kept quiet. He was at a loss. He didn’t know what was wrong with her. He didn’t know why she was so angry. They had a good night. Why was she behaving that way at break light?

“We shouldn’t have…” tears rolled down her creamy brown oval face.

“Hey… baby…” he moved closer and tried to pull her close, but, she pushed him away. His butt hit the floor.

He sighed heavily, “I am sorry.”

She eyed him.

“I promise you… henceforth, we will take things slow, very slow,” he stressed the last word.

She folded her arms across her bosom. He noticed that she had changed into her clothes.

“I want to go home.”

“Okay. Let me get dressed.”

He got up and pulled her to her feet.

“Ouch!” she held her tummy and squeezed her face.

“What is it?” his heart missed a beat.

“I am hungry.”

“Oh…” he sighed with relief. He remembered the spaghetti and chicken sauce he had made the other day. It must have gotten sour.

“I can make toast before we leave.”

“Sounds perfect.”

Her gaze travelled down his muscular broad chest. She swallowed hard. She could still remember how it felt being in his arms. Her eyes flew back to his face and met his dark eyes, they were burning with desire.

“Take me home now,” she took a step backwards.

“Didi…” he sauntered towards her and claimed her lips.

CHAPTER THREE

He removed the Cece Winas CD from its jacket and slotted it into the DVD player on the shelf. He had about twenty minutes to prepare for church. It was a good thing that he lived close by.

“I wasn’t looking-All the colours were grey-It’s hard to notice-When you’re out in the rain-All of a sudden-Colours are starting to change-You brought the light-Now the darkness is gone-The search is over-Now I know you are the one-Somebody tell me-Where does an angel come from-Cos you’re more than just the one-Yea you’re more than what I wanted-Everything I never had-Gotta get it right through your heart-You can show me where it’s at-You are the miracle I needed so bad-And you’re more than what I wanted-Everything I never had,” the music filled the room.

He hummed the song while he buttoned the sky blue long sleeve Mark and Spencer shirt. The lyrics of the song brought back memories, good memories. He could still picture her creamy brown oval face in his mind’s eye. His heart beat accelerated at the thought of seeing her again after the church service. He had planned everything. Where they would go, what they would eat, what they would talk about, everything. He was eager to know all about her. He wanted to know everything. It had been a while since he had been attracted to anyone at first sight. His last relationship didn’t work out because his ex-girlfriend wasn’t ready to get married. She enjoyed his company and swore that he was everything she wanted in a man, but she needed a few years to solidify her career before thinking of marriage. He had promised to support her every way he could, but, she chose her career over him.

He gave a shake of head and put on the black suit. The moment he saw Didi, he felt a peace within him. He had a strong feeling that she was the one he had been searching for all his life, the woman he would spend the rest of his life with. There was something special about her. He would derive pleasure in uncovering the beautiful gift God had given him on a platter of gold. An excited smile spread over his face. He was going to see her again that day.

“Didi you are more than what I wanted, everything I never had…” he sang out loud.

xxxxxx

She lay on her side and pulled the blanket up to her chin. An ache in her tummy roused her. Was it indigestion? She ate oatmeal the other night. Oats aided digestion, the fiber in it prevented constipation, and it definitely didn’t turn her tummy. She groaned. It was as if her intestines were tied in knots. Brutal sharp pains engulfed her.

Oh God… help me…


What else did she eat? Her mind became blurry. She couldn’t think because of the pangs that nagged at her. Someone knocked. She heard the door open.

“Look at this sleeping beauty,” her friend’s voice filled the room.

She closed her eyes and opened them. She wished the pain would go away.

“Why are you still in bed?” she approached the bed and pulled the blanket away from her friend’s body. She was coiled up in a ball. Was she in pain?

Didi turned to look at her and snatched back the brown blanket. She lay back on the bed and covered her slim frame.

“Are you okay?” she settled on the bed.

She shook her head.

“What is wrong with you?”

No response. Mara eyed her. The doorbell rang.

“I will be right back,” she got up and headed out.

She caught a glimpse of Mara as she left the room through the corner of her eye. She noticed that she was dressed for church. She had on a red knee length pencil skirt with a white short-sleeve V-neck blouse and a pair of red high heel sandals. She looked stunning. A sharp throbbing pain gripped her.

Oh God help me!

She held her belly. Mara and Shalewa walked into the room.

“Why is your friend still in bed?” she eyed Mara and kicked at the bed.

She shrugged, “I met her that way.”

She stepped closer, “Didi, are you awake? Aren’t you going to church today?”

No response.

She glanced at Mara who shrugged again. She frowned.

“What?”

“Both of you should better find your own way to church. I am leaving.”

“Come on Shalewa.”

The dark skinned tall plump oblong face lady hissed and walked out.

“Shalewa wait!”

Her neighbour hissed again and slammed the door behind her. She turned to look at her friend.

“Didi I have to go. Get off that bed and eat something,” she hurried out, leaving the door open.

God where are you?

She groaned and tried to sit up. She felt very weak. She felt like throwing up and using the toilet all at once. What was wrong with her? Was she ill? She rarely fell sick. Her mum told her when she was a child that she had a very strong immune system. She pulled her weight from the bed and tried to stand. Her knees buckled. She fell, hitting the tiled floor with her buttocks.

“Aaah!” her belly tightened. Her stomach felt like it was being turned inside out. She held it with both hands, unable to stop herself, she vomited. Smelly whitish semi-solid liquid gushed out of her mouth, spilled on her night-wear, thighs, and around her. Her breath came fast and hard. She threw up again and again. It was as if life was being wriggled out of her.

Oh God please help me.

xxxxxx

Uwa leaned on the dark blue Toyota Corolla car and waited in excitement. He was going on a lunch date with the lady of his dreams. His eager eyes scanned the crowd gathered at the car park. Where was she?

“Our Protocol Officer.”

He heard a familiar voice behind him. He smiled and turned around. Shalewa and Mara approached the car, grinning at him. Where was Didi? His eyes darted about. Maybe she was still in the auditorium or probably in the restroom adjusting her make-up. His lips broadened in a Cheshire cat smile.

“Hi,” Mara flashed her white set of teeth.

“Hi,” he nodded at her and turned to look at Shalewa, “Hi, hi.”

“Hi.”

He returned his gaze to Mara’s fair round fair face, “Where is your friend?”

Shalewa hissed and unlocked the door of her car, “She was still in bed by the time we left this morning.”

He threw a glimpse at his friend who was obviously cranky. Didi wasn’t in church. He paled at the realization that they might not go on a date after all. He believed she had a good reason for not showing up that morning. He was a bit disappointed. Truthfully, he was very disenchanted. He had hoped to take her out and spend the rest of the day with her.

She got into the vehicle and started the engine, “Are you coming or not?” she directed her gaze at her neighbor. Mara felt torn between standing there with him and getting into the car. She turned to look at her. Her grouchy disposition irritated her.

“Look I am hungry, get in or I will leave you here.”

She eyed her. No wonder she was so crabby.

“I will come with you, I want to see Didi,” he fished out his car keys from his pockets.

“Hurry up,” she fired the engine.

Mara got into the front seat of the Toyota car and smiled to herself. She was excited that Uwa was coming home with them. She hoped he would stay for lunch. There was ogbona soup in the freezer. She could make him Semovita or eba. They would eat together and chat. She couldn’t wait to spend the rest of the day with him. This was the opportunity she had been looking for.

Uwa hurried to his car, a white Skoda parked behind the Toyota. He unlocked it, got in and started the engine. Shalewa had already driven off. He followed and caught up with her at the gate. He felt a tinge of happiness at the thought of seeing Didi that noon. A smile spread over his dark chocolate square-like shaped face.

xxxxxx

Didi opened her wet dark brown eyes. She felt extremely weak. She had been sitting on the tiled floor all morning. The room oozed with a foul smell. She couldn’t get up, she had no strength. Her stomach contents surrounded her. She had also defecated on herself, not once, not twice, but several times. The stench of it all made her wish the ground would open and swallow her up. Where was Mara? Where was her best friend? Why did she leave for church without her? Why wasn’t she concerned that she was still in bed instead of preparing for church that morning? The Mara she knew would never abandon her, but she had done just that. Why? She wondered if the church service had ended. Her friend would soon be home. The thought gave her some relief. She needed help. She began to hear voices. Was she back? She looked towards the open doorway. She heard someone laugh. It sounded like Shalewa. Then she heard a male voice. Who did they come home with? She strained her ears and listened. Her heart missed a beat. She recognized his voice.

Oh God no! What is he doing here?

She looked down at herself, her facial expression changed from relief to panic.

He can’t see me like this. Jesus, God… no!

She tried to get up, but her hands were too weak. She froze when she heard footsteps. She remained motionless, unable to speak or move. Her heart beat skyrocketed.

“Jesus!”

She lifted her head and saw Shalewa standing at the doorway. Her hands were placed on her head and her mouth was ajar.

“What happened to you?” her dark shock gaze found Didi’s tired ones. Mara and Uwa walked into the room.

“What’s that smell?” she covered her nose and shot her friend a stonily stare.

Shalewa approached her, “Didi are you okay?”

“The whole room smells like a sewage tank,” Mara took some steps backwards and bumped into Uwa.

He watched the one his heart beats for closely. She didn’t look well. Her long brown weave-on was in tangles around her strained oval face. Her night-wear was stained with puke and drenched with faeces. She was a total mess. He felt pained. What happened to her?

“Why didn’t you go to the bathroom if you felt like throwing up? I can’t believe this. Now the whole house smells badly,” Mara rolled her eyes and placed a hand on her forehead.

Didi stared at her best friend. Why was she upset? What was worse, a smelly house or her state of health?

“I don’t even know if I can sleep in this house today,” she began to pace the room.

Uwa stepped forward, knelt beside her and lifted her up. Shalewa and Mara were caught unawares by his gesture. Didi could hardly believe it.

“Where is the bathroom?” he threw a glance at Mara.

She gawked at him. If he could carry her friend in her despicable state, then he must really like her.

“We need to clean her up. We can’t leave her like this.”

She pressed her pink lips together and pointed at the brown wooden door opposite the bed. He carried her across the room and kicked the bathroom door open with his leg. He placed her gently in the bath-tub.

“I need your help,” he called out to them.

Mara and Shalewa exchanged glances.

“I am not going in there.”

Shalewa eyed her annoying neighbor.

Uwa came out of the bathroom and observed Mara, “You need to bath her.”

“Bath who?” she scowled at him.

He placed both hands on his hips, “I am a guy. I am just a friend. I am not her husband.”

She started to shake her head. Her short jaw-length braids danced about her face.

“Come on Mara. You are supposed to be her friend,” Shalewa chimed in.

His dark brows knitted in a frown, “Aren’t you her best friend?”

“Oh please… I am not her mother,” she spun and marched out of the room.

Shalewa approached him and placed a hand on his shoulder, “Mara can be… you know… but, she has a good heart.”

His doubtful stare regarded her, “I find that hard to believe.”

“I will bath Didi.”

A smile of relief spread across his face, “Then I will clean the room.”

“It stinks,” she wrinkled her nose.

“Tell me about it.”

She found her way into the bathroom and shut the door behind her.

xxxxxx

Mara lay on her bed feeling infuriated. Uwa’s feelings for Didi were deeper than she thought. She had been shocked to her marrows when he carried her stinking friend in his arms. She had thought she would have him all to herself when he came home with them, but the moment he saw Didi in that pathetic state, he dashed to her side like a knight in shining armour. She thought her plan was going to work, but it had backfired. The Andrew liver salt she poured into her friend’s dinner had made her too weak to attend service that day. Didi had reacted badly to the purging chemical. Nevertheless, she would be fine in a couple of days. She rolled on her tummy. She must not give up. Things might still turn around in her favour. She needed better plans. Uwa and Didi must be separated before they had the chance to date and fall in love. When she wanted something, nothing stood in her way, not even her best friend. At the end of it all, they would have a beautiful relationship and end up at the altar. They were perfect together. She sat up. She would take a cold shower, change into something sexy and go and look for him. Her face brightened. She got down from the bed and zoomed into the bathroom.

xxxxxx

“I called a doctor friend; he said you will feel much better after eating and taking some Boscopan tablets.”

She nodded. She was already feeling better. The hot watery milky custard he prepared for her gave her some relief. She was still weak, her tummy hurt a little, but she was no longer feeling nauseous. The hot bath had also refreshed her.

God bless you Shalewa.

She had been ashamed at her best friend’s behaviour and her neighbour’s sisterly care had astounded her. The thought of bathing someone covered in vomit and excreta was revolting enough. The act of doing it was gigantic. She would call and thank her again later.

“You need to rest. You need to call your boss at work and get a sick leave or something.”

She lifted her dark brown eyes and met his concerned dark piercing gaze. She would ask her friend who worked in the same department with her to fill a sick leave request form for her and give it to their head of department. They might give her a few days, but if she was lucky, she might get a week leave.

“I was a bit terrified when I saw you looking like a rag doll drenched in puke and… and… oh my God,” he placed a hand on his forehead and shook his head.

She wondered where he found the boldness, courage and will-power to lift her up in his arms.

“You look better now that you are cleaned up.”

She grinned, “Thank you for taking care of me.”

“Anytime my lady,” he bowed comically.

Her smile widened and she mimicked a Briton accent, “Aww… my knight in shining armour.”

He smiled back at her and brushed a hand over her creamy brown oval face. She shuddered lightly. His soft touch had sent heat waves down her spine. She looked away, cleared her throat and tried to get up.

“Hey… don’t,” he stopped her from sitting up, “You need to lay back and rest.”

They heard knocks. Their gazes flew to the closed door. The door opened and Mara strolled into the room. “How are you feeling?” she walked towards the bed and sat on the other side. She met her friend’s tired gaze.

“I am better.”

She glanced in his direction, “You are still here.”

“Yes, I am,” his full attention was concentrated on Didi.

“Where is Shalewa?”

“Back in her flat. She is God sent,” she smiled.

She hissed, “Because she bathed you, abeg.”

Her friend paled, “If you were in my shoes, I would have scrubbed you clean.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. I am not cut out for that kind of thing. I can barely wash my own toilet, talk about your smelly buttocks.”

She laughed quietly, “You are a case.”

“I am glad that you are feeling better,” she noticed that the room had a nice scent, “Who cleaned this room?”

Her smile widened, “My knight in shining armour,” she winked at Uwa.

“Anything for My lady,” he lifted her right hand and kissed her knuckles.

Mara watched them and gritted her teeth. It was hard to find men like Uwa. He was special. She couldn’t understand why he chose Didi over her? She needed to act fast. They seemed closer than she had thought. Even though they had just met, something seemed to click between them. They flowed!

He stared at his wrist-watch briefly, “I have to leave now. I have a meeting tomorrow morning. The earlier I turn in for the night, the more energetic and sharp I will be in the morning.”

She felt a pang of sadness. She wished he could spend the night with her, but that wouldn’t be wise.

“I will check up on you once the meeting ends tomorrow.”

“Okay.”

“My doctor friend said I need to bring you to his clinic for examination. If we can’t go tomorrow, I will take you there next tomorrow.”

“Okay,” she nodded. Their gazes locked. He brushed a hand over her face again. She sucked in breath and trembled at his touch.

“I will miss you.”

She nodded, she could hardly speak.

“I have to go,” he dropped his hand and got up.

She reached out for his fingers and held it, “I will miss you too.”

He smiled and squeezed her hand, “I will call you.”

“Okay.”

He blew her kiss. She released his hand and blew him a kiss in return.

Mara seethed. They were physically attracted to each other. She could tell. The chemistry in the air was quite obvious. How was she going to separate them?

Uwa waved at her and backed out of the room. She waved back, sighed heavily and lay back on the bed.

@abefe99... Thanks. I'll update soon. Nepa wahala.

@precydamsel... Thanks. This is one of my short stories. Can't make it longer cos I have already finished writing it. I posted a long story yesterday 'B.F.F: Best Friends Forever'. Check it out *winks*