The grey coloured gown I wore hugged me tightly. Aya promised to pick me by 5:00pm, I didn't know how she was gonna do that and I didn't bother asking either. I came downstairs, my shoe making ' click clack ' sound on the tiled floor. Fubi sat on the couch watching something on TV. He looked at me and whistle, grinning. I sat next to him, leaning lightly on the cushion and crossed my leg.

We got to Mr. Danladi's house a few minutes to six. Aya had called me to come out, she came with a rented car, I didn't even know cars could be rented.

Mr. Danladi's house looked like a mansion. The high pillars were painted in beige, while the walls of the house was painted in white. Aya parked at a free spot close to other cars. I was beginning to loose the confidence I had a few seconds ago.
or
The inside of the house was even more magnificent than the outside. The chandelier at the middle of room was the biggest I've ever seen, it's looked royal. I stared briefly at it, not wanting to embarrass myself by looking naive. Mr Danladi walked up to us swiftly. Aya was all smiles as he took her hands in his, he has a way of making people feel better by just holding their hands. I stood there and watched them exchange pleasantries. Just like he noticed me, he turned around and took my hand in his and dragged me gently across the room. Aya had turned around to talk to some girl, when I turned to look at her. The dragged me to a group of men standing in a circle, conversing. They stopped talking and scanned me, mostly in a debauched manner. I smiled, a little bit nervously and took their hands as he introduced me. They all kind off looked the same, between their late forties and mid fifties, they all had pot belly, some bigger than others. Almost all of them tried to hit on me at the same time. I smiled at their theatrics and felt my confidence returning.

The quiet one among them held my hand and asked to be excused. I was surprised by this, since he's hardly said a word, he only smiled and drank from his glass. He was by far the most handsome among them. He had white beards like Mr Andrew, only his started from his hair and was neatly carved down. His belly big, though it didn't show like he works out. The other men hailed lightly as he directed outside.

' So Bells huh?" he asked, ' What kind of name is Bells?'. I smiled and clutched my purse tighter. ' Actually it's Belema '. He chuckled and kept quiet. I looked around, clearly trying to avoid his eyes. ' Here's my card ', he said handing a rectangular paper to me. ' Call me sometime '. I looked at the paper and read out Engineer Adeniyi M.

' What have I done '. I thought looking Aya's naked figure on the bed. I woke her up and asked her to leave. At first she thought I was joking because she just scoffed, turned and went back to sleep. I woke her again and asked her to leave, noticing I was serious, she got out of the bed dressed up and left, while I just sat there and looked.

I called Seun later in the day. After cheating on him with Aya, I felt really guilty and needed to make us come back again. He picked this time, I think giving him attitude humbled him. He said he'd come see me since he was still in PH, then we can talk. What just happened? I thought. Seun never makes plans, I was beginning to see things differently. Begging him raises his ego.

On friday night I took Fubi to the club, I had gone to his school first for their Christmas carol. They closed late so we came straight to the club. I left him with Chucks and went to dress up. Aya sat on her chair looking in the mirror and ignoring me. She had been ignoring me since Wednesday when our shift usually starts for the week. I needed her back on my good side, the club was too quiet without her. I walked to her side and called her name, she didn't turn around, she looked at me through the mirror.
' I'm so sorry about what I did, I was confused and needed to clear my head. I didn't know what I was doing '. I said apologizing. She stood up, apologizing too. She blamed it on the weed and asked if we could go back to being friends. 'That was easier than I thought'. I thought as we hugged. Everything was falling back in place. Seun and I were back again. He had told me that he only brought the girl to make me jealous because of how I abandoned him in Lagos when my uncle called. Now Aya too.

I was getting more catcalls and admirers these days. I noticed how men looked at me, cars stop all the time offering to drop me off. Even Mr Andrew looked at me in a different way. He gives me special attention from the other girls. I was enjoying the attention.
I walked towards the bar as I emptied my tray. I dragged the bottle of beer Fubi was drinking. ' Hey ', he said standing up.
' I thought we look at ID's here before we serve drinks ', I said to Chucks. He smiled and told me not to bother. He'll babysit him and makes sure he doesn't take more than one bottle. ' If a boy wants to his first beer, why not here?' he said and winked at me. I resignedly gave the beer back to Fubi who was grinning. Aya called me as I was waiting for Chucks to fill my tray. She wasn't alone, a man with big stomach and bald head was with her. ' I'll be back ', I said to Chucks tapping the counter and walked toward her. She introduced me to the man who looked like he was in his fifties as Danladi. His accent was spectacular as he took my hands in his and told me how beautiful I was. I looked at Aya, not worried like I would have been a few months ago, instead I was inquisitive and enjoying every bit of it. He invited me to a party, telling me Aya will be there as a way of convincing me. He said every word holding my hand in his the entire time. I looked at Aya who gave me a nod, before telling him I'd welcome his invite. I was smiling the entire time, and as I walked back to where Fubi sat to pick up my tray; I could tell there was something different about me, I confidence and boldness I didn't know I had was coming out of me.

I walked to the bar and sat on one of the stools in front of Chucks, he hailed me and gave me a glass of vodka. ' It's on the house ', he said and winked at me. I beamed and drank it in one gulp, he held a tray of drinks towards me, ' Your shifts starts in 3,2,1 ' his eyes brightened as he made a ding sound before walking back to attend to other customers. I walked round serving the drinks at a group of people celebrating a birthday party at the VIP section. I scanned the room for Seun, but he was nowhere to be found. There was a boy, his assistant playing around with the jock disk. I walked back to the bar and asked Chucks if he had seen Seun. He immediately avoided my eyes , telling me he doesn't know where he is. I picked up the filled tray and walked again to serve, I moved in between the crowd of people dancing. I gave the drinks to them, held the tray to my waist and turned to leave.

The black shirt with a skull on it caught my eyes. I had seen it before, I don't know where but the familiarity caught my eyes. What are the odds of many people buying the same dress, I thought. I walked back, curved my head yo check.
I was stuck.
It can't be. His hands were wrapped around her waist, and she was grinding him hard. They looked good together as they danced, her hands around his neck. I was used top this feeling, it was new, different. I wanted to slap her and drag my Seun out of her hands. But I just stood there conflicted by my thoughts. I didn't know if I should confront him or walk away, I just stood there and stared.
I didn't know how long I've been standing there, when a hand tapped me out of my conflicted thought. He long arms wrapped close to himself. Just like it was the memo my tear ducts needed, tears came flooding out of my eyes. My head rested on his chest, I hated myself for crying, I hated myself for being week. No matter how hard I tried, the tears wouldn't stop.

I sat outside trying to put myself together. I felt terrible, I didn't know things could still hurt so much after my patent's.
' Hi ', I turned around to see who it was. It was an unfamiliar face, so I just turned back to myself.
' I saw you inside and I really needed to talk to you '. I wasn't in the mood to talk, so I sized him up, stood up and walked back into the club.

After dragging me away from the scene, Mr white beard (Andrew) had asked me not to work. He said I should clear my head. That would make me look even weaker, so I picked up myself and walked to the bar. I picked my tray and walked across the room serving the drinks. My tray was empty in no time. Aya stopped me as I walked to the bar to fill my tray, she hugged me close and told me how sorry she was. Apparently Mr Andrew told her about it. I hugged her too, resting lightly on a shoulder, I wasn't gonna cry anymore. We walked to the bar together . She bought drinks for us and we chatted .

' Babe '. I heard Seun call, wrapping his arm around me. I didn't know what to do. I felt like shouting at him, or slapping him and pushing him away. But my entire body failed me, I just sat there and did nothing. He spun the chair around and tried to kiss me, I dodged and walked away. He followed me into the dressing room asking me what was wrong. I ignored him and walked into the bathroom and shut the door. He stood outside and shouted that I was immature, punched the door and stomped out of the dressing room.

I poured the spaghetti into a pot and poured water into it.
' You should have said something to him ', Aya said sitting on the counter. I placed the pot on the gas and turned to face her.
' I would have broken down in front of him ', I said drinking water I had poured into a glass. ' I didn't want him to see me weak, and by the way I didn't know what to say ', I said I sat on the counter with her. ' I don't even know if I can sleep this night '. Aya looked at me and searched her bag, bringing out a roll of weed she swung it in my face.
' No Aya, I can't '. I said and stood up to add more water into the spaghetti.
' Come on Bells, just a little to relax your nerve '. Aya suggested and lit the roll. She took a puff and passed it to me. I was undecided for a few seconds before taking it from her.
Fubi had left for school leaving the entire house quiet. Aya and I laid on my bed smoking. It was Monday, we wouldn't be having a shift tonight. We smoked, talked and laugh. My room was made foggy by the smoke.
Aya kissed me lightly on the cheek, telling me I deserved better than Seun. I didn't know if the smile was as a result of the reaction from the weed. I was higher than Mt. Everest. She came closer and kissed me on the neck. I looked at her with surprise, but I was too high to react. She kissed me on the lips, and slowly moved than to my breast. The feelings I got from her tongue combined with the weed took me beyond the roof.

I woke up the next morning feeling pains everywhere. It was excruciating. I didn't want to wake him up. I could tell he still sleeping though I wasn't facing him, because of his snore. I couldn't endure the pain anymore, I had to go to the bathroom. The pain was even more as I tried to sit down on the WC. I felt awful, dirty, and used. I don't know why I felt so terrible, but I did. I hated myself. I felt like sobbing, but no tears will come out. My ring tone knocked me out of my reveriè, only this time it wasn't pleasant. I slowly put on my panties and walked out. I looked around for my phone. I checked the dialler, it was uncle Femi. I was scared.
Uncle Femi had gone by Fubi's school to pick him so he could visit us, but was told that Fubi hadn't come to school. So he had gone by the house to look for which was a no show too.

Uncle Femi sat down fuming. I bent my head feeling, Fubi didn't look worried, or sorry. Infact he looked like he didn't care, he was smiling nonchalantly at uncle Femi's angry statements.
' I can see you can't take care of yourself, or your brother ' Uncle Femi bursted out. ' I don't even know why I thought you could be anything less than a teenager '. He said angrily. ' You going to Lagos with a boy you don't know'.
' He's my boyfriend '. I said defending myself. I didn't even know where that came from. Uncle Femi scoffed. ' What do you know about a relationship?' He said facing me angrily. ' I think you both come and stay with us '. He said referring to his wife.
' We can't '. Fubi spoke for the first time. Uncle Femi directed his gaze at him, his eyes widened with surprise.
' It's not like we don't want to, but we just can't '. Fubi explained.
' Can you throw more light?' Uncle Femi asked.
' We are sorry we went to Lagos, but I'd never be comfortable at your place, Belema too'. Fubi said moving out of the couch and sitting on the edge. ' Belema wasn't going to go. I begged her to, I wanted to see MI and she wanted me to be happy '. I sat there listening to Fubi. He was so mature, maybe more than me. We apologized to uncle Femi and told him we'd be better before he left.

The concert was just as amazing as I expected. The performances from Flavour, Mi and Brymo was insane. Fubi was just as happy as I was, if not even happier. We danced our entire hearts out. Seun was with us until it was his time to mount the stage. We had screamed loudly, hailing him and encoring.
He introduced me to some artists as his ' girlfriend'. He kept holding me and looking into my eyes. I've never felt that special in my entire life. I knew I loved him there, but I was too scared to tell him. We went for an after party that was just as thrilling as the concert was.
We got to Seun's house at 3:00am. It was located at Lekki area of Lagos, and is twice the size of his PH house. I laid on the big bed, still in my short gown. Seun had a glass of wine in his hand, a stick of marijuana hanging from his mouth. He handed the glass to me and sat of the beg pulling his shirt of, his tattoos visible covering his biceps. I drank from the glass. ' You were great '. I said to Seun taking another sip. He simply smiled and laid down with his chest on the bed. I kept the wine on the table and joined him. He stretched the stick of weed towards me. I shook my head, rejecting it. ' Just a smoke,' he said still stretching it towards me. I took it from him and inhaled deep, thick smoke came out of my mouth making my eyes watery as I released. He smiled at me and kept the stick in a plate on the bedside table. I felt lighter. He turned to face me, he looked into my eyes for a while. I felt awkward, and tried to dodge his eyes by looking down. He rose my head using his fore and middle finger, I looked at him clearly nervous. His head came slowly on mine and our lips touched. I felt myself melting into the kiss. He drew closer to me as his tongue found a way into my mouth, his hands caressed my face and then gently moved down to touch my breast through my my clothes and then down to my exposed thigh. He gently rose my gown up and found my pants, without pulling it off, he inserted his finger into my clit. I moved back immediately. He looked at me and tried again, I moved back and broke away from him.
' What is it?' He asked searching my face. I sat up on the bed, clasping my knees together. I held my hands together against my knees, my hair poured down covering my face as I bent my head.
' What's wrong with you?' He said raising his voice.
' I'm not ready'. I said not raising my head. ' I don't want to do it '.
Seun was angry with me, he went into a fit of rant about how childish I was. Telling me he wasted his time and money bringing me here. He told me about all the beautiful girls that would do anything he asks just to be in my position. He stood and was going to leave the room. I didn't know what came over me, but I stood up immediately and stopped him. I undressed myself slowly, the gown fell to the floor. I stepped out of it and walked towards him. I kissed him on the lips. He responded, wrapped him arm around me and drew me closer.

Sharafawizkidayo:
Thanks 4 dh dedication am so honoured,sir. i want to tell to keep doing wat ur doing, u are going places! next updat pls and more strength to u! winks!

You are welcome and thank you too... BTW, I'm a Lady.

Thank you @ Tekzyflex. I'll do that.

' I think you should go '. Aya said packing her hair into a bun. Her top raised higher because of her lifted hands, exposing her rows of butterfly tattoo on her waist.
' You know why I can't '. I said bending my head back from the chair I was sitting. My legs were crossed and I was playing with a comb. ' Oh, darl don't start'. She said turning around to look at me. 'Fubi can take care of himself.' She sat down and started applying her makeup. ' You really should stop stressing yourself over your brother'.
' But he's just a kid '. I said applying the foundation on my face. Aya laughed at my last statement and turned to look at me, swinging her powder brush in my face.
' Kid?'. She asked, like I said something ridiculous. ' Fubi is sixteen, you are eighteen. You are both kids'. She smirked at me before turning back to the mirror.
' All you have to do is tell him you'll bring back an autograph from wizkid or some other celebrity. He'd be happy, those things matter to you rich kids '. I stopped with my hair and looked at her through the mirror. ' Rich kid?' I asked, amusement playing on my lips.
' Don't patronize me Bells, I know you work at this club for peanuts. But I know know someone who survived on Noddles and cereals'. She said winking at me. I smirked at her and stood up to leave.

Fubi had taken it better than I expected. He begged to come with me, kept saying he can't believe it. The excitement I saw in his eyes and heard in his voice made me want to do everything to take him with me.
I sent a text to Seun, he didn't reply as usual so I had called him. He had answered like we never had any issue, he told me how excited he was about the news that I was going with him and promised to make me happy. I was so happy and relieved as I kept giggling. I had been so scared for the past three days thinking he hated me, it had made me depressed and restless and confused.
He agreed to get a ticket for Fubi only if won't be a distraction to us and if there was a way to cater for his transportation since we were going by air. I asked him to pick another ticket for Aya so she can help me watch Fubi. I also promised to look for a way with their transportation. I knew Aya would love the idea so I didn't bother informing her first.
Fubi hugged me and called me the best sister in the world. I knew just then, we had reconciled.
Aya was just as ecstatic as I thought, even promising to pay her own flight ticket.

The big art on the floor caught my attention, I looked at it with fascination, it looked so surreal and dark, but I liked it. I stretched my hand and touched it feeling every inch of it.
' That's a two million naira painting. It was a gift from a friend.' Seun said handing a glass of wine to me. ' I don't know where to hang it so I kept in on the floor for the main time'.
' It's beautiful', I said, sipping from my glass.
' Do you know why I brought you here?' he asked. I shook my head and looked directly at him expecting his reply.
' I need a favor from you'. I couldn't understand why my heart skipped a beat. It's probably because of the way he said it. There was a devilish smile lingering on his lips.
' Will you say yes?' I looked at him wishing my senses back to me.
' I...uhn... don't know ' .I stammered. I was always nervous around him. He had this way around me such that I wanted to do everything he asked me to. I wanted to make him happy. He has always thrown tantrums whenever I refuse him anything. Not picking my calls, or replying my messages.
' Why don't you tell me first, maybe we can work up something '. He looked at me undecided. Then just like there was a spark he talked, asking me to follow him to Lagos for a show as his girlfriend, stressing the girlfriend. Butterflies swam around my stomach giving me a fluttery feeling. Girlfriend, I thought.
' I'd think about it '. I said. His eyes widened, 'think about it?' He asked annoyed. ' This is an offer any girl will take.' He said raising his voice. ' The biggest artists in the country will be there. WizKid, Tuface, Don jazzy'. He said listing with his hands.
' I just...'
' You'd be stupid not to say yes '. He said interrupting me.
' I just need to check with Fubi ' I rushed before he interrupts me again. ' I just need to be sure that he'll be fine '. I said pleadingly.

I had left Seun's house five minutes after that. He had refused to talk to me, or reply when I talk. After persistently talking to him, he had angrily left me in the living room. He didn't come out, or answer my knock so I left.
Fubi wasn't home yet, so I locked the door and kept the keys on the table. I went to my room to study.
After our little fight on Tuesday, the house had been painfully quiet. I rarely see Fubi, he's either in school, his room or out. I had been worried but there's nothing I could do about it. After reading for a while, I strolled into the bathroom to take my bath.

' Why did you do it?' I asked quietly as we ate dinner. He scoffed, said nothing and continued to eat. Fubi has always been rebellious especially about school. He was gifted and he knew it. It has always been difficult convincing him to remain in school even when my parents where alive. He and dad has gotten into a lot of fracas because of this. Mom never cared, or should I say notice, she was always busy being a professor. He has done a lot a things just to get expelled, but the school always manages to retain him because according them he was special and unique. Although, he has been suspended a lot and punished too, he has never come close to expulsion.
' Why would you do that?' I asked again.
' Can we just talk about something else.' He said, throwing a tantrum.
' No Fubi ' I said leaving my spoon in the plate. ' We'll talk about this ' I exhaled, ' You could have done it after class you know?' Fubi raised his head and laughed with derision. ' I can't believe that's what you had to say' he said his eyes twinkling with scorn. ' I could have done it after class?' He scoffed, repeating my statement slowly.
' I'm sorry if you had expected me to say something else' I said drily. ' But we won't be having this discussion, and I wouldn't have gone to see your principal if had maybe done it during break' I said, a little sarcasm trailing my voice. ' So, how about next time you keep your hands to yourself and not under a girls pant' I said raising my voice. Fubi looked at me like my head has been replaced with joker's.
' You do not tell me what to do '. He said raising his voice. ' You are not dad remember?' Fubi never talks about mom. Sometimes I feel like he doesn't consider her his mother, after all he had called Fatu mom till he was five. ' You are my sister and no you are not 20 like you said' he said raising his voice. ' You are 18 and just two years older than me. So don't act like you can tell me what to do.' He left the table after that. Stomping his feet as he climbed the stairs.

I had cried for this first time that night with all my heart, all the tears that have been hiding since the first time I heard about my patents death came flooding out. I thought about dad and how he's always tried to be there for us, he was always good with Fubi. I remembered everything dad has said. Every memory I've tried to suppress came crawling out. I even missed mom. I knew she was never around, but I always knew she'd come home. I missed Fatu. Why would she ever leave us like that, she was family now. I buried my face in my bed to silent my cry, but I could still hear it loudly in the quiet night.

Dedicated to vakinola1. The very first guy to comment, thanks alot.

It taken a lot of restraint for me to refuse going with Seun. I had thought about Fubi mainly and I also needed to sleep. He had been pissed with me because of my refusal. As I made breakfast for Fubi who was in bathroom, I thought about why Seun had been so pissed. I had explained to him that I needed to see Fubi before he leaves for school, and his usual understanding self was not so understanding anymore.
I placed the food on the dinning table before going upstairs to take my bath. I made a mental note to call Seun and apologize.

The vibration from my phone woke me up, I didn't know the number so I silenced it and slept back. The phone vibrated again, the time louder than the first time. Like I was been summoned to take the call.
' Hello, I'm Mr Lucky. Is this the Kalio's resident?' The voice asked pouring out authority. He asked to speak to a guardian or parent of Fubi after I answered in the affirmative. Apparently, he was the principal or commandant of the Nigerian Navy secondary school and Fubi had been caught making out with a girl in class. How does somebody make out in class? I thought. He needed me to come to school tomorrow with Fubi to discuss about his behaviour.

Fubi has called my questions irrelevant when I asked him about the accusations. He had even tried to convince me to not join him to school tomorrow that it wasn't necessary. I dismissed his insinuations and told him I'll be home early tomorrow so I can join him to school.

I had gone earlier to the club so I could talk to Seun before it's time. He has refused to pick my calls, or return them, or replied my text messages. I saw him smoking close to his car and walked up to him. He had hugged me tight the moment he saw me like nothing happened. He complimented me and asked me to drink beer with him. I couldn't wipe the surprise off my face, although a part of me was happy that he wasn't angry anymore, another part wanted so bad to know why he hadn't picked my call, or returned them, or replied my text. And that part won.
' I've been calling you all day, you didn't pick. I even sent a text'. I said swallowing, trying hard not to push a button. ' Thought you were mad at me'. I said, making it sound more like a question. He turned to look at me, holding my gaze and said, ' I was pissed then, not so much now'. He said, holding my cheek to kiss me. Somehow that statement had made me scared.

I hurriedly took my bath, I wasn't going to eat until I come back from the school. I wore a grey coloured skirt and a black top, my black snickers tied tightly on my feet. Fubi was changing stations on the the TV when I walked in. He looked at me his mouth dropping a little. He had never seen my face all done up.
The principal, a very dark tall man sat on his desk scribbling something on a piece of paper when we walked in. He looked at us and smiled lightly before offering us a seat. He eyes sized me up and I could tell what he was thinking, just then he asked. ' Are you Fubara's sister?'
' Yes sir ', I said smiling. ' My name is Belema ' . He had looked at me again, intimidating me. ' Sorry, but if I may ask how old are you?'
' 20 sir'. I lied the smile not leaving my face. Fubi turned to look at me before shaking his head a smile playing on his lips. Trying to avoid more questions, I had quickly talked. ' I'm sorry sir about Fubara, he's usually not like that. I think the pain of loosing two parents is telling on him'. I paused, thinking briefly of my parents and how dad would have handled it if he were here. ' I'm truly sorry' . I said concluding. Then I remembered Fubi had to apologize too, so I hit him hand on the knee with mine and gave him a sign with my head. He had understood immediately and apologized too. After that the principal asked him to go to class but promised to punish he and the girl.
' Did he tell you about it?' The principal asked as Fubi walked out. I shook my head.
' it was in Economics class, the teacher had given them a class work and was going round to check. He noticed Fubi was not busy, but was normal since he's always so fast with things like that. But what had caught his attention was the girl that shares a seat with Fubi was also not writing and trust me she's not that smart'. He looked as if to figure out if I was listening. ' The teacher had come close from behind only to see her making faces. He had looked closely to notice the her skirt was moving and Fubi's had was underneath.' My mouth flung open, I was lost for words.

nice story, started only yesterday. loved it.

Dedicated to Sharafawizkidayo.

I walked through the crowd towards the DJ stand. Loud music filled the room, so did smoke. I walked unconsciously to the beat of the music like I was on a catwalk. I looked directly at Seun, he was frisking his disk and laptop, one hand on his headset. His body moving rhythmically to the sound of the song. He stopped for a moment, looked up and our eyes locked, he smiled at me releasing his hand to briefly to wave at me. I waved back. I was confident, I could feel people look at me, few of them signalling me to come. I had begged Aya to make me up. She was surprised at first, but I was desperate. Seun had told me the last time we went out together that he didn't like my face au natural. He had said specifically that I wasn't ugly, but I needed to look my best at all times especially when I was with him. I had even purchased a makeup kit online. I didn't feel so exposed anymore with my short skirt and top made cropped by tying.
' Hi!' Seun had said, as I passed him the bottle of beer. ' look good, join me' he had said stretching a hand towards me. ' I don't know Seun, I'm working'
' C'mon' he said with a smug. ' Don't worry about that' , he said, his hands still stretched towards. I don't know what came over me, but I took his hand and the pulled me up to the DJ stand. He had kissed me lightly close to my mouth, and I felt shy immediately. He removed the headset from his head and pur it on my. He asked my favourite song, and when I told him he played it. The entire gesture felt nice, I was beaming brighter than a sun ray. His hands wrapped my waist, as I moved slowly to the song.
I watched white beard talking to Chucks and Chucks pointing in my direction, my heart sank but I didn't move. it was like his touch had made me immobile. White beard came close to the DJ stand and sternly ordered me to come down. I removed the headset and kept it on the table before climbing the stairs down. Seun hadn't said anything, he only smiled and continued with his DJing. Later white beard had warned me angrily never to abandon my duty post.

Aya had come to tell me that Seun needed me outside. The bright light lit up the entire dressing room. I hadn't seen him after white beard embarrassed me from his stand. I looked at myself again on the mirror, my eyes deep and intent. I pushed the chair back a little and stood up, I had change my clothes to the usual jeans and top.
The outside of the club was a little busy this time, people hung around at different spots buying suya and sharwama. I scanned the place looking for him. ' You disappeared ' Seun said startling me. ' I'm sorry, Mr Andrew needed me'. I said referring to white beard. ' Follow me'. He said heading toward the car park. I was uncomfortable because it was dark, but I followed him anyway. As we close to his car, he spun me skilfully so that my back rests on the car and kissed me on the lips. it was my first kiss. My mouth parted to give way to his tongue, I didn't know how, but I followed his rhythm. It was getting heated, I could taste him in me. I felt my stomach tighten, and sweet electric impulse down at my groin area. His body rested lightly on me, and I could literally see sparks in form of fireworks flying everywhere.
He stopped abruptly, my subconscious screamed ' No' and begged him to continue, but no word came out of my mouth. I was breathing like I had just completed a marathon. He looked into my eyes and asked me to follow him home.

Thanks guys. I appreciate

He was the first guy that had directly come to talk to me. I was happy in child like way, I was all grown up now, I thought. Aya had told me that he was known as DJ skillz and was popular in both Port Harcourt and Lagos. She said he had produced some good beats for some famous artists and because of that he doesn't really talk to anybody at the club except white beard. He also works only on weekends at the club. She said I must be special for him to have picked interest in me, since the other waiters and dancers including her have been trying to get his attention. That even made me happier. I don't work on Mondays, so when I woke up by 10, I had decided to go to the market to get what we need for the entire week. I entered the bathroom with only a towel wrapped around my chest.
My phone was vibrating on the table as I came out of the bathroom. I didn't know the number but I picked anyway. The voice from the other end sounded familiar.
' remember me? Seun.' I smiled adjusting my towel on my chest. ' Oh, hi!' I said stammering. ' What will you be doing today?' he asked. ' Will be going to the market, why?'
' Why don't I pick you up, maybe we could have lunch first.' He said.
' I don't know...I also have to Cook '.
' Pls don't say no, I'd not be able to survive it.' I laughed and agreed. He had taken me to one a restaurant close to mothercat. It was nice, we had talked about everything. I told him about Fubi, my parents, and even their death. He told me about his. We laughed and joked together, he had bought food for Fubi and even followed me to the market. When he dropped me in front of my gate, he had told me how happy he was that I went out with him and kissed me on the check.
Fubi ate the food without asking any question. I resumed work again on Wednesday.

Uncle Femi had brought some cooked food for us. His wife had made it. He stayed with us for a while asking questions and trying to find out how we were doing. Ava had come over to the house too. Her tight trousers bringing out all her curves, her crop top exposed her belly button showing a ring on it. Both uncle Femi and Fubi had been briefly distracted by her loud entrance. She greeted uncle Femi casually and said hi to Fubi before sitting on the couch close to me. Uncle Femi's eyes had searched her judgmentally. His eyes rested on her belly button before looking at my face with a frown. I quickly avoided his eyes and looked at the floor. Fubi was clearly enjoying the show as there was a stupid grin on his face as he sizes Aya. There was an awkward silence in the room for some minutes.
' Where did you two meet?' Uncle Femi said directing his question to Aya.
' Work'. She had said nonchalantly flinging her hand in the air. Her beautifully painted nails facing me.
' Work?' Uncle Femi had asked surprised, ' What work?' He asked looking at me. I swallowed. I had refused to tell him, because I knew he'd disapprove. He asked again raising his voice this time.
' I took a job at a club '. I said locking his gaze. Uncle Femi's eyes shone is bewilderment. ' A club?' He asked like he hadn't heard me well. ' A club?' He asked again shouting. Fubi and Aya looked from me to uncle Femi. ' Why would you work? and a club too?' He said looking at me sternly. ' How long have you been working there?'
' About three weeks' I said.
' And you didn't see it necessary to tell me?'
' I'm sorry uncle Femi but I was avoiding this same reaction ' I said looking at him. He sat out of the couch, on the edge.
' You have enough money Belema, money that could last you and your brother a very long time'.
' I need to keep topping it uncle Femi.' I said trying to see reasons with him. ' I don't know about you but every time I remember that I have money, I also remember all the things I need that are not necessary'. I said making my point. He looked at for a while struggling with what to say next. ' Can it at least not be a club?' He begged. I sat forward too, looking directly into his eyes. ' I need you to trust me uncle Femi. I'll be fine'. He sighed and rested back on the couch.
As he was leaving he told me he didn't like Aya, said she was trouble and asked me to stay away from her.

Thanks swtteks

I looked at the mirror not recognizing myself. God, I'm beautiful and I was noticing for the first time. After the hair do, Aya had insisted I fixed my nails. In the dressing room Aya had made me up. My eyes covered in eyeliner, my brow shaped like the Nike sign. Every roughness on my phase has been covered by different layers of powder, my lip was covered in red lipstick and looked luscious. I admired myself.
' You should get your ass out of that chair if you want to get paid'. Aya said smiling. I scrambled to my feet. ' come here' she said. I walked to her and the tied my top at my back revealing my belly. ' You have a flat belly, flaunt it' she said to me. I felt uncomfortable and I told her, but she would not let me put it down. As I walked out of the dressing room, I bumped into white beard. His eyes scrutinized me causing me to blush. ' Who are you?' he said looking at me with a smile playing on his lips. ' You look hot' he said smiling and walking away.

' Wow!' Chucks, the bartender exclaimed as I sat on the stool in front of him. ' I almost did not recognize you ' he said smiling. I spined the chair around, opening my arms and laughing. ' it's all Aya' I said. ' Then she's just wasting her talent ' He said and winked at me.
He gave me a bottle of harp and pointed towards the DJ. ' Give this to him'. I picked it from the table and went to the DJ, I called his attention, gave him the beer and walked away. I could notice his eyes on my body, so were the eyes of every other person. I felt exposed. but good.
I had changed into my trousers and hooded cloths. I stood outside the club, but inside the compound to wait for Aya. She has asked to follow me to my house since it's closer. I heard the door close behind, but I was too distracted by my thought that I didn't bother to look. I could feel the person come close to me and I thought it was Aya, so I turned around slowly. It was someone else. His big size over shadowing me, his hair was a short dreadlocks. His lips was black from cigarette smoking. I was startled by him, he held my shoulders quickly to keep me from falling, a light smile playing on his lips. He apologized and stood by my side looking in the direction I have been looking at.
' what are you looking at' he asked me not taking his eyes off that direction.
' What?' I asked confused. He looked at me not loosing the smile. ' I was watching you, you been standing here for close to 30 minutes looking at that direction' he said pointing at the direction.
' Oh, hmm...nothing' I said with a stammer. He scrutiny making me blush a little. ' I'm just waiting for my friend'. I said.
' Okay. My name is Seun'. He said stretching his arm towards me. I shook it and responded him. ' When you gave me that drink today, I knew I had to talk to you'. Then I remembered where I had seen his face, he's the DJ.

Noises from downstairs woke me up. I checked the time on my phone, 5:30, damn I should get ready. I took a peek first into the living room and saw Fubi. A group of about 4 boys surrounding him, they were talking and laughing. ' Hi sis!' Fubi said waving his hands towards me. He must have seen me hiding. ' Did we wake you?' He asked as I walked towards them in the living room. I shook my head and smiled at the boys who greeted me. ' Have you eaten?' I asked, walking out and into the kitchen. ' Yes, got your note.' Fubi shouted at me who was now in the kitchen. I had woken up at 10 to take my bath, eat and study a little. I had reheated the soup and made garri for Fubi and scribbled a note for him. ' There's soup in the pot and already baked garri. Don't wake me'. I brought out a pot to boil rice. I washed the rice twice before putting it a pot. Lit the gas and place the pot on it. I brought the stew out of the fridge and placed it in sink to melt. I had stopped hearing voices in the living room, so I suspected they had left. I went there to watch some programmes on TV as I wait for the rice.
Few minutes later I was frying the plantain, when Fubi came into the kitchen with most of the things I had seen in the living room.
' How was your first day?' He asked putting the liquid soup on the sponge to wash the cups. ' Went well, I even got a tip' . I said smiling, he smiled too.
His grab on my butt made me uncomfortable. He looked like he was in his late forties or early fifties. Why would a man this old be here I wondered. I tried to move away from him, but he held my hand and blabbed something about me staying with him. I tried to smile and walk away, pleading him to let go of my hands. But his grip was tighter. I was helpless, I've never been in a situation like this.
' Get your hands of her grandpa or you'll loose it forever'. I turned to look at who had come to my rescue. ' Oh Aya, babe' The man had said pronouncing every syllables of babe. ' Don't be jealous you'll always be my number 1' he said and hiccupped in a drunk way. He said leaving my hands.
' Thank you ' I said to Aya later in the dressing room. She was wearing just a bra and pant.
' Oh, it was nothing ' she said wearing her trousers. ' He's a regular', She said referring to the man. ' Everybody call him grandpa. Heard he's an uncle gwenz'. She said wearing her top. ' He's gonna harass you till a new girl comes, so enjoy it' she said and winked.
I packed my natural hair into a higher pony and zipped my bag.
' You should make your hair' she said as a suggestion. ' I know a place, it's cheap but good. I could take you. ' She offered. ' That'll be fine' . I said looking at her as she touched up her face with powder. 'How about by 5 today, we could come to work together after that.
' where do I meet you' I asked.
' Gimme your number, I'll call you'.

' It's a perfect size'. I spun around to see a dark skinned girl that looked nothing more than 22. Her hair was cut very low and sprayed brown, she had the hips of Sophia vegara and the breast of Scarlett Jo. She looked like a vixen. Her skirt was pulled up by her butt, making it even shorter.
' Hi! I'm Aya. Infunaya, but every body calla me Aya' she said stretching her hand. I took it in mine. ' I'm Belema'. I said. 'We need to make it sexy, Belema is a little bit too local'. she said nonchalantly. ' Bells!' she said almost shouting like she found the solution to global warming. ' Bells is good, that's what you should tell people. That way people will look at you as someone who's sophisticated and not local, and you'll get more tips' She said and tied her top to the side, exposing her body. ' You should makeup, guys dig that too. if you are lucky you'll meet someone who is ready yo spend today.' My eyes widened at her bold insinuations. She walked out, leaving me alone. I looked at the mirror, my hair was still natural, my face plain and pale. I looked like a mess, but I didn't care. I just needed something like this to clear my head.
The loud music blared continuously from the speakers. Disco light of different colours shone everywhere. I walked up to the bar and met a tall, muscled bartender. He was very handsome too, but not like white beard. I saw other bartenders attending to people, they all looked handsome. Like they were selected for their looks, yes they were. I didn't know what to do, I was confused. ' Here darling', I heard the bartender say, passing me a tray with some cups in them. ' Take it over there. Come right back please'. He said pointing to a group of boys sitting at a spot. I took it from him and moved as slowly and carefully as I could to where he had pointed. I placed the glasses on the table and immediately scuffled back to the counter. ' You've almost poured out the entire drink. Didn't they complain?' the bartender asked. I shook my head. ' Oh, they must be so drunk not to have noticed.'
' Here, let me show you'. Aya, who has been listening said from beside me. ' You should hold your tray, not with your center palm, but with your fingers and the edge of the palm. Bend your legs a little so the weight rests on your upper body.' She said bending me a little. I went some more rounds that night/ morning and I even got a tip before going home.
I had gotten home by 5 in the morning. I took my bath, and put hot water in the flask in case Fubi would want to drink tea. Then I knocked on his door to wake him up, before going to sleep. I was beyond exhausted and I needed rest.

I rushed my dinner of fried yam and fish, Fubi had prepared. Though most of it got burnt whenever he fries it I don't ever complain. I need him to learn how to cook, so the stress does not rest on me alone. I made sure not to cook until he's around. That way we get to cook together and learn too. I wore a blue jean trousers, I love jeans it's always an easy go for me and a red top. I wore my sandals and put my 6 inches heels into my back pack.
I went into the kitchen to tell Fubi I was leaving, I told him to sleep early and that I'd be back early tomorrow . I checked my wrist watch, damn I was running late. ' wait let me walk you down' Fubi said putting off the gas and cleaning his hands on the towel.
' No don't worry I'll be fine'.
' Yeah, whatever' He said not backing down.

' So how has school been?' I asked making small talks, we haven't talked since forever .
' Good.' he simply said. I already knew it was good. Fubi was what you call one of those gifted kids, he never reads and he never forgets either. He makes Physics and Maths that I've always hated seem like social studies. Funny thing is he has always refused to represent his school for any competition and it never affected his social life either. He has always been very social and cool around people and made friends really fast. I on the other hand have been the quiet, anti social one. I wasn't dumb, but I wasn't gifted either.
' Can my friends come over tomorrow, like after school?'
' I don't know Fubi, I don't think I'll be able to clean after you guys'.
' I promise we will be quiet, and we won't eat all the food, and I'll clean up after'.
' yeah right. the day you clean something' I said sarcastically and we both laughed. it's been a while since we talked and laughed like this. I liked it.
I hugged him tight but quickly and reminded him to sleep early, before I walked in.
The exterior of the club looked even more beautiful at night. Neon lights shone everywhere. The red, blue and green colors dancing erratically. I walked in through the door labeled staff.
' Are you the new girl?' I turned around swiftly to look at who asked. The man looked like he should be in his forties, early forties. He wore a small jacket over his blue shirt and a black trouser. He looked so smart, his beards was white for his aged and covered half of his face, his hair looked like they were carved with a knife. It was perfect, he was perfect. I tried to answer but nothing came out so I nodded.
' Follow me ' he said walking through a corridor into a room labeled dressing room. He was talking and walking, 'there are two dressing rooms in this club. One is for the dancers and the other for workers.' he turned to looked at me and used his hand to gesture, before saying ' like you'. He paused for a while to talk to a girl who looked like her bust will come out off her uniform anytime and say 'howdy'.
' Did you come with your heels?' Mr white beard said turning to me.
' You were asked to come with one right?' he asked again when I didn't answer the first time. I nodded and brought it out of my bag.
' Do you talk? because you'll have to do a lot of talking here, especially to customers.'
' I'm sorry' I said finding my voice, ' of course I talk' I said smiling nervously. He stopped to look at me with a raised eye brow.
' How old are you?' He asked suspiciously.
' I uhm...18' I said making it sound like a question.
' Do your parents know you are here?' he asked, his eyes searching every inch of me. His stare made me blush. ' Does it matter?' I asked not knowing where my confidence came from. He looked from the tip of his glasses, then he moved it to adjust his focus. He turned back to continue with his tour. He introduced me to the other girls and gave me my uniforms. Two shirts,( red and black), a red skirt and a black short. Which is to be worn alternatively with whatever heel we want. He told me to get ready and left.

so I thought to hail those who've been doing a wonderful job here. You are all invited to read:Larrysun
Ozila
Audreytimms
Repo girl
360prince
Mynd44
Candy
Princesa
Prettyspicey
Flakkydagirl
Sammyhoe
Therock555
Frank316
Royver
Ishilove
Fiyah
Dt97 and others. welcome to read and pls criticize as much as you want.

Fubi had gone to school leaving me alone at. The morning was bright, sunlight penetrated into the kitchen as I was washing the left over plates. After that I sat down on the couch and watched a movie on my laptop. I was bored so I thought about going to the market to get some fruits and stationary. I changed into a blue Jean trousers and a black blouse, I bent under the bed to find my gladiator sandals. I looked at the huge mirror beside my wardrobe as I arranged my natural hair. I wasn't in the mood to make up, I haven't made up since my parents died. I looked at my parents cars that were still packed in the compound and remembered all the good times I've spent in them. 'Why didn't they go with their car?' I thought. Maybe, just maybe if they had gone with their car they'd still be alive. The police had said it was the recklessness of the driver that caused the accident. ' why didn't they go with their car?' I thought again.
I flagged down a taxi heading towards agip junction from GRA. I was going to get a bus from there to mile 3 where I'd buy the fruits and maybe the stationary. The hot sun burnt through my skin as I walked through the market buying pineapples, apples, bananas and oranges. I got tissues, pads, milk, sugar, Milo, some biscuits, cereals and other breakfast food. Our car was stuck in traffic close to Terry's club. I had always been fascinated by the exterior decor of the club, and it was the same thing today, I was enjoying the view when the vacancy plastered on the gate caught my eye. Just then an idea popped into my head.
I sat on the reading table in my room and tried to apply for a job for the first time in my life. I've done it in school, but nothing serious. I folded the letter neatly and put it in the envelope I had taken from dad's room, after that I edited the CV in my laptop that I did as an assignment in my A'levels communications in English. I added a few skills that weren't true, and added my A'level just to make the CV fancy.
' Why are you editing your CV?' Fubi asked. I didn't even hear him walk into my room, I must have been carried away by what I was doing.
' I saw a vacancy, thought I should apply'
' and school?' he asked with a little strain in his voice.
' I told you I wasn't gonna leave you here all by yourself'
' so you are just gonna forfeit school?
' no, I've applied for the national open university, I'll go there. it'll be easier all I have to do is read and study at home online, then I go to their center for my exam.' I told him trying to not just convince him but myself too. Surprisingly he hadn't argued with me, he just asked where I got the job.
' Terry's club' he looked at me like I was joking, ' It's a club, do you know what it means?' he asked not waiting for my response, ' you'll have to start by 7 or maybe 8 and be there till it's 3 or 4'. he said like I was his younger sister and didn't know what I was doing.
' I know, I'll be fine Fubi.' I said hoping he'll drop it. ' By the way, I can't stay at home all the time. I need to keep busy.' Luckily Fubi had seen reasons with me and even agreed to follow me to the club to drop my CV. I know I'm older than he is, but I've always considered his opinions as important. After all, he's the only true family I've got.

Fubi who was lying on the couch stood up and walked towards me immediately I entered the house. ' Uncle Iyaye is in the dinning ' he whispered. I walked straight to the dinning followed closely by Fubi and uncle Femi. Uncle Iyaye looked up from the plate of ogbono soup he was eating and smiled at me. Fatu had prepared soup and stew that was to last us a week, she had gotten a new job as a live in nanny and so had to leave us, but she had promised us to come whenever she can to cook for us. ' Welcome Belema, where are you coming from?' he asked. ' Out' I simply replied. ' What are you doing here?' Uncle Femi asked sitting down on one of the empty seats. Uncle Iyaye looked at him in derision and made a statement about how he came to see his brother's children. After that he had asked me to send uncle Femi away because he had something he'd like to discuss with me. I told me he could say whatever he wanted as uncle Femi was now our lawyer. Uncle Iyaye had laughed spitefully, he stood up leaving his plates behind and walking into the living room to watch TV. I picked up the plate and walked into the kitchen,Fubi followed me closely while uncle Femi followed uncle Iyaye to the living room. ' Did you succeed?' Fubi asked resting on the counter as I washed the plates. I looked at him and nodded. I had gone to the bank with uncle Femi to change signatory of my parents accounts, they three different accounts; my mom's salary account, dad's salary account and their joint account. Uncle Femi also sent letters to both LNG where dad worked and the university of port Harcourt where mom worked so they can pay some kind of arrears. Uncle Femi said those monies could help us till I'm done with school and get a job. ' Did he say why he's here?' I asked referring to uncle Iyaye. ' No'. Fubi said with a shrug. I cleaned my hands on the towel by the fridge and followed Fubi back to the living room. There was an awkward silence in the living room that was only interrupted by the sound of the TV. ' I want to talk to both of you alone'.
' No you can't' . Uncle Femi chipped in.
' Fine, I'd say it'. Uncle Iyaye said sitting up. ' I'll be living here with you till you are old enough to stay on your own'. Fubi's eyes widened in surprise, he looked at me waiting for my answer. I looked around the living room and noticed that both uncle Femi and uncle Iyaye were also looking at me, probably expecting an answer. ' Thank you uncle, but we are old enough to take care of ourselves.' I said defiantly. Uncle Iyaye looked as me like there were spiders crawling out of my mouth.
He had left a few minute later blaming uncle Femi for influencing me and turning me into a terrible child. Uncle Femi had left right after asking us to call him in case of any problem.

I sat on the toilet seat and thought about what Fubi had said. I didn't even see myself going to school this year, I thought, it was cruel for me to force him to go to school when I wasn't even thinking about it. I was sorry for forcing him. What would daddy do? he'd have tried to make a deal with Fubi, he does that all the time and it works. Mom is a busy unaffectionate woman. She doesn't really have time for us or dad. She's a professor of sociology at the university of port Harcourt, that made her always busy. She was rarely at home and stays in her room whenever she's home. I think it was why she and daddy had separate rooms. Daddy was lonely most times, but he always made excuses for mom. I've never seen mom Cook, Fatu does all the cooking. She doesn't know a thing about us, she doesn't even remember our birthdays. I got an idea at that moment. I stood up and flushed. I knocked on Fubi's door and quietly went in without waiting for an answer. I sat on his bed this time. ' we could switch you to day school'. He sat up and sized me I think to check if I was serious. ' That way we can both take care of each other. it's just us now Fubi, we can't fight ourselves. We have to survive.' I said tapping his arm gently. He didn't smile, but his eyes lit up. I knew he liked it.

I was woken by the noise downstairs. I checked my phone, it was 5:30am.
I came downstairs after looking at the mirror for close to 5 minutes. I had stood there and looked at the girl in the mirror, she was different. No she had changed. The short black dress I wore hung loosely on my shoulder. I had lost weight.
Fatu was arranging the things we'll use to serve guests that will come to the house after the burial. Fubi had refuse to wear a suit, or the material that was given to us. He had instead opted for a black jean and a black polo top. The blanked out most times at the burial, so I didn't hear most of what was said. The eulogy was said by uncle Iyaye instead of Fubi. We had poured sand into the graves and watched as people cried their eyes out. Fatu was close to us crying profusely. Everything after that was a blur. In no time we were home.

uncle Femi drove Fubi and I home from my parents burial meeting. It was a fiasco. I was beginning to understand why dad never went close to his family. Uncle Iyaye had moved the notion first that 400 thousand naira be withdrawn from dad's account to set up things for the burial. When uncle Femi said he wasn't a signatory to the account, uncle Williams had insisted that they go all daddy's accounts tomorrow to make sure they are made signatories. Uncle Femi had stormed out of the meeting strictly asking us to follow him. I knew he was angry, his jaw was clenched and it looked like he trying to force the anger down his throat. I was angry too. ' Fake ass uncles'. I thought. Uncle Femi shut the door quietly as we walked into the house. ' the burial is going to take place before Fubi leaves for school'. Uncle Femi had said walking to the kitchen. He pour himself a glass of water, drank it empty before joining us again in the living room. ' so, no matter how much your uncles try to delay the burial will hold within the next two weeks with or without them'. He said adjusting his tie. I nodded and looked at Fubi. I had totally forgotten about school. Fubi was going to be in SS3 when school opens in September at the Nigerian Navy secondary school port Harcourt, a boarding school and I had just gained admission at the university of port Harcourt to study public/international relations. How would we cope? I don't know how to do this, I was confused at that moment. I was still thinking about how things would be when school resumes when Fubi knocked out of my thought with the most outlandish statement ever. He had said he would not be going back to school. Uncle Femi was as surprise as I was. ' Yes you will'. I had simply said. ' No Belema, I will not' he had continued defiantly. ' If I go to school who will stay here with you? I can't possibly leave you alone, I know you think you are old enough but 18 years isn't much' he had said raising his voice. I couldn't believe I had heard clearly, what was he talking about?. ' so what do you want to do, take care of me?' I had asked raising my voice in disbelief. ' You are going back to school and that is final '. I had screamed. ' You'll have to force me then.' Fubi said and ran upstairs. Uncle Femi who had watched the whole drama had patted my shoulder had told me to go easy on Fubi before leaving the house.

Uncle Femi paced the living room, gesturing frantically. His wife sat down on the arm chair at the left side of the room. He was pissed with us for going to the morgue without calling him first, said he would have gone with us to make the sight less difficult. Like that matters. I looked at Fubi, he was listening, I could tell because he had his ear plugs on. I looked at Uncle Femi who had stopped pacing and was standing in front of us, his left hand akimbo. He shook his head and knelt in front of us, his eyes bloodshot. He held both our necks to bring our heads closer to his till it touched his lightly . ' I'm sorry' he said with a cracked voice. ' I really am'.

A knock on the door woke me up that morning, as I slowly walked down the stairs, I noticed Fubi following me. As I opened the door, Fatu, our help from Liberia rushed in. She hugged me so tight, crying seriously. Then she released me to hug Fubi who has been standing there watching us. She touched his face and moved it from side to side asking at the same time if he was okay.

By afternoon our house was filled with sympathizers. Some sobbing, some talking quietly, and others encouraging us. Uncle Femi stood at a corner with uncle Iyaye, uncle Williams and aunty Pamela, daddy's siblings. Fatu and uncle Femi's wife were sharing the garden egg and groundnut they bought.
That night we didn't sleep alone, Fatu had made us dinner and stayed in the guest room downstairs which had always been hers. I kept tossing on my bed as sleep had eloped from me so I went downstairs to get a glass of water when I heard noises coming from Fatu's room. I knew she was crying again.

c'mon guys I need your comments to motivate me. plssssss

Fubi sat on the brick used to arrange the flower bed. He looked up when I got close to him, his eyes dark and shallow. He stretched up to his full length and hugged me tight. He didn't cry, neither did I.

I tried to pull off the keys from it's hole so I can fix it in the hole inside to enable me lock the door from inside the house. Fubi was going upstair. I locked the door and sat on the chair close to the landline on the table. Dad always insisted on it, said handsets were distractions. I got my first phone when I graduated from secondary school, it was my graduation gift. I called Mr Femi, to tell him about my parents. I think he was skeptical too, just like I was at first because he kept asking if I was sure. Femi has been a friend of my father and family too since he was also dad's lawyer I thought he should be the first to know. I didn't know who else to call.

'Can I come in?' I asked Fubi opening the door to his room lightly. He laid on his bed reading a book, it was school book. Fubi never reads. Dad literarily forces him to. As he saw me he kept the opened book on his stomach, but didn't make any effort to sit up. I sat on the plastic chair close to the reading table in the room.
' I called uncle Femi' I said not recognizing my voice. I coughed a little to clear my throat. ' He'll be here soon, probably with his wife' Fubi only nodded, saying nothing else so I continued. ' I don't know who else to call, do you?' At that point Fubi slouched on the wall. 'Uncle Iyaye'. He simply said.

The cold air from the room tore through my skin. It felt colder, I folded my arms together not just to keep warm, but to prevent my heart from falling out. I was scared. I followed the tall policeman who looked smart in his fitted suit. Fubi was beside me, walking just as slowly as I did. We stopped at the middle of the room and waited for the attendant who's dressed in white to open the black bag used to put the body in. At that point I was shivering visibly, my faith was failing me. It seemed to take forever for him to open it, but I never once took my eyes from the body resting on the metal trolley. The tall policeman asked if we were ready. I nodded, I think Fubi did too because the attendant opened the first bag in one swift move exposing the face down to the shoulder . I stood there motionless. He closed it and opened the second, just to the same point. I heard footsteps, and quickly turned around to look. Fubi had run out. It was real, not a dream, not a mistaken identity. My parents were dead. I thought I'd faint, or weep, or just die. But I was calm, I don't know where the strength came from. I looked at the tall policeman and told him they were my parents. I walked past him, my still folded arms bruising his lightly. I didn't wait to check it he had followed.

I knew my live had changed completely, our lives. As I sat on the long settee in our living room, my brother Fubi, sitting very close to me so that our knee touched. it was all I could think about; our lives had changed. I looked at Fubi without turning my head. His expression was blank like it used to be when mom prays at the morning devotion. I wondered what he was thinking about. I looked at the policemen sitting directly opposite us. 'What were they saying?' I thought. Of course it can't be true. We looked at them like they were telling us a story of some other people of which we were no relation to . 'I mean, it could be a case of mistaken identity. Yes, mistaken identity. In a country so poor at forensics in was laughable, I country so quick at judgement without evidence.' Why am I thinking about what a failed state Nigeria is right now? I think either the policemen were tired of our silence or stare, because they both stood up immediately like it was rehearsed. One of them, the tall one cleared his throat and said something about us following him to the morgue for identification. I looked up at them and stood up slowly, I turned to go upstairs but noticed Fubi still sitting down, his face bent to the floor. I thought he was crying so I touched his shoulder. He rose his head up slowly, but stood up much faster. We went upstairs together. The policemen were outside whenever we came downstairs dressed in less reveling outfits . I locked the door as we went outside to join them in their van. ' my parents are not dead, it's just a case of mistaken identity.' I said quietly, almost whispering but convincingly to myself.

hi! I'm new here, pls show some love.
I've just had this crazy concept and thought I needed criticism for the work. so feel free to criticize hard. thank you.
This is a work of fiction.