Cybershow:
Following broh....chinweblinkz u here.....humblebygrace pls wat du u mean by Narrator point of view

Thanks bro. Will complete Chapter two tomorrow, maybe write a bit of chapter three

HumbledbYGrace:
Short update Mr Spacefreaks, and why are your stories all written from the Narrator's point of view?

I prefer writing that way. I understand the character I am trying to create more.

CHAPTER TWO

I slowly pulled into the federal teaching hospital. Its been weeks since the Chinwe incident. Things were getting back to normal. I drove into the the workers car park, switched off my engine and stepped out of the car. New day new opportunities I muttered to myself. I made my way to the histopathology laboratory, my lab coat dangling on my left shoulder with my work bag on my right hand. The hospital seemed busy like always. The histopathology laboratory was secluded from the rest of the labs considering it was built much later in the hospital's cycle. I made my way towards the lab with a series of good morning from co workers and patients. I climbed the mini stairs leading to the lab, opened the door and walked in.

"Good morning Madame Esther" I said smiling

" Good morning Nnamdi. You are early today. Did someone die? " Esther said laughing.

Esther worked at the reception room. She wasn't the only one but she is always early. She sometimes helped collect samples. She mostly fills out forms and maintain records. She was in her early forties. I never really paid much attention to her personal life. I was mostly in and out.

" we are just coming from the weekend. I slept a lot and I wasn't on call " I said dropping my bag on her work table.

" like that has ever stopped you from being late... " she said while she was busy trying to find something in her first drawer

" ...I received some samples yesterday, it has already been stained. You should look at them. Its already on your work bench in the lab " she continued as she fiddled with files

" what about the interns? They are not doing enough work. You should have them do it "

She looked up at me and gave me the " are you okay " look.

" what about Chibuzor and Okechukwu? Or am I the one doing everything? " I was already buttoning up my lab coat.

There were other workers but they were lab technicians. They couldn't accurately read a stained slide even if there lives depended on it.

" Okechukwu is already inside and working on his own pile. And the H.O.U wants the results ready by afternoon, so quit complaining and go work."

I was done buttoning up the lab coat. I hated Mondays, a lot of left over work to be done. I picked up my bag , opened the door to the lab and walked in.

I saw three interns standing beside Okechukwu with their whole attention on what he was doing . I didn't really care for interns except for Uche. I didn't expect to see him this early cause he's always late. They are a pain in the a**. I couldn't tell the difference between them and the students except of course the uniform. I didn't want to get their attention before they will swam around me like bees. Since they didn't notice me walk in I should enjoy the space and privacy for however long it lasted. I walked to my bench and sat on the stool. They were like 3 different slide racks with stained slides filling them. I sighed, the morning was going to be a long one. I unlocked the compartment on the bench, dropped my bag inside and wore gloves. Work has started.

***
I have been working for hours, the interns finally noticed me and swam around me. I tried having no personal relationships with any of them. This was the second batch and they already spent two months. This was their last month in my unit. There was nothing to celebrate though cause at the end of the month a new batch would take their place. I picked up the last slide from the third slide rack and placed it on the object stage of the microscope. My stomach grumbled, the hunger was real.

"sir, what are you hoping to see? " one of the male interns asked

I was tired of questions. First impulse was to tell him to shut the hell up but I calmed down.

" I am trying to determine if the tumour located in- " I picked up the patients form and quickly glanced at the patients name.

" Mr. Nduka's stomach is benign or malignant " I answered the intern while trying to set up the objective lens.

I was tired. I didn't even want to ask questions. I adjusted the lens with the fine adjuster on the side of the microscope while looking through the eye piece.

" tough luck to Mr Nduka. He has cancer " I said while I gently removed the slide from the object stage. I had whispers behind me but I didn't really care.

I wrote my observations down. Packed the results together and made for the lab door. I saw a doctor seated going through results. The other women finally showed up too. Esther was as usual behind her desk. The reception room looked busy. I walked towards Esther.

" here are the results " I said looking at my wrist watch. It was almost time for lunch.

"you work fast, just that you are mostly lazy." Esther said with a grin

" I will make sure the H.O.U signs off on these " Esther said as she collected it from me.

" I need air "

I wasn't really talking to anyone in particular. I made for the main door pulling my lab coat as I walked. I had already disposed of the gloves. I felt my pocket for my car key and got a reassuring bulge. I opened the door and stepped outside. I just stood there looking around. Everybody seemed busy. My phone vibrated in my pocket, I brought it out and answered.

" Obi what sup? "

" lets have lunch together. Work is killing me "

" why should I have lunch with you when you have decided to work for the enemy. "

" Nnamdi your father is not the enemy... " Obioha said laughing

I didn't like talking about my father. Obioha and I are both lab scientists except he specialized in hematology and I in histopathology.

" ...besides the pay is good. You know some people actually need the extra pay and public hospitals sucks "

I knew he was referring to me indirectly but I didn't bother with it.

" same place? "

" yeah. Same place"

I dropped the call.

I didn't bother to go back inside and tell Esther I was going for lunch besides she wouldn't miss me much. I made my way to the car park. My lab coat dangling on my left shoulder. In minutes, I was meters to my car. I brought out the remote from my left pocket and unlocked the doors. I opened the back door and dropped my lab coat on the back seat. I opened the drivers door, buckled my seat belt , then started the car. In no time I was out the hospital gate.

****
Obioha seated right in front of me with a cigarette in between his fingers. Our food wasn't ready yet. He was puffing on it with so much concentration. He liked this particular restaurant because he was allowed to smoke freely. No one really cared considering it was an open space with tables and sits. He noticed I was looking at him with so much concern.

" I swear this is my last stick for today so stop judging me with your eyes. " obioha said as smoke escaped his mouth and nostrils.

I smiled and looked down at my phone on the table.

" Chinwe says you ignore her calls " he was now looking at the direction of the restaurant's kitchen.

I was startled. I was ignoring her calls alright but I am sure as hell not going to admit it.

" she calls at the wrong time..." I paused then continued

"...I tend to forget and not call her back" I concluded

" she feels like you are avoiding her. She has been complaining to me and I am tired..." He dropped the cigarette butt on the floor and stepped on it.

Our food was ready. The waitress brought it over and placed it on the table. Obioha was as usual eating two wraps of "eba". He was getting fat but he didn't really care.

"...we should have dinner together. Tonight. The three of us. I would have said you should bring a date but you almost never have dates" he said as he washed his hands.

It was a bad idea. If I said no to dinner it would be obvious I was avoiding her. Not really in my best interest

" okay, fine. But I am not staying out late. I have to work tomorrow "

" look at who is talking about work..." Obioha said laughing as he unwrapped the first portion of "eba"

" ...7pm is okay yeah? "

" yes. 7pm is okay. " I said considering I get off work by 4pm.

The rest of the lunch was uneventful. We mostly talked sports, a little bit of work and our University days together. Thirty minutes later we were done and drove back to work in our separate cars.

Modified.

Chinweblinkz:
So far so good.
Nice one.
But why chinwe nah?
Person no tell U say chinwes are law abiding born agains?
*covers my face*
she don shame me

Im sorry it was the first name that came to my mind. Your own Chinwe is different

MzNelly Chinweblinkz essielove

HumbledbYGrace hope it isn't disappointing?

I was already late. Obioha was blowing up my phone. I was driving fast towards the airport. At least the car was in good condition - thank God. I just got the car. It would have been a damn shame if anything happened to it. BMWS don't come cheap. Most importantly my uncle would have lost faith in me totally. I got to the airport gate and drove in. My phone started vibrating once more.

"Obi Im very sorry. You would soon see me. Start coming out, Im at the car park" I said into the phone

"its alright" obioha said and the line went dead.

I drove to the car park and parked. I unbuckled my seat belt, opened my door and came out of the car. I looked into the distance hoping to see obioha. I saw a man on stripped shirt and blue jeans struggling with his luggage. It was Obioha alright. I just stood near the drivers door and watched. The way he walked with his slightly bowed leg amused me. He was older than I am but friendship isn't about age like he always said. I was 28, he was 31. He has this baby face, guessing his age is really a pain for strangers. He was now getting closer. Smiles quickly played on his lips.

"Nnamdi so you cant help me with my luggage? Is it better like this? "

"Im sorry. I had a long night. I feel so tired" I said smiling while I reached for the remote to open the booth.

"Yeah I know chinwe told me all about it this morning" he said as he dropped his bags in the booth.

Immediately my heart started racing. Sweat started forming on my forehead. I swallowed hard.

" what did she tell you? " I tried sounding not too concerned.

" Get me out of here first. We'll talk about that on the road " Obioha said as he opened the passenger door.

I sighed while I opened the drivers door. Moments later we were on the road.

" I heard you got super wasted yesterday evening " Obioha said laughing

" You even left your car at the lounge and chinwe had to help put you in a cab " he was now laughing uncontrollably

I eased up a bit. I forced a smile. Its now obvious he didn't know half the story.

" she said she worried about you when she got home last night " he has now eased up on the laughter

Chinwe got home last night? Why did she lie to him I thought. I had to say something. My silence was becoming awkward.

" you know the story bro. I drank a lot and it was embarrassing " I managed to speak at last

" Chinwe must have been embarrassed, I should apologise to her "

" no worries. I think she understands. You guys are like family to me " Obioha said

A part of me died immediately. I still felt relieved. Still didn't understand the game Chinwe was playing. My stomach grumbled and I remembered I haven't had anything all day.

" we should go eat. I am starving " I said

" you just read my mind " Obioha said trying to light a cigarette.

"does Chinwe know you still smoke? "

" naa not at all. You know how these things are " he said as he puffed on the cigarette.

I turned up the stereo. My mind set on food. I have work tomorrow, I need to turn in early.

I woke up around past 3 pm partly due to hunger. Couldn't believe I slept for that long. I looked around for my phone but it wasn't anywhere close. It must be in the bedroom I thought to myself. I got up, duvet in hand and walked straight to my bedroom. As I opened the door, the condom pack on the floor was like "hey a**hole look at me". It all came back again. I didn't have time to feel sad, I had to find my phone first. I quickly looked around for any clues as to where my phone could be. I decided to check my work table. I picked up the condom pack and disposed it in the dust bin close to my room door. I checked the drawers of my work table but still couldn't find my phone. I was running out of time. I looked around the room once more, my trousers was on the floor close to the standing fan. I picked it up went through the pocket then Bazinga! My phone was in the front pocket with my debit card which I momentarily forgot I had. There was a couple of loose change in the back pocket. I quickly unlocked my phone. Saw a couple of missed calls mostly work related. I also saw a text from Obioha warning me strictly not to be late. I hit my hand on my forehead, I had to get ready. I needed to pick my car up first. I decided to dial a cab.

"hello, oga Chidi you dey work? "

"yes oga. Everyday na work. I think say you don buy car oga? "

" free that talk, come my house first. "

"okay sir. Adee come "

I dropped the call. I quickly pulled out the bed spread and the duvet and dropped them in the laundry pile. I opened the bathroom door and walked in.
I brushed my teeth and rushed my bath and in few minutes I was out. I looked at the wall clock it was almost 4 pm. I opened my wardrobe brought out a pair of dark blue chinos and a white polo tees. I dropped them on the bed. I applied deodorant and quickly put on clothes. My phone vibrated on the work table, I picked it up and answered.

"oga adee outside" chidi said

"adee come" I said as I grabbed my car key and my wrist watch from the night stand drawer.

"Nnamdi, Nnamdi! Wake up"

My eyelids opened. It was Chinwe, so it wasn't a dream after how much I hoped. It was real. I looked at the wall clock it was past 9 am.

"surprised to see you on the couch. Did I make you uncomfortable?" She inquired jokingly. She was already dressed up and ready to leave. I immediately sat up.

"no, not at all" I lied.
"I can see you are ready to leave. We should talk" I said without really thinking.

"There is nothing to talk about. Quit acting like a child. We are good" she said laughing.

I couldn't understand how any of this could be funny or how I am being a child. I just stared.

"Remember to pick your friend up by 4pm from the airport today. He already called me. I need to get to my place and prepare for church" she said while trying to put on her shoes. I just sat and stared.

"and uhm if you wondering about your car, you should go back to the lounge. I told the security to take care of it. Your key and wrist watch are in the first drawer of your nightstand" she was done wearing her shoes and looked ready to go.

"see you around Nnamdi" she said as she closed the door behind her.

I just sat there wondering why the devil was punishing me. How did I allow this to happen. The two of us has been out a couple of times alone but she always ended up in her apartment. Obioha was cool with us hanging together. He is a care free fellow and always felt the need to dominate females partly cause he grew up with an abusive elder sister. That story he doesn't really tell anyone. He trusted me, that is the part that actually hurts. I laid back down cause I wasn't ready for reality yet. In no time I dozed off.
_____________________________

Copyright © 2015
All rights reserved. This piece or any portion thereof may not be copied or reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the writer.
Email: Mreon870@hotmail.co.uk
_____________________________
CHAPTER ONE

My eyelids slowly parted. My whole body felt like it wasn't mine. My head banged like it was being panel beaten. My throat felt dry like knock knock jokes. For seconds I had no idea where I was. Then it crept up on me, this is my apartment I said to myself smiling like I won the lotto. I dragged myself off the bed. Water! I need water. I walked sluggishly towards the refrigerator, the previous evening still a blur. My head felt like it wanted independence from my whole body so I held it with both hands for support. I opened the refrigerator brought out a bottle of water and drank straight from the bottle like a dying refugee. After seconds of gulping, I felt a bit satisfied and I just stood there trying to deal with the headache.

"Nnamdi what are you doing up? Come back to bed" a female voice said sleepily.

I was shocked. I was scared to turn around but the voice sounded so familiar.

"Please come back to bed. I am cold" the voice said softly

I slowly turned around and I could now see the face with the voice. Immediately, the memories hit me like a bull charging down the colour red.
"bleep" I said silently. It did happen for real. It wasn't a dream.

"are you just going to stand there boo?" Chinwe said, now supporting her chin with her right hand.

I was confused. When did I become boo. I wondered if she was still drunk. I tried saying something but nothing came out. I just stood there.

"Quit being nervous and come back to bed" she said with a mischievous smile.

I walked sheepishly to the bed totally forgetting I was holding a bottle of water. I laid down, dropped the bottled water on the night stand and covered myself with the duvet. She immediately cuddled up to me.

"You should sleep" she said yawning "its only past 3 am"

I knew I was never sleeping with her close to me like that. I just stared up towards the ceiling trying to figure out how I got to this point. Within minutes she was already sleeping. I wondered how she could sleep so easily like this was nothing.
I remembered picking her up at her place. Wait. My car. I remembered I didn't drive home. I was too wasted to drive, we took a cab back home. It was now coming back, all of it. I couldn't believe it. I needed to be away from her. I gently removed her arm from my chest and placed it on the pillow I was resting my head on. I quickly got up walked to the wardrobe and brought out another duvet. I quietly opened the door and found my way through the dining room to the sitting room. I didn't have a guest room so it was the couch or nothing. My couch had never looked so good before now, lying down felt good too. My head was still banging and I felt so tired i couldn't think any more. In no time I dozed off.
_____________________________

Haha this one is strong. Bryan should take it easy. Na so heart break dey take start.

HumbledbYGrace:
No short story, the ladies in here will just have to have that pacemaker effect on you if that's what it takes to write this novel.

Lool Im not feeling it yet. I hope I feel it soon.

Chinweblinkz:
Nice one though it was brief, i think you can broaden it and make it into a novel.
You write very well, your descriptive and narrative style was superb.
But...
At least you should have mentioned what type of car Chiamaka drove.
And then a little about what she does to earn a living,you mentioned something about her been more financially balanced than you,i was expecting you say what she really does.
Conclusively,you acted quite rational.
If am a male and an ex tells me we have a baby,i would experience _shock_doubt and i would love to see pictures of the baby before anything.

~my points may not be relevant,but as the saying goes 'each person is a king of his thoughts.
Thats mine.
Thumbs up!
More ink to your pen

Your opinion is very relevant. Thank you. He did experience shock and doubt, that's why he went to the restroom to clear his head. I should broaden it but Im a lazy writer.

MzNelly:


Now, I'm suspecting you

Is this an autobiography?

Lool hell no!. I wish it was. You know, having two independent women that loves you. And of course having a son. I don't have a son and I don't have women that love me.

MzNelly:


I'll be waiting.

I was about to ask how pacemaker syncs with the story.

Never mind; just change the title.

I'm not changing the title. A pacemaker is a specialized tissue that helps the muscles of the heart contract. Their are artificial pacemakers which could be internal or external. It is used as a result of cardiomyopathy.

Lool what I'm trying to say is Chiamaka has the effect of a pacemaker on him. Chisom had that effect but never as strong as Chiamaka. His heart shattered when Chiamaka left. Chisom got it beating at a point but never as strong as it was with Chiamaka

MzNelly:


What if there's no child? What if that's the ex's cheap tactic to get him back?
What if the ex doesn't feel love for him any longer? What if all she wants is just that he assumes his responsibility in caring for the child?
Having a child doesn't automatically mean they should get married. You did say he loved the other girl, didn't you?

I was so lost on your accurate description and the interesting story line and then you just stop...abruptly.

Who does that?

Valid questions. Going into all that means I have a novel on my hand. I don't know, I wasn't cut out for that. I apologise sincerely. I promise you though my next work will be quite lengthier. I would try post Chapter one by tonight. Im hoping you would read it. Thanks for the criticism and support. It means a lot. And again, Im very sorry.

MzNelly:


*sigh*

Continue this one, the end is somewhat disappointing.

Haha cause he is gonna marry the ex? Would you marry a guy with a baby mama? The guy is not a celebrity. He's an average guy trying to survive.

MzNelly:
Are you for real? Is that all?



Someone get me my gun

Lool its a short story. I am sorry, I am a lazy writer. I am working on a novella though. Hope it would be everything you want.

Hey, nice story. Keep it up.

essielove:
following

Thanks for reading.

@HumbledbYGrace I'm sorry it didn't quite end as you hoped. Hope you like the new ending?

"Are you even listening to me? You seem distracted" Chiamaka asked. Her eyes looking for answers.

"I'm sorry. I'm really sorry" I said trying to sit up a bit.

"we should order something. How about a bottle of wine and -"

"A bottle of wine?!" I cut her short. Surprise written all over my face.

"Relax, a bottle of wine would be good for us. You look nervous and I"m nervous as hell. We need to calm down" she said smiling.

She quickly signalled the waitress over and ordered a bottle of white wine and fried chicken. I just stared. She wasn't much of a drinker and she rarely drinks during the day. It must be tough for her sitting here I figured. Shortly, our order was on the table. She opened the wine and poured me a glass. Again, I just stared. I cut a piece of chicken and ate trying to remain calm. The silence was killing me.

" So what sup? Why did you drag me across state lines to see you?"

" what was so important we couldn't discuss over the phone?" I asked as I cut another piece of chicken. My glass of wine was just sitting there.

"I just thought we should talk, you know face to face and I needed to -" she paused and took a sip of her wine. My senses were now alert.

"I needed to tell you something that happened 5 years ago and you should try and understand" she continued

I quickly thought of the things that could have happened and came out blank. I should just listen.

" I don't know how to say this. Uhm you - you have a- a-a s-son. We have a son" her stare quickly dropped to the floor.

"I just thought you should know" she said almost inaudibly

My throat immediately went dry. I couldn't talk. My tongue felt detached. I started sweating rapidly irrespective of the air conditioning in the restaurant. I felt like I was going mad. I immediately picked the glass of wine and gulped it down, poured another and gulped down. I was about pouring another when she interfered.

" you shouldn't drink like that. I know it is a lot to take in but you have to relax " she was now staring at me.

" that was why I left 5 years ago. I knew you wasn't ready for such responsibility " she said. Her voice was now breaking. She was losing confidence.

" please say something " she said, holding my left hand on top of the table.

" I need to use the restroom " I disentangled my hand and got up. She just sat there staring at me. I took my phone and walked towards the restroom. My phone vibrated. It was a text from Chisom. My legs became heavier. I opened the text it read. " I love you. Cant wait for you to get home ". My world crumbled.
I was now inside the restroom. I wasn't sure what to do. I just closed the toilet and sat on it. I should tell Chisom right away before it becomes difficult. I dialled her line immediately. It ranged for a while and she picked.

" Hello, handsome " she said. I could hear her smile. My heart pounded.

" I need to tell you something " I said, my voice sounding unavoidably down

"Are you okay?"

" I don't know. I have a son. With Chiamaka " I just allowed it come out.

" what?! Why are you telling me? What do you want me to do? " Chisom was now shouting.

" Listen, you should get back together with your w.h.ore. Don't ever call my line again. Its over! " the line went dead.

The phone was still on my ear for a couple of seconds as my brain was trying to come to terms with what just happened. I put the phone back in my pocket and held my head with both hands trying to pin point where it all went wrong. It was very possible I had a son. Chiamaka wasn't the one to cheat. I had to get back to the restaurant. I sighed heavily and got up. I made my way to the restaurant. I needed to go home. I needed to see Nnamdi. I walked to where we seated, Chiamaka was just staring at me looking for clues.

" I need to get back " I told her

" Are you okay? " she asked worryingly

" I just need to get back "

" aright lemme drop you off at the park " she offered.

At that moment I didn't really care. I just needed to get home. She signalled the waitress and paid her. I was lost in thought. We made our way out to the car park. We entered the car and drove off. Chiamaka occasionally looked at me from time to time.
____________________________________
I got off at the park, told her I was gonna call. She waved and drove off. I bought my ticket and boarded a bus. In no time we were off. The journey back seemed uninteresting to me. The music was dull. The streets felt empty. The people had no faces. I just sat there trying to come to terms with how things are rapidly changing. I got off at the bus stop and called up Nnamdi to meet me at the bar close to my house. I flagged a cab and went straight to the bar hoping to drink myself to sweet oblivion at least just for today. Chiamaka had already called earlier to make sure I got home safe. I stopped in front of the bar, paid the cab and made my way inside. I found a secluded place with extreme low lighting and sat down. I ordered a bottle of Jack Daniels and coke as I sat patiently. Within minutes I was already drinking.

" come on man, you are already drinking and I'm not trying to judge seems like you deserve it for today" Nnamdi said as he sat down. I already told him everything on the phone on my way back.

" I cant imagine what you going through. Chisom isn't even taking my calls anymore. She even blocked my line" he said shaking his head.

He ordered a glass and poured himself a drink. He took a sip, looked at me and just sighed.

" so what are you gonna do bro? " he asked while he took another sip

I looked up at him and shrugged.
" I guess I have to marry Chiamaka. I think I still love her and she is the mother of my son" I said confidently.

Nnamdi nodded in agreement. We just sat there and drank for the rest of the evening.

The End.