I opened my eyes and groaned at the discomfort I’m feeling,i tried sitting up but my head is pounding with headache.
I groaned loudly with my eyes closed.
I finally opened my eyes when the head ache relieved me a bit.
I took a short glance around the unfamiliar room.

This is definitely not my room…there is no mirror here and also my favorite teddy bear “Tom” which is always beside my mirror .

Damn ! Where’s this?

I finally struggled to sit up….
“Where exactly is this?” I asked rhetorically..
Just then my eyes fell on some medical instrument placed in a little tray on the shelf.

What!
Is this an hospital?
Am i ill?
Was i involved in an accident?

I looked down at my body_im still in my school uniform and there is no blood stain on it…then what the hell am i doing here?

The door flew open as i was trying hard to remember…

I froze when i saw hi__m…him.. Bryan, and at that moment,i remembered everything in a flash.

...Flash Back...

“Arrrrgh” I groaned in annoyance as my alarm grinned loudly, almost blocking off my ears.
I picked it up from my bedside table, switched it off and threw it to only where God knows.

I yawned and rubbed my palms over my face.
I sat up on the bed and turned off the bedside lamp which have no use anymore cause it’s daylight.

I sighed annoyingly….cursing at the damn alarm.
I’m very sure i didn’t set it…it must be mum or Liam..

I rolled my big eyes tucking my hair behind my ears.

What am i supposed to do this morning and why should Mum or Liam set up my alarm when I’m still on holi…

“What !!” I exclaimed loudly..my eyeballs nearly popping out of the socket.

Today is the resumption day for grade 8.
I screamed excitedly jumping happily on my wide mattress. .

I’m not excited about today being the first day of school…I’m excited about something else..

Wanna know?

Yeah I’m gonna tell you__i will finally get to confess my feelings confidently to Bryan…my long time crush..i don’t just have a crush on him..I love him totally.
Bryan is the most handsome teen I’ve ever seen. His jet black curly hair is the first thing to make one drool.
His face alone melts the heart of every damn girl in our school.

His black eyes are the killer…his nose is perfectly shaped and his lips__oh..my..
Bryan has been my friend since grade 7 and it was since then I’ve loved him…I love him not only because of his looks but because my heart chose him..him and him alone.

Even when i was bullied and called “fatty Mara” ,Bryan stood up for me.. yeah..i was once a fat and ugly girl with no shape…I was surprised when i became Bryan’s friend in grade 7…I’ve always had a secret crush on him since grade 6.. becoming his friend was an honor to me.

The bullying got more intense,but Bryan always stood up for me.
We are three best friends___Bryan,Ellen and i..we’ve been friends since grade 7 and only Ellen knows about my secret love for Bryan..I didn’t have the nerve to confess my love to Bryan then cause of the way i looked..I was fat and ugly but now..no guy will see me and not take a second glance..

You’re wondering how that happened right?….well that will be a story for another day.

Right now … I’m as beautiful as the stars in the night…my features are model-like,my big blue eyes stood out against my brown skin..my black hair is full and thick, my nose stood pointed..and my lips is the perfect shape of love..
Who would resist someone with those possessions.

I look forward to seeing how those bullies are gonna react at my sudden change..
I graduated from grade 7 as the “fatty Mara” but now I’m resuming grade 8 as “the most beautiful Mara” … isn’t that worth a shock?…yes it is.

Once Bryan set his eyes on me..he’s gonna ask me out without delay but he might probably be shy to do that so I’m gonna ask him out myself…
Who would resist a beautiful girl’s proposal?

All thanks to Ellen…wow i can’t wait to see her too.

I stood up from the bed and walked majestically to the mirror.
I grinned as i admired myself.
I’m gonna knock Bryan off his feet and he would gladly accept to be my boyfriend.
Why won’t he?…I did all i did just for him.

My eyes flipped to the wall clock.
“Damn…I’m running late” I muttered and scurried to my wardrobe.
I pulled it open and un-hanged my well ironed school uniform,a pink shirt with “Makers high school” inscribed all over it in black colour then a white short flay skirt with black pop-socks.

I spread it on the bed and walked back to the drawer..I pulled it open and brought out my undies.
I closed it back and crouched in front of my shoe rack.
I selected a pair of new black shoes.
I placed it on the bed beside my school uniform and picked up my pink fluffy towel.

I strode into the bathroom,then hanged my towel on the bathroom closet.
I opened the closet and picked my tooth brush with a toothpaste..
I closed it and walked over to the sink to brush my teeth.

I smiled at my reflection in the oval mirror placed on the wall behind the sink.
I brushed my teeth happily humming Sorry by Beyonce.

I finished brushing..and returned my brushing tools back into the closet.

“Should i use the jacuzzi or just shower?” I deliberated while slipping out of my pink pajamas.
Using the jacuzzi is gonna slow away my time…I’m just gonna make do with the shower.

I opened the closet and picked my pink shower cap,body sponge and a bar soap..I wore my shower cap over my head before jumping naked under the shower.
I turned on the faucet, the tiny water splashed excitedly on my skin.

I scrubbed my sponge and soap together before scrubbing it all over my body.
I bath for some minutes under the shower then;i was done…I switched off the faucet.

I don’t take long bath.

I pick up my towel from the closet then wrapped it around my body.

I dried my body with the towel as i made my way back into my room.
I picked my body lotion “de-care” and applied it smoothly on my skin.
I wore my undies,then my school shirt..I buttoned it down before slipping into my pop-socks then my short flay skirt…
I tucked the shirt into the skirt perfectly before shoving my feet into my black shoes.

I pulled off my shower cap and sat on the stool facing the mirror…I picked my hair brush and hair lotion from the shelf.
I applied some hair lotion then brush back my long silky hair, making it fall down to my back.
I’ve decided not to pack it.

I applied a little lip gloss and stood up.
I looked at my reflection in the mirror and smiled in satisfaction with my look.
I threw my phone into my backpack and flung it over my shoulders,making it drop to my back.

I stole one last glance at myself in the mirror before walking out of my room.
??
I climb down the marble stairs running my fingers through the stair rails.

“Yummy” I muttered as i drifted in the aroma of hamburger and coffee.
I climbed down the last flight of stairs then quickened my step towards the kitchen.

I met mum dishing out the hamburger and pouring the coffee into the coffee cup before dousing it with creamer.
She placed the hamburger and creamy coffee on a little tray then turn back to the oven.

“Come in Mara..I already perceived your scent” Mum said still backing me.
“Aaaargh…Mum,you a witch” I muttered hugging her from behind.
“Is that how to say ‘good morning’ to your mum … Silly girl” She said and i chuckled.

“Good morning mum” I greeted.
She turned pecking me on both cheeks.
“Good morning angel and .. how was your night?” She asked.
“Fine mum but did you set up that cr@zy alarm?” I asked whining.
“Yes angel..I did” She smiled.
“Mum” I scolded..”you know i don’t like alarms,they block off my ears” I whined.

“I wouldn’t have set it if you are one of those early risers but you are the complete opposite” She teased and i shot her a playful glare.
“Mum you should apologise for setting up the alarm without my consent” I whined.
“Okay…I’m sorry Mara and you look more beautiful this morning” She said and i smiled.

“Thanks mum… where’s Liam?” I asked.. Liam is my brother,he’s out of college and he and mum controls dad’s companies…yeah dad is dead.
“He’s in his room…he drank so much last night” mum said and i groaned rolling my eyes.

“Now take your breakfast to the dining…you are running late” Mum said.
I picked up the tray of hamburger and coffee,then walked to the dining.

I sat on the chair and placed my breakfast on the dining table..
I started eating… smiling at interval..mum is a good cook.

I was done eating in few minutes..I gulped down the remaining coffee and sighed at the way it glided down my throat.
I returned the tray to the kitchen and pecked mum goodbye.

“Good bye mum” I said rushing out of the kitchen.
“Good bye angel… I hope you are with some cash for lunch break?”
“Yes mum” I yelled loudly from the living room.
I walked out of the house and met my driver.

“Good morning Max” I greeted my driver.
“Good morning Mara” he smiled.
I opened the back door and hopped in.
Max got behind the wheels turned on the ignition and drove out of the compound.

He drove into Makers high school’s parking lot.
He applied the break and i quickly alighted from the car after waving him bye.
I walked into the school main compound.

I saw students turn to look at me in astonishment.
Yeah! Who won’t be surprised at my sudden transformation.
I adjusted my skirt and walked on in pride, smiling at the whispers i overheard.

~ OMG!…Is this not the fatty Mara.
She’s so beautiful!
Look! Her shape is damn perfect.
Gosh! Look at her straight legs…. ~

My grin grew wider when i saw my best friend Ellen,resting on the school’s pole obviously waiting for someone.

I ran to her happily and pulled her in a hug.
She disengaged quickly from the hug but i shrugged it off.
“I miss you badly” I said excitedly but she just gave a slight nod without smiling.

Is this Ellen??
What’s wrong?
Bad mood?
Cramps!

“Ellen what’s wrong?” I asked…she shook her head.
“Is it your cramps?” I asked.
“No it isn’t” she said slowly.
“Are you okay?” I asked.
“Do i look like I’m not?” She retorted.

“Well…I gat enough gist for you” I said holding her hands like i normally do but she flinched and removed her hand from mine.
Now…this is getting serious!

“Ellen what’s wrong?” I asked.
“Meaning?”
“I mean…you don’t act like this,did i do anything wrong?” I asked.
“Whatever….” She scoffed.
“Ellen,i don’t remember we had any quarrel the last time you came to my house…why are you being mean to me?” I asked worriedly.
“It’s not a must we quarrel before i decide not be your friend anymore” She blurted.

Ellen is my best friend i have and loosing her means i won’t ever be myself again.
“Ellen wh…” I was saying when i noticed the girls scream slightly all looking in one direction.
I followed their gaze and;

“There he is!” I screamed inwardly.
He walked towards us, looking more handsome with his black curly hair bouncing on his forehead,his bright eyes sparkled and his spotless skin glowed, his pink lips curved in a wide smile..I saw Ellen’s face dissolve in a smile.
I ignored her and face Bryan…he has gotten to us.

My smile froze when he walked past me to Ellen,he hugged her and placed his lips on her.
Ellen k!ssed him back rapidly.

I don’t know how it happened…i felt a strong head ache hit me before i felt myself going down slowly with my heart ripping away from my chest…my body hit the hard floor,I felt dizzy and my eyes started closing slowly, slowly till darkness enveloped me.

End Of Flashback

TO Be Continued
https://storymack.com.ng/just-for-love-chapter-2/

“Come on Joe, don’t be like this! It’s not even easy for me to do this, but it’s just what has to be done. Please don’t keep saying no!” Nkem told her husband who was looking at her àngrily.

“Nkem, I’ve told you before and I’m saying it again. Don’t you dare pull that kind of stunt with me again, you won’t like how I’ll react to it!

“How can you ask me to do something as prepòsterous as sleeping with another woman, how much more Farida your friend’s daughter. Are you okay Nkem?” Joe asked his wife, his face burning hot with ràge.

“I know it sounds crãzy, I know you feel so bad about me right now, but think about it, what other options do we have? Do I sit back and wait until your mother succeeds in forcing one of those despêrate women she keeps bringing here into staying for real?” Nkem asked, crying.

“You know better than anyone else does that my mother would never be able to make me do that shît.

"If I was despêrate, if I didn't know that God will give us our own child in his own time, if I didn't know that the reason we got married wasn't just to bear children, then I would have bowed to my mother's pressure all along, and I'd have had a good reason to call you one night to tell you that I'm taking a new wife because I got someone pregnant.

“Twenty years Nkem, twenty freàking years and you think I’ve not bowed to pressure to get another wife, only to do so now?

“I’ve told you before, I won’t have anything to do with any other woman because we haven’t been blessed with a child yet, I won’t do it Nkem!” he said with an air of finality.

"Oh please stop with the unnecessary hopes already! What do you mean "yet" as if we're having one tomorrow?

"I've had enough of all these empty hopes that has kept me sitting on edges all through these twenty years of waiting, and I'm done waiting. I know you must take another woman to make us children, but all I'm asking is that , you let that other woman be Farida.

"Someone that knows and understands why I'm doing this, and someone who won't be in the way of the love we share" Nkem tried to convince her husband again.

"Nkem, if that love means anything to you, if this marriage means a dãmn thing to you, never bring up this topic. Please don't ever present another woman to me, or I'll have to choose her and send you away" he told her before he strode out of the sitting room in ãnger.

“What kind of problem is this? How can he still insist on not doing a thing as simple as taking Farida for a wife and saving us from this tròuble that is looming?

“How am I supposed to carry on if his mother makes good her threàt and brings another woman home at the end of the month?” Nkem thought as she sat looking very worried.

Her friend Mandy had suggested getting a young girl for her husband herself, to ensure she had perfect control over her home, even after the girl got pregnant for him.

According to the plan, the girl would most certainly take in as soon as she got married to Chief Joe, and keep her mother in-law from troubling her home with the different women she kept trying to force on her husband.

“Nkem, that’s the best thing you can do in the circumstance. When you get a girl that respects you, she will remain loyal to you, and you won’t even notice that someone was even added to your home” Mandy had told her.

“I know Mandy, but what if the girl turns bad? You know how the girls of these days are. What if the girl tries to push me aside the very moment she gets pregnant and tries to take all I've laboured for with my husband away from me?” Nkem asked her friend.

“Oh please Nkem, you know that can’t happen in this lifetime! I’ll help you scout for a good girl that will understand her position with you.

“And even if the girl we find chooses to be bad, your husband that we know, won’t let that happen! The force of the love between you two will certainly overcome whatever storm the side girl can raise” Mandy argued.

“Forget all these plans Nkem, I still insist that adopting a child is your best bet now. How can you bring problem into your own house by yourself just because your mother in-law is troubling you, when your husband is standing firmly by your sides, something he has been doing for twenty good years” Jackie their friend countered, making Mandy very furious.

“Can you hear yourself Jackie? You want her to adopt when you know so well that her mother in-law is cråzy about getting a grandchild from her only son!

“If you were in her shoes, would you agree for a child that has no blōõd relationship with your son be raised as his, when he could actually have his?” Mandy asked, making Nkem hug herself with tears burning in her eyes.

Jackie didn’t have an answer for Mandy’s question and Nkem became more convinced that she needed to do something. She couldn't agree less that every woman deserved to hold a child they know shares their blòodline for a grandchild.

Three days of planning and making contacts and Nkem ended up choosing her friend’s daughter, Farida, as a candidate, because she didn't get a better option.

She had been so sure that her husband would readily accept her plans, seeing that she had taken measures to ensure that their marriage won’t be experiencing any turbulence as a result of the plans, but not only had he refused to do her biddings, he had been very màd with her, and stayed àngry for some days.

“Hello Nkem, how is it going with the plans? I heard your mother in-law just arrived this morning. I hope she didn’t come with another woman this time?” Mandy asked Nkem some weeks later, over the phone.

“My sister, she did! And this time, the woman isn’t ready to budge. My husband has been threatêning fire and brimstone since morning, but she insists she’s only leaving after she sees me pregnant!” Nkem cried.

“I don’t know Nkem, but it seems to me that your waiting until these despêrate woman who want nothing but to get their hands on your husband’s wealth take him away from you in totality before you act!” Mandy told her.

“What do I do again my friend? I’m so tired and confused. I’ve been crying since morning!” Nkem complained.

“Now isn’t the time to cry my friend. It’s the time to act. I don’t know how I’ll be able to convince my daughter to do this, but I’ll see what I can do about it, and I’ll give you a perfect plan tomorrow.

“I can’t sit by and watch a stranger take over my friend’s home, while I can do something” Mandy said.

Nkem seemed happy to know that Mandy was ready to help her. From the plans, she'll make her husband impregnate Farida, and marry her, just for the sake of the child’s legitimacy.

Then when the child is weaned, Farida would leave the child for Nkem to adopt officially and travel abroad with a good sum of money Nkem agreed to settle her with.

“She’ll find a good husband with her beauty and the money she’ll be having then“ Mandy had said, and the two friends laughed over how it was going to be a win win for everyone.

“But how will I make my husband agree to make love to her when the mere mention of it, nearly made him chase me out of his house?” Nkem asked her friend, but she asked her to trust her, and wait for the perfect plan the next day.

TO Be Continued
https://storymack.com.ng/the-other-woman-episode-2/

“I can’t believe this! Mama, are you being serious with me? No, it just can’t be. I must be dreaming!” Sophia said, tears streaming down her face as she spoke.

Her mother looked up at her, wishing she could tell her she was joking, she wished she could tell her anything, just to make her stop crying, but it was the truth, she just couldn't make her daughter keep hanging on false hopes.

“Yes Sophia, you were dreaming when you imagined you’ll get married before me. All you have ever done in this house is to act all knowing and all good. And mama had always supported you, making you feel that I’ll always remain behind your trail.

"But now, what are you going to do about your plans to marry your sugar sugar?” Meg taunted, walking in on her younger sister and their mother as they conversed in the sitting room.

“By the gods, if you don’t leave my sight now Meg, I’ll do something that will make you question the fact that I birthed you! How can you be this callōus? Your sister is heart broken, and all you can do is mōck her?” Mrs. Dike fired at her first daughter.

“Mother, what sister Meg had just said shouldn’t take your attention from the question I asked you. Please mother, tell me it’s not true! Tell me I won’t be prevented from marrying the man of my dreams just because my sister isn’t married yet!” Sophia asked her mother.

“Go on Sophia, ignore me like you always do, but as you can see, whether you agree to the fact that I remain a very vital part of you or not, the time has come for you to see just how important I am to you. My happiness is that mama can’t do anything to make things go otherwise” Meg said, sitting carelessly opposite her sister.

“You’re not talking mama. Please say something. Is Brad going to be unable to marry me traditionally? Are you truly going to sit by and watch me miss the man of my dreams?” Sophia asked, her eyes already swollen from the heartfelt cries.

“Sophia, I’m sorry this is happening. But like your sister said, you can’t marry Brad now, at least, not until Meg gets married” her mother told Sophia, hugging her as she spoke

“Ah mama! This is unbelievable, it is totally unacceptable mama, and I won’t take it! Why does she always have to obstruct me every step of the way? Why is sister Meg always a hindrance to me?” Sophia wailed.

“May thunder fire you there. I don’t blame you at all. Why will you not sit right in front of me and dare accuse me of standing in your way, when all you and mama have ever done is to make mockery of my life!” Meg blew hot.

“Sister Meg, today isn’t one of those days that you’ll make me have to suffer your taunts without getting a clap back. Don’t trouble me again with your mõckery, I’m in pains. Leave me alone sister Meg!” Sophia shrieked.

"The nerves! You're shouting back at me? And you're even threatêning me! Wow, there's nothing Meg won't see in this house" Meg said, shaking her head.

"I have told you sister Meg, please leave me alone. I don't want to hear those bitter words of yours today" Sophia insisted.

“Truth is bitter. And whether you and mama like it or not, I’ll keep telling it to you, I am the first daughter of this home, and nothing any of you does can change that!” Meg said victoriously.

“Meg, I can’t remember inviting you to come sit here with me. Get out of here at once and let me think of how to pacify my daughter for a problem you created for her” Mrs. Dike said angrily.

“You see what I was saying? This little brat accuses me of being the reason for her predicament, and instead of you to caution her, you’re chasing me away, and equally supporting the nōnsense she had spoken. How have I caused any problems for her now? Meg asked angrily.

“You see why I have a problem with you? You’re always too slow to reason. Is she not right when she said you’re obstructing her?” Mrs. Dike asked her daughter in askance.

“Is there anything she says or does that isn’t right in your eyes? Is there anything you won’t agree is right, as long as it comes from Sophia?” Meg complained.

“She is unable to marry her heartrob now because you’re not married. And you need me to spell it out that if you had been responsible enough to have brought a suitor him before now, then this problem wouldn’t have come up?” her mother raged.

“Oh wow! So it’s also a failure to be unable to clinch a suitor before a younger sister who had been overly favoured and projected by her mother finds one?

“You think God is sleeping? When you were taking her everywhere you went, buying her the best of clothes and giving her exposure by sending her to choice schools, didn’t you think you would be able to continually suppress me? Meg said, getting up with a triumphant smile.

“Face it Sophia, you can’t get married until I am married, and there’s nothing mother can do about it!” Meg told her sister before she walked out of the sitting room.

Sophia’s mother talked to her for a long while, explaining why by their culture, she couldn’t get married until her sister, Meg was married.

She had been crying for too long, her tears were literally drying up when she got up to leave.

“Mama, I won’t let Brad go. I can’t miss the one for me just because of some crãzy tradition. I didn’t make sister Meg unable to get a suitor, and my not marrying now won’t make her suitor come now. I will marry Brad now that I can!” Sophia said matter-of-factly.

“I wish it’s something you can do as you wish! If only you could just go ahead by merely deciding to, then I would have gladly supported you. But you see my love, it’s just not happening! You can’t be given away in marriage before your sister” her mother told her firmly.

“So what am I supposed do? Let Brad slip out of my hands, and sit here until my sister is ready to live a responsible life? Sophia asked.

“You ask Brad to hold on. I can help you speak to him, and then we hope that Meg finds someone soon. I can even make some arrangements to see how I can match make her to get her off your track, after a LL that's what our tradition required us to do" Mrs. Dike volunteered.

Sophia looked at her mother and began to cry again. If only she could understand why it was important that she married Brad as soon as possible.

If only she could tell her mother the true position of things. But how could she bring herself to tell her mother that if she didn’t marry Brad immediately, things will go wrong?
What would her mother think about the situation? Would her life ever remain the same if she doesn’t marry Brad immediately?

TO Be Continued
https://storymack.com.ng/sophia-my-love-episode-2/

Babies are born to be loved and cherished by their parents and people around them. But why is mine different, why is my life miserable, nothing ever goes the way I want. Sobbing

My name is Olamide,but people called me Ola. I lost my parents at the age of 2, I was told they were involved in an accident which leads to their sudden death.

My aunty do call me a witch that killed her parents, I was the only child of my parents which means I have no siblings, living with my aunty was hell. I started menstruating at the age of 10, I noticed my pant was wet and decided to check. I saw blood and was scared to death, cos my aunty never aducate me on that.

I told her and she immediately tore a sheet of paper that I should put it in my pant. I obeyed but after some minutes I was uncomfortable and my gown was stained with blood. My neighbour iya kaffy gave me tissue when she saw my stained clothes. All the little children in my compound started laughing cos the paper dropped on the floor.

Later in the day my aunty saw the tissue when I wanted to pee, she slapped me and angrily threw the tissue away, I was given another paper .Throughout that day, she was showing annoyance and displeasure.

TO Be Continued
https://storymack.com.ng/must-i-be-a-virgin-episode-2/

It was December holiday again, the best time of the year. This is the time of the year when many people who live in cities, big towns and out of the country, travel down to their villages to spend time with family. December holiday is an opportunity for people to go back to their roots, that is for those who can afford it. Spending Christmas and New Year with family is a wonderful experience for those who have experienced it. In fact, it is the best time of the year.

I can still remember the last holiday I spent in Nigeria with my family. The last time I had seen any member of my immediate family was about four years ago, and even then, it was not in Nigeria. So, when I announced that I was coming into the country, everyone was very excited. I got into Nigeria around 2:00 PM and by 5, I was already in the village. Because I had not been in the village for close to ten years, I couldn’t find my way around.

I had not gotten a Nigerian SIM. So, for a start, I couldn’t contact anyone to come and pick me up. So, when I got to the village junction, I was frustrated. I badly wanted to get home after two days of traveling. I was also afraid of being taken advantage of. It was very easy for anyone to know that I was new in the village. The way I dressed, the way I talked, my mannerisms, everything was capable of giving me away. I had always known that when you were in a situation like that, the best person to seek help from should be a female. Females are less likely to swindle or rob you. That is what I did.

“Hello!” I said to one young lady that was passing by. “Could you please, direct me to a telephone booth. I need to make a call.”

“Good afternoon, Sir. I am sorry, but there are no telephone booths here. However, I can help you get a recharge card.” She replied.

“But I don’t need a recharge card. I haven’t gotten a SIM yet.”

“Sir, are you out of the country?” She asked getting interested.

“Yes, I am.”

“Sorry, I can’t help you.” She spoke and started leaving.

I stood in the middle of nowhere wondering what to do. Then, I saw a group of Okada men standing about thirty meters away. Now, that was a risk. Because I was new, it was very easy for an Okada man to take advantage of me. What was I going to do? I was confused. However, taking an Okada was my only option now. I had no other choice. So, I summoned my courage and went to get one.

As I approached them, they all became alert and started beckoning on me to come. I looked carefully and decided that the elderly fair skinned guy with an old and well used Okada could be more trusting. So, I approached him.

“Oga, na where you dey go?” He asked.

“Emm, I am sorry, I am not very used to this place. Can you please, take me to Iraodi?”

“Sir, Iraodi is not a small place.” He spoke. “I need an exact address.”

As I was struggling to remember the exact address of our house, one other man who had been keenly looking at me, spoke.

“Wait a minute. You are Riquel’s brother, right? Riquel Banlanjo.”

“Yes, how did you know?” I asked, surprised but relieved. At least someone had recognized me.

“You are a spitting image of your brother. God!! I didn’t know people could resemble their brothers so much.” He spoke excitedly.

“So, you are saying that you know my brother?”

“Yes, of course. I even know where he lives.”

“Thank God, then I will go with you instead.”

I apologized to the other Okada man for wasting his time and went with the other one. When I got home, the entire family was at the front of the building waiting for me. That holiday was very memorable and I hope to visit Nigeria again in the coming years.

However, this story is not about that holiday. This story is about another very eventful December holiday that I spent in my village in Cameroon. I had parents from both countries, Cameroon and Nigeria. So, I had the rare privilege of traveling between these two countries whenever I wanted.

It was December holiday again and the bus stops were parked full with passengers and commuters going up and down, trying to get buses and other types of vehicles that would take them to different parts of the country.

Van was a final year student of the University of Yaoundé 2, or so I thought. He was one of the myriads of passengers who were looking for transportation to go their villages. He had managed to get a bus that was going to his village, but he was the first passenger in that bus. That meant he had to wait for another two hours for the bus to get full. Vexed, he sat at one of the many drinking places that were at the bus stop, bought a cold bottle of Coke, since it was a very hot day, and sipped slowly, waiting for the bus to get full.

Some three hours later, with the bus full now, they were ready to leave. Their journey began smoothly, but that was not to last for too long. Soon, they got to a place where the tarred section of the road came to an end. Henceforth, they had to continue on the bumpy, stony and potholed part of the untarred road. Thus, the journey that was one smooth and enjoyable, now became bumpy and tiring, but they had no choice. They had to endure.

After about two more hours on the bumpy road, the driver suddenly brought the bus to a screeching halt and announced that their journey might be delayed. There was a long line of cars on the road directly in front of them. There were so many cars that you would think at first sight that it was a pile up. The driver got off the car and went to investigate. A few minutes later, he returned to the bus and gave the passengers the bad news. A bridge had collapsed and the road construction company that was working on the road was trying to see if they could make a temporary passage for the cars to use.

The passengers all stepped out of the bus because it was very hot inside. They strolled to the houses of the village where the bridge had collapsed and sat on their verandas waiting for new developments. Hungry and tired, Van leaned on the wall of one of the houses and dozed off for a minute. He had barely closed his eyes when he heard that that driver was calling for all of his passengers. They all went and assembled in front of the car and the driver started speaking to them.

“I get bad news for wuna. That bridge no go finish na today and we no fit go back. So, I di advice any man for look for hotel for spend the night. Tomorrow, we go continue our journey.”

“You are not serious chauffeur, are you?” Van was the first person to speak.

“My brother, we no get choice. Na so the situation dey. We only get for wait tomorrow or you fit waka with foot, cross the water, then take motor for the other side continue your journey.” He explained.

“Who will be in charge of the transportation when I take a car on the other side?” Van asked.

“Na you sef sef noh.”

“For weti? You get for give we half our transport, so that we fit use am for pay the other motor.” One other passenger spoke.

“I no fit give wuna any money because I don already hand all money for agency.”

“You are mad, have you heard? You are crazy. How do you expect me to have money to pay for the rest of the way. Please, I want my money back or at least part of it.” One girl spoke angrily.

“I don’t have any money to give any of you. You guys better get used to the idea that you might have to spend the night here. Yes, it is the only way.” The driver spoke in good English and Van was shocked.

“Driver, you just spoke good English.” Van was thrilled.

“No, I didn’t speak English. You are the only one who went to school. You guys have two choices. Wait in the village until morning or cross the stream on foot and get a car that will take you to your destinations on the other side. What is it gonna be?” The driver asked, thrilling Van the more.

“Driver, you are even using ‘gonna’. That means you are not just educated; you are also an Americana. When did you get back?”

The rest of the passengers laughed at this but the girl who had complained of not having any more money was having none of the fun. She started crying as the driver walked away to an ogogoro bar that was beside the road. Van looked at her, felt pity and moved towards her. He put one hand across her shoulders and asked.

“Why are you crying, my dear?”

“I have to be at the village today. It is very important to me. The driver has refused to refund part of my fare. I planned to use it to get another car across the stream. I don’t have any money with me.”

“So, that is why you are crying? I beg dry your tears. I will pay your fare. Don’t mind that driver. He is a scammer.” Van assured her.

“You will?” She asked, surprised.

“Yes, I will. What is your name?”

“Rose and yours?”

“Van, my name is Van but they call me Naked Wire or just Naked for short.”

“I prefer Van. Thank you very much. God will bless you.”

“God will bless you, too.”

Both of them didn’t have large luggage. So, they carried their bags on their heads and waked until they got to the stream. Thankfully, the stream was not very deep and the currents were not powerful. So, they put their bags on the ground, rolled the feet of feet jean trousers until it got to their knees, carried their bags again and waded across the stream. When they got to the other side, there was a car that needed just two more passengers to be full. They got in and continued their journey.

An hour and thirty minutes later, they arrived their village. It was a great relief from both of them. Tired and hungry, but happy, Rose walked up to Van.

“Naked, I want to say I am very grateful to you for your gesture. If not for you, I would have still been on the road.”

“Hahaha! I can see you are beginning to prefer the other name, Naked. Anyway, it is fine by mine. Don’t worry, I am a knight in a shining amour. A knight like me should always be chivalrous when he meets a beautiful, young damsel like you.” Naked spoke.

“You are so funny and intelligent, Naked. Looks like you have read a lot of Shakespeare.”

“Yeah, a lot. Anyway, how long are you staying in the village?”

“Until after New year.”

“That means we will see again, right?” Naked asked.

“Of course, we will. Bye, see you another day.”
“Bye, Rosy.”

I was in the village already. I had come from Buea, where I was also schooling at the university. I had come to the village one full week before Naked could come. As a sharp Buea guy, I had already secured two village babes for myself. Neither of them knew that I was playing them. Each one thought she was the only one in my life. They had all abandoned their village boyfriends as soon as I showed up with my city swag and university English. They all planned to spend the Christmas day with me in a special way. Village girls could really take good care of you when they are in love with you and you are from the city.

As for me, I had no intentions of spending the Christmas day with them. I didn’t want any fighting. Both of them were so possessive and so proud of me that they intended not to give me any breathing space on that day. That would mean trouble for me. So, I planned to avoid both of them until the day passed.

It was Christmas night now, and I was in a popular bar in the village dancing with some of my male friends. I was at the far end of the bar because I was hiding from my village babes and didn’t want to be located by any of them. I had already made sure that my phone was off and no one could contact me. I didn’t know that I wasn’t smart enough. That was the best village club. So, after both of them had gone to my house and had not seen me, they figured that the only place a man of my status could be was at that club. So, they came there.

I was busy dancing when someone tapped me on my shoulder. I looked around it was Chancele, one of the village girls. I froze in shock.

“What are you doing here?” I asked.

“I came to look for you.” She replied.

“I can’t remember saying that I was missing.”

“I went to your house and I didn’t see you. I tried your number and it wasn’t going through. I figured you would be here, and here you are.”

“Oh, what a coincidence. That means when you came to look for me in my house, it was the same time I went to your house also to look for you. We just happened to take two different roads.” I lied.

“That’s okay. As long as I have seen you, that is alright.”

“Okay, you want to dance?”

“Yes.”

“Let’s do it.”

We were busy dancing to the tune of Rush when someone stepped in between us. It was my other village girl, Cominash. Trouble was coming. Where did Cominash spring from? Chancele gave me a questioning look as if to ask who Cominash was. Before I could answer, the latter spoke.

“May I have a word with you?”

“No, you are not having any word with him.” Chancele answered in my stead.

“Hey, I am not talking to you. Never you interfere when I want to talk with my boyfriend?” Cominash warned.

“Your boyfriend? Ebuka, what is she talking about?”

“Please, you girls should behave yourselves. We are in a public place.” I said and tried to leave, but Chancele held me back. She wanted an explanation, but got more than that.

Cominash gave her a slap that made her see stars.

“Don’t you ever hold my boyfriend like that.” She shouted.

“You slapped me?” Chancele asked, grabbing her by the neck.

Fighting had broken out. What could I do? I figured the best thing for me to do was to leave immediately. I abandoned both of them and went out of the club as they fought against each other. I wanted to get away from that place as soon as possible. Those girls have brothers living in that village. Chancele’s brother had actually, already warned me to stay off his sister. So, if their brothers heard that their sisters were fighting over me, my goose would be cooked.

I decided that my day was over and I was going home immediately. I stopped many bikes but all of them was occupied. Christmas was a busy day and people were going up and down the small village. I was getting impatient. I needed to leave immediately. Finally, one of them stopped and agreed to carry me, but he was not alone. He was carrying a girl.

“You have a passenger already.” I told him.

“It doesn’t matter, Boss. It depends on you. If you would persevere, I will go drop her first, and then, I will take you home.” The Okada man spoke.

“Alright, that is fine by me.”

I got on the bike and he sped off. As we went, I realized that though the girl and I didn’t leave in the same compound, we were going to stop at the same place. When we got off the bike, she wanted to pay the bike man, but I stopped her.

“Don’t worry, fine girl.” I will pay.

“Thank you very much.” She spoke, gratefully.

“You live around here?” I asked as soon as the bike man had gone.

“Yes, and you?”

“I live here, too, but I have never seen you here.”

“I am here for the holiday.”

“Oh!! I should have figured that. You don’t look like one of these village girls.”

“You are very funny.” She laughed.

“So, do you think we could see maybe tomorrow?”

“Okay, it is fine by me.”

“In that case, may I have your number?” I asked.

She gave me her number and I took hers, too.

“What is your name?” She asked.

“Ebuka, and you?”

“Rose.”

TO BE CONTINUED
https://storymack.com.ng/december-rush-chapter-2/

It was 7:00 already as I rushed to school to go submit my assignment to the delegate. I stood on the road side waving at each Taxi that Came my that morning but they all rushed passed by since they were all occupied. I stood there for at least 30 second, hoping to get a Taxi but to no avail.

I decided I was going to take a bike which was obviously going to cost me a thousand FRS but I had to since I wasn’t ready to fail any course.
I stopped a bike man whose face I couldn’t figure out. If it was my first time seeing such a bike man I might have been scared, but it was common to see them.

He wore a black mask Cap which had a rob running below the chin to be tide across. He had like three jackets on and a brown hard jean trousers and he smelled like sweated armpit. The portion of his face that I had seen indicated that he was fair skinned guy.

It was very common for bike riders to dress like that in my town and even normal people too. It was freezing in North west region, most especially during the dry seasons. The weather was often cold, cloudy, moist in the morning and hot and sunny in the afternoon

As we went on I told him to please speed up a bit because I was late for my class. He nodded but would not rush because there were military check points stationed to check and control.

We came at a four corners joints as he turned to his left to take the road leading up to the university, a big black Mercedes Benz Came out from no where and throw us down to the ground.

“Ooh God na which kind driving this nohh”

My bike man said as he struggled and got up on his feet. He hard a big bruise on his right hand and my right knee was bleeding as well as the exhaust had burned my leg. I sat there crying in pains looking at the Large burn it had calved out On my leg

“ You no be see say na wrong side this oga commot cam see thing way you done causam”

He stood there cursing and swearing while people started gathered at the scene.

The man who had hit us finally decided to come out of his car.

“I am so sorry for all this” he said looking so remorseful

“Pa your sorry won’t do me anything”

sounding a little calm but still very vexed and loud

“look at my passenger and my bike”

"I was rushing at full speed to go to the hospital my wife is in labor and her condition is very critical.”

“ I will pay you for the damages and I will carry your passenger along with me to the hospital to do a check up”

“Please I really need to leave now I don’t have time “

The population that had gathered pity this man and cautioned that the bike man listen to him and that he should collect the money, leave his bike to someone around and accompany us to the hospital since no one knew the man in that area.

I was supported by a kind lady to stand-up and to my greatest surprised, I noticed that the man who had been hit us was non other than my Lecturer Professor Alain Atabong Pierre. He was in fact the lecturer we were supposed to meet that morning and it occurred to me why the delegate had asked us to come and submit our assignments to him but didn’t make mention of any class.

I limbed as I mad my way to his car. He couldn’t recognize me as his student because I was just one out of thirty. I was always the cold type who never spoke during lectures sometimes Lecturers had to force me to talk.
He drove us back to town and went with us to Bingo Annex where his wife was in labor he rushed out and called for someone to helped us while he quickly rushed to where his wife was in labor.

After three hours my wound had been dressed and the bike rider was now waiting for him to come and settle the bills. We waited another hour when the driver became even more vexed and suggested that we go look for him, that maybe he had gone and left us Here. I told him to calm down that something might have happened to his wife and the man might be going through a lot now.

As we were talking, he came in and informed us he had settled the bills handing us the receipt of the things as well a the drugs he was told to buy for me
He looked so workout and stressed, his eyes were red too I thought about asking after his wife and child but was scared he might get emotional outburst and lashed out on me. But that didn’t stop me so I asked

“Sir how was is your wife and Child doing??”

“Hope they made it just fine”

“They didn’t make it my dear thanks for asking”

By the time I had arrived they had already passed

"So sorry to hear that sir sorry for your lost”
God gives and takes am sure he’ll give you more” .

God gives and takes” he laughed

I understand your pain”

I said that and regretted later as he lashed out on me

"You understand my pain?? Have you ever lost a wife before?"

"No sir"

"Have you ever lost a child before?”

"No sir”

So Short up! you understand nothing” he said as he threw a thousand FRS at me

“That’s for your taxi please go home and rest in your parents comfortable arms and stop claiming to understand my pain”

Before I could deny he had already left I was the only one there the bike man had earlier left. I arranged my things to leave as warm tears streamed down my chicks.

TO BE CONTINUED
https://storymack.com.ng/my-sugar-daddy-and-i-chapter-2/

Hey come back here where do you think you are going? Mr James said to Cynthia
Cynthia: Sorry sir i dont un-derstand you
Mr James: Come and sit down here am not done yet
cynthia went back to the sit in his Office and sat down again
Mr James: I was asking you if you will be free this weekend cause i want you to visit me
Cynthia Sir I dont think it will be possible

Mr James: But why?
Cynthia: I will be busy throu-ghout the weekend in my mum shop
Mr James: Even on Sunday?
Cynthia: Yes sir
Mr James: Ok you can go back to your clas-s
Cynthia: Ok sir
she stood up and left the office.
She c@m£ outside heading back to her clas-s when she met her friend Grace on the way
Grace: Babe how far nah, where you dey since?
Cynthia: Babe is a long story but by the way where are you going to?
Grace: I want to go and submit our as-signment

Cynthia: did you pick mine?
Grace: Yes I did, i will be back wait for me.
She said and rushed inside their Biology teacher office and submitted the as-signment, she c@m£ back to where Cynthia was waiting for her and they went back to their went back to their class

2 weeks later

It was their midterm break and most of them has alre-ady started going home while Cynthia and Grace sat down infront of their gate waiting for a bike man, Grace first saw a bike which she entered with her bags, she waved farewell to Cynthia and she did the same before the bike man kick off, Cynthia started waiting for another bike man when a car st©pped infront of her but she ignored the car, someone c@m£ down from the car and it was Sir Emeka their Chemistry Teacher.
Sir Emeka: Cynthia are you going home now?

Cynthia: Yes sir
Sir Emeka: Then come in let me drop you at your place
Cynthia: No, thank you sir
Sir Emeka: I insist
Cynthia: Hmmm
He c@m£ and helped her with her bags while she went inside the car, Sir Emeka also went inside the car and they drove off.
Sir Emeka: So where do you stay?
Cynthia: Ngodo
Sir Emeka: Which side?
Cynthia: PWD
Sir Emeka: So who do you stay with?
Cynthia: With my mum
Sir Emeka: hope you will be free on Sunday to visit me
Cynthia: I dont think that will be possible sir

Sir Emeka: Why that?
Cynthia: I will be very busy with my mum during this midterm break
Sir Emeka: So you wont have any chance at all?
Cynthia: Yes sir
Sir Emeka: This is serious
they arrived PWD while Cynthia pointed to him where to st©p her, he did and asked her which one is their house but she waved the question one side and thanked him for the lift. Sir Emeka entered his car and drove off.

Cynthia made sign of relief and st©pped a bike.
Bikeman: Where you the go?
Cynthia: Take me to Amangballa Eke Market
Bikeman: Your money na 100
Cynthia: Haa is too big nah
Bikeman: no be you get all this bags
Cynthia: Hmm well lets go
She carried her bags and entered the bike while the bikeman drove off.
Emeka started mumuring in his car that he must go back on Sunday and look for her since he now has a clue of where she lives, he smiled to himself.

Cynthia arrived her place and was welcomed by her home.
Cynthia: Good Afternoon ma
Mum: How are you my dear
Cynthia: Am fine and you?
Mum: Am good o
Cynthia: Mum you are shining o
Mum: Na God
Cynthia: Where is Junior
Mum: He havent come back from school
Cynthia: ok o, am very hungry o
Mum: You can go to the kitchen there is food inside the pot
She sprang up from the chair and went inside the kitchen and took some food from the pot.
Junior c@m£ back from school and greeted her mum.

Mum: Your sister is back
Junior: Wow, where is she?
Mum: Inside her room
junior ran inside the room and met Cynthia arranging her things and he jumped on her
Cynthia: How are you kid bro
Junior: Am fine oo, just missed you alot
Cynthia: Same with me dear
Junior: So how far nah
Cynthia: You don start
Junior: hahaha, lemme re-move my school uniform first i dey show
he went out from the room to his own room.

EVENING TIME
Cynthia was having dinner with her mum and brother.
Cynthia: so which school are you aspiring for?
Junior: oh me?
Cynthia: No oo, me
Junior: ok o
Cynthia: Answer me joor
Junior: ok oo, is GSSA
Cynthia: Well you be br@in box shaa.
Junior: Thank you ma
Cynthia: So mum, how is business?
Mum: Fine, just as usual
Cynthia: It shall be well
Mum: Amen
They finished their dinner and went to be-d.

Cynthia helped her mum in the shop till midterm was over and Sir Emeka has alre-ady gone to look for her at PWD but people there said they dont know anyone by name Cynthia, Sir Emeka didt know what to do, he went back home.
*******
During the upper week, all the students c@m£ back to continue their studies since the midterm break is over.
Cynthia was in clas-s learning one morning when the Teacher was done teaching, she went out from the clas-s and the s£nior students c@m£ inside and started calling out names of those that p@rticipated in the last Labour they did yesterday
Cynthia caredless because she p@rticipated but she was surprised that her name was mentioned among those that didn’t p@rtake in the duty

Cynthia: But s£nior I did my work
s£nior: My friend go outside and tell the labour prefect that. She went outside and met the labour prefect and she dragged Cynthia along with her to a corner
s£nior: I know you did your work very well but I did it on purpose
Cynthia: plea-se what purpose?
s£nior: I want you to be my daughter
Cynthia: How? And what will I be doing for you?
s£nior: nothing just, ( she said and c@m£ close to Cynthia and started ru-bbing her b©dy on Cynthia who now moved away from her and ran off)
s£nior: Hmm you can run but you can’t hide, I will still get you, she said to herself and went out from there.

TO Be Continued
https://storymack.com.ng/cynthia-the-hottest-babe-episode-2/

My name is Bryan, i just came back home on Holiday to visit my family, it was my last year in polytechnic and is been a while i have been to the village.

Bryan! Bryan!! , my Lovely mom just called me from the back yard. I was busy decorating the living room for my elder brothers birthday
Yes Mama, i answered and ran to her
My son i want you to help me take this contribution money Mama sara, tell her i couldn't make it to the market today.

I collected the money and went inside to get my clothe because, i remove it when i was busy in the living room.
Moments later on my way to Mama Sara's house
I bumped into this beautiful girl, " Are you stupid " She roared in anger. Oh am sorry , i didn't see you coming, " " Oh this your two big eyes can't see well abi she yelled.
I was angry, but i don't want to cause any trouble. I am sorry please forgive me, she hissed and pushed me.

I watched her going and i didn't want to cause any fight, because i have already apologize she doesn't have the guts to push me .
Immediately i turned back to continue my errand,
I heard a scream, " Ahhhhhhhhhh" I looked back and saw the beautiful girl holding her stomach and she fell down.

TO Be Continued
https://storymack.com.ng/lizzy-love-of-my-life-chapter-2/

I was asleep when I felt her hands on my hairy chest. I didn't feel it because I was in deep sleep because of the stress at my place of work.

She drew closer and held me tightly with her already hardened bóssom pressing my back. I felt it immediately so whispered into my ears.

I felt her warm breath with sent cold quiver down my spine.
I kept my cool as I pretended to be asleep.

Each touch of hers was sensational and thrilling. I opened my mouth to tell her to stop because I was already tired from the day's work but my vocal cords failed me as I ended up producing air....

Her fingers kept running seductivèly on my lower body. With r*eckless abandon, she hands moved fast and c*arelessly down my headquarters.

I je*rked and turned towards her...

"Honey, can we do this tomorrow? I am so weak and my body aches"

She sighed and muttered something to herself.
She just kept murmuring!!

"But honey,she said!

Without allowing her to finish what she wanted to say, I gave her a tight hug and made her rest on my hairy chest.

I planted a kïss on her lips to keep her s*hut and make her sleep but all to no avail.

She was still lying on my chest and rübbing it ri*gorously when she ta*pped me...

"Honey, did you know that Amaka, my friend caught her husband cheating on her. She came back home from shop and met them Stark n*åkèd on their matrimonial bed"

I jolted from the bed as I acted as if I was surprised. She continued...

"Some men eeeeeh, after everything Amaka did for that man, he still cheated on her"

"Honey, Ebuka is your best friend right? Are you trying to tell me that you don't know that he had been cheating on Amaka?

Her question caught me off balance. I quickly swallowed saliva because my throat was already dry. I was so tensed.

"Sweetie, I didn't know ooo. Maybe he didn't want even me to know about it. Seriously, I didn't know he was cheating on Amaka,his wife", I blurted out....

"Anyways, thank God my husband is a faithful man. He knows my worth and doesn't look at other women"

"Honey, wait ooo. Have you ever looked at any other woman apart from me", she asked with her head on my chest.

My heart skipped a bit.

"Never, I can never look at another Woman apart from you. You're the best thing that has ever happened to me, sweetheart" , I giggled.

She was blushing already.

"Awwwwwwwn, I love you so much, Emmy", she chuckled.

"Same here, love"

My heart kept b*eáting and racing. I was introduced to a very beautiful girl, Chizzy at the bar where I went to relax with Ebuka my best friend.

I knew I wasn't faithful anymore. The thought of Chizzy filled my heart that night and I couldn't wait to meet her at the hotèl the next day.

Ebuka advised me that I needed to have a side chick who I can always run back to whenever I have issues with my wife.

I believed him because it sounded right.
No matter how much I loved my wife, I still wanted to try what Ebuka told me.

TO Be Continued
https://storymack.com.ng/diamond-my-wife-chapter-2/