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OLAFIMIX:
Nice story...... Good job, you are good in this. Hope u will complete it

Oh yes I will! There's no problem with the completion. Thanks for stopping by, please help mention others. Thanks!

Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.




FOUR

“please I want you there, with me.” He paused briefly and continued. “by my side” he whispered the last part but I still heard him.

We were seated right in the restaurant section of the hotel where I work. According to Ike, he had come for a business meeting in the hotel and he decided to say hi. Although his reasons didn’t seat well with me as I felt he had left wherever he was, to come see me during my luch break. I could tell my colleagues were whispering from the looks on their faces. They were probably wondering how I got a drop-dead gorgeous hunk stuck to me like super glue. I didn’t care, I had seen more gorgeous guys in my lifetime, and not even Ike’s great dress sense could drive me nuts. Lekan was also handsome only that he didn’t have a nice dress sense. His tatse in fashion was terribly sour that I would have to stop him from combining a teal green tie on a light brown shirt.

“I, don’t know what to say, because I have…” I bit my tongue. I wanted to tell him that I have Kara to take care of but I couldn’t think of a more better way to put it. He wanted me to go with him, to his company opening. That had been his sole purpose of coming home in the first place.

He wanted to open another branch of his company in Nigeria where he runned a top notch media services with emphasis on advertising.
I tucked my clammy hands in my trouser pocket and steadied my gaze on him. I let my eyes dance around his outfit once more. Little wonder why my female colleagues had been gawking at him. He was stylishly dressed in a nice red coloured Ankara suit, on a deep blue jeans. His shirt was plain white with the first two buttons undone showing a tiny bit of his caramel skin. I shifted my gaze from him, disregarding any lustful picture I must have formed in my heart.

“okay, no problem.” I resigned, rested my back on the chair. He smiled and did a fist pump in the air. “but on one condition.” I watched his face crumble. “I would only be with you for two hours.” I added.

His face brightened a little. “it’s honestly fine Diane but am sure you’re going to change your mind towards the end of the program.” He grinned.

I rolled my eyes, ignoring how my heart skipped at his grin.

“may I say you look absolutely stunning in your baker’s outfit. I was wondering you would have the baker’s cap on or something?” his eyes twinkled in excitement.

I was clad in a pair of blue jeans and a pink chef shirt with a baker’s design at the front. It was one of my best baker’s outfit and I was sure I looked good in it like he said.

“well, thank you dear sir.” I teased him with an English accent and did a mock bow, “well I do have the baker’s cap, only that, I left it inside.” I gestured towards the kitchen. “I love your suit too, it fits perfectly.” And you have a great sense of fashion….ugh! I wanted to add that but I wasn’t good with complements.

“well, thank you kind ma” he teased me back in an English accent. He took a bite from his waffles and took a drink from the iced tea. “so, did you make this?”

“yes I did. I do not only bake but I also make small chops, any snack you can think of” I added with enthusiasm.

Finally glad to talk about my passion with someone who cared to listen. Lekan never listened to me when I talked about cake and others. He wasn’t interested in what I did. Instead he believed that doing business was a poor man’s way of persuading people to donate their money in exchange for something. He kept spooning me his ideology until I had to quit anything cakes within the first few months of our marriage and I focused on getting white collar jobs.

“this tastes amazing Diane. You cook well.” He took another bite.

“Thank you. I cook well but I’m very passionate with baked goods. I promise to faten you up during your stay in Abuja. Trust me, you will enjoy it.” I crossed my arms.

“wow, I can’t wait.” He gave a short throaty laugh.
“but Diane on a serious note, why don’t you start up your own business. You know, since you work this hard for your boss, you can as well channel the energy to owning your own cake shop with baked goods or what do you think?” his gaze was intent.

“I don’t really think it’s a nice idea to start a business.” I shrugged my shoulders and told him about Lekan’s idea of business but I didn’t tell him it was Lekan’s.

“okay, of a truth, you have really been brainwashed about what business really entails Diane. Now I’m not asking you to quit working for your lovely boss but then I want you to just give business a try. It is another means of generating income Diane! Your salary can never and will never make you rich!” he stressed.

I shifted in my seat, the truth hitting me directly across the face but then, I was still skeptical about it.

“okay, let’s do this simple arithmetic. How much is your monthly salary?” he typed on his phone.

“ a hundred thousand naira per month.” He flashed me a surprise look and shook his head.
“what? Isn’t it decent enough?” I asked.
He smiled. “sweetheart, trust me it is.” My heart skipped another beat. He had called me sweetheart! I forced back my attention to him, so I wouldn’t miss what he was about to say. “Diane, how much does a client offer for a cake in a day?”

“well, it all depends. We get orders up to 10 or more persons in a day but then, I do not know the cost of each cake because I only get the orders and description of the cakes the customers do not order directly from me. They order from the reception.”

He laughed again and I became more confused. Why was he laughing? “Diane, your boss is really the smart one here but it’s all about business I do not blame him. the thing is, in the states, a one tiered cake goes for about $20 which is about #7,200 naira here in Nigeria.”

I nodded my head, his explanation gradually becoming clear.

“so just imagine you make one tiered cake for ten people in a day how much do you think that will cost?”

“72,000 naira?” I exclaimed.

“exactly! Diane, open your eyes, you’re sitting on goldmine! You can own your business, strike a deal with your boss to do her work only on contract basis and trust me the sky would be your starting point. You know what Genesis 30:29-30 says?” he scrolled through the bible app on his phone. “…Jacob replied, you know how faithfully I’ve served you through these many years, and how your flocks and herds have grown. For it was little indeed you had before I came, and your wealth has increased enormously; Jehovah has blessed you from everything I do! But now, what about me? When should I provide for my own family? Remember Jacob in the bible?” he looked at me.

“I’m not that daft Ike, I did children’s bible class?” I unfolded my arms.

A smile tugged at his lips.

“okay, am sorry about that. But what am trying to say is, if your read the whole of genesis chapter thirty, you will understand that Jacob had served Laban faithfully for years and still he felt like it was time he needed to be on his own since he now had a family to cater for. Meaning, his wages was no longer enough for him and his family. You can go home and check through this chapter and I pray the holy Spirit ministers to you and make you understand.” he stretched his arms on the table and pushed his ‘now’ empty plate aside. I nodded, digesting the scripture he had just mentioned.

“amen. Thank you Ike but I think I should go now. My lunch break is over.” I stood up.

I walked him out to the car park and he thanked me for lunch. He engulfed me in his broad arms, somehow I felt myself stiffen in his embrace. He must have felt my reaction because he pulled back immediately. we said our goodbyes and he drove off in his venza jeep leaving me with the familiar scent of his cologne.

lets do this lets have fun!!!!

am inviting everyone on nairaland of course!




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Update coming soon..... Good morning

Diane a devoted Christian sister, whose life fell apart when her husband suddenly disappears from home few months after their wedding. Will her relationship with God suffer? What happens when she meets and falls in love with a wealthy hunk only for her husband to reappear later?


If you enjoyed my other past stories AT 30s, here on nairaland, you can get this sizzling Christian romance on okadabooks via the link below




https://okadabooks.com/book/about/amazing_november/29869

John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.


THREE

I was late and I knew it, as soon as the long hand stuck on 12 and the short hand on the big, white clock hit 6. Ike would be here any moment and I didn’t want to create an impression that I was tardy. I wasn’t much of a makeup person but then, I needed a little touch of lipstick on my lips and I needed to cake my face with sleek powder.
Whoosh, see babe. I winked at myself and patted the wine coloured crepe gown I had bought few days ago from a trendy clothing store in Wuse.

The gown accentuated every bit of my feminine curves. My stomach was flat against my cloth.
I smiled, I looked like a young girl of 22 while in the real sense, Ike would probably argue that I wasn’t 30 yet. My eyes were small and bright. The eye pencil I applied must have done justice to my bright eyes because my eyes weren’t particularly bright although they were gorgeous in their own form. My hair was parked into a ponytail and I wore a 4 inch healed shoe. I applied red lipstick to bolden my features and I was certain it complimented my fair skin colour.

The door opened, mum walked in and surveyed me. I ignored her piercing gaze and focused on my face.

“You look very good, like fine wine omalicha nwa’m.” smile tugged at her lips.

“Thanks mum.” I grabbed my purse as soon as I heard a knock on the door.

“Wait now, calm down. Adjust this lipstick very well. Is it not too much? In fact I think you should try to reduce it now, you know you have natural pink lips.” She concluded.

I rolled my eyes, grabbed a tissue from the dressing table and adjusted my lipstick so that it was nearly faint on the lips.

“Is it okay now? Are you satisfied?”
She smiled in satisfaction. I stepped out of the room. As I approached the sitting room, I heard hushed voices. I walked quickly so as to be sure, that Kara was okay only for me to find Kara in front of Ike. He was squatted right in front of her, clad in a dark suit, with a red bow tie. A quick glance at his side profile made my insides quiver but what made my outside quiver was Kara. Ike had finally caught up with the secret I was trying to hide.

I cleared my throat, our eyes met. I made eye gesture to Kara who quickly went inside. I was left, standing alone with Ike.

“You look stunning.” He broke the glassy silence.

“Thank you. You don’t look bad yourself.” My heart raced again when I settled my gaze on him. Still, he looked rather tall even though I was on heels.

“So, shall we?” he gestured to the door.
I forced a smile and proceeded towards the door.

“Oh, please. Let me say hi to your mum I’m guessing she’s inside?”

I nodded and called mum out. He greeted her briefly and cracked a small joke with her, something about me getting all my beauty from her. My mind was still with Kara. I wondered what Ike now knows.

“Your seat belt please?” he raised his brows.
His voice jerked me back from my reverie. I wondered how we had gotten into the car. Suddenly the car felt too small, as I could suddenly feel him close, Ike’s masculine cologne filled the car, grasping my senses and toying with it. Whatever he said got me opening my mouth in laughter until he asked the next set of question that almost got me blank.

“So is that your little girl?” his eyes were on the road.
I did a dramatic laugh and tapped his taunt arm.

“What, no! Do I look like a mother?”

The brief silence was almost like a criminal awaiting a judge’s verdict.

He looked me over briefly, and sighed. “Well no! You don’t look like a mother.”

“Good! So she’s my niece one of my brother’s daughters.” I concluded briefly. I was certain my tongue would feel bitter all through that night because I had just lied about my daughter.

“Wow, she is pretty and she’s got pretty nose too.” He looked at me and then focused back on the road.
I felt like a deer caught in the rain. I stayed quiet afterwards, unable to make a nice conversation with him until we got to the event center.

Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin………and all her justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:20,24


TWO

Three weeks had passed since Ike’s visit. His calls have been frequent and other times, intrusive. I found out that I was beginning to get use to the fact that he calls me right after dinner to ask about my day, he would ask about my mum who was also residing with me and sometimes I would have to hurry him off the phone whenever Kara enters into the room.
Although I was getting fond of him but then, knowing that he knows nothing about Kara made me feel guilty.

Victoria orenze’s brooding kept playing from the radio situated at the corner of the sitting room. The sound filled my two bedroom apartment causing the hair at the back of my neck to stand. I turned off the radio, leaving me to absorb the perpetual silence of my abode. If it were to be 5 years ago, I would have left the radio on until the song soaks my spirit leaving an imprint on my soul. Instead, I was interested in listening to my neighbour’s yelling about something unimportant.


“Mummy!” Kara flung her small frame at me, clutching my neck tightly with her frail hands. I hadn’t heard the door open.

I kissed her head and set her down to her feet while she raced into the room we shared. My mum came in right after. She had worn the same George material and white flowery blouse she wore when dad died years ago. Sometimes I wondered why she still had such clothes in her wardrobe.

“What is it? Why are you staring like you’ve just seen a ghost?” she set down her black leather bag on the center table and slumped into the sofa.

“You came back quite early what happened?” I adjusted the throw pillow against my back.

“The pastor decided to close early today. In fact he mentioned something about going to one of our church member’s house for house warming and we’re all invited.” She massaged her forehead that now had new lines probably as a result of worries.

“Oh, okay then. There’s food in the pot. I made Jollof rice.”

“It’s not Jollof rice that I want, Diane! Everything isn’t food!” her tone was hard. She was probably angry about something, because whenever she spoke in this manner, it meant ‘hell was about to be let loosed’.

“Mum, what is it again? I don’t think I have done anything to offend you.” I knew better than not raise my voice especially when she was this way.

“You and I know what the problem is! Yes you know! So stop pretending!” she sat up, her eyes looked weary at the same time, it could set anything on fire at the moment.

I forced down the anger welling up inside me and spoke up. “Mum, it’s better you state what the problem is and let me know because I am tired of you, getting angry at every single thing!” I finally let it loose. “You asked me to go on a date with your friend’s son, I complied, you asked me not to tell him about Kara, and I complied! What else do you want! You have virtually taken over my life and you are living it for me just the way you’ve always wanted!”

She gasped, but I knew she wasn’t hurt by my words. Her pride must have probably been hurt because I spoke back at her. Mum had always been fearsome to me, especially when my brothers and I were little. Whenever I played with Ekene and Emeka, my brother’s friends, she would always spank me with the black wire stuck under a pile of old books in her cupboard. Mum was a primary school teacher and she never wasted time in dealing with her children whenever she deemed it fit to.

“Diane, you dare raise your voice at me? Accusing me of what I never did?” she chuckled dryly and raised her palms upwards. “Chineke! I never knew putting Diane’s scattered life in order would earn me an insult this afternoon!” she yelled.

My insides tightened, my hands shook. I hated it when mama yelled. We had thin walls that could help transport our voices like a speed of light. I was sure Baba Bili and his nosy wives could hear what she was saying.

“So Diane, just because I want you to go back to church, I have now turned to a witch right?” she queried.

My mouth was probably agape, I wanted to speak but the words were stuck in my throat. When did I call mama a witch?

“Diane! Go to church and stop living your life like a pagan! Go to church!” she clapped to my face.
I stood up, my eyes red, rage almost blinding me.

“Mum! Leave me alone! If the church is filled with hypocrites like you then I would rather not go! Remember I left church because of people like you, and guess what mum, I wouldn’t go back!” I remembered that after I put to bed and Lekan was nowhere to be found, different news from gossip mongers in the church, carved out a story for me that I had chased away my husband with my character problems, some even said I had HIV that was why my husband left.

I walked into my room, Kara was seated on the bed, staring at the door when I came in. her eyes looked droopy from sleep, I shut the door to prevent her from hearing mum’s rants.

“Sweetheart, I know you’re sleepy try to go to bed.” I patted her loose cornrows. “Don’t worry when you’re awake, I will plait your hair and decorate it with colourful beads so you can look all beautiful for school tomorrow, deal?” I searched her eyes, and my heart skipped. She had Lekan’s caramel skin, long dark hair, and doey brown eyes but she had my pointed nose. Her teachers in school normally called her a ‘miniature’ of me, little do they know that she was more of a ‘miniature’ of lekan than me.

“Mum?” she laid her head on her pillow.

“Yes, sweetheart?”

“Promise me, you won’t fight with granny anymore.”

Fear gripped me, she had heard after all. I’ve heard from people never to let a child listen to a quarrel, it leaves a bad effect on them emotionally.

I forced a smile, licked my cracked lips. “Ah sweetheart, mum and I were just arguing trust me we never fight. We love each other that is why we argue okay?”

“But she was yelling at…” I raised a finger to silence her.

“Kara, granny and I had a little argument and we’re fine okay? No fighting? I love you, try to sleep okay? When you get up, tell granny to give you food from the kitchen okay?” I stood up from my squat state and changed into a free gown.

“Mum where are you going?” her eyes were closed.

I glanced at her briefly and walked up to her. “I’m going to the nearest coffee shop. I will be back in no time dream of me and sleep well.” I kissed her head again, grabbed my purse and headed out. Mum was lying on the long sofa, her eyes were open. I mumbled where I was going to her and she nodded faintly. By the time I stepped out of the house, I was fully certain I needed a cup of coffee to clear my head.

Okay I'm back my people! I hope you enjoy this;


MEANWHILE IF UPDATE IS TOO SLOW FOR YOU, YOU CAN GET FULL BOOK ON OKADABOOKS AT https://okadabooks.com/book/about/amazing_november/29869


Diane's life falls apart when her husband suddenly disappears from home few months after their wedding. Will her relationship with God suffer? What happens when she meets and falls in love with a wealthy hunk only for her husband to reappear later?
















Now the king was attracted to Esther more than any of the other women, and she won his favour and approval more than any other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.-Esther2:17




ONE

Rain patted on the roof of Genesis eatery with lightning, flashing across the city. One would have thought that the rain wouldn’t be heavy owing to the fact that the sun was still shinning over the horizons.

I was seated with my palms wrapped around a cup of steamed coffee. The eatery was bustling with people as usual with people who were either buying food or sitting down to eat. A couple sat opposite me, they looked young, the gold band on the lady’s index finger indicated they were married. It reminded me of my first few months with Lekan when we got married. We toured the state together, from one event to the other all in the name of having fun and making sure we got what we wanted.

The young lady giggled at whatever he whispered to her –it reminded me of lekan again, I would giggle at every little thing he said even though it didn’t seem funny.

“Hey? Good afternoon. You must be Diane?” a man, stood tall at 6ft 2 inch, clad in deep blue Armani suit gestured to me. His bright smile brought me from my reverie.

“Yes please” I fixed a small smile on my face, one that didn’t reach my eyes. “…and you must be Mr Ikechukwu Charles?” I stood up.

He smiled again, this time, revealing his perfect set of dentition. He nodded and proceeded to sit. His smile was contagious, one that made me conscious of not revealing my scattered dentition.

“Wow, I must confess, when our mothers set up this blind date, I was expecting to meet someone I wouldn’t connect with but my heart skipped a beat when my eyes rested on you.” I felt shy under his gaze. He looked like a –straight to the point guy and somehow I liked that.

I remembered when mum came visiting in late November last year, she had gone to the mall in Jabi to get some groceries when she coincidentally met her friend Mrs Michaels who happened to be Ike's mother. The woman had been friends with mum since childhood and ever since, she has been away in the states but decided to relocate with her family down to Nigeria for personal reasons best known to them. Ever since November, she had been a regular caller at my house and when she set her eyes on me, she concluded that I would be a right fit for her son which I was against but mum would always tell me to ‘grab the opportunity before I grow old’.

“So beautiful, my mother wanted me to meet you for lunch and right now, I’m glad I listened to her”. He smiled again, his gaze was intense.

“You can call me Diane please.” I added. He chuckled, my ears warmed up despite the cool weather. Ike was attractive, he was the regular guy every lady would want to have. The tall, dark, wealthy and nicely built man with all the cliché but somehow, I wasn’t interested in this meeting that mum had forced me to attend.

He kept talking about himself, he tried bringing me into the conversation several times but he sensed my withdrawal and ordered for our food instead. He requested to have Chips and chicken –that could have been what lekan would order if only he was here with me.

“Would you like the same order as mine or something else?” his tone was soft, he was trying to thread softly with me.

“Uh, yeah I would like something else please.” I turned to the waiter. “Chinese rice, salad with beef will do. Thank you”. And anything that would make me forget about lekan, I almost added.

He took our orders and in 10 minutes, he returned with what we requested for. We dug into our food. I was quiet the whole time, he on the other hand kept talking about his life in the states, his friends and his cocky neighbours. Most of all he kept talking about his pastor and church, a topic I never got interested in since lekan left.

“So what church do you attend?” he dropped his spoon on his almost empty plate.
The food got stuck in my throat; I grabbed a cup of water and gulped it, pushing down the stuck food down my throat.

“Sorry, please take it easy okay?” his eyes tender.
I gave a small smile. “Thank you.” I proceeded to eat.

“So what church do you attend here?” he asked again. This time, his gaze was fully on me.

“No church for now. I uh…just stay home” I concluded sadly, wishing I had told him a lie. He looked like he was a good Christian and even though I was reluctant about meeting him, I still didn’t want to brush aside, a good man when it was scarce to get one in times like this especially for people like us who were single mothers.
My eyes flickered to his face, surprisingly he looked calm which was shocking because I remembered telling a colleague of mine that I don’t attend church and he simply stopped speaking to me afterwards.

“Okay, perhaps you haven’t found a good church then?” he folded his arms now, interested.
I simply shrugged.

We finished eating, he paid for our meals and we stepped out of the eatery. He offered to drive me back to my place of work at SHANZ hotels where I served as a baker. I accepted, he drove me down to work and we exchanged numbers.

SurestG:
Swankmee darling, i'm here

hey boo!!! where have u been... missed u

Chapter five
I stirred on the bed as I heard someone knocking and calling my name quietly, I checked my phone to see the time.it was 9;45pm and I wondered who it was I quickly stood up to unlock the door. i was taken aback when I saw mum standing in front of me. Mum suddenly looked smaller than she used to be, but she certainly looked strong. my mum was a pretty woman and I could say that sumbo actually got her looks from her while I got mine from dad.
‘’won’t you let me in’’
I pushed the door widely so she could enter and then I shut the door and leaned on it facing my mum who had already sat on the bed. Although since the last incident about two weeks ago, I had been avoiding all of them at home but I wondered why mum was here, perhaps her eyes were finally opened she loosened her wrapper, and I wondered what she was trying to do.
Mum released her wrapper and I gasped at the sight I saw. There was the shape of an iron at her back, just below her right shoulder. My eyes trailed on the old black scar on her fair skin, my eyes trailed lower to her left buttocks and I saw the same scar. i was filled with rage. The scars were old but I was sure it had really hurt her when she had it.my heart raced, was it dad who did this to her or who could have done this? i asked myself. I was almost at the verge of tears, before I saw mum cover back the scars.
‘’who did that to you’’
My voice quivered while mum softly drew me to the bed
‘’do you remember the days when I had to steal for us to eat? I never wanted to do it but I had to. Your dad was also hustling on his own part but it wasn’t enough. i had to send you and sumbo to school and I got those scars’’
She concluded.
Tears gradually dropped from my eyes it was as if I could feel mum’s pain, I wept silently, I felt mum’s hands on my shoulder as if she patted me.
‘’I want you to marry Aremu. You can say am a gold digger Jummy but I don’t care. i have suffered too much. And I feel it is time to eat the fruit of my labour’’
I continued staring at her, as I was lost on what to do. Mum and dad really suffered for us but was it worth it?
‘’mum…. Please try to understand, ken….
‘’jumoke stop!’’
She snapped and I jumped out of her arms.
‘’Who is ken? See let me tell you. You should be glad your sister gave you this opportunity so don’t misuse it. You have been dating this ken even though I have never seen him you have been dating him for the past eight years and there’s nothing to show for it. You had better open your eyes, when he gets a good job and money starts coming in, he will just dump you. so you better shine your eyes you are 28 not 20’’
I found myself quietly nodding to what she had just said but I know ken loved me and he would not want to hurt me. I sighed as I looked at mum who was already at the door.
"Jummy you have up to December 31st to make a decision today is 28th and you should have this at the back of your mind that if you don’t concur to this, I will personally curse you’’
She frowned at me and left, shutting the door tightly after her. i groaned as tears clouded my eyes mum was putting me in a tight corner, I shut my eyes tightly as I whispered
‘’holy Spirit please help me out’’





am sorry its short ...am so tired ryt now. more updates tomorrow by God's grace.

Dopeyomi:
Nice nice.. Keep it up.. Following closely..

thks dear..

Silensa:
Swankmee Sorry that i am late but i don land like landrover

i believe that Aremu is going to be a disaster to Jummy.
Sumbo i still dey eye you one kind

thks dear, gud to have u here..

CHAPTER FOUR
I glanced round the dusty Street which also stood out as a result of some modern duplex houses while the rest of the houses were bungalow including my parents house. I paid the bike man that brought me and knocked on my parent's old gate. I dropped my small travelling bag as I waited for the gate to be opened.
I waited for like 5 minutes and then impatiently pushed the gate slightly and it opened. I made my way into the compound that house my parent's three bedroom flat. I could hear voices but I couldn't make out who they were as I approached the sitting room. I stared back at the 8 pairs of eyes that stared right back at me.
I wondered what mum's elder sister and sumbo were doing here. I wondered why they were all seated like they had a family meeting. I had only called mum to tell her I was coming home but I wasn't expecting the house to be full.
"good afternoon dad,.. Good afternoon mum".
I knelt down in respect to greet them while my aunty opened arms wide and hugged me even before I greeted her.
"how are you jummy... You've actually
added weight o! see your igbadi, look at how big it is! mama sumbo this girl is eating well o! "
I giggled and hugged her as she kept staring at my backside. While I heard Dad speak for the first time that day.
" how was your trip? "
" it was fine sir"
I stood up and sat beside sumbo who had her head bowed. I murmured a greeting to her and she nodded in reply.
"why don't you put your bag in your room
and then eat, freshen up, then come back to the sitting room. we have something to speak to you about".
I looked at mum's face, Her face held seriousness. I moved my gaze to dad but he just kept staring blankly at me like he hadn't heard anything. I glanced at my aunty who was giving me a 'you know' look. then I finally settled my gaze on my sister she still had that pitiful look in her eyes but I wasn't moved so I looked away.
"why don't you just say it... am already feeling anxious to hear"
I paused as I looked at mum, who directed her gaze to dad. Then I heard dad clear his throat.
"jummy... I just want you to know that we love you and we... "
I started sweating, even though the ceiling fan was blowing in high speed. were they about to die or what? I heard dad speak again this time with much confidence and authority.
" jummy we have just one request and we feel you should be able to grant it to us "
I nodded gingerly, of course I would do anything for them, I could remember when mum had to steal for us just so we could eat and I also remembered when dad had to be a mortuary attendant and did so many things that am not proud to say just for sumbo and I to go to school.
"of course dad, there's nothing I can't do for you and mum. You all suffered for me and I love you both for that"
My aunt busted out laughing
"I said it! Jummy is one in a million
that is why she's still my favorite niece. Sumbo don't be jealous o! "
I smiled, sumbo alsoalso smiled but she didn't say anything. My aunt kept chewing what I presumed to be a chewing gum. I stared at her already ageing fair skin and I wondered why she was still unmarried at 58 she had no husband just one adopted child.
" jummy am sure you are aware of your sister's condition. You know, she can no longer get married to Aremu because they are both AS"
I eyed sumbo slowly as I remembered how she had told me to marry her husband to be. I shook my head in disdain and focused on dad.
"we would want you to marry Aremu"
I shook, I opened my mouth, staring blankly at dad then at mum who spoke next.
"jummy please you just have to do it for your sister's sake".
Her last statement pushed me to flare up.
"what!! "
I turned my head to my side to look at my elder sister, I was surprised she was already on her knees. then my aunt spoke up.
" jummy... there is nothing new under the sun afterall Aremu is also a fine young man who is also doing well for himself... "
I stared at my aunt in shock. I thought she would have my back.
" aunty? How can you all be so callous! So unfeeling! What you are asking me to do is an abomination! "
Mum suddenly sprang up from the sofa as if she already prepared to fight me.
" it's not an abomination! ahnahn what is wrong with you? Sumbo has already pleaded with you, what else do you want? "
I stood up to face mum. I didn't understand why they were all against me including dad that I presumed to be his favorite because we looked alike but he simply kept quiet.
" what I want is for you to atleast respect my own decision! I have a fiancé and he would soon ask for my hand in marriage so please stop this unreasonable plea! "
Mum was already fuming while my aunt calmed her down. Meanwhile my dad was still quiet. Sumbo went on her knees and said,
" jumoke please I beg you. I don't just want Aremu to get married to someone else but you... "
I resisted the urge to smack her across the face as I raised my voice in reply.
" I don't understand what do you stand to gain with this your ridiculous match making! Sumbo.... even when we were still young, you've always been selfish! Why do you want me to marry Aremu when you clearly know I have a fiancé"
I allowed the 'fiancé' to linger in the air while I continued to stare at my dad for support but he looked away.
"why are you so blind to what am saying jummy? have been begging you for two whole months to marry Aremu. his family are presurizing him to get married and you know of course that you have nothing to loose. I'm the one sacrificing here"

"I didn't ask for your sacrifice sumbo! Infact I don't bloody care! even if am not happy about ken's financial constraints do you not also consider the fact that I love him! "

I was enraged, I was going crazy.

" look jummy, am also sure Ken would be happy for you. You can never tell if Aremu is even your future husb... "

" sumbo, if you weren't my elder sister, I ought to have slapped you! "

" jummy will you sit down! don't you ever speak to your elder sister like that! "

My eyes widened in shock. Finally my dad spoke but it appeared as if he wasn't on my side. My eyes burned with tears and I could also feel my throat burn as I tried to speak.

" am sorry dad... "

I forced back the tears, I didn't want to cry, atleast not in front of them. I glance at my aunt who started talking.

" jummy I know what they are asking you to do is quite difficult but it's also for your sake. please try and listen to your parents they know what's best for you"

Tears trickled down my face as I suddenly went numb. I wasn't expecting my aunt to support them. I felt disappointed and sad as I stood up from their midst to go to my room.

Update comes up later today.... Happy weekend!!

Rajosh:
I just finished reading @ 30s and I must say I enjoyed it to the bone. I'm so following this.

Wow thks dear am glad u enjoyed it.

CHAPTER THREE

kennedy took me to one of the most expensive restaurant in maitama, we were seated on the last floor of the two storey building just by the glass door. We had just finished the main course meal and was waiting for our deserts. I flashed him a smile while he winked at me. The waiter brought our deserts and we dug into it in no time.
"jummy...I hope you like the food"
I glanced at him, and smiled.
"babe, you just spent almost 15 thousand naira and you are asking me how much I like the food? Sweetheart the food is very nice! Sincerely I love it. thanks am really grateful".
He smiled back revealing the dimples on both cheeks.
"babe, you know I love you right?"
I paused and dropped my dessert cup on the table as I focused on him. I knew he was about to say something serious because of the way he constantly rubbed his chocolate hands.
"Ken... What's wrong?"
He sighed and looked into my eyes.
"what am about to say might
come as a shock to you but
I just hope you understand."
I began to sweat under my arms as I tried sitting up in the chair. Perhaps he was breaking up with me maybe that was why he had brought me for a last lunch together. I swallowed hard trying to stop my palpitating heart as all these thoughts raced through my mind as I stared into his eyes.
"are you breaking up with me?"
He quickly held my hands in his as he spoke to me.
"what?..... no, no I can't and will never do that jummy. sooner or later I will wed you.... it's just that"
I sighed, my heart raced with joy as I held on to his hand as he continued speaking.
"am kind of in financial difficulty
right now and... I... you know my
salary at work is little and I kinda
need money to invest in a business, so I sold my car".
The smile on my face gradually reduced.
"you sold your car? Why?"
I removed my hands from his and relaxed my back on the chair trying to absorb the news he just broke. If he had financial difficulties now, when are we going to get married? I felt sad as I fixed my sad gaze on him.
"jummy am sorry, I know I didn't
let you on about it but I had to keep it away from you. I didn't want to disturb you with my problems".
I rolled my eyes at him, fixing my gaze on the blue checked shirt he wore, the shirt was a bit big for his now lanky frame, he still looked handsome as ever but his chocolate skin colour was gradually loosing it's glow.
"This is difficult for me Kennedy. You are supposed to see my parents atleast this december and now that you're financially tight, I know everything will be on hold".
I exhaled, feeling disappointed and discouraged.
"am so sorry baby, I know I have promised you alot and I will definitely fulfill them by God's grace. I just need a little time".
I shook my head slightly, trying to dismiss his last statement. I do not have that time anymore. I will be 28 years old by January 8th next year and I really do not have that time. I sighed again as I glanced at him sadly.
"it's okay Ken... It's just that
time is not by my side anymore
am a woman for crying out loud".
He gestured towards me to hold my hands, which he squeezed tightly.
"I promise you baby, next year
will not pass us by. and I promise you
after this year, I won't waste your time anymore".
I nodded slowly, as I tried to hold on to his last word for the fourth time.
"so what business did you invest in"?
He smiled at me and I could feel him relax a bit as he kept on holding my hands.
" I invested in agro-allied that is, farming, poultry and fishery for now".
I nodded my head but I wasn't too pleased with his choice of business so I quickly asked him another question.
"so you are now using legedez - benz abi"
We both busted out laughing and for the first time that day, I knew I had to spend the rest of our desserts and left the restaurant.

CONTINUATION
******************************************
I shook my head at my sister's plea as I sighed exasperatedly. Frustrated by her act, I stood up from the bed, flung my small sized traveling bag on the bed and hurriedly stuffed my clothes in it not listening to her.
"Jummy please now..."
Sumbo sat on the bed as she continued to beg me.
"how can you say that Sumbo? and you know I have a fiancé too. and if not for finance we ought to have been married".
"I know now, please I beg you Jummy consider my offer. It will kill me if Aremu gets married to someone else."
I stamped my foot in irritation. How could she be so inconsiderate. Even if anyone in my shoes could easily jump to her offer of me marrying her fiancé, I certainly would not do such, if not for anything but for my fiancé Kennedy. I couldn't just break his heart, and asides from that I love him. I concentrated on my bag and zipped it. I was going back to my house, although I have been at sumbo's place for 5 days now and she kept on filling my ears with this nonsense.
"I can't and will not consent to this callous decision. I know you've never liked my fiancé but I really don't care about your opinion. So please stop bugging me with your decision, I really don't care!"
I quickly pulled on a short straight gown and grabbed my bag as I left the room with Sumbo trailing behind me.




CHAPTER TWO
The leaves on the tree branches swayed gayly as if they approved the dry harmattan breeze that was blowing. I could easily perceive dust during harmattan weather. I licked my dry lips, I wasn't a fan of lipsticks and lip gloss as they never stayed long on my lips because I licked them.
I relaxed on my chair which was beside or rather opposite the window. My phone rang out in the almost quiet staff room interrupting my colleague's sobbing. I ignored the call, it was Sumbo so I didn't even bother to pick it. It was already closing hour and the other teachers were already gone and since it was exam period, they closed early.
"Jummy am so mad at him. Perhaps he fell in love with my face not my personality."
She concluded, dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief. It was unlike Ruth not to wear make-up on her face but today, her face was devoid of make-up.
"it is well, probably he is not meant for you"
I stared blanky at her, I felt for her but I wasn't moved by her tears. Her fiancé dumped her because he was shocked when he saw her 'real face' few days to their introduction ceremony. He had come to her house that morning unannounced according to her and he had been too shocked to the bone when she saw her face bare, without make-up. According to Ruth, he had asked her 'how come you don't have eyebrows'? and ' I thought you had pointed nose'
I nearly busted into laughter when she was telling me but I had to refrain myself from doing that if not she would have my head for dinner. She wailed almost loudly and I started feeling for her. She was almost 35 years old and she must have felt he was her last hope.
"but Ruth, you also did not try o!"
I had to tell her the truth, she was always decking her face with layers of foundation powder.. She glanced at me with teary face.
"how?"

"how come you've always been on make-up whenever you are around your guy?"

"Jummy you don't understand. this guy toasted me when I had make-up on, so I felt that if he sees me without it, probably he wouldn't like me".
My phone rang out again, this time it was my mum. I put the phone to my ear as I listened to her calm voice.
"mum goodafternoon"
"how are you doing jumoke?"
"am fine, how is dad?"
"he is fine.... So when are you coming home?"
"eeerrr... early december but I will give you a call before then ma."
"ohkay that's good then. we will be waiting for you".
" alright mum, I even wanted to report Sumbo to you, I.... "
" don't worry Jummy, when you come home, we will talk about it ".
I hesitated as soon as the call ended. I didn't understand what she meant by 'when you come home we will talk about it'. Or has Sumbo already told her? I thought, as Ruth spoke up and interrupted my thoughts.

" I have learnt my lesson in a very hard way"

I nodded my head at her and squeezed her hands she placed on the table. Ruth wasn't that pretty although she was fair in complexion, she had a round face but flat nose and a Chinese kind of eyes, and to crown it all, she is short and fat.

"it's all good Ruth. Just try to be yourself and it's not as if you will completely stop the make-up..... but In everything there should be moderacy".
Ruth continued staring at me, this time her eyes were dry.
"that's the problem, I feel I can do without make-up but in the actual sense I can't...... am not you Jummy am not as beautiful as you her so it's quite difficult for me".
I nodded at her, trying to absorb what she has just said.

"don't worry Ruth, am sure you can cope without it for a while uhm? Alright let's go home"
I needed to go home because Ken and I have a lunch date. I swung my brown checked bag on my left shoulder and squeezed Ruth's hand with my right as I tried to reassure her that all will be well.

This is a true life story.... Written my me
Please don't copy my stories if u actually want to do that, take permission from me. Thks as u comply.



CHAPTER ONE
"ushafa"
I muttered to the conductor who quickly dropped down from the moving danfo bus and stepped aside for me to enter. The driver made two more stops, picking up passengers. I was seated between two elderly women, one had a hard and unfriendly face while the other woman by my right had a smiling face. She had even greeted me immediately she entered the bus and I had resisted the urge of holding a handkerchief over my nose as a result of her mouth odor, I kept on twitching my nose towards the window so as to stop her from talking but she continued. I quickly murmured an inward prayer for God to hasten the driver so I can be free from this woman.
It was almost 5pm when we got to ushafa. I alighted from the bus and took a bike to monkey village. My elder sister had rented a house there, and she was going to leave the house like in 2 months time to her matrimonial home.
I smiled to myself, my elder sister was indeed lucky. She had gotten herself a proper yoruba man to marry not only that, the guy was also wealthy and caring of course and women practically drooled for him but he had eyes only for my sister. I hissed as we started moving on the rough parts of the road as I struggled to get my thoughts together. I was a bit jealous of my sister because my fiancé wasn't that wealthy, as he works in federal ministry of information and he wasn't well paid despite the fact that he is in level 8. My fiancé could also boast of a small printing shop at wuse, a camry and a one bedroom apartment. He wasn't still to be compared to my sister's fiancé. I am really in love with my fiancé but not in love with his financial status. I held the back of the bike with one hand as I clutched my bag tightly with the other hand so as to avoid getting bumped against the bikeman as the road was bumpy and terribly rough.
I felt my phone vibrate inside my bag and I knew it was my sister calling for the fifth time since I left FLORA HILLS COLLEGE GWARIMPA, where I worked as a chemistry teacher and I was well paid with good accommodation as the school was a boarding school. The students were on mid-term break and when I I saw my sister's message that morning, I knew she wanted or rather needed help in planning her wedding.
I alighted from the bike as soon as we got to the front of a blue gate that had about 5 other flats in the compound. I paid the bike man and entered the compound.
My sister's flat is the last in the compound. It was painted in sky blue and cream colour. Even the door was well furnished. I knocked slightly on the door,before the door opened only to reveal my sister's puffy red eyes.
I was startled, but I followed her into the house trailing behind her quietly as I shut the door behind us. I surveyed her self-contain that accommodated a big 12inch mattress, a red flowered bedsheets was neatly spread on it. I sat on the soft bed as I felt the foam press underneath me as soon as I sat on it. I took in the other details In the room slowly, it appeared as if my had lavishly furnished her room because there was no how my sister could afford an 18inch home theater, a Panasonic air conditioner was also placed at the top left side of the room just opposite the bed. I swallowed my jealousy as I forced my eyes on the images displayed on the wall TV.
"we broke up"
My gaze flew on my sister, who was sitting on the tiled floor and had her back to a brown sofa chair. I watched her in awe as she stuffed what I presumed to be chocolate cake into her mouth. My sister was a Baker as well as a caterer. She had read home economics at the kaduna polytechnic and has her HND in it. While me on the other hand, already have my Masters in biochemistry and atleast I could boast of 150k per month from my place of work but my sister on the other hand, doesn't even work as her fiancé Aremu always paid her bills so she lacked nothing. Like the saying goes, 'all fingers are not equal'. But right now my fair pretty sister was all moody because of a breakup!
"what?"
I sat on the floor beside her as I watched her stuff another piece of chocolate cake into her mouth. I expected her to be sober, sad, teary-eyed but she wasn't, she just sat there dry eyed, stuffing chocolate cake into her mouth as she kept staring blankly at the TV screen.
"sumbo.. Who initiated the break-up? And for goodness sakes why are you not crying!"
She glanced at me and laughed dryly.
"I have cried....... I have been soaking my dear bed for weeks now. Jummy you aren't seeing any tears now because am simply exhausted from crying"
I watched her the cake pieces fast into her mouth as she suddenly busted into tears. I heaved a sigh of relief, that at least she was now crying if not, I was already getting scared that if she didn't cry, she was probably going to do something harmful to herself. I shifted towards her and cuddled her while she kept crying.
"it's okay sis...... It's okay. you will definitely find a better person"
She cleaned her tears and raised her head to face me.
"no.... It can never be okay. the breakup was our only option because of our genotype".
I opened my mouth in surprise
"your genotype? How? Or is he AS too?"
My eyes widened as it glistened with tears. I watched her nod her head sadly as the tears kept pouring.
"yes Jummy.... He is also AS and we can't risk getting married so as not to give birth to sick children"
I shivered slightly as I remembered a staff of mine that almost ran crazy after her 3kids died. She and her husband were AS and they had thought they would give birth to healthy children since they were praying for God to change their genotype but they had given birth to triplets and they ended up been SS patients.
"sumbo please stop crying. It's better you guys had to separate. It will do your unborn babies more good''.
She stopped sobbing for a while to look at me like I had initiated her breakup. She started another round of tears as she walked to her bed and laid on it. I drew the rest of the cake towards me and bit into a slice. I increased the volume of the TV in order to block out sumbo's wailing.

Chapter one........ Loading....

HELLO EVERYONE!! AM BACK AGAIN...

RED HARMATTAN, is about two sisters, sumbo and jummy.
on was asked to marry her sister's fiance because they
were not medically compatible. do you think she will agree?
even if she agrees do you think sumbo would be able to stand down
for jummy to take over? why don't you find out......


lets do this lets have fun!!!!

am inviting everyone on nairaland of course!




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chidi this is for u



shewrites more ink to ur pen ma

what!!! building on fire?



kip up the good work paulaspearz