₦airaland Forum

Nmaglit:
Madam tiffany longest time hope u r ok

I am fine. I will post an update this evening

mujybee:
i jst came across ur three stories dis year n was very happy dat i read all within a week......ur work is very great n i will b happy 2 c more of it. May God increase u wit more wisdom n knowlegde

Thank you very much for reading my work. Of cause you will see more of me. Often atimes, I promised myself to stop writing but then, weeks later, I find myself craving to write something. I dream of new stories and new scenes, and then I realized that writing is a passion. A mentor once told me that 'writing is like a chocolate stain on a white shirt,you can't just get it off,easily'

charytea:
helo goodevening, I just started this story today and I am really glued to my phone but some parts of the story are not available, some pages have been deleted from the part where they visited the VP, please how do I get that part, I am getting sad as a result of the incomplete parts Tiffany, do something abeg

I am so sorry dear but you can't get the remaining parts of the story. When I found myself fighting plagiarism of my stories, I had to remve some parts. I am so sorry that you read a half completed story and wish I could help but seriously, my hands are tied.

Good evening ma. I just finished a book, can you make a cover for me? Its titled 'Always and forever' by Tiffany A Ambrose. Thank you in advance

rachealfst:
Helen you better run.....thanks for the update.

Thank you for reading

onosj:
OK na! Helen be ready 4 war...Tiffany may d almighty God strength u more.

Amen my dear. Did youtake a break? I hardly ever see you online again

OMO1234567:
this is the beingin of war

Talking like Anthony Joseph

Temtopy:
finally Henry is courageous enough to tell his story am happy about d new development. can't wait for d next update thanz Tiffany u r d best

Thanks for reading. The next update is not far away

jessysparkles:
ghen ghen ghen ghen ......war started!!!!! Tiffany tiffany nice 1.. I hope dy teach Helen lesson of her life. pls update soon

I hope so too. Will update soon

Twinkle004:
Thank God Jake has finally told his father & brother abt is ordeal now Helen get ready...Tiffany thnks 4 d update can't wait 4 u 2 finish up

Thank you for reading. Jake made the right deecision

callmeomotee33:
Uhmmm this is the beginning of war between Joseph families and Helen ......thanks dear for the update

Thank you for reading!

******
Helen was pursing Jake and Maureen. They ran down the corridor to an open field. There, they hid behind a silo, breathing very hard. Helen appeared from the corridor and came towards the silo. The panic in Maureen's eyes were excruciating. Jake held her arms and they began running again.
They ran for almost ten minutes and Maureen was tired. She knew it was time she made a decision. She stopped running and Jake too stopped.
'Sweetheart,we just have to cross that little river over there. She won't get to us again'
'I can't Jake, I really can't'
'Of course you can'
'Do me a favour, leave. Don't bother about me. I can't and won't slow you down. Tell Victoria I love her. Tell the boys their mother was brave and she loved them'
'No, I won't leave you behind. I can't imagine life without you'
'Who then will we saddle our kids with?'
'Of course there is there is my brother Henry, my sister Tara and your brother Joel. Our kids would never lack'
'No. Jake if you love me you would go. Survive, get a good woman, marry and take care of our kids'
'I will never leave you at the mercy of Helen. Never'
He helped her up just as Helen appeared with a pistol in her hands. She was in a black jeans and black shirt. She looked both evil and sinister at once. Smiling,she said
'If I can't have you Jake, no one will'
'No Helen. Not him. Take me instead. If you kill us both our kids would be left orphans'
'It doesn't matter to me'
'Mother. Take me. I will come with you. Just let Maureen go. She is so sweet, innocent and kind to end up like this', Jake told his mother.
'No, its too late for that Jake. Today, get ready to meet God'
'No,No', Maureen shouted as Helen pulled the trigger. It hit Jake's chest. He stared at his mother and then Maureen, and then he crumbled to the floor. Maureen rushed to him and cradled his head on her lap.
'No, jake damn you i will get you to the hospital'
'No. I lo...ve ....yo...'
He gave up the ghost. Maureen let out a scream. then two, and she left Henry,charging towards Helen with anger. But then, Helen was with the boys and Victoria somehow she wondered how they got there. She stopped when Helen pointed the gun at Victoria.
'Your punishment Maureen is that you would live alone in this world for the rest of your life. No Jake, no kids'
'No Helen, not my babies'
Helen let out a wicked laugh. She fired a shot and Victoria was on the floor,bleeding.
'No, no'
Then two shots went out. Maureen looked up to the two cribs. Somehow Helen had fled. Slowly, her body very bloody, with Victoria and Jake's, she walked to the crib and screamed. She saw the lifeless and bloody bodies of her little ones. She was screaming her head off and crying and shouting and running mad.


*****

She was screaming and falling but she felt strong arms holding her. She fought the arms but she couldn't. Her right arm hurt too much. Someone was hugging her and holding her tightly. She perceived his cologne. It was Jake.
'Jake?', she asked
'Its me sweetheart. You are having a very bad dream', he said
Her eyes flew opened. There he was holding her. Her father-in-law was there in the room and so Henry, her brother-in-law.
'Jake, you died, I can't bear loosing you', she told him in tears
'Hush, its only a dream my love. Look,I am here'
'The kids?', she asked
'All well. All having their afternoon nap'
'Are you sure?'
'Very. Its all a dream love'
'A dream', she said and burst into fresh tears. Henry was coming to them but Jake stopped him with his hands
'I'm so glad it was only a dream'
'Yes sweetheart. Do you trust me?'
'Yes'
Your wound is bleeding. The doctor would come and check it for you'
'Will you be here to see him do it?'
'Sure'
'Okay. Jake? When last did I bath?'
'You can't bath now. The doctor is yet to give permission for that'
'She looked down at her soaked nighty. It was soaked with perspiration and it clung to her like a second skin. Jake followed his eyes to her body. She needed another sponge bath.
A knock came at the door and the doctor they had hired to see to her appeared at the door way. He saw the blood stains on her clothes but dared not complain. He was being paid quiet well. In fact, too well. They were paying him double what he would collect as his monthly salary. His colleagues know the Josephs, they hate the hospital, choose a doctor from a private hospital negotiate with the hospital for him to be released into his care and pay him to work for them. Once he is done,he would return to his job. The hospital would arrange it as if the doctor was on a vacation.
The doctors weren't disturbed. They were expected to give the best and then they got paid double for their services.
Dr Thomas looked again at the woman holding the man so tightly. He was in his room when he heard her scream. At first, he thought she was having a fever but he could see she was not.
'Sir, if you would excuse us,I think its time I take care of that wound lest it gets infected'
Henry and Anthony both left the room but Maureen wouldn't let go of Jake. slowly, with the help of the doctor, Jake got rid of her clothes.
Under the doctor's tutelage, he sponged bath her and then wiped her body with a towel,being very careful with her wound. When he was done, the doctor dressed her wound and Jake dug into her clothes for a clean nighty again. She was helped into her clothes.
'How are you feeling now?', jake asked
'Please I can't stand it that we don't sleep in the same bed. Come back here Jake'
'I can't. I might hurt you in my sleep'
'But I don't want to stay here alone at night'
'Mr joseph, you can bring in a sofa into the room. That is if you can survive sleeping there'
'Of course I will'
'She needs to be fed her lunch so that she can take her med'
Ten minutes later, a maid walked in with a plate of beans and vegetable. Jake sat on the bed and fed her. She ate, swallowed her pills and went back to sleep.


*******
Jake descended the staircase, went to the bar and poured himself a glass of scotch. He didn't know why Maureen would meet Helen behind his back and endanger herself.
'How is she?', he heard his brother said.
'Bad', Jake replied.
'She seemed scared'
'She is scared'
'Of who?'
'Helen'
'Isn't it high time you discuss with us what is going on here?'
'Henry, I came to you once. You refused to hear me out. You called me a betrayal and plotted against me'
'I am interested now'
'That day at the bar, I wanted to tell you why I stayed away all these while. You were to furious to listen'
'I am sorry Jake'
'Boys, its time we discuss this. Meet me in my room. I am afraid this is not something we would be proud to discuss with thee maids hearing us', Anthony informed his sons and went up to his room.
Henry, afraid of what he would hear tool two bottled of brandy upstairs with him. Jake followed, closely behind.
Once in Anthony',suit, Henry mentioned for Jake to tell history.
Maureen's dream had prompted him to tell the untold. The three had been downstairs, discussing with Henry who had come to brief their father the state of things at the agency when they heard a scream upstairs. They listened again and the scream came again.
Jake knew it was Maureen and he ran upstairs to her, his father and Henry following from behind.
Now, thinking back,he made a decision to tell his family the dilemma he was in.
'Father, a lady is carrying my baby and I don't even know her'
'So cheated on Maureen? I thought you love her?', Henry asked
' I didn't cheat on her. I was forced'
'You mean a lady pulled down your trousers and climbed over you?', Henry said, with humor.
'Its mother. She kidnapped me, chained me to the bed and brought in a lady. Henry she watched. I was drugged and used and...'
'Wait Jake, mother was the one that kidnapped you?'
'Yes'
'Not mother Jake, our mother is sweet, loving, kind, gentle. You inherited her traits. That's why you are too quiet, too gentlemanly, too enduring'
'Henry. The woman you just described is not mother. She had been pretending all our lives. The woman I met and called mother is a murderer, a greedy woman, bitter,ruthless and a bi.tch'
'Jake!'
'What happened Jake?', Anthony asked
Jake swallowed.

'I met mother two years after we buried her in a shopping mall. I was staring so hard at her I thought I was dreaming. Slowly,I walked to the woman throwing groceries into a basket and couldn't take my eyes off hers. She felt my stare and looked up. I watched closely and so her froze.
'Mother?' I asked
'Jake. What are you doing in Lagos?'
'I live here. Are you ghost?'
'No. I had to escape from your father'
'What is happening?'
'I faked my death Jake. I am happy now'

Jake looked at his father and brother.
'Since then, mother began making me pay for seeing her'
'How?',Anthony asked
'She made sure I turned my back on you and father'
Why?'
'She believed I might spill the beans. When I insisted on always visiting home,she punished me', Jake said in tears.
'She killed Jessica', he sobbed
'What? You said Jessica was asthmatic',Henry shouted. He knew Jessica well. She was his brother's first love. He dated Jessica when they were in school and often bragged that he would marry her as soon as they were done with school and working.
'You might meet someone better and more beautiful than her. Do not rush bro, you are still young', Henry had one day told his brother.
'Why don't you like her? She is my missing rib'
'I can't bear to watch you marry an asthmatic patient'
'Don't ever talk about my future wife like that. Never, ever', Jake had replied in anger.
'easy bro'
Since then, Henry had never say a thing against the girl. Jake had confided that he had met her parents and they had agreed for him to come for her introduction. Anthony wasn't in town and they were waiting for him to return when Jake came back home in tears one evening.
'What is it?'
'Jesse, she is dead'
Since then, his brother changed. He stopped coming home, stopped dating, stop making friends, draw more into a shell he created for himself and then finally, became a loner.
Henry had thought that Jake was mourning Jessica but as the years went by, they concluded that Jake missed his mother. While she was alive, they were very close.
'You mean mother did that?'
'Yes'
'Helen, was responsible for your behaviour these past fifteen years?', Anthony asked
'You haven't heard half of it'
'Tell us'
Jake told his story. Every detail,without leaving a single thing behind. He didn't see his father made a fist, neither did he see his brother's eyes looked dangerous.
'Jake, let's get this straight. Why did you mother target you?'
'I saw something I wasn't suppose to see'
'What?'
'She is into arm deals. They supply arms and ammunition to terrorists'
'Are you sure?', Henry asked
'Why do you think she and Philip are targeting me?'
Henry and Anthony exchanged look. Jake whom they loved had gone through so much pain because of the greediness of one woman. They knew what they would do.
'I need to go and check on Maureen and the kids', Jake told them
'Go Jake. I'm right behind you', Henry said.
Once the door close behind Jake, Anthony turned to Henry.
'Henry, she is your mother but you know what we have to do now, don't you?'
'Yes father. Jake was going through so much pain all these years and we never knew. No one deserves what he got'
'No one',Anthony agreed.
'And no one who touches a member of our family go free. No one, not even the one who called herself our mother', Henry agreed.
'Good. Your first step Henry is to bring Linda and the kids to this place to live. Temporary. Call Jordan, tell him a war is about to start and Helen might decide to get to me through Tara. Joel should also know of this', Anthony told Henry.
'Yes father. We take care of our own.
'Finally, dig into Philip. Find out all you can about him'
When Henry took his leave, Anthony allowed his anger to reign. Helen would regret ever meeting a man of his caliber. She hurt his son and Maureen, no one dared Anthony Joseph and go away without getting burnt. Not even his wife and the mother of his sons.

supernet4:
oga madam abeg na come continue ur tory na

I made an update yesterday. Would make another tomorrow. Sorry for keeping you waiting

D9ty7:
Message me on whatsapp via 08166920449 for the complete ebook of this story; THE THOMAS.
I promised to make it available for FREE; and here I am giving it out free of charge

Good evening sir. How are you doing and how is your work? Its been long!

iomoge2:
Cc
Tiffanyj
Godmother

Iomoge2 thank you for the mention.

Good morning, couldn't help but to peep into. This thread. I love your choice of words and I am curios to know what would happen between Sally and thee new guy. It promises to be an interesting story.

But sweetheart I got to tell you that your work is very clustered, making it a bit tedius to read and moree difficult to understand. First, I will advice you to chapter your story. Yes, it is a short story but chapter it. Secondly, you have to look for a way to seperate scenes. This isvery important.
Lastly, edit your first and second update. You failed to seperate your narration from your dialogue. This is another very important aspect of writing.
Well, ride on.

*****
Maureen frantically began running around the hospital premises,not caring in the world that she might actually look like a lunatic to people around, or the fact that her right arm was becoming almost to heavy for her. She heard Henry shouting her name but she didn't care. She only knew that she wouldn't survive it if Helen had Jake at her mercy again.
She turned left to the back of a building and saw Jake, his back at her leaning on a wall. A tear ran down her cheeks. Tear of joy at seeing him alive and well. She quickly but quietly ran to him just as he heard her coming and turned, she was already in his arms, sobbing and telling him how much she loved.
Jake was too angry that she met his mother behind his back but surprisingly, feeling her in his arms suddenly quenched whatever he felt. He kissed her ear and hugged her more tightly to himself. That was when he felt his shirt getting wet around his bosom. surely, that couldn't be Maureen's tears. He pulled away from her stared in disbelieve at the blood on both their shirts.
'Good God what in the hell happened to you?'
'I don't know Jake she said and began slowly falling. Henry appeared and with Jake's help, they held her.
Both Henry and Jake were surprised at the amount of blood. Without thinking, Henry ripped open her shirt,bearing her white bra that had now turned red at the right hand side.
'Oh my God, Jake, she had been shot'
'What?'
Maureen was too weak. Henry picked her up and and began running back into the hospital with Jake at his heels. They met Anthony at the entrance. Seeing the confused look on his son's face he asked.
'What is it Jake?'
'She had been shot'
'Shot? How? She was okay, five minutes ago'
Jake didn't have time to be interrogated by his father. He ran past him to Henry. Anthony followed suit. Another five minutes later, five minutes of Henry and Anthony shouting and threatening the doctors to do something about it.
'But sir, the police need to...', a nurse said
'Damn the police. Do you know who I am? If anything happens to my daughter-in-law, I will sue this hospital'
'Sir, it is the standard...'
After five minutes of threat, Maureen, who had lost consciousness because of the amount of blood she lost was rushed into the Emergency room for surgery.
'I don't understand,what just happened?'
'I can't say too. She left in search of Jake,I waited one minute to go after her. And when she found jake, she was already shot and had lost enough blood', Henry added.
'I don't understand. One minute she was hugging me and crying I thought she was sorry for meeting mother behind my back when I felt wet on my shirt. She was crying for the pain in her arms and I didn't know', Jake wailed.
'We had better called the police', Anthony said.
'No, please don't call a police', Jake quickly shouted.
'Why?', his father and brother asked
'The people that shot her were after me, not her. If you call the police, it will bring forth so many secrets we can't let out'
'Young man, are you in trouble?', his father asked
'Yes'
'Who is after you. It now explains why you returned and stayed this long. Someone is after you. how could you? How could you endanger us, our wives and kids? You endanger even Maureen and the kids', Henry attacked his brother
'I didn't endanger you Henry, nor linda nor your kids. I am only guilty of endangering Maureen, Victoria and the boys'
'Who is after you?',Anthony asked
'I can't tell you. Just don't insist'
Henry was too angry to argue with his brother at the hospital. He shrugged. They would finish this discussion at home.
'Call Joel, he needs to know that his sister had been shot'
Jake did not argue, he beeped Joel and informed him on the state of affairs.
'What do you mean shot? By whom?'
'Its not that serious. She would survive, she was only shot on her arm'
'I'm on my way'
Ten minutes later, Joel was at the hospital with Mich. They were waiting in the hall when the doctor came. He told them she is fine but they couldn't talk to her till the next day. They could only watch her for a few minutes.
Once in her room,Jake rushed to her and kissed her forehead. They all watched her sleep for about five minutes before being ushered out of the room by a nurse.
'Can someone tell me what happened to my sister?', Joel asked
'She was shot', Jake responded
'By whom?'
There was silence in the hall. Two men came to them with and introduced themselves as police officers. They were called by the hospital authority to investigate their case.
'Can we see your identity cards?', Henry asked.
Jake wasn't listening. He simply kept walking around, wandering what he had to do to keep Maureen Safe. He heard Henry explained to the policemen what had happened.
'I think it is a stray bullet',Henry insisted.
'What made you say that?', the plump policeman that introduced himself as Chris asked
'Maureen is such a sweet woman. As far as I can tell, she has no enemies', Jake heard Henry saying.
the policemen wrote on their pad and left, promising to return the following day. When it was time for them to return home, Anthony cornered Henry and coerced him into spending the night with Maureen.
'Why me?'
'If you don't, your brother would want to and you know that won't do. If some men are after him, this would be their opportunity to strike'
'But father, Linda and the kids...'
'Jake is your kid brother. Linda is family and so is Jake. Its just for tonight. By tomorrow, she would be moved back home'
'Why can't her brother stay with her?'
'She married into our family Henry. She is now our responsibility, not his'
'Okay, I will'
When it was time to go, Henry urged Jake to go and take care of Victoria and the twins.
'What about Linda?', Jake asked.
'She would be fine. At least the kids are bigger than yours'
'What if she wants to pee in the middle of the night'
Henry let out a loud laugh. 'Of course I would call a nurse to see to her or do you want me to?', he asked his brother tensely.
Jake poked Henry on his stomach.
'Don't you dare'
They all departed, except for Henry who stayed behind to guide his sister-in-law. She had a very painful slumber.
At 2am the next day, Helen, in a nurse uniform peeped into the room and saw her son, curled up on a launch sofa, sleeping.
She cursed. Why didn't Jake spent the night with the girl? Henry, of all people. Slowly, Helen walked out of the hospital and into her car. She wouldn't miss, a second time.

*****
When Maureen opened her eyes that morning, at 6am, she found Jake and Anthony already in the room. She smiled at Jake and then greeted Anthony.
'How are my kids?', she asked.
'All in good condition. Evan and Ethan are making do with cow milk for now. They don't like it', Jake informed her
Maureen wasn't comfortable. She was in pains yea but her bosom are full and very sore. If she didn't bosom feed them this morning, she would be in pains. She was shameless, but this is not something she wished to say in front of Henry or Anthony.
'Maureen, did you see who shot at you?'
'Actually, I didn't even know I was shot. I was frantically searching for Jake. I only remember feeling pain'
'Are you Hungry?', Anthony asked.
'Very'
'I asked cook to pack breakfast for you and Henry'
She was helped up. She sat up and Jake fed her oatmeal. Henry turned it down. They all watched her eat. When she was through, she said a bit too slowly.
'I really need to use the rest room'
Henry realized for the first time that Maureen was shy. Her arms were neatly placed in a sling and soon, her bandages would be changed.
'Let me help you', Jake said
'No'
'Sweetheart, I can...'
'Jake, I need a woman like me'
'You are my wife'
Two minutes later, two nurses carefully helped her into the rest room and returned her back to her husband, and her bed.
'So now Maureen? Who is after Jake?', Anthony asked
Maureen chewed on her bottom lip, turned to Jake so as to find out if she could spill the beans. He shook his head at her, telling her 'no' in a silent way
'I really don't know'
'Liar', Henry said. I saw him made a gesture at you.
'Well, I won't say a thing. If you both don't mind, can I have a few minutes alone with my husband?'
'Of course we do mind. You two will get no privacy from me unless you spill the secret you are hiding', Henry retorted angrily
'What do you want to talk about?'
'Nothing', she said close to tears.
'Henry, father, can you both excuse Maureen and I?'
Anthony left. Henry refused to. He sat back and stretched his leg. He made a mental note to give Linda and the kids a call as soon as he could.
'Henry please', Maureen pleaded
'I thought you said you are shameless?'
Maureen shrugged.
'Jake if I don't bosom feed the boys I will die. I am so sore right now'
'What do you mean?'
Henry, who had father three kids and available to see it all happened to his last two understood what she meant. Slowly, he explained to his brother that Maureen was carrying excess milk that the boys ought to consume.
'You have two choices'
'What?', Jake asked
'She could pressed out as much milk as she could into a feeding bottle for the kids. Linda did that for Miracle when she began work and couldn't take him with her'
'The second option?', Jake asked
'You could drive home and bring the kids here for her to bosom feed'
Maureen and Jake stared. Finally, because Maureen didn't have a hand to carry out the first option, Jake placed a call home and instructed their father's driver to drive the nanny and the kids to the hospital.
Thirty minutes after the phone call, Maureen was beside herself with joy at seeing her boys. The kids on seeing her leapt with joy. She silently thanked God that her doctor had permitted her to bosom feed.
'One at a time, mrs Joseph. We don't want you to reopen your wound do we?'
'Of course not,Doctor', she replied.
The nanny wheeled them closer to their mother. Maureen laughed at Evan burst into tears. She couldn't pick him, neither could she bosom feed with Henry present.
'So old chap, you really don't want to sit and watch her do you?', Jake told his brother.
'No'
'Good, then can you excuse us?'
'If I refused?'
'You wouldn't'
Henry needed to call Linda anyway. He slowly stood up, looked down at his rumpled clothes and walked out of the room.
'Now, you, out', Jake told the nanny.
'Seriously, Jake, I need her to help me'
Jake braced himself. I am your husband and the father of the kids I will help'
'Can you really do it?', she asked
'Don't underestimate me'
The nanny turned to leave and Jake told her to let non of the family members in.
'I don't want anyone walking in on my wife'
'Yes sir', she said and fled the room.
She wasn't wearing a bra, slowly, he helped her unbuttons her shirt and then picked Evan and gently placed him in her arms.
'Ouch', she said when the boy kicked her arm
'You are not up to this, we can go for option one'
'I am'
It took very long but the deeds were done, leaving her aching all over. Jake was helping her into her clothes when the door opened and the nurses came to change her bandage. Jake and the kids went out. He handled them to their nanny to take home. He wasn't surprised when the policemen returned to the hospital.
The doctors refused to let them talk with the victim. She was already too tired and needed her rest.
They agreed to wait for her. By 3pm,the doctors allowed her visitors inside. She was popped on on her pillows when they came. Henry and Jake were with her. Each seated on both sides of the bed.
'Ma'am, I am chris and my colleague is Emeka'
'Okay',she answered the plump one in his late thirties who seemed to be the one doing the talk.
'We are policemen, here to investigate what had happened to you'
'Okay'
'Did you get a look at your shooter?'
'No'
'Why not?'
'I...I upset my husband and he angrily left so I had to look for him and apologize. I didn't even know I was shot. I just remember feeling pain in my arm'
'Why were you scared that he left?'
Maureen shrugged.'Everyone knows that he left me, three times, without looking back. But what all of them don't know is that I love him, unconditionally and he loves me too', Maureen looked at Jake with smiles. He couldn't resist kissing her forehead.
'Em mrs Joseph, who would want you dead?'
'Me? Goodness Jake, tell this people here that I am such a sweet woman. I have only one friend, Kemi. I hardly go out except to visit families. My life revolves around my family. I don't have time making enemies'
'Mrs Joseph, your brother-in-law seemed to think it was a stray bullet that got to you'
'Of course it is. Who would want me dead?'
'Mrs Joseph, your husband is...?'
'I am tired. Come back tomorrow'
Henry almost laughed at the way Maureen dismissed the guys. Once they left, he turned to them
'Now care to tell me what you are are bidding?'
'Nope', jake said
'Jake, we have to tell him. He is your brother'
'Don't'
'Henry, your mother either shot me herself or sent someone to shoot me'
Henry didn't hear right.
'What did you say?'
The door opened and Anthony strolled in. Maureen would be transported back home. This talk would have to wait. Jake looked at the wife who had betrayed him
'I am really sorry jake. Its for the best'
'I shouldn't have come back here', he said

******
That evening, Maureen couldn't hide her joy of finally meeting her mother-in-law. She walked around the house with smiles on her face and even went down the kitchen to prepare dinner. Everyone was amazed, the maids couldn't stop whispering and giggling to their selves.
'Maureen, what's wrong with you?', Jake asked her over dinner.
'I'm simply excited', she replied with a grin.
'Even a blind me could see that you are excited. The question now is, why?', he asked her while Victoria and Anthony watched.
'Well, this morning, you and I had one of the best time of our lives. You were so great and you remembered that you had to...'
Jake was appalled! Maureen was narrating their sexual scenes to his father and Victoria. His daughter wouldn't understand but his father did. In fact, looking at Anthony, there was a look of understanding in his old eyes. Jake turned to Maureen and wondered how she could tell his father things like that. Quickly, he stood up and pulled her out of her chair. She went willingly into his arms and then began kissing him.

'For god sake Maureen, your daughter is here', Anthony said.
'I know that sir. We were only kissing', she went back to her food and then motioned to Jake to have one too. Like a child, he sat back in his chair but couldn't take his eyes off her. She smiled, cut a chunk of fish and motioned to Victoria to come closer. She fed Victoria twice and then turned to Jake.
'Are we married?', she asked him
He went stilled. He exchanged a look with his father and wondered if she knew that their so called marriage was a sham.
'Yes', he said.
'Good, then allow me to feed you'
'Maureen, I...'
'Jake, you need your strength. I just don't know why everyone expect me to pretend when I am married'
No one answered her. She began pushing food into his mouth and then, began laughing. After wards, she kissed his lips, Victoria's cheeks and dashed upstairs to feed her little ones.
'Mummy seemed happy to me'
'Your mummy is insatiable', Anthony barked.
'What's intiable?', she asked, unable to pronounce the word correctly.
'It means unable to stop being happy', Her father lied with a smile.
'Victoria, go upstairs, I need to talk with your daddy'
'Okay grandpa', she too dashed upstairs,to her mother.
'Jake, your doctor told me you stopped going for check up'
'Yes, I did'
'Why?'
'I am now fully recovered. No need to start going for some check-up'
'So you think. Why didn't you wait for the doctor to permit you going back to your sexual life?'
Jake stood up. 'I will not discuss this with you'
He said and walked out of his father. Walking upstairs, he heard Maureen laughing with the kids and Victoria singing a nursery rhyme. He had a bath and was putting on his clothes when Maureen opened the adjoining door. She smiled at him and began getting rid of her clothes.
'Maureen, we need to talk'
'Talk you say?', she asked him and then drove into a chest of drawer for a jeans.
'Yes. You seem to forget that some things must remain private'.
'Things like what?'
'Our sex life of cause'
She put on her jeans and then turned to face her husband who was looking at her
'Jake, I read it somewhere that it is very important for couple to show affections to each other in front of their kids'
'Are you trying to make yourself feel better?'
Maureen glanced at the big clock on the wall. It was already past ten and she was suppose to be meeting Helen by noon.
'I am happy Jake, for the first time in years'
'I am happy too Maureen but...'
'But what? Don't tell me you are a sadist'
'Why would you say so?'
'You hate seeing me happy'
'That's not true'
She picked a peach shirt and wore it over her body. Turning to her husband, she said.
'You know what? I need time to think'
'Go ahead and think your head off', he said calmly and watched her stormed out of the room. Victoria opened the connecting door and stared at her daddy who was still standing and staring at the door her mother just exited.
'Daddy?'

'Yes?'
'Are you and mummy fighting?'
'No. What made you think so?'
'I heard mummy shouting. She shouts at you whenever she is mad'
Jake sat on the bed and pulled his daughter to him. She was too smart for her age and he didn't like that at all.
'Your mummy and I are just having a misunderstanding'
'Will you travel again, daddy?'
'No pumpkin. I have no intention of traveling'
'Even if mummy shouts at you?'
'Yes, even if your mummy shouts at me. I love her just so much'

*******
Maureen deliberately picked Anthony's car keys. She knew he would miss it but she didn't care. She didn't even care with make-up. Well, she wasn't as angry as she made Jake believed. She was only looking for a way out of the house and she got one. She stared at herself through the rear view mirror and agreed that she wasn't looking so very ugly to meet her so called 'deceased' mother-in-law.
Slowly, she started the car and drove out of the house, making sure that her phones accompanied her to the car. As she drove to her daughter's school, she thought of how to approach Helen and decided to be ruthless. By 11:30am, Maureen had highlighted in front of the school. She looked round and wasn't surprised that Helen was yet to show up. She alighted from the car and waited for about thirty minutes when she saw a green jeep drove into the street. Maureen had stayed as far away as she could from the gate of her daughter's school.
The green car halted and Maureen watched as a woman of about sixty alighted and began walking towards her. The woman was in dark in complexion, slim and very tall. Maureen at that moment, knew that her Jake had inherited his mother's features. He was the exact image of his mother but in a masculine form. She walked elegantly towards Maureen, and her heart missed a skip. This woman so reminded her of Jake she wondered why a mother would treat her own son with so much hatred as this woman treated Jake. Maureen took note of Helen's dressing, she was dressed in a red dress that reached just below her knees.
'Good afternoon ma', Maureen greeted
'I don't need your greetings. I have a message for you'
'I am all ears'
'Pack your things out of Anthony's house to that brother of yours'
'May I ask why?'
'I will never accept you for my little boy. Rosie is already carrying his child'
Maureen allowed herself to laugh.
'You seem to have forgotten that you died for over fifteen years. You have no say in whatever happened between Jake and I'
'We shall see'
'Helen,I am not here to listen to you blab about your little boy. I am here to warn you to stay away from Jake'
'What if I refuse?'
'I will tell on you. Anthony and Henry will know just what you did to your so called little boy'
'He didn't tell you!'
'Sure he did, you crazy woman'
Helen furiously slapped Maureen. Maureen pushed the woman and then slapped her back.
'You don't scare me Helen. Now take this message to Philip. Tell him that I said, I do not forgive nor do I forget but I am willing to compromise. Tell him that you two should take yourselves out of my family's life or else...'
'What?'
'I will announce to the whole world that Helen Joseph is alive and well. Your brother, Jerry would know the kind of person you are'
'You won't live long enough to tell the tale', Helen said with a smile.
'First of all, I need to prove a point to you Helen. Just give me a few minutes to make a call.
Helen smiled to herself. Maureen would not even reach home. She would have an accident on her way home and that would be the end of her. Philip was already waiting ahead.
'Make your call Maureen'
'Sure, I will'
She dialed Henry's number and placed it on the speaker for Helen to hear.
'Hello?'
'Henry?'
'Yes?, Maureen how are you and the kids?'
Maureen burst into tears. Helen frowned
'Good God why are crying?', Henry shouted
'Jake and I had a fight'
'So. Is this the first time?'
'Henry, what if he leaves me?'
'He loves you Maureen'
Maureen was crying so hard that Henry knew she wanted something.
'Stop the crocodile tears Maureen. What do you want?'
'I took your father's car and went driving and now I am stuck. It just stopped moving. I think it developed mechanical problem'
'Call him send his mechanic. I can't come now, I have a meeting to attend in an hour'
'I'm scared of Anthony, he will have my head for taking his favourite car without his permission'
'We all know that you don't fear father. Beside, I don't know how you managed to wrap him around your little fingers'
'Henry?'
'Gosh, call your brother or even Jordan. Just let me be'
'I... Think I need a doctor. I...'
Maureen shouted in pain and then quickened her breathing.
'Where are you?'
'Victoria's school', she said in a painful voice.
'Hold on, will be there soon'
The line went dead and Maureen jumped in excitement. She turned to Helen and smiled.
'Now, you see just how close to your sons and husband I am. All I had to do is pick my phone and dialed a number. Your secret would be out in minutes'
'Why did you call Henry here?'
'Why shouldn't I? You chained your own son, allowed him to be raped by a madwoman like you, and held him captive for days. If you could do that to your son, what then would you do to me?'
'I will kill you'
'I know that already. You better kill me quick, before Henry comes here'
'How much do you want to stay away from Jake?'
'Unlike you, I can't ever be bought. I am priceless'
'You know, I love Jake more than anyone in this world. After all, he is my little boy'
'Keep consoling yourself Helen. Love doesn't hurt, so I believe what you feel for him isn't love'
'Rosie is carrying his child'
'Trust me woman, you can have the kid. Neither I nor Jake want to have anything to do with the kid. Keep him, that's the gift Jake and I would give you'
'He must marry her'
'Then what will you do with me?'
'Nothing important girl. I now know the kind of person you are. Spoiled, silly and a bimbo. I now know how to handle you'
Maureen wasn't given a chance to reply. She spied Henry's Benz driving down. Helen, on seeing the car, removed her heels, packed them and then ran to the car. She knew she couldn't let him see her. Maureen on her own quickly went on her knees and began shouting in pain.
The car came to a halt and Henry ran out to Maureen who was already shedding crocodile tears.
'Maureen...'
'Henry I'm in pains. please help me'
He picked her up and held her to him.
'What's disturbing you?'
'My lower abdomen'
He picked her to his car, went back for her bags, locked his father's car and returned to her.
'Maureen, I know you are in pains. I saw a woman just ran towards that green car. She looked so much like...like... I know her'
'I am dying, she said still clutching her stomach'
Henry was turned between taking his brother's wife to the hospital or walking to the green car to confirmed the person in it. Part of him was scared of what he would find. He found himself walking to the car but Maureen's painful scream brought him back to reality. He turned and went back.
Helen watched Henry drove away. She sighed in relieve. She had long stopped seeing Henry as her son, he was Anthony's son. Her son is Jake, her beloved Jake.
Damn the girl, Maureen. She had succeeded in refusing to die today. Maureen would die, it didn't matter if she were ready or not.


******
At the hospital, Maureen was rushed to the emergency unit and a very confused Henry was left at the hall way. After about five minutes, he retrieved his phone from his breast pocket and dialed Jake's number.
'Hello?', he heard his younger brother's voice.
'Jake, I'm afraid I've got bad news'
'Spill it'
'Its Maureen...'
'What about her?', Jake asked in a calmed tune but he couldn't hide his emotions from his elder brother. Henry heard the panic in his brother's voice.
'She is at the hospital'
'What in the hell is she doing there?'
Slowly, Henry explained to his brother what had happened. Twenty minutes later, Jake and Anthony rushed to the hospital. Jake couldn't sit down, he kept on walking around the hallway.
'Henry, maybe she isn't completely healed for us to make love, or maybe, the method of contraceptive we are using doesn't settle well with her, maybe, I....'
'Will you stop blaming yourself already?', Henry whispered to his brother. Both brothers had moved away from their father.
'But Henry, if I loose her, I will be finished'
two doctors appeared. Jake turned to them and they were confused who to talk with.
'Mr joseph?', thee doctor called Maureen's surname, hoping to find her husband among the three men but was surprised that all three men answered.
'Actually, I am Maureen's husband. these two are my brother and father', Jake said pointing at Anthony and Henry.
'Okay. Mr Joseph, I am doctor Ade. Can we talk in my office?'
'Oh my God, what is wrong with her? Please tell me I won't loose her?'
The good doctor saw the panic in three pair of eyes and decided to tell them his findings in the hallway.
'No. Your wife is very okay. In fact, after carrying out series of test on her, we discovered that she is very healthy. Since she was rushed down here, clutching her stomach and crying in pain, we were forced to scan her stomach. She is fine sir. Just that we would like to have her here for the night for close observation. By morning, she would be free to go'
'Doctor you don't understand, she is a nursing mother of two very young kids of just four months', Jake said desperately.
'In that case, I will discharge her later in the evening. Just bring her back if you notice anything unusual'
'Thank you Doctor Ade, can we see her?'
'Sure. Go to room ten, second floor'
He left and Henry was more confused. Could it be that Maureen made a fool of him? He thought of the woman he found them together, she looked just like his mother. No, Maureen didn't know his mother so that woman was not his mother.

*****
She pretended to be asleep when she heard them came in. She couldn't let Henry know that she had made a fool at him. Jake, on seeing her lying in a hospital clothing couldn't hide his relieve, he rushed to her and kissed her lightly on the cheek.
'Maureen you can open your eyes now', Henry said a bit too calmly
'For god sake bro, she is sleeping. Allow her to have her rest', Jake chided
'I happened to be married longer than you. I know when a lady is trying to pretend and Linda had done these tricks on my countless times'
'Will you please allow the girl to sleep?', Anthony told the girl.
'I know your problem', Henry told his brother and father. 'Your problem is that, you are blinded by your love for her and you allowed her to wrap you both around her little fingers. I will not be a party to such nonsense'
'How can you be so heartless over her?', Anthony asked.
'Say whatever you want father. But I will wait for Maureen to tell me what she was doing with mother in front of Victoria's school'
'What?',Anthony and Jake asked
'I am not a kid, neither am I stupid. I know what I saw'
'You spoke to Helen?', Anthony asked his son
'She ran away before I could get there'
Jake felt betrayed and weak. His face was devoid of emotions as he stared at her. Slowly, he went to the bed and kissed her lips passionately. Her eyes flew opened and he said,
'Tell me Henry was wrong. You didn't meet her'
'Jake, I...I...'
'You promised me Maureen'
'It was a coincidence'
'I don't believe in that. You risked to your life to meet her simply because we had a misunderstanding?'
'I wanted to meet her Jake. I couldn't just do anything'
'What in the hell are you two talking about?', Henry asked?
Jake thought of what his mother would do to Maureen and almost fell. He looked at her and stormed away from the room.
'No, jake, no', Maureen shouted.
'Let him be', Anthony said
'You don't understand. If he leaves, he won't come back in months, possibly years. Please go after him'
She didn't wait, she scrambled to her feet but was held down by Henry. Maureen burst into tears. If Helen had her hands on Jake again, then it would be over. Slowly, she began begging Anthony and Henry to go after him, when they wouldn't, Maureen became really ill. The horror of what Helen would do to him wouldn't let her be. She jumped and then. She managed to free herself from Henry's grip and ran as fast as she could out of the room and then the hospital, very barefooted.
When she couldn't see Jake, she almost ran mad. She felt pain in her arms, looked down at herself and saw blood trickling down her body.

Thanks to all of you for your patience and for checking in on me. I was unavoidably absent, but I am now back. Will try and give regular updates as I used to.
Seriously, God has performed a. Miracle in my life. I can't begin to tell you guys what I've been through but the thing is, I've learnt to give thanks to the almighty, in whatever situation I find myself.



Regular updates would begin from today.

MzMessiTohBadt:
Tiff, hope no probs,
Talk to us, at least say something to guarantee us that you good..

I am fine, thank you. Its just that work had been so hectic there isn't time for update and then wheever I can spare it, my ba3 is flat.
I want to type two updates and then post them at once. Will do that any day from now. Thanks for checking in on me

Temtopy:
Tiffany where r thou? hope u r fine nd still av us in mind

I am okay, thank you. Will post an update soon

'A penny for your thoughts', She heard Jake said from the bathroom door. Maureen swung and breath hard. He was unclad but for the towel around him. She looked him so intensively, forgetting Victoria was in the room.
'Pumpkin, how are your brothers?', Jake asked
'Ethan was still sleeping while Evan was awake'
'Daddy?'
'Yes?'
'Why is mummy staring at you like this?'
Jake chuckled. 'Your mummy loves me'
'Do you love mummy?'
'Yes'
'Grandpa said to tell you its time for breakfast'
'And you are just telling us?', Jake asked her
'I'm sorry daddy'
'Tell your grandpa we will be downstairs in fifteen minutes'
He waited for the door to close behind Victoria before turning to Maureen. She let go of the sheets and he found himself running to the bed.
'The door Jake, Victoria may come back'
He went to the door and turned the key before joining her in bed.

*****
They were also late for breakfast. By the time Maureen fed the boys and bath, thirty minutes was over. The two walked downstairs and realized that Anthony and Victoria were almost through. Grinning, Jake added butter to Maureen's bread and gave to her.
'No'
'Why'
'I am watching weight. Don't want to be fatter than I am'
'Maureen, I am your husband and I love your body just as it is. Goodness you need your strength and you are bosom feeding'
'I won't take it Jake'
'Daddy give me', Victoria shouted
Slowly, he gave the bread to his daughter. Maureen wanted taking her tea without milk but Jake won't have it.
'No Maureen, you can starve yourself, not my kids'
'But Jake'
'Don't but me. Now here is mine, there is enough milk in it, will send a maid to get a carton of milk if need be'
Anthony said nothing but just watched in amusement. He had woken up earlier that day and sleep eluded him. He walked round the house and had caught them in the pool. Slowly, not wanting them to see him, he had turned and walked back to his room. He looked at Maureen and remembered hearing her giggled.
'Grandpa can we sit at the pool later?'
'Yes, I might even enjoy a dip in it'
'Will you teach me?'
'You are too young miss'
'Mummy can I learn how to swim?'
'No'
'Daddy can I?'
'No pumpkin'
'I guess I will just sit and wet my feet while grandpa swims'
'That's a very good suggestion gold, but you see we need to change the water first', Anthony said
'Why?', Victoria asked
'I think your parents know why'
Jake looked shockingly at his father and shifted uncomfortably in his chair. He turned to Maureen who laughed her head off.
'Why are you laughing Maureen?', Jake asked
'Why shouldn't I? Isn't it funny, getting caught? You said the house is asleep and...'
Jake knew Maureen had no shame. She would go further without caring that his father was there. He cut her off by shoving a piece of bread in her mouth.
'Jake, I need that water drained and a new one in the pool by noon', Anthony said
'Yes sir', Jake said uncomfortably.
Maureen left her seat, to Jake's. She kissed his lips without shame and then went to kiss her daughter's cheek.
'You are so shameless, Maureen'
'Sir, you truly don't expect me to be ashamed of doing the right thing. For one, I am married, for two, I enjoyed myself'
She said and ran up the stairs laughing like a school girl. She stood at the top of the stairs and shouted in laughter.
'Jake? Just don't forget my groceries'
'Mummy is happy today, daddy'
'Yes pumpkin. Go and help her with your brothers'
'All they do is wail'
'Don't you love them?'
'I do'
'Now go'
The men watched her go. Jake refused to look at his father.
'And here I thought you are gay'
'I am not gay'
'Maureen proved my enemies wrong and for that, I will forever be grateful'
Jake smiled.
'Jake, don't forget my pool'
'I will talk to the men in charge of its maintenance'
'Good, I won't stop you and Maureen from making yourselves comfortable at my pool. Just make sure no one ever sees you and then, you have it drained immediately'
The door opened and Henry walked into the room. He had brought some documents for their father. The brothers greeted and shook hands.
Jake thought for a minute and realized that his mother was in town and looking for a golden opportunity to kidnapped him. What it means is that he couldn't go out alone to get those pills for Maureen. While, he was a very private person but he trusted his brother with his private life.
'Henry, can you drop me at a store on your out? I need to get some groceries for Maureen'
'I am late. You can make do with one of father's car'
'I am a bit weak from the accident and can't drive'
'Send one of the maids'
'I don't want to. I promised her'
'Okay'
Jake summoned a maid and told her to inform those responsible to drain and refill the pool before joining Henry in the car.
'Henry?'
'Yes?'
'I lied. I don't want to go to a store, drive me to a pharmacy'
'Why in the hell did you lie?'
'None of your business'
'It is my business because its my time you are wasting'
Jake said nothing more and Henry drove to the pharmacy.
'So what are you buying?'
'Nothing that concerns you'
He alighted and went inside the pharmacy. Henry became curious and followed his brother. Jake smiled, he knew Henry would follow him. He ordered for his pills and watched Henry surprised look.
'You son of a...', Henry began
'Complete it, we are sons of the same mother but please settle the bill. I sort of lost my ATM and Credit card during the accident and kidnapping'
Fuming, Henry paid the bills and held his anger for them to reach the car. In the car, he gave his brother a mouth wiping.
'You said you are too weak for a drive but you are not for s.x'
'Call it love making Henry'
'Next time you don't involve me in your stupid errand'
'I'm sorry big bro, Maureen and I are just not ready for kids now'
'Well, since I am more experienced in this aspect, let me remind you that these pills can disappoint you. They disappointed Linda and I and if I remembered correctly, you and Joshua witnessed it all. She was angry and blamed me for tempering with her pills'
'What can we do now?', Jake asked
'Take her to the hospital and implant one for her, depending on the number of years you two want to stay away from having kids'
'Linda went through same process?'
'Yea. But Linda and I are done with kids. Three are enough for us'
'I will talk to Maureen', Jake said and then fastened his seat belt. Henry drove him back home and then went about his business. Jake walked to his room and gave Maureen the pills. They spent the day together, with the boys and Victoria. Victoria seemed to be the happiest of them all.
'Mummy, can I spend a night with you and daddy?'
Jake quickly answered her with a cute 'No' but Maureen laughed and kissed her daughter's cheek.
'Sweetheart, what happened to your room?'
'I don't like it there'
'Why?'
'When ever you put me to bed, its just difficult to sleep'
Maureen and Jake stared at each other. Victoria was being pompous again. They didn't want her in their room, not when they were no longer fighting. Instinctively, Jake pulled Maureen to him and kissed her lips.
'May I stay with you and mummy?'
'Okay sweetheart'
She dashed out of the room for her pajamas. When she returned, she was bathed by Jake while Maureen fed the twins. By 10pm, Maureen returned and found Victoria, popped up in bed and Jake reading to her.
'Daddy mummy is back' , she said sleepily
'Yes'
Maureen went to Jake for a kissed him. He whispered in her ear,
'Can't wait for her to fall asleep for me to get rid of her'
Maureen laughed and went to the bed. She kissed Victoria's cheeks and wished her a goodnight.
'I love you mummy'
'I love you more sweetheart'
By the time Maureen finished bathing, Victoria was already sleeping. She went to the nursery for another check on the boys nd returned just as Jake was picking Victoria off the bed to her room.
He returned and began shedding his clothes. Maureen went to help him.
'I spoke with Henry today'
'How is he?'
'Fine. He advised that you should go for implantation as a birth control method'
'You spoke with your brother about our private life?'
'Well, he drove me to the pharmacy. I was scared that if I went alone I won't come back for a long while. Mother is in town, that I am very sure'
'Why isn't she after Henry?'
'She considers Henry to be father's and I hers'
'Oh'
'We can tell Henry to drive us to the hospital tomorrow. Would you love to have anymore kids?'
'Yes, another girl. Victoria is now all grown up. She is almost five'
'We shall try for more babies in three years'
'Yes Sir', she said and laughed.
'Why laugh?'
'Here you are, standing unclad in the middle of the room, discussing making babies'
Jake threw back his head and laughed. He cupped her face and then kissed her cheeks. 'I am the luckiest man on earth'
'Really?'
'Yes. We are meant for each other Maureen. Since I met you, no one seemed beautiful or capable of making me laugh'
'The bedroom aspect?'
'Did I fail to tell you how your body makes me feel? You may be a witch but I am glad you bewitched me. I will love you Maureen, always and forever'
'Show me Jake', she told him and ran to the bed.
He laughed and went after her.


******
The next morning during breakfast, Anthony observed the cheerful mood. He dreaded the day Jake would finally move Maureen and the kids out of his house. That day, would be his death sentence.
He loved Maureen for taming his son and bringing him home and showing him that he had that fatherly instinct in him. Victoria he loved more than even Ethan and Jake. She was as stubborn as her mother and he knew that when she grow into a teenager, her parents would have a lot on their hands. After breakfast, Jake picked his father's phone and called Henry. Henry arrived in time to see Jake and Maureen all dressed up.
'What is it?'
'Can you drive me to the hospital?'
'I am not your damn driver'
'Maureen is experiencing headaches and I can't drive'
'But you can buy contraceptives'
'Henry? What your brother is trying to say ie that, since the accident, he has become scared of driving', Maureen said
Henry looked at his brother with concern.
'Oh my God Jake, you need to see a therapist'
'I am okay. It will go in time'
Henry, out of concern drove them out of the house.
'Eh Henry, Jake told me you advised him on the method of family planning I should undergo?'
'Yes'
'Can you drive us to the hospital that did for Linda? I am interested'
'So because I suggested, I should also take you? Why not invite me to watch you practice it?'
Jake glared at his brother and Henry laughed.
'Now Jake, this is not you. You had always been secretive and would never allow me into this private part of your life. What is happening?'
'Nothing, I simply realized that I you are only brother and we are not close'
'We don't need to baby sit Maureen. All we need do is handled her over to the wives and they would help her do whatever she wanted'
'The wives?', Jake asked
'He meant Tara, Linda and Mich', Maureen explained
'I want only you to know Henry'
Henry pulled in front of a private hospital. They both went inside and Henry waited outside the doctor's office while Maureen and Jake went in.
On there way home, Henry voiced out his concern.
'You two are hiding something, that I know'
'Why would you say that?'
'Why would you involve me in your private affair?', Henry asked
'Everyone knows that I am shameless', Maureen grinned.
'But he is not', Henry said pointing at Jake.

*****
Two days later, Maureen phone rang. She picked it and heard a female voice.
'Hello?'
'Give the phone to Jake'
'Who are you?'
'You dolt give the phone to Jake'
'You wh.re go to hell'
'Do you know who I am?'
'Are you not born of a woman?', Maureen shouted
'My name is Helen. I am Jake's mother'
'You died, over fifteen years ago'
'I am speaking now'
'What do you want with my husband?'
'I have a message for him'
'I will deliver it. Just give me'
'You don't want me angry young girl. Jake can not reject his own child'
'He can and he will. You can have the child'
'I will deal with you'
'you don't fear me a bit, stay away from my family?'
'Or what?'
'You know what? I am curious. Why don't we meet tomorrow. In front of Victoria's school'
'That would be wonderful', Helen replied.
'Will be there by noon. Don't be late'
'I won't be'
The phone went dead. Helen turned to Philip. Finally, my opportunity to finish off that meddling bi.tch. By noon tomorrow, Jake would be mourning her death.

In her room, Maureen was excited. She would finally meet Helen. Jake wouldn't even knew. She would fight for him, after all, everyone said she was stubborn. She couldn't wait to meet Helen.

So sorry for the delay, will post another update between today and tomorrow to make up for the delay

*****
It had been two weeks since the news came to Maureen that Jake had impregnated a lady. She and Jake had fought for three good days with her not talking to him. On the fourth day, she couldn't explain to Anthony why Victoria had stopped schooling so she decided to take the girl herself.
Jake had insisted he wanted to come along,so they both took Victoria to school where they first spoke to miss Jane, her class teacher, who then told them to have a talk with the school proprietor.
At the proprietor's office, Jake was surprised to be greeted by a handsome man in his mid thirties. The man, like Jake seemed to be spending most of his time at the gym. He was tall, dark and very handsome. When the man stretched out his hands to shake Jake, it was a very strong and firm hands and Jake was angry when the man kept smiling and grinning at Maureen.
'Miss Maureen, its nice to have you here with us. You look more beautiful everyday'
'Thank you', she replied and smiled.
Jake no fool saw it all. The damn proprietor had feelings for Maureen. Maureen was blind to it but he wasn't.
'So miss Maureen, what can I offer you?', he asked
'Sorry mr, she isn't a miss anymore. In case you haven't noticed, she is wearing a wedding ring', Jake said rather too calmly.
'Oh, sorry about that. So what can I do for you?'
Maureen leaned forward and began explaining to the proprietor about a lady in the school they don't want close to Victoria. She didn't notice that her good proprietor was busy staring at her bosoms. Jake did, and without thinking used his hands to began pulling her dress up, in an attempt to cover whatever skin that was exposed.
Maureen froze, turned to Jake, and said impatiently.
'What are you doing?'
Jake then realized what he had done. He didn't say nothing but continue glaring at the man.
'I don't get what you said madam', was what he could manage to say. How could he, when his eyes were on Maureen's body.
'Mr, what she is saying is that, there seemed to be a new staff in this school. This lady had been feeding lies into our daughter's ears'
'Yes we just employed a teacher. What did she tell Victoria?'
'A lot of lies about me. May I have a talk with this Rebeccah?'
'I think it will be for the best. Yes, will call Rebecca and then resolve this issue once and for all',the man summoned his secretary. Few minutes later, a plump woman appeared. Maureen looked at the small and dark woman. The woman in turn looked discreetly at Maureen, then she shifted her gaze to Jake who wasn't even looking at her.
'Mary, tell miss Jacob to come here'
'Yes sir', she said and walked out.
Five minutes later, the door opened and Maureen found herself staring at a very tall fair beauty of about twenty five. Maureen was taken aback because she wasn't expecting such a beautiful, slim and perfect young lady.
The lady had an aura around her that Maureen didn't and it hurt her. She closed her eyes for a moment, angry with herself and angry with God for making her a bit chubby, dark and not as beautiful as this woman.
Jake on his own stared at Maureen and watched her opened her eyes, he was the only person to recognize the pains in her eyes. He saw those same pain, five years ago, in Logos, when she was pregnant for Victor and Victoria. He had told her hurtful words to spite her for using him and lying to him. Those words had brought in the pain in those beautiful eyes he was seeing and those pains had seen her out of his house, Lagos and his life the next day without her looking backward.
'Miss Jacob, Mr Joseph here think you are feeding lies to his daughter. I demand you tell me the truth or I will terminate your appointment with us',the proprietor admonished her.
'Yes sir', she replied in a sweet voice that almost allowed the tears to start flowing from Maureen's eyes.
'Jake how could you do this to me?', Maureen asked almost in tears.
'Oh, you are Maureen. Jake had always talked about you'
At that moment, Jake lost control. He left his seat and rushed at her. She saw him and turned to go but was too late. He caught hold of her hands, swung her around and gave her a slap. As if that was not enough, he began reaching out for his belt. All he saw was a woman who had forced him into sleeping with her while in chain and was now trying to break the peace he shared with Maureen. It was Maureen who stopped him. Her quiet sob and then he heard the proprietor shouting and telling him that was not allowed in his school.
Jake ran to comfort Maureen but she pushed him away and walked out. He turned to Rebeccah and said, with all seriousness,
'The next time I see you anywhere near my wife or kids, I will kill you'
Turning to the confused proprietor, he said
'I am sorry sir, but my daughter can not remain in the same school with teachers like the likes of this one', he said pointing at Rebeccah, who now realized she had made an enemy of Jake.
'What's going on here?' The poor man asked.
Jake simply walked out to Victoria's class. He said a cute 'hi' to her teacher and told the woman to pack all that belonged to his daughter, he was taking her home.
'Is everything all right sir?'
'I am withdrawing her'
'But why?'
He didn't wait. He picked up his little girl and left her lunch box in the class. By the time they got to the car, Maureen was sobbing her heart out. The little girl sighed. Her parents were fighting again! She wondered why they were always fighting.


*******
It was now two weeks. Victoria had missed school, Maureen was not talking to Jake and she wouldn't explain to Anthony or anyone why. Neither Jake nor Maureen could explain to Anthony why Victoria had suddenly stopped schooling. Over dinner one evening Anthony brushed the subject again.
'You two are fighting. That is not my problem but I hope you realized that Victoria is missing school activity?'
There was silence and then he continued.
'Since none of you is willing to talk to me, I think I should inform you all that she is my grand daughter and I also have a hand in raising her, therefore, be informed that you two are incapable of raising a child. Looking at Victoria, you've done a very poor job at her parenting'
Anthony paused, waiting for a reaction from them. Neither came. He was surprised that Maureen had nothing to say.
'I won't sit by and watch this madness. I am her grand father and so, I have a right to make a decision concerning her life. Tomorrow is Tuesday, I will inform her nanny to get her ready for school and her driver will drive her. You two need not do anything. I will pay the fees and take care all her expenditure'
'No', came the chorus answer from all her parents. Now, Anthony had their attention. He put down his fork and stared at the two love birds who couldn't seem to stop fighting.
'No? you don't want me to pay her fees?', Anthony asked Jake
'I don't want her to go back to that school'
'Why? It is one of the best. Are you having money issues?'
'Father, stay out of this. You can't just make decision for a child whose parents are alive and well', Jake said
'She will go to that school Jake, I won't be a party to her wasting her time at home while her mates are learning. If your mother and I had done same to you, would you have been where you are now?', Anthony was getting angry.
'Sir, I'm so sorry but Victoria isn't going back to that school', Maureen spoke for the first time.
'Why?', Anthony asked
Maureen and Jake stared at each other. Yes, they might have been fighting but this is one thing they agreed on. Why? Jake didn't want his daughter anywhere near his mother's agent. If that lady was in Abuja, he knew Helen would also be lurking around, somewhere. Attending school was no longer safe for their daughter because, his insane mother could kidnap her.
Maureen wondered what Jake was thinking all she cared is for her daughter to not go back to the same school with her father's lover. She would die first before allowing anyone know that Jake was having a baby outside. This was her shame to bear.
'Hello, I am talking to humans', Anthony asked
'Sir, we might have to enroll her into another school', Maureen said
'You are yet to answer my 'why' questions. Look, Victoria is just a child, you can not just tell her to stop attending school. We all know how attached she is to her class teacher. You can't just wake up one day and tell her to stop attending the only school she knew and start going to one where she had no friends. This will affect her psychologically'
There was silence. Anthony came to a realization.
'You two are hiding something', he declared, slowly observing them.
'Whatever it is, think about the future of your daughter'
With that, he pushed back his chair and walked up to his room.



*********
That night, in their room, Maureen had just left the bath when Jake entered the room. They stared, then Maureen went to her drawers, for a night wear.
'Maureen, please, I will tell you everything, just listen to me'
She began humming. That was the barrier she had put on for the past week. She would begin humming once he began talking and then walk out of the room. Today, he needed to talk to her and she would listen. He decided to use one of his brother's tactics, locking the door and holding the key. He did just that and then moved to the bathroom and removed the keys. Maureen said nothing.
'I am the man of this house and you will dress in this room. For God sake Maureen, you behave as if we are strangers when we have kids already'
Quiet. She was adamant in this war she had started with him and she refused to be cajoled.
He walked to her, shook the life out of her and in the process, the sash of her robe gave way. He stared at her and Maureen looked at him and saw him growing in lust that seemed to have made her go crazy. No, she refused to allow her body betrayed her. She wouldn't try it.
'Maureen...', He said in a husky voice which made her trembled. Not wanting him to witness her one moment of weakness, she quickly gave him her back and tied the sash to her robe.
Jake turned her to him, he knew her for over five years and knew the look in her eyes.
'Let's talk over this'
She turned again for she couldn't bear being so close to him and not holding him and kissing him all over.
'Don't deny us this opportunity Maureen. You are angry but your body is hungry and we are married. Allow us to make love, please. You've taken over two weeks to make your point'
He came behind her and kissed her neck and her ear. Maureen was stiff. She refused to feel anything but even she knew that she was only deceiving herself. She now understood why Mich and Joel would be fighting and still make love. The anger would always be there but the hunger over powers it. A tear slipped from her cheeks. She didn't want to feel anything, not after what Jake had done. She was ready to forgive him for leaving her and all, one thing she couldn't forgive him was seeking comfort in the arms of another woman. She was jealous, yes but then, she couldn't help it.
His hands moved to cup her face and felt her tears, slowly, he turned her around and used his tongue to lick them all away, by the time he was through, her robe was already on the floor and she was breathing hard.
'Darling, all is going to be alright, I promise you', he told her
Maureen knew that he was simply giving her chance to decide if she wanted to make love now or not. She decided and began working on his buttons, cursing her body for its betrayals. Jake looked down at her, he loved her but she didn't know it. She wouldn't even believe it if he told her. He had told her so several times yet she wouldn't believe him. He knew she loved him. That would explain why she was always ready to forgive him all his atrocities.
He kissed her lips with so much care and love he wanted his hands and lips to show her how much he loved her. He picked her up and lay her in bed.
'Maureen, never you doubt that I love you', he told her.
Maureen pulled him to her and kissed him with all the hunger in her. She didn't care if he loved her or not, all she knew was that she wanted him and she was a woman used to getting what she wanted. He made love to her and it was so wonderful she asked herself why they were both always fighting. After the love making, Jake pulled her to him and began caressing her arm. They were all panting. Few minutes later, Jake heard her gently breathing and knew she must have been sleeping. Slowly, he eased away from her and went to the back of the house for a swim. He was having a child with a stranger and he didn't even know how to go about it.
He returned to the room after an hour and found her crying her heart out.
'Maureen, what happened?'
'I thought you left'
'No. I didn't'
'I feel so insecure. Not knowing when you will up and leave'
'I am going no where love'
'Really?'
'Yea. I think its time for you to feed the boys. they are already wailing'
She jumped from the bed and ran towards the nursery. When she was through she returned and sat at the edge of the bed.
'What is it?'
'Jake, I'm not ready for more children. I may already be pregnant. I can't go through these pains again'
'I know. We shall start a family planning. You need rest'
'What about today?'
'I will go the pharmacy later and get you the after pill'
'Are you sure?'
'I will do anything for you Maureen'
'Then can you please tell me that the child is not yours?'
'Rebecca's?'
'Yep'
'I can't Maureen. I swear to God it wasn't willingly, I was forced'
'You mean a lady forced you?'
'Yea'
'I am confused Jake'
'I will tell you something Maureen. Its because I trust you. Promise me this will be between us alone'
'Okay'
'Promise'
'I promise'
'I was kidnapped by my mother'
'What?'
'Yes Maureen, I couldn't even tell Henry this because it will hurt him'
'How?'
Jake explained it all to her. She listened in awed and then got angry with herself for blaming him.
'She is dangerous Maureen'
'Henry has a right to know'
'It will endanger him. I told you because I don't want us to fight anymore'
'You mean she drugged you and watched that woman had s.x with you?'
'Yes. She thinks she needed a grandchild'
'She must be crazy'
'She is insane. They are into something illegal. I saw Philip her boyfriend off loading cartons of ammunitions. Whatever it is they are into is very dangerous'
'You are in danger'
'Yes but I want us to stop fighting and enjoy our lives'
'So?'
'Care for a swim?', she asked him.
'I just came back from one'
'I want one now'
He looked at the clock at their bedside and sighed.
'Its 3am'
'Does it matter?'
'No. At least the house is asleep. We can have ten minutes to ourselves'
'Oh, Jake'
'Get dressed Maureen'
She dived into her clothes for a bikini. Jake on seeing her in it shook his head.
'No Maureen. Your body is for me alone, I can't risk anyone seeing you like this'
'You just said the house is asleep'
'At least take a towel with you'
Like school children, they tiptoed downstairs and then the back of the house where the pool was waiting. Maureen threw the towel on a nearby chair and flew into the water. Jake, was swimming with her in seconds.
'You know Maureen, if something ever happened to me, never you doubt that I love you'
'Nothing will ever happen to you my love. She said and kissed his lips. Jake responded to the kiss. Within minutes, they were laughing and playing. They made love in the pool and then went to their room for a sleep.


*****
They more than over slept and were forced to come awake by their daughter. She slipped into the room and jumped into the bed, forcing the couple to open their eyes.
'Mummy, daddy, good morning', she said cheerfully.
'Morning love', they both replied and kissed her cheek. Maureen was careful to pull the sheets to her chin.
Jake not minding, pulled Maureen to him and kissed her. Victoria smiled at her parents and began chatting.
'Victoria?'
'Yes mummy?'
'Can you check on your brothers for me?'
'Okay', she said and ran to the adjoining room, Jake swiftly left the bed to the bathroom and Maureen picked her robe on the floor. The girl return to say that Evan was sleeping but Ethan was awake, with the nanny.
Maureen was silent, planning, scheming, conniving on how to deal with her mother-in-law. Jake was too gentle, but she was stubborn and ruthless. She would fight for her family, By the time she was through with Helen and philip, they would think twice before hurting Jake

Hi everyone, I am typing. Will post an update later

I need to sincerely tender my apologies for not replying to your comments. They've always been my inspiration and put smiles on my face. There is no comment here that I haven't read. Please bear with me.
A couple of weeks ago, I fell ill and you were all very patient with me. I couldn't reply to your comments due to the fact that I am having health challenges and it is also affecting my updates. Another reason is because I now work so I return always tired and I'm not suppose to stress myself.
I pray I conquer this challenge so as to go back to my real me.