Remite011:
nice piece n write up, anticipating for more pls

Thanks for your interest.

Ann2012:
Following

LightQueen:
Nice one

Following

Many thanks for your interests.

He munched his chicken rather noisily. It would be a big understatement to say that the food was not bad. He and Ore were truly satisfied after the delicious meal.

'You enjoyed the food?' It was an unnecessary question but he still felt like asking it.

Ore nodded. 'Sure I did. It was very delicious.'

He nodded too and squeezed her hand. Just then, his phone rang. It was Alfred Idowu, his publisher and employer calling.

He winked at Ore. 'It's my oga patapata.' Then, he received the call.

'Hello sir. Good day, sir.' Ayo listened to the caller for a moment.

'I'm with a friend, sir.' He listened again for more seconds. His face became grave.

'Alright, sir. I'll be there later this evening,' After few more seconds, he thanked the man again and hanged up.

'My boss says he will like to see me in the office. Says it's rather urgent.'

Ore's beautiful face knitted into a frown. 'But today is Saturday!' She glanced at her watch. 'And this is after five o'clock. You're still
going to the office at this hour?'

He nodded in understanding. 'That's the nature of my job, my dear. Journalism is one hell of a job, especially when one works for a daily
tabloid and is holding the position that I hold.'

He grinned to reassure her, even as she still made a face. The call he received meant further interaction with Ore would be suspended for
now. He had hoped to take her to the small hotel where he normally took her. From all indications, that would have to wait till another time. Idowu wasn't a man to ignore. If he said he wanted to see you, so be it.



Raymond went on his knees. It was a few minutes to six p.m. and it was time he started his prayers. Since morning, he had been fasting. It was the sixth day of fasting. Now, his purpose of doing that might be amusing to many people. He was not fasting to ask for anything from God; rather he was making the effort just to thank the almighty One.

As usual, he would start with worship songs before graduating to praise songs. The prayers of thanksgiving would end it all. He felt glad as he observed all these. He always felt gladdened to serve the Lord. Since he heard the call of God and started the ministry about five
years ago, he had had a lot of challenges along the way, but there were fulfillment too. In fact, there were great fulfillment. He had risen from relative obscurity to fame, honor and reverence. Many people had come to know Pastor Raymond Olufemi as a young, fearless and powerful man of God.

By ten after six, he rounded up his prayers and sat on the executive chair in his office. He could hear sound of music coming from the
church auditorium. It was a Saturday and the choir was having rehearsals for the Sunday service.

His wife had already brought the food he would take. He opened the flask to eat his meal. He only ate a little. What he really needed was
water. He closed the flask and brought a plastic water bottle out.

He pressed the intercom button. Titi, his personal assistant came in.

'Yes, sir?' Her voice sounded like a person much younger, almost like a teenager. She was a short, slim and a delicate looking lady.

'I'm ready now to receive any visitor.' He sipped little more water from the bottle.

'Yes, sir. Actually, you have two visitors - a man and a woman.'

He nodded. 'Let the first one come in.'

'Yes, pastor.' Titi, the cool and efficient P.A went out of the office as smoothly as she had come. Few moments later, an important looking
female visitor was ushered into the office.

'Good evening, pastor.' She was reverent. The tall, big woman smiled at him courteously.

'Good evening, madam. Sorry to have kept you waiting.'

The woman's smile became widened. 'I can understand, pastor.'

'Please, sit down.'

The woman adjusted a seat before resting her big frame on it.

'Pastor, you don't know me, but I've heard a lot about you. I've heard about how God is using you for his mighty works. There have been

many testimonies about you.'

Raymond nodded modestly. 'To God be the glory. I'm just a vessel in his hands.'

'Yes, we must indeed thank God.' She cleared her throat. 'I'm Chief Mrs. Gloria Meshaga. My husband is the famous politician, Chief

Edwin Meshaga.'

Raymond nodded. 'I see.'

Chief Edwin Meshaga was indeed a famous man. He was the chairman of the board of trustees of the ruling political party. People knew
him as a very crafty and smart politician.

'You're welcome, madam. What can I do for you?'

Good day, dear friends. Here is another story from me. I hope you will find it interesting.

Please, you are all invited.

Comments and criticisms are welcome


The Taboo

Copyright. All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be used anywhere in any form without the permission of the author.







Ayo steered his partner to a table close to the window The eatery was busy. Many mouths were munching, chewing, sipping, drinking, licking, or just chatting. It was a cozy place Ayo liked to frequent.

'Fried rice and chicken?' It was easy for Ayo to guess. Ore always asked for that. He smiled at her face as he awaited her response.

Ore nodded and smiled back. She winked in the you-should-know manner. He sighed and went to join the short queue. He stood behind a voluptuous but pretty lady who smiled at him hopefully. Ayo smiled back and turned to cast his glance at the direction where Ore was seated. The smile went off the chubby lady as she got the message.

His gaze shifted to the flat screen t.v. A horror scene gazed back at him. A suicide bomber had detonated explosives and had taken over thirty lives. The reporter was obviously agitated as he gave the mordant reports. Ayo shuddered briefly. He wondered when peace would return to North East region. Has mind wandered from the scene to something else. The line moved fast. It was his turn to be attended to.
The fair sales girl smiled at him in what she hoped was a patronizing one. She had tooth gap in her denture, which reminded Ayo of his mother's own. He gave her the order. In a jiffy, the hot, spicy and tantalizing meal was brought. He paid for it and took the tray to the table where Ore was waiting.

He sat down beside her, looking excited.

She looked gusty too. 'I can't wait to eat.' The smile still danced on her cheeks as she looked at the food approvingly.

'Well, here we are.' He patted her on the left shoulder. Spoons, knives and forks soon went to work. They sipped their orange juice
intermittently. There was silence from the two.

'Darling, I hope you've not forgotten my birthday.' She paused briefly to turn to him.

He grinned. 'Of course, I've not. How would I forget it?'

Indeed there was no way he would forget; not with her persistent reminder. Ayo had met her about six months ago. She was a final year
undergraduate student at the Lagos University. Ayo had met her at the corridor of the office of the Dean of the faculty of Social Science,
after he had just interviewed the dean.

He had not wasted time in making his amorous intention known to her. Ayo was, of course, married with two children. At forty two, he
still had a lot of zeal about life and his career. To him, Ore was one of the side attractions he needed to 'spice up' life. Ore did not mind his
marital status. He seemed to be handsome, kind and generous; and that was all that mattered.

He munched his chicken rather noisily. It would be a big understatement to say that the food was not bad. He and Ore were truly
satisfied after the delicious meal.

'You enjoyed the food?' It was an unnecessary question but he still felt like asking it.

Ore nodded. 'Sure I did. It was very delicious.'

He nodded too and squeezed her hand. Just then, his phone rang. It was Alfred Idowu, his publisher and employer calling.

It was amazing the kind of new experience she was having. It restored her confidence and boosted her morale. She also had more assurance that all would be well. Some months after she started living with Rita, a client came to buy and register a new sim card at the telecommunication company where she worked. A young man that should be in his mid-thirties was to be thumb printed by Amanda.

'Thank God you're the one to take my biiometric. I've been praying you'll be the one,' the man said.

'Really?'

'Yes.'

She took the finger prints and the man's snapshot.

'My spirit tells me you're the wife I've been searching for,' the man said in a voice scarcely above a whisper.

Amanda paused briefly to study the man. Was this one serious at all, or was he just saying things for the sake of saying them?

The man must have sensed what was going on in her mind."i mean what I'm saying,' he said. 'Can I have your number?'

Amanda remembered how Beke had started the affair. It was very similar to this situation. She did not want a repeat of that unpalatable experience. Her mind went back to Dave. Dave was yet to have his memory back and had maintained a cold perception of Amanda. When She even remembered how she had tried to have Dave to herself by fetish means in the first place, she was repulsive about that action. How could she do that?

It was certainly a kind of action she would never take again. She had therefore totally given up on Dave. As for Beke, if he would amend his ways and become a God-fearing guy, she could still give him a chance.

Now, another man was pestering her again.

'I'm not desperate for a relationship,' Amanda said.

'I didn't say you are,' the man said. 'What I said is that I have a belief that you are my wife.'

'Just like that?'

'No. Not just like that. I believe it must have been ordained by God Himself.'

Amanda sighed but said nothing. She had finished attending to the man and another customer was waiting to be attended to. She studied the guy. He was handsome and looked cool. If only the face could really show the kind of person somebody was. This one looked harmless, but Amanda had learned not to trust people by the way they looked.

But, perhaps, she should give the man a chance, after all, she had decided that there would now be a code of strict conduct for any man who desired her intimacy. It would not just be a matter of jumping at any man.
Not so willingly, she gave the man her number.

It was hours after Amanda had gone that Beke came inside. It did not take him time before he saw the note she left there.

'What! So, this lady can indeed leave like that?' He told himself. It was not that he was completely surprised, but at least he expected her to inform him of her intention before carrying it out.

He felt some indignation that she had treated him with contempt. On the spur of the moment, Beke called her line.

'So, you were planning to leave and you didn't even have the curtesy of letting me know,' he said, anger in his voice.

'Yes, I'm sorry, but I left a note that expresses my appreciation for what you have done and explains my reasons for leaving.'

'You could have simply told me you were gong. Anyway, good riddance to you. I wish you miserable spinster good luck.'

Amanda was appalled ny his choice of words. 'What did you say?' she demanded on the phone. 'Did you just call me a miserable spinster?'

No answer was forthcoming as he had cut the line. Amanda was saddened by that comment. How could he call her a miserable spinster?

Tears swelled up in her eyes and she cried briefly. Oh God, she prayed silently in her mind. See how scoffers are mocking me. Come to my rescue, oh Lord!

She decided she would not let any negative perception or comment deter her. She looked for a good church near Rita's house and started attending it religiously and faithfully.

'This your effort is paying off o,' Rita told her few days after coming to the house. 'I've been observing you. You don't let things weigh you down as you used to do. Infact, you're beginning to look radiant again.'

Amanda smiled. 'Thank you, my dear friend.'

'See,' Rita said further. 'That flat you said you want to rent, forget about it for now. The space here can well accommodate us.'

'Are you sure? I don't want to inconvenience you,' Amanda said.

'No, no,' you're not inconveniencing,' Rita argued. 'Stay here.'

Amanda thanked her a lot. What a good friend she had in Rita. Soon, Rita - who was not a regular church goer - started following Amanda to the church.

Amanda remained fervent just as she was consistent in her prayers.

The grin dropped from his face. 'You're taking this thing far, aren't you?'

'That's the way it is now.'

He glared at her for some seconds before retreating inside the bedroom.

Amanda did more reading and did some thinking. It was obviouse she had to leave that house. From her new faith, two people that were not legally married should not be sleeping together. It was a sin and meant she had been committing fornication.

She would just have to stay with Rita for the time being. She was sure within weeks, she would get a new accommodation for herself.

She decided that for the remaining days she would spend in that house, she would be sleeping in the sitting-room.But that shouldn't be long. Infact, why no leave the following day?

Amanda called Rita the following morning, not long after she got to work.

'Rita, how's everything?'

'Fine. What abount you?'

'Not so fine, but we thank God.' She paused briefly. 'Rita, I'm moving my things to yoursef today.'

Rita wasn't surprised as Amanda had hinted her before.

'Did he hit you again?' Rita asked.

'No, no. I'm however tired of staying in his place. Besides, my spirit is not at peace there again

'Okay. You're always welcome, there Amanda.'

'Thank you, my friend. You're such a darling.'

They talked a bit more before Amanda hanged up. After she closed from her working place, Amanda went home and parked her things. As usual, Beke was not at home that time of the day.

She decided to leave a note for him. In it, she thanked for offering her his home. She however regretted that her new faith was at variance with the practice of living together as a coulpe when they're not yet married.

If he was still interested in having the relationship, he should do things the normal way and gave his life to Christ, she wrote. If he was not ready to abide by that simple requirement, she wrote further, he should forget about her and move on with his life.

She left the note on the center table, where he would easily see it. She then took a cab and left the place.

Amanda gazed at him. He could see unbelief and uncertainty in her.

'I'll be the old, caring Beke you used to know,' he said. 'I promise.'

Amanda sighed. 'There are new developments now that you need to know. Please sit down and let's talk.'

He eyed her somehow. 'Don't tell me that your ex- has recovered his memory and now wants you back.'

She shook her head. 'No, it's not about him. It's something totally different.'

He sat down next to her. 'What could that be, baby?'

She sighed deeply. 'I've started a new life now, a wonderful life. I will like you to embrace the same kind of life.'

There was curiosity all over him. 'What are you talking about, dear?'

'I've given my life to Christ now. I'm a genuine child of God, a born-again. I want you to do the same.'

'What?' He cringed back as if he had just been told an abominable thing. 'You're kidding, aren't you?'

Amanda shook her head slowly but determinedly. 'I'm very serious. I'm a changed person, and I must say the experience is awesome. I will like you too to have the same kind of wonderful experience.'

Beke stood up. 'I can't believe it. You, born-again? And you want me too to be part of that?'

He suddenly laughed shortly. 'Stop the joke, Amanda baby. You can't do that. You can't be serious.'

'I'm serious, ' she insisted. 'Beke, please give your life to Christ. Give it today, because tomorrow may be too late.'

'Oh, Amanda, please spare me that. I don't want to hear anything of that stuff.'

With that, he left her and went to the bedroom. She remained on the sofa in the sitting-room, reading the Bible from her phone.

He soon re-emerged. 'Well, are you going to remain there chatting on the phone forever? Come to the bedroom, dear.'

'I'm not chatting with anyone. I'm reading the Bible.'

He raised an eyebrow. 'Well, is it not time to come to bed. It's time I feel your heart-beat again.'

Amanda shook her head. 'That's part of what I'm saying, Beke. We have to put a stop to it.'

He opened his mouth in shock. 'Put an end to what?'

'We should not be sleeping together now. We're supposed to defer that till wedding.'

He could not belief it. He stared at her again.

I'll humbly suggest LoveToRead - master of suspense.

Amanda prayed while Beke slept on. It was the longest prayer she had ever made so far. She opened up to God about her inadequacies and pleaded that God take control of her life.

In her own admission, she had come to realise that she could not do things right on her own. On relationship, she was simply tired of all the disappontments and heartaches. She wanted genuine intervention.

After the prayers, she felt quite relieved. Her bunden was lightened considerably. She went back to bed and slept off. The following morning, she woke up, feeling better. That gave her the impression that if prayers could bring some form of relief at all, then, ultimately, more prayers would bring more comfort and more peace of mind.

She decided that she would deviate from this path again.

Even in her place of work, some of her colleagues were quick to note that she now had a cheerful look.
After close of work, she attended the evening programme of her neighbourhood church.

When the pastor called for those who wished to give their lives to Christ to do so, Amanda willingly stepped forward. She recited after the pastor that she was a sinner, but now genuinely sought Jesus as her personal Lord and saviour. She pleaded that the blood of Jesus should cleanse her of all sins and guilt.

At home, Beke was too wrapped up in his own thoughts to notice any significance change in the life of Amanda. As usual, he would be out all day and would only return late in the night. Only that he did not come home drunk tonight.

The only different thing he oberved was that when he rubbed his hands on her body, being in 'the mood,' she put his hands away. This was very much unlike what she used to do.

'Oh, come on, baby,' Beke said. 'Are still mad at me?'

'No, I'm not mad at you. But I feel seriously repulsive that you would raise your hands and hit me.'

'I hit you?' he asked in surprise. 'Did I really hit you?'

'Don't tell me you've forgotten so soon how beastly you behaved.'

He looked shocked. The he shocked her when he went on his knees. 'Dear Amanda, please in any way I've offended you, forgive me.'

Amanda prayed while Beke slept on. It was the longest prayer she had ever made so far. She opened up to God about her inadequacies and pleaded that God take control of her life, in her own admission, she had come to realise that she could not do things right on her own. On relationship, she was simply tired of all the disappontments and heartaches. She wanted genuine intervention.

After the prayers, she felt quite relieved. Her bunden was lightened considerably. She went back to bed and slept off. The following morning, she woke up, feeling better. That gave her the impression that if prayers could bring some form of relief at all, then, ultimately, more prayers would bring more comfort and more peace of mind. She decided that she would deviate from this path again.

Even in her place of work, some of her colleagues were quick to note that she now had a cheerful look.
After close of work, she attended the evening programme of her neighbourhood church.

When the pastor called for those who wished to give their lives to Christ to do so, Amanda willingly stepped forward. She recited after the pastor that she was a sinner, but now genuinely sought Jeses as her personal Lord and saviour. She pleaded that the blood of Jesus should cleanse her of all sins and guilt.

At home, Beke was too wrapped in his own thoughts to notice any significance change in the life of Amanda. The only different thing he oberved was that when he rubbed his hands on her body, being in 'the mood,' she put his hands away.

'Oh, come on, baby,' Beke said. 'Are still mad at me?'

'No, I'm not mad at you. But I feel seriously repulsive that you would raise your hands and hit me.'

'I hit you?' he asked in surprise. 'Did I really hit you?'

'Don't tell me you've forgotten so soon how beastly you behaved.'

He looked shocked. The he shocked her when he went on his knees. 'Dear Amanda, please in any way I've offended you, forgive me.'

Rita was very concerned when Amanda told her about Beke's treatment.

'I'm sorry, you're going through all these,' Rita said. 'You're so unlucky with guys. But I will advise you not to leave him yet. Maybe you should talk it over with him. Let him know that battering a woman is a very cowardly act.'

Amanda thought it over. She decided she woild give Beke one more chance. That evening, she cooked jollof rice and fried plantain. She had made up her mind to talk it over with him as soon as he came in. He did not come in until few minutes to eleven. Once again, there a slur in his speech and the smell of alcohol under his breath was unmistakable.

Amanda was depressed. Was this his new lifestyle? But he wasm't like this before. He was so caring, generous and considerate before.

What could make a man to change like this? Could it be frustration, or what? As it was, she might have to wait longer before she could talk to him. She could certainly not to talk to him in this kind of mood.

She remembered the previous night and how he had decked her some blows. No, she did not want a repeat of that violent event.

So, this was the man she had planned to spend to spend the rest of her life with. She shook her head and felt sorry for herself. Things could not continue like this.

She woke up middle of the night and thought over things again, while Beke snored on noisily. Right there in the bedroom, she could here music coming from a church in the neighbourhood. The church always had regular vigils.

Amanda could hear the songs they were singing clearly.

...Yahweh, your is Y-a-h-w-e-h
You're the miracle working God
Your name is Y-a-h-w-e-h...

Something struck her mind. Why not go for deliverance? Why not go for vigils and pray to God?

Instead of consulting a prophet, why not pray directly to God and leave Him to take charge of her life?

She was beautiful. She had a good job. The only problem was this life partnership issue.

She would do something about it. Right there, she decided that she would be going for regular church services and would dedicate her life to Christ. Starting from that moment.

She got down from the bed and knelt by the bedside. For the first time in her life, she cried as she prayed to almighty God to come to her aid.

Imoleayoseyi:


Please, I thought Joy is Dave’s ex-girlfriend, while Rita is Amanda’s friend. So why would she think of joy’s place instead of Rita’s place.

Thanks for pointing out the mix-up. It has been corrected.

What? You hit me! How dare you!' Amanda said indignantly. She tugged at the shirt he was wearing and pulled. 'How dare you,' she bawled.

That action infuriated him the more. He threw more punches at her, some landing on her face. Her grip on his shirt slackened. She realized she was no match for him.

To stop more pummelling, she released her hold on him completely and started crying, sitting helplessly on the sofa.

'You b**ch should mind how you talk to me!' he raved, and left for the bedroom. Amanda was so dispirited. No man had beaten her like this before, all before she was trying to show concern for the one she loved.

How could he be so aggressive? Even in his state of semi drunkeness, couldn't he have realised that you do not treat the person you claim to love this way?

Why what she so unfortunate with the men she loved? Why was this kind of thing her fate?

She refused to join him in the bedroom that night. Rather, she slept in the sittingroom alone. The sofa could not offer the kind of comfort she desired, but that was okay.

There was no way she would share bed with that crazy woman beater.

She tried to look her best the following morning as she prepared for work. She still remembered the incident of the previous night.

If he would beat her like this when they had not yet married, what would he do when they eventuall marry? Gosh!

Amanda left early for work. It was just five fifteen, but she felt the house was unfair to her, as if their conspiracy of silence lend credence to her thinking that they all ganged up to submit her to this humilation.

Beke was still sleeping when Amanda left for work. She let be. He always slept till late morning, but sometimes he would work till very late in the middle of the night. So much for his work.

At work, Amanda made some far-reaching decision. She had read a lot about domextic abuse. She had even read about how some spouses ended up killing their partners.

No. God forbid that she fuffered to that extent. She decided she would leave Beke's house. The problem was where she would go.

As at the time she left her own apartment, the rent was due. She had no doubt that the place would be long occupied by another tenant by mow.

What about Rita's place? That should be okay, shouldn it? She decided that during lunch break, she would tell Rita her disaffection, and the need to move out of Beke's house.

'I don't want to sound harsh, but I think you may have to forget that guy,' Beke said.

Amanda tore at the chicken lap in her hand and munched. 'Why did you say that?' she asked.

'That his condition is very serious,' he explained. 'Some people never get out of it. Some do, but it takes a long while. You don't have to deprieve yourself of joy and fulfilment by waiting endlessly for him. You only live once - enjoy it.'

Amanda decided to play along, but she reiterated to Beke that the relationship was conditional

That was how Beke and Amanda started the relationship. They soon hit it off in a big way.

Beke would buy lovely items for her. Wears and accessories were not scarce among those things he bought. Of course, she believed that he must be doing well in his busiess for him to afford all these.

Two months into the relationship, Amanda had started to forget about Dave. Beke was now the man reigning in her life.

Six months after, Dave became an extinct word in her diary.

'Say, why don't you move in with me?' Beke asked him one cool evening. 'I've just moved to a new two-bedroom apartment. Let's share the place together.'

Amanda first demurred, but finally agreed to move in with him.
'It's a nice place,' she observed when she first stepped inside the apartment.

So, she moved in. Her friend, Joy was happy for her. Everything about Beke appeared cool until one night when Amanda had picked his phone to check some messages.

'You shouldn' have done that!' Beke bawled at her. 'I don't like ladies snooping on me.'

'Snooping? No one is snooping on you, my dear,' Amanda explained.
She was also quick to discover that he was secretave. He kept his laptop to himself and passworded his phones, i-pads and laptops. There were also many times he would go out to receive his call.

Amanda bore it all, thinking that when they became married, he would change.

It was just a wishful thinking as Beke never changed but became worse. One night, Beke came home, reeking of the smell of alcohol.

'My God, you're drunk,' Amanda said.

'Says who?' Beke said with a slur. 'So, because I went with some friends, that means I'm drunk. Watch your language o, woman.'

'But, you're drunk, can't you see?'

His next reaction shocked her. He lifted his hand and gave her a dirt slap.

'I don't want to sound harsh, but I think you may have to forget that guy,' Beke said.

Amanda tore at the chicken lap in her hand and munched. 'Why did you say that?' she asked.

'That his condition is very serious,' he explained. Some people never get out of it. Some do, but takes a long while. You don't have to deprieve yourself of joy and fulfilment by waiting endlessly for him. You only live once - enjoy it.'

Amanda decided to play along, but she reiterated to Beke that the relationship was conditional

That was how Beke and Amanda started the relationship. They soon hit it off in a big was.

Beke would buy lovely items for her. Wears and accessories were not scarce among those things he bought. Of course, she believed that he must be doing well in his busiess for him to afford all these.

Two months into the relatioship, Amanda had started to forget about Dave. Beke was now the man reigning.

Six months adter, Dave became an extinct word in her diary.

'Say, why don't you move in with me?' Beke asked him one cool evening. 'I've just moved to a new two-bedroom apartment. Let's share the place together.'

Amanda first demurred, but finally agreed to move in with him.
'It's a nice place,' she observed when she first stepped inside the apartment.

So, she moved in. Her friend, Joy was happy for her. Everything about Beke appeared cool until one night when Amanda had picked his phone to check some messages.

'You shouldn' have done that!' Beke bawled at her. 'I don't like ladies snooping on me.'

'Snooping? No one is snooping on you, my dear,' Amanda explained.
She was also quick to discover that he was secretave. He kept his laptop to himself and passworded his phones, i-pads and laptops. There were also many times he would go out to receive his call.

Amanda bore it all, thinking that when they became married, he would change.

It was just a wishful thinking as Beke never changed but became worse. One night, Beke came home, reeking of the smell of alcohol.

'My God, you're drunk,' Amanda said.

'Says who?' Beke said with a slur. 'So, because I went with some friends, that means I'm drunk. Watch your language o, woman.'

'But, you're drunk, can't you see?'

His next reaction shocked her. He lifted his hand and gave a dirt slap.

Later that evening, Beke called Amanda again. He was excited but he soon noticed that she sounded somehow downcast.

'Hey, what's the problem?' he asked, showing concern.

'You won't understand,' she said cooly. 'I'm in emotional distress.'

'Emotional distress? That's serious. Why don't you and I meet? Maybe in an eatery, then we talk it over dinner. What do you think?'

Amanda was silent. Was this guy serious? Could she bank on him? Maybe she should see him and pour her heart out. There would be a relief in that, wouldn't it?

'It's already late for today,' she said. 'Maybe another time.'

Beke was a man not to let an opportunity go by. 'Great! Yes, another time. Let's fix tomorrow. I'll be at your place of work towards closing time. Then, we'll go to an nice eatery. Is that okay?'

Amanda thought briefly. What was there to lose? She shrugged. 'Okay.'

'Good!' he exclaimed. He said it as if it was the best news he had heard in years.

Somehow, Amanda was amused by his enthusiasm. Then she remembered that unlike her past relationships, a man was taking serious interest in her not long after the last disappointment. Definately, this situation was different.

True to his words, the following day, Beke came to her place of work some minutes before closing. He took her to a lush restaurant where he ordered for fried rice and chicken. They sat in one corner of the large room and ate. Before then, Amanda had been thinking on the extent of the truth she would reveal about herself. She would, of course, tell him about the hurt of her prospective groom not turning up for the wedding; and how that 'groom' was now suffering from amnesia as a result of the accident he had on the very day of wedding.

Beke listened intently to Amanda's story. He could feel sorry for her. What a bad fortune for a lady to experience such things! He genuinely felt sorry for her and felt he might be able to fill the void in her heart.

He told her his own love life too. Of course, he skipped the sordid part. He only emphasized that he too had suffered misfortune in previous relationships and would like to be a major player in her life, henceforth.

'I'm confused,' Amanda confessed. 'What if by next week, the amnesia goes, he comes back to all his senses, and wants us to go ahead with the wedding? Will it not be said that I'm a bad lady who cannot wait for monhts to give her man a chance of recovery?'

Beke nodded. What Amanda said made sense. 'Let's put it this way. Let me only stand by and play interim role. If he recovers on time, then I will step aside. If he doesn't, then I will take up the major role. What d'you say to that?'

Amanda appeared to think over it briefly. She sighed and finally nodded. 'Alright, Beke. But you know it's all conditional.'

Beke was glad about her response. 'That's my baby,' he gushed.

Basseybruce:
Nice one there. U really tried concerning the updates, quite encouraging, always coming @ the right time. Pls, update the second/minor part. Thumbs up.

Thanks for the comments and interest.

husbandsnatcha:
story is ok nice 1 toyin

Thank you.

firdouz:
which year are you going to update this story?

The first part of the story has ended.

Amanda was on her way home when a call came in. It was Alfred, Dave's friend, that was on the line.

'I have good news for you,' Alfred started. 'We have found Dave. He was involed in a serious accident on that Saturday. He had been in a coma since then and he just came out of it.'

'Oh my God!' Amanda could not help exclaiming. 'How is he now? Where is he?'

'He is still recovering. He has been on admission at St. Lucia hospital. But there's another problem.'

Amanda became short of breath. 'What problem?'

There was an audible sigh across the line. 'Doctor said he is suffering from partial amnesia. It's the type that one doesn't rember what happens to one between a particular period. Dave, for now can only remember events from three years ago. He can't remember what happened to him in the last three years, or so.'

'Oh God!' Amanda felt dizzy. That meant Dave would not recognize her for now. 'Oh, God,' she repeated sadly. Why all these tragedies? Why was she having the worst of time?

She went to the hospital to see him, and trully he asked who she was. The doctor told them no one knew how long it would take him to recover the memory. They could only wait and hope for the best.

Amanda was in a great distress and dilemma. Should she wait for Dave to fully recover, or should she go ahead and start another relationship? Already, Beke was asking her for a relationship. Would she give in to Beke and move on with life, or wait for Dave and remain a miserable spinster for only God knows when?

She shook her head. She was in emotional turmoil.

Nurse Dorcas was adjusting the life support on the patient in the special hospital room when she noticed that the man appeared to move his right hand placed by his side on the bed. She stopped short to observe the patient.

For the past five days when the patient was brought to the intensive care unit of the hospital, the man had been in a coma. He was brought in by a good Samaritan who said the bike he had been riding was involved in a horrible automobile accident. A truck had hit the motor cycle from behind, pushing the bike to run into a roadside ditch. The okada man had died on the spot while his passenger, an obviously well-dressed man, went into coma and was brought to the hospital.

As Dorcas watched the patient, she was certain he was moving his hand. Dorcas quickly left the room to go and inform the doctor on duty. By the time the doctor and the nurse returned, the patient had fully opened his eyes.

'Where am I?' the distraught man asked even as he tried to sit up on the bed. The doctor and nurse prevailed upon the patient not to do so,

'Where ... where am I?' the patient asked again.

'Stay calm,' the doctor told him. ' You had an accident and you were brought here. You've been in a coma for the past five days now, and you're just recovering. Thank God, you came out alive.'

'An accident?' the patient looked utterly confused. 'But I can't remember ever having an accident.'.

'Don't worry, just relax. Things would soon be alright.'

Dave did not know if he indeed should be rest assure by those words or not.

Ayo5991:
thank u for your update and may i ask is dis d of d story? what next keepin calm to c what next #holliwood

indeed, good story. This shouldn't be the end.

Even after switching off his phones, Beke was still unsettled. He was edgy. If he had believed in ghosts, he would probably be seeing ghosts by now. The ghost of Ann would have, surely, haunted him. He was definitely scared of using his phones. He would only switch them on to make important calls, and then switched them off again.

Oh God, why must this happen? He prayed he would not find himself. And he decided he would never have an affair with a married woman again.

* * *

On Wednesday morning, Amanda was to resume work. She was getting over Dave's disappearance, but it was not easy. Not hearing anything from him had compounded the situation. But, she was still hopeful.

She ignored the ruffled stares that she got from her colleagues and immersed herself in her work. Towards mid-day, one of the customers she was attending to in the customer care section was trying to lift up her moods. The guy must have noticed that she was moody and was trying to be friendly.

'You will look much more beautiful if you don't werar that frown, ' the guy said.

Amanda only managed a smile but did not say anything. The guy had come to get a new simcard. It was Amanda that registered him and took his bio metric data.

'You should be in Hollywood - at least, Nollywood, not here,' the guy had poked her further.

'What would I be doing in Nollywood?' she asked.

'Acting. You have the look and the aura to be a superstar.'

Amanda smiled ruefully. This guy did not understand the kind of psychological and emotional turmoil I'm going through, she reasoned. The man had persisted and had succeeded in getting her number. He promised he would call her later in the day.

The man destiny had just brought to meet and show interest in Amanda was Beke.

Ann was promiscuous, Sunny seriously believed. He was not surprised when he learnt that his wife had gone ahead to meet a man in a hotel room. What he was surprised about - shocked, actually - was the news that his wide was dead. Early this morning, his number was called.

'You know the owner of this number, don't you?' A tough voice had asked.

'Of course, I've been calling this number since yesterday evening. Who are you? Where is Ann?'

'I'm Inspector David. The owner of this phone was found dead earlier this morning in a hotel room. It was alleged that she came to meet a man that had lodged there. Can you come over to Ogba Divisional Police headquarter?'

Sunny had let out a sigh of bewilderment. 'Dead? Did you say Ann was dead? Oh my God! How did it happen?

'We need you to come over. We need you to identify her body.'

'Oh my God.' Sunny had shivered. 'Alright, I'll be there.'

Sunny had gone to the station, and from there to the morgue where he confirmed that indeed, the corpse of the woman was his wife.

It had been a terrible day for him. What a terrible fate! Equally terrible was the grilling the police had subjected him to. They wanted to know many things, including those things that were ridiculous such as if he could take them to the house of her lover.

What a bad time!

* * *
Beke was very jittery. He had been since yesterday night. After he had driven himself home from the hotel, he had been stricken with fear. He could not eat any food as he slept that night.

When he woke in the middle of the night, he thought all over the matter again. He had become relatively calm now, so he could think rationally. He suddenly sat up on his bed.

Wait a minute! Why was it that he did not remove Ann's phone? Why didn't he go through her handbag and remove anything that could lead the police to him? He had exchanged calls with Ann that Saturday, just as he had done severally before. In the cause of investigating, would the police not go through her calls and start finding out who was what? Oh God, that meant the police would soon call his number!

It was dicey. He dared not return to the hotel to take the phone and even the handbag. The only thing he could do was not to receive any call from an unknown number.

Or better still, he had to switch off his phones. This, he did feverishly.

Even as he drove away from the hotel, Beke's hands continued to shake. Gosh! How could this happen? What could have caused Ann's untimely death? Unfortunately no answer was forthcoming. For now.

* * *
On Sunday morning, Amanda had to be prevailed upon to take breakfast. Since Saturday morning, she had hardly taken any food. Thankfully, her mum and other relatives around had been giving her words of comfort. In spite of all they had said, it was not easy for her to remain calm in the midst of psychological turmoil.

They had still not heard anything from or about Dave. Even if he had jilted her, would there be no words from him by now? The wedding was supposed to have taken place about 24 hours ago. Legally, Dave should be declared missing by now.

It couldn't be a case of abscondment, Amanda reasoned. Not hearing anything from him could only mean one thing: something terrible must have happened to him.

Thankfully too, Amanda had taken two days of casual leave from her place of work, but she dreaded when she would resume work and she woiuld have to face her colleagues. How people would stare at her and shake their head for her misery!

She still remained a spinster, she realized, a miserable one at that. Well, maybe something would happen in the next couple of days and her nightmare would end. She actually hoped Dave would emerge from where ever he had been, dead or alive.

* * *
That Sunday afternoon,, Sunny was a terribly distressed man. His travail started since Saturday evening. When he had arrived home, he met his wife's absence. Two hours after he had come, he still did not see her. He had been calling her number, and it was ringing without response.

What kind of woman was this? What kind of wife? He had married her about two years ago, but soon afterwards, he realized he had made a big mistake. She was yet to conceive any pregnancy, but that was not even the problem. The real problem was his suspicion that she was sleeping around.

'Let me check if your dinner is ready,' she put in.

It was almost nine o'clock when he got to the gate of his house.

'I enjoy the work,' he replied shortly.

Beke moved quickly to tap on her shoulder.

'Ann? Ann!'

There was no response! What was this? Was she playing pranks? Was she pretending?

He roused her again, shaking her body vigorously, but it was the same lifeless response. He put his head on the left side of her chest to feel the pulse or the heartbeat. There was nothing to indicate life. He was in a panic. Quickly he wore his boxer and singlet.

She must be taken to the hospital, right now, his mind screamed. He wore his jeans trousers and t-shirt. But wait a minute. What if she was dead!

Dead?

His heart raced frantically. But how could she be dead? They had just made love and ...

You would be arrested and charged for murder! Another voice screamed at him. Oh God! No, no, no.

It was true he was a scammer. It was true he had defrauded a lot of people. But murder was one thing he had never been involved in.

But he didn't kill her! Why would he kill her? For what? To reassure himself, he went to check Ann's pulse again. Now, he had no doubt she was dead. He must decide on what next to do. If he should report this to the hotel management, or if he should try to take her body to the hospital, he would be arrested for murder. Or manslaughter. How terrible. He must escape anon.

He wore his slip on leather shoes. There was no time to waste. He briefly stared at her naked body and wrapped the bedspread to cover her nudity. He then propped her to make it look like she was sleeping. He then went out of the room.

He tried to look calm and casual as he walked the corridor to the staircase. He tried a smile as he approached the receptionist.

'My guest is still around,' he ventured. 'I want to buy some suya meat around.'

The receptionist nodded casually. Beke made his way out of the lobby with his heart in his mouth. He got to the car park and enterred his car. His hands shook, while his knees buckled as he started the engine. Feeling so edgy with sweats on his brow, he drove out of the premises of the hotel.

Apart from the chugging noise from the split air-conditioner and the soft rattling of the keys on the keyboard, everywhere was silent.