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Yesterday Lives – Chapter 18

About two weeks later, Grace called Ayotunde. “Hey babe.”

“Wassup?”

“Nothing much. Bored to death in this house.”

Ayotunde laughed. “Watch movies, read a book, take a stroll. That’s all I have been doing.”

“Same here. They can fix weaves at your brother’s place, right?”

“Yep.”

“I think I should go there today. Can you help me call your brother?”

“Okay. I will. Who’s taking you?”

“Mr. Solomon will drop me off and come back later to pick me.”

“Okay then. I will call Ayorinde now.”

“Thanks babe.”

***

Ayotunde called her brother immediately. He wasn’t in the salon but he said he was around the corner and was going there right away. Hours later, Ayorinde parked his white Toyota Corolla in the premises where his salon was situated. He picked up his mobile phone from the center console and was about to dial his sister when he saw a car drive in. Mr. Solomon parked the car and Grace stepped out.

Ayorinde put his phone into his pocket and eased out of the car. “Hi.” He said as he walked up to Grace; his smile reaching his eyes.

“Good afternoon.” She replied Ayorinde. She looked at Mr. Solomon. “Please, come back in….” looking at her wrist watch; “Three hours.”

Mr. Solomon nodded and put the car in reverse.

“Ayotunde called me that you were on your way here.”

“Yes.”

“So what would you like to do?” Ayorinde asked as he looked at her hair.

“I want to fix weaves.”

“Do you have yours with you or do you want to buy?”

“Oh, I didn’t realize you also sold weaves.”

Ayorinde smiled. “Yes, we do. Let’s go inside”. He said as he signaled for her to walk ahead.

*

Ayorinde personally attended to Grace. In an hour and half, he was done. “Do you like it?” He asked her as he looked at her reflection in the mirror opposite.

Grace smiled. “I love it. I love this look.”

“I’m glad you do.” Ayorinde looked up at the clock above the mirror. “You still have about an hour and half left to wait.”

“Oh goodness.”

“Can we go to the café downstairs for a drink?”

“Okay.”

*

Grace decided to order an ice cream while Ayorinde ordered a bottle of malt. As they sat at a table of two, Ayorinde asked; “So what are your plans for the University?”

“I’m interested in Theatre Arts but my dad hasn’t given a go-ahead. He says the course is a no-go area and that I should think of something else.”

“So have you thought of another course?”

Grace shook her head. “I don’t want to study another course. I want to study Theatre Arts.”

Ayorinde sipped from his glass and looked at her. “So how do you intend to convince your dad?”

“I haven’t thought about it sincerely. It makes me tired having to fight over something like this.”

“What do you mean?”

Grace shrugged but refused to give an answer. Even though, Ayorinde was her best friend’s brother, she wasn’t sure of how much information he knew about her and she wasn’t willing to give him more than he probably already knew from her friend.

Ayorinde noticing the change in Grace’s body language decided to change the topic. He told her he would be glad if she could introduce more of her friends to his salon.

Grace smiled. “I would love to.” She said. She flicked her weaves and it bounced around her shoulders. “How did you get to make women’s hair so perfectly?”

Ayorinde laughed. “I never got the opportunity you have now.”

Grace looked at him confused.

“To go to the University. So I decided to do something else. I always loved to see a head with lovely hair on either a man or a woman. So I told Mama T I wanted to go to a beauty school. She registered me at one and the rest is history.”

“Wow! That’s cool.”

“Yeah.”

“I always wanted to ask Ayotunde. She also called your mum Mama T anytime she talked about her and you just did the same now. Is there a particular reason why?”

“We met her some years ago when we were down and out. She made us what we both are today. We called her Mama T then, I guess it stuck.” He laughed. “We call her mummy at home though.”

Grace finished her ice cream and pushed the cup aside. “I don’t understand. What do you mean by met her some years ago. She isn’t your biological mum?”

“She’s our guardian.”

“And your parents?”

“They are fine.”

“They live in this Lagos?”

“Yes. They do.”

“This is strange.”

“Don’t worry your pretty head over it. It’s complicated.”

*

Grace looked outside and noticed Mr. Solomon was back. “I didn’t realize we had spent over an hour here already.” She said pointing to the car. “I have to go.” She stood up.

“That’s fine.” Ayorinde said also standing up.

“Thanks for the ice cream and the company.”

“The pleasure is mine. I enjoyed the company as well.”

As they walked outside, Ayorinde asked; “Is it okay if I call you sometime?”

“Okay.” Grace replied as she reeled out her number.

Ayorinde punched the numbers on his phone. “See you around.” He said as she eased into the back seat of the car.

***

That evening, Ayotunde called Grace. “Babe, so did you like your hair?

“Like or love? I love it. Your brother personally attended to me.” Grace laughed over the phone.

“Hmm…..that’s nice.”

“Your brother is a cool guy.”

“So I hear from everyone who meets him.”

“You don’t think he is?” Grace asked.

“You’re kidding, right? I love my brother to bits. He is the definition of cool.” She laughed heartily.

“I like him.”

“Hmmm……”

“What? Is he out of bounds?” Grace sneered into the phone.

“Meaning?”

“Does he have a girlfriend?”

Ayotunde guffawed. “My brother is as clear as the sky.”

“Really?”

“What are we friends for? If he was tied up, I would have told you.”

“Okay then.”

“Erm….what does that okay mean?

“Nothing.”

“Grace!!!!” Ayotunde stressed her name.

“Oh girl. You always have a way of getting things out of my mouth.”

“Spill it. I’m all ears.”

“We had some time to chat at the café downstairs while waiting for Mr. Solomon. He took my number as I was about leaving. I just wanted to know where to place the boundary when he decides to call.”

“Well, it looks like you guys are getting along pretty well without me.”

“Oh c’mon, don’t tell me you are jealous.”

“Jealous? No way. As long as my brother is happy, I am happy.”

“Okay girl. I have to go. I need to make dinner for my dad before he gets back from work.”

“Okay. Talk to you later.”

“Bye.”

******

Ayorinde called Grace two days later. His calls became frequent and Grace began to look forward to them. They talked for long hours on the phone. Ayorinde made sure he called her every morning and every night before he went to bed.

Grace called her sister, Aderemi every weekend by video call and on one of their calls, she decided to voice out her feelings to her sister.

“Sis, you should meet him. He is such a sweet guy.”

‘Really? How long have you known him?’ Aderemi asked; as she beat an egg in a bowl.

‘About two months now.’

‘And you said he is Ayotunde’s elder brother?’

‘Yes sis.’ Grace said as she adjusted the ear buds in her ear.

‘Okay. What does Daddy think about him?’

‘I haven’t told Daddy yet oh. Ah! Before he will say; is that what you should be thinking about now?’ She smirked, gesticulating with her hands.

‘But he would be right to say so, don’t you think?’ Aderemi turned to look into the camera.

‘C’mon sis. I’m not too young to have a boyfriend.’

‘I never said you were Grace. I am only saying having one could be a distraction. You just got admission into Uni. I think you should focus on your studies and leave men alone.’

‘Sis, have I ever disappointed you with my grades?’

Aderemi ignored her question and poured her beaten egg into a fry pan.

‘Sis! Sis, answer me nau.’ Grace said waiting for her sister’s response.

Aderemi breathed deeply as she switched off the fire under the fry pan.

‘No, you have never disappointed me Grace. I just want you to be careful, that’s all.’

‘I will be sis. That’s why I love you.’ Grace smiled.

‘I love you too baby girl.’

‘When are you done with your course?’

‘In about 3 months.’

‘So we having a homecoming party in three months. Woohoo!’ Grace clapped excitedly.

‘No homecoming party Grace.’

‘But why? Aren’t you happy to be coming back home?’

‘Of course, I am but I don’t want any party.’ Aderemi said matter-of-factly.

‘I doubt you can get out of this sis. You refused to have a graduation party after your first degree. I doubt Daddy will let you get away with this one. I will personally see to that.’ Grace winked at her sister.

‘Ha! Grace, you can really be a pest atimes.’

‘I know sis and that’s why you love me.’ She replied bursting out into laughter.

Aderemi shook her head as she waved at her sister and ended the call.

The story continues…

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Blind Pact – Chapter 9

Kofo eased into her car in anger. No one had ever crossed her path and gone scot free. Gboyega was crossing her path and he was doing it without giving a hoot. She had travelled out of the country for about three months and by the time she came back, so many things had changed. She tried ringing him but his number was unreachable. She began to wonder what the problem could be. Since he had graduated from school, going to campus to check on him had not been an option. She had never bothered to know where he lived. Their rendezvous had always been at places she chose. She got her informant to get her all the details she needed and she had been shocked to hear that Gboyega had dropped her for a school girl. What was he thinking? She made more inquiries and found out who the girl really was. A church girl. She had been surprised when she found out.

She smirked as she tapped the steering wheel. Gbosgaga, a Christian? She laughed derisively and shook her head as she thought about him. So far, he had been the only source of happiness in her life and she could not let him go. No, not now. Not ever. He was hers and hers alone. No one else could have him. She hoped Bola would heed to her threat to stay away. She had been nice to her when she visited her room. Her next encounter with her may not be pleasurable if she refused to keep her hands off Gbosgaga.

Her happiness started and ended with him and she was ready to go into the deep recesses of her heart to wake up her past life in a bid to hold on to him. Kofo grew up in one of the slums of Calabar with her prostitute mother. She never knew who her father was. Every night, her mother locked her up in her room while she went out for her business. Unknown to her mother, one of the neighbours in their face-to-face abode had made a spare key to their room. While her mother went out to service her clients, the man came in with the spare key and serviced himself with Kofo. He was a young man of about twenty-two who lived with his parents who were drunks. He had no source of living and he hung around the house every day making a nuisance of himself.

She was just eight when he initially forced himself on her. She had cried all through till morning. He had warned her never to mention it to anyone; as that would result in her death and that of her mother. She had been too scared to tell her mother and she lived with that fear until she ran away from home at the age of thirteen. At thirteen, she had become fully matured and well-rounded and could pass for a twenty-one year old. Even though, her mother did not lock her in any longer whenever she went for her business, her abuser still visited their room every night to fulfill his pleasure.

The night she ran away, the man had come into her mother’s room as usual but this time, he came with three of his friends. He had smiled wickedly as he caressed her body and told her she was going to enjoy this session specially. She nodded as her soul died that night. The men had been excited as they groped her. Her abuser had proudly told his friends that he was only giving them this opportunity as she solely belonged to him. He told them to take their turns as he was having her the whole night. He beat his chest as he told them that he had made Kofo capable of going many rounds. His friends had been a little envious and each of them had tried to woo her with sweet words.

The three friends got down on her; each unable to hold his urge. Every opening in her body became a tool of abuse. Her abuser stood by her watching his friends as he excited himself, caressing her bust and awaiting his turn. Kofo continued to endure the abuse waiting for the right time to strike. When she noticed that their pleasure was hitting a crescendo, in the heat of their passion, she pulled out the chopping knife she had kept under the single mattress in the room and sliced each one of them wherever she deemed fit. Shock registered on their faces and before they could get a hold of themselves, she hit the knife on the head of her main abuser, opened the door and bolted out.

She never went back home. She picked a top and a trouser spread on the line outside the house and ran as fast as her legs could carry her. The night was eerie and she was covered in its darkness. She had stolen a few cash from her mother’s underwear bag and as she got dressed in an uncompleted building, she hid the cash inside her brassiere. She took a bus to Lagos that night. She did not care where she was going. She just wanted to be far away from home. The bus was carrying goods but she had begged the driver to allow her ride with him to wherever he was going. She could barely stretch her limbs in the crammed bus but she hadn’t been bothered. As long as she left the city, she was ready to bear anything.

She had arrived in Lagos as a newbie to street life. She slept in parks with a jackknife in her pocket and used it freely on anyone who tried to take advantage of her. She was quickly noticed by the men of the underworld and they saw her as an asset. She was used as a bait to lure men before they were robbed and she got her share of every operation the men handled.

 

During one of their operations, she had pretended to be in distress and knocked continuously on the door of an apartment. A man asked who was at the door and she had answered that she needed help. The man had opened the door and her two-man gang had pushed the man inside holding a gun to his head. They asked the man to bring out every cash he had and also asked his wife to handover all her jewelry.

After robbing them, one of her gang members looked at the man’s daughter as he licked his lips. The girl was about Kofo’s age. He asked the girl to lead him to her room and her father knowing what was about to happen began to plead with him. The man pointed his gun at the girl’s father and told him to shut his mouth. The girl started crying as she was rough-handled by the gang member.

As he was about leaving for the girl’s room, Kofo called him and asked him not to touch her. He got angry and told Kofo that if she had allowed them to have their way with her, he wouldn’t have to look for pleasure somewhere else. If she would not allow them to touch her, then he could touch anyone he wished without her consent. The second gang-member laughed and told Kofo he was going to have his turn after his friend. Kofo warned them a second time to leave the girl alone as their mission was to rob and not to rape but the men only laughed her to scorn.

As one of the men carried the girl like a sack, she screamed and memories of Kofo’s past came rushing back to her. Kofo put her palms over her ears trying to block out the screams but they only grew louder. She opened her eyes and saw the girl’s parents sobbing. She became enraged and walked into the girl’s room. Her hands had been tied and they were raised above her head. Her legs were also tied to the sides of her bed post. Her night gown had been torn and it lay on the floor by the bed. She lay on the bed naked and helpless. Tears streamed down the girl’s cheeks and Kofo saw fear in her eyes. The men smiled when she walked in and urged her to watch and enjoy their romp. They were both half-naked.

As the first man moved towards the girl, she screamed again and he slapped her hard in the face. Kofo felt the sting of the slap on her own face. The man grabbed the girl by the neck and was about to force himself on her when Kofo pulled out her gun and shot both of them point blank in a fit of fury. She walked out of the house alone with their booty and decided she was through with men of the underworld.

blind-pact-9

She moved on to become a pimp for politicians and this became the source of her wealth.

Gboyega had to come back to her. She did not care about his new love for Christianity. He belonged to her and she was going to have him back by all means.

——-
Photo Credit: http://www.123rf.com

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Blind Pact – Chapter 7

Gboyega is upset and angry after Bola’s call. He had not envisaged Kofo will go looking for Bola in school. He wondered how she found out about her; but knowing who Kofo was, she always had her way with information. It was over between them. Why was she refusing to understand? He had the mind of calling her this night but he had changed his phone number simply because he did not want to have anything to do with her again. Calling her now, was exposing himself to her whims once more. Since he changed his number, he had had a bit of respite from her incessant calls. Should I call her to warn her or ignore her threats to Bola? He ruminated over his decision over and over as he lay on his bed till he dozed off.

The next morning, Gboyega gets up early to prepare for the day’s job. He is just coming out of the bathroom when his doorbell chimes. Who could be looking for me this early? He quickly gets into his trousers, wears his shirt leaving the buttons undone and walks towards the door to see the early visitor. He opens the door and standing right before him is Kofo. She puts her hand on the door lintel and as usual is chewing a gum. The expression on Gboyega’s face is that of surprise and then anger.

“What are you….?” Gboyega is asking before he is hushed with a wave of Kofo’s hand.

“Shhh…It is too early. You would wake the neighbours.” She says placing her forefinger on her lips.

Gboyega refuses to be hushed and asks through clenched teeth. “What do you want from me?”

Kofo pushes him aside as she walks into his room. A mattress lies to the right corner of the room, a wooden chair and table on the left and a small LED TV hangs on the wall.

Gboyega closes the door behind him and faces her. “Kofo, what do you want from me? Why won’t you leave me alone?”

Kofo bursts into laughter. She walks towards the table and drops her handbag on it. “Leave you alone. C’mon Gbosgaga, you can run but you can’t hide. You know that, don’t you?”

“Kofo, I am through with you. Don’t you get it?”

“Through with me? Through with me? And you leave me for mummy’s girl.” Kofo shouts at him.

“Leave Bola out of this. She has nothing to do with the relationship we had.”

Kofo is sober. “Then why did you leave me? Why did you change your phone number? Why have you refused to warm my bed? My body has been panting for you. I have missed your touch, Gbosgaga.” She says in a whisper.

She moves towards Gboyega and places her hands on his chest. She traces a finger on his toned chest, circles it up his neck and to his lips. Gboyega closes his eyes and savours the feel of her fingers on him. His mind transports back in time to when Kofo meant everything to him; when satisfying her pleasures was his only reason for living tomorrow. He remembers when the world stopped at her feet; when he lived for her. It was not a life he had wanted but he had enjoyed every bit of it while it lasted.

blind-pact-7_manthesis

It has been a long time since he was with a woman and Kofo knew what to do to trigger every hormone in his body. Kofo’s finger draws doodles on his body and as she gets to his pelvis, he catches his breath. Blood was beginning to seep into his nether region and he was getting to a place of no return. He suddenly shakes his head and opens his eyes as if a jinx over him has been broken. He holds her two hands and steps away from her. “No, Kofo. I am through with you. Through with being your…your…” He found himself unable to complete his sentence. He hated the word he was meant to use.

“My boyfriend?” Kofo completes his sentence.

“Yes, your boyfriend.” He is thankful she had not mentioned the word but it did not change the fact that that was who he was to her.

“Why?” Kofo asks in confusion. “What do you want that I haven’t been able to give you?”

“It is not about what I need, Kofo. I am now a Christian.”

Kofo looks at Gboyega with shock then begins to laugh derisively. “You, Gbosgaga? A Christian? No, tell me that’s a joke.”

Gboyega looks at her without saying a word.

“Weren’t you a Christian when you lost your parents? Where was your God then? Where was He when you needed money to bury them? Hmm…tell me.”

Gboyega turns away from her.

Kofo walks towards him and pulls him by the shirt turning him to face her. “Answer me Gboyega. Where was He when you were in need? When you couldn’t pay your school fees or take care of your younger ones? And now, you have the guts to stand here and open your mouth and tell me “I am now a Christian?” She mimics him. “Rejecting me for that…that bitch, you call Bola?”

Gboyega looks at her, anger seeping into his veins. “Kofo, any word from you again and you will have yourself to blame.”

Kofo claps her hands. “Right? He’s got guts now.” She fakes a shiver. “I’m scared.”

“Kofo, please I beg you in the name of those you hold dear, leave Bola alone.” Gboyega pleads.

Kofo raises her chin with pride. “And you?”

Gboyega refuses to answer and begins to button his shirt. He sits down on his bed, picks up his socks and wears it.

Kofo sneers. “I thought as much.” She picks up her bag from the table. “You have not heard the last of me.” She says as she storms out of the room, slamming the door behind her.

Gboyega raises up his head from the trainers he is lacing as the door slams. He looks upwards. “God, I thought I was through with this.” He picks up his knapsack, slings it over his shoulder and walks out of his room. As he strolls towards the bus-stop, he remembers how Kofo had waltzed into his life over three years ago.

School had been on vacation when he got invited to a high-profile party somewhere in Lagos. It was a house party and according to his friend, the party was going to be attended by the who’s who in town. His friend told him that the party was strictly by invitation, so he should consider it a priviledge that he was attending.

Gboyega had been mesmerized by the beauty of the house. It was a duplex with ten rooms, all en-suite. The ground floor had two large living rooms, a ballroom and a lounge for receiving visitors. At the entrance of the house, there was a massive Olympic sized pool. Scantily dressed ladies hung around the pool with pot-bellied men. Every furniture in the house screamed class and Gboyega wondered which politician owned the house. His friend had his arms around a girl’s waist as he handed him a drink, encouraged him to have fun and disappeared. Sweaty bodies danced in the ballroom, one of the living rooms had young guys and girls already stoned on marijuana while the bedrooms had pot-bellied men making out with girls old enough to be their daughters. He moved around the house like a lost child and at a point he got bored. He walked up to the patio overlooking the lagoon and stood there to take in the freshness of the night breeze.

He had been lost in his own world when a lady walked up to him breaking into his thoughts. “Hello handsome, need company?”

He looked at the lady standing before him. She was beautiful and towered a few inches above him. Her eyes sparkled from the reflection of the water and her teeth shone bright when she smiled. The breeze blew her weaves and they slapped her face in a carefree manner. He shrugged in response to her question.

“Looks like you ain’t enjoying the party.” She said.

He wasn’t sure who she was and he did not want to sound rude. “I just needed to get some fresh air.” He responded.

They both stood on the patio looking at the water. Different colours of light from the house illuminated it revealing a picturesque environment. She asked what he did for a living and he said he was still a student. She began to talk about campus life and lecturers and he assumed she was also a student invited to the party. They exchanged numbers, introduced themselves to each other and then she left him to his solitude.

Hours later, when Gboyega could no longer contain his boredom, he left the mansion without his friend.

——-

Photo Credit: http://www.manthesis.com

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Blind Pact – Prologue

“Lord, what have I done wrong? Why is this happening to me? Where did I miss it? I need your help, Lord. Please strengthen me”.

Prologue

Banke looks at her daughter helplessly. Tears pool in her eyes as she sees her hurting. “Bola, I understand how you feel. But you cannot continue to beat yourself over this”. Banke says holding her daughter’s hands as she struggles to put her own emotions in check. She wishes she could erase the pain her daughter is going through. How did the course of their lives suddenly go downhill?

Bola looks at her mum but sees no one. Her mind is faraway. Tears stream down her cheeks and her mother looks away trying to hide her own tears which were beginning to make its way down her face. I have to be strong for her. I cannot breakdown. Oh Lord, please help her ease her pain. She closes her eyes as she does a little prayer within the confines of her heart.

Bola kneels down in a bid to pray but breaks down into uncontrollable tears. “Oh God, why-why do I have-have to suffer this-this way?” She struggles to say in between body wracking sobs.

If only the last few days of her life could be erased. If only destiny would allow her remake the turn of events in her life. If only her life could go back to being perfect the way it was about three years ago.

********

Three years ago, Bola attended an upscale secondary school in Lagos state. She was in Grade 12 and was preparing to write her certificate exams in a few months. Being the only child of her parents, they doted on her and gave her all she desired. She lacked nothing and in return, she ensured that her parents were never disappointed. She gave her best in her academics and stood out among her peers. She was the typical well-behaved, obedient and good child.

———
Photo Credit: http://www.wikihow.com

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Second Chances – The Finale

Hi,

Thanks for following me on this story of jealousy, abusive relationships, commitment and the fight for true love thus far.

Second Chances has been published and the concluding story can be found on Amazon kindle.

Find out what happens to Kunbi, Ola and Sola in this love triangle suspense-filled story by clicking on the image below.

You would be directed to purchase the book on Amazon.

 Buy-on-Amazon

Second Chances can also be purchased on the following platforms;

  Buy-on-Okadabooks       Buy-on-Smashwords

Kindly click on any of the images above and you would be directed to the book where you can get a copy.

We will begin another journey into the love department next week.

Do keep following, kindly share and don’t forget to send me your reviews. I would truly appreciate that.

Thank you.

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Second Chances – Episode 8

Wale paces round the reception of the hospital restlessly. Many thoughts run through his mind. “Who could have done this?” “I shouldn’t have left her alone at home”. “Why didn’t I get home earlier?” Worry lines are etched deeply into his face as he punches his left palm in anger. Sola who is seated isn’t any better. He checks his wrist watch intermittently and looks towards the door where Kunbi was wheeled through some minutes ago. Time seems to tick slowly and he shifts in his seat uncomfortably.

After a long wait, the doctor walks into the reception and asks them to follow him into his office. Sola jumps to his feet as Wale takes long strides after the doctor. The doctor offers both of them seats in his office but they both decline.

“How is she?” Wale asks anxiously.

“Is she okay? Can we see her?” Sola asks.

“Take it easy, gentlemen. There is no reason to be worried. She’s okay”.

“Can we see her now then?” Sola asks again.

“She has been moderately sedated as she’s traumatized and needs to rest”. The doctor answers.

“How bad are the injuries?” Wale asks with a frown on his face.

“Nothing life threatening. She has been placed on pain killers”.

Sola sighs.

“She would be fine. I assure you”. The doctor says smiling. “If you don’t mind, please excuse me”. The doctor walks out of his office as Wale and Sola share a look of resignation. As they both walk back to the reception, Wale asks; “Any ideas on the culprit?”

“None”. Sola responds lost in thought. “I am still baffled, though”.

“How do you mean?”

“This is premeditated. I had just left the house probably fifteen minutes before when I realized I had forgotten my phone and turned back”.

“I swear if I get my hands on whoever it is, I’ll design his face worse than he did hers”. Wale says fuming.

“Could the person have been hanging around and waiting for me to leave? So much damage in just about fifteen to twenty minutes?” Sola says talking to himself.

“I have a bad feeling about this”.

Sola looks at Wale confused.

“My instincts tell me it could have been Ola”.

“Wale! How can you say that? You’re taking your dislike for this guy too far”. Sola says in amazement.

“I know what I’m saying”. Wale insists.

“C’mon. How can Ola do this to Kunbi? You had better not let her hear this. She’s going to be really mad at you this time”.

“You don’t know this guy. He’s such a jealous and insecure animal. He manhandled her once simply because you called her while she was with him”.

“But that was some time ago”. Sola says.

“This is not out of place for him to do. And be certain, if I find out from Kunbi that he’s responsible, hmmmm…..he’s a dead man”. Wale says in anger.

Sola pats his friend on the back. “Take it easy, man. Let’s just pray she is okay”.

Wale nods as he relaxes. “Yeah, that’s most important right now. Thanks for your help. I really appreciate it”.

“Hey, what are we friends for?” Sola says as he nudges him.

“I think you should go on to your girlfriend’s. Since the doctor says she needs to rest, there’s really nothing to be done here”.

“True”.

“I’ll get here early tomorrow to be with her in case she needs anything. Hopefully, she should be discharged soon”.

“I’ll meet you here tomorrow then. Please take care of her”.

“Thanks a lot. I appreciate your concern”.

 

Sola walks into the hospital premises at 5.00pm the next day. His shirt has been rolled up while the knot of his tie has been loosened. He stops at the reception to ask for Kunbi’s room and he is directed. As he gets to her room, he taps on the door gently, opens it slightly and peeps in. “Can I come in?” He asks when he sees Wale sitting on the bed and talking earnestly with Kunbi.

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“Of course, you can”. Wale answers.

“How are you beauty?” Sola says as he walks to the other side of the bed and gives her a light kiss on the cheek.

“I’m better, thanks”. Kunbi responds as she uses her hands to cover her face.

Wale gives Sola a cursory glance as he raises his brow.

Sola shrugs as he also wonders.

“I am sorry you are seeing me this way”. Kunbi says hiding behind her hands.

“Okay?” Wale acknowledges. “This is definitely for Sola”.

“I carried you in my arms while you were unconscious, so you don’t need to hide behind your hands”. Sola says smiling as he removes her hands from her face. “So, who did this to you?”

“Good question. Maybe she’ll tell you. She has refused to tell me the bastard who did this”.

“Wales, take it easy. I’ll tell you at the right time”. Kunbi says with pleading eyes.

“Right time? What other time is right besides now? Ehn, tell me. What other time?” He asks standing up from the bed in anger.

“Wale, I think you should listen to her. She’s probably right”. Sola says.

“I know I’m right”.

“Kunbi, you can take as long as you want. Whether now or later, be rest assured that whoever did this will pay for it”.

Kunbi tries to sit up but winces as she feels pain. “Wales, I think you should go home and rest. You need it. You are stressed already”. She strains as she tries to lie back.

Wale and Sola both rush to assist her in laying back.

“Okay, Kunbi. I will let go for now”. Wale says. “I need you to get better and come home. That is most important”.

“Thanks Wales”.

“I’m really tired. Sola will keep you company. I need to go home now”. He says yawning.

“When am I leaving here? I’m missing home already”. Kunbi asks.

“The doctor said you’ll be discharged tomorrow; so I’ll pick you up at about noon”. He hugs her gently so as not to cause her any more pain. “Take care darling”.

“Goodnight”. She says smiling.

“You are free to take over from here”. Wale says to Sola.

Sola smiles and shrugs. “You bet I will”.

As Wale walks out of the room, Sola sits down on the lone chair beside Kunbi. He holds her hand and asks; “Don’t tell me he did this to you?”

Kunbi looks at him with surprise. “Who did?”

“C’mon Kunbi. Why did you refuse to tell him if it wasn’t Ola?”

“You’re right. It’s Ola”. She says sighing.

“My goodness”. Sola gasps.

“Wales would not mind travelling to Ibadan this night and he won’t leave Ola until he’s probably confirmed dead. I am not ready to turn my cousin into a murderer”.

“Yeah. I feel you. I know Wale cares about you but he will still get to know one way or the other”.

“Not if you don’t tell him”.

“Why would I? It won’t be long for him to figure it out, though. He mentioned that his instincts told him Ola was responsible”.

“You see why he should not get to know yet. Besides, Ola would be nursing his wounds as well”. She says smiling.

“His wounds?” Sola asks confused.

“Yes, didn’t you guys notice the broken flower vase?”

“We did but we thought it was a victim of the struggle”.

“Well, it was a victim but I used it on Ola’s head when it seemed he was going to kill me”.

“Really? You are a strong woman and you thought very fast even in that situation”. Sola says smiling.

“Yeah, I had to. If I hadn’t, you would have found me dead”.

“God forbid. I can’t stand loosing you”.

Kunbi gently removes her hands from Sola’s hands and looks away. “So, how is your girlfriend?” She asks changing the topic.

“She’s fine”. Sola says frowning.

Kunbi notices the excitement in his voice is gone and turns back to look at him. “When do I get to meet her or are you still hiding her from our prying eyes?” She asks smiling.

“No, I’m not hiding her. The doctor is discharging you tomorrow, right? He asks.

“Are you intentionally changing the topic?” She looks at him curiously.

“No, I am not”.

“What are you hiding, Sola?”

“I am not hiding anything”. He says as he stands up and turns his back to Kunbi.

“Then why are you avoiding my questions”.

“It is rather unfortunate that you may never get to meet her”.

“Why? What happened? What did you do to her?” Kunbi asks anxious.

Sola shrugs. “Nothing”.

“What do you mean by nothing? Sola, look at me. What happened? Please tell me”. Kunbi says as she winces in pain trying to lift herself up.

Sola takes a deep breath as he rushes to her side and props her up with a pillow. “I don’t know where I went wrong. I told you I wanted to give her a surprise visit, right?” He says looking at her.

“Yes, I remember you said so”.

“Well, I got to her apartment and got the shock of my life”. Sola says as he replays the event of the previous day in his mind.

———-

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Posted on

Second Chances – Episode 6

Kunbi leaves Ibadan for Lagos early Sunday morning. The discussion with her mum had been an eye-opener. It suddenly occurred to her that she had been blinded by love. Her mum and Wale could not be wrong after all. She wondered why it took her so long to see it. Ola had kicked against her having male friends in the University but she never saw it as jealousy. She had broken all ties and friendships with her male course mates and friends. According to him, other guys were a distraction to her. She had not seen anything wrong with it. To her, it was Ola’s way of showing that he loved her.

As she sat in the bus taking her back to Lagos, she thought about their relationship the past four years. She had been so much in love, she had refused to see the handwriting on the wall. She was fifteen when she lost her father and she remembered vividly how much she had detested his jealous attitude. Her mother had lived in hurt and pain while he was alive and she had vowed never to marry someone like him.

She sighed as she looked out of the moving vehicle. As her distance away from Ibadan increased, she felt like she was leaving a part of her heart behind. Maybe it is time to move on. This realization however broke her heart.

*********************

Monday afternoon, Sola picks Kunbi up for lunch as before. After ditching her for two weeks, he wants to make it up to her. Things are going on smoothly between himself and Tolu and he is thankful to her for it. As they sit at the table with their food, Sola notices that she is not as chatty as she usually is. He thought she just wanted to be quiet during the drive to the restaurant but now, he is sure something is wrong as she has hardly touched her food.

“Kunbi, you’ve been quiet. What’s on your mind?”

“Nothing”. She shrugs.

“You can’t tell me that. You’ve been picking at your food”.

She looks up at him. “Sola, I’m serious. There’s nothing wrong. I’m not really hungry today”.

Sola drops his cutlery and stretches his hands to hold hers on the table. “Kunbi, you can talk to me or don’t you trust me any longer”.

Meanwhile, an unknown person sitting some tables away from them raises up a mobile phone pretending to be chatting on it and takes a picture of him and Kunbi.

Kunbi bows her head as she responds; “I wish I could give myself a dose of my own medication”.

“I don’t understand what you’re saying”. Sola answers looking confused.

“I am having problems with Ola”.

Sola gasps. “Oh my goodness! What’s wrong? Is it because I called you the other day while you were with him?”

“Well, it’s part of it but it started long before then”. She looks up at him all of a sudden and removes her hands from his. “How did you know about that day? Wales told you obviously”. She hisses.

“Kunbi, he meant no harm. He was worried about you and he asked me never to call you while you were out of Lagos”.

Kunbi breathes deeply. “I am so confused”.

Sola looks anxiously at her with worry. “I’m so sorry, Kunbi. What have I done? I did not mean to destabilize your relationship. What can I do to help?”

Kunbi hold his hands and smiles as she looks into his eyes. “Sola, calm down. It’s not your fault. I told you the problem is not recent. Besides, it did not start with you. I’ll try to get myself out of this mess”.

The mobile phone is raised again and their picture is taken.

He forces a smile. “When you need my help, will you call me?”

“I will”. She responds as she bows her head and Sola stares at her.

 

Sola drives her back to her office and they are oblivious to the car trailing them behind. Sola switches off the engine of the car and looks at Kunbi. “Are you sure you would be fine?”

“Of course”. She answers as she removes her seat belt and gives him a hug. “Thank you again for the lunch”.

The car trailing them is parked a few metres behind. The unknown person lifts up a camera, adjusts the lenses to view them and takes a picture just as Kunbi is hugging Sola.

2nd Chances 6

“Do you want me to pick you up after work? I could tell Wale not to bother”. Sola asks ignoring her thanks.

“No. Wales would get worried and I don’t want to put him under unnecessary psychological pressure”.

“Okay. I’ll see you at home, then. Take care of you”. He says as he squeezes her left shoulder.

The camera in the other car clicks again.

“Thanks, I will”. Kunbi says.

She steps out of the car and walks towards her office complex while Sola starts the engine and drives off.

****************************************************************************************

A young man is seated in Ola’s living room in Ibadan. He is dressed in blue faded jeans and a white Tee-shirt. He nods his head as he enjoys a music video played on TV.

Ola walks in from the kitchen as he wipes his hands on an apron he is wearing. “Sorry, I wanted to get what I was cooking off the fire”.

The man only smiles.

“So how far? Did you accomplish the task?”

“Of course. I told you to trust me”. The man answers.

Ola sits down. “Where are they?”

The man smiles as he brings out a brown envelope from his knapsack. “Here they are. Sharp and captivating”. He says as he hands over the envelope to Ola.

Ola opens the envelope, pulls out the contents and laughs mockingly. “I should have known better”.

The man rubs his palms together and smiles. “I told you I would do a good job. Didn’t I?”

Ola is upset as he hits his right palm on his forehead. “I can’t believe this”. He says shaking unable to control his anger.

Ola drops the envelope on the settee and begins to pace round the living room.

“My balance, Oga Ola”. The man says seeing that he seems to have been forgotten.

Ola looks at him in anger and shouts. “What?”

“My….my balance”. He stammers.

“How much is it?”

“Three thousand naira plus my transport fare”.

Ola looks at him, dips his hands in his jeans pocket and counts six five hundred naira notes. He throws it at him and orders him to get out.

“My transport fare, Oga Ola”. The man says as he scrambles to pick up the notes from the floor.

Ola walks towards him seething with anger and the man immediately picks his knapsack and rushes to the door.

————-

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Posted on

Second Chances – Episode 4

It is a Saturday afternoon in Ibadan. A centre rug with a mix of brown and black colours adorns Ola’s sparse living room. Soft music plays from a home theatre in the living room. Kunbi and Ola are seated on the centre rug playing a game of cards when Kunbi’s mobile phone rings.

“Hi, Sola. What’s going on?”

“Today is our first date together. I want to impress her. What do you think?”

“You don’t have to. Don’t build your relationship on deceit. Just be yourself and let her accept you for who you are”.

“Okay, thanks. My regards to your boyfriend”.

“Cool. I’ll let him know. Bye”. She says as she places her phone on the floor.

“Who was that?” Ola asks frowning.

“A friend”. She responds as she drops a card. “He’s trying to ask a babe out and does not know how to go about it. Your turn”. She says looking up at him.

“So, how is that supposed to be your business? Are you his lecturer?” He asks in anger.

“What do you mean by that?

Ola suddenly drops the cards he is holding on the floor and grabs her by the arm.

“Better be careful. What kind of guy calls you over the weekend in your boyfriend’s house?”

She is too shocked to speak. She drops her cards on the floor as well and struggles under his grip.

“You’re hurting me, Ola. What’s all this?”

2nd Chances 4

“And I’ll hurt you the more if you don’t tell whoever that guy is to stay away from you”. He says as he drops her arm.

“My goodness. I can’t believe this. First, you think my cousin will attempt to sleep with me and now this. I don’t understand you any longer, Ola. I thought you trusted me. What happened to you after I moved to Lagos?” She asks in alarm massaging her arm.

“Tell him to stay away from you”. He says through clenched teeth.

She stands up and picks up her hand bag.

“I won’t listen to any of this. I’m going home”.

He gets very upset and pulls her by the arm flinging her towards the settee.

“Don’t walk out on me. Don’t you ever do that?”

As Kunbi falls on the settee, she burst into tears. Ola looks at her and immediately feels remorseful. He begins to pace round the room. He stops and kneels down beside her.

“Kunbi, I’m sorry. I did not mean to hurt you. Please forgive me”.

“How could you, Ola? Am I not allowed to have male friends any longer? Do you trust me at all?” She asks in between tears.

“I’m sorry. I don’t……I just……I don’t know”. He stammers rubbing the back of his neck.

“You are just what, Ola? When did you suddenly become so insecure? We have been dating for four years and you still don’t trust me?”

“I do. I just can’t stand the thought of losing you”.

“Is it because I got a job in Lagos? Would you rather I stayed back in Ibadan jobless?”

Ola shakes his head. “No, no. I just don’t want any one hurting you. That’s all”.

“I can take care of myself, Ola. I’m not a baby”.

He stands up and pulls her up into a hug.

“I am sorry. Please forgive me”. He says as he kisses her.

She initially tries to resist his kisses but eventually gives in to him.

*************************************************************************************

Kunbi sits alone in her apartment Sunday evening. The TV is off as she has no pleasure in it. She is unhappy and lost in her own world.

What has come over Ola of recent? Have I given him a reason not to trust me? How come he has become insecure all of a sudden or have the signs always been there and I refused to see them? Is there any harm in what I am doing? I am so confused right now.

“Kunbi, Kunbi……..”

She is jolted out of her reverie by Wale’s voice.

“Oh Wales, I did not realize you had come in”.

“What’s wrong?” He asks with concern.

“Nothing”.

“That’s not true. I came in and had been standing here for a while and you did not even realize I was here”.

“Really?” She asks in surprise.

“What is wrong? Is mummy okay?”

Kunbi sighs. “Mum is fine. Wales, I don’t understand Ola any longer”.

Wale sits down beside her. “What do you mean?”

“Sola called me on my phone yesterday while I was with Ola and you won’t believe what happened. Ola was so mad at me that he manhandled me. I could not believe it. I never knew he was so jealous”.

Wale keeps quiet and just stares at her.

“Wales, did you hear what I just said?”

“I heard you. What exactly do you want me to say? If I said I told you so, you’ll get angry and say I want to spite you”.

“I know but……”

“There’s really nothing for me to say. My only advice for you is be careful with him”. He says as he stands up and walks towards his room.

Kunbi watches him as he walks away. She puts her head in her palms and shakes her head. She is more confused than she was before she spoke to her cousin.

2nd Chances 4b
**************************************************************************************

Sola is waiting in his car outside Kunbi’s office. He looks at his wrist watch and wonders what is taking her so long. Two minutes later, she rushes out of her office building and apologizes profusely to Sola as she enters into the car.

“You sure, we would still have lunch today?” He asks faking annoyance.

“Hey c’mon, I said I am sorry. Let’s do somewhere very close. Maybe snacks”.

He nods as he drives off.

In a few minutes, they are seated in an eatery close by with snacks and drinks in front of them.

“Tolu always has this standoffish attitude towards me in the office but she never ceases to call me every night just to say good night”.

Kunbi smiles. “Maybe she is not comfortable with the attention you are giving her in the office, but I guess you have the green light already”.

“Are you sure?” He asks in anxiety.

“Yep! You see each other at work, she poses a standoffish attitude but once she is out of the office, she becomes true to herself”.

“True to herself?”

Kunbi nods and she sips out of her drink. “She calls you every night? It is because she cares about you and probably needs your voice to give her sweet dreams”. She says laughing.

“Wow! That just made my day”. He says smiling. “I thought she wasn’t interested in me all along”.

“Which is not true?” She says shrugging her shoulders. “Are you ready to be committed to her?”

“I hope so”.

“You hope? You are still not sure about this?”

“I think I would take it one step at a time”.

“Okay”. Kunbi says as she dabs at her lips with a napkin.

“Thanks. I owe you one”.

“And I’ll make sure I get it”. She replies laughing.

————

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