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Yesterday Lives – Chapter 14

The next morning, Ayo woke up with a spring in his steps. He was unusually happy and Kevwe noticed. She sneered as she looked at him. “You win jackpot for your dream?”

Ayo smiled. Ngozi may not be a jackpot but seeing her again after many months definitely made his heart flip like he had won a lottery. He took a bucket to the bathroom to have his bath and was done in a hurry. He dashed to the kitchen and picked out their stove from a corner. He lighted it and put some rice on fire, while he strolled to the room to get dressed. Kevwe lay on the bed as she watched the small TV in the room. She was very heavy and her tummy looked like she could pop anytime soon. When the rice was cooked, Ayo carried it from the kitchen and placed it on a stool in the room.

“I have cooked rice for you to eat when you are hungry.” He said as he dished some into a plate for himself. He opened the pot of stew he had cooked the previous evening and served himself a piece of meat. He was not ready to waste money buying food at the office so he ensured he ate every morning before leaving home. He gulped a cup of water, stood up and tucked in his shirt.

As he stepped out, he looked at Kevwe. “Please make sure you rest and eat well ehn.”

Kevwe looked at him. “I don hear.”

Ayo took out his phone from his pocket as he stepped out of the house. He placed a call to Ngozi. She picked up on the third ring.

“Hey!” Ayo said.

“Hi.”

“Are you out of the house yet?”

“Yes, I am on my way to drop the kids off at school.”

“Okay then. I’m on my way to the hotel.”

“That’s fine. Just wait for me at the reception once you get there.”

“Okay.”

As Ayo dropped the call, he placed another call.

“Chima…..” He said as he coughed. “I can’t come to work today. I am not feeling fine. Please help me tell HRM.”

“Okay.” Chima said. “Are you going to the hospital?”

“Maybe later.” Ayo coughed again.

“Sorry ehn. I will let HRM know. Just rest well.”

“Hmmm…..” Ayo grunted as he ended the call. With that done, he looked for a bus going towards the direction of the hotel on the other side of town.

Ayo arrived at the hotel about an hour later. He made a beeline for the restroom and washed the sweat off his face. He opened his wallet and took out a mini perfume. He opened it, turned it a little towards his forefinger and placed it on his neck and behind his ears. He took out a pack of menthos he had bought in traffic from his pocket and popped two into his mouth. He looked at himself in the mirror before walking out to wait at the reception.

Ngozi sauntered in a few minutes after. She spotted Ayo immediately and walked towards him. Ayo stood up and hugged her.

“You look good. How are you doing?”

Ngozi shrugged. “I have been managing.”

“You are booking a room now till evening?”

“Yes.” Ngozi said as she turned towards the reception desk.

Ayo walked behind her.

Ngozi made the booking and the payment.

“Let’s go to the car.” She said as she held Ayo by the hand.

They both walked outside; Ngozi taking the lead.

“After you left, the whole family moved in that same day. They made life unbearable for me. There was nothing I ever did that was right in mama’s eyes. I was frustrated but I had to keep on because of the kids.” Ngozi said as they got to the car and she opened the boot.

Ayo pulled out the hand luggage and rolled it. “I’m so sorry.” He said.

Ngozi smiled and shrugged. “There is no need to be. It all ends today.”

They walked back into the hotel lobby and Ngozi collected her room key. They took the elevator to the 15th floor and located the room. Ngozi swiped the key on the door knob and it opened. She walked in and held the door for Ayo before locking it. She placed the key on the light switch and the lights and the air-conditioner powered on.

Ayo rolled the luggage beside the bed and sat on the couch. “How did you pull this off without them knowing?”

Ngozi shrugged. “We don’t talk to each other at home. We live like strangers in the house. I don’t allow anyone of them into my bedroom; so I had packed up a few things I felt we would need. A change of clothes for the girls when they get back from school and all our travel documents. Most of them were still in bed when I left home. Only the maids were awake. I got the kids ready for school myself and loaded the luggage into the boot.”

“Hmmm……” Ayo grunted. “And Dubem?”

“Ebuka sacked him and recruited someone else.”

“Ahn…ahn… what is wrong with these people? What did he do wrong?” Ayo asked with a puzzled look.

“I have no idea but by now, you should know they are capable of anything evil.”

Ngozi walked to the couch and knelt before Ayo. “I am both excited and sad.”

“Excited, yes but sad, why?”

“I am going to miss you a lot.” Ngozi smiled sadly.

Ayo laughed. “We haven’t seen each other for months and you survived.”

“I know but do you know how difficult those months were for me. Do you know how many times I almost called you just to hear your voice? Do you know how many times I wanted you to tell me that everything would be alright?”

“I’m sorry.” Ayo sighed.

Ngozi nodded. “I know.” She moved closer to Ayo and kissed him gently.

Ayo took a deep breath as he held her. He had also missed her but after the last encounter with Kevwe, he had thought it wise to stay away.

Ngozi eased away and looked at Ayo as she touched his chin tenderly. “I love you Ayo.”

Ayo smiled. “I always did.” He pulled her up as he stood and hugged her. “You mean so much to me Ngozi. I wish we did not have to part this way….” He said as he took a deep breath. “…. but it is for the best.”

Ngozi pulled out of his embrace and looked at him. There were tears in her eyes. “I feel the same way.”

“You have to stay strong.” Ayo said as he wiped the tears that were now spilling on her cheeks. “I know you are strong and you have proved it; remain strong for the sake of the girls.”

“I will.” Ngozi said as the tears rolled down her cheeks in streams.

Ayo pulled her close as he kissed her tenderly. Ngozi responded allowing him to kiss away her tears and her fears of the future. Months away from each other rekindled the passion burning between them and they let themselves loose without inhibitions. Every touch, every kiss and every caress made by Ayo was intentional to drive Ngozi to the highest point of ecstasy. This was their last rendezvous together and he wanted it to be memorable; both for him and for Ngozi.

Ngozi’s body burned. It had been months since she had been touched and Ayo was driving her crazy. He knew exactly what to do, where to touch and what to say as he whispered sweet words into her ears. Ayo continued to build up the fire in her igniting her body till she screamed in surrender. Moments later as their intertwined bodies danced to the rhythm of their voices, the future did not matter to them, the pleasure of the moment was enough.

******

Later that evening, Ngozi and the girls eased into a taxi they ordered and headed for the airport. Ngozi’s car had been picked up hours earlier. She had insisted on getting to the bank and confirming that her account had been credited before releasing the originals of her car documents and the car key. Once it had been confirmed, she handed the car documents, the change of ownership and the key to the buyer within the bank premises. He was free to pick up the car from the hotel.

————

END OF PART 1

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Yesterday Lives – Chapter 13

Friday morning, Ayo dropped the girls at school and also Kevwe at the hospital. He told Kevwe he would not be able to pick her up later as he had to continue his job hunt. He also needed to go to the house and make sure it was ready for their movement tomorrow. He gave her some money and asked her to take a taxi back home once she was done.

As Ayo drove home to see Ngozi and get ready for his job hunt, he wondered if Ngozi’s conversation with her sister was favourable. If it was, preparations for her travel and that of the kids would have to be done as soon as possible. The kids were vacating in a week and that meant, they had ample time to process their visas and get settled in Nicaragua. Thinking about it made him miss them already.

He parked the car and jogged towards the main house. As he was about to tap the doorbell, Ngozi opened the door. She had freshened up and was wearing an over-sized monochrome tee-shirt on red bum shorts. Her hair had been packed into a bun at the back and it accentuated her cheekbones. Even without make-up, she was beautiful. Ayo’s heart skipped a beat as he looked at her and he got lost in her gaze for a few seconds. He opened his mouth to say something but his mind couldn’t form the words.

“Hey. Come in.” Ngozi said; breaking the awkward silence between them.

Ayo nodded and walked in. “Were you about to go out?”

“No. I saw you drive in.” She replied as she walked towards the couch in front of the TV. She was watching a news channel. She took the remote from a side stool and reduced the volume of the TV.

“Have I ever told you how beautiful you are?” Ayo said as he sat down beside her.

Ngozi blushed.

‘I guess I never had the opportunity to.” He continued. “So about your sister?” He asked changing the topic.

“Yes, I spoke with her as you advised.” Ngozi said.

Ayo nodded. “And?”

“She said it was fine. She even wants us to settle down in Nicaragua and forget about Nigeria. She said I have no business anymore with Nigeria, so she didn’t see why I would want to stay back.”

Ayo cocked his head to the side. “Did you tell her you wanted to stay back?’

“Not exactly. I only mentioned the spa and salon.”

Ayo smiled. “You haven’t been there for a while, you know? Besides, you can sell off the business and face a new life in Nicaragua.”

Ngozi sighed. “It’s all so new to me. Nigeria has been my home all my life. Thinking about settling down in another country was never part of my plan.”

Ayo took her hand. “I know. The events of the past weeks could never have been part of anyone’s plan.” He sighed as he thought about his last discussion with Chief. He was meant to be Chief’s technical assistant but here he was jobless once again and dropping CVs in organizations like he had done when he first came to Lagos.

“Are you okay?” Ngozi asked.

“I am.” He replied looking at her.

“You seemed far away just now.”

“I was just thinking about how our lives took a drastic turnaround these past weeks. Just a day before Chief’s travel, we had a discussion in the garden. I was meant to see the HR Manager on Monday and get a new appointment letter.”

“Really?”

“Yes, as his technical assistant.” Ayo said sighing. “Those plans went with him. What can I say? I can only be thankful.”

“I’m so sorry.” Ngozi said remorsefully as she squeezed Ayo’s hand.

“You know, there are times when I actually feel sorry for myself. I feel maybe I have been jinxed and….”

“Don’t say that, Ayo.” Ngozi said moving closer to him. “You are not jinxed. Things haven’t just worked out the way you want them to.”

Ayo looked at her and smiled sadly. “Ngozi, you don’t know my story.”

“I know the little Chief told me. You are not jinxed.”

“I pray so.” He said as he looked away. Even though he had been trying to stay strong, he was deeply hurt and broken. During his quiet moments when he lay on his bed with Kevwe snoring beside him, he felt dejected. He had not sent money to his parents for a while and he had been too ashamed to call them to explain the situation of things. If he was not careful, he knew he would start running low on cash. The room and repairs, Kevwe’s healthcare and the daily transport fare for his job hunt were beginning to dig a hole in his pocket.

“Ayo, what’s on your mind?” Ngozi said as she turned his face to look at her.

“I will be fine.”

“Yes, you will be. We would both be fine.” She sighed and hugged him.

They stayed locked in each other’s embrace as they both savoured the moment.

“Ayo.” Ngozi whispered into his ears.

“Hmm…”

“Why do you want to leave tomorrow?”

“Please understand. Your family would kick me out if I don’t leave voluntarily.” Ayo replied.

“I just…I don’t…” Ngozi paused as she blew air through her mouth.

Ayo pulled away from her and looked at her face. “Talk to me.”

Ngozi looked away. “I just wanted to say I will miss you. I wish you didn’t have to go.”

“It is for the best. Look at what happened the last time Ebuka was here. To them, I am just a driver. I can’t stay back and deal with Chief’s family issues.”

“And why should you care about what they say? Hopefully, you would get another job soon. They would hardly notice you.”

“That’s what you think. And what about Ebuka’s accusation the last time he was here?”

 Ngozi shrugged. “Your girlfriend lives with you. I don’t see how that should be a problem. That should settle any ideas.”

“I wish it could. Unfortunately, it is not enough.” Ayo said.

“So this is it?”

Ayo stood and pulled her up. He touched her chin tenderly and looked at her. Over the past weeks, he had grown fond of her. After the death of her husband, he had done all he could to ease her grief. She had been so lost and her husband’s family had turned against her. He owed it to Chief to protect her. Right now, the only way he could do that was to leave Chief’s house. And to get her and the girls out of the country to Nicaragua. He was glad that her sister had agreed to welcome them; even though it broke his heart to see her go. He sighed at the thought of it.

He stared at her lips and his heart fluttered. The moment seemed magical and he kissed her lips slowly. Ngozi took a deep breath as she kissed him back passionately holding on to him like her life depended on him. They ravaged each other’s lips as their breaths quickened. Ayo lifted Ngozi off the floor and placed her gently on the couch. He tickled her sensitive spots as he undressed her carefully. Ngozi shivered with every touch and she responded with moans of pleasure. Ayo undressed himself quickly eager to finish what he had started.

As he was about to fulfill his pleasure in her, he suddenly felt disconnected from his environment and in that instant, he saw that the lady unclad before him was his boss’s wife. He looked at her wondering what he was doing with her. Do I want to do this? He looked at Ngozi’s naked body before him. Yes, I can’t help it. His body was already on fire and it longed for her. Chief, forgive me. He closed his eyes. I can’t stop now. Ngozi looked at him as she touched and caressed his excited body exploding all the pent-up emotions he had in him. He groaned as his body took charge of his mind. In a few minutes, the only noises heard were stifled screams and moans in the height of ecstasy.

Ngozi lay cradled in Ayo’s arms on the seven-seater couch. Ayo kissed her forehead and she looked up at him and smiled. No words were needed as their bodies had spoken their hearts desire. They lay in each other’s arms for another one hour as they listened to each other’s heartbeat and talked about their future; Ngozi’s plan for her movement to Nicaragua and Ayo’s movement out of the house the next day. The more they talked about their plans, the more it saddened them.

At about 11:00a.m, they heard the gate opening. Ayo looked at Ngozi with eyes wide open. He looked at his watch and realized they had been in each other’s arms the past two hours. They had not realized that time was far spent. He got up with speed and started to put on his clothes in a hurry. Ngozi also picked up her clothes from the floor and ran towards her bedroom upstairs.

******

Kevwe walked into the boys’ quarters and went straight to the room. She was beginning to get tired easily. She lay on the bed and in a few minutes began to doze off.

Ayo buttoned up his shirt and made an attempt to straighten it out with his hands. He looked upstairs. Ngozi had disappeared into her room. He took a deep breath as he walked out of the main house. He got to the boys’ quarters and used his key to enter into the house. He saw Kevwe’s bag on the floor in the living room. He walked towards the room and saw her sprawled on the bed. He heaved a sigh of relief when he heard her snoring. He decided to go into the bathroom to freshen up.

As he stood under the shower, his mind wandered. He had felt a connection with Ngozi which was absent anytime he was with Kevwe. He thought about Kevwe. Was his feelings for her genuine or was it because she was available at the time? And now that she was carrying his child, was this the kind of life he wanted to live? His mind went to Ngozi. He remembered how she had responded to his touch and her stifled screams as she dug her fingers into his back. A smile played on his lips as cold water coursed down the length of his body.

Even though Kevwe had more dexterity, she made love to him almost without feelings. It was more like a duty she had to fulfill. It was what she got paid for daily anyway. Ngozi may not have as much experience as Kevwe did but she melted under his touch and she responded with pleasure which excited him. An excitement that was absent with Kevwe.

The door to the bathroom opened and Ayo was jolted out of his reverie. Kevwe stood with arms akimbo as she looked at him.

“You just dey come or you never go?”

“Erm…I haven’t gone.”

“So where you dey before?”

“I went to drop something in the main house.”

“For Ngozi place? She looked down at his lower body and clapped her hands. “Ayo, you don dey go chop for dia, abi? So the one wey I give you chop never do? Na your oga wife you dey chop again.” Kevwe screamed.

“I don’t understand what you are saying.” Ayo said getting out of the bath and covering up himself with a towel. His wandering mind in the shower had been his undoing.

“How you go know wetin I dey talk? If no be say you go chop for dia, why e dey stand? She asked pointing towards the bulge he was struggling to cover up. “I look like small girl to you. Remove towel make I see am well well. Chei….I don suffer. So na me you dey do like this, Ayo?” Kevwe lamented.

Ayo felt caught in the act. He moved near Kevwe and tried to hold her but she shoved him away and he staggered backwards.

“No touch me oh. No touch me. Go meet your oga wife go continue wetin you dey house dey do. Ayo, you no know me oh. I dey tell you. You meet me when my head dey correct.”

“Kevwe, stop this. You are carrying my baby. What other commitment do you need from me?” Ayo asked cutting short her tirade.

Kevwe stepped out of the bathroom and sat on the bed. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she put her head in her hands. Ayo strolled behind her and also sat on the bed. What has come over me?  He put his arms around her. “Kevwe, I love you. Don’t you understand?” He raised her head so he could look into her eyes. “I accepted you and our baby. Tomorrow, we would move out of this house and start a new life together. Please, I need you to trust me.”

Kevwe sniffed as she looked at him. “I know say you don touch your madam. No even try to deny am but no wahala. Sebi we dey pack go tomorrow? I hope say you no go leave me for house dey come hia come chop. Ayo, try am make I catch you, you go know say oil and water no be the same.”

Ayo looked away. He couldn’t look Kevwe in the eye and deny what she had said. He pulled her close and hugged her as he took a deep breath. He prayed in his heart that once he was away from Ngozi, he would be free from the entanglement he had gotten himself into.

******

The next morning, as early as 6:00a.m, Ayo got up to begin the movement of their things out of the house. He had spoken to someone who owned a pick-up truck the night before. The driver arrived at 6:30a.m and in one hour thirty minutes, everything they owned had been loaded into the truck. At 8:00a.m, Kevwe eased into the back seat of the pick-up van. As Ayo was about to ease into the front seat, he noticed Ngozi standing at the window of her room. He looked towards Kevwe and noticed she wasn’t looking. He looked back at Ngozi and blew her a kiss. Ngozi smiled a response before shutting the blinds.

******

The next time Ayo saw Ngozi was the last day he did. She had called to inform him that she was leaving the country the next day. Their visas had been processed, tickets had been booked and she was leaving Nigeria finally. She had not mentioned anything to her brother-in-laws and no one knew she was leaving. She reeled out her plans to Ayo on the phone. She would leave the house with a hand luggage only. She would drop her kids at school and book a hotel where she would lodge till school was over. She had arranged to have her car sold and she was expecting the buyer to pick it up from the hotel in the evening. She had emailed the buyer copies of all her car documents and told him to pick up the originals in the evening. The buyer was making a transfer into her account and she was going to the bank to buy her travel allowance with the funds. She would take a taxi to the airport in the evening to catch their flight and she and her kids would be gone for good.

Ayo was surprised that she had everything all planned out. He asked for the hotel where she would be staying so he could see her one last time before she left. She gave him the location of the hotel and Ayo promised to see her the next day.

*

He had gotten a job as a casual worker in a manufacturing company. The pay wasn’t fantastic but it kept him and Kevwe from going to bed hungry. Plans of buying a car which he could use to run a taxi business had been jettisoned and he started thinking of something else he could do as an alternative source of income. He thought of opening a beer parlour for Kevwe but when he considered the risks, he flung the plan into the bin. He considered Kevwe’s antecedents, the caliber of people who would patronize them since they lived in a slum and the business becoming a source of constant raids by the police looking for miscreants. He also did not want to expose his children to the environment’s mindset which would be difficult to change later in life.

*

Ayo was unable to sleep throughout the night. He was excited. He had steered clear of calling Ngozi since he left Chief’s house. It had been difficult to get his mind off her after they left but once he got a job, he thought less and less of her each day as he put his whole heart into earning a living wage. Hearing from her had made his heart grow fonder and he looked forward to seeing her again.

——–

The story continues…

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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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Second Chances – Episode 13

Kunbi arrives Lagos Sunday evening. Sola is walking out of Wale’s apartment as she gets to the door. She smiles on seeing him. “Hi Sola, leaving already?”

“Yes, how was your trip?” He asks.

“It was okay”.

“I wasn’t aware you had resumed your weekend trips. I was expecting to meet you at home”.

“Erm….yes, I have”. She stammers. “You haven’t been visiting on weekends as well”.

“I decided to visit today”. Sola says.

“Well, I’m back. You can stay a while or are you in a hurry?” She asks hoping he would oblige.

Sola smiles as he stretches his hand to collect her weekend bag. “Let me help you with that”.

They walk back into the house, Kunbi using her keys to open the door. “Wales, I’m back”.

“In here”. Wale says from his bedroom.

Kunbi walks towards the kitchen. “Should I get you a drink or a glass of juice?” She asks Sola.

“I’m fine”. Sola answers.

“Okay. If you say so. I need a glass of cold water”. She says disappearing into the kitchen.

Wale sees Sola as he walks into the living room. “You came back?”

Sola shrugs.

“I thought you said you were going to visit your aunt”. Wale says.

“You were?” Kunbi calls from the kitchen.

“Yes, I was. But you asked me to stay”.

Kunbi smiles as she shakes her head. She is glad she is alone in the kitchen. She closes her eyes and she feels the butterflies. Oh Sola, if only…….

“Why are you smiling?” Wale asks breaking into her thoughts.

Kunbi is startled. She had not realized anyone had walked into the kitchen.

“Nothing”. She says.

Wale squints as he looks at her. He grunts as he gets a bottle of water from the refrigerator. “We need to talk”. He says.

“Now?” Kunbi asks.

“After Sola leaves”.

“Okay”. Kunbi says wondering what the discussion could be about as she goes back to the living room.

“So, I assume you and Ola are back together?” Sola asks.

Kunbi is unable to respond as she looks at Wale, who is walking into the living room. He looks at her as he tilts his head expecting her response.

“I….yes, we are”. She says uncomfortable with the discussion.

Sola looks into her eyes. “I wish you good luck”.

Kunbi looks away unable to look at him. She wishes they did not have to talk about her relationship. Just then, Wale’s mobile phone rings breaking the unwelcome silence. He looks at the caller ID and walks towards the kitchen as he picks the call.

“Hello mum”.

“Báwo ni Wálé?” (How are you, Wale).

“Adúpé mà” (I’m fine, thank you ma).

“Sé o ti bá àbúrò ë sòrò”. (Have you spoken to your younger sister?). Wunmi asks.

“Kò ì pé tó wolé” (She just came in). I will definitely speak with her”.

“Jòó (please), let me know the outcome of your discussion”.

“Okay ma”. He cuts the call and walks back to the living room.

“That was mum, right? Is there a problem?” Kunbi asks, worry written on her face.

“No. She asked me to discuss something with you”.

“Okay. What is it about?”

Wale looks at Sola but says nothing.

Sola notices and gets the hint. He stands up immediately. “I think I should leave now”.

“But I just arrived. Besides, you came to see me, right?” Kunbi asks.

“Looks like Wale has something very important to discuss with you”. Sola says.

“I am sure Wales can talk about it while you are here unless you would get jealous with our heart to heart talk”. She smirks.

Sola looks at Wale.

“I am not sure you want Sola listening to this conversation”. Wale says looking at Kunbi.

“Why? Is something wrong with my mum? Kunbi asks, beginning to get worried.

“No, she is absolutely fine. This is about you”.

“About me? I don’t understand”.

Sola who is still standing looks from Wale to Kunbi, trying to understand as well.

“Kunbi, can’t we discuss this later?” Wale asks.

“No Wales. I want to know now. Too many things happen without my knowledge. I want to know what is going on”.

Wale takes a deep breath. “She called about your engagement to Ola”.

Sola looks at Kunbi with shock.

Kunbi opens her mouth looking aghast. She is about to say something when she hears Sola’s voice.

“You are engaged?”

“Yes….No, it is not what you think”. She replies in confusion.

“Really?” Sola and Wale ask in unison.

“Ola proposed.……”

“And you agreed to marry him”. Wale finishes her sentence.

“Sola, I wasn’t expecting the proposal when it happened. I needed time to think about it”. Kunbi stands up as she walks towards him.

“When did he propose?” Sola asks.

“Sola, please….” Kunbi closes her eyes as she holds him.

Sola yanks his hand from hers and asks again. “When did he propose?”

“The weekend Wales and I went to Ibadan”.

Wale is stunned. “That was three Saturdays ago”.

Sola sneers. “Looks to me like you have had so much time to think about it”. He looks at Wale. “I have overstayed my welcome. Thanks bro. I appreciate every effort you have made”. He says as he walks towards the door.

Kunbi runs after him trying to stop him from leaving as she holds his hand. Sola looks back at her. “I thought I could hope for a future with you but I guess I deceived myself for too long. Good luck and take care”. He says as he gently releases his hand from her grip.

2nd Chances 13

Kunbi kneels down and begins to cry.

Wale walks up to her and lifts her up as she sobs on his shoulders. When she is spent from her crying, she looks up at him. “Wales, I am confused”.

“If you love Sola, why are you getting married to someone else?”

“I don’t know what to expect from him”. She says wiping her eyes.

“Is this about his commitment?”

Kunbi nods.

Wale sighs. “I don’t know about his issues with commitment but I know when I see someone truly in love. And there is no doubt that Sola loves you and it is obvious that you do as well”.

Kunbi looks away.

Wale lifts up her chin and turns her face towards him. “You have fought your feelings for him for too long. You need to let go and follow your heart”.

“Ola is supposed to see mummy next week. What do I tell him? His engagement ring is in my bag”.

Wale shrugs as he walks away. “I have no idea but I know you can handle it”.

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

Sola sits in his living room depressed and heartbroken. The living room is tastefully furnished with entertainment gadgets. Even though different ladies had previously left him to get married, the rejection he felt had never been this deep. He had made up his mind to be committed to Kunbi. He loved her with his life. Tolu had just been a distraction for him. He knew he could never love her as much as he loved Kunbi. Tolu had made it easy for him to go back to the one he loved by her betrayal.

I was a fool to have believed Kunbi loved me. I thought I saw love in her eyes, her actions, her mannerisms. But it was all a joke. He assumed giving his love and attention to Kunbi would eventually make her fall in love with him but how wrong he was. He stood up and walked to the credenza by the wall. Two frames sat on it. He picked up the smaller one and staring at him was a picture of himself with his parents at a restaurant. He had a big smile on his face and his parents had their arms around him. He could see from their faces that they must have been happy and in love. The frame was beautiful but old and he had refused to change it. It was the only reminder he had of who his parents were and how they had lived. His aunt had given it to him when he turned eighteen. After the accident that killed his parents, she had picked up the frame in his parents living room and decided to keep it till he was old enough to have it. She wanted him to have a constant reminder of his parents. The second and bigger frame was an older version of him with his aunt and cousin. His aunt had made sure he and his cousin attended the same schools. The picture was taken during their graduation from secondary school. He stood on the right while his cousin stood on the left of his aunt. They both had their lips on each side of her face in a kiss; and she had a smile that ran from one side of her cheek to the other. She had been a happy mother on that day as they had both graduated with good grades.

He smiled sadly as he looked at the two frames. His parents had a good marriage according to his aunt. His cousin had gotten married five years ago and lived in Tanzania. His job as an engineer had necessitated his relocation. He had two kids; a boy and a girl who he doted on. Every time, they discussed on phone, he never ceased to talk about his loving wife and kids. He shook his head as he sighed. His cousin had found love despite his mother’s failed marriage. He wondered if he was ever going to find true love.

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

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Second Chances – Episode 12

Wale and Kunbi arrive back in Lagos on Sunday evening sans drama. The engagement ring still sits in Kunbi’s bag undisturbed. Both of them by an unspoken agreement steer clear of discussing her mission to Ola’s place. For Wale, she is an adult; besides, it is her life. For Kunbi, love covers all sins.

The week rolls by with Sola and Kunbi still having lunch as usual every afternoon. Kunbi decides not to wear her engagement ring as she is unsure of what Sola’s reaction would be. He is already heartbroken as a result of Tolu’s betrayal, I don’t want to hurt him as well. She resumes her weekend journey to Ibadan every Saturday and everything seems to go smoothly.

One Saturday, she forgets to put on her engagement ring before leaving for Ibadan. As she approaches Ola’s apartment, she looks at her hand and realizes the mistake. Oh goodness, how could I have forgotten?  She contemplates on what to do but then shrugs as there is nothing that can be done at the moment.

“Hello darling”. She says as she walks into Ola’s apartment. She had requested for a spare key last weekend since Ola had previously changed the locks and he had obliged her.

Ola is seated in front of the TV engrossed in a video game he is playing and barely notices her presence. Kunbi drops her weekend bag on the floor and stands akimbo. “Helloooooo”. She stresses.

Ola glances at her and smiles but goes back to playing the game without responding. Kunbi upset that she is being ignored, walks to the TV and stands before it.

Ola’s face changes all of sudden and he screams. “What do you think you are doing?”

Kunbi maintains her posture. “Did I travel all the way from Lagos to be ignored?”

“You ain’t a visitor, go ahead and make yourself comfortable”. He says. “I’m in the middle of something right now, as you can see”.

Kunbi stamps her feet on the floor refusing to budge.

“Kunbi, please don’t get me upset. We both know it is not a pretty sight when I do”.

She gives up the fight and slumps her shoulders as she heads towards the kitchen.

“Can I have a glass of water?” Ola calls as she is walking away.

She comes back to the living room with a glass of cold water and places it on the side stool beside Ola. He looks at it briefly and notices that Kunbi is not wearing her ring.

“Why are you not wearing your engagement ring? He asks as he pauses the game to look at her.

“I forgot to wear it”.

“How can you forget to wear it?”

“I just forgot, okay? She says upset.

He drops the handheld controller on the settee and looks at her critically. “I assume you forgot to wear it means that you take it off. Isn’t it meant to be on you always?”

“I don’t know why you are making this an issue”. She says. “I wear it every day but forgot to put it back on after I did some washing”. She lies.

Ola frowns giving her an angry stare.

She looks at him afraid he is going to hit her but he picks up the handheld controller and goes back to playing his video game.

She breathes out quietly and walks towards the kitchen. I wonder what was on his mind.

 

After about an hour of playing his video game, Ola walks into the kitchen, his senses assaulted by the glorious aroma of jollof rice. He stands behind Kunbi circling his arms around her waist. “When are we going to see your mum and tell her about our plans?”

Kunbi smiles. “Whenever you are ready”.

“This is March, we should plan towards a June wedding”. He says.

“June? That is three months away. Why the rush?”

“What do you mean by a rush? Don’t you want to get married?” He says taking his hands off her.

“I do. What I mean is we should take our time to plan instead of getting married in a hurry”.

“It is no hurry. Three months is enough for you to get everything planned. Pick a date when I can come see your mum and let’s get started”. He says with finality walking out of the kitchen.

Kunbi sighs. Do I really want to get married in three months’ time? Am I ready to spend a lifetime with Ola? Her mind drifts to Sola and her heart sinks. I can’t deny that I am in love with him. Oh God, please help me.

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

Kunbi leaves for home four hours later. She meets her mum reading the day’s newspapers at the dining table and kneels down to greet her. “How are you, Kunbi?”

“I’m fine, mum. Can I talk to you for a moment?”

“Yes dear”. Wunmi says as she drops the newspaper on the table.

Kunbi pulls out the chair closest to her mum and sits down. “Mum, Ola wants to meet with you sometime soon”.

Wunmi looks at her daughter intently.

Kunbi expects a reaction from her mum but receives nothing. “He has proposed and I have agreed to marry him”.

Wunmi takes a deep breath. “Hmmm…..Kunbi, do you understand what you are getting into? Do you realize that marriage is a life-long commitment?

“Yes mum, I do. I love Ola”. Kunbi says.

“Love is not enough. Can you tolerate his excesses? His jealousy, his pride, his insecurities. Are you ready to deal with all that for the rest of your life?”

2nd Chances 12

“Mum, Ola loves me and is just looking out for my good. Isn’t that enough?”

“I think you should sleep over your decision. You are my only child and I want the best for you. I am your mother, I won’t deceive you”.

“Mum, can you just give me a date when Ola can come visiting?” She says beginning to get irritated.

Wunmi shrugs. “Next week Saturday”.

“Thanks mum”. Kunbi says as she stands up to leave for her room.

Her mum watches her as she walks away. How else do I make her see that disaster lurks at the corner. She looks heavenwards as she shakes her head. I can’t let my daughter make the same mistake I made. She picks up her mobile phone and dials Wale. He picks up on the first ring. “Hello mum”.

“Báwò ni Wálé?” (How are you doing, Wale?)

“Adúpé mà. Sé dada l’ëwà” (I’m fine, thank you ma. Hope you are keeping well).

“Adúpé, O seun. Mo pè é nitorí àbúrò ë ni”. (I am, thanks. I called you because of your younger sister).

“Okay ma”.

“How come you never mentioned that she is engaged to Ola?”

“What? She agreed to marry him?” Wale asks in shock.

“Nkan tó sö fúnmi ní ìròlé yìí nìyën”. (That is what she told me this evening).
I am surprised that you are not aware.

“I’m not aware, mum. She knows I can’t stand Ola, so she won’t mention it to me”.

“Jòó bàmi ba sòrò” (Please talk to her). “I don’t know why she is bent on this relationship. “Sé kò s’ókùnrin tó da ní Èkó ni”. (Aren’t there other good men in Lagos?)

“Mum, I have tried talking to her but she won’t listen”. Wale says.

“Try harder. Ègbón è lo jé (You are her elder brother). She may feel I am old school but she would listen to you”.

Wale sighs. “Okay ma. Màá tún ba sòrò“. (I will talk to her again).

“Osé ömö mi”. (Thank you, my son).

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

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Second Chances – Episode 11

Wale and Kunbi leave Lagos for Ibadan together on Saturday morning. Wale drives keeping his conversations with her to a minimum. He is still upset with her as he cannot fathom why she intends to continue with an abusive relationship. He expected her to be smarter than this but she was playing the fool. If he believed in superstitions, he would have assumed Ola had placed a supernatural hold on her.

After Sola had confided in him after his break up with Tolu, he had told Sola to give Kunbi some time to heal. “I don’t expect her to jump at your offer immediately. She is probably still hurting from her break up”. He had said. He could see that Sola loved her and there was also a sparkle in Kunbi’s eyes anytime she was with him; even though she vehemently denied having feelings for him anytime he brought up the issue. Her commitment to Ola had beclouded her mind that she failed to see that she was in an abusive relationship. He could not imagine that she never broke up with him after the incident that almost claimed her life. It was beyond reasoning. Her continued relationship with Ola was a slap on his face as far as he was concerned.

They arrive Ibadan at about noon and get to Kunbi’s house in a few minutes. Kunbi would have alighted on the way to go to Ola’s apartment but she did not want to incur Wale’s wrath. The expression on his face all through the journey to Ibadan spoke volumes. Even though he tried to make small talk with her, she figured he was still upset. She had taken a novel to read on the trip as she also wanted to avoid having to talk to him. He had refused to understand how much she loved Ola. Besides, she felt Wale was favourably disposed to Sola as a result of their friendship.

She kneels down to greet her mum and gives her a quick hug before telling her that she needs to see a friend. Wale, after prostrating to greet Kunbi’s mum sits down beside her and is surprised to see that Kunbi is leaving immediately after their arrival.

He calls her. “Kunbi”.

Kunbi gives him a pleading look and he shakes his head in pity. Wunmi notices the unspoken drama between them.

“So, mummy how are you doing?” Wale asks ignoring Kunbi and facing Wunmi.

“I am good. It’s so nice to see you after a long while”. She says smiling.

“I’m sorry mum. I know I should visit more often”.

“It’s okay. As long as both of you are doing well, then I’m happy”.

“Yes, we are well ma”.

“Did Kunbi just leave for Ola’s house?” Wunmi asks.

Wale squeezes his face and shrugs. “Yes, she is going to his place”.

“Hmm….I hope she knows what she is doing”.

“No, mum. She doesn’t”.

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

Kunbi takes a taxi to Ola’s apartment. She has missed him so much and she is eager to see him. As she walks down the close where his house is located, she sees him from afar standing outside his apartment. He is wearing a green striped short sleeved shirt on dark denim pants. She doesn’t have the familiar butterflies in the tummy feeling as when she sees Sola. She however, dismisses the thought and walks faster. When she gets closer, Ola sees her and she smiles at him but she does not get a welcoming smile back in return. She reaches him and throws her hands around him in a hug. “I have missed you”. She says.

“I thought you weren’t coming. You did not respond to my last text message”. He says ignoring her statement.

“Let’s go in and talk about it”.

She notices that the furnishing in the apartment has been recently changed and she smiles at him. “Wow, you have done some work here. But I told you I wanted us to do it together”.

“And I remember saying I wanted my apartment furnished my own way, right?”

“Yeah, you said so. Anyway, it’s nice”. She sees there’s a mark on his head and she knows instinctively that it was placed there by her.

“I bought some ice cream. I know you love it”.

“That’s so thoughtful of you”. She is about to go to the kitchen but he stops her. “I’ll get it”.

She switches on the TV and feels the couch. She is impressed even though she would have loved to be involved in the decision making as well. Ola walks back into the living room carrying two ice cream bowls. He hands one of the bowls to her and sits beside her. “Thank you”. She says smiling. She knows they should talk about the last incident, but Ola is refusing to. She decides not to bring it up so as not to open old wounds. He has apologized by text anyway.

She scoops a spoonful of ice-cream into her mouth and feels something on her tongue. She is startled and carefully takes the strange object out of her mouth. A silver engagement ring with a massive stone stares at her. She looks at Ola, shock clearly written on her face. She opens her mouth to say something but she is unable to form the words. Ola, seeing that she is still in a confused state, decides to seize the opportunity. He goes down on one knee and asks “Kunbi, please marry me”.

Different thoughts run through Kunbi’s mind. Her heart begins to do a somersault. “Marry Ola? This has always been my heart desire but why don’t I feel happy. I should be all over him right now, laughing and crying tears of joy. Why am I suddenly scared of his proposal when I have always looked forward to today? But I always wanted a romantic proposal; dinner, candle lights, an atmosphere of love filled with music and the like”.

2nd Chances 11

Ola touches her hand and she realizes that he is still on his knees waiting for her answer. She still has the ring in her hands and she looks at it again and smiles. “Yes, I will marry you”. He pulls her up as he stands and kisses her passionately. She returns the kiss but her mind is in disarray.

 

As Kunbi is about stepping into her mum’s house, she looks at the massive sparkling stone on her left fourth finger. She stops, pulls off the ring and puts it carefully into a zipped portion of her handbag. She is not sure she wants Wale or her mum to see it just yet. She still has misgivings about the proposal but Ola has always remained committed to her. Commitment was important to her and she was not ready to throw it away just because she had feelings for someone else. She tries to force a cheery smile but deep down, her heart is in turmoil.

——–

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