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STORY!....Endless Tears - Episode 20 [By Adeola Nissi]

Olufemi David OLUFEMI DAVID - Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Alex entered his father’s house and slammed the door behind him in anger, shaking the house. His mother who was busy pacing the length of the sitting room froze in her strides as her son stormed into the sitting room.

“Alex” she called nervously.

“No” he barked. “Don’t ever call my name. You have destroyed my life. What sort of a mother are you?”

“I am sorry my son; I am so sorry” she cried.

“My son? Don’t ever call me that! I would be extremely glad to hear that you are not my mother. You are not worthy to be called a mother” he roared. “I always boasted of you but now, I am forced to realize that you are just a filthy harlot. My sister! I married my sister” he exclaimed in complete bewilderment. “She is carrying my child” he yelled again. “Oh God!!! A product of incest”

Mrs. Bello did not even bother to hinder her flowing tears. “I am sorry” she cried.

“Sorry?” he returned. “Is that all you can say? Would that change anything? You destroyed the lives of your children. You threw a child away! A human being! And now, I am expecting a child from my sister. I have always wanted a sibling or a sister but now, I am married to her. Imagine, I unknowingly placed a bet on my sister’s pride and innocence. What goes around comes around right? I have unknowingly stabbed myself in the back. I am as guilty as you are” he declared in anger.

“She is your half-sister” she said.

“Half?” he roared in laughter. “The word ‘sister’ is still there. How can you still speak? I hate you just as much as I hate myself. You are the worst thing that ever happened to me”

**********

I opened my eyes and everything my eyes saw was white. Yes! I have heard of heaven and this was no doubt heaven. I have never seen any place as white and an unfamiliar cool breeze blew me, making me feel good. But there is a problem. Why does it feel like I have been breaking firewood for a very long time? I wondered vaguely. My open eyes opened wider and for the first time, I noticed a fan above my head. This couldn’t be heaven! I shouldn’t feel so weak in heaven; neither should I see a ceiling fan, I thought vaguely.

A rumbling sound came from my side and for the first time, I tried turning my head to see the cause of the noise but the pain I received from my neck almost made me pass out. What is wrong? Everything seemed blank. A face appeared before me and I had to focus on the face. The guy before me was exceedingly handsome and I remembered vaguely that only two men have seemed that way to me. Kelvin? What on earth am I doing with him? A deep frown crossed my face, matching his equally worried and slightly frowning face, and my brain started racing.

“Easy now” Kelvin whispered in his baritone voice. “I am glad you are finally awake” a soft smile touched his face and he seemed to relax a bit. He brushed what I assumed to be a strand of my hair out of my face and my frown deepened as the situation became confusing.

I opened my mouth to talk and my mouth felt so heavy.

“You don’t have to talk honey” Kelvin said hastily.

Honey? I wondered in alarm. Despite my distress and sore throat, I forced my mouth open. “Where am I?” I whispered in pain.

He gave me a weak smile. “In a hospital. You have been here for more than a day now. You need your rest. Let me get the doctor”

He scrambled out of the room and all I could do was stare blankly after him. My brain ran wild with thoughts, trying to come up with a suitable explanation. What on earth am I doing in a hospital? I wondered. And of all the people in the world, why should Kelvin be here with me? I raised my hand weakly and rubbed it against my throbbing neck and all of a sudden, it all came flooding my senses. I almost jumped out of the bed but all I succeeded in doing was jerking into a sitting position. My eyes became dizzy and I swayed even in my sitting position. The door jerked open and Kelvin walked in with a doctor. He hastened to my side. “You should be lying down” he scolded and gently pushed me to a lying position before the doctor got to my side.

The doctor loomed over me and smiled. “How are you feeling miss?” he asked.

“Angry” I replied in anger. “What am I still doing on earth? Who is the unfortunate person who saved my equally unfortunate self from dying?” I spat out despite the difficulty I encountered from talking.

Kelvin looked at me. He did not look hurt, instead he looked very worried. “If you put it that way, I guess I am the fortunate person because it would be highly unfortunate if I allowed such a spectacular person slip from the face of the earth”

“Well, that is so unfortunate” I returned. “You should have minded your own business, because if you have, I would be spared the trauma of staying alive.” As my own words sank in, I began to see the truth in those words. But they would not understand, would they? They would not know that suicide is a great option for me, would they? They would not know that there were times when death is the best option.

I fully looked at Kelvin for the first time, and apart from noticing his handsome features, I noticed that his hair was slightly longer than most men’s, just long enough to envelope my fingers, I thought strangely. A faint smile crossed his face. “I am glad you are checking me out because if you see something you like, you might consider living”

That statement effectively drove my thoughts away from my failed suicide. I raised my brow. “Even if I was checking you out, what makes you think I like what I see uhn? I don’t see anything I feel I should like” I returned cheekily.

Instead of frowning, he actually grinned. “Oh, I am sure you like what you see”

I resisted shaking my head, knowing it would hurt like hell. “You are just too full of yourself if you think so”

“No, sweetheart. The way your fingers twitched when you looked at my hair was a telltale sign that you liked what you saw a lot” he said grinning.

I froze slightly and quickly gave him a blank look. “You are just imagining things”

He smiled. “A really good imagination that must be.”

I sighed and shifted my eyes to the doctor who seemed to have also been infected with the ‘grinning’ disease. I sighed again. “I have seen grinning faces enough to last me a lifetime. It is just ironic that I find nothing substantial enough to grin about” I said in annoyance.

“Watching you are a good cause to grin” Kelvin said before the doctor had his mouth open.

“Absolutely” I exclaimed. “My life is such a terrible heap of mess, if I were not the mess, I am sure I would also be laughing. I don’t blame you guys for doing that”

The smile on their faces wiped out. “You know that is not what I mean” he said seriously.

“Well, it is a delight to see that you are not whining about pain and distress like every other woman in your situation would, and that is why we are smiling. You are interesting to watch, you are almost making me forget my professional etiquettes” the doctor said.

I winced. “You cannot imagine just how interesting I am; my life could make a fantastic movie. In fact, I won’t be surprised if a movie is in the making just because of me” I said as my predicament loomed over me. The smiles on their faces were non-existent again. I looked at Kelvin. “Don’t expect me to thank you for preventing my death because you did not do me a favour, you just succeeded giving me another chance at pain and tears. Don’t worry, I am already used to tears.”

Silence reigned until the doctor cleared his throat and went about his duty, fussing over me like I was puppy in distress. “You are responding well. You should be out of here in another twenty four hours. This should at least calm Kelvin down; he has been glued to you like a second skin”

Although this was no good news to me, I had to blame myself for the haughty way I have been behaving. No matter what my problem might be, these people were at least showing some kindness and I ought to show some gratitude.

“I know what you are thinking” Kelvin said suddenly. “You promised not to thank me and I am holding you to your word. I hate being appreciated, it makes me feel ancient. Now, stop thinking too much”

I blushed slightly, wondering why I always felt on guard and spontaneous with this guy. He always gets me on my toes, ranting like an idiot and saying some things that I don’t really mean. “You don’t have to stay here” I said quietly. “Please go, I would be fine”

He smiled. “I won’t give you a chance to repeat what you did. I am going to make sure that you and your child are protected. Once you get out of here, you are coming with me.” I opened my mouth. “No arguments” he said, silencing me, not with his words but with his look. “If you can’t take care of yourself, I would gladly do that for you. I won’t watch the flower wither before my very eyes” he said quietly, reminding me of the last time I saw him. I swallowed painfully and sighed.

**********

“Bello” Mrs. Bello called softly as she approached her husband in fear. They have not shared a word since the whole confession took place. Mr. Bello did not move a muscle as he read the newspaper. He opened a page and did not even seem to notice the presence of his wife.

“Please talk to me Bello. When would we talk about this? I am sorry” she said in tears.

He remained quiet and she shifted nervously. “Would you ever forgive me?”

He raised his eyes to her and finally opened her mouth and talked. “We are strangers and we would continue to live that way until I am able to get a divorce” Mrs. Bello gasped in shock. “Just tell me something” he continued. “Who did you cheat on me with?” he asked. “Who is Amara’s father? Or are they many?” he asked with a sneer.

She swallowed and took a step back.

“It is Habeeb”

He frowned deeply. “Which Habeeb?”

“Habeeb Sinja; my former driver” she declared.

...to be continued

STORY!....Endless Tears - Episode 18 [By Adeola Nissi]

Olufemi David OLUFEMI DAVID - Sunday, February 19, 2017

Mrs. Bello exited the discomfort of the car before it even parked fully. Her brain was in overdrive and being confined in a car with her husband, whose silence was more dangerous than a pointed gun was almost running her insane. He had been quiet throughout the drive home from Amara’s party, with his gaze outside the window and she knew that he was trying to come up with a logical explanation for her actions in the party. She had been too obvious in that gathering and, thinking of a logical lie to give her husband when he finally probes her was a major worry. She did not even know what was scaring her most right now.

She hurriedly entered her personal room and locked the door before the senator thought about probing her but he did not seem in a hurry to do that. She flung her purse onto the bed and started pacing restlessly. No! It can’t be! It just can’t be! She wiped sweats of perspiration off her forehead. This had to be a great coincidence, she thought shakily. Of everyone in the world, it can’t be Amara! It cannot be HER!

“Oh my God!” she exclaimed and crumbled onto the bed. She rubbed her sweaty palms across her face before burying her head in it. Her mistake could not be closing in on her! Not now! Never! And Alex? The pregnancy in Amara’s womb? “OH God, it just can’t be!!!”

**20+ YEARS AGO**

Katherine Bello arrived at the hospital, finally deciding to allay her fears before the situation got out of control and becomes exceedingly obvious to all. She could not explain what the problem was, but heaven knows she definitely had her suspicions and it scared the hell out of her. The fear of the unknown had prevented her from going to the doctor because she did not want the doctor’s diagnosis to tally with her instincts. As she was allowed into the doctor’s office, she prayed to heaven that her thoughts were wrong, because if not, she was in for deep shit.

“Hello doctor” she said as she entered the doctor’s office and sat down instantly, to hide her shaking legs. She was using a hospital distant from home now, so this was not their regular family doctor. She could not afford to risk it.

The doctor smiled. “Good evening ma’am, how may I help you please?”

Mrs. Bello sighed softly. “I have been feeling somehow lately, for some weeks now to be precise. I expected it to go away so I ignored it but it is not going away” she said, beating about the bush.

The doctor nodded, with her professional look firmly in place. “Can you explain the symptoms you have experienced?”

Mrs. Bello nodded vigorously. “Erm…I am sure it is nothing serious. Just some feelings of dizziness, desire to eat all the time and also irritation and nausea” she rambled. “I mean, I don’t erm… feel nausea or urge to vomit all the time, just once in a while, it can even be overlooked… I hope it is nothing serious”

The doctor smiled and her eyes seemed to probe Mrs. Bello like her eyes alone was enough to carry out the needed examination. She smiled further. “I think I know what the matter is” the doctor said. “But since I am sure you don’t expect me to ‘think’, I would call someone to run a test on you. The results would be out within minutes, so it would not take long” she said, frightening Mrs. Bello.

She swallowed. “Are you sure I don’t need to come back?” she asked nervously.

“No! The results of the test would be out very fast” the doctor assured. She picked her intercom and called a nurse, who appeared almost immediately. The doctor gave her a few instructions which Mrs. Bello did not listen to as her mind raced on the possible outcome of the test. With stiff legs, Mrs. Bello followed the nurse into the lab where the test was carried out.

Mrs. Bello sat in the waiting room, looking at the ticking hand of the wall clock. She had never been so frightened in her life. Her brain rotated on whether or not to leave. She could not afford to have her instincts right because only doom was hers if the result of the test proved that she was indeed pregnant. She stood up and she turned towards the door to leave, a nurse called her.

She turned with a shaky smile on her face.

“The result is out ma, you can go in now” the nurse said. “Were you about to leave?”

She shook her head, ignoring the question. “That was fast, are you sure it is ready?” she had turned as pale as sheet.

“Yes. Please, come with me ma”

The nurse led her back to the doctor’s office where she hastily sat her pale form. Without wasting time, the doctor declared. “This is the test result” she gave her a brown envelope. “My assumptions were confirmed” she smiled affectionately. “Congratulations ma, you are three months pregnant”.

The news landed like an atomic bomb, rubbing her of her speech. “There… there must be a mistake” she stammered shakily.

The doctor frowned. “There is no mistake. This should be good news, are you not married ma?” the doctor asked, looking from the patient’s pale face to the ring on the left hand. Mrs. Bello totally ignored the doctor and stood up, leaving the office without a backwards glance.

***

Mrs. Bello roamed her sitting room with nerves all over the place. Her son, Alex was taking his nap, and she was glad that he was not down, disturbing her.

Pregnant? How can she do this? Her husband had been gone for over four months now, to the United States, establishing a new company there. Because of the rigor of starting a new company and the necessity to be there to pioneer and kick start this initial stage, her husband had gone to be there personally and had been there for more than four months, so there was no way in this world that this pregnancy could be her husbands. It could only possibly be for one person; their driver.

Being away from her husband for months had been more than she could handle, and when she complained to her friend, Bimpe, she had given her a ‘solution’. Her friend had pointed out her strong and sexy-looking driver who had been driving her for about two years now. Though she was still very young, he was definitely older than her, so she would not be a sugar mummy to him or anything like that. Cheating on her husband seemed like a ridiculous idea at first but when his absence became irritating, she gave in to the advice. It proved to be a really difficult thing to do because all her seductions seemed not to be working on Habeeb, her driver. He was a strong man who did not seem like one to easily fall into temptations. She wore really exposing clothes, he noticed, she knew he did but his reactions never exceeded simple glances which could almost be overlooked. Katherine Bello almost thought there was something wrong with her own appeal. Getting Habeeb had taken all the feminine cunning tactics she could have or even come up with, but eventually, Habeeb fell for her charms and beauty. He had treated her better than any man – even her husband – had ever treated her. He had treated her like a teenager, even though she was thirty. He had given her flowers, taken her on dates, but still kept the relationship hidden from all and sundry.

But now, this is the result. She waved the pregnancy result and crushed it in her fist. She was carrying the result of her infidelity in her womb. Right at that moment, she hated the child she was carrying. She had risked her happiness and home for moments of pleasure. It had seemed like a good idea then, but now, she was face to face with reality. How could she hide this? She had always feared abortion more than anything on earth. Ever since she watched her best friend die from abortion, she had sworn never to attempt it. As bad as this situation seemed, Katherine still did not want to die. But how could she hide the pregnancy from her husband who would be coming back in a week?

Ever since she gave birth to Alex, four years ago, Katherine hadn’t been pregnant ever since and she had been glad because it had been really tough for her when she carried Alex in her womb; it had been even worse during labor, that she had to go through Caesarian Session when her life was threatened. Now, she could not afford to lose her family. She could not lose her husband or make her son lose his happy home, which might happen if her husband found out about her infidelity or the ungodly result in her belly. What could she do?

***

The day Mr. Bello was to arrive, Katherine Bello made sure she used a really tight girdle to flatten her already bulging belly. The belly looked perfectly flat after using the belt and she was a bit relieved. Her next worry had been how to keep it on for the rest of the week before her husband returned to the States. She thought of pretending to be sick, knowing that her caring husband would be too concerned about her health, to even think of making love to her. That would be hard though, because they had been apart for months. It was natural that he would want to perform his husbandly rights.

Mr. Bello had arrived and the excitement had been great. Alex had fussed over his father and Katherine’s nervous state hadn’t been so obvious. She had carried out her plan of being sick. Her husband had been really caring, taking care of her even when it was obvious that he would rather be doing something else. He said it so many times but whenever he tried to remove her clothes, she would pretend to catch a cold and he would let go of his desires to take care of her. It was a really stressful week and she could feel the tension in her husband when the week elapsed. Her suggested staying longer to take care of her but she quickly turned it down, asking him to take care of the company abroad instead.

Knowing that his departure would be for another couple of months, Katherine decided to take care of the mess before he finally arrived. The first thing she did was to fire Habeeb. It had been really hard, especially when she saw the hurt and betrayed look on Habeeb’s face. She tried to pay him off but he refused like the arrogant man he was. He left without a penny but Katherine could not even think of calling him back. She could not allow him find out about the pregnancy. No one was aware, only her friend. Thanks to her stature and girdle, the pregnancy stayed hidden, but as she approached seven months, she had to put on loose clothes to hide the really bulging belly, despite the girdle. She had done really stressful things, hoping that it would bring down the pregnancy but nothing worked. Finally, she gave up attempts to have a miscarriage and decided to see how she could discard the child after birth.

When she was seven months plus, she took Alex to her friend’s place to spend his two months long vacation there. That way, she knew that she would have an excuse for her husband if he called to ask of Alex. She wanted to go to a faraway place to give birth to the child; somewhere where she was not known. A place where gossip could not float to her husband’s ears. Her friend told her of a village and a woman there, who could help with what she wanted to do.

Mrs. Bello travelled to the village and was able to breathe freely for once. She stayed with the woman that Bimpe, her friend, told her of, until she finally gave birth to the child. The baby girl had been pretty but she had hated her at once for all the trouble she had to go through because of her. She would have left the village immediately after giving birth to the child but the woman told her to wait for two more weeks before leaving, in order to use the time to shrink the size of her belly and also feed the child. After the two weeks, she made sure the woman abandoned the child in a dumping ground where anyone could easily see her. After that, she left the village, glad that it was over at last.

**PRESENT**

Now, Mrs. Bello could fully agree that nothing is hidden under the sun. You might hide it for a while but a secret would always bounce to the surface sooner or later. She had thought that that mistake with Habeeb was gone and gone forever and that her secret had been successfully buried, but now, she had to face the glaring reality of the situation at hand. Her mistake of years back was back, and not only was it back to taunt her, but it was ready to destroy everything and everyone in its path. The woman had given the baby girl a permanent black (+) mark at the back of her left ear. She had told her that it might be very helpful in future and that it was always important to have a mark on the child with which the child can be identified, in case her path crossed with her child in future. She had prayed it never happened then but now, it was obvious that her prayer has gone unanswered. If Amara was truly that unwanted child of hers, then…

“Oh No!” she said with a sickly pale face. “My son cannot be married to my daughter” she whispered in fright. She shook her head. “No! It is a coincidence” she tried to reassure herself. “Amara can NEVER be my child. My Daughter cannot be married to my son. IT HAS TO BE A COINCIDENCE”

**********

I sat at the edge of the bed and put my head in my hands. Try as I may, I could not forget the scenario of the past hour. What could have been Mrs. Bello’s problem? I knew my mother-in-law was so harsh and wicked but she had seemed almost insane. She had been totally different from the composed woman I knew her to be and she had looked completely shaken and scared.

And she had noticed my birthmark! It was totally confusing. She not only noticed the birthmark, it seemed to be the main reason why she was agitated and scared. Thinking about the drama again, my brain was in overdrive. It almost looked as if Mrs. Bello recognized my birthmark! I frowned and shook my head as I stood up to wash my face in the bathroom, hoping that it would at least clear my mumbled thoughts. It didn’t though.

I had only been able to see the mark with the aid of a mirror and the feel of my fingers. Why did it seem as though my mother-in-law knew the mark? And why had my mother seemed uncomfortable by it? She had remained uncomfortable even after Mrs. Bello’s departure, until she finally left with my dad. The whole drama was beginning to confuse me and I hoped something would distract me from my thoughts before I run mad from thinking too much.

I heard a knock and heaved a sigh of relief, ordering the person to come in without even noticing the difference in the knocking pattern. The door opened and I was so surprised to see Alex. It was so surprising that I found myself gaping idiotically.

“Sorry to disturb you Amara” he said, gaining my attention.

I blinked several times to gather my scattered wits. “What do you want with me Alex” I was impressed that my voice was very firm.

He stood straight, confident as ever, but he looked a bit uneasy. “I… I have not wished you happy birthday, and I wanted to do so before you went to bed” he said.

I stared in surprise. I have had too many surprises in one day. First, he said I was pretty, now, he is wishing me happy birthday. “Why do you want to do that?” I asked.

He shrugged, “I just wanted to” he responded.

I did not know what it was, but somehow, he looked different. For a second, I could almost glimpse the man I had fallen in love with in the village. Did he think that he could win me over by being sweet? I almost laughed. The easily deceived Amara was already gone, replaced by a cautious one. “Why? You want to acquire my sympathy? Since Lisa is not home, you are looking for a woman to share your bed right?” I laughed. He looked a bit hurt but I really wanted to slap his face for his audacity. “I am not a fool Alex, I have a brain, and neither am I an object of sexual sport. If you are looking for someone to roll with in your bed, go outside and get one, I am not available for for such rubbish. Now, can you leave my room?” I boomed in a perfectly pitched voice, with my feet tapping the floor in anger.

For some seconds, he stood there, frozen. He looked at me and I stared back boldly until he finally turned, opened the door and left. I breathed deeply and sank onto the bed.

**********

the senator stared at his wife, who sat opposite him in the dinning, trying hard to eat her food. He saw the shake in her hands and watched her trembling lips as the half-filled forks went in periodically. It was already hours since they arrived home, yet, they have not exchanged a single word. He smiled to himself and pretended to concentrate on his food, making noticeable noise with his cutleries.

“I am sure you have come up with a perfect explanation for your actions earlier” he said, seeming unconcerned. “Tell me Kate, what lie would you tell me?”

He heard the fork drop from his wife’s fingers and refused to raise his eyes from his plate. “What… what do you mean?”

He raised his eyes slowly. “You know what I mean Katherine. What was the meaning of your display earlier? I sense there is something you are hiding from me” he said bluntly.

She fixed a brave look on her face and faced him. “Without listening to me, you assumed I was planning to lie to you. Why is that? Are you calling me a liar? Why would I need to lie to you?” she looked hurt.

The senator decided to go subtle. “I am sorry then. Can you now explain the drama?”

“Yes!” she declared. “I told you, didn’t i? I told you it was a bad idea to allow that girl marry Alex. Did you see that mark behind her ear? It is a diabolic sign; only incarnates have that mark behind the ear.” She said.

The senator looked at his wife in complete surprise. “Kate! Since when did you start believing in all these trash? You said you do not believe in witches or stuffs like that, and now, you know the marks?”

“I don’t forget things, a friend told me that mermaid queens exist in the normal world and they destroy the lives of people they are associated with. She told me of the mark. Just imagine, since she came into the family, Alex has turned into something else. She destroyed the relationship between Lisa and Alex, now; she is making you turn against him. Now you have suspended him from your own company. Isn’t that enough proof? You need to drive her out of our lives. She is evil” she declared.

...to be continued

STORY!....Endless Tears - Episode 17 [By Adeola Nissi]

Olufemi David OLUFEMI DAVID - Sunday, February 19, 2017

“I don’t think I am following this conversation.” Toba said as he dropped his full glass of alcoholic wine on the counter. “Do you mean to tell me that Lisa tried to abort Amara’s pregnancy and is now in police custody?” He asked stupefied.

Alex sighed and downed his drink at a go, ordering the barman to refill the glass. “Precisely. My life has turned into a circus ever since I encountered Amara. It has been from one problem to the other ever since she showed up. She seemed to have changed from the innocent village girl whom I willingly placed a bet on, into a dangerous viper, ready to bite with poisonous venom at the slightest provocation. Nothing works against her” he picked up his glass and drank the cup halfway, allowing the alcohol to burn down his throat. “Just imagine: I rid her of her virginity, and what did I get? She got pregnant” he pointed out, with his arms swinging in the air. “She showed up and when I suggested abortion, what happened instead? I ended up married” he roared in indignation. “I made her a maid in my house to punish her for making my life hell on earth but what was the result? My father threatened to take my position and I stupidly went ahead to get an agreement which allowed us both liberty to do whatever we wished. That is really one of the most stupid things I have done in my life” he swore angrily.

“Amongst many other stupid things” Toba inserted annoyingly.

“Thanks. I brought Lisa into the house when she declared her pregnancy, mainly to spite Amara, but what was the result? My house became hell on earth. I told her of the bet to destroy her morale and confidence but what did I end up achieving? She completely transformed into a monster. You advised me to beat her to a pulp and I did, but what was the result?” His voice rose several degrees as he drank the rest of the wine at once, slamming it frighteningly on the bar. “I got a bloody suspension letter from my own father’s company.” He boomed and Toba scratched his head in exasperation. “Lisa tried to use drugs to bring down Amara’s child and she was stupid enough to use Tola instead of doing the dirty job herself, but what did she get? She landed behind bars” he hissed through clenched teeth. “No plan works successfully against her.

Toba sighed and decided that his drink was necessary, drinking it all at once. “That girl is not normal. She is either a witch or a mermaid.”

Alex picked up another full cup and started drinking again. The alcohol was beginning to make him feel lightheaded. “Do you know the worst part of this entire charade? Amara looks more beautiful by the day” he shook his head. “She looks completely different from the village girl she was. I don’t know how that is even possible. Pregnant women always look shabby and ugly to me with their protruding bellies and all but Amara looks totally different from that image. She is practically glowing. She was beautiful before with her uncommon shape and complexion, which is why I considered sharing a bed with her in the first place, but now, she looks even shapelier. Her eyes glow when she laughs and her cheeks seem to have a reddish glow. It makes me think and…”

“Shut up man” Toba barked. “Are you alright? Don’t tell me you have started nursing stupid feelings for that tramp”

Alex hissed. “Don’t be stupid. She is a woman and I am definitely not a wood. She has a certain sexual appeal and I am bound to react to it”

“Just listen to yourself. That stupid reaction of yours is what brought you this far. Besides, you were not just talking about her body, you talked about her eyes and… did you mention cheeks? If all you want is minutes of sex, you won’t notice her eyes; you would notice something more sensual”

“Are the eyes not part of the body?”

Toba hissed. “I pity you. That girl is not normal. She brings bad tidings. Any involvement with her again would be like jumping from frying pan to flaming fire. If I were you – which I am so grateful I am not – I would be looking for a way to get Lisa out of jail. When she was there to give you free sex, you were not thinking of Amara’s eyes and cheeks. The sensible thing to do would be to get her an apartment because bringing her back into the house might be another terrible mistake. She might try something against Amara, maybe even try to kill her, and if she succeeds, you both are in for trouble. Big one!” he emphasized. “Prevention is better than cure” he breathed. “In the meantime, I think you have to get used to being a father because it looks like Amara is here to stay. Besides, you have to children to look forward to” he grinned.

**********

About two weeks after Lisa’s arrest, I was beginning to feel sorry for her. Her departure from the house brought laughter and freedom back to Tola and Tina and we rarely saw Alex. He seemed to have abandoned the house, only to show up on few occasions. Tina and Tola talked easily and laughed freely now and I did not want this to change. For the first time, I was actually enjoying my stay in the house. I knew that Lisa did what she did in an attempt to get rid of me and I pitied her situation a bit but the detective had promised to keep her behind bars until the case was charged to court. He said that it was dangerous to have such a person roaming the streets of the federal capital.

I walked with the ladies, as we took in the beautiful garden – the only part of the house where you can find complete peace. “I think you both are gifts from heaven” I said suddenly, changing the subject. “I never thought I would be this close to you, especially you, Tola, who seemed to hate me for no reason”.

Tina whistled and Tola smiled. “I never thought so too. I have having the company of new people, especially one who would have to share my responsibility. When you became my boss’ wife, I was angry and I… I wanted to turn you and Tina against each other when I was apparently ignored in the house” Tina and I cast a quick glance at her and she hastily continued. “But when you bought clothes for me, you immediately won me over. I love dressing up nicely and a new wardrobe and also liberty to wear what I feel like instead of the maids’ gown was the best thing that has happened to me in a while. It was surprising that you thought of me despite all I did to you and it made me realize that you are really a kind hearted person. I wanted to do something to repay you” she said.

“Confession Time!” Tina declared, standing with squared shoulders. She did the cross sign across Tola’s chest. “Your sins are forgiven. Go and sin no more”

I laughed and so did Tola. “What do you think about setting up your own businesses?” I asked suddenly and they both froze.

“What do you mean?” Tola asked.

I had given this a lot of thought and decided that I was not comfortable with the fact that my friends were apparently working for me. “Don’t you both want to be independent? You know, be on your own?” I asked tactfully, shrugging nonchalantly.

Tina sighed. “Of course. I have definitely thought of it millions of times but it is easier said than done. The world out there is harsh. I have some money saved but it is definitely not enough to open a restaurant, which is what I dream to open”

“Yeah!” Tola put in. “I want to open my own salon. But the money I have won’t do anything. Even if I get a shop and some things with the money, where would I live, what would I eat? That is why I prefer to stay here for the meantime, until I get enough money.

I nodded. I wanted to do something tangible for them without it looking awkward. “Alex should be able to see to setting you both up, shouldn’t he? You both have been working for him for some time; he should be able to establish you both”

“What are you saying Ama?” Tina asked in shock. Tola had gone mute.

“Well, it would take a little persuasion I guess but we all know that Alex has the means to do it” I continued, seeming not to notice their agitation. “It is what you both deserve after working for him for so long, putting up with him. It is your right” their faces looked funny and I found myself smiling. “If you still don’t know what I am talking about, all I am saying is that I would talk Alex into establishing your businesses for you”

Their eyes widened and they both screamed suddenly, jumping on me like I was a mysterious father Christmas. I squealed.

**********

I rubbed my eyes as I walked down the stairs groggily. I had slept late the previous night, just listening to Tina and Tola as they talked endlessly about their dream shops and all. It made me happy to know that at least, some people’s dreams can come true. Even if mine seemed destroyed due to my mistake, I can at least take pleasure in knowing that Tina and Tola would at least have what they had always dreamt of. Who knows, I might still be able to salvage something out of my life.

“Happy Birthday”

I nearly jumped out of my skin and came fully awake at once. The sitting room was half filled. My parents were there, the senator and his wife, Alex’s three drivers, our gateman, Tina and Tola and three or four people that I could not name. I was not just surprised, but shocked. It was surprising that I did not remember my own birthday, October 5.

“Happy Birthday my baby girl” my mother said, approaching me, and I still stood at the foot of the stairs, looking frozen in my night gown. I laughed nervously as my mother hugged me tight.

“I… I…” I stammered as my face reddened. I laughed nervously again. “I don’t know what to say. I even forgot my birthday” Tears gleamed in my eyes and I tried hard to blink them away. My father came to hug me and then, when the senator came with his smiling face, the tears rolled down my cheeks. He hugged me and wiped away the tears. I continued to murmur thanks to everyone and Tina and Tola propelled me up the stairs hurriedly. The sitting room was a sight to behold and the fact that it was decorated for me brought fresh tears to my eyes. The senator’s wife looked glum, like she had been dragged here, but she was the only one who did not seem happy.

When we entered my room, I hugged Tina and Tola tightly. “Thanks a lot, I am so happy today”

They grinned. “It was your father-in-law’s idea” Tina said, surprising me.

“Yeah” Tola agreed. “Now, enough of that, we need to dress you up. It is party time” she squealed.

They took their time dressing me and Tola really outdid herself in making my hair a sight to behold. When I looked at myself in the mirror, minutes later, I could not believe my eyes. I looked like a movie star. I had to agree that Tola’s talents were best in a salon. Happiness filled my heart and I jumped up like a baby. The glowing gown I wore showed my protruding belly a little but I looked so exceptional in it, and I also wanted my baby to have part of the attention. The music coming from the sitting room was already floating to the room. I looked at Tina and Tola. “Let’s go party” I screamed.

“Yeeeaaahhhh” they squealed and we bundled ourselves out of the room.

**********

I have never had so much fun in my life. I have danced with virtually everyone in the sitting room, except my mother-in-law of course. Tina had cooked so many things and I could not stop eating. I had a feeling that I would be twice my current size within the next twenty four hours if I did not reduce my consumption.

Several hours after, the door opened and Alex entered. His eyes found me and he seemed to freeze on the spot. I watched in irritation as his eyes raked my body slowly; what surprised me though was that I was not reacting to him the way I used to. My skin did not break out with Goosebumps, or anything. I nodded internally and gave myself a good pat in the back. This was definitely a good sign.

“Is this the time you are supposed to be arriving for your wife’s birthday? Where have you been? You definitely were not at work and neither did you sleep here” the senator scolded.

Alex ignored him totally, obviously angry with his father.

“You look really beautiful Amara” he said, surprising everyone into complete silence. I stayed there for several seconds, unable to believe he had just said that. Instead of feeling delight, anger ran through my veins at his audacity. I turned to grab a cold cup of water to quench my sudden thirst and anger, passing by my mother-in-law but she suddenly grabbed me; the first time we actually touched all day.

I was stunned. “Did I do something wrong ma?” I asked, instinctively knowing that the excitement was finally over.

“Can’t you greet your husband? You have no respect for my son” she snarled.

“You are hurting me ma” I squealed in pain as her nails bit into my flesh.

She caught her husband’s eye and instantly let go of my hand. I hurried past her and filled a cup with a much needed cold water. As I drank and walked back, my mother-in-law shocked me again by grabbing me. Something seemed to have caught her eyes and she froze. Before I could think, she turned me around suddenly and tugged on my left ear. “Where… where did you get that?” she stammered.

“What is the meaning of this nonsense Katherine?” the senator boomed, calling his wife’s name for the first time.

“Do you have a problem with my daughter?” my mum asked, moving closer.

The senator’s wife looked pale. “Where did she get that black dot behind her ear?” she asked shakily.

My mum shifted. “It has been there since her birth. Why?”

The senator’s wife released me and shook her head furiously. “N… No… Nothing…” she stammered. “It is nothing.” She laughed nervously. “I feel sick. I want to go home” she hastily said and headed outside. The senator looked stupefied at the drama and hastily said.

“Uhhh… Don’t pay attention to her. She is like that when she does not get enough sleep. I think we have to go” he came towards me and kissed my cheek before going after his wife with a confused look on his face. I stood there frozen, trying hard to come up with a reasonable explanation for what just occurred.

...to be continued

STORY!....Endless Tears - Episode 16 [By Adeola Nissi]

Olufemi David OLUFEMI DAVID - Thursday, February 16, 2017

I retired back to my room after eating and relaxed fully on the bed with my ‘Every Woman’ in hand. It has been a long day and all I had in mind was a deep dreamless sleep. My eyes drifted close as I read the book blindly and an exhausted yawn escaped my lips. I yawned again and finally dropped the book, giving in to sleep.

I jumped and sleep vanished from my eyes when the door suddenly opened. Tola was the person I saw when my eyes finally settled. “What is going on Tola? You scared me” I asked in confusion.

Tola looked agitated and on the verge of tears. “Amara, you need to save me please” she pleaded.

I jumped to my feet at once. “What are you talking about?” I held her.

“I can’t stay long. Lisa would suspect something. Tina would be here soon”

“What do you mean? What would Lisa suspect?” before I could get an answer, Tola struggled out of the door hastily and I stood, staring at the door. I could not even understand what the hell just happened. It was beyond strange. I paced the room slowly, trying to come up with an explanation for the weird encounter but nothing came to mind. I turned to go downstairs to confront Lisa. It was certain that Lisa was doing something to Tola and I needed to know what it was exactly.

Before I was able to open the door, the door opened again, nearly hitting me directly in the face. “What is going on?” I nearly yelled as I jumped out of the way.

Tina came in and quickly closed the door, just the way Tola did. “Can you explain what is going on or do I need to find out myself?” I asked sternly, folding my arms across my chest.

She swallowed. “You should be losing your child right now”

“What? God forbid! What is the meaning of this nonsense?” Now my anger has grown sky high.

“Please listen to me Ama. Lisa gave Tola some drugs to replace with yours. The drug is meant to abort the child speedily. According to her, the drugs are very strong. Tola could not refuse because she threatened to kill Tola if she did not comply.”

I paled and my legs shook uncontrollably. “W… What…What are you saying?” I held my tummy firmly in protection. “Are you trying to tell me that I… that I…”

“No” Tina quickly interjected. “Tola changed the drugs in her presence and gave your own drugs to Miss Lisa as instructed but that is not what you used. She later went back to change it to vitamin tablets after she told me. What you used cannot have negative effects on you” she declared and I sagged in relief. “But now, Tola is in danger” she continued, looking frightened. “If Miss Lisa is capable of trying to abort your child, I think she would also be capable of getting Tola killed, she needs to have the feeling that what she did worked.”

“What are you saying?” I asked in confusion.

“If Miss Lisa sees that you are in serious pain, she would believe undoubtedly that you used her drugs and it would get Tola out of harm’s way.”

I nodded as I thought of it and hissed. “I am going to strangle her neck when this is over, right before I hand her over to the police” I said in anger. “So she wants a little drama?” I smiled. “Drama, she would get” I turned to walk to the bed and froze.

“What is it Amara?” Tina asked, concerned.

“My… my tumm… ouch” I gasped as I bent over in pain. Tina ran to help me but when she got halfway, she stopped and almost started laughing. “Jesus! You almost fooled me also. You must be a good drama queen” she grinned.

“Can’t you see that I am in pain? Aaaarrrhhhh… this is not the time to laugh. Shut up and… ouch… get into character” I ordered.

She bowed slightly. “Yes ma’am” she answered with a grin. As she straightened, the smile on her face was replaced by a deep frown. Good girl, I thought. “Oh my God Amara, what is wrong with you?” she asked with pitched voice, coming to my aid.

“My tummy… arrrhh… I can’t breathe… the pain… aaaahhhh” I streamed. “My tummy is on fire… Oh God! My baby… ah” we bundled ourselves out of the door and started down the stairs with me screaming and collapsing on the floor. Tina was also doing a good job of being the help mate. “What did you put in the food Tina… ooowww… I can’t take it … Oh God…”

Tola and Lisa came running. “For God’s sake, what is all the commotion about?” Lisa squealed.

I really wished I could tear off her filthy hair from her head. “Jesus! This is too much” water gathered in my eyes as pain took over my features. “It is still months to my delivery, what is going on? Aaarhhh” I whimpered. “Please be fine baby… I whispered to my baby. “Mummy is here… You are going to be fine” I whispered again. “Hospital… Take me to the hospital now” I stood from the ground but did not stand straight, holding my stomach like a mother hen. From my bent position, I saw the smug smile on Lisa’s face as she stared at me and I almost gave up the charade to beat the hell out of her forever attempting to harm my baby. Tola quickly joined Tina and they both managed to half-carry my screaming form outside the house and into the car. The driver sped off like a mad man, genuinely concerned and I was actually sorry for the poor guy who knew nothing about the whole charade.

We arrived at the hospital I use for my antenatal within the twinkling of an eye and Tina and Tola made a big scene of taking me inside. Some nurses also came to our rescue, while I continued my pretense of wreathing in undiluted pain. The nurses uttered words of sympathy and encouragements which almost had me laughing out loud. I swallowed the laughter that was threatening to erupt and carried on the pretense until I was safely deposited in a room. Immediately the door closed, all my pretense ceased and Tina, who could not hold it any longer, busted unto an uncontrollable laughter.

“Jesus… I never knew you could act so well. I almost believed you were truly in pain” she laughed heartily.

Tola grinned and heaved a sigh of relief. “I owe you my life Ama” she said, full of gratitude.

“My child and I would be forever grateful to you Tola, you have nothing to thank me for” I returned.

The nurses looked at us in confusion. “Can someone explain what is going on here? Amara?” one of the nurses asked.

I looked at them apologetically. “I am really sorry for the trouble, it was a matter of life and death. Someone tried to terminate my pregnancy. If I could only see the doctor, I would be eternally grateful for the help” I said in a pleading tone.

They both looked at me in curiosity. They knew me to a certain extent and they were certainly concerned about my welfare. “That sounds pretty serious” the nurse I knew to be Nurse B, said and led the three of us to the doctor’s office. The lady doctor was with a male friend and the nurse went to whisper into the doctor’s ear. She invited us inside fully and she smiled at me. “How are you Amara? What is this that I am hearing?”

I felt awkward talking in front of the guy but since she was willing to talk in his presence, I knew that he could be trusted. Tola narrated the whole incident of how she was offered money and how she was threatened and forced into going through with the plan. She said so many things and all I could do most times was gap in amazement. It was as annoying as it was unbelievable.

“Do you have the drugs?” The man asked suddenly, surprising me.

The doctor saw the surprise on my face and smiled. “Don’t worry, you are definitely lucky you met him here. He is a police detective. Mr. Sinja. I am sure he can help you”

“I definitely can. Who is this murderer in the making” he looked really angry.

I swallowed hard. “Thank you so much sir. All I want is to stop her from ever trying this nonsense again. My child means everything to me and I would not risk his safety for anything in the world. I also want my friends to be protected. These are the people that mean a lot to me and I would do anything as long as they are protected” I said.

“Well then, let’s go. This lady must surely be arrested for attempted murder. The foetus should definitely be lucky, he has so many people who would risk their lives for him.” With that, he stood up and bid the doctor farewell, marching to the door like a trained soldier.

The drive back home was filled with silence on my part, while Tina and Tola talked endlessly, recounting the entire episode, and laughing whenever they talked about my displays. The police man made a phone call to someone I guessed to be a fellow police officer and asked for my address, which I gave. I saw the confused look on the driver’s face but ignored it. The face of the police man was as hard as stone and I found myself smiling. He was definitely a handsome man, no doubt, but his face made him look ruthless. Kelvin had looked different, yet similar, I thought suddenly, not even knowing what prompted such a stupid thought.

We entered the compound and I noticed Alex’s car. We alighted and the police officer followed closely behind, betraying no emotion. We met the duo cuddling like a pair of teenagers in the sitting room. Is it not weird that they are always doing that every time I see them? I thought vaguely.

Before I could utter a single word, the policeman emerged behind me. “I believe you are Miss Lisa” he began.

Lisa jumped out of the chair, looking alarmed. She turned to glare at Tola.

“Yes she is, the question should be, who are you?” Alex answered.

“I am Detective Sinja” he extracted a card from his breast pocket and returned it. “Miss Lisa, you are under arrest for attempted murder” he said and I heard the siren of a police car outside.

“What? What are you talking about?”

“What is this Amara?” Alex boomed, standing up to glare at me. “What are you scheming this time?”

“Oh! You would need to ask your little beauty queen over there. She is the one who tried to terminate my pregnancy with useless drugs” I shot back.

“Well, you are better off without the pregnancy, don’t you think?”

The policeman raised his brow. “If you are not careful young man, I would arrest you also because you sound like her accomplice” Like magic, he removed handcuffs.

“This is a mistake, I am innocent, you hear me” she yelled and tried to run but Mr. Sinja’s hand shot out faster than I could even imagine, grabbing her just in time. He attached the handcuffs and two other police men entered the sitting room.

“You would pay for this, Amara, Tola” she screamed. “You would pay for this” she yelled as the men dragged her out of the house.

**********

Mrs. Bello poured herself a drink as she recounted her sorrows. It was now twenty years since she did the unthinkable, yet, she could not make herself forget her past errors, especially one. A living breathing mistake which could not be forgiven. Every year, she remembered the 20th of September and willed it to go away.

...to be continued

STORY!....Endless Tears - Episode 15 [By Adeola Nissi]

Olufemi David OLUFEMI DAVID - Thursday, February 16, 2017

https://i2.wp.com/parrotainment.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/black-woman-crying.jpg?resize=400%2C296

I stared in horror as I examined the mess I had made on the floor. It had been my intention to give a solid surprise but now, the nylon of provisions I was holding just had to fall down, giving me away without much ado. I quickly glanced up at my parents. They were looking at me in horror and fright. That was not the kind of expression I was looking for. Yes, the nylon falling down could have been a scare but did they have to look so frightened.

“Papa, Mama; good evening” I called with a beaming smile. “Surprise. I wanted to surprise you both. Why do you both look so frightened? I am not a ghost”

My mother seemed to be shivering. “You did not hear anything?” she asked shakily.

“Of course I heard something! You both were fighting again. What was the cause of your argument this time?”

They both shifted nervously and seemed to heave a sigh of relief. “I thought I was always the cause of your arguments but now, I discover that you also argue when I am not there” I busied myself with gathering the scattered provisions. “Anyways, this is not the time to talk about it. Why not welcome your daughter uhn?” I grinned.

I went into my mother’s waiting hands and hugged her tightly. “I have missed you my child.” She whispered.

I stared at my father for some seconds, uncertain if a hug would be accepted by him. A splitting smile lit his face and he opened his arms which I ran into for a hug. I have to accept that these are the only people in life who care about me. These are the people who love me unconditionally. They are there through the thick and thin. Despite the fact that my dad did not seem to show his love for me through his actions, I had a feeling that he loves me even though he does not show it.

“How are you doing my daughter” he asked as he released me. “I see the pregnancy is changing your body” he commented.

“Yes Papa” I said. “This apartment is really beautiful” I commented as I looked around again.

“It is” my mother responded as she went through what I brought. “Wow, you brought so many things” she said satisfactorily.

“There is more” I quickly went outside to the car to carry things and the driver helped me as well. The happiness in the face of my parents was priceless and I was glad that I brought them a measured level of happiness. The rest of the evening was spent in happy chatter and for the first time in life’s history, I noticed that my dad has a healthy sense of humor. The gifts I brought had probably been responsible for opening that part of him.

Mum and I prepared dinner even though she argued continuously that I needed rest because of my condition. I ignored her and joined her in the kitchen. I wanted to be the only one cooking but my parents would have none of that. Mum and I chatted on as we prepared the food and laughter rang out. I deliberately avoided anything that had to do with Alex, not wanting him to spoil the mood.

“Mum?” I called when we both became quiet.

“Yes?”

“Why were you and dad arguing when I arrived?” I watched her grow frighteningly still. “Can you tell me?”

She shifted, and then cleared her throat. “No… No, it is irrelevant. We are a married couple, it is normal to fight every now and then… we would always settle our differences. Don’t worry”

I wanted to argue but knew that I should not be meddling in my parents’ affairs, so I let it go. She sighed audibly when I did not argue and I almost changed my mind and probe further but she was smart enough to change the subject instantly. The dinner was really lively and my father talked endlessly, forgetting his own ‘table manners’ admonitions.

“You both seem very happy here, are you not thinking of going back to Iguocha soon?” I asked suddenly.

“Mbanu” My father said instantly. “I am not ready to go back to poverty. I would only go back when I have enough money with me to lavish there. When I start a business and make good money, then, I know that my arrival in the village would be respected.”

I thought of what my father said and had to agree with him. In the village, my father was not accepted in so many respectable gatherings because he had no penny to give. The disgrace had been much. Whenever I saw the way rich men and women were treated, I always wished that my parents could receive that same level of honour and respect. It had boosted my dream to make it in life, but Alex had effectively trampled on that dream. Anyways, all hope is not lost.

I left the dinning and went to take my bag. I again sank into the chair I vacated as I opened my bag. My parents were looking at me and I felt, rather than saw their widened eyes as I extracted money from my bag.

“Amara” mother gasped and I smiled. I placed the large sum of money in front of my dad.

“That is two hundred and fifty thousand Naira. I would give you another one tomorrow to make it five hundred thousand Naira tomorrow. Please manage it papa and mama. I hope it can start up a small business” I said with a soft smile.

There was silence for some seconds, then, my father was out of his seat, hugging me so tight, I found it hard to breathe. “My daughter, oh, I knew I could count on you” he said, unable to control his happiness. He instantly left me and started fussing with the money.

My mother was still where she was sitting. “Is this ok with you Amara?” she asked softly, surprising me slightly.

“Of course it is ok with her” my dad answered sharply, fixing her a stern glare. “Why shouldn’t it?”

My mum glared back at him and I looked at both of them in confusion. “Don’t worry mum, this is perfectly ok with me. It is my duty to take care of you and papa. You were right; Alex is a traitor and a beast. You are the only people who love me”

Mum swallowed and murmured a low ‘thanks’, while dad continued to count the money endlessly. I pushed all my questions away and enjoyed the look of pure happiness I saw on my father’s face. I was not happy that my mother seemed rather moody but I let it pass.

Feeling exhausted, I decided to retire into one of the rooms. Ever since I produced the money, dad treated me like a queen, insisting on making bath water for me by himself. I slept like a baby that night, happy that I was not at my husband’s mansion where there was nothing but sadness and pain.

**********

“I am not comfortable with this Nnayi” Amara’s mum said as she changed into a night dress.

Amara’s father recounted the money over and over again. “You don’t have to be comfortable. You are in love with poverty, but I am not. If you want to spend your life shamefully, and then count me out of It.” he countered.

“But we are putting Amara at risk. She nearly found out the truth today. What would happen when she finds out that she is not our child?”

“I don’t care. She should be grateful to us for picking her from the dustbin where her real mother dumped her. If we hadn’t she might not be alive today. I don’t expect her to be angry; in fact, I might tell her myself if it would make her feel compelled to help.”

Amara’s mum shook her head. “You are wicked”

He hissed. “At least I am not people with it”

**********

Tola knocked the door of Lisa’s room softly and the door opened quietly. Everyone including Tina had gone to sleep and Tola wanted to be careful. She did not want to be seen. She entered Lisa’s room and closed the door quietly.

“Thanks for coming” Lisa said. “You are making the right decision”

Tola shifted nervously. “I don’t want to harm Amara. She has been really nice to me. She –”

“Shut up!” Lisa said sharply. “What do you mean by nice?” she growled. “She is just using you and that senseless Tina. Just because she bought you few clothes, you are falling for her? Here” she opened her bag and extracted a large sum of money. She threw it at Tola and she hastily grabbed it with wide eyes. “That is one hundred thousand Naira. You can use it to buy anything you want, anything. If you are on my side Tola, you would really enjoy” Lisa planted a pleasant smile on her face.

The money seemed to convince Tola, even though she felt bad for what she was about to do. “What do you want me to do?” she asked.

Lisa’s face lit with a genuine smile. “Good girl.” She opened her bag again and extracted a sachet of drugs. “These drugs look exactly like the ones Amara uses” she stated.

Tola’s eyes widened. “I can’t kill her o. God forbid”

“My friend, shut up!” Tola almost yelled but managed to keep her voice down. “It is not to kill her but to make her lose her baby. You just have to replace these drugs with the ones with her. She won’t notice the difference”

Tola shook her head furiously. “Oh my God, this is bad. I can’t do it. My conscience would kill me” she threw the money on the bed and turned to leave.

“If you leave now, I would make sure you leave this house first thing tomorrow morning. Amara is not around, so there would be no one to save you. It would be your loss because, I would change the drugs myself and what you are trying to prevent would still happen” she said sternly. “And you won’t be able to report me to anyone or the police for that matter because I would have you killed immediately you leave this house. You know my intentions already Tola, you can’t go freely. Your only option is to do it, or face the consequences”

Tola’s feet could not hold her. She relaxed against the door for support. “Don’t be a fool Tola, just help me. The child is the only thing that ties that slut and my husband together”

“But they are married”

Lisa smiled. “Leave that. Are you ready to do this or not?”

Tola swallowed and turned to Lisa with a look of contempt on her face. “Do I have a choice?”

**********

I completed the money and started packing to leave. I have missed Tina and Tola and I wanted to really chat with them. I said my goodbyes and entered the car, waving at my parents until the disappeared from my view. I relaxed fully and closed my eyes. I snapped out of the short slumber I fell into when I heard Tina’s voice. She was smiling happily as the driver drove into the compound. Tina definitely made coming home worth it.

I alighted from the car with a beaming smile. “I see you missed me as much as I missed you” I said in greeting.

“You have no idea” she grinned. “There was no one to cause interesting drama at the dining” she said.

I laughed. “You swine! I hope the devil has not been giving you a hard time”

She frowned in anger. “I wish! She just orders us around like a pair of fools. She is so lazy”

I smiled. I definitely missed Tina. “What of your parents?”

“Oh, they are doing good. Going there was a good decision” I said. “What of Tola?” I asked, surprised that she hadn’t come to say hi.

“She must be in her room. She has been behaving strangely all day. I asked if she is sick but she denied it” Tina said as we went inside.

“It might be love sickness” I said jokingly.

Tina laughed. As we entered Tola appeared with a beaming smile. “Welcome back Amara” she said.

I glanced at Tina. “I thought you said something was wrong with her” The Tola I was looking at looked the same. I raised my brow. “Or maybe it is not love sickness. She probably missed me so much” I grinned. Tina busted into laughter.

Tola shook her head. “You both are impossible”

We all laughed heartily. I made for my room where I dropped my hand bag and returned to the sitting room. From the look of things, Alex was not at home, and since he had been suspended, he was surely not at work. He might be somewhere, sulking in the hands of another woman, I thought.

“Surprise Surprise” Tola and Tina screamed and my attention snapped to them. They were holding a box.

“What is that?” I asked curiously.

“Mr Bello snr sent someone here, late last night and the person brought this for you. It is an IPhone” Tina squealed.

I frowned. “What is an IPhone?” I asked.

Tola gaped, then shook her head. ” It is one of the most prestigious phones. Here” she gave it to me and I gaped in amazement. The senator had promised to get me a phone. I never knew it would be so immediate, and definitely not this beautiful.

“Jesus, it must be really expensive.”

“You can say that again. He already bought a sim card with it and I think I saw recharge cards in the pack of the phone” Tola said.

Tina frowned at her. “Why did you have to check it?”

“I just peeped. I do not even know the amount the cards are” Tola returned.

I shook myself and extracted the phone. It looked so perfect that I found myself glued to the phone for the rest of the evening, until hunger took over my system. Tina served dinner and Tola, who had been lecturing me about the functions of the phone, told me to go and eat. I reluctantly went to the dinning, with my eyes still glued to the phone.

“Tola, I don’t mean to be rude, but could you please help me with my drugs?” I asked apologetically. She swallowed and hesitated. “If you can’t, please don’t. You must be tired after teaching me…”

“Why can’t she?” I hadn’t noticed Lisa’s presence but her voice definitely announced her presence. “She is the maid here, isn’t she?”

“Don’t you dare call my friend a maid. Don’t make me pounce on you o” I returned as my eyes sparked in anger. “Never mind Tola, I would get it” I said.

“No!” She said sharply. “I would go. Sit down and relax. You should not stress yourself much in your condition.”

“The stress would not be good for the thing in her tummy, would it?” Lisa asked rhetorically.

I glanced at her for some seconds and wondered why I felt something strange going on. I could not place it so I let it slide. Unlike Tola’s usually fast movements, I noticed that her strides were slow and I made it a point to actually find out what was wrong. She might be truly sick just like Tina said.

By the time Tola got back, I was almost through with my food. She placed the small bottle of pills in front of me and stood pensively, watching me. “Do you really have to use that today?” She asked unexpectedly.

I heard Lisa shift in her chair but I paid her no heed. “Yes Tola, I forgot it at home yesterday and I have not used it since then. I should not skip it today”

She nodded nervously and I felt her eyes on me as I put two pills in my palm. As I was about to use it, it was as if the whole world had their eyes on me. The drugs rolled out of my hand and fell on the floor. “You see? Your eyes eventually carried the drugs out of my hand” I wondered why Lisa was looking at me so intensely.

“Sorry…” Tola said. “I just hate… Drugs”

I smiled. “Thank God you are not using it.” I left the ones on the floor, knowing that I could not possibly use them again. I took another pair from the small bottle. I refilled my cup with water, completely ignoring the eyes on me. I put the drugs in my mouth, put water, and swallowed. “You see?” I said to a pale Tola. “Using drugs is so easy”

...to be continued

STORY!....Endless Tears - Episode 14 [By Adeola Nissi]

Olufemi David OLUFEMI DAVID - Tuesday, February 14, 2017

“Ouch” I whimpered painfully. “Please be careful Tina” I said sharply.

“Sorry” she seemed to be trying hard to control her emotions as she tended the bloody fist marks all over my body with hot water and a clean towel. “Just try to endure the pain” she whispered sympathetically.

I winced as the hot towel hit my skin again. It felt like a great camp fire had been lit beneath my skin and everywhere was aching like hell. It still felt extremely unbelievable that Alex had actually beaten me up. He had slapped me once but even then, I never imagined that he would have the nerve to beat me to a pulp in my delicate condition. “Ow! Easy” I moaned painfully.

Tina shook her head. “Forgive me, but I really wish I could kill that husband of yours. I know he is your husband but he is a demented beast. My apologies” she grumbled angrily as she squeezed the towel aggressively.

I swallowed painfully. This is one subject I would rather avoid. “You don’t need to apologize Tina, I also wish I could kill him; my life would be a lot better… Ow…” I moaned in pain as she placed the hot towel on my swollen face.

She wiped tears I hadn’t noticed from her face. “I was so scared… especially when you passed out. We need to get you to the hospital” she said sternly.

I sighed. “How many times would I tell you that I am not going to any hospital? I am not going” I would not want to explain how and why I turned into a punching bag to any doctor. It was already embarrassing and degrading enough that Tola and Tina were the spectators of the disastrous event, adding the staff of a hospital to the list would be more than I can stomach.

“You are being too stubborn Amara. Your baby is involved here, even if you don’t care about yourself” she said angrily.

“My baby is perfectly fine, I am sure” I said.

“How can you be so sure? Your baby is part of you; if you are hurt, your baby is hurt too” she retorted.

I swallowed and endured the pain without making a sound. Tola entered the room, bringing more hot water and left in a hurry like she could not bear to see me in that condition. I exhaled audibly. For the first time, I really looked at Tina and noticed something odd. “Tina? Why do you have that swell on your head?” I asked, sitting up sharply to examine the swollen part of her head.

She brushed my hand away, avoiding my gaze. “Stop. Lay still and let me finish what I am doing. This is nothing”

I ignored her. “This does not look like nothing. What happened to your head? Did you fall?”

“Y…Yes… I slipped in the kitchen and hit my head” she murmured

I shook my head. “You are a terribly liar Tina, you can’t effectively lie to me” I said, knowing that I won’t like the answer. “What happened?” I said sharply.

“Erm…” she coughed slightly. “I tried to pull your husband away when he was… erm… beating you… and he pushed me away…”

“And you hit your head on something” I finished for her in extreme anger, bouncing off the bed within the twinkling of an eye and hiding the sharp pain that took over my wounded body.

“The wall” she stated. “But it is nothing and it would go soon. I did not ask you to stand up, you are very hurt” she murmured disapprovingly.

“How dare he?” I roared as my anger skyrocketed. “He might be able to hurt me but he has no right to disrespect my friends”

“Please don’t forget that I am under his employ” she said. “Don’t beat yourself up over nothing. He is paying me so he has the right”

“Absolutely not. He is paying you to cook for him and not bump your head against the wall. I would give him a piece of my mind. If he thinks he has put me in my place by beating me up” I laughed heartily, though it was painful. “Well, he should think again. I have already been stripped of my pride and dignity; there is nothing left to be ashamed of”

She sighed. “Well, he is not around now; thank God for that. Now, you would use your drugs and sleep, thank God the marks are not visible anymore”

“Yeah. My skin never retained marks for long, I am lucky I am not as white as that swine; Lisa.” I said gratefully.

“Yeah, if you were, your body would look like a painter’s board. Now, come and lie down, you need to rest”

“Let me see what I can do to your head first” I said alternatively.

“No! I have done that. I am not in the mood to feel that pain again, please” she grimaced.

I smiled. “And you called me a baby for feeling pains.”

**********

I felt much better after sleeping all afternoon. The previous night and this early morning had been too much torture because the pain burned into my senses, making me cower in pain from even the slightest move; but now, I felt as good as new, even though the punch spots were still hurting.

Immediately I got down the stairs, Lisa turned from the television and bursted into laughter immediately she saw me. She laughed until she almost fell off the chair. At first, anger took over me and I felt like strangling her. But then, I quickly realized that her aim was to get me angry so I quickly composed myself, putting an indifferent smile on my face.

“Oh, my God! I never knew Alex was such a good boxer” Lisa said with shining eyes and fully displayed teeth. “Tell me slut, how was it? Oh, how I regret missing that show” she said gleefully.

“Really? You missed it? OH, that is so painful. It would have been nice to have you in attendance dear. The drama was most entertaining. Tell me, who told you about it uhn? I know the walls have ears but I am sure they don’t have mouths”. I wanted to know who told her. I knew it was definitely not Tina, she won’t do that. The only other witness would be Tola. Even though we have become friends, I still could not trust her fully.

“Oh, why? Of course, Alex himself gave me the full gist of how he put you in your place with his fist” she laughed. “So, it is only mouth you have, you don’t have action”

I looked at her as my anger started showing up again. Alex had told her. With each passing day, I always found myself wondering how Alex had been able to cover the monster in him while we were in the village. He had never given me a cause to even assume he would lift a finger against a woman, but here I am, faced with the reality of my destroyed life. “Don’t play with fire dear, you would get burnt” I said sternly, with a wicked smile. I called Tina and told her I was going for a small stroll.

I walked the length of the street until I got to a business center. I smiled at the lady there and she smiled back. “Good evening, how may I help you?”

I smiled. “I want to make a phone call” I said.

She frowned. “I am sorry, I only sell recharge cards”

“Oh” I breathed. “What if I use your phone? I would recharge it, please” I pleaded.

She nodded and recharged the phone and gave it to me. I collected it gratefully. I had searched for the senator’s private number in the diary I found in Alex’s study and as I dialed, I hoped he was still using it. When it started ringing, I sighed happily.

“Hello” I heard the Senator’s baritone voice from the other end.

“Hello sir, this is Amara” I answered

“Oh, how are you doing daughter?” he answered instantly, seeming really interested in my welfare.

“I wish I could tell you that I am fine sir, but I am not” I allowed the pain to seep into my voice intentionally as I walked slightly away from the shop to give myself little privacy.

“What is wrong? What did Alex do this time?” he asked sternly.

Well, it is good to go straight to the point. “Well sir, ever since I met your son, I have known only pain in my life, but right now, I not only have to deal with emotional pains but physical ones also”

“What do you mean?” his voice was deadly quiet.

“Alex has decided to use his fists to show his frustration sir. He beat me up yesterday until I fell unconscious”

“He did what?” the senator roared at the other end and the sound pierced through my ear drums.

“I just decided to inform you sir because I did not sign my death warrant when I married Alex. I would not put my life and that of my son in danger. I won’t.”

“S… Son?” he gasped out.

“Yes sir, the scan revealed that I am carrying a baby boy” Affection seeped unconsciously through my voice.

There was a brief silence, and then the senator seemed to get back his composure. “Please relax. Are you feeling better? Oh! You need to see a doctor to check you out. As for Alex, leave him to me. I would handle him. Can I reach you on this line?” he ranted.

“No… No. I am calling from a business center”

“Alright. If anything happens, call me instantly. I would get you a phone right away. Should have done that”.

“Thanks a lot sir. Erm sir, there is one other thing I want to ask. I need to see my parents but I don’t know where they are now. Do you have their address sir?”

He answered in affirmative and gave me the address which I instantly put to memory.

I paid the lady and walked home. I sat with Lisa in the sitting room and a contented smile was pasted on my face. She glanced at me from time to time, apparently irritated that I was in a good mood despite all that has happened. She was busy watching a fashion show which I found irritating and I grabbed the remote and changed it to African Magic.

“How dare you? Can’t you see that I am watching a program?” she bellowed in anger.

“Heeeeyy, hush! You are disturbing my baby with your cat-like voice. Will you shut up? I want to watch a movie, if you are not ok with it, go and get some sleep”

“You must be out of your senses” she marched towards me. “Give me that remote” she yelled.

“You would better get yourself out of my sight if you don’t want to find out how good of a boxer I am. I am warning you woman, I won’t pity your condition at all” I shot at her.

She glared then stormed up the stair. I laughed and relaxed against the back rest of the chair.

**********

After going to the market that same evening to get some things for my parents, I instantly decided that I would spend the night with them, if not days. I have missed them and I knew life would not be totally hell on earth if I stayed with then. As long as my dad behaved of course. I packed everything I bought and put them in the car before going inside to pick some necessities, like a spare cloth and other lady things.

I was just climbing down the stairs when the front door burst open and Alex stormed in. he saw me with no difficulty and stormed towards me like he would actually kill me on the spot. I stood firm with my head held high, even though I was shivering inside. “Is a tiger on your tail? Why do you look so…”

“Shut your mouth” he roared and grabbed my neck in a choking vice. “How dare you call my father to tell him trash? Do you know what you have just done? I am suspended in my own father’s company, you filthy bitch” he roared.

I let my bag fall to the ground and I dig my nails into his hand until the pain forced him to let go of my neck. I coughed slightly and drew in sharp breaths. “Do you know what you have done Alex?” I returned when I gained my composure. “You had the nerve to beat me up. What did you aim to achieve uhn? You want to box my child out of me right? Or you want to put fear in me so I can cower in your presence” I laughed. “You have created a monster Alex, deal with it. If you lay a single finger on me, I would make you pay. Calling your dad is the least of what I would do to you Alex, and when I am done, you would regret knowing me”

He glared at me. “Believe me, I regret that already”

I picked up my bag and smiled coyly. “I am happy to hear that Alex, because the feeling is mutual” I walked away from him. “Goodnight Tina” I yelled.

“And where the hell are you going?” Alex barked.

I glanced slightly at him, and then continued out the door. “None of your business. You have your suspension to worry about darling”

I smiled outside the house and called the driver. I told him the address and we were out of the house and onto the road. I rubbed life back to my strangled neck and hissed in anger. I lay my head back and closed my eyes as darkness grew near. I knew my parents would be pleasantly surprised and I could not wait to see that surprise in their faces. I have missed my parents, my mother especially.

**********

“Why won’t you listen to reason” Amara’s mum yelled in anger as she marched behind her husband into the sitting room. The argument had been going on for almost thirty minutes, yet he won’t listen. “I know my dreams Nnayi, they always come true. Let us take Amara out of that house before they kill her for me”

“Listen to me woman. Amara is married and it is her duty to remain in that house for better for worse. Just because you dreamt that Alex beat her till she fainted, you want her to leave such a wealthy family? My God! Don’t be stupid woman”

“I am not stupid, I am a mother and naturally, I am concerned about my child. Unfortunately, you are not” she said angrily.

“Why should I be? Now, Amara is nothing more than a financial means for me. We both know that she is not our daughter; why would I be bothered?” Crashing sounds made then turn and they both gasped in horror.

“Amara”

...to be continued

STORY!....Endless Tears - Episode 13 [By Adeola Nissi]

Olufemi David OLUFEMI DAVID - Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Mr. Bello sat in his study looking thoughtfully at the wall. What sort of father would he call himself if he could not even say truthfully that he had raised Alex well. All his life, he had made sure that he was never unjust to anyone, he had tried his best to impact the same values into his son, but it seemed his best hadn’t been good enough. Where had he gone wrong? He probably should not have gone into politics. If he hadn’t, maybe he would have had more time for Alex. Maybe, he would have noticed this heartless behavior in him and changed it before it became too late. But he had failed. He had failed as a father to be a good mentor to his only son and child. His wife had never been a good role model, he always knew that. It was not his fault that he had fallen in love with her, despite her misgivings. He could not tell the heart what and whom to love. But he should have been the better parent. He should have been the better parent for Alex.

He swallowed hard as he thought of the various things his son had gotten himself into lately. He had impregnated a poor secondary school girl and it had only taken some investigation to find out that he gambled on the girl’s pride. That knowledge had hurt him more than he was willing to express. It was so unbelievable that his own biological son could be so cruel as to do such a despicable thing to an innocent girl. This had informed his threat to Alex several weeks back. He knew categorically that Alex would not lose the company for anything in the world so it had been good bait. He would never allow any injustice to befall Amara. It had been because of the guilt that his son had bet on Amara’s pride that he had gladly given Amara’s father, Mr. Peters, what he demanded for – an apartment, which was well furnished. Mr. Bello had rented the apartment, paying for three years at once. If the press could wind of the scandal his son had caused, his political ambitions would be thwarted. But that was not his problem

Alex had come to them with another shocking news. He had impregnated Lisa. Mr. Bello had never liked the spoilt girl who thought herself higher than everyone but he had tried to accept her when Alex showed his interest in her. How would he sit back and watch his son marry two wives at this early stage. Even though Alex behaved ten times his age, he is just twenty five years old. Marrying two wives could kill him before thirty. Yet, it would be unjust to throw Lisa away. She is definitely carrying is grandchild also.

He sighed heavily. He had no clue as to what to do salvage the situation. It seemed to have gone a bit out of control.

**********

Two days passed without me seeing Alex. He apparently hadn’t come home at all and I found myself wondering where he was. It would not be surprising one bit if I found out that he was out making other babies, since he had turned into a baby making factory. During the past two days, Tola had become almost as close to me as Tina and I found myself liking her. She seemed sweet and funny but no one would take the place that Tina occupies in my heart. She was not just my closest friend but was also like a sister and sometimes, even a mother. If Tina hadn’t been there, I am not sure I would have survived all that I have been through. She was there when no one else was there to support me and for that I would forever be grateful.

Tola was not the only one that changed within the past two days. I also noticed that Lisa was quiet now. She always looked at me with hatred brimming in her eyes but she always kept her mouth shut. Since she always ran her tongue like a parrot, I instinctively knew something was wrong. She must be up to something, and it did not smell good. Living in the village, I knew certainly that two women could never live in peace if they had to share a man. One woman would try to kill another just to make her vanish. Well, I certainly wanted her to vanish from my life, along with Alex and all the problems he brought into my life, but I definitely am not a killer. I can’t kill anyone to achieve that. Although, even though I am not a murderer, I don’t know if Lisa would resort to killing me. It was probably extreme to think that Lisa might try to kill me but the feeling that she was planning something was strong. I have been crosschecking everything I eat and had decided to cook in the kitchen along with Tina. Tina would definitely not do anything to hurt me but, who knows, Lisa might sneak in and…

I laughed suddenly. The movies I have been watching on that massive television were beginning to get the better part of me.

Tina turned and stared confusingly at me, stopping the rice she was busy rinsing. “What is so funny uhn? Why are you laughing?” she asked. “Considering the fact that you are slicing onions, the opposite should be the case”

I smiled. “I am just thinking that the movies I watch is becoming too much. It is beginning to pollute my good reasoning”

She frowned. “Hmmmm… I see” she eyed me suspiciously. “Is that all you were thinking about?” she raised a brow.

I frowned at her and shook my head. “My God Tina, you are too nosy. Wash that rice before we all die of hunger”

She grinned. “It is my duty as your friend to be nosy. Be sure to tell me what you are thinking uhn?”

I sighed. “Ok, if you are a good girl, maybe I might confide in you” I said cheekily.

“And what is the secret?” I turned to see Tola bouncing into the kitchen as she stared at both of us suspiciously.

“What?” I stared at the two ladies grinning at me with questioning eyes. “You both are so unbelievable. Who would imagine that an ordinary laughter caused this?” for some reasons, I had a reason to think that they were on a totally different page from my line of thoughts. They looked at me with this knowing look on their faces and I started wondering about what was going on in their small heads.

“Well, if you are laughing, there must be something behind it right?” Tola winked and Tina grinned as they both gave themselves high-five.

I frowned at them now, looking from one to another. “Tell me you two. What the hell are you cooking up?” I was now confused.

“Aaaarrrhhhh… nothing. Only jollof rice” Tina answered as she returned to the rice.

“Don’t you dare give me that! What is going on?” I snatched the bowl of rice and faced them squarely with a look that said ‘spit it out’.

They grinned. “Ok, let’s see Amara” Tina began. “You suddenly agreed to get a nice wardrobe; you look exceedingly great all the time, you smile more often now than you have done in the past months…”

“And now, you are laughing” Tola finished and raised her brow, even though I was still frowning. “What informed all these changes? Is there… a man involved?” she asked grinning.

“What?” Oh! I stared at the two ladies and suddenly began to laugh. I laughed and laughed and laughed until I ended up crying. Once I started crying, I could not stop. Just when I thought I had reached my bus-stop where tears were concerned! The smiles on their faces vanished instantly and they were trying to stop my tears. “There is a man involved” I said between sobs. “He has instigated all the changes in my life. I wonder when that would change” I sobbed and Tina and Tola held me, blaming one another all the way for taunting me.

**********

I walked the street two days after that incident. It hadn’t been easy getting my cheekiness back and getting rid of the emotional side of me, but I had done it. It is not easy to keep my emotions at check because it always comes to the surface every time I am alone but I knew for a fact that I had to be strong; if not for myself, then for my son. He was already caught in between, I did not want anything to hurt him.

I got to the roadside flower stand I had noticed several weeks back and stopped again. I stretched out my hand and played with the striking flower. Only now, the flower seemed to look pale, compared to the first time I saw it It had been so bright and alive with a lively glow the last time I saw it, but now, I could tell that the weather was not being favorable and the flower might die soon. Great sympathy and compassion engulfed me as my thoughts took over me. It was probably unfortunate that wherever I go, I would always be reminded of Alex. It seemed impossible to forget. Only one mistake had turned my life around. It was a mistake wished I could undo. If only I hadn’t fallen for him, I would probably be on my way to the university by now. I have not been in this trauma for long considering the fact that I was barely five months pregnant, but it feels like my whole life had been spent in this pain. It feels like I have never known a minute of joy or contentment.

The flash of a camera brought me back to my senses and I raised my eyes to stare at the very same guy I had met at this very spot weeks back. Kelvin. Yes! That was definitely the name he gave me, that is if it is true, of course.

He was staring at the small digital camera in his hand and he raised his eyes to mine. He was not holding a smile, neither was he frowning; he just stared at me, making me nervous with the intensity of his gaze.

I felt like punching him. “Do you make a habit of taking pictures of strangers without their consent?” I asked in annoyance.

He stared at me for so long, I in fact thought he would never answer. The picture he took was not my problem though, it was his unsettling gaze. He managed to hold my gaze without even trying and he seemed to see into my soul. He suddenly looked down until he was again staring at his camera.

I shifted nervously and tapped my feet in annoyance. How dare he take my picture and ignore my question? I opened my mouth to hurl insults at me when he suddenly looked up at me again. “A flower is a symbol of great beauty and love, opening up its buds in the sun, beaming with life and promises” he walked up to me and his fingers played with the flower even though his eyes were holding mine. “But what happens when the sun it opened itself up to gets too hot for it to handle?” he asked. “The ground dries up, leaving the flower without water to sustain it; leaving the flower to face the vengeance of the hot sun without support” he glanced briefly at the flower then back at my pale face. “Slowly, the flower begins to fade… then it withers… and if care is not taken… it dies…” his gaze had become so intense and for several seconds, minutes, hours…I have no idea how long I stood there; I just stood, gazing at him as his words ran through my mind over and over again.

I blinked and shook my head. “What do you mean?” I squeaked.

He looked at me for several seconds then looked again at the camera. I wanted to see the picture he took now. “You have a faraway look in your eyes. Your body posture and set jaw tells me that you are going through a lot of pain which you try to hide behind bravery.” He raised his eyes to mine. “You are like this beautiful flower. Radiant with unrivalled beauty, open to life and filled with a lot of promises. Although, I am afraid you might have let in too much sun. I…”

“Stop” I yelled. “Stop filling my head with rubbish” I blinked furiously, trying not to lose the battle over my emotions. “Why do I always have to bump into you” I yelled, even though it was the second time I was seeing him. But why does it always have to be at this same spot? “I am not a flower, and unfortunately, I did not let in any sun. Do you know why?” I asked. “Because all I have in my life is complete darkness” I screamed and turned instantly, heading home. I did not hear him following and I was extremely grateful. At least he knows when to back down. I refrained from looking back and marched home.

I opened the door of the sitting room and did not even pause when I saw Alex for the first time in days. I was in no mood for anyone, least of all him.

“Where are you coming from woman?” he boomed.

I paused and turned to look at the man who destroyed my life. I shook my head and turned towards the stairs. “When I ask a question in this house woman, you answer me” he was marching towards me. “You are definitely a slut. You are now spreading your legs for everyone in Abuja, isn’t it?”

I turned and swallowed hard. “What if I am uhn? At least, I am not in the danger of impregnating someone, am i? You should really think of opening a baby-making company, I think you have the talent of spreading your sperm where it is not needed”

His arm swung with alarming speed and connected with my cheek. Before I got my balance, his other hand connected with my other cheek, sending me crashing to the ground at once. I heard running feet approaching but the pain coercing through my body had me curled up on the floor. The pain was so unbearable but I would be damned if I cry. I bit my shaking lips so hard, I ended up tasting my own blood. I turned to raise glaring eyes at Alex, despite my pain and that obviously turned to a great mistake because he literarily pounced on me.

“Don’t you dare look at me like that” he roared as he rained punches all over me. I shrieked loudly as I curled up in a ball, protecting my child with my hands and legs as every blow landed. Tears came rushing down my face and I discovered that the screams I was hearing were mine.

“Mr. Alex.” Tina cried as she tried to push Alex away. The pain coercing through my body was eating at my senses and I was slowly losing consciousness.

“Please leave her… Please” I faintly heard Tina cry with shaky voice. “Please sir… she is pregnant… aaarrrhhhh…….” Darkness engulfed me as everything faded out of sight.

...to be continued

Labels : STORIES

STORY!....Endless Tears - Episode 20 [By Adeola Nissi]

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STORY!....Endless Tears - Episode 14 [By Adeola Nissi]

STORY!....Endless Tears - Episode 13 [By Adeola Nissi]