"Spilt ink" is an ethnic themed online soap opera based in our Imaginations. Banking on the creativity of the reader's mind, a whole new world is created. For the best experience start reading from the first post,- W1: News. Don't enjoy this experience alone! Tell a Friend & Leave a Comment! Follow Happily! Cheers!
I had booked marked 1 page so far. And that was because I felt I was being too picky. It was called Adonai. I almost didn't find it as it wasn't on the first few pages of the google search term, but somehow for some odd reason I had clicked through 5 ages of google results and somehow Adonai had jumped at me. I loved their slogan. "When there's no where else to go" It was simple but strong. Their website was very simple but I could tell it was professionally done. It wasn't a random person with no experience whatsoever in web design that decided to piece together a site, this was well thought out. Their choice of words, their images...Very marketable.
So far with everything I had read, I was impressed. Felt almost as though there were talking to me specifically. So I had bookmarked it. I was going to marinate on this a bit longer. I needed to anyways.
My bladder started complaining again. These two creatures wont kill me o! Every time they wan wee wee.
I put my laptop to sleep and went to address mother nature.
So we stood outside the door. Photo in hand... and shock on our faces. I was numb. No.. no... not numb...I was feeling very besides myself. Yale put her arm around me..
"We are blocking the entrance...lets go the car.." Seems she had come through... well then again it would be easy for her to snap back. She doesn't have two human beings growing inside of her. She led me to the car.
"So....." Suni sat there like a statue her hands limp on her laps. "Suni?" I smacked her hand. "SUNI!"
"Yea...?" her response was so slow. She turned to me... "What?"
"Well....?" My eyes asked the rest of the million questions I had in my head. What was she going to do? How was this going to work out? One is overwhelming but two? like two babies..? Ah.
"Yale... you're asking the wrong person"
"Should we call your mom?"
She looked at me like I had just suggested I run her over with the car. "For what?"
"I don't know... she might have some good advice maybe.. maybe.. she'd say bring them to Naija? or I don't know maybe she can come here? I don't know Suni mothers are very... she might have good ideas?" She was just staring at my mouth moving but I knew she heard nothing.
I swear I feel my tummy grew overnight. I'm barely over 3 months and I feel like I'm 6 months far along. I struggled to fit into my mini-maternity pants. They were so cute. They were meant to be for mothers between 1 - 3 months. But no not me. I already started missing my pre-preggo frame. My ultrasound appointment was at 9:30 and it was 9:12. I had ONLY just finished putting on these freaking pants. I looked like a pregnant goat. I was SOO showing. Like.. forget XXL sweaters or hobo shirts... my FACE alone was a dead giveaway. Porky.
*Sigh* No time to sulk. I grabbed my keys and dipped. Yale was linking up with me there and we all know how she gets when shes made to wait. We were going to see baby today! She was excited, I was cranky. Tired maybe. But yes... no going late.
It was 9pm and neither Yale nor Ronke had texted. I kept having weird daymare that they were having some in depth cousin bonding time and Ronke decided to spill her guts to Yale. I had let my curiosity get the best of me. I was in front of Ronke's place. I texted before walking to the door.
"Wassup, what are you girls up to?" I waited.
*grrr* "Yale is sleeping...I'm doing some homework, wassup ditcher?"
I felt some form of relief. "its not even like that now...have you girls eaten?"
"We are not useless, I'm sure we can organize food if we are hungry. What do you want? Time is Grades..chap chap..."
"Can I talk to Yale please?"
"I doubt she wants to speak to you.. and besides, I'm sure I mentioned shes sleeping...?"
"Ronke stop being an ass and hand the phone to my fiance."
She gave a very loud mocking laugh. "Fiance?" she laughed again. "Sorry o.. Mr. Fee-ance!" I heard movement of furniture so I assumed she was standing up to hand over the phone. "You know, Shafa...."
Freaaak what was WRONG with this nutcase?? Why cant she just .... disappear? Ahn Ahn? Dem send you?
"...I think its only healthy that you ensure your path is straight before going as far as shouting to the world about your fee-anceship." I heard a door creak " I'm just saying...." She mustve dropped the phone for a bit because her voice became a bit distant. I'm glad she didn't wait for an answer. Heifer. "Yale...." tap. tap. "Yale...." tap.tap.tap. "Its Shafa..." I heard some grumbling....
"Hey...." Yup. She was STILL mad and NOT ready to talk to me.
"Hey babe" Pause.
"Hey...." I knew how her lips we're curled now. She had that face when she was trying not to hide her irritation. Sucked big time that I was the cause of the stank face now.
"Are we going to talk?"
"Annnndddd we are singing to each other now?" her retort was so fast I had to smile. That's my girl.
"Nah... I ... I'm coming to get you? K?"
"Dont waste your gas, I'm very comfortable where I'm at..."
"Yale-"
"Shafa... please I was sleeping, annndd you woke me up... there had better be an emergency."
"There is..."
"Ok?" I KNOW that was a little concern I heard in her voice. A break through?
I didn't call her. Should I have texted? Hopefully she wasn't busy. I rang her bell. What time was it sef? 1 am. Eh she was awake jo. I rang the bell again. My phone also rang at that point. I knew it was Shafa, so I didn't pick. I ignored the call and proceeded to call Ronke. It was creepy standing outside someone's house in the dark at like freaking 1am in the morning. She picked on the 5th ring.
"He-llo?" I guess she was asleep. Not shagging or something gross like that.
"Ronke its Yale, abeg can open your door, I'm outside..."
"Why...?" She must have been fumbling around for a clock because she ranted off..."Dude its flipping 1am!"
"Ehen? Please I'm creeping out here, can you hurry"
"Oh-h-h-h" through her grumbling I heard rustling of sheets. Thank God, she was coming out.
My phone rang immediately I hung up. It was Shafa.
"Ronke,Yale is coming to your crib."
"Stale gist."
"See .....don't be..." he trailed off. Oh.... HAHA! he was worried I was going to tattle tale. Expose him.
"Don't be what sweety?" I batted my eyelids, not that he could see how sweet I meant to be.
"I'm serious Ronke, she's mad, and she .... she can do without the extra drama."
"Shafa baby, I might be a trouble maker but I'm not stupid. Contrary to what you might believe, I am not...." I tried to think of the right phrase..."I am not looking to ruin your relationship. I actually want you guys to get together or whatever. What I want from you is very ...different."
It was a double bed suite. So we weren't FORCED to sleep in the same bed. Which is good you know. Cause you know...ya would've been a bad idea. "That was an amazing evening Arinze!" I know I had already told him that, but just to break the silence, I repeated it.
"Ya it was a good night." He had loosened his bow-tie so he was busy untying his left shoe on one foot. He kicked if off to the side. The other one came shortly after. Well it was safe to say he wasn't the neatest person on earth because he took off the bow-tie and just dropped it on love-seat. He grabbed the remote and plopped down on a bed that I assumed was his since his suitcase was on it and ... ya it was his bed. He patted the space beside him. "Come..." I sat down beside him and he draped his hand over me and continued flipping through guide. "Wanna do a movie?"
"Well if its one to lull me to sleep finally then yes. But then again why pay for something I wont even watch"
"True true. Soccer it is." I laughed because I'm sure he expected a protest or something little did he know I was a little soccer head myself. The game excited me, and even more hot men that got excited by the game so heyy... When I didn't protest he picked up "Oh you like soccer???"
"D'uhh....." He nodded in approval.
I stood up to go find my stuff to get ready to pass out. I could already feel the blanket of fatigue looming over my head. If i didn't prep now I would just fall asleep as is. I had packed VERY normal clothing. T-shirt, sweatpants simple. No bum shorts or extra big tee. I wasn't trying to be sexy here, before they come and say Suni did.... Abeg o! I found my traveling bag and pj's and I headed to the bathroom. You know when you know someone is watching you with the corner of their eye? And the back of your head starts scratching you? E hen? That's how I felt as I entered the bathroom. I wonder if he thinks Ill come out with lingerie or something movie-ish like that. I giggled at the thought of me coming out in red hot lingerie and fluffy cuffs and saying "Ready for me baby!".
"Share the joke?"
My hand flew to my mouth. Was the laugh loud? Oops "Errr nothing..."
He had fallen asleep on my shoulder. His head was quiet heavy sha.... I peered out the window and tried to make sense of the abstract jumble of clouds. I could see....a pointing hand. Towards... VEGAS! Ha!! I laughed... it must have been out loud because Arinze stirred. Oops. I swear it was before I realized it, but I had reached to stroke his head...Immediately I realized... I stopped. My hand fell back down to my belly. It was hard and I swear bigger than it was...before. It still shocked me sometimes that I was a mother to be. Sometimes I would wake up forgetting that I was pregnant. I really wonder what she would look like. I'm so sure baby's a she. Call it "mother intuition". The air hostess walked down our aisle, I had noticed her preying eyes when we entered the plane ...2-3 hours ago? But I ensured that burning feeling of jealousy was repressed because Arinze was NOT my man. But it does make me burst with pride that he hadn't even given her a second glance. Haha.
A pang of hunger hit me. I stared down at the tray in front of me which already held about 3 packets of nuts. I hated nuts. But gaddamit these ones were divine. and they were keeping my growling tummy in check. I waved to the wanton hostess.
Did this heifer just ignore me? She walked in the opposite direction. What a trick! hiss.... I dipped my finger into the empty packet and swiped for the salty residue on the inside of the wrapper. Mmmmnn..so sweet.
Arinze stirred and woke up. "Hungry?" He stretched....and I mean, its not like I was watching for it or anything but the crisp white shirt and the whole muscle pushing against. It was quite... sexy. I looked back at his face as I licked the rest of the salt off my fore finger.
"Your hostess groupie won't answer me." I faked a baby pout. "I'm reaaaallllllyyyyy hungry"
He laughed..."My groupie eh..."
"No kidding ... I'm sure if you just breathe in her direction she would come"
"Is everything ok Sir? Would you like a drink?" Ah ah... I didn't even know when she crept up behind us. Arinze laughed again.
He put on a charming smile. "Yes please and can you get us a couple more of the peanuts?"
"Yes sir" She pasted her "come hither" smile. She had really nice teeth though. I got to give her that one.
I spoke up "Thanks" as she walked to attend to our request. She didn't even acknowledge me. "I really should carry you around if I want swift service." I nudged him with my elbow and dropped the cleaned out packet back on the tray.
Excerpt via BetaBabe author of "Scribes from underneath the Sheets"
".............What you guys don't seem to understand is that me and BetaButta's relationship cant ever really just.. go away. We literally have to NOT see each other for that to happen. We are forever bound in our physical attraction. That being said... Not seeing each other is quite impossible. The situation is tres sticky.
The thing about undercover loving is that it has to stay underneath the covers... sometimes it gets too explosive to remain there you know.. *giggle*.I know he loves his girl and hell I'll love my man when I find him, but we both know what we got going on beneath those silk sheets can NEVER be replaced... everything that comes after would be...... second to this.
He knows this. I know this. We're good. ..............."
"Suni....." I know It was late, she was pregnant, I was excited, she was tired, but WHO CARES! I had to share. "Akusuni Bello Wake the HELL Up!!"
"Yale I swear to God...."
"Sure sure... Guess whatttttt??"
"You're about to jump into the river for waking me up?" a hint of glee laced her groggy voice.
"You wish... Shafa proposed." I hear her sit up.
"Shut. Up!"
"Ne.Ver.!" I broke into giggles. I was giddy with love men.
"When howw????"
"Yo Suni... Shafa is just.. toooo maaaddd. He like coooked forrr meee " I went on my air head relation of how his proposal went.
"Wow.... that's mega cuteee..." I could hear her sigh..."So-ooo how big is the rock?"
"Rock ke? He proposed with MOUTH.. "
"Ah see error..."
"No now..." I laughed again relaying my reaction when I realized I was ring-less "He wants me to pick my ring"
"Awwwwwwwwwww" Suni was silent for a bit....I took that as her being too tired to be as happy and excited as I wanted her to be...
"Ok I know you're tired so Ill come and scream at you in the morning besides we have to like get to work on plans for wedding.... oh wait..." I was really jumping the gun. "We haven't picked a date... ah wells we can still fantasize and get a head start!'
"Yale....."
"Yeah...?"
"Im soo happy for you!" I voice cracked.. like she was about to cry. Uh-oh....
"Wo... are you going to go emotional on me?"
"Its just..." yeaup...! She was!! the sniffle came in...
"Suni... seriously?"
"No no... its just... you're doing this right...."
"Oh God..." I felt a guilt trip speech coming up.
"No really.... I'm really glad this is how its going you and Shafa are perfect together....and its just... right... Im happy...."
I waited cause I knew this spiel wasn't over.... I didn't want her getting mushy and all emotional over this and I know with what had happened... maybe I shouldn't have told her.. not like this anyways...
"I ..." she must have reached for a Kleenex or something cause she blew her nose. "Im off to Vegas with Arinze for a conference"
"Oh..." It was a question.
"Ya.... he asked me.. I said ya...Toba also wants me out of town this weekend... says its unsafe. I guess I'm killing two birds with one stone.... "
"Suni... are you sure?" Cause I felt like she wasn't and she was just..
"No not really... but I'm scared for baby I wont lie. I don't entirely believe him but I somehow don't wanna take risks and I WOULD like to spend some time away and if it happens to be around a certain good looking doctor.... this is win-win for me...."
"Aww Suni..."
"Yea..." she stifled a yawn... and that seemed to snap her out of something."Well. That's that... so can I sleep now and you can bore my life with wedding details in the morning?"
"Of course of course...." I was concerned... I reached for my laptop anyways...
"And Yale?"
"Huuuh...?" I opened Google and started typing "w.e.d.d.i.n.g-
"Please don't spend the next 3 hours googling details for wedding and wedding dresses. Do sleep..."
She said it so... nonchalantly I laughed... the girl knew me quite well...I continued " _.c.o.l.o.r.s"
"Fineeee.. just 1 hour...."
"Eh na you sabi.. night ... love you. And... congrats!"
"Thanks girl....Love ya... Byee" The search results that come up made me giddy. I was already loving coral.
I drove her back home. Because as much as I wasn't her biggest fan I still had a heart. It was 3am in the morning and I'm a nice guy. I pulled to a stop in front of her house. She didn't get out.
"I'm sorry I'm being weirdly obsessed with getting back with-"
"Ronke its cool... "
"I just that I think-"
"-you should let sleeping dogs lie." I turned to look at her. "Ronke, I'm getting married. We wont ever work. Ever. Don't think too much on ....what happened."
She stared at me for a minute as if trying to figure out if I was joking or something. I held her gaze and ensured what she saw in my eyes was not uncertainty.
She make a "cluck" sound with her throat. People do that when they don't want to say you're wrong or when they're going to prove you wrong."Thanks for the ride... and the support" she opened the door. Then paused again. "Are you going to tell Yale about us?" she didn't wait for me to answer "I mean..about everything...." She wasn't looking at me when she asked, she just had her head turned back a bit while her foot was out the door. As though my answer wasn't relevant but just to satisfy her curiosity she waited.
"She already knows..." I lied.
Again she didn't answer immediately. Then she said "Interesting." and stepped out of the car. She shut the door. It wasn't a slam but it was just as effective. I watched her walk to her door. She was barefoot with her shes in her right hand. I didn't however miss the brief look around she had. She was still scared. I got out of the car and jogged to her side. "Just in case douche-bag is still around"
She smiled. "You don't have to. I'll be fine. I think he's gone anyways... He knows I'll castrate him if he hangs around."
"Sure.." but I still walked with her. She dug in her purse for the keys while her shoes barely balanced under her armpits. once she found them she opened the door and paused for a bit before entering. She looked at me.
"Thanks, He's gone... I'm fine...Really"
I peered into the dark house. I wasn't.... convinced. "Where's your phone?"
I walked into the house anyways and turned on the lights scanning the place. Yea it was empty.
"Here..." she waved it in my face as if I was blind.
"And your house mate?"
"Went to her boyfriends..." She was staring at me checking out the place. She had a smirk on her face. The swelling on her eye was already down.. but it was still bruised.
"You're gonna have to do something with your eye. " She nodded but still watched me. I guess I better cut before what transpired at my spot repeats itself. "Ok...." I walked back to the door... "Lock it after me ..."
"Yes tDaddy" she said in a mock "ho to Pimp" tone.
"You're not serious..." I laughed..."K later..."
"Bye..." It was a whisper. She shut the door after me and I waited to hear the click.
I sat across from my father. He looked worse. The cancer, that he only just let me in on how far along it was, was reducing him to bones . The chemo was obviously failing.
"You don't look healthy" I had to smile cause this was a case of pot calling kettle black.
"Dadi, they are around"
"I know. Shode called." Shode was my fathers best friend. They both held prestigious positions in the group. One of the few pairs of friends that actually remained friends and hadn't killed themselves from jealousy or greed. He adjusted in his wheel chair then attempted to swivel around so he wasn't facing me directly. He seemed weak. I wanted to get up and help him but I know my father. He detests being treated like an invalid. So I watched him. "Jo, help me turn this chair?" he said very gruffly. I complied.
I went back to my seat across the table. "They must know about Suni's pregnancy."
My father laughed. "And you think this because?" He was watching me closely.
"Well... they always know these things right?"
He had agreed to sit and talk with me. I wanted to find out if he would advice me on how to solve this issue. I however didn't trust him enough to let him know how deep my feelings for Suni ran. Even though I had the inkling that he already knew.
"My son... you need to relax yourself."
"Any why is that?" my voice rose a bit out of irritation. I relaxed. "I dont understand"
"You overestimate the knowledge of Olode. Wait for them to ask you about the situation.If they now ask. Lie." This sounded like bad advice. Father smiled as though he knew I wasn't a hundred percent behind him with this mode of action. He explained further. "When I ensured you came over here, I was ensuring your safety..." I was puzzled by that statement and it must have shown on my face. "Toba,don't disturb yourself ehn... Just relax.."
Sometimes telling one not to worry didn't actually eliminate the feeling. I stood up and paced. I wanted to break something. I felt.....claustrophobic.
"Haven't you ever questioned your existence based on the Olode?" I turned to look at my father. I hated when the conversation took this tone. "After all, you ARE my first son." I walked back to my seat and sat down. No I had never given it a second thought, up until now. This I wanted to hear.
Dadi wheeled closer to the table and reached for the glass of water that had laid untouched since I had come in. He took a sip and dropped it back. "Olode for the most part deals in the supernatural. But there are loop holes. Myself and Shode" he tapped his chest with pride." discovered some." He waved his hand as though it was a topic he didn't want to go into detail in now. "See you only need to satisfy what they require. If they want a woman, you give them A woman." the emphasis he put on the "a" drove his message home already. " Awon obirin yen... all these your ladies. Pick one."
"Dad I don't have ladies....."
"Find one." He cut me short. "Toba you FIND one...." He paused for a moment. "This Akusuni....Its like you ...have strong feelings for her?"
"Dad I love this girl and she is carrying my ba-"
"Heehh!" He startled me into silence. I stopped mid sentence What was it?? "Don't you know the more you admit to these things openly the less likely it is to come out of it!" he glared at me like I was stupid for making such a statement.
"Dad I don't believe in this an-"
"Toba. Hold your tongue. Before it holds you hostage with the words you utter" I had nothing to reply to that. "What was I asking again?"
"Yes Dad, I have feelings."
"Then leave her. Find another girl, one you don't even like. And make her your woman. That would be who you point to when and IF Olode ask questions. So gbo?"This was preposterous. "Do you hear me Toba?"
I nodded. As much as it was far fetched. I was a man in a dessert and my father just handed me a glass of water. It made sense. In a freakish manner.
"I suggest you find this girl and get acquainted before they show up. After all, there's a reason they called you Casanova." The name stung. I actually flinched. "Ah Ah...This shouldn't be hard for you." I guess this conversation was over for him because he gave an empty laugh and swiveled his chair back to face the TV.
We sat in silence for sometime, I'm unsure of how long. So many thoughts were rushing through my mind. Was I to just pick a random girl off the streets? How could I simple take a random person and literally use them as a possible sacrificial lamb. Like....how was this going to work out? I hated that I had to go back to the primitive cultist ways. But if this was a way out of this mess then I'd take it. I needed to plot my game plan. I started making a mental lists of females I could bag. My dad didn't notice when I stood up and slipped out the back. Or he noticed and just didn't bother to acknowledge me.
This is the first time I'll make a non Ink post.. but hey. Maybe it might be the last.
I just wanted to update y'all on whats happening and yea... bond with all 35 of you and the many Anonym(i)? lol.
Sooo... I know some of you already want to chop my head because of my lack of timely updates. Well things have been a bit up and down for me. But is it not God? I'm gonna be alllllrraaiighhh!!!!
That being said...Oya! Let us sit down and talk.
Ok...how about we decide a REASONABLE schedule for deliverance. Let us ease Neefemi and Ene them of thier anxiety attacks hahaha (I love u guyss!! Thanks soo much). Please refer to the poll on the side and if you have extra comments just drop em off here... Im also thinking in the event a websiode is not delivered timely. we can just have a "Teaser" session.....I would do an example of a teaser session so you can see what I mean. Basically it wont be REALLY part of the story... but it would still be connected. Its a mini webisode.
Other than that hope you guys are all doing great in blogville so far. Thank you all for the support over the last season and for most of this one. I really appreciate it.
Ok vote o.. let us know how we can get this ball rolling. Arinze them are waiting. *wink wink*
PS: I just finished reading half a yellow Sun guys! MMMEEENNNN see book! It was sooo entertaining. Like I wanna go to Nsukka now and stroke Richards hair. LMAO! (For those who have read it) But yeas... My next stop is 'Say you're one of them' Anyone read this book yet? Personal review.. but please no.. exposing of details.. Help a sister enjoy the book ko.
Alrighty.. Thanks soooo much again. I love you guys you give me reason to live and enjoy this alternate world I created with these characters.... its a comfortable get away... :) especially when drama is lacking in this one hahah...
I couldn't answer. Couldn't find my voice.It was lost somewhere in the ruckus that was set off in my system. I was staring at Shafa like he had a third eye.
"Yale?" He gave an uncomfortable short laugh. "Are you going to answer me?"
"Baby....." I took his face in my hands and started laughing. I couldn't stop it. It came right from the pit of my belly and uncontrollably spilled out of my lips. I hugged him so tight!
"I'm assuming you're happy..... and...." I continued laughing hysterically "Yes Yale? You would right?"
I looked at him still in stitches...."Yes babe...Of course!"
"Hahahah! Mhhhmmmnn!!!" He whooped and lifted me into the air in one swoop.
He wants me to be his wife. Im going to be a wife. a WIFE like not a babe o. A woman that is ONE with a man. A man she loves. A freaking lick your lips and have your panties in a bunch looking kinda a man. A that loves ME back. Enough to ask me to be his forever. Meeennnnnnnnnnnnn........I can't even being to comprehend my luck. I did NOT see this coming I mean. Ive always thought subconsciously that it would be nice to be married to Shafa... but It was one of those... LATER dreams. Like it wasnt even a.... I didnt think of it urgently like that. But.... OMG!!! OMG!!! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!! Im going to marry Shafa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes bitches... you are now free to HATE! HAHAHAHAHAHAH!
We had been hugging each other tightly all this time....
"Thank you so much Yale..."
"Whatever!!!"
We broke apart and just sat and looked at each other.
"Wo-"
"-ow"
We said it at the same time. then laughed.
"Soooo... you deemed it fit to ask me to marry you without a ring. Abi the rice and meat was my ring?
"Hahaha can that work?"
"Oh shush!"
He came and shoved me with his butt so he could share my chair "Well I wanted you to choose your ring."
"You know I ain' cheap when it comes to these things, hope the credit card is ready!"
"Don't broke us before we marry o!"
I just had to smile....We were getting married. I was going to be Mrs.Yale Johnson.....ohhh that sounded sexy already. Yale Dairo-Johnson....hmmn...Yale D Johnson...?
"Yale? snap out of it...."
"I leaned in to kiss my 'fiancee'..."So when are we going to get my rock?"
That had to be Arinze. I walked back to the door when the doorbell rang not too long after Toba left.
"Hey...." he had a look of concern when I opened the door.
"Hey you... please come in...." I opened the door wider to let him inside. but quickly rushed onwards to wards the living room. "Sorry for the inconvenience had an impromptu visitor..." I trailed off and turned to look at him. He was still standing at the door. "Wassup?"
"Nothing..." he had a weird expression on his face. Something like....indecision. "Er...Are you ok?"
"I will be..."
He looked deeper at me for a split second then... sighed and switched to a visibly lighter mood. Maybe to make me feel better....."Hows .....the little hommie?"
I laughed... "Hommie???"
"Yes now..." he gave a sly smile like he was pleased..
"What if its a girl?"
"Him?? A babe? Dont let him hear you o, he'd be insulted."
I laughed out loud. This guy was not even serious... "You're not serious Arinze. Please stop standing at my door like that come and sit... can I offer you a drink or something?"
"Well I have to be back at the hospital in a bit.. I however did mention I had a lil something something for you..............." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a slip. "Come sit..." he patted the couch space beside him.
I went and sat. "What is it?" I curiously tried to peer into his hands...
"Well its a special invitation to the annual Young doctors congress... its in Vegas this year. And Im a guest speaker"
"O....k??"
"Its 1 day really, on a Thursday...butttt its in Vegas annnddd I was offered the entire weekend at the 'Venetian. and this package is plus one." He smiled suspiciously at me. "I've been working like a dog for.... a long time....I need a break. And I utterly REFUSE to take my cousin Ugo again."
I laughed... "Ugo huh..."
"Yes. Anyways, Suni....I want you to come with me" He beamed.
"To Vegas?" He nodded then sat back watching my reaction.
"Oh... and..." He smiled devilishly again "its THIS Thursday..." He sat back again.
How convinient. Should I take it...? I would LOVE to spend the weekend with Arinze, and see him in his element. I would LOVE to go to Vegas... have some nice pampering time. But I would HATE to comply with Tobas useless suggestion and....be gone.
"Suni, its going to be great I promise... or you have something else planned? "
"Not even... tis just....." Take it Suni. This is a win win anyways... Take it. "Ok...."
"Ok?"
"Ok Ill go......" I smiled.
"Wow that was easier than I thought....."
"I'm unpredictable like that...." He smiled a satisfied smile. This was going to be ok Suni. Like I said.. win-win situation.
Me and Yale had talked rings for the rest of the night. I had brought out my MacBook and we had googled ourselves to exhaustion. She insisted on sleeping at her place that night claming that my seductive effort were futile. She already knew my ulterior motive. The girl had issues sha. But I am happy. I feel like I just made a killer deal and only I know that its a cash cow. I laughed to myself as I pulled back into my driveway but my laughter was cut short. I noticed someone sitting on my steps. A someone who looked a hell lot like Ronke.
Oh Lordy Lord....
I took my time in parking and getting out of the car. Trying to sharply think of a splendid excuse to get her away fast. I wonder what the issue was this time. Maybe she needed a ride... if it was to Far Away I'd gladly assist her.
"Hey Ronke...." She was sobbing. I couldnt help my self. I rolled my eyes. "Whats wrong?" Because I didnt want her in the house I dropped beside her on the porch.
She kept on sniffling. Her head in her hands she didn't even answer me. She started crying a bit harder. Something gripped in my chest. I moved closer. "Ronke whats the problem?" I waited... more sobs. "Im not a mind reader........." This babe really needs to get her shit together I thought to myself. "Should I call Yale?" She whipped her head up. Ehen... I knew that would get her -
"Whoaa!" My thoughts were cut short by her black eye. I immediately reached for her.
"N-no... don't" she hiccuped and winced. "She'll f-f-freak out-t-t"
"What in the hell happened to you Ronke???" I touched her face she gave a loud yelp.
"Its painful pleasee....." she scooted away and continued sobbing... I jumped up adn puller her with me.
"Come inside... put some ice on that...." I fumbled for my keys and found them and quickly opened the door. "You have to tell me what happened. An emotion.. it felt like anger... was rumbling in my belly.
She timidly walked into the house and straight to the couch. Her sobbing was siltent but loud.
"Ronke. Tell me now." I had shut and locked the door and now stood over her. I wanted an explanation if I had to offer help. And she needed it.
"I always get the douche bag Shaffy... thats what happened. I got the douche."
I needed a bit more, pardon my cluelessness. "As in....?"
"A guy who claimed to like me punched me in the fucking face." She raised her voice in anger. "He said I should never raise my voice at a man!! Can you imagine the asshole? HE FUCKING PUNCHED ME!!"
I was.....not surprised. She did have a mouth on her but dammit no man should do this to a lady. A small voice at the back of my head said "Ronke isnt entirely a "lady"..... I immediately felt ashamed for thinking that. She was hurt for Christs sake.
"Im going to sue the motherfucker....This is domestic violence!!" She started weeping again. I couldnt help comfort her. First of all I needed her calm... second of all I needed her out of the house ASAP... If I knew this girl well.... "Its ok.... shhhhh.." I rocked her....
"Shafa I wasn't even rude or anything I swear. I know I can be a smart mouth at times but all I said was that he shouldnt be disrespecting me and chatting up other girls in my presence."
"Whats his name?"
"You dont know him..."
"I'm sure I'll know some people who will, what's the name?"
"Robby....Robert."
"I told you to leave these Oyinbo guys you wont listen!"
She laughed small...."He was cuuuteee and he was.......cute" she said it again as if it dawned on her that was the only good thing about this idiot.
I shook my head..."Let me get you something for your eye." I stood up but she clung to me...
"No just....." Ah ah. "I just need to sit down small...."
"Ok... sit.. let me get the ice pack so the swelling can reduce small...did any one see this happen??" I peered closely at her eye... the swelling wasn't that bad but it was there.
"His roommate..... but he's just a big of an asshole. He was giving him props....." she pouted..."I didnt know where else to go, He knows where I stay and I just didn't fee safe.... I kind of....... slapped him back... then ran for my life...."
"Sheesh Ronke..."
"No one punches me in the face and gets a way with it o.. lai lai..." she tried to squeeze her face but only ended up wincing.
"Yale would only freak out and insist on raising hell this night and... My head hurts and I.... Im hurt...this shit is just fucked up like.... " tears trickled down her cheek. "Man.....Im just tired...."
I used this introspective moment she was having to go the kitchen and get an ice pack for her eye. I was tempted to text Yale. I didnt. I knew what Ronke meant. Yale would just add headache for everyone else with her panic and concern and...fussing. And I can imagine how Ronke didnt want all that right now. Ill message her in the morning. I brought the pack back and handed it to Ronke... "Put it onteh eye"
"But it hurts..."
"Well it'd hurt more if you dont compress it now...Oya" I thrusted teh pack in ther face.. she took it and put it very.... awkwardly on the eye it wasnt even touching it completely. "No... put it..." I took it from her and put it the right way...."Ok hold it..." She placed her hand over mine. Before I took my hands off it, I noticed the way she looked at me.....through the one ok eye. If trouble had a face.. this was it.
"Can I stay here till tomorrow?" she was pleading. And I was not going to succumb.
"Why dont I take you to..."
"Dont even say Yale's...."
"No not Yale.... Suni's...?"
She scoffed. "Suni doesn't like me."
"Really?" This wasnt news somehow. "Nah Im sure... she'd be nice to assist shes not a bitch like you..."
She smiled....I dont know if she did it on purpose but the smile was sexy.... "Its not my fault."
"Right..." i stood there and watched her watch me watch her compressing the eye. She knew I wasnt comfortable having her here. But she also knew she had a soft spot with me.
"Do you ever think of us?" I didnt see that coming.
"Whats there to think about?"
She smiled slowly again.... then jsut nodded. "Nothing I guess." she laughed to herself I guess in an attempt to peak my curiosity as to what she was laughing about. I wont play this game. Not tonight sha. When I didnt answer she spoke again. " Its just that I think I end up with all thse nonsense guys because I cant find one that tops you Shafa."
I stared at her intently. I knew this was gonna come back and bite me in the ass. I should never have touched her. "Ronke what we had...."
"Was the best thing that has ever happened to me." She tried to finish off...
"No Ronke.. it was nothing."
"Bullshit."
I sighed. This was going to be a long night.
"Shafa....you couldn't get over my body. You LOVED it...."
"Your body Ronke...."
"And me....?
"Not the way you expected Ronke... I mean... I care for you your welfare everything. Its paining me that maga touched you Id deal with that later... but man.. Ronke me and you cant ever work...." she had dropped the icepack and was staring at me now. Painfully.. fresh tears were rolling down her face and it was obvious it wasn't from the Robby punch. "I proposed to Yale."
Its odd that she'd be the first to know... but I needed her to get me out of her head, system and stop trying to ruin things. Her jaw slightly dropped when I said that..
"When?"
"A few hours ago..."
"No way..." she said more to herself than to me. I just sat and watched her... hoping the whole thing was beginning to sink for her.
She dropped the ice pack beside her and then stood up.
"Where are you going?" she walked towards me. I had this very cowardly urge to RUN. "Ronke..."
As she reached me I stood up. "See...." I towered over her. "let me take you to Suni's"
"Shaf....You really don't want me?" she was peering straight into my eyes now.
No... I dont know if I said it out loud... or in my head.. or in my heart I sha said it somewhere. Then she ran her hands up my chest...
"WHOOAA! Ronke... " I stepped back and held her arms at arms length. "Quit this bullshit now." My voice had turned to ice.... but where she touched me burned. See Ronke is a weak spot for me and this is because she knows my weak spots. All of them. Even the ones I dont know about. During our very short lived fling... she was a whizz in finding and mastering all my spots... she was an artist when it came to that.
"Shafa......" I glared at her....and she smiled back devilshly. "You still want me."
I need to get her out of town... just for the weekend. At least until they are gone. I knewww they had to be around soon. Things were too quiet. How am I going to do this now. She wont even see me.
"Toba is that you?"
I turned around. I had been standing at her door for.... I guess long enough for her to notice me and then confront me.
"Suni....." I drank in the sight of her. She was something else. She had braids now.and they fell down in front of her shoulders down to her breasts... which were visibly bigger. She was wearing a humongous beige sweater which worked excellently with her complexion. the sweater went ALL the way to her knees... If I knew Suni well she had gained a couple of pounds and wanted to conceal it.
"Toba what are you doing here?" She came out the doorway slightly... in a defensive way. Then she instinctively folded her arms over her belly. Well she wasn't too pleased to see me that I can tell.
"Suni we need to talk...."I looked around.... for some odd reason I felt paranoid. " Urgently really."
"Erm Toba.. if this is about my baby....."
"Its about you...."
"What about me??"
I felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand... that feeling you feel when you're being watched... it heightened. I looked around again.. it seemed.... clear... but you never know. "Can I come in......." She had no reason to... "Please...."
"Look Toba, I don't know whats with you and... I'm not comfortable. -"
"Please Suni.. Please.. lets just talk inside, I promise I wont stay long...."
"Seriously Toba...."
"I'm begging you Suni."
"Fine." She stepped aside. I stepped through. She smelled like........vanilla.
Bad move Akusuni. Bad move. "So....." Toba was here in my house. He looked harmless really. Still handsome. But the burning attraction I used to feel for him every time I saw him.. or were together... It sure wasn't present now. I looked at him well. He looked. worried. Scared. Like something or someone was after him. He kept looking at the door.
"Suni... I'm not asking you to get rid of our ba-"
"My baby Toba. Mine. You lost rights to this baby when you sentenced her....or him to death without thought."
Wow. that threw me off.....but I guess its well deserved. It would be hard to explain AGAIN the reason behind my request."Fair enough.....I'm not asking you to abort YOUR baby Suni." she looked satisfied at her claim. "But I'm asking you to be safe. I know you don't believe any of the things I try to tell you about me and why I wanted to...." I didn't wanna replay my reasons... I hated being the enemy here. "Suni.. above everything I want you to... be safe and... please.. "
"Wait wait wait wait WAIT. Just holdddd it."
I actually kept quiet.
"One. I really don't care what YOU want Toba. It IS the least of my priorities.. hell its not even a priority." she paused... whether it was for my response or for effect I don't know. "Secondly. Stop pleading with me and pleasing... just say what you came to say."
"Safety... can you take my advise and stay somewhere just for this weekend?"
"Huh?"
"There are some people coming this weekend. I don't want you to be in town when they come. Anything could happen."
"Who's coming."
"Suni.... would you go?"
"Er Of course not! How am I just going to stand up and ex for the weekend. I have a life. plans and..."
"Suni. Please. Just for this weekend.... Its... its... " I was scrambling for any other good reason..."It could help you relax for the baby and you know ... "
"Toba.. I'm relaxed here.. its shit like this that make me agitated." We had sat down in the kitchen but no she stood up and started pacing. "Who is coming?"
"My fathers."
"Ers.?" She looked at me confused. "Like more than 1?"
"Yes Suni. My cult fathers. They are here this weekend. I would like to ask you to NOT be here when they come."
"Why?"
"Because you are not safe. You have something of theirs"
"No Toba thats where you are wrong. YOU have something of theirs. I owe nobody NOTHING!"She started pacing again."What kind of nonsense is this now... I'm just doing my own jejely who asked me to be involved with cultist now." I assumed she wasn't talking directly to me anymore."I cant believe this SHIT is happening to me mennnn......"she flopped down on the seat. and stared at me. She was thinking. She always bit her lip when she was thinking.... I waited. I hoped.
I was in the dress. It had taken me... a long time to find it. But I did. I had worn the dress with red accessories, but tonight I wore it with gold. I had on huge pearl earrings lined with gold. My hair was in pinned up so the back of the dress wasn't hidden. Well technically there was no back. The dress was tailored so it dipped in a V all the way to the small of my back. It was long sleeved and the front was turtlenecked in lace so you could see some cleavage. The dress itself was velvet and wasn't too short. It was RIGHT on knee length for me. It was one of those... extra sexy concealed seductive dresses. Yes I had had a plan when I wore it for Shafa's send off.
Tonight though, I felt very sexy. My makeup was very light...and... Shafa must fall in love with me again.Yes. I was prepared. It was 6:50..... He should be here anytime now.
I walked around the house to make sure all the lights were off. then went to the living room. I hate waiting.
6:55 ugh... WHERE is he??? I fidgeted with the tv... Stood up.. paced... sat back down. If this boy is late....
I walked to the kitchen.... then walked back. I didn't want to eat anything and smudge my lip gloss either... The door bell rang.
6:59 lucky maga!
"Shafa Johnson!!"
"Wow."
"Shafa! You're..........almost late."
"Wow."
"Lets go jo..." I walked out then shut the door to lock it. "And close your mouth." Hi5 Yale... mission accomplished. We got into the car and I knew he was still looking at me.
"Yale. NEVER remove this dress." I laughed out loud... no I guffawed!!
"Im not a mooch like that ehn. Its not that serious." He started the car and started driving...."So where are we dating tonight."
"You'll see...."
I liked surprises... so I just smiled and waited.....Shafa free hand reached for mine as I reached for his... I had to smile...
"Do you like surprises?" she hadn't picked the first time I called, but I figured she was busy so I waited for a bit to call back and if maybe leave a message. She picked up though.
"Depenndss...."
"I have a surprise."
"Hmm... what is it?"
"Well Ill have to show you. Be there in 5..."
"Er....."
"You're busy?"
"Erm... I have a visitor now, but gimme like 20mins?"
"O....k....." She sounded...pensive"Are you ok Suni?"
"Yes yes... just.. 20mins ?"
"Ok... see you in 20 then."
********************************************************************************** I stared across the table at a man I once loved? I dont know.. felt deeply for. I stared across into the eyes of the father of the child. The one who wanted me safe, but my child dead.
"I dont know. Let me think about it Toba."
"I need to know now Suni."
"Do NOT....." I took a deep breath. " Don't rush me Toba." I WAS going to consider this. " Let me figure things out. Ill call you this evening." I stood up to let him know his "wont stay long" was long overdue.
He caught on and stood up. "What time would you call back?"
"Before I sleep"
"Suni... please...."
"Shit Toba Ive heard. Its one thing you roped me into this... this.... freaking mess... allow me get things together dammit. I don't know what kind of foolery you've tried to ... get me into but trust me I wont be involved. I am very much believing that I CANNOT suffer the sins of my.... boyfriend....EX! God will fight my own battles... you better find someone or being to fight yours cause its not going to be and it wont be my baby. I will consider going away for the weekend but I need to weight my options and priorities. If I do choose to stay however, you HAVE to respect my decision. I don't want you showing up at my doorstep like a freaking stalker and riling up different theories as to how I need to follow YOUR rules and get deeper into your mess of a life. So yes.. kindly.. give me some space as it is obvious your crowding me. Ill call tonight." During this spiel I had walked to the door and was now standing with it open. Aka walk the hell out of my house. He was insulted. I could see it, but what ever was eating him, had gotten to him so bad that he looked more defeated than insulted. He just...... nodded.
"Shafa you made me spice up like this for a night IN?'
"Welllll......" We walked to the door..which he opened for me...again. "Look I'm dressed up too"
Oh I had noticed. Dark suit, Dark t-shirt. No tie.... this look NEVER failed my Shafz...
"I can see...."
The lights in the house were off... instinctively i reached out to the switch. As if he knew I was going to do that... he stopped me.. "Calllmmm downn!"
"Ah ah.. we are standing in darkness Shafa. I am a child of Light please." I laughed... cause he laughed. He took both my hands and led me to the dining room. Out of reflex I let out an awwwww. He had the kitchen all set up. Candle light and all. "Shafa...."
"Hold on Hold on....." He went to the counter and grabbed... a remote? Music came on.....Teach me how to love by Musiq Soulchild. I loved this song!
"Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Shafa!! My trackkk " I started swaying cause that song GETS me...
He guided me to my seat and sat me down at the table. "Hungry?"
I was singing along but I nodded. Tonight was going to be fun. I liked this. He should do this all the time. "What are we eating...?"
"Rice and Stew and Dodo.." I laughed out loud because thats the only thing Shafa can cook well.
"Sounds like a plan...." he went to the stove ans served my a plate. I had to laugh because he was like all... sexy... waiting on me.... I walked up to him and hugged him from behind while he served.
"You can never sit still.. go and sit down!"
"Never! With you looking too scrumptious standing here serving me that I had to come and see that you are not putting otumopko in my food." He laughed..."You know you have me already....no need for jazz" He laughed again and turned around.
"You're sure?"
"Ehen now..." We walked back to the table with our plates. He poured some wine and since we were staying indoors I dove for one sexy looking peice of dodo. "Men Shafa... your dodo is the BUSINESS!"
He laughed. And went to sit down on the other side of the table.
"Ok cute date is over.. come and sit close to me so we can play footsie while I commend you on your exceptional rice and stew skills..."
"Yale your ruining my candle light dinner!"
"Candle light ni... lantern ko.. my friend dress here!"
He laughed... and came closer... kissed me on my forehead before he sat down. "You're something else."
Zapp and rogers I wanna be your man came on. I had to stop eating. I just HAD to. This here... THIS was MY track! MY OWN!
"Hey Ladddyyyyy!" I stood up. and grabbed Shafa's hand. "Excuse me dance?"
"You too like this song!"
Why wont I? This song was too madd. I sang on. "I can't liiiiiveeeee my lifeeee without you!" I leaned close to him.
He completed the next part. "Uhhh baby"
"Everytime I see you walking by I cannot breathhhheeeee" we were singing together now and mimicking a bad ass performance. Shafa entered auto tune mode. "Yooouu dont understand but in time you willlllll"
"I must make you understannnnddddddddd" we both mimicked ddrummers... "DUM DUM"
"IIII wanna be your man!" we collapsed in laughter. Our singing was just terrible. But nice. and we did look dashing. Shafa pulled me close ... we were still giggling but more of dancing now. He ran his hands down my exposed back. "This dress will not be the cause of my death Yale..."
"It has served its purpose"
"No kidding!"
He kept on caressing my back as we danced... just enjoying each others moves. It was nice though.... a nice night. I like this... "Shafa this is soo nice...."
"Im good like that..."
I hit him because he was now praising himself. "You're not serious... you tried sha...." I couldn't help but wonder though....what was the occasion. "Oya so what do you want from me Mr.Johnson?" I looked up at him... he looked at me and its like I fell in love AGAIN. Shafa had very intense eyes and very pretty lashes.
"Well...."
"As if I knew... coy man. Using food and candle to entice me into giving you what you want."
"Well..... I'm hoping you'll want to give me."
"What?" my curiosity was at 1000 level now. He stopped dancing and reached for the remote. Zapp and rogers were still crooning. He reduced the volume till we almost couldn't hear them. "What's it Shafa....?"
"I was wondering if you could assist me in something very serious. Its a huge proposition and I'm hoping you could help?"
"What is it? Business?"
"Well.. it depends on how you look at it... it could be an investment for you...really..."
"O....k....?" He walked me to my seat and sat me down...."Tell me jo.. I'm dying of curiosity."
"K....." he ran his hand over his face.
"Are you in trouble? financially?"
He laughed... "No I'm not Yale... ok fine.. its like this........" He took my hands...
"Would you be interested in being.." He cleared his throat. "In being my ... wife?