S2 W11. ...And the rains would come.

"Yale....?"

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."

S2 W10. The wind WILL Blow before a storm...

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. 

"Thanks will hear form you this evening I hope."

I closed the door.

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

We drove up into his driveway.

"So this is the surprise? Your house?"

" Yes now... " he got out to pen the door for me.

"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?

S2 W9. What God has put together....

Ronke had literally jumped into Shafa's car. I was tempted to call her out and be like "yo, what are you doing", but that was the least of my problems now. Besides I trust Shafa... and I know he doesn't even like her like that  so....yea....

Ronke literally jumped into my car sha. This babe goes haarddd! Yale had looked suspicious for a bit. But then she smiled it off like it wasn't possible. I plead with her mentally to carry this woman from my hand. She walked up to me...

I walked up to him and I know Ronke was watching me. But who cares. I tiptoed (cause Shafa's tall like that) and I kissed him. I kissed him hard enough to let him know I still wanted him as bad as the first time... and soft enough to let him know I wasn't worrying.  I trust him. I refuse to use words to express these things because..... sometimes.. actions speak wayyy louder than words. I slowly came back down on my feet... and to earth. I looked up at him...straight into his eyes....

Yup. I love her.

Period. Full stop. End of story.

Shes literally everything I want in a woman all stuffed up in one body. And that body is here in front of me. Wanting me back. She was looking at me like she was inside my head. Like she could see the whole back and forth with Ronke.. and it was like she....trusted me not to do anything.  More than I trusted myself. That's a woman for you....a right woman...

"Erm..... ok. So... I'll go with Shafa ba?" I didnt have to look at Ronke to tell she was irritated.


I smiled at my main object of focus and patted his face with my hand. "See u later babe..." I looked at Ronke and just laughed. "Before nko? you think I want your wahala in my vehicle." I walked to my car and dialed Suni's number. I hope she was home.

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

I was done my shift for the day...but I really wasn't craving for my bed as usual. I was hoping to run into Suni somehow. The girl hadn't stopped being on my mind since.....since she first came to confirm her pregnancy. Then we had that moment when she was admitted... but after that I had seen her only once... I ran into her late one night at Walmart. I remember spotting her in line from the end of the aisle. Tiny, wearing some huge sweater thingy. It made her look even smaller. She looked fuller though... body wise. He face was healthier, but her features still sharp. And her hair was different. It was curly now, but pulled back in a pony tail. The girl was nothing short  (no pun intended) of stunning. I hadn't even realize when I had walked up to help her.

"Arinzee...." she had looked surprised to see me. A good surprised. That made me happy.

"Hey mama"

"Ugh please... dont call me that" I swiped the bags from the counter and from her hands, there were four in total.

"All this grub for you?"

"I'm eating for two, its allowed." she was smiling really hard. She had lovely teeth and perfect lips to accentuate them.

"True True." I waited for her to walk in front of me so she could lead the way.

"Just got off work I suppose...." She walked towards one of the lonely cars in the parking lot. A dark blue Yaris. Cute.

"Yup......................" she opened the trunk and I dropped the bags. "Needed to browse the mart to see what I can pick up to eat."

"Aww.............................." she stood there smiling. I stood there waiting.... for what I dont know. She looked at her car as if contemplating...."Want me to help you choose between WonderBread and NoName?"

And that's how Suni and I spent the next 1 hour. in that time I found out she was even more stunning that I had first thought. She was very comical, extremely picky, and she always broke things down. She was hella sexy. She kept biting her lips when it came down to choosing. I remember it was ground beef time. There was the one that was $3.29 and on one that was fresh and the $4.50 one that was obviously more, but was about to expire. Naturally I would've picked the $4.50 one, but this woman stood there weighing pro's and cons of picking the $3.50 one. She would bite her lips then weigh them both in her hands... then give a reason why one is better. We stood there for 5 minutes... I watched her battle. Hell, ground beef wasn't THIS important to me, but i loved this performance she was giving. The girl was entertaining. We finally went with $4.50.   We had talked about everything in this one hour. She was doing fine with the baby... almost 2 months now. She subtly mentioned an issue with the father of the child that peaked my interest. I would love to know more....Anyways our impromptu midnight Walmart rendezvous had come to end. I was with groceries and the prettiest girl in the store. I was a happy man.

We said out good bye's in the parking lot and that was it. The moment she drove away, I waited for her to do that, I felt... lonely. That was the moment my apartment stopped being appealing to me. Ever since I have dragged my feet to go home after work. Today the feeling was worse. I missed Suni. Weird feeling cause I really dont know her, but ya... I miss her. So being a doctor, trained to act quickly and make concise decisions swiftly. I call.

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


Suni was responding better than I expected to the whole Toba story...I remember thinking I would be there for hours trying to simmer down what I thought would be a major blowup in anger, but no. Suni had blown off the whole thing like there was nothing to worry about.She truly believed Toba cared for her and was borderline going crazy because of her saftey. She said she was not going to get rid of the baby though.... but everything would be fine.Whatever it is. Babe was floating on some cloud and didn't give a damn what Toba thought. I was happy and sad. Happy that she wasn't giving him the time of the day, but sad that I didn't understand her total disregard for the situation. I expected more..........drama.

"So.. what are you going to do?"

She laughed... "Nothing Yale... I'm just going to keep on existing, I wont kill myself for someone else......that is not my child" she added as an after thought. Her phone rang.... and this girl,, I swear, started blushing. YES I could see it through her dark skin.

"Hey you...." she mouthed A.r.i.n.z.e

"Ah ha......" I smiled back...maybe that's why she was so.... euphoric.


"I'm fine.... Im making lunch" she listened for a moment and laughed... "You're not serious! Im eating for twooooo" and walked away into the next room, like I wasn't even there. Hmm na wa o! I walked after her... my amebo antenna alert.


"you cant cook ground beef? Arinze its EASY!" She was laughing again. I tapped her and told her to put it on speaker phone. She kicked me in reply. Love wan tin tin.. Makes a girl kick her best friend. My phone rang... Shafa.

"Hey babe.."

"Still at Suni's?"

"Ya.....but I'm leaving... shes being toasted outta her manners..."

"Are you serious? Who??"

"Dokita of course...."

"Oh...." He laughed but remained silent small.. something was up...


"Wassup....?"


"Nothing.... just wanted to ask... " He coughed... "Ok this would be weird, but I just wanted to ask if you'd like to go on a date with me?"

I burst out laughing..."You're on crack....why??"


"Seriously Yale....I want to take you out today...."

He sounded so serious....He WAS serious.....I decided to play along.. " Hmm... I dont know, I have to check my schedule"


"It's free jo...i'll pick you at 7:30?"

"See your head."

"Please wear that black dress you wore to my send off..." Oh wow... he noticed what I wore?? "And if you;re wondering... yes I noticed. You burned an image of you in my head with that dress.............."

I was blushing so hard right now....giving Suni a run for her moneyy!! I had already worn my shoes and let myself out. I was almost running to my car to start getting ready......"I guess Ill see you at 7 then Mr. ITK...."


"Yessssssssssssssssssssssssss!" I had to laugh cause the guy REALLY sounded excited. Hell I was excited too.... I guess I gotta go get pretty for my man.... I wonder where Ronke is....? Hmn...

**************************************************************************************************************
"Is this 'Nova?"

I knew the voice. "Yes Sir"

"We will be in the area over the weekend. Make yourself available."

"Yes Sir."

The line went dead. I guess.... time has come.

S2 W8. Ignorance is Bliss

Always talking! Ronke can NOT shuttup. Lai lai. She was on her phone when she entered the office.....without knocking! Might I add. She froze for a split second when she saw me. Like she was surprised.

“E ye o! Yale since when??”

“I should as you the same question.” She was holding a Swiss Chalet take out bag in her hand. What the… “I see you brought lunch…” I eyed the bag.

She held it up “Yaaaa…..” then dropped it again “Seems like I’ll be eating alone.”

I did NOT appreciate the way this conversation sounded. I felt I was sharing my man. I don’t know. This was just not rubbing me the right way. “Mhmn…” Or maybe I was just being paranoid. Ronke, loud mouth as she is, is still a sweetheart…………………………

Shafa coughed and stood up. “Ronke what’s really good? This is a pleasant surprise.” He pointed to the couch on the other side of the office. He walked to my side and sat on the table beside me.

She smiled to herself, like she understood something and it was funny. “I was just in the hood o, you know me now, I'm trying to skip that literature class. If to say the man was fine now… maybe, but caaaaammmaaaaannnn” She dropped the bag on the floor and leaned back into the chair. “So what are you two lovebirds up to?”

I looked at Shafa, he looked at me and smiled. I smiled back. Reflex.

“Yale here surprised me and brought lunch. When I didn’t even know I was hungry. We just chilling…..” he winked at me and I laughed. Reflex again. I swear… when he’s goofy, I can’t help but relax.

My instinct was alert though. That I couldn’t ignore.

“Wait, Ronke, shouldn’t you be wrapping up soon?”

“Im done o, don’t get it twisted, but in order to grad with honors, I need to get an A in this Lit class. Talk about imposi-CANT??” She reached for the Swiss Chalet bag and started opening it up “Please, let me lunch here….Im dying of hunger and than man is just draining the small energy I have left. Can you Imagine…. I was in class o, trying to hold on to the last shred of interest in this dude’s class…….”

I tuned out. As she had started like this. Ronke would not stop until she was tired. She had on makeup today. Well.. she always has on makeup.. but it was….nicer today, like she spent time. And her hair was definitely done, like she didn’t just pack it up and come. It was all straightened and glistening and shit. She looked pretty. She was being animated now…

“He kept on flaying his hands like a retarrdd!!!” she was animating it. Shafa was finding it amusing. I laughed too… but I wasn’t really laughing at her antics per say. I tuned out again.

Not like she was talking to me. Her whole story seemed to be for Shafa. She was even angled towards him.  I know... It seems like Im being overly.... sensitive. Like this is Ronke! Besides even if she's oogling Shafa, it cant be for real. I mean the boy IS good looking. So... hey.

Anyways... I better get 

"Shafa when do you get off?" I didnt mean to cut her little tale short, but I had to go. I looked at Ronke apologetically..."Sorry..."

"Rude Much..."

"Abeg jo, you will talk our ears off if I dont stop  you anyways." I looked back at Shafa... he seemed amused. "Abi?"

"Abeg leave me out of this sha.!!" he threw his hands up and then stood up from the desk and went back to his seat. "I can get off now..."

"Ok, lets go together then..."

"Go where" Ronke and her amebo tendencies. I pray for this girl o!

"No where that concerns your class skipping class. Im gonna call your mom."

"Uh" she did her mouth like she was digusted at my attempt to be elderly. "See you.... If you like, tell now." She stood up and  over exaggeratedly adjusted her obviously  fitting jeans...ran her hands over her jeans again, at that moment I happened to turn back to Shafa to want to ask him to speed up and.....maybe it was just my eye.... but I can SWEAR he was checking her out. Like... he was looking through the corner of his eye at her. But then he looked at me so casually ...it was  like... that didnt happen.

Yeah... I was just being paranoid.

"Dont even tell me to hurry Yale... your mouth is already twisting." I had to smile.

"What -evvvver."

Ronke took a deep loud breath behind us. "Since y'all are ditching me....."

"Dont go and graduate, be feeling ditched there..." Shafa finished whatever he was rounding up on the computer and grabbed his jacket.

"The two of you... wont kill me." He walked to the door and opened it."After you ladies...."

I started making my way to the door. Good thing we were moving anyways, this office was getting stuffy, I was beginning to hallucinate and imagine things and I needed to get to Suni's early if I wanted to get home early today. "Seriously Ronke, stop skipping class you need it to  graduate......"


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

Yale was ranting again. I love that girl but .....

Ronke walked by me at that moment. This giirrrllll.. this girrrllllll!!

She mouthed "My place..?"

I shook my head and ushered her out....and yes. I did notice the booty. I actually remember those jeans. Weird, they are burned in my head. Back when we had our....thing. For lack of a better name to call it, those were the jeans the she wore the first day we kinda let our feeling run amuck. I kno them cause of the red threading detail around the ass. They made those jeans for her body alone. I swear.  She knew what she was doing wearing those jeans here today. Thank God for Yale o! I turned to lock my office door. Ronke is not my favorite girl see.....but the girl is something else. If encouraged she will make a pastor sin with no regrets.

"Shafaaa...." Yale was at the exit already. She beckoned to me to hurry up. Ronke was again strategically behind her.

"Calm down jo.." I walked by the reception and waved to Chauncy. "See you later bro."

He gave me the "Nice one" nod. Man... I cant have this kind of news going round the office.. I can only imagine how this seems. ........... "Have a nice one Mr. Johnson."

Ya Ya whatever.

"You're seriously taking you time....." Yale Yale Yale... I smiled sheepishly.

We walked to the parking lot briskly... everyone has to go at Yale's pace. We got there and seeing as Yale brought her car, and I had mine, we had ot now spit.  Yale looked at me....

"Ok.... I guess..." She looked at Ronke... Ronke just innocently looked back at me

"Soooooooo.....Can I get a ride?"

S2 W7. Confidant

"Someone looks forlorn today..." Jackie sat on my desk and started playing idly with a pen while she waited for my attention. I continued typing. "Shafa..." she poked my busy hand with the pen. I looked at her. "Talk to me...."

"Jackie I'm fine....do you have the final drafts so I can start modeling?" Didn't mean to snap, but ya.

"Shafa, I have them but that's not the issue. What's eating at you?" she slid down from the table and finally took the seat opposite me. "Is it Yale?"

"Why would it be Yale?" My problem with some women is that they like to feel like they knowww...

"Because, you're not easily ruffled. Only someone who has a grip on you can ruffle ......you?" she wasn't even smiling when she said that so I knew she wasn't joking. She really believed that. Again she sat, patiently waiting.

Jackie is a very unique person. She's random. Charming. Funny. And shes a looker. I can't lie and say I'd never noticed her good looks, she IS stunning, but we just never clicked like that.  We have steadily been building a very wish washy close friends kinda relationship and...ya. I know however that she's feeling me in some way. Yea, we have deep conversations every now and then and we are like homeboys when we interact, but shes a woman. A very free and open one at that. She can't really mask her feelings when shes around me.  Since she came into town and we were partnered up to work on the lounge project downtown, we had become relatively close. She's had her short comings, lest we forget the drunken incident?? (*Read S1, W15) But she was a great lady. A number of the guys here have bugged me about her. Apparently we are quite the team and it seems Im the only one she gives the time of the day to. The other day Simon, the drafter from 3rd floor whom Ive spoken all but 3 words (Hey, I'm Shafa) to since I started working here came, sat at my desk and asked me, quite rudely, if I was with Jackie. After I denied the hommie didnt even wait for me to finish shaking my head he asked if he could have her number.

"What are you smiling at? What are you thinking?"

I re focused on her face. She had on blood red lipstick today which matched her dress shirt. On any other person this would have been a bit much for the office, but Jackie pulled it off nicely. It was professionally attractive. Made you wanna listen to what she had to say when she spoke.

"Nothing...really... you're just making me laugh with your curiosity." she seemed to blush a bit, she looked away for a split second.

"So... whats ruffling you like this naaa- uuuu" she smiled proudly at her rendition of the word "now". she had been practicing a Nigerian accent because she was recently introduced to Nolly-wood by one of these many razz Nigerian babes in this city that she met at her many....raves.

"You've come again with your half cooked accent" I had to smile back though. I needed to talk with someone. Unbiased, Good listener, Analytical, non judgmental......yea. Jackie would do. "Yale's cousin...female.... is kinda...............digging me." I looked closely to see any trace of reaction that would tell me if I should continue speaking or if Id made the biggest mistake by opening my mouth. She stared blankly back at me as though waiting for more.

"An-nndd this is a problem because.......?" She was confused. "Look, Shafa Im sure you aware of your good looks, sex appeal, charming attitude, I mean you're a very attractive package. I'm quite sure Yale's cousin is not the first to....digg" she demonstrates quotes "..you." Ok.. she was already breaking it down in her head.

"Mm.....The thing is....I find myself still wanting her?" I kinda hung my head at that moment cause that was the main problem.

There. I said it. I am attracted to Ronke.

"O." she mouthed it. Sat back like she finally understood. "Still?" she cocked her eyebrows.

"Don't get me wrong, I dont even like her as a person.... but ... we kinda had a little something be-"

"Hey Guys...." Simon from upstairs poked his BIG red head in. He gave me the "Allow others look" "Er...Shafa, a young lady is at the reception to see you. Yale..." he said it like he was casting me... Idiot.

Jackie looked at me... I didn't have to tell her we'll finish this discussion later. She didn't have to ask. Simon stood there smiling like he had finally won. Such an idiot.

Jackie stood up and straightened her pants., in the process she ran her hands over her thighs and backside. Simon was practically drooling. SUCH a BIGG IDIOT!

"Thanks Simon...." What was Yale doing here sef. She hardly came by my work, and even when she did she never came in.  Well siting here wasn't going to answer the question. We all exited my office.

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

He walked towards me slowly. He looked tired. He was in stone grey today agin. the color suited him. I love his walk... like he literally commands attention with his swag.

"Hey Babe..."

I tiptoed to hug him. Snuck a kiss in there. "Hey you..."

"What a pleasant surprise, since when did my work place start to appeal to you?" I knew he would be shocked. But today I felt spontaneous. Besides I wanted to gist him whats been going on with Suni n the cultist.

"I miss you and wanted to surprise you, I even brought lunch" AKA McDonalds.

We started walking to his office. I spotted stunna walking to the elevator. As always she looked annoyingly good. I looked at Shafa to see if he noticed her. He eyes were focused inside the Miki D's paper bag looking for fries. Jackie turned and spotted me. She waved.  I waved back.

"Jackie is waving o" He finally took his eyes off the food and looked. He waved back.

"So...." he munched on a fry. "Thanks by the way," he raised the bag "Didn't even know I was this hungry." We finally got to his office and got settled. He had wolfed down half of the fries already. I just watched him grub. He smiled at me and continued eating. Never really looking at me. Something had to be on his mind. He seemed....distant almost.  Maybe it's work.


"Hows the job? Hope they arent killing you..."

"Man.. its fine o, just need to make sure Jackie gets those drafts to me before the week runs out if not Im screwed with my time line for modeling." He started on the burger.


"Toba confessed to me about everything." He stopped chewing.

"As per......"

"Cult, Father, Suni, Everything."

"Wow....." He wiped his face and put down his barely eaten burger."Its true?"

"From what he said,yes." I actually laughed ..."Wanna know his reason for telling me?" I didnt even wait for him to answer because I was gonna tell him anyways."his reason for telling me...get this" I sat forward because I couldn't wait to give him the outrageousness "He says....Suni's baby is cursed and the cult is going to come after him and her and kill ALL of them." I rolled my eyes for emphasis. "Can anybody be THIS shallow and WEAK to convince the mother of their child the reason to abort is because of CULT members???" I laughed again because now the story was still very funny in my ear.

"Well....."

Ah Ahn "Oh Puh-leaseee!! Dont tell me you believe him Shafa?"

"Not that I do, but the boy IS known to be an Olode. Like this is a known fact." He adjusted in hsi seat. "My worry now is, this is all secret info he has downloaded on you, are you safe??" He looked worried. "Shit, am I safe??"

"Selfish much?" 

"Sorry, but really though........." he looked at me I looked at him, both of us lost in thoughts of how serious this info session via confession could be. "Have you told Suni?"


"I'm going there today... I'm apparently meant to try to convince her with his cock and bull story."

Shafa's phone vibrated on the table. I glanced at it...unconsciously.  He snatched it off the table, but not quick enough for me to have seen who was calling. It was Ronke.What's she calling him for? I bet she's following up on that coffee...that girl is just not serious.It vibrated again.


"Are you going to ignore your ultimate crush?" I teased. He really looked like he wasn't sure if he should pick or not. "Answer the girl oh, before she bursts in here!"

He half smiled and just let it ring. "Abeg leave these things... we have more serious issues on our hands." He picked up his burger again to get chowing. His office phone rang.


"AH - AH!" I clapped my hands together as if I were dusting them. "She even has your office number?" Odd... but then again its Ronke, she has everybody's business at her fingertips.

"What makes you think its her sef?" He picked "Shafa Johnson..." he paused listening. "Are you kidding me?" pause again. "Damn... ok thanks." he dropped the phone then hung his head with a huge sigh.

"Its her abi? Shit I'm too goodd!"

"Save me from your cousin o!! Yale... SAVE ME!!!"

I just laughed and waited for this dear cousin of mine to enter let me scold her for disturbing my man! I snagged an extra fry that Shafa hadn't eaten and just waited.