S2 W12. Guilty Pleasures

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. ..............."

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"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.

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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. 

Click.

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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.

:::: INTERMISSION ::::

Hey Inkers, 

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...

Ok OK OK.. Im going.. Byee!

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?"

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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. 

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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.