Adam’s Apple | Episode 5

After a long hiatus, ADAM’S APPLE is back. Thanks for your patience. To refresh your memory, kindly read the previous episodes HERE

I felt a heavy lump on my throat as I waved goodbye to Valerie. There was every possibility it would be my last time of ever seeing her. She was silent all through the journey to the park, giving me no clue into what was her mind.

As the bus moved away, I felt like chasing to get one more opportunity to hold Valerie and ask her forgiveness. I needed it badly, as it would be one more opportunity lost to find love. My brother’s curse was indeed coming true. As the bus veered off my sight, I couldn’t help but agree that it was time to find my brother and have him reverse his curse.

It was 2:15pm, going to the office would be a foolish decision. I lost track of time the moment Valerie stepped into my apartment that morning. The best decision was to return home and carefully consider how to get back on track with my life. I had lost count of how many ladies who have walked out of my life. Getting no younger, there was an important need to come to terms with my problem.

I silently said a word of prayer to God for a safe trip back to Asaba for Valerie. I really cared about her and still hoped she would come back to me someday; after I must have settled scores with my brother. Valerie was too much of an angel to lose, she was my perfect fit, and I resolved to do all within my power to get her back.

On my way home, I stopped at my favourite bar, not far from my house. I needed to clear my head, in order to create a proper strategy towards redemption. As I settled for a cold bottle of beer, I received a notification on my phone. It was a ping from Valerie.

“Thanks for making this journey a memorable one.” Her message was simple and clear to me. I understood what she meant by the word ‘memorable’ and that caused a sting in my heart. As I looked back at my phone, attempting to reply her message, I had hardly typed a word when she suddenly disappeared off my screen.

I frantically scrolled through my contacts, searching for her name. After going about the whole contact list repeatedly, it dawned on me that Valerie had deleted me off BBM. Not giving up, I logged on to Twitter, and went straight to my DM. My last conversation was with her, so I quickly typed every apologetic sentence that came to my mind. When I done typing, the reply that popped up on my screen was that I am not allowed to send direct messages to someone who is not following me. I was alarmed. I continued to search through twitter for Valerie’s handle, but I later found out she had blocked me.

Feeling terrible, I decided to put a call through to her. I waited in vain for a response, but none was forthcoming. The phone was not switched off, but Valerie seemed to have barred all calls from me.

I was covered in cold sweat. Could that really be the end between me and Valerie?

---

“Good riddance!”
That was the only phrase that rang through my head as I made the long journey back to Asaba. It really felt like the whole idea to have come to Lagos in the first place was borne out of hypnotism. A whole me! To have decided to come all the way to Lagos to meet a random guy I met via twitter was out of this world. I had to agree with my self that I was stupid. Not only did I foolishly travel, I did more foolish things with him, and fell into trouble with my uncle. To make matters worse, I have a bigger one awaiting me at home.

While I could easily forgive myself for all the foolish things I did, events that unfolded within the last hours of my stay in Lagos was not only unforgivable to myself, but I decided to forever hold a grudge with Greg! Yes, it was that serious.

I woke up very early that morning because I was eager to leave Uncle Steve’s house. I was mad at him for calling my father to report me missing. The thought was unbearable, and the more I entertained it, the more hatred I bore in my heart against him. Every other minute I spent in his house was like poison, so I decided to leave even before Sunday which I had earlier planned.

Greg was the reason I went missing in the first place, but I wasn’t intending to hold it against him. I decided to check at his place before boarding a bus back to Asaba, more because he alleged I left something at his place. Despite having convinced myself that it was a lie (no belonging of mine was missing when I checked), I still gave him a benefit of doubt and went ahead to visit him – it proved to be a very foolish decision I will not forget in a hurry.

I arrived at Greg’s place at exactly 7:30am, hoping to leave before 8am, but I inexplicably didn’t return to consciousness until 1:50pm!

The last thing I remembered was asking Greg to tell me what I had forgotten, but he was beating about the bush, and trying to kiss me. In order to have him answer me quickly, I gave in to his advances to kiss me, but that was it. I fell into some form of unconsciousness until afternoon.

I jumped out of his bed, stark naked! He was too. I knew immediately what had happened, but the more important thing was to get to the park and head for Asaba as soon as possible. Uncle Steve had called my parents the moment I left his place, and at the moment, my father would be expecting me home. Lagos to Asaba was roughly four hours. I had spent five hours on Greg’s bed!

I jumped into my gown and slipped into my shoes quickly. Make up was the last thing on my mind. I had to leave quickly.

“Why are you leaving so soon?” The annoying sleepy, lazy voice of Greg called out.

“I have lost track of time, my parents expect me home already” I responded quickly, hiding my disgust, but stating clearly my urgency.

Greg lazily rose and spent some extra minutes putting on what to wear. At long last, we were out of his apartment. It was clear that Greg wanted to delay me, hoping I would sleep at his place. I was highly disappointed in my self, for sleeping with Greg again, when I should be going home. I was more disappointed in Greg, first for taking advantage of me, and for being inconsiderate despite explaining the situation I expected to face at home with my father. I doubted if he ever had any true feelings for me. “One who loves and cares about me will not be selfish like him” I told myself.

I resolved to cut all ties with him, and forget I ever met him. I made sure I deleted him off BBM and twitter, and every other connecting point available.

The Greg episode was over, a tougher one awaited me at home.

Luckily for me, I was the last person to board the next bus going to Asaba. I didn’t spend up to ten minutes at the park before the journey began. Despite the difficulty getting out of Lagos traffic, I spent just a few minutes above four hours to arrive Asaba.

I got home at exactly 6:40pm. I felt the magnitude of what awaited me at home right from when I alighted from the bike which took me home from the park. My younger brother was the one who met me to receive my bag. He was not exactly excited to see me, and would give me no hint as to what to expect.

“Is Papa at home?” I asked.

“He is not, but he is not far away. He didn’t go to work today. He said he is waiting for you” Ovie, my brother replied.

My heart pounded. I didn’t realize how serious my father took Uncle Steve’s report. If he refused to go to work just to await my arrival, then I am in for big trouble. Mama was my only hope for help.

“Where is Mama?” I asked almost immediately.

“She has gone to traders’ meeting” Ovie responded as he disappeared into the house while I slowed down, thinking about what to do.

I wasn’t ready to face Papa’s wrath. I didn’t know what Uncle Steve reported to him exactly, but I knew I would have to conjure an explanation for leaving Uncle Steve’s place as early as 6:45am and getting home at 6:40pm.

---

I had fun at Tekena’s birthday. It was a good outlet to forget my worries and ease off the pressure of work. After all, it was a Friday, and I could easily use my weekend to get things done. By the time the guests were beginning to leave, I was exhausted. Tekena’s wife advised me to stay over. According to her, I was in no good condition to go home, but I assured her I was only tipsy, not drunk.

I danced with a lady at the party, but we couldn’t get talking because she excused herself to attend to someone. She didn’t return, and I had forgotten about her until she appeared again when I was about leaving. She was far away, so I had to tell Tekena and wife to give me a few minutes to talk to her.

“She is my colleague at work, a good friend of the family. Her name is  Itohan” Tekena’s wife, Sheila noted.

“Thanks for the info, it’s coming very handy” I replied, catching Tekena and his wife exchanging knowing glances, and silently urging me on.

“Hello Itohan” I said, tapping her gently on the shoulder.

“Hi” she answered. “How did you know my name?” She queried.

“Leave that for another time. I am Joachim, you can call me Jojo for short”

“Nice to meet you, Jojo.”

“It’s my pleasure. Why are you still here? I thought you had left.”

“I will be on my way soon. I am waiting for my fiancé to pick me up. He is on his way”

The mention of the word ‘fiancé’ was all I needed to know I was towing a wrong path. I was unhappy that such a beautiful damsel was already taken but I could do nothing about it.

“I only wanted to check on you” I responded, resigning to fate. “I will be on my way now”

“Thank you, Mr Jojo” she answered, full of smiles. Her beautiful dentition only added to my feeling of loss.

I returned to meet Tekena and his wife, relating the outcome to them.
“I am just as surprised. I am just finding out Itohan is engaged” Sheila explained, feeling sorry and probably as embarrassed as I was.

“Not to worry, Jojo has a pool of ladies around him. I’m glad he is finally thinking to settle down. He can easily pick the best from the abundance of ladies around him” Tekena joked.

As I drove home, I pondered about what Tekena had said. It was true that I had an abundance of female friends, but I have never had the impetus to take things to the next level with any of them. I wondered what suddenly changed in me, and why I have suddenly decided to start thinking that way.

Itohan would be the first lady I have been bold enough to express my heart to, but she stopped me in my tracks before I could even say ‘Jack Robinson’. Alas, there was joy in my heart. I was overcoming my old foe – the fear of wooing a lady.

I became overwhelmed with joy, and I began to see myself having the swagger and courage of a playboy to talk to any lady. The particular figure that appeared in my imagination was Itohan, but i didn’t care that she had a fiancé. I kept on enjoying the drama that played in my head.

The beautiful figure of Itohan suddenly faded and was quickly replaced by a truck parked by the roadside. I tried quickly to gain control of the car, but I was late, and before I knew it, there was a loud bang… I saw nothing!

To be continued…

Olumide Lawrence

ADAM’S APPLE | Episode 3

Sorry I didn’t post last week. Catch up with previous episodes of this story HERE

The weekend was not one I looked forward to, I had just passed through a torrid week at work, and my bus wasn’t relenting until I have met my targets for the month…else, I can forget about my salary for the month.

My weekend was bound to be just as busy as the week. All my reports must be up to date before Monday’s general meeting with the big boss.

It had to be done. I am determined to make something of my self. That’s the only vindication I will have if or when I return home to my family.

It has been five years since I left home. I miss everyone, I must admit; but I am not ready to forgive my brother.

Blood, they say, is thicker than water, but I strongly believe what I share with Gregory is nothing close to blood. If there was any brotherly bond between us, he wouldn’t have done what he did to me.

I had some issues in secondary school, and after repeating Jss2 and Sss1, Greg and I were in the same class. We graduated together and gained admission into University of Calabar together.

Greg formed an annoying habit of always reminding that we are mates in school, regardless of the fact that I was three years older, and as such, showed no respect to me. I had to keep quiet for long, determined to prove my self again by making something of my life, even if my father seems to have
given up on me and has shown how much he prefers Greg to me. I leaned on my mother for solace most of the time in school.

Greg deserved all the love and attention he got. Afterall, he was smart, brilliant, and highly charismatic. I seemed to have lost all my self esteem since Greg caught up with me in class, and I became withdrawn. Hardly would anyone have known I am Greg’s elder brother.

I tolerated Greg for as long as I could, allowing my passion and drive to succeed overshadow whatever insults meted out from my only brother. But in my final year, I had to draw the line; I had to take my destiny with my hands and carry on with my life.

Chinyere had been my friend since year two, and I grew fond of her but had a big problem of summoning the courage to take our friendship to the next level. We were two months and a few days away from graduation. It became pertinent to speak out or lose her forever. I lacked the courage to face her, and the only choice I could think of was to use a third-party; a smart person who could talk in my place. My obvious choice was Greg.

Greg was in his third relationship in four years. He knew how to meander his way into ladies’ mind and win them over. There was no better candidate to talk to Jessica on my behalf than him.

He was glad to help me speak to Jessica, and for once I was grateful to have Greg as my brother. Greg told me he would deliver in two weeks, and I was more than willing to wait.

Days and Nights passed by, and in a twinkle, two weeks had gone. Neither Greg nor Jessica was seen. My brother started avoiding my calls, and always had one excuse or the other not to see me. Jessica remained my friend though, but I couldn’t ask her questions about my brother.

After a month of waiting, I did what I should have done a long time ago. I asked Jessica out for lunch and when I stuttered through the ‘asking-out’ process, she gave me the saddest news of my life.

It was the beginning of a cold war between me and Greg. To heap more misery upon me, all Greg had to say when I confronted him was “There’s no better way to let you see how smart I am”

Well, indeed he proved himself to me… And to Jessica; they broke up two months later. I was not sorry for her, but for my self. I brought it upon her.

I therefore decided to prove myself to Greg, to my father and anyone who cared to listen…that I am no fool, I am no dumb ass, I can be a success, despite having failed severally, that I can win despite having lost to my brother.

I left home that fateful money for an unknown destination. I found myself in Delta State where I have struggled to where I am today. I will not stop until I have what it takes to stake my claim as the first child of my father.

First, I must not disappoint my boss on monday. My weekend will be busy.

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

Uncle Steve didn’t say a word, but disappointment was written all over his face. It was clear he didn’t buy the lie I sold to him, I wonder how he became such a detective. How could anyone not believe I was robbed and I had to sleep in a church, and that it was the good samaritan pastor of the church that paid for the taxi that brought me home.

Anyway, I was glad I had passed that episode. I had returned home and everyone is fine. My next big concern was Greg and what I forgot at his place.

He seemed to be playing with my head; I searched my bag all through the day but couldn’t decipher what I left at Greg’s place. When I couldn’t hold it any further, I called him.

“I have been waiting by the phone all day. I almost gave up, thought you would never call” Greg said almost as soon as the phone rang.

“I am not calling to talk about you, I want to know what I forgot at your place and how to get it.” I answered sharply.

“For real? If by now, you don’t know what you left with me, it’s definitely not important to you. There will be no need to look for it.” Greg replied dryly.

I was irritated. This dude slept with me so cheaply and now thinks he can talk anyhow to me. This is further reason to run away.

“I will keep it. I find it a valuable possession I can keep for the rest of my life. Thanks for visiting. I still desire to see you again” Greg continued.

Whatever he was doing was getting to me and I didn’t find it funny. I am being blackmailed…it felt that way. On the other hand, I also would love to see Greg again, I am attracted to him that much, but returning to his place because I forgot something makes me feel like I did it on purpose in order to find an excuse to see him again. To make matters worse, he’s making the most of it.

I didn’t seem to have any choice. I would have to go to his place, to see what I had forgotten and to see this dude that just knows how to get me crazy.

“I will come to your place tomorrow. But I need you to know that I’m only coming to collect what I left over there”. I replied him and hung up, lying on the bed in the visitor’s room in Uncle Steve’s house.

Whatever the case may be, my visit to Lagos has been fruitful. I have had fun, I met @gregdinho and I can return to Asaba on Sunday to continue my life. No regrets.

The door was flung open suddenly, and the man behind the door was none other than Uncle Steve. With an intimidating look he said, “I have called your father to let him know about what happened this morning. He wants you to return to Asaba first thing tomorrow morning. So get ready to leave”

To Be Continued Next Week………

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Cowrage: Episode 20 [Finale]

“Did you ever think there was a way to escape from me?” J-boy looked vicious. He had Amaka by the scruff of the neck and pushed her back into the dark room.

“I’m here” Sunky announced shamefully, sprawled on the floor. He knew he had not done himself any good, he dreaded what next would hit him from J-boy.

“I saw it in your eyes since the day you brought the little witch here. I knew it was just a matter of time before you satisfy your lustful desire… I am not surprised it has landed you where you are” J-boy moved closer to Sunky, holding a pen-knife.

Sunky, well aware of the danger coming towards him couldn’t help but shiver and beg for his life. “J-boy, I’m very sorry. I didn’t know what came over me. Please forgive me” Sunky was a drowning man, trying hard to get hold of anything in sight.

“You had your chances for forgiveness, but you blew it. I only forgive once, and you know it” J-boy bent over Sunky who was lying on the floor, twisting and turning, hoping to stall J-boy ‘s attempt to stab him.

“I know where to find Tunji” Amaka announced, stopping J-boy halfway into carrying out his intention upon Sunky.

“What did you say?” J-boy turned around, his hands still raised high, holding the pen-knife. Sunky was behind still shivering.

“He’s in Ipetu… I spoke with a couple of minutes ago. He expects me to meet with him there soon.” Amaka went further.

J-boy had a weak smile on his face, and turned back towards Sunky, who had a terrific look on his face. J-boy lowered his hands and in an attempt that looked like he was bound to stab Sunky’s legs, he quickly cut the rope that tied his legs together, and released him. “Get up, we are going to look for that bastard now.”

As they drove out of Fine Touch, Sunky couldn’t believe he had survived. He silently thanked Amaka’s timely intervention and prayed Tunji was found – at least that would make J-boy divert aggressions elsewhere.

“What will you do with Tunji, when you find him” Amaka spoke from the backseat.

“I want my papers, that’s all” J-boy replied. Sunky who was beside him nodded in agreement. Despite knowing J-boy hadn’t said the entire truth, he had to agree just to save his own face, and probably reduce his punishment.

“Are you promising to let him be if he provides your papers?” Amaka queried.

“IF!” J-boy stressed.

“What’s in the paper anyway?”

“Shut your mouth!” Sunky shouted her down.

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

“Are you sure she’s coming?” Gbade was impatient. He had barely two hours before 7days would elapse. Death was staring at his face.

“Calm your nerves. I have this under control.” Deji played the coach as he tried to park the car somewhere along the road.

The trio – Gbade, Deji and Tunji all alighted from the car and Deji led them to a nearby bush path. After walking a few metres, they settled for a spot. Tunji was tied by the arms, and made to sit on the ground.

Gbade paced about, looking at his watch severally. “God, if this cup can just pass over me, I promise not to thread this path again… Never!” He muttered under his breath as he watched Deji put a call across to Amaka.

Amaka’s phone rang, but the phone was with Sunky.
“That must be Tunji…” She quickly spoke.

Sunky looked at J-boy for orders on what to do with the phone, but Amaka wasn’t willing to wait that long, she continued, “if you want to keep your hopes alive, let me talk to him myself”

J-boy shrugged, and signaled Sunky to pass on the phone to Amaka behind them.

“Hello” Amaka answered the call.

“Yeah… Amaka. Are you on your way already?” Tunji responded, Deji held the phone to his left ear.

“Yes, we….I am on my way” Amaka quickly corrected herself, but it was too late.

“We? You and who?” Tunji asked.

“Where will I find you in Ipetu?” Amaka tactically ignored the question.

Tunji was trying to calculate in his head. Caution was key for him. He hoped Amaka wasn’t coming with J-boy or Sunky, that would mean ‘from frying pan to fire’ for him.
“Err… Just a few kilometres before OAU pre-degree school, you’ll find a SUV parked on the left side of the road. Stop there and follow the bush path beside the car. I’ll be there waiting.” Tunji explained.

“Alright. We… I’m almost there” Amaka cursed herself for being so careless yet again. She quickly ended the call before Tunji would ask further questions.

“Where are we to find him?’ J-boy asked.

“Keep driving, I’ll show you when we get there.” Amaka retorted.

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

“You still haven’t told me what you need Amaka for” Tunji challenged Deji.

“That’s none of your business. Just make sure she gets here, and we’ll let you go.” Deji responded, much to the disgust of Gbade who felt like cutting off Tunji’s head.

“I’ll go wherever you plan to take her” Tunji protested.

“You are invited of course.” Deji replied, “but if I were you, I will take the option of going back to school to face my studies and guarantee myself a bright future, rather than waste away for a girl.”

Tunji hated Deji, but he was scared for Amaka. He knew they were up to no good, and he just couldn’t think of a way to get her out of the impending doom that laid in wait for her.

“I think you are right” he spoke. “Amaka betrayed me, she deserves whatever she gets. I loved her deeply, but she chose to continue living a wayward life.”

“Now you are talking.” Deji responded, gushing over Tunji’s words.

“As long as you set me free, I’m fine. Take her wherever you desire.” He submitted. “But, one quick favour please.”

Gbade who had hitherto been more concerned about time jumped into the discourse, “what?”

“Please let me call my friend to help me tell my lecturer that I’m ill, and therefore I won’t be able to make today’s test.”

Gbade and Deji exchanged glances, and after a few seconds, they seemed to agree with Tunji.

“You have just a minute to say what you have to say” Gbade warned.

Tunji dictated the number while Deji dialled. The number seemed a little familiar to Deji, but he chose to ignore; after all Amaka is almost within his grasp.

“Hello, it’s Tunji… Please help me tell Dr Agbaje I’m seriously ill and admitted in the hospital. I won’t be able to make the test today. Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine. Thanks” in a flash, he ended the call.

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

J-boy pulled over just behind the parked SUV. He was wondering if Amaka wasn’t leading them into a trap.

“You had better not play games with me. I won’t hesitate to kill you!” He pulled out a pistol from his pigeon hole, as Sunky helped Amaka out of the car.

J-boy was behind them as they followed the trail of the bush path. In a few minutes, they came in sight of the waiting Gbade, Deji and Tunji.

“I see…” Deji smiled, quickly realising what was playing out. “We obviously have what we need, but in different hands.”

“I’m not here to banter words sir” J-boy replied quickly. “I need that boy over there, you can have both these bastards in front of me, if you so wish.” Sunky was shocked, he knew J-boy was never going to forgive him, but he didn’t anticipate he would sell him into unknown hands.

“Good deal… But send me the girl, and I’ll send you the boy.”

“Amaka! Why did you have to bring them to me?” Tunji was enraged.

“I should be asking why you led me to the arms of these ritualists!” Amaka retorted.

“I will never forgive you for this…”

“Neither will I…”

Gbade wasn’t interested in further time wasting, he just wanted to get things done. “Let’s do this deal and leave here quickly.”

J-boy pushed Amaka ahead, just as Deji fulfilled his end of the deal. Sunky was left in the middle.

“I don’t need him, you can keep him” Deji said.

“Well, I don’t need him too…” J-boy fired a shot at Sunky, who went down immediately, lying cold on the floor.

“What did you just do?” Deji was alarmed, just like every other person standing. “You just created attention”

“He was surplus to requirement… ” J-boy replied, unperturbed by what he just did.

“Let’s get out of here quickly” Deji handed Amaka over to Gbade.

“Not so soon!” Gbade announced, “we still have unfinished business”

Deji turned around to see Gbade pointing a gun at him. “What are you talking about?”

“She revealed all to me… I never knew I had a traitor as a friend. You made me father your child, and you even turned a blind eye till she died. You are a callous being”

J-boy and Tunji looked on in astonishment at the scene playing out before them.

“I can explain… Let me just explain…” Deji pleaded.

“I might not make it to Sagat’s place in time, which means I may die… But I have decided not to die alone. We are friends here on earth, wouldn’t it be wonderful if we continue in heaven?”

“No… Not what you think. Let’s settle this amicably… I can…” Deji’s protest ended with just a shot as he dropped to his knees and fell flat on his face.

Gbade pointed the gun towards J-boy, who was alert himself. “Deal done… Let’s go our separate ways without any further shed of blood.”

“You aren’t going anywhere!” Gunshots rattled everywhere and in a matter of seconds, they were surrounded. “Drop your guns and go down on your knees. Failure to comply and I order my boys to shoot you down!” Jude commanded.

They were quietly rounded up, and taken away. While the two corpses were also taken into the Police Van.

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

What next????

You can just determine that, can’t you?

– Ada got married to Paschal… Papa had no further reasons not to let go of the past. He was given back his job, as the Chief Operating Officer of Nicks&Hampton.

– Gbade died in police custody. Juliet, his wife left his house with Dominic to a place unknown.

– J-boy was sentenced to life imprisonment.

– Amaka and Tunji returned back to school after a torrid time with the Police. Their academics got back on track, but there was no romantic relationship to be between them… Tunji opted for Jumoke instead, but Amaka was able to turn a new leaf and she found another guy later.

All in all… Love is a decision, not just romantic love, but love for one another. Being able to take that decision is COURAGE, choosing to shun love is COWARDICE.

Finding yourself lost in between will definitely go down as COWRAGE. Lol. Forgive my english.

I guess you can explain that situation in Tunji, Amaka, Ada and Paschal’s lives.

Cheers.

Olumide Lawrence
@iLUMMYnation

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COWRAGE: Episode 18

Please read previous episodes by clicking HERE

Paschal (formerly Uche) was at sea. He didn’t know what next step to take; to follow Ada whom he was beginning to find his long desired connection with or to wait and explain himself to the eager ears of Papa and Mama.

“My son, I’m indeed baffled at this sudden metamorphosis” Papa said with much gusto. “What did you really come here to do?”

“I’ll speak sir. I only hope you will understand why I had to do this…” Paschal took a deep breathe, dropped to his knees and continued, “after I returned from the UK, I had everything going well for me but… my parents…they wanted me to find a wife. They tried to match-make me with different ladies, but I couldn’t just find a connection with any of them, and they were getting increasingly frustrating refusal to heed their request. I had to figure out a way to find my own woman; one who satisfies all I desire in a wife. I knew it would be hard to get a real wife if I go about searching with all my father’s wealth and position. I had to disguise, I had to go simple, and have someone love me as a man, not as a rich man. I had been searching for months, and was almost giving up on my search when I found Mama and Ada rushing you to the hospital. I brought them here, and took care of the bills under the guise that I was just a cab driver working for a philanthropist.” Paschal paused to catch some breath.

Mama’s eyes were already wide-opened, she had a nasty grin in her mouth. And without hiding her excitement, she asked “so you are saying in essence that you did all these just to marry my Adamma?”

“Not exactly Mama. I only wanted to help initially. Along the line, I started liking Ada, but I am yet to find words to express my feelings to her.” Paschal responded swiftly.

Both Mama and Paschal looked towards Papa, expecting him to say something. But the old man wasn’t in a hurry to speak. After a while, he gave a deep sigh and finally spoke, “Paschal, leave me and my wife. Go and speak with Adamma”

The surprised Paschal was reluctant to stand immediately but was urged on by Mama to be quick about. He dusted his knees and zoomed out of the ward before anyone could say jack robinson.

**********

Ada was utterly disappointed at Uche (now Paschal), she had hoped he would offer her some respite after Ben left her. But it seemed all men were the same to her. She sat under an almond tree outside the hospital, feeling so bitter that she had allowed herself believe so much in Paschal. Yes, she admitted she was falling, but she had been fighting against it, telling herself that it was too early to jump into the arms of another man. But the latest revelation about Paschal was making decisions too easy for her.

She silently resolved to forget about him. But she threw her mind back to the day Paschal helped bring the dying Papa to the hospital, and his calmness. He was nothing less than a total angel when he brought the money for Papa’s treatment. He also used comforting words to help her heal quickly when Ben dealt a fatal wound to her heart. All his actions in the past weeks had been nothing short of amazing, and Ada only wondered more why he had to disguise his real identity. She knew there was nothing else to show him but gratitude, nonetheless she was hurt that he had been lying all the while.

“Ada, I’m very sorry” his husky voice called out from behind.

“Forgive me please.” Paschal slowly walked towards her by the left.

“Why did you hide your identity? That’s my question.” Ada maintained her strictness.

Paschal sat gently by her side. “I have explained to Mama and Papa. But I don’t know how to explain to you, all I can say is ‘forgive me’ please”

“What is this thing that only suits my parents understanding and not mine?” Ada pestered.

“Adamma… I certainly meant no harm by disguising. I only needed something, and I was hoping to get it from you.”

“From me? How does all this concern me?”

“You’ll understand in due course. It’s why I ask you to calm down and apply some patience.” Paschal submitted.

“Whatever this mystery of yours might be, just know for sure that I have lost all my respect for you!” Ada shot out.

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

“Elizabeth.” Papa called on his wife, who replied quickly out of surprise that her real name had been called for the first time in decades.

“What do you think of that boy?”

Mama adjusted herself on the seat, tied her wrapper properly and spoke, “he’s a fine young man. He’s wise and clearly has a sense of direction. I think he will make a good husband for our daughter”

“I haven’t asked you to assess him as a husband. I only asked of your opinion of him” Papa corrected.

“…and I said exactly what I felt the answer to your question should be.” Mama added quickly.

Papa looked hard at Mama, and laughed gently. “I know your problem, and I know where you are headed. Paschal has become a fine young man when you realized he is the son of the Director of a leading multi-national company.” Papa’s look was getting as fierce as his words, “but Benjamin wasn’t good enough because he was a son of a nobody. Isn’t it?”

Mama wanted to respond, but all she could do was murmur.

“Let me tell you what you never knew about my ordeals at Nicks&Hampton” Papa, shifted away from the meal in front of him, and rested his back against the wall, poised for some long talk.

“I was a dutiful servant of Dr. Nicolas Ilegbinjie, the Managing Director of Nicks&Hampton for almost nineteen years. I flourished under him and gained rapid promotion till I became a manager of one of our branches in Somolu, Lagos. Things were going well, until his first daughter who had been studying abroad returned to work in her father’s company. She started as my secretary, and we were cool with it until she suddenly began eyeing my position as the manager. She discussed with her father to move me to another branch while she took over, but her father waved it aside and asked her to wait for her time. But in bizarre fashion, things suddenly went wrong at the office, huge amount of money got missing so regularly, and workers began to act unruly. It was obvious that I could no longer handle the situation at the office, but I didn’t resign when I should have. Mr Nicolas stepped in, and sacked me. His daughter was my immediate replacement and that was the end of my sojourn in that company.” Papa finally submitted. By that time, Mama’s eyes were already laden with soft tears. Papa quickly took advantage of the emotional state of his wife and asked, “now that you know all these, would you let your daughter marry into the family of the man who sacked your husband?”

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

J-boy stormed out of the inner dark room, smoke puffing out of his mouth and nostrils. “I see no use in this lady you brought here. She has refused to speak and that’s not exactly what I need right now. I want my documents! My money!”

“Please calm down, she’ll come around.” Sunky placated. He was unsure of his punishments too, just trying to do everything to ease the situation and help J-boy recover the documents.

“The plan is to use that girl to force Tunji out of hiding.” Sunky continued, “I have her phone with me. Waiting for him to call her. But strangely, no one has called her yet, not even any of her friends.”

“Spare me the bullshit. Just go inside that room and have her tell me where Tunji is hiding.” J-boy barked out.

Sunky hurriedly made his way to the door, but was called back by J-boy.

“I swear down, I’ll strangle that boy to death, if I eventually catch him.”

Sunky nodded in agreement, and quickly went into the room with Amaka who was tied both hands and feet and lying in a corner. He went to her and raised her head to find that she had been bruised on the left eye.

“Did he do this to you?” Sunky asked but Amaka refused to respond. “Answer me!” he yet got no response.

“Help me to help you. It’s not you we need, it’s lover boy Tunji.”

“What do you want with him?”

“He has our stuff. And the earlier he comes out of hiding, the better for all of us.”

“What possession of yours does he have? If you tell me, I will help you get it?” Amaka was interested in knowing the mess Tunji had gotten himself into. She was mad at him but she needed to know exactly what to do to at least leave the clutches of J-boy and Sunky.

“Let’s just say, he has some papers that’s dear to my friend sitting outside. And if you can help us get it, I’ll personally make sure you don’t get hurt beyond this.”

Amaka looked at Sunky wit scorn. She felt like undoing the ropes on her hand and landing him a crushing slap, but that was beyond her. She however maintained her courage, “you know the gravity of your offence? You abducted me and have also committed assault and battery. Be ready to face the music if I ever leave this place.”

Sunky laughed out loud, calling her bluff. “This is the most hilarious thing I have heard this year. I’ll be willing to go to the police with you to make a report.”

Amaka was more angry at Sunky’s response. She kicked in vain, but remained resolute to keep trying.

Sunky was equally frustrated at Amaka’s stubbornness, and was ready to employ some harsh tactics just in order to do what J-boy wanted done. Amaka’s phone rang in his pocket, and with a wide grin, he looked at Amaka and said, “Finally… Lover boy calls.”

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

“Deji, we don’t have time” Gbade looked at his wristwatch for the umpteenth time. He was losing his patience. He obviously didn’t want to die, moreso his daughter.

Tunji had also been playing hard tactics with them, refusing to give anything away as far as Amaka was concerned. He didn’t quite know why they wanted her, and why it was so urgent for Gbade. But he knew the more he dallied, the safer Amaka would be wherever she was. What he wasn’t sure about was his own life. Deji had threatened to kill him if Amaka wasn’t found within the next few hours.

“Young man, you have a great future ahead of you” Deji started again with Tunji after a short break from torture. Tunji was tied to a chair in the room. “Don’t waste your life over a wayward worthless girl.”

“Amaka is not wayward, she isn’t worthless!” Tunji responded sharply but received a huge blow on the head by Gbade who couldn’t contain his frustrations any longer.

“Look here young man, I don’t mind killing you now, and I will still go out there and find that stupid girl.” Gbade said every word like he meant it, and Tunji couldn’t believe him more.

“You see, my friend wouldn’t mind wasting your life. Just tell us how to reach her, the number to call and we’ll set you free.” Deji added.

Reluctantly, Tunji called out a number and both Deji and Gbade hurriedly dialled the number, but Deji who was the calmer of the two, was allowed to speak with the receiver.

“Hello” Deji spoke softly.

“Hello…who’s this please?” The female voice from the other end replied.

“Err… I would love to speak with Amaka please”

“Sorry, who are you?”

Deji paused for a moment, unsure of how to answer the question. “I’m her Uncle from Lagos. She asked me to call her through this number.”

“I’m sorry, I don’t know anyone by that name”

“Really?” Deji looked in Tunji’s direction with anger. Tunji was facing down and was oblivious of the impending danger. “Okay, I’ll check the number again. Sorry for disturbing” Deji answered and ended the call abruptly.

Gbade immediately ran to Tunji and grabbed him by the neck, attempting to strangle him. Deji was however quick to stop him and releasing Tunji from his tight grip.
“Leave him alone. I’ll handle this” Deji said, as he struggled with Gbade.

“You had better get him to speak soon. I won’t take any more nonsense after now!” Gbade shot out and backed away from Tunji. His phone beeped, and he reached for his pocket to pick it as he walked away from Deji and Tunji.

He was some metres away when he checked his phone. It was a text message from Juliet. It was long, and not exactly what he felt he should pay attention to at that moment. But a sentence caught his attention in the text and after a few minutes, he had devoured the content of the message. He was sweating profusely, and his eyeballs were bloodshot. He looked sharply in Deji’s direction and started moving towards him with violence…

To Be Continued Next Week…….

Olumide Lawrence

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COWRAGE: Episode 17

Please click HERE to read Previous Episodes.

Uche was fixed to a spot wondering what Papa was talking about. He was however not alone in the confusion as Mama and Ada also looked lost at the ensuing piece of drama before them.

“Papa, I don’t think you heard me well the first time.” Ada spoke to bail the situation. “This is Uche, the taxi driver who helped us find a way to pay your bills”

Papa’s remained silent but kept his eyes fixated upon the hapless Uche standing before him. Mama rose up and helped Uche with the polythene bag he was carrying and asked him to sit.

“He says he knows you, do you know him?” Mama inquired from Uche. The latter just managed a weak smile and threw his hands up in the air, probably to say “how can I know him?”

Ada moved to Uche after Mama had left him, and spoke softly. “I’m sorry for the embarrassment, he’s still recovering.”

“Its nothing. He might be right, your dad is full of days, he has met a lot of people in his life. I probably look familiar.” Uche said to douse the tension.

Mama slowly continued to feed Papa who won’t just stop scanning Uche’s face. It felt awkward for the young man and after a while, he rose to announce his leave, “I only dropped by to check on you sir. I’ll have to return to duty now. I wish you speedy and full recovery.”

Ada rose with him in a bid to see him out of the ward, but as they turned to leave, Papa spoke loudly and strongly for the first time, “Paschal!”

Uche and Ada turned back in surprise.

“Paschal Ilegbinjie!… my memory won’t fail me for so long. This is Paschal.”

Mama and Ada returned to their state of confusion, as Uche slowly turned back towards Papa.

“How and when did you become a taxi driver? Where is your father?” Papa asked.

Uche was still trying to speak when Ada interrupted, “Uche, is he right? He knows you for real.”

“This is not Uche, this is Paschal. The son of my boss at Nicks&Hampton, where I used to work.” Papa announced. “What amazes me however, is how he has become a taxi driver within five years I left Nicks&Hampton. You were still in the UK when I was sacked. What happened to you?”

Uche knew he had been caught. There was no point denying any longer, he had to open up. He looked at Ada and beckoned on her to come closer and have a seat.

“It’s a long story, but it won’t have a meaning until it is all over. I’m quite sad that this is happening just at the nick of time when I should be taking the most important step…” Uche went on.

“You still have not answered Ada’s question, are you truly who my husband recognises you to be?” Mama asked, impatient to confirm the validity of the story.

“Yes it is true.” Uche responded. One glance at Ada’s face made him realize how disappointed she was.

“Why then did you lie to us? Why did you do all these? What are your motives?” The questions were pouring so fast from Ada’s lips that it took Mama’s intervention to stop her.

“I’ll explain, but not now. You may not understand.” Uche responded.

“What do you mean by that? Mr Paschal or whatever your name is, why have you deceived us all the while? Answer the question or leave!” Ada was enraged.

Uche was shocked at Ada’s last words. He fought hard to say something but the words won’t come out. His legs became weak to move as well. He remained on a spot, looking blankly at Ada.

“Oh…you won’t leave? I’ll leave for you instead.” Ada walked out of the ward, leaving everyone dumbfounded.

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

“Where is the boy, where are my papers?” That was the first statement J-boy made to Sunky as soon as he appeared at their usual meeting place on campus.

“You won’t believe how much I have searched for him all around school since yesterday. He was last seen going to class to read, but I searched virtually every reading room on campus and couldn’t find him. He hasn’t returned to his room up till now. I wonder what’s happening. I can’t explain his mysterious disappearance.” Sunky explained with jitters all over him.

J-boy puffed up smoke from his lips and nostrils and spoke. “You mean to tell me that you can’t find that boy within this premises? you let him get away?”

“Not exactly boss. I think he’s scared, he probably realized his mistakes and decided to go into hiding. But I know for sure he won’t be hiding for too long, he’ll appear soon. Just give me some time. I’ll deliver.”

J-boy was visibly unhappy. He wondered what stunt Tunji could be up to. He felt like seeing him at that moment and strangling him to death, but what seemed more important to him was to retrieve the deal documents that was with Tunji. The money at stake wasn’t huge compared to deals he had carried out successfully in the past, but $2million was still a lot of money to let go. The money had to come first, punishing Tunji for his folly could happen at any other time.

“That boy truly lacks spine. If not, he won’t go into hiding. Wherever he may choose to hide, you need to dig him out and get my papers from him. I’ll fashion a way to deal with him, just retrieve those documents.” J-boy doled out instructions to Sunky.

“Yes boss, I’ll do just that.” The hapless Sunky responded. “Can I go back into campus now? I need to go to his department. He hardly misses classes, if there’s any hope of catching him, it’s in the lecture rooms.”

“Wait a minute, you know one or two people who are his friends, and who’ll probably know his whereabouts, don’t you?” J-boy asked.

“True.” Sunky’s eyes seemed to have suddenly opened. “There’s only one person who’ll definitely know where Tunji is hiding, and can lead us to him.”

“Go quickly! Go get me the person. Now!!!”

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

IRS 305 class had just finished and students trooped out of SSLT1 and to their various destinations. It was the last class of the day. Amaka scanned through the trooping students but could not find Tunji. Neither did she find Jumoke whom she hoped would know where Tunji can be found.

Amaka badly wanted to apologise for her rash behaviour towards Tunji the night before. She had spent the night regretting why she picked up an unnecessary quarrel with her heartthrob. She was concerned about Tunji’s dealings with Sunky, and she only thought pressurising him was the only key to know what was between them. She knew they both were up to no good, but Tunji wouldn’t just open up.

After waiting for long ten minutes, she decided to go back to her hostel. She tried his number again, but it was switched off. She silently hoped Tunji wasn’t avoiding her. She was startled by a voice behind her.

“Amaka, how are you” it was Ngozi. She seemed excited about something.

“I’m fine” Amaka responded, trying hard to hide her worries from Ngozi who would do nothing else but mock her.

“You don’t look fine o. Something seems wrong. Talk to me.” Ngozi was an expert in figuring Amaka out and she had a way of making her talk.

“I’m fine Ngozi. I’m only looking for Tunji.” Amaka responded.

“Oh that boy? He should not be far away, you’ll definitely find him later at night. He will come to your room as usual.” Ngozi tried to lift her friend’s spirit. “Anyways, I have better news o.”

“What is it?” Amaka raised her eyebrows, wondering what news Ngozi had to share.

“There are some white men who need company of some ladies. The pay is bumper, and I gathered that they just want to have fun for a few hours. No overnight parole.” Ngozi announced.

The disappointed Amaka couldn’t say a word, she only managed a hiss and continued walking.

“What’s that? Aren’t you interested in this too? This is not Chief Deji ooo, these white men are sure people.” Ngozi continued, trying to cajole her friend.

Amaka was fighting hard not to embarrass Ngozi in the middle of campus and in broad daylight. She was however bailed by the sight of Jumoke around whitehouse and she hastened her steps to catch up with her.

“Ngozi, I have heard you. I’ll think about it, but I need to catch up with someone ahead now” she said and sped away.

“Hello Jummy” she managed to speak as she tapped Jumoke’s shoulders, trying to catch her breath.

“Hello Amaka.”

“Please I have been searching for Tunji all day, do you know where he is?”

“I have not seen him today also. His number is not available as well. I was hoping you would know too.” Jumoke responded.

“This is serious. I was with him around 8pm yesternight, but we didn’t read together.” Amaka explained.

“Where then could he be? He didn’t show up for class too.” Jumoke was worried too. She tried his number but got no response. “Let’s chill for a while, he will reach out to either of us when his phone is available.”

“Thanks” Amaka was unhappy and she turned to walk away.

A dark guy in shades appeared behind her, and tapped her on the shoulders. He handed over a note to her and walked away briskly.

“What’s that?” The confused Jumoke asked.

“I don’t know… It’s a note.” Amaka opened the note and lifted up her eyes to look at Jumoke. “It’s from Tunji.” She announced.

Jumoke quickly joined Amaka in reading the content of the letter, and by the time they finished reading, they exchanged quick glances.

“This is weird, coming from Tunji.” Jumoke spoke. “And why did he have to send a stranger to deliver a note?” Jumoke was queasy about the whole development.

“I wonder what he’s up to. I just hope he hasn’t gotten himself into trouble.” Amaka responded. “I’ll however go and meet him where he’s asked me to. Please give me your phone number so I can call you to inform you of what happened.”

They exchanged contacts and Amaka walked away. Jumoke looked on hoping she made the right decision.

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

Professor Sagat’s words kept ringing in Gbade’s ears as he drove. Too many things were happening at the same time, and they were too fast for him to comprehend.

His life and his son’s would end in the next 36hrs, unless Amaka was found. He had just lost his daughter…or his supposed daughter as Sagat seemed to be implying that Jessica wasn’t his daughter after all.

Juliet would have questions to answer. Gbade’s first instinct was to drive back home to his wife and inquire from her if truly, Jessica wasn’t his daughter, but he thought against doing that as there was no proof to his allegations other than Sagat’s words. And even if he was to use that, Juliet shouldn’t know about his dealings with Sagat. It became apparent that he and Juliet had secrets in their cupboard which they had both carefully hidden from each other. But the question was; who will open up first.

Juliet’s case, though terrible as it, was far less significant to the impending doom awaiting him and his ‘bonafide’ son. The logical thing to do was to go after Amaka.

He took a u-turn immediately and turned towards Osogbo. He sped with the consciousness that every passing minute was valuable. He narrowly avoided accidents countless times, and after an hour and forty-five minutes, he was at the Grace Hotels in Osogbo, where Deji was lodged.

“Right on time. How was the trip? And how’s your daughter’s health?” Deji asked him after settling down.

“I lost Jessica.” Gbade announced.

“Oh my God. I’m so sorry about that. How’s Juliet, hope she’s not taking it too hard on herself” Deji continued.

“She’ll be fine. I just have a lot of questions to ask her”

“How do you mean?”

“Jessica may not have been my daughter afterall…” Gbade announced after a brief pause.

“Where’s all these coming from?” Deji was petrified.

“I stormed to Sagat’s temple as soon as Jessica died. I was bitter that the spirits took my daughter even before seven days was complete. But Sagat made me understand that she died of natural causes and the spirits wouldn’t have taken her because she wasn’t of my blood. He told me Dominic is my only son and child!… To make matters worse, Dominic might die after me if I don’t find Amaka before tomorrow.” Gbade explained.

“This is serious” Deji was just as concerned. He went to his friend and patted him on the shoulders. “Not to worry, we’ll pull through this ordeal, we can investigate Sagat’s claims once this is over. We are in this together.” Deji encouraged him.

“Stand up… I have a surprise for you” Deji continued.

Gbade didn’t seem interested in any surprises.

“Come with me” Deji pulled him up and took him to a dark room. He switched on a dim light and a figure was tied to a chair, blindfolded and facing the wall.

“Who is this?” Gbade asked.

Deji raised the blindfold on the figure and revealed the face. Gbade moved round to behold the face and what he saw left his mouth wide open.

To Be Continued Next Week….

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