IN LOVE WITH HER PASTOR 10 --by Rose

(Image source: www.informationng.com)

“Darling what’s going on here?” Genevieve asked a bit worried. Calvary looked upset and she rarely saw him that way. “Stand up, we shall continue that discussion later.” Eddie nodded and quickly left the office. “Angel welcome. I wasn’t expecting you,” he pecked her softly. She smiled and clung to his hands. “It’s about the program. Pastor Ogbonna asked me to get some money so we could print more flyers.”

He now understood the reason behind her urgent visit. “Okay dear. How much do you think we’ll need?” He retrieved his ATM card from his briefcase. He hated carrying cash around, he liked the card. It was the safest way to go about business transactions. “Uhmmm…”she paused as she checked her phone. “Five thousand naira would be enough. I’m sorry to bother you but the treasurer wasn’t available and we had to do this quick.” He smiled at his angel, she was such a virtuous woman, so zealous for the Lord and he was sure he hadn’t made a mistake by proposing to her. He handed her his ATM card. She had used it severally and he trusted her with everything he owned; he was in love with her.

“See you in church later this evening,” she pecked him and walked off. The outreach was going to be massive. Many ministers of God had been invited to grace the occasion. She was the choir mistress so she had spent much time with her choristers. It had to be perfect. She had to be noticed. Many songsters were coming too, the likes of Sinach, Frank Edwards, Cece Winans etc. As she walked out of the office, an idea dropped; she could as well invite some people here at the bank to the program. Well there were about ten flyers left, she counted to be sure.  “Ten lucky souls,” she mused as she walked to Edidiong’s table.

Eddie was startled. Miss High and Mighty rarely talked to her. In fact, she acted like she never existed. She wondered what this was all about. “Hi Miss…” Genevieve rolled her eyes. She didn’t know the name of Calvary’s dumb secretary, the cousin to the other wretched lady. “Edidiong,” Eddie offered, collecting the flyer Genevieve offered.” I’m inviting you to my church–Grace Arena–please bring your friends. It’s going to be glorious.” Eddie nodded and stared at the card uninterestedly while her majesty carted off.

Something caught her eyes as she read the content of the flyer; Frank Edwards was coming, he was going to perform live. She squealed and closed her mouth immediately. He was Yetunde’s best gospel artiste as well as hers. This was going to be great. She was definitely going for the program, and so was Yetunde.

****

Although she was feeling a bit down, down from all the events of the past weeks, this piece of info Eddie had just given her made her smile. “Are you for real? Franklin Edwards?” She couldn’t believe it. She had heard about his live performances but she never got the opportunity to attend any. This was her golden opportunity and she had to be there. “Let me see,” she grabbed the flyer and studied it carefully. It was going to be a great show. It was tagged “Glorious Praise Night”. “Well, if this would help get me out of this mood, I’ll definitely come. Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning.”

Eddie smiled satisfactorily.  “Now that’s the spirit.” She knew how to get her cousin out of her depression. “Where’s Naomi? We should start preparing you know, the church auditorium is going to be heavily populated. We need to go early.” Yetunde nodded, she understood what went on in such programs. “She’s asleep, obviously tired of colouring papers.” Eddie chuckled lightly. She loved her niece; such a talented beauty. Then she remembered how Mr. Calvary had played with her the other day. The scene had thrilled her heart; he had smiled at the little girl and played with her just like her father. She wished Naomi could have a father figure in her life. This was the time to get the gist from her cousin. She had barely escaped her boss’s wrath earlier and she knew he would call her back. She had to find out.

She inhaled deeply, knowing Yetunde’s  mood swings. She could take this lightly or she could flare up; this was a new Yetunde, she was the most lovable person on earth before she met with Femi. He destroyed her emotionally and those wounds were taking time to heal.  

Yetunde stared at her cousin closely. She looked a bit worried or scared. “Edidiong what’s wrong with you?” She dropped the clothes she folded and walked towards her. “There’s something I would like to ask you. Please promise you wouldn’t get upset.” Yetunde nodded quickly. “What’s the relationship between you and Mr. Calvary?” For a moment, silence danced in the room then Yetunde broke it. “Nothing much, we had an ugly encounter one time. He hit my car and I slapped him…but he deserved it, he’s such a mean person.” Eddie squinted unbelievably. Her cousin had slapped her boss and from her tone, she wasn’t remorseful. “How could you do such a thing–slapping a total stranger? I think you’re the mean person because knowing my boss very well, he must have apologized.” Yetunde shrugged and resumed arranging the room. “So you are on his side. Well, I don’t like him. He’s proud and full of himself. Just imagine what happened in his office. He threw my files on the floor.” Eddie shook her head. This girl was really a shadow of herself. “Why the questions?” Yetunde inquired, feeling curious. Had he asked about her? “He asked me to tell him everything about you and he sounded upset.” Yetunde smiled to herself. He asked about her, which made her feel somehow special. “So what did you tell him?” Eddie bit her lip. “Nothing…what did you want me to say? Listen Yetunde, you need to see him and probably beg him. Remember Naomi is still at home, you still need this loan.”

She paused at the thought of her little angel who had stopped attending school and exam was fast approaching, but she couldn’t beg any man. After Femi’s betrayal, she had vowed never to surrender or be at the mercy of any man especially, Mr. Perfect. She knew his type; probably born with a silver spoon and had everything easy, looking down on someone like her. No, she would never beg him.

A SILVER LINING --by Nickz

(Image source: www.shutterstock.com)

I sat down quietly on the wooden bench. It was an empty one, far away from the busy section of the park, a deliberate decision. It was my first time there. I watched the kids play with kites and paper planes. Some were dangling to and fro on the swing. Two toddlers were trying to seesaw on the paint-ridden metal cantilever, their moms helping them balance. They giggled and exposed their fallen front teeth. Life could never be full of sadness, I told myself. Somehow, their joy almost lit up a candle in my dense soul. My stare drifted to the teenage girls in skimpy skirts, taking turns to skip ropes. Their dexterity caught my attention; perfect timing, sufficient clearance–it was admirable. But my attention couldn’t be caught up so long. The memories I wanted to burry were difficult to trick with flimsy distractions. My heart was in plague, it was drowning me. I could feel the heaviness rising, taking the form of invisibility. Life couldn’t be full of sadness, I tried to believe.

I looked again in the direction of the seesaw kids. They were gone, now seated with their parents and family on the tender meadow, forming a circle round baskets of food and fruits. I saw joy in their laugher, I saw happiness. Life couldn’t be full of sadness, I wanted to believe.

“Hello, that’s my usual seat,” a voice from behind said. There was something about it– there was everything about it. It carried a note of tenderness and innocence. Being compelled to behold the bearer, I turned. She was an alluring damsel, slender and comely to look upon. She fitted into the category of the teenage girls skipping rope but there was a higher tone of decency in her, her youthfulness was untapped. I didn’t want company. I wanted to be alone; to sink in my thoughts, to hope for a miracle, to feel the plaguing monsters melt away. I looked straight again, hoping she’d vanish after my rude silence. But she wasn’t like smoke as I thought; she sat at the other end of the bench with me, looking so carefree and happy, like she owned the world, not speaking to me anymore. I felt like my privacy was invaded. I took a deep breath and exhaled silently. Life couldn’t be full of sadness, I consoled.

The sky was transformed into a beautiful orange shade, like molten metal spilled across a white canvas. The orange ball was sinking. I looked at the wonderful art delightfully, wishing it could melt my sorrows away. If only my joy will rise with it in the morning. I stared on. “What do you see?” That was the girl again, trying to be friendly, I guessed. Why couldn’t she mind her business? I didn’t know exactly what to reply, if to query her for staring at me, which I discovered she was. Didn’t her mother caution her about talking to strangers? I think she read my mind because she let me be. “I see orderliness,” I could hear her say, she was answering her own question. From the corner of my eye, I could see her starring at the setting sun. I cast a quick glance at her face and I realized I made a mistake. I felt electric pulse run through me. I could swear her skin was molded from chocolate. I could feel the texture of her chubby cheeks with the hands of my eyes. There was a glint of depression as she stared. I looked away after another deep breath. “I come here very often…to watch the sun set. It gives me a connection with my mom.” She spoke without looking at me. I couldn’t tell why I was rude to her, the same way I couldn’t eject the demons plaguing me. Maybe she was another spoilt kid from a broken home. Maybe she lived with a drinking father who didn’t want her to travel to the mom. My imaginations painted her so.

“Why?” I finally spoke after some minutes of silence. She turned and gave me a puzzled look–that innocence. “Why can’t you go to your mom?” I asked again. I looked at her face, her lips were curved slightly in a soft smile. “Because she’s in heaven. She died last month in the labour room. I lost a sister too.” The smile was still there on her well-designed lips. Suddenly, I felt like a bag of bones. I felt like a complete idiot. I felt so dumb. She had come here to receive healing. She had come here to hope for a miracle. She had come here just like me, to find a silver lining. Just like me. I felt terribly sorry and stammered out my apologies for her loss and my rudeness and she seemed quite understanding. I stopped seeing her as a distraction and gave her attention. Her calmness and tranquil aura was marveling. “Why the setting sun?” I asked her how that made her connected to her mother.

“One evening, we sat down here, eating pop corn and drinking coke. Together, we had watched the sun set,” she paused briefly and continued. “She said to me, I see orderliness up there; rise, shine, set–everyday. The human life is made that way too; rise, shine, set. But many don’t follow the order, they skip the second step. Don’t let the clouds dim your shine. That’s what she said to me.” I listened to her, I watched energy radiate from her, I got entrapped in her alluring aura.

Minutes turned to hours and new cords were forming–cords of mutuality. We both understood sorrow and pain, my yoke felt lighter when I shared with her. She gave me a reason to smile again, she gave me a miracle. I couldn’t believe there was any remnant of laughter in my soul again. It felt like a dream. The clouds were melting and I could feel rain drops in my soul. It was refreshing.

The halogen lights flickered above and came to life, ushering luminance into the darkness in the park. The rays filtered through the air particles and caused a reflection over some loose strands of her hair, making them glow round the edges. She was very beautiful. She was adorable. She was happy too. “I want to dance,” she said. I smiled. I was a good dancer but there had been no reason to dance lately until now. Life could never be full of sadness, I reminded myself. She pulled me up from the seat to a tango dance position. We held hands and danced to the blues playing from her cell phone–Hero, by Enrique Iglesias. The dance motion was simple but powerful. It conveyed a lot of unspoken emotions; it was an expression of mutual affliction, a celebration of resurrection. We rocked in unison, our bodies merging in an embrace. I could feel the electric pulse again, more electrifying than the first. It was just a dance, I told myself.

We danced until the music stopped. We kept rocking to the silence and it felt like forever should start there. Her grey eyes lit up and burned my sorrows. Her lips curved seductively into a delicate arc. I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply. The human body was a cursed chameleon: one minute, grief, another minute, excitement. I felt like water, taking the shape of the container. This was the only shape I wanted to dwell in. “You’re a good dancer,” she said, her voice barely a whisper, her breath like the scent of petals. Fire was rising in me. “You’re very beautiful,” I could hear my faint voice say. At 22, I thought I had grown past teenage nervousness but it was all coming back. “Thank you,” she replied. She looked at me; eyes wanting, lips waiting. Like a palm tree swaying to the rhythm of the wind, my face lowered into hers, merging, tasting, exploring, discovering, giving and receiving. The finest of words could not describe her sweetness. The electric pulses had become tiny sparks, delightful sparks. I steadied her weight with my hands, giving her slender frame sufficient balance. Just like the dance, I wished even more, this moment never ended.

But wishes were mere wishes and in fact, the union ended almost abruptly, beating my anticipation. She pulled off and wiped her lips with the back of her palm. She looked regretful. She looked the saddest I ever saw her. Tears rolled down her eyes. “I’m sorry, I...I’m sorry, I’ve never done this…” she sobbed shaking badly. “I...I don’t know what to say. I saw you…something in me came alive, like a miracle. I felt a connection…but not like this…I’m sorry…” she cried more and hastened away. My confusion increased. I took another deep breath and tried to steady my mind from the hard switching my system was going through. I went after her but she yelled back, warning me to back off.

I watched her disappear into the night, the same way I had watched my brother drown in the pool. That feeling of helplessness fell on me afresh, encapsulating my once gleeful atmosphere. I could hear the echoes in my head. Give me your hand! Billy please, don’t drown! Give me your hand! Help! Somebody help! The scene played for the umpteenth time in my head. Billy had boasted he had learned how to swim from his boarding school friends. He had come home on terminal break and we had sat by the pool cracking jokes, sipping Ribenna and talking about girls. He was just seventeen and so full of life. If only I had known he lied about knowing how to swim, if only I had known it was his way of making me feel he was ahead of me on that, I would never had pushed him into the pool. It was supposed to be a play, to watch him display his much bragged swimming skills. But he drowned. I couldn’t save him. Billy, my only brother drowned. Tonight, I lost something precious again. Life couldn’t be full of sadness; I hated the sound of that. I broke down on my knees and wept heavily for long minutes. I remained on the grass sobbing out my heartache in despair. I went home broken in pieces.

Somehow, I could feel a rainbow in my heart in the morning. Hope had to be alive. I prepared myself and summoned cheerfulness. Before sunset, I was at the park, same bench, waiting for—it occurred to me then, that I didn’t even know her name! I felt like a douchebag but hope kept me waiting. She was my angel; that was all that mattered. The sun set and night fell. I waited for hours but it was all vain so I left for home late in the night.

The following day, I was at the park again, waiting. Two weeks later, I was still visiting the park consistently. I never missed the sunset and the orange sky. I had faith, at some point, she would show up. It was worth waiting.

I had lost count of days after two months of her departure. Maybe it was meant to be so. I started to feel better about myself, ever cherishing the memory of the moments of that evening and all the great lessons she taught me. It brought light into my life again. I will not let the cloud dim my shine. I’ll move on, I will live again, I told myself. Life couldn’t be full of sadness. I started to feel the radiation from the park which I had blocked out all the while; the happiness and laughter, the fun and memories that was created for the future, I smiled to myself. “Uncle, can you help me fix my paper plane? It won’t fly high,” A little boy ran up to me with a wet paper plane. “Okay buddy, I’ll make a new one for you. This one is wet.” I walked to a nearby bar hut and requested for a piece of paper from the sales girl. I bought myself a drink too, just to appreciate the favour.  Folding a paper plane was very easy. Billy and I were always littering the compound with paper planes when we were much younger. I threw it into the air after folding and it soared gracefully. We ran after it, just to watch it land on the bench I had sat on. I picked it up and handed to the boy. The kid was joyous, he thanked me and left. I took my seat and sipped my drink in satisfaction. I felt happy I could put a smile on a face again. But something had caught my vision while I had picked the plane from the bench. It was the spot she had sat on some months ago. There was something on the wooden bench – a faint writing. I looked closely.

“RISE, SHINE, SET” THE WHOLE DUTY OF MAN.

–Lily N. Morris

I could feel the tiny sparks again, it tingled every nerve in me. Her name was Lily. Finding her now wouldn’t be so impossible. The secret was in a single act of love. I knew somewhere deep inside me, she was waiting for me. I would find her. Merrily, I whistled the tune of Hero and walked home like the world was mine. Life couldn’t be full of sadness.

*THE END*

IN LOVE WITH HER PASTOR 9 --by Rose

 

(Image source: www.informationng.com)

“Darling have you met that lady before?” Genevieve asked, feeling triumphant. Once again, Calvary had proved his love for her. “Yes dear. Remember the lady I told you, that slapped me for hitting her car accidentally?” She rolled her eyes and shook her head. “No way, are you serious?” She couldn’t believe it was still the same woman he told her about and she felt disappointed in his kind heart once again.

“Is something wrong my dear?” He noticed the change in her countenance and wondered what he had done wrong. She just stared at him blandly. “Nothing,” she shrugged. He moved to where she sat and pecked her forehead. “Tell me love, what’s it?” He raised his brows as she began. “If she is as barbaric as you told me, how could you let her go? You should’ve handed her over to security and the police so she could learn a lesson.” Calvary stared at his bride-to-be, feeling amused. He couldn’t blame her for her suggestion but he wasn’t that cruel. “But darling, you know I’m a pastor and besides, the bible teaches us to forgive and forget.” She winced and turned the other way. He smiled and knew what would tickle her fancy. He dipped his hand into his pocket and brought out a little package and his wounded love was all smiles.

****

“Yetunde what is going on with you?” Edidiong asked as she watched her cousin pack up. She wondered what had gone wrong at the bank as Yetunde had given her the cold face since she got home. It was obvious her cousin had an encounter with Mr. Calvary Aduga prior the meeting today. She had so many questions but her cousin had ignored her totally.

“Please don’t go Yetunde,” she pleaded feeling lost by her actions. “Have I done anything wrong to you?” She inquired sincerely. Yetunde increased her frown. “You betrayed me. You lied to me about the Bank Manager…that picture you showed me was a lie.” Eddie now understood where all the tension was coming from. “I’m sorry Yetunde, you were asking too many questions and I had to find a way to keep you relaxed.”

“And you could only do that by lying to my face?” She sneered. “Tell me something Edidiong, why do you think I’m stupid?”

****

She slammed the phone angrily on her bed. That was the second week she had tried reaching the school authority to consider her daughter just for another week but all to no avail. Definitely, the loan issue was never going to work. Everything was against her. If only Eddie had informed her that it was Mr. Perfect whom she had slapped the other day was the Manager, she wouldn’t have bothered seeking for help.

Now she was thoroughly humbled and embarrassed. She remembered his mocking glare and how he tossed her files carelessly on the floor, and his words still stuck to her brain like it was yesterday. “You are quite arrogant for your economic class.” She felt so ashamed, maybe she deserved it. She had been rude to him although he did wrong. He had apologized but the other occurrence wasn’t entirely her fault.

Her mind drifted a bit. The beautiful lady she had seen, could she be his wife or? She felt her heart twinge and she suddenly longed for his respect. In his eyes, she was an arrogant young woman but her actions were frustration’s harvest. From his countenance, he was in love with the cruel woman who was so attractive and couldn’t be compared to her. She opened her eyes as she felt for her ringing phone. Why was she even thinking about him? She had no business with him. He embarrassed her without second thoughts.

“Eddie, why are you calling? I’m still upset with you.” She rolled her eyes. Eddie smiled at the other end, knowing her soft hearted cousin who couldn’t hurt a thing. She was quite sure Yetunde would come around again. She had just played a little prank on her and didn’t expect it to be that messy. She called to check up on her dear cousin and her little niece and to get some words out of her. Something was definitely up between Calvary Aduga and her cousin and she had to find out. Also recently, her boss…Mr. Calvary had not only asked of the little girl, Naomi but of her mother too.

****

She seemed like a very nice person under the tough exterior. Her eyes were very gentle and looked kind; something wasn’t right about all that. Was she married or widowed? He had asked Edidiong some questions about the lady which she carefully avoided for reasons known to her. He had to find out more about the lady. Then, he remembered the tears that welled up in her eyes as he flung the file on the floor. Calvary felt guilty. As a man of God who preached self control, he had lost his control that day. Anger could do dangerous things to people. He smiled as he remembered the little girl, her beautiful smile and her paintings and he made a decision: he had to find her again.

“Good morning Sir,” Eddie stormed in unannounced with a tray containing clean teacups and some cookies. Calvary ignored her. He was going to frighten her a bit. That was the only way to get the information he needed. He was naturally very friendly with his employees and that made them feel at ease with him. Edidiong had avoided his questions the other time, claiming not to have any personal relationship with the lady. But he couldn’t believe her. She was a terrible liar and he was going to sniff that info out of her.

She repeated her “good morning” but again it was met with silence. This wasn’t a good sign at all. Was she going to be fired? Had she done something wrong? She gently dropped the tray and looked at the once friendly Mr. Calvary Aduga sitting quietly on his desk looking quite devilish. He was angry obviously but with whom? She couldn’t have annoyed him as she thought of her previous actions. She hated pissing off her boss. She liked this job and the pay was excellent…more than what she had dreamed of and he often tipped her and the rest of the employees. If he sacked her right now, with the job situation in Nigeria, she was definitely going to be in a deep ditch.

She took a deep breath and decided to give him some space. Now wasn’t a good time. She hurriedly walked to the door but his deep voice brought her to a halt. “Come back here. Take a seat,” he commanded. She was really in deep trouble now. “Sir please I’m sorry if I have not been at my best…” she began but he hushed her with a hard stare. “Miss Gerard,” he began. She almost fainted. Surely her job was over here because he rarely called her by her surname. 

“Tell me everything about the young lady that came seeking for a loan, everything or you are at a great risk of losing your job.” This brought her to her knees. What had Yetunde done again? Why was she such a kill joy? Eddie begged on her cousin’s behalf. She was sure this was all about Genevieve, Mr. Calvary’s fiancée. “I’m waiting,” he thundered. Edidiong gulped. Yetunde, for some reasons didn’t like Mr. Calvary so she had to tread carefully. She had just reconciled with her and didn’t need any more problems. Just as she was about to speak, the door flung wide while Genevieve walked in hurriedly.

IT FEELS THE SAME --by Kreed

(Image source: corablu.com)

Home; some say it's where the heart is but I've always felt like a stranger there.

The air still had the same stench and the sun never ceased to smile.

It was like walking back into my past. Though time had taken its toll on this place, it didn’t change a thing on this path.

I wasn’t a stranger on this path and neither were the songs that accompanied me when I treaded it.

I've lost count the number of times my tears have watered this earth but I could count the number flowers that sprouted thereafter.

I stopped at the place where it all began and I could still sense the fear. I started from the place where it all ended and I could still feel the courage.

I saw the same buildings I had seen years before, but not the same faces. Today, I saw a man, only yesterday he was a child but his eyes gave away the same secrets: despair and emptiness (hopelessness)

I passed by my old school, or what was left of it. Within those walls, I was an outsider, just as I was today.

I remembered their errors, I remembered my mistakes, but all were in the past.

I had left in one piece but not without scars. It was here I fell as a boy; it was here I rose as a man.

I walked past the garden and I could spot a happy couple in a sea of sad faces. It was like light in the midst of darkness or gold in clay.

It was here we lavished each other with love, just like the flowers that crowned this garden with beauty, and the lake that made it felt like paradise.

Today I was alone and my thoughts were drowned by her laughter but not her laughter

It was what we once had but today she was betrothed to another. I once lived it but today, they were only memories.

I saw the sun set, nature was shutting down but then the street lamps came on. Man had always rebelled, right from Eden, but this time, in a good way.

I was now under the beam from the lamp, no longer at the sun's mercy. Then someone called out from the shadows. Only yesterday she had it all but then came destruction. An innocent child she was but tonight, she was searching for her next kobo.

I came across the chapel. Its beauty was gradually fading but it had not lost its essence. It was here I learnt my first prayers, it was he who gave me a reason to believe and it was he who taught me the importance of faith. Today, I was by his grave stone. From dust he came and to dust he returned.

I looked back and then ahead. It was then I realized the truth, “The past, I can’t change but the future, I can amend.” My wounds would always heal but not my scars. They said time heals but nobody told me that it also ruins.

"I'M S**UALLY STARVING" (18+) --by Nickz

(Image source: www.torchleader.com)

Few days ago, I visited my friend and former course mate. We got engaged in some cordial conversation and one of the topics was women. Yes, we guys talk about women, just the way they talk about us. He was telling me about a girl he dated back on campus. Let’s call her Tina and call my friend, Jay. Just so you know, Jay wasn’t the platonic–friendship type of guy. As a young undergraduate, his motive was not casual friendship but hedonic. Tina, the 22 year old girl he happened to date was a sex machine that matched his pleasure desire and he had his fill each time she came around. She loved sex and wanted it often, just like he enjoyed it too. After a while, Tina saw the need to move on as they both knew they were not ready to take the relationship to the next level. There was no hard feeling. They understood their level of commitment and even after Tina announced that she was getting married to someone else, Jay was still in good terms with her. He too, needed to focus on his academics and side hustles.

Now, this is where the discussion started getting catchy: Tina got married to a banker, moved from Uyo to Lagos and started her matrimonial home there. After some months, she initiated conversation with Jay via Whatsapp. She was not sounding happy like a newly wedded wife who should be having a good time walking the dream journey. This was her cry: “I’m sexually starving”. Jay saw it as a joke initially but Tina cleared the air and proved her seriousness. According to her, her husband who is a banker barely had time to touch her. He came back from work late in the evening and each time, was usually too tired to perform and if he did, he wasn’t delivering up to the brim of her cavity of expectation. He was a young man in his early thirties. “It’s over four weeks we had sex,” she complained to Jay. To make matters worse, Tina had no job and was always home. When the husband left for work, she remained at home alone, which sky-rocketed her horny feelings.  She confessed she masturbated just to satisfy her urges. Jay, knowing she was married had washed his hands off her and moved on with other single warm bloods. All he could do was try to give her some hope and encouragement but she wasn’t ready for any sermon. She came out blunt. She wanted Jay over! The desperation was there in every word she dropped. She said each time she went though the memories of what they shared back in the day, it usually drove her crazy and she had to stimulate herself to get excitement using Jay’s picture as the “stimulant”! She couldn’t bear it all alone and she contacted Jay again. She was willing to sponsor his trip to and fro Lagos, just to fill her up the good old way. She made that clear to Jay.

Jay felt for her. “Have you discussed how you usually feel with your husband?” He asked her. She replied that telling her husband anything of such nature would make him very uncomfortable and suddenly suspicious of her each time he left her at home to work. That was not something she desired. It could definitely ruin their union. Jay agreed on that point. Asking her husband for more sex could be very awkward. But the situation was still there. Jay shared everything with me. I strongly discouraged him from making such a trip. Sleeping with someone’s wife was on the black pages of abominations. He said he wouldn’t make such a stupid move. I didn’t press further. I just hoped he would stick to his words.

When I returned home, I played out the whole situation and possible outcomes in my head. If Jay eventually succumbed to her mundane desires, made the trip and made away the first time, that would open a room for more trips and as they say; nothing is hidden under the sun, one day, the deed will be exposed to the knowledge of all. The implications will be disgraceful. If Jay keeps his word and declines the invitation, which would be responsible of him, what happens to Tina? She’s gonna find someone else–even the janitor or plumber –just anyone available with that ‘joystick’ and still, it’s going to end badly.

One thing I greatly frown on is matrimonial desecration and this true story I’ve shared brings about this write-up. I’m single but I’m sure I still stand in a better position to have a say on marital affairs. Many may be hasty to tag Tina a slut and cast stones on her. Do not forget that many, many marriages are passing through a similar problem. The way I look at Tina’s situation, I’m sure the problem could have been detected right from courtship. Being a lover of sex, she definitely did not refrain from sex during courtship and during that period, the signs would have been visible that her man was not the sex addict type. She ignored, believing a magic would happen in marriage. Even in a situation where there is no sexual relationship during courtship, sexual topics should be raised and freely aired, without assuming everything would take its place naturally. Men and women have different preferences on this subject and this can become one of the determinant binding cords of marriage. 

Having frequent desire for sex should not be totally condemned if it’s not based on some form of disorder. Though marriage is not just about sex, attention should be given to this topic in marriage, just the way attention is given to money inflow and wellbeing.  But in Tina’s case, the mistake has already been made. Somewhere in my heart, I know there’s a way out for her. I’m no marriage counselor or an authority. Advising Tina to meet a marriage counselor could make her shiver from fear of being seen as a ‘bad type’, though these experts are ideal for her to meet and they do not disclose confidential information. I’m sure one or more readers can have a beneficial say on this that can save not just Tina but many others. That’s why I’m throwing this topic open for you to read and contribute.  Somebody out there reading this is also in Tina’s shoes and wants a way out. Left to me, I’d say Tina should use a subtle approach and discuss with her husband. A responsible husband would find a beneficial way around and work something out. But what if the man acts as she feared and treats her with disdain? This issue requires delicate handling, if the marriage has to be saved. What’s your say?

THE PHOTOGRAPHER Epilogue --by Rose

(Image source: gettyimages.com)

For weeks, she had gone missing and the police were on her trail. She stared at the wedding card angrily. She had lost him, she had lost everything all because of her.

****

Today was the day. Udeme stared into his dark eyes. He was the most handsome groom and she felt pride to be his bride. “You know I love you right?” He asked and she nodded. “Then let’s do this.” He nodded and they rose to say their final vows.

****

“I’m serious. I’m attracted to you.” Duncan whispered to Adenike. She was a very pretty lady and he’d developed some feelings for her. She smiled coyly and winked. “If only you knew my age,” she responded and left for the bathroom. She had some unfinished business to handle.

****

Nadie positioned herself. She was going to end it, all of it, soon. “I now declare you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.” The priest announced and the crowd went wild with cheers. Bode’s mother clapped happily, she was proud of her baby boy.

She fingered the trigger and was ready to pull when a presence stopped her.

“Don’t you think it’s too late for that?” Nike placed a gun on her head. Nadine froze.

“Why don’t you mind your business?” Nadine replied.

“Shut up.” Nike looked around, quite sure they were far from the church. She pulled the trigger. Nadine’s body collapsed on the muddy earth. “Goodbye witch,” Nike wiped her brows and quickly detached the silencer from the gun.

She quickly rushed to the reception ground. She was to toast for her two friends.

“To the bride and groom, Bode and Udeme Thomas, may your love never die.” She lifted her glass which was filled to the brim. Yes, she loved to drink, especially after her enemies went down. “May your love never die,” the crowd responded.

And there was laughter. Joy and the skies cried but the light showers couldn’t stop the victory.

Thank you for reading The Photographer series to the end. I hope you enjoyed yourself. I love and hold all our readers very dear to my heart. You are my angels.

THE PHOTOGRAPHER 20 (Final Part) --by Rose

(Image source: gettyimages.com)

Something wasn’t right and she knew this, maybe Bode had changed his mind about loving her, maybe his mother had gotten to him.

She shrugged as she peered out the window. The clouds were gathering and darkness and rain were coming soon. She missed him so much. She still loved him, still cared, but his mother had already told her to stay off.

Her phone rang. Maybe it was him! She quickly rushed to answer. “Hello Dee,” it was Duncan. Her euphoria died immediately. “Udeme have you heard or seen your friend Nadine?” He was worried, he had called her ten times and she wasn’t picking. “No, is something wrong?” Udeme felt the panic in his voice. “No I’m fine. How’re you doing? You don’t sound too happy yourself,” he observed. Her cheerful voice was replaced with a dampened one. His Udeme was gone and he blamed Bode for it. From day one, he knew that guy was bad luck but Udeme had been carried away and couldn’t think straight.

“I’m coming over, I’m not busy at the moment and I have lots to discuss with you.” He blew her a kiss and made for his car.

“Where are these keys?” He searched his pockets and drawers but he couldn’t find them. This was quite frustrating. Maybe he’d placed them in Nadine’s room.

“Here you are?” He was right, the bunch of keys sat majestically on her dressing table. Just then, something else caught his eyes.

A portrait of a very pretty girl, he smiled as he fingered the picture, splendid indeed! Where had she gotten this from? He didn’t remember getting this for her or her getting it by herself. He picked it up and examined it then he paused, filled with wonder by the words that embraced the frame.

“From The Artmaster, With Love’

“Artmaster,” he mused. Who was The Artmaster? He tried to recall where he’d heard that name. Maybe Udeme knew about it so he picked it up and left for her place.

***

“Get down from the car!” the men in uniform shouted. Nadie closed her eyes and prayed. Thankfully, the bullets hadn’t touched her, she only wished it had touched the driver who was obviously an assassin.

She took a closer look at him as the men bundled him out of the car. He looked very familiar.

“Sorry madam, please step out gently.” One of the men helped her from the car.

“What’s going on here?” She whispered to the man.

“This man here is a high profile assassin, you’re lucky we trailed this car. We’ve searched for him for years and finally he is in our net.”

Yakubu grunted angrily as he was dragged towards the van by the Secret Service Agency. He knew his game was up! He knew he would never be free again. Above all, he’d failed to deliver and Adenike was going to be in serious trouble. He had to do something.

“I want to speak to my lawyer!” He thundered to the agent who stood beside Nadine.

“Shut your bloody mouth. You have many things to tell us. For instance, who sent you after this innocent lady?”

Yakubu sneered. Innocent? She was far from innocent; his only wish was to warn Nike. Trouble was coming.

“It’s okay, allow him to call his lawyer. With all the evidences we have, he can’t escape prison or death this time,” the chief agent advised.

“Madam, you may be on your way now. Be very careful and we shall get back to you when we begin thorough investigations bothering on this criminal.”

Nadie nodded and thanked the man and left. She was in serious trouble as it dawned on her. That man was a thug.  She had seen his face somewhere and she feared he was the one that she sent to eliminate Adenike.

This only meant one thing, Nike knew of all her plans and she was prepared to revenge.

“I cannot lose this war,” she spat as she hurried. If by any chance Nike got to Bode before her, then she was finished.

She paused. She needed to re-strategize. She needed another plan. She didn’t foresee this turn out of events.

Quickly she brought out her phone: ten missed calls? Her heart raced. Had he discovered she had been cheating on him? She reasoned Nike must have arranged for her elimination. Somehow, she knew she was heading to Bode’s house and she got wind of that and sent that assassin.

Even if Nike would tell Bode about her relationship with Duncan, that couldn’t stop anything. His parents were already taken with her. All she had to do was play her cards well. She had to see Udeme, she had to change her approach.

****

“I don’t believe you, all these,” his voice broke at the realization brought to his table by Nike. For the first time, he saw in her eyes honesty. She wasn’t lying.

Maybe he didn’t want to believe it, but how could a friend betray another like that?

“It’s true Bode. You have to do something quick to get her back,” Nike frowned as she saw the strange number caller. “Excuse me,” she left the room to take the call somewhere else.

“I’m so sorry Udeme,” Bode cried. He had rejected her and thought the worst of her. He should have listened to his heart. Udeme was a swan, a dove, pure and beautiful, and he had hurt her. He had to see her immediately.

“Madam, I wasn’t able to deliver the goods because the police arrested me and accused me wrongly, the goods are in the boot.”  Yakubu lied. He had to speak that way as the men stared at him suspiciously. He hoped Nike understood.

“Okay, I have heard.” She was careful. Surely people were listening to the call.

Her heart sank as she quickly ran to the room. She hoped she was with a gun because Nadine was coming after her. Yakubu had been arrested and sooner or later, she would be implicated in his trial. She had to leave the country as soon as possible, but first, somebody had to kiss the earth.

“Are you still thinking about what to do?” She asked a confused Bode.

“I think I should go to her house,” he replied as he carefully packed all the documents Nike had brought. He was going to expose Nadie for who she really was, against his wish. Adenike had advised him not to involve the police.

He had to listen to her, she had her reasons which he didn’t care to know but first things first: Udeme had to know the truth.

****

“How do you feel right now?” Duncan pressed his fingers on her forehead and she smiled. It reminded her of her mum when she was a child.

“I’m fine Dee, just lonely. Bode has refused to pick my calls. I thought of going to meet him.”

“About what? I think you should stay far from that guy. Just forget him and move on. He’s the cause of your problem,” Dee advised. He was sure of it.

“You make it look so easy, he loves me very much and I love him too,” she returned. “He loves you very much? Listen to yourself, you sound quite unsure.” She looked away. “Why does he ignore your calls? Wake up Ud. I’m saying this because I care,” and he meant ever word. “No, you can’t ruin my life Duncan…I’m over you, over the past and Bode is my future. I will not listen to you any longer’.

What was she saying? He wondered. “Udeme, I don’t understand you.”

She swallowed. What was she to lose anyway? She no longer had feelings for him, so she may as well let him in on the truth.

“I have always loved you Dee but you were too blind or maybe I wasn’t too beautiful and you fell for my friend. I felt very hurt but Bode had repaired my damaged heart. He has lifted my burdens,” she smiled as she spoke of him. Duncan was stunned. She had been in love with him all this while?

As he was about to respond, the door flung wide open. It was his angel! His Nadine.

Then he remembered the portrait he’d intended showing to Ud. “What happened to you?” Udeme rushed forward to meet her friend. She looked distressed.

Nadie swallowed and closed her eyes. She had to play this well.

“Adenike—she told me of her plans to ruin us both for attempting to snatch Bode from her.” “What?” Duncan relayed his surprise.

“She sent a thug after me and she told me she sent one to Udeme and they raped her. I don’t know if she was lying but I almost lost my life.”

Duncan and Udeme exchanged glares. Nadine hadn’t known about the rape. Maybe she was right.  After all, Adenike had never liked her.

“God! What have I done to deserve this?”

Udeme broke down while Dee and Nadine tried to pull her together.

“I’m so sorry Ud, I’m going to deal with her. Just trust me on this.” Nadie comforted her. But then, a vehicle had just pulled in. They all rose and followed the sound of the vehicle.

Nadie froze where she stood. What was he doing here?

“Bode! I missed you so much!” Ud cried as she flung her hands over him. He returned the gesture and kissed her hair.

“I love you so much. You’re my world.” He kissed her forehead and ignored Duncan.

“Hello Bode,” Nadie managed a smile but his angry glare shut her up. Was it cold in there? Or was it just him?  Duncan instantly felt foolish as he watched the silent war between Nadie and Bode. Something was definitely wrong. “Darling don’t you think we should go now?” Nadie winked at Duncan.

“We should give the lovers time to bond,” she continued but Duncan ignored her. Gently, she pulled him closer to herself in a bid to leave but the loud bang of the door separated them. It was Nike!

God no, this is not right. Her heart raced. They had conspired against her.

“What are you doing in my house you witch?” Udeme flared but Bode held her still. Nike ignored her rants and smiled calmly. She had everything under control.

“I don’t know what your traitor friend told you about me. I apologize for my behavior towards you in the past but the only enemy you have is your friend here.” She pointed at Nadine who felt stuck. She had to do something. She had to leave.

“What’s going on here?” Duncan asked, tired of hanging in the dark.

“It’s simple, everyone should take a seat. Let’s begin the narration.” Adenike motioned everyone to take seats.

“I need to use the bathroom,” Nadie rose but Nike blocked her.

“Let me go bitch!” She fired back. But Nike wouldn’t budge.

“Sweetheart, Nadie is a devil. She almost ruined our relationship by feeding me with lies about you. I have failed you. We had an affair before I started dating you. Forgive me.” Bode knelt and begged but Udeme was lost. She didn’t understand it.

“Lies! All lies. Bode…” she stuttered as she met Duncan’s pained gaze.

He closed his eyes and leaned on the wall. He had suspected but he wasn’t sure Nadine could cheat on him.

“Is that true Nadie?” Duncan faced her but she looked away. “I guess it is,” he continued. “I now see why you wanted our wedding postponed and I think I know who the Artmaster is.” He thundered angrily. He was too hurt to say more. She had made a fool of him and would pay dearly.

“That’s not all,” Bode began as he handed him the documents explaining Nadine’s involvement in Udeme’s assault.

“I can’t believe this,” Duncan threw them on the floor and walked out. God had really saved him from the devil but he swore on his life, Nadine was going to pay for what she’d done to Udeme.

“I guess you’re happy now? I trusted you. I loved you with all my heart and you chose to betray me. What did I do wrong’? Udeme asked amidst sobs.

Nadine couldn’t fight the anger that grew inside her. She had lost everything but this fight wasn’t over. In one swift motion, she pushed Nike to the floor and ran towards the door.

“It’s okay, all that matters is my love for you,” Bode kissed her and her happy smiled touched her eyes.

“I love you too,” she whispered as his love washed all her pain away and she knew from then on, that he would be her only friend.

“But what of your mother?” She continued. Mrs. Thomas scared her.

“Nadine fed the woman with numerous lies,” Nike answered as she regained composure. Nadine had escaped. She wasn’t safe either.

“It’ll be fine, I promise.” he held her like his only possession in the whole wide world.