10:26 PM.
Folarin was staring at the time on his wristwatch and thinking to himself that his hand needed some moisturizer. He also had that feeling he normally got when he was in the mood to have another tattoo done. He rebuked the urge and tried to banish the memories of the past few hours. The evening had been a long one, filled with anger, tears, hurtful words, and shame. But Folarin had managed through it with a smile. He had just seen Cyrus to his car, having done his best to calm him over Cyrus Juniorβs latest act of impregnating his girlfriend.
βYou guys shouldnβt have let him have that apartment and that car. I know that boyβs medicine. Too much independence is going to destroy him.β
βNobody is getting destroyed, Cyrus.β Folarin was almost giving up. Cyrus was most times unnecessarily difficult on CJ. βHeβll be fine.β
Cyrus connected his phone to charge and looked up at Folarin, his angry face coming to a calm demeanor. βSo, sheβs back home?β
βYeah.β
βAnd you guys are back together for good?β
βIt seems.β
Cyrus nodded. βThatβs what we all want. Sheβs an awesome woman, Folarin. You know that already. Sheβs learned her lesson.β
βYeah.β
βIβm rooting for you guys.β
βAnd you? Any plans of settling down?β
Cyrus laughed. βI have a baby on the way. And CJ who is more than any parent can take. Thatβs the most settling I can do.β
Folarin moved away from the door and Cyrus shut it. As the car left the compound, Folarin made it back to the house, rubbing dry palms together. Christie was occupied with the activity of sweeping the living room when he got in. The place was in good shape but Folarin understood that she needed to expunge the humiliation she had just faced in the presence of strangers. Cyrus Juniorβs girlfriend had visited with her parents. They were a family of low means but bursting with ego. The news of their daughter being put in the family way was not received well by them. According to their version of the story, Cyrus Junior had manipulated and deflowered Lillian despite all efforts to ensure that she stayed away from him. She was betrothed to one of the pastors in their church. Her pregnancy was going to bring dishonor to their familyβs reputation. They were demanding that Cyrus Junior get married to their daughter as soon as possible.
Christie had objected to the idea, as did CJ himself. The reaction to the rejection fueled a verbal fight that turned into name-calling. Folarin tried everything to broker peace but the girlβs mother, after incessant insults, rose up and promised hell on the Adedirans if her daughter was not made to become part of the family. She then stormed out of the house. Her husband followed, after reiterating her words but in a subtler manner. Lilian, at a loss on what to do, went after them, but she was chased back to the house by her mother and assaulted with slaps until she was rescued by Cyrus Junior and Folarin.
βDonβt you ever step foot in my house again or I will disown you! Useless child!β
Leaving them in shock, the woman made her exit the second time. Cyrus Junior looked into Christieβs face pleadingly. βCan she stay here?β
Christieβs reply came in silence borne by angry feet that carted her off to the bedroom. Folarin gave Cyrus Junior permission to have Lillian stay in the guestroom for the night. Afterward, he walked Cyrus Senior to the car. Now that he was back, he hoped to help Christie see why being antagonistic toward the young couple was not going to help the situation.
βI donβt want her staying here,β Christie made clear.
βCome on, Chris.β
βI just canβt. Iβm not that type of mother.β She nudged a couch with her hip to put it in place while molding a throw pillow back into shape.
βAre you looking for a way out of this mess or not?β
βWhy is she staying here, though? Itβs just a way to bully CJ into marrying her. The boy is not ready. It would be a big mistake. A colossal one. My son is a kid.β
βHe is not, Chris. Heβs a man and heβs about to man up even more with a baby on the way. He has to take responsibility. Obviously, Lily is not safe at home. Where else do you want her to go?β
βIs the baby even CJβs?β
Folarin shook his head in a show of disappointment. βReally?β
βIβm just saying.β Christie slammed the throw pillow on the couch. It rolled to the floor. She went after it and slammed it a second time. It rolled to the floor again. βThis thing, behave!β
Folarin picked it, placed it gently on the couch and took her hand while resting his left hand on her waist. βItβs okay, Christina. Calm down. Everythingβs going to be fine.β
βYou donβt know that.β
βI know.β
βI didnβt ask for this.β Her face rested in his neck.
βI know.β
She cried. He held her for as long as she let him. She then pushed away from him and went into the bedroom. Folarin let her be for a while as he sat and watched the news. Cyrus Junior emerged from the guestroom just when he was about to leave.
βIs Mom asleep?β
βI doubt that sheβll sleep for days. Maybe weeks.β
The boy scratched his head. βI didnβt mean to. Please, can you tell her that? I wasnβt deliberately out to disgrace her as she said earlier. I know I already disgust her by just being me.β
βDonβt say thatβ¦β
βI know, Dad. Imagine you being a constant reminder to your mom that her brother abused her and got her pregnant and she had no choice but to have you. Just imagine that. I see her look at me and see him. And now, I do thisβ¦ Sheβll think sheβs done something wrong to deserve me.β
The brokenness on his sonβs face crushed Folarin.
βWe didnβt plan to get pregnant. It just happened. It’s not he first time, though.”
“What?”
“Yeah, I’ve been careless.”
“CJ!”
“But Iβm not bothered about me. Itβs Lily. Iβm thinking that maybe we should get married if itβll make her parents happy. Sheβs been crying. I canβt stop her.β
Folarin let down the volume of the television. βCome here.β
Cyrus Junior went to him. Folarin put a hand behind his head and brought his face to his. βDonβt ever tie yourself to someone for the wrongest reasons. You will regret it. Do you hear me?β
βYes, Dad.β
βHer parents are angry but they will calm down. If not now, then when they see their grandchild. Donβt be pushed into trying to please them. Okay?β
βYes, Dad.β
βLily will stay here until she has the baby. We will take care of her and get everything she needs.β
βThank you.β
βSo, stop getting ahead of yourself in this issue. Relax. We got you.β
βThanks, Dad.β
βGo and ask your mom for a nightie and a blanket for Lily.β
βDad, sheβs angry at meβ¦β
βDonβt give her the space sheβs looking for to be mad at you. Sheβs your mother. Go and ask her.β
Cyrus Junior did as he was told. When he returned, he showed gratitude to Folarin.
βNo naughty business in this house, CJ.β
βYes, sir.β
Folarin turned off the television and the lights and retired for the night. In the bedroom, Christie was spread on the bed. Brooding eyes stayed on the ceiling. A short cotton kimono barely covered the lower part of her body. She had her legs hiked up and spread apart. Folarin pulled her legs down and sat astride her. She brought her eyes to him. Words were not said; just eyes communicating. She made the first move by taking a tuft of his t-shirt and tugging him down to have her lips meet his. He stretched out over her as her thighs parted again and allowed him space between them. Neither of them had the patience for foreplay. But they were not as urgent as they were gentle. He entered her slowly, stretching her as if it was her first time, and she clung to him like she would fall if she let go.
When he was buried deep inside her, he replied to the question she had asked in the morning. βIt wasnβt worth it being with another woman because I didnβt find what I was looking for.β His voice was rusty with desire as he moved out and in again. βYouβre more than enough, Christie.β
βThank you for coming back.β
He smiled. βIt was you who went away.β
βBut it was you who came back.β
Β ***
βMaserati SUV 2017. My nipples are getting hard just looking at it. God help me not to sin on this blessed Sunday morning.β
βYouβre so unserious, Tish. You want to have sex with the car?β
βIf possible.β
Toni walked away from Leticia and Khanyi toward the magnificent beast on wheels that was parked outside their compound with a black ribbon stuck on the hood. She knew Imadeβs handiwork when she saw it. But she was not impressed by him trying to impress her. In fact, she hated when a man went over the top for her. Small gifts meant he was thoughtful. Extravagant gifts indicated that he wanted to own her.
βThis is a beautiful car, Toni,β Khanyi said in her way of romanticizing little things. Her eyes would sparkle like a teenage girl in love for the first time just to describe the beauty of something as basic as perfectly-lined eyebrows.
She was now standing beside Toni. Leticia had also walked up to her.
βVery sexy. Seems our sugar daddy is generous with birthday presents.β
βItβs your birthday?β Khanyi asked Toni.
βMy birthday is on the eighth.β Toni peeled off a black envelope fixed to the driverβs door. Out of it she pulled out a card that had a note which read:
Scarlet,
You should have this SUV if youβll take nothing else from me. You should also have this amazing house the SUV would do a good job of complementing. Happy birthday in advance.Β
I. H
βThat is the most unromantic note I have ever seen and yet it reeks of so much power I am turned on.β
βSo he calls you Scarlet?β Khanyi asked.
βYeah.β
βStrange pet name.β
βAre you going to accept the gifts?β Leticia looked into Toniβs frowning face.
βNo.β
βWhy?β
βBecause he wants something. Thatβs why heβs doing this. Itβs not because of my birthday. But whatever he wants, I donβt think I can give him.β
βToni, just take what he offers and dump him. You seriously canβt be thinking of continuing with him. This has gone on far too long. Iβm getting scared that you and Dre might never get back together.β
βMe too,β Khanyi agreed.
βTish and Khanyi, donβt you two have church to go to?β
βKeep the car, dump him,β Leticia repeated and walked back to the house.
βSay what you want to say.β Toni gave Khanyi her attention. βI can take it.β
βLeticia is right. This thing with Imade Harrison has to stop. I understand your reasons for doing itβ¦β
βWhat are my reasons?β
βYouβre trying to numb your heart. You are also doing everything to destroy what love and relationship mean to you. This is beyond getting back at Andre. And like I said, I understand. But I have to let you know that remaining in this relationship with this man stands against all you believe in as an independent, empowered woman. Being a sidechick demeans you.β
βKhanyisile, donβt Beijing-conference my ass this morning. Iβm not an afterthought to Imade. Iβve never been less than who I was to all the married men I dated in the past. I redefined what it meant to be a mistress and I own it.β
βStop lying to yourself, Toni. Youβre hurting inside and you donβt want to face that hurt. Imade is a distraction, but a bad one. End what you have with him.β
Toni hadnβt the strength to argue with Khanyi. βI will take a minute later on to ponder on your wise words, darling. Now, go to church.β
βOkay. See you later.β
Khanyi turned toward her apartment. Toni took out a key fob from the envelope and unlocked the SUV. She got in. The fragrance of new leather gave her a moment to appreciate the vehicle. She held the gearshift, caressing it in a sensual manner before she pushed the keyless ignition. The engine cranked into life. Google Maps went on. An automated voice gave instructions to Toni to take the next left turn. When she peered into the screen, she discovered that a destination was already set for her. She followed the instructions and several minutes later, she was driving into a compound in an exclusive estate. Towering above her was an impressive duplex surrounded by nature and a setting fit for a family. Toni spied a playground for kids and a swimming pool.
She alighted from the car and walked to the entrance door. She went in without knocking. The house was furnished and had the fragrance of newness. Imade was seated on one of the settees with his legs resting on the center table. He was watching a game of lawn tennis.
βWelcome home, Antonia.β
βIβm not impressed, Imade.β
He sniggered.
βI told you from the start of this relationship that Iβm not in it for the money or what you think you have to offer. I make my own money.β
βI know.β
βThen why did you break the rules with the car and this house? You think you can buy me?β
βNot exactly.β
βWhat do you want from me?β
βI want something?β Imade smiled. βYou think low of me.β
βWhat do you want, Imade?β
βTo make you more comfortable. You and your kids β as you call them. Rubyβs bedroom is to die for. She has everything in it to support her art. Dukeβs too. It has this Voltron and Transformers theme.β
βThat car costs about forty million naira. I donβt even want to know how much this house goes for and all the furnishings you put in it. You certainly canβt spend all that money just because you want me to be more comfortable. What is it you want?β
Imade dropped his legs to the floor. βI have an offer you would like. Sit down.β
βSay what you want to say.β
βIβd like you to have my child, Antonia. Iβm not asking for a commitment. No marriage. Nothing. Just have my child. My first spawn ever.β
βAnd be eternally stuck with you. Lucky girl I am.β
βThere are benefits if you get pregnant. A stake in CIPRON Oil and other juicy privileges.β
βWhy me? Why not Rita?β
βBecause I chose you and not Rita.β
βI hate when you give stupid answers to my questions. I know youβre divorcing Rita.β
Imade showed a curious face. βWho told you that?β
βAre you?β
βYes, but I canβt disclose the detailsβ¦β
βRita and I had a talk, and in my opinion, trying to ditch her because she slept with your cousin is phony. But then, itβs none of my business. Thatβs why I kindly ask you not to drag me into your shit.β
βI wonβt.β
βI want you to stay with your wife so that sheβll stop being creepy by following me around and threatening to ruin both our reputations with pictures of you and I having sex.β
Imade grimaced.
βIf pictures of me fucking you hit the internet, I will destroy you, Imade.β
βNoted.β
βNo, I donβt want you to note anything. I want you to go and iron out your issues with Rita and leave me out of it.β
βIβll take your request into advisement. Now, back to our discussion. Take your time to think really hard about my proposal.β
βI have, and itβs a no from me. Find someone else.β
βBut I want you,β he said like a sulky child. βAn offspring with a combo of our brains is going to be a child prodigy. A wunderkind. Think about it.β
βNext time you want something from me, just ask. Donβt go buying expensive gifts to bribe me.β
βI have no apologies to make. The house and the SUV belong to you. If you donβt want to have them for the mere reason of having them, then accept them as an early birthday present.β
Toni was incensed by his arrogant manner but showed nothing of it. βLet me have your car key.β
βMy car key?β
βThatβs your BMW outside, isnβt it?β
βYeah.β
βGive me the key.β
Imade rose from the settee and went to her. He put his arms around her. She remained stiff in his hug. βFor some very nasty reason, I want you right now, Antonia. When you get angry, you make me horny.β
Wandering hands took a fistful of her bum and pressed her into a hard-on.
βYour car key.β
He produced a single key from his pocket. She took it, pushed away from him and left the house. She got into his car and drove off.
***
The ebony goddess that stood before Leticia, glaring down at her, stirred abundant amounts of jealousy in her. She possessed the type of skin Leticia spent thousands of naira trying to achieve. It was dark, radiant and spotless. Perfectly-shaded brows angling up over bright, oval eyes left an expression of rude curiosity on her face. Leticia reacted with a grin.
βYou want to see Andre? Who are you?β
Leticia kept grinning. βIβm a friend.β
βYour name?β
βLeticia. Tell him Iβm here.β
Camille cast Leticia a second glance before disappearing into the house. But Leticia went after her, pushing the front door in. Camille turned.
βYou should have waitedβ¦β
βDre?β Leticia called. βItβs Tisha!β
Andre emerged from his bedroom with a smile.
βHey, Tish.β
He went to her with a hug and kept an arm on her shoulder while speaking to Camille in French. Camille retreated to his bedroom, unsmiling.
βI had to come see for myself, Dre. Why nau? We have a plan. Getting a girlfriend is not part of it.β
Andre dragged her to a couch and they both sat.
βBody no be firewood,β he muttered.
βWho is she, though? Her accent stinks.β
βSheβs Camille.β He leaned toward Leticia and whispered. βAnd I like her.β
βI donβt.β
βI miss your friend, Tisha. Badly. Camille is my way of coping.β
βWell, you seem to be coping terribly because babe has marked her scent all over you. Itβs going to be war to extract her from you.β
βHow is Arinola?β
βPretending you donβt exist.β
βI donβt think I do.β
βGet rid of your new girlfriend, please. Sheβll ruin our plan.β
βYou still think the plan would work?β
βJust trust me. It will.β
βForgive my manners. Can I get you something? You look like youβre just getting back from church.β
βYeah. Khanyi invited me to hers today. Itβs not far from here.β
βWhat do you want to drink?β
βNothing. Did you even attempt to go to church?β
Andre shook his head.
βLet me guess, you were fucking all morning.β
Andre nodded.
βThatβs sad.β
βSad works for me. Leave me and my extracurricular activities, abeg. Your friend, is she not constantly getting dicked down by Harrison?β
Leticia shrugged.
βAnd there goes your silence. Am I lying?β
βI donβt know. Maybe they fuck, maybe they donβt. She wonβt tell me.β
Andre rested his back and pushed his legs forward. βIf I catch Antonia in a room alone ehn, I will hold her ransom and wonβt let go until I get her pregnant.β
Leticia laughed. βYouβre savage, and I donβt mean it in a fancy slang way. You are savage like an African caveman.β
βI know. Iβm pissed that all my silent attempts to impregnate her didnβt work.β
βSilent attempts?β
Andre allowed himself a thin smile. βNot silent. We sort of had a bet that I could get her pregnant immaculately.β
βNa una sabi.β Leticia drew herself to an upright posture. βI just came to confirm the girlfriend news. I am disappointed in you, and I will ask you very nicely to dump her.β
βYes, ma.β
βIβm not joking.β
Andre laughed. βLeticia! My surest babe!β
Leticia gave a snort and stood up. Andre accompanied her outside to where her car was parked.
βMy love to Toni and the kids. Also hail Dapo for me.β
βI will.β
Leticia kicked the car into motion and left Andreβs neighborhood. She drove to GRA, Ikeja, where Dapo lived. She found him outside in the company of Tayo and a friend. They were hurdled over the engine of Tayoβs car. Dapo looked up when he saw her approaching.
βHi, guys.β
Tayo spared her a side hug, apologizing for having his hands smeared with grease. She waved at the friend and allowed Dapo take her waist. They went into the house.
βI was just about to order food,β Dapo said. βThank God youβre here. I want okra soup and eba. I havenβt had eba in a while.β
Leticia pressed her lips into a frown as she dropped her handbag. βShebi they wrote cook on my forehead, Oladapo?β
βI miss your cooking.β
βAnd I didnβt miss your demanding ass. Get a cook, boy, and stop bugging my life. Iβm not your mommy.β
He gave a charming smile. βCan I spank your ass, Mommy?β He said this while falling backwards onto a couch and taking Leticia along with him.
βWhat is wrong with you?β
His hands lifted her gown to find her thighs. She hit him. βThem Tayo can walk in. Stop it.β
βLetβs go inside.β
βDapo, Iβm just from church where I gave my life to Christ after crying and saying I wonβt fornicate again. For the millionth time. Allow me to enjoy my salvation, even if itβs just for one day.β
But Leticia was speaking from the side of her mouth. Minutes later, she was pinned beneath Dapo in sexual bliss. When they were done, Dapo called a nearby eatery and ordered lunch while she cleaned herself and slipped into a t-shirt.
βI was thinkingβ¦β Leticia began, head laid on his chest. βIt would be good if you did a fertility test.β
βHmm?β
βJust to be sure the problem is not from your side.β
βYouβre kidding, right?β
βIβm not. Remember the first doctor we went to see suggested it?β
βTish, Iβm good.β
βI know. I just think we should be sure.β
βI am good.β
Leticia lifted herself up. βWhy does the problem have to be from me, though?β
βSeriously? You doing this now? After we just had bomb sex? You want to spoil the mood?β
βBecause I asked you to go get yourself tested?β
βTish, Iβm not infertile.β
βWell, I donβt know that. And Iβm simply asking you to prove that youβre okay and the problem is not from you.β
Dapo covered his face with a pillow. βTisha!β he groaned.
βDP?β Leticia pulled the pillow but he held it down. βWhy are you doing like this?β
βI am not going to any hospital to do any test. I can have kids, for fuckβs sake!β
βHow the hell do you know?β
βBecause I know!β
βHow?β
βI just know!β
βHow, Dapo?!β
βBecause I once got a girl pregnant!β
Leticia felt something in her sink. She dropped her shoulders. Dapo let down the pillow.
βNot just her. There was another girl. Woman, rather. And maybe there was a third. They all aborted.β
βSo,Iβm the one with the problemβ¦?β
βThis is why I didnβt want to tell you.β
Dapo tried to hold her hand but she tugged it back. Tears left a hot sensation in her eyes as she got on her feet.
βWhere are you going?β
βHome.β
βFor what?β
βI just want to be alone.β
βTishβ¦β Dapo crawled towards her. He held her hand; she yanked it away. βBaby, come on. The doctors say youβre fineβ¦β
βFine?β She laughed. βDapo, once upon a time, I could get pregnant at just a thought. Now that I need a baby most, nothing is happening and nobody is giving me any explanation, let alone a solution. So no, I am not fine.β
Dapo was in front of her in a flash. βWeβll have a baby. Just be patient and stop stressing.β
βItβs easy for you to say.β
βIt is not. It bugs me too, but I know the baby will come.β
She pushed him away. βI want to go home.β
βYouβre not going anywhere.β He held her.
βDapo, please let me go.β
βNo.β
βDapo!β she screamed. He froze. She made an attempt to move away but he held on tightly.
βIf weβre going to get married, you have to learn to express your emotions in front of me, Tish. You canβt be running to your house all the time to go and cry when Iβm here and you can cry on me. What you think youβre going through alone right now, weβre going through it together. Your struggle is mine, baby. So, sit down, letβs talk about it. Letβs talk about this past of yours you keep sharing with me in bits. I want to know everything. Your body count, the number of abortions youβve had, all of it.β
Fear stole into Leticiaβs eyes. She recalled a warning from Toni about revealing her past to Dapo. It was a good time to take her friendβs advice seriously, but the deadpan look on Dapoβs face showed he wasnβt playing.
βSit, Leticia.β
She heard Toniβs voice in her headβ¦ issa trap!
Dapo took her hand and tugged her down. He then lay on his back, resting his head on a pillow. βOya, talk.β
Β ***
The last thing Christie wanted was to become the overbearing mother that gave her sonβs girlfriend a hard time. But she couldnβt help it. She knew nothing about Lily. She was angry that she had to accept a child she wasnβt prepared for; and of course, she hated the fact that she had to be made a grandmother in her thirties. But the bulk of her anger was for Cyrus Junior. Regrettably she couldnβt express it for fear of losing him entirely. She knew this was a test of her love and commitment to their relationship. How she handled the present dilemma was going to determine what would become of them in the future. It was her chance to undo all the neglect he felt while growing up, yet it was difficult for her to come to terms with reality.
Church today had been a bore. Not because it had been, but because she couldnβt connect with anything happening. She hadnβt waited until the final prayers were said before she hurried out to the childrenβs church to get Vanessa and Tamilore. Arriving home, she found her kitchen occupied with the presence of Lily. The girl stopped her activity when Christie made her appearance known by dumping her handbag on the counter.
βGood afternoon, ma.β Lily bent the knee a little.
βHi Lillian. How are you doing?β
βIβm fine.β
βYouβre making lunch?β
βYes. I saw that Daddy and CJ havenβt eaten, soβ¦β
βItβs fine. You donβt have to. Thereβs stew in the freezer. Iβll just boil rice and some veggies and we can all eat.β
βBut the spaghetti I made is already done.β
Christie tried not to frown.
βIβm sorry.β
Christie picked up her handbag. βItβs okay. When youβre through, call CJ to help you set the food on the table. Meanwhile, have you called your parents? You mother, especially?β
βShe wonβt pick my calls. My dadβs phone is bad. I canβt reach him. But I spoke with my sister and cousin. My parents are fine. They just donβt want to see me at home. My sister said my mom has packed all my things and kept them outside.β
Christie foresaw the tears before they escaped her eyes. If there was anything, she felt Lilyβs shame and pain. She had been in her shoes twenty-one years ago, facing her parentsβ wrath, being looked down upon by church members, dealing with her own guilt and self-condemnation. She understood Lilyβs distress, but didnβt know how to reach out to her. Christie stood awkwardly while the girl battled with her tears. When she mustered up words, she simply said, βEverything will be fine,β and left the kitchen.
Christieβs bedroom was warm. Tan drapes were spread open at the windows to let in air, but the weather was hot, caused by a scorching sun outside. Folarin sat before the balconyβs open doors. His laptop rested on his lap but he wasnβt occupied with it. In his hand was a glass of liquor. His eyes gazed out.
Christie dropped her handbag and went to him. The tree right outside their bedroom offered the right amount of cool breeze needed for the weather. Folarin took the hand Christie rested on his shoulder and kissed it.
βHow was church?β
βOkay.β
βYour pastor ask about me?β
βAs always. He shook my hand as I got into church and went, βhow is Richard? I thought about him this morning.ββ
Folarin laughed. βHe always thinks about me in the mornings.β
βHow was your day?β
βQuiet. Iβve been writing. Just taking a break.β He put the laptop aside and brought Christie to his lap.
βThis new book of yours, whatβs it about?β
βItβs something different.β
βCare to share?β
He touched her cheek and then her nose. βNo, not now. Youβll read the first draft when Iβm through.β
βOkay o.β Christie stood. βI need to get out of this place.β
βYou saw Lily in the kitchen?β
βYes.β Christie walked to the closet.
βShe insisted on making lunch.β
βItβs fine.β
βNo, itβs not. I can hear it in your voice. That silent grunt.β
βIf itβs silent, then you didnβt hear it.β
βChrisβ¦β There was some hesitation in his tone but Christie knew he was going to say what he planned to say. βYou have to get used to the fact that sheβs going to be here a long timeβ¦β
Christie turned. βItβs not her Iβm angry at. Yes, I donβt want to see her face, but itβs not her.β
βItβs CJ.β
βYeah. And I know I ought to get past this and work on our issues, but itβs hard, Fola. Itβs very hard. Iβm so disappointed. Cy was right. We have been too lenient with him. He drinks beer in front of us, parties, keeps late nightsβ¦β
βHe is no longer a child. And donβt forget heβs not under your roof anymore.β
βBut his girlfriend and unborn child are. We donβt trust him enough to adequately care for them. If that doesnβt reek of irresponsibility on his side and bad parenting on ours, I donβt know what does.β
βChill, Christie. Just chill. I spoke with Cyrus earlier. Heβs getting CJ a job. He will work and make money for his baby while he schools. He will take responsibility. He canβt undo what has been done. Neither can we. All thatβs left is for us is to adapt and make the best out of the situation.β
βOkay.β
βI understand how hard it is for you to let people into your personal space. Lily looks like sheβs an intruder right now, but things will sort themselves out soon. Okay?β
βI hope so.β
As Christie undressed, she mulled over the idea of a vacation. She needed one badly.
***
Sundays were for sleeping. Every Sunday, Salma spread herself on her bed in the nude while the sounds of carefree laughter from her kids lulled her into dreamland. It was in keeping to this weekly tradition she stripped out of her clothes some minutes ago and fell facedown on her bed. She could hear the nanny scolding Fahad for pulling Deejahβs hair. She could hear Deejah wailing. She could also hear the distant sound of Northern-inspired music playing from the gatemanβs radio.
Soon she was gone and her subconscious toyed with the idea of a pleasant dream, but a loud scream from Fahad jolted her up. She dashed out of the room and out to the staircase where she found Fahad at the bottom of it, facedown and crying his lungs out. She sighed.
“Ma, he was sliding on the banister and fell down,” the nanny explained.
“Did he injure himself?”
“No, ma.”
“Leave him there let him be crying. He doesn’t hear word.”
Salma returned to her bedroom. Unable to sleep, she picked a novel and got lost in it. A tap on the door brought her back to alertness.
βWho is it?β
The door pushed open and Raji walked in. Salma covered herself with the bedspread, although she had a bra and a panty on.
βYou know you have to wait before being let into a bedroom before you enter, right?β
βIβm sorry.β
βWhat do you want?β
Raji looked around. βArenβt you feeling the heat? The weather is steaming. Can I close the windows and turn on the AC?β
βThe gen is off.β
Raji went to one of the windows and called out to the gateman, instructing him to turn on the generator. Salma watched him shut both windows.
βWe need to talk about some things,β she told him as she rose up. She held the bedspread over her chest.
βIβm listening.β He dumped his weight on the bed. βWhatβs it about?β
βThis. The way you barge in here as if itβs still your house, as if Iβm still your wife, as if we still have something going onβ¦ Weβre done, Raji.β
βHaba, Sal. Weβre not that done.β
βWe are.β
βWell, this still feels like home to me and youβre still the woman I loveβ¦β
βThe same woman you cheated on. Twice.β
βSalma, the chemistry we have is still strong.β
βItβs over.β
Salma moved away from the bed and to the dressing table.
βBut I still love you, Sal.β
βRaji… ” She was exasperated. “I want you to stop coming over.β
He laughed. βYouβre not serious. Come here joor.β
βIβm serious.β
βJust one kiss wouldββ
βI donβt love you anymore!β
Rajiβs laughter died on his face.
βIβm not sexually attracted to you as I used to be. We are divorced, Raji. We have to stay that way or Iβll be forced to take drastic measures.β
βLike what?β
βLike cutting you off totally.β
Raji went cold. He drew his weight up. The expression on his face wounded Salma.
βIβm sorry,β she whispered and walked to the closet to pick a jalabia.
βI can be what you want me to be, Sal. Iβve changed. You know that.β
βI know, Raji. But youβll still go back to the man you used to be once I give you a chance.β
βNo, no, no.β He walked to her. βSal, Iβve truly changed. Youβve been the only one, and I havenβt been with another woman since we stopped. Come on, babyβ¦β
βI canβt.β
She left him standing and sat on the dressing stool.
βIs it the guy with the dreads?β he asked.
βHmm?β
βThe guy that makes your hair. Iβve seen him with you more than a couple of times. Is it because of him? Are you guysβ¦?β
βNo.β
βBut you like him.β
Salmaβs head dropped.
βYou like him?β
βMaliq is my hairstylist, Raji. And thatβs that.β
βSalma, you and that guy are from separate worlds. It would be a huge mistakeββ
βThere is nothing between us! Ah! Stop jumping to conclusions!β
βIβm sorry.β
βJust go.β
βYou donβt really mean all you just said, right?β
βGo, Raji. Iβll call you tomorrow and weβll talk about the kids and new visiting arrangements.β
Raji gave a short, sad laugh. βThis is not happening.β
βIt is, Raj.β
βDonβt let me fight for my kids.β
βIt wouldnβt have to get to that if you respect my wishes.β
βFine.β He looked around, but this time, with a bit of wistfulness. βIβll be expecting your call. Meanwhile, about the girlsβ birthdayβ¦β
βItβs going to be handled by me as usual.β
βI want to be part of it this year.β
βRaji, I will handle it. Donβt bother.β
βFine.β
Salma was sad to see him go. She locked the door after he left and stood until she heard his car screeching out of the compound. Being that her Sunday bliss was interrupted, she took off her jalabia and went on Maliq’s Instagram. He had close to three hundred pictures and almost six thousand followers. Salma thought he was a little too vain, but it didnβt bother her that much. He took awesome pictures and constantly slayed with his fashion sense. He hadnβt posted anything in a while, which was a bit unusual. Salma fed her eyes with old images, nonetheless. But soon she switched back to her novel,with her mind half on the story and half on him.
***
βDinner was wonderful.β Christie looked into her husbandβs eyes like she was falling in love with him for the first time.
βIt was?β
She nodded. βEspecially the part where you made it hard for me to eat because your hand kept rubbing my thighs under the table. What was wrong with you?β She laughed. βI thought you graduated from that.β
βRemember that time we were caught because we thought the table cloth was long enough to hide what was going on?β
Christieβs head was thrown back in laughter. βPlease donβt remind me. Everyone saw us. Jeez!β
Folarin gazed into Christieβs eyes, warmth coming from his. βI just wanted to recall the past. Iβm glad you had fun tonight.β The silent hum of the car and the soft music playing from the speakers gave the feel of something amorous. He had set the mood from the moment when he dragged her out of the house for an unexpected dinner date a few hours ago.
Folarin freed himself from the clutch of his seatbelt. He also shut the car engine. Christie leaned toward him for a peck but he took her mouth entirely.
βWe should go out like this more often,β she told him in breathlessness when he freed her lips.
βWe should do a lot more than go out,β he responded. βIβm serious about getting married again.β
βRemember our first honeymoon night?β
βAhhh,β Folarin breathed reminiscently. βIt was fire.β
And there was some fire in his eyes now as he said those words. Christie could read the wanton thoughts he threw her way. She giggled when his eyes indicated that they should move to the backseat of the SUV. But a sudden tap on his window brought a stop to their plans. He let down the window for Vanessa. Holding a restless Tamilore in her arms, she looked from one parent to the other in exasperation.
βPlease, take your baby.β
She thrust the toddler at Folarin.
βMommy, Aunty Lily has been sitting at the back of the house since. Sheβs been crying. I told her to enter that I want to release the dogs for the night but she refused.β
Christie mourned the end of a wonderful evening with a sigh. For a moment she had forgotten Lily existed. βAnd whereβs CJ?β
βHe went out.β
βHeβs not back? He told me he just wanted to buy a few things.β
βHe hasnβt come back. Mommy, please come and talk to her.β
Christie didnβt feel like having a word with Lily, but she had promised Folarin she would do everything to make the girl comfortable.
She stepped down from the car, taking her phone with her. She dialed Cyrus Junior as headed to the backyard. The sounds of honking cars burst into her ear from his end.
βWhere are you?β she demanded.
βMy car broke down. Iβve been trying to fix it. Iβm almost done. Whatβs going on?β
βNothing.β Christie spotted Lily sitting on the stirs that led up to the kitchen. Her head was bowed over her thighs. βDo and come back.β
Christie hung up and walked towards Lily.
βLily? Lily?β
The girl lifted her head up. Swollen eyes tried to focus on Christie.
βWhat are you doing here and why are you crying?β
βNothing,β the girl answered. She tried to push away a couple of braids falling over her face. Skinny fingers trembled as she did so. Christie felt pity for her. She was a fragile-looking girl. The stress of her present condition made her look gaunt.
βYouβre sitting out here, crying, and itβs nothing?β
βIβm fine.β
βTalk to me, Lily.β
βIβm okay, ma. I just want to stay outside for a while.β
βThere are mosquitoes. Youβre pregnant. You should protect yourself from malaria. So, get up and go inside.β
There was no hesitation from Lily. She went up on her feet and pulled open the backdoor of the kitchen. Christie followed her in.
βWarm up something to eat, have a warm shower and then go to sleep.β
βYes, ma. Thank you.β
Christie hurried out of the kitchen. She still didnβt feel like connecting with Lily. She needed time to accept reality and to slowly let her in. Maybe the birth of the baby would make things real for her. For now, the whole thing was still a haunting nightmare.
She retired to the bedroom. Folarin was putting together a bottle of already prepared guinea-corn pap for Tamilore. The baby pushed away from him when her meal was ready and lay on the floor to have the moment to herself, sending her parents to stitches.
βSometimes I donβt know what she wants,β Christie stated.
βThe babe has her moods.β
Both parents stripped out of their clothes. Folarin occupied himself with his laptop while Christie stood before her idea board with a felt pen hovering over it. Tamilore was soon fast asleep, her hand clutching her bottle. An hour went by before Christie took a break from the new ad concept she was working on for a beauty product. She put Tamilore to bed and went to Folarin. It was at that moment Cyrus Junior came knocking. He entered the room with a distressed expression and a water bottle containing a greenish-brown liquid.
βDad, mom, were you here when Lilyβs mom came?β
βNo,β Christie responded.
βShe came with this.β CJ lifted the bottle. βShe told Lily to take it to abort the baby, that if she doesnβt, sheβs going to disown her.β
Folarin shut his laptop. Cyrus Junior sat on his parentsβ bed. βShe also told her to get 200k from me.β
βAnd whatβs Lilyβs reaction to this?β Christie asked.
βSheβs seriously thinking about it,β he answered in embarrassment. βMom, I want this baby. Can you talk to her, please? Youβve been in her shoes. You understand what sheβs going through.β
βCJ, I donβt think Iβm the best personβ¦β
βPlease. And then her parents, talk to them too. They should leave her the fuck alone. If theyβre scared that I donβt want to get married to her, they shouldnβt be. Iβll do itβ¦β
βNo, no, noβ¦β Christie hurried to him. βNo. Both of you are not ready for marriage. Youβre too young.β
βBut you married dad when you had me and you were still a teenager.β
For a second Christie was speechless. βIβ¦I did it because I needed you to have a good foundation. I couldnβt let anyone know who your real father was.β
βYou chose Dad because he was responsible, right?β
βYeah.β
βIβm responsible too. If Dad could take care of me, I can take care of my child too.β
βCyrus, youβre not ready.β
βIβm getting a job, mom. I already have a house and a car. Iβm ready.β
βNo, youβre not. You just want to make Lillian comfortable.β
βAnd whatβs wrong with that?β
βThereβs nothing wrong with it. Itβs not a bad thing, butβ¦β
βI got her pregnant, Mom! She is my responsibility! Why canβt you see that? She and the baby are my responsibility!β He leaped to his feet. βIf getting married to her is going to stop her parents from treating her like trash, then Iβll do it! End of!β
He charged out of the room angrily. Christie looked at Folarin who stretched out a hand to her.
βIf thereβs anything, you should be happy that your son is owning up to his responsibilities. You should be proud.β
βProud?β Christie settled on Folarinβs lap. βHe wants to get married for the wrong reasons, just as I did. He is too young, Richard. And this Lilyβs mother of a human being, who the hell does she think she is to barge into my house whenever she feels like to stir trouble?β
βSheβs a disturbed mother. Just like you. Sheβs dealing with the problem the best way she knows how to.β
βI am not trying to murder my grandchild.β
βI think you should do as CJ suggests. Have a one on one with her. Mother to mother.β
βHell no. she insulted us the last time she was here. She questioned my parenting skills. She called me names. I am not going anywhere near her.β
βJust try.β
Christie got off Folarinβs lap. βIβm going to bed. I donβt want to talk about this again. I have a busy day tomorrow.β
Folarin lifted the lid off his laptop as Christie tossed aside the numerous pillows at the head of the bed. She picked one of them and dove beneath the covers. It took a while after saying her prayers to fall asleep.
Β©Sally@moskedapages
This is getting crazyyyyyyy. Thank you Sally. Keep us hungry for more.
Hmmmm……..
Sally mi o, thank you for this and for the marathon that has commenced. You know how much I appreciate you.
I really feel for CJ and Lilian though, when you have to grow up before you are ready……
Leticia, i hope you will have sense sha
Arinola and Andrea are beginning to piss me off but sha no matter what you both will end up together.
But one question sha, do men like Cyrus still exist? He is a rare man
Looking forward to tomorrow
Very rare
Finally Christie and Fola are back together, abeg it remains Andre and Toni oo, Imade can just like to disappear for all i care sef. i really feel for this lily girl. The issue of teenage pregnancy and parents reactions to it is really a big one in our society nowadays. As always amazing write up. More grease to your pen. Patiently waiting for tomorrow’s episode.
Hmmm!!! #deepsigh… this episode opened up a kinda situation I was b4 dat I tried forget dat memory… I feel for Christy&Lily in deir own respective ways coz v bn there b4. Thank u Sally
Deep sigh…..i didnt want this to end. Thanks Sally
Let the marathon begin.
Thank you Sally for this. So so happy for Folarin and Christie.
Hoping Andre and Toni get back together.
Great story. Can’t wait to see it unfold.
Andre and toni… hmmm… i choose to sit back and watch as thier story unfolds; they are driving me crazy. That’s how people use excessive shakara to chase their loved ones away. Well then, there’s a saying- love is not always enough…
The societal scorn that comes with having a child out of wedlock; whether as an adult or a teenager is disheartening. Yes they should have known better, but that is never enough reason to throw the baby out with the bath water. I guess as humans faced with such situations, we must go through the myriads of emotions, depending on your role in the situation before coming to terms with the reality of things; for those who do, and make the best of things.
Christy, lily, and Cj will all be fine. Good thing Christy can relate. I believe that would be the middle ground for her and lily.
Somehow i feel for raji and wish salma wil give him another chance.
This marathon is doing things to my brain sally. Thank you. You are the bestest yet!
I feel like Lilianβs pregnancy is a false alarm sha. Nobody has even thought to go do a proper test. Thank you for the long read Sally.
The part where Vanessa asked her parents to take their baby cracked me up.
Thanks aunty sally for this episodeβ€β€β€
I so feel for CJ, I made should please park well with his money bike. Thanks Sally. Looking forward to tomorrow
I think Antonia is just plain stupid, someone needs to slap some sense into her. I’m so proud of salma’s decision with raji. She’s officially my favourite right now.
Waooo. So long. Thanks Sally. Sensing something is going to go down between Salma and Maliq.
I’ve tried to understand dre and Toni but I just can’t. They were my favorite after Fola and Christy, but they’re really beginning to piss me off. I really feel for Lily and I respect Fola for his understanding in the situation.
Tisha and Dapo sha. I hope all the lovebirds get over their problems like Christy and Folarin did, I don’t know about Salma and Raji though but I suspect Maliq ain’t for real.
Thanks Sally for this long and sumptuous read
Awwww, CJ and Lily, the whole confusion of it, I try to understand that is not the situation parents want for their kids, but a little more understanding and care would surely go a long way.
Salma, my hottie! I am glad she is finally holding firm to her decision, I like her relationship with Raji, but I think they need space, away from each other to really understand what they want from each other.
I am surrounded by babies, so I totally understand that Tamilore’s scene, babies are such adorable monsters.
Leticia, homegirl!! Issa trap ooo, don’t divulge too much oo. I strongly believe Dapo should get tested too, even if he claims to have impregated 3 women, things might have changed joor
I agree with Leticia, Camille already sounds like she wld be hard to get rid of oo, even harder than psycho Imade and his psycho wife. She knows fully well Andre is not really into her, but she no go gree commot.
Hmmm, wouldn’t wish for someone to be in Christie’s shoes, it almost seems like history repeating itself. Leticia should let us in on her plans for Andre and Toni and she should reveal all about her past to Dapo, i agree with Toni “issa trap”.
‘shouldn’t
Marathon has begun…drumrolls
Hope its till January 1st
Sally no fall my hand o
This is a wonderful read…… Weldone Sally
This is one lovely ri4de for me. Every character was touched.
It’s nice to see Christie and Fola gerring together again. In the kind of CJ’s situation, way forward should just be the main thing, not blame trading. And of course, Lilian’s people wanna push her into a hone where they see confort, not knowing the challenges those ones are facing themselves. I say people should not force people to marry because of pregnancy. It isn’t always the best.
Toni and Andre ehn! I just hope they both won’t regret this their yanga in the end. With Camille marking territory already, it’s gon’ be interesting to see how their love plays out.
Salma loves Raji but she’s trying hard to be safe, safe from the Raji she knew. Who won’t be anyways.
This Dapo and Tis tho. Their Matter na another thing.
Thanks for making me watch a movie while reading Sally, thanks for the marathon too.
Blessings
Pls no baby is allowed between imade and Toni. Me I sha fear for Leticia after she tells her story
There is something about that hairdresser guy that i cannot put my hands on. Salma be careful
Christie’s reaction to CJ’s baby being pregnant is classic. Most of us are so busy wondering what a young girl’s family will do to her when they discover that shes pregnant that we dont give a thought to what the guy’s family think too and how it affects their expectations for their child.
See ehn, Toni, pick one hustle o. Is either you pick Imade and the craziness that comes with him or accept the LOYL back. Andre, you sef dey annoy me with this your plan wey no dey work.
I like the tune of this story, we are seeing things from the man’s POV. Just like Christie’s reaction to Lilian’s pregnancy, its good to have it in the open that its not only women that trap a man with pregnancy, (thats what Andre tried to do).
Tish! DONT YOU DARE TELL DAPO, issatrap.
Christie and Folarin be humping themselves like rabbits every chance they get, starvation things. Even Vanessa has gotten so used to it. That girl na agbero-take your baby, made me laugh out loud.
I feel sorry for Raji and i shouldnt given his yeye history.
Thanks Sal.
Hey Sally, I discovered your blog last month and I just want to tell you your stories are amazing and you’re doing a good job
The new dimension of CJ’s baby is a huge, welcome distraction to both Folarin and Christie. I hope he makes the right choice for he, Lily and the unborn baby. Let Lily not be thrown into the same problems that Tish now has. I liked this long episode. I hope the next one is just as long.