Dear High Mistress

Dear High Mistress #17

Toni had become aware of the oldness of her home on the day she and Andre found the perfect house. An estate agent called Andre the evening before then while both of them sat on the floor in his office, trying to figure out what to do with a problematic client whose company was throwing in a good sum into Covet.

β€œOga Andre, you go like this house. Na wetin madam say she want. Her complete specification.”

β€œWhich time you wan come my office tomorrow?”

β€œAnytime, bros. Anytime.”

Toni was always fascinated by the fact that Andre spoke Pidgin English better than she did. One couldn’t pick out his French inflection whenever he went all Nigerian. It often amazed her how much he could be anything he desired, just to get what he wanted.

β€œI hope the house no too cost sha?” Andre asked the agent.

β€œVery affordable.”

β€œThe area nko?”

β€œClose to una office.”

Andre stretched on his back to rest his head on Toni’s thighs as he brought the call to an end.

β€œGreet madam for me.”

The β€˜madam’ title left a weird feeling in Toni. Her singularity had been zapped out of her in a flash. Everyone these days referred to her as Andre’s possession. It put her in a state of pride on one end, and nakedness on the other. She felt exposed. And the fact that things were going at a speedy rate didn’t help either. Now, this was no fault of Andre’s. She had gotten them there all by herself, having finally fallen into the person that brought her completeness into loving a man. She surprised herself with how much she gave back. The house had been her idea. Her rent was almost due, as was Andre’s. She posited that it was best if they got a bigger house for themselves and the kids. Andre went along with the plan and contacted his real estate agent. The agent’s call the evening before left Toni anticipating. The following morning, they were both standing in what she was certain was their new home. After a short tour around the six-bedroom space that came with a large compound, a swimming pool and a β€˜his and hers’ boudoir separated by a wall, Toni looked into Andre’s eyes and flashed a charming smile in anticipation of his approval.

β€œBut it’s expensive,” he complained. It turned out that the agent had lied about the price of the place.

β€œIt’s just the first year. Next year we’ll pay way less.”

The agent, standing in a corner, nodded.

“Maybe we should buy a house?” Andre suggested, and Toni almost laughed when she saw him wincing. She was happy to know that she wasn’t the only one who was compromising in this relationship.

“No, let’s rent for now.”

“For now. So, do you want this?” Andre asked.

β€œYes.”

β€œThere are still other houses to look at. I’m not in a hurry.”

β€œBut I want this one.”

β€œIt’s too big.”

β€œThe kids would love it. Ruby gets her own room. The boys share one. We have our space and a little extra for guests.”

β€œYou really want this?”

β€œYes. Stop asking.”

β€œAlright.”

Toni widened her smile but contained her excitement. On her bed that night, she began to think about how things were falling apart in her present home. The lower part of the walls was peeling off; there were leaking faucets, creaking doors, dying flowers on the verandah, and the bedroom she shared with Leticia had suddenly become too small for them. The house seemed to be telling her that she had outstayed her welcome. When she shut her eyes and her mind ruminated over the events of the day, she stumbled into one thought, and then to the next, and to another, until she came into worrying about what had gone wrong with her period. It was delayed by eleven days. She was not the type to be late. Her cycle was always on time. But whenever it chose to be late, it always tried to make a statement. Hence, Toni didn’t bother about the fact that she could be pregnant.

The following day, she was lost in a sea of office work. On her way home, she received a call from Leticia, asking her to purchase a home pregnancy test.

Toni stood before the shelf in a popular upscale pharmacy which was a short distance from their house. There were various home pregnancy tests to choose from. It was while trying to pick the one Leticia asked for that she mused on the possibility of being pregnant herself.

β€œNaa,” she said almost out loud, drawing the attention of a man standing a couple of feet away from her. She smiled to herself, tossed two pregnancy test kits into her shopping basket and walked to the aisle where sanitary towels and tampons were displayed. At home, she delivered Leticia’s test kit and kept the other in her handbag.

When morning came, she was burning with a sudden desire to try out the test, thus she picked the kit and went to the bathroom for her first pee of the day. Following the instructions she found on the pack, she ran a quick test. Two minutes later, she was staring at a blue line that clearly indicated that she was pregnant.

Toni laughed in disbelief and ran a second test. She was presented with the same result. Sitting on the toilet seat, she held the test stick for a while, wishing the blue line away. But it remained there stubbornly until she began to panic.

β€œFuck,” she finally muttered. She got off the toilet seat, confused, refusing to accept the test results. She thumbed on the flusher just as Leticia entered the bathroom. At the sight of her, Toni hid the home pregnancy test.

β€œHey,” she said, aiming for the washbasin. Leticia walked past her to the bathtub, plugged the drain and turned on the tap. Toni hid the test stick in the drug cabinet above the washbasin and glanced at Leticia. She found a red stain on her pajama pants. Toni’s mood dropped. She watched Leticia sit on the floor and pull her knees up.

β€œYour period?”

Leticia looked at her. Toni saw tears filling her eyes.

β€œSorry.”

β€œYou think maybe God is punishing me?”

β€œPunishing you?” Toni repeated. β€œWhy?”

β€œAll the married men I slept with. I’m sure somebody’s wife cursed me.”

β€œPlease, don’t think like that.”

β€œThen why can’t I get pregnant? What’s wrong with me?”

β€œNothing.” Toni walked to her and sat on the toilet bowl. β€œYou’ll get pregnant. Stop stressing.”

β€œMaybe I’ve aborted all the babies I’m supposed to have. God is punishing me.”

β€œI don’t know much about God, but the little you keep drumming in my ears says that God is merciful and he’s kind and he’s a father. If we’re to go by that, I don’t think he’s punishing you for what you did in the past.”

Toni’s words didn’t help. They seemed to have done more harm than good. Leticia made a hollow with her arms over her knees and buried her face in a sob. Toni sat beside her.

β€œLeticia,” she called gently, hand stroking her back. β€œIt’s going to be fine, sweetheart. By this time next year, you’ll be holding your baby in your arms and I’ll be telling you β€˜I told you so’. Oya say amen.”

β€œAmen.”

β€œSo, stop crying. Just sit in the tub and take the day off work. Okay?”

Leticia nodded.

β€œYou want me to call Dapo over?”

β€œHe’s busy. Just leave him. I don’t want to depress him with sad news this morning.”

β€œOkay, darling. You want me to stay at home with you? I can handle the office from here today.”

β€œNo, I’m fine. I just need painkillers and a depressing movie.”

β€œAiit.” Toni rose up. β€œLet me iron what I’ll wear and come and shower.”

She began towards the door but Leticia’s next words stopped her.

β€œThis life is not fair. When I didn’t want the babies they came. Now that I need them, they’re not here. It’s ironic to think that some chick out there who doesn’t need a baby is probably just finding out she’s pregnant.”

Toni felt a sting of guilt. Unable to respond, she hurried out of the bathroom. A while later, after dressing for work and dropping the kids off at school, Toni sat in her car and allowed in thoughts of her present condition.

She was apprehensive, confused, and elated all together. But she sympathized with Leticia. How was she going to break the news to her? How would Leticia take it?

Toni heard her phone buzz. She picked it from her handbag. Pascal was on the line. He was calling to inform her of a scheduled meeting with Rita Harrison.

β€œCall and cancel,” Toni instructed. Lately, the woman had been a bother. She was requesting Toni’s services, even though Toni had made clear that she had her hands full and couldn’t take on another client. She knew Rita was only trying to make life difficult for her. Imade was still on his mission to divorce her. Toni surmised Rita was angry with her for not convincing him to quit on his plans. She sensed danger ahead and was doing her best to not run into it.

β€œThis is the second time you’ll be canceling, Toni,” Pascal reminded her.

β€œI know. Just do as I ask.”

β€œOkay.”

β€œI’ll see you in a bit.”

Toni grunted as thoughts of the workload waiting for her filled her head. And then she remembered the pregnancy. Andre would be delighted. To tell him now or not?

She wasn’t sure. She gave her car life and set it rolling down the street.

***

Christie took her eyes off her laptop and fixed them on the door with a frown, wondering who dared to barge into her office. She had ordered her assistant not to let anyone in. She needed an hour or two of silence.

Walking in like he was a crowd, Cyrus Junior had his phone stuck to his ear in a loud phone call while trying to ensure that the bouquet of flowers and plastic bags he was holding with the other hand did not fall to the floor. Christie drew away from her creative silence. She let down the lid of her laptop as he approached her desk.

β€œLet me call you back,” he said into the phone just before he lowered the flowers down on Christie’s desk.

β€œHi CJ.” She pushed her chair backwards. β€œWhat surprise have you got for me today?”

Cyrus Junior took out a single rose, rested his bum on her desk and handed it to her. Despite feeling some annoyance over being taken away from her solitude, she smiled and accepted the rose. But a different type of feeling came over her as she inhaled the scent of the flower.

β€œThank you.”

β€œTo the only chick in my life.”

β€œCyrus?” Christie found herself blushing.

β€œI brought salad for lunch. I know you’re on a diet. So, what’s happening?” He hopped off the desk, wiping sweat from his forehead. β€œYou guys really need to fix the elevator, mom. I can’t be climbing all those stairs.”

Christie stood . She walked to the door and opened it. Her assistant came to her at the nod of her head. She handed the flowers to her with instructions on what to do with them. She returned to the office to find Cyrus Junior gazing curiously at a new painting on the wall. It was the only gift from Raji she kept, given to her the year before on her birthday. It was supposed to be impersonal, nothing amorous or with meaning, but it was one of those artistic pieces that left its beholders seeing different things. For Christie, she saw was a mix of colors Raji had thoughtfully picked to calm her, being that he was the only person next to Folarin that understood her moods and what worked for her. It was also inspiring for her creativity. But Toni had walked into her office on the day it was hung, took one look at it and said, β€œWhy are two people fucking in that painting?”

Christie’s eyes had popped out before she sent them into a staring exercise. Try as hard as she did, she didn’t see what Toni saw. Toni took the pains to outline the headless bodies of a man and a woman standing, with the man’s hand over the woman’s chest. Christie saw it but lost it in the synthesis of colors. She never asked Raji about it. Folarin was aware of the painting, having given her permission to use it in her working space. If he saw something other than colors, he didn’t say.

β€œDo you know that there’s a guy and a chick in this painting, mom?” Cyrus Junior was saying now.

To avoid him taking the time to explain, Christie agreed with him.

β€œCool.”

β€œThanks.”

He looked at her with a smile. β€œYou’re so beautiful.”

She tried not to blush this time. The feeling that passed through her earlier returned. It was one of concern. Cyrus Junior was going through a major heartbreak, having lost his baby and his relationship with Lily. The girl had callously dumped him the moment she left the hospital. Christie had watched him mourn outwardly for just a day and from then on, he acted like nothing had happened, suddenly projecting his emotions on Christie. He pursued her with expressions of affection and little thoughtful gifts. She was indulgent at first, understanding that he needed to let himself feel something else. But with time, she came to discover that she was his escape from pain, and it wasn’t necessarily a good thing. In fact, it troubled her. She didn’t want him ending up with the notion that she was the only female he could trust and rely on. Her dream was to see him in a happier and better relationship in the future. It was unhealthy to be fixated on her.

β€œCJ…”

β€œYeah?” His eyes were back on the painting.

β€œHow is Lily these days?”

β€œGood.”

β€œCJ?”

He looked at her again. β€œShe’s good.”

He refocused on the painting.

β€œI don’t want to ask you how you’re doing because you’ll lie to me and tell me you’re fine. But you’re not fine.”

β€œI’m fine.”

Christie exhaled. This had been his way since his breakup with Lily. He would talk to no one about it. Today, Christie was determined to break into his pain.

She strolled back to her desk. β€œYour dad gave me my first real heartbreak.”

β€œWhich dad?”

β€œFolarin.”

Christie rested her bum lightly on the desk.

β€œIt felt like death. When I left the house, I didn’t just leave to let him have his space. It was too painful to be in the same place with him and not do the things we used to do. It was agonizing to be ignored by him, to know that he could live well without me. So I ran away. I had to escape because I couldn’t take it. Shattered was too small a word to describe what I felt. I threw myself into work and into Tamilore and church activities, just to survive. I was dying slowly. And then he came and buried me by telling me there was some other woman… It was the worst thing. At that point, I had nowhere to run to, so I confronted reality, accepted it and learned to face your father again. It was then I found healing.”

β€œOkay. Cool.”

β€œCyrus, I know you are dying inside.”

β€œI’m not…”

β€œYou are.”

β€œMom, I am not.”

β€œThen why don’t you look into my face and tell me that?”

He turned. β€œI am not, and if you think you’re going to give me some pep talk to help me get over shit, forget it. There’s no use. Lily’s a hoe. She cheated. She has a boyfriend,” Cyrus revealed. β€œSome other dude was laying pipe on her and I didn’t know. He’s probably the one that got her pregnant.”

β€œI’m sorry to hear that, CJ.”

β€œHer parents were not the reason she killed the baby. She did it for him. He didn’t want it.”

β€œHow did you find out?”

β€œShe called me on Christmas day after I sent her a screenshot of chats she had with the guy that my friend got from the guy’s cousin. She confessed everything.”

β€œI’m sorry.”

β€œSorry? Mom, I’m stupid. I’m totally sped. Lily fucked me over and yet when I was talking to her that day, I kept begging her to come back. Like who is that dumb?”

β€œYou’re not dumb.”

β€œLet’s just not talk about her abeg. I’m so over her.”

Christie was happy he had opened up, but sad to learn that Lily was not the person she thought she was. Christie wasn’t going to push the boy into saying more. She took her seat and picked her lunch, noting Cyrus Junior bought something for himself as well.

β€œCome and eat.”

He returned to the desk. When he leaned on it, he asked, β€œWhen you cheated on dad, what was your reason? Why?”

Christie took a break from her pack of salad. Her story with Raji was not a book she wanted to open ever again. Being around him and having no ill-feelings towards him was difficult enough. She didn’t want to go back to memories that made her cringe.

β€œI…cheated because I could.”

β€œThat’s not an answer, mom.”

For the first time, Christie wasn’t bursting with pride over Cyrus Junior’s audacity to speak to his parents boldly.

β€œThe truth is when someone cheats, they always want to give some excuse, blame it on their partner… It wasn’t that for me. Yes, I wished your father wasn’t what he was at that time. Yes, Raji had suddenly become attractive. Yes, I was going through a phase in my life, looking for excitement and adventure. But none of those were good enough reasons. I didn’t know that then, but when I was caught, I had to face the truth.”

β€œAnd what’s the truth?”

β€œLust. I lusted after what wasn’t mine, not caring how it’ll affect others. I relied on never being caught, so it was a case of I won’t be hurting anyone who didn’t know what I was up to. I was carried away by my own selfishness.”

β€œLily said it was my fault she cheated. I was always busy in school, hanging out with the guys or watching football… Mom, I was there for her. I spent on her. What the fuck did she want? To stay in the hostel with her or hang with her and her girls?”

Christie, having opened the door to his emotions, relaxed and began her lunch.

β€œThe guy she’s talking about, he’s in three hundred level o. He doesn’t have her time. He’s popular, contesting for director of something.”

β€œIt’s not about either of you guys, CJ. It’s about her. You should not compare yourself to anyone.”

β€œI’m trying to get why she had to do it. She could have just told me she wasn’t feeling us again and walked away. I wasn’t going to force her to stay.”

β€œBut you spent on her, didn’t you?”

β€œYeah.”

Christie shrugged.

β€œI’m so over falling for a girl. I’m done. They can all go and fuck themselves.”

β€œDon’t talk like that.”

β€œSeriously, I’m done. They’re the same ones that will come online and start tweeting that men are scum.”

Christie noticed that his eyes had gone red and the veins on his neck were pronounced. β€œCalm down, CJ. You’re going to be fine. Just stop using me to hide from your pain.”

β€œYou’re the only female I can trust.”

β€œDidn’t I fail you in the past? I was hardly there when you needed me.”

β€œBut you always showed up and you always left me in the hands of people that took care of me. You were there, Mom.”

Christie felt a lump in her throat that wasn’t salad. She swallowed it but it remained. It brought burning tears to her eyes.

β€œCJ…” She covered her salad. β€œI… I’m sorry for the times I abandoned you, for when I took one look at you after you were born and all I saw was your father, for the times I pushed you away for no fault of yours, for finding it hard to bridge the gap between us, and for waiting this long to say this. You deserved better than I gave you, Cyrus Junior. And you’re a bigger person for refusing to let me stay away from you, for breaking the walls I put up against you. I’m so sorry for all I did.”

β€œAwww. Can I hug you?”

Christie laughed. He normally didn’t need to ask to do so. He was bursting with hugs these days.

When he went to her chair to express his emotions, she tried to control hers. But it was hard. The moment he put his arms around her and rested his chin on her head, Christie felt the tears again. This time, they forced their way down. She clung to his arm that was gently put around her.

β€œI love you,” she whispered.

β€œMe too, because you’re the best mother in the world, Christina Adediran.”

She laughed. The boy had some guts calling her by her first name. But he was Cyrus Junior, a product of three men whose lives had affected hers. As much as she hated to admit it, he had some parts of Solomon in him. And then, Cyrus and Folarin. Both were as expressive as Solomon had been. It wasn’t surprising to see the boy love her the way he did.

There was a gentle knock on Christie’s door. She tapped Cyrus Junior’s arm away as her assistant thrust her head in.

β€œMr. Kouassi is here.”

β€œGive me a minute and then let him in.”

Christie wiped her tears and attempted to make her desk clean.

β€œYou want me to go?” her son asked. She didn’t want him, but she looked at him apologetically.

β€˜Work calls.”

β€œIt’s cool. See you later.”

She nodded. β€œThat thing you were saying about being done with girls… I hope that’s a joke?”

He gave a snort, walking to the door. β€œI was just kidding. Girls are everywhere.” He spread his arms out as he walked in a backwards motion. β€œThey won’t just leave me. So many to pick from.”

She showed relief. It only occurred to her after he left and Andre walked into her office that Cyrus Junior was making allusions to now being a player. Christie found a new thing to worry about.

***

It was strange to Lade that she found herself doubled over, retching into her toilet bowl while the woman who was carrying her child was crouched beside her in concern. She was the un-pregnant one who bore the first trimester pains while the pregnant one was doing just fine.

β€œI need to go and see the doctor, abeg,” Lade lifted her head, rubbing wet eyes brought on by excessive gagging.

β€œI’m not stopping you o, but trust me he’ll tell you that you’re suffering from sympathetic pregnancy. Just relax. You’ll be fine.”

The surrogate mother was fast turning into Lade’s closest friend. They spent the bulk of their time together. She followed Lade out whenever the latter wasn’t busy. She was a beautiful, intelligent mother of one who had lost her husband just a day after Lade lost her own baby. Their individual losses had been an initial bonding ground for them. The relationship budded from then into something deep and meaningful, something Lade had been warned to avoid by the surrogacy agency. They assured her that it was going to become difficult for the surrogate mother to cut off ties after her work was done. But Lade had been stubborn, refusing the option to have the lady live on her own.

β€œI want to watch my baby grow,” she had told Tayo in defense. β€œTo experience everything again.”

It was now ironic that she was literally living through the pregnancy with a nasty spell of morning sickness that enjoyed lasting the entire day.

β€œI’ll just go and let him prescribe something to stop the symptoms.” Lade dragged herself up, flushing the toilet.”

β€œYou want me to come with you?” the lady asked.

β€œNo, don’t worry. I’ll be fine.”

The lady gave Lade some privacy as she endured a cold shower. When she brushed her teeth, her gums bled. She smiled as she watched the mix of blood and paste circle down the drain. She felt lucky to have a taste of motherhood once more. Her anticipation for the baby was one she couldn’t contain. Tayo was less excited, but she didn’t mind. She knew he was occupied with work and some other woman. She wasn’t concerned with his love life. She hadn’t physically been with a man since she left him. She occasionally made out with him, but that was all they did. Lade had her future love life to look forward to; but right now, all she wanted was to hold a baby in her arms once more.

She came out to the living room, dressed for her hospital visit. Her car was in good condition and parked outside, but like many Lagosians, she hated to drive. She had called for an Uber earlier, and was now heading out of the house.

Tayo was on the phone with her, teasing her over her sympathetic pregnancy. He wanted to know if it was okay to drop by after work to check on her.

β€œI’ll be alright,” she said. β€œGo and meet your girlfriend.”

β€œWhat girlfriend, please?”

She laughed as she approached the cab waiting outside her gate.

β€œThe one that keeps giving you bite marks on your neck and ear.”

β€œDidn’t I tell you that it’s village witches?”

Lade hissed.

β€œI swear. I sleep and wake up and the marks are there.”

β€œYou can lie!”

She entered an impressive red Toyota Camry and took up space in the backseat. The driver waited patiently for her to conclude her call with Tayo before he spoke to her.

β€œHi,” she responded to his greeting, hoping he didn’t recognize her without her sunshades. Her last big movie released five months ago in which she played a supporting role, was making waves. She was still engaged in active promotion for the movie and this left her in the news now and then. She was the sort of celebrity to keep her business off social media, but Toni had made it hard for her to go unnoticed. Her contract with Guru & Monet was renewed and she now appeared on billboards and social media. However, Omolade was not moved by the stardom. She kept herself grounded and stayed away from the limelight as much as she could.

β€œCan I start your journey?” the Uber driver asked.

β€œSure,” she replied, putting on her sunshades. She didn’t want to take chances.

β€œAny type of music you would like to listen to?”

β€œNope. Just play anything.”

β€œAfrican? Nigerian?”

β€œAnyone.”

The car slowly began to move. Lade took out her phone to engage in some chat with a friend. Just as she started, she heard the opening notes of Sauti Sol’s Isabella. Lade smiled. She hadn’t heard the song since she tried to kill herself. She hadn’t even listened to Sauti Sol since then. The song brought good and bad memories. Manny was in jail, to be released sometime soon. Sule, her silent but well-informed cabbie, was now out of the shores of Nigeria. She missed them both, weirdly. Her loathing for Manny had died after she survived her suicide attempt. She hated to hold grudges.

β€œSo you like Sauti Sol?” she asked the cab driver.

β€œSauti what?” he replied.

β€œThe people singing. Sauti Sol.”

β€œOh. Those guys that sang with Yemi Alade? The Kenyans?”

β€œYou don’t know them?”

β€œNo. I’m just playing a collection of African music.”

β€œOh.”

Omolade took a moment to stare at him. He was young. Nothing else about him struck her. She went back to her phone and remained there until the cab stopped outside the hospital. She thanked him for the ride, walking away.

Her appointment didn’t take more than an hour. She was soon done and was on her way out when the Uber driver entered the reception.

β€œYou forgot your power bank,” he said. β€œIt fell on the floor.”

Lade was temporarily distracted by his looks. It wasn’t that he was so fetching that she became unfocussed; it was that she was having a rare moment of being hit by what it was that hit people who claimed to have experienced love (or some form of infatuation) at first sight. Maybe in the initial stage, such left them speechless. For Lade, she couldn’t speak initially. She felt her hand move to accept the power bank and her lips let out a β€˜thank you.’ It was only after he had turned away that she came to.

β€œTake me back home,” she said.

β€œOkay.”

She followed him out to meet a setting sun and a huge electronic billboard which towered over the vicinity. It seemed it had just been recently erected.

The Uber driver stopped and gave her his attention. β€œYour face is familiar.”

Lade tried to figure his age, but couldn’t. His appearance gave the impression that he was in his late twenties. Something about him reminded her of Dapo. But Dapo was more handsome and had needy, penetrating eyes that friends of hers found attractive. This man before her, he had curious eyes with laughter behind them, like he was just going to burst into laughter for no reason at any time. But he hadn’t seemed that way earlier. He had been quiet.

β€œMy face is not familiar,” she responded to his claim. β€œYou mistake me for someone else. I get that a lot.”

β€œNo. I’ve seen you somewhere before.”

Lade broke into sudden laughter. It was ironic that the billboard hovering over them was presently displaying pictures of her in a Guru & Monet ad.

β€œWhat’s funny?” he asked with a smile.

β€œNothing.”

And just as he turned, the ad disappeared. Lade followed him to the car.

β€œBack home, you said?”

β€œYes.”

β€œCan I begin the journey?”

β€œSure.”

The car came alive, as did Sauti Sol’s Isabella.

β€œThis song again?” Lade asked.

β€œI’m sorry. The collection has been playing since. I’ll put something else.”

β€œUm…actually, let it play. Put it on repeat until we stop.”

He looked at her with a curious smile. β€œSeriously?”

β€œYes.” She smiled back. It was a flirty one. It had been ages since she flirted, since she had been Isabella. β€œI hope it’s not too much to ask? Like you won’t want to claw your eyes out listening to the song over and over again?”

β€œIf it becomes too much, I’ll just leave the car moving and jump out of it and leave you and the song alone.”

Lade laughed. He laughed too.

β€œWhat’s your name?” she dared to ask.

β€œCruz.”

β€œCruz. Nice to meet you, Cruz.”

And thus, Cruz led her on a smooth ride to her doorstep.

β€œI think I’ll now throw away this CD,” he commented. Lade chuckled.

β€œThank you, Cruz.”

She alighted from the vehicle and began in. But he stopped her when she opened her gate.

β€œI remember you now!” He was grinning. β€œOmolade AKA Isabella James.”

β€œYou caught me.”

β€œYou’re more beautiful in person.”

β€œSo they say.”

β€œSo can I call you?”

β€œErm…I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

β€œYOLO.”

Lade bit down a smile.

β€œYou only live once. I didn’t say that. Sauti Sol did. And me I wanna have some fun.”

She laughed. β€œOya add the part where it says you want to spend all your money on me because you can’t take it when you’re dead.”

β€œAh. I no sabi the song reach that side o.”

She held her chest in amusement.

β€œSo can I call or you’re too much of a superstar for me to slide into your DM?”

She blushed. β€œYou can call.”

He picked his phone. β€œGive me a minute to save your number. It’s 08035896247, right?”

β€œYeah.”

β€œCool. Bye.”

β€œBye.”

Her security guard opened the the pedestrian gate. The moment she walked in, her phone rang. She answered the incoming call.

β€œHey, Isabella,” Cruz spoke. β€œDo you wanna come out and dance with me tonight? The stars look beautiful outside. So, so beautiful.”

Lade was blushing again. β€œI’ll dance with you when you get ingenious with your own lines and not Sauti Sol’s.”

β€œOkay, ma. Let me park and compose lyrics for you. I’ll call back.”

Lade didn’t take him seriously. Still amused, she made her way into the house.

***

There was something rewarding about having a big sister. Toni was a special kind of sibling to Dapo. She didn’t bug his life daily, but whenever she bothered to drop into his existence, she did so with a sense of entitlement. Today, she barged into his office almost at the close of day and demanded his audience, not caring to know if he had important things to do. She then proceeded to state her reason for visiting.

β€œLeticia.”

β€œOf course. Why else would you be here? Your baby brother doesn’t even exist to you.”

β€œShut up.”

Dapo shifted his chair backward and placed his feet on his desk.

β€œYour WCW’s period came this morning.” Dapo showed no reaction. β€œShe’s depressed. She believes God is punishing her for her past sins.”

β€œI’ve told her it’s not true.”

β€œI need you to step up your game, Dapo. First of all, stop talking about having kids. Babies come when they want to come. You should concentrate on making Tisha happy.”

β€œI’m doing everything, Toni.”

β€œTake her on a baecation. You’ve never done that before. During Christmas you sat your asses down here in Lagos. What’s wrong with you sef?”

β€œI had work.”

β€œTake her to some exotic place, take her mind off the pressure of getting pregnant, make her happy again. See, Tisha has this thing where she starts to act crazy when she’s been in pain for long. You don’t want her to get to that point.”

β€œLet’s hope she doesn’t.” He put his legs down. β€œI’m thinking we should just get married. That would keep her distracted.”

β€œYou’re serious?”

β€œYeah.”

Toni beamed. β€œI love you. You know that?”

He winked. β€œWhen are you getting married sef?”

Toni frowned. Dapo laughed.

β€œI’m asking on Mommy’s behalf. When’s it going to happen?”

Toni stood. β€œMaybe never.”

β€œStop saying shit like that.” Dapo went on his feet as well. Toni gave him a smile as he went to where she stood. β€œAndre is a good man. You don’t get his type around here.”

β€œI know.”

β€œThen make him happy.”

β€œAre you throwing my words back at me, young man?” She pulled his ear.

Dapo pecked her cheek, putting his arm around her waist. β€œCome and be going, big sis. I still have work.”

He escorted her out of the office, all the way to the parking lot. After she was gone, Dapo returned to his desk. He was lost there until 6PM. When he was finally done, he left the office and drove to Leticia’s. She was alone when he walked in. She was spread out on Toni’s favorite couch, head on a pillow, arms clutching a teddy bear. A Mariah Carey song was playing.

Dapo stooped before her and touched her cheek. She opened red eyes.

β€œIt’s very dangerous to leave the front door unlocked.”

β€œHi, boo.”

β€œYou have been crying.”

β€œNo.”

β€œYour eyes are swollen. Talk to me.”

β€œMy period came.”

And just like he showed no reaction when Toni told him earlier, he did the same with Leticia. β€œSo?”

β€œSo, I’m still not pregnant.”

β€œWe. We’re not yet pregnant. And that’s okay, Tish. I’m sorry for all the unnecessary pressure I put on you to have a baby. It shouldn’t be that way.”

β€œIt’s also my decision to have a baby.”

β€œAnd you will. We will.” He held her hand. β€œRight now, we should just concentrate on ourselves and on planning our future together.”

β€œWhat’s a future without kids?”

β€œThey will come, baby. Stop stressing.”

β€œGod is punishing me.”

Dapo watched her eyes go moist. He freed the teddy bear off her hold and lay beside her. She turned to her side to accommodate him. He allowed her cry, but not for long.

She rose up abruptly.

β€œI need to go and see someone.”

β€œWho?”

β€œA friend. I need to drop a message with her.”

β€œCall her.”

β€œNo, I have to go there. Please, come and escort me.”

β€œI’m tired, Tish.”

β€œI’ll drive.”

β€œIs it far from here?”

β€œNo.”

β€œOya, let’s be going. What’s this message you want to drop sef?”

β€œIt’s a package.”

Dapo waited while she wore her clothes. It didn’t occur to him that she didn’t pick the aforementioned package for the friend until they drove to the destination, which was an impressive house in a quiet estate. His mind still didn’t register that she held nothing in her hands when she entered the house after waiting a while for the gate to be opened for her. Dapo didn’t have to wait too long, though. She soon emerged, bearing what looked like a smile of satisfaction.

β€œWho lives here?” he asked.

β€œA friend.”

β€œAnd you don’t think I need to know who this friend is after dragging me here in the name of delivering a package you didn’t end up delivering?”

β€œOkay, I lied.” Leticia fastened her seatbelt. β€œThere was no package and there was no friend. My ex lives here.”

Dapo looked at the house as if just noticing it was there. β€œYou brought me to your ex’s house? For what exactly?”

β€œI went to see his wife to apologize for all I did to hurt her, whether knowingly or not. I asked her to forgive me and pray for me if she ever cursed me while I was dating her husband.”

Dapo was stunned. β€œThis ex is the Covet guy? The Igbo one?”

β€œYes, Izu. Just spoke to his wife. Turned out she never cursed me. She wasn’t so happy I stopped by, though.”

β€œTisha, tell me you did not just do what you just told me you did.”

β€œI feel some part of the burden lifted off of me. One down, four more to go.”

β€œLeticia!” Dapo tried not to shout. He was losing his calm.

β€œDapo, please, don’t get angry with me. I know it doesn’t make sense to you, but I have to free myself from the guilt and from any curse laid on me.”

β€œNobody laid shit on you.”

β€œHow do you know?”

β€œI know.”

β€œI slept with people’s husbands. Do you know how it hurt the marriage? How the wives felt knowing that the man they love is with some other woman?”

β€œOr maybe they never knew. You now want to go and shatter their bliss. Are you thinking at all?”

β€œI have to do this.”

β€œNo, you don’t. And if you insist on doing it, don’t drag me to shit like this again. This is really stupid.”

β€œOkay.”

She started the car and drove them home. Neither of them spoke until they were in Toni’s bedroom.

β€œI’m sorry for calling you stupid,” Dapo apologized.

β€œYou didn’t. You said what I did was stupid.”

β€œStill…”

β€œDapo, I’m rededicating my life back to God,” she said with a plain face, hands clasped in front of her.

β€œAnd what does that mean exactly? Aren’t you a Christian? Don’t you go to church regularly and pray every morning and night?”

β€œIt’s not enough. I have to live a pure life.”

Dapo’s annoyance returned. β€œI know where this is going. Just end it right there.”

β€œNo more sex until we get married, DP. This is not to force you into walking down the aisle with me. I just need to cleanse my life and do things right. The way God wants me to do them.”

β€œWhatever. I’m going home.” He started towards the door.

β€œDapo, I’m sorry.”

He gave no response. Not even when she ran after him, calling him back. He entered his car and sped off into the night.

***

It was one of those long, brainstorming sessions that ran into the night. Andre, Toni and Christie were present with a creative team, trying to put together a campaign for a major client that was threatening to fire them. The session came to a close a few minutes after 3AM.

Since they had used the floor on the building solely for Covet’s late night meetings, which was basically an apartment with furnished bedrooms, Andre felt it was best to sleep over. But Toni was bent on spending the night on her bed. They had a little argument about it. She won, however, with a few soft kisses on his lips.

β€œI’ll drop you at home and come back. You know I can’t share that bed with you and Tisha.”

β€œThank you.” She kissed him again.

β€œYou’re such a diva, Braithwaite. What’s so wrong with sleeping here, though?”

β€œCan you just drive me home?”

He swore in French and got a smack from her as they made their way out from the building. As expected, the streets were empty on their drive to Toni’s house. Most of the traffic lights had switched from the default red, yellow and green to blinking yellow lights. Gunning down Ozumba Mbadiwe street, Andre let out a few yawns. Seated beside him, Toni was busy with her phone. He glanced at her.

β€œWahala woman.”

β€œYeah, baby?”

β€œWho are you chatting with this night like this?”

β€œNobody.” She looked up suddenly. β€œStop.”

β€œWhat?”

β€œStop!”

Andre stepped on the brakes, halting the car’s movement under a blinking yellow light. β€œYou know we really don’t have to stop, right?”

β€œShhh.” She put her finger to her lips. β€œWait for it.”

β€œWait for what?”

Toni pointed up and ahead of them where an electronic billboard owned by Covet was erected.

β€œYeah, that’s ours. What’s up with it?”

Light filled Toni’s eyes as she pointed. β€œLook.”

The screen lit up with the picture of a baby’s overall, and on it was written the words, β€˜Enfin bref, ja pense Γͺtre enceinte de toi’.

Andre squinted hard as he read out the words in English slowly. β€œLong story short, I think I’m pregnant with your child?” He looked at Toni in confusion. β€œWhat’s this? A new ad?”

She giggled, hand over her mouth.

β€œI don’t understand,” he murmured.

She giggled harder. His eyes went to the billboard again. More confusion on his face.

β€œWho is pregnant with whose child?”

β€œYou’re so dumb, Frenchie.” She took his hand off the wheel and placed it on her tummy. His jaw plunged.

β€œYou’re…?”

She nodded.

β€œWe’re having a baby?” he asked in French.

β€œOui.”

β€œOh, I’m so dumb.” He hit his forehead on the wheel. β€œHow didn’t I get it? I’m so sorry, ma chatte.”

He leaned towards her and laid his lips on hers, but it was not to kiss her. β€œYou’re keeping it?”

β€œI won’t touch it even if I was offered the world, Fabrice.”

β€œDon’t I just love you, you this annoying, stubborn, sexy, beautiful woman?”

He kissed her, smiling in-between.

β€œCan we now turn back to the office? I badly need to pee.”

β€œOf course.”

He made a U-turn back in the direction they came.

β€œSo, I really need to ask,” Toni said, β€œhow did I get pregnant, Andre?”

He began to laugh. It was low at first, and then he laughed so hard, tears came to his eyes.

β€œAndre?”

β€œYeah?”

β€œHow did I get pregnant?”

β€œI don’t know. You saw that I never came inside you.”

β€œYou really did the immaculate thing?”

β€œLook, maybe this withdrawal method thing is crap at the end of the day. I’ve heard how it’s failed many people.”

Toni held a suspicious stare, but it was a weak one. He pinched her nose and then sent his hand down to her tummy.

β€œSo do you feel like your world is falling apart now that you’re carrying my child?”

β€œNo, I feel like hitting you because I know you’re so going to gloat over this. I hope you’re happy you won.”

β€œI am. You have no idea how fussy I’m going to get from now on.”

β€œPlease, don’t. I don’t want to feel different.”

β€œKeep talking to the wind there. I own you now, ma chatte. You have officially become the Frenchman’s property and you’re going to have a taste of what it means to be loved senseless.”

β€œOh, go away.”

Toni smacked his hand off. He smiled at her but she was looking out the window. He returned the smile to himself, pleased over how his covert plans to get her pregnant had worked. In fact, it had worked faster than he had anticipated. The next step was to have her bear his name.

β€œWhatever evil you’re planning there won’t work,” Toni said as she stretched out her legs on his lap. Andre flung his head backwards and laughed vigorously.

Β©Sally@moskedpages

Translations:

WCW – Woman Crush Wednesday

Baecation – vacation for a couple

Oui – yes (French)

Sally

Author. Screenwriter. Blogger

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69 Comments

  1. Sayrah says:

    Woooow. This episode was great! There was little or no drama… well, except from madam tish.

    How are you and your family Sal? I hope all is well with you? Thanks for not relenting in bringing joy to us, your readers, even when you may not always feel like it. May your path be graced, and your burdens light.

    1. Sally says:

      Amen, darling. thanks a lot. God bless you much

  2. abiba says:

    Thank u Sally well done

    1. Sally says:

      Thank you, hon

  3. Anjie says:

    Aww…Tish really wants to make things right.
    Look at Toni that didn’t even want to have a baby at first. Thank you sally

    1. Sally says:

      Life can be funny

  4. JayG says:

    No wonder Tish felt bad and sent a backhand comment to Toni. Tish was an accessory to Andre’s preggy.

    I am sure Tish’s new year resolution would crumble after two weeks. Babe’s libido is too high Biko.

    I admire Christie’s candor in relating with CY Junior. I miss Folarin. And I miss Khanyi.

    Weldone Sally

    1. Sally says:

      Lol. Tish loves the D, you’re so right. I hope she holds tight

  5. Oluwakemi says:

    Sally thumbs up!

    Thank you for not infusing any tragedy, I read this with my heart in my mouth thinking of what tragedy you have waiting ahead and thank God I read the whole episode and twas all good.
    Leticia, I really feel sorry for you.
    LadeCruz liking the sound of that.

    Madam Sally big ups to you Darling

    1. Sally says:

      Hahah! Sometimes the twist is in not adding any twist.
      Thank you, Kemi

  6. Eromaye says:

    This episode was calm, so i know next episode is gonna be fire fire!!!
    Dapo seems like he’s hiding something, i hope he isn’t impotent sha…
    Meanwhile “madame la mannequin’ sally i saw that fine makeup on the ‘gram stay beautiful!!!

    1. Sally says:

      Thank you, Eromaye. I’m not a fan of taking pictures, so that was some work. I’ll change this year

  7. Ifeoluwa says:

    Well done Sally! Thank you for this episode ❀️

    1. Sally says:

      You’re welcome!

  8. This is beautiful….

    1. Sally says:

      Thank you, Oluwatofunmi

  9. MizB says:

    Tish didn’t really need to do that though…. Nice one Sal

    1. Sally says:

      Thank you, Nay

  10. Thanks Sally, I enjoyed it as I did others. Do Have a beautiful week ahead.

    1. Sally says:

      And cheers to another weekend to you, Rashidah

  11. Adeola gem says:

    Awww! Thank you for this Ms Sally.?

    1. Sally says:

      Always my pleasure, Adeola

  12. Ifeanyi Onochie says:

    Tish and Dapo sha, their wahala is too much. What’s wrong with that girl, going to apologize for curse that didn’t happen? If I knock her head! I wonder how Andre got Toni pregnant, or is there a twist where is is revealed that the baby actually belongs to her previous married lover? I wouldn’t put that past you, Sally. LOL!

    1. Sally says:

      Lol. Ifeanyi, stop it. I have changed this year. I will not break people’s hearts with long drama πŸ˜‰

  13. Turban Girl says:

    We are Pregnant!!!!! We are happy to be finally
    Cyrus Junior, Player mode activated. Go out and have a blast. I always had this notion that Lily was a very innocent girl, turns out she is a monster like the rest of her family. interested only in the money, but why was she now crying like egbere.
    That Painting in Christie’s office sounds fascinating.
    Leticia, please come out of this mumu phase, I hope Dapo doesn’t have a secret sha

    1. Sally says:

      Lol. Let’s hope for happy endings πŸ˜‰

  14. Datoks says:

    This Episodeis so relaxing , so happy for Toni, just worried about how Leticia will take the whole pregnancy thing now.God bless you Sally, you are so gifted

    1. Sally says:

      Let’s pray Leticia take it well. I can’t imagine how she’ll feel

  15. Ceey says:

    woooooow, thanks Sally

    1. Sally says:

      You’re welcome

  16. Faday says:

    God bless you Sally.thanks for this episode

    1. Sally says:

      Bless you for reading

  17. Kany T. Dahl says:

    Nice one Toni

    1. Sally says:

      You can say that again

    2. Sally says:

      You can say that again

  18. Febz says:

    I’m just here thinking of a good hashtag for Andre and Toni ?

    1. Dammie says:

      Will #Tondre suffice?

    2. Sally says:

      Haha! #Fabton nko?

  19. Finally Toni is pregnant! I hope she doesn’t change her mind and run away

    1. Sally says:

      I hope so too

  20. Simplygold says:

    Beautiful as usual… Thank God there was no disaster, I was scared accident will happy when toni asked Andre to stop…more ink to your pen.

    1. Sally says:

      Bless you, Simplygold

  21. Dammie says:

    As usual, your writing is impeccable and unrivaled. Well done Sally, may your light never go dim!

    1. Sally says:

      Amen. Thank you

  22. Zinnie says:

    Oh my! This is so long and I love.
    I miss salma, Malik and Raji and Folarin too.

    Thanks Sally for remembering us.

    1. Sally says:

      And thank you for being here always

  23. Etoya says:

    #team ladecruz# winks

    1. Sally says:

      Lol. Already?

  24. Haryoka says:

    So happy for Toni n her Frenchman

    1. Sally says:

      We all are πŸ™‚

  25. Toyenlon says:

    Wow! This episode is lovely…i finally caught up with the series. Happy for Toni, hope she doesn’t develop cold feet along the way sha. I guess a new door of love is opening for Lade now in the name of Cruz. Thanks Sally and happy new year to you and yours.

    1. Sally says:

      Thank you, Toyenlon. *kisses

  26. Amina says:

    See life! Tish pele, no b curse dey worry you, some might say na nemesis, but i believe its not time or the issue is from DP.
    Congrats Tondre.
    I like how Cyrus J asked which one when Christy said your father….i bet we said that “which one in unison”lmao.
    Well done Sal.

    1. Sally says:

      Lol. While i was writing that part, I also asked the same question

  27. Seye says:

    Toni and Andre finally getting some more glue in their bond. I hope this will make them stick with one another and quit their drama.
    I like how CJ and his mom engaged one another really. It’s always bliss when kids and their parents can talk ‘no holds barred’. It’s a blessing for those of us who had that growing up.
    Leticia would do well to just calm down jare. That’s how people will be giving themselves unnecessary wahala. She should enjoy the ‘result-less’ knacks while waiting for the one that will ‘plant the seed’.
    Thank you for this gift that you regularly give Moskedites. May this talent open doors unto you and bring the required results.
    Blessings

    1. Sally says:

      It really is a blessing to have that relationship, Seye. I missed out on that while growing up. But right now, my mom and I are great friends

  28. Ejiro says:

    Ha….. now I can sleep well knowing Toni and Andre will be together.

    Sally please give Tish a child please.

    1. Sally says:

      I’ll see what I can do, Ejiro

  29. Princess "O" says:

    Thank you Sally for satisfying my curiosity at least Andre has Toni all to himself now, it’s amazing how Isabella is getting to fall for Cruz. well done Sal.

    1. Sally says:

      Thank you, Princess πŸ™‚

  30. Tolu says:

    OMG! I feel like I need a boyfriend right now. This piece seems to make love and all that it comes with so simple?. I love! I love! I love! Thanks Sally?

    1. Sally says:

      Thank you, Tolu. May you get that amazing boyfriend you search for

  31. Mj says:

    Well done Sal and a Happy New Year to you!!!
    If I start commending you ehhn.. you are so creative and your brain works amazingly! May your ink never run dry and may you have a truly fulfilling year!
    Anyways, I just like the way you find interesting pictures to match the story like the last one in today;s story! Lol!

    1. Sally says:

      Thanks for making me smile with this. Bless you!

  32. Bimz says:

    All love in this episode. I really feel for Leticia and understand what she is going through. I suspect however Dapo is the problem. I was scared of an accident too when Tones insisted on going home that night.
    Thank you Sally. You never fail to wow us

    1. Sally says:

      Na God, dear. Thank you

  33. Honey says:

    Why do I keep having this feeling that the baby is for Imade Harrison..I just hope am wrong o. Amazing read always ma’am. Thanks a bunch God bless you

    1. Sally says:

      I hope you’re intuition is not right o

      God bless you too dear

  34. Deborah says:

    Love how you make this story so beautiful. Thanks Sally.

Comments are closed.