Stranger In Lagos

Stranger In Lagos #5

HALIM

β€œPaul, please stop…”

His lips were between mine, his hand underneath my dress, his body pressing into me. Weeks of seduction had led me here – but not as an unwilling subject. On my own, I followed Paul to this hotel room, after falling heedlessly for his charm. I knew it would lead to this but I did nothing to stop it. Now, my hypocritical conscience was ringing a bell in my head as thoughts of Eben crossed my mind.

β€œYou know I can’t, Paul.”

My words were weak, as was my resistance. I was pushing away from him but halfheartedly. My body had been persuaded into this moment, and I knew that it would take only Eben himself bursting in through the door to stop me from being ravished by Paul.

It was affection I had been looking for when Paul came into my life. Although everything seemed okay amorously with me, I needed more. But I was in denial then. I told myself I wasn’t necessarily dying from lack of affection from Eben. Neither was there a fall in communication. The hole in our relationship was something I was used to, of which I had hoped that in some way, marriage would close. Hence, when Paul showed up from nowhere and became a constant in my life, I felt I didn’t need him. Or rather, I didn’t know that I was going to need him.

He had come with a team from a reputable financial audit firm, Starks and Cole, which had their headquarters in the UK and branches all over the world. I had always wanted to work with them, but the process of applying for and getting a job there was something akin to being hired by the CIA. In the financial world, employees of Starks and Cole are often looked upon as demigods. And it was with that attitude that Paul and his colleagues made an appearance at the bank where I worked.

He was intimidating at first, but was soon seducing the ladies with effortless charm. With suits perfectly-tailored and a swag that was too much heat for anyone to handle, it became some sort of unspoken competition to get his attention. However, he seemed to have eyes for only me, and each time he caught a break from his auditing, he would find some way to drop by at my cubicle to have a chat with me.

I found him harmless initially. Maybe it was because I was too confident in my loyalty to Eben. The thought of cheating on him never crossed my mind. But as Paul’s work-related visits increased, our harmless encounters began to take root. I soon found that we had similar taste in fashion and music. And there was the issue of being raised by single mothers that had lived against the morals of the society. In many ways, Paul understood me, and he alone could bring out the effervescent side of me that I always suppressed.

On the day we had sex, it hadn’t been intended. I had casually mentioned to him the day before that I was going to Lagos for an audition for a fashion reality show.

β€œHow early are you leaving?” he had asked. β€œBecause I have to be in Lagos too. My boss wants to see me.”

β€œAs early as 5 a.m.”

β€œYou want to come with me?” he asked.

I didn’t hesitate. It was a free ride with fewer inconveniences. Plus Paul was a friend already.

I hopped into his car the next morning and we were off to Lagos, although my mood was in a damper. I hadn’t spoken to Eben in a week and when I had called him the night before to complain about it, he had dismissed my concerns as he always did and asked if I would like him to get me something special.

β€œIf he doesn’t know he has to always get me something special on his trips back, then maybe we need to rethink our relationship,” I had blurted to Paul.

β€œPele.” His right hand left the steering and rested on my lap. β€œDon’t get yourself worked up over nothing.”

β€œI just hate his coldness. I don’t know if it’s pride or he just won’t connect with me. And yet, he can be such an awesome friend.”

β€œSo, he’s not romantic?”

β€œNo.”

β€œBut he’s a good friend?”

β€œYes! Can you imagine!”

Paul took his hand off mine and put it back on the wheel. β€œYou think maybe you’re being friend-zoned?”

β€œFriend-zoned?” I repeated. β€œBy my own boyfriend?” I laughed.

β€œWell, you told me the other day that your mothers basically pushed both of you into a relationship. Maybe you guys aren’t meant to be.”

His words made me uncomfortable. I sat in brief silence, staring ahead of me. It was beginning to drizzle, and daylight, which had just come with the morning, was fast switching back to darkness.

β€œAre you there?”

I sighed and looked up at Paul with a smile. β€œYou know what? I have an audition to go for, so I need to focus. No more depressing talk.”

β€œWill music inspire?”

β€œHow do you read my mind so easily?” I giggled, looking away shyly at the same time. There was a manner in which he looked at me that always left me undone.

β€œWe’re connected, Halim.” He poked my forehead with his finger and touched his in the same manner before coming back to my face to pinch my nose.

He turned on the CD player and Maroon 5 came on. While music played, we talked, sang along and snacked on packs of plantain chips we bought from a roadside vendor until we got to Lagos.

He dropped me off at the location for my audition and promised to pick me up later as he had something he needed to sort out at the office with his boss.

The day went by in a long, winding manner and came to a close by 5 p.m. When I stepped out of the venue, I found Paul waiting, still dressed in his outfit from the morning – a pair of navy shorts and a pink t-shirt that loosely hugged his torso. His sense of style was irresistible. I found men who wore pink stimulating.

β€œSo, how did it go?”

Dipping my hand into the bag that was slung across my shoulder, I pulled out a fabric card on which my name was embroidered.

β€œI made it!” I shrieked.

β€œFor real?”

He lifted me up in a hug.

β€œTold you you’d make it. I’m so proud of you, Halim.”

The hug lingered, not because he couldn’t let go but because I didn’t want him to. When he pulled away, I felt some form of emptiness, realizing how deep a hole Eben had left in me that Paul was beginning to fill. It was at that moment the lines began to blur. The rest of the evening was spent in mindless flirtations that budded into something I was unable to control much later.

Paul had neither intoxicated nor forced me. On my own, I gave myself to him. I was so thirsty for him that I lost all reasoning and had sex without protection. I didn’t do it once or twice. The entire night witnessed the death of my commonsense which came alive only when I hit the comfort of my own bed in Abeokuta at the dawn of the next day.

I had thought guilt was the worst thing that could come out of that night. But here I am, three months later, staring down the barrel of a gun. I am hoping someone somewhere squeezes the trigger.

β€œJust one more day and all of this will be over,” Aunty Ada tells me in a cheery voice as she brings me breakfast in bed. β€œCheer up.”

How does one cheer up when they have been told that they are HIV positive? Burning tears attack my inflamed eyes that have borne the burden of shock and brokenness this past two weeks. I can’t begin to explain how I’d felt when I received the news. Eben had been right there with me, both of us tired after a long day. We had just wanted to get the results for our premarital blood tests and then find a place to have dinner. But instead, we spent most of the night in his car with me in tears and him consoling me, while it rained heavily outside. I remember stepping out of the car when the pain became too much and walking all the way home, my shoes in my hand, the rain slapping me from every direction. Eben had not come after me because I had begged him not to. I had needed to be alone to let the news sink in.

Things didn’t get better by the next morning when I told Aunty Ada that I had been confirmed HIV positive. Her first reaction was confusion that morphed to disbelief, which also gave way to denial and lastly, hope.

I look at her now. She holds the same hopeful expression.

β€œYou’re not HIV positive,” she reminds me all the time. And then she does everything to cheer me up. But nothing she has said or done has lifted my mood. I have been in the pits, a place so dark I can’t see any tunnel, let alone a light at the end of it. Plus, there’s restlessness over the impending confirmatory test result that grows by the minute.

Eben, like Aunty Ada, doesn’t share my sentiments. He is hopeful too, but I catch an unvoiced question in his eyes sometimes. Or maybe it’s my glumness that fills me with all this negativity. But can you blame me? The direction of my life changes in a wink, and without warning, too. And the only person that can give me an explanation as to why I’m suffering this way has conveniently disappeared from the surface of the earth.

Yes, Paul is gone without a trace. No one has seen or heard from him in a while. When he disappeared without telling me, I was grateful, but now, he has officially been declared missing, gone with answers to my questions.

β€œYou’ve lost much weight, sweetheart.” Aunty Ada regards me with worried eyes. I look at the meal she has brought and then stare up at her. I’ve always considered her a beautiful woman, without all the bleaching and makeup. Her face, with a narrow nose and prominent chin always gives her a lingering smile that takes years off her age. These past few days, however, I have found that characteristic smile missing. Instead, it is replaced with an expression of anger which loiters in the space between her eyes, the type I know her to have when someone hurts me and she aims to get revenge. Still, she uplifts me with encouraging words at every turn.

β€œEverything’s going to be fine. The confirmatory test will come out negative and you and Eben will go ahead and get married.”

I don’t want to hear one more word about the wedding and my HIV status. I just want to be left alone, and luckily, Aunty Ada does not hang around today. She announces that she has to shop. I don’t know what time it is; I feel it’s too early to go shopping. I suspect she has a new boyfriend. It’s this type of excuse she gives when she goes on her numerous rendezvouses. But I don’t say anything as she makes her exit.

I push my breakfast aside. My hand goes for my phone and I try Paul’s number, hoping that somehow, he picks up.

But I get the same dead tone I’ve been getting for two weeks. I dump the phone and burrow beneath my blanket. I have lost the strength to cry, and so I remain there until sleep takes me.

I see my father, a man who visits my dreams whenever I’m at my lowest. Aunty Ada never talks about him; hence I build this image of a man, tall, strong and wise. He takes me on calm walks on busy streets, with cars flying past us but none of them running into us. In him, I find safety. He never speaks to me. He simply holds my hand and we walk. Today, he looks like he has something to say. I stop walking and lift my gaze up at him but nothing comes from his lips.

I wake up alone, and straightaway, that intensifying anxiety finds its way back into my guts. It’s just a day before the confirmatory test results are released. The torture of waiting is as bad as being told I have the disease. But I don’t think I can handle waiting one more minute to know what the result would say.

I leave my bed for the bathroom and in a short while, I’m on my way to the clinic. In the quietness of the cab I’m seated in, I get lost in my thoughts, head bowed, eyes grainy from too much crying and too little sleep. I’m cold but I won’t tell the cab driver to turn off the air conditioner. He asks me if I’m okay after a long stretch of silence. Usually, I’d be chatting him up, asking about his ever-nagging wife and naughty twin boys who seem to find some new mischief to engage themselves in every week.

I reply that I’m a little under the weather, hence my visit to the clinic. He tells me to get well soon and jokingly asks me if my oga has done a fast one on me. I don’t have the strength to speak further. I simply shake my head.

β€œMake una do o. I wan come drink mineral.”

I don’t respond, and before long, the cab comes to a stop.

β€œMake I wait for you?” he asks. I nod. He tries to catch my face in the rearview mirror but I leave the car. Just in front of me is a huge, brown gate that presents a view of a white, towering building on which is written β€˜Ako Clinic and Diagnostic Center’.

I walk in through the gate and pass by a small parking lot reserved for the medical director and two ambulance vans. Ahead is the main entrance to the clinic and I go through it, pushing in one half of double-doors. My tummy churns at the smell of antiseptic as white blinding walls hit me. I’m in a large waiting room in which patients and visitors are seated, most of them watching some Yoruba movie on a plasma TV held up high on one of the walls.

I push wonky legs to the front desk where two nurses are seated and in discussion. They break off and smile at me, leaving me unnerved. I feel like they know my HIV status. Both of them are ladies I know from church. I don’t remember them ever being this friendly towards me.

β€œGood morning, Sister Halim,” one of them greets.

β€œGood morning,” I respond in a shaky voice.

β€œAre you okay?”

I clear my throat. β€œI’m fine.”

She nods and comments about my dress, a small floral piece I put together a few months ago. She tells me she wants me to become her tailor.

β€œEverything you sew always fits. I love your fashion taste.”

β€œThank you.”

The other nurse is not speaking. Her attention is on the movie.

β€œSo, what can we do for you today?” her colleague asks.

β€œI’m here to see Eniola.”

And I swear, she almost rolls her eyes.

β€œI didn’t know you two were close like that.”

β€œShe’s a family friend.”

β€œOh, okay.”

β€œIs she in?”

β€œYes, she just passed here now. Go in through that door and turn left to get to the labs.”

I thank her and follow the direction she has led me through which I now know well. Both nurses hadn’t been at the desk on the days Eben and I came visiting. I don’t think they are aware that we had come for our pre-wedding tests.

I follow the corridor that leads me to the lab and when I go through a glassy door that opens to a small waiting room, I catch Eniola discussing with an attendant by the front desk. It’s not a smooth discussion, as Eniola’s voice is loud and reprimanding and the attendant keeps pleading in Yoruba to be forgiven.

β€œEni?” I call. Eniola spins around. Her angry face lingers on me for a bit before it softens.

β€œHi Halim.” She smiles.

β€œHi.”

β€œAre we supposed to meet today or tomorrow?”

β€œTomorrow.”

She looks around the empty waiting room. β€œAnd you’re here alone. Where’s Eben?”

β€œCan I see you, privately, please?”

β€œOkay. Come with me.”

She leaves one last harsh word with the attendant before leading me to her office. Bad memories rush at me when we get in.

β€œSit,” she points at the same chair I had sat in when she broke the devastating news to me two weeks ago.

β€œI want to stand, please.”

β€œOkay.” She perches on her desk, her face softening more. β€œHow are you, dear?”

β€œI’m good.”

β€œNo, you’re not. You’ve lost weight and your eyes are all swollen and have bags under them.”

I flash a faint smile. Eniola is a nice person. We could have been close friends if our mothers hadn’t hated each other when we were kids.

β€œI came because of the confirmatory result. Is it ready? I’ve been restless. I don’t think I can wait, Eni. Please, can you tell me if it’s negative or positive? I’m losing my mind here.”

β€œRelax, Halim. The result is ready but Eben is supposed to be here.”

β€œHe mustn’t be here. Please, just tell me what it says. I can take it. Please…”

β€œHali…”

β€œPlease.”

She sighs and goes behind her desk. After a short pause, she pulls open a drawer. β€œYou know I have to send a copy of this to the church, right?”

β€œI know. Just…let me know what’s in it, first.”

She takes out an envelope from the drawer and out of it, she tugs out a paper, similar to the first test result. She looks at it and pushes it to me. My eyes quickly scan the results, and then I sink into the chair I had been offered earlier. I begin to cry.

Eniola comes to me and holds me. β€œIt’s okay, Halim. You’ll be fine. HIV is not the end of your life.”

I’m too traumatized to respond. Her hug gives me little comfort but I cling to it as I unburden myself. She is the first person I’m talking to since this saga began. I tell her how one night of meaningless sex has ruined my life, how I feel cheap and useless, how I’m sure Eben will dump me, how I fear that I may never recover from this…

I pause, I stare into thin air and continue again.

People will make fun of me, I say. They will avoid me. The church will ostracize me. Mothers will use me as a byword to warn their daughters on the dangers of waywardness. In the end, I’ll die alone and miserable.

Eniola is quiet through all of this. I see that her glasses have clouded over. She sniffles. She tells me she’s so sorry. Her gentleness and concern pushes me farther into my emotions. I cry until I’m bereft of tears.

β€œMaybe you should go away for some time until the heat of this blows over because, trust me, once the marriage department gets this result, the gist will spread. So just disappear for a while, regroup and come back.”

Her suggestion seems good but it’s not something I’m considering. Right now, I need to confess to Eben about Paul. I don’t want him assuming that I was sleeping around in his absence. He needs to know that it was just that one, stupid night with another man that has brought this hell on me. If he then wishes to end things with me, I’ll be fine with it.

β€œThank you, Eni. You’re a true friend.”

She pats my hand. β€œI’m so sorry.”

I force myself up. She hugs me and walks me to the door. When I’m out of her sight, I keep my head low until I’m back in the cab.

β€œTake me to Ebenezer’s house.”

The cab driver wants to know if a doctor attended to me but I repeat my instructions tersely.

He starts the car. I shut my eyes. Eben won’t be home but I’ll wait for him. I’ve never had need to visit his place on my own before. I was given the key a few months ago but I kept it in the inner compartment of my favorite handbag and abandoned it there. The handbag is now clutched in my hands as I journey to his place.

I keep my eyes shut. The pain is too much for me to face the world that goes on happily while my life crumbles. The cab driver asks me again how I’m feeling. I don’t respond. He drives on until we arrive at Eben’s.

β€œWe don reach.”

I open my eyes and step out. Eben lives in a compound owned by the Nosakhares which houses a two story-building that holds four apartments. Unlike most compounds with similar settings, this one has a wide berth for cars to park in and kids to play.

As I step into the compound, led in by the gateman, I am surprised to find Aunty Ada’s SUV parked in front of Eben’s apartment. Beside it is what looks like Uncle Greg’s Mercedes. I’m not sure what to make of the vehicles being there but I walk to the front door which is slightly open.

I am about to make my entrance when I hear a sudden eruption of familiar voices. They are all yelling at the same time and I can’t make what the argument is about until Eben’s voice increases in tempo, drowning the rest.

β€œI am not marrying Halim because of her money! I’m calling the whole thing off and you guys will tell her who she really is and what she’s worth! This whole HIV has opened my eyes to the nonsense we’re all doing here! She needs to know the truth first before I can continue with the wedding! That’s if we’re even going to get married again with this latest development! But whatever it is, I’m done with this farce!”

Silence falls. The door gives way and I find myself staring at Eben. In my peripheral view are his parents and Aunty Ada. On their faces, I read shock. Clearly, I am the last person they expect to see at this moment.

β€œWhat’s going on, Ebee?”

β€œLet’s get out of here.” Eben tries to take my hand but I pull back.

β€œAunty Ada?” I look at my mom.

β€œJust a minor argument, dear. Nothing serious.”

β€œMinor argument that involves Eben canceling our wedding? Shouldn’t I have been invited to this meeting?”

β€œSweetheart,” Aunty Bisi says, β€œwe were just talking about the HIV thing…”

β€œYou insist on lying to her, mom?” Eben throws a harsh glare at Aunty Bisi. They all pass stares around and after unspoken deliberation, I am invited in.

I sit alone on a long couch while the parents share a three-sitter and Eben remains standing. I wait for them to reveal whatever it is they are hiding. It can’t be worse than confirming twice that I’m HIV positive.

Uncle Greg takes the mantle of speaking, and in a long, miserable tale, unravels the mystery of my paternity which Aunty Ada had hidden from me all my life. He also tells me about the world of wealth I have waiting for me as the only heir to the Diobi fortune.

I’m dumbfounded. What I have just heard has sapped what little strength is left of me. I don’t have words to define the emotions that burn beneath the surface. I feel betrayed by those who mean the most to me. Maybe I shouldn’t have asked to know the truth. The pain I feel now is more than I can stomach. The silence that comes on everyone, the held breaths, the cold air in Eben’s living room and the sounds from kids playing in the apartment above us become overwhelming. Not uttering a word, I rise to my feet and head for the door like a zombie.

Eben runs after me. He stops me with a hand going above my head to hold the doorpost, blocking my movement.

β€œPlease, say something, Hali.”

I look at himβ€”at his serious stare, his knowing eyes, the almost-invisible spots on his face I have come to know intimately over timeβ€”and I realize that maybe what I feel for him is a little stronger than I have admitted.

β€œI was not supposed to know any of this, right?” I ask.

β€œThat was the initial plan…”

β€œLet it remain like that. By the way, the second test is out. I still have HIV, and just to let you know, I got it from some guy when you were away. It was only one night but we didn’t use a condom.”

There is disappointment on Eben’s face as he lets his hand down.

β€œYes, I’m trash, Ebenezer. So, feel free to dump me because I cheated and got HIV, and not because you want to prove that you’re better than everyone else in this room.”

I begin out. He comes after me still. Aunty Ada has also left the house. I blank them out and walk on. Eben won’t let me. He stands in front of me but I can’t see him. When he touches me, I recoil as if his hand stings. I let out a scream that has Aunty Ada in front of me in a wink.

β€œLeave her alone, Eben. Leave her. She’s traumatized. I’ll take her home.”

β€œI’m following you…”

β€œNo, no, no,” Aunty Ada insists, leading me to her SUV. Eben opens the door and helps me into the passenger seat. Aunty Ada secures my seatbelt. I fix my eyes outwards to stare at Eben who stands, watching us until we drive away.

I don’t want to see his face after this.

Β©Sally@moskedapages

Sally

Author. Screenwriter. Blogger

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57 Comments

  1. Mariam says:

    WOW!!!!!!!!!! Sally I didn’t expect this twist. WOW! My head is still spinning.

  2. Ola says:

    Na wao where us this new development coming from….see twists,, thumbs up Sal

  3. Ife says:

    Thank you Sally. I have a feeling Eniola fabricated that test result πŸ‘€πŸ€”

    1. modupe says:

      yeah , i feel so too, abi

    2. Made says:

      I have that same feeling. Especially cos of her advice. She wants Hali away so she can swoop in

  4. Rita says:

    Why don’t i trust that witch of a girl called Eniola. Nice read as usual though.

  5. Please bring them back together and that result should remain nothing but falsehood. Thanks Sally for the double dose of goodness, hope your kids are doing good?

  6. maye says:

    Me , i dont believe she has hiv oh, that eniola girl is up to something nasty…. finally finally, secret is out lets see as everyone adjusts… weldone sally

  7. Adefunke says:

    I don’t think she has HIV jare. But if that is d case, that’s too much from that Eni. Lovely piece as usual sis. Healing rain will fall in your house in Jesus name

  8. calabargal says:

    Eniola! I suspect you! Paul oh Paul! Why have u dont this disappearing act? To think u were the knight in shining armour I was hoping would rescue Halim from a loveless or one sided marriage plus untold scheming by all those adults around her…..

  9. Simplygold says:

    Eniola, you better confess now now, don’t kill Hakim oh.

  10. Jumi says:

    what If Eniola lied about the true results of the test because of her scheming to get Eben? #justathought

  11. Omotola says:

    What a wawawu!!!!.I suspect Eniola jare ,very devious girl .thumbs up Sally.

  12. Eclectic says:

    Oh wow that went south quickly. And yes i agree with the others that that eniwitch fabricated the test result. Hers is coming and its coming with a bang. To think i liked her oh likening her to the underdog, hiss.

  13. Oluwakemi says:

    She doesn’t have Hiv, this Eniola hasn’t changed, the same way she allowed Eyitope die. She is bad news and I’m sure it is because she wants Eben.
    I wonder how wicked people plot things like this.
    But from a medical stance, a confirmatory test should be done in another lab just so she can be sure. That’s the ideal. Even labs send out their own tests for quality check and assurance.
    Thanks Sally for the double dose, you are three much.

  14. Ejibabe says:

    Sally am crying here , pls this should be a mistake or the hand work of that wicked eniola. My heart is beating so fast and am in pain for halim. I hope it all goes well.
    Thanks sweet nice episode as always. Love u

  15. CHINNY says:

    What is Eniola up to???? Is this how she wants to break them up? Mbanu! Kolewerk rara… sitting here with my popcorn and chilled sprite, let the drama keep unfolding.

  16. Zeeniey says:

    Damn! Great one sal

  17. Fdee says:

    Rolling drums sound

  18. Bookunmie says:

    Nice one Sally…. I saw pastor love’s name and Ako clinic nd my face lit, I like d fact that u always slid old characters in. Ya the best ma’am.

  19. Iyanuoluwa says:

    Oh No this can’t be happening to Halim πŸ˜“this series is everything πŸ’ƒπŸ’ƒ Aunt Sally you are amazing as always πŸ’• the Lord will stretch forth his healing hand on the kids now in Jesus name πŸ™

  20. Sarah25 says:

    Hmmmmm, Sally please make the HIV real biko, she will get over it….I hope Paul comes back to make things right.
    HIV is not a death sentence abeg, people should stop this whole stigma thing…..it’s annoying really.

  21. Datoks says:

    Sally, quick recovery to your kids. Why do I have a feeling that Eniola fabricated the result. i like the fact that Halima is aware of the whole thing now..

  22. Naomi Ebuebu says:

    Why do I feel eniola has something to do with the HIV positive results

  23. tosin__b says:

    That result seems so fishy. Another test should have been performed in the different hospital. Hmmmm. The suspense of this story ehnnn. Well done Sally. Will you beat me if I ask for marathon? *covers face

  24. Oluchi Amuda says:

    Why do i have the feeling that the HIV story is simply Eniola’s way of separating Halima and and Eben. I strongly feel something fishy about the new twist. Thanks Sally. It was an interesting read.

    1. Sally says:

      Thank you, Oluchi

  25. Anjie says:

    Oh Lord! This is too much for halim

    1. Sally says:

      😒😒😒

  26. Treasure says:

    Seriously, I don’t see why you people should be calling Eni. This is how people blame others. A girl gets caught up in one whirlwind affair and you people are blaming someone else. Chew the truth. When you decide to misbehave. That’s the repercussion. I pray it’s all a lie but otherwise, that’s just reality.

    1. Sally says:

      Well, let’s see if Halim or Eniola is responsible

  27. Treasure says:

    Aunty Sally, I can’t read biyankavitch, they are telling me to log in. Please help me.

    1. Sally says:

      If you have bought In The Name Of Papa and I sent you login details, you’ll be able to view the story

  28. Treasure says:

    And one more thing, Go Girl! Go for what you want. Not the wrong way o. But embrace your feelings and stand up to your responsibilities.
    And Aunty SallyNation should learn how to think objectively. Stop looking for who to push your problems to. Very soon, we will all be claiming not – my – portion. Yet, problem still lingers.

    1. Sally says:

      I don’t think anyone here is projecting their personal issues on the story, Treasure. They’re just expressing their thoughts. Same you are

  29. Toyenlon says:

    Wow! What a serious wahala. Halim is in deep trouble but I hope Eniola is not involved in this HIV of a thing. Nice but emotional episode, thanks.

    1. Sally says:

      You’re welcome, Toyenlon

  30. Sugar says:

    Eniola has fabricated result ni. Halim should just go elsewhere and repeat ni. Kai. 2018 is indeed the year of taking it by fire by force.

    1. Sally says:

      πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚

  31. Knonye says:

    Wicked world! It’s really crazy how far people are willing to go to get what they want. Good riddance to bad rubbish.

    1. Sally says:

      Humans are wicked

  32. If Eniola lied on Halim’s test result, then she is seriously joking with her license to the extent that she has allowed obsession cloud her logic. I wasn’t expecting this twist tho….damn, HIV…..scary as hell.

    Pele Sally, take care of the kids o and well done ehn…

    1. Sally says:

      Thank you, Oluwatofunmi

  33. Amina says:

    I honestly was not expecting this twist. Its more likely that Halim tested positive than that Eniola fabricated the result. Although, i hope she was stupid enough to fabricate. I dont want Halim to be positive.
    Paul, Paul. Mr Sleek slayer, probably got a transfer back to UK because Halim is getting married soon.
    Eben, i am falling for your character already, dont mess up biko.
    Aunty Ada, i cant predict that woman’s next move.

    1. Sally says:

      Looks like you had a good time with this episode

  34. imotolab2014 says:

    Mehn….I’m still reeling from this news…as in. First I believe Halim has HIV and I feel sorry for her and curse Paul in my head, then I realize its Eniola cooking this up(I hope) and I’m so angry at her and relieved at the same time…then Halim finding out about everything.

    I really need to come live in your head Aunt Sally…these twists ….but then…it can only be you….

    1. Sally says:

      Imotalab, where have you been, dear. Nice to see you around here.

  35. Olamide says:

    Oh my Sally! It’s good to be back here.
    This story is amazing! Chai! See twists. I can’t wait to read that Eniola fabricated the results. Thanks always for churning out great stories.

    1. Sally says:

      Welcome back, Olamide.

      It’s always my pleasure

  36. Princess "O" says:

    Eniola must have come this far just to get Eben, I don’t believe Halim has HIV, one bit.

    I believe Paul still loves Halim, I just wonder where he has gone to.

    ……and how are your babies feeling Sal.?

    1. Sally says:

      They are well Princess
      Thank you

  37. Bimz says:

    Paul is a correct play boy from all indications. Alo rami rami for him!!! Amen.
    I felt so emosh. Halim is not thinking straight right now. Otherwise, she would know to go for another test in a different lab. May God save us from enemies who portray themselves as friends just to get what we have. Aunty Ada biko be the clear headed one and insist on another test.
    Thank you for the double dose Salz. I hope the kids are better?

  38. Gerald says:

    I don’t want to speculate here. The twist was unexpected. Vintage Sally. How are the kids? Also, I have bought and read in The Name of Papa. I’ll hold myself and wait for Biyankavitch to be ready at the stores.
    More ink to you.

  39. Etoya says:

    I concur…there’s definitely something fishy about Eniola and the lab results.

    Nice one Sally. Crazy twist as usual. Thank you. Trust the little soldiers are feeling better? Welldone.

  40. Chinelo says:

    Thank you Sally…

  41. Chidinma says:

    Wow Sally Sally!!!

    OK let me play Devil’s advocate… Indulge me house.

    Could it be that Eniola had nothing to do with the result (remember her glasses clouded) maybe, just maybe she was also mourning the loss of her pursuit of Eben.

    Also, could it be, just maybe that Eben was the one who gave Halim HIV remember they slept together in his car that Halim had no recollection of and Eben is not willing to tell her.

    Also, just maybe Paul didn’t run away. He probably got reassigned and the day he came to see Halim was him trying to tell her he was leaving and she was refusing to listen.

    OK…i am done with my devil advocacy. πŸ˜€πŸ˜‚

    But if Eniola has anything to do with it…. I don’t know just yet (but it doesn’t feel just right that Eniola be bringing out her fang just yet). Also, people holding Eniola’s sister death over her head. I sense her guilt and I would not particularly blame her, but her mother for the death of her sister.

    She was how old again? With no motherly love. If her mother had taken out time to explain what was happening and why she treated her sister with so much love and reserved a little. Just maybe she would still be alive and Eniola would have been her biggest fan. (this is my assumption though) .

    Still unwrapping the plot of this story in my head though.

    Thanks Sally as usual😘

  42. Rikitava says:

    I know Halim does not habe HIV, that Eni is a bad one. Poor Halim, her world has crashed and nothing will ever be the same.

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