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  • My Name is AKA – Episode 21

    My Name is AKA – Episode 21

     

    MY NAME IS AKA

    My Name is AKA – Episode 21

    Written By Amah’s Heart. 

    “..I took the money..” she said with a bit of remorse.

    “Why will you do that Ify? You know that I’m not working and don’t have anyone to give me anything..”

    “I only collected ten thousand Aka, I left the rest of the money for you. When I counted the whole money is about thirty seven thousand seven hundred that’s in there. You still have enough, twenty five thousand should be able to sort you..”

    I scoffed at the audacity in her tone.

    “Ify you don’t have any right to steal my money while I was asleep. I was too tired last night and used my bag as pillow, you had the mind to pull it off and had the effrontery to tell me that it’s only ten thousand.. Do you know how I got the money? What if is somebody’s money.. Ify..?

    “I didn’t steal your money Aka, I took it and didn’t deny taking it. I know how you got it, I’m just surprised at the huge amount for one night of selling your body. I don’t need a suit Sayer to tell me that you are now into prøstïtütīon business. I saw the way you walked in tired, I saw the kind of cloth you wore and the wig too. I saw it all Aka and I’m surprised that you realize so much money just in one night job, well except if you stole your client money..”

    “Point of correction, I’m not into prøstïtütīon and didn’t sell my body to any man. I could have done that because I was in desperate need but God came through for me by using the first person I went to meet to help me. It was plainly a høokup Job, I was hooked to the guy by a close ally whom I suppose to give some of the money you took. Prøstïtütīon is when you have to go marketing your body, standing by a busy street or calling out to guys to check you out. I never did any of that and God will not allow my misery to come down to such..”

    “Aka, I don’t really care how you got the money. is your body and you are free to use it as you please. My only concern is that I noticed that you’re stingy, you secretly spend your money and will hardly drop a dime for upkeep of the house. You know you’re living rent free in my boyfriend’s house? We don’t collect rent from you yet when you have money, you will never contribute to anything except yourself…”

    “That’s not true, I fetch water for you, Uche and I everyweek with my money. Is only when I was running out of cash, I began to fetch a little for myself. You’ve collected money twice from me to fill gas and I have also fill atleast one kg about twice. I came with so many things from the village, you and Uche gave some of it out without my knowledge and Whenever I cook, I make sure you’re and Uche eats out of it. But sometimes, the food will not even reach me twice. There’s a time I cooked rice and beans and went for job hunt, by the time I return, Uche and Leba ate all the food, I was very angry but I couldn’t do anything. I make sure I contribute my quota Ify. If you want me to start paying rent, you should’ve said so initially…”

    “I’m not saying you should start paying rent, I’m only suggesting that you stop being self centered because you’re not the only one in need of money. I needed the ten thousand because I don’t have anything on me. Maybe I should’ve told you first but you will never give me anything, highest maybe one thousand naira and that’s all. If not that Uche and i are nice people, with your high level of stinginess, we would have kicked you out into the street but we didn’t. Start doing the right thing, when you keep hiding to spend your money, you aren’t wise but very føôlish. That must be the reason that your father in the village líed that he was sick just to collect more than thirteen thousand from you. That’s the best way to treat stíngy people like you…’

    I walked away from her, it was unnecessary throwing words back and forth.

    I felt really bad that she will say such.

    I never even knew that my father was lying to be sick and I collected thirteen thousand.

    I was trying to do the exact thing he failed to do as a father, by saving money for my school registration.

    But each time I save, one family issue or the other will come up and I will end up spending it all and that was the reason I never went back to school

    Ify said I’m selfish because I didn’t bring out all the money I have for them to spend it all. 

    Who will feed me or take care of my petty expenses because she and her boyfriend will never give me a second look even if I’m dying of hunger.

    We all ate everything I came from the village with and i contribute when necessary yet Ify said I wasn’t doing enough.

    Despite I’m not working, she didn’t consider that.

    She’s reminding me of not paying rent.

    That’s very insensitive of her, I’m not surprise.

    When Leba came back she called me into her room for update.

    I told her that the guy gave me fifteen thousand. 

    Leba said I will give her five thousand and take ten.

    She was impressed.

    She asked me to gist her on how I performed, I didn’t perform anything but instead of talking I only smile

    She began to laugh saying I was shy of gisting her

     Leba asked to know if he needs my service again or I want a different hoøk up.

    I told her I’m not doing again.

    She asked to know why, I had to explain to her what happened.

    Leba didn’t believe me

    “You didn’t do anything and he gave you a whole fifteen thousand? Please reduce the level of your lying Aka. I’m into this game before you and I know how it goes. I only get seven thousand from last night job, it wasn’t much but very normal. sometimes I get like ten, twelve and on a rare occasion fifteen and twenty. If it’s a full booking, like two nights straight I will be coming home with twenty or twenty five thousand and if he’s stinking rich, I will get more than that. I’m gathering my money to rent a mini flat. I have even contacted an agent to start searching for house and the total amount is three hundred thousand, in a nice area. I have set aside money for furnishing. Is from this same høokup money I sent to my people. I got responsibility, is not like I have a choice or enjoying the hoøkup job but which company will pay me more than hundred thousand in a month with my school cert? I don’t even have the patient to work for anyone. I hustle legit and I’m paying my bills effortlessly…”

    “… you don’t need to lie because like I already told you, I know this game more than you do and I’m yet to meet that angel that will not touch me but still pay me. Just give me five thousand my darling and keep the rest. Anytime you need a høokup Job, just let me know. I did a fine make-up for you, that must be the reason the guy couldn’t get enough of you..”

    I laughed and told her that the guy said the make up was terrible 

    Leba was laughing so hard

    She said he was only teasing me.

    I returned her cloth, shoes and other items with the five thousand that she asked me to give her

    Three days later, Leba called me and said I was a liâr, she said Ify told her that I collected More than thirty five thousand that night.

    I explained to her how the guy wanted me to get a phone but Ify collect ten thousand from the money.

    Leba said is all good, maybe the guy wanted to keep booking me, she said I should try and get a phone quick so that I can call him.

    She didn’t make any trøuble with me and that was how it ended.

    I bought a small phone and a sim card.

    The first person I called was mama Zaram.

    (Do NOT take credit or plagiarize AMAH’S HEART STORIES)

    Next Episode

    Previous Episode 

  • Belina – Episode 6

    Belina – Episode 6

     

     BELINA (TENDER BEAUTY)

    Belina – Episode 6

    Written by Adetola Nissi

    Tony walked around the hospital checking on patients. After he left Richard, he had gone to the hospital cos he was doing night today. Thanks to the little sleep he had gotten during the day, he wasn’t feeling dizzy.

    As he was going round, he saw someone that looked like Richard but dismissed it. When he passed by Richard’s office and met the light on, he knew he must be in there. He opened the door without knocking and saw Richard sitting on his chair going through some books.

    “What are you doing here?” Tony asked clearly surprised. “Exactly what you are doing here”, Richard replied and said, “I need to check on the patient in ward C. I was just coming from there and would be going there in the next one hour to ensure that he is still stable”.

    Tony stared at Richard for some minutes, sighed and sat down. “You are putting yourself into too much stress Rich, why are you doing this to yourself?” he asked. “I am not doing anything Tony”, Richard replied.

    Tony stood up and walked up to Richard; “you need to stop blaming yourself for what happened to Tonia. Look at yourself, you look drawn and stressed out. You need to sleep” he said sympathetically.

    Richard hated sympathy so he flared up, “I don’t need to sleep.i actually need to remain awake because closing my eyes would only compound my problem, and please, stop fussing around me, I am not a kid. I can take care of myself”. Tony sighed and made to leave. “Tony” Richard called. Tony looked back at Richard. “I am sorry, I am just tensed up” he said. Tony nodded and just as he made to leave again, his phone rang and he looked at the caller.

    “Prisca?” he said looking surprised. He looked at the wall clock and noticed that it was almost 12am. He sat down back and picked the phone. “Sweetheart?” he called “Tony, I am sorry to disturb you” Prisca said. He sensed something odd in her voice and asked, “Are you ok?”

    Prisca explained everything including the fact that Belina would be forced out of the country by dawn if they did not do something about it. Tony listened attentively and when she was through, he said, “Can you sneak out of the house without being seen?” She replied in affirmative and he said, “ok, I would be there in fifteen minutes max. I would call you when I get to your street. Please honey stay inside your compound and not outside, I would pick you up and we would go to her house. We would discuss how we are going to get her out on the way”.

    “Thanks darling, I am sorry for the inconvenience”, Prisca replied greatly relieved.

    Tony dropped the call and Richard started his own round of questioning. Tony explained everything to him and Richard insisted on following him. After convincing him that his would be more useful in the hospital, he set out.

    **********

    **********

    As I ran out of the house, I noticed that the place was an uncompleted building. I looked around and the only thing that I saw was bushes. I saw a small footpath and started following walking very fast. I had always been extremely afraid of the dark and within seconds, I started contemplating going back. The leaves caught in my hair and my feet hurt because of the several stones I had dashed my bare feet on. I was totally afraid, I heard different types of sounds but the most frustrating this was that I had no idea where I was. I thought of the possibility that there might be snakes and other dangerous animals in the bush and fear gripped my heart.

    I looked around again and saw the bushes and my heart beat skyrocketed several degrees and I soon found myself running. I heard footsteps like I was being pursued but later discovered that I was only imagining it. I didn’t even think about stopping and even the moon seemed to darken. Just when I thought the footpath led to the end of the world, I saw a road ahead of me. I sighed aloud and ran faster until I got there. I stood there trying to see if I had ever been there in order to find a way out but I came up with nothing.

    The road was desolate and I started wondering if any vehicle had ever passed it. I started walking upwards but my feet hurt so much that I feared they would be bleeding and that made my movements slow. I remembered that I was with my bag and I opened it hoping to God that my phone was still there. I zipped it and lo, it was there. I switched it on and noticed that the time was past twelve and immediately, a message entered. When I opened it, I noticed that it was from Prisca. She was asking me why my phone was switched off. I was suddenly grateful that I had a best friend like Prisca. I was about to call her when I remembered that I had no idea what area I was. I intensified my efforts and I got to a T junction. Thanks to the efficient work of Fashola, I saw the street name which read, ‘Boruwa lane’. I instantly dialed her number and all I heard was, “the number you have dialed is switched off, please try again later, thank you”. I almost broke the phone on the floor as tears of anger and sadness flowed down my eyes.

    **********

    **********

    Kelvin got home really late from the concert and he had a splitting headache. The headache started immediately he set his eyes on Belina and it accelerated when she was called to the altar to sing. He hadn’t seen her for close to two years now and he had wished that he would not but fate always had its way.

    He entered his house and collapsed on the bed. He lived in a one bedroom apartment, although a big one. He was a bachelor so his room was not so decorated. His eyes were swimming with tears but he held it back.

    His mind went back to the time he met Belina and even though he was not happy, a smile formed on his face. She had been sitting down on the field in UNILAG reading a book when all of a sudden, a guy walked up to her. He had been watching her for more than ten minutes when that big headed goat approached her. From her facial expression, he knew that she didn’t appreciate his visit and instantly headed toward her. He got there and wanted to beat the life out of that guy but kept his calm. The expression on her face when she had looked at him that day made him really feel handsome. People had told him he was good looking but he hadn’t believed it until Belina looked at him.

    He stood up from the chair and moved to the fridge to pick out a bottle of cold beer. He had been friends with Belina for more than a year and after that, he had asked her out and after a little persuasion, she had accepted and then, just a week after her mother’s death, precisely six months into the relationship, he had blown them apart with his stupidity. He started drinking immediately he left her because he became very unhappy and miserable. It was then he realized that she was his source of happiness.

    **********

    **********

    Richard was worried about Tony and Prisca being outside so late but there was nothing he could do about it thought he knew that Tony could take care of himself and his baby girl. He headed towards Ward C even though it wasn’t 1am yet, not even 12:30 but he went there all the same. As he passed, he received greetings from some nurses and he smiled at them as he responded. He noticed those that were bent on flirting with him till he notices them but paid them no heed.

    He entered Deji’s room and just stood there, staring at him. After some minutes, he went over to check on him. He cross-checked his heart beat, the drip bag, the temperature and other things looking for any anomaly but found none. He headed back to him office but stopped at the door when he heard some sounds. He rushed back to Deji’s bed as he noticed that he was moving restlessly. Richard prayed in his heart and tried to calm him down and just like a miracle; Deji calmed down and opened his eyes.

    **********

    **********

    Sparrow woke up to a full bladder and he stood up, went outside and released the urine. He came back inside and just as he was about lying down, he noticed something was missing. He looked round the small room and just when he felt everything was intact, he looked at the place the girl was lying, saw nothing and his eyes widened. He stood up and went to inspect the place very well to be sure that his eyes were not playing tricks but found no one. He went to spanner who was still snoring soundly and kicked him so hard that he woke up in an instant.

    “Wetin be your problem now?” spanner asked “Where is the girl?” “Which girl?” spanner asked Sparrow hissed, “Which kind foolish question be dat? Wey the girl wey we bring come here?” he asked louder. Spanner looked round and exclaimed, “Chai, our own don finish. I no no where she dey o”. Without saying anything, they both set out to look for Belina.

    **********

    **********

    As tony and Prisca made for Belina’s place, they noticed that the road was empty and so they made were not scared of encountering any traffic. Prisca was worried that something was wrong so tony held her hand using one hand to control the steering. “Don’t worry honey; I am sure she is ok. Uhhh, why don’t you call her, she might have switched on the phone”, tony said. Prisca nodded and took her phone only to find it off. “oh, the battery is flat, give me yours” she said. Tony gave her his phone and she dialed Belina’s number which she knew off head and it rang. She almost danced for joy when it rang and she heard, “hello…”

    **********

    **********

    Mr Badmus was trying hard to find sleep but he could not. He was just too happy to sleep. He stood up again to check if he had packed all he needed for the journey and discovered that he had packed everything.

    He had resigned from his job as a cashier during the day even though he had been on leave and was not due to return until the following week. He went back to bed and sighed happily. His plan had worked and he just could not contain his happiness. He thought about Belina and smiled devilishly. That stubborn bastard thought that she would not be useful for anything, well I have proved to her that I always have my way whenever I want to; he thought.

    He rolled on the bed and started thinking about life in London. It had been a while he travelled out and he wanted to ensure that he did not come back an average man. ‘I would be stinkingly rich again’, he said audibly and after sometime, he was finally able to sleep and he dreamt of his life in London.

    Next Episode

    Previous Episode 

  • Delayed – Episode 5

    Delayed – Episode 5

     

     DELAYED

    Delayed – Episode 5

    Written by Charles Fancy Dorcas

    Stanley can’t really tell why he was upset but he was definitely not in a friendly mood

    But he knows that no matter how vexed he seems, promise, his friend will not have it.

    Promise has a running mouth and even though he knows and does his job well but he can be very trøublesome.

    “Hmmm…” Promise finally opened his mouth to talk.

    “… Stanley look, forget this boss of a thing, no be me do you o. Abi you see me for your dream? Whatever maybe your problem that’s making you act this way this morning better go and sort it out o, Wetin sef! I say make you find babe you no gree! leave me o. If you lack whom to call early in the morning don’t call me because I’ve tried for you. No wake me for my sleep again guy, I go change am for you o”. Promise said acting upset.

    “Hahaha, really? So because God manage give you that girl now you won’t allow me hear word abi? Look, I don’t even have your time now, just dress well and lock the door behind you. You never marry you don dey dress like ma’d man, when you born children nko…” Stanley fired back while smiling.

    Stanley flashed back to Jane and again and began to smile this time.

    Even though it has been mixed feeling but every thought of the girl bring calmness to his heart. 

    Stanley can’t fathom why he’s feeling jealous and happy ever since he saw Jane, for the fact that he couldn’t speak with her made him have this mixed feeling, he can’t get her off his mind. 

    “Better go and find who you will vent your anger on. Am off to my office”. Promise lastly said without waiting for any reply from Stanley

    Fews months to Grace’s wedding Stanley bumped into Jane at the mall as she goes to buy fews things for her friend. 

    Stanley on the other hand also went there to get something for himself. 

    On his way out, he saw someone he recognized coming to his direction. He started thinking where he must’ve seen that face before.

    the face looks familiar he thought as he would not stop staring at her.

    “Oh no! This beauty again? I remember…the restaurant”. He said.

     Already carried away by her thoughts that he didn’t realize when the things he bought fell to the ground.

    “Hello…Excuse me sir, is everything okay with you? I mean, you look lost in your thought that you didn’t notice this”. She said as she bends to help him pick his things from the ground. Stanley keeps staring at her without a word.

    “How can a beauty be this humble and kind? God”. He said deeply 

    “…a woman can not be this perfect. Her worst part must be bigger than her good part. Stanley thought to himself

    “Sir, I think you should take things easy, though don’t know what may be wrong but I believe all will be fine”. Jane said as she hand over the things to Stanley smiling.

     but as he stretched his hand to grab them he ended up holding her hand still looking at her deeply.

    In that second, the feeling was overwhelming for him

    It felt like the breeze stopped blowing.

     is he in another planet? 

    What a beauty!

    evethings seems to have stopped at that instance, he can only hear his breath in the big mall.

     Everything seems silent

     His heart was racing fast as he stared at her.

    Next Episode

    Previous Episode 

  • My Name is AKA – Episode 16

    My Name is AKA – Episode 16

     

    MY NAME IS AKA

    My Name is AKA – Episode 16

    Written By Amah’s Heart. 

    She brought dinner but I was unable to eat. My heart was pieced and all I wanted to do is to sit there, stare at the open sky and wonder if there’s truly God up there.

    “You had it full to the brim and decided to offload it on them today..” mama Zaram startled me from behind.

     she took a chair and sat beside me outside the dark sky.

    The fire from the wood was burning out, she has two rechargeable lamp.

    One outside one was inside the house.

    Zaram was already asleep in her room.

    Something as simple as rechargeable lamp, my parents couldn’t afford, they still uses a breakable globe lamp.

    Except for Papa’s battery torchlight.

    “Yes Mama, I couldn’t just hold it all in. I was probably out of line but I feel better letting them understand that they have hürt and broken the heart that truly cherish and cares for them..”

    “… Mama, you know I love my family right? I love papa and my Mom, I love my siblings. They use to matter greatly to me before but not anymore..”

    I swallowed hard, blinked back tëars and look straight into the dark bush, staring at nothing.

    My left eyes hürt bâdly.

    Mama Zaram applied something to the swollen part and it doubled up the pain.

    Is either a stone from Papa or Uzo that landed on my left eyes and from that moment the pain never stopped traveling all over my body.

    But the hürt in my heart is far bigger

    “My child, you bottled up so much. You’re stronger than you think, I know ever since you returned you haven’t truly felt real happiness with your family, I know it hürt but this too will pass..”

    “… you know challenging your parents wasn’t the best idea, it’s dangerous Aka but again, I like it as you bare your mind open…” she chuckled quietly.

    “..I see the way you charge up there, you were hot and kept offloading fire without care. You didn’t mind the wéâpons flying all around you, even the curses. You just wanted to lay it bare, hitting the nail right on the head. I’m glad you finally cut open the chest..”

    “I’m leaving this village tomorrow Mama. I no longer want to remain here, i will like to borrow your phone and call Ify so that she can forward address to me. She used to be my co worker before leaving for the city..”

    Mama nodded without hesitating.

    “…did you know I used to wonder if Papa and mother is actually my real mother, how’s is it possible they won’t care how I’m faring? They don’t care what I feel or my happiness. They’re all about money and their own comfort, nothing about me matters to anyone…”

    “They’re your real parents Aka but is obvious they’re far from carrying out their God given duty well, good parenting comes with lots of blessing and your Papa and mama doesn’t know that. There are curses, condemnation and war when parents fails to do the right thing. Whatever decision you take, I’m solidly behind you my daughter..” 

    “Thank you Mama Zaram, you’re more like a mother to be than my biological mother. You maybe my step grandmother but I find solace in you. Thank you for everything…”

    She pat me gently on my shoulder.

    “You will be needing another plantain for your journey. your birthday plantain, almost all has ripe. I will take it to Cheke, the man has a restaurant at Abuna junction. He will buy it and the money will be included in your savings with me. I pray he buys it well..”

    “…What do you intend to do with the bunch of plantain, you asked me not to sell it. I kept it in a way it won’t easily ripe but one can’t cheat nature..”

    “I initially planned traveling to the city with it but I was indecisive, I needed to see if things will work out for me in this village, well is a wäste of time hoping and wishing in vain..”

    “…by tomorrow, I will go to madam joint for my salary. I’m just hoping she will give it to me without further trøuble. Then I will take a night bus out of this village. I don’t want anyone to see me leaving so that they won’t report me to Papa. I also pray I won’t cause you any trøuble..”

    “Akachukwu, don’t worry about me dear, I have handled bigger problems, there’s no trøuble I can’t take care off. Life dealt me a blow in the past when it took my only surviving daughter but I later got compensated with my granddaughter Zaram and her brother who is with the father. I can handle anything Aka, i won’t fail to protect you in any possible way that I can..”

    “…I detest injustice and will never keep quiet over the greediness of your father. Your parents don’t know that the blessing they seek is right before them, I hope it won’t be too late when they realize the harm they’ve done..”

    “…go to bed now, Zaram’s  bed is big enough for two. Don’t dwell long on your pain because soon it will only be a sad memory..”

    I went to sleep and a loud noise wake me up the following morning.

    “Where’s that stûpíd girl that thinks she’s grown, because I gave her the privilege to work and make money, that’s why she had the nerve to insúlt her mother and I..”

    I try to open my eyes but the pain from my eyes hit me hard. My head aches bâdly

    My left eye was swollen to the size of a tiny tangerine. 

    There’s a swelling on my forehead which was very visible

    That’s another place a rock hit me during yesterday fight with my parents.

    I heard Mama Zaram saying something to Papa who’s voice remained loud.

    I stepped out of the bed but felt serious dizzy

    My head ach badly

    I yawned tiredly before walking out of the room.

    Zaram was busy sweeping the goat house.

    I didn’t know that I woke up so late. 

    It was almost ten o’clock.

    Mama Zaram saw my face and pointed to papa, showing him what he did to me but Papa wasn’t bothered.

    “Ehee! There you are wicked prodigal child. You will regret it all in this life, except my name is not Peter again. You will suffer greatly for everything you said to me. You will crawl in your knees to beg but I will never notice your existence. For looking into my eyes, without féâr causing me pain and calling me a shameless man, you will wear shame as cloth,You will eat shame as food and all the days of your life will be filled with disgrace and shame…”

    ” stop it! none of your cúrses will have effect on her Peter. I reject it on her behalf, I speak blessings unto her days. As an elder, who saw your prégnancy and was there when your late mother delivered you, I gave you your first birth and watched as you grew into a man, got married and have your own children. Peter, your words is an empty barrel, it will hold no water over your God given daughter. I stand for peace and won’t watch you do this évil…”

    Mama Zaram with so much seriousness in her voice turned to me and said

     “…Akachukwu, the day will be good to you, the night will not bring you harm. No ill words from your father’s mouths will stand over your head. , Chukwu aju (God won’t allow such) out of anger he has spoken but out of love I have cancelled it all because love supersede hate. Love covers multitude of wrong. You will know no shame Aka. by the power of Jehovah our maker, men and women will come to your aid in times of need. In Jesus name Amen..”

    Papa began to chuckle loudly

    “Mama Zaram, you’re wasting your energy. I have said what I said and it will be so. She came from my loins, she was formed through me so I have a full right to bless or curse her if I wish and it will come to past. And for what she did to her mother and I, Aka is nothing to us, she’s cursed. She will walk in shame and will regret in this life. She’s excluded from my children until she bring two female goats, schnapp hot drink and two hundred thousand naira to come and beg me..”

    “… well, is a good thing that she will be getting married next tomorrow because I have gone to inform Eme nwa Danfo to come on Saturday for her. I collected fifty thousand from him to make food for the guest. I explained to him that I had no money on me and needed to cook and buy drinks and he gave me the money. I have given my wife twenty five thousand from the money, that’s for cooking, I’m keeping the rest for drinks and the rest. Preparation is already ongoing..”

    “… once she’s married off to Eme nwa Danfo, he should let him know that her father cúrsed her so that they can both come with the two goats, the hot drink and two hundred thousand naira to beg me. That’s the only time I can forgive, Or if Eme nwa Danfo pay handsomely for her bride price, I may consider because of that and forgive. Nothing else will make me call her my daughter or remove the curse on her head. Because, right now she’s just a walking corp until she cry and beg for forgiveness with the items I listed. If not, mama Zaram, Mark my word, Akachukwu will suffer greatly. She will be so miserable for the rest of her Life..”

    My father turned and started walking away.

    He suddenly turned back and said.

    “… Ehee! Before I burn all your clothes and shoes, come and pack them because I have already thrown them outside. They’re close to the chicken house. I have warned my children not to go close or touch it. Amara wanted to bring it to you but I rebuked her. None of my children will touch your cursed things. Since you said what we live in is not a house, then I don’t see reason why your things should be in my house. I’m giving you just fifteen minutes and they will go up in flames. Your mother will be going to the market, you will join her to make food for your husband and his people. I can’t wait for you to be gone, to disappear because your presence is like poïsøn to my gut..”

    He walked away while talking angrily.

    I heaved sadly.

     mama Zaram said I shouldn’t pay him any heed.

    She brought warm Waters for me to wash my face.

    She examined my eye and the swell on my forehead.

    She gave me a pain relieved drug before applying something to my eyes.

    She used Shea butter to massage my forehead.

    Zaram volunteered to go carry my things before papa will burn it.

    I asked her not to bother, he can go ahead and burn them.

    Zaram was repeatedly saying sorry for the pain I was going through.

    I was able to reach Ify with Mama Zaram’s small phone, I begged her to send the city address and she promise to do so.

    Mama Zaram made yam porridge with utazi leaf. 

    I ate the little I can.

     I later freshened up and left to see madam joint for my money while Mama Zaram carried the plantain to Cheke, so that she can sell it for me.

    If I collect my salary of six thousand and add to the money mama Zaram is keeping for me, I will have enough for my journey tonight.

    (Do NOT take credit or plagiarize AMAH’S HEART STORIES)

    Next Episode

    Previous Episode 

  • Endless Tears 2 – Episode 20

    Endless Tears 2 – Episode 20

    ENDLESS TEARS (REBOUND)

    Endless Tears 2 – Episode 20

    Subtle: we met again

    Genres: Billionaire, Deceit

    Tags: Deceit,love, jealousy,hatred, marriage

    Written by Adeola Nissi                               

    Kelvin drove his car on a steady but fast pace, with a grim look on his face. He didn’t like the way things were going one bit. He had discarded the Lisa issue, thinking it was something minute, but with the way things were going, it seemed something higher than Lisa is at play. Amara looked tense beside him and she had been murmuring nonstop ever since she made the phone call.

    “I feel so bad that I could even imagine Tina in such a demeaning way. She has been so good to me and does not deserve to be paid back this way” Amara said with her eyes fixed on the road.

    “You saw her bag in your office, anyone would have done the same” Kelvin said grimly.

    Amara turned to face him but he kept his eyes glued to the road. “But a good friend wouldn’t. Let’s face it, I am a bad friend, I have always been. Tina has been a spectacular friend and all I have done is snub her; now she has been sick and I am just finding out. I am horrible” she wailed.

    Kelvin took his eyes off the road a bit to stare at her perplexed face, then looked back. “I guess a change is in order”

    Amara swallowed audibly. “You agree that I am horrible?” She asked, hiding the slight bitterness she felt when he did not try to reassure her.

    “I am not saying you are horrible, just that you might try changing your attitude towards people”

    Amara turned her face to the road, gripping the edge of the chair with one hand. “Thank you very much” why can’t he just be nice?

    Kelvin glanced at her stiff face. “Don’t take it that way Ara, you know you have changed towards everyone, it would be a relief to see the old you again” he smiled slightly, softening the brick form his face had taken for the past hour. “Although I think you are coming through”

    Amara kept her eyes on the road ahead, gritting her teeth. The truth surely is bitter! Her brain screamed at her.

    Kelvin’s face turned grim again and he gripped the steering harder as he made a sharp turn. “Do you realise what this means Ara?” His voice was hard as he spoke. “This is more than we think. If Tina has truly been in the hospital for days, someone must have put her bag in your office” he stated, then turned his head to gaze seriously at Amara’s frozen face. “Intentionally” he added finally.

    Amara sighed and ran her fingers over her temples. “Oh, this is terrible and I am tired of thinking about it. It almost looks  Let’s leave that, all I want now is to be sure Tina is alright” she said firmly and Kelvin nodded quietly, driving on. Amara laughed out, whether from humor or mirth, she couldn’t tell. “Frankly, it is amusing that someone thinks me so important as to go through all these stress to destroy my life”

    Kelvin looked at her straight-faced. “I don’t find it amusing in the least. Whoever is doing this clearly does not like the closeness between you and Tina” he stated as a deep frown descended upon his face. “I would need to question your secretary Ara”

    “You would do no such thing Kelvin” Amara returned sharply. She was still having a hard time processing this new insight but then, she had done enough by even suspecting Tina, she wouldn’t have Tega added to her list of suspects. “I won’t have you questioning her Kelvin, with the way you are going, you would have my entire staff questioned”

    “If that’s what it takes” he blared the horn at the vehicle misbehaving in front of him.

    “You are not a police officer Kelvin” Amara said exasperatedly.

    “I am beginning to think we need one” he returned stiffly, sighting the hospital ahead.

    “No! I won’t have a parade of incompetent policemen bombarding my company. It would create a bad impression.”

    “But if we got one who is discrete?” He said gently, his voice barely above a whisper”

    Amara frowned slightly, turning to look at him. His handsome face looked stressed, like he hadn’t had much sleep and she had the sudden urge to rub her palm against his day’s growth of beard, but she wisely kept her hands to herself. “You sound like you know one” she breathed.

    His eyes turned speculative and much more unreadable. He glanced at her as he eased into the parking lot of the hospital, searching for a parking space. “Your father is one”

    Amara froze, turning pale, not even noticing as the car came to a final stop in the parking lot of the hospital. My father! Surely, she hadn’t heard well. “Which father? I have no father”

    Kelvin glanced at her with veiled eyes. “Why don’t we talk about this later?” He said instantly, pulling away his seatbelt. Amara blinked, winded for some seconds. She removed her belt and alighted the car with her head feeling hazy. Does it mean that he has been in contact with my father? She looked at Kelvin suspiciously, not knowing what to make of this piece of information. Seeing the hospital looming over her worked magic though, because the thought of Tina, hanging in the balance in there was enough to push aside all her immediate problems.

    She rushed into the hospital, glancing at the many people  in the waiting room. The nurses smiled at her brightly with recognition, but as Kelvin appeared behind her, their eyes widened and she was pretty much forgotten as they stare and flirted with Kelvin. Kelvin did nothing to dissuade their advances, smiling charmingly at the ladies in a playboy manner. Amara gritted her teeth in annoyance. This only served to stoke her anger further. Another reason to hate him! She said to herself. “I am here to see Tina” she snapped at the nurses, recapturing their attention slightly.

    “Oh, you are here to see Miss Tina” one of them said, reluctantly taking her eyes off Kelvin.

    “Yes, I was told she was admitted here a few days back” Amara stated.

    The nurse sobered. “Yes, the drugs she had been taken became noneffective, due to her worsened situation” Amara’s heart beat rapidly, as she looked horrified at the nurse. She barely noticed as Kelvin circled her waist with his arm and drew her closer to the reassuring heat of his body. So Tina had been hiding this! Amara remembered the time Tina had been taken over by a persistent cough in her office. She had thought then that Tina was hiding something even when she said she was OK, but the bad friend in her hadn’t been able to investigate further.

    “We would be glad if you’d take us to her” Kelvin murmured, still holding Amara by the waist. The nurses surely noticed the gesture with obvious disappointments but Amara was past caring.

    The nurse nodded and left the back of the counter, bring the remaining part of her short gown to view. “Please follow me” she murmured. Amara and Kelvin walked briskly behind her and Amara’s heart pounded wildly as she thought about Tina.

    “You can take your arm off my waist now, your spectators are no longer in sight” she snapped at Kelvin.

    Instead of complying, Kelvin’s arm seemed to grow firmer. “Your neighbour was right, you are jealous” he said with satisfied amusement obvious in his voice.

    So that is what she had whispered! Amara wiggled, trying to break free. “You flatter yourself. I see no reason why I should be jealous; especially not now” she said, increasing her steps.

    Kelvin leaned over and placed a firm kiss on her forehead, tightening his arm around her waist. “She would be fine” Kelvin whispered reassuringly.

    Amara forgot her misplaced anger towards him and turned worried eyes on him. “Are you sure?” She only needed that reassurance from him. “It is not common malaria Kelvin, this involves kidney! I don’t want Tina to-”

    “Hushhh” Kelvin whispered, silencing Amara. “Nothing would happen to her, she would be fine”

    Amara hung onto that reassurance, involuntarily drawing closer to Kelvin. The nurse leading them suddenly turned towards a door and, without warning, opened it. Amara stood frozen at the doorway, too scared to go in. She had avoided serious emotions which might bring tears to her eyes for so long but she felt strongly that going in would definitely change that. She couldn’t start crying now, not when she should be reassuring Tina. Kelvin pulled her tighter against his side and she raised her agitated eyes to his, which was bright with worry. “Come on” he called gently with a small squeeze. She nodded vigorously and took in a deep breath as Kelvin pushed the door wider. Amara noticed a frail form on the bed, dressed in a shabby white shapeless gown. The nurse stood by her, smiling softly and a girl who looked almost like a teenager despite her mature body sat by the bed, looking tired. The urge to cry almost overwhelmed Amara as Tina turned her head and their eyes met. “Tina” she whispered shakily.

    Tina had never looked so weak and lean, almost like she had been ill for years. Her cheeks showed more bones than flesh and her eyes seemed to have retreated further into their sockets. “Ohhhh Tina” Amara moaned, took Tina’s head carefully in her arms and ran kisses over her face.

    “Oh, Amara, don’t tell me you are a lesbian” Tina joked weakly, managing a small smile. Amara on the other hand couldn’t find anything worth smiling about.

    “I am sorry Tina, I should have been here, I should have been with you throughout. Oh my God Tina! Why didn’t you ever tell me” she rushed. As Tina made to talk, Amara silenced her. “No, don’t say anything” she sobered. “I wouldn’t tell me, if I were you. I am a bad friend”

    “Shhhhh… Don’t say that! You are not, you were going through a phase-”

    “No” Amara cut in. “Don’t make excuses for me Tina for God’s sake, I know I have been behaving stupidly. Been blowing my misfortunes way out of proportion, not even taking time to appreciate the good things those misfortunes brought my way.” Her eyes watered. “I should be the one here, taking care of you”

    Tina smiled. “I never wanted anyone to find out. I was diagnosed several months back with Kidney failure and I have been on drugs ever since, but instead of the drugs improving my condition, I was getting worse.” She swallowed slightly, managing a weak smile. “I was admitted three days ago” she said. She moved her hand until she was able capture Amara own, fear crept to her face for the first time. “Would I be fine? I am really scared Amara” she murmured shakily.

    Amara hastily sat beside her on the bed, squeezing her palm tighter. “You would be fine Tina, just fine” said forcefully, with more assurance than she actually felt. “Kelvin said you would and everything he says always happens” she said, reassuring both herself and Tina.

    Tina raised her eyes, seeing Kelvin for the first time. Her eyes widened slightly, then her face took on a mischievous smile. “I was wondering who inspired the changes in you; I guess I have found the culprit” she raised her brow, looking from Amara to Kelvin.

    Kelvin swept her a slight bow, with a smile enough to lift anyone’s spirit. “Kelvin to the rescue anytime, any day” he murmured.

    Amara scowled at him. “Is this the time to joke around? What changes are you both talking about? I am the same person”

    “Thanks to your knight in shining armor” Tina grinned weakly.

    “He is not MY knight” Amara returned frowning.

    Kelvin touched his heart, bending over dramatically. “I am wounded.”

    Tina looked like she might laugh but settled for grinning. The light mood seemed to be working, Amara noticed as she saw Tina’s bright face. She looked less weary. “Have you eaten?” She asked Tina.

    Before Tina could form a response, the girl beside the bed, who Amara presumed was the Aisha that picked her call earlier, spoke up. “I have been asking her to eat all day but she has completely refused” she looked both angry and worried.

    Amara’s face turned serious. “Well, that is not happening while I am here.” She looked at Tina squarely. “What would you eat?” Tina hesitated. “Don’t even think of saying nothing”

    Tina rolled her eyes. “Oh, now I wish you never came” she murmured.

    “It is too late for that wish woman, I would get you rice” Amara made to stand up.

    “I would get it instead. I am sure you ladies might want to have a little time to chat without me hovering over you.” Kelvin said, then smiled at Aisha. “You surely deserve the same treat”.

    Tina nodded gratefully. “Yes, she must be hungry. She has been glued to my side all through, she is a darling” she smiled gratefully at her staff.

    The thought of food brought an obvious glow to the girl’s face. “I would go with you sir” she said bouncing up, then looked at her boss. “You would be OK Miss Tina?” She asked, concerned.

    “Absolutely” Kelvin answered instead. “Your boss isn’t going anywhere, she would be bouncing out of here in a few days” he said so convincingly that everyone, including Tina found themselves believing it.

    Kelvin dropped a small kiss on Tina’s head, and gave her a small smile. “You’ll be fine”. Tina smiled back and nodded. Kelvin turned to Amara and stunned her by kissing her directly on the lips. “I’ll be back” he whispered.

    Amara was too stunned to answer and she blinked, watching Kelvin exit the room with Aisha following briskly. She could tell that her face was bright with embarrassment, but she couldn’t help the thrill that went through her. She felt like a bride at the altar, being kissed in front of people. She forcefully brought her eyes back to Tina’s to find her grinning. “You love him”

    “What?” Amara squealed in exclamation. “Don’t be ridiculous. I don’t love him”

    Tina grinned wider. “You can’t hide it. It is so obvious. See this glow in your eyes, I have never seen it; not even with Alex”

    “Oh no, please don’t mention Alex, I might fall ill as well.” She said frowning, then sobered. “How do you feel Tina?”

    Tina grimaced. “Do you really want an answer to that?” She asked, swallowing slightly. “I hate being in hospitals, it smells like crap” she smiled drily.

    Amara managed a small smile. “If I had continued with my dream of being a doctor, I would be treating you now”

    “No. You would kill me faster than my decaying kidney because you would cry all over me instead of treating me” Tina said, smiling.

    Amara frowned at her. “I am not longer a cry cry baby”

    Tina raised her hand and traced a wet path on Amara’s cheek. “Of course not” she said with a smile.

    Amara sighed and gripped Tina’s hand. “You must be strong Tina, I can’t lose you” Tina lowered her eyes. “Look at me” Tina raised her eyes. “We would pull through this. Together! I promise” she said strongly. Tina nodded.

    “I am glad you are here Amara” she whispered.

    “I would always be by your side Tina, always.”

    **********

    **********

    Kelvin paid for the meal and Aisha grabbed the nylons. His phone rang and he took it out of his pocket. He stared at the name on his screen for some seconds, before answering. “Hello sir” he said a bit quietly.

    “Hi Kelvin, I have her” the voice spoke gently.

    “Great! That is very good, although, there are new developments”

    There was a brief silence on the other end. “What is wrong?”

    “Amara’s company was broken into, it does not look like a burglary. The whole place was a complete mess when I got there and even though she insists otherwise, I know there would have been some major damages. I am not sure if Lisa is responsible for this but I am sure someone inside her company is aiding whoever this is. No locks were broken”

    “Can I… come over to see the situation of things myself?” He asked.

    Kelvin shook his head as if talking to a visible person as Aisha walked ahead of him into the hospital. “That wouldn’t be a good idea, Amara totally freaked out when I suggested that we inform you. I don’t think it is the right time”

    Mr Sinja breathed into the phone and cleared his throat. “OK, I understand. I would interrogate Lisa to see if she has anything to do with this. I really hope she does, because if not, it means, we are dealing with someone else.”

    Before Mr Sinja hung up, Kelvin quickly said. “I didn’t tell you something yesterday” he said, his voice dropping to barely a whisper.

    “I am listening”

    Kelvin took a deep breath. “Alex went to see Amara yesterday”

    “What did he want again?” Mr Sinja’s voice was hard now.

    “A reconciliation, I guess. But she told me that he said something. That… they are not siblings”

    Silence followed his declaration. “That cannot be!” Mr Sinja said later.

    Kelvin sighed and ran his free fingers over his hair. “My thoughts also.” He sighed again. “I have to go now, I would call later to get your feedback”

    “Please take care of my girl”

    Kelvin swallowed. “I am doing my best”

    **********

    **********

    Hours later, Amara sat in the car with Kelvin as he drove them back to Ara P. She would have stayed but Tega kept calling, informing her about people waiting to see her until Tina herself convinced her to go. No one spoke as Kelvin drove. “Tega looks so small and weak Kelvin” she murmured, breaking the silence. “It is disheartening to see her in that state. I would donate my kidney if only it matches hers”

    Kelvin reached over and squeezed her arm, controlling the steering with the other. “She would be fine. We all need to have faith in God and pray for her. We shouldn’t show her sad faces, it would only depress her. I am sure we would find a matching Kidney soon. We should have faith”

    “Faith! God!” Amara almost laughed. “When has that ever worked?”

    Kelvin turned his eyes off the road to look at her. “What happened to you was allowed by God for a reason Ara, you shouldn’t make the mistake of undermining God’s power because of it” he said. Amara didn’t respond, but turned her eyes back to the road. No one spoke until the got back to Ara P. Kelvin scanned everywhere, noticing nothing awkward except the absence of Amara’s car. “Where is your car?” He asked worriedly.

    “I didn’t come with it, all the tired were deflated” she said drily, alighting from the car.

    “You didn’t tell me that”

    “It is the least of my problems.” She said simply. “Don’t you have to go to the office?” Amara said worriedly. “You have been receiving calls and I know some are from the office. I am sorry I interrupted your day so much. I am so grateful for your help”

    Kelvin knew that Amara was right. “You can interrupt my day anytime Ara, I would just walk you to your office and be on my way.” He said and put his hand in hers, holding her firmly as they walked hand in hand. Kelvin’s warmth enveloped Amara, making her forget everyone around, but as they entered Ara P, the stares of her staff was impossible to ignore.

    “Do you think you can let go of my hand anytime soon?” She whispered.

    Kelvin smiled. “No. Everyone here should know who they are up against if they even entertain hopes stealing their boss’ heart with their perfect performance”

    Amara frowned. “You are imagining things. My staff see me only as their boss, nothing more”

    Kelvin stared down some guys who looked at their joined hands with disappointment written all over them. “You would be surprised sweetheart”

    Amara should have told him firmly that she wasn’t his, but somehow, she didn’t want to. Sighing, she approached her office and Tega stood with a smile. “Welcome back boss. The last man got tired of waiting and promised to be back in an hour” she murmured.

    Kelvin looked at Tega critically, trying to determine if someone so sweet could be a suspect.

    “Thanks Tega” Amara said. Tega nodded, then, seemed to remember something. She bent to pick a letter and handed it over to Amara. “I should have given you this earlier but the whole drama prevented it. A lady came to see you shortly after you went on…” She paused, glanced at Kelvin, then quickly said “I mean, shortly after you left yesterday. She dropped this when she didn’t meet you” she said.

    Amara nodded and took the letter. She turned to Kelvin. “You should leave now. Thanks so much for your help today. I am grateful.”

    He nodded and drew her in for a hug, again stunning her. He placed his mouth close to her ear and whispered. “No more dates with anyone but me. I would be back to take you home” he straightened and smiled at her as he turned and walked away.

    Next Episode

    Previous Episode 

  • Endless Tears 2 – Episode 13

    Endless Tears 2 – Episode 13

     

    ENDLESS TEARS (REBOUND)

    Endless Tears 2 – Episode 13

    Subtle: we met again

    Genres: Billionaire, Deceit

    Tags: Deceit,love, jealousy,hatred, marriage

    Written by Adeola Nissi                              

    Maxwell entered with a faint friendly smile on his face, returned levelly with a firm unfriendly stare from Amara, who sat poise on her chair like an unmovable art work. He closed the door firmly behind him and stood before the table. His obviously expensive sky-blue shirt and black trousers gleamed in the office like it had just been removed from its nylons, and his irresistibly handsome face was as handsome as ever. However, Amara did not seem to see all that as she stared unblinking at him.

    “To what do I owe this visit sir?” she said stonily as an opening greeting.

    He smiled wider. “Can I at least sit Amara?” he asked.

    Amara raised her eyes as all the happiness she had gathered grew wings. “It would do you good to remember that my name is Ara Peters. You are to refer to me as Miss Peters, if you don’t mind.” She said sternly, and then reluctantly pointed to a chair across the table. “You can have your seat Mr Babs”

    Maxwell dropped carefully into the comfortable chair, disregarding the hostile words Amara hauled at him. He crossed his legs in a stylish fashion, keeping his eyes level with hers. “I came to find out the progress of the upcoming event” he said unceremoniously.

    Amara almost sighed but her business ethics kept her from doing just that. She had been training her staff on the importance of courtesy with clients, no matter what; it would be bad if she couldn’t be seen doing likewise. She turned on her official smile despite the difficulty and said. “We are working on it. We would send our conclusions to Bracket when we are through”. There was still something about Maxwell that nagged at Amara, creating a faint sense of familiarity which she couldn’t place.

    “That is good” Max said shortly.

    Still keeping her smile in place, she said. “But that is not really why you are here, is it?”

    Maxwell smiled mischievously. “Your face is beautiful to behold, it wouldn’t be a chore to stare at it all day. You are looking particularly exceptional today” his eyes left her face to give the visible part of her body a quick glance.

    Amara’s spine stiffened as her smile faded and she was instantly glad she was seated behind her table, if not; he might have run his eyes through her body, like he had a right to do so. “You definitely did not grow Bracket by sitting around in other people’s offices, gazing at their faces, did you?” And there was that thing about the name of the company that gave Amara a pause. Despite Maxwell’s arrogance and pride, she could not imagine him giving the company a name as thoughtful and well-calculated as ‘Bracket’. The name had a ruggedness that Maxwell did not possess. She could instead imagine him calling his company cheesy names which would depict class and wealth.

    “I am sure staring at your face would give me the required inspiration to take Bracket to unimaginable heights.” Maxwell said evenly, and then smiled brightly, showing that he knew exactly what he was doing. “It is no wonder Ara P grew so fast, with your face around, everything would fall into the right places”

    Amara blinked, hiding the gentle delight that she derived from the compliment. “I see you have a way with words. It amazes me how you totally blundered the awkward date we had” she said levelly.

    Maxwell’s smile grew soft . “I was a fool and spoke to you, forgetting that you are not like other women, please forgive me. I would see to it that the terrible mistake is fully rectified if you would only give me the chance” he actually looked sincere as he said it.

    “No! It is unnecessary” For the first time, Amara attempted a slightly friendly smile, trying to forget the insult he had indirectly hurled at her at the blind date; besides, she had paid him back with unveiled insults of her own. “I showed up at the date for selfish reasons, I only got what I deserved”

    Maxwell swallowed gently. “I am sorry all the same; I should have known that a woman such as you cannot be enticed with anything. I do hope we can be… friend”

    Amara stared at him for a long time, trying to decipher what hidden agenda lay behind that friendship gesture. Can someone who once asked for a relationship with her really settle for mere friendship? But then is it wise to discard his thoughtful arm of friendship? Amara wondered carefully. Maxwell as a friend could be really good for Ara P, she thought vaguely. “I don’t really keep friends but, I can make an exception as long as you keep things at that. A relationship is the last thing I need now”

    This pleased Maxwell as he smiled fully, displaying his perfectly arranged sparkling white teeth. “I would try my best to remember that”

    **********

    **********

    “Stop right there” Alex told the taxi driver and the man pulled to a stop in front of Ara P. Alex was a bundle of nerves as he sat unmoving. Twice already, he had come this far but hadn’t been able to summon enough courage to go into the company. He had thought he would be able to go in today, but now, he knew that he wouldn’t be able to do that. The Amara inside there is nothing compared to the one I used to know, he thought in exasperation. Alex continued to stare at the building until his phone rang. He reluctantly took out his phone but when he stared at the caller, he almost growled as his lips pulled into a tight knot. He breathed deeply before pressing the green button. “Hello Lisa” 

    “Hello husband, where are you?” she asked in a biting tone.

    Alex sighed. “What do you mean? You know I am in Lagos; I currently am in the middle of an important meeting and you are disturbing me” he let his voice drop to a low conspiratorial tone.

    “Meeting” Lisa repeated smugly.

    “Yes. I have to go now, I would call you when the meeting is over” he said and quickly hung up. He caught the eye of the taxi driver looking at him sardonically through the mirror and he glared back at the man who instantly averted his gaze. Giving up, he finally barked at the driver. “Take me back to the hotel”

    The driver obeyed the command instantly.

    Lisa gripped her phone in anger inside her own taxi as she watched the taxi carrying Alex drive away. She turned to stare at Ara P, wondering why Alex had stopped there and continued on without going in. the fact that Alex had lied about being in a meeting showed vividly that he was hiding something. “Follow the taxi” she ordered the driver and the man jumped into action. The man definitely knew that he was getting something fetchy from the entire exercise. Lisa tapped her foot furiously as Ara P pulled out of view. She noted the name and made a mental note to investigate further. Lisa followed Alex till he got back to his hotel, paid the driver and walked into the hotel. She fumed angrily. She hadn’t been able to find out anything; again! If she hadn’t grown to trust her instincts, she could almost believe that Alex truly came here for business because she hadn’t seen him with a woman, but Lisa knew something was definitely fishy and she did not like the smell of it one bit. She took note of the name of the company he had stopped by, repeating it in her head as she told the driver to take her to her hotel.

    **********

    **********

    Amara stepped out of Ara P as the day grew dark. She was completely exhausted from the day’s work and all she really needed was a nice cold bath and a cool mattress to fall back on. As she walked to her car, she could not help the deep feeling of disappointment she felt at not seeing Kelvin. She had dressed up, wishing that he would miraculously show up, but he hadn’t. Amara wondered what evil had befallen her to even entertain thoughts of a man. She shouldn’t have been thinking of Kelvin and how much she had loved seeing him again; that stupid thought had led her into this stupidity. She had unconsciously started entertaining foolish girlish thoughts ever since Kelvin appeared. Amara wondered when she would finally learn that men never do what they say they would. They are all the same, she thought as her face pulled to hard angry lines. She had entertained hopes that Kelvin was different, but then, he had said he wouldn’t leave her and had done the exact opposite the very minute he left her office. Amara swallowed hard, quenching the deep ache she felt.

    As she drew closer to her car and her thoughts eased, her eyes fell on something at the handle of the car and her earlier self-chastisements and anger fled as her heart picked up pace. Her breath caught in her throat as she stared at the white rose flower hanging on the door handle, which looked remarkably like the one she had seen years ago. She swallowed and took a deep breath as she pulled the single flower into her shaky hands. She was slowly being drawn into a web; she knew, yet was powerless against it. Her heartbeat wasn’t at all regular as she raised the flower to her nose and inhaled deeply, like a little romantic teenager. She vaguely remembered that a flower had been used years back and she had regretted it but she discarded the thought. She opened the card attached to the flower and read the short words. “You are more beautiful”. Her eyes watered as her head echoed the words over and over again. Even though the card held no name, she knew exactly who sent them. He had said those exact words about seven years ago. How could she have been equating him with other men? Amara blinked and put the flower against her nose again, inhaling deeply, allowing the fresh scent to wash away her fears and pains.

    Amara finally entered the car and drove home with a smile playing on her lips. Over the years, Amara had effectively let all her bad experiences cloud her brain, making her forget the good experiences she also had. This flower brought back good memories she had almost forgotten.

    Her smile was still intact when she drove into her compound, but immediately she entered, her smile slipped. There, at her entrance stood the one who had been occupying her thoughts. Looking more handsome than any man had the right to be, Kelvin leaned lazily against the wall, watching as she drove into the compound. Amara swallowed hard, as she did all her possible best to maneuver the car to a standstill in the parking lot. She took a deep breath before opening the door. Kelvin had already pushed away from the wall when she stepped out, but he wasn’t taking any steps towards her. She stood nervously by her car, praying that her legs would keep her standing.

    “Ara” Kelvin breathed gently. His eyes left her face briefly as he gave her body a slow, nerve-wrecking study.

    Amara swallowed and shifted, feeling too self-conscious. Despite the modesty of the cloth, Kelvin’s eyes left her feeling exposed and womanly. She could not tell if it was the heat in his eyes or the gentle blowing breeze that brought Goosebumps to her skin as his eyes finally came to rest on her eyes again. “Kelvin” she murmured breathlessly, not identifying her voice. “How… did you know my… house?”

    He smiled faintly. “Where there is a will…” he murmured, and since Amara’s legs seemed to be on vacation beside her car, Kelvin walked up to her slowly.

    Despite everything, Amara could not move. Years back, Kelvin had had this strong presence and appeal, but now, it seemed to have intensified somehow. He looked harder, like he had faced some really tough things which had hardened him. His muscles had become more pronounced, making him look more like someone who was used to hard labour. As he drew near, Amara’s gaze dropped to his slightly open shirt and the muscled wall of chest which peaked from beneath the blue shirt. She hurriedly averted her gaze, drawing much needed air into her lungs. “Have you been here long?” she asked.

    He smiled. “If I have, seeing you is definitely worth the wait” he said, then moved carefully to her back. He placed his hands on her shoulders, causing her to shiver slightly, as she struggled to breathe evenly. Carefully, he removed the white suit-jacket, peeling it away from her hands slowly. “You look so beautiful” he whispered in her ear and she jumped stunned back into alert consciousness by his nearness. Amara turned to glare angrily at him and Kelvin burst into laughter, his face changed and the rakish seductive look in his eyes was gone, leaving a friendly look on his face. Try as she may, Amara could not but return the smile. You are growing soft, a voice whispered in her head, but she ignored it. She had always loved it when Kelvin laughed. His laughter could make everything alright with the world.

    “You are a snake” she threw at him, smiling.

    Kelvin grinned. “Would gladly be a snake if it would make you smile” he said. “Welcome back Amara, I am glad you are still the woman I used to know”

    Amara’s smile slipped slightly. “No, I am not”

    Kelvin ignored that. “Why don’t we go inside honey?”

    Amara turned instantly and headed inside with her senses on hyper alert. Kelvin had always been used to endearments, and it just always had a way of making her heart race. As she unlocked the door, she started thinking of ways to get him to leave quickly. He was doing too much havoc to her defenses and Amara knew that she could get hurt again. But even as she tried to search for ways to make him leave, she realized rather shockingly that she really didn’t want him to leave.

    **********

    **********

    Alex entered his hotel room and lay on the bed with his eyes closed. He had used some bottles of drink to work off his anxiety before going up to his room. He wondered when he would have the courage to face Amara once and for all. It shouldn’t be so hard, but it was, and now, he feared the person he used to trample on. The person who happened to be his sister. He ran a palm over his face in exasperation. “What are you doing here Alex?” he asked himself, not for the first time. He had been repeating to Toba that he wasn’t interested in anything untoward with Amara, but since he could not lie to himself, he knew that that claim is completely false. He IS interested in something untoward with Amara, and the worst part was that he couldn’t shake off this forbidden interest. He swallowed hard, driving away the thickness in his throat.

    A knock broke into his thoughts and he raised his head to gaze at the door. “Who is here?” he asked, slightly irritated.

    “Please, I need to see you Al… Mr. Alex Bello” came a hushed woman’s voice.

    Alex frowned. “And who the hell are you?”

    “You would know me once you see me” came the voice again.

    Alex shook his head, mentally taking note to give the hotel management a piece of his mind. He unlocked the door and his frown deepened, creating a visible scowl on his handsome face. “You?” he barked in disbelief. “What on earth is a cleaner doing in my room?”

    The woman looked around. “Please, may I come in?” she asked.

    Alex opened the door wider. “Be sure your job is on the line if you dare step in” he said, hoping to scare the woman away so he can have some peace and quiet.

    The woman, without missing a beat, entered the room hastily and quickly closed the door behind her. She stood and gazed at Alex, scanning him with her eyes. She still had on the same ragged clothes she had worn when he saw her in the morning, and she still stared at him like he had just resurrected from the dead. As she continued to stare listlessly at him, Alex snapped. “Would you continue to stare at me or is there a reason why you are here?”

    She shifted nervously. “You… you are the son of Senator and Mrs. Bello right?” she asked hesitantly.

    Alex almost hissed. “Are you here to tell me who I am?”

    “No… No. I am sorry. It is just…” she swallowed. “It is just that I know them. I… I used to know them” she murmured.

    Alex gazed at the woman for some time, and then started laughing. “You?” he pointed at her as he looked at her from head to toe. “You know the senator? How hilarious”

    “Yes. I do… and I need to see them; it is very important that I see them” she said as her eyes took on a pleading note.

    The anger in Alex multiplied three times more. “What is your name?” he forced out.

    “Hannah. I am Hannah” she hastily said.

    “Well, Hannah” he stressed. “Consider your opportunistic grey-headed self-fired from this hotel. How dare you have the guts to come into my room, stand before me and demand to see my parents? Who the hell do you think you are?” he roared.

    “Your mother” she dropped. “I am your birth mother.

    Next Episode

    Previous Episode 

  • My Name is AKA – Episode 12

    My Name is AKA – Episode 12

     

    MY NAME IS AKA

    My Name is AKA – Episode 12

    Written By Amah’s Heart. 

    “Prégnant?.. how..” my exclamations was very loud.

    I remained dumb founded, quiet and confused.

    “I’m pregnant, three weeks gone and I’m not keeping this child, never!  She repeated.

    “I heard you the first time, you’ve repeated it three times already. My question is how?..” I replied

    ” How what?  Don’t you know how girls gets pregnant or you think is by eating food or maybe I drank mine from water..”

    I was silent, not knowing what to reply. I haven’t been in this kind of situation before

    “… I’m repeating it so that you will understand how serious I am. Is very serious and I don’t have time..”

    “Oh God! Ify, I don’t know if I can do this. I have already explained to you how important the money I’m saving is to me. I’m taking extra jobs just to make up the money, I told you that I made lots of unexpected expenses. I don’t know if I can borrow you any money, please try to understand..”.

    “I will pay you back, I promise.. just trust me Aka. my parents must  not know of this pregnancy, I need to get rid of it before anyone notice..”

    “Who’s responsible? Is it uche?

    “I wouldn’t have worry much if it was Uche. I so much love that guy, even though he had financial challenges last year, I was the one sending him money for feeding and upkeep. He is in the city and haven’t traveled home for the past five months, he’s asking me to come live with him in the city and he will secure a proper job for me but i don’t know if I’m ready for that..”

    “If is not Uche..then who? I was still very anxious to know who’s responsible and why she’s so determined in getting rid of it.

    “Bosco is responsible..”

    “Wait, you mean that boy that the father owns a pharmacy shop? His name is Bobo Bosco, that’s what people calls him. His father comes to drink palmy with goat meat pepper soup at the shop? He even used give you tips, he has given me 200 naira twice as tips… remember I told you that day. But the boy is still young, maybe around your age, 18 or 19. You shouldn’t have fallen for him..”

    “What are you saying Aka? I’m not talking about Bobo. The main Bosco is his father, chief Bosco. Don’t tell anyone, is Chief Bosco, Bobo’s father that’s responsible..” she said in a whisper as we walked home slowly that evening after work

    “Jesus! Ify… why na? I exclaimed aloud.

    “Is madam’s fault. well…I wouldn’t blame madam fully, I agree to do it ignorantly..”

    “… Chief have been asking me out, he buys me things like all this big restaurant food, ice cream and chicken, anytime he drives to town he buys some things, even cream and soap for me. I wasn’t interested in him initially, despite how handsome and smart he dresses or acts he was still an elderly man and Bobo, his son is my age mate but I won’t deny that I actually likes his personality. He is so caring and even gives me money sometimes..”

    “…I followed him to town twice and he slept with me in one hotel. That was late last year, I missed my period and told him he said I shouldn’t panic he will give me drugs. Aka!I was in a dëathly pâin for straight one week after taking the drugs. I promised myself to stay away from him and I actually did. He tried different means but it didn’t work..”

    “… then this year, he started going through madam. I don’t know how he managed to convince madam, she began to encourage me to give Bosco a chance. She said Bosco is her good customer who really likes me and will make my life better. I bought into her idea and started seeing Bosco. The money he gave me last year and early this year I sent some to Uche and used some for myself and family. I just discovered three weeks ago that I’m pregnant again and I told him, he said I’m too naive that I need to be smart and act like a big girl..”

    “…he used to give me drugs to take after we meet but I’m afraid of taking any drugs that I know nothing about and he complained that he doesn’t like using protection.. like cøndōm. He said is only small small boys that use rubber to sleep with women. He also said things like since he’s a pharmacist, he knows the right medicine to give me after the intimate moment…”

    “…See Aka, I’m not going to go through that pâin like the last time, I will rather go under the knife. I was bleeding heavily, I was ill for weeks and thought my life will come to an end after taking that drug last year. God forbid, I won’t try it. I have decided to go to town and from my enquiry it requires seventeen thousand . I also want to leave for the city after that. I need around fifteen thousand to add up to my transportation to the city and I have to hold little cash in hand too…”

    “… Please Aka, I need the money. I will send it back to you immediately I start work and get my first pay. I don’t want to ruine my life in this village. Chief Bosco won’t leave me alone until I’m far from him. He’s not the only one, some of this men you see around here are predators, they’re not to be trusted. I love the way you usually ignore them, I have seen them staring at you like a hawk but you hardly give any of them attention. I really admire that about you, you’re so focus in making money the hard and right way. I wish I have half of your boldness to stand up to Bosco or even warn madam to quit using me attract male customers. You’ve to also becareful before she finds another way to convince you into sleeping with men. I’m tired of this village and want to run away, start my life afresh. I need the money Aka..”

    “I don’t know Ify. I’m desperately in need of money for my school. After my last pay, I had about thirty two thousand and was planning to go pay it once school resume but my father was critically ill. There was no money to take him to the hospital, my father has this serious cough that I fear every night. My mother didn’t have much, I wanted to go and get him drugs at Bosco pharmacy but my father said he has to go by himself so that he can explain his situation to them. He came back with few drugs and told me that they gave him injection and drip, the total amount for the whole medication was thirteen thousand nine hundred. I had no choice than to give him the money to go pay for his medicine. Thank God he became well again. I can’t watch my father die despite how much I sometimes despise him for his choosen way of life..”

    “… there was nothing in the house, I had to give my mother five thousand to add to the feeding money she had. Mama Zaram has tried for me, I don’t want to disturb that elderly woman for money again. The only money left with me now after the expenses is around fourteen thousand. I want to keep working and saving every dime to be able to join next term, I don’t know how possible that is because the more I save, the more my family comes up with one thing or the other that I will have no choice than to spend. This my father’s sudden sickness rocked my pocket, I was in emotional pâin after the medical expenses and my father became well..”

    Ify chuckled at first “i don’t know for you but this whole sickness with your father maybe a way of extorting money from you because they know that there is no other means..”

    “No..no! My father maybe many things but definitely not a manipulator. He can’t be that heartless to do such to me, knowing how I so much needed the money..”

    “I will ask Bosco himself, since he was the one your father went to for treatment. I will confirm from him if your father spent the whole thirteen thousand nine hundred on just drugs…”

    “Is really not unnecessary. My father was really sick and Bosco treated him until he became well, there’s no need asking him again. Like I said, my father can’t swindle me off my money, isn’t the thought of such funny to you..” 

    “I still want to confirm from Bosco. So, will you lend me the money or not? I need to be fast in getting rid of this pregnancy because the more I leave it the dangerous it gets…”

    “… Did know You can even follow me to the city let’s work together and make some money..” 

    “I just want to go to school Ify. I desperately do, that’s why I accepted to work in Mama Jekus vegetable and corn farmland for three thousand. By weekend I have another  job, I’m going to follow Nonso’s mother to go and weed her farm land. She promised to give me one thousand five hundred for a day Job. Ify, you don’t understand why I choose to work this hard instead of falling for those Madam’s customers that never stopped making dirty advances..”

    “…well, I will lend you some money. Let me get home first and think about it please..” I said as we departed to our different paths.

    “Think fast Aka, also think about leaving this village with me. please I don’t have time again to waste in this village

    I heaved heavily as I quietly walked home.

    (Do NOT take credit or plagiarize AMAH’S HEART STORIES)

    Next Episode

    Previous Episode 

  • My Name is AKA – Episode 11

    My Name is AKA – Episode 11

     

    MY NAME IS AKA

    My Name is AKA – Episode 11

    Written By Amah’s Heart. 

    “11..12..13..14..15..”. I stopped counting immediately I heard foot sound.

    I quickly throw the money under the bed, looked around to make sure there’s nothing implicating.

    My brother Uzo walked in.

    “Mummy is calling you, what are you doing inside here since..”

    “None of your business..” I quickly snapped out to him.

    “… let’s go..” I said leading the way and hoping he will follow behind.

    “Mummy is calling you to come and start cooking the Sunday rice and stew not me. I don’t have any business going with you..” he said sitting down and looking around the room.

    If I leave him behind, he may discover the money that I threw under the bed, I didn’t have the time to properly hide it and won’t take the risk of leaving the room without him.

    Uzo my brother had an unbridled tongue.

    He talks to me any how, insúlt me and gets on my nerves each time but I always overlook.

    I understand is because he thinks my presence affects his food quantity, which is not true because I make sure he is well fed. I dish large quantity of food for him and he eats to his satisfaction but each time I ask him to do house chores he will refuse and will give flimsy reasons why he can’t or point out blame to somebody else.

    Obinna, my brother who follows me direct by age is fair in terms of behavior, words and approach, although he can be a little bit annoying but he will sometimes obey whenever I instruct him to do something.

    Both of my brothers frustrate me, my parents aren’t left out but I’m already used to It.

    Uzo, behavior seems to be getting worst and I have had enough and waiting for a perfect time to beat that spirit of disrespëct out of him.

    Amara is very helpful and although she can be a bit stubborn like the boys and will even start a fight with them without considering the fact that she’s a girl.

    She’s hard-working too and hardly says no to my orders except when she’s tired, she will tell me to send one of the boys instead.

    I turned to Uzo after he said he had no business going with me.

    “You actually do and I’m not leaving without you..” I said trying to push  him out of the room.

    “Leave me alone! What are you hidding that you don’t want me to see..”

    “I’m hidding your empty head in my bag..”

    “… follow me so that we can both prepare the food. You’re not only born to eat, you have to also learn how to make it..”

    “,I don’t have any business in the kitchen, that’s a place for women like you…”

    “Your business in the kitchen starts today and I will make sure you don’t taste a grain of rice except you help out..”

    “, The food isn’t yours, you’re only the cook and nothing more. Mummy will dish out to everyone after you’re done so you can’t dictate for me. I’m not going anywhere…”

    “That’s alright Uzo. You just reminded me that the food isn’t mine, I was actually doing everyone a favor by preparing it, isn’t it? You’re included in the people I’m doing this huge favor right?

    “You’re not doing anyone a favor Aka, you’re doing your job and also eating out of the food. You’re playing your role in this house and if you choose not to cook, Mummy will either force you to it or you will starve..”

    “You’re a smart kid but is unfortunate that you didn’t apply your smartness to book because your last school report card shows you’ve been eating your brain away..”

    “… well, since I’m not doing anyone a favor and I will equally starve if I don’t do the cooking right?, I choose to starve today, I’m not cooking anything…”

    I went back to sit on the bed.

    He stood, looking confused and ångry.

    After sometime, he añgrily stormed out of the room.

    “I’m going to report you to Mummy, I told you she’s calling you and you refused to go answer her because you’re hiding something which you don’t want me to see…” 

    Immediately he left, I waited and make sure he was gone before I hide the money properly in it’s usual place.

    Mama Zaram has given me eleven  thousand so far.

    I’m really grateful for her kind heart.

    Few months ago, I went to where my father used to hide his money, after Mazi Dike and Uka mentioned it.

    I saw thirty five thousand and collected five thousand only and keep for myself

    But my conscience wouldn’t let me be,

    I felt really bad but the money is still mine so i wasn’t really stealing it.

    I used those words to comfort myself but I was still feeling bād.

    I confessed to Mama Zaram, hoping she will back me up but instead she condemned the act,, telling me to return back the money.

    She reminded me of the bible blessings that comes doing the right thing and the consequences for wrong doings.

    After her several counsel, I went back and put the money back where I took it from.

    My father later told me one day that the woman that sells beer parlour close to the market square is looking for assistance, if I want to save up for my school I better I apply fast, I may qualify.

    I quickly did and she said the pay will only be four thousand naira a month.

    That was too small, is just like lunch money for Nunu and Molly that their Dad gives to them

    It can’t do much for me, yet I had no choice than to accept it.

    We’re two working for madam joint,

    Ify is through with her secondary school and she’s 18 years.

    Madam joint pays her 8k and she resumes earlier than i and does more work.

    My madam said I will be resuming 2:30pm daily and close 7pm.

    It sound fair at first until I realized that’s when the major work starts.

    I will work for hours without sitting down, she’s the only lively drinking spot in my village

    People come drinking and eating bush meat, goat meat pepper soup by that time.

    Madam joint, like she’s usually called is a very tough woman, she warns off men making advances at me.

    “Leave her alone, she’s a small girl. you’re old enough to be her father…” She will say to them, warning them off.

    I spend about five to six hours at work but is better off than staying home or going to go slice vegetable for my mother’s customer.

     whenever I’m in my mum’s shop, she will disappear either to gist with her friends or to God knows where, leaving me to do all the work.

    She will only show up to ask me how much I have sold since she was gone and will complain if the money is little.

    My father is sobber ever since the money with him finished.

    He even ask me to borrow him some money and promise to pay later but I refused.

    I told him I was saving for my school and no dime is leaving my pocket for any reason.

    One day, the six thousand I brought home went missing

    The money belongs to Madam joints, she said I should go give it to the bush meat seller but on getting there, the man wasn’t home and nobody to give the money to, I had no choice than to take it home since I have already closed for the day.

    The following day as I was leaving for work, I realized that the money that supposed to be in my bag has gone missing.

    I asked around but everyone denied which wasn’t surprising

    I turned the house upside down searching yet nothing.

    Madam joint said she will deduct the money from my pay.

    That’s almost like my two months salary.

    She pays me 4k for a month, I lost 6k Which is more than a month pay.

    Deducting it from my salary means I will have to work without pay for almost two months.

    I was lucky enough when Ify decided to give me 3k, she was only helping me and know how much I needed the money for school.

    From the savings I had at home, I brought 3k but madam joint only collected one thousand and asked me not to worry about the rest.

    I was so happy and ever since then, I don’t trust anyone in my house.

    I made sure I hide my money properly and I do not give no matter how much my father needed money or my mother wanted me to lend her or my siblings needed to buy something.

    My money is already twenty six thousand, I just have to save few more and my school registration fee will be set.

    I have worked for four months and missed two term school section.

    Mama Zaram kept to her words and gives me about 3k every month.

    I sometimes get tips of 100 or 200 naira, every dime, big or small goes a long way for me

    I also do personal expenses from the money, like buying sanitary napkins, buying soap and Vaseline that I use with my siblings

    My parents also use this toiletries I purchase with my money but I don’t mind.

    I made sure there’s bathing and washing soap because if you ask my father he will complain of not having money and mother too.

    They will even remind me that I’m working and should sort out some bills in the house.

    I was about leaving the room that day after my encounter with Uzo, when mother walked in

    “Did your brother told you that I’m calling you…? She asked angrily.

    “Yes Mummy but he said it wasn’t urgent, that I should finished whatever I’m doing…” 

    “Mummy is a lie..” Uzo said as he walked in

    “… she refused and said you should come and do your wørst. She’s hidding something under the bed and don’t want me to see it.”

    “Uzo quit lying please, I wasn’t hidding anything, you can come over and check and i can never say that to Mummy…” I said defensively

    “…what do you want me to do mummy? Uzo didn’t pass the message properly..”

    Uzo was arguing but mother barked out the instructions to with warning.

    I quickly walked away and straight to the kitchen, ignoring  Uzo as he threw words at me.

    My mother remained in the room, probably searching for whatever they think I was hiding.

    I’m relieved that my twenty six thousand for my school registration is kept somewhere safe, far from where anyone will think off.

    My mother easily gets angry with me this days and my father support her hurtful actions towards me because I refused to loan them my savings.

    They can keep boiling but the truth remains I will not spare a dime for any of them.

    I will try to contribute the little I can for the house but that’s all to It.

    Just few more naira notes and going back to school will become reality for me.

    If I happen to start school, i will have to work after school to be able to sort out other expenses because I can’t rely on my parents.

    I don’t want to bother Mama Zaram, she have tried way too much for me, far more than the two people that gave birth to me.

    I have developed a thick skin in this village, nothing anyone say or do bothers me anymore.

    Not even my parents or sibling words or action.

    Mama Zaram said, once my ways are upright, I shouldn’t fear any cúrse or anything because God protects those who are pure in heart.

    I derive strength from her encouragement and that’s why I’m more determined than ever to make something good out of my life.

    My people maybe wondering where I used to keep my money.

    sometimes, i come back from work to meet my bags scattered or the room in disarray.

    I know they’re probably searching for my money but they can never see it because it’s securely tied around my waist, in my undies, far from their reach.

    It goes with me to anywhere..

    (Do NOT take credit or plagiarize AMAH’S HEART STORIES)

    Next Episode

    Previous Episode 

  • My Name is AKA – Episode 10

    My Name is AKA – Episode 10

     

    MY NAME IS AKA

    My Name is AKA – Episode 10

    Written By Amah’s Heart. 

    My mother made me carry a load that’s more than my ability but I didn’t want to complain.

    My head and neck hurt bâdly, I forged ahead untill I could no longer 

    I was too tired while coming back that I decided to take a rest beside the small bushy road.

    My mother met me resting under a large palm plantation

    “You’re resting here, when I thought you’re already at home, I hope you’re not lazy because your father and I are not lazy people. Your siblings are very strong and can even run down with their loads…”

    “Mummy, I just want to rest a little. The distance is much and the bag of cassava is too much for me..”

    “Shút up your mouth! come and assist me bring down my own load, so that I can rest too..”

    I helped her carry hers down.

    She sat heavily on the ground after spreading the small wrapper she used in carrying the big bag of cassava.

    She heaved tiredly

    “…Chinaza and Nneka, do you remember them? They are your mates, they used to carry double of this bag of cassava and once they enter road with their load well secured on their head, you won’t see their back, they will speed up until they get home. your brothers even Amara carry more than this, you’re here complaining. It seems that the city made you very lazy…”

    My mother kept ranting, I was getting sick listening to her compare me to many others children that can do way better than me.

    I told her that I was done resting, I stood and got ready to carry my bag and run away from her

    She asked me to help her first, as we lifted her load to her head, just then another woman, who happens to be her friend, mama Ebere dropped the firewood she went to bring from her farm immediately she saw my mother.

    They began to talk, doing their small gossip

    Mother dropped back her own bag on the ground.

    They talk and laugh out loud

    I felt relieved that atleast mama Ebere will distract my mother from comparison talk.

    I told her that I was going, she said I should run along, she wasn’t done resting and I can see she was talking with somebody.

    With her assistant, I carried my heavy bag of cassava and Left her sitting there and talking with Mama Ebere.

    Although the cassava was way too much for my tiny neck but I kept going

    My legs were knocking on each other, my back aches, my neck has pressed down to my shoulder.

    My entire body hurt bâdly, both of my hands were on the bag, I held onto it tight.

    My eyes were clouding up, i was still few distance away before home.

    I can no longer carry on

    I’m going to faint if I don’t drop the heavy bag.

    Without a care if the cassava will pieces or not, I threw it off my neck and fell on top of it trying to catch my breath and to gather the strength that have already gone out of me.

    “Jesus Christ! I screamed silently

    I lay there breathing hard.

    “Nnem kedu..” (how’re you my lady?)  someone greeted

    I turned and saw that it was one of the village rich hunter, Uka with his friend, Mazi Dike

    “O di mma” (I’m alright) Good evening sir..” I replied.

    “You’re the daughter of Peter, the one that returned from the city? Mazi Dike asked

    I nodded.

    “Chineke! (God!) You’ve grown into womanhood. A small girl of yesterday..’

    “Yes o Mazi Dike, she’s the same age with Chinwe my daughter…”

    “Eeh! She’s tall, robust and round, towering Chinwe. Nawa oo, she’s a big girl now..”

    “She have her father’s height and her mother’s endowment, her mother is well endowed, that must’ve been the reason Peter fell for her..”

    They both began to laugh

    I sat on my cassava bag with my hands resting on my jaw, staring seriously at the two adult humans who wants to use me and do analysis.

    I can hear my mother’s voice coming with her friend from afar.

    I don’t want her to meet me there

    I quickly stood, folded the wrapper round and small before placing it on my head.

    “She has her mother’s fine face and her father’s long legs…”

    “Peter is equally fine, is just that he can use his little change to eat ngwogwo and  drink Kai Kai..” Uka added

    I stood, waiting for them to notice that I was still among them and quit talking about my family.

    “Three weeks ago, we really enjoyed in his hand. Everyday he goes to Mama joints pepper soup shop, he will buy bush meat for everybody with cold Goldberg, just the way I like it..”

    “Not just you, Nduka also told me he enjoyed from Peter’s giveaway. I was only opportuned once in the giveaway, I took the goat meat pepper soup and palm wine. I called him and ask him why he was spending too much money, carelessly, everyone kept hailing him and with the way they were hyping him, he’s pocket was going empty..”

    “… did you know what he told me? he said I shouldn’t worry about his spending because there’s more from where the money came from. He said to me that his daughter came back with dollar. He changed the money and hide some money inside his old unused shoe so that no one will even suspect that money is there..” Uka said quietly to Mazi Dike who began to chuckle loudly..

    “He’s such a foøl to disclose that, what if it gets into the wrong ear and he was robbed…

    “…I hope is not stolen money. With all that you said about this Peter’s daughter, is possible she stole the dollar, I hope the owner wouldn’t come looking for it and Peter will have to vømit every dime he ate. I also hope he doesn’t come knocking on my door and asking me and everyone to pay for the drinks and meat he bought for us.

    ” I heard that the people that his daughter live with in the big city are very wealthy and they paid him huge amount of money when they brought her back..” Uka said

    “Why did they brought her back..? Mazi Dike asked inquisitively.

    “She was becoming stubborn. You know, when they ask her to do things she will rather go to meet with her friends. She almost kílled one of their rich family friend and even planned to run away after doing that but they found out and send her home..”

    “That’s very bad. Children of nawadays, terrible. With this her innocent face, one wouldn’t know that she’s akpi (scørpion). How did you know all of this..?

    “Whenever Peter is drunk, he talks too much. Both the reasonable and unreasonable ones…”

    “…Ego and her husband really wanted to help her, they even sent her to a big man school, they use to send money to Peter every month end. did you know Ego is Peter’s distance cousin, I think from his mother’s side. Is unfortunate, now this one is back to the village to suffer…” Uka added.

    “People use to say that “you don’t know what you’ve until you loose it”. She has lost paradise that many young girls are looking for because of stubbornness. I wish others will learn from her mistake…”.

    I almost burst into tears but I kept swallowing hard as they finally helped me lift my cassava to my head.

    I can hear my mother shouting at me and calling me lazy as she saw the men helping me with my load.

    My mother began telling the men that I have already rested more than five times on the road

    They all began to laugh.

    That’s a big exaggeration because is only twice not upto five times.

    It was very annoying 

    I pretend like I can’t hear her.

    I have heard enough gossip from Uka and Mazi Dike, it will last me a life time.

    They didn’t even pretend, mince words and consider the fact that I was standing right there and can hear them very clear.

    I sobbed quietly as I walked home with my heavy load.

    Right there and then I knew I can’t stay in that house or in that village for long.

    I need to find my way out of this village, even if it means searching for the remaining money in my father’s old and worn out shoe as one of the men mentioned, I will have to steal some of the money and run away from this place

    Everything and everyone is chóking me. I can’t breathe in here

    I’m done pretending and hoping in vain.

    (Do NOT take credit or plagiarize AMAH’S HEART STORIES)

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  • My Name is AKA – Episode 9

    My Name is AKA – Episode 9

     

    MY NAME IS AKA

    My Name is AKA – Episode 9

    Written By Amah’s Heart. 

    After eating, I packed my father’s plates and put it all together for tomorrow’s morning washing.

    Here in the village, things are done differently. 

    Back in the city, after every meal I make sure I wash, dry and put away every used item but not the same here.

    My fsthry sat in his usual worn out cushion, some part of it is already torn.

    He relaxed his head back, I know the next minute is to start snoring loudly with strong smell of alcohol filling everyone’s nostril.

    The air is mostly polluted because of that, he sometimes come back drunk or filled up with whatever he ate out there, maybe in a restaurant.

    I know he will soon start sleeping but before that will happen, I round up with what I was doing and move to him.

    Although I was expecting him to even ask me how my day went, the outcome of today’s meeting with the school proprietress but he didn’t say a word, he didn’t mention it or even ask my Mom.

    “Papa, I went to the school today..”

    He looked up at me, the ray light from the big kerosene lampthan that illuminated the whole sitting room seems to be going deem.

    We don’t get much electric power supply around here, there’s a particular electric pole that fell close by, it affected the power supply.

    People that owns generator turns it on at night but we don’t have any.

    Since it was just a room and parlour, our sitting room is just like bedroom because there’s a spring iron bed in it that makes so much noise and that’s where my father sleeps.

    He will sometimes call mother to join him.

    My brother’s and sister sleep on the bed in the room.

    While I use a mat to lie down with my mother’s wrapper wrapped around me, in the bedroom, avoiding the mosquitoes that comes singing in my ears.

    I always close my ears with my hands from the several murmuring, heavy noise from the spring iron bed that my father and mother sometimes sleep in, follows by loud snoring.

    The lamp is not so bright today, I even cleaned it’s bulb before turning it on.

    Maybe the kerosene in it was getting dry.

    I will have to turn on the small lamp or we sleep in the dark

    Everyone in this house are used to sleeping in the dark except me

    No matter how low the light is, I will still want it to be burning till morning.

    My father has a torchlight, that’s what we use anytime anyone wants to visit the out house either to urinâte or excretion.

    “… Papa I wasn’t registered in the school.. like you said, I was told to come with you tomorrow for proper registration..”

    He closed his eyes again without a word.

    “… Papa..” I tapped him gently hoping he will reply me.

    “What is the issue here..” he barked angrily, startling me as I take several feet away from him.

    “..Are you blind, can’t you see that I want to sleep. Whatever you had to say can’t it wait till morning? 

    “Sorry Papa, I thought this was the best time to..”

    “To do what? To come and dustub me? Can’t I get rest in my house again? I’m begining to see reasons why Ego and Jim her husband pursued you from their home. Is this how you used to disturb them..”

    I was taken aback with what he said because this isn’t the first time he will be making such remarks.

    Papa and mama knows everything,

    I took my time to tell them what happened and why i decided to come back home, my aunty and uncle also conceded because I guess everyone was already tired of the trending situation with Lambert.

    How could papa say things like that.

    “…get out of my sight and don’t you dâre disturb me next time I’m trying to rest.

    I walked away and sat down outside.

    Mama who was going to the outhouse saw me

    “What are you doing here..”

    “Nothing, I just want to stay here small before coming inside…”

    “You’re here sulking like a child because your father scolded you for disturbing him, even Amara won’t behave like you, going to wake your sleeping father..”

    “He wasn’t sleeping, he just finished eating 5 minutes ago and that’s why I decided to talk to him about my school before he sleeps..”

    “You’re not a kid, you’ve to be very wise at your age. You live in the big city for more than three years, much is expected from you. Is this how you used to behave when you were there?  You can’t still be acting like a child. You’re older than Obinna, Uzo and Amara, start behaving like an elder not like a child of yesterday..”

    I really don’t know what warrant all this long talk from mother.

    I did nothing wrong except going to talk to my father.

    They never stopped reminding me how I’m the eldest and so many unnecessary things they speculate about why my rich Aunty and uncle sent me back

    As my mother left to the outhouse, I returned inside to spread my sleeping mat.

    I was not happy, I struggled with sleep, I stayed up staring at the low burning lamp until I finally slept off.

    The following morning, I was up early to make food for the house

    I called my brothers to wash the dishes that were used last night while Amara was busy sweeping the chicken house. they both started whining and complaining who will wash and who will rinse.

    They ended up leaving it for me.

    I had to think of what every one will eat that morning.

    Especially for my siblings who were preparing to leave for school.

    Down here, there’s no speacial breakfast, everyone eats whatever is available.

    The leftover rice from last night couldn’t go round because my father already indicated interest in eating it that morning.

    My mother asked to be given the remaining rice with it’s crumbs after I served my father, she ate it right in the pot, although I wish she left it for me.

    We had small leftover bítter leaf soup that I made yesterday morning.

    I boiled water and made garri.

    In no time the whole garri and soup was almost gone. 

    My two brothers are the real consumers in that house and they’re always hungry.

    Amara joined them and didn’t eat much before leaving the food for the boys.

    I had to add little water to the bottom pot, used spoon to turn it properly

    Scrapping every tiny bit of soup together so that I can have something to eat.

    They left for school and I was careful not to go to my father right away so that he won’t complain again that is too early.

    I went to him as he was about leaving the house.

    “Papa, sorry that I disturbed your sleep yesterday night. Can we go to the school today or Monday will be better?

    “There’s no money for your school Aka, the whole money has finish, quit hoping on it. Beside I have already made some payment for your school..”

    “You only paid one thousand to obtain the form. The whole school registration money and uniform is about twenty eight thousand naira. Is not much..”

    “Twenty eight thousand is not much to you? I wonder when you turned to be a millionaire to assume twenty eight thousand is a stipend. You should have remained with Ego and her family because your coming back is an extra expenses to this family which I’m not in for..”

    “Papa what are you saying, I gave you three hundred dollars, Just a month ago…” I have had enough of all this and wasn’t going to keep calm anymore.

    “And so what? So many children are bringing more than that home. You refused to let me rest because you gave me dollar, what kind of child are you? is becoming very clear what Ego said about you when I called her is true…”

    “I don’t care about whatever my aunty said to you over the phone. I just want to start school that’s what I’m more concerned about. The money supposed to go a long way for this family. I know how much is a hundred dollars in naira, I gave you three hundred dollars, it supposed to be more than enough to put this house in order, register me in school and also start a good business. That’s more than two hundred thousand naira papa…”

    He chuckled loudly

    Mama said I should keep quiet and stop sounding like a spoilt brât

    She said the money is not upto what I mentioned, I assured her that it was.

    “Maggi, you can see your daughter is challenging me. She has grown, is this same disrespect and stubbornness that made them send her back here. she have quickly forgotten the kind of father she has..”

    “… haven’t you been feeding in this house? Eeh, Aka..anwser me.  Incase you want to know how the whole money was spent, I gave fifty thousand to your mother to buy food stuffs, I use some to pay your brother and sister school fees, use the remaining to sort out my long accumulated debt. The small money that Ego’s husband use to send to me every month, that’s twenty thousand naira, it usually goes into feeding but everything has stopped because you’re no longer living with them. They’re no more sending us anything and the money you came back with, you want me to update you on every dime..”

    My mother spoke up. “You gave me forty thousand for food stuffs and when I asked you to give me small money to add to my business you gave me ten thousand Only..”

    “…I told you to go register her in school before the money runs out, I hate this argument this early morning. She needs to go to school Peter. If the amount she mentioned is right then there’s no how you can spend over two hundred thousand in one month. You can’t even finish it in drinks. You need to put her in school, she can’t possibly be home. She’s the reason we have the money in the first place, her needs should be put into consideration, what if she came back empty handed..”

    “Both of you should just shút up. There’s nothing I can do right now because there’s no money. even if I call Ego, she won’t pick my call because this untrained daughter of yours almost ruined their reputation..”

    “Haven’t I said it enough that I was almost râpéd by their family friend. Mr Lambert is in his fifties, he has grown kids living in London and his wife left him long time ago, The man fabricated lies against me..”

    “Ego said the man is stinking rich famous and kind, she said you lied against him without fear of what your lies will do to his high status in the society. She said even your friend who witnessed the whole thing said you’re a liâr..”

    ” … what if this Lambert likes you and want to make you his wife since his wife is no longer with him..”? 

    My jaw dropped immediately he said that.

    “She’s a small girl, that man should go find his size. He has the money to gather women like King Solomon, why our own Aka..” my mother chirped in.

    “She’s not a small girl. Aka is fifteen going to sixteen years, beside she matured too fast. looking like a twenty years already. is better for her to marry on time because she may start looking old, like a forty years woman when she reaches twenty. This Lambert can take care of her and even you condemning me will live large like you’ve never tasted poverty. Do you know what that means, We will be in money…”

    My mother sighed and told my father to stop talking rúbbish.

    “You think I’m talking nonsense, I don’t blame you and your disrespectful daughter. Don’t you think that she supposed to get married so that she can assist in taking care of her siblings? My shoemaking is not bringing much, your vegetable business can’t do much either. Ego’s husband that was sending money stopped because of what she did. The money she managed to return back with, is gone and she’s asking me to give account of which i already did. There’s no money, she will have to be patient until I have money to put her in school..”

    My parents began to argue back and forth

    I ran out crying because I was weak to the knee hearing my father say all of that.

    I sat at the backyard but I felt helpless and decided to go see my step grandmother who was still alive.

    My own grandmother is late but we weren’t too close, she was mostly sick and always shouting at us for disturbing her peace. I guess is because of the sickness and there was no enough money to care for her.

    She passed on when I was nine years, Amara was still very small.

    My step grandma, is kind woman and patient

    She always treat us like hers.

    Her house wasn’t too far.

    She has only one daughter who díed during childbirth.

    The elderly woman has only two grand children, Zaram who’s mother díed during birth is living with her while her elder brother is with her father in a close by town.

    They usually come visiting mama with goodies which she will still share with us.

    My step grandmother is hard-working and owns a stockfish store.

    She makes the best soup with stockfish and very welcoming.

    Some of the villagers used to say that she’s a wítch and that’s why she couldn’t give birth to many children and the only one she had diëd.

    But alot of other people knows that is only lies, jeâlóusy is the root of their bitterness.

    Mama Zaram, like we used to call her is a respected and generous. Alot of people loves her but that never stop the jealous villagers from hating.

    I explained to her what was going on, she was very comforting and I feel good talking to her.

    “Mama Zaram, the sad part is that my brothers and sister school fees is just eight thousand each and my uncle used to send twenty thousand to papa every month after papa kept calling to complain to them that things are hard and there’s no means of survival…”

    “… papa has no investment, nothing reasonable except for the shoemaking which he’s not even serious with. I’m so disappointed, I thought coming home was a better idea. I’m begining to regret. Maybe I would’ve remain in the city suffering and smiling. Atleast papa will still be getting his twenty thousand, I know that’s one of the reasons he’s so pained..”

    “It’s all going to be alright, your father does not know that he has a expensive jewel. it saddens me that he can’t see that he’s already blessed through you. You’re a bright child and will excel no matter how much life strikes. If the going gets tough, seek the help of God, life sometimes gets tiring but those who trust in the Lord will néver be put to shame..”

    She went inside and brought out three thousand, she gave it to me and asked me to hold onto it until the next market day, if she sells more stock fish, she will give me more money until the money for school is completed.

    I didn’t want to collect it but she insisted and asked me not to tell my father or even my mother because they will take and spend it as usual.

    I hugged her tight.

    She asked if I have eaten and I told her that I have.

    I left with a lighter heart.

    I saw my mother approaching, she said she’s been looking for me.

    Mother told me that I will have to follow her to the farm that morning to uproot some cassava for garri preparation, since what we have is almost gone.

    I left with my mother to the distance farm land to get the cassava after properly hidding the money under the bed.

    (Do NOT take credit or plagiarize AMAH’S HEART STORIES)

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