Category: STORIES

  • Ikenga- Episode 11

    Ikenga- Episode 11

    IKENGA
    Ikenga- Episode 11

    Theme: (The Demon I Saw)

    By Praise Chidera Obiora 

    I stood up when I saw a woman who was bent towards the floor, limping in my direction with a long
    brown stick held in her hands. From the distance, I could see that she was clad in a blue wrapper
    which was wrapped around her chest. Her long white hair was uncovered. I could see the gray
    hairs on her head which looked like that of the white rabbit.
    She limped towards me just the way grandmother limped. Her left hand was folded behind her,
    just the same way grand mother folds her hands when ever she walked.
    “Ikenga. Do not give her the bitter kola. That is not me.” She spoke with a shaking voice.
    I turned towards the naked old woman who was laying on the floor in a pull of blood. The same
    woman I had also thought to be my grandmother. She was staring at me with so much concern on her face. I was confused. I was standing in between two grandmothers that looked very much
    alike. They looked exactly like twin sisters.
    “What is happening here? Who are you? Tell me.” I shouted at the old woman clad in cloths.
    “Ikenga who did this to you? What trouble have you gotten yourself into. Who has wounded you
    this way? Why do you hold a shield and a sword Ikenga?”
    The old woman who looked rather concerned about my wounds, approached with her hands wide
    opened.
    “Halt. Stop. Do not come any further. Who are you?” I thundered loudly.
    “Ikenga, are you so blind that you cannot recognize your own grand mother? When you left the
    house this morning, I was worried. I saw you sneak out of the house like a thief. I had to follow you
    behind. But you walked faster than me and I could not keep up.”
    “I returned back home and waited for you to return. But I did not see you. I asked the little children
    to go in search of you but everyone of them returned carrying a tired face and the same news.”
    “When it was noon, I cooked us Yam and oil and waited for you to return. When I did not see you,
    I became worried and came out in search of my grandson.”
    “Ikenga, I have searched so many houses. I have visited so many farmlands. I have searched so
    many bushes and called out your name a thousand times.
    “While I walked pass this bush, thick darkness fell upon the village suddenly. I heard the thunder
    strike. and then I heard a strange voice that spoke. The gods must be angry, Ikenga.
    “I was still standing at the bush when the gods made me to hear and recognize your voice from
    this bush. You were shouting like an angry man. Ikenga what are you doing here? Who is that
    woman that lay wounded beside you? Who has wounded you this way?” She asked in confusion.
    “Kill her Ikenga. Kill her. She is not your grand mother, I am your grandmother.” The old woman on
    the floor spoke and coughed. She lifted her hands to nurse the wounds on her neck, and coughed
    again.
    I turned angrily towards the old woman clad in cloths and spoke authoritatively.
    “Prove to me you are my grand mother. Show me or I shall slay your throat. Or are you another
    demon sent to me?” I screamed with my sword pointed directly at her face.
    “Ikenga. When everyone abandoned you in the rain that fell at noon, I picked you up. When
    everyone thought of killing you, I saved your life. I have fed with my own breast milk to keep you
    alive. I have raised you like my own child. I sacrificed everything to see you happy.”
    “Ikenga, when the cold came at night I was there to cover you with my cloth. When danger struck
    at night and you screamed and cried out, I was there to shield you from it. When your belly
    groaned in hunger, I sacrificed my food for you, and ate bitter kola instead.”
    “On your behalf Ikenga, I fought the wolf that chased you at night. I wounded my right leg in the
    process, and now I limp for the rest of my life. I fought a fight that you got yourself into as a result
    of your own stubbornness.”
    “Ikenga, I have given you everything that a mother will give a child. I have made you the man that
    you are now. You are no longer a child. You are now eighteen years old. You are now strong,
    wise, and bold. But today you lift your sword and shield upon my face?” She pointed her left hands
    in my direction.
    She stopped and shook her head. This was definitely grand mother. Her words had touched my
    heart and pierced my soul. I knelt down on my knees and called out in a soft whisper.
    “Grandmother…..”
    Grand mother limped towards me and held me by my shoulders. She pulled me close to her – the
    exact way she had always done when I cried. She touched the blood on my face and felt the
    wounds on my neck with her hands.
    “Grand mother I have disobeyed your instructions and eaten from the Igbuala mangoes. Now I see
    demons – the same demons Ijeoma had seen. I Have fought six demons and the seventh one
    stands behind you with seven whips of fire.”
    “Where is the seventh demon Ikenga?”
    “Grand mother, you have not eaten the Igbuala mangoes, so you cannot see it. I only can see
    them. It stands behind you.”
    Grandmother dropped her walking stick and knelt down in front of me. She bent my head towards
    her shoulders and robbed my back.
    “Grandmother, I killed a demon and it changed into you. That is the demon over there.” I pointed.
    I turned with my eyes but could no longer see the wounded naked old woman that had taken the
    face of grandmother. I let go of grandmother and crawled towards the spot she had laid down. I was stunned when I discovered that the blood on the floor where she had laid on, had
    disappeared along with her.
    When I turned back to look at grandmother, I saw the sixth demon with ten giant eyes, and legs
    like the tail of a fish, and hands like the fins of a shark. It was the same demon that had
    disappeared when I had killed the fifth demon. It was definitely the same demon that had turned
    into grandmother to deceive me.
    “Grandmother, run!” I screamed in terror.
    To be continued…

  • Forcible Wedlock- Chapter 31

    Forcible Wedlock- Chapter 31

    FORCIBLE WEDLOCK
    Forcible Wedlock- Chapter 31

    Theme : The village Girl

    ©Khalee


    Alex
    Basil ran into my arms crying. This boy just pushed Nora because of me.

    “Daddy. I love you. Please tell mommy to stop”.

    “You stupid boy! “.Nora came to me and pulled Basil off.

    “He’s not your father. I’ll take you to your father”.

    “He’s my father! Right, daddy?Please daddy”. He cried.

    I look away, I feel so stupid. I can’t talk, I can’t do anything. Am so useless. I love Basil despite he’s not my son.

    “Shut up, he’s not your father. He’s cripple and dumb. We can’t stay with someone like him”. With that she carried Basil who try to wriggle free from her. Struggling in her arm.

    “Daddy!!!! Daddy! I dont wanna leave you! Daddy please”. He kept wailing till Nora took him out.
    I love Basil so much even if he’s not my blood but if I decide to raise him. He might bring problem in future. He might want to claim first child. If at all, I later I have a child.

    I wheeled my chair to the table where my phone laid. I strolled to Tiwa’s number. Do I still have any shame at all? But I really need someone to talk to.

    Tiwalade
    “Oh my goodness, you’re looking Muah Muah!!! “. Justin complimented.

    I just finish dressing up for the date and came out to see Justin, looking charming and very handsome as usual. “Thank you”. I blushed.

    He open the car door for me and I got in. He shut the door and came to the driver’s seat then drove out.
    “Seriously, I wish you’re not my sister”.

    I was stunned. “What?!! “.

    “Hey calm down. What I actually mean is assuming, you’re not my sister. I would’ve gotten married to you already”.

    I hit him softly. “Jerk”.

    He smiled and focus on his driving.

    “Justin.. Uptill now you haven’t tell me what happened between you and Joyce. Dont lie to me, I know you guys are not together again
    It was after the breakup that you became a flirt”.

    “Which of the Garden, would you like to go? Blossom or Love Garden. Or Judy’s place? “.

    “Olamide…. I insist. You were not like this before”.

    “Let’s go to Judy’s place. It a new place. Am sure it gonna be fun there.

    I took a deep breathe and everywhere became silent till we got to the so called Judy’s place. Wow it more like a paradise.

    “Shall we? “. Justin smiled at me and i nodded. We held eachother like lovers. We walked in.

    He took me to a table in the garden. The table was full of of delectable meals and drinks. That means, he had it planned already.

    “Wow”. I exclaimed and took a seat.

    He took a seat opposite me. “You like it, right? “.

    “Like? You fool, I love it”.

    “Can’t you just stop insulting for once. Mind you, am your date tonight”. He winked.

    I smirked. “Date, my foot. Am sure if you see any fine girl. You’ll forget me. My friend pop the Cocktail”.

    He took the wine and shook it a little before opening it, making it to make a sound pop. Some spill on the table.

    I cheered. He poured little in our glasses before sitting.

    I took my glass and gulp down. I moaned. It so sweet. I look up to see Justin glaring at me. “What is it? “.

    “I told you, you’re my date tonight. We should’ve atleast make a toast. You just ruined it”. He pouted.
    “Huh really? Must we always make a toast?”.

    “Just forget it and enjoy your meal”.

    I opened the plate in front of me. OMG. “Justin, you’re a darling. The best brother in the world”. I exclaimed. This boy is just too sweet. In front of me is a big fish barbeque. I grinned before washing my hand.

    “Wait…. What you tryna do? “.
    “Eat of course”.

    “With your hand? “.

    I stared at him. “Justin, just because we’ve lived in England doesnt mean, we’re not villagers again. Am still that village girl, got it? “.

    “Whatever….. Wait, is that not your secretary? “. He asked looking past me and I traced his eyes turning a little.

    “Yeah thats her”. I said as I saw her. She was with a guy but I couldn’t see his face.

    “Wow.. I’ll be right back”. He said whist smiling and stood up. I knew it.

    “She’s with a guy”.

    “Who cares? “.

    “Justin stop it, dont get in trouble, please”.

    “Hey common, am a man now”. He said and left. I tried stopping him but no, he wouldn’t listen.
    I focus on my barbeque devouring it. Licking the corner of my mouth.

    “Ma’am Laura”. I heard someone say and I look up.

    “Hey Ella”. I waved flashing her smile.

    “Common sit down”. Justin gestured she joined us. Wait.. Whats going on? She was with a guy.

    “Actually that’s my cousin brother. He brought his wife along. He dragged me here but I wasn’t comfortable, am glad Justin came to save me”. She explained smiling at me.

    I never ask you though.”Wow, it so good to see you here”. I returned the smile.

    “I must say, you look very beautiful tonight. Very very gorgeous”. I heard Justin say. God this boy is a flirt.

    Ella blushed. “Thank you Justin. You looking very handsome too”.

    “Umm… You have something on your lips”. Justin said and his hand travel to her lips, and he cleaned it with his thumb. Ella blushed. Wait they’re flirting right in front of me.

    “Umm, I wanna take a walk”.

    “Sure no problem”. Ella said smiling. I stared at her.

    My Brother’s trap has caught you too. Wait till he gets into your skirt. I wash my hands and left.
    Wow this place is nice, I must say. I continued walking to nowhere in particular.

    My phone beeped. It a message. I checked the sender. Alex.

    “Can you come over, please”.

    Oh oh. What happened to him? I was about to reply when I heard my name and I turn to look. And guess who’s standing in front of me.

    “Samuel!! “. I screamed in joy and jumped into his arm. I clung onto him bad he hugged me tight.

    Samuel is my first love. The guy I was crushing right from childhood in the village. The king’s son. I unlock from the hug. Checking him out. He has grown handsome than before. We never talk back then. I doubt if he knew I was crushing on him. But seeing him now, I can’t help it.

    “It so good to see you, Tiwa”. He smiled revealing his not too deep dimple.

    “I never imagined, I could see you again, you just left”.

    “Yeah I went to school in New York”.

    “Yeah I heard it back then. It so good to see you”. I hugged him again and disengage from the hug.
    “Are you with someone? “.

    “No… I mean yes, my brother.But he’s with someone”.

    “Okay, if you dont mind……
    “I dont mind,Sam”. I grinned.
    I held his hand and we found a place to sit.

    “How’s life with you? I heard you got married”.

    “Yeah, it was an arranged marriage, so we divorced the following year”. What?? Did I just lie? OMG!.

    “Wow…That’s…..

    He was interrupted by my phone. I stared at it. A messenger from Alex.

    “Tiwa, can you please come over, please? “.

    ” Sorry am in the middle of something. Sleep tight. Please don’t text me back, am so busy”. I texted back and put my phone in silent.

    Samuel and I talked to length. I enjoy every moment. I never imagined we could talk. I wished it never come to end but it came.

    He drove me home cos I told Justin to leave earlier.I can’t deny the fact that I still feel something for him. I need to act fast. Alex need to sign the papers.

    Next Chapter

  • Only You – Chapter Nine

    Only You – Chapter Nine

    ONLY YOU
    Only You – Chapter Nine

    By Kim Lina
    _________________________
    Warning
    Trigger/Content warning : may contain vulgar language , matured and sensual scene and scence related to gore.
    .
    This book is clearly a figment of my imagination and a work of fiction any resemblance of place, name dead or alive is highly conincidental.
    _______________________

    •••QUINN•••
    He pointed the gun over my head ready to shoot me I heard the gun being knocked out of his grasp.

    I looked up to see Seth with a bitch resting face. “Could you be any more stupid ? You’re not going to die, you belong to me remember ?” he voice out while Haven gave him looks.

    “I don’t remember being sold to you it’s my life, I don’t know why everyone is after me or what I have with the Cunningham’s I’ll be putting everyone I know in danger.” I mumbled.

    “That doesn’t give you a reason to let someone place a gun to your head shoot the shit out of you how were you able to get recruited as a police officer? ” he mocked while I remained quiet for a while. “I’m not going with you guys anyways, I don’t want to be involved with all your dangerous shit.” I cussed they both looked unconcerned with my words but didn’t say a word to me.

    I turned and was about to leave but Seth held on to my hand. “Didn’t you hear what I said? I’m not going anywhere with you bastards.” I yelled trying to loosen from his grip, he enthusiastically grinned at me. “Guess what, I don’t give a fuck.” he yanked me towards him and a car stopped by as Haven and Seth gripped on to me carrying me all the way to the back seat of the car where Erwin was, he didn’t pay attention to me at all the sight of smudges of blood shut me up, they shut the doors of the car and both got in, exhausted from everything I dozed off to sleep.

    *****
    I woke up in a bed, I felt drowsy and immediately I recalled everything that happened yesterday.

    “Shit it’s not a dream.” I mummered, I slowly push the sheets away from me I was wearing a white dress shirt and black jeans that somehow hugged my thighs down to my calves.

    I got up from the bed and swept my legs down to the carpeted floor, the bed envelped almost all the in the bedroom, there were tiny windows but they were up, I could still see a bit of light so I guess it was morning or noon there was a shelf but it was empty, a desk drawer a bathroom door and a closet and the only bedroom door.

    I got up and walked up to the door and as expected I was locked in.
    I violently knocked on the door while trying to force it open yelling at the top of my voice I wanted to get out.

    Frustrated I step a bit from the door. “Dammit” I cussed slowly walking over to my bed, thinking of how to get out of here.

    Suddenly the door unlocked, I was about to go off but then I saw it was Darren, he shared me a smile and held a tray with with orange juice and bacon and eggs, he shut the door with his leg and insisted we both sit on the bed.

    I didn’t bother to touch the food or look him in the eye, I just fiddled with my fingers glancing at all corners of the room.

    It was nothing but harsh silence between us.

    “Aren’t you going to eat? ” he asked, I looked down staring at the bacon and eggs almost salivating but I refused to be tempted.
    “I’m not hungry.” I lied, I haven’t eaten anything like food ever since I got kidnapped.

    He could have drugged the food so they can keep asleep and I won’t think of escaping.

    He picked up a bacon and reached it out to me hoping I’d eat it but I didn’t, I just recalled he got shot for my sake I scanned for where he might have been shot he noticed and smiled at me, my cheeks blushed red and instantly u looked away from his gaze.

    “I’ll show you the place I got shot if you eat a bacon…” I looked over to him and he just genuinely smiled at me, he was wearing a blue buttoned up shirt and jeans.
    He reached out the bacon for me to eat and I took a bite slowly chewing on it and probably driven by hunger swiped the rest of the bacon from his grasp and ate the rest.
    I picked another bacon and then the eggs and washed it down with the orange juice, I didn’t drink it all.

    “Did you make this? ” I asked as he shook his head. “Then who did? ” I asked.

    “Haven did…” I almost choked on my drink.

    “Don’t worry he didn’t poison it… ” he chuckled at my reaction. I finished drinking and slammed the glass down to the tray.
    “Show me..” I blurted out almost immediately he feigned being confused but I didn’t buy it.
    “Show you what? ” he asked
    “Don’t play dumb, show me the gunshot wound.” his expression went flat but he still managed to slightly smile, he slowly pulled up his shirt revealing a tiny stitched path, my eyes left the wound and focused on his abbs.

    He didn’t notice but I almost drooled, he looks back at me and I put on a shocked expression to hide my perverted stare.

    “Does it hurt? ” I asked hoping to get all attention away from me, he shook his head.

    “Not anymore..” he said pulling his shirt down and then an awkward silence followed, I focused my gaze on my thigh ignoring his stare even though I felt he was staring at me.

    “Thanks for coming over to give make sure I ate something.” that was the only thing that left my mouth, I wanted to ask him if he changed my clothes because he seem to be the only compassionate one out of everyone.

    I opened my mouth to say something but my brain didn’t let my mouth speak.

    “You’re welcome, it’s kind of nice finally having a girl around that doesn’t sleep around with the guys.” he mentioned and then it hit me.

    “When will you guys let me go? ” I asked, he looked away probably not wanting to answer my question. “Are you guys just going to lock me in this room ?” I questioned as he sighed.

    “It’s not like we have a choice, the Cunningham’s already put a huge bounty on your head, getting exposed is the last thing you want to do, the only way to protect you is to hide you or else you’ll be tracked down.” he slowly broke it down. “So what about my mom? Calvin and Mandy how will I communicate with them? ” I asked, he got up sliding his hands down his pockets.

    “Until everything is calm you can’t communicate with your family, you would be putting them in a higher risk of danger than yourselves.” he said as I nodded, he picked up the tray and his eyes trailed down to my neck he stared for a while, I held on to my necklace and he just chuckled.
    “Who gave you that necklace? ” he asked..

    “Umh my dad gave it to me, why are you asking? ” I muttered under my breath but she shakes his head dismissing the topic.
    “Nothing important It look good on you.” he finally said leaving me alone in the room again.

    The only thing I could do was lay down and stare at the ceiling and map in my mind how to gain everybody’s trust, soon the door was slammed open revealing Erwin.

    “Get up and follow me.” he didn’t wait for me to reply he quickly went out and I quickly followed him as he quietly led me to the living room where the guys were.

    They were busy murmuring to themselves already dressed all of them, Darren got their attention that I was already there.

    “Thanks for coming.” Darren commented.

    “It’s not like I had anywhere to go or I could refuse.” I pointed at the point they locked me.

    “We’re going on a mission we won’t be around for some days or weeks and we can’t lock you in the bedroom without food or water.” Seth explained.

    “Then why can’t I come along? ” I asked.

    “You could barely fight when you were ambushed last night, bringing you along to the mission is a big risk for now, we can’t make that mistake.” Erwin muttered under his breath avoiding eye contact with me.

    “It’s concluded you won’t be locked in anymore, but you still can’t leave this house, there are cctv cameras secretly planted around the house so we would be watching you from Darren’s tablet.” they all got up, Seth walks up to me and tosses me a gun.

    “Incase we don’t come back or we have trouble during the mission and probably someone breaks in here’s a gun, I suppose you’re not naive to use one? ” he mocks while I rolled my eyes at him.

    “I can use a gun dickhead.” I rolled my eyes, he took hold of my chin pushing it up, our eyes locked in could see a spark glimmer across his eyes which later darkened.

    “This is different, this time you actually shoot somebody.” he said like he read my thoughts, he let’s go of my chin but was still close to me.

    “Let’s go Seth we don’t have time.” Haven alerted him as they all picked a bag, they all went out turning their backs against me except Darren who at least told me goodbye.

    They finally left leaving me alone in the house with a gun, I left the gun on the table and checked to see if it was locked, it was so I was left with no other option than to entertain myself for the so called days they were gone.

    They were gone for a few days and a few days turned into week, at least they warned me that they would take long so I wasn’t worried.

    On the other hand I was bored, I wanted to sneak into their bedroom but it was locked except for Seth’s, I went to his bedroom clearly taking a picture with my mind to know where everything was.

    I searched his desk drawer for probably a phone or anything, I checked the first and second and found nothing important until I found my blue dress I wore to Noemie’s wedding.

    It was folded, I took it out confused, what was it doing here.
    Suddenly I cringed and shut the drawer on thinking.

    “Did he change me ??” I muttered to myself.

    It’s impossible, it was Darren that changed me then if Darren changed me what was he doing with the dress.

    I quickly shake my head and left the bedroom and went to the living room, I heard someone unlocking the door, I quickly ran to pick my gun waiting for who was coming in, the door slammed open revealing Seth, I heaved a sigh of relief when he shut and locked the door.

    “Where are the others ?” I asked avoiding all concentration on me, he looked unconcerned and unbothered so he didn’t reply me.
    He just stared at me for a while, he ignores me and leaves me alone in my thoughts.

    “Rude…” I muttered under my breath and sat down on a couch glancing round the living room, I zoned out until someone stepped in front of me I returned back to reality to see Seth with a glare.

    “What were you doing in my room? “

    I was speechless, his hair was messy and his eyes stared into mine, lip ring pitched at the end of his lip, I was stunned and didn’t have a reply at the moment.
    “I know you went into my room, what were you doing there? ” he asked again.

    “I… I… ” I didn’t know how to reply, his shirt was flyed open exposing his torso down to his abbs. “I should be the one mad, I know you changed my outfit that night, I saw my dress in your dresser.” I yelled shifting the blame away from me.

    “So what if I changed you? ” my heart skipped a beat knowing he wasn’t denying it, I wore a bewildered look. “You’re not supposed to touch me.” I yelled.
    “You wanted Darren to be the one to change you instead ? what’s the big deal it’s not like I haven’t seen a pussy before” he smirked, I quickly got up wearing a disgusted look.

    ” Pervert.” I yelled at him about to walk away from him but he pulled me back and tossed me back on the couch.

    “Do you really think I’ll let you go so easily after you went into my room? ” he leaned close to me pulling up my chin.

    “Don’t touch me.” I growled slapping his grip away from me.
    “And what makes you think I can’t? ” he muttered. “The others are watching from the cctv cameras, you can’t touch me.” I hissed under my breath, he smirked wickedly.

    He pushed me down on the couch as his smirk grew thinner, I struggled to get him off me but it was all in vein.

    “The night you helped me, I could have killed you but instead I watched you sleep quietly and somehow you get stuck in my mind like you’re worth knowing? Your smile, your scent and your voice is stuck in my head.” he leaned closer and my heart stopped beating, he stopped loosening his grip on me.

    “You’re right, I can’t touch you but don’t let me find out you were in my room again.” he gets off me, and leaves my heart beating.

    “Dickhead…” I muttered under my breath.

    •••DARREN•••
    Me and Erwin were in a restaurant, we didn’t need to wear our masks since we were done with our missions.

    “I just got a text from Seth, he’s home…” Erwin said but I didn’t pay attention, I was lost.

    “Dude, what are you thinking about? ” he asked.

    “Quinn, something is off about her, she claims she knew nothing about the Cunningham’s but they want her all of a sudden I can’t help but feel there is something different about her.” I said.

    “What? She’s Naive and have no boobs don’t be surprised when you find out she’s still a virgin.” he said.

    “I’m not talking about that ? She’s just different and her necklace I’ve seen it before but that was a long time ago.”

    To be continued

    Next Chapter

  • Audio Boyfriend – Episode 6

    Audio Boyfriend – Episode 6

    AUDIO BOYFRIEND
    Audio Boyfriend – Episode 6

    By Rejoice Jeremiah. C 

    [Previously on Audio Boyfriend]

    “What cloth do I wear now? Am I not even going to take a bathe? What about brushing? And
    What did he mean by there are things that needs to be done on me?”
    I finally picked up a red gown and wore, pulled my feet into a flat shoes, picked up my phone
    and walked out.
    I locked my door and walked over to the car. I opened it and walked into the backseat.
    I can’t sit near this aggressive man.
    He ignited the car and zoomed off.
    “I didn’t take my bathe nor brush either.” I said. I couldn’t hide such things.
    “Don’t worry about that. Everything you need is there for you.” he said.
    I exhaled.

    Sara
    The car pulled into a house I can swear look like a mansion.
    “Get down.” Mr Williams said to me. I opened the door, stepped down from the car and
    closed the door.
    “Follow me.” he said. He is so bossy when he isn’t even the Jasmin!
    I followed behind him as we walked into the house.
    The sitting room look like heaven.
    There was no one in the sitting room.
    He walked over to a landline and made a call.
    “Come downstairs. She’s here.” he said to whoever it was then dropped back the landline.
    “She will be here soon.” he said and with that he headed up the staircase.
    She? Where is Jasmin then?
    I turned around. “Wow, this is the best sitting room I’ve ever seen.” I confessed.
    Soon, I heard footsteps as it headed towards the staircase. I looked up and it’s a lady.
    She must be the ‘she’
    She walked down the staircase and smiled at me.
    “Hello, I’m Min ah, please come with me.” she said.
    I obeyed and followed her as we headed up the beautiful staircase.
    He walked through a corridor and she stopped at a door and opened it. “Come in please.”
    she said and I did.
    It’s a bedroom, very spacious and beautiful. I felt like jumping on the bed immediately.
    “Over there is the bathroom and all that you need for your bathe. Immediately you are done,
    please come downstairs for your breakfast..” she said and turned to leave.
    “Excuse me,” I called and she turned.
    “Yes?” she answered.
    “And after breakfast, what next?” I asked.
    “You will be dressed for the interview. After that, you are going to meet Mr Taylor for a brief
    practice then by eleven o’clock. You both are to leave to SBX for the interview. Please try to
    cone downstairs for breakfast in thirty minutes time.” she said.
    ‘Really?’
    “Can I go now?” She asked.
    “Yes of course,” I said. She turned and walked out, closing the door.
    I sat on the bed and roamed my hands on it.
    “Such a bed.” I said.. “Money is really good.” I exhaled, stood up and walked to the
    bathroom door. I opened the door and walked in.
    “Woah.. Have I ever seen any en-suite as beautiful as this one? No, not at all.”
    There on the towel rail hung a black and pink dots joggers and a pink polo.
    “I’m I to wear that?.. At the other side are two white towels and under wears, a pink pant and
    pink bra.
    Really?
    I walked to the sink and found a new toothbrush in the beaker. I picked it out, removed it out
    from the package, applied paste on it and proceeded to brush my teeth.
    After bathing, I wore the under wears, the joggers and pink polo but where do I keep my
    dress. I dropped my under wears inside the gown, folded the gown and dropped it inside the
    cabinet.
    “Better.” I breathed and walked out. “Ahh this bedroom, I don’t feel like leaving you.” I said
    and with that, I walked out.
    I was already reaching the beginning of the corridor when a heard a music playing inside
    one of the doors.
    I listened carefully until I detected the right door, my curiosity took over me and I walked
    over, grabbed the doorknob and tried opening the door. It opened.
    I opened the door a bit, making sure it doesn’t make a sound.
    I peeped in and my eyes almost popped out of it’s socket when I saw Jasmin shirtless,
    wearing only a tracksuit trouser.
    He was facing a wall mirror dancing, shirtless.
    I swallowed at the perfect body I was seeing.
    He dances really great.
    “If you keep standing there, then we will be late for the interview.” he said.
    I gasped.
    Jeeezzz.. He saw me.
    It must be from the mirror. Argh I didn’t even think of that.
    I was about closing the door when I heard a crash sound. It sounded like a fall.
    Jasmin!
    I opened the door and he was on the floor, holding his leg.
    “Ahh!” He groaned.
    I rushed to him and knelt beside him.
    “Are you okay?”
    “Go.” he said.
    “Does it hurt bad, can you stand up?” I asked, placing my hand on his right ankle. He
    removed it.
    “Just go and get ready for the interview. I’m fine.” he said.
    “But you are-” he cut me short. “Go! Leave here now!” he half yelled.
    “Okay, I will.” I said, stood up and walked to the door.
    I stood at the door and watched him stand up, limp to the stereo and restart the music.
    He began dancing again but fell and groaned.
    “Don’t come in!” he warned immediately even before I could take a step.
    There’s only one thing to do. I rushed downstairs to call Mr Williams or Min ah.
    I got downstairs and there was Min ah.
    “Excuse me Minah.” I said.
    She turned. “You took quite a time. Come have a seat at the dinning.” she said.
    “No no, where is Mr Williams.. Jasmin, i mean, Mr Jasmin just had an ankle dislocation while
    dancing.” I said.
    “My goodness!” she exclaimed and rushed to the landline. She made a call to Mr Williams
    who I’m certain is upstairs.
    “Please stay right back, have your breakfast and I’ll be back shortly.” she said and hurried up
    the stairs.
    “I can’t stay back,” I said and hurried behind her.
    We got there and found Mr Williams already with him and helping him up.
    “Are you okay sir?” Min ah said hurrying towards them.
    Jasmin lifted his face and our eyes met.
    “Min ah, go prepare her for the interview. I will take care of this.” Mr Williams said.
    “Okay sir.” Min ah said and came back. “Come with me.” she said. I took a last look at
    Jasmin limping with Mr Williams holding him.
    I sighed and walked away with Min ah.
    “This can’t happen to him, he have a show in three days time.” min ah said.
    I sighed.
    “I hope he is fine before today ends. I wonder how he’s going to go to the interview with
    limping leg. I’m sure he will be questioned about his coming show. If he’s gonna make it with
    a leg injury.” she said.
    “I believe he will make it.” I said.
    We got downstairs and she took out a seat for me. “Please get a seat and have your
    breakfast. A lady will come soon to dress you up.” she said.
    I sat down and picked the fork then dropped it. “I don’t have the appetite to eat,” I said.

    Elizabeth
    My sister and I got to Saara’s collection and walked up the stairs to the shop.
    “I’m certain that it’s here.” Sister said. We got to the shop and entered.
    We saw a lady who in no way looked like the lady I met at Love Hospital.
    She stood up from the seat and walked to us.
    “Hello, welcome to Saara collection. My nane is Han ah. What dress do you feel more
    comfortable with?”
    My sister cleared her throat. “Actually, we are here to see Park Sara.” I said.
    She scratched her hair. “Uhmm.. Well, she’s not in right now. You should come back in the
    evening or tomorrow.” she said.
    “Really, can I know where she went to?” Sister asked.
    “Uhmm, It is something private.” She said.
    “Oh really.” Sister said and turned to me. “..what if she went to Jasmin’s house? I’m thinking
    it is.” Sister said.
    “Really?” I asked.
    Sister turned to Ha nah. “Tell us the truth, did she went to Jasmin. Did they go out together?”
    Ha nah rubbed her neck, “Actually, yes.”
    “What!” Sister asked and fell to the floor and began crying.
    “What’s wrong? What’s the problem?” Ha nah asked.
    “I think you should just leave her to cry. She’s trying to get over a heart ache.” I said.
    “Heart ache, how?” Ha nah asked.
    “Her crush is dating someone else not her.” I said.
    “Oh my Jasmin.. Why did you do this to me. I’m really going to kill myself. I’ve loved you all
    this years. Why didn’t you see me. Why did it have to be her!” Sister cried.
    I squatted and patted her back. “It’s okay sister. It’s okay.”
    If she finds out that I’m the reason why all this happened. She’s really going to kill me.

    [Jasmin’s Residence]
    Jasmin
    “It’s all done. I’m certain you can move little by little now..
    Make sure you take your drugs and massage the ankle with a hot water each morning and
    night. This effect, I believe would work before Wednesday.” The doctor said.
    “Thank you doctor.” Williams said to him.
    “Now, I think I will take my leave. Bye.” he said and with that, he packed up his tools and
    walked out.
    I looked at the wall clock.
    “I need to dress up, it’s 10:05am. Help me up.” I said to Williams who stepped forward and
    helped me out of my bed.. He tried helping me to the bathroom too.
    “No, I can go myself.” I said.
    “Are you sure?” he asked.
    “Yes.” I said. He let go off me and I limp, ignoring the pain as I made my way into the ensuite
    to take my bathe.
    ‘That girl, Sara. Why did I yell at her? Didn’t I want her as my girlfriend?
    I don’t think I should have shouted at her.
    I couldn’t help it, I was embarrassed that she saw me miss step and fell and worse got a
    dislocation.
    [Written by, Rejoice Jeremiah✅]
    Sara
    After all the dressing and makeups on me, I finally was able to get up.
    I looked at the mirror and couldn’t remember myself again.
    I swear, I turned out really beautiful.
    I looked a different person.
    Do I really need all this makeup and expensive dressing to appear like a superstar girlfriend.
    The jewelries are too heavy too.
    I can’t wait to pull them off. Now I understand, I’m a designer but I hate unnecessary
    dressing on myself.
    Min ah walked in.
    “Hello Miss Park Sara. Come with me, Mr Taylor is waiting.” she said
    Somehow, it sounded like a bride being taken to her groom.
    Nevertheless, I followed behind her, trying to keep myself from falling. The heels are too
    high.
    Soon we got to a balcony with three sofas and a table. Jasmin sat on one and Mr Williams
    on one.
    Two papers lay on the table.
    My eyes went to Jasmin’s leg and saw it was bandaged and fixed into what would help him
    in walking a little.
    His trouser was rolled up, causing me to see all that.
    “Here she is sir.” Min ah said and they looked up at me.
    Jasmin
    When I looked up, and saw Sara, I thought it was an angel suddenly standing before me.
    She looked really beautiful.
    I couldn’t help but love the way her hair was styled and the way her curves appeared in this
    dress.
    She looked amazing.
    I cleared my throat “Get a seat.” I said.
    She slowly sat down on the third sofa.
    Min ah bowed and left.
    “Here is your paper, in there is the questions they are likely to ask you. Make sure you
    answer them without making a mistake.” I warned.
    She went through it and looked at me. “Can I see yours” she asked.
    I pushed mine to her and she grabbed it and went through it. then gave it back to me.
    “Okay, I get.” she said.
    “We are going to do a little practice, is that clear to you?” I asked.
    “Practice? Okay.” she said.

    (The interview at SBX)
    Sara
    “Welcome Jasmin Taylor. I am Maya.” The female TV presenter said.
    “And I’m J.J. We are so excited to have you in this show today Jasmin. Welcome,” the male,
    said.
    “Thank you.” Jasmin said.
    “Woah, your girlfriend look extremely beautiful.” Maya said.
    We glanced at each other and he looked away immediately and faked a smile.
    “Ohh yeah, she is.” he said.
    Awwwn…
    “From the way you walked in and the bandage on your right leg, it appear that you had an
    injury.” Maya asked him.
    “Yes, I did.” he said.
    “Oh my, so sorry about that. What really caused it, we would like to know.” May said.
    Jasmin hesitated. It seems he didn’t want to answer the question.
    “Actually I-“
    I interrupted. “He slipped in the bathroom.” I said.
    He looked at me with wide astonished eyes.. Or maybe an upset eyes of -Why-did-you-lie!
    Whatever, I’m certain that slipping in the bathroom would be better than saying what really
    happened.
    “Oh my.. How could that happen when you have a show in three days time at MTB.” J.J said
    turning his expression to a pitiful one for Jasmin.
    “That’s right. Do you think you can be able to make it to the show?” Maya asked.
    “I will,” he said.
    I smiled… I believe that.
    “Wow..” Maya said and turned to the multiple cameras.
    “Alright, you are watching SBX stars interview. Today on the show, we have our very hot
    Thailand superstar, Jasmin Taylor who just came back to his country after fifteen years.
    Woah! And with him here, is his girlfriend, Sara. They look soo great together. And we have
    a lot of questions for them, and I hope you enjoy watching today’s show.” She finished and
    turned back to us.
    “Okay, Jasmin.. On an interview with The STARS MAG three years ago, you said you were
    going to visit south Korean soon. And now, you did and in just few days, you proposed to
    Sara. Does it mean, you had her in mind and she is part of the reason why you visited south
    Korea?” Maya asked him.
    We glanced at eachother and looked away.
    “Yes she is.” he said.
    “Can you tell us a little more about it?” J.J asked.
    “There’s nothing much to know about us anymore since everyone had heard about our
    friendship right from when we were kids. Her mother was our cook then so this made us to be close to each other. Then my mom and I relocated to Thailand but I never forgot Sara. All
    I wanted was to succeed and come back for her and I’m glad she waited for me.” he said.
    “Woahh. This is really awesome. Can you get more closer to each other. I’d want to see you
    both very close. It look amazing.” Maya said.
    Huh? We looked at each other.
    He gave me a sign of -Just-do-it-you-are-the-reason-for-this.’
    What?
    He pulled me closer with his arm around my neck.
    It felt amazing. I didn’t want him to take him arm off.
    “Woahhh you both look so perfect together.” Maya said.
    “Sara, can we know what you love most about Jasmin?” J.J asked.
    I remembered the paper.
    «If you are asked what you like about me; say. “I like everything about him but what I like
    most is his charisma and his honesty when’s around me. Right from 5years, Jasmin has
    always been sincere to me.»
    “I like everything about him but what I like most is his charisma and his honesty when’s
    around me. Right from 5years, Jasmin has always been sincere to me. I really love him for
    that.” I said.
    “Woahhh!” they exclaimed.
    Jasmin glanced at me with eyes like -you-said-it-well.
    “What about his personality and his work. Do you have any little problem about dating a
    superstar?” Maya asked.
    “No, I don’t. Right from when Jasmin was little, he had always looked handsome and loved
    music and dance. It always cross my mind that he’ll become someone everyone would talk
    about in the future.” I said.
    We looked at each other and I smiled.
    Don’t blame me Jasmin, I’ve fallen for you.
    “Wowww.. Jasmin, it seem you never had a girlfriend, right?” J.J asked.
    “Yes, She’s my first girlfriend” Jasmin answered.
    What! Is he saying the truth?
    “Was she..your first kiss?” J.J asked.
    He looked at me.
    Huh? Why’s he looking at me that way?
    He is leaning closer, why?
    Jasmin what are you doing?
    No no no don’t come close.
    Before I could hid my face, he kissed me.. On my lips.
    I felt like I was in a dream.. No, this can’t be reality.
    Jasmin is kissing me.
    How could he!
    He pulled away and looking into my eyes, he said. “Yes. She was.” he said.

    TBC
    Wetin we go call this trouble biko?

  • Only You – Chapter Seven

    Only You – Chapter Seven

    ONLY YOU
    Only You – Chapter Seven

    By Kim Lina
    _________________________
    Warning
    Trigger/Content warning : may contain vulgar language , matured and sensual scene and scence related to gore.
    .
    This book is clearly a figment of my imagination and a work of fiction any resemblance of place, name dead or alive is highly conincidental.
    _______________________

    •••QUINN•••
    “What do you know about the Cunningham’s ?” Haven slammed his hands down glaring at me, he has toothpaste white hair and grey eyes and a chiseled jawline.

    Darren leaned against the frames of the door studying my figure I just stayed still and remained numb.

    I was in a room it was painted black with only a light beaming in the middle of the room.

    “Why won’t you say anything, we can kill you if you don’t give us answers.” he blabbed while I rolled my eyes.

    “Then kill me already at least it’s better than inhaling your terrible breath, take a mint or mouth wash before you fucking yell at me for three hours straight.” I smirked while he sniffed out his breath and backed away.

    He walked over to Darren whispering something but I couldn’t hear anything, he left the room leaving me and Darren alone, I put my head down avoiding eye contact with him.
    He took a chair and sat facing me with a calm look.

    “Hi..” he started off I slowly put my head back up to look at him, his eyes stared into mine.

    I nodded as a reply. “I’m Darren.” he introduced. “I know.” I replied looking back and forth in the room looking for anything like an air vent or window, it was just a dark room with a door.

    The door was my only escape.

    “Good, want to tell me yours? ” he asked.

    “You already know who I am, there’s no need for introductions.” I mummered while he giggled. “You’re sharp and diligent I like you.” he smiled and broke into a chuckle, my cheeks heat but but my face went calm when I convinced myself I’m in this position because of him.
    “That girl at the back, why did you help her? It’s strange you’ll put a stranger first before your self.” he muttered. “Because it’s the right thing to do and I’m supposed to help people and protect them as a police officer it’s my job.” I said.
    “It’s kind of Naive don’t you think? ” he commented.

    “Who the fuck do you think you are to judge? You used an innocent child for your own gain, what you call Naive is the right thing to do, you won’t understand because you fucking kill people like they’re toys.” I mummered he smiled and nodded. “I don’t kill people, believe me or not I don’t fancy picking a gun the others can.” he said.

    “And I should believe you? “

    “I don’t need to make you believe me, look you don’t want to be here but the Cunningham’s requested for you, the only reason we have you is because you know something.” he muttered like a crazy person.

    “I don’t know what you guys are talking about I don’t know the Cunningham until now when you kidnapped me and handcuffed me here to my own will, I don’t know anything.” I voiced out Darren looked at me with a warm expression.

    “Quinn, we will protect you if you think the Cunningham will come after you because of something you know we can help you.” he said.

    “I don’t know anything, I don’t need your help, I want to be free and be back with my mom and friends and I’ll never result to working with criminals.” my tongue clicked the inside of my mouth, Darren just nodded and traced his eyes down to my neck.

    “You have a pretty necklace.” he commented getting up from his seat. I didn’t reply to him, I just watched him walk out scanning my surrounding.

    I was tied down to the chair and being handcuffed didn’t help at all, I looked round the place, Iooked thoroughly at the door.

    I looked back for anything like a
    CCTV camera but I didn’t see any.
    I struggled to loosen out of the handcuffs, this wasn’t my first time being handcuffed though I didn’t have anything to break them so I struggle to loosen it and still it didn’t have a single impact, the next thing I fell my back against the floor, the chair made a loud thud I ignored and wiggled myself slowly out of the ropes.
    I got up with a frown as my back hurts as hell, I head to the door to unlock the door knob still handcuffed.

    As if luck was on my side it wasn’t locked.

    I quickly slammed the door open and walked out to see myself in a narrow corridor with other doors, when they brought me here I was blindfolded.

    I shut the door behind me thinking of where to run to, left or right.

    I heaved a deep breath to convince myself I’m calm even though my heart was beating like hell.

    I took the left quietly running down the corridor and took another turn until I heard indistinct chatter coming from the end I slowly backed up, trying out a door which was locked and then another which was locked too, the chain of my handcuffs got tangled with the door knob.

    “Seriously..” I whispered I could hear my heart pounding and almost at my throat.

    Successfully I unhooked from the door knob and tried another one which unlocked quickly, I shut it behind me to heaving a deep breath.

    The indistinct chatter got audible, I bit my lip in tension as a few voices mummered.

    “Erwin and Seth are back.” I heard Darren mummered. “Maybe Seth can explain this nonsense of keeping her, she clearly doesn’t know anything or have anything to do with the Cunningham’s I’m suspecting she means something to Seth.” he continued as they passed while my back leaned against the door.

    “She’s a trained police officer she’s trained to act in situations like this, she must have been working with the Cunningham’s and owed them something I don’t believe her…” Haven said as they both walked past, my heart was pounding.

    I caught my breath like I planned on running a marathon.

    I didn’t know where I was the room I was in was dark my vision couldn’t uncover what room was this, I got up pressing my palms against the door until I felt the light switch, I switched it on to see a bedroom, it had a king size bed, a shelf with a few books and a mask by a desk drawer and a huge closet and a camera which also laid by the desk drawer.

    There was also a mirror, I walked over to it to see my dark brown hair a mess and I looked pale and bags were under my eyes.

    This is Darren’s room, it’s so neat and huge, my bedroom growing up wasn’t even big as this, maybe Noemie’s bedroom was but I never stepped foot in her bedroom.

    There had to be some kind of key here or a chain saw.

    I walked towards the other end of the room to the closet which was another separate room on its own it wasn’t too big though.

    I left the closest sitting on the bed thinking of an escape plan, Darren looks like the calm one I could play the sympathy card and pretend as if I know the Cunningham’s plan in exchange for my freedom.

    My mind bounced back to reality when I heard the knob of the door turn, my heart skipped a beat, I looked round thinking of where to hide.

    I looked down under the bed and quickly crawled under to hide, I sneaked in as the door slammed open.

    A black shoe stomped slowly in, it was quiet the lights were switched off and then on again, I heard the door shut and the figure sitting down on the bed and sighed.

    A knock came on the door, it quickly got up and went to the door. “She’s not in her room anymore.” I heard Darren’s voice, my eyes widened in shock if this isn’t Darren’s room then it’s someone else. “Shut everything on lockdown, bring her back alive.” I heard Seth’s voice I couldn’t be anymore shaking.

    “What’s so important about this girl Seth, we interrogated her she knows nothing we should give her to the Cunningham’s.” Darren suggested. “Just do what you’re ordered.” he said slamming the door shut against Darren.

    I just laid there quiet thinking of a plan, I heard him walk into somewhere and something like water dropping.

    He was taking a shower.

    I heard him stomp back and then back into the bathroom and without thinking I came out of the bed and tried to unlock the door but it was locked.

    I felt my intestine literally kicked my stomach when I heard a deep husky voice. “What a coincidence to find you in my bedroom.” I didn’t bother to face him I had my back turned for reasons, he could be naked.

    “Turn around.” he ordered dominantly I shook my head sideways in fear, I was more afraid to look him in the eyes.
    “How did you know I’m here? ” I asked.

    “Your scent..” he replied, I still didn’t turn to face him. “No one enters my room and I clearly remember switching the lights of my room before I went out, also the bed was a bit lumpy than usual.” he stated and I completely turned to see him with a white shirt and black jeans and with a key.

    “You were bleeding and bruised that night, was that a plan to know where I lived or something, why didn’t you kidnap me or kill me then you would have saved me a lot of shit.” I mummered.

    He walked up to me and unlocked my handcuffs, I looked back at him he leaned closer planting his lips at the dept of my earlobe. “And to return the favor, you have five minutes to get out of here if you can escape I won’t come after you but if you can’t forget ever leaving, goodluck.” he muttered lowly under his breath and goes to the door and unlocks it.

    I was stunned, it could be a trap but he was letting me go but again it could be a trap, I stood confused and paranoid on what to do.

    He stared at me in bewilderment but smirked to hide it. “You have four minutes and counting.” I slowly walked to the door and shot him one last look before I ran out of there.

    I kept taking turns but got confused, until I held it together and came out to the living room.
    “Stop or I’ll shoot you.” I turned to see Erwin, he held a gun at me, I knew it was a trap.

    Haven, Darren and Seth came out, I looked round as the gang was complete.

    “I knew this was a trap.” I muttered, Seth wanted to speak up. “I’m tired of being your prisoner, your toy just fucking kill me already why are you keeping me, what did I do to you, if I knew who you were then I should have let you to die.” I yelled at Seth as all eyes focused on him.

    “What is she talking about Seth? Do you know her? ” Darren asked.
    Seth looked me back in the eyes, he nodded.

    “She saw me without my mask.” they all looked at me furious. “If she knows your identity we can’t let her leak it to the Cunningham’s.” Erwin said clocking his gun and pushed me forward ready to shoot.

    “Erwin don’t..” Darren yelled but too late he shot, my eyes were shut I was afraid to open them, but I didn’t feel a single sting, I opened my eyes to see Darren stumbling to his knees.

    Erwin dropped his gun short of words as Haven and Seth ran up to him.

    “What the fuck Erwin? ” Haven yelled, I looked round to see the exit, everyone was busy involved in Darren’s shot, to notice me.
    Without looking back I leaped into my only hope for freedom and took sneaked out to the only exit in the room.

    To be continued

    Next Chapter

  • Ikenga- Episode 5

    Ikenga- Episode 5

    IKENGA
    Ikenga- Episode 5

    Theme: (The Demon I Saw)

    By Praise Chidera Obiora 



    A flash of lightning followed almost immediately, causing thick darkness. The eyes of the tiny
    scorpions flashed like lighted touches running in my direction. I turned and ran as fast as I could. I
    searched with my eyes for the nearest tree I could climb. I turned to my left and sighted the Kola
    nut tree I had passed earlier on. My only hope of survival depended on that tree. It was the only
    hiding place I had.
    Six tiny scorpions which had successfully climbed my cloths, landed random stings on my back
    and ears. I shouted in terror and winced in great pain. With my hands, I dusted them off my cloths
    and increased my steps faster towards the Kola nut tree.
    I was running and panting in great fear. I ran like a man chased by ten lions. The fearful sight of
    the scorpions had increased my adrenaline. My legs quickened as I ran like a horse.
    Little had I gotten to the tree when I lifted my legs and jumped like an aragutan on one of the
    branches of Kola nut tree.
    The branch I had stepped foot on, made a creaking sound. I grabbed on to another which was
    above my head and held on to it. I watched from above as the tiny scorpions lifted their tails and
    clasped their hungry claws in disappointment.
    I felt their rage. The creaking sound from their incessant clasping of their claws, sounded like the
    raining of Ice blocks on a metal zinc. I used the palm of my hands to close my both ears as the
    noice became louder. I tried to find a perfect branch to place my both legs, while I kept a stern eye
    on the hungry creatures.
    With the way I stared at them, it felt to me like I could see every single one of them. They didn’t
    make an attempt to climb the tree. I really did not know if they could even climb the tree.
    It felt like the gathering of soldiers. They had surrounded the whole tree and made the floor look
    like a carpet of scorpions.
    I heaved a sigh and sat down on one of the thick branches. Immediately, I remembered the tree
    with the seven headed snakes. I remembered how it had slowly turned soft while I leaned on it. I
    used my hands to feel the kola nut tree just to make sure it was still hard and was not turning into
    yet another snake.
    In my heart, I silently prayed that the tree remained as it were. I prayed that it was just an ordinary
    kolanut tree, and not another trap set by the gods.
    “Let all this be a dream. Let me be dreaming.” I prayed as I looked down at the creatures.
    I lifted my eyes to find the biggest of them all- it was the first tiny scorpion I had seen- the very
    first scorpion that had grown into a giant scorpion.
    It seemed to have been the mother of all the other tiny scorpions that surrounded the tree. This
    creature was two times bigger than the kolanut tree l was resting on.
    My fear arose again. I watched keenly as it approached slowly. It looked like one which was not in
    a hurry to hunt me. It walked like a king and didn’t run like the rest of the other scorpions.
    Aside the red set of tongue in the claws of this creature, I saw the tail erupt with hot fire that shined
    from the distance. It had horns which was planted at its jaws like an elephant. I saw its its eyes shine brighter than the tiny scorpions. It approached the tree and stood still. I noticed its ten giant
    legs stand firm like that of an iroko tree.
    It sniffed with its nose like a woman who had received red roses from her husband. I felt its breath
    blow the leaves of the kolanut tree. The creature sneezed and the tiny scorpions scampered
    behind it in fear. The tree bent backwards and my hands slipped of the branch I was holding on to.
    I screamed and quickly grabbed on to another branch. This time, I held it tightly with my both
    hands. The giant scorpion sneezed a second time causing the tree to curve backwards once
    more.
    Just like an explosion of gunpowder, a loud sound reverbrated in my ears. I turned towards the
    creature to find its body crashed to the floor, with its ten legs widely spread open. The creature
    seemed to have fallen asleep or probably collapsed.
    Its fall raised dust which filled the air like smoke. The clouds covering the bright sun melted, giving
    way to the bright sun. The thick darkeness disappeared instantly. The sun flashed its light upon
    my face. The tiny scorpions had mysteriously disappeared with the dust.
    I watched with my both eyes as the fire from the tail of the giant scorpion, spread and consumed
    its own body. The giant scorpion turned into ashes and was blown away into thin air.
    I jumped down from the Kola nut tree happily. On the floor, I could see kolanuts which had fallen
    down from the tree during the giant sneeze of the creature. I bent down and picked just a single
    piece of Kolanut.
    “You must be a lucky child. You are very lucky to have escaped the Second demon sent to you.”
    Amara voice echoed in my ears.
    I quickly buried the kolanuts in my pockets and turned in search of her.
    “Where are you? Why can’t I see your face any more? Why are you hiding from me?” I asked.
    Amara let out a great laugh.
    “Ikengaaa… Only those who eat the sweet red Igbuala mango are capable of seeing what the
    gods see. The powers from the Igbuala mangoes are fading off from your eyes Ikenga.”
    “What do you mean by that?”
    “You threw away your mangoes Ikenga. Without the red Igbuala mangoes, you will not be able to
    see me. And that means you will not be able to see the five demons that await you. Poor Ikenga,
    you shall die a miserable death now.”
    “But my grandmother never mentioned anything about the powers from the Igbula mangoes fading
    off. Why did mine fade off. Why didn’t Ijeoma eyes not fade off when she ate hers.”
    “You mean the god mother of beauty?”
    “Yes.”
    “My mother Ijeoma had been feeding on the red Igbuala mangoes for a very long time Ikenga. She
    slowly metamorphosed into a god after consuming so many red Igbuala mangoes in nine months.”
    “In your own case, this is the first time of you eating the Igbuala mangoes. You shall only be able
    to see two set of demons per mango.”
    I quickly thought about the three red Igbuala mangoes I had thrown in the bush. I calculated
    carefully. The three red Igbuala mangoes were enough for me to see the five demons that awaited
    me.
    Ijeoma was right. Without the red Igbuala mangoes, I stood no chance. I was going to look like a
    blind warrior going to war with men who can see clearly with both eyes. I was actually going to die
    a miserable death.
    I quickly turned and ran back. I was heading for the three mangoes. I was heading back to pick the
    only thing that guaranteed my spiritual eyes to see the demons.
    As I ran fast like a wounded lion, I prayed fervently in my heart that the mangoes were still going to
    be there by the time I arrive.
    To be continued….

  • Ikenga- Episode 5

    Ikenga- Episode 5

    IKENGA
    Ikenga- Episode 5

    Theme: (The Demon I Saw)

    By Praise Chidera Obiora 



    A flash of lightning followed almost immediately, causing thick darkness. The eyes of the tiny
    scorpions flashed like lighted touches running in my direction. I turned and ran as fast as I could. I
    searched with my eyes for the nearest tree I could climb. I turned to my left and sighted the Kola
    nut tree I had passed earlier on. My only hope of survival depended on that tree. It was the only
    hiding place I had.
    Six tiny scorpions which had successfully climbed my cloths, landed random stings on my back
    and ears. I shouted in terror and winced in great pain. With my hands, I dusted them off my cloths
    and increased my steps faster towards the Kola nut tree.
    I was running and panting in great fear. I ran like a man chased by ten lions. The fearful sight of
    the scorpions had increased my adrenaline. My legs quickened as I ran like a horse.
    Little had I gotten to the tree when I lifted my legs and jumped like an aragutan on one of the
    branches of Kola nut tree.
    The branch I had stepped foot on, made a creaking sound. I grabbed on to another which was
    above my head and held on to it. I watched from above as the tiny scorpions lifted their tails and
    clasped their hungry claws in disappointment.
    I felt their rage. The creaking sound from their incessant clasping of their claws, sounded like the
    raining of Ice blocks on a metal zinc. I used the palm of my hands to close my both ears as the
    noice became louder. I tried to find a perfect branch to place my both legs, while I kept a stern eye
    on the hungry creatures.
    With the way I stared at them, it felt to me like I could see every single one of them. They didn’t
    make an attempt to climb the tree. I really did not know if they could even climb the tree.
    It felt like the gathering of soldiers. They had surrounded the whole tree and made the floor look
    like a carpet of scorpions.
    I heaved a sigh and sat down on one of the thick branches. Immediately, I remembered the tree
    with the seven headed snakes. I remembered how it had slowly turned soft while I leaned on it. I
    used my hands to feel the kola nut tree just to make sure it was still hard and was not turning into
    yet another snake.
    In my heart, I silently prayed that the tree remained as it were. I prayed that it was just an ordinary
    kolanut tree, and not another trap set by the gods.
    “Let all this be a dream. Let me be dreaming.” I prayed as I looked down at the creatures.
    I lifted my eyes to find the biggest of them all- it was the first tiny scorpion I had seen- the very
    first scorpion that had grown into a giant scorpion.
    It seemed to have been the mother of all the other tiny scorpions that surrounded the tree. This
    creature was two times bigger than the kolanut tree l was resting on.
    My fear arose again. I watched keenly as it approached slowly. It looked like one which was not in
    a hurry to hunt me. It walked like a king and didn’t run like the rest of the other scorpions.
    Aside the red set of tongue in the claws of this creature, I saw the tail erupt with hot fire that shined
    from the distance. It had horns which was planted at its jaws like an elephant. I saw its its eyes shine brighter than the tiny scorpions. It approached the tree and stood still. I noticed its ten giant
    legs stand firm like that of an iroko tree.
    It sniffed with its nose like a woman who had received red roses from her husband. I felt its breath
    blow the leaves of the kolanut tree. The creature sneezed and the tiny scorpions scampered
    behind it in fear. The tree bent backwards and my hands slipped of the branch I was holding on to.
    I screamed and quickly grabbed on to another branch. This time, I held it tightly with my both
    hands. The giant scorpion sneezed a second time causing the tree to curve backwards once
    more.
    Just like an explosion of gunpowder, a loud sound reverbrated in my ears. I turned towards the
    creature to find its body crashed to the floor, with its ten legs widely spread open. The creature
    seemed to have fallen asleep or probably collapsed.
    Its fall raised dust which filled the air like smoke. The clouds covering the bright sun melted, giving
    way to the bright sun. The thick darkeness disappeared instantly. The sun flashed its light upon
    my face. The tiny scorpions had mysteriously disappeared with the dust.
    I watched with my both eyes as the fire from the tail of the giant scorpion, spread and consumed
    its own body. The giant scorpion turned into ashes and was blown away into thin air.
    I jumped down from the Kola nut tree happily. On the floor, I could see kolanuts which had fallen
    down from the tree during the giant sneeze of the creature. I bent down and picked just a single
    piece of Kolanut.
    “You must be a lucky child. You are very lucky to have escaped the Second demon sent to you.”
    Amara voice echoed in my ears.
    I quickly buried the kolanuts in my pockets and turned in search of her.
    “Where are you? Why can’t I see your face any more? Why are you hiding from me?” I asked.
    Amara let out a great laugh.
    “Ikengaaa… Only those who eat the sweet red Igbuala mango are capable of seeing what the
    gods see. The powers from the Igbuala mangoes are fading off from your eyes Ikenga.”
    “What do you mean by that?”
    “You threw away your mangoes Ikenga. Without the red Igbuala mangoes, you will not be able to
    see me. And that means you will not be able to see the five demons that await you. Poor Ikenga,
    you shall die a miserable death now.”
    “But my grandmother never mentioned anything about the powers from the Igbula mangoes fading
    off. Why did mine fade off. Why didn’t Ijeoma eyes not fade off when she ate hers.”
    “You mean the god mother of beauty?”
    “Yes.”
    “My mother Ijeoma had been feeding on the red Igbuala mangoes for a very long time Ikenga. She
    slowly metamorphosed into a god after consuming so many red Igbuala mangoes in nine months.”
    “In your own case, this is the first time of you eating the Igbuala mangoes. You shall only be able
    to see two set of demons per mango.”
    I quickly thought about the three red Igbuala mangoes I had thrown in the bush. I calculated
    carefully. The three red Igbuala mangoes were enough for me to see the five demons that awaited
    me.
    Ijeoma was right. Without the red Igbuala mangoes, I stood no chance. I was going to look like a
    blind warrior going to war with men who can see clearly with both eyes. I was actually going to die
    a miserable death.
    I quickly turned and ran back. I was heading for the three mangoes. I was heading back to pick the
    only thing that guaranteed my spiritual eyes to see the demons.
    As I ran fast like a wounded lion, I prayed fervently in my heart that the mangoes were still going to
    be there by the time I arrive.
    To be continued….

  • Audio Boyfriend – Episode 4

    Audio Boyfriend – Episode 4

    AUDIO BOYFRIEND
    Audio Boyfriend – Episode 4

    By Rejoice Jeremiah. C 


    [Previously on Audio Boyfriend]
    “N noo, you can’t do that.” Ha nah said.
    “I have to. I guess you know who I am and who my boss would be already. You should be  lucky he didn’t decide to bring the police with him. Now, if you would excuse me, I would search every nook and cranny.” he said.
     You can’t.”
    I have to do this. I have to do this.
    I inhaled, then exhaled.
    Yes, alright Sara. It’s time. It’s time.
    One, two, three!
    I came out of my hiding.
    “Here I am, I’m Sara.” I said, facing the man in suit.

    Sara

    The man slide his hands into his trouser pocket.
    “I’d make a great detective, what do you think?” he asked.
    “Huh?” I said.
    His face look deadly.
    “Hello, Park Sara. My name is Williams and outside, in the car is my boss by the name Mr
    Jasmin Taylor. I don’t need to go further, now come with me. He wants to speak with you.”
    he said.
    “Ar are you with the police?” I asked.
    “I wish I did. Now come on. You don’t keep him waiting.” he said.
    “I will go, I will go.. Don’t call the police.” I said.
    “I have no idea you can be afraid of the police.” he said as we headed out.
    Ha nah was standing behind her working machines, almost in tears for me.
    “Sara,” she called. “be careful.”
    “I will. Please take care of the shop if anything happens to me.” I said.
    She rushed to me. “Here, your phone.” she said.
    I took it. “Thanks. Don’t worry, he just want to speak with me.” I said.
    “I’m really scared.” she said.
    “I’m more, so please be strong.” I said.
    “Get going please,” Williams said.
    “Of course I am.” I said and walked out.
    My eyes were fixed on the car as we walked down the staircase. My heart beating loudly that
    I fear the man behind me could hear it.
    I placed my hands on My chest trying to calm myself down.
    ‘Relax Sara. You can do this.’ I told myself.
    We finally got to the car even though I tried relaxing, my heart still beated fast and so loud
    and I was scared, nervous and at the point of going unconscious. I think I suddenly fell ill.
    Williams opened the back door and I saw him sitting comfortably on the backseat.
    I moved back as my heart flew.. I felt nausea, I feel like my eyes were turning. I felt weak
    and not able to move again.
    “Get in.” Williams said.
    Then I think I passed out, cos everything became blank.

    Jasmin

    From the car window, I watched as the girl walked down the stair with Williams behind her.
    It’s really her?
    Why do she look this pretty…
    She seem quite scared. Of course she should. I could arrest her this minute and pay dearly
    for messing with my name.
    But I’m holding back and I don’t know why.
    No I do, the tears in her eyes on those pictures. I can’t help but wonder why she was in tears
    and why someone in tears had to do something like that few days later.’
    She finally got to the car and I could say she is beautiful.
    She look so scared and her face appear so innocent. She doesn’t look like someone who
    can do such a thing.
    Williams opened the door. She stepped back, shaking. I could see her lips shaking like she
    is covered in snow.
    “Get in.” Williams said, but then she scared the hell outta me – she fainted.
    “Oh my.. What? This lady is really a drama queen!” Williams said, bent down and began
    shaking her.
    “Sara! Sara! Stop being a con artist and get up!”
    I tried getting out but William halted me. “Don’t come out J, people are coming. I will know
    what to do with her.” he said.
    “She’s unconscious. She isn’t pretending.” I said, got out and knelt beside her.
    I can few people coming and a girl running down the staircase too.
    “Shift Williams, let me try something.” I said.
    “What?”
    “Just move back,” I said and he did.
    I placed my two hands on her chest, and pushed. ‘One! two! three! Four!’
    I leaned, opened her mouth, and passed air into her mouth with my mouth.

    Ha nah

    Reaching downstairs, i halted at the scene before me.
    Jesus! What I’m I seeing?
    Jasmin trying to save Sara!
    Oh my God! we are in more trouble!
    People are taking pictures and videos already.
    Williams is standing transfixed.
    We are in for more trouble.

    Jasmin

    One, two, three four! I pushed again and passed air into her mouth and at the third push, she
    opened her eyes and seeing me, her eyes went wide open.
    Oh my God.. He just saved his girlfriend.
    I can’t believe this. This is more than amazing.
    Wowww
    Wonderful… This got me smiling so wide
    Aww she is so lucky
    Jasmin taylor saved his girlfriend who collapsed
    This is sweet.
    “Huh? What..why are you close to to me?” she asked with a scared eyes. The crowd couldn’t
    hear her since everywhere went noisy.
    “Are you okay?” I asked.
    “I..I I’m fine but-“
    “You fainted so I had to do the common life saving method. Are you sure you are okay
    now?” I asked.
    “I..I’m fine. Thank you si sir,” she said.
    “Sara!” The girl shouted and rushed over. “Are you alright Sara?”
    I stood up and looked at Williams.
    I could understand his eyes.
    I gave him a look of -at-least-she’s-awake.
    He gave me a look of -are-you-still-gonna-speakk-with-her.
    “Yes,” I said and turned to Sara who had stood up by the help of her friend.
    “Can she rest for awhile please?” The girl asked.
    “No, come inside the car.” I said but Sara was moving back so I grabbed her and pulled her
    into the car, shut the door and wind up the tinted glass.
    I pressed ‘record’ on my phone.
    “Please give me a chance, I will explain everything.” she said.
    “Of course that’s what I’m giving you to do.”
    Williams got into the driver’s seat, started the car and zoomed off.
    “Whe..where are we going? Please don’t take me to the police. I will explain everything.” she
    begged.
    “Then start!” I half yelled. “Do you understand the mess you did huh! Are you really a con
    artist and pretended not to see where you were heading to and then you bump into me and
    had someone take pictures for you to mess with my name?!”
    “No, no, not that..I will explain. I’m really going to say the truth.” she said.
    “Then start now.”
    “I… actually.. I didnt see you coming that night at Love Hospital because my eyes were filled
    with tears and I never placed anyone to take pictures of you and me. It was all a
    coincidence. When I bumped into you, I had no idea who you were at all.”
    “She’s lying.” William said.
    “I’m not” She said.
    “Who doesn’t know Jasmin Taylor!” he said
    “I didn’t!”
    “She has the guts to yell huh! You just caused another mess by collapsing and the videos
    would be all over the media now. Are you crazy?” He yelled.
    “Let her go on Williams.” I said.
    “Don’t listen to this liar. Don’t get deceived by her innocent face. You are a superstar Jasmin.
    You are not to fall for this kind of things. She is temptation!” Williams said.
    “Excuse me Williams, let her finish her story.” I said. “Go on,” I told the lady who was in tears now.
    “I’m really telling the truth, I had no idea who is Jasmin Taylor and didn’t know he was the
    one I bumped into. But there’s someone you made me know. She is only a little girl, please
    don’t ask about her. You can put all the blames on me. She didn’t expect me to do this when
    she showed me the pictures that she took. When she showed me the picture, truthfully, I
    was angry at her for taking pictures of people and in such position. Then she told me a brief
    detail about you and even after she told me, I didn’t want to take the pictures but then I felt like taking it.
    I’m sure it’s the kind of excitement that you collided with a celebrity and I didn’t have the thought of posting them online with those captions but something made me do it.” she said,
    sniffled and wiped her tears with her hand.
    I took out a tissue and stretched to her. “Take, clean your tears and go on.” I said.
    She looked at the tissue and at me, then she took it but blew her nose instead.
    “My father had been in the hospital for five months. He had an accident and it was all my fault.
     I shouldn’t have told him to come to the shop. He got into an accident on his way and
    because.. because I haven’t paid half of his bill for the five months he had been in the
    hospital, he have been treated with less interest. I was told that night that if I don’t get the money in two weeks.
     Then I have to take my dad.
    I could have been able to pay the bill if my business was working fine but it isn’t. We hardly have a sell in a day.
    Everyone that came, talk ill about my designs and walk away.
    I kept thinking of what to do until the idea of posting the pictures with the caption came in.
    I thought that if I do that, I will be able to get lots of customers since females really like you
    and might want to meet Jasmin Taylor’s girlfriend.
    I didn’t mean to get social attention but to get customers to buy my sales so I can pay my
    father’s bill and it..it really is working for me. I’m sorry I had to do this. I know it was so foolish
    of me and I promise to refix everything tonight. Please don’t take me to the police. I promise to end everything today”
    “Do you think you can end it all today? Do you know how far the news has gone? You must
    be out of your mind to think of such an idea. You could have find something else to do, and
    pay your father’s bill.” Williams said.
    I exhaled. “I will give you a chance to fix this today. You knew how you started this, end it.
    I have the record and I’m going to share this so everyone can hear you speaking the truth. I
    pity you and don’t think arresting you would be a good idea.” I said and showed her my phone.
    “Do you understand?” I said.
    She nodded. “I promise to fix it.”
    “How?” William asked.
    “I will..I will share a video of me saying the truth.” she said.
    “Nice idea.” Williams said. I saved the record.
    “Take her back to her shop Williams,” I said and Williams reversed.
    She was still in tears, and sniffing. I picked the tissue roll and dropped on her thighs.
    She looked at me and I don’t know why my eyes landed on her lips.

    Sara

    He dropped a tissue roll on my thighs and I raised my face to look at him but my eyes landed
    on his lips.
    I quickly looked away.
    ‘I can’t believe that lips touched mine.
    Why did I have to faint? Was I too scared?
    I can’t believe he saved me.
    I can’t believe I said the whole truth either.
    Somehow I’m relieved, He isn’t arresting me but then I’m unhappy, everything would end today.
    I would loose all the customers I’ve gathered this few days if I say the truth.
    Maybe I would look for another way of paying the other half. Maybe leaving designing for few
    weeks and working part time jobs.
    That’s the only way for me.
    I looked at him again and he was looking ahead.
    ‘He’s really handsome. Lisa was very right. I can’t blame her.
    The car pulled up a little distance from my shop.
    Jasmin turned to me.
    “It mustn’t exceed today,” he said.
    I nodded.
    “Thank you so much for not arresting me.” I said.
    “Get out of the car!” Williams said.
    I opened the door, went out and closed it back. The car zoomed off.
    I headed towards my shop.
    ‘But why didn’t he stop me in front of my shop? That annoying man. Acting like he’s the boss!
    Ahh I shouldn’t be complaining, I should be happy that I got saved out of a lion’s den.’
    Once I walked into the premises of the my shop, I saw people everywhere. Some held
    phones, some camera, some mics.
    I remembered that morning at my house. Then I thought of why I was dropped a distance
    away.
    They must have known that this people would be here.
    They rushed to me immediately.
    Excuse me, Miss Park Sara. There’s a video of you collapsing and Jasmin saved you.
    Can we know what caused the fainting?
    After he saved you, you both went off in his car, can we know where he took you to?
    Are you two planning on getting married soon?
    “Excuse me, I can’t answer all that now.” I said and headed upstairs. They followed me.
    Why? Are you having issues with him already
    please can you answer even one?
    I decided to run. They ran after me.
    Miss Park Sara
    Miss Park Sara
    Where did you get a kiss from him?
    What do you like most about him?
    I pushed into the shop and Ha nah was at the door, waiting. She shut the door immediately and locked it.
    “Ah thank you for that.” I said and collapsed on a chair.
    “When they leave, I will.” I said, “please help me with a glass of water, I’m dying.” I said.
    She ran off to the fridge to get it.
    [Written by, Rejoice Jeremiah)

     Jasmin

    We pulled into the house and got down from the car. A motorbike was parked.
    “That should be your brother’s.” Williams said.
    “He’s here again.” I said.
    “He likes to be with you, not minding any issue.” Williams said.
    “He’s still seventeen and doesn’t know really understand all that. I guess he will when he
    gets to twenty or so.”
    “He do Jasmin. He’s not a kid. But he’s s smart enough to know that you are the first son
    even if your mom and dad got divorced, you are still the Moon’s son. Have you forgotten the
    reason why you didn’t change your surname officially? You said you’d be back to take what
    rightfully belongs to your mom and you.
    Why didn’t your mom get married? She is waiting for you to do that. You fooled them by making them think you changed your surname.”
    “Well, I don’t want to go on with that anymore.” I said and made my way into the house.
    Once in, I met Young throwing dart.
    He smiled widely on seeing me.
    “Hello hyung (brother), welcome. I’ve been waiting earnestly for you.” he said.
    “When did you get here?” I asked.
    “Uhm. Almost three hours now. I’m so exhausted waiting for you. I’m happy you are back.”
    he said and threw the next dark. It got in the bullseye.
    “Whoa… I’m really good at this brother.” he said.
    “I’m going for some rest. If you get hungry, tell Minah to serve you something.” I said to him
    and his face went into a sad frown.
    “Ain’t you going to play a little with your kid brother?” he asked.
    “Young, I’m tired and I need to rest.” I said and turned to Williams. “Williams you can play
    with him. Answer the telephone when it rings. I’m off to sleep for awhile.” I said and headed upstairs.

    Hours Later
    The calling of my name woke me up.
    “Jasmin, can you wake up now.. This is very important.”
    I opened my eyes and it’s Williams.
    “Oh my.. Is it night already?” I asked.
    “Yes. You have to hear this.” he said.
    I sat up.
    “What’s that? Have you checked if that girl had shared the video? If she haven’t, then let’s go
    first by sharing this record.” I said.
    “Actually, the SBX entertainment called and they said something else.
    SBX.. I have interview with them tomorrow.
    “What did they call for?”
    “They want your girlfriend at the interview with you tomorrow.”
    “What? What did you tell them?”
    “I told them that, their request came really too late and your girlfriend won’t be prepared for
    such thing.”
    “What, my girlfriend?” I said.
    He rubbed his neck and sighed.
    “Well I think I made a mistake by saying that. I wonder what I could have told them.” he said.

    Sara

    “It’s time Ha nah. Immediately I share this video then we’ve lost everything.” I said.
    She exhaled. “I know but what can we do. Just go ahead with it.” she said.
    “He was quite nice to me in the car.” I said.
    “You’ve said that a million times already.” She said.
    I smiled. “And really handsome.” I said.
    “I don’t feel like doing this, not because of the money anymore but because..” I looked at her.
    “My heart is flustering. What do you think Ha nah?”
    “You..like him?” she asked.
    I breathed out. “I think so. The way he talked to me. He gave me a tissue to wipe my tears.
    I’ve never seen someone so nice. I thought every superstar is always arrogant and introvert
    like in the movies but Jasmin was different. And didn’t he save when I passed out?”
    “Snap out of this girl.. He only felt sorry for you and that’s where it ends. Your parts are really
    different. Nice people can be worse too. You did a terrible thing which you should wipe out
    now so please go on before it’s too late. I read that he have an interview with the SBX
    tomorrow. If you don’t correct this now, I wonder what will happen tomorrow at the interview.
    Please go on.. Or you can shift, I’ll do it.” Ha nah said.
    “Of course I’m going to do it, I just need a little minute.” I said.
    “What?”
    “Being such a person’s girlfriend would be really great. I can’t believe he forgot his
    personality and saved me when I passed out because of fright. How did he learn to do that?
    He must be good at so many things.” I said.
    “I was wondering too. But this isn’t the time to recall about this things, come on, do this girl.
    You can do this.” she said.
    I exhaled. “Yes I will.” I said and moved my hand to the ‘send button’ but my phone which
    began ringing interrupted.
    I took it..
    ‘An unsaved number.’
    “I’m sure it’s a customer calling, ignore it.” Ha nah said.
    “No, I will pick it.” I said and picked it up.
    “Hello,” I said.
    “hello, is this Park Sara?”
    Immediately, I remembered the voice. It’s Jasmin’s.
    I gasped and looked at Ha nah who looked curious.
    “Ye yes it’s Park Sara.” I answered as my heart began beating.
    “Are you free tomorrow?” he asked.
    Uh? Why’s he asking that?
    “I..I’m -” I didn’t know what to say.
    “Do I need to ask you anyway, you caused this for me.”
    “Wh..huh?”
    “I was supposed to have an interview alone tomorrow but now we are going to be two
    because of what you did! This is crazy!!
    Get ready tomorrow morning, someone would pick you up. You are going to the interview
    with me,…as my girlfriend.”

    The phone fell off my hand.

    TBC

  • Audio Boyfriend – Episode 4

    Audio Boyfriend – Episode 4

    AUDIO BOYFRIEND
    Audio Boyfriend – Episode 4

    By Rejoice Jeremiah. C 


    [Previously on Audio Boyfriend]
    “N noo, you can’t do that.” Ha nah said.
    “I have to. I guess you know who I am and who my boss would be already. You should be  lucky he didn’t decide to bring the police with him. Now, if you would excuse me, I would search every nook and cranny.” he said.
     You can’t.”
    I have to do this. I have to do this.
    I inhaled, then exhaled.
    Yes, alright Sara. It’s time. It’s time.
    One, two, three!
    I came out of my hiding.
    “Here I am, I’m Sara.” I said, facing the man in suit.

    Sara

    The man slide his hands into his trouser pocket.
    “I’d make a great detective, what do you think?” he asked.
    “Huh?” I said.
    His face look deadly.
    “Hello, Park Sara. My name is Williams and outside, in the car is my boss by the name Mr
    Jasmin Taylor. I don’t need to go further, now come with me. He wants to speak with you.”
    he said.
    “Ar are you with the police?” I asked.
    “I wish I did. Now come on. You don’t keep him waiting.” he said.
    “I will go, I will go.. Don’t call the police.” I said.
    “I have no idea you can be afraid of the police.” he said as we headed out.
    Ha nah was standing behind her working machines, almost in tears for me.
    “Sara,” she called. “be careful.”
    “I will. Please take care of the shop if anything happens to me.” I said.
    She rushed to me. “Here, your phone.” she said.
    I took it. “Thanks. Don’t worry, he just want to speak with me.” I said.
    “I’m really scared.” she said.
    “I’m more, so please be strong.” I said.
    “Get going please,” Williams said.
    “Of course I am.” I said and walked out.
    My eyes were fixed on the car as we walked down the staircase. My heart beating loudly that
    I fear the man behind me could hear it.
    I placed my hands on My chest trying to calm myself down.
    ‘Relax Sara. You can do this.’ I told myself.
    We finally got to the car even though I tried relaxing, my heart still beated fast and so loud
    and I was scared, nervous and at the point of going unconscious. I think I suddenly fell ill.
    Williams opened the back door and I saw him sitting comfortably on the backseat.
    I moved back as my heart flew.. I felt nausea, I feel like my eyes were turning. I felt weak
    and not able to move again.
    “Get in.” Williams said.
    Then I think I passed out, cos everything became blank.

    Jasmin

    From the car window, I watched as the girl walked down the stair with Williams behind her.
    It’s really her?
    Why do she look this pretty…
    She seem quite scared. Of course she should. I could arrest her this minute and pay dearly
    for messing with my name.
    But I’m holding back and I don’t know why.
    No I do, the tears in her eyes on those pictures. I can’t help but wonder why she was in tears
    and why someone in tears had to do something like that few days later.’
    She finally got to the car and I could say she is beautiful.
    She look so scared and her face appear so innocent. She doesn’t look like someone who
    can do such a thing.
    Williams opened the door. She stepped back, shaking. I could see her lips shaking like she
    is covered in snow.
    “Get in.” Williams said, but then she scared the hell outta me – she fainted.
    “Oh my.. What? This lady is really a drama queen!” Williams said, bent down and began
    shaking her.
    “Sara! Sara! Stop being a con artist and get up!”
    I tried getting out but William halted me. “Don’t come out J, people are coming. I will know
    what to do with her.” he said.
    “She’s unconscious. She isn’t pretending.” I said, got out and knelt beside her.
    I can few people coming and a girl running down the staircase too.
    “Shift Williams, let me try something.” I said.
    “What?”
    “Just move back,” I said and he did.
    I placed my two hands on her chest, and pushed. ‘One! two! three! Four!’
    I leaned, opened her mouth, and passed air into her mouth with my mouth.

    Ha nah

    Reaching downstairs, i halted at the scene before me.
    Jesus! What I’m I seeing?
    Jasmin trying to save Sara!
    Oh my God! we are in more trouble!
    People are taking pictures and videos already.
    Williams is standing transfixed.
    We are in for more trouble.

    Jasmin

    One, two, three four! I pushed again and passed air into her mouth and at the third push, she
    opened her eyes and seeing me, her eyes went wide open.
    Oh my God.. He just saved his girlfriend.
    I can’t believe this. This is more than amazing.
    Wowww
    Wonderful… This got me smiling so wide
    Aww she is so lucky
    Jasmin taylor saved his girlfriend who collapsed
    This is sweet.
    “Huh? What..why are you close to to me?” she asked with a scared eyes. The crowd couldn’t
    hear her since everywhere went noisy.
    “Are you okay?” I asked.
    “I..I I’m fine but-“
    “You fainted so I had to do the common life saving method. Are you sure you are okay
    now?” I asked.
    “I..I’m fine. Thank you si sir,” she said.
    “Sara!” The girl shouted and rushed over. “Are you alright Sara?”
    I stood up and looked at Williams.
    I could understand his eyes.
    I gave him a look of -at-least-she’s-awake.
    He gave me a look of -are-you-still-gonna-speakk-with-her.
    “Yes,” I said and turned to Sara who had stood up by the help of her friend.
    “Can she rest for awhile please?” The girl asked.
    “No, come inside the car.” I said but Sara was moving back so I grabbed her and pulled her
    into the car, shut the door and wind up the tinted glass.
    I pressed ‘record’ on my phone.
    “Please give me a chance, I will explain everything.” she said.
    “Of course that’s what I’m giving you to do.”
    Williams got into the driver’s seat, started the car and zoomed off.
    “Whe..where are we going? Please don’t take me to the police. I will explain everything.” she
    begged.
    “Then start!” I half yelled. “Do you understand the mess you did huh! Are you really a con
    artist and pretended not to see where you were heading to and then you bump into me and
    had someone take pictures for you to mess with my name?!”
    “No, no, not that..I will explain. I’m really going to say the truth.” she said.
    “Then start now.”
    “I… actually.. I didnt see you coming that night at Love Hospital because my eyes were filled
    with tears and I never placed anyone to take pictures of you and me. It was all a
    coincidence. When I bumped into you, I had no idea who you were at all.”
    “She’s lying.” William said.
    “I’m not” She said.
    “Who doesn’t know Jasmin Taylor!” he said
    “I didn’t!”
    “She has the guts to yell huh! You just caused another mess by collapsing and the videos
    would be all over the media now. Are you crazy?” He yelled.
    “Let her go on Williams.” I said.
    “Don’t listen to this liar. Don’t get deceived by her innocent face. You are a superstar Jasmin.
    You are not to fall for this kind of things. She is temptation!” Williams said.
    “Excuse me Williams, let her finish her story.” I said. “Go on,” I told the lady who was in tears now.
    “I’m really telling the truth, I had no idea who is Jasmin Taylor and didn’t know he was the
    one I bumped into. But there’s someone you made me know. She is only a little girl, please
    don’t ask about her. You can put all the blames on me. She didn’t expect me to do this when
    she showed me the pictures that she took. When she showed me the picture, truthfully, I
    was angry at her for taking pictures of people and in such position. Then she told me a brief
    detail about you and even after she told me, I didn’t want to take the pictures but then I felt like taking it.
    I’m sure it’s the kind of excitement that you collided with a celebrity and I didn’t have the thought of posting them online with those captions but something made me do it.” she said,
    sniffled and wiped her tears with her hand.
    I took out a tissue and stretched to her. “Take, clean your tears and go on.” I said.
    She looked at the tissue and at me, then she took it but blew her nose instead.
    “My father had been in the hospital for five months. He had an accident and it was all my fault.
     I shouldn’t have told him to come to the shop. He got into an accident on his way and
    because.. because I haven’t paid half of his bill for the five months he had been in the
    hospital, he have been treated with less interest. I was told that night that if I don’t get the money in two weeks.
     Then I have to take my dad.
    I could have been able to pay the bill if my business was working fine but it isn’t. We hardly have a sell in a day.
    Everyone that came, talk ill about my designs and walk away.
    I kept thinking of what to do until the idea of posting the pictures with the caption came in.
    I thought that if I do that, I will be able to get lots of customers since females really like you
    and might want to meet Jasmin Taylor’s girlfriend.
    I didn’t mean to get social attention but to get customers to buy my sales so I can pay my
    father’s bill and it..it really is working for me. I’m sorry I had to do this. I know it was so foolish
    of me and I promise to refix everything tonight. Please don’t take me to the police. I promise to end everything today”
    “Do you think you can end it all today? Do you know how far the news has gone? You must
    be out of your mind to think of such an idea. You could have find something else to do, and
    pay your father’s bill.” Williams said.
    I exhaled. “I will give you a chance to fix this today. You knew how you started this, end it.
    I have the record and I’m going to share this so everyone can hear you speaking the truth. I
    pity you and don’t think arresting you would be a good idea.” I said and showed her my phone.
    “Do you understand?” I said.
    She nodded. “I promise to fix it.”
    “How?” William asked.
    “I will..I will share a video of me saying the truth.” she said.
    “Nice idea.” Williams said. I saved the record.
    “Take her back to her shop Williams,” I said and Williams reversed.
    She was still in tears, and sniffing. I picked the tissue roll and dropped on her thighs.
    She looked at me and I don’t know why my eyes landed on her lips.

    Sara

    He dropped a tissue roll on my thighs and I raised my face to look at him but my eyes landed
    on his lips.
    I quickly looked away.
    ‘I can’t believe that lips touched mine.
    Why did I have to faint? Was I too scared?
    I can’t believe he saved me.
    I can’t believe I said the whole truth either.
    Somehow I’m relieved, He isn’t arresting me but then I’m unhappy, everything would end today.
    I would loose all the customers I’ve gathered this few days if I say the truth.
    Maybe I would look for another way of paying the other half. Maybe leaving designing for few
    weeks and working part time jobs.
    That’s the only way for me.
    I looked at him again and he was looking ahead.
    ‘He’s really handsome. Lisa was very right. I can’t blame her.
    The car pulled up a little distance from my shop.
    Jasmin turned to me.
    “It mustn’t exceed today,” he said.
    I nodded.
    “Thank you so much for not arresting me.” I said.
    “Get out of the car!” Williams said.
    I opened the door, went out and closed it back. The car zoomed off.
    I headed towards my shop.
    ‘But why didn’t he stop me in front of my shop? That annoying man. Acting like he’s the boss!
    Ahh I shouldn’t be complaining, I should be happy that I got saved out of a lion’s den.’
    Once I walked into the premises of the my shop, I saw people everywhere. Some held
    phones, some camera, some mics.
    I remembered that morning at my house. Then I thought of why I was dropped a distance
    away.
    They must have known that this people would be here.
    They rushed to me immediately.
    Excuse me, Miss Park Sara. There’s a video of you collapsing and Jasmin saved you.
    Can we know what caused the fainting?
    After he saved you, you both went off in his car, can we know where he took you to?
    Are you two planning on getting married soon?
    “Excuse me, I can’t answer all that now.” I said and headed upstairs. They followed me.
    Why? Are you having issues with him already
    please can you answer even one?
    I decided to run. They ran after me.
    Miss Park Sara
    Miss Park Sara
    Where did you get a kiss from him?
    What do you like most about him?
    I pushed into the shop and Ha nah was at the door, waiting. She shut the door immediately and locked it.
    “Ah thank you for that.” I said and collapsed on a chair.
    “When they leave, I will.” I said, “please help me with a glass of water, I’m dying.” I said.
    She ran off to the fridge to get it.
    [Written by, Rejoice Jeremiah)

     Jasmin

    We pulled into the house and got down from the car. A motorbike was parked.
    “That should be your brother’s.” Williams said.
    “He’s here again.” I said.
    “He likes to be with you, not minding any issue.” Williams said.
    “He’s still seventeen and doesn’t know really understand all that. I guess he will when he
    gets to twenty or so.”
    “He do Jasmin. He’s not a kid. But he’s s smart enough to know that you are the first son
    even if your mom and dad got divorced, you are still the Moon’s son. Have you forgotten the
    reason why you didn’t change your surname officially? You said you’d be back to take what
    rightfully belongs to your mom and you.
    Why didn’t your mom get married? She is waiting for you to do that. You fooled them by making them think you changed your surname.”
    “Well, I don’t want to go on with that anymore.” I said and made my way into the house.
    Once in, I met Young throwing dart.
    He smiled widely on seeing me.
    “Hello hyung (brother), welcome. I’ve been waiting earnestly for you.” he said.
    “When did you get here?” I asked.
    “Uhm. Almost three hours now. I’m so exhausted waiting for you. I’m happy you are back.”
    he said and threw the next dark. It got in the bullseye.
    “Whoa… I’m really good at this brother.” he said.
    “I’m going for some rest. If you get hungry, tell Minah to serve you something.” I said to him
    and his face went into a sad frown.
    “Ain’t you going to play a little with your kid brother?” he asked.
    “Young, I’m tired and I need to rest.” I said and turned to Williams. “Williams you can play
    with him. Answer the telephone when it rings. I’m off to sleep for awhile.” I said and headed upstairs.

    Hours Later
    The calling of my name woke me up.
    “Jasmin, can you wake up now.. This is very important.”
    I opened my eyes and it’s Williams.
    “Oh my.. Is it night already?” I asked.
    “Yes. You have to hear this.” he said.
    I sat up.
    “What’s that? Have you checked if that girl had shared the video? If she haven’t, then let’s go
    first by sharing this record.” I said.
    “Actually, the SBX entertainment called and they said something else.
    SBX.. I have interview with them tomorrow.
    “What did they call for?”
    “They want your girlfriend at the interview with you tomorrow.”
    “What? What did you tell them?”
    “I told them that, their request came really too late and your girlfriend won’t be prepared for
    such thing.”
    “What, my girlfriend?” I said.
    He rubbed his neck and sighed.
    “Well I think I made a mistake by saying that. I wonder what I could have told them.” he said.

    Sara

    “It’s time Ha nah. Immediately I share this video then we’ve lost everything.” I said.
    She exhaled. “I know but what can we do. Just go ahead with it.” she said.
    “He was quite nice to me in the car.” I said.
    “You’ve said that a million times already.” She said.
    I smiled. “And really handsome.” I said.
    “I don’t feel like doing this, not because of the money anymore but because..” I looked at her.
    “My heart is flustering. What do you think Ha nah?”
    “You..like him?” she asked.
    I breathed out. “I think so. The way he talked to me. He gave me a tissue to wipe my tears.
    I’ve never seen someone so nice. I thought every superstar is always arrogant and introvert
    like in the movies but Jasmin was different. And didn’t he save when I passed out?”
    “Snap out of this girl.. He only felt sorry for you and that’s where it ends. Your parts are really
    different. Nice people can be worse too. You did a terrible thing which you should wipe out
    now so please go on before it’s too late. I read that he have an interview with the SBX
    tomorrow. If you don’t correct this now, I wonder what will happen tomorrow at the interview.
    Please go on.. Or you can shift, I’ll do it.” Ha nah said.
    “Of course I’m going to do it, I just need a little minute.” I said.
    “What?”
    “Being such a person’s girlfriend would be really great. I can’t believe he forgot his
    personality and saved me when I passed out because of fright. How did he learn to do that?
    He must be good at so many things.” I said.
    “I was wondering too. But this isn’t the time to recall about this things, come on, do this girl.
    You can do this.” she said.
    I exhaled. “Yes I will.” I said and moved my hand to the ‘send button’ but my phone which
    began ringing interrupted.
    I took it..
    ‘An unsaved number.’
    “I’m sure it’s a customer calling, ignore it.” Ha nah said.
    “No, I will pick it.” I said and picked it up.
    “Hello,” I said.
    “hello, is this Park Sara?”
    Immediately, I remembered the voice. It’s Jasmin’s.
    I gasped and looked at Ha nah who looked curious.
    “Ye yes it’s Park Sara.” I answered as my heart began beating.
    “Are you free tomorrow?” he asked.
    Uh? Why’s he asking that?
    “I..I’m -” I didn’t know what to say.
    “Do I need to ask you anyway, you caused this for me.”
    “Wh..huh?”
    “I was supposed to have an interview alone tomorrow but now we are going to be two
    because of what you did! This is crazy!!
    Get ready tomorrow morning, someone would pick you up. You are going to the interview
    with me,…as my girlfriend.”

    The phone fell off my hand.

    TBC

  • Ikenga- Episode 4

    Ikenga- Episode 4



    IKENGA
    Ikenga- Episode 4

    Theme: (The Demon I Saw)

    By Praise Chidera Obiora 

    I staggered backward and came crashing down to the floor like a fallen Udara tree. I stared at
    Amara piercingly in the eyes. I could feel my pulse beat very fast. The sweat on my forehead was
    triggered by the sudden fear I felt.
    “No please, take back the mangoes. Tell Agundaobi to take back his mangoes. I do not want any
    more. I just want to go home. I want to go home to the arms of my poor grandmother. She must be
    worried about me now. It is already noon and I am not yet back home. Please let me go. Forgive
    me.” I pleaded with my hands raised high.
    Amara kept staring at me. She never said a word or replied me.
    I stood up and ran away from her, leaving my three red Igbuala mangoes behind. I was bent on getting back home as fast as possible. When I do get home, I was going to pull off every cloth I
    had on me and run straight to the shower to take my bath, there after, I shall remain inside the
    house for days without going out.
    Just yesterday, I had fetched enough water from the stream to last us seven market days.
    Grandma had bought food just yesterday too. My stay indoors was going to be guaranteed.
    I got tired of running and soon started walking. I was literarily staggering like a drunk man
    intoxicated by palmwine. The short cut had soon became a long walk. Despite my fast run and fast
    walk, I still could not see the end of the bush path. It seemed to me like I was on a long journey
    through the wilderness.
    I turned left and sighted the kola nut tree. It was there in a distance. I stopped and stared at it. This
    was my first time of seeing a cola nut tree with my own eyes. It was not as tall as the coconut
    trees. It was exactly the size of the mango trees and the apple tree that were planted in the farms
    of villagers, and road paths in Agugu.
    At that moment, I thought of grandma. I remembered how she took her kola nuts as her favourite
    companion and her greatest muse.
    Grandma had once told me “Give me kola nuts and you would be making me the happiest woman
    on earth.”
    “Give me kolanuts and I shall tell you the sweetest stories you want to hear.”
    She said a child who offers Kolanut to his elders, also increases his own life span, because such
    an elder will spend the rest of their days chewing the kolanut and praying that the gods preserve
    them.
    I still remember the first kolanuts I bought her. It was on a market day. I had gone to buy tubers of
    yams in the market and had sighted this woman with a tray of kola. I stopped to buy grandma
    some kolanuts. I knew she was going to love them.
    When I got home and handed it over to her. Grandma smiled. She planted a deep kiss on my
    forehead and laid her hands on my head.
    “Ehennnn. This is how a child should behave. This is what a child should give to his parents. A
    child who buys sweets for his parents shortens their life span, because he feeds them with sugar.
    But one who buys kola wants his parents to live long, and they will definitely live long.”
    That day, grandma blessed me with both hands. I watched as she broke the kola in two and threw
    half in her mouth while she put in the other half in her breast wear.
    I thought of grandma and how disappointed she will be with me, when she finds out that I had
    eaten from the Igbuala mango tree – the same mangoes she had warned me not to eat from.
    With my hands on my waist, I kicked a big stone and turned to continue my journey.
    “Do you really think you will get home after all you have done.?”
    I turned in search of the voice that spoke. I had recognized that voice. It was that of Amara the
    daughter of Agundoabi the god of love and beauty.
    “Where are you? Why are you following me?” I thundered in fear.
    “Too sad you cannot see me any more.”
    “But why? Show me your face Amara.”
    “I am a god remember? I am the only daughter of Agundaobi the god of love and beauty.chat
    MartinMartino on zero eight one eighty thirty fourteen twenty one to be added to his WhatsApp
    group. I am a spirit and not human.”
    “But you were human few minutes back. I saw you. I felt your feet touch the floor. I saw the
    bushes give way as you walked through it. I felt your soft hands on my shoulders. You are a
    human and not a spirit.”
    “Well yes. Somehow I look like a human and I am also a spirit. That is because the gods look like
    humans, but can’t be seen. The gods created every human that walks upon the surface of the
    earth to look exactly like them.”
    “But he never gave them powers to rule the world. Because humans are greedy, selfish and
    thieves. Humans are like grasshoppers. All they do is destroy what the gods have created.”
    I heaved a sigh.
    “Why do you call us greedy and selfish? I am not greedy, neither am I selfish.”
    “Will you keep quite.” Amara’s voice thundered in my ears.
    “Over two hundred mango trees planted and provided to you by the gods, yet just one mango tree-
    one mango tree you were asked not to touch, you still went your way to have it.”
    “You did not only have one to eat, but you made sure you plucked four and filled up your pockets  like a stingy thief. Are you not a selfish human? Are you not?”
    “But humans are not as perfect as the gods. I was tempted. We are created to fall into
    temptations. Even the gods themselves fell into temptation by dating a beautiful human. That
    shows even the gods make mistakes.”
    “Will you keep quiet Ikenga. I will roast your mouth with fire for the words you have just spoken.
    Are you trying to mock my father? Ikenga do you want to make a jest of my own father?”
    “No. I am just saying. We are not perfect. I fell a victim to the beauty of the fruit. I admired it
    instead of looking away from it.”
    “I could not stop admiring those red ripe mangoes, just the same way I couldn’t stop looking into
    your beautiful eyes when you emerged behind me.”
    “I couldn’t get myself to run away from you. I had never seen such beauty as yours. It was like
    it….”
    “Keep quiet you human with a sweet tongue.” Amara roared loudly.
    “Speak to me no more. You think you can woo me with your sweet words?”
    I felt Amara voice rise in anger. I bowed my head to the floor and buried my knees to the grass.
    “I am only a human who saw true beauty and appreciated it. The least I ask for now is forgiveness
    from the gods. Please forgive me. I have long let go of the mangoes. I am no longer with them.
    Please let the gods forgive me for this I have committed.” I pleaded.
    I felt my eyes being soaked with tears. I felt my throat suddenly dry.
    “Ikenga, the gods only forgives the sins of those who did not know that they have sinned. When
    the gods warn and you disobey their instructions despite their warning, you shall be punished.”
    “Now Ikenga, you must face your second demon.”
    “Nooooooo!” I shouted with every strength in the fibres of my body.
    I saw a scorpion emerge from the bushes onto the path way. It stood in front of me, glaring at my
    feet and pointing its telson in my direction Its stinger lifted high above its head. I lifted my legs to
    smash the scorpions head, when suddenly a thunder struck. I heard a rushing sound like ants
    moving through the bushes. It sounded like a bunch of bees flying in my direction. Soon, I saw
    many more scorpions of black, white and brown rush out of the bush.
    The scorpion which was standing in front of me, suddenly grew tall with long legs. Its tail was as
    long as a rope. It was thick and bigger than my both hands.
    In its eyes I could see fury. I saw its claws grow bigger in size. Inside of claws was a big red
    tongue with two edges. I followed with my eyes piercingly fixed on this giant scorpion, as I saw its
    legs grow thicker and its body become fatter.
    The Tiny scorpions which were over three thousand, rushed in my direction like a broken pipe of
    water.
    My tried to move my feet but it couldn’t be moved. I found myself glued to where I was standing.
    “Agundaobi forgive me.” Were the three words that left my lips in whispers.
    To be continued…