Inseparable – Chapter 17 and 18
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
It was Friday already and Frank was still undecided on whether he should visit Bola’s
father or not. She had called him on Thursday morning to remind him and also warn
him of the consequences of not going. His friends had also advised him to go hear
what the man had to say, they even offered to go with him.
But it is always easier said than done; he was the one to face the man, not them. He
wondered what the man would ask him. Was he going to ask him why he didn’t want
to accept the pregnancy? Or was he going to ask him to marry his daughter? The two
options scared him, he knew that he could be severely dealt with if he refused to
marry her asked to or probably killed and he didn’t know what to answer when he
was asked why he didn’t want to accept his responsibility.
His thoughts drifted to Amarachi, he thought of what she would be thinking of him.
He wondered if she had been told that Bola was pregnant for him, then she would
take him as a total jerk, an unserious fellow.
He was still deep in his thoughts when he heard an argument outside his office,
“My Boss wouldn’t want to see you, he doesn’t want you around here anymore”
“Stop shouting at me, just go in and tell him I’m here to see”
“Let her in please” Frank said to the stylist.
She walked into his office and stood silently for some seconds while Frank walked
back to his seat and fixed his eyes on her waiting for her to talk.
She walked close to the table and sat in the visitor’s chair. She brought a sheet of
paper and placed it on the table. Frank picked it up and scanned through, it was the
pregnancy test result.
“But this doesn’t still prove that the baby is mine”
“Come on Frank, stop this. I’m only doing this because I love you, if it was another
guy, I would have allowed my father deal with him”
Frank was scared by her response, he didn’t want to be dealt with by her father but
he put up a bold face, he didn’t want to give her the impression that she succeeded
in making him afraid.
“Nonsense”, he replied. “I told you before I would have nothing to do with you
anymore. Go and tell your father that I’m not responsible for the pregnancy”
“Okay, let’s see” she said standing up, she put back the test result in her bag. “I’ll
deliver your message, but don’t say I did not warn you” she walked out of the office.
Frank wondered if he had done the right thing, what if she went ahead to deliver his
message or she said something bad about him to her father? He thought about
calling her phone to apologize but discarded the thought because she probably
would think he had given in to her threats.
He decided he would go and visit the Chief the next day and face whatever the man
would bring his way. He brought out the Chief’s business card from his drawer and
read out the address to himself.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Amarachi was smiling all alone to herself in her office, she just got a call from her
mother and was told her father was hale had been discharged from the hospital, she
also spoke to her father over the phone and his voice was clear enough proving that
he was better.
She read through the report she prepared for the research work she made on that
Tuesday, she was to submit it to the chairman the next week. She walked out of her
office and walked to the Dennis’ secretary.
“Please make photocopies of this and give them to Mr. Dennis” she was walking back
to her office when she heard her name.
“Amarachi, come here”
She looked back to be sure if it was the secretary that called her. Yes, it was . Tayo
was signaling to her with her hand to move closer. Amarachi walked back to her
surprised at the manner at which she was called.
“Yes, is there any problem?”
“Yes, there’s a problem and the problem is you”
“Excuse me?”
“Yes, you are the problem. What relationship are you having with the boss?”
“What kind of question is that?” Amarachi asked obviously getting irritated.
“He was in your office throughout yesterday”
“And so?”
“See, I know you will deny. But let me tell you the truth, if you think you can seduce
the Boss to get favors or promotions, you are joking. So many of us have been here
years before you and we won’t let you get promoted before us. That’s all.”
Amarachi looked at her and shook her head pitifully. She walked back to her office
without saying anything
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Very early on Saturday morning, Amarachi woke up early and set out for the village,
the weekend was her opportunity to visit her family and check how her father was
doing. She and Ini had planned to visit the village together but just that morning, Ini
received a call from her father who asked her to come meet him at his house for an
important discussion.
The roads were free for the first thirty minutes of the four hours journey. The bus
was on a bridge when the traffic congestion began, after fifteen minutes of staying in
the hold up. A short man seated on the second seat close to the window side stood
up and cleared his throat.
“Ehn, Ehn, Good morning everyone” he began. “My name is Doctor Ken, If you travel
along this route very well, you will know me. All around this area, people come to
meet me to solve their medical problems and they always go home with a
testimony…” After some minutes of hogwash, he brought out some drugs and
started to sell them, he got a lot of responses from passengers most especially
middle aged women.
After the trader finished selling his drugs and settled down, a loud baritone voice was
heard from the back of the bus. “Praise the Lord everybody”
“Halleluyah” the people chorused.
“Amen. I bring to you good news today from our saviour and Lord Jesus Christ. But
before I continue with the news today, let us first sing praises to his name” He led
the people with some praise and worship songs for some minutes after which he
began his sermon.
Amarachi sat quietly listening to everything going on and frequently replying chat
messages on her phone.
“You see Jesus Christ loved us that’s why he came to the earth to die for us… You
don’t have to postpone it, what if you die today, what if you just have an accident
today” he fired on ignoring the murmuring that his last statement caused. “You see
he’s the only one that knows tomorrow, he’s…”
At that moment, the roads were clear and the cars and buses rushed to make up for
the time spent in the hold up, the noise was so much that it drowned the preacher’s
voice. The bus’ driver sped off without much care, even the passengers cared less
because they were already tired of the heat generated in the bus.
As they sped close to a roundabout, a bus loaded with tins of milk suddenly appeared
from nowhere rushing towards them, the driver quickly tried to make a swift turn
away from the lane, but it was too late; there was a collision.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Dennis started up his car engine to warm it up after washing it, he loved to wash his
car himself though there were several househelps in the house who could do it. He
picked up his hand towel and placed it around his neck and walked into the house to
take his breakfast, Janet and his Mum were already seated in the dining room.
“Where have you been? We’ve been waiting for you”
“Just finished cleaning my car” he said and sat in a chair opposite Janet’s. “It looks
like Janet always run home at weekends nowadays? Don’t you wanna stay in school
anymore? Or you came to ask for money again?” He asked jokingly
“School just resumed and we’ve not started serious work, that’s why I’m home. But I
don’t mind if you give me some money too”
“Naah, you won’t get any, you’re just lucky your school is not far from home”
“Okay”, their mum interrupted, ” If you guys aren’t hungry, I am. So stop your
conversation now. Dennis pray for us let’s eat.”
Dennis led the prayers and they started eating the meal of sliced bread and tea with
egg. After they ate, Mrs. Michaels recounted what she faced in returning Nkechi to
the village after the girl had gotten angry and flared up because she was tired of
being in a forced marriage. The parents had also gotten angry when they heard that
her son did not treat their daughter well, Mrs. Michaels had to compensate them
with a huge sum of money. She reminded Dennis of his promise to bring a wife home
very soon.
“It’s okay Mum, don’t worry she’ll come home soon” he picked up his phone to check
his chat messages, he noticed Amarachi hadn’t replied the last message he sent two
hours ago.
“Hey, where are you now?” He sent another chat message which was delivered
immediately but still showed unread.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Saturdays were always busy days at Royal Salon, Frank worked with his other stylists
to ensure that all clients were attended to and nobody was kept waiting for too long.
Earlier that morning he had placed a board outside the salon advertising vacant posts
for hair stylists, male and female ones. The work load was geting too much and he
thought of expanding his existing salons first before opening a new one or getting an
apartment.
He was applying antiseptics to a customer’s hair when he saw Bode walked into his
shop.
“How far na Bobo?”
“I dey o” Frank replied, “Where are you coming from? Why are you sweating like
this? ”
“I came to get some computer softwares at that store over there” he replied pointing
outside through the window.
“Okay na, it’s good you’re even here. Work wouldn’t be boring with you here”
“I wouldn’t stay for long o, you know there are matches today”
“Yeah, we’ll go watch them together once I’m free”
“I won’t wait if you’re still attending to customers’ o”
“Okay, I’ve heard” he replied and beckoned to another client, an elderly man who
just arrived to come over to his barbing stand.
He was half way cutting the man’s hair when two hefty looking guys walked into the
salon, he thought they had come for a hair cut but was surprised when he saw his
employee pointing towards him.
“Hey, are you Frank? “, one of the men asked as he came closer.
“Yes, what can I do for you” he asked paying them special attention
“Follow us” the other man Commanded.
“Follow you where?”
“Don’t question us” one of them replied and held Frank violently by his belt. He
dragged him and proceeded to the door.
Bode who had been watching all this while stood up and made attempt to help his
Friend but he was sent sprawling on the floor by an heavy blow from the other guy.
They dragged him out with obstruction from no one else, dumped in at the back seat
of a jeep where two other mean looking guys were seated and drove off instantly
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
“Don’t mishandle the boy too much, you know he is Chief’s in-law” , the driver if the
abductors jeep said to the two guys seated st the back with Frank.
“Sharp boy” one of those at the back started, pulling Frank’s nose, “you know how to
score goals well. Tell me how did you entice her? With your barbing skills or
handsome face?” The guy mocked.
They got to a huge black gate and only used the horn once before the gate was
opened. They drove in and parked at the parking lot. Frank was pulled outside the
car and told to tidy up himself before he was taken inside the house to meet the
Boss. For a minute, Frank forgot his troubles and looked around the compound in
admiration. The building was a gigantic one, one which he estimated the building
cost not to be less than a billion naira.
The garden was also neatly kept, there were several shrubs which served as sheds
under which people could relax. The only thing he didn’t like about the house was
the mean looking guys all around. The building was heavily secured.
He was led into the house and made to stand in the living room while his abductors
went left him alone in the room. Frank wondered what questions the Boss would ask
him and what answers he will give as his eyes met a large portrait of Chief
Olatunbosun hanging on the wall.
“Okay, the Idiot is here. Well, don’t just keep him standing, give him a seat and
entertain him before I come” He heard a someone’s voice who he guessed was the
Chief.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ini held Amarachi’s hand as she sat by her side on the hospital bed. “Thank God it
wasn’t much, the doctor said you only had a minor cut on your leg”
“Yep,thank God. It’s just sad that I won’t get to see my parents this week”
“Yeah sad, but don’t worry, we’ll go there together when you are okay”
” I’m okay, the doctor says I’ll be allowed to leave here tomorrow”
“Yes, but you still have to rest”
“No, I’m okay”, she replied making a failed effort to sit up but was quickly assisted by
Kelvin who was standing by the wall side behind her.
“You see” Ini continued, “You need to regain strength”
Their conversation was interrupted when the door opened, the doctor came in with
a nurse.
“Hi” he said to Amarachi, ” are you feeling better now?”
“Yes I am, thanks”
“You guys have to excuse us now”, he said turning to Ini and Kelvin.
“Okay doc” Ini replied getting up reluctantly “how do we settle the bill?”
“The bill has been settled by a man outside”, the doctor replied.
“Who?” Ini and Amarachi asked in unison
“Mr Michaels, he’ll be coming in to see her when we finish attending to her”
“Oh, okay”
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
*At the hospital’s reception *
“Dennis Michaels?”
“Yes, I guess you’re Ini”
“Yes, I am” she replied extending her hand to him for a handshake, “Nice to meet
you, here’s my boyfriend, Kelvin” she introduced Kelvin who was standing quitely by
her side.
“Oh! Nice to meet you both” Dennis shook hands with Kelvin too, “how’s Amarachi
now?”
“She’s better” she replied and sat down with Kelvin on the long sofa Dennis was also
seated, “thanks for your kindness, I heard you settled the bill already”
“Oh! It’s nothing. I just want to make sure she’s well”
“Thank you”
Ini clutched to Kelvin’s arm and laid her head on his chest, the trio sat in silence for
some minutes until Ini saw a lady who looked like Bola walk into the reception.
“Bola” she called to confirm. It was her. “What are you doing here”
“Oh!” She exclaimed and rushed to hug Ini.
“I came to see a friend” she lied, “what about you?”
“I came to see my Friend, Amarachi. She had a minor accident so she’s here”
“Eeyah, the poor little thing, I’m coming let me see my friend first and then we’ll go
meet her together”
“Okay then, I’m expecting you”
After about fifteen minutes, Bola was back to te reception, she joined Ini and the
others to wait for the doctor, Dennis had already gone to pick something in his car.
The doctor showed up few seconds after Bola was seated,
“You can go in to see her now, but remember, don’t exceed the visiting hours”
“Okay, thank you doc” Ini replied and got up with the rest.
“No, you come with me first, I need to see you” the doctor said to Ini.
Kelvin led Bola to the ward, and after a few minutes of Bola trying to show faked
compassion, she left the ward. On her way out, she met Ini.
“You’re going already”
“Yep, I need to attend to some other things now and I also wanted to give her and
her boyfriend privacy.
“Hahaha”, Ini laughed. “That guy that went inside with you isn’t her boyfriend”
“He isn’t her boyfriend?”
“Yes, he’s mine”
“Oh! That girl Amarachi must be a real whore then. They were kissing passionately
when I went back into the room after forgetting my handkerchief”
“Ehn!” Ini exclaimed in shock
“You go inside and see for yourself. That your friend is a snake”
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
“Good evening sir”, Frank stood up to greet as he sighted Chief Olatunbosun coming
close with two body to where he was. He had refused to take the drinks he had been
served, he only sat on the seat he was offered to sit on when he waited for about
two hours without the Chief showing up.
Chief Olatunbosun only replied his greetings with a contemptuous look which later
turned to a smile of the same nature.
“Sit down” he said sharply to Frank as he sat on the sofa opposite to Frank’s crossing
his legs.
“Let me remain standing sir”
“No, sit down boy. I’m not punishing you, I want to talk to you like a gentleman”
“Thank you sir” he replied, reluctantly taking his seat.
“Good. So boy, tell me how much you want from my daughter?”
Frank was startled by the question, “nothing sir, I don’t want anything from her”
“Then why did you impregnate her?”
“Ermm… Sir, it was a mistake sir?”
“Hahaha, mistake? Or you saw a rich girl and wanted to take advantage?”
“No sir. I never knew that she is your daughter”
“Silly boy, I know you didn’t know. You would not know she’s my daughter and try to
mess with her. You only saw a rich girl and wanted to take advantage”
“No sir, it’s not like that”
“Oh! Shut up boy”, the man said and paused, he made a signal to one of his guards
and the guard brought him tobacco. After some seconds of deep inhaling and
exhaling, he let out a deep sigh of relief.
“She says you love each other so much. So when is the date for the wedding?”
“Ermmm…” He stammered as he didn’t know what to reply.
“Pick a date and get back to me quickly” the Chief said as he stood up and proceeded
to the door, he turned back again,
“Next time when I call for you, don’t be scared. Don’t mind what the media reports, I
don’t bite people” he gave a wicked smile, “you can go now”.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
“Did anyone annoy Ini outside?” Amarachi asked Dennis who sat on a chair close to
the hospital bed and held her right hand in his.
“I don’t know about that, I went to get something in my car and also make some
calls. So I wasn’t with them all through”
“Okay” she replied calmly
“Why do you ask?”
“Nothing really, just concerned about her, it looked as if her countenance changed
when she came in then. She didn’t even say anything to me. She just picked her bag
and left with her boyfriend without letting him finish preparing the tea for me”
“Oh! That’s strange”
“Yeah, I really hope nothing happened to her”
“Hmm, we’ll find out later” he replied and changed the subject, ” the doctor said you
would be allowed to leave tomorrow”
“Yes, so I can resume work on Monday” she replied smiling.
“Ehn?”
“Yeah”
“You’re not serious. You are taking a week off. I’ll inform the management on
Monday”
“Oh! That will be too much. What about the research work?”
“Don’t bother, I’ll submit that for you. The most important thing is for you to get
well”
“Hmm, thanks”
“It’s nothing dear”
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
“Why did you drag me out like that?” Kelvin asked Ini as they got to the hospital
parking lot.
“What were you doing with her?”
“What was I doing with her?”
“Yes. I saw your hands on her face when I came”
“Yeah. I was making tea for her when the breeze from the fan I switched on blew
some milk powder into her eyes”
“And?”
“I was helping her clean it off”
“Get into the car.”
“Get into the car? I think you need to apologize to her for the way you behaved in
there”
“Apologize to someone who was trying to snatch my boyfriend?”
“Come on, what do you mean by that?”
“Get into the car or I drive off” she threatened starting the car engine.
“Ini, what’s this all about?” He asked getting into the car reluctantly. “I don’t
understand”
She didn’t give him a reply but drove off instantly without saying a word despite his
questions.
“Should I drive you to your house?” Or you’ll take a cab here?” She asked as they got
to a roundabout.
“I’ll drop here” he said and alighted from the car as she parked at a side ” I’ll talk to
you tomorrow” he said and walked away.
She drove off instantly without giving him a reply. In less than twenty minutes, she
got to her house. She walked in and settled into a chair, she thought about the whole
day’s event. Did anything really occur between Amarachi and Kelvin? Or what Kelvin
said about helping her clean off the milk powder correct? She remembered her
primary and secondary school days where Amarachi had been always favoured than
her, there were several occasions where she believed Amarachi took what belonged
to her.
One of them was when Amarachi came into their primary school and defeated her –
who was the former champion – in a school quiz in their final year, this made
Amarachi become the school champion till they left primary school, that was when
they became friends after a brief clash and advice from the head teacher.
They were very good friends until their senior secondary school days again when
something else happened. Ini was in SSS1A while Amarachi was in class B. Ini had
gone with a male friend(who was considered to be the most handsome guy in
school) in her class to visit sick Amarachi in the school clinic. After the visitation, the
boy became more interested in Amarachi than Ini, this caused another clash
between them but was settled when the boy was discovered to be a thief.
Several other events occurred after that but they still remained inseparable and their
friendship bond waxed stronger as the challenges hit them.
Ini decided not to allow Amarachi rob her of Kelvin, she blamed herself for asking
Kelvin to meet her there and decided she wouldn’t allow them get close to each
other anymore.
As she spent time to think about it she got angrier at Amarachi and wondered why
Ama decided to flirt with Kelvin even after having other guys after her.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kelvin got home at about six thirty pm, he was already tired to he settled quietly into
a sofa in the living room. He wondered why the whole house was quiet, he was
expecting to meet his friends at home. He called their names but didn’t get any reply.
After a few minutes of staying in the living room without doing anything, Bode
walked into the house looking tired and dejected.
“Kelvin, where have you been since morning? I’ve been trying to call you and it’s not
been going through.”
“Not been going through? ” He asked and brought out his phone from hus pocket to
check, ” Oh! Sorry, no network on it”
“Chai!” He exclaimed and collapsed into a chair
“What happened? Where is Frank?”
“Only God knows where he is o”
“What do you mean? Didn’t you go and watch football together?”
“I’m not coming from the football viewing centre. I’m coming from the police station”
“Police station? What business do you have in the policr station?”
“I went to report that Frank has been kidnapped”
“Hahaha” Kelvin laughed thinking that Bode was only making a joke, ” how would
Frank be kidnapped na? Is he a kid?”
“I was in his salon when some armed men came and took him away, only God knows
where they took him to”
“Come on, are saying the truth”
“Yes, look here” he pointed to a swelling on his face, “I received a punch for trying to
help him”
“Ah! That’s serious o. What do we do now?”
“You don’t have to do anything” they heard a voice say outside the door, “I’m here
already”
Frank opened the door and walked into the house tiredly and sat on the floor in the
middle of the sitting room.
“Oh! Frank, what happened, what did they do to you?”
“Do to me? Hahaha” Frank laughed uncontrollably, ” No one did anything to me, I
only went on a visit to my In-law.”
As closer move to Frank revealed that he was drunk,
“Oh boy, this dude is high o” Bode said to Kelvin.
“Let’s take him inside first”
They took him up and both moved him into his room.
“Don’t take me anywhere, I need to go prepare for my wedding now. Don’t take me
anywhere! ” Frank wailed as he was been carried into his room.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Kelvin and Bode woke up very early in the morning and walked into Frank’s room to
check on him. Frank was already awake when they came in, he stared at them as
they walked in.
“How far? ” Bode asked as he sat on the bed, Kelvin stood by the wall side.
“I dey jare”
“What happened to you yesterday? Where did they take you to? ” Kelvin inquired
with concern shown in his voice
“It was Chief Olatunbosun that sent those thugs”
“Chief Olatunbosun?” Bode asked surprised, “what did he do to you?”
“Nothing, Bola must have told him that I refused to come see him. I thank God she
said I was scared, didn’t know what would have happened if she said I just stubbornly
refused like I really tried to portray”
“Chai! So what did he say to you?”
“He asked me to go pick a date for the wedding”
“What wedding?”
“What kind of question is that? Wedding between me and Bola of course”
“And are you ready to get married to her?”
“Am I crazy? Why should I marry her? I don’t even feel a thing for her?”
“So what would you do now?”
“I don’t know. I’m thinking of running away from this city to a place they can’t find
me”
“No, you can’t do that. Why didn’t you just explain to him everything that happened
and tell him you are interested in his daughter?”
“Hahahaha, you must be kidding me. I guess you are not glad to see me return home
alive” with that Frank stood up from his bed and picked up his towel where it hung,
he headed for the bathroom.
“Guys, I need to prepare for Church service, It’s now that I really need God’s
guidance in my life”
*2.30pm after church service*
“So what are you planning to do?” Bide asked as they took a meal of beans and
plantain
“I don’t know yet. The only option I’ve got is to leave this city and go somewhere far
maybe another country”
“Leave this city? But how do you intend to cope outside this city? Everything you
have is here” Kelvin contributed.
” I just have to leave, I have no other option. I can’t get married to Bola, and I cant
face the man to tell him, he’ll probably ki*ll me”
“How would you control your salons?”
“I’ll sell them off and use the monies to start something new”
“Hmm, you seem convinced about this decision. Are you sure you can do this?”
“Yes, I can. The only thing that will hurt me most is leaving you guys here” he looked
up and smiled which turned into a frown immediately, ” and also without having
Amarachi love me too”
“Hmm, talking about Amarachi. She had an accident yesterday”
“Accident? ” frank asked alarmed.
“Yeah, but it wasn’t much. She only sustained minor injuries and she should be
discharged from the hospital today. What I don’t know is if she’s at home already”
“Hmm, I wish I could see her. Bola just destroyed everything I could have had with
this girl”
“I don’t know how you’ll feel if I tell you this Frank”
“What? Go ahead and tell me, I’m a man”
“She has a boyfriend, I met with the dude yesterday, he paid the bills”
“Hmmm”, Frank let out a heavy sigh.
“You just have to let her go. Let’s focus on finding a solution to the problem at hand”
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
“This is one o’clock already, don’t you think it’s time to check on Ama in the hospital?
The doctor said she’ll be discharged today.” Kelvin said as he settled into the sofa in
Ini’s living room.
“Kelvin, how was church service today?” Ini replied serving him fruit juice, pretending
not to hear his comment about Amarachi.
“Church was fine. That’s unimportant for now, have you called Amarachi today?
What time will she be discharged?”
“Kelvin! Did you come here for me or for Amarachi?” She replied sharply.
“Come on, what’s the matter with you? Why are you acting unconcerned about your
friend?”
“Look Kelvin, Amarachi is not a kid and she does not have broken legs and arms,
she’ll find her way home”
“I don’t believe this, are you this callous?” He asked, visibly getting displeased with
Ini.
“I’m not callous, I’m only being careful”
“Careful for what?”
“Careful not to loose you”
“Loose me?”
“Yes, look Kelvin. I know Amarachi more than you do”
“So if you don’t trust her why do you still keep her as a friend?”
Ini was silent for some seconds,
“See Kelvin, it’s not about trusting her”
“Then it’s about what?”
“Kelvin, I don’t want past events to reoccur”
“What past events?”
“You won’t understand”, she paused for some seconds , “okay Kelvin, I’ll go there for
you. But you should know all I’m doing is because I don’t want to loose you”
“Just go change your clothes, let’s go to the hospital now”
Ini went into her room to put on a better cloth. She came out two minutes later but
found Dennis and Amarachi already seated in the living room.
Her eyes met Amarachi’s, they looked at each other intently for some seconds. Ini
felt a touch of guilt as she looked at Amarachi who looked innocent but she
hardened her heart when she remembered that Amarachi’s face had always looked
innocent but she ended up getting whatever She, Ini wanted.
She had sacrificed a lot for her because she loved her as a Friend and because there
had been several occasions where Amarachi had also helped and supported her. But
Kelvin was one who she had fallen in love with so much and couldn’t allow anything
take him away from her.
Amarachi spoke finally with a smile on her face,
” Hi Ini”
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ama quietly ate quietly as she was alone in the house that morning, Ini had left for
work without saying a word to her.
She thought about the argument they had the last night. She had tried to ask why Ini
had left the hospital so suddenly without saying any word, she asked calmly but
didn’t expect the answers she got.
“Don’t ask me foolish questions? I’m an adult and I choose to do whatever I like at
anytime I want. I just didn’t just want to stay anymore” Ini snapped.
“You didn’t want to stay with me anymore?”
“Yes, must I”
“Ini” she called calmly. “Did I do anything wrong?”
“Yes, you did everything wrong. What were you thinking when you kissed my
boyfriend?”
“What? Kissed your boyfriend? Why would I do that? You should know I won’t do
that.”
“Stop lying Amarachi, you were caught. Or you thought Bola wouldn’t tell me what
she saw?”
“Oh! Bola”, Ama exclaimed. “And you believe that I’ll do something like that?”
“Bola caught you guys in the act”
“You know Bola lies a lot, did she show you any proof of it”
“No, but what I saw when I came in was proof enough”
“What did you see?”
“Oh! Stop all this pretense, I saw the way he was close to you”
“Haba! Ini, I don’t believe you don’t trust me”
“Trust? Just stop this, this what you always say but now I’m wiser and very careful
not to allow anything in the past reoccur. Goodnight” with that she walked into her
room without looking back nor saying anything.
Amarachi’s phone rang interrupting her thoughts, it was an incoming call from
Dennis.
“Hi Amarachi”
“Hi”
“How are you this morning? Hope you slept well? Have you used your drugs?”
“Huh ho, how many questions do you want me to answer at the same time?” She
said with a chuckle, “I’m fine, I slept well and I’ve used my drugs”
“Okay good. I’ve got good news dear, the chairman just read your report now and
he’s so excited about it, he really wants to meet you, but I’ve told him that you’ll be
here next week”
“Wow!” Her gloomy face was lit up with a smile.
“Yeah, just prepare to meet him next week, you are a star in the company now”
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Frank just finished taking his breakfast when his phone rang, his friends has gone out
to their place of work already. The caller was Bola,
“Hi Bola”
“Hello Honey, how was your night?”
“We need to see, when do we meet?” He ignored her remarks
“If you’re chanced this morning. I’m not going anywhere”
“Can you come to my salon?”
“No, I won’t. I was harassed by your workers the last time I came there”
“Okay, I’ll come to your house now”
“Oh! Sweet heart, that’ll be kind of you, I’m expecting you”
Frank took his bath quickly and dressed up, he decided to go late to work since
Mondays weren’t really high days for them at the salon. He got out of the house and
in no time he boarded a bike and got to Bola’s house.
“Oga na who I dey find” Emma the gateman asked in his Hausa tongue.
“I need to see Bola”
“Cheiiii! Na my Oga I dey call Bola? Na yo mate?”
“Please just go inside and tell her Frank is here to see her”
“Walahi Oga, I don miss road o, na big big men I dey come here with big big cars”
Frank ignored him and made a phone call to Bola, “Please come meet me outside
your gate, your nuisance of a gateman won’t allow me in”
Bola came out and after some seconds of insulting the gateman, she led a Frank into
the house. Frank looked at her closely, she was wearing a mini gown that only
covered her butt and revealed her thigh downwards, the upper part was also
left unbuttoned, revealing her breasts and pants. She was obviously dressed to
seduce him.
“Have your seat, I’m coming” she went to the bar and brought a bottle of
Champaign.
“Don’t bother yourself Bola, I’m not here for all that. Just come over here, let’s
discuss”
Bola dropped the bottle and the class cup on the table disappointed.
She walked to where he was seated and sat on his laps, “what have you come here
for honey?”
“Just sit somewhere else first” Frank said trying to move her away but she persisted,
she was already unbuttoning his shirt and caressing him.
He felt blood flow faster through his viens as she did her work on him, before he
knew, his mouth was in hers already and she was already helping him unzip his
trousers.
“Come on, leave me alone”, he struggled to stand up and dropped her on the floor,
he wondered what he would blame for having sex with her the second time, he
hadn’t taken alcohol that morning.
“What’s the matter with you?” Bola asked standing up distressed from where he
pushed her to. “We will get married soon, so what’s your problem?
“That’s my problem, I can’t marry you. We don’t love each other”
“But I love you Frank”
“I don’t love you”
“You do, you are only trying to deny it”
“I don’t. Look Bola, why don’t you tell your Dad that everything that happened
between us was a mistake? Tell him that you are not ready to marry me”
“And who says I’m not ready to marry you?”
“But I’m not ready to get married to someone I don’t love”
“Then you have to tell him yourself”
“Come on, I can’t do that”
“Be a man Frank, go and tell him and also explain that you were drunk when you
deposited your stuff inside me”, she picked up her cell phone and proceeded into
another room in the house.
“And don’t forget to tell him how loud you made me moan that day” she laughed as
she walked away.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ini returned home at the usual time, 6pm. She knocked and got no response, so she
opened the door with her key.
She was welcomed into the house by a faint smell of burning food coming from the
kitchen. Amarachi was fast asleep on the sofa, she dropped her bag on the floor and
traced the smell to be sure it was from the kitchen. She came back angrily to where
Amarachi laid and shook her violently,
“Come on, wake up dunce. You’ve almost set the house on fire”
“Ehn, Ehn” Ama replied rubbing her eyes still feeling sleepy. ” You’re welcome”
“Are you crazy? Won’t you go put off the fire you set up in the kitchen?”
Then Amarachi remembered at once that she was preparing the evening’s meal, she
had put the stew on fire after she used her drugs which was scheduled for that hour.
Then she came to the parlor to sit and wait for some minutes before she slept off.
The drugs must have contained hypnotic substances which made her sleep off easily.
She rushed to the kitchen immediately, it was already full of smoke, she quickly put
off the cooker and opened the windows. She came out of the kitchen coughing
profusely and met Ini who was looking at her angrily.
“I’m sorry, I slept off. The drugs I used must have caused it”
“Be sorry for yourself, what if I didn’t come in? You would have burnt down the
whole house?”
“I’m so…rry” Amarachi said still coughing. “I didn’t know I will sleep off like that.”
“Mtchew” Ini hissed and proceeded to her room. “Just don’t burn the house before I
come home one day, this is not like the cheap house you live in your village, so be
careful”
Her words hit Amarachi bad, she felt like an hammer was used on her head. At that
moment she felt like packing out of the house and going to somewhere else
immediately, but there was no where to move to. She stood in shock, wondering
how Ini had turned suddenly cold to her.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Mr Pedro Fayemi sat in the sofa in his office, listening quietly to the network news
and sipping wine. His legs were on a stool proving, he was sitting in a relaxed
manner. The breeze from the fan gently blew his Agbada continuously, he removed
his cap to allow for more effect of the air on his head which was neatly shaven
without any traces of hair.
He was busy enjoying himself and didn’t notice when ken gently came into his office
and already stood by his side.
“Good morning sir”
“Ah ahn! Kenneth, Good morning, If I did not call for you, don’t you know that you
are supposed to come and see me?
“I’m sorry sir” ken replied sitting down at his front. ” I was very busy with work”
“Okay, now that you are here, you have some explanation to do”
“Okay sir”
“Now, what is this thing Chief Olatunbosun is telling me? He says you treated his
daughter badly and she has gotten pregnant for someone else”
“Sir, that girl is just impatient. We just had a little argument, that’s all and she went
with another guy”
“See your foolishness. Ehn, Kenneth, you see your foolishness? This is the only
chance we can get to avenge your father who was my very good friend. It is also an
opportunity for us to become political relevant in this city”
“I’m aware sir, I’m trying my best to get her back”
“You shouldn’t have fought with her. You know when you get married to her, you’ll
be able to know some of his secrets and we will use that against him”, he paused and
cleared his throat. “I even think you are too dull, by now you should have been able
to get enough information from your association with his daughter already”
“I’m trying my best sir, the thing is that Chief is very security conscious and does
everything he does neatly, making sure no evidence points to him”
“Okay, I know the man well. Now, our goal is to influence him to support Femi in the
Presidential election next year. Look here”, he lowered his voice and looked around
to see if anyone was watching before he continued.
” When Femi gets up there, he will turn against him, we will all turn against him and
bring him down, making him pay for his atrocities.”
“Yes sir, I’m very well aware of the plan sir”
“Ehn Ehn, then get to work”
“Yes sir”
“And one more thing, don’t ever allow him find out you are not my son, if he ever
finds out that you are Chief Obi’s son. He will ruin us instantly”
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ini walked into her office not feeling too happy, the Chairman had just scolded her
for being slow in executing assignments. The man called her into his office that
morning after she had just come up with ideas on how to convince their foreign
investors to keep patronizing them despite the high increase in their prices.
She went into the Chairman’s office hoping to share her thoughts with him after he
said whatever he called her for but she met a Chairman who wasn’t happy with her.
“You’ve been told this almost two weeks ago and you say you’ve just found a way to
make them stay” the man yelled at her
“I’m sorry sir, but Its just one week” She corrected. ” The real problem is that there
are companies in other countries who can offer them the same deal with us at lower
rates, so it won’t be easy to just get them convinced about our better quality”
“Haha”, the man mocked her. “So is that what took a week to get a solution? If you
give you one week, ain’t you supposed to act faster? Those people gave us a
particular time to get back to them and tomorrow is the deadline”
“I’m sorry sir. But I’ll make sure we reach them today and come up with something
so quickly so as to make up for the time wasted”
“No there’s no need. I think we’ve got a better solution. Here’s a research report
from the accounting department”, he said handing her a document.
“It does not only contain accounting and price details, it also contains suggestions on
how to relate these changes to our clients effectively which is supposed to be your
work which you couldn’t do”, the man smirked.
” Study that and get back to me before the end of the day”
“Okay sir”
She walked back to her office unhappily, although she was slow in responding to the
job but she didn’t expect the man to react like that since it was still within the time
frame she was given. Also, the department she heads has been one which produces
the fastest results and had been commended several times, she wondered why she
was reprimanded heavily for just this fault
She dropped the document on her table and after some minutes of hesitation, she
finally opened it. She skimmed through the pages, but something caught her
attention on the first page; the name of the person who carried out the research.
“Kolawuyi Amarachi Toyin”, she echoed softly with anger welling up in her heart.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ama was deeply engrossed with the program the TV station was airing. It was a
section of one of Bucketmouth’s comedy show. She forgot everything that bothered
her at that moment as the comedian did a good job in cracking the ribs of his
audience.
The last night hadn’t been a pleasant one for her, she couldn’t sleep well because she
was bothered about her waning relationship with Ini. She wanted to call her mother
to ask for a piece of advice but she didn’t because if she had to tell her mother about
the rift then her mother would have to hear about the accident which would get the
whole family worried.
Ini had left that morning the same way she left the previous day but not without
reminding her not to set the house ablaze before she returns.
As the comedy show airing was ended, she picked her phone to check the time, it
was five minutes past twelve. As that moment, she received a chat message from
Dennis.
“Hi dear”
“Hi Dennis. How’s the office?”
“Fine and how are doing at home? Hope you’re feeling better now”
“Yeah, I’m feeling better now. It’s just that everything is boring here”
“Eeyah, you have to endure for this week, or you want me to come keep you
company at home?”
“Naaaah… You can’t do that, it’s still working hours”
“Who says I can’t ? You just ask me to”
“No, don’t bother. I’ll come to the office tomorrow”
“To do what? Remember you’re on a week break”
“I’m okay already; I can’t be staying at home doing nothing”
“Don’t worry, I’ll come keep you company tomorrow. Maybe we’ll drive round town”
“Hahaha! How? You’ll leave the office ?”
“Yeah, I’ll just take an excuse. We don’t really have much to do this week. You
finished the most tedious job of the week in three days already”
“Oh! But that doesn’t stop me, I’ve made up my mind to come already”
“Don’t come except you wanna sit with the gateman and security guards, Lol. Cos
your office will be locked”
“Oooooh!”
“Better stay at home. I saw your Ini , I never knew she worked here too”
The last message changed her joyful mood changed as she was reminded of Ini again.
“Yeah, she does” she replied adding a smiley which depicts sadness.
“Sad? Why?”
“Yea, sad. Ini has not been at peace with me since I returned from the hospital and
the house is like hell right now” Ama replied and also went ahead to narrate the
details of everything that occurred.
“She’s your friend” Dennis replied, ” You know her better, so I think you should find
time to talk with her, possibly when she’s on a light mood. Discuss and apologise if
you need to”
“Okay, I’ll try that. Thanks”
“You’re welcome. Make sure you tell me what happens after that”
“Okay”
“Yeah. I have to go back to work now,the break is over. Bye, we’ll talk later”
“Alright, bye”
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Amarachi was busy in the kitchen; she just finished preparing Ini’s favorite food,
Fried rice. It was 6.30pm and Ini wasn’t home yet. Amarachi being concerned about
her made a call to ask where she was since she was supposed to have returned by
then.
“Hello Ini”
“Yes?”
“I was wondering why you not at home yet. I just finished preparing dinner”
“What’s your business with when I come home?” Ini snapped back
“I’m just concerned dear, since you didn’t tell me you won’t be coming home early”
“Cheii. Please don’t call me for something so unnecessary again. And dinner? I’m not
interested, you can eat alone”
Ama was saddened by the response; she was short of words to say. Before the call
ended, she heard a female voice which wasn’t Ini say
“That Amarachi girl again abi?
She walked into her room, the first thing her eyes met was her Bible, she picked it up
and flipped it open, and the first verse she saw was 1st Peter 5:7
“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”
She wondered why she had tried to solve the problem by herself without involving
God all this while. She knelt down by her bed and said some words of prayer.
*At Bola’s place *
“Don’t tell me that girl is still with you. Ain’t you supposed to have sent her away”
“I can’t send her away”, Ini replied. “Though I’m angry with her, she’s still ny friend”
“Friend my foot, she’s your friend and she wants to ruin your relationship?”
“I don’t know, I’m confused. Kelvin says nothing happened between them that day.
Maybe what you saw was wrong, you only thought they kissed”
“Hehehe, Ini” she shouted. “This girl must have bewitched you, I know what I saw”
“But I didn’t see them kissing and Kelvin says they didn’t too”
“Kelvin is only trying to defend her. I saw her desperately pulling his head towards
her that day and kissing him”
“Ah ahn”Ini questioned, “I don’t get o, but you said they were passionately kissing
that day?”
“Yeah… But ermm… She initiated it”
“I don’t still get”
“See Ini, Amarachi is a whore. She’s even after my boyfriend Frank, whom I am now
pregnant for”
“That’s a lie, Amarachi is not after Frank. And how is Frank your boyfriend? Kelvin
says there’s nothing between you and Frank”
“Kelvin says? Who is Kelvin and what does he know about me?”
“Oh! That’s another thing entirely, you don’t even know Kelvin. You only met him
when you came to the hospital.”
“Yes?”
“That’s another proof that you are lying. Kelvin and Frank are friends, they even live
together. I wonder how you don’t know Kelvin If Frank is really your boyfriend”
“See, I’ve never been to Frank’s house so I don’t know his friends, but he is my
boyfriend and we’ll be getting married soon because I’m pregnant for him already”
“I think I have to leave now. You’re just
confusing me with all these”
“There’s nothing to be confused about Ini. See”, she went closer and held Ini’s hands.
“Amarachi is not to be trusted, you know we’ve never disagreed on a matter like this
till she came. Just send her away, that girl is a devil. She’s already plotting a way to
pull you down at the office also. I’m sure she’s also planning to take over your house”
Ini thought for a while and gave a brief hiss before she continued, “She can’t do that,
No. I know her.”
She picked up her bag and proceeded to the door, “thank you Bola, I’ll see you later”.
Before she drove off in her car, she made a call.
“Hello Kelvin, where are you?”… Can I see you now? … Don’t bother, I’ll come to your
house,I believe I’m close by, just give me the address… Okay, I know that place well,
expect me there in five minutes”
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
“Oh boy, this palor has to be neat sharp sharp o” Kelvin said leaving his friends on the
rug where they were all seated playing cards
“Wetin? E no neat before” Frank replied him in pidgin English.
“Wetin this one dey talk? You no dey play again? Na who call you self? ” Bode asked
“My babe, Ini. She wants to come here.”
“Ehn ehn, why all of a sudden? Why didn’t she tell you before?” Frank asked getting
and packing the cards.
“Dunno. She said she wants to discuss something brief with me” he replied returning
the sofas to the original positions.
“Okay na, that means I will have postpone your beatings till next time” Bode teased
his friends as he picked up his shirt and walked towards the room.
“Hahaha, see this one o. Don’t worry we’ll see who will be beaten next time” Frank
joined.
“Okay, I’ll come meet you there now.” Kelvin answered a call and walked out of the
house.
In less than one minute, he came back into the living room with Ini.
“Here’s my house, you’re welcome”
“Thanks, you have a nice place. What about your friends?”
“They are in their rooms, I guess. So, you said you just wanted to see me briefly,
hope its nothing serious?”
“Nope, just ask you about some things”
“Okay. But first, what can I offer you?”
“No, don’t bother. I won’t stay for long”
“Yeah, I know. But you have to take something” Kelvin insisted.
“Okay, just get me a cup of water then”
“A cup of water? Hmm, I see” Kelvin walked into the kitchen, he returned with a cup
and chilled fruit juice”
“Oh! Thanks” Ini smiled at him
“You’re welcome, feel free” he said as he sat beside her
“Thanks” she took a sip. ” So tell me what you think about Amarachi ?”
“What I think about her?”
“Yes”
“She’s your Friend, I don’t know much about her but she seems nice to me”
“Okay, so she didn’t try to force herself on you?” Ini asked narrowing her gaze at him.
“Come on, don’t go there again. We’ve been through it several times already. Who
told you she forced herself on me?”
“Bola did, she said she saw her trying to force herself on you”
“Who’s this Bola? Your friend who met us at the hospital?”
“Yes and she’s also the one who claims to be Frank’s girlfriend” She spoke in low
tones
“Oh! That’s she? I don’t even recognise her.”
“Okay?”
“Look Ini, that girl is cunning, She’s pretty good at lying and deceiving. There was
nothing that happened at the hospital that day”
“Hmmm”
“And you see, she’s also trying to coerce Frank into marrying her now, she claims
she’s pregnant for him”
“She’s pregnant for him? I thought she was lying when she told me”, Ini looked at
him suspiciously.
“Wait, I don’t get anymore. You said there was nothing between them before, now
you’re saying she’s pregnant for him?”
“Yes, there was…” Kelvin started to explain but stopped as Frank and Bode walked
into the living room.
“Oh! See who we have here”, Bode exclaimed. ” the Angel that has been driving our
friend crazy has come to visit us. How are you?” He extended his hand to her.
“I’m fine, thank you.” She smiled as she shook his hand.
“Nice to see you again” Frank also shook her hands, “how is Amarachi?”
“Oh! She’s doing fine”
“Good, send my greetings to her”
“Okay, She’ll hear”
“Alright, we were actually on our way out, we need to check out the fixtures for next
week” Bode continued
“Hope you guys are not leaving because of me?”
” No o, we’ll be back soon. Enjoy yourself”
“Okay, thanks”
As soon as they were out of sight, Kelvin continued
“See, the matter between Frank and Bola is complicated. You might not…”
“Okay kelv, I just need to know if there’s something between them. ” Ini interrupted.
“Yes, there is now. Something just came up” Kelvin said calmly.
“Its okay, I have to leave now” Ini replied after she took a glance at her wrist watch
and stood up immediately.
“Ini” he called holding her hands
“Yeah Kelvin. Don’t worry, we’ll talk later. Its nice knowing your place. I don’t want to
be hooked up in the traffic jam”
“Okay, can we see tomorrow evening?” He asked as he walked her to her car.
“Okay, just call me”
“Alright, bye.” He stood and watched Ini drive off until the car was out of sight, he
returned to the house
As Ini drove home, she thought about all she had heard that day. She wondered who
to trust, Bola had said she caught Kelvin and Amarachi kissing passionately before
only to change it to Amarachi being the one forcing the action. Kelvin had also lied to
her about Frank not being in a relationship with Bola before only to confirm that Bola
as pregnant for Frank that day.
She thought about Amarachi, she knew deep in her hear that Amarachi wasn’t a
deceiver. But the problem Amarachi always seem to take the most important things
to her especially what if she had been working on it for a long time. Whether
Amarachi purposely does it to frustrate her or if it was just fate was what she didn’t
know.
In less than thirty minutes of driving, she got home. The living room was empty as
she got in, Amarachi was in her room.
Hungry and tired, Ini walked to the dining table. The aroma that invited her was
irresistible, she opened the plate to check, it was her favourite food.
She was about to sit and eat when she remembered she had earlier told Amarachi
she wouldn’t be eating. She got up sadly, refusing to swallow her pride and walked
towards her room immediately.
“Good evening Ini” Amarachi greeted from behind
Ini looked back and stopped without replying
“I served your food already”
“Hahaha, you served my food? Who’s gonna rat that poison you prepared?” Ini
hissed at her and walked into her room deeply regretting that she didn’t even taste
the food.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
“She’s gone already?” Bode questioned Kelvin as he walked in with Frank
“Yep, she only came to see me briefly”
“Good, so should we continue with our cards now?”
“Ahn ahn, don’t you want to know anything apart from cards? Me, I’m tired o” ,
Kelvin whined and continued after a brief silence
“Well, I have good news guys. I found a good apartment I would like to move into”
“Hmmm, where’s the place?” Bode asked
“Around Mandate estate. I wanna go there on Saturday, will you come with me?”
“Yeah sure, we will” Bode replied excitedly.
“And Frank too?” Kelvin asked and turned to Frank who gave no answer because he
was already deep in thoughts and not listening to their conversation
“Ahn ahn, what’s the matter Frank? Why are you absentminded? You’ve been acting
strangely since we greeted Ini and went out” Bode ask hitting Frank slightly on the
shoulder with his elbow.
“Mtchew. See guys, let me tell you the truth. I’ve just been trying to keep this in but I
can’t anymore. I’m going crazy everyday when I think i will have to live my life
without Amarachi. Truth is I’ve not been able to get her off my mind. The feelings I
have for her is growing stronger the more I try to suppress it.” He paused and looked
at Kelvin with pleading eyes. “Can you tell me their address? I wish to see and speak
with her even if its for the last time”
“Ooooooh oh, this Amarachi matter again? Why can’t you just forget about her? I
don’t think I can let you know the address, that might cause a lil trouble for me”
Kelvin replied.
“She might never get to love you back, so why don’t you just move on with someone
else”
“Move on with someone else? Bola?” Kelvin questioned. “And tell me, how will
giving me the address cause any trouble for you?”
“Forget about the address Frank and face the challenges you have. I suggest that you
try to get along with Bola”
Frank got up and looked at Kelvin with disgust in his eyes, he looked at Bode who
was just quiet and listening to them and looked back at kelvin.
“I don’t believe you are saying this, how can you suggest I move along with someone
like Bola?”
“That might be the only option. Amarachi is probably somewhere now enjoying the
love of another man and you’re killing yourself here”
“Why won’t you say that? When getting Ini for you was so easy” Frank flared up.
“Look here, I’m only telling you the truth. Stop behaving like a kid”
“Me, a kid? Something must be wrong with you upstairs”
“Don’t insult me Frank” Kelvin stood up and faced him.
“It’s okay guys” Bode interrupted. “Don’t let this turn into a fight, lets just take dinner
and go to bed, we’ll discuss this properly later”
“Talk to your friend Bode, tell him to stop acting like a fool” Frank replied and left the
living room to his bedroom.
“It’s okay” Bode said to Kelvin who was looking at Frank as he walked away. “You
know Frank well, you would have been more careful.”
“The guy just behaves like a kid, why does he want to ki*ll himself on a girl who
doesn’t even care if he exists”
“It’s okay. Let’s go take dinner now”
Don't understand ooo
Y z ini behaving so childish na
I just tire for this Ini girl
Her fears are sorta understandable
wow
you guys shouldn't fight
frank you should just move on