Written by Dunsin Olaniyan (@shizzy_chase)
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Chapter 17,
The truth about my reality was a bitter pill to swallow.. I was a shadow of myself, trials were my name and tribulations were my surname..I have faced death and come out alive,I have seen pain and come out unhurt..what a wasted past and bitter present; but something in me kept burning that the future would bring hope..
We finally got to Redeem Camp,I started seeing the traces of Lagos.. Beautiful infrastructures,facilities and social amenities put in place..at least it was far better than the Bush I was coming from.."berger wa o(I'll stop at berger)..I heard an old woman scream..I quickly tapped the young lady sitted beside me in a quest for navigation to ajah route.."my name is Amanda but you could call me Mandy"..she concluded,we exchanged pleasantries and contacts but I knew deep down that it could be the first and last time I meet the lady..yes!!there are some people you meet once in a lifetime, I argued with myself..and took the route to ajah;it went smooth, took a bus going to cms,then straight to crown estate in ajah
"Yes,how may we help you?? The guards asked as I got to the gate" I'm here to see "the Airuoyos".. And who are you by name??Freda Balogun,I replied..in no time he radioed another person with his walkie talkie.." Mrs...Fredam..,no sir,its Freda..I corrected;"he continued; "take your immediate right and walk 10steps,you will meet some personnel that will usher you in".. The house was always fine back in those days when we used to come around and play with" The Airuoyos"kids..we both were rich kids then and they had only a son..his name is Laban..we both crushed on each other when we were kids and that puppy love affection was in existence..who didn't play "mummy and daddy" during my age and stage??virtually no one."The mummy and daddy "playlet was when I shared my first kiss with Laban and ever since then we crushed on each other until my brothers noticed and beat him up..shortly afterwards, he relocated to the United States,my family relocated to the village ..will he be in that house?how would they receive me?what will I tell them happened to my people?...these were real questions I had to deal with.
Chapter 18,
I was ushered into the house according to protocol.." Wow"..the garden was blooming with green,the lawn was well trimmed,the compound was spacious with different fleet of cars.."ha!finally, I've gotten to my Canaan land..I whispered..
I was offered a drink at the lobby,as I was asked to wait for madam to come... I spent close to an hour waiting.. "How are you darling..Mrs Airuoyo asked.." I'm fine ma'am "..I replied.." You are all grown now,I could barely recognise you if not for the name that pacified my retentive memory"..I giggled a little.. "How are your parents dear?".. That question brought back a surge of sorrow to my heart and soul.." They are late ma,that's why I'm here to"....what!!!..she interrupted.. "I'm so very sorry about that,but how?when?where?....as she began the quizzing, she saw the expression on my face and changed the topic.." The guest room is the last room by your extreme right,go and freshen up and get ready for dinner,you have come a long way"...I made the walk for the room without hesitating, straight to the door,unto the bed..At that moment on the bed,I got into analytical thinking, on how to put two and two together to make the story add up; then I flashed back to some secrets mum confided in me with;it goes thus....
Mr Airuoyo,Mr Balogun and Mr Benson were all classmates in the same university(unilag)..Mrs Airuoyo and my mum were in (LASU)..They all met in a social function (award)whereby they gelled immediately as long term friends..Mr Benson was the first to make passes at my mum in which she reciprocated, as at that time,Mr Balogun was also into Mrs Airuoyo..Mr Benson left for abroad after school which made distance disrupt his relationship with my mum..unknown to Mr Balogun(my supposed dad);Mr Airuoyo was feeding Mrs Airuoyo information about his escapades with women which eventually led to their break up..
Mr Balogun later went for my mum,while the Airuoyos got married.. Shortly after,Mr Benson came back from abroad deported for drug reassun) which he initially didnt own up,and started running an hidden affair with my mum..He became close to my dad to destroy him for stealing the love of his life,he influenced my dad into drugs until they both became broke and relocated...
Chapter 19
Let me make a quick recap of things I might have left out about me.
My name is Freda Balogun aka El Freddy..my life is like hell that you go through torment and never die..I've been living in the house of pain since my foster dad(Mr Balogun) picked up that needle..my biological dad(Mr Benson)is a useless pervert..he can hardly remember the number of children he birthed from various concubines, his wife and of course my dear mother...(Mstchew)..
In whom produced me...I remain gratefully ungrateful*for bringing me to this callous world..I remember when Mr Benson who is supposed to be my father almost raped me to the wall..the anger and strength that enveloped me was outrageous.. I felt like the female version of sango(god of thunder)that day...well...giving to the fact that he WS high,I out powered him.. The only word I can come up wit if I'm asked to describe him is "useless infidel"..I still had love for my foster father even after everything Cuz..he could have killed me that day if he wanted to..it WS a matter of choice... In his cruelty,you will see traces of good in him,unlike " Mr Benson,whom is a wolve in sheep's clothing "..I had a traumatized childhood with my brothers,that's y I hardly recall any moment..they were good for hooliganism.. They helped Mr Balogun and Benson run plenty illegit stuff..from beating my crushes,to sniffing of drugs and so on..but let's leave "matter for Mathias"..
My main concern now is " ME"..See Kel now,what happens..what if laban is home in this same mighty house??..I tell ya "the demon you know is better than the Angel you don't".. I've known Laban at least for more time than this man that seems too perfect.." No be naija we dy.."..Come.."I never bath.."..I murmured to myself as I ran to the bathroom...
Chapter 20,
D bathroom was bigger than my entire house in okenne.."godamn it...I moaned as I steamed in a hot bath in the jacuzzi.. When will I call Kel??,as I was contemplating in the shower,I heard a knock on my door..a second..I whispered.. I jumped out,took a new rob from the hanger I spotted in the bathroom.."it must be Mrs Airuoyo, "I muttered..I paced to the door,opened and....lo and behold..Mr Laban Airuoyo was in front of me...I never expected him so early..d pound on my chest was deep..my soul faded..my persona was disjointed..
" Hello red roses"..he teased.."you never forget to call me that name"..I timidly said.."wow you look stunning especially with a robe"..I regained consciousness and laughed.."anyways welcome back and dinner is served..I'll save our discussion for the best wine at night.."we both grinned and departed...I started reminiscing on how good this house might turn out for me..can it change my fortune??..can it heal my hurts??can it wipe my tears??...I got to the dining and was perplexed by the array of assorted meals..I'll think about kel after this meal.lol...i ripped the barbecue apart with juice to go with it for desert....
Just as we were deep into the meal,Mrs Airuoyo started,"my husby is in Austria for a diplomatic forum..I'll like to emphasize in his absence that you are more than welcome into this peaceful abode..you re one of us..feel free,whenever u are calm enough, we will talk..so welcome'..and have a blessed night"
She stood up and left,heading for up the stairs..the staffs at there service were staggering.. What are they into??are they politicians!!.. "Heyo".. Laban said with a killer smile.." Im overjoyed seeing you again,after years of missing you".."wash!!..I yelled..how many ladies have endorsed after me huh??"..Freddy..you will never change ..regardless of what has transpired in the past,you will always be my muse"..
Erh..I'm really sorry bout your family.. He continued.. I know it must have been hard out there..buh as from now on the siege is over!!..he said reassuringly.."Laban,you don't know what I've been through.. You will never understand..these trials,long suffering and tribulations were not a days show..so ..its not right for you to overwhelm me with your loyalty cause it has never been tested"..yes!!!..I won this battle,I screamed inside me..the expression on his fac3 preached humility.. As I left him stunned and took a stroll to the balcony..
Chapter 21,
The view was beautiful.. The street lights,the ocean view,the sophistication of the neighborhood and the protocol of security observed... This was paradise compared to the slum of a village I manifested from..there was nothing fascinating about the town.. But here,a Serene environment with the right crops of people from different folds of life that you will aspire to be..
"I'm sorry dear..Laban spoke.." I brought the oldest wine for the best part"..he dimmed his blue eyes as he directed his gaze at me.."that eyes!!..that puppy face..that cute body frame..the last time I saw him..he was a boy..now!!..he is a matured gentleman,I had the right to be attracted to him in my opinion.. "Who no like better thing".. He poured a glass of Ace of Spade..either alcoholic or not,I was ready to honour the occasion.. I took a sip,and it felt good with a taste of class in it.." Very exquisite, I enthused"..
"I would like us to go to the mall a day after tomorrow" he asked like he Was telling me".."you must be tired,pardon my courtesy.. Lemme walk you to your room"he offered.."thanks dear, continue with the bottle,I'll find my way"..night dear.."you too Laban,and thanks for your gestures".*anytime*he concluded..I went back to my new room in my new abode with my new family.. Guess I'm like job in the bible that was blessed after he was cursed..not just blessed but in uncountable folds..from the village where I just came from,this is paradise!!!...
Chapter 22;
In every reality; there was a fantasy..whatever you believe, you will achieve..my thin glimmer of hope had started to feed off life..a shattered and disoriented girl that had gone through what was worse than death...
It was a fairytale when Laban started spoiling me with going on shopping sprees,dates in transcorp to obudu cattle ranch to eleguisi beach..it was like I was from this billionaires club on vacation...I was showered with gifts like clothing's,toiletries and sophisticated gadgets..Mrs Airuoyo was the nicest woman on earth,the mother I wish bore me..
After a month;I deemed it fit to call Kel..why after all these whole time in Lagos??..because I needed time to diffuse the wants of the flesh and hearken unto the spirit..its not like I had anything to do with Laban..no...buh I had to be nice to him in other to get goodies..my dear..we have but one life to live; I didn't come to Lagos to count bridge,so I wanted it all..*phone ringing*.."hello"..its me kel..."Freda???...Christ!!Freda is that you??"..yes Kel I replied ,giggling.. "Did you get my note? And where are you??".." Kel,if you keep asking I won't keep up with answering you,take a chill pill,and lemme speak dear"..he paused,then I started.. I'm in Lagos ...crown estate in Ajah,I got your note and I'm so sorry I left you....."Freda,..he broke in..."stay where you are, I'm coming to get you..its a 15minutes drive..*hangs up**...
What kind of double wahala is this??how would Laban feel if he meets Kelvin??..freaking pick my calls at least..I kept trying his digits to no avail...
Chapter 23;
I had to stand in front of the estates gate to wait out in case he came..I was on this strapless gown because I had the thought of staying indoors for the whole day..I brushed my braids before matching out along with some light foundation on the face..I had a collection of Zara,Mary Kay and the likes but I couldn't afford the luxury of time..Laban was having a drink outside with his pal(John)..I walked past them in a split moment..before Laban could say a word,I was gone..
Sweating in the hot sun,looking back and forth for a sign of Kelvin...no Kelvin..I started becoming impatient.. Dialled his number again,buh he didn't pick..by this time,the scotching sun was piercing through my skin that it sent sweat to trickle down my skin.."am I late??"...a familiar voice whispered behind me..I turned around and he met me with a kiss to my lip....it was unexpected.. Without my consent even though I wouldn't have refused it too..it sent a shocking wave to my vein..every of our travails began to flash back in my mind...As he released me from from the hug..I turned back to take two steps,only for me to spot Laban and his buddy(John)behind me..I finally was unable to avoid the unavoidable.. The two men of my life have finally met. Is this gonna be a clash??will they get the whole issue misconstrued??are they going to be mature enough to shrug the differences off??the last thing I wanted was for both of em to beef cause at this moment,they both held a dear place in my heart..true story,I knew laban less but it felt at this moment his value was more than I would have loved to admit..
"Who is this???"... Laban demanded...
Chapter 24;
I was confused and scared..for no reason..why will I feel guilty conscience,its not like I shared marital vows with any of them..buh its easier said than done.." Laban meet Kelvin,Kel meet Laban"..."so who the fuck is he??"Laban yelled..Kelvin stepped in immediately "hey bro what's going on. You don't yell at a lady"..then john from nowhere intruded.." Hey,have you gone bananas??.."you fucking with his girl..you a stupid mofo"..Kel was shocked..I could read his mind.."did this girl come to Lagos to see another man with my money??is this girl a scam??y is she so ungrateful?? After saving her life..
I could hardly talk and was just advocating for peace to rain..Kel lost all his charisma, action and composure... On the other hand,I could also tell Laban's thoughts..when did she arrive that she hooked up with someone?? Is this the same red rose or she's changed??Are you sure she even told my family the whole truth??about her..her parent..and sibling..
Kelvin walked away and left in his automobile... I tried to reach out to Kel buh Laban's presence didn't help matters..he seemed over protective.. We hadn't started dating and he is spitting fire and brimstone.."are you serious Freddy??..you have started making out??"Kel...sorry . .Laban...
Laban walked out on me immediately I made the error of mistaken identity..
I'm done for!!!!.. "Its too early for all this,,give yourself brains!!!!!"".. I thought to myself as I stood on the pavements in the estate..there is fire on the mountain... What's next!!!??
Chapter 25;
After being feasted on by mosquitoes.. I decided to go back to my humble abode..paced away from the diner to avoid Laban because that was his favourite spot.." Come back here"..he commanded.. I was startled..who the hell is this guy??what has come over the young,cute,innocent Laban that was endowed with courtesy.."Laban,you don't have the right and effrontery to speak to me in that manner"..I just saw some traits in him that I had never witnessed; he inhibited this rage that brought out a monster in his eyes...all of a sudden,that deep blue eyes had suddenly turned into a red ass fired gaze that could melt the coldest ice...
"I'm sorry::..my jealousy overwhelmed me..I couldn't control mys3lf..who is that tramp??who is that pussy ass nigga??"..."my very good friend";I replied before he could continue..for a fact,I think the mosquitoes out there that feasted on me,gave me brain to see sun in the rain..I needed to set the records straight.. I wanted a plain life," no shortcuts "..Some of the reasons I stalled in seeing Kel was to be able to rehearse how to face him and tell him the truth..I was done lying..
" Kel,he his not just a friend Laban..so many waters have passed under the bridge that you are ignorant about..you knew the young naive me..life has taught me lessons learnt..."when I was ready to die,Kel gave me life after death "..he was slapped in the face with my truth,so he had no choice than to relax and listen.." My family died due to my fathers misgivings in which he also died of those misgivings too.. I'm not dating Kel but I need you two to maturely call a truce..I cannot afford to loose any of you..
He without sin should cast the first stone..I pondered.. Yes!!,I'm in love with 2men,so??they both had their various distinctive qualities that made them rare gems..I was ready to curb my feeling and not date both,but have them as my pillar of support.. I wanted my cake and have it back...he was dumbfounded and all he said was an "okay" and we parted ways to our various rooms..
Chapter 26;
Its the beginning of a new dawn..I was in a pensive mode..I just left sorrow back in the village and the least I needed was another drama..*knock*..yea,a sec.."madam,big madame requests for your presence in the lounge.."okay thanks"..I replied.. I left for the lounge immediately,there she was,reading a daily coupled with a hot cup of coffee and cream.."how was your night Freda??...fine ma,I was told you wanted to see me ma.."yes,yes..sit "..
I was feeling jittery,why would she want to see me??is it because of yesterdays drama??is she gonna send me out of the house in favour of her son??.." I'll like to know in detail what happened to your family...*sighs*..as I wanted to continue, she tossed the dailies on my lap.."its on the front page"
I fixed my gaze on the paper like I was prepping for a Cambridge examination.. According to the dailies,.. "Family of five die in an unknown tragedy".. That caption caught my attention because it indirectly meant I was supposedly dead.." So I'm listening "Mrs Airuoyo said..
I began to think of stories to tell and ones I'll leave behind.. I couldn't tell her my father raped me??or wanted to use me for blood money??If that was the last respect I could grant my dad,I'll do it..
" ma'am,its a complicated story "..I started..my brothers were framed for allegation of theft..my mum collapsed and die hearing the story..my dad committed suicide.. I ended the tale sobbing..
" its alright sweedie"she said as she came to where I WS sitted,she consoled me with a pat on my back"it's gonna be alright honey,just feel at home"..As we were both caught up in the mother and daughter web;Mr Laban just walked in with an uncertain expression that made me suspect he wanted to let the cat out of the bag.."what's going on here"he demanded
Chapter 27;
"Nothing".. The mum answered, I was surprised at her response but wasn't bothered..." I wanna see you Freddy when you are done".."aiit,no qualms"..I was immediately released by his mum in other to see Laban.."Laban you asked to see me"...."yes,I need to talk to you..I'm not certain anymore about the Freddy I used to know..so many life experiences have changed us from what we were to what we are right now..I won't be deceived by your pity story because I know there is a lot you are hiding from myself and my mum...Laban,I cut in...."no!!lemme finish:;for old times sake,I'll let go of what happened yesterday, but just know I'm on your case;you just stepped the tail of a viper"he ended and left the whole vicinity..
I instantly felt a migraine and felt very sick in me.."oh God,what is this!!!"..*phone rings*.."hello Freddy"....it was Kel.."yes Kel".."how we your night??please can I see you for an urgent discussion; I'll come pick you after work"
"Don't bother Kel,I'm busy and besides I need to run for a check up,I'm feeling I'll" ..before I could say "Jack", he hung up...what's wrong with Kel??why is he so forward??.. Within a gify,he called that he was outside...what!!did he skip work for me??..I went outside with the aim of chastising him buh I somehow did not.." Let's get you to the hospital "
We got to the hospital were he had a family doctor on sitting,I ran some tests....blood test,widal tests and urinalyses..
The doctor came out of his office.. "The results are out..we paced to him and he ushered us to his office"Mrs.....Freda sir..I corrected"..Kelvin and I were both dying out of curiosity..
" YOU ARE PREGNANT!! "The doctor said...
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