Sarah Wellington was tensed. Gunshots were still flying from different corners but everybody escaped successfully. I asked Sarah to stay calm in my room until the brouhaha was over. She cooperated with me and I returned to the scene. So many guests were gone already. They ran away for their dear lives. Trina and Pain were looking out for me. They didn't want me to get too busy. "Go in, Tony. I will handle it" Pain said, assuredly. "Please, don't say no. Just go to the living room. We've everything under control" Trina added. I looked at the both of them in admiration of their courage. I surrendered to their will. I knew I could trust them. "This attack is a proof that throwing a party would wake the sleeping "dogs" who are ready to bite at the slightest opportunity. I know this is the Lotus Group at work." Trina whispered in my ears. Trina was not surprised at all. She knew something bad was going to happen and she was so sure of it. My life was no longer safe. I must begin to w
"Does time wait for any man?" That question continued to ring aloud in my ears. It was indeed an eye-opener. As I thought about it, I was triggered to do the needful on time. I began to reflect, thinking of the old good days when I was overwhelmed with the love of Paula. One would think I was charmed with the way I went so foolish for love sake. Paula was the girl. She was mine before I loosed my memory. We shared our secrets and kept them. We were not in a romantic relationship yet. But it was close to one and I was so sure as hell that we our feelings for each other was a mutual one. But, I think I was taking the time I didn't have back then too. Now that reality has faced me, I think I would return to the old good love in which there is certainty than wallow in the blindness of love. Love from two strangers that have gradually become good friends - Maggie and Sarah. I sat at the verranda, enjoying the cool breeze and looking into space that evening. I was completely lost in though
Pastor Goodnews was out for a mission outreach. I thought I would meet him at home by that hour of the day. But, I think I was wrong. She was just as shy as I was. But I summoned the courage to confront her. "Sister, what is your name?" I asked warmly, trying to be jovial. "Oh, I'm Ruby. Can I meet you too?" She asked. "Of course. My name is Tony." I said. "Tony of the Most High" I added in an attempt to create an air of relieve from the tension. Something was erupting from my mind that day. I thought of Uloma and how she appeared so stunning on the first day I met her. I imagined a blissful life with her by mere physical appearance. Unknown to me that I was entering my doom with her. Falshes of yesteryears began to appear so recent in my memory. I was just too full of stories and experiences. As day became weeks and weeks, months. The pregnancy of John's wife, Lyda, grew gracefully to maturity and she was due for delivery. John was really worried. "It will be successful just lik
I began to draw out plans to end the Lotus Group completely. They were causing a lot of nuisance already and it needed to stop. Trina was there to help as always. She was tired of their trouble too. But she didn't want me to involve myself in any tedious work at all. She offered to take all my headache and allow me rest. But myself, I was tired of resting. "How do I continue to rest when some other persons out there are restless, seeking my downfall?" I asked myself. I knew it was indeed tasking and challenging to want to bring them down entirely. They were a strong force but I believed we were much more stronger and it wasn't impossible to do so. I took the letter I found in my care and kept it jealousy. It was my first evidence to prove that they were evil and should be uprooted from our society. Uloma was at the verge of loosing all she had with her husband, Emeka. The couple suddenly broke out of the tie of love they had for each other. It was so obvious that they were tired of
Emeka was driving so elatedly that he didn't even care about some reckless drivers on the road. Usually, he stopped by to reign curses for nothing less than thirty minutes. That was exactly how rash and ill-mannered he was. But that day was a different one entirely. He took his phone and dailed Allen's number. He couldn't keep the news to himself. It was 4am that fateful Thursday when John's wife put to bed. It was another beautiful baby boy. John called, forgetting that I maybe fast asleep at that odd hour of the day. I had actually just returned from the hospital but I couldn't stay any longer. I felt very weak and I needed a break to refuel myself. John advised that I go home as my house was not too far from the hospital. He knew I could sort things out for myself. It was the first time John called that early so I was eager to hear what he had to say. "Tony! Tony! The caeserian section was a success. We've another boy!" John said joyfully. I rose from my bed and leaped for joy.
"Guess what, Tony? Guess what?" Trina said again. "But you know I always don't guess right. Can you just let the cat out of the purse?" I asked. She looked at me, still smiling. "Just try, Tony. It's good news." she said, trying to create a strong suspense. "I can't... Just tell me, Trina" I pleaded. She opened the door and a lanky young man entered. I was a bit shocked. He was the last person I ever thought of seeing in my house. His kind of dress was unfamiliar and distinct. It was Thunder, one of the old members of Dark Dragons. I sprang up to my feet at once. "Thunder!" I exclaimed. "This is indeed a pleasant surprise!" I added. "I have missed you so much Tony." Thunder said. "Me too, bro! How have you been?" I asked. "Fine, I've been doing great. What about you?" He asked. I didn't reply him. I just jumped at him in elation. We hugged ourselves tightly and didn't release the bond until Trina felt too jealous. Thunder had been my right hand man before Pain came to the pi
"Booooomm!" I shut the door against Trina. She couldn't believe her eyes. She was perplexed to see that angry. "Tony! Tony!!" Trina called. "Just hear me out. Please." She pleaded. "Tony, let's talk things out. It's all for your good. I mean, for our good" She said again trying to convince me. Trina began to knock on my door repeatedly. But I ignored it. She wanted to talk to me by force but I wouldn't let her. I will not even give her the littlest chance. She then returned to the living room, crestfallen. Royal Pain and Thunder were trying to rob minds to see the possibility of bringing the Lotus Group under their feet. Trina joined them as she was passionate about seeing their end. They were scared that I may eavesdrop on their conversations so they left the living room for my little garden in the backyard. They began to whisper to themselves. I sighted them from my window and shook my head. They perhaps had forgotten who Tony is. I watched them argue and agree. I saw passion a
I picked up one of my dairies where I had written a beautiful love poem for Paula. I looked at it in admiration for a while. "She will like this "I thought. "But this is not secondary school. We are two mature adults and Paula may not find my poem interesting." So many things were just crossing my mind. Trina would have given me the perfect suggestion but we were not on good terms. Though, I knew dinner would bring us back together. It was one of the rules in Dark Dragon never to keep grudges for more than a day. "It is normal to have misunderstandings as teammates. But, it is abnormal to make that misunderstanding a building upon the ground of unforgiveness" The Don usually say. It was past 7pm and they were still chit-chatting in my garden. This time, they were already sketching out their plans on cardboard. I dropped my curtain and entered the toilet to answer the call of nature. As soon as I was done, I took a shower and walked down the stairs to watch a football match. Of cour
I wanted to save his face the disgrace of his past life. I asked him to walk to the cafeteria while I follow him behind and he did as I commanded him. The cafeteria is a big one with so many serving tables here and there. Some of the costumers were eating some Kenyan delicacies and you needed to see how they were devouring the "sumptuous" meal. It had a good aroma that would cause anyone that is famished to salivate but this wasn't the time to try their food. Douglas and I had something important to discuss. We sat at the nearest serving table as I signaled the waiter to get us soft drinks. My kindness caused Douglas to fear the more. He thought I was doing him a favour that he would pay back in a thousand folds. But this wasn't so. He wasn't thinking well enough. I wanted to hear his story. Everything about him. The waiter had served us the drinks. It was enough to calm my nerves down. I gulped it as I was thirsty. Douglas felt very reluctant to take his drink. But I asked him to tak
I wasn't too sure if the idea of naming the child George was a good one. How will John and his wife take it? Will they be happy about it? Will I be mocking them with the name? I hope my son will not die prematurely like the late George? My mind was preoccupied with these thoughts so I had to relax for a while. When there wasn't any other name that my heart desired, we named the child George. Sometimes, our fears only threatens us but if we shun the threat, we would be heading for success. The christening was a success and to my greatest surprise, John and his wife were happy about it. The way they snuggled the child in their arms read a million meanings. Lyda said that he looked like George during his days as a toddler. She smiled and hoped that he lived long. Thank Goodness I didn't change the name. After another week or so, I travelled for a leadership conference at Nairobi - the capital of Kenya. It was hosted by one of the most accomplished business man in the world and it was hel
Maggie and I were having all the fun in this world. It was just she and I. No disturbance. I kept the news of Mama's death at the back of my memory. I wouldn't let it interfere with the nice time I was having with the love of my life. The wailing was for Uloma and Lizzy to do. I wailed enough while she was alive. Even in her wickedness, I loved her. I hope that her soul find rest in heaven or wherever! It's God's choice not mine. It was the first time Maggie had a sexual experience. She was a virgin. No one would believe she was because she was a full grown up lady. All through her years with Malid, they maintained "sexual distancing". Malid must have his own good sides too. Waiting till after marriage before such an experience must have come with a lot of patience. But maybe he wasn't patient enough so he loose his girl and not only his girl, but now, his life. I wonder what explanation he was going to give his creator for taking the life that was given to him on a platter of gold. I
In as much as we all enjoy peace, no one desires an eternal peace or say rest. But this wasn't the case for Mama - Uloma's mother. She desired death even though her children rebuked her severally. "Mama, don't say that!" "Mama, stop!!!" They cautioned. They warn her on a daily basis about her pessimism but she turned deaf to everything they ever said to her. She wanted a ticket to hell or wherever because life was teaching her hard lessons. She suffered from chronic fever, an illness one would consider "minor" or "ordinary" but it was getting worse by the day. There wasn't any kind of treatment Mama didn't receive. They did one thing or the other to ensure they meet up with the bills. They sold some of their properties and even their bodies for money to take good care of Mama. They went out of their comfort and did some menial jobs and secured something profitable for themselves. There was virtually nothing they didn't do. But their efforts were not amounting to any positive result.
I danced David's dance at the reception of my wedding. We were so elated and fulfilled. I now had a woman I could call mine with confidence. Friends and family joined in our dance. The bridal train were not left out too. The songs were so melodious. I mean, it was remedy for any broken heart. The musical instruments synchronized without any flop and we were just taking different steps - from left to right. We heard of the tragedy. It was as though we didn't hear the right thing. But it was true. Zero lies. It was so pathetic - the untimely death of Malid. No one could have thought that he would kick the bucket so quickly with the life of wealth he lived in. It was no news that he killed himself with poison right inside his room. He just wasted his life for nothing. He threw his poor family into mourning and complete bitterness. They hearts were heavier than the stone that was used to cover Jesus' tomb. The rumor was all around the place. It was everywhere that the founder of El-Tech c
Nobody would believe that I "snatched" Maggie from him. After all, I didn't do that. She simply got too tired of him so she "kicked" him out of her life and will not allow him back. Thank God for Thunder who stopped him right at the gate perhaps he would have done something worst. He was such an animal. I think God assigned some angels to create him and that day, they were too tired to add a pitch of calmness in him. He just liked to burn everywhere he is found. But the fire from a lantern is not same as the one that erupts from a cooking gas. Thunder's punches were enough lessons for him and a warning never to thread the path of lions like us. Malid got home badly injured. He collapsed on his couch in tears. He had sacked all his staff and some of them resigned because they could no longer be patient with him. He was acting like a demigod and they wouldn't let another man trample on them like a snake Malid hates to see. He was growing more wild by the day so they all had to leave him
I think Maggie is truly the divine woman made for me because for the first time in my entire life, I felt truly loved by a woman. I was betrothed to Uloma by her father who considered me a responsible man. He was sure that I was going to take good care of his daughter because of the traits I displayed during my stay at his house. I felt like I was marrying my step sister even though we were not in anyway related by blood. This was his death wish so I decided to honour the poor man. But one of the lessons I have learnt in life is never to marry a man or a woman in pity. I had compassion for Uloma and her family especially after the demise of their lovely father. So I married her but I regretted it quite too early. I wonder how Uloma, Lizzy and Mama coped with a man whose spirit provoked their demons. He was just one of a kind. A complete father and an epitome of love. I mean, he took me in without knowing a thing about me. Just assumptions and the fact that I was a human being as him.
Now I had to tell Maggie the story of my life to clear the air. She kept asking too many questions and I couldn't deny her the right answers because she was now very dear to my heart. I mean, can one withhold the truth about the colour of one's skin from one's buttocks? That would be eating beans with the eyes. Maggie was pensive when we got home. It was as though she had just finished watching a Hollywood movie but this time, she didn't watch it on screen but on set! She was amazed to see me take them down, one by one, as if I had prepared for the attack. I didn't prepare for anything but that sharp thought that flashed through my mind was enough to sense something. I usually had such a feeling when something goes wrong. My demons were never asleep. They kept on knocking the door of my heart until it dawn on me that there was something wrong about the route we were taking. I told Maggie about the Dark Dragons something I never mentioned to Uloma. Paula knew about it of course, because
It is true that once a soldier, always a soldier. But I also think once a fool is always a fool or maybe... Once a culprit, is always a culprit! Malid was at it again. His usual display of foolishness. I called it "foolishness" because he thinks he can play smart and get me tied to his trap. Me? What a dream! Malid couldn't sleep well. Of course, he wouldn't have. He was dreaming of the impossible. So how possible was it for him to find sleep? Sweet sleep are for those who have laboured in truth. Not some evildoers like Malid! I sensed it from the smile, the handshake, the gestures, uneasiness, friendliness, useless talks... everything! I knew he was surely up to something. Can I ever forget Aunty Raina? Even if she belongs to the family of evil-doers with Malid as the head. She would say; "a rat does not run in daylight for nothing. He must have seen a cat or something." Malid is the rat here but instead of staying clear, the idiot remains adamant, like a forgotten morsel of pounded