"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
El-Malid was so disturbed and Roxy shared in his worries. She didn't even know what else to say. Lizzy, who could have helped with CELL's downfall, was fired already. All of her thoughts were amounting to nonsense. She was nervous as she was at the verge of losing her job. "You don't even know how to think! My God! How did I come across a dunce like you?" Malid lamented. "This is the second time you have no reasonable suggestion to make. Tell me, how do I pay you if I don't get good money? How on earth will it increase your salary when you add no value to the company?" Malid added in disdain for Roxy. Roxy was ashamed of herself. The workers at El-Tech were shocked to see Malid so mad at his "favourite P.A." El-Malid was only venting his anger and disappointment to Roxy but it wasn't her fault that we were prospering. "It's the Lord's doing" As Pastor Goodnews does say. It was midnight. The stars were shining bright and the breeze of harmattan blew so cold. I used two blankets to
Trina screamed. The nurses covered Rose's face and were feeling sorry for the family of the poor girl. I was pained to my marrow. Pain's shirt was socked in tears already. He was weeping bitterly. I held him by the arm, consoling. I didn't even know how to console him. I was just trying to calm him down. Trina was full of tears. She had a quite close relationship with Rose. They shared the same birthday date and since the day Trina knew, she got so close to her. Her death was really shocking. It was 7am. The day had broke. Janet rushed into the hospital. She didn't know where she was going. The love she had for her friend had I blinded her. She even referred to me as "doctor". She didn't see Pain and Trina until I pointed towards the direction they sat. "Hello bro... How is she doing now?" She said looking tattered. Pain raised his head but was silent. Trina pointed at ward and Janet moved there, walking fearfully. She was getting suspicious already. But she didn't complain. She ju
I passed the admission letter to Trina and Pain. They read it and were filled with joy. Pain didn't see it coming at all. All hope was lost. I could send him abroad to study any course of his choice but he didn't show any interest in education. I thought it was completely out of his mind. After all, he was a witty young man. He had a good knowledge about electrical engineering and he excelled in it. We didn't have to look for an expert in that field whenever we needed his service. Pain was a professional himself. I knew how he would apply for multiple scholarships at once. I was there to help with some of the registrations. That was the same way Thunder went abroad. It was unexpected. "Congratulations once again, Pain" Trina said. "Thank you." Pain replied. "So, how do we celebrate the goodnews?" Thunder asked. "Well..." He said looking around. Thunder was waiting for a positive response. Pain and Trina looked at each other then started pointing at me. It meant "you are respons
El-Malid did all he could to reform his image and that of his company to the general public but he couldn't. It was far beyond his power. He called for an urgent meeting to see if he could get something "reasonable" from any of his staff. But they were all silent even though some of them had meaningful suggestions to make. They feared that El-Malid may not find it worthwhile. El-Malid is usually rash and impolite in most of the meetings he had with his staff. So they would not speak. Emeka's plan of getting Uloma out of his house was gradually becoming a reality. He haunted her with the pregnancy results he got from her file jacket. She was dumbfounded when he broke the news to her. She couldn't even try to deny the fact that she had sexual intercourse out of wedlock. The most annoying part of it was that she no longer had a womb. Emeka felt deceived and lied to. His lustful desire even triggered his anger the more. Uloma begged him. She wailed like a hungry puppet. But she had herse
"I'm sorry... I didn't plan for this. Please..." Uloma cried out. Lizzy helped her up and assured her that it will all be fine. Uloma nodded in belief but she still had doubts in her mind. Uloma did not utter a word. She was full of shame. It was a big disgrace to the family. Mama could tear her in rage. She will be mad at her for keeping such a thing away for a long time. She was really disturbed. She continued to beg Lizzy not to tell Mama about it but Lizzy made her see reasons why it was necessary Mama knew about it. "Mama... Mama will be so disappointed in me" Uloma said. Lizzy became pitiful. She was sure Mama would make a big deal out of it. But she couldn't keep it to herself because she had no idea of what to do. "Look, I know she would. But she will still take it in. After all, she's your mother and you're her daughter. She cannot throw you away. It is better we let her know about it now. The earlier the better. If we keep it away from her any time other than this, she m
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