Joy Like a River

I had written close to ten lines and I kept cancelling.

So I concluded I have too much to say and can’t say it all.

Wrapping it all up without specifics would make it easier.

Wonderful 2013

 Cool people all around, new friends.

Great achievements, great moves (I don’t play chess).

The smiles, laughter, tears and disappointments were all for good.

You know, everything works together for good to them that love God.

What more can I say?

Feeling so fulfilled.

Thank you Lord.

My song of the year;

We give you glory Lord as we honor you (2x)

You are wonderful, you are worthy oh lord (2x)

Can’t seem to stop humming ‘Dansaki” by Lara George as well.

Happy Birthday to my Darling Nephew & Mummy Deoo. Love you plenty.

I hope I can drop a few more lines before the year runs out.

In case I don’t, I wish you all a happy 2014 in advance.

Seven signifies perfection. Fourteen then means ……….

Merry Christmas to y’all.

NEW CHAPTER

I wonder why the inspiration to write lately comes when I am in d salon. Hmmm... maybe I am just reading meanings to nothing.

Been a while, not much happening around and I may not want to bore you with any of my lessons. I am not in the mood either.

I would just touch up on a couple of sayings mostly not quoted, which will be good food for thought.

Maybe not, cos I suddenly went blank now. (covers face)

Anyway, November has come and is going. A few days to end it all, as we move into the last month of the year.

I can't smell Christmas anywhere yet except when I went to Ajose Adeogun Road VI. Maybe when we actually enter December I would have d feel.

I know I am just mumbling mumbo jumbo. I am not to be minded. Not much activity around me ni.

All d action is on vacation (see rhymes sha).

Yeah, I can't forget my new beginning, wait I am confused on whether to call it a new chapter. I fink a new chapter is better. It's still the same book. I’m really looking forward to it.

HBD again to blog mummy Deronk. 26 days of 26 pictures, double it to 52 cos the changes are from two devices; can't match that yet.

Congrats to my colleague to be, Nky babe on the birth of her baby gal.

Am outta gist. U see. Not much activity going on around me.

It's d weekend ojare. Maybe I could do a movie or two, I need to relax my mind and body.

I really hope I get to post this, when I read it over again and can make some sense of this, then you are reading it.

PS- I watched Maid in Manhattan again and I just went all mushy mushy. *deep sigh*.

Anyway, cheers guys!

Are You For Real?

So I typed this with speed and alacrity because I didn’t want to forget details.  Having two posts in a day is gonna be a huge plus for me.

But this gist sef can't pass my readers by.

I went to write a training exam yesterday for the sake of formality and thereafter decided to go make my hair. Thankfully, I got to the salon in good time and started making my hair almost immediately. When I got to the salon I met a lady who was just about completing her weave was ready to mat her weaveon. In the process she was also doing her pedicure and manicure. I really didn't pay much attention to her as I minded my own business.

As I was getting bored I decided to write my first post since it was a good opportunity. It took me about 1hr to complete the draft and I realized the lady's hair was still at the same spot I met it. She was however done with her manicure and pedicure. Did I mention I was braiding my hair? Yeah, and at that time I was almost halfway done with it. At the time, I wondered why she wasn’t making any progress with her weave but decided to mind my business.

Fast forward, I finished my braids at about the same time the lady finished her hair. I wondered at her patience because the guy making her hair kept leaving her to go attend to some other persons. When she was about leaving the salon I heard her asking for directions and I realized she was going my way. Still I didn't pay much attention to her and I left the salon.

 Getting to the bus stop, I saw her waiting for a bus. As at that time I wasn't sure what route to take home, so I was just waiting on my instinct to guide me. I jumped into the first bus that came my way and I noticed the lady was still standing there. I called out to her and said she should come along as I was going her way. She obliged and entered. (In retrospect, I wonder why she even answered me sef cos we didn't have any exchange whilst in the salon).

 So the journey began.

 First thing she says to me is  ‘did you collect your receipt at the salon?'

I said ‘No, I didn't.’

 She said she made sure she did. I told her I had collected receipt on previous occasions and it wasn’t much of a big deal, as I was not particularly accountable to anyone about my hair expense.

 We got to the first stop and alighted to board another bus and then the rain started. Not my lucky day, I thought, cos I didn't have my umbrella. Because she fixed a weave on her hair and I was on braids I was nice enough to give her the nylon I had with me to cover her hair. When we realized the rain was quite heavy, we took shelter with a recharge card seller. The rain was quite heavy and in no time our legs were messed up with mud.

 However, as a smart Zinger, I started stretching my legs out from under the umbrella and stylishly washing my legs in the rain till it was quite clean. But, my (what should I call her now? Lemme say acquaintance) wasn't smart enough. So when the rain eventually stopped she had to buy ‘Pure Water’ to wash her legs. She didn't have change so I paid the money (no biggie at this point).

 We continued the journey and took d next bus. I paid my fare only o! Along d way, I decided to start a conversation. I asked if she was working or schooling. She said she just finished from Yaba College of Technology and was going for NYSC next week particularly stating it's just 3 weeks of orientation (like she was trying to educate me). Nice, I thought and I asked where she was posted.  She said somewhere in Victoria Island. Whaaat!!!. I thought I hadn’t heard her well; is the new Lagos orientation camp now at V.I?

 Still trying to process what I just heard she went further to say, she was posted there with her friend and ‘they’ will be paying her N2000.00 per day. I kept quiet and I could have bet that my expression was sorrowful (I wish I had a mirror or someone to confirm it). I just couldn't laugh. It was just too pathetic. The next thing she asked was how much a dollar was; I panicked and recovered almost immediately. I told her it was an average of N160.00. Then she asked how much was two dollars? I murmured the name of Jesus and responded N320.00; easy Math right?

 Thankfully, the bus ride was over, so we got off… just one more bus ride together and I was free; at least I thought so. I was wrong.

 There was a short walk to where we would take the next bus and she just started chattering. She said she made her hair and all other stuff at the salon for free cos she happened to know the owner of the salon and he told her to come (that added up to the reason why she had to be patient despite the way they wasted her time). However, I wondered how she was able to collect a receipt? I am still wondering…. (Don’t’ judge me, She mentioned that na.)

 I just kept nodding my head to everything cos I had heard too much already and as if it wasn't enough, her slippers cut suddenly and I made a deep sigh. Thankfully, just a few steps away we saw a shoemaker and we haggled for almost 5 minutes over N100.00 (yeah I’m a bigs gals). She said she could only pay N70.00 and eventually I told d shoemaker to go ahead because I was already getting edgy and still trying to be nice.

 After the repair I gave the shoemaker the money. She thanked me and I flew into the next available bus. However, not before she got my phone number. I gave her my less active phone line though.

 What an encounter!

 I didn't even ask for her name.

At the end of all these, a lot of thoughts flooded my mind: Why did she lie? Is she that ignorant? What da heck was all that drama about?

Then I remembered my post on foundations and change, and imagined what she has built for herself.

Anyway, in case I was wrong and I over reacted, or judged her wrongly, please let me know.

Is there an NYSC camp at Victoria Island where they pay N2000.00 per day?

Have a great week people!

STOP, THINK & FIX.

Change is a constant thing in life. Without Change I can imagine life being static and definitely boring. 

Being a Gemini for me means being lucky. We crave for new things all the time and embrace change quickly.

Yeah, my post comes with a reason. Trust me and my case studies; hypothetical situations never work for me. It is the real life situation that makes the drive exciting.

Yeah, I am moving!

I am excited!!

It's coming at the best time ever!!!

When you love what you do, moving up the ladder comes easy. You don't need to be pushed. It’s a natural thing.

I love my job. There is a satisfaction that comes from deep within. Even in the face of challenges, I have stood strong.

What's the bottom line?

It's the foundation you build that matters.

Keyword here is FOUNDATION.

The definition of ‘Foundation’ in various dictionaries makes it very confusing, however I have picked one that fits into my context:

It is defined as the lowest support of a structure.

Foundation is very key is every area of life.

Psalm 11:3 says 'if the foundation be destroyed, what can the righteous do?”

The foundation you build determines what structure you can carry. Build a strong foundation and you are assured of a solid structure. What you carry on the inside would definitely reflect on the outside. Build your foundation in such a way that even when your confidence fails you, people can still see you and know what you are capable of doing.

That’s exactly what happened to me.

After every stage in my life, I would recount my experiences and I always get the assurance that I have what it takes. Simply because I am confident in the foundation I have built.

We unconsciously do certain things, habits that become imbibed in us and form our core values.

How can you repair a faulty foundation?

Taking the real life situation of a house with a faulty foundation, as a trained estates surveyor (I abandoned the profession though) in my university days, it is either the house is built all over again or foundation is repaired. However, regardless of the method you choose, the building cannot be occupied at that period.

In essence, when we have to fix core issues in our life we need to STOP, THINK and FIX.

Chill, what have I been writing since?

Summarily, I built a solid foundation to my career and it is taking me places beyond my imagination.

Some of you may be asking, ‘is it too late to rebuild?’ Maybe not… better late than never.

Happy new month peeps!

Lol @ Deronk and Zinger collabo. Very interesting one from us... despite it all, I had some teary laughs. We could do a bestseller you know.

Telemundo tinz. *covers face*

Whatz gonna happen to Andrea? (never mind I am silly abi?)

So the saying ‘November to Remember’, I don't know where it came from but I have one to remember in 2013. Yaaay!!!

I started a habit of night ‘owling’. I roam about and disturb people at night. Pardon me if you have been a victim of my disturbance. It will pass. Maybe it is ‘vacay’ things, cos I am always assured of sleeping till daybreak.

So the this one-month will be so laid back for me. Extremely laid back.

Gonna miss my colleagues.

Looking forward to new peeps.

Gemini rocks with change.

I am proud to be one.

I wish u all a wonderful and beautiful November to remember for good.

My Fairy Tale Story (5) Final Part.

*covers face*

The final part is finally here.

Read the first four parts by clicking on the links below;

Part 1, Part 2,Part 3 ,Part 4

Toke had called Mayokun’s school for umpteenth time on her mobile phone, but the line kept giving an engaging tone each time. Mayokun was always back form school latest by 3.30pm while she joined him at home by 5pm.  Getting home by 5.15pm that day he was not yet back from school. Fear gripped her and as she picked her bag to go out, her phone rang.

“Hallo, please is this Mrs Akinsipe?”

“Please who is on the line?” She responded with her heart almost jumping out of her mouth.

“I am calling from St. Francis Hospital at Ikeja, your son was bought here …” She had cut the line.

She rushed out of the gate into Folusho almost tripping both of them off.

“Toke what is going on?” Folusho looked lost.

With disjointed words she explained that Mayokun was in the hospital. They rushed into the car and down to the hospital.

*********        *********        *********        *********        *********

Michael wondered; this boy was so much like him and he had given his Mom’s name as Miss Akinsipe, and smartly knew her number off hand. Could this be Toke? He was suddenly gripped with fear and guilt. He had been driving down around Ikeja and out of nowhere the little boy was in front of his car and too late in applying his brakes he had knocked him down. When the had regained consciousness, he had been able to give out his mom’s Name and number. The doctor had called her and she was on the way.

CHAPTER EIGHT

“My God, Mayokun who did this to you?” He was sleeping peacefully.

Toke looked at him all over; he had fractured his shoulder and had bruises all over his face.

“Miss Akinsipe, please calm down, he will be fine. The man that was driving the car has gone down to our pharmacy to pick up the prescribed drugs.”

Folusho led her out of the ward, trying to calm her down. “The boy needs rest and I am sure he will be fine.”

Thank God, My son is alive she thought. She couldn’t imagine what would have happened otherwise.      

*********        *********        *********        *********        *********

When Toke saw him, she pinched herself to be sure she wasn’t dreaming.

Michael seeing her froze too and stared at her. God, Mayokun was his son, he confirmed to himself as he walked up to her.

She deliberately ignored any familiarity when he greeted her.

“You are the reckless driver who knocked down my son?”

“I am sorry”, Michael started; “I didn’t see him run into the road, it happened all so fast. I will be paying his bills…”

“I don’t care”, Toke cut him short. “I just want my son fine again”.

Folusho watched the entire exchange. Something funny is going on here he thought.

Micheal, left and went to check Mayokun again, seeing he was still asleep, he went to see the doctor.

Afterwards, he recalled all he had done to Toke. Who would believe he did not deliberately deny the child. He just had to convince her if he was to get anywhere close to his son. He felt so horrible with himself.

*********        *********        *********        *********        *********

Mayokun’s recovery was very fast. He enjoyed Michael’s company and also noticed how cold his mom was to him. Michael had tried talking to Toke, in vain. She simply didn’t give him the chance. He always met her at the hospital every day during visiting hours but she ignored him even when he greeted her. His son Mayokun was a darling and he always enjoyed his company. One thing he was yet to figure out was the identity of the guy who came with Toke to see their son. He wore a wedding band and Toke had none. These were questions that needed answers.

*********        *********        *********        *********        *********

The day Mayokun was discharged; he got there early in the morning.

“Hallo Uncle Mike”, the little boy beamed with a smile. “Will you come and see me at home?”

“Yes I will”, Michael responded, wondering if Toke would allow him.

Toke came in, ignoring him as usual and hugged her son.

“Sweetheart, sweet home. Grandma is so excited you are coming back today”.

Michael’s heart raced, grandma? He was completely lost now. Last time he knew, Toke was an orphan.

“Yes mom”, Mayokun’s excited voice bought him back from his thoughts.

“Uncle mike said he would come and visit at home.” Toke was mute.

“Where is Uncle Folusho?”

“He has gone back to Abuja.”

After the discharge, Michael offered to take them home, Toke hesitated but Mayokun was elated with the offer and she was forced to accept. During the drive home, he noticed she seemed to have softened unlike the initial days of the accident. The healing process had begun.

Folusho had spoken to her to hear his side of the story, and accept him if he was sincerely sorry for the sake of their son. She couldn’t deny she still loved him but the pain of the rejection was intense.

After dropping them off at home, he promised to check up on them the next day. He kept to his words and soon became a regular visitor. Mayokun was really fond of him, if only he knew that was his real dad.

CHAPTER NINE

“Toke, I don’t know how to start or even what to say, all I did wasn’t deliberate, and you would know that no guy would claim such knowing he was fully protected. I am just regretting everything I did. I had to sack you because I could bear to see you again after I thought you betrayed me.”

Silence.

“Toke, please say something.”

There was nothing to be said except to cry. She had known he was coming to apologize when he had invited her out. He had been a regular caller at home all because of Mayokun. She had a mother-daughter chat with Grandma and she had told her the first point of recovery for her was forgiveness. It was quite obvious Michael has realized he was wrong and admitting it ready to make things right.

She had forgiven him although he had not formally apologized. He was doing it now.

“Toke”, he called her

“Yes”, she whispered.

God!! She was already crying, he expected it but it still came as a shock to him.

“Please for the sake of Mayokun and the Love we once had, please let us forget the past and move on. I accept the blame.”

“It’s okay, there is nothing I can do. Thank God he saw me through the difficult period.”

“Thank you so much” he said as he took her hands and squeezed it with relief.

Afterward he tried to chat about Mayokun and his early days, but it was very tense getting her to talk. He decided to take her home. Over time they would blend.

*********        *********        *********        *********        *********

“You are telling me you took him back after all he did to you?” Tinuke queried her.

“I had to for the sake of Mayokun, besides I can’t keep hiding my feelings, I still love him.”

“Anyway you have made your choice and….” A knock at the door interrupted her.

Mayokun, rushed to the door and opened it.

“Daddy, you are late”, he accused Michael.

“I am sorry” he said with his hands raised up in surrender.

Getting to the sitting room he saw the Tinuke and Toke.

“Good evening”, he greeted Tinuke and Hugged Toke.

Everything went silent and you could hear a pin drop. It was heavy with meaning.

“Well…” Tinuke started, “I will take my leave now”. Completely ignoring Michael

“So soon”? Toke asked?

“Yes I have to go see my mum”.

“Are we still fighting?” That was a question that was out of Michael’s lips before he realized it.

“No please, excuse me, Michael” He was standing in front of her.

Toke suddenly aware of the tense atmosphere, sent Mayokun off to meet Grandma.

The moment the little boy left, Tinuke let it all out.

“Michael, I just find it difficult to forgive you for what you did.  If not for Folusho and his parents, do you think you would be proud to call Mayokun your son? Toke has a good heart else you wouldn’t be here now.”

Micheal had been bombarded every now and then by everyone that knew the story. His father had come so hard on him he was lost to himself for some days. Toke was on the verge of tears cos he was always so down after such encounters. This is another of such.

“I am sorry Tinuke. I know you and Toke are just like sisters. I am sincerely sorry. I wish I could change time to correct my mistakes, I am back to make it right for good.”

 “Let us forget the past and move on.”

Toke cut in,

“I am here standing. The pain is all over.”

Tinuke gave him a wicked look and extended a warm embrace look.

“I will kill you if you try it again.”

They all laughed in unison.

I was all over at last.

THE END.

Yeah, finally this is all over, my fairytale story that took forever.

I admit I am a crappy writer. You can add lazy to it.

Anyway ending the story now is like a burden off my chest. I will be careful of the promises I make in the nearest future.

Plenty, plenty gist. I have forgotten most of it sha. Too many happenings in recent times.

I missed a family reunion due to some silly set off peeps, but really like the saying goes every disappointment is a blessing, true for me this time. I would have been cruising on a vacay/reunion and missed on something equally good. Maybe I should become more proverbial and say ’you can’t eat your cake and have it’. I think that fits too. Well summarily, everything works together for good to them that love God.

Been outta town for a considerable number of day, boring but really, it’s the only opportunity I have to rest, infact that’s why I am able to conclude my story. If I am in Lasgidi…I trust myself, I will be roaming up and down looking for what is not missing.

My latest addiction is “Telemundo”. AkA swaps* Lola Lola* for football now. Hmmm, not my fault, It’s that bad, I had to go looking for a drifta hoping to watch it on my phone anywhere and anytime. It is not been connected till now, will see to that soon. Did I mention a part of me is waking up from a deep sleep? I will have to watch more of it.

My previous addiction is still dere. Funny it has not phased out. The shrink skills are now been totally played out on me. Maybe I need it. Maybe I don’t mind. Maybe I need to break down a lot of defenses. Yeah, very true.

Babies and more babies!!!. Kfash and bebe. Girl and Boy. *dancing* More to come. I am eyeing Twins for me. Am serious o!! Join me when I ring the bell of prayers.

Big hugs for Delebabe, you always have a way of giving me the hard knock. This time around I don’t mind.

I can go on and on. Still on Vacay, I offered Deronk Two days out of it, She is yet to respond. I am always nice.

Have a great weekend.

My Fairy Tale Story (4)

I am kind of getting embarrassed at the slow pace this story is being let out. I can’t make any promises but I can only apologise.

CHAPTER SEVEN.

How could Toke do such a thing to him? He had committed himself to her but she had betrayed him. He possibly couldn't be the father of the child. He had been on two kinds of contraceptives because he takes extra care with ladies. He felt relived he had not gotten her some things he planned to get for her. He just couldn't bear the thought of seeing his girlfriend with another man's child in his office, and that was the reason he has to dismiss her. She had cried but he was not moved at all.

Tinuke had called him, fixed an appointment for them to talk but he had not showed up. No amount of begging would make him take her back. She had betrayed his trust in her and he was making her pay for it.

*******. *******. *******

“Toke, just take things easy, the most important thing is that your conscience is clear and you know he is the father of your child. Leave him to his own conscience.”

Tinuke was really worried, with no job, how was Toke going to cope with a child. Personally, she would have been of assistance but was still without a job and depends on her parents.

“Why don't you go and see Tolu? He might be able to talk to him.”

“Tolu has gone out of the country for a course.”

“Maybe you should try and look for a job.”

“Tinuke!!!, who would employ a pregnant woman?”

“Well, we never can say, just try your luck.”

“Well, I will try.”

Thank you so much Tinuke, I wonder what I would have done without you.

******. *******. *******

“You mean Toke is pregnant for another guy?” Tolu asked in disbelief.

“Can u imagine?” that was the short phrased reply he got from Michael.

“Are you sure you are not responsible?” He probed further.

“What do you mean? Can't I take care of a child? I already told you I was protected.”

“I am sorry, but really you know these contraceptives are not a hundred percent effective.”

“Yes I know, but I was double protected.”

“Please let us talk about something else.”

“Maybe you should try and see her, I am sure she has an explanation for this.”

“Not a chance, Tolu.”

********. ********. *******

Toke's luck shined again. She got a job as a housekeeper. It's was beneath what she was doing before but its benefit was what attracted her to it.

She had to reside in the house and she got three meals from the house. Despite her pregnant state she had gotten the job through the sympathy of house owner's son' Folusho Daramola. He had picked an interest in her immediately he saw her and persuaded his mom to employ her.

She moved in almost immediately. Folusho kept her company after the day's job. They talked about things in general, he asked about the father of her baby and she told him everything that happened with Michael. He encouraged her to move on and be strong just for the sake of her baby.

Folusho's girlfriend, Bukola was also of much help to her. They both went to the hospital for her ante natals and she always cheered her up anytime she was down.

Michael was someone she could not forget despite the way he treated her. She still loved him. Folusho had told her any guy could possible act that knowing his confidence in the contraceptive he used.

CHAPTER EIGHT.

After happy and sad months, Toke was delivered of a bouncing Baby Boy. It wasn't easy for her there in the labour room. It made her wonder why her own mother would go through nine months and eventually abandon her.

The baby, who was immediately liked by everyone, was an exact replica of his father. No doctor would waste his time on a DNA test to prove paternity of the child. She wished so much that Michael were here to see his son.

Folusho took the baby who was named Mayokun as his son.

He was the father Michael did not want to be.

******. ********. ********

Everything went on smoothly at Adebayo Group of companies. It has been almost four years that Toke had left and only workers who knew about what happened between her and Michael. Overtime the gossip had died down.

Life was normal for Michael but the Void Toke left was still there in his life. He had not gotten over what she did to him. He had not set his eyes on her since she left and he didn't have a clue about her whereabout. Little gossips he heard said she had moved away from her Palmgrove apartment. No one however mentioned to where she moved.

******. ********. *******

“Mummy”, three-year-old Mayokun called her.

Anytime she looked at him, she always remembered Michael. She always wished he would show up someday. She was quite ok and content with her life, but her son needed his real father.

Folusho and Bukola are now married and reside in Abuja so she saw so little of them.

She had a new job as junior secretary at an oil company, but she resided with the Daramola's. She was more like a child to them now. Mayokun called Folusho's mom Grandma and she was always delighted to show him of anythem they went out or had guests in the house.

Toke however still helped out in the house whenever she had the chance and her effort was always appreciated.

Her son was now in nursery one and damn too sharp for his age.

He was great company to her as well as a contact reminder of His father to her.

One day, your father will change his mind. She always thought.

*******. *******. *******

Moving on to my usual gist.

I will finish this book one day. I am tired already. Damn too lazy to type out a manuscript. Yet I carry it around every day.

“Beautiful Blood”, “Fine Boys”, “Monitored”, “Purple Hibiscus” and a couple more of them. These are Books pending for my reading.

How could I possibly lose touch with writing and reading about the same time?

What have I really been up to?

Work always, and my usual mind games. Nuttie me.

I haven’t been having the best of human relations in recent times, which is not good at all. I am just kinda sticking to one buddy; My bestie for now. At least I am able to put my shrink skills to use in that area, in a very stubborn way though.

Please who is a Surreptitious Romantic? I know of one. I want to know more in case I might want to make comparisons. (Still trying to figure out what it means)

I read a lovely write up over the weekend. It was very much on point. I loved it. The plot was clean and well delivered. I am still looking for the writer. I would have shared here but it’s not my story to tell.

Meanwhile, I need a vacation. October must not elude me on that.

Yoga things might work for me. I need to format my mind.

Boring me today. Not much to talk about.

Have a lovely week ahead!

My Fairy Tale Story (3)

CHAPTER FIVE

 ‘Longest time Tinuke, you forgot me completely.’

‘I am so sorry Toke, I have been busy lately.’

‘You are looking good, what is your secret?’

‘I don't have a secret.’

It was so good to see Tinuke again after such a long while; She had missed the gist and teasing and it felt so good to have her back.

‘Toke, you are so lucky getting a job at Adebayo's company, at least you are on a regular pay.’

‘It's a relief Tinuke, I am so happy. Anyway forget about my job,’ she cut off Toke. ‘Who is the guy? Please don't tell me you are still single.’

‘Of course you know I am still single.’

‘Jeez!!!. Toke, please release yourself.’

‘I am trying.’

Tinuke's boyfriend had been ever faithful to her. They had been together since secondary school days, precisely SS2 and even after graduation from the university they were still together. Everyone knew they were certainly bound for the altar.

Michael had been taking Toke out on a series of dates, but he still hadn't said anything. He had been into her room twice and was just friendly about it. She couldn't say for a certainty if it was just friendship or he intended to take it further.

After talking as much as they could for the time being and a light meal, Tinuke took her leave. Toke felt relieved that her friend was back. She would be seeing more her.

******. *******. *******

Her tears that night were for the feeling of love. Michael had asked her out and he did it with all sincerity. He told her he had given her enough opportunities to trust in him.

‘Toke,’ he had started, ‘I really don't think you will take me serious because I am your boss. It might sound awkward, but you are all I have dreamt of in a woman. The last few weeks we have been hanging out was all I needed to study you.’

Tilting her chin up, he looked directly into her eyes and she felt she was going to melt. She had the thought he was going to use her and dump her but with all these she just couldn't resist him.

‘Toke,’ he continued, ‘I promise not to disappoint you’

‘But Michael…’ she muttered, and went silent again.

‘Please talk to me, I am listening.’ he insisted.

He felt his chest tighten; he did not realize how deep his feelings were till now.

‘I told you about myself, I don't have relations I know of and with your family, I might not be accepted and.....’

‘Toke, please this has to do with me and you. That is what matters to me.’

‘Let's go’,

He stood up and led her out of Golden gate restaurant, which had become more like their favorite spot over time. When they got to his car, he opened the door for her and watched her slid gracefully into the front passenger seat. The moment he joined her in the car on the driver seat he drew her into his arms, all she could whisper was his name as his mouth covered hers and she melted into his arms. She felt so innocent.

‘Toke, just relax and feel free with me’, he said after he released her.

She responded with a nod still short of words. He dropped her off at home and promised to show up the next day being a Saturday.

******. *******. ********

A relationship like theirs was rare to find. Despite how close and intimate they were, no one knew about I at the office.

Michael gave everything to Toke, his love, money, time and his heart. He spent every free time he had with her. Even Tolu, his best friend had stopped querying him on his whereabouts because he knew Michael was with Toke.

‘Make sure you get her to the altar’, Tolu would say.

‘Sure thing’, Michael always replied with a big grin on his face.

CHAPTER SIX

Toke's lifestyle had taken a new turn since she met Michael. He was all she ever wanted in a man. The fact that he was her employer had nothing to do with their personal feelings. Micheal was so good to her.

Even when her friend, Tinuke met him, she did not think Toke could get anyone better. He was just perfect for her. Michael’s friend Tolu had met Tinuke and he also wanted to have someone like her love him as well.

Toke had been to Michael’s house a couple of times and it was a place to behold. A three winged duplex. His parents and his two younger sisters; Tola and Sade stayed in the master wing, whilst Michael had one of the smaller wings to himself and the third wing was the servant’s quarters. Michael had his privacy and freedom to do whatever he liked. All Tinuke kept praying for was continuity in their relationship.

******. ******. *******

‘Mrs Solape, have you heard the gist?’ A receptionist in Adebayo Group of Companies said to another colleague.

‘What gist?’

‘Toke of course. She finally got Oga into her snare. I suspected all this while.’

Such were the discussions and opinions running round the office; even to Toke's hearing but she simply shut her ears to them all.

*******. ****** ******

She had never stayed away from home but Michael persuaded her this time to spend the weekend at his place and She actually enjoyed herself. All she did was sleep, eat, talk with him and watch TV. He made love to her the first night, and was very surprised at her innocence so he did not disturb her again. The night was only spent sleeping and cuddling. He had plans for her. He intended to get her a new apartment and a car. If he had his way he wanted her to stop working and set up a business for her probably a computer center. All he needed was more time to get used to her.

******. ****** ******

Toke had never been late for work but she could not help it this morning. She had woken up with a terrible headache and she had vomited all morning. She waited till she felt a bit better before she set out to the office.

During her break, she went to the staff clinic and was given some malaria and pain reliveing medication. She felt very lonely because Michael was out of town to attend a seminar. When she wasn't feeling better by the third day, she went for a blood test where she was confirmed pregnant.

She was very scared because it was the least expected worry. How could it be possible she was pregnant when the coupled only once, which was the weekend she spent in his house. Will Michael accept the baby? She had no answers to all the questions running through her head. The only thing to do was to tell him and await his reaction.

*******. *********. *****

‘Toke, just stop talking. What do you mean by saying you are pregnant?’ he was raising his voice.

‘Michael, but....’

‘Don’t interrupt me because I am a hundred percent sure I am not responsible. The fact it was your first time with me proves nothing. I was on contraceptives and I don't expect you to be here saying this.’

‘Michael, I am not lying.’ Toke was sobbing.

‘So who is lying?’ he asked angrily. He was not even looking at her at all.

‘Toke, look for the father of your child and leave me out of this.’

He took his keys and walked out of her apartment.

Only a few minutes back he had been so excited to see her as he returned from the airport after a couple of weeks out of the country. Nothing was adding up. He felt he had taken the necessary precaution and would not be deceived.

The next morning Toke met a dismissal letter awaiting her at the office. Toke felt the world was finally over for her. Why would Michael think she could have cheated on him in anyway? She cleared her desk and left the office.

(TO BE CONTINUED)

Yippee!!! I am making progress. I was typing and I suddenly started getting all so emotional about the story. It felt like I did not write the story in the first place. I guess it's good to feel this way; at least Rikky says so too.

Anyway, not much side gist this time around, just a few questions!

How often do you have a Plan B? A backup plan you fall back on in worse case scenarios.

To what extent would you go to get what you want in life?

When exactly is the time to give up on an issue or desire?

How often do you have personal deadlines to meet?

When does one finally accept defeat over a situation that has gone out of control?

These questions might seem vague but they require answers. For me I definitely don’t have all the answers yet. So, give it a thought, not focusing on any life situation in particular and you could apply it to anyone or anything.

I think I snapped at Bolu on THURSDAY because I was held up in a nasty traffic for four crazy hours. My Oga, sowie bout that (NO VEX).

My new gadget is so cool. (Covers face). It's an addiction I can't help.

 I love you all.

 Have a great weekend.