BELLA’S ROOM.

The moment the glass door slid open, all heads in the beauty parlour turned to see the tall dark figure in the brown leather jacket stride in. Seated at the reception, Doris paused her nail filing as she was given a friendly nod as she watched him walk in.
Gazing into the mirror before her with her hair being tended to, Chika smiled at once at the sight of him.
“Hey, baby?” She called out. “You came,”
“Hi, sweetness?” Eric called back as he leaned over for a kiss on her cheek. Even if they were aware of the numerous set of eyes on them, these two could not care.
“Welcome, sir,” Loveline, the petite and ever-smiling beautician greeted with her hands still busy with her customer’s hair.
“How are you doing?” Eric replied.
“Fine, thank you, sir. Please, have a seat,” Loveline replied before turning. “Uche!” She called out to him just as he walked by with a blow dryer in hand. “Abeg, help me with that chair near you. Thank you.” The chair was brought for a grateful Eric whom then took his seat beside his girlfriend.
“Seems you’re the last customer for the evening,” Eric mentioned glancing around the hall as the employees busied away with putting away their equipments or sweeping away at large mass of hair. “How long have you been here?”
“Since six,” Chika replied, her gaze still on their reflections. “But don’t worry, Loveline is almost done,”
“I’m not,” Eric said shaking his head as he glanced at his watch. “It’s almost eight-thirty now. Oh, and I got you this, by the way.” He took out two chilled can drinks from the green rubber bag.
“Oh, Eric,” Chika’s eyes brightened as she took one. “It’s like you read my mind. God! You’re an angel. Is this the lemon flavour? Oh, yes!” She popped it open without hesitation and Eric handed her a straw. “So….” She started upon taking a first sip. “Are you coming straight from work?”
“No,” Eric replied. “Stopped by my apartment for a quick shower before heading here.” Then he popped open his drink. “You must have left work early today, that’s new,”
“Yes o!” Chika called as she let Loveline gently tilt her head to the right, busying with her hair. “I decided to take work home for the weekend. I can’t come and kill myself, abeg.” Eric chuckled as he scratched his sideburn. “I told you about our new collection coming out in two weeks time, and this whole deadline thing has made the office space crazy; and to be honest, I work better from home, Eric.”
“Hmm,” Eric muttered peering at her, fiddling with his beards, then he drew closer to Chika so he could communicate under hushed tones. “Chika, are you saying you took home an entire jewellery collection?” Chika nodded in reply to his astonishment as his brows arched at once. “Is that even allowed? That’s bloody risky!”
“Hush! Well, it’s not like they have much of a choice now, do they?” Chika said. “I will need every time I can get to finish all that work before Fashion week, and if that means I have to risk taking home a couple of Sapphires and diamonds home, then so be it. And by the way, the truth is…no one in that Fashion house can do what I do.”

At that, Eric shook his head and grinned at her smug attitude.
“You know how turned on I get when you start talking like that,” he mentioned into her ear and she giggled.
“Oh, stop it, Eric….”
“But seriously, Chika….I’m concerned for security reasons. It’s a huge risk you’re taking here, having all that valuable stuff in your apartment,”
“Trust me, they’re in a very safe place,” Chika assured just as Loveline moved her head again and began combing through. Then she smiled at her boyfriend. “Aww. Look at you all concerned,”
“Shouldn’t I be?” Eric asked raising a brow and backing away.
“It’s cute,” she teased. “But trust me, I’m only taking this risk this once.” At that, Eric nodded before glancing up at Loveline and then around the room, sipping on his drink in the process.
Doris, at the reception had resumed her nail filing with her eyes fixated on the television on a high shelf. Uche, the only male employee busied himself putting away some work equipment. A female employee seated at a corner indulged in having her own nails painted briefly looking up to have Eric’s eyes meet hers, but she quickly fixed her eyes back on her nails.
“Oh, I forgot to tell you!” Chika called out to Eric’s attention as she sipped her drink. “Bella is back from the hospital,”
“Oh, I see,” Eric said as his brows arched in delight. “That’s great. She’s better now, I hope.” Chika nodded in reply.
“She’s still a little weak and has lost some weight, Eric,” she explained. “But I’m glad her appetite is back now. Doctor Damola said all she needs now is a lot of rest and fluids in her system. God knows I’ve really missed my baby girl.” Then she let out a sigh while Eric nodded and smiled at her, knowing how much his girlfriend adored her “baby girl.” “You should have seen her yesterday, Eric – she was so, so excited to be back home, most especially in her room. I promised myself to take extra caution with what she eats from now on, because God himself knows I can’t go through that scare again,”
“I know, right?” Eric said chuckling. “Just so you know, your scare gave me a scare as well.” They both laughed. “I’ll come over to check on her later tomorrow, or Sunday,”
“Oh, she would be so excited to see you!” Chika stated. “My baby has really missed you, Eric. In fact, I think your presence would help her recovery. You know how excited Bella gets around you,”
“I won’t deny missing her myself,” Eric said. “So, she’s home now, right? And alone?” Chika nodded in reply.
“Resting. She wouldn’t miss me the whole night while I’m gone. I gave her a little something to sleep the night off.” Then she sighed. “Oh, Eric, I’m so glad you convinced me to get away from it all just this night. I really need this. It’s been all work and work,”
“Tell me about it,” Eric said with a scoff. “It’s been crazy at the magazine as well. I know we love our careers but we just can’t come and die. In fact, next time, we should have an entire weekend to ourselves,”
“What entire weekend?” Chika called back. “An entire week!” At that, they both exploded with laughter.
PFFFFFFFF!!!!!!!!
The choking cloud from the unforeseen hairspray got them holding their breath at once. “Loveline!! You could be kind to warn a girl before spraying that, okay? Or do you want to choke me here?”
“Yeh!” Loveline called out all flustered. “Sorry, aunty. I am through,”
“Finally!” A relieved Chika called as the covering was pulled off her before getting to her feet, admiring her reflection in amazement. “Loveline, you have outdone yourself this time!” Chika called out, drawing the attention of everyone in the room.
“Thank you, aunty,” a flustered and humble Loveline replied as she caught glance of Eric who undoubtedly gazed up at his girlfriend in admiration.
“This is for you, dear,” Chika called handing her a generous amount of Naira notes.
“But, aunty…” a puzzled Loveline called. “You know we make payment at the reception….”
“Nonsense,” Chika rebuffed with sarcasm. “This is for you. A little something for the weekend,”
“Wow! Aunty!” Loveline exclaimed now taking the cash. “This is too much,”
“Can we go now?” Eric called as he got to his feet. He took the last of his drink and then drew Chika closer. “Look at you! You’re a vision,”
“Oh, stop,” Chika giggled while the other workers threw glances every now and then. Loveline began showing appreciation for the generous tip. “And that reminds me, Loveline,”
“Yes?” The beautician eagerly nodded. “I have some friends from work I referred you too. They might require your home services, so I’ll pass along your number to them,”
“Oh, thank you very much,” Loveline was trying to hold it all in now. “Anytime, aunty! I am available.”
In a moment, they had made their payment at the reception before departing for their friday evening getaway, bidding everyone a goodnight in the process.
Loveline was more than glad to see them off to the car, and upon returning to the salon, she was greeted with stares from her colleagues. “What?” She asked giving a shrug.
“Nothing,” Uche casually replied as he shut a glass cabinet. “I was just waiting for my share of your tip,”
“When Jesus comes,” Loveline teased before walking off.
“Ah! Loveline, has it come to this now?” Uche playfully called after her. “You know I helped you with that chair,”
“Uche, please!” Loveline laughed back as she disappeared into the bathroom doorway.

**********
Before turning into the next Street, Nico took another cautious glance behind before hurrying down the dark and desolate road. He was well familiar with these roads to know the burnt out security lamps were yet to be fixed.
Approaching the designated wall, Nico stealthily blended into the darkness as he pressed his back against the rough surface, and then he glanced at his watch. 2:17 A.M. Bending over, he easily made out the ladder he had carefully placed in the wide gutter four hours earlier. Quietly, he hoisted it and placed it against the fence. Taking a deep breath, Nico adjusted the hanging satchel on his back and climbed with his heart palpitating with every step. Inasmuch, this was not his first time, Nico’s nerves always got at him with every operation.
Now atop the wall, Nico took another deep breath before leaping into the spacious compound; he landed without making much of a sound, all thanks to the specific black sneakers he picked out. Much to his luck, the greedy landlord was yet to erect barbed wires on this back fence, despite the tenants’ insistence.
Making his way towards the two-story building, Nico located the targeted door, thanks to the precise directives from his source. No need to go up the stairs.
Apartment 003.
Avoiding the security lamps, Nico crouched in the dark as he fished out his kit and began fiddling with the lock. Click! Nico’s breath paused as the lock gave way. Bingo! He grinned at his small triumph as he pushed open the door and stepped into the apartment and shut the door behind him. Now in the darkness, Nico fished out his small torch from his back denim pocket and began surveying the living room as he made his way around. All he needed do was grab what he was here for and leave as quick as he had come.
A refigerator hummed from an unknown location as Nico now made his way down a corridor. He knew what he sought and where to find it. Then he paused as he passed a door. The Master bedroom was just down the hall before him, but the coloured alphabetic stickers on the door drew his attention : BELLA’S ROOM.
Nico stiffled his chuckle as he raised his torch to read. His source had informed him of an invalid child in the apartment and to pay her no mind, but with the sudden grin on Nico’s face now, he was brewing other plans. Then a sound came and he froze – tt had come from the other side of the door. Nico had never operated with someone else present. This was risky – be it a sick child or not. A soft sound was heard again and a sudden rush surged through Nico. What his source was unaware of was that Nico had a repressed desire for little girls.
Now clenching his fist, Nico glanced at the Master bedroom not too far off, then he took a deep breath as he made his decision. Switching off the torch, he reached for the door knob and pushed open. All Nico needed do was a few minutes of fun and it was all back-to-mission.

There was silence as Nico crept into the dark room now, this was going to be as easy as pie. Then he slowly shut the door behind him.

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

“What took you so long, Eric?” Chika called as her boyfriend approached the restaurant VIP lounge. “That was one pretty long call, if you ask me,”
“Well?” Eric said with a shrug avoiding eye-contact with her, then he resumed his seat beside her.

“Don’t change subjects, Eric,” Chika stated throwing him a stare. “You were on that phone for almost twenty minutes. So what happened to our agreement on “no interruptions” tonight, eh? What’s up?”

“I’m here now,” Eric said.

“Who were you on the phone with?” Chika probed, eyeing him.

“Really?” Eric asked back, replying her stare. “Coming from my girlfriend who’s been taking a thousand and one selfies in the middle of our convos. What did you expect?” At that, Chika stopped and began laughing, and then Eric joined her which drew the attention of a couple on a distant table.

“My bad, Eric. Sorry,” Chika admitted now leaning forward to take his hand. “You won’t understand, Eric. But Loveline outdid herself this time. You saw how many ladies complimented my hair from the moment we walked in here.”

Eric nodded with a grin.
“I doubt any other person in that salon has touched your hair except her,” he said and Chika shook her hair.
“That girl is a miracle worker when it comes to hair, Eric. And do you know she’s just twenty-one? she said with surety while Eric sipped from his glass or Champagne. “You know how much I love to invest my time and money in people who are exceptional at what they do,”
“Yeah,” Eric nodded in agreement. “It’s a good way to give back to society,”
“You know it!” Chika said touching his shoulder.
“This reminds me of the first editor who bought and published my first short story on her magazine ten years ago,” Eric said to her delight as she watched him talk. “That single act changed everything for me, Chika. My confidence as a writer, as an individual……you name it,”
“And here you are, Eric,” Chika said shaking her head amazement. “Senior Editor at twenty-nine. I always love it when you tell this story – the way your eyes light up.” Eric was smiling now. “Where is she now though?”
“Oh, she is a senior editor now at Vogue Paris,”
“Wow! Okay!” Chika let out as she nodded in a dramatic way. “Chika Amara Eche, you need to up your game!” It was Eric’s turn to laugh out now and that drew the attention of a waiter who happened to be passing by. He grinned at them and walked on by. “Oh, Eric, I’m so glad we got to do this, even it’s just one night,”
“Yeah,” Eric agreed now moving his head to the Afro-Carribean music playing in the background. “I was thinking, after your Fashion show, we should take a sabbatical – two weeks at most. Wherever we want to go. I believe we’ve earned that much,”
“With how much weight we pull off at our jobs, we deserve more,” Chika said before reaching for a shrimp on her plate berore her. “By the way, I can’t wait to see the renovation you’ve done with your place tonight. I know you have the most eccentric ideas, but your colour combination still needs a little work. Like jeez, Eric, what would you do without me?”
“Chika!” Eric called out with a stare while she giggled, trying not to choke in the process.
“I just can’t help it, sorry,” Chika said while he shook his head.
“When we get back to my place, I’m so going to pin you down and tickle you till you cry,” he said and at that, Chika froze as she swallowed.
“You wouldn’t,”
“Try me,” Eric dared. “Oh yeah, and speaking of houses, how far with that new place you plan on acquiring?” Chika was about to reply when her phone suddenly rang out. Picking it, she frowned upon seeing the caller ID.
“It’s my Landlord’s wife,” she said to Eric’s surprise as well. “Why’s she calling me at this hour?”
“Well…answer it,” Eric urged with a shrug as he then glanced at his watch.
“Hello, Ma?” Chika greeted upon answering, with questions in her tone and eyes.
“Chika!” The worried voice called from the other end. “What is happening? Is everything okay?
“Emm….Yes, Alhaja,” Chika replied, but totally confused now. “But I don’t understand. How do you mean?”
“Ahan!” The shocked exclamation came back. “How do I mean? How can you say that when you have woken the entire compound?”
“What?” Chika called sitting up now and exchangiing stares with a now puzled Eric. “Alhaja! But I am not home at the moment! What’s going……”
“YEKPA!” The alarmed voice called louder this time. “If you are not around, then who is the girl screaming in your flat as I am talking to you right now?” At that, Chika’s breath caught in her throat as she threw her boyfriend a petrified stare.

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

The gate was already wide open when Eric drove into the large compound and parked at a distance from the already waiting crowd. It was almost four in the morning now.
Jumping out from the car, Chika rushed towards the curious and scared tenants in their various sleeping attires, and from their horrified dispositions, she could tell something grave had occured.
“Chika, something is happening in your flat!” The distraught landlady was the first to approach her. “We all feared something happened to you when we heard the screaming. Captain Okoye has called for help from the station after I told him you were not the one inside.” A horrified Chika had both hands to her mouth as she listened to all of this. Eric was standing beside her now. A part or her had hoped there had to be some false alarm in all or this.
“I don’t understand,” Chika muttered. “But I……”
“The screaming has stopped for some time now,” the landlady said. “But I am sure you know why nobody in this compound will go into your flat,” she mentioned. At that, Eric took Chika’s hand firmly.
“Forget it! I’m going in,” he stated, taking a step, but Chika held him back.
“No, wait!” She called and then gasped out. “Oh, my God! Eric! I’m coming with you”
“Bella?” Eric mentioned. “Are you worried about her?”
“Not just Bella,” Chika called moving closer. “The diamonds! What if someone came for them?”

In less than a moment, Chika was pushing the door open and stepping into the darkness, holding tightly to Eic’s hand in the process.
“Bella?” She gently called, hiding the quaver in her voice. “Bella, baby? Mummy’s home.”
“Where’s the light switch,” Eric whispered and Chika gradually felt for the nearby wall.
“It’s close,” she called back. Finding it with her hand, she flicked it on.
As soon as the room got luminated, both Eric and Chika froze right where they stood. Grabbing unto her man’s arm, Chika’s jaw dropped as her other hand flew to her face at the jarring scene before them. “Oh…my….Eric!”
“What happened in here?” Eric muttered.
Chika’s living room appeared to have been the center of a hurricane storm, with upturned or shattered furniture allover the place.
Eric took a few steps forward began gazing around and Chika gained some nerve and followed.
“Eric, where’s my baby girl?” She muttered to him, and that was when they saw it all and froze in horror. There were red smears allover the floor and some parts of the walls. “Oh my…..Bella? Where are you, baby?” Chika called, and then the sound came from a corner – a low growl, and they both paused and gasped. They saw more trails of blood leading to a corner – and then the crouched dark figure came into view.
“Oh no….Bella!!!” Chika shockingly called out taking a step.”No, wait!” Eric called holding her back. “Look! What is that?”
The massive Rottweiller had ceased growling now at the sight of her owner, then she stood erect over the sprawled and mutilated figure beneath her.

They saw it was the unconscious form of a man!

“Eric?” That was all a petrified Chika could mutter now, clinging to him as he also wore the same disposition at this macabre scene. “Who is that?”
The approaching police sirens could be heard now

*****************
“I can’t believe this is happening,” Chika mentioned in Eric’s arms as they watched the stretcher from a distance being hoisted into the waiting ambulance outside the gate, supervised by the police officers who eagerly demanded answers. The curious neighbours now hurdled in several groups discussing the recent incident. “I’m just glad the stones are safe. What would I have explained to them at the office? I am so not attempting this ever again,”
“Could that have been what he was after in the first place?” Eric mused. “But no one knew about them,”
“Miss Chika!” They both turned to see Captain Okoye approach them, adjusting his robe in the process.
“Captain,” she called back. “What’s the news?”
“We found the ladder he used at the back,” he said. “He’s finally gained some consciousness, but he has lost a lot of blood and is in a lot of pain,”
“Has he said anything yet?” Eric asked at once. “Was he working alone? Where…..”
“Take it easy,” Captain Okoye urged. “They’re pumping him with a lot of Morphine. Hopefully, he will talk soon, but….but the medics said his chances are slim after what your dog did to him. I mean…she took his entire genitals off.” At that, Chika looked away in displeasure, crossing her arms. “Even if he manages to survive this, that dog has destroyed that man for life. He will never….”

“Captain, please…..,” an unnerved Chika called shaking her head in repulsion. “I don’t even want to hear it,”

“Well, for a sick dog, Bella really did a number on the fool,” Eric stated coldly. “And to be Frank, Captain, I don’t care if she took his kidneys as well.”

“Eric…” Chika called to him. “Don’t say that,”

“That…thief broke into my girlfriend’s apartment. Her apartment only! Captain, I really don’t care what happens to him after this, but we need answers! Castrated or whatever, I don’t give a damn,”
“The officers are trying to get information,”
“I don’t know if I can go back into my apartment anymore,” Chika stated out of nowhere and they faced her shocked disposition. “I mean…I know Bella has never liked strangers, but this…this…”
“She was a loyal dog defending her territory,” Eric assured now holding both her shoulders now. “Look, here’s what we’ll do- you and Bella will come and stay at my place for some days, while we get the best cleaning agency to clean up all that gory mess in there, okay? I have a very big compound to myself, and Bella will feel just at home. You’ll both be fine.” Then he flashed her a reassuring smile.
“Thanks, baby,” Chika called forcing a smile now as she touched his bearded face while Captain Okoye had to glance away.

Two police officers suddenly emerged from the crowd and approached him, they began whispering as they handed him a piece of paper while both Eric and Chika curiously watched.
“Miss Chika,” Captain Okoye called now facing them with the paper in hand. “We finally have a name,”
“You do?” Chika called back as her eyes shot open. “Who is it, Captain? Please, tell us!” Then Captain Okoye peered down at the paper as he took a breath.

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

“Oooh! Pick your phone!” A most frustrated Loveline vented before tossing her phone on the bed. Running her hand through her unkempt hair, she began pacing about the bedroom muttering to herself. She so much hated that ugly feeling of helplessness. The time was seven-fifteen that Saturday morning upon glancing at her watch now. News of the failed robbery was allover like wildfire – and Nico had eventually bled to death! But had her boyfriend said anything before passing away? Loveline was not waiting around to find out.

“A dog Bella was a stupid dog?? She tearfully vented. “Aaah! Loveline, you be big fool!”

Now facing her bed, Loveliness zipped up the stuffed duffel back on her bed, grabbed her phone and frantically dialed again. “Please, pick up,” she fidgetted, tapping her left foot.
“Doris, pick up your phone now!” Loveline impatiently barked out again. There was no time to waste now. She swung the bag over her shoulder and rushed out of the room. She just had to leave town for a few days till all was calm.

Now in the living room, she spotted and snatched her black face cap on one of the sofas, then hurriedly covered her dishevelled hair. All she needed do now was get to the neaest ATM, withdraw every last Kobo in her account before skipping town for a week or two.

Now approaching the door, she began typing on her phone. If Doris would not pick, then she would text Uche – he was more reliable. An emergency lie of her grandmother’s illness should hold enough water. SEND! Then Loveline glanced about the the small flat one more time with heaviness. “I am so sorry, Nico,” she muttered before opening the door to step out.

“Loveline Eruh!!! You are under arrest!”
“Yeh!” Loveline froze as her bags dropped to the ground. The number of uniformed men were enough to make her wet herself. Worse – her colleagues from the salon also stood present not too far off. And then there was her “favourite” customer, standing right next to her man. Loveline could see disappointment and shock written on her face, almost like she said: “How could you, Loveline?”
Exhaling deeply, Loveline shook her head in silence before raising her hands in surrender, and through her moist eyes now, she saw the two police officers hurry towards her – one with the silver cuffs jingling in hand. It was all over for her now and Loveline knew it.

END.

THE WRONG DRESS

Oh, my God! “ Valentina exclaimed throwing both hands to her face at once as Love elegantly strode out of her spacious closet in the flowing purple dress. “Love, this is beautiful! I love it!”

“I told you, didn’t I?” Love said smiling from ear to ear, and then she spun in the dress to show off the more.

“Babe! People will faint tomorrow when they see you in this,”

“My dear, I expect nothing less,” Love replied as she stood before the mirror. Valentina got up and stood behind her, admiring the reflection before them. “But it feels a bit tight here,” Love admitted, tugging at the waistline.

“Really?” Valentina asked. “Didn’t you try it on back at Titi’s store?”

“No,” Love replied. “You know I had to rush back here after you called about the emergency with the shoe delivery. And by the way, Titi said if there was anything uncomfortable about this dress all I had to do was call and she’d be here ASAP,”

“Hmm,” Valentina muttered touching her chin. “Maybe, now would be a good time,”

“Never you mind,” Love replied. “It’s not as serious.”

The bedroom door swung open and Chiazor dragged herself in.

“Hey, girls!”

“Heeey!” They called back as she went straight for Love’s freezer at a corner.

“Sorry I took so long. Lord! Am I exhaused, or what?” Chiazor called now taking out a bottle wine to help herself. “There’s no way I could leave that Event hall until everything was in place – even till the last flower petal. You girls know I specialize in perfection.” Now holding up her glass, she turned only to freeze at the sight of Love. “Oh, my…. Girl, where did you get that dress? It’s gorgeous!”

“Thanks, Sweety,” Love replied her oldest friend, smiling.

“But wait a minute!” Chiazor suddenly called peering with one hand on her hip and looking serious. “Love, but this wasn’t the dress you had Titi-Coutour make for your birthday, if I’m not mistaken here,”

“You’re not,” Love replied turning to her. “You won’t believe this crazy story. So…..I saw this lovely thing hanging right in plain sight when I went over to get my actual birthday dress. Girl, but it was like this dress was calling out to me : “please, please, wear me!” And so I told Titi I wanted it,”

“Just like that? I see,” Chiazor muttered dryly. “And so what happens to your other dress?”

“Guuurl, who cares?” Love playfully called. “I’ll wear it to your engagement party next Saturday,”

“Nice,” Chiazor replied and then sank untothe large bed, crossing her legs before taking a sip from her glass. “I like this,”

“I know,” Love replied facing her reflection again. “Titi said it belonged to some woman from Ikorodu who’s wedding tomorrow morning. She actually sketched it up for Titi-Coutour to make,”

“Say what?” Chiazor spat out, almost choking on her drink. “Love!”

“You heard her,” Valentina replied throwing her a smirk. “It’s for someone’s wedding reception,”

Love turned and faced Chiazor.

“I offered Titi triple the amount of what the original owner paid to have this dress made, and she eagerly complied without hesitation. Who says money doesn’t work wonders,” she explained before flashing Valentina a wink. “Come to think of it, Valentina – who would think someone from Ikorodu can possibly think up something so lovely? Isn’t that place like some local fishing village, or something?”

“I actually thought it was some rural community for elephant hunters and ritual killers,” Valentina added.

“Oh, my goodness!” Love exclaimed in humour. “That’s too much a compliment from what I imagined.” At that, both ladies giggled loudly.

“Be nice, you too!” Chiazor called making a face. “And for your information, Ikorodu is a very commercial town and I’ll have you know a good number of my best clients reside there, mind you? I’ve been there several times and it’s a far cry from what you both describe,”

“Whatever!” Love teased with a dismissive wave.

“And wait a minute!” Chiazor called trying to comprehend what she had previously heard. “But what about this bride-to-be? This is still her dress and it’s her big day tomorrow,”

“Not my problem,” Love dispelled with a tone. “And by the way, Titi said she would handle her,”

“And how’s she supposed to do that?”

“She said she would send the Ikorodu woman another dress to compensate for her “unfinished one,” Love replied and then faced Valentina again. “Who says money doesn’t talk?” Then they both giggled again.

“No! No,” Chiazor called, shaking her head. “Babes, this is so wrong in so many ways,”

“And last time I checked, I didn’t ask your opinion,” Love retorted now facing her. “You know what, Chiazor? Maybe, for once, you could at least pretend to be happy for me, or is that just too much to ask from you?”

“Not when someone’s about being cheated off the most important day of her life,” Chiazor fired back.

“Chiazor,” Valentina stepped in. “Just see it this way – the winner takes all.” At that, Chiazor paused and threw her a blank stare.

“Did you confidently just open that thing you call a mouth to spit that nonsense, Valentina?” Valentina’s mouth fell open. “Love, I know you’ve done some crazy stuff, but this….this is the most coming from you,”

“You know what? Enough!” Love let out raising a hand. “Chiazor, you know why I called Valentina to check out this dress and not you? Because she’s not the killjoy that you’re being right now,”

“Babe, Valentina is your P.A. You literally pay her to agree to everything you do. She would jump in front of a speeding truck if you asked her to,” Chiazor retorted to Valentina’s astonishment before downing the last of her drink. “You know what? I hope you sleep well with your conscience tonight. Happy birthday in advance!” Then she got up and stormed out of the large bedroom, slamming the door shut behind her.

“Thanks for nothing, Miss Black heart!” Love called after her. “Can you believe that one?” She vented facing Valentina, who took her by the hand.

“But you should know Chiazor, by now,” she said. “She never holds her tongue, and there’s the wine too,”

“Whatever!” Love retorted. “She can choose not to attend my party tomorrow if she likes – I don’t care. It’s not everyday a girl turns twenty-six,”

“You don’t mean that,” Valentina replied.

“You know what? Can we like forget her already?” Love asked and then faced her reflection again. “Babe, I don’t know, but it feels like this dress has gotten tighter all of a sudden at the waist,”

“Oh,” Valentina muttered. “Maybe, we should call Titi after all,”

“Good idea,” Love said. “Do that.” Then Valentina walked to the bed and picked one of Love’s phones which laid beside her blue cosmetic bag. She dialled a number and waited.

“She’s not answering,” Valentina said.

“Then call her again!” She insisted. “It’s just some minutes past eight tonight. Keep dialling until she picks. With how much I pay her, she’d better come running here – even if it’s midnight and her house is on fire.” At that Valentina kept on dialling while Love struck a dramatic pose before her large oval mirror and smiling. “You just wait and see, Valentina. Tomorrow, I’m so going to stand out.”

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

“Happy birthday, Love!”

“Aww! Thanks, Kiki,” Love replied rushing to embrace her former nemesis from Social Media. It took them over three years before they finally began getting along.

“And your dress! Wow!” Kiki mentioned in admiration. “It’s beautiful,”

“Thank you. I know, right?” Love replied. “By the way, I hope you came with a gift,”

“Of course,” Kiki said and then opened her red purse which matched her dress. “Who would forget your love for presents?” She took out a rectangular parcel beautifully wrapped up. “Here you go. Happy birthday, dear,”

“Why is it so small?” Love asked, looking serious.

“Excuse you? That’s expensive,” Kiki stated raising a finger. “Very expensive,”

“Girl, don’t mind me,” Love said giggling and then accepted it. “Thanks so much, Kiki,”

“You’re welcome, Love,” Kiki replied smiling and then she glanced around at the other guests in the hall. “And this is a lovely party,”

“I know, right?” Love asked as she took her hand. “So, you get a drink first and enjoy yourself,”

“I will,” Kiki said and then strutted off into the crowd.

“Valentina,” Love called to her friend whom stood not too far off with a drink in hand. “Would you be a dear and drop this with the others presents?”

“Of course,” Valentina replied as she took the gift and hurried off; and then Love sashayed down the busy hall to mingle with the other guests. She could feel eyes on her with every step she took, and why shouldn’t they stare? Today was her day, and just as Love had always taught herself to be – she was Queen!

Food and drinks flowed through non-stop, and the music was kept at an upbeat tempo – and Love made sure to hire the most expensive DJ in Lagos.

“Happy birthday, Love!”

Turning, Love opened her mouth in surprise at the sight of Chiazor, clinging to the arm of a tall dark man in a dark suit.

“Chiazor? Henry!” She called out embracing her best friend, and then she and Henry exchanged pecks on both cheeks.

“Happy birthday,” he called.

“Thanks, dear, I’m so glad you came.” Then she faced Chiazor. “And….I was starting to think you weren’t coming anymore,”

“Are you crazy?” Chiazor asked with a raised brow. “After breaking my back to pull this party off? And you know my business comes first, and with these photographers and influential guests present here, who knows?”

At that, Love laughed out while Henry simply shrugged.

“My goodness!” Love exclaimed. “You’re so Ibo. All for the money,”

“Whatever, babe,” Chiazor replied rolling her eyes. Then she turned and gave a beckoning gesture. “Buchi, bring that here, please.” And immediately, Chiazor’s younger cousin approached with a large wrapped up gift, and with the way he walked, it was clear how quite weighty its content was.

“Oh, my God!” Love exclaimed in delight.

“A little birthday something from Henry and myself,” Chiazor said before flashing her fiancé a smile.

“Oh, you two!” Love called as her gift was placed on a nearby table. “It’s so heavy. What’s in it?” She curiously asked.

“I guess you’d have to unwrap and find out,” Chiazor replied, and then Love gave each of them a hug.

“You guys are the best,” she said. “Thanks so much. Oh, and Chiazor, be sure to mail me your bill for all of this tomorrow,”

“I will do no such thing,” Chiazor bluntly stated shaking her head to Love’s surprise. Then she gestured with her hands. “All of this is also my birthday gift to you,”

“Oh my……Chiazor!” Love was overwhelmed now holding her chest. “This is too much! Come here” Then she pulled her friend into a warm embrace while Henry stood by, smiling at them both. “And here I was yesterday thinking you were the biggest bitch alive,”

“Idiot!” Chiazor called back laughing. “You are the bigger one.”

“Really, Chiazor. I’ll never forget this,” Love said. “Thank you,”

“And have I mentioned how gorgeous you look in that dress?” Henry asked and Love blushed.

“You’re sweet, Henry. Thank you,” she softly replied while Chiazor quietly rolled her eyes.

“Excuse me, miss?”

They all turned to see an eager photographer. His height seemed not to surpass their shoulders. “Could you all stand together for a shot? And please, Celebrant, you stand in the middle – Wow! That dress!”

“Oh, of course!” Love eagerly agreed stepping in-between for a pose. She recognized the photographer from one of the biggest fashion magazines in Lagos. They let him take a number of shots. “Now take me alone,” Love said already striking another pose while her friends stood apart. Love never tired of having her pictures taken. “I can’t wait for these to get out on Social media,”

“Of course, she can’t,” Chiazor dryly muttered to Henry’s hearing as they each picked their drinks from an approaching waiter.

“You won’t let this go, would you?” Henry lowly called to her and she faced him.

“What’s wrong is wrong, Henry,” Chiazor said. “You know I always say it as it is,”

“But last time I checked, you told me the designer had it all handled,”

“And that makes it fine?” Chiazor asked. “Look, Henry, I love Love a lot but she just can’t help making everything about her. That’s how she made my last birthday her own personal Project Runway Show, and don’t be shocked next Saturday when she hijacks our engagement party.” At that, Henry burst out laughing.

“Your choice of words, Chiazor! Hijack?” He said. “You should have been an activist and not an event planner, you know?” Giggling, Chiazor turned to reply him.

“I DON’T BELIEVE IT!!”

At that, nearby guests turned to see Love suddenly rush for the hall entrance, holding her dress in hand. Then she threw herself on the tall figure in the Navy blue suit and everyone watched them kiss passionately.

“It’s a lie!” Valentina approached with surprise also written on her face. “Is that…”

“Seye? Yeah,” Chiazor answered.

“But I thought he wasn’t in the country,”

“He wasn’t,” Henry said. “At least, not until this morning,”

“He asked us not to tell Love last night,” Chiazor explained. “He wanted to surprise her,”

“You guys!” Love called out in excitement as she approached them now, clinging to her boyfriend’s bulging arms. “Look who decided to surprise me,”

“Seye!” Both Chiazor and Henry called in unison, exchanging a glance in the process.

“What a pleasant surprise!” Chiazor acted.

“Yes,” Henry played along. “Surprise!”

It was much later in the afternoon now and Love’s party turned out to be much exciting than planned and she would want it no other way. Every who-and-whom in the Social media influencing business and Fashion industry was present, not forgetting the personalities in other branches of the Nigerian entertainment industry. No doubt, this party would be the talk once it hit the media.

“Hey, girls!” Love called as she approached the table where both Chiazor and Valentina sat. Chiazor’s hand was never without a glass.

“What’s up?” Chiazor asked as Love grabbed a seat and sat opposite them.

“Seye has been acting strange not too long after he arrived,” she said. Then they all glanced not too far off where he stood conversing with Henry.

“Really?” Chiazor asked. “Why do you think so?”

“I don’t know,” Love said. “But I think he wants to propose. Chiazor, do you know if he mentioned anything to Henry? A hint? Something….”

“Really?” Valentina let out as her eyes flashed open in excitement.

“Well, I don’t know for sure,” Love shrugged. “But why else would a guy suddenly be giving his girlfriend the run-around on her birthday? He definitely has something on his mind,”

“Or… he probably wants to break up with you as well?” Chiazor blurted out before sipping on some more champagne. At that, both Love and Valentina turned to her and she instantly smiled. “Ladies, come on! I’m just playing,”

“Babe, we never can tell the difference,” Valentina replied shaking her head.

“Whatever,” Chiazor said raising her hand. “Listen, Love, this life is short. If you feel Seye’s hiding something, then corner his ass and get it out of him,”

“You know, Chiazor? You’re right,” Love said getting to her feet. “I’m going to face this squarely and find out what Seye’s keeping from me,”

“Good,” Chiazor called. “Because now might be a good time,”

“What?” Love muttered, a bit puzzled.

“Love?”

She spun at the sound of her name just as Seye approached.

“Hey,” she called back, freezing on the spot as she stared up into his eyes.

“I’ve been wanting to talk to you since I got here,” he said to her astonishment.

“Then why have you been avoiding me all afternoon?” She demanded. “Or did you think I wouldn’t notice how…..”

“Babe, can you like just shut up and let the guy talk?” Chiazor called from her chair before raising her glass to her lips. Then Seye chuckled and took Love by her hand.

“You know I love you so much, right?”

“I do,”

“And you’re the primary reason I push myself harder each day, so I can give you the world if you demand it,” he said before sticking his hand into his jacket pocket. “I have something for you,”

“Oh, my God!” Love muttered as her heart almost skipped, then she briefly turned to glance at her friends. Seye took out a small red box and she froze. “Seye?”

“Open it,” he urged and he complied with trembling fingers – and then Love looked up at him with questioning eyes.

“A key?” She called, and then Seye immediately threw a thumbs-up at Henry, whom had been behind the control board with the DJ and Sound engineers. Henry pushed a button and a large picture was suddenly projected unto the large screen for all to see.

The deafening cries of shock and excitement instantly filled the entire hall.

“Happy birthday, Love,” Seye called as her eyes and mouth stayed open in shock at the sight of the black Mercedes G-Wagon.

“I don’t believe this,” she muttered with glistening eyes., then she threw her arms around his shoulder and rewarded him with a most passionate kiss. The crowd applauded now. “Thank you, Seye! Thank you! Thank you! I love you so much.”

“Hmm!” Chiazor muttered as she crossed her legs and gently applauded with her glass in hand. “Like wrapper, like dress,”

“Huh?” A puzzled Valentina let out facing her. “What does that one mean again?” She inquired, watching Chiazor refill her glass.

“He enjoys creating a show almost as much as Love does,” Chiazor replied. “They’re so meant for each other.” Then she indulged herself while Valentina simply shook her head.

“Girls, did you see what Seye got me?” Love asked facing them now. “Isn’t he the best?”

“He sure is!” Chiazor called back raising her glass.

Where is it?” Love asked Seye. “I want to see it!”

“It’s Parked right outside,” Seye replied and then she grabbed hold of his hands and rushed for the exit in excitement.

“Come on, guys! Let’s go!” She gestured to her friends, but most especially, the photographers. There was no way this was eluding the cameras.

It was about thirty-five minutes later when Love elegantly strode back through the entrance in her flowing purple dress, and no doubt, the photographer’s never had a dull moment taking as many shots possible. With the beaming smile on her face, it was obvious the new vehicle outside had totally made her day. Love could not wait for her birthday to trend all over social media.

“Love!” Valentina called as she pushed through the crowd. “Excuse me. Love! Hey, Love!”

“What is it?” Love called back, turning away from the elderly male well-wisher. He was a multi-millionaire whom had offered Love the world, just as long as she spent a weekend with him on a Caribbean island. But Chiazor had strongly put her friendship with Love on the line if she did indulge this man, for she did find him repulsive. For as far as Chiazor was concerned, Nigeria’s money was what fattened this pot-bellied man’s bank account and she had no respect for such a person. Valentina raised the phone in her hand to view – it was Love’s.

“It’s Titi-Coutour on the phone,” she called.

“Why is she calling me now?” Love frowned in reply. “She had more than enough time to reply my messages since last night. What does that unreliable thing want? In fact, tell her I’m way unavailable at the very same party she refused to attend,”

“Love!” Valentina called all serious, covering the phone’s speaker “Trust me, babe. You should take this call.”

Love had to excuse herself from “Chief” and take the phone from Valentina.

“Titi?” She called. “Give me one good reason why I should talk to you. Lord knows I shouldn’t… “

“Love, please bear with me. It’s not my fault,” the frail voice replied. “I just regained consciousness about an hour ago,”

“What?” Love called out as she tried avoiding the noisy crowd and loud music. “What do you mean you just regained consciousness? What happened to you? And why do you sound like you have cotton wool stuffed in your mouth?”

“She did this to me! My tongue is swollen. I have boils and maggots coming out everywhere. Ooh! I am in severe pains, Love! The doctors don’t know what is wrong with me. They said my body is roting. They’ve isolated me from everywhere. I had to beg my brother to sneak in my phone so I can warn you. My God! I have never seen somebody so angry like this.

“Titi?! A perplexed Love called as she finally escaped into the quiet restroom. “Titi, please communicate with me because I don’t understand you right now,”

“We have messed with the wrong person,” Titi sobbed. “I’m sorry, Love. She was going to kill me if I didn’t….

“I don’t understand, Titi. What are…Titi!” But Love’s phone went static and
then dead. “What the hell?” She called staring at the phone now.

“Didn’t your mother ever teach you not to take what doesn’t belong to you?”

Turning, Love was stunned at the sudden
appearance of the strange Lady in a black dress.

“Excuse me?” She called back. How did you get in here? And you are?”

“Sebina,” the stranger replied taking a step forward. “And you’re in my dress,”

“What?” Love let out in surprise and then shook her head. “Who the hell let you
in here? That’s it, I’m calling security now.” Then she pushed past the stranger
and stormed for the bedroom door, but only for it to slam shut before her without
a touch. “Oh, my God!” Love cried out jumping back. “What did you do?”

Sebina was glaring at her now.

“I see my dress seems a little bit tight on you, so I should remedy that,” she
said and with that raised a hand only to clench it into a fist.

“Ooh…” Love instantly cried out grabbing for her chest. “My dress! What are
you doing to me?”

“Since you like the dress so much, you can as well have it,” Sebina said as she
watched Love gasp out with her eyes bulging out.

“Stop….” She managed to utter. Somebody,
help……I can’t breathe!” Then she dropped to the floor as her red fluid
slowly began oozing from her nose and then ears.

Approaching, Sebina crouched beside her and gazed into her eyes.

“You see, Love,” she called. “I’m not as wicked as you might imagine. Just a
sincere apology would have sufficed. You remember that in your left life.” Then
she got up and smashed towards the door, which opened on it’s own accord and then
slammed shut behind her with Love watching as she fought desperately. Her face was
all veins now.

***

“You won’t beltoday how many people have asked for my card today. Apparently,
they loved what I did with this place,” Chiazor said before downing her glass.

“Chiazor, don’t you think you’ve had one too many already?” Henry asked as
his fiancé put down her glass of Champagne.

“Or you mean am I just getting started?” She asked back and that got Henry
shaking his head.

“What ever am I going to do with you?” He asked as he let her playfully
stroke his chin.

“Kiss me, Henry,”

“You know we’re in public, right?” Henry asked with a grin.

“And since when has that ever stopped us?” Chiazor replied pulling him closer.

“Fine,” Henry said. “Come here.”

“Has anybody seen Love?”

They both looked up to see Valentina as she approached the table.

“Don’t tell me she’s still in that bathroom,” Valentina said before hurrying off with her heels clicking loudly after her. “It’s time to cut the damn cake!”

She called out, and both Henry and Chiazor had to laugh out at her frustration.

“You know I love you, right?” Chiazor said.

“I know, babe,” Henry said as he gazed into her eyes.

The loud scream suddenly came into everyone’s earshot in the large hall.
Even the DJ had to get the music to a halt

“Valentina!” Chiazor called out before getting up and rushing off, and then
Henry took off after her. “Valentina,
what is it?” Chiazor called out as she rushed in through the restroom doorway,
and then the sight before her made her jump in horror. “Holy Mary, Mother of
demons!” She cried out now clinging to
both Valentina and Henry’s arms.

Before them on the toilet floor was nothing but mangled flesh a little of blood.

Love’s two eyeballs had popped from their socket and the rest of her human form
looked nothing more than a squeezed rag.

It was Seye’s turn to scream out upon pushing his way through the people at the
bathroom doorway. Then he dropped to his knees.

“Loooove!” He cried out as they all watched
him hold his head in horror.

A horrified Valentina was already in tears as now and then fell upon Henry’s
shoulders while Chiazor hurriedly locked the main toilet door before more people
could get in.

“What the hell just happened in here???” Seye cried out now in tears.

“Ooh!” Chiazor called out, suddenly covering her mouth. “I think I’m going
to be sick!” Then she dashed straight for one of the toilet stalls, leaving them
all staring at the gory mess before them, wondering how they would explain to the
world what might have happened to Love on her birthday.

END.

COVER PHOTO MODEL : GIFT MGBAME.

A WRONG NIGHT TO BE UGLY

“Open your mouth,”
“No!” Esse shook her head now facing the wall, and that got Elizabeth frowning down at her on her bedside.
“Esse, you know I can’t take these drugs for you,”
“I’ll take them later,” Esse replied with a low voice now looking up at her roommate. Apart from her neck, the rest of her sick body was concealed beneath the pink duvet. “Just put them on the table,”
“Like hell, you will,” Elizabeth sharply stated. “You’re taking them now! It was World War Three getting you to eat, so don’t make this any harder. Just try and take them now, okay? So, the drugs can work well with the food.” Then she stretched her hand with the pills to Esse.
“Urgh! I hate drugs, Elizabeth!” Esse instantly let out in revulsion as she shook her head. “I can’t do this again. No way! My mouth already tastes bitter and you want me to swallow all those tablets again. No!”
At that, Elizabeth took a long deep breath as she closed her eyes.
“Listen, Esse,” she called. “If you want to die, that’s fine by me! But please, go and die in your father’s house, okay? Not here. I will not play both nurse and undertaker for you. Not after I’ve taken two hours of my personal study time rushing down to the pharmacy to get you these drugs, and then force you to eat, okay?”
“Aah, Elizabeth!” An astonished Esse called, raising a hand to her forehead. “What kind of joke is that?” But Elizabeth simply scoffed, rolling her eyes. “Fine. I will take the stupid drugs.” Esse reluctantly grumbled, knowing she was fighting a lost battle. Then she let Elizabeth help her sit up before handing her the cup of water and various pills. With cautious eyes, Elizabeth watched till the last pill was swallowed.
“And try not to vomit,” Elizabeth cautioned and then smiled. “See? That wasn’t hard, was it? Just two more dosages to go and you’ll be fully back on your feet in no time.” But Esse’s face was busy contorting at the acrid aftertaste of medicine.
“Yuck! I am not doing this again!”
“It’s like you enjoy staying sick, eh?” Elizabeth threw at her before getting up from the bed and walking over to her’s on the other side of the room. “You should get some rest now,” she said now reaching for her brown handbag to get her pen. “I want to study a bit,”
“Remind me to smack that your sharp mouth when I get better,” Esse called now gently laying back beneath the covers. Then Elizabeth smiled teasingly at her.
“That’s the idea, love. Get better,” she said back. “Those drugs should make you sleep a while,”
“The better,” Esse called back wincing before turning to the wall. “Anything to not feel this pain. My God! Malaria is such a real bitch!”
“Sleep well,” Elizabeth called at her and then began fiddling with her phone.
There was a soft tap on the door and she looked up. “Enter.” The door slowly opened and Oma’s head poked in smiling. Oma Okojie was Elizabeth’s course mate, whose room was down the hall.
“Hi,”
“Hi, Oma. Come in,” Elizabeth called back gesturing. “But quietly shut the door, please. Esse just took some medication and I really need her to sleep like a baby,”
“Oh dear,” Oma quietly hushed down upon complying, as she raised a hand to her mouth. “What’s wrong with her?”
“Malaria,” Elizabeth answered as she scratched at her brown braids.
“Oh, darling,” Oma called in a hushed tone quietly approaching Esse’s bedside. “Since when?”
“This morning,” Elizabeth replied. “Her body temperature was so high, you could boil an egg on her skin,”
“Are you serious?” Oma shook her head in dismay as she stood arms akimbo in her green pyjamas.
“Hopefully, she’ll be better by morning,” Elizabeth said and then put down her phone. “So, what’s up?”
“Yes! I actually came to borrow a book,” Oma replied approaching her. “I saw it with you in class the other day. Emm…How Europe Underdeveloped Africa,”
“Oh, that,” Elizabeth raised both brows. “Actually, Oma, I gave it to someone two days ago – Tinuke.” At that, Oma subtly rolled her eyes, but not before Elizabeth caught that and grinned to herself. She was well aware of the bad blood between both girls in the hostel.
“I see,” Oma muttered and then Elizabeth got off her bed and took her hand. “You know what? All she needed were some particular dates from the book, she ought to have returned it by now. You just sit here and I’ll go get it from her room,”
“Really?” Oma called surprised as she sat on Elizabeth’s bed. “I hope this is not any trouble. I can take it later,”
“Of course not, don’t be silly,” Elizabeth shook her head as she approached the door. You just chill. I’ll be back in no time.” Then she was out.
Both Oma and Elizabeth would not refer to each other as friends but they did get along considerably well. Now seated in the quietude of the room – except for the sleeping Esse’s heavy breathing, Oma grinned to herself as she gazed about. Despite their two years in this university hostel, this would be the longest she had stayed in this room. Spotting the Oprah Winfrey magazine cut-out pasted on the wall right above the head of Elizabeth’s bed, Oma smiled now. Then she glanced at the other side of the room where Esse soundly slept beneath her covers.
Slowly, Oma’s eyes befell the open brown bag beside her, and without hesitation, she dug her hands in. The Naira notes were the first items to have caught her eyes. Fishing out the bills, Oma shoved them down her pocket with her eyes still fixed inside the bag. Then she fiddled for any more items of value.
The door creaked open and in a flash, Oma sat up and crossed her legs, wearing the most saintly face.
“I’m back,” Elizabeth called with melody undertone as she raised the large book in hand.
“Wow, that was fast,” Oma said standing to collect the book.
“Can you believe she was done with this book since, just like I predicted?” Elizabeth asked shaking her head. “What’s it with people not returning borrowed stuff once they’re done?”
“Don’t mind that Tinuke,” Oma was quick to rebuff. “But not to worry with me. I’ll be sure to return it once I’m done, and thanks so much again,”
“You’re welcome,” Elizabeth said. “You’d like the book. So enlightening,”
“Really?” Oma sounded intrigued as she nodded. “I’ve heard a lot about it and that got me curious,”
“It’s been in my dad’s library for years and he wouldn’t let me breathe until I read it. The man just won’t rest until I’m fully woke and drunk on African history,” Elizabeth said and they both giggled. “Well, enjoy,”
“I surely will,” Oma smiled as she rubbed Elizabeth’s arm. “Thanks, Elizabeth. You’re a darling. Goodnight.” Then she was out.
“Sweet girl, Oma,” Elizabeth muttered to herself before picking her bag and zipping it up. Then she placed it on the corner of her bed before picking her textbook and jotter from the nearby table.
Elizabeth leaned against the wall to commence studying, but not before glancing at her sleeping roommate one more time. Esse was completely wrapped up beneath the covers.

********

Shutting the door behind him, Iyke danced into the room with his black earphones plugged in his ears and a black rubber bag of fruits in hand. He dropped the bag on the study table, emptied its contents into a blue bowl, and then began swaying more rhythmically to his music; and not to mention that Iyke barely understood the lyrics of what he listened to.

The door opened unknown to him and Tarique, his roommate stepped in, clad in his white towel and holding a bucket. His body was still damp from his evening shower. Seeing his friend lost in his own world, Tarique simply shook his head and began dressing up.
Turning, Iyke noticed the presence in the room and froze at once.
“Yo!” He called pulling off his earphones. “How long have you been here?”
“Long enough,” Tarique replied slipping into his boxers. “Has anyone told you you’re a terrible dancer?”
“That was Brazilian Samba,” Iyke said arching a brow. Then Tarique laughed out.
“What the hell?” He called out now slipping on a t-shirt. “An apology to Brazilians. And what’s it with you and music you don’t even understand their lyrics? I’m sure they don’t speak English over there, or do they?”
“Guy, free me, okay?” Iyke called back also laughing. “Is it your dance? What you don’t understand is that music is spiritual. You don’t need to understand the lyrics to…”
“Weirdo,” Tarique cut him off with a wave of hand. “I keep wondering how Isabella deals.” Then his eyes befell the fruits on the table. “Dude, is that what I think it is?”
“Yup,” Iyke replied as he watched Tarique approach the table. “They’re washed, if you want some,”
“Sure, I want!” Tarique didn’t hesitate to pick one and smiled. “Man! I’ve missed Agbalumo.”
“African Star fruit, you mean,” Iyke mentioned and Tarique threw him a puzzling stare at once.
“Huh?”
“Or African Star Apple,” Iyke crossed his arms and smugly grinned now. “Whichever you choose to call it,”
“Guy! Wetin be dat?” Tarique asked in Pidgin. “You’ve started again with your weirdness, abi?”
Iyke laughed and so did Tarique.
“But that’s what it’s called in English, Tarique,”
“And I’m sure you just figured that out,” Tarique said and Iyke nodded.
“I was surprised at the name myself,” he replied. “I’ve always called it Agbalumo, even as an Ibo guy. Maybe, it’s because I’ve lived in Lagos most of my life,”
“So what do you Igbo’s call it?”
“Udara,” Iyke replied. “Or Udala,”
“Abeg!” Tarique scoffed. “African Star whatever… I don’t think I’ll be getting used to that anytime soon. I’m a proud Yoruba guy and nobody’s suing me for calling it what I’ve always called it,”
“Agbalumo?” Iyke mentioned and Tarique threw him a thumbs up.
“Correct!”

********

“No!” A horrified Elizabeth called out with eyes wide open. “No! No! No! This isn’t happening!” Then she emptied the contents of her bag unto her bed. Her heart pounded now and her breathing became rapid. Elizabeth always hated it whenever she had to search hard for her personal belongings. She had had her share of carelessness in her teenage years and she was not ready to go back there. She held her head in frustration and then began rummaging through her belongings again.
The door swung open and a figure strode in but Elizabeth was too distraught to be concerned now.
“Babe, how far?” Elizabeth turned to see Tinuke, whose room was just three doors away.
“Nothing,” Elizabeth grumbled without raising her head. Tinuke frowned and threw both hands on her waist.
“Nothing?” She called. “Babe, you look like you’re looking for something important. In fact, this reminds me of when I lost my ATM card and……. “
“My money is missing!” Elizabeth blurted out now facing her, as Tinuke’s mouth flew open.
“YEH!” She exclaimed. “But how come? How much?”
“I don’t know, Tinuke,” Elizabeth replied getting off the bed. “All I know is that I had five thousand naira in my bag. This was just after I bought two thousand worth of drugs for Esse here. I’m sure I counted that money before putting it in my bag. Now all of it is gone,”
“It’s a lie!” Tinuke called out. “Are you sure?”
“Tinuke, I haven’t touched that money since then,” Elizabeth said frantically shaking her head. “I just wanted to rush out to get some airtime downstairs before they close shop, and now it’s all gone.” Tinuke was shaking her head now as she sat on the bed with her eyes fixated on all of Elizabeth’s belongings.
“This is serious,” she muttered. “And I was just coming to check on Esse, “ she gestured to the other bed. “I just heard she’s not well,”
“She’s been asleep since seven. That was after taking the very drugs I bought her,”
“But, Elizabeth” Tinuke looked at her all serious. ‘Since you got back from the Pharmacy, have you left your bag alone at any time?”
“Of course not,” Elizabeth hastily replied in agitation.
“Who has been in your room this evening?”
“Nobody!” Elizabeth said now pacing around. “Oh! Emm….apart from Oma, who just came to borrow the book I got back from you.” At that, Tinuke froze as her jaw dropped open.
“Wait!” She called shaking her head at Elizabeth. “Oma who?”
“Which other Oma do we know now?” Elizabeth asked back, curbing her agitation.  Then Tinuke’s eyebrows curved.
“Wait o! You are telling me Oma Okojie was here in your room, and you left her alone?”
“Emm….Yes?” Elizabeth was nonplussed now. “What am I missing here, Tinuke?”
“HEEEEY!” Tinuke called out in such histrionics as she flew to her feet. “It has happened! You too?”
“Tinuke, lower your voice!” Elizabeth hushed frowning. “Esse is sleeping.” But Tinuke hissed out.
“Leave Esse alone, abeg! Come with me!” Then she grabbed a confused Elizabeth by her wrist and then they stormed out the door.
“Tinuke?” A much puzzled Elizabeth called as she was led down the hall. “Where are you taking me? What’s going on?”
“Babe, just be quiet and follow me,” Tinuke replied without looking at her. They got to Tinuke’s room and she pushed the door open.
The three female students seated on the beds instantly looked up all surprised.
“Ah! Babes! Thank God you’re all complete,” Tinuke called in excitement which confused Elizabeth the more. “Eniola! Fatima! Pamela! We have another one here o!” Then Tinuke gestured Elizabeth into the room. “Just the same person we were talking about here. Oma Okojie!” At that, all three girls on the bed exclaimed at once and exchanged tacit stares.
“Tinuke, will you tell me what is going on already?” Elizabeth was starting to lose her patience now.
“Babe, they’ve all been Oma’s victims,” Tinuke replied gesturing to the girls. “Babes, Elizabeth left Oma in her room and now five thousand has disappeared from her bag. Do we need any more proof?
“AAAAH!” The ensuring cries startled Elizabeth at once while Tinuke fumed, almost like it was her own money missing
“I’ve always known we would catch her one day. Babes, let’s go now!” Then all three girls jumped to their feet and a shocked Elizabeth watched as they stormed past her. “Elizabeth, you must come with us! This might is that thief’s judgement day. God has finally opened her backyard! Let’s go.” Tinuke called to her and Elizabeth quietly followed as they stormed down the hall.

 

Licking her fingers, Oma turned the page of the book as she lay on her bed with her legs folded. She was already engrossed in this book. Then she glanced at the other bed in the room in thought of where Marcia, her roommate was tonight. She was probably spending the Friday night at her boyfriend’s.
The door swung open and Oma sat up at once in astonishment as the number of girls stormed into her room, and from the looks on their faces, this was definitely not a social call.
“What’s happening here?” Oma asked putting the book down. Then Elizabeth stepped forward to her astonishment.
“Oma, we….I need to discuss something with you,”
“Too much English, babe,” Tinuke cut in raising a hand. “Just bring out the money you took from Elizabeth’s bag. Now, now!”
“What?” Oma called out looking shocked. “I beg your pardon!”
“You had better beg, oh!” Tinuke called back. “Why is it that wherever you go in this hostel, something must get missing? Stealing my boyfriend, Eric, wasn’t enough for you, eh? You’ve now reduced to stealing people’s things.” Then Oma gasped out and got to her feet. Everyone knew that was the cause of the rift between both girls.
“You have some nerve,” she fired back. “How dare you come……”
“The night you slept in my room, that was when my silver earrings disappeared,” the one called Eniola called.
“My money went missing too, the day you came to gist in my room,” Pamela spoke out. “And then my mascara,”
“And mine was the two pieces of meat that disappeared from my pot!” Fatima stated with a scowl. “You were the only person in the hostel kitchen that day, washing your plate.” Oma was stunned by now.
“Oma, you were the only one in my room,” Elizabeth calmly said, and then Oma shook her head at her. “Look, we can all settle this here quietly. I don’t want any trouble. Please, if you took my money, then……….”
“You too, Elizabeth?” Oma called throwing her a stare of disbelief. “I am so disappointed you would join this…this Tinuke. I can’t believe you would dare accuse…..”
“Stop lying, Oma.”

The sudden voice came from the door and everyone turned and was shocked to see a frail Esse, still wrapped in her duvet and leaning against the door post.
“Esse?” Elizabeth was the most shocked. “Shouldn’t you be in bed?” But Esse had her gaze on Oma.
“You took that money from Elizabeth’s bag,” Esse disclosed weakly pointing. “I saw you through this duvet but you thought I was asleep. You took it and put in in your left pocket there.” Then she slowly turned and disappeared from the door back to her bed.

There was silence in the room now as all eyes turned on a dumbstruck Oma.
“So, what do you have to say for yourself now?” Elizabeth asked with a raised brow. But Oma shook her head.
“No! She’s lying,” she quivered trying her possible best to conceal her dear and shame. “In fact, get out! Get out of my room, all of you!”
“You are a thief!” Tinuke blurted out as she stepped forward, landing a slap on Oma’s face. “How can you still have mouth after….”
“How dare you?” Oma snapped back replying Tinuke’s slap with a harder one. WHAM! Tinuke was sent falling back against her friends. Then to Elizabeth’s astonishment, they all angrily charged at Oma, raining heavy slaps and blows upon Oma, who cried out in defiance, but not as loud as Tinuke, whom then rushed for the door and cried out so loud, her voice reverberated down the hall.
“EVERYBODY! COME O! WE HAVE A THIEF IN OUR HOSTEL!”

Both guys busied themselves with their various devices when the door opened and Charles Bassey walked in with one of his large medical textbooks. It was obvious he was returning from one of his reading session.
“Hey, guys,” he called and they both responded.
“You’re finally through with reading,” Tarique mentioned as they shook hands.
“Man, I just can’t wait to be finally done with this semester. That reminds me, I was with Banke as well. She says hi,” Charles said to Tarique, and then his eyes lit up as they fell on the table. “Oh! Is that Agbalumo?”
“Yes o!” Tarique called. “But there’s been some recent development, according to someone here.” He glanced at Iyke who busied himself with his phone like they weren’t there. “African Star Fruit is the name now,”
“Huh?” Charles made a face.
“Iyke, talk now,” Tarique urged wearing a grin.
“What’s there for me to say?” Iyke asked without looking up. “You’ve said it all,”
“African Star Fruit?” Charles called making a face. “I thought it was called Cherry, or something like that,”
“You guys have Google, you know?” Iyke said now looking up. “And you can have one if you want, Charles,”
“Ah, thanks,” Charles said as he picked one immediately. “That reminds me, guys – there’s some crazy stuff going down at the girls’ hostel. I heard a lot of ruckus on my way back,”
“There’s always some stuff going on down there,” Tarique said.
“I think this one’s really serious, guys,” Charles said shaking his head. “All the way from downstairs, I could hear sounds of pots being thrown and stuff breaking.” Iyke instantly looked up. “I think someone stole and from the way things are going, those girls are about to kill someone tonight,”
“For real?” Iyke asked as his eyes lit up.
“Yeah,” Charles replied. “You know their hostel is right opposite ours. Guys can hear it all from downstairs,”
“Wow!” Iyke let out flying off the bed and into his leather slippers. “I can’t miss this!”
“Iyke, are you kidding me right now?” A surprised Tarique asked as he watched his roommate dash past Charles for the door. “Iyke, get your big head back here! Don’t be that guy! Come on!” But Iyke was already out and racing down the corridor. Then Tarique shook his head and faced Charles. “I don’t believe that guy,” he said while Charles raised his fruit to view.
“Have these been washed?”

*********

“ASHEWO!” Tinuke called out amidst the crowd as she instigated the further beating. “Stealer of men and things!” Oma, on the other hand had just received the umpteenth slap on the back of her head. Almost every girl on the second floor had emerged from their rooms to partake in this ugly form of justice.
After a thorough search of Oma’s room, quite a number of stolen items had been recovered and reclaimed. There was no doubt Oma Okojie was in more than enough trouble now. Every object any girl could lay her hands on were not spared as weapons, as the slaps and blows came from all directions. There were the slippers, frying pans, spatulas and brooms.

Oma Okojie, the beautiful student of Mass Communications now looked like something from a horror movie – her pyjamas now torn all over and her face bruised, with a deep gash above her left eye which got blood streaming down her face and cloth. Even Elizabeth, whom had been infuriated by her betrayal at first, began pleading on behalf of the helpless Kleptomaniac.
“Girls, this is too much. I think you should take it easy,” she had tried explaining. “She just has a problem with picking things. She just can’t help herself.” But none of these blood-thirsty students were ready to give ears.
Oma could only cry out in despair, shielding herself from as many blows as she could.
“You people should just kill me!” She wailed in despair. Tonight would have been a fine time for the ground to open and take all of her.

Suddenly, Oma shoved her way through the crowd and dashed down the hallway in her torn clothes and disheveled hair, looking like a crazed person.
“She’s running away! Catch her! Thieeeeef!” Tinuke called as they gave chase, but instead of running down the stairs, Oma ran ahead out towards the hostel balcony.
“AAH! My life! This disgrace is too much!” She cried and then grabbed on to the railings to some of the girls’ alarm. “I want to die! I’m going to jump, I swear to God!”
“Oma, stop!” An alarmed Elizabeth called out to the hysterical Oma. “Don’t do it!” The girls cried out in terror as they watched Oma throw one leg over the railing.
“You people have finished me! Don’t come near me!” Oma wailed stretching a hand to keep them at bay. “I will jump, I swear to God! You people should leave me!”
“Then jump!” Tinuke fired back, suddenly emerging from the crowd. “I dare you, Oma Okojie! In fact, I double-dare your entire generation!”
“Tinuke, stop!” The girls called but she hissed out with a scowl at Oma.
“Tinuke, don’t provoke her!” Elizabeth reasoned. “Oma, let’s talk about….”
“If you don’t jump, I swear to God, I will push you myself,” Tinuke called approaching the railings where Oma clung to. “This girl is a scam! Look at you! Thief! Who do you think you are deceiving? You are a coward and cannot dare…..YEEEH!” Tinuke then shrieked out in pain as Oma suddenly grabbed her tightly by her hair and then lock her other arm behind her neck. But before Tinuke could begin struggling to break free, Oma briefly glared into her eyes.

“I HATE YOU!” She screamed. And then Oma threw herself over the balcony – still clinging tightly to Tinuke.

Elizabeth was the first to shriek out and rush forward as both girls disappeared over the edge. Tinuke’s scream pierced through the darkness as both girls fell to the ground. And then there was silence!
The hostel exploded into a chorus of screams and hysteria now as all the girls scattered in all directions at the disaster that just occurred.

********

“Finally!” Tarique called out in sarcasm as Iyke slowly walked into the room. “He’s back. Radio Nigeria,”
Charles was still in the room, seated on the study chair chuckling with his half-consumed fruit still in hand.
“Did you just call him that?” He asked Tarique.
“Yeah, don’t you know Iyke here knows almost everybody’s gist on this campus?” Tarique said and then sat up on his bed, facing his roommate. “Ehen! Iyke, so what happened?” At that, Charles raised a brow at Tarique.
Giving a long sigh, Iyke looked up at them both and they saw the horror in his eyes.
“They’re dead.”