I hope you guys are enjoying the holidays and looking forward to Christmas like me. This is to say a big thanks to all who read and voted. There was no close draw here, the vote was clear that we wanted to hear from Chinedu. So the story will continue from where it stopped in David's chapter from the point of view of Chinedu. Why did he walk away? Did he go home or have a discussion with Iphey's mum and sister? Did he find out who the man hugging Iphey is and why she kissed him? Remember the first person to comment on the next chapter wins a free copy of my eBook "Love Happens" or you can download it on lulu.
Our next contributor is LEGGY who I think is a great writer. She has had some poems and short stories up on her blog. Check back by Tuesday latest to read what she writes for the next chapter. After that, I'll write the last chapter of the year. We need more contributors so please let me know if you're interested and the time frames that work better for you. Just send me an email mulan.mine atgmail dotcom with your contact/tweeter. Previous contributors are very welcome to write again too.
END OF YEAR GIVEAWAYS
1. Contributors competition: Winner to be selected based on comments and vote count.
2. Random draw from all the names on my top 50 commenters list.
Winners to get an autographed copy of my new paperback novel, A Heart to Mend. Details to come...
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
Blog Promo Update for A Heart to Mend
So I told you guys about the Virtual Tour and the blog promo of my upcoming book, A Heart to Mend. Two bloggers were gracious enough to host me on their blogs in the past week. I want to say a big thank you to both Muyiwa and Pinkapplecore. Below are excerpts from the interviews, the full gist can be found on their pages linked with the blog names below.
An update on the book is that I'll certainly be holding a copy before Christmas and maybe you may too. You can pre-order from the publisher's website in the AuthorHouse Bookstore. In the meantime, I'm still open to interviews between now and January 31, let me know if you're interested...mulan.mine atgmail dotcom
1. From Muyiwa of PEOPLE IN THE LIMELIGHT
When you started blogging,what made you think you will create a niche for yourself in area of writing?
Most times, I am very private unless I feel I have established a rapport with the people I meet. So I knew I could never start off with a personal blog. I used to read two writing blogs which gave me an idea of what I wanted to do and they were by Favoured girl and Flourishing Florida. I'm happy I have been able to establish my blog as a story and writing site but it has just been luck. I salute all the naija blogsville members especially those who have stood the test of time and made it the community it is today.
How easy are you finding it now?
Blogging has been amazing especially in my chosen niche. I got overwhelming response to the Gladys and Edward story which is now a Heart to Mend on my blog and again when I decided to self-publish and open up the blog to other budding writers. In the four months since I started, I have won several awards and a couple of giveaways (an Ankara material from Olamild and an Ogoo Ogbata book from SolomonSydelle.
In a summary,is there any lesson to learn from the story?
In the book, Gladys is a young woman, newly arrived in Lagos and from a deprived background. She had been estranged from her aunt and is a bit cynical of rich people. While still working on her new relationship with her Aunt Isioma, she meets Edward, a wealthy egoist who is surprising kindhearted. She is smitten by his physical looks and his interest in her though she continues to feel he's out of her reach. Edward is highly attracted to her physically but as time goes on, he realizes he may have set up his heart for a fall. He is from a shadowed past and has been deeply scarred by events that happened when he was younger. They are able to surmount this and all other obstacles before them including differing views on premarital sex, social class and contrary advice from friends. Gladys and Edward decide to trust their hearts with each other and begin to prepare for their wedding. This main story line runs through the subplot of growing friendships, family reunions, the Nigerian stock market, business intrigues and a vendetta.
The novel details how we can be affected by events from our past and how it may limit our opportunities in the present especially in the area of love and relationships. Gladys obsesses over the divide between her and Edward, while he had barricaded his heart and was not letting anyone in, man or woman. The lesson is that none of us is perfect but we should be able to keep our heart open for that (sometimes one) person who has enough masking tape to cover our imperfections and make an ideal couple.
2. From Pinkapplecore of THE MAGICAL CHIP BAG
Is there a character you modeled after yourself or someone you know?
None of the characters in this book is based on myself or any one I know but on a cumulative of my world view and experience. Since I try to make my stories as real as possible, they also share our fears and hopes, our victories and our pain. Other than that, they're just people of my imaginings and therefore may seem free from some of the usual constraints real persons face.
If you could chose three words to describe the book what would they be?
Intriguing, fun, and lovely
Do you plan on writing more books or a sequel?
I definitely plan on writing more books. A sequel is not on the books right now but who knows what will happen? LOL. I am currently working on another romantic suspense manuscript and a couple of short stories, one of which I hope will be published before the end of the coming year.
An update on the book is that I'll certainly be holding a copy before Christmas and maybe you may too. You can pre-order from the publisher's website in the AuthorHouse Bookstore. In the meantime, I'm still open to interviews between now and January 31, let me know if you're interested...mulan.mine atgmail dotcom
1. From Muyiwa of PEOPLE IN THE LIMELIGHT
When you started blogging,what made you think you will create a niche for yourself in area of writing?
Most times, I am very private unless I feel I have established a rapport with the people I meet. So I knew I could never start off with a personal blog. I used to read two writing blogs which gave me an idea of what I wanted to do and they were by Favoured girl and Flourishing Florida. I'm happy I have been able to establish my blog as a story and writing site but it has just been luck. I salute all the naija blogsville members especially those who have stood the test of time and made it the community it is today.
How easy are you finding it now?
Blogging has been amazing especially in my chosen niche. I got overwhelming response to the Gladys and Edward story which is now a Heart to Mend on my blog and again when I decided to self-publish and open up the blog to other budding writers. In the four months since I started, I have won several awards and a couple of giveaways (an Ankara material from Olamild and an Ogoo Ogbata book from SolomonSydelle.
In a summary,is there any lesson to learn from the story?
In the book, Gladys is a young woman, newly arrived in Lagos and from a deprived background. She had been estranged from her aunt and is a bit cynical of rich people. While still working on her new relationship with her Aunt Isioma, she meets Edward, a wealthy egoist who is surprising kindhearted. She is smitten by his physical looks and his interest in her though she continues to feel he's out of her reach. Edward is highly attracted to her physically but as time goes on, he realizes he may have set up his heart for a fall. He is from a shadowed past and has been deeply scarred by events that happened when he was younger. They are able to surmount this and all other obstacles before them including differing views on premarital sex, social class and contrary advice from friends. Gladys and Edward decide to trust their hearts with each other and begin to prepare for their wedding. This main story line runs through the subplot of growing friendships, family reunions, the Nigerian stock market, business intrigues and a vendetta.
The novel details how we can be affected by events from our past and how it may limit our opportunities in the present especially in the area of love and relationships. Gladys obsesses over the divide between her and Edward, while he had barricaded his heart and was not letting anyone in, man or woman. The lesson is that none of us is perfect but we should be able to keep our heart open for that (sometimes one) person who has enough masking tape to cover our imperfections and make an ideal couple.
2. From Pinkapplecore of THE MAGICAL CHIP BAG
Is there a character you modeled after yourself or someone you know?
None of the characters in this book is based on myself or any one I know but on a cumulative of my world view and experience. Since I try to make my stories as real as possible, they also share our fears and hopes, our victories and our pain. Other than that, they're just people of my imaginings and therefore may seem free from some of the usual constraints real persons face.
If you could chose three words to describe the book what would they be?
Intriguing, fun, and lovely
Do you plan on writing more books or a sequel?
I definitely plan on writing more books. A sequel is not on the books right now but who knows what will happen? LOL. I am currently working on another romantic suspense manuscript and a couple of short stories, one of which I hope will be published before the end of the coming year.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
The game takes a turn ....by David
Posted in:
Cupid's Risk Series
Iphey got home early from work and dressed to go to her sister’s house. She had had a fair enough day but wasn’t to be pushed…she was almost at her limit.
Her mom had been in Lagos for the past couple of weeks. Though she was staying with Ngozi to help take care of Obi, her presence still weighed heavy on Iphey. The bright side was that her nephew had been released from the hospital two days ago. They had all been surprised, considering his still weakened condition but the doctors said he was stable and would bounce back faster at home.
“Mum, how can you have a party for Ngozi and Obi? Shouldn’t they be resting and besides, how come I'm just finding out about the party?” Iphey recalled her conversation with her mum just last night.
“My daugther, I’m sorry but seeing as you are a very busy lady, I didn’t want to stress you more than you are. I know the few times you could come to the hospital. This is also my send off, I'm returning to Port Harcourt on Sunday.”
That was the only excuse she got from her mom. An excuse that raised suspicions that didn’t sit well in her stomach. Though her attempts to find out who the other guests were from her mom seemed futile, she was so relieved her mum was finally leaving that she let it slide. Her mum had visited her office twice and she'd also caught her going through her phone. Iphey was beginning to feel like a third wheel with her colleagues and friends where her mum was concerned.
Oh well, she didn't want to overdress so she wore a pink, light sweater on a faded, deep blue jeans and a black, sleeveless leather jacket over that. She wore no make-up that evening. Looking into the mirror to make sure that her curves were not too pronounced, she stepped out of her apartment.
************
Chinedu parked his car on the street his heart beating a little bit faster. He had taken a chance to accept the invitation from Iphey's mother. He and her daughter had not spoken in nearly a week. Aisha had asked what he did since Iphey didn't want to talk about him though she had tried several times to find out what was happening. He was of half a mind to give up but something told him not to.
He had never had it this difficult with a girl. He had the looks, the money, and the charisma. She was different…he suspected that she was not swayed by frivolities but was more interested in his personality. If so, he’ll take things slow.
He walked into the house and saw other guests that had been invited, holding drinks and making conversation. He scanned for Habib but first found Aisha and her husband in a corner of the room with the lady who most definitely made his heart stop. ONLY ONE WOMAN MADE HIM FEEL THIS WAY! He took charge of him emotions, mustered a bland expression and walked up to them. Before he got there something unexpected happened.
A tall, well dressed man joined the group, greeted them and hugged Iphey with familiarity. Even Chinedu couldn’t deny that this new man was very attractive and he looked like he’s got money as well. He felt a stab in his chest and his face betrayed his cool demeanor. He was full of jealousy in a way he had never been, especially as the stranger's hand was still resting on her hips.
“It’s not that she’s my lady but I know I can’t stand her with another man..." A voice broke into his thoughts. It was Habib, "Why you stand here, come on…”
Chinedu walked with him to say a very brief hi to everyone. He saw an expression of guilt on Iphey’s face…this made him a little happy. He walked away after a muttered excuse to get a drink.
“Chinedu, Chinedu…hold on. Stop! Please…”, Ipey called out. She had left the man she was with and came after him. He smiled.
He turned around so suddenly that she ran into him and almost fell. He caught her on impulse and held her close. His heart raced and seemed to beat twice as fast. He looked into her eyes as the adrenaline pumped through his veins…and drowned in the beauty before him. A thousand years could have passed and he would not have traded that moment for anything. He stood there oblivious to his surroundings and wondered what was going on in her head. He wanted to know.
Without warning, she kissed him, For a second, he thought he was dreaming, only to realise that it was for real. She hugged him and kissed him on the cheek but he remained tense and unyielding. Although he wanted nothing more than to fold her close he still smarted from the jealousy she had stirred in him. He pulled away and watched as she looked at him in disbelief.
“What was that about?” he asked.
“I wanted to say welcome and thanks for coming…” He could see she was embarrassed by his aloofness and didn’t know what to say. She followed the direction of his gaze and gripped his arm. "I know what you're thinking but trust me, he's not...”
Cutting her short, “What does that have to do with me? Why should I care? At least you’ve made it clear that you want nothing to do with an ex-armed robber. Now I know why you refused to hear the circumstances that led me down that path..."
"Chinedu please..."
He smiled without mirth, "Well I came on your mother's invitation, so I’ll go greet her and your sister and be out of here…let's just say my eyes are now opened.”
With that…he walked away, leaving her transfixed and at loss of what just happened.
*************
That is it folks. I have to say that this is another post I really loved. Now vote for the next chapter on the left side bar. Our contributor is DAVID.This is an excerpt from the last entry on his blog;
WHY ARE YOU SCARED TO LOVE?
Well, I'm not really scared to love...I'm the kind of person who gives it all when he loves someone who loves him back but until then, I'm pretty much not accessible.
HAVE YOU BEEN HURT BEFORE?
Of course...lol! Contrary to the belief that I'm not human or that I do not have a heart, I do. DANG!!! IT HURT LIKE CRAZY AND I DO NOT WANT TO HAVE TO FEEL IT AGAIN...but the irony is that, the pain makes you appreciate LOVE on a whole different level.
Go over and show him some love on his 50th blog post and answers to reader's questions. davidolorun.blogspot.com Our next contributor is Leggy, I can't wait for the explanation to this.
Her mom had been in Lagos for the past couple of weeks. Though she was staying with Ngozi to help take care of Obi, her presence still weighed heavy on Iphey. The bright side was that her nephew had been released from the hospital two days ago. They had all been surprised, considering his still weakened condition but the doctors said he was stable and would bounce back faster at home.
“Mum, how can you have a party for Ngozi and Obi? Shouldn’t they be resting and besides, how come I'm just finding out about the party?” Iphey recalled her conversation with her mum just last night.
“My daugther, I’m sorry but seeing as you are a very busy lady, I didn’t want to stress you more than you are. I know the few times you could come to the hospital. This is also my send off, I'm returning to Port Harcourt on Sunday.”
That was the only excuse she got from her mom. An excuse that raised suspicions that didn’t sit well in her stomach. Though her attempts to find out who the other guests were from her mom seemed futile, she was so relieved her mum was finally leaving that she let it slide. Her mum had visited her office twice and she'd also caught her going through her phone. Iphey was beginning to feel like a third wheel with her colleagues and friends where her mum was concerned.
Oh well, she didn't want to overdress so she wore a pink, light sweater on a faded, deep blue jeans and a black, sleeveless leather jacket over that. She wore no make-up that evening. Looking into the mirror to make sure that her curves were not too pronounced, she stepped out of her apartment.
************
Chinedu parked his car on the street his heart beating a little bit faster. He had taken a chance to accept the invitation from Iphey's mother. He and her daughter had not spoken in nearly a week. Aisha had asked what he did since Iphey didn't want to talk about him though she had tried several times to find out what was happening. He was of half a mind to give up but something told him not to.
He had never had it this difficult with a girl. He had the looks, the money, and the charisma. She was different…he suspected that she was not swayed by frivolities but was more interested in his personality. If so, he’ll take things slow.
He walked into the house and saw other guests that had been invited, holding drinks and making conversation. He scanned for Habib but first found Aisha and her husband in a corner of the room with the lady who most definitely made his heart stop. ONLY ONE WOMAN MADE HIM FEEL THIS WAY! He took charge of him emotions, mustered a bland expression and walked up to them. Before he got there something unexpected happened.
A tall, well dressed man joined the group, greeted them and hugged Iphey with familiarity. Even Chinedu couldn’t deny that this new man was very attractive and he looked like he’s got money as well. He felt a stab in his chest and his face betrayed his cool demeanor. He was full of jealousy in a way he had never been, especially as the stranger's hand was still resting on her hips.
“It’s not that she’s my lady but I know I can’t stand her with another man..." A voice broke into his thoughts. It was Habib, "Why you stand here, come on…”
Chinedu walked with him to say a very brief hi to everyone. He saw an expression of guilt on Iphey’s face…this made him a little happy. He walked away after a muttered excuse to get a drink.
“Chinedu, Chinedu…hold on. Stop! Please…”, Ipey called out. She had left the man she was with and came after him. He smiled.
He turned around so suddenly that she ran into him and almost fell. He caught her on impulse and held her close. His heart raced and seemed to beat twice as fast. He looked into her eyes as the adrenaline pumped through his veins…and drowned in the beauty before him. A thousand years could have passed and he would not have traded that moment for anything. He stood there oblivious to his surroundings and wondered what was going on in her head. He wanted to know.
Without warning, she kissed him, For a second, he thought he was dreaming, only to realise that it was for real. She hugged him and kissed him on the cheek but he remained tense and unyielding. Although he wanted nothing more than to fold her close he still smarted from the jealousy she had stirred in him. He pulled away and watched as she looked at him in disbelief.
“What was that about?” he asked.
“I wanted to say welcome and thanks for coming…” He could see she was embarrassed by his aloofness and didn’t know what to say. She followed the direction of his gaze and gripped his arm. "I know what you're thinking but trust me, he's not...”
Cutting her short, “What does that have to do with me? Why should I care? At least you’ve made it clear that you want nothing to do with an ex-armed robber. Now I know why you refused to hear the circumstances that led me down that path..."
"Chinedu please..."
He smiled without mirth, "Well I came on your mother's invitation, so I’ll go greet her and your sister and be out of here…let's just say my eyes are now opened.”
With that…he walked away, leaving her transfixed and at loss of what just happened.
*************
That is it folks. I have to say that this is another post I really loved. Now vote for the next chapter on the left side bar. Our contributor is DAVID.This is an excerpt from the last entry on his blog;
WHY ARE YOU SCARED TO LOVE?
Well, I'm not really scared to love...I'm the kind of person who gives it all when he loves someone who loves him back but until then, I'm pretty much not accessible.
HAVE YOU BEEN HURT BEFORE?
Of course...lol! Contrary to the belief that I'm not human or that I do not have a heart, I do. DANG!!! IT HURT LIKE CRAZY AND I DO NOT WANT TO HAVE TO FEEL IT AGAIN...but the irony is that, the pain makes you appreciate LOVE on a whole different level.
Go over and show him some love on his 50th blog post and answers to reader's questions. davidolorun.blogspot.com Our next contributor is Leggy, I can't wait for the explanation to this.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Update + Virtual Blog Tour Promo
I want to say a big thanks to all who read and voted. The results are in and the next chapter of the story is more on the Iphey and Chinedu story. What happened between them? Does he meet Iphey again? Did Iphey call to apologise? Our next contributor is David, God's favoured numba one (nice name eh?). His chapter will be ready by Wednesday latest. Remember the first person to comment on the next chapter wins a free copy of my eBook "Love Happens" or you can download it on lulu. So update your blog rolls accordingly.
On other news, Myne Whitman is about to hit the road, at least the virtual road. I have sent out emails to a few web-based news vendors to promote the book via interviews, features and reviews. I have got positive interest from African Loft and a few others. I still await feedback from Bellanaija, Gidilounge, Mimimagazine, Genevieve, OlaMild Entertainment and several others.
The poster above is a promo and since this started from Blogsville, the bus has to move from here. I therefore want to invite interested bloggers to contact me (mulan.mine@gmail.com) for interviews, reviews or just a feature on their blog. I will give them all the necessary material including the poster above, a pdf copy of the book for giveaway to their readers and themselves, pictures of me and links to the necessary sites. I will also promote their sites on this page.
The first stop was yesterday on Spesh's World Paparazzi. Click on the link and go get some more info about me and the book.
See you soon.
On other news, Myne Whitman is about to hit the road, at least the virtual road. I have sent out emails to a few web-based news vendors to promote the book via interviews, features and reviews. I have got positive interest from African Loft and a few others. I still await feedback from Bellanaija, Gidilounge, Mimimagazine, Genevieve, OlaMild Entertainment and several others.
The poster above is a promo and since this started from Blogsville, the bus has to move from here. I therefore want to invite interested bloggers to contact me (mulan.mine@gmail.com) for interviews, reviews or just a feature on their blog. I will give them all the necessary material including the poster above, a pdf copy of the book for giveaway to their readers and themselves, pictures of me and links to the necessary sites. I will also promote their sites on this page.
The first stop was yesterday on Spesh's World Paparazzi. Click on the link and go get some more info about me and the book.
See you soon.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Office Politics: Small small girls....by Bubbles
Posted in:
Cupid's Risk Series
Bisi was on her BB as she stepped out of the bank’s official car. Her last marketing call had been very successful indeed. She was smiling as she walked into the closed banking hall from the back entrance.
Iphey and Jane were at the front desk. “Welcome back.” Iphey greeted.
Bisi nodded. “Follow me,” she mouthed since she was still on the cell phone.
She walked into the marketing office which was empty, all her colleagues must have left for the day, and settled into her swivel chair. “I will see you once I get off here...ok bye bye.” She pressed the end call button and turned. Iphey was leaning on the door looking at her with a smile.
“Hey babes, I've told you to relax with me. Come and sit down, I have gist.”
Iphey walked over and took the seat opposite.
“I met your boyfriend…”
“Who are you talking about?” Iphey looked surprised.
“I met Chinedu in Silverbird last night. Fine hard working bobo like that. All he could talk about was you, his friend said he even left us to run to your side…”
“Oh, he’s not my boyfriend ooo abeg…”
“But wouldn’t you like him to be? Maybe if Funmi hears about you both, she'll know you left Ayo for her…”
“Shheshh. Don’t let anyone hear you say that. I told you about them in confidence.”
Bisi motioned of zipping her lips.
“I...” Iphey moved forward but the ringing intercom cut her off.
“Hold on.” Bisi picked it up, listened for a bit and hung up. “Jane said she needs you back, she wants to leave soon.”
“OK, let’s talk tomorrow.” Iphey stood up and left the office.
Bisi tidied up her desk, put all the necessary documents in a black folder and slammed it shut. She shrugged into her dark purple blazer, and re-applied her lip gloss. She smacked her lips and walked down the corridor around the corner. On the right stood a beige door, she knocked twice.
"Come in."
Bisi walked in with a smile on her face. “Oga mi…” She walked towards the table.
“I’ve told you to stop calling me that. Wetin sef?”
“Ahn ahn, Funmi calm down jo! Body too dey pepper you.” Bisi huffed and crossed her arms in annoyance.
The head of operations backed down. “Ok, ok sorry! But I don’t know when you’re being sarcastic with the Oga thing.”
“I just dey hail you. I know that when the time comes, you will help me just like Ayo gave you a double promotion.” Bisi uncrossed her arms and sat down.
“You can trust me on that. Did Alhaji give you the account?”
Bisi took off her blazer and leaned forward with excitement. “Yes now, don’t you know me again?” She waggled her eyebrows. “Who can resist this?” She bent low till her pendant was hanging in the exposed cleavage.
Funmi laughed. “No forget say na me give you the connections and 411.”
“I fit?” Bisi sat back and placed the black folder on the desk between then. “He said we should expect turnover of at least five hundred million a month…”
“Wow, with this, you’ll soon be head of marketing and I’ll be branch manager.” Funmi jumped to her feet and came around to hug her.
“So you want to displace your former lover?” Bisi laughed.
Funmi leaned on the corner of the table. “Don’t mind that stupid randy goat. He wants to push me over because of small small girls. Did Iphey tell you anything else?”
“She said she'll hook him to displace you, and is still bad mouthing you sha..."
"I will show her..." Funmi shook her head and bit a nail.
Bisi laughed. "Listen to new gist first. I went out during the weekend and met this guy…”
“Where did you go sef? I hope it wasn’t that razz place in Silverbird?" Funmi interrupted, eyeing her with disdain.
“The place is not razz jo! Please let me finish my story now?”
“Ok, ok continue.”
“As I was saying, I met this guy who asked me if I knew Iphey. He wants her. I don’t know how or where she met him but she is one lucky girl, he is very handsome.”
“How is that my concern?”
“Don't you want her to date him and leave Ayo for you?”
Funmi pursed her lips. “Hmmm...that one is her business o. Imagine, less than three months and she wants to pull weight with me. Ayo or no Ayo, she has to leave this branch if not the bank. I can’t stand her.”
Bisi got up and faced Funmi. “So Ayo is not getting back with you?”
Funmi sucked her teeth, “So he says but I’m still working on him…”
“That fool! Maybe you should just forget about him.”
“We shall see.”
“Ok o! I have to go now. I’m meeting Alhaji.” She put on her blazer.
“Alright, full gist tomorrow?”
Bisi nodded and tapped her folder. “Abeg get the small small girls to open the account. You can add more mistakes to bounce on their head as usual.”
"I need the ammo to show that small girl pepper."
They both laughed as Bisi walked out.
*************************
That's it folks and remember to vote on the left sidebar for more. Office politics are so like high school drama, some people like to stir wahala up. This contribution from BUBBLES reminds me of a post on her blog. LWKMD when I read it...
"Ok my first high school...
I would take a girl's uniform/house wears from her room and put it in another girl's closet in like room 20. Then I would take the clothes from the girl in room 20 and put in another girl's closet in like room 1. These girls will wake up the next morning tryna figure were the fuck their uniforms went?! I took ALL of their uniforms! I didn't even leave a shirt. nope...
I would switch people's books. I was in JSS1B. I would take books from 1B and put it in people's lockers in like SS2A. Like I showed them PEPPER! I would take people's school bags and throw them outside. Only if these people pissed me off tho! I didn't just do things randomly..."
Iphey and Jane were at the front desk. “Welcome back.” Iphey greeted.
Bisi nodded. “Follow me,” she mouthed since she was still on the cell phone.
She walked into the marketing office which was empty, all her colleagues must have left for the day, and settled into her swivel chair. “I will see you once I get off here...ok bye bye.” She pressed the end call button and turned. Iphey was leaning on the door looking at her with a smile.
“Hey babes, I've told you to relax with me. Come and sit down, I have gist.”
Iphey walked over and took the seat opposite.
“I met your boyfriend…”
“Who are you talking about?” Iphey looked surprised.
“I met Chinedu in Silverbird last night. Fine hard working bobo like that. All he could talk about was you, his friend said he even left us to run to your side…”
“Oh, he’s not my boyfriend ooo abeg…”
“But wouldn’t you like him to be? Maybe if Funmi hears about you both, she'll know you left Ayo for her…”
“Shheshh. Don’t let anyone hear you say that. I told you about them in confidence.”
Bisi motioned of zipping her lips.
“I...” Iphey moved forward but the ringing intercom cut her off.
“Hold on.” Bisi picked it up, listened for a bit and hung up. “Jane said she needs you back, she wants to leave soon.”
“OK, let’s talk tomorrow.” Iphey stood up and left the office.
Bisi tidied up her desk, put all the necessary documents in a black folder and slammed it shut. She shrugged into her dark purple blazer, and re-applied her lip gloss. She smacked her lips and walked down the corridor around the corner. On the right stood a beige door, she knocked twice.
"Come in."
Bisi walked in with a smile on her face. “Oga mi…” She walked towards the table.
“I’ve told you to stop calling me that. Wetin sef?”
“Ahn ahn, Funmi calm down jo! Body too dey pepper you.” Bisi huffed and crossed her arms in annoyance.
The head of operations backed down. “Ok, ok sorry! But I don’t know when you’re being sarcastic with the Oga thing.”
“I just dey hail you. I know that when the time comes, you will help me just like Ayo gave you a double promotion.” Bisi uncrossed her arms and sat down.
“You can trust me on that. Did Alhaji give you the account?”
Bisi took off her blazer and leaned forward with excitement. “Yes now, don’t you know me again?” She waggled her eyebrows. “Who can resist this?” She bent low till her pendant was hanging in the exposed cleavage.
Funmi laughed. “No forget say na me give you the connections and 411.”
“I fit?” Bisi sat back and placed the black folder on the desk between then. “He said we should expect turnover of at least five hundred million a month…”
“Wow, with this, you’ll soon be head of marketing and I’ll be branch manager.” Funmi jumped to her feet and came around to hug her.
“So you want to displace your former lover?” Bisi laughed.
Funmi leaned on the corner of the table. “Don’t mind that stupid randy goat. He wants to push me over because of small small girls. Did Iphey tell you anything else?”
“She said she'll hook him to displace you, and is still bad mouthing you sha..."
"I will show her..." Funmi shook her head and bit a nail.
Bisi laughed. "Listen to new gist first. I went out during the weekend and met this guy…”
“Where did you go sef? I hope it wasn’t that razz place in Silverbird?" Funmi interrupted, eyeing her with disdain.
“The place is not razz jo! Please let me finish my story now?”
“Ok, ok continue.”
“As I was saying, I met this guy who asked me if I knew Iphey. He wants her. I don’t know how or where she met him but she is one lucky girl, he is very handsome.”
“How is that my concern?”
“Don't you want her to date him and leave Ayo for you?”
Funmi pursed her lips. “Hmmm...that one is her business o. Imagine, less than three months and she wants to pull weight with me. Ayo or no Ayo, she has to leave this branch if not the bank. I can’t stand her.”
Bisi got up and faced Funmi. “So Ayo is not getting back with you?”
Funmi sucked her teeth, “So he says but I’m still working on him…”
“That fool! Maybe you should just forget about him.”
“We shall see.”
“Ok o! I have to go now. I’m meeting Alhaji.” She put on her blazer.
“Alright, full gist tomorrow?”
Bisi nodded and tapped her folder. “Abeg get the small small girls to open the account. You can add more mistakes to bounce on their head as usual.”
"I need the ammo to show that small girl pepper."
They both laughed as Bisi walked out.
*************************
That's it folks and remember to vote on the left sidebar for more. Office politics are so like high school drama, some people like to stir wahala up. This contribution from BUBBLES reminds me of a post on her blog. LWKMD when I read it...
"Ok my first high school...
I would take a girl's uniform/house wears from her room and put it in another girl's closet in like room 20. Then I would take the clothes from the girl in room 20 and put in another girl's closet in like room 1. These girls will wake up the next morning tryna figure were the fuck their uniforms went?! I took ALL of their uniforms! I didn't even leave a shirt. nope...
I would switch people's books. I was in JSS1B. I would take books from 1B and put it in people's lockers in like SS2A. Like I showed them PEPPER! I would take people's school bags and throw them outside. Only if these people pissed me off tho! I didn't just do things randomly..."
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
My Book Cover!!!!!
Posted in:
Book Hype
I know we were waiting for BUBBLES, (her story is coming soonest I promise) but I just couldn't wait to share with my blogfam. The galley of my book and the mock-up cover arrived yesterday. The cover is the picture shown above and I'm thrilled! I'm not totally satisfied with it but it certainly makes this even more real seeing it. What do you think and what changes would you make if it were you?
Sorry I've not been to some of your blogs, I was busy yesterday looking through the galley for any typos, etc. I'll do my rounds when I'm done with that. I want to see if we can get the book out for the new year.
Thank you all so much. You've all been a part of this.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Results + Update
Posted in:
This is to say a big thanks to all who read and voted. The votes have been counted and the results are in. Again we almost had a tie however, with one more vote, we'll go on to hear from Bisi on what happens in the office. Does she tell Iphey she met Chinedu? What happened between them? Remember the first person to comment on the next chapter wins a free copy of my eBook "Love Happens" or you can download it on lulu.
Our next contributor is BUBBLES who I think is a great writer. She had a short story running on her blog recently. Check back by Tuesday latest to read what she writes for the next chapter. After that, we'll have the following two chapters from David and Leggy consecutively. The remaining list of people who have expressed interest in contributing is in no particular order below. Please let me know if you're still interested and if there are time frames that work better for you. Just send me an email mulan.mine atgmail dotcom with your contact/tweeter. Previous contributors are very welcome to write again too.
1. Omotee!
2. Tisha
3. Miss Natural
4. Afronuts
5. Miss Fab.
6. Neefemi
7. My world
8. Nita
9. G-func
10. Neo
11. Severus Snape
Meanwhile, if you've not gotten your button for everyone who had read, commented and voted on the story, you can still do so. Copy the picture below and link it to my blog. You can do this by saving the picture to your computer, adding a gadget for pictures on your template and putting my blog address on the URL area. I have seen it on some blogs in my rounds and want to say again, thank you all and I really appreciate you.
.jpg)
Our next contributor is BUBBLES who I think is a great writer. She had a short story running on her blog recently. Check back by Tuesday latest to read what she writes for the next chapter. After that, we'll have the following two chapters from David and Leggy consecutively. The remaining list of people who have expressed interest in contributing is in no particular order below. Please let me know if you're still interested and if there are time frames that work better for you. Just send me an email mulan.mine atgmail dotcom with your contact/tweeter. Previous contributors are very welcome to write again too.
1. Omotee!
2. Tisha
3. Miss Natural
4. Afronuts
5. Miss Fab.
6. Neefemi
7. My world
8. Nita
9. G-func
10. Neo
11. Severus Snape
Meanwhile, if you've not gotten your button for everyone who had read, commented and voted on the story, you can still do so. Copy the picture below and link it to my blog. You can do this by saving the picture to your computer, adding a gadget for pictures on your template and putting my blog address on the URL area. I have seen it on some blogs in my rounds and want to say again, thank you all and I really appreciate you.
.jpg)
Friday, December 4, 2009
Please don't judge me......by Atala Wala Wala
Posted in:
Cupid's Risk Series
Chinedu watched her as she slept, taking in the delicately curved lashes, the slight uptilt of her nose and her long, tied-back hair. As he did, once again he regretted the reckless streak that had made him tell her that he was an armed robber during their previous encounter. He shrugged; I guess that's just who I am.
Iphey stirred and and opened her eyes. She sat up with a jerk and looked around. How could she have fallen asleep with a guest in the flat.
"Madam, drinks are served." He bowed with an exaggerated gesture and presented her with the glass.
She sat up and took it with a grateful smile. "How long have I been sleeping?"
Chinedu smiled back. "Not long enough. After the stress of today, you definitely need some rest. Even your body agrees."
While Iphey drank, her mind turned cartwheels. He was kind and considerate; he was funny; and he was good looking. She did want to like him, but... that history. And how could he be so comfortable and nonchalant about it, too? What exactly had happened to drive him down those darker paths of life?
But did she really want to know, anyway? Wasn’t it her curiosity that had saddled her with the burden of this knowledge? What if he revealed even darker secrets - secrets that made it too difficult to bear the contrast between the person she was getting to like and the person she wanted to keep at a distance?
A musky scent intruded into her thoughts as Chinedu settled himself beside her. “You seem to be a lot better, but it looks like you also have something on your mind.”
“Oh… I was still thinking about my nephew… I’m praying that he’ll pull through.” Iphey was thankful for the handy smokescreen Obi’s hospitalization presented to her.
Chinedu nodded. “I completely understand. Was it very shocking to hear the news?”
“He’s had asthma attacks before, but nothing like this…” Her voice trailed off.
“I hope he pulls through; in any case, he’s in good hands now. There’s not much else we can do except pray”.
They sat together for a while, each lost in thought.
Iphey broke the silence. “Oh, I feel so bad; you’ve been so kind. I am a bad host. Can I get you anything?”
Chinedu laughed. “This isn’t a proper visit, I only came over when your mum told me about your nephew's crisis. I've put some Indomie in the microwave for you, otherwise, I'm happy to just talk. Like I said earlier, once I heard from Aisha, I was hoping we could set another date. ”
Again, Iphey felt herself torn apart by the self that said “go for it, he’s a great guy” and the other self that said “watch out, he used to be an armed robber!”.
The cautionary self won out. “Well, I don’t know… right now, my mind is not settled enough to think about that.”
“I understand, and that’s why I’m not asking you for anything immediate. I only want to know if you would like to meet at all.”
Seeing her hesitate further, he added “Think about it. You’ll get the chance to hear about my adventures during my life of crime.”
At that remark, all her apprehension boiled over into indignation. “How can you be so callous and talk about it as an adventure, as though you had been on holiday? Don’t you even feel any remorse?”
Chinedu nodded his head. So it was the armed robber thing; he had thought as much. “I regret what I did then, but that doesn’t mean that I cannot describe some of them as adventures. Or do you want me be to lie about my past to you?”
“I’m not asking you to lie, but please show a sense of shame! Why should I want to hear about the adventures of an armed robber on a date?”
Chinedu began to feel irritated; he had meant to bring the issue up in a light-hearted way to diffuse any possible tension, but that sure wasn't working.
“OK, I’m sorry that I’m not perfect. I’m sorry that my life has this smear you disapprove of. But at least, one good thing is that if I meet someone who made mistakes and turned their life around, I’m less likely to judge them harshly.”
Iphey was defensive. “I’m not judging you; I’m just saying that you shouldn't take it so lightly.”
“Really?" Chinedu smiled bitterly. "Avoiding Aisha's calls and not even calling me to say thanks all this while has nothing to do with me being an armed robber before? Do you remember the anger and force with which you responded to the revelation?”
Seeing that Iphey had been embarrassed into silence, he continued in a softer tone. “I don’t blame you; others have judged me before too. I found it wiser to be quiet about my past. Even now, I don’t tell everyone. I only tell people I’ve known for long enough to trust.
“But sometimes, I take a chance, follow my instincts and tell people who I feel I have strong connection to, even though I’ve just met them; people who I feel will be willing to listen more and judge less.” He looked into her eyes, and continued. “The trouble is, sometimes, my instincts are wrong.”
Chinedu rose and stretched. “It’s getting late so I must head out.” At the door, he stopped and turned. “My instincts may be wrong sometimes; but somehow, I don’t think this is one of them. How do I know? Maybe it’s my instinct telling me.”
He smiled wanly and added. “I really hope your nephew makes it out of intensive care. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to help. Have a good night, Iphey.”
She listened to the door latch slowly, her head bowed in thought. The ping of the microwave brought her out of it.
**********************
That is it folks and thanks for reading. Vote on the left side for the next chapter. Our next contributor will be BUBBLES. Please if I have skipped you, let me know. We're still taking writers so continue to indicate interest in the comments. Thanks.
Finally, I may be biased cos of who's writing but the ending of this episode made me think. What are your thoughts?
Iphey stirred and and opened her eyes. She sat up with a jerk and looked around. How could she have fallen asleep with a guest in the flat.
"Madam, drinks are served." He bowed with an exaggerated gesture and presented her with the glass.
She sat up and took it with a grateful smile. "How long have I been sleeping?"
Chinedu smiled back. "Not long enough. After the stress of today, you definitely need some rest. Even your body agrees."
While Iphey drank, her mind turned cartwheels. He was kind and considerate; he was funny; and he was good looking. She did want to like him, but... that history. And how could he be so comfortable and nonchalant about it, too? What exactly had happened to drive him down those darker paths of life?
But did she really want to know, anyway? Wasn’t it her curiosity that had saddled her with the burden of this knowledge? What if he revealed even darker secrets - secrets that made it too difficult to bear the contrast between the person she was getting to like and the person she wanted to keep at a distance?
A musky scent intruded into her thoughts as Chinedu settled himself beside her. “You seem to be a lot better, but it looks like you also have something on your mind.”
“Oh… I was still thinking about my nephew… I’m praying that he’ll pull through.” Iphey was thankful for the handy smokescreen Obi’s hospitalization presented to her.
Chinedu nodded. “I completely understand. Was it very shocking to hear the news?”
“He’s had asthma attacks before, but nothing like this…” Her voice trailed off.
“I hope he pulls through; in any case, he’s in good hands now. There’s not much else we can do except pray”.
They sat together for a while, each lost in thought.
Iphey broke the silence. “Oh, I feel so bad; you’ve been so kind. I am a bad host. Can I get you anything?”
Chinedu laughed. “This isn’t a proper visit, I only came over when your mum told me about your nephew's crisis. I've put some Indomie in the microwave for you, otherwise, I'm happy to just talk. Like I said earlier, once I heard from Aisha, I was hoping we could set another date. ”
Again, Iphey felt herself torn apart by the self that said “go for it, he’s a great guy” and the other self that said “watch out, he used to be an armed robber!”.
The cautionary self won out. “Well, I don’t know… right now, my mind is not settled enough to think about that.”
“I understand, and that’s why I’m not asking you for anything immediate. I only want to know if you would like to meet at all.”
Seeing her hesitate further, he added “Think about it. You’ll get the chance to hear about my adventures during my life of crime.”
At that remark, all her apprehension boiled over into indignation. “How can you be so callous and talk about it as an adventure, as though you had been on holiday? Don’t you even feel any remorse?”
Chinedu nodded his head. So it was the armed robber thing; he had thought as much. “I regret what I did then, but that doesn’t mean that I cannot describe some of them as adventures. Or do you want me be to lie about my past to you?”
“I’m not asking you to lie, but please show a sense of shame! Why should I want to hear about the adventures of an armed robber on a date?”
Chinedu began to feel irritated; he had meant to bring the issue up in a light-hearted way to diffuse any possible tension, but that sure wasn't working.
“OK, I’m sorry that I’m not perfect. I’m sorry that my life has this smear you disapprove of. But at least, one good thing is that if I meet someone who made mistakes and turned their life around, I’m less likely to judge them harshly.”
Iphey was defensive. “I’m not judging you; I’m just saying that you shouldn't take it so lightly.”
“Really?" Chinedu smiled bitterly. "Avoiding Aisha's calls and not even calling me to say thanks all this while has nothing to do with me being an armed robber before? Do you remember the anger and force with which you responded to the revelation?”
Seeing that Iphey had been embarrassed into silence, he continued in a softer tone. “I don’t blame you; others have judged me before too. I found it wiser to be quiet about my past. Even now, I don’t tell everyone. I only tell people I’ve known for long enough to trust.
“But sometimes, I take a chance, follow my instincts and tell people who I feel I have strong connection to, even though I’ve just met them; people who I feel will be willing to listen more and judge less.” He looked into her eyes, and continued. “The trouble is, sometimes, my instincts are wrong.”
Chinedu rose and stretched. “It’s getting late so I must head out.” At the door, he stopped and turned. “My instincts may be wrong sometimes; but somehow, I don’t think this is one of them. How do I know? Maybe it’s my instinct telling me.”
He smiled wanly and added. “I really hope your nephew makes it out of intensive care. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to help. Have a good night, Iphey.”
She listened to the door latch slowly, her head bowed in thought. The ping of the microwave brought her out of it.
**********************
That is it folks and thanks for reading. Vote on the left side for the next chapter. Our next contributor will be BUBBLES. Please if I have skipped you, let me know. We're still taking writers so continue to indicate interest in the comments. Thanks.
Finally, I may be biased cos of who's writing but the ending of this episode made me think. What are your thoughts?
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Results + Thank you buttons
Posted in:
Book Hype
This is to say a big thanks to all who voted. The votes have been counted and the results are in. Isn't that what they say in all those reality TV shows?
Anyway, the results are in again and this time we almost had a tie again. However, two people more want to move on with the story and hear what happened between Chinedu and Iphey. Could this really be love?
Our next contributor is ATALA WALA WALA. I know other contributors have their own blogs to run so SO will be coming in once in a while. And he's liking the story and wants to remain involved. So the next chapter of the story will be up by Friday latest. You can download a copy of the ebook on lulu now and remember, the first person to comment on the next chapter wins a free copy.
In the meantime, I wanted to appreciate all the contributors so far and all those who will contribute as time goes on. So we (you know who, but let me claim small too abeg) made this button. The recipients should check their emails for the code.
1. Atala Wala Wala
2. Fabulola
3. Isha
4. RealNaija Bloke
5. Cerebrally Busy
However I also wanted a button for everyone who had read, commented and voted on the story, to show you're also a big part of this. There are so many of you and you all know yourselves. Copy the picture below and link it to my blog. You can do this by saving the picture to your computer, adding a gadget for pictures on your template and putting my blog address on the URL area. Thanks again for contributing on my blog and I really appreciate you.
Anyway, the results are in again and this time we almost had a tie again. However, two people more want to move on with the story and hear what happened between Chinedu and Iphey. Could this really be love?
Our next contributor is ATALA WALA WALA. I know other contributors have their own blogs to run so SO will be coming in once in a while. And he's liking the story and wants to remain involved. So the next chapter of the story will be up by Friday latest. You can download a copy of the ebook on lulu now and remember, the first person to comment on the next chapter wins a free copy.
In the meantime, I wanted to appreciate all the contributors so far and all those who will contribute as time goes on. So we (you know who, but let me claim small too abeg) made this button. The recipients should check their emails for the code.
1. Atala Wala Wala
2. Fabulola
3. Isha
4. RealNaija Bloke
5. Cerebrally Busy
However I also wanted a button for everyone who had read, commented and voted on the story, to show you're also a big part of this. There are so many of you and you all know yourselves. Copy the picture below and link it to my blog. You can do this by saving the picture to your computer, adding a gadget for pictures on your template and putting my blog address on the URL area. Thanks again for contributing on my blog and I really appreciate you.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Could this be love? .....by Cerebrally Busy.
Posted in:
Cupid's Risk Series
Iphey got out of her car as fast as she could and hurried up the steps of General Hospital Ikeja. In the corridor beyond the nurse’s station, she saw was a slightly harried, fifty-something year old woman with an arm around a sobbing younger woman. Her heart rose into her throat. It was her mother and sister. Something really was wrong…her nephew had crises all the time…but this time was different. Her sister had a strange…aura around her. She was crying like there was no tomorrow, like all hope was lost.
Iphey swallowed. She didn't know how to deal with grief. Her legs suddenly felt like lead, but she managed to lift them one after the other, each step filled with dread.
"Mum…Ngoo, what did they say?" she asked, dreading the answer. Her sister looked over and the despair in her eyes cracked Iphey's heart. She reached for her.
"Iphey…Iphey…my baby, the doctors…said…he's going to…die," her voice broke on the last word. "Iphey, what will I do…he's my life…" she sobbed "my life…"
She clung like a leech and Iphey could do nothing but cry too and murmur useless soothing words. When she could finally get up, she handed her purse to her mother and went into Obi's ward.
He was sleeping so peacefully, but there were so many tubes...It should be illegal for so many tubes to be attached to one small child, Iphey thought angrily, what kind of world is this, where the young die and leave the old? Minutes passed…or was it hours?? Her mother came in and hugged her, offering wordless support. They stood like that for a long time, looking at the boy beneath the sheets, each thinking their own thoughts.
"One Chinedu called," her mother said.
Iphey looked at her mother in shock. "Who?"
"Chinedu. The same number called so many times, I decided to pick it. Who is he?"
She pulled out of her mother's embrace. “Just someone I met some days ago…"
"Anything I should know about?"
Should I tell her? Iphey wondered. No, she decided as she put on a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.
“Not yet mum, I’ll let you know if there is."
"You know I want you to settle down soon right?"
"I know but not now…”
Her mother shrugged. "OK but I told him where you were and that you will call him back later. Anyway, you can go home and have some rest.”
Iphey stared. Trust her mother to make all the arrangements. Iphey hugged her without a word and said goodbye to her sister who came back in then.
As she drove home, she became depressed and the tears brimmed over again. Her mother had called after her earlier phone conversation with Aisha. When she had not heard from Iphey, her mother had flown in from Port Harcourt to be with her sister in the hospital. Iphey had gone straight over totally ashamed of herself. She had assumed her sister and nephew were back home. She now thought of all Ngozi had been through. First with her husband's mysterious disappearance, and now her son, Obi, was about to die. She prayed that by some miracle, the little boy pulled through this.
In her street, she noticed a car parked beside the gate and wondered who it could be. Could it be him? The headlights shone brightly on the figure leaning against the wall. It was Chinedu. Her heart gave a very uncomfortable lurch that had nothing at all to do with her family. She frowned and got out of the car, she really didn’t need any distraction right now. All she wanted was to crawl into her bed and cry her eyes out, for Ngozi and for Obi. She hoped a brusque dismissal would get him off her case.
"What are you doing here?" she asked.
"Aisha called me after you both spoke earlier…" he trailed off at the sight of her tears. “Your mother told me about your sister and nephew. Is it very bad…"
She raised her hand and halted him. "I don’t want to talk about it.”
"Iphey, I’m sorry I didn’t call in the past few days. I wanted to hear from you or Aisha first. I’ll like to talk to you…”
“Can I just go in please?" She tried to move away.
Chinedu held her hand. It hurts, he realized. It hurts me that she's hurting. “I left some friends to come over here after speaking with your mother. You can talk to me you know?”
Don’t be nice please, she inwardly pleaded. I can't take it if you're nice.
To her utmost horror she began to sob. The sound grabbed his heart and squeezed. He pulled her into his arms while she wept it out. He gathered little from her unintelligible gabbles, but it saddened him the more. He pried the keys from her fingers and opened the door, and then guided her over the threshold.
"First you're going to sit down, and then I'm going to get you some water. Where's the kitchen?"
"First door to the left," she sniffed. She loved being babied.
He sat her on the couch then he removed her shoes and her jacket. He smiled at the way her eyes widened.
"Don’t worry, that’s all." He could guess where her thoughts had gone. He gave her a wink that was absolutely charming…it had her staring stupidly at the door long after he had left the room.
Good man, she mused. What could have possessed him to be an armed robber? She fell asleep with the barest hint of a smile on her lips and the slightest frown on her forehead.
That was the exact expression Chinedu saw on her face when he came back out. He held the sweating glass in his hand as love budded in his heart for the girl who had fallen asleep with a stranger in her house.
********************
That is it folks. I have to confess I really loved this post. Now vote for the next chapter on the left side bar. Our contributor is CEREBRALLY BUSY. This is an excerpt from the last entry on her blog. She and her siblings stole. Not armed robbery ooo...LOL, meat from the cooking pot.
"My mother opened the door, planted her hands on her hips and glared at us...my heart stopped, then took off in a sprint. cold sweat broke out all over my body, and my hands became ice. i can't tell how my sibling-partners in crime reacted, cos i was too busy praying for my life. She was going to flog us, she had even taken my brother's belt, but then she sat down on the couch, and tears silently coursed down her face...
"i was child-less for ten years, and all that time, while i was begging God for children, i didnt ask him to give me children who would be thieves, why are you doing this? don't i do enough for you? what have u asked for that i haven't given you?"
Iphey swallowed. She didn't know how to deal with grief. Her legs suddenly felt like lead, but she managed to lift them one after the other, each step filled with dread.
"Mum…Ngoo, what did they say?" she asked, dreading the answer. Her sister looked over and the despair in her eyes cracked Iphey's heart. She reached for her.
"Iphey…Iphey…my baby, the doctors…said…he's going to…die," her voice broke on the last word. "Iphey, what will I do…he's my life…" she sobbed "my life…"
She clung like a leech and Iphey could do nothing but cry too and murmur useless soothing words. When she could finally get up, she handed her purse to her mother and went into Obi's ward.
He was sleeping so peacefully, but there were so many tubes...It should be illegal for so many tubes to be attached to one small child, Iphey thought angrily, what kind of world is this, where the young die and leave the old? Minutes passed…or was it hours?? Her mother came in and hugged her, offering wordless support. They stood like that for a long time, looking at the boy beneath the sheets, each thinking their own thoughts.
"One Chinedu called," her mother said.
Iphey looked at her mother in shock. "Who?"
"Chinedu. The same number called so many times, I decided to pick it. Who is he?"
She pulled out of her mother's embrace. “Just someone I met some days ago…"
"Anything I should know about?"
Should I tell her? Iphey wondered. No, she decided as she put on a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.
“Not yet mum, I’ll let you know if there is."
"You know I want you to settle down soon right?"
"I know but not now…”
Her mother shrugged. "OK but I told him where you were and that you will call him back later. Anyway, you can go home and have some rest.”
Iphey stared. Trust her mother to make all the arrangements. Iphey hugged her without a word and said goodbye to her sister who came back in then.
As she drove home, she became depressed and the tears brimmed over again. Her mother had called after her earlier phone conversation with Aisha. When she had not heard from Iphey, her mother had flown in from Port Harcourt to be with her sister in the hospital. Iphey had gone straight over totally ashamed of herself. She had assumed her sister and nephew were back home. She now thought of all Ngozi had been through. First with her husband's mysterious disappearance, and now her son, Obi, was about to die. She prayed that by some miracle, the little boy pulled through this.
In her street, she noticed a car parked beside the gate and wondered who it could be. Could it be him? The headlights shone brightly on the figure leaning against the wall. It was Chinedu. Her heart gave a very uncomfortable lurch that had nothing at all to do with her family. She frowned and got out of the car, she really didn’t need any distraction right now. All she wanted was to crawl into her bed and cry her eyes out, for Ngozi and for Obi. She hoped a brusque dismissal would get him off her case.
"What are you doing here?" she asked.
"Aisha called me after you both spoke earlier…" he trailed off at the sight of her tears. “Your mother told me about your sister and nephew. Is it very bad…"
She raised her hand and halted him. "I don’t want to talk about it.”
"Iphey, I’m sorry I didn’t call in the past few days. I wanted to hear from you or Aisha first. I’ll like to talk to you…”
“Can I just go in please?" She tried to move away.
Chinedu held her hand. It hurts, he realized. It hurts me that she's hurting. “I left some friends to come over here after speaking with your mother. You can talk to me you know?”
Don’t be nice please, she inwardly pleaded. I can't take it if you're nice.
To her utmost horror she began to sob. The sound grabbed his heart and squeezed. He pulled her into his arms while she wept it out. He gathered little from her unintelligible gabbles, but it saddened him the more. He pried the keys from her fingers and opened the door, and then guided her over the threshold.
"First you're going to sit down, and then I'm going to get you some water. Where's the kitchen?"
"First door to the left," she sniffed. She loved being babied.
He sat her on the couch then he removed her shoes and her jacket. He smiled at the way her eyes widened.
"Don’t worry, that’s all." He could guess where her thoughts had gone. He gave her a wink that was absolutely charming…it had her staring stupidly at the door long after he had left the room.
Good man, she mused. What could have possessed him to be an armed robber? She fell asleep with the barest hint of a smile on her lips and the slightest frown on her forehead.
That was the exact expression Chinedu saw on her face when he came back out. He held the sweating glass in his hand as love budded in his heart for the girl who had fallen asleep with a stranger in her house.
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That is it folks. I have to confess I really loved this post. Now vote for the next chapter on the left side bar. Our contributor is CEREBRALLY BUSY. This is an excerpt from the last entry on her blog. She and her siblings stole. Not armed robbery ooo...LOL, meat from the cooking pot.
"My mother opened the door, planted her hands on her hips and glared at us...my heart stopped, then took off in a sprint. cold sweat broke out all over my body, and my hands became ice. i can't tell how my sibling-partners in crime reacted, cos i was too busy praying for my life. She was going to flog us, she had even taken my brother's belt, but then she sat down on the couch, and tears silently coursed down her face...
"i was child-less for ten years, and all that time, while i was begging God for children, i didnt ask him to give me children who would be thieves, why are you doing this? don't i do enough for you? what have u asked for that i haven't given you?"
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