Cousin Conundrum♡
“Babe, how was work today? I made us Egusi!” Ireti said, her voice bursting with enthusiasm. I was taken aback; the days we spent in this house had dragged on, long and tedious, for months now. I had been planning to have a serious discussion, a heart-to-heart aimed at unraveling the tension between us. From the moment I first saw Ireti at that lively music festival in Ibadan, she had captured my heart. I couldn’t bear the thought of our marriage falling apart.
“Work was good, Ife mi, I can’t wait to enjoy dinner with you; it’s been too long.” I replied, a smile spreading across my face. After a quick shower, we settled at the dining table, the rich aroma of her cooking wrapping around me like a comforting blanket. Just as I started to feel at ease, Ireti cleared her throat, her expression shifting. “I need to ask you for a favor,” she said, and my heart sank. That explained the sudden change in mood and the special meal.
“How can I help, Ireti?” I asked, trying to keep my tone light. “So, baby, my distant cousin is new in town and needs a place to stay. Please, she’s really important to me, and she won’t be here for long.”
“Are you sure about this?” I asked, concern creeping into my voice.
“We’ll figure it out, like we always do,” she reassured me. I nodded in agreement and we shared our meal in peace.
My mother often remarked on my light-footedness; she called me “Ologbo Dudu,” a name that brought a smile to my face. I could wander through the house for hours and no one would notice. On that special Thursday, I had received a promotion at work, and excitement bubbled within me. I decided to leave early, eager to share the good news with Ireti. Perhaps I’d even treat her and her cousin to a nice outing to celebrate.
“I’m so glad you’re here; I’ve missed you so much,” Ireti said, her voice warm and inviting.
“Baby, I feel the same way but what do we do if Moses finds out? We’ll be in serious trouble,”
“Ivy, please relax. As long as we play along, he won’t suspect a thing. Right now, we just need to find you a place” Ireti urged.
“Do you love him? You look at him like you do,” Ivy said her tone sharp.
“Love can show itself in different ways. He’s been good to me. But it’s you I’ve always wanted; you know that,” Ireti replied
I slipped out of the apartment, panic and rage churning inside me. Am I dreaming? I pinched myself hard, trying to shake the feeling of dread that had settled in my gut. Needing clarity, I drove to Dele’s house. I didn’t dare share what I had overheard—between a supposed cousin and my wife, whom I loved so much.
Letters to the Moon♡
Last week, I dropped out of my MBA program. In truth, the program had been going well, but I found myself craving for something that resonated with my new found passions. The first problem now is Chi does not know; I am not exactly ready to break that news.
Two years into our relationship, Chi and I crafted this cute game plan for our future. I remember that night vividly: we were in my car, sharing a zoot, the air thick with laughter and smoke. Chi looked radiant, her smile illuminating the dim interior. I could hardly believe she was mine; she was everything I had ever dreamed of. Her voice alone transported me to another dimension.
The second problem is that I don’t think I feel the same way anymore.
“You did what??, How could you do such a thing? ” Chi screamed.
“Baby, please, let me explain! Things can work; just think about it” I responded feeling defeated
“We had a plan, Bola! We had a fucking plan” Chi said, storming out the door and slamming it behind her.
Chi walked into our bedroom, looking breathtaking as ever. The space was a testament to her talent; she had poured her heart into the design, each detail a reflection of her meticulous nature. It was beautiful—just like her.
“Hey, I have been thinking and I think we should go our separate ways. You are my moon and stars Bola, but at this point we are not one”
“The values we came into this relationship with no longer hold”
“You want to be an entrepreneur to get bread and I can’t do that with you, I am too scared”
“We were supposed to move to California at some point but you want to go to Texas”
“We talked about not having kids, but last year you sent me so many articles about Kids”
“It can’t work. I am so sorry; I just don’t see how it would and I don’t want to hold you back”
“You are too precious and you don’t deserve that”
I am currently sitting at the graveyard of the interstate. The last problem is that its been 3 years since you left us, since you left me.
I should have tried to stop you from walking out the door that day.
We should have tried to make it work instead of giving up right before we even had a chance to try.
My days have been so long and dark but I am starting to do better Chi - I hope all is well up there.
I miss you so much and I’m beginning to see that you were probably the only one for me. I can’t seem to get it right with others, and trust me, I have really tried.
I see now why you spent so much time designing our room—it was where we understood each other most. It was where we were at peace, intertwined; it was where we were one.
Last Kiss, Next Stop♡
I am not sure what came over me that night. He walked right into my apartment, and within 5 secs I was all over him. I blame PartyNextdoor and that album I love so much.
The chemistry between us was electric, a kind of unspoken coordination that made the air crackle with tension. I had missed him so much.
“Chance baby, water?” I asked, breathless from the intensity of it all.
“Yes please. That was some serious workout, I have missed you Daisy” He replied, his eyes twinkling.
I had met Chance while working at Bath and Body Works right after graduating from college. Someone had made a rude comment that day, and he was the only one who bothered to check on me. I hadn’t really noticed him until then. He was so handsome, with his funny eyebrows and that woody scent I had grown to love. Not long after, he moved away for a big job, and while I was happy for him, life continued. We checked in on each other regularly until one day he flew into Dallas and asked me to be his girlfriend.
“You cant keep doing this, you are driving me crazy” I said
“Daisy, come to New York with me. I’ve begged you so we can get back together officially,” he urged, his tone sincere.
“Don’t start! We talked about this. You said you were tired of New York and wanted to move back home. What happened to that? That’s why I said yes initially.”
“Sigh “I thought so too, but with the new gigs, I can’t leave now.”
“I get it, but I can’t leave Dallas. I have too much here. How long are you staying this time?”
“The whole weekend, my princess. I’ve got it all planned out, just the way you like.”
The weekend turned out to be one of the best ever. I knew I had to make the most of it.
I had waited too many years for us to figure this out, and now I saw the truth: we couldn’t.
I had to move on with my life. After all, I couldn’t have just one love of my life, right?
“Well, we’re here. Have a safe flight, and text me once you’re settled,” I said, trying to keep my tone light.
“Why are you sounding like that, baby? Did something happen?” Chance asked, concern etched on his face.
“No, not at all, sweet face,” I lied.
I kissed him passionately, pouring every ounce of feeling into that moment until the traffic warden banged on my window, shouting for us to move.
I pulled over at the closest gas station and cried for what felt like an eternity—ten minutes, maybe more.
After that, I blocked Chance everywhere. He wouldn’t know where to find me, nobody would apart from my Mother.
Next week, I’m moving to Seattle to start fresh with a new job and Matt, who I began dating two months ago.
Echoes of Deceit♡
I’m on my way to the police station. Never in a million years would I have thought I’d find myself in a situation like this. Akin and I have lived normal lives; we do things regular people do—or don’t we? Activities with the police station were none of our business, well, not until Monday evening.
I was with my girls at the golf club when I got the call—the call that has now changed the course of my life and my children’s lives. I’ve always hated phone calls.
“Good evening, Mrs. Banjo. I hope I’m not intruding on your busy time. I was told you’re a very busy woman. It’s Mike from Elemental Energy.”
“Oh, Mike! My husband has told me so much about you. Is everything alright?”
“Yes, madam. Just giving you a courtesy call to inform you that your husband has been arrested for fraud related to dealings with the company. I thought it best to let you know before the station calls.”
I remember sitting there in a daze after the call, wondering: Fraud? Fraud? Why??
Akin refused to talk to me or see me at the police station. I had gone there every day after work since Monday, and he finally left a message saying we could talk today. It’s a nice Friday afternoon, and as I drive to the station, I can’t get there fast enough. The answers and clarity I need have been eating at me all week.
“Wura, I apologize, but you must understand that I had to think deeply about how I would explain this to you,” he said
“Ife, have you not been eating? You look a mess.”
“Wura, this is not the time. Things are quite serious. Back in 2007 we lost the tiling company right after we got married . I didn’t sell it because I got a fantastic offer. I sold it because the business was failing”
“WHAT!!!” I replied shocked
“I couldn’t come home to you with such terrible news Wura Mi, I hate to see you worried - So I borrowed money here and there, and one day I figured it would be easy enough to steal from Elemental, with little or no problems.”
“How much, Akin?”
“I figured that out since 2009, Wura.”
“Mogbe! Akin its 2019”
I lay in bed wondering what else Akin must have lied about during all our years of marriage. I prayed hard to the Lord, asking for strength to get through this calamity that has befallen my family. I lay there, praying for the love of my life, who is now unrecognizable—locked up and untrustworthy.
Dangerous Affair♡
Every Thursday we visit Ashley at Light House Mental Health Services. Ruth is holding the bouquet of roses for Ashley tightly—I don’t blame her; the road to the facility is a rocky one. We get to Ashley’s room, and she is so jaded. Her spirit dulled by the relentless medications that filled her days.
It’s good for us anyway; if she ever found out what really happened, she might find herself in a place far more sinister.
It all started at the club beside Lilly’s Cookies. It had been a long time since I had been to the club.
I craved the nightlife and the joy that the club gave me: the music, the drinks, the DJs shouting out, the whole setup just made me feel alive.
I tried to convince Ashley to go with me, but after several no’s, I decided to go with my boys, promising to come back home at a reasonable hour.
That was where I really met Ruth. Damn, she was beautiful! The way she danced and swayed made me lose all focus.
Best believe we danced and talked all night; it was as if no one else was in the club.
That night led to endless meet-ups. We limited communicating through text or phone calls to keep a clean trail.
We tried our best, but of course, Ashley was too smart for her own good. She started to suspect that something was up but I tried to assure her she was imagining things and that I was true to her and our marriage.
Almost six months passed, and I was so in love with Ruth. I thought about her all the time; it was in her bosom I wanted to rest my head every night.
I loved her cooking, I loved when she danced, and I loved her so much that I needed to make this permanent. It was paramount to my well-being.
At that point, I hated going home. Anywhere Ruth was - was my home.
Then came the night everything unraveled. Ashley was in a rage. I watched as she crumbled to her knees, tears streaming down her face. “What did I do to deserve this?” she wailed. I pulled her close and the guilt gnawed at me.
The weeks that followed was very rough. Ashley tracked my every move, her paranoia consuming her. I felt so sorry for her, but the thought of losing Ruth was more unbearable.
I reached out to Dr. Bass, a longtime friend, hoping he could help. Our meeting confirmed what I had feared: Ashley needed to be placed in the facility for her own safety. I fabricated stories about her erratic behavior, desperate to convince him of the urgency. He nodded, not questioning further.
“It’s time to go, my love,” I said to Ruth.
“Just a sec,” she replied with a bright smile on her face as she kissed her sister on the top of her head.
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Thank you so much for reading! I had a great time writing this, and I hope I was able to entertain you a little♡.
Sage Roses ❁