THE OYOMESI LAUREATE {OYLAU}
From the stables of the convener of the Oyomesi platform and as a contribution to educational and literary development in line with United Nation’s #InternationalLiteracyDay, we are giving away Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N200,000)---For a starter, but with good support from Prospective benefactors and sponsors, we should be able to increase The Cash awards. We are very much interested in the profitability and lucrativeness of literary and educational development. We have discovered that other sector, especially the social and media sector celebrate other stride, but not the literal cum educational stride, which is why we have taken it upon ourselves to start with this cash prize with hope to build on it in future edition.
PRIZES {Participant}
The Laureate 50,000
1st Runner up 30,000
2nd Runner up 20,000
PRIZES { Mentor}
Sherlomes 50,000
Gandalf 30,000
Rayden 20,000
ENTRY REQUIREMENT
This competition is opened to all age bracket, but you must be under a mentor whose job is to train you to achieve success, as his /her success is dependent on your success.
Every mentor must have at least twenty apprentices registered through him/her
Every participant will be given the book BLOOD BANE through their mentors as the material they will draw their exposae from.
Registration for participant is $3 while that of a mentor is $5 {interbank exchange rate should be considered}
Schools, NGO’s, and literary organization are welcome to be mentors.
RULES AND REGULATION OF THE COMPETITION
All entries must be submitted through mentors according to the submission timetable.
All entries are to be handwritten {Using a traditional full scalp sheet}
All entries must be six paragraphs, not less than 250 words, and not more than 1000 words.
Mentors must obey submission guidelines to avoid disqualification.
MENTOR REGISTRATION
To register as a mentor, please send an up to date CV with detail information to justify your ability to mentor {for verification and Mailing purpose} to oyomesi2@gmail.com
Make sure the name on the bank transaction correspond with that of your CV.
Prospective mentors will be interviewed via phone
We will require the original copy of the teller to be scanned and sent to our email address.
Twenty participation forms will be sent to you with different unique identification code.
TIMELINE
Registration {Mentors And Participants} Sept. 9 to Dec. 10 2019
Submission of Entries by Mentors Feb. 4 to Feb. 26 2020
Long list March 12 2020
Shortlist March 31 2020
Voting April 1 to April 10 2020
Announcement Of Winners April 12 2020
N.B
Mentors are judged based on the success of their participants. When the participant under a certain mentor wins the laureate prize, we award the mentor the Sherlomes Prize. Peradventure the best three came from one mentor that mentor goes home with all the cash. For the sake of the reputation we have built over the years, no member of the Oyomesi back room team is allowed in this competition. Also for individuals who may not have mentors and want to participate, please let us know so that we can connect you to one.
50 mentors are needed, when we strike that number, we won’t be accepting mentor registration anymore
We also don’t deal officially outside our email address and phone numbers, please confirm with us first before engaging in any financial transaction to avoid fraudsters. For this reason, we are not making public our payment channels.
For more information and Sponsorship call +2347061097154 +2348125863027 or use our messaging channel on the oyomesi page. Email: oyomesi2@gmail.com
Thank you, and God speed.
Signed:
Ojobo, Abah Emmanuel {Oyomesi Emmanuel}
For the team.

I want to thank all of you for following thus far, but every story should have an end so i am ending here for now on the symbolic 7th week anyone conversant with Jewish numerology and eschatology should know what the number 7 stands for and what the 7th week holds. Now is the time i need your reviews to know if it was worth it and should try another also tell me your favourite moment, character and quote as the case may be................enjoy!

Week 6-------Dilemma
You may be wondering if I am as powerful as claimed then why am I still confused? -----hey, guys excuse me a moment there is a knock on my door.
The doorknob turned, a bloodied young woman crashed into the room lying on the floor hanging between life and death. Jonas in that instant rushed to her aid, he cleaned her up nursing her wound, ------she was unconscious.
After hours of quiet sleep, she woke up in a rush------ in a bid of self-defense.
“Hey calm down now, you’re safe” Jonas assured.
“How long was I out” she demanded.
“Some couple of hours, I guess” Jonas answered.
“They know-------
“Know what?” Jonas a bit impatient.
“That you’re real-----they thought you were just a fabricated tale but now they are sure. I risked your life making you to confront them, a mistake I may now regret” she was very concerned.
“Now you’re getting me worked up. I was told you’re the bad guy who betrayed me from the beginning. The Enochian Order may not be as Evil as you deemed them fit” Jonas argued politely.
The young woman laughed. “And you believe them-----they are not what they claim. My safe house was robbed and all the detailed journals I kept about you were stolen. I am the voice behind the phone and not your priest-friend-----I used a voice-cloning tech. All you were told about your Angelic side is true but-------
“Why are you telling me this now-------after I have already met the Enochians?”
“Would you have believed me if I did?” she dared Jonas.
There was no response from Jonas-----dead silence.
“What about your being Khania-----I really need answers because I won’t mind your being vulnerable, I will blow your brains out” Jonas was not Idling with his words. His gun corked.
She smiled......... “Khania! Is that what they told you? You may not remember but you bound the accursed Khania to the daughters of Enoch------because they sought her help even after the purge and her fall from grace. Khania can only be restored to her full form when you mate with the bloodline of Enoch. Wait! Were you told what the ritual is? My guess is No! The moment you complete the ritual you will attain ultimate corruption and banished from the presence of the Lord of Spirit for all eternity to roam in darkness------Khania wins and you lose and you will be no match for her in the realm of the dark force. Your Jenny is Khania flesh and blood”, she admonished.
“Why should I trust you?” Jonas demanded.
“You don’t-------I am no human to want your trust. I am of the order of Uriel sent to babysit you and protect you by all means possible. Uriel my lord was your closest Kin and was devastated when you were cast out. Uriel made a pact with Enoch that if he plead your case before the lord of spirit he will not know death but translated into a heavenly being and his daughters will be the most beautiful among the daughters of men but Khania will not be released from their soul-------a prison for Khania. Generations passed and the pure spirit of the descendant of Enoch was corrupted and now they want again in vengeance unleash Khania on the Lord of Spirits--------Abomination” she warned Jonas and was not mincing words.
“How can I be afraid of what I don’t have an urge for?” Jonas was insistent.
“Don’t be a Fool, vengeance is also on you. This transcends beyond sheer mortal ecstasy-----everything about you is at stake, get a grip my friend!!” the last rebuke struck Jonas like a bolt.
“You’re truly the voice behind the phone-------what do you need me for?” humbled Jonas asked.
“Just play along” She added bluntly.
“Ok----
“I need to leave-------
“But you’re not yet strong enough” Jonas was concerned.
“Don’t worry I can manage-----I’ve seen worse” she was out of the room, door closing after her.
Hey guys sorry for keeping you waiting, I had to attend to some personal issue. You can’t but imagine how fluid my life is, one moment an enemy becomes friend and another moment a friend becomes an enemy. I can’t tell who truly loves me the most-----my enemies or friends? I guess we would have to find out the next time we meet.
See you when I see you

Week 5----------Enochian Occult
I tried so hard to keep my cool around Jenny while investigating her----and what she was up to with me and it wasn’t great a task to figure out after all I was good at being undercover. I was not mad at Jenny nor was I head over heel in love with but crazed with myself because I allowed her to outsmart me------I must redeem myself.
Yeah!!!! I know what you’re thinking........ ‘Your own ego sef too much’ but I was up to something and my breakthrough was staring me in the face. I secretly tailed her to a building; it was serene yet expensive for her social-class. I entered the compound through the gate and to my surprise, the doors were left ajar, I went in discretely with my gun corked, Lo and Behold--------
“You were following me Max?” Jenny startled me as she announced the question, but didn’t show I was----I can’t afford to show any form of weakness.
“Why shouldn’t I? You have been lying to me from the very beginning” I made sure she knew how sore I was with her.
“So I am the one who has been lying right, Max or should I call you Jonas? Which of the name is even real? I wanted you to be here today because you deserve to know the truth” she was firm.
“Everybody wants me to know the truth, which truth should I believe?” I scoffed in scepticism.
“Have you been talking to anyone of late? She demanded with a bit of concern but who cares, it could all be an act.
“Why do you care?” I fired calmly.
“Because you have spoken with Khania” A voice answered from another corner of the room. The shock of my life appeared as he removed his hood and our eyes squared.
“Padre!” I almost let out a scream.
“Yes my son” he replied solemnly.
I engaged him immediately “You knew all along?”
“Yes my son-------
“Then why did you let me go when I needed you the most?” the nostalgia was setting in.
“It became dangerous to protect you within the walls of the seminary there were too many sides involve in your case. If I didn’t let you go, it would have resulted in a theological war, and blood always follow that path. You were never alone-----I was the voice behind the phone. I am your benefactor from the very moment you stepped out--------
“What! So you sent me on those killing mission?”
“All hose you killed were those who wanted you dead. I believe you have already met Khania and she has told you about the Enochian order------how you are not human and blab la blaaaa” he probed.
“Yes” I was firm yet calm.
“Truth be told you’re not human----you’re a fiery cherub one like no other. You were in charge of the sexuality of the human race and burdened with the emotion of all that breathe but was betrayed by a lower ranking Angel in your order who you revealed some secret of human sexuality. That Angel joined ranks with the enemy of the lord of spirit and when treachery was purged from the celestial city you were not left out because one of your own erred and your six wings stripped from you and you were banished into the darkness of time. Enoch pleaded in your stead and your sentence reduced and your glory was to be restored------in the time we now live, but Khania that same accursed being will not want to see that happen. She wants you to err before the Father of spirits and be forever doomed,” he explained.
“Why can’t I remember all these?” I queried.
“You think being stuck in total darkness of timelessness is not disorienting enough to make you forget who you once were? One thing is sure, when you’re restored to your ranks all your memory will also follow” he made his claim.
“So what’s the role of jenny in all these?” I needed to know even as she was quiet all through.
“She is a pure blood-----the last sure descendant of Enoch. She will be conducting the ritual of restoration, if she dies then the plea of Enoch dies with her and you will never return to full illumination. Your job is to protect her from Khania” he ordered.
“So when is this ritual?” I probed.
“Son, one day at a time. When the time is come you will know-----you must guard every secret you learnt today jealously”, he admonished.
“This Angelic stuff is cool I must say. I should at least have one cute name right?” I humoured, but Padre didn’t find it funny.
“KOZPIEL------your name is Kozpiel-----
“I don’t get why I should be aging if I am a heavenly being?” I was still sceptical.
“This is earth, you don’t expect the sun of this realm to nourish your skin as it was in the celestial city, not to talk of the darkness you were locked in for ages and what impact it had on you------quit asking me ridiculous question and focus on your task. I have a job to do which is to protect and guide you on your path, what’s yours?” he queried.
That instance I knew it was time to get serious. I am confused, as you would imagine, of all the things I could be-------a fiery cherub responsible for human sexuality. This means I am responsible for the emergence of gays and lesbians and all kind of LGBT-----I guess this happened because I was absent for a long time. The information was too much for me to take in, I can do it, I am suppose to be all powerful------I guess we would do a little bit of killing to cool off..........don’t be scared, I won’t kill you.
Bye Bye...see you when I see you

Week 4-----My Nemesis and Revelation
I must say, my life is a twist----you must have realised that now.
The night was warm. I just accompanied Jenny to her hostel. I was walking back to the lecture room to stay till the morn before returning to my off campus hostel------then fate happened.
“Help! Somebody help! Please!” a girl was about to be raped. I can’t be involved in a rape case twice in my lifetime so I moved along not turning either left or right. It was none of my business. “Coward” it was my conscience screaming hard at me. “I am no coward,” I yelled back.
“You are----prove me wrong and help the girl” my conscience can be obstinate sometimes. In that instance the James Bond in me awoken. I turn in that instance swiftly, not for honour or glory but for my conscience to give me a break. “Hey guys, it would be lovely if you let the young woman go,” I asked politely yet with a drastic intention-----blood lust.
“Who the hell are you? Just run away and let’s assume you were never here” I took that as a threat-----I don’t take threat likely.
I did my calculation, three guys and they all look fit----I am in the mood to kick ass. My first punch to the jaw of the one closest to me threw him tumbling to the ground-----hitting the ground in an instant like a lump. The other two were shocked but still came at me-----I guess they had death wishes. When the dust settled all I saw were men crawling on the ground in pain----I pity their bones. BANG! I was free falling to the ground like an Iroko; I was hit with something hard to the head giving me concussion. It was a setup, the rape was staged, and I was the target. You may be wondering if I was cursed with rape.
I was awoken by a splash of water; she stood looking down at me where I sat---tied up.
“Loosen him up” she ordered.
Everything was blurry and echoing then it all began to make sense. I have met her before she’s my nemesis. “You again, what on earth did I ever do to you?” my rage was red hot, I rushed toward her but the guns were pointed at me------Wisdom is profitable to direct so I backed down.
“I know you hate me so much, you want to see me hanged but I want you to listen -----
“Listen to you? After you framed me for rape and got me kicked out of the priesthood. What hurts the most was that we don’t know each other” I stopped for a breather; I was choking seeing the so-called girl I raped in flesh and blood but protected. “You want me to listen to you right, Ok let me hear what you got” I puffed up in hate.
“Framing you up for rape was the best I could do for you-----your life was in danger,” she alleged.
“I don’t believe you” I was calm but a bit confused,
“You were just like a fattened cow to be slaughtered-----you’re not human. There is a cult known as the Enochian Order, they are tasked with cleansing the world of your kind by the church. You were in the seminary because they wanted you to be in their grasp so they can monitor you-----you were exceptional and it scared them and they were not ready to cloak you with their Chasuble, you were an abomination to them. You were already covertly earmarked for death when the rape case happened and you were expelled before the Enochian Order got to you. I am of the Order Wings and Fur; we have been watching you from afar since the very beginning”. She spoke unbelievable words but not mincing words.
“What do you mean by I am not human?” I asked.
“Come on Jonas, we both know you have no memories of your life outside the seminary----there isn’t one” she spoke with grace and astuteness. She was right I have been struggling with the need to know my past; all I was told was that I am an orphan in the care of the church.
“So?” this is me being tough.
“Jonas you and I know there is a part of you that wants the truth. You think the young woman, what’s her name----Jenny fell for you because of your antics? Hell no! She knew you were on ground and contrary to what you were told, you are her assignment----she is an Enochian and her job is to end you” she addressed me like a stubborn child whose adamant nature was about to cost him-----this was a bombshell for me.
“Now that you’ve discredited her, like you always do-------so what’s in it for you?” I probed.
“I may not be the best of friend but I am the only one you have no matter how hard it’s for you to take in. I want you to investigate Jenny and you will find the Enochian Order and the truth about who you are. It may not be easy; they have been shrouded in secrecy for centuries now----If you need help you know how to find me,” she offered. I must say that my life id getting weird and weirder than I ever thought it might get. Now you and I reading this have to find out who I am really----A journey to self-discovery. I can’t believe Jenny is mixed in all this.
See you when I see you...........

Week 3----Bone in my Neck
You know, writing this memoir kind of makes me wonder how I survived thus far. I have the heart of a stone-cold killer. I know but you can’t take the irresistible face of Romeo from me---I am the guy.
“Hey” she wasn’t turning back, I shunned my ego and ran after her, we just ended our lectures for the day. “Hello M’Lady, how do you do” this is me trying to be a gentleman. She turned.
“Hello M’Lord, how may I help you?” I could not help but hear the sarcasm in her tone.
“I don’t mean to disturb you m’lady, but have we met before?” if you’re reading this I beg you to hold your laugh---you don’t need to tell me I suck at this.
“Come on really, is that the line you could come up with in this 21st century? ----wait I hope you’re not trying to woo me with those lines” she laughed. I was sore embarrassed, and felt the ground should eat me off.
“Ok, I give up. I was trying to woo you, are you happy now----the fact is my brain went blank immediately I squared my eyes with yours” I teased her. Lord knows she doesn’t know what’s coming for her.
“Why?” I saw her blush a little, as she posed the question.
“You look so different from the ‘you’ I always saw reading at night---without make up. Seeing you now got me wondering if you were same woman with a glorious lined face and pimple stained cheek beautifully designed to make me want to read in same venue with you for so long a time now” I stared into her dark brown pupil as her eyes tweaked in embarrassment---she was aghast and lost. I know I was mean to her but it was my way of getting at her for laughing at me after all, what I said was true.
“Wait! Did you just use diplomacy to insult me?” she wasn’t finding my remark funny at all.
“I don’t mean it that way I was only just trying to justify my earlier question of ‘Have we met before’ I am sorry if you felt insulted” believe my explanation at your own peril. I meant every hurtful word I said and wasn’t sorry----it was my time to laugh although not outwardly.
“If you say so, but for the record you are too forward and honest----don’t be when trying to woo a woman” she was matured with her words, the fact is I don’t even care but had to pretend I do.
“Really I don’t get you ladies. When a guy is honest and forward you feel he’s not romantic and when the pathological liars cross your path you end up raining curses on them----what do ladies really want.” I know the relationship experts in the house will score me a minus, I don’t know if I was helping my case to woo her or shooting myself at the back. One thing is sure I am enjoying the torture I was giving her.
“Hey Mr------
“Max” I interjected, another lie in the process.
“Max did you say you wanted wooing me? Because as far as I am concerned you are doing poorly and below average. You’re not supposed to be arguing with a Lady----it’s not romantic” she addressed with a laugh.
“Romantic? Who’s talking being romantic here, do I look like I am from Rome. I know you’re enjoying my weird company else you would have left a long time now” I massaged her sense of self.
“You can say that again. There is something archaic about your way yet with modern aura. I must say you’re a good company in a weird way. I am still looking forward to how you want to achieve your goal of wooing me-----I am Jenny by the way” she just threw me the bone. I smiled giving no answer to her.
“I want to grab lunch and I would love to see your table manners----do you mind joining me?” I made sure there was no trace of a Romantic Maga in my demeanour.
“Of course, who will not want to eat on the same table with a guy like you? I want to experience what’s like” she was feeling herself not knowing who she was dealing with.
“You’re paying” I said it blatantly and blunt making that face of ‘Weytin konsain me’.
“You don’t mean that” she was sceptical.
“I mean every word-----I am a large eater in case you must know” I was firm and didn’t blink.
She stared at me transfixed. No emotion was registered on my face. I bet she hasn’t met a guy like me, after all what do I stand to lose? ----I am seriously enjoying this.
I know some of my lady friends would say it’s impossible for a girl as beautiful as my boss claimed would ever fall for a complex maniac like me then you don’t know me yet----The guy with the heart of stone yet with a smile of Romeo. I will spare you the heartache, but she fell for the very reason you felt she wouldn’t-----ME. In another light I think she is beginning to rub off on me, I am changing a bit, but don’t get it twisted.
See you when I see you.

Week 2--------The Job
Two years is gone, a lot of water had passed under the bridge. I know you’re curious-----What happened in those silent two years? Oga madam calm down (Farabale----je je abeg) you will get to know in no distant time.
It was a feisty harmattan morning of October 2014, I was tucked in my blanket, ----the phone rang. It was so piercing it took my thought wandering to my dreaded boarding school days where the 5.00am bell rung like Michael Jackson’s thriller----awakening us like zombies. Nevertheless, I picked the call.
“Hello” I was still a bit sleepy.
“My friend get a grip!” the voice was firm over the phone---my boss.
“Aye Sir” I rose swiftly from the bed as if he was standing there in the room.
“You have a job” he was formal and not mincing words.
“Job description-----who am I terminating?” yeah, you read me right. I am capable of that but only those whom the man on the phone deems fit. The sense of purpose in this life got me through those two years. I am focused and smart, don’t threaten to kill me if you don’t mean it because I do mean it when I say you’re dead.
“You’re killing nobody-----not this time.........
“So what on earth are you getting me into?” I was a bit impatient and I know it.
“You don’t get to ask the what on earth question, I do the asking here----remember that” he was stone cold hard on me.
“Pardon my naïveté” I was humbled in an instant.
“Your Job is to undercover as a student in a University that would later be communicated to you. Protecting target Hezbollah at all cost from any physical, emotional, and religious trauma even if it means selling your soul to get her to love you and trust you” My handler was straight and clear on the phone. This is a wrong job description for me.
“Sir, you know too well my history with women and you still want to send me for this job? ----This is suicide for me. My cover will be easily blown.” I was in panic. I can but imagine how you’re feeling for me-----indifferent right?
“Exactly why I chose you. You won’t be compromised by lust or should I say love----I must warn you, she is beautiful. Everything you need including transcript and transfer arrangement has been made available, contact base over your encrypted channel for full briefing. Get her to trust you before December and wait for further instruction” He gave the orders.
“But sir----
“No but, you only need to act your cover. You and I both know your emotion for women is dead even your psychoanalysis confirmed it to be one of a kind. This is a strength----use it. You’re free from the spell of eve; there is no better man for the job. Go and pack, you’re already two weeks late for lectures” the phone went dead.
Once again, my fate was sealed. Come on guys show a little sympathy. I know some of you want to see the obvious happen-----you think you know me, but you don’t.
See you next week.

Week 1------Who will plead my cause?
The day of our lord September 1 2012. The Superior General summoned me. Not all was well, we both know that, and I could feel his rage rise in the quietness of the moment----the solemnity of the hour scares me. His demeanour was red hot and disappointment spelt all over his face, I could not bear standing another moment in his presence.
My hand feebly folded behind with my head bowed. I watched him write on the dreaded letter headed paper and there was nothing I could do to stop the tide----I just moped. He raised his head from his writing and I saw terror on every side, I saw the wrath of Jeremiah in his eyes---it was disparaging.
“Jonas I’m sore disappointed----I feel like drowning you. How can you of all people stoop so low to be associated with this, not to talk of committing the act” His words were firm and in between teeth.
In my disorientation, I tried to plead my case. “Padre I didn’t-----
“Shut up! What do you take me for------a fool? You have better come with a better argument,” he warned fiercely.
“Padre, I did not rape her” my voice was failing----I was lost.
“So what will you call the case we have in our hands? The evidences are there for all to see. Her blood stained body was hauled from your quarters and the hospital confirmed she was molested and your DNA found in her. Now let me ask you, can a woman of her age be so naive not to know all the men that had sex with her or in this case rape her?------Answer me Jonas” the superior came on me strongly. He was visibly shaky.
“No Padre, but------
“There is no but, you have to make me believe here and now that signing this document is the worst mistake I am going to be making” his look was indifferent and this scared me more.
(Room, dead quiet except the ticking of the clock)
My life came flashing before my eyes. Who could believe that this day will come when the hand of Yahweh will leave me to myself? I stood there like a trampled upon rose flower-----my insight gone and my power of speech was no more.
“Padre I cannot plead this case. My case is not with my accusers or you, I wonder why God will come this far in my race to the priesthood to allow me get rubbished by the same act I have vowed never to indulge in. My first love----the priesthood now gone, what else can I live for or what again can I love this much? Let posterity know that in all these the Heavens watched an innocent man perish”. My eyes were blood shot red as the tears dropped. The expulsion letter was handed to me-----eight years of waiting just gone with the wind.
“You’re lucky you came this far, and may not be starting square one after all” he handed me the necessary certificate I needed to start afresh----I bowed. The shame and the embarrassment of the moment were sore yet it gave me a new motivation----I was born again.
You may be thinking, I turned into the life of debauchery or became a flirt just to make a case or hurt God, but on the contrary, I was the opposite. Don’t think too much after all it’s my memoir----just journey with me and enjoy it.
Reviews are welcome-------see you next week.

This piece is for those of you who did indulge me in 2016 to keep you entertained, educated, and wow your imagination. It would not be out of place to give you guys a weekly series. I pray you enjoy this suspense-filled thriller.
The stories will be coming weekly in the comment box. The story is rated 18+ there are mature content in it.

DISCLAIMER: This is fiction and nothing about this series has any link to a real life experience so if there is any coincidence I apologise afore hand.

Copyright ©2017 by HolySee
All rights reserved. This piece or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever (Especially movies) without the express written permission of HolySee except for the use of brief quotations in a book review or scholarly journal.

Sometimes we are so caught up in trying to make things right that we end up making wrongs---so was my story.
It was some days to Christmas and my wife was due in her ninth month, we were expecting the arrival of the newest member of our family before Christmas, but that was the least on my mind as awkward as it may seem. There was a contract to be sign out of state and I must pull it through come rain or sun.
“Honey must you be the one to get the contract signed? What about your secretary. I need you by my side now than ever” she tried reasoning politely with me.
“Come on sweetheart don’t go babying on me now. You’re a strong woman, your mom is here to help also, someone needs to go out and make the money so we can keep our lives” O boy! I wish I never said those words. I packed and she kissed me goodbye as she always does.
The red light of the bar was blurring enough to hide the face of the stripper on the pole but not ours---I know I was very far from home. I know what you’re thinking, what kind of contract is signed in a strip club but that’s what my investor wants and I need the money. Anything for the Benjamin.
“Hey, welcome. Make yourself at home” he ushered me to the VIP lounge “Vodka?” he offered me a glass.
“I don’t take alcohol” I tried not to be rude.
“What!!!” Shock was registered on his face but disappeared swiftly with a smile. “Probably a Marijuana person” he demanded on a lighter note.
I smiled “I don’t do it either”
He now kept a straight a face “But you do women definitely------
“No I don’t, I’m married” I felt a sense of pride rise in me and my voice was definite.
“O my goodness you are the first man I’ve met who hasn’t undergone the rite of passage----tell me the truth, not even a fling before marriage?
“No and I don’t plan on doing that. Can we proceed with why we’re here?” I had to steer him away from where he was going, it won’t end well.
He paused a bit lost “I can’t sign the contract” he offered bluntly.
“Why?” I was almost in tears.
“I’ve dealt with weird things in my life but not a ghost. Only ghosts can live without these three things----you have to choose one or kiss the contract goodbye” he wasn’t mincing words. I had to make a choice----MARIJUANA. It was more honourable than alcohol or cheating on my wife. I thought I could handle the mental blurriness but I went blank and sank into infinity of space and time. I awoke with serious migraine in the hotel suite “How long was I out?”
“Two days” he offered without remorse. My life flashed before my eyes and I knew I had abuse other substances. Reality check----my wife. I sprang to my feet, scampered out of the room with my briefcase; my investor was perplexed and could utter no word. I called her line and the mom told me she was already in labour and was just led to the delivery room. When I arrived the hospital I was too late, she had some complication that would forever take her away from me. She could only look at my face but not speak. I saw the light fade from her eyes as she rose beyond my stupidity in death. Who could ever take her place, who is the woman crazy enough to love me the way you did, with heart so warm and tender. I looked to the heaven but its door was shut, can I blame God? Of course, not----this is my punishment. I looked down to see a warm dark brown pupil staring up at me in awe, my little Christmas gift----her cry tore through the room to the heavens. I picked her up and cooed her when heaven answered. “You will make a great dad” the voice was faint and weak..........
I leave the rest to your imagination.