I'm not surprised at Ebube's action at all, i have seen worse sef. Now the three friends will go separate ways **three paths***

i think karma is what's affecting Ebube. After making wole lose his job and all that. didnt expect her to go scotfree on that issue

Hmmmmmm. Think charles knows about the wole affair. His decision is too firm even when he knows he has a fault in it. Ebube needs to come clean to her sis or else she will be left alone.
She shouldn't av rattled nat out but we are all humans and tit for tat as been the order of the day.
Ken is more matured now and will understand her point of view.
Fantasy abeg no tey b4 dropping d next one.

Aboki gal we dey wait oo kiya kiya come finsh wetn u start

at last,ebube chop my eye finish,dats it the rule of life,u dont use bad pay bad now,ebube why!!!

Seriously, FantasyIsland. Are you kidding me. Is Ebube such an idiat and a pathetic liar? Ahn Fantasy, you for pity this poor woman now.




.
Why do we humans, always try to keep digging even when we know that it's futile?
.
If I were Ken, at that particular moment I would have called Nat to come and see the 'human being' she called 'Friend' for years. These women are competing on who can do the most damage to the others relationship. And at that, Ebube still stands to loose more.
hmmmmmmmmm........WOMEN.

FANTASYISLAND has fingered our brains to a point we are all out of clues and eager to see how it ends. This is why i stopped having fav characters in stories....i take all as i see them. The writer is the Alpha and Omega of her stories. Even if you get angry, pissed or happy at any or and all of the characters, the writer has only succeeded in exposing our emotions and done a good job messing with our minds.

One lesson i have picked- People Change! The person you know just a year or less ago is not the same person again today talklss of many years back. Don't forget that- People change! Over familiarity killed the three friends....

FantasyIsland, your source of imagination and creativity will neva fail you.....

But am so pissed at the three friends....in fact I don't tink eating thrice today will calm my anger

Contd

I mean what is wrong with you? What is your motivation for this meeting today? I was right from the start. I was against this meeting but my wife advised me to come; she actually insisted that I come. I didn’t want to be here. I want nothing to do with you ladies issue. I wish the best for everyone but I don’t want to be caught in the middle''

''I understand'' Ebube replied.

Then Ken looked
at her calm face and began to laugh. It was almost
like she was not the one that had been doing the talking. It seemed like someone else had possessed
her body ''what is wrong with you?’’ he asked again.

''I can't believe you spent the last few minutes spewing all that trash. Do you think I care about stuff like that?'' then Ken began to laugh. Some
seconds later he stopped and continued ''and my pastor advised me of this same thing. No sooner would we make up before people would try to break us up again. Truly the devil does not like the peace that exists in a united family. He will seek for any
means to destroy the harmony between man and
wife and you've just allowed him use you as a willing tool''

''I'm sorry you think of me in that manner''

''I didn’t believe it would happen in such a blatant
manner but Pastor Tony was right after all''

''My intention is not break you guys up but I just feel
you need to know the truth. I was not even aware you guys are back together''

''What truth? Ebube, I'm sorry you are having problems in your home but don’t tell lies to create problems in mine. I'm indeed sorry I came for this sham of a meeting! It hurts me to say this but Barrister Ebube, you've got deep problems. I feel bad for you. I feel bad for your husband. I used to respect you but I'm shocked you would sit calmly and badmouth your friend, my wife in this sick manner''

''Everything I've said today is the truth. God sees my heart and…''

''Would you stop it please! The fact we are back together after all said and done speaks to the
tenacity of our relationship. I don’t think you realize
what Nat truly means to me. I may not get it right all the time but I know what that woman means to me. I told you I went to drop someone at the park and that was my father. That man wouldn’t be alive today save for God's grace and Nat's generosity. I'm not going to forget all that because you claim she did one thing two things while in school''

''It's not a claim Ken, it happened. I even know about that your dad's ailment. We all knew and we knew what Nat did to get the money for his surgery. She didn’t go to Warri as she
claimed. She was with a …''

''You are sinking further into the mud but you don’t realize it. Do you think I care about what happened donkey years ago with Nat? First off, I don’t believe a word you've just said and even if it's true, who cares? WHO CARES? I'm not innocent. I don’t have the cleanest record and so do you''

Then Ebube answered in a low voice yet
annoying voice ''I agree but I wasn't the aristo''

''This is not a comparison between you and my wife so I don’t care. READ MY LIPS, I DON’T CARE! And in the event that these lies were true, I'd rather she were an aristo than a lesbian!''

''I'm sorry you feel that way Ken''

The pair were quiet for some seconds while a burly man walked up to them and smiled ''is there any problem sir, ma?'' he asked.

''No!'' Ken spat out.

''Okay sir, but just to tell you to keep it down please''

''Sorry about that'' Ebubr replied. Then as the man walked off she yelled out to him ''thanks''

''Can you honestly call one man or woman my wife has been with since marriage?'' Ken continued. ''Give me the name of someone Nat has had an affair with post marriage. Give me a name now and leave the rest with me''

Ebube sighed deeply and continued ''I won't lie to spite her but I don't have any. Nevertheless …''

Then Ken yelled out in anger ''Ebube, give me a name now or forever hold your peace!''

''I don’t have but I thought you should know…''

''Know what? Know what this woman? I've been fighting hard to repair the crack in my home and you think I'd let you widen the crack some more? You must be out of your mind my dear. Listen, even if you tell me Nat is sliding down a pole on Allen
Avenue this minute, I don’t care. Even if you tell me
she is doing shaolin work in one hotel, I don’t bloody care! Even if you tell me she slept with all the directors of that company, I don’t give a rat's ass! Do you understand what I mean?''

''I'm sorry you feel that way''

''I'm so mad at you Ebube. Nat is calling your husband nearly every day and pleading for peace. The poor girl is even trying to get me involved and I planned to meet with your husband, man to man next week. Unfortunately I don’t know how I feel about that anymore. I see no reason why I should bother because you are seeking revenge rather than looking for how to repair your home and get back with Charles''

Ebube shrugged her shoulder but said nothing more. She took another sip from her drink and looked away ''what is wrong with you?'' Ken continued. ''What you've done today is so wrong. The difference between what you are doing and what Nat did is completely different''

''No it's not''

''Nat acted on the spur of the moment and she was wrong but she was not thinking. On the other hand, you have acted otherwise. You have done this in a cold and calculating manner. You sat here for about 30 minutes waiting for my arrival. You had time to think about what you were about to say but you didn’t change your mind. This is a cry for help Ebube. You need psychological intervention. You truly need help and I hope you get the help you require'' then Ken snatched his car key from the table and walked away.

Ebube needs help ASAP and to think that Charles does not know about what she tired to do with Wole oh.

Ebube, I feel ur pain...and I knw dat feeln of tryn nt to go dwn alone, bt ur approach is soo wrng....firstly tryin to hit bk soo soon and reportin Nat to her "wife" certainly wont yield anytin...take ur tym, den strike wen guards re dwn....wish restored peace in ur home....

aiikman:
Ebube, I feel ur pain...and I knw dat feeln of tryn nt to go dwn alone, bt ur approach is soo wrng....firstly tryin to hit bk soo soon and reportin Nat to her "wife" certainly wont yield anytin...take ur tym, den strike wen guards re dwn....wish restored peace in ur home....

Nat's wife? Lmao... Bhet u are wicked o

OP,

I need you to clear something here for me...

While she (Ebube) worked as a lawyer, was she good at it? Because contrary to what as happened, I can attest she's one dumb a.ss court junkie . I mean what good lawyer would try to bring someone down with such poor approach?

And to think she had advised Nat to protect herself incase anything happens to her (Nats) marriage - that shows she isnt dumb afterall.

Fine let say anyone could have done what she (Ebube) did, but as a good lawyer plus having more than enough time to strategize, yet she resulted into this sham tactics aimed at drowning Nats marriage c'mon is she that dumb?

@fretfingers, does the inability to tell a convincing lie make one fo*olish?

You have raised a valid point though and here is my take on things; when I wrote about Ebube's chracter, I had in mind an 'everyday' woman. However Ebube has a secret, she has a thing for younger men but she manages to keep it in check until Charles drives her insane.

On a good day, she is the most mature of the girls, kind, loving et al she is the image of the perfect housewife but alas she aint so perfect.

For me (my personal opinion pls) I don't think she is an evil, conniving person. In this last chapter, she has allowed her anger get the better of her. Don't forget she has no clue Nat and Ken have made up. She probably believed they were still estranged.

Unfortunately it has backfired. Ken has chosen not to believe her 'lies' or he views her action as vengeful. I am uncertain which one he believes sef (yes oh, sometimes writers have no clue)

Is Ken playing dumb even though he know there is an element of truth in what Ebube has said? Abi has he chosen to blank Nat's past? Hmm, food for thought.

I want to believe Ken knew Ebube wasn't lying but he can't just afford to lose Nat again. If only Ken could stand on his own as a real man

Fantasyisland:
.

In this case ma'am she isn't telling a lie. Rather she wanted to let Ken in into Nats stale n rotten past.

Now, why I inquired bowt her IQ at dealing with issues like this is because, as a counsel/lawyer/barrister one listens to his/her clients story and tries to view the story from a 'God-like' perspective and present it to a judge in a way that would make d judge rule in favour of ones client.

On this note, I can boldly tell you ma'am that I have never seen a dumb lawyer practising before (I choose to be corrected). The stupidit.y she displayed here is too grave. Had it been she ad acted immediately she heard or discovered what Nat did, I wouldn't have questioned her reasoning, but hey she had all the time in the world to figure out a way to bring down her prey(Nat) and her best option was this approach! Nah, I don't think that sufficed.

Note:: Am just saying this based on my opinion and to make this piece more interesting. At the end of it all, you call the shots. So... isorite.. Kosi pressure...

Fret she no dey law court. Her approach is based mainly on her emotions right now. U can't use it to judge her. Her sense of reasoning. She is in a difficult situation.

fretfingers:


In this case ma'am she isn't telling a lie. Rather she wanted to let Ken in into Nats stale n rotten past.

Now, why I inquired bowt her IQ at dealing with issues like this is because, as a counsel/lawyer/barrister one listens to his/her clients story and tries to view the story from a 'God-like' perspective and present it to a judge in a way that would make d judge rule in favour ones client.

On this note, I can boldly tell you ma'am that I have never seen a dumb lawyer practising before (I choose to be corrected). The stupidit.y she displayed here is too grave. Had it been she ad acted immediately she heard or discovered what Nat did, I wouldn't have questioned her reasoning, but hey she had all the time in the world to figure out a way to bring down her prey(Nat) and her best option was this approach! Nah, I don't think that sufficed.

Note:: Am just saying this based on my opinion and to make this piece more interesting. At the end of it all, you call the shots. So...

rofemiguwa:
Fret she no dey law court. Her approach is based mainly on her emotions right now. U can't use it to judge her. Her sense of reasoning. She is in a difficult situation.

Lol... ofcourse not. I know that ma'am. But that isn't a factor not to judge her strategy or approach.

Yes her emotions are going haywire right now. But remember she dint do it immediately she discovered what Nat had done. So I can postulate that her emotions are quite stable compared to when she first heard.

Same goes for Nat. She wouldn't had called Charles and sold out Ebube d way she did (atleast not in this manner) if she had slept and woken up d next day.

My point is, ones anger could be constant in cases like this, but with days gone by, one would have a better plan for revenge.

OP nice piece. We just discussing. Am not tryna bring down ur morale... U digg?

fretfingers:


Lol... ofcourse not. I know that ma'am. But that isn't a factor not to judge her strategy or approach.

Yes her emotions are going haywire right now. But remember she dint do it immediately she discovered what Nat had done. So I can postulate that her emotions are quite stable compared to when she first heard.

Same goes for Nat. She wouldn't had called Charles and sold out Ebube d way she did (atleast not in this manner) if she had slept and woken up d next day.

My point is, ones anger could be constant in cases like this, but with days gone by, one would have a better plan for revenge.

OP nice piece. We just discussing. Am not tryna bring down ur morale... U digg?

Nah, you good.

Wow! Wow! Wow! This pot of soup is really boiling over. Madam Fantasyisland, u just dey turn us anyhow like wind in a sail. Nothing do you sha. Just carry on. I'm just watching for now cos I know it will really take a lot for this friendship to be restored if at all they want a restoration. They've gone far but let's see what Fantasyisland will do *wink*

pryd:
Indeed you never truly know anyone well enough!

I'll rather say
"Indeed, you never know where over desperation could land you, in life"

I always wish I could help people like this, but i'll rather prefer to pray for them, and hope it doesn't get to the lowest irreparable low.

Fantasy, how far?

fretfingers:



Yes her emotions are going haywire right now. But remember she dint do it immediately she discovered what Nat had done. So I can postulate that her emotions are quite stable compared to when she first heard.

Same goes for Nat. She wouldn't had called Charles and sold out Ebube d way she did (atleast not in this manner) if she had slept and woken up d next day.

My point is, ones anger could be constant in cases like this, but with days gone by, one would have a better plan for revenge.

OP nice piece. We just discussing. Am not tryna bring down ur morale... U digg?

Ebube tried to make up with her hubby then fails and her last resort was a calculative move to break home and you won't say she handled it professionally? Heck, IMO she has done what a normal human being with emossion will do regardless.

Atleast, she will go down the lane as the biggest loser in all, Both marriage and friend (s).

Nat would have done worse than she did had she left the issue bother her more. Since she gave all for there friendship, it was really the best decision she took in this story so far, regardless of the consequences.

All in all, the story has thought that three paths cannot be parallel. Fantasy thanks for sharing this your world with us.

Stuff46,

Lol... She couldn't have expected any reconciliation from that meeting she had with her husband with her sister playing the advocate. Why did I say this? :

1. She dint want to go

2. She lied to her sister. You don't lie to the person that wants to help you settle issues like this and expect a positive result. Perhaps, if her sister knew the truth before the meeting, maybe just maybe she(isioma) would have presented the case to Charles better.

3. She knew the possiblity of her sister getting to find out about her lies. That's why she had that cold feet in number 1.

My observation::: She had already made up her mind long before the meeting with Charles to rat Nat out. And her emotions were stable compared to when she first heard what Nat did. The meeting only added very little salt to her injury ( the salt being her sister getting to find out which she knew would happen in number 3 shikina)

54

It had been a little over a month since the last time
Isioma and Ebube visited Charles. The sisters had continued to push for peace but Charles didn’t appear interested. In the meantime, the sisters
continued to lie to their mother about the circumstances of Ebube's moving out. Mama was quite elderly but she was hoping to make the trip to see her son-in-law at the end of the month.

Now that was where the trouble lay. Charles didn’t go on bad mouthing Ebube (at least not to her family members) but if you visited him and sought to know what transpired, he would not hesitate to give you the lowdown. And so as the end of month grew closer, everyone began grow weary.

For mama, a lot had gone on with her daughters and she didn’t want Ebube’s case to end up like her other children. Her first daughter, Uche, had been introduced to a man who lived abroad. After a whirlwind e-romance, the pair got married but no sooner had Uche settled into her new home before tragedy struck. Her husband was diagnosed with leukemia and in spite of the excellent medical care, he lost his fight with cancer.

Uche had no children before his death and ever since the unfortunate incident, she had remained on her own. She busied herself with her new career – nursing and when she felt mama was bothering her about getting married again, she withdrew. She became a recluse and practically cut off from her family back in Nigeria. It was particularly difficult for someone like Ebube who was close to her. Ebube believed Uche could grow cold with the world but not her.

However her eldest sister shocked her. It was
the same treatment for everyone, the same answering machine for all of them and the lame promises to call back in that hurried manner. Whenever Uche managed to pick anyone’s call, it was always the same excuse - work, work and more work.

Isioma’s story was equally uninspiring and now Ebube had joined the ranks. Mama was beginning to feel an evil spirit was involved in her daughters misfortune with men. And that was what played on Isioma’s mind as she prepared to leave her home that Saturday morning. She had a full day but all that was to change once she got dressed. She was going to drop him off at a friend's and the kid was already dressed. As a matter of fact, he was already seated in the living room watching TV ''where is your aunty?’’ Isioma asked.

‘’At the backyard’’

Isioma strolled to the back to inform Ebube they were leaving when something struck her. She watched from behind as Ebube continued scrubbing her clothes in a black basin.

Immediately she was filled with grief; it was grief like she could not describe. It started from the pit of her stomach and rose all the way to her throat. There was nothing wrong with a person washing her clothes, but seeing Ebube in that position (in her own yard) was something she never imagined.

The once great high flying lawyer was jobless, without her kids, without her home and the trappings that came with it. Already, Ebube was searching for a suitable accommodation and she spent most of her day trawling through job sites. It was clear to see she was making attempts at moving on with her life.

For Isioma this was the saddest part, that her sister would have thrown in the towel. She never thought Ebube would end up being a single parent. She wondered if Ebube could sink any lower but something told her it would end well for everyone.

She decided not to tell her anything again but Ebube had seen her already ‘’Isi, are you about to leave now?’’ Ebube asked. She was wiping her hands against a t-shirt and Isioma hurried out of the house because she could not stand the sight anymore.

Isioma dropped off her son at his friends then she went about her business but all the while, her mind was troubled. By 1pm, she called Charles and informed him she was coming over. As was his usual practice, Charles tried to dissuade her but she refused to take no for an answer. He told her he was away from home and he didn’t intend returning anytime soon. Isioma listened to him and once he was done, she insisted she was happy to wait for him. And wait she did, she waited inside her car until she began to sweat then at some point, she got out of the car and sat on her bonnet. When the bonnet became too hot, she moved to the short stair case and sat like someone who was waiting for a soup kitchen to open.

By 3.30pm Charles arrived with the children and a family member. It was clear to see they were back from a shopping trip. The small group made their way inside the house and Isioma spent some more time chatting with her nephew and nieces. Thereafter she was on her own and began to wait for her in-law. By the time Charles was ready to see her, Isioma felt tired. She was so tired she felt like crying.

Charles on the other hand was most apologetic but Isioma brushed his apology aside ‘’who is that woman?’’ she asked. She looked at the lady who was carrying her nephew.

‘’Oh that’s a relation from home. She is assisting with the boy. The maid, Loveth, chose to leave after her madam left.

‘’You don’t have to go through this’’ Isioma whispered. ‘’My sister is more than happy to return’’

'‘’There is quite a lot going on at the moment so...’’

"Look at every one of you; this is sad. That child needs his mother and Ebube is in no position to do
that without a home and a job. Look at you, you
clearly need help Charles. you don't look too good...

"Erm...I feel good"

"Oh brother please! I didn’t plan to be here today but something happened that made me change my mind. My sister has become a shadow of her former self. You guys are suffering and this thing has gone on for far too long. if perhaps you sat and spoke about it, you will achieve a whole lot! Sometimes that's probably all you need - talk.

"Isi, I dunno"

"It’s been a month and I worry if this vacuum is left for long, something else would occupy
this space’’

"I thank you for your concern; truth be said, its not been easy but I need time to think this thing through’’

‘’My in-law, please find it in your heart to forgive yourwife. She is not perfect and neither are you. I’m not trying to say Ebube was right but something pushed her to it. If she had you like that, nothing
would have happened and you know what I mean''

''And that's you people don't understand; I can't give your sister what she wants''

''What happened to you guys? Where did it go wrong? Where did the crack happen? You people used to be so happy. I used to envy you guys but of course not in a bad way. And my mum, my mum would be heartbroken. She can't understand why this thing is taking so long. She plans to come and see you but she can't hear what really happened. She is old and frail. That stuff would kill her faster than anything else''

''If that is your concern, I will make up something to tell mama. I promise you''

''I shouldn’t be telling you this but do you know how my mum views Ebube? Ebube is like the most perfect child there ever was. I saw it while growing up and she continues to sing with it till date. And trust me, this is not about protecting Ebube but my mum. Where did it go wrong with you guys? Can you at least confide in me? If you ever felt anything for my sister, if you can see the tinniest bit of rainbow at the end of this dark tunnel…I see this
look in your eyes sometimes. It seems like you want
reconciliation then the next minute it's gone. If there is anything you think Ebube can do…''

Then for the first time, Charles opened up. He sighed deeply and began to speak in a sad tone.

***
As Isioma walked towards her car,she called her younger
sister. She didn’t have to wait for long before Ebube
replied ''hello''

''Where are you?'' Isioma asked.

''Where else? Your house nah''

''Pack your things and get ready to leave''

''Ehn?''

''Look at the time and I'm just leaving your place. I don’t want to argue and trust me this is for your own good. I'm going to be pick Dozie now and I need you to be gone before I …''

''What happened?''

''Your husband is now open to reconciliation but there are loads of huddles ahead. Me, I've done my own and the rest is left for you people to manage''

''Jesus! How did you do it? What did you say…''

''Ebube, The first thing you should do is apologize for getting your pastor involved in your husband's health issue. I barely know what I'm saying myself but that is how Charles put the story''

By now Ebube was crying profusely ''oh God, was that it? Was that the problem? Was that
where it went wrong?''

''I think that was the beginning of the problem with your husband. He took it as an assault on his
person. I'm not quite sure you understood the implication of what you did and that was what he said. According to him, that was the most hurtful part and for him, you never realized that bit. You tossed it aside and he could not communicate with you on that level again… sexually I mean''

''Oh God! But he didn't say anything all those while I asked''

''I don’t know why Charles took it like that but that’s the man you married. It's your duty to study him and know what he can and cannot take. Some men wouldn’t have carried that grievance on like that but unfortunately Charles did. Charles is who he is after all''

''I had no idea this thing was like that''

''And that is what you should tell him when you see him. Belinda's matter is another case entirely but the most important thing is that he is ready for
reconciliation. A willing heart is what we prayed for and this should put an end to seeking your own accommodation. This should make you happy''

''I'm going to pack my bags now'' Ebube yelled.

''And I'm going to pick my son now''

''Isioma… Isi, are you still there?''

''Ehen? What is it?''

''Thank you. I could never thank you enough for this''

''What are you thanking me for? I haven’t delivered anything yet; the real work starts with both of you. I don’t know the language I managed to speak but God knows I spoke from the depth of my heart.

''Thank you''

''Your husband is tougher than I once imagined
so don’t expect red roses on the floor leading all the way up to your bedroom. Like I said, he gave some stringent conditions but I believe you are better
off solving the issue in the same house. I believe it will get better with time. He is not happy now but I see hope''

''How could I ever repay you?''

''By doing right by your husband and kids. Live well and you'll be fine. Oh and maybe coming to visit me more often. My house is not only for when you are having problems''

''Thank you sis''

''In any case, are you saying I have done something good for you in this life? Would you dare equate me to your darling Uche who has been here for you?''

''Oh Isi don’t joke''

''Are you still on the phone?'' Isioma yelled in faux
annoyance. Thereafter Ebube hung up and Isioma began to laugh in the silence of her car.