Olabantu:
Nice to have u back sis.... Congrats on making it to front page... Wishing you success in your exams

Thank you very much

weldone ma'am... great story there

Wen should we be expecting d nxt episode.nice work.

Bb4u:
weldone ma'am... great story there

Thank you

tifezeezy:
Wen should we be expecting d nxt episode.nice work.

Soon

:DAwwwn this is my first time of commenting on a nairaland story.. and i must say you have a greaaaaat story here, keep the flag rollingAwwwn this is my first time of commenting on a nairaland story.. and i must say you have a greaaaaat story here, keep the flag rollingAwwwn this is my first time of commenting on a nairaland story.. and i must say you have a greaaaaat story here, keep the flag rolling

becca2017:
:DAwwwn this is my first time of commenting on a nairaland story.. and i must say you have a greaaaaat story here, keep the flag rollingAwwwn this is my first time of commenting on a nairaland story.. and i must say you have a greaaaaat story here, keep the flag rollingAwwwn this is my first time of commenting on a nairaland story.. and i must say you have a greaaaaat story here, keep the flag rolling

Thank you

Chapter 17



Ehi stepped out of the motor home given to her to use while filming. She was currently filming scenes for an action film called Maniac. In the movie, she was a supermodel who used her access as a model to plan heists with her boyfriend played by Mannah and his crew to rob unsuspecting people.

She walked over to Rita a production assistant who she was friends with. They were about the same age but where she was slim and tall, Rita was plump and short. Rita was African American and had a tendency of talking too much when she was nervous and the funny thing about that was she was always nervous. This was her first job and she was trying her best not to get fired.

"Why is everyone behaving like Dracula is on set? " she asked as she reached Rita's side.

"Dracula would have been a welcome guest believe me." Rita rolled her eyes and then continued "Do you want a cup of coffee? "

"No I am good. So what's causing today's tension? " she asked.

"It's the lordship your boyfriend. He asked refused to film any scene today. According to his lordship,he is not in the mood and they should make do of his stunt man. Can you believe that?"

Ehi shook her head in disbelief "Why don't they just fire him and get someone else. I mean this is not the first time he is doing this and I bet he is costing the studio a lot of money."

"Yes he is causing the studio to lose money but what can they do? Contracts have already been signed and there is all this publicity that two of you are starring in a movie together and even if I hate to admit it but he has one of the most recognized face in Hollywood and everything he touches turns to gold. I bet the studio is planning on recouping when the movie is out. "

"Yeah whatever. But all his shenanigans is going to have side effects in the end right? "

"Of course it will. For instance if he does his own stunts then you can get long cuts and better continuity of the scene plus the actor brings emotion to it and this makes the film more believable. But since he has a habit of using his stunt man even for little tricks it simply means short cuts and no emotion and that in turn makes you lose the character. And don't get me started on the amount of money and time that would be spent in the post production. Everyone is pissed at him. From executives to the direction. Some have even lost their jobs because the studio is trying to cut cost. We are currently a month behind schedule do you know what that means? I swear I really wonder how you cope with him. I mean how do you put up with all his shenanigans. I always had so much respect for—" what ever she was about to say was cut short when a crew member beckoned her over. She exchanged glances with Ehi and left.

Ehi sighed with relief as she watch Rita walk away. For some reason some crew members blamed her for Mannah's behavior. She didn't understand why they don't focus all their anger on him since he was reason for all this delay.

She filled her cup with coffee and went to sit under a tree and was watching what the others were doing. She had not wanted to do the movie but Trish convinced her to take the role. She didn't think much about acting when she was offered the role because she thought it would be easy.

She couldn't wait for them to wrap up shooting. She couldn't wait to eat regular food because she had been put on a strict diet. She also missed her kids. She calls them every hour, she bets her nanny was sick of the calls but hey she needs to understand that she is just a mother who misses her babies. Just thinking about them made her smile. She wondered what they were up to at the moment but she dared not call because she spoke to them some twenty minutes ago. She didn't bring them on set because they were too many people involved and she didn't want someone leaking their identity to the press.

At that moment,his majesty Mannah stepped out and behind him like a tail was a male production assistant of about eighteen or twenty year old. Ever since he broke up with Carl in December he has been with anyone and everyone . Right now his spice of the month were the young assistants on set. Those who didn't fall for his charms mysteriously lost their jobs and even does who fell for it were not safe either because once he becomes bored of them, they also lose their jobs. There was a rumour around the set that he always has the boys sign an agreement before they begin the affair. So it's safe to say he wouldn't be having any lawsuits any time soon.

He walked majestically and sat beside her reeking of alcohol while his arm candy was standing behind them. She ignored him and focused all her attention on the cup in her hands. She doubt anyone on set believed them to be a real couple because not only was he flaunting his relationships for the world to see, they didn't see eye to eye. The only time they were together was when someone from the press was around. There was none around today and she wondered what he was doing sitting next to her.

After winning all the awards for every nomination he got in the past award season Mannah felt he was God's blessing to the world and became more lazy with his craft. Although in the public eye he was still a sweetheart but everyone who worked behind the scenes knew how much of a douche bag he was. He has argued with the director on so many occasions that she has lost count.

"I'm told we are shooting our sex scene today. I just want you to be free and know that I am here. Any problems you might have you can tell me. You don't have to be shy. I am a professional and have done this on numerous occasions it's nothing to be afraid of. Oh and the way make sure you brush your teeth and use some mint for your breath. " he slurred beside her.

She turned to face him.what she wanted more than anything was to smack him but she couldn't. They still had time on their contract because their teams felt they would promote the movie best as a couple. She stood up, hissed and walked away.





********





It took a eleven months after shooting wrapped before the Maniac was saw the light of day. It was released on the first of June. She had done countless interviews promoting the movie and had travelled round for the premiere in different cities of the world.

The reviews had been great. They sang praises for Mannah's acting and even said she could have a career in acting if she ever decided to make the switch. The movie was a hit at the box office and has remained on top since its release. The film grossed over two hundred million dollars in its first week in the United States alone and when it was released worldwide it grossed even more. Three weeks after the release it has grossed over eight hundred million dollars. The movie had a cult following and Mannah and her were being referred to as "Eannah" by fans. The fans were petitioning for the film to be made a franchise and the studio also wanted that to happen because of the profits they have netted so far. Though they were people who were skeptical of there being another film and that had to do with Mannah's behavior during filming.

She was getting offers from other studios but was reluctant on agreeing to anything because she didn't enjoy acting. She told Trish about it but was advised not to say anything because they might be another installment of Maniac. Trish also advised that even if she didn't want to do movies anymore she should accept offers from TV series where basically she is playing a minor character or just making an appearance and since she was also going to voice her character since Maniac was also being made into a video game it was best to not say anything.





×************





For the first time in years Ehi didn't celebrate her birthday with her friends. Mannah thought it would be good publicity if they spent the day in a orphanage in Seattle. While she doesn't mind spending her day with orphans what she did mind was them milking the poor kids for publicity.

Her twenty third birthday began with a call from Mani and Christian who tried to sing for her but couldn't finish the song because the twins also wanted part of the action. They spoke for almost an hour and they informed her that a gold wristwatch was sent to the house that morning. Immediately after speaking to them, she called Nessa and her spoke for half an hour. The remaining of the day was spent with the kids and Ehi was happy she came. Spending time with all these innocent souls made her feel happy and for a while she forgot about Mannah and his ploy and just had fun. Later that night when she was about going to bed,she got a text from Cicero. It was the first time she was hearing from him since that awkward meeting last Christmas. She replied the message and went to sleep.

As usual the media sucked up to Mannah's stunt. There were even reports that they were currently trying to adopt one of the kids from the home. She had no idea who was feeding them that crap but she could bet all her money on Mannah's team being behind the story.

The rest of the year went smoothly. In August, her contract with Mannah was up and opted not to renew. Some weeks after they announced the breakup, he was spotted with Stephanie. Again the media wanted a reaction from her but she was radio silent. She poured all her energy into her career and she walked eighty shows during the spring/summer season. She topped Forbes list of highest paid model and Mani came in fourth place.

She was nominated for numerous awards for her role in Maniac. She won at the golden globes, BAFTAs and SAG awards. Even though she lost out on best supporting actress at the Oscars she didn't feel a pang because she was celebrating the fact that Mannah had lost out in his own category. The look on his face when someone else won was priceless. Maniac won the award for best picture and that also made her more happy.

Moreeeeee........ Paula


Kip up d gud work...

Thanks Hon!

swankmee:
Moreeeeee........ Paula



Kip up d gud work...

Thank you

biddieluvzyaho:
Thanks Hon!

U too dear

M luving ds,kip it coming dear,more inspirations

patriciakase:
M luving ds,kip it coming dear,more inspirations

Thanks alot dearie

Paula......Well-done!

Chapter 18


In April the twins turned four and to celebrate she threw a pirates of the Caribbean themed party.
She invited their friends from school and some of her close friends. She was dressed as calypso from the movie. Both Malik and Theodora wanted to be Jack Sparrow so she dressed them like that. Christian was dressed as Will Turner and she had no idea what Mani was wearing because it seemed she went to a pirate shop and picked everything.

"What on earth is she wearing? " Christian asked beside her. The she was Mani.

"I have no idea. I don't think it's any of characters from the movie and I will know this because those kids make me watch that movie everyday. And I have you to blame for that because you bought the movie " she replied .

Raising his hands up "Hey, what I did? Those children of yours had me going to the cinema every other day. I felt it was cheaper to get the movie in DVD. " He had this serious look on his face, she bursted into laughter.

"Was that supposed to be English. Lord your parents wasted their money paying for your tuition." she said laughing.

"Yeah what ever... But let me ask where is your certificate. Because the last time I checked I was the only one that went to school. You and Mani probably doesn't know what a class room looks like. But it's okay. I am not judging and if you want to see a classroom I will be kind enough to take you. Yes cos I'm generous like that. " she slapped him on his head "ouch you are so rough. Let me go over to those cute ladies over there. It's obvious they are dying for my attention unlike someone. "

"Should I remind you that this is a children's party and not a place to pick up girls. Between who are those ladies and who invited them." she looked at Christian for support but he did was wink at her and walked over to the said ladies.

She glanced around and everyone was having fun. There were kids in the pool and there were others doing justice to the cupcakes and ice-cream. She walked over to Nessa who had flew in for the birthday. It seems time hadn't been favourable because she looked older than her age and she had worry lines on her face. when Ehi had tried to talk to her she had brushed it off saying it was nothing.

"Are you enjoying the party?" she asked as she sat on the bench across from her.

"Yes, your children are marvelous. I don't think I could swim when I was their age. I doubt I had even entered a swimming pool. " she said laughing.

"Trust me it wasn't easy. They love being in water and I started taking them for lessons as soon as they turned one. I was so scared... in short I'm still scared but I can't shield them for everything so I guess I can let them have this." she sighed then continued "I didn't know how to swim until I was a teenager and if I remember correctly you were the one who taught me. " she said quietly.

"Yes I taught you that amongst other things and you always tell me how grateful you are but if you are really grateful then you will put all differences aside and call your mother. If you can't do it for me then do it for little och—" she stopped talking and she had this look on her face as of she was about to spill a secret.

Shaking her head "No I am not going to do that. She might have given birth to me but she is everything but a mother. The last time you asked I decided to call just as you told me so... " she paused fighting back tears "Do you know what she told me? She asked if I wanted to rub it in her face that I am famous and have more zeros in my account than her. She asked how many men I slept with before I was placed on a cover of a magazine. Tell me, what kind of mother says such to her child? What kind of mother behaves like that? I will always have respect for her that she didn't abort me when she was preg... You know what scratch that because she told me when I was young asking her to get me a Barbie doll for Christmas that when she went for the abortion it was too expensive and that's the only reason I am breathing right now. And that if she couldn't spend much money on me when I was a fetus I shouldn't expect her to do that now. After that she told me how I looked like my father and reminded me that he was a rapist. So tell me why should I call her? I don't need that kind of negativity in my life and I sure as hell don't want my kids around her. " she was fighting back tears as she finished.

Nessa leaned forward and wrapped her arms around her "shh, don't cry. You know what let's not talk about it anymore. Just wipe your tears and then we can go and join the kids in the pool. " she used the back of her arms to wipe the tears from Ehi's eyes. "Look it's time to cut the cake. Get up... Get up... Just make sure I get a big piece. " she said and they both started laughing and she led the way to the others.



Days later....



The kids were playing with Christian in the sitting room when Ehi joined them.
"Hello people. " she said as she walked in and sat on a sofa. "What game are you playing with uncle Tistian. " The children called Christian "Tistian ".

"Nothing much, just super hero stuff. it's nothing that boring you will understand. Right kids? " Christian asked the kids who nodded in affirmative.

"Oh so I am the boring one. Well my boring self is not taking anyone ice skating tonight. I'm going to tuck my boring self in bed and sleep." she replied.

"Uncle Tistian will take us. " Theodora replied with all the confidence in this world. She looked up at Christian waiting for a response.

"Sure. And with me you are both going to have the time of your lives. " he said cheerfully to them but his eyes were shooting daggers at Ehi.

She laughed and ignore because she knows the reason he was mad was because he had a date with a pop singer. She knew he will be forced to cancel the date because there was an agreement between them that they didn't bring people who were close friends around the children. She stood up laughing at him.

"Hey, let me be on my way before someone kills me with his eyes. Between have you seen Mani today? I haven't seen her since last night after the show. "

"She is upstairs,she came back not to long ago. She was saying something like she needed to rest or so... I didn't really get her. " he replied.

"That's super nice. Let me go find some trouble and wake her up. "

"She is going to have your head. If you know what's good for you just sit down here like the rest of us. "

"Hell no. What are friends for if not for making you mad and angry. " she climbed the stairs two at a time. When she got to Mani's room, she didn't knock she just walked in. She found the bed empty. It didn't even look like someone had slept on it. "Mani. " she called out. "Are you in bathroom? " she asked but she knew it was a foolish question seeing how the shower was running. She decided to check the bathroom out anyway, Maybe Mani was just toying with her. She walked over to the bathroom and opened the door and then she found Mani on the floor unconscious with a whitish substance rolling out of her mouth. She screamed on the top of her lungs until Christian ran into the room. He quickly went over to Mani and felt her pulse. He bent over her and was doing something Ehi couldn't see because of the angle. She turned around and she saw the children running into the room. She quickly went over and picked them up and left for their room.

She placed them on their beds and promised an extra glass of juice to whoever slept first. Immediately the children shut their eyes trying to force themselves to sleep. Her hands were shaking as she tucked them in. She stayed for a few more minutes to be certain they were going to follow her before she left and went to join Christian in the other room.

She found Christian sitting beside a still unconscious Mani.
"Why are you just sitting down there. Shouldn't we call the police ." she reached into her pocket and brought out her phone. Just as she was dialing the police number Christian snatched the phone from her hands.

"What do you think you are doing? "

"Trying to get medical help for my best friend. What do you think I am doing. " she screamed.

"She is my best friend too and calling the cops won't help because once you call the cops it's going to land on TMZ now tell me what good would that do? "

As soon as he finished speaking, Trish walked in with three men she had never seen before. They walked over to Mani and carried her to the bed. Immediately the older man requested for them to leave the room and they all did. She was too dumbfounded to say anything. She went to the sitting room and was pacing. Christian was seated on the sofa at the edge and Trish sat on the floor.

"I thought you told me she was now clean? " she heard Trish say.

"That was what she told me. " Christian replied.

"Jesus Christ. Are you for real. Would a junkie ever tell you they are still hooked on drugs. You were supposed to investigate,check out the places she hid her supplies. " she said in an annoyed tone.

"I checked all those things out and that's why I believed her. She probably changed her hiding spots. " he stood up and walked across to the window and stared down on the street.

Ehi kept pacing and couldn't tell how much time had passed. She just kept wondering how she never suspected that her friend was hooked on drugs. Why hadn't she seen the signs. It was always there in front of her but she had been so caught up with her life that she hadn't checked on her friend. She walked over to Christian and asked "who were those men that came in with Trish? "

"They are doctors on her payroll. " She nodded her head and continued "okay, do you think they are any good?"

"Sure. I doubt they will be on her payroll if they weren't any good. Plus they treated her the last two times so you shouldn't worry about anything. Why don't you go upstairs and rest and I will wake you up if any serious comes up. " he said in a fatherly tone.

"No, I doubt I would even be able to sleep. I will probably just make myself sick with anxiety. " she took a deep breath and released it "let me be here for now but I will probably try and get some sleep because once the babies wake up I doubt anyone would be able to sleep again." she said laughing.

He chuckled a bit " those are not children that's a grown man and a woman right there. Imagine Lik Lik telling me he was going to marry a girl that looks like Mani when he grows up. I mean when I was their age I was interested in cartoons and food and here he is telling me about marriage. Shit I am not even married myself." he laughed out loud and she joined him.

"Alright young lady it's time you get some sleep. "

"You just told me that two minutes ago."

"I know but I am the boss here. Now off you go. " even though she didn't want to but she knew she needed her sleep and bade him goodnight before retiring.

Ritajovy:
Paula......Well-done!

Thanks a lot sweetheart

Interesting So Mani have such secret

Thanks for d update

Thanks for the update! Didn't see that coming doh!

Thanks for the update. I think you should edit the 'btw' I think it was auto-corrected to 'between'.

Wow thks for d update dear.... More grease to ur elbow...
Please make d next update fast and longgggggggggg

itsandi:
Interesting So Mani have such secret

Yeap

Chigold121:
Thanks for d update

Thanks a lot for reading

Ritajovy:
Thanks for the update!
Didn't see that coming doh!

Lol me too

jasmine2013:
Thanks for the update. I think you should edit the 'btw' I think it was auto-corrected to 'between'.

Thanks but please can you be more specific. I have checked and I can't see it. Point me in the right direction so I can correct it.

swankmee:
Wow thks for d update dear.... More grease to ur elbow...

Please make d next update fast and longgggggggggg

Lol OK. I will update later in the day. I'm sleepy right now

this is awesome..... come on over I've got a kiss for you

Wonderful story paulaspearz.... Please don't kip ur readers waiting nw..... Let's do this!

Anyways... #ehiandcicero

ClassicMan202:
this is awesome..... come on over I've got a kiss for you

Lol I am here oo

joromi36:
Wonderful story paulaspearz.... Please don't kip ur readers waiting nw..... Let's do this!

Anyways... #ehiandcicero

Thanks a lot dear. I'm almost done with the new episode. I might post it today or tomorrow.
How is your Sunday going?

paulaspearz:



Thanks a lot dear. I'm almost done with the new episode. I might post it today or tomorrow.
How is your Sunday going?

Wow can't wait then!!!.....

My Sunday is going quite well and urz