BATTLE LOOMS
The following morning Aaron drove to Bola’s place. She’s was not on duty but he was. He called her on phone that morning and she answered him.He told her he would visit her. And he didn’t wait for her response before hanging up. He drove from Agege where he lived to Alakuko, farther away from the way to Ikeja where they worked. When he reached the front of her house he redialled her number to thank her and to be sure she’s not angry.
‘‘Hello, Bola, thank you for picking my call. I … I’m … are you at home?’’
‘‘Yes, I am. Why do you ask me that?’’ she’s curious. Perhaps there’s a problem in the office.
‘‘It’s just to know,’’ he said.
Aaron looked up and saw her through the window. She had raised the blinds. He saw her getting up from bed. Perhaps his call had woken her. He saw her red bandeau and he imagined pink bloomers would be on her too but suddenly the blinds dropped and he couldn’t see all his eyes had wanted. She’s standing with one arm across her flat belly. His thyroid cartilage moved up and down in brief delight. “Bola’s wonderfully made.”
‘‘I’m at home and where are you?” she asked. When she noticed he wouldn’t answer she asked him,“Any problem?’’
‘‘Nothing!’’ he answered. He was nervous and at the same time happy. Bola sounded mild and welcoming. He took the phone away from his mouth. “I am afraid of myself now!” he said. “What should I do?” he asked himself and took a deep breath as he returned the phone to his cheek.
‘‘Aaron? What’s happening? I just asked where you are. You’re not talking.’’
‘‘Okay. I … am in front of … MrBiggs. I’m at Ikeja right now, I’m close to office.’’
‘‘Okay. It seems you’re late already. This is 8:44. Call me when you reached office. Okay?’’ she spoke to him affectionately. He recorded their conversation and would listen to it several times that day. “She’s mild like the mother of our Lord. She still cares. I’m sure.”
Aaron drove away from Alakuko wondering if he should just skip work and return to Bola. But she’d be mad at him for driving for morethan two hours from Agege to Alakuko just to see her instead of going to Ikeja.He left Agege around 6:00 a.m. Now, it’s almost 9 O’clock. And he’d not likely reach Ikeja until it’s past eleven or twelve. When he checked his phone he’d missed Bola’s calls. And he got a text message from her: it’s like I saw your car. Aaron, this morning in front of my house, I saw someone like you. You lied to me. He sent her a reply and read what he was typing, “Yea, I did. I had to. Baby I’m sorry. I was confused. I didn’t know what was happening to me and I didn’t trust myself these days.” She called immediately she received the message. He knew she was going to rebuke her and ask her questions he wasn’t prepared to answer. She sent him different text messages asking her to call her back and asking her what was going on in office. He’s certain she’s worried about him.
He’s lucky that Mr James had to travel that morning without checking whether staff were all present and busy.He asked about Aaron and Becky lied to him that Aaron just visited the lav. She prayed Mr James would not talk about that again. Becky had the privilege of working near Aaron that morning.They must provide some data that Bola failed to sort the previous day. Then he thanked her for covering for him. ‘‘Whatever it is, I won’t ask you to tell me,’’ Becky said. ‘‘Just make sure it doesn’t happen again,’’ Becky said.
‘‘Okay. Thank you. It won’t,’’ Aaron promised.
‘‘Today, you got lucky. Mr ‘‘no brotherhood in this office’’ isn’t around.’’
‘‘Yeah. I know I’m lucky. But that luck was protected by you.’’
‘‘You need to know that only one person can commit errors without needing to worry about questioning. Do you know?’’ Becky asked.
‘‘Yeah, I do. And actually, she’s good at what she does. Of course, she’s not common with errors but when she made them others must pray not to get punish for her error because the management is divine in taking her side. Readily!”
‘‘Good that you know. So, next time, don’t let her issue put me in a dilemma like this.’’
It surprised Aaron that Becky knew it was Bola’s issue that made him late for work that day. He smiled and asked her if she’d have time to drink with him when they finished work in the evening. She had a party to attend. So she’d not be available. Instead, he’d attend the party with her. ‘‘If you won’t let me go there with you I’ll believe you’re lying to me just to avoid me.’’ She didn’t care about what he liked to believe. She said she would not allow him to go with her.
After a great day at work with Becky getting exclusive closeness to stare at Aaron all through, she told him she changed her mind. ‘‘What do you mean change your mind, the party or the restaurant?’’ he asked. ‘‘That depends on you. The party is as sure as death. But if you still want us to get some … wait a minute, sir, you know I don’t drink and I supposed you don’t.’’
‘‘It’s a lie,”Aaron playfully poked her forehead. “At least you drink water. Don’t you? Now I get it. There’s an easy meaning for drinking.’’
Aaron later thought the party would be better in case he needed to explain himself to someone who mattered to him. So he went to the party with her.
At Bariga,the party was attended by several kinds of people. Different people set different canopies for their distinguished club members. The Royals were in one corner enjoying themselves with wines. The Golden Boys next to them. There were Glory Makers Club and there were The Fearless Progress Youths. That was an independent association of youths in that community. The club is notorious and dreaded. It’s different from the general community association of Youths. Many street boys in that club got besotted and aflame. They began to walk around looking for a girl to convince or manipulate. And many girls usually succumb to their demand because of fear. One of them came to Aaron and Becky who were enjoying intimate discussion that was going the way Becky wanted it.But the lady’s hope got dashed when the guy came and whispered to her ears, ‘‘baby, you deserve better than this frigid gentle man. I got what you wanted. I’m generous and God almighty blessed me.’’
Aaron’s looking at him. He’s patient for a while. Becky didn’t want trouble but she’s boiling. ‘‘No, thanks. I’m okay. Thank you,’’ she said.But the guy wouldn’t go. ‘‘baby, don’t waste the moment,’’ he said, aloud. ‘‘Please, Becky begged. “Leave me be.” She looked at Aaron. His eyes were scary like that of a hungry lioness. But he’s a gentle boy and she never wanted to cause him any trouble.
The guy was insisting. “Lady, I’m not joking. There’s nowhere else to pour this thing that is already at the tip. You don’t know me?I get what I want.” He beat his chest proudly and pointed at Aaron,“I am Egungun aye.Maa pa idan fun e lorita meta nisale. Do you get me? What am I trying to say, will perform magic for you on that oritain between her thighs and she’d beg for more.’’ At that time two guys had joined them. They were just standing arms akimbo. And one hailed, ‘‘Eegun o’’
‘‘Waa seere, alaye mi,’’ Egungun Aye replied. “You will prosper my boy.”
Becky, scared and confused, grabbed her bag. ‘‘Aaron, it’s time to live,’’ she said and made attempt to get up. But Aaron was sitting as Jet Li studying a gang to be beaten. He motioned his hand, “Becky, sit down,” he said, imperatively. He had told Bola and other ladies in the office about his past. He told them the stories of how he wrestled with five boys and won when he was five.He fought six boys when he was in secondary school. No one could stop him from entering into the senior classrooms that were ‘out of bounds’ to junior students. And when he became a senior he told them that he became a gang leader. When his school fought with any other school he was the one who led his boys to victory. He was suspended for one session. His mates finished before him. He became the god of thugs. He usually led others boys to a place in the school garden which they called ‘school two’and he often told them that it’s a miracle that he’s no more irascible. Becky was panicking as she watched the guys lighted cigarettes, smoking desperately.She’s unsure of what was going to happen or what Aaron was going to do. Aaron adjusted himself and rested his back on the chair and began to use his right thumb and index fingers to play with his moustache, looking at the guys who intended to signal dread to him. His confidence was remarkable. Becky would tell Chioma about it. Aaron watched Egungun and his boys and he smiled. ‘‘Becky,’’ he said, aloud, ‘‘just, sit, down, don’t be afraid.’’ His eyeballs were red. ‘‘That’s the way he described himself in rage,’’ Becky said to herself, “I remember his stories.”And as he told them of his wild state,he began to stammer. ‘‘This is trouble. This heavy guy!’’ she cried. She looked at their bodies. They had tattoos of scorpions all around them. They’d smoked cigarette and ganja. No doubt. And they’re very drunk. And now they’re smoking dangerously. It’s bad that no one seemed to notice that a fight might begin in that corner. They were all engrossed in music, dancing, eating and drinking. ‘‘Aaron, please,’’ she begged, crying, ‘‘please, let’s just get out of here. Please.’’
Aaron wouldn’t listen.He placed his hand on his chest to assure her that there’s no need to worry. Now three other guys had joined them in that corner.Eegun now had five thugs on his side. “Is this history repeating itself,” Becky asked herself. They mocked Aaron’s tiny stature. ‘‘This fish?’’ one said and laughed. And he had a dagger with him. Becky wanted to move to Aaron’s side but one of the six guys stopped her. Aaron still did nothing. She remembered that he told them that he never attacked anyone first. ‘‘Ejo la maa n ko ka to ko ija,’’ Aaron would tell them. He meant that he liked to wait for justification before fighting. And now whether he’s waiting for them to drag her, ravish her, stab her, beat her, and kill her or just for them to attack him Becky did not know. She just watched him take his wrist watch off his wrist into his pocket. And he placed his two hands on the table for a while. Then he’d stood up slowly and folded the long sleeves of his shirt up to the elbow.

BUSY HEARTS
The following day was feverish for Bola. She went to the Head of Department and submitted an application for a transfer to another branch. She didn’t want to be around Aaron anymore. Aaron was her partner. Both of them shared one big office. Coming in through the door and looking to the right one would see Bola settled at a right angle and Aaron at the other angle opposite Bola. That morning Aaron as Aaron entered into the office he saw Bola on her seat and he moved slowly to Bola and stretched forth his hand for a handshake but she ignored it.He was embarrassed but he smiled. “Good morning,” he said. He tried to apologise to her, ‘‘Well, I’m sorry for …’’
‘‘Save it,” she shut him up.“I don’t just want to hear it,” she said with a wave of anger struggling for freedom in her mind. She wanted to fight him harder. Another part of her wanted to draw him closer. As she glowered at him she began to shed tears of mixed feelings. She’s angry for what she did. But she wished she could tell him that she still loved him. She wanted to get up from her chair to hug him. But she’s afraid for him. ‘‘Look, I’m very sorry,” he pleaded. “Please, stop crying… I didn’t want to hurt you. I didn’t … know what to say to let you know that it’s like there’s a kind of spell that always make me misbehave at times. I always cried after such foolish acts.” Aaron was right. She knew it. There’s something beyond his understanding –a force that wanted her to pay some price at that time of her life when she’d fallen in love. She wept more because she understood he’s right and disciplined.
‘‘You left without a bye,” she finally said, wiping her face with a white hanky. “You left me like I’m nothing of worth.”
‘‘Yeah, I was angry and it wasn’t me. I was angry with myself for what I did. It’s very aching for me and I called to let you know how grateful I was that you stood your ground. That won’t happen again,’’ Aaron promised, reaching for her shoulder. She waved and he pulled back his hand.
‘‘Of course it won’t.’’
‘‘Thank you,” he said, “for giving me another chance of trust.’’
‘‘Trust? Please! Please don’t make this office uncomfortable for me today. Let’s just focus on business. There won’t just be a time for any recurrence. We’re done!’’
Aaron stood still. He’s speechless. He continued to look at her and she pretended not to notice. She’s working on a computer. Aaron made a right turn, dragged himself backward and leaned on the wall with his head raised up. He prayed in his mind. “God, please help me. What’s happening to me? I am sorry God. Save me from whatever is making me to misbehave. I don’t want to lose my love.” She pitied him. Suddenly, tears dropped on the keyboard from her face. She’s surprised at that. “Was I crying?” She said and quickly took a hanky and wiped her face. Aaron saw her. “I’m sorry, Bola,” he said. “You are still crying. It really pained you too much. How can I hope you’ll ever forgive me?” He slowly turned right and dragged his weakened legs to his seat. He dropped himself on his chair like a lifeless figure. He now realised that he had dropped his case on Bola’s table. She also just noticed and both of them met at a glance. Then he rested his back on the chair and lifted his eyes up. He suspired sadly and closed his eyes. Bola looked at him for a while. She decided to get a transfer to another office or branch so that she could gradually forget him or stop to pity him.
He didn’t know that any uncle visited. The connection was bad when he called her that day and since he just wanted to call her to know how she’s doing they didn’t readdress the issue. She wouldn’t even talk about her family. And he’s been very hopeful that he’d meet them one day.
Becky now came in just without a knock. She’d brought some files to him. Aaron opened his eyes. ‘‘Becky, just open that door and get out.’’
‘‘Sir, I brought …’’
‘‘I said get the hell out!’’ he shouted and hit the table. ‘‘You don’t just know that you’re supposed to knock on the door before you come in?’’
‘‘Sir, I’m … I don’t understand sir,’’ she said and genuflected.
‘‘Just come and drop the files and walk out. What a …’’
Becky knew something’s wrong with him and she’s sure it had to do with Bola. She moved to Aaron’s side and dropped the files. She looked at him carefully. She wished she knew the best words to say to him but she didn’t and so she left.
Becky also loved Aaron and had tried all signalling but failed to get his second gaze for a second. For a queen and a sex bomb as most men had described her to herself she’d always worried over being ignored. It hurts her mind. Being unnoticed, to her mind, was a sin to her beauty. But the case now didn’t only hurt her pride but also her heart. And she’s hopeful that Bola would not be able to keep a cool guy like Aaron.‘‘If Aaron’s truly a freak as he’s famed to be’’ Becky had assured Chioma, ‘‘Bola, with her virtue campaign won’t last with him.’’ Chioma’s another wannabe who had gone wild with open letters to Aaron. And Bola’s always been the one to read those letters. And she never let Aaron know that she checked his case and read some letters.
‘‘It’s unfair to let it out against her. She did nothing wrong. You’re the one who allowed Bola and Chioma to enter into this office without knocking. You wanted to show that you have nothing to hide.She should knock. But it’s you who said they don’t need to worry. Of course CCTV is in every office and everyone is aware that there’s someone in one room monitoring all activities. So we’d never lose it. We’re friends and we’d always be.’’
Aaron said nothing. He checked the documents and put them in an envelope. He then walked out to apologise to Becky. She told him she’s not angry. She’s ready to bear with him. ‘‘Sir, that’s not you I saw in there. You don’t need to apologise. You’re not like that.’’
‘‘Thank you for being understanding.”
‘‘But sir, I just want you to know that whatever it is … you can always count on me … to help … not just as my boss but as … I’m always here for you sir. Anything. I can help.’’
‘‘Thank you, Becky.’’
‘‘Sir, I think right now you need to talk to someone, you need to share with someone. You can talk to me or … may be any friend of yours.’’
‘‘I said thank you very much. Okay? Thank you!’’
Aaron went back into his office to begin to work on the files sent to him.
In Aaron’s residence, around 6 o’clock in the evening someone knocked on the door and Aaron opened it. He’s not surprised that it’s Becky because he’d wished for her appearance. He let her in. She’d come just to talk to him.
‘‘Are you sure you just came here to talk with me. There’s nothing more?’’ he asked. ‘‘Sir, I am telling you. I care about you and I knew there’s something wrong with you. So, I just…’’
He was now standing in front of her. Looking down at her cleavage. She looked up and saw the passion in her eyes. But she must resist him. Before, she’d wanted him just for the fun but now her heart’s making the calls not just her body. And she’d not let him touch her and use her as a spare doll. But suddenly he grabbed her arms and pulled her close. He looked at her face, it’s vague. He then kissed her. She closed her eyes and let him. After a while his hand had reached her chest and finished some probing. His hands had reached her midriff and was probing, probing softly and heading for inguinal soft skin. Then her heart finally broke the spell of the body and came to power once more.
‘‘No, stop it!’’ She said, pushing him away. But he wouldn’t listen.
‘‘I said stop!’’ this time, he knew she’s serious. And he stopped.
‘‘I’m sorry. I taught you liked it.’’
‘‘I’m not a LovePeddler. And I won’t be your sparring duct. Your heart is what I want and then you’d have the entire of me.’’
‘‘My heart? Come on, that’s simple. You already have it now.’’ He pulled her to himself once again but she resisted him and pulled her away from him.‘‘You think I’m Bola or why did you say I have it already? Look at you! You gave me your heart that’s busy following Bola even into dungeons of sorrow? That easily? You think this is a game? You think I’m a LovePeddler? I’m sure you know some verses of the Bible very well. And you know the story about Esau and Jacob. One needed porridge and easily avowed his birth right away. And when he’d eaten to his fill he tried to retrieve that birth right even with tears. But Jacob was a divine usurper, smart in what he did. Look I’m not going to take advantage of your burning and force you into an oath. No! I want your heart by your heart’s choice not by your body’s lust and entrapment.’’
He didn’t say any word until she reached the door, opened it and was getting out. She turned back, her face expressed love and sincerity. She’s almost crying. And he said, ‘‘Thank you very much, Becky.’’
After she left he began to cry again for failing God again. “God, again, it has happened. How long will I continue to do this? I’m afraid one day it’ll be one who will not say no until it’s done.” He cried and prayed.
Before he left office, Bola had told him that Becky, Chioma, Amina and Funmi were always dreaming of him. They all wanted him, some for fun and some for home. Bola advised him that of all of them she’d be glad if he chose Becky. ‘‘She mayn’t be a saint before. I mean she’s got a past. But she’s a now good person and saintly and good for you. Forget about me or regret in your entire life even in your grave!’’ Those words were ringing in his mind and he wished Becky would come in. And she did.He sat on the sofa now, lonely, deprived, hungry and angry that he almost did something bad again.He’d finished praying. ‘‘Becky wants my heart,’’ he said, weeping with his palms joined together at the middle of his face and he closed his pouring eyes as if he wanted to pray. ‘‘But Bola, it’s unfair to me and to Becky, you have my heart and you’re breaking it,’’he lamented. He dialled Bola’s number. He knew she wouldn’t pick it.But he’d predicted that Becky would answer. That guess was amiss. He’s torn apart. He recalled, “My God, Becky’s lips were like dates. They were like flesh soaked in honey. She’s wonderfully made and her heart’s busy spying on me. But I’ve loved Bola. I’m sorry Becky. I know Bola will forgive me. I can’t just trade my heart just a day after a break up, no, it’s just a little fight. Love’s not wayward. Tomorrow, I’ll beg my love and she’d accept my apology. Even her family rituals cannot stop us. We’re made for each… for each…” he stopped talking and sighed. Then suddenly he burst into tears. “God, please save my soul from wandering and my body from the bondage of lust.” He cried.

Thank you. No, I will do neither.

WE CAN'T DO THIS
‘‘This nuptial holding off … for how long?’’ the look on Aaron’s face, the vibration of his hand and the loud sound that Bola heard when he slapped his laps palled all hopes and courage that she had in him. But she couldn’t just afford to seem selfish and arrogant.
‘‘Nil desperandum, Aaron!’’ she said. And she moved closer to him. ‘‘I told you we just must wait. That’s how it’s done. This is Sunday night. I’m sure you taught Sunday School in the morning at church. Just wait.”
‘‘Not these days anymore,’’ he said with his eyes wide open. ‘‘Well, that’s how it should be,”said Bola with a voice begging for understanding. “That’s how … for me … for us. Please!’’ She wanted to sit beside him totame the fire of passion in his heart and quell the spell of androgen in his blood. But he just stood up, impatient and now, louder.‘‘You’re right. That’s how it’d be for us. I’ll not trouble you anymore but I’ll relieve myself as necessary while waiting.’’
‘‘What’s wrong with you?Isn’t your name Aaron? That’s a godly priest’s name.’’
‘‘And so what!Bola?’’Tell me! Bola, what has my name got to do with what I want or do.’’
She closed her eyes and was about to cry.She had tried to make him realise how sex before marriage was discouraged in the church. At first Aaron had cooperated with her on the vow. He’s very pious. He’s very meek. He always told her there’s no problem. Then one day, both of them got drunk. Aaron then asked her to give him a chance. He said he just lost about a million naira. His friend used the money for business. The business failed and his friend committed suicide. He’d later confess that he lied about losing someone and losing money. But that day Aaron looked perfectly very dejected. That’s what led them to drinking. And drinking controlled them almost into congress. He grabbed her by the waist and started to kiss her. She’s still. And then she began to twirl. Aaron unbuttoned her shirt and was about to bend low when she pulled away from him. “No! Stop! We can’t do this. It’s very wrong. Aaron, you know we cannot do this. You know.” Aaron nodded though his mind was intense for passion. The following day, he visited her to be sure she’s not angry. She thought Aaron wouldn’t try to do anything with her again. But he tried to. He argued that religion wasn’t an excuse. He’s going to marry her. “In fact we’re already married,” Aaron lectured her that they should not think God’s against their passion. “We had promised to marry each other,” he added. She argued that it’s all wrong. She didn’t know much about church principles but she’s certain that until all vows are completed sex is considered a sin. She begged him to control his emotion. When he refused to reason with her that day she told him there’s another problem. “There’s a family thing that forbids this act. That’s why I can’t. It’s dangerous.” Aaron was shocked. He never believed there’s any family problem with a beautiful girl. “As beautiful as you are? A family thing?” he asked. “Yes, a family rite,” she replied. “My God!” Aaron exclaimed putting his hands on his head. “What have I gotten myself into? I never thought you’re carrying a kind of a spell or cause.” She’s hurt but she didn’t get angry. “Aaron, I’m not cursed. Don’t say that to me. it hurts.”
He needed explanations because he’d become frightened off. She explained everything to him and he promised to stand loyal to her. He’d help her overcome every family restriction and help her get freedom. He thanked her for being sincere with him but noted that it’s too late. “You kept this secret from me, Bola. Thank you for telling me only when it’s late.”
“I’m very sorry darling. I wanted to tell you.”
“But you didn’t. If we continued won’t you need to tell me one day?”
“I am very sorry. I didn’t know how to tell you,” she said, sobbing.
Aaronfelt sorry for her. He pulled her to himself and made promises to her. He told her that it’s the Holy Spirit that probably had made him acted the way he did so that he could know the truth. “I didn’t know what came over me,” he said, shrugging. “I knew it’s wrong. You’re right. Sex without marriage or before or outside marriage is sinful. I just think it’s for the purpose of this truth that I acted that way.”He said the custom’s related to his Christian belief. He felt bad. “I even said God’s not against such a sinful act,” he lamented. He’s confused. He wept for betraying God.She wanted to cry for him. He’s a renegade and a betrayer.She’d never heard of anyone in her clan who’s disrobed before hymeneals and rites are done.And she’d never loved any other man but just one.
Now Aaron, after she’d explained everything to him still came to her on a Sunday night and wanted sexthat could kill him. She denied him sex and heleft. He walked away in annoyance. She didn’t bother to stop him. ‘‘Let him go,’’ Bola said to herself, ‘‘Bola, you’ve tried to keep him. You can’t do that anymore and you love. Just let him go!’’
She believed that Sunday night was the worst day in her life. Her body was demanding, rousing and it’s Aaron that awoken her passion. She wished she allowed him but she loved him too much and she’d not endanger his life. Now that’s he’s gone her mind’s troubled. She hoped that night would be last time she’d feel awful about love.
A week before that night, her Uncle had visited from Ekiti. He’d come to tell her of the Festival of the Rings that’d come up in a month’s time.While she’s talking with her uncle, Aaron called her number.
‘‘Bola, aren’t you going to answer the call?’’
‘‘It’s not important. And you taught us how to treat our elders with respect.’’
‘‘True. You don’t just divert to talking to someone else while you keep an adult waiting in a conversation. You’re a good daughter of my fathers. That’s why success is ever your lot. But you lied when you said it’s not an important matter. I was once twenty five like you and I know how the passion burns with priority of life.’’
She didn’t say anything. And he told her to answer the call if he called again. Gbenro was certain that person would call again. And he’s right. When Aaron called her phone again she knew how Gbenro caught her lies. The caller’s S.H. and she knew Gbenro was really a smart person and a great lover.
‘‘Alright sir, thank you. Just one minute.’’
Then she moved outside because she didn’t want to use love words when her uncle’s there. Elders, as she believed, don’t usually sanction those words they believed are immoral and only fit for base without cultures. ‘‘Hello, Sweet Heart please call me back in the next … or I’ll call you back I’m busy with my uncle. He just came to Lagos to see his son who’s just blessed with a set of twins, both genders. And he decided to see me before going to the village.’’ She didn’t wait for his response. She pressed the red button as she walked back in.
‘‘One thing I liked about my brother is that he’s faithful with time. Two minutes and that’s it, my brother’s daughter. You’re the best of all of our daughters. I’ve told Omolola, she’d spend holidays here, with you except you don’t want her to. And I assured her already that you won’t refuse to let her stay. Of course, my daughter knew I was right. Bola, will you allow my daughter to stay with you for two weeks just to learn some of your good behaviours?’’
‘‘Why won’t I? I don’t even like how you come tell me that. She’s free to come and you know that.’’
‘‘Yes, I do! My daughter, I know that. I said it. You’re wise.’’
‘‘Sir, you flattered me.’’
She knew he’d still say something about S.H and she’d not prepared good lies to win the smart uncle. The man also kept quiet and kept her waiting. ‘‘Get me amala,’’ he said. He’d told her to let him rest before giving him food. Now he wanted amala dudu with efo riro.’’ She served him in two big white plates. ‘‘You know I eat a lot. That’s good, let’s see if this six wraps of amala will be enough for my hungry stomach.’’ He asked for water. And since there’s a bottle of water on the table she knew he’s asking for some kind of sweet wine. And she gave him that and everything he asked for. ‘‘Uncle always asked for more,’’ she said. ‘‘Yes, and you’ve always been a good girl, taking care of uncle, your only available father.’’
After the food, he’s still watching the television. She then had to ask him. ‘‘Sir, about the person who called, he’s my friend that I just think is good for me.’’
‘‘The best of them all; I knew you’re the best! I was expecting you to say something. These days some children don’t believe that adults had brains when adults were young or they thought that elders exhausted their wisdom at their prime. And you know … I like to remain honourable except with foods,’’ he laughed and continued. ‘‘Your friend? That shows that you’re very close. You’d studied him and you’re satisfied with him. Hmmm! And then that thing you can’t explain dropped in your heart and his heart knotted the feelings. But, Bola … I need to know something. Do you really love him?’’
‘‘Very much sir. I do.’’
He didn’t say anything. She’s missing something. Uncle liked answers to be specific.
‘‘Sir, I really do love him.’’
‘‘Good, then don’t beg him to stay if he misbehaved. Just let him go.’’
Now, he’s gone. She couldn’t sleep that night. He couldn’t sleep too. Just as she struggled and controlled herself from calling him, he called her. She’s confused, crying and she covered her face and eyes with a pillow. She couldn’t see the S.H. on the screen nor hear the phone vibrating sound but she could felt the vibration on the mattress. And she cried, ‘‘I’m sorry, Aaron. I’m sorry. I’ve to let you go.’’
Aaron’s angry with himself. “I’m very stupid,” he whispered. “How could I be so foolish and unbridled?” He got up from the bed and walked about in the room. He dialled Bola’s number again. “Please, baby pick it, answer this call please,” he prayed. But Bola wouldn’t answer the call. Aaron hissed. “She’s strange. What’s wrong? Bola’s never been this angry.” He looked at a picture of himself hung on the wall and clenched his left fist with a hideous grimace. Suddenly he hurled the phone at the photo on the wall. It’s broken; it’s fallen just as Aaron was broken and down on the floor, weeping. “I’m sorry God! I’m sorry Bola. God please give me back my love!”

Good lovers of literature. I want to share my work of fiction (a Romance) with you.

The Rings of Fire: The Renegades

by Samuel Oladimeji Kuye
The Favoured Wordsmith (TFW)
Copyright © 2017 by Samuel O. Kuye
All rights reserved. This book or any portion of it should not be reproduced in any form whatsoever.

I can write 15k in two weeks but the fact that I shall transfer all rights and name makes it ghost writing and it should cost more.

Some of my works are accessible

http://wordsmithkuye..com.ng/2017/01/confession-of-salvation-from-recession.html?m=1

http://wordsmithkuye..com.ng/2016/10/prayetude.html?m=0

http://wordsmithkuye..com.ng/2016/09/new-renaissance.html?m=0

http://wordsmithkuye..com.ng/2016/09/prayetude.html?m=0

My email is s.kuyes@gmail.com
and phone number is
07067895132

THE EAGLES’ MASTERS by Kuye Samuel
The Eagles’ Masters
Keep changing Eagles’ Manager Roasters
Under the guise of the greed to win,
Making Brother-managers crucified for venial sin
While imported managers luxuriate in our wealth
And disarm the strength of the brother’s growing-army of health.

How can changing teachers and interrupting lectures
Help to ascertain balanced structures?
Bonfrere, Troussier, Milotinovic, Lagerback,
If they did perfect beyond our brothers’ lack,
Let history show of the condemned patriotism
Of the Eagles’ Masters’ idiocies and egoism.

‘‘We’ll give you two hundred instead of five or fifteen
But only one hundred will be yours, think, instead of fifteen.’’
‘‘Then it’s fifty-fifty’’
‘‘No, it’s not! It’s not fifty-fifty.
You, one person only, will have fifty percent,
But, we.. we’ll manage to share fifty percent.’’

‘‘But the people, your people, not all think your brother’s failing’’
‘‘Really? Then we may not fire him like we’re willing.
We can suggest and summon an adviser from the white caves
We do owe our brothers salary and some raves
But we can pay you a year salary in advance.
Permit me to give you an instance

It’ll be easy for you; you may not need to give a piece of advice to the settings
Till you bid us farewell
Just partner us in some legal lootings’’
‘‘If those are your claims
It’s your land
Hire my idle but eager hand
But you face the blames’’

The Eagles Masters
A brother gets us a long-loved-twice-got golden cup
And from the wheel chair lifts us up
And then while we gain some ground
We think that brother’s not capable to take us around
We’re good in the display of heartless, discouraging and scary gratitude
The Eagles Masters attitude
Has been to anticipate and actualize failures
For then they can suckle funds to cause greater failures-
Failures which the need to solve will be a chance to eat

Do the Masters care for the Eagles?
Do they care about the greatness of the Eagles?
Do the care about how high the Eagles ought to fly?
Do they really want the Eagles to Soar or to Die?
Are they not tired of causing disruptions in the name of leadership?

How can changing lecturers and interrupting lectures
Help to ascertain balanced structures?
We’re not oblivious of the misbegottens
Perhaps we just lack the courage or the ‘how’ to make corrections
Perhaps we just don’t have options...

I think he is better called a pagan or a traditionalist or any term that considers the fact that he believes in Ogun(Yoruba god of iron and merriment). Just think so...