MODERN DAY SLAVERY: HOUSE HELPS OR HOUSE PESTS?

This week has been a crazy week on social media with the trending hash tags, #PrayforLibya, #StopSlavery, #Humantrafficking, #Libyaslavetrade, #Saynotomodernslavery and many others. A lot of words have been said, essays written, protests organized and demonstrated and conferences have been held and are still being organized. I'm proud of my people for going all out to show their support and allegiance to Africans and blacks going through this insidious acts of inhumanity and savagery that reminds us of the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade, in Libya. It goes to show that we still abhor the evils of depriving a fellow human of his basic human rights; the right to live, exist, and be. However, it saddens me to state here that a lot of those promoting those hash tags online /offline are masters of slavery themselves. I have my reasons for stating so.

First, we need to understand that slavery comes in different ways. It's not just about the chains, the whips and the sales in public arenas; those are just the physical proofs of it. Of course, there are psychological implications on the victims as well but, modern day slavery has taken a new shape. If you're a horrible boss, breathing fire on the necks of your subordinates like a dragon, you're a slave master. If you're a husband or wife subjecting your spouse to physical and mental torture or emotional abuse, you're a slave master. If you're a school student or staff of an organization bullying your colleagues and blackmailing them just to have your way and be dominant in that environment, you're a slave master. If you're a law enforcement agent always harassing pedestrians or motorists on the streets/roads and also battering them when they refuse to tip you, you're a slave master. If you're a religious leader always using the scriptures of your faith to threaten your flock into following your own created doctrines, you're a slave master. If  you're a national leader who rules instead of leads without consideration for the economic, social and general welfare of your people, you're a slave master. Lastly, if you're a couple who goes out to functions or to dine with your domestic help present and you order heaven and earth for yourselves but order nothing for your help and allow him/her to salivate in a corner of the room, you are MOST DEFINITELY SLAVE MASTERS! It's worse when you look flawless and your help looks like something dragged out of the gutters. It just goes to show how retarded you could be.

That brings me to the point of writing this post. I'm pissed. I'm pissed at couples who lack the common sense to know how to manage their homes and not draw negative attention to themselves yet, when it's time to shout, "Stop modern day slavery", they are quick to load their gadgets with enough data and preach as well as propagate a truth they lack the capacity to practice.

Last week Sunday, I went to Lunch after Church at Black Bells in Lekki with some friends. There was great food, good music and the ambiance was amazing with families, friends and lovers who just wants to have a great meal and a nice time. Then I noticed a family seating beside our table. It comprised a young couple; probably in their early thirties, two other people (friends maybe) their baby and then the house help or babysitter. They looked happy, had ordered for food and were already half way through their meal of salad, chips, chicken turkey and other yummy delicacies. Then I noticed that the help who was a young girl of just 13 or 15 years old wasn't eating save for a plastic bottle of Fanta in front of her that wasn't opened. I noticed that she kept looking around her like she was overwhelmed with the numerous varieties of delicacies she was surrounded by but couldn't touch or taste any of them. Anyone who knows Black Bells at Lekki would understand what I'm writing about.

It so happened that I was seated directly opposite them from our own table so I did something. I started staring at the wife. I gave her the sort of telepathic look that would tell her how pissed I was at them for not at least ordering something for the girl to munch on. She eventually noticed that I was staring at them and her especially, unwaveringly. She became so uncomfortable that she couldn't laugh anymore at the jokes they were sharing then I saw her whisper into her husband's ears. He looked at me and then immediately but stylishly summoned the waiter attending to their table and in the next five minutes, the help had a beautiful plate of chicken, chips, and cole slaw in front of her. She dug into the meal like an hungry wolf of course. Then I gave the wife a knowing look that said "Thank you" and she gave a slight apologetic nod.

I was happy afterwards and I felt like I had done good but it brought back painful memories of once when I had gone to live with an Uncle as a help all because I needed support to pay for Jamb classes. The wife would come to my room during sleep time and ask me to turn of my AC so that the one in the baby's room would blow cooler. If there had been a fan in my room, I wouldn't have seen the wrong in that but my room had most of the loads in the house in it so I had no choice but to sleep in there, with the heat as my companion while she slept in the baby's room sometimes. I felt cheated when I noticed that whenever her kid sister who was my age mate came to the house, she would allow her sleep in the baby's room; something she never allowed me do. And as usual, my AC had to be off.

Seriously people, your house helps aren't animals and shouldn't be treated like one. They are humans and really, if you could do all of your chores yourself, then why employ them in the first place? But if you can't, it won't kill you to be NICE! What we fail to understand is that, in every organisation, the employees are a reflection of  such an organization. If they dress well, speak well and exude confidence with a mix of good mannerisms, it speaks highly of the organization. Anything contrary shows just how messed up the system is and all fingers are usually pointed to the directors.

Be good to your workers; domestic or non domestic and watch them project you in a good light. If they had a choice, they wouldn't choose the path of serving you so don't make their lives miserable for it. I know that some could pose a tad bit troublesome but feed them, clothe them, use nice words and unabusive language with them, compensate and compliment them well, teach and train them if necessary and then watch how love can suppress even the most strong headed spirits.

I pity those who take the liberty of torturing their helps with belts, hot pepper to razors blade cuts they inflicted on them, acids to their skins, fuels and hot irons and hot water to their backs and at the end of the month, pay them meager salaries as if they're doing them a favour. Who gave you that right to treat another human like an animal? Even animals are treated more nicely. You forget Karma is a jolly go fellow. Some even go as far as locking up their helps in dark rooms for a week or more as forms of punishment. Others use their helps as sex toys both for themselves and for their friends. Seriously?! God help us cos all of these are exactly all the treatments meted out to slaves during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Stop Modern Day Slavery in all it's forms and remember, your house helps shouldn't be made to feel like house pests.

Cheers!

BURNT (EPISODE 21) THE END

Tunji carried Mila to another room. It was equally as furnished and sophisticated as the other one she was familiar with. He laid her gently on the huge bed and left for the bathroom to run a warm bath then he left for the kitchen downstairs. When he returned, he had with him a bowl of ice and a small towel. He turned on the bedside lamp and knelt in front of her as she lay on her back. Then he carefully wrapped some of the ice in the towel before using it to massage her neck.

Mila winced when she felt the freezing touch of the ice on the bruises around her neck. Lily's fingers had done a good number on her and her face hurt as well from the well aimed punch she had received during their tussle. She was able to bear it because Tunji kept whispering to her words that worked faster than the effect of the ice and towel. When she held on to his hand out of pain, he stopped and dropped the bowl on the bedside table and then removed his shoes before joining her on the bed.

He hugged her, short of words to express his shock at what had happened that evening. He still couldn't believe that Lily had pulled such a stunt. He knew she was a wild one but he couldn't believe that such violence she displayed that evening had always laid low beneath that cool exterior and air of sophistication she always had on. He shut his eyes tight and whispered to Mila,

"Babe, if anything had happened to you, I never would have forgiven myself. I'm so sorry Sunshine. How badly did she hurt you?"

Mila whimpered and raised her hand to indicate that it hurt terribly. It felt numb cos Lily had exerted so much pressure and force while they struggled with each other. So Tunji stood up and said,

"Come. I've run you a hot bath. Let's get you cleaned up and then, we'll do something about the aches. Okay?"

Mila nodded and he carried her in his arms to the bathroom. There, he removed her under wear and led her into the bathtub. He didn't join her inside; instead, he took another small towel, lathered it and used it to wash her in a circular motion. He didn't scrub, just a little rub here and there then he left her to soak in the warm water that smelt of aromatic ointments to soothe the mind. Mila closed her eyes in gratitude as she allowed the scent to ride her senses. When she opened her eyes, she saw Tunji smiling down at her, she smiled back and he bent down to kiss her on her fore head.

"I love you Mila. You've got no idea" he said

Mila didn't reply. Her entire being could attest to the fact that she was head over heels in love with this man. He kept showing her in so many ways how much he loved her and the extent to which he would go to secure and keep her affections for him. That, she couldn't and wouldn't take for granted. It was rare to meet a young, successful, wealthy, and powerful man like Tunji who loved hard . It baffled her and it excited her. She had never felt this way with anyone before and she was glad that her love was finally requited.

Tunji led her back to the bed and gently massaged her with the same aromatic ointment he had added to her bath. He gave so much attention to the task that whenever he heard her wince in pain, he would stop and whisper sweet nothings to her. This touched Mila so much that she allowed the tears that had been threatening to escape her eyes flow. Then she sat up, prompting Tunji to stop. He was a bit surprised and asked,

"What's wrong Sunshine? Did I hurt you?"

"No. I'm just scared"

"Babe, I understand. You're safe with me now. Lily's gone. I promise, no one will ever hurt you again"

"That's not why I'm scared T. It's more than that"

"Then tell me. What is it?"

"I just don't understand. Why do you love me?"

Tunji sighed and said after a moment "I've asked myself that same question over and over again Mila but I can't seem to place my finger on the reason. But one thing I know for sure is that, you complete me Mila"

That took Mila unawares. She knew he loved her but not to that extent. That was too deep for her to comprehend so she asked "How?"

Tunji knelt in front of her and said "Look at me Mila. Anyone would look at me and see an accomplished young man who's got it all but I know where there's a vacuum in my life and you filled it up the moment you walked up to me at Zenbah that fateful day. Ever since, I promised myself I wasn't ever letting you go"

Mila was overwhelmed with so much emotions she couldn't describe. She held her head in her hands and said quitely,

"Oh Tunji! You've got no idea what I've been through this before in the hands of men. The most horrible experience happened a year before I met you and I've been treading carefully with men ever since. I got burnt and stung by my love. I don't want that to happen again. That's why I'm scared"

"Shhh" Tunji said and raised her face to look at him gently "Look at me Mila, look at me" he said

Mila looked at him and he held her face in place so she could meet his deep piercing gaze.

He said "I'm not going anywhere Mila. I'm not. I'm here now, I'll be with you whenever and wherever you need me. It's us now. Just us always. Do you understand that?"

Mila stared deeply into his eyes as if searching for the truth or any inclination at all if her was lying but he had his soul in his eyes and all she could see was a man who was ready to ride or die with her. She nodded as she said "Yes, yes, I believe you"

He leaned in to her and kisses her softly. He withdrew and added, "You won't ever get burnt with me Mila. I promise. Okay?..."

Mila nodded. She felt tipsy, tipsy with every emotion that could describe her joy and love for Tunji Jacobs. She loved him. Yes she did and he loved her more. That was all that mattered. Nothing else matters. As he drew her into a tight hug, she laughed out loud as she imagined Simi''s reaction when she gave her the full gist. She mouthed a "Thank you Simi" as she thanked her stars as well for the boldness to walk up to this man that fateful day. She had always been one that quoted Sefi Atta's "Everything Good Will Come" to herself when things turned sour with her. Now, her "Everything Good" has come in a cocktail style. She had an amazing family that supported her, a great job that has helped her grow in so many capacities and the best man ever.  Her everything good has come. She laughed happily as Tunji kissed her loudly on the cheek and all over her face playfully.

.........................

The photo album still laid opened on the floor in the living room.  The whole place still had traces of the scuffle that had happened. The cleaner will come in the morning to clean up. And everything would go back to normal.

BURNT ( EPISODE 20)

Mila knew she was defenseless against Lily because Lily was taller, older and more vicious. She had the look that said that this wasn't the first time she was doing this and for her, it was a good sport. As Lily lunged at her, she had picked up the first object she laid her hands on; a small perfume bottle and when She threw it at Lily, it hit her on her forehead. The impact of the hit was heavy on Lily as it made her stagger, she had to hold the edge of the bed to regain her composure. That gave Mila the opportunity to rush to the door, swipe her key card and run out.

She ran down the stairs, grabbed her phone from the couch and remembering that she was half naked, dragged the small duvet she had used earlier to watch movies around her. She was about rushing to the door when she felt a sudden yank on her hair that pulled her back and she gave a pained scream. Lily, seeing that she was having the upper hand tugged more on her hair and Mila fell to the floor. She sat astride Mila and hit her face hard with a punch that got Mila weak as she cursed hotly under her breath,

"Bitch!"

Lily tried to pin both of her hands down but Mila who had regained a bit of her strength twitched frantically both with anger and fear. Lily was enjoying Mila's struggle and thus played along laughing excitedly. When she spoke, she sounded exhilarated.

"Is this how you play hard to get with Tunji when he wants to have you Mila?" she giggled

"Get off me!" Mila shouted, trying to push her off

At that point, the door opened and Tunji walked in looking exhausted but the exhaustion on his face was replaced by shock, irritation and anger. He flung his attache case aside and rushed up on Lily shouting.

"Jesus Christ Lily! What the hell are you doing?!" he dragged her off Mila and pushed her away then he tried helping Mila up but Mila was too weak to stand. He carried her up and gently went to place her on the couch before turning his full attention on Lily.

Tunji was enraged and he took long swift strides to Lily where she stood against the white walls. He punched his fist into the wall and shouted angrily,

"What was that all about? How did you get in here? I thought I warned you never to step foot in this house?!" he was glaring at her, trying to control his thoughts of inflicting pain on her

Lily looked shaken but composed herself like she wasn't bothered about his rage. She moved up to him seductively and said coyly, with her right hand on his face.

"I was only playing with her but she took offence baby"

Tunji was so mad at this that he pushed off her hand and shouted in her face "Does Mila look like a toy to you?! Does everyone look like a toy to you?! What makes you think you can just go around "playing" with people, huh?!"

Lily was scared now cos she had never seen Tunji lose his temper over anything. She went mute and couldn't talk but Tunji wasn't done yet. He shouted at her again.

"Answer me Lily!"

Lily was flustered and gabbled when she spoke, "Look Tunji, I..I..I just wanted us..."

Tunji moved a step away from her and with his left hand, he pointed to the doorway and said,

"Now take your horny self and leave this minute. There's no us anymore Lily. The divorce's been finalized and I've got the papers here. You'll get yours in the US. It's over Lily. No more games"

Lily looked defeated and made another attempt to touch Tunji but he stepped back and said calmly this time,

"Leave Lily. And listen, you'll never ever try this again with Mila, with us. Is that understood?"

She nodded and turned to leave but Tunji called her back and stretched out his hand.

"The keys"

Lily handed over the cards and like a zombie, she walked out. Tunji walking behind, locked the door and checked his security box to ensure that all other doors were locked. Then, with realization dawning on him of what had happened and what could have happened to Mila, he took unfaltering steps towards her, bent down and carried her in his arms. As he climbed the stairs, he murmured to her words of assurance that she was safe with him. Mila was mute and still in shock at the events of the evening. She held on tight to Tunji and closed her eyes, trying to blank out thoughts of possibilities or eventualities.

BURNT (EPISODE 19)

The night Tunji bared it all out to Mila was a night she would always remember with a smile on her face. She had as well apologized for giving him a hard time and when he had asked about Bode, she had laughed really hard but assured him that Bode was just a nice person who had taken care of her mental health in London. They had made up and for Mila, the best part of the night had been the intimacy they had shared. Not through sex but, they had laid on bed, wrapped in each other's cloak of love, comfort, and silence that sealed it all. And when sleep came, it needed no preamble to settle on their lids.

......................

Resumption at work started on a good note for Mila and as usual, there were new projects to handle, new pitches to prepare for new contracts and two new interns to supervise. It was going to be a hectic start to the new year but Mila was glad about it. For her, it meant more responsibilities as well as more experience in directing people. Tunji was also deeply immersed in work. He kept on having series of meeting that required him to go on several trips to Abuja and the US but they were in touch almost everyday as he ensured he called her most nights.

He had also given Mila a spare key to his house and a key to  a Toyota car that looked too sleek to even leave his garage that was concealed beside the house. She had learnt how to drive during her service year but had never really put to practice what she had learnt. She kept the keys anyways as she wasn't ready yet to go to the house. She would go that weekend to rest as it was already the middle of February and work had been mighty intense. She would go and unwind there.

........................

It was Saturday evening and Mila was alone in the huge house because Tunji still wasn't back from his trip to the US. She had tried calling him the previous night but his line wasn't reachable so she had invited his Chef, Mark earlier in the day to come and teach her to prepare some of Tunji's favorite delicacies and it had been fun. She had urged him to stay a bit more but he had declined for Tunji did not like too much hovering around of his domestic staff. He usually paid them to come do their job and then leave him to his space. So Mila decided to watch some movies before calling it a night.

She was deeply engrossed in "Breaking Dawn", a movie she had seen several times when she heard the door open gently and someone walked in. The sound of the steps didn't sound familiar but Mila who was surprised that Tunji must have returned unexpectedly hurried to the door to see who had come into the house. She was so shocked she almost tripped when she saw the familiar white skin, long legs, blonde hair, sparkling dark eyes and nude lipstick on perfectly shaped lips that had a mischievous smile on, all held together in a plain green tank top and bum shorts. It was Lily, Tunji's ex wife.

Lily stood at the door looking around like she didn't notice Mila's presence then, as if satisfied that she was in the same old house she used to know, she walked past Mila into the living room. Mila turned around, following her with her eyes and her mind doing a million calculations about what to do or say. Lily had gone straight to the shelves on the wall and had brought out the same photo album Mila had almost looked through last year. She opened it and giggled at the first photo before raising up her head to look at Mila for the first time. Her deep dark eyes smoldered Mila making her feel small and Mila cringed at what she saw on Lily's face. She saw pure hatred.

Lily moved a step towards her and said calmly but icily;

"Hello Mila"

Mila, all short of words could only manage,

"Lily, you shouldn't be here"

Lily smiled, revealing a perfect dentition as she said "Oh! he told you my name. I want to presume he told you everything as well right?" she raised one of her perfectly arched brow in question.

Mila tried to release a shaky breath "Yes, Tunji did"

Lily moved closer to Mila and as if under her spell, Mila didn't move. Lily stood in front of her talking;

"I see. Let me guess, he told you that I'm Lesbian, that I cheated on him, that I refused to sign our divorce papers, that I moved to America even when we were newly wedded...and all that crap?" she raised her other brow dramatically in question again

Mila was sweating on her forehead now despite the coolness of the room. She was shocked that Lily knew all what Tunji had told her and she asked carefully picking her words with her eyes narrowed.

"How would you know if he said all of that?"

Lily raised her long slender fingers to Mila's face and trailed the outline of her jawline to the nape of her neck, sending shock waves of fear down Mila's spine and resting her palm there before responding.

"Let's say I know because, I am truly gay and fragile ones like you turn me on" she paused searching Mila's face for any reaction but Mila looked calm then she continued; "And, on the other hand, I'm pretty much possessive. Even if I'm not really a fan of the masculine phallus, I love to have them for keeps. Tunji is a rare breed. He loves hard just like he works hard and it used to give me the utmost pleasure to have him drool at my feet until you came along" Her hand tightened around Mila's neck and her sharp nails pierced deeply into Mila's skin. Taken unawares by this move of violence form Lily, Mila screamed in pain and struggled to be free.

Lily shouted at her,

"Why did you come into our life Mila? You spoilt everything! I had him where I wanted until you came along! Why are you here?!"

Mila ckoked on her words as she replied,

"Oh please...stop...you're hurting...me...Lily... please..."

"Really? You think this is enough hurt? Well, maybe, just maybe if Tunji had allowed me have you that night, I probably would have played nice"

She used her other hand to tear the pink cotton top Mila was wearing and as she tried using both hands to drag Mila's white pantie, Mila pushed her off and ran up the stairs to Tunji's room. She locked the door and removed the key when she heard Lily's footsteps coming after her then she started looking for her phone but she realized that she had left it on the couch in the living room. She crumpled to the floor and started crying. Lily didn't look like a psycho but she certainly was one. She heard Lily at the door laughing crazily and then she froze when she heard a key swipe against the lock and the door opened. Lily entered the room and Mila scrambled to her feet, bringing her hands together in front of her as if in supplication but Lily shook her head and said,

"The exciting thing here is your ignorance Mila. You forget I lived here too. I have the keys to every room in this house and Tunji's heart of course" she walked seductively to Mila and Mila went around the bed away from her but she followed cooing like a mother hen to her chic.

"Come on Mila, I just want to feel you. I want to have a taste of what you give to Tunji. Atleast, you owe me that much for stealing my man" she said sweetly

Mila was so irritated about the whole scenario that she shouted at Lily.

"I owe you nothing bitch! Tunji was done with you a long time ago!And I don't do women so leave me the fuck alone!"

This enraged Lily and she lunged at Mila like a wild cat in hot pursuit of a scared rat.

BURNT (EPISODE 18)

Mila rested her head on Tunji's chest and listened to his heartbeat. It beat evenly and she felt secure as he held her, running his fingers through her hair. She listened patiently as he talked;

"I've been married for the past seven years to Lily. Our parents of course arranged the union and since we liked each other, we went with the flow. I thought we had a lot of things in common but I was wrong cos Lily had insisted on staying in the US one year after our wedding and so, I had to shuttle between Nigeria and America for business and my wife. In the fourth year of our marriage, We still didn't have a child and when I visited our family doctor who is also a good friend of mine, he told me that Lily was on another pill asides the one we agreed on for the first two years of our marriage. When I confronted her, she wasn't ashamed to tell me that she was in love with someone else and had continued the pills to prevent any pregnancy.

If her lover had been a man, I would have stood a chance but, her lover was female. I never knew of that other side of Lily and she bluntly told me that she was fine staying married to me as long as she could continue being with her lover. I couldn't stand her decision; she didn't even want babies. She just wanted to be happy with her lover and still stay married to me as she put it.

I filed for divorce two years ago and Lily didn't make it easy for me. She kept on delaying the signing of the documents and the entire process which was the reason I traveled for three months. It took that long to get her to finally sign after the one year waiting period according to the court's orders.

It was during that period I met you Mila. I know we haven't known each other for up to a year but if there's anything I've come to understand with you; it's the fact that, it's not how long you've known a person but how well you complement each other. I thought I had that with Lily but, Lily had and still has her own definition of love. She's happy with her lover and I'm glad she found her happiness elsewhere but I've found my happiness in you and I don't want to lose you Mila."

Mila sighed as she tried absorbing the whole information. Then she asked;

"But you lied to me about travelling abroad for a meeting and then I see you both looking so happy and in love together at COVA. She certainly didn't look gay to me"

Tunji moved her away from him a bit to look at her fully in the face before he answered her.

"Mila, I was gonna travel yes but then, Lily came into Nigeria without telling me. That night you saw us at COVA, she had just gotten in and I didn't want her to stay at the house. I wanted her to go to her parents' but she begged me to take her out for a drink which I did. Trust me, I and Lily aren't enemies even though we have our differences and she's a very skilled flirt. What you saw that night wasn't anything but just her being in her elements"

"But you kissed!" Mila protested

"It was a peck Mila, on her cheek. And funny enough, she fancied you and was checking you out and asking me to help her strike a deal with you to spend the night with her. I never knew that it was you until I looked closely but it was too late"

Mila suddenly felt irritated and frowned her face at Tunji. She couldn't help but ask him,

"Honestly, how did you get to that point Tunji? You mean you were married for seven years and had no clue that she was gay?"

Tunji sighed and shook his head.

"Why didn't you tell me about the divorce?" Mila asked with a pained look on her face

He took Mila's hands in his and said,

"I didn't think it was necessary Sunshine. I didn't want to involve you in my mess. That's all there is to tell. I'm so sorry about everything. No more secrets, never again" he drew her to him and held her again.

Mila had one more question and she felt that if she didn't ask, she might not be able to ask anymore.

"Is the divorce process over?"

"Almost Sunshine. Soon, it will and we'll be fine''

They held each other that way, drawing strength in their new found bond. The air had been cleared and a burdened soul had been bared. What's next? Mila asked herself as she sensed that this peace wouldn't last.

BURNT (EPISODE 17)

Mila's reunion with her parents was beyond emotional. Her Mom especially who had been busy all day preparing a variety of delicacies for her couldn't allow her tiredness to stop her from expressing her joy. She held on to Mila in a lengthy hug that got her Dad laughing. He had warned her not to stress herself with the cooking as the Mila he knew wouldn't eat even a portion of the food but she hadn't listened. True to his words, Mila didn't eat. She had gotten home a few minutes before seven and was already feeling the jet lag setting into her bones. She really needed to sleep and wished that she hadn't told Tunji to pick her up by 8. She quickly gave her parents the goodies she bought them, conversed with them for about twenty minutes and then retired to her room. She turned on the heater in the bathroom first before undressing so that she could drench her bones in the hot shower.

As she stepped into the shower, she allowed the hot water to pierce her scalp. She had worn wigs all through her stay in London and so, it was easier for her to soak her hair in the water. She stood there brooding about her impending meeting with Tunji. In a few minutes time, he would come pick her as she had requested. Was she ready for this? Wasn't she cutting him too much slack? Wasn't she being too easy on him? Wasn't she giving him the impression that she had missed him which was why she had called to see him? Was she being hasty? Because she knew the answers to these questions, she closed her eyes and chanted her New Year's resolution in her head again and again as she allowed the water to wash off her doubts and her fears.

......................

She had just finished blow drying her hair when her phone rang. It was Tunji and he had arrived. She wore on a simple white Boubou gown made of silk with her hair falling around her shoulders. Then she picked up her phone, wore a fluffy slipper and left the house to meet him outside. She told her parents she needed to get to the Pharmacy for some aspirin and would be back shortly because if she told them her intention, they wouldn't allow her see Tunji. Curtsy of her Mom, her Dad was aware of what had happened between her and Tunji. Not the full gist but, just that they had a lover's rift.

.....................

She saw the familiar white Range Rover Sports car parked beside the gate and the familiar silhouette of Tunji inside. She didn't rush forward to the car. Somehow, she found herself rooted to the spot staring at the car. Then Tunji on seeing her, immediately got out of the car and in four long strides was in front of her. He reached out to pull her to him but Mila raised her hands in defense against any form of physical contact with him. She wasn't ready for that just yet.

"Please, don't touch me" she said with a little quaver in her voice

Tunji nodded with a deep sigh of relief at finally seeing her and disappointment that he couldn't touch her. Then he asked;

"Where would you like us to go Mila?"

"Anywhere we can talk in private but please, not your house" she replied and walked towards the car leaving him standing there.

Tunji slowly walked to the car and turning on the ignition, he drove into the night.

......................

They were at the Wheatbaker Hotel in a room that looked like a mini flat. It was pure luxury in and out and Mila couldn't help feeling relaxed because, the ambiance was helping to calm her stretched nerves. They were sitting opposite each other in the living room of the hotel room with a low table in between them.  Mila had refused Tunji's offer of food or drinks except for a bottle of water. She didn't have any appetite at all for food and she needed a clear head to tackle this irresistible bundle of temptation sitting before her. He looked like he had lost a few pounds; not like he was fleshy at all. He looked stressed and he had a little stubble of beards growing on the sides of his face. Tunji never allowed his beards grow around his face save for around his mouth. He was wearing a white V necked polo T shirt and black jeans with white sneakers. His hair was a bit grown and he hadn't bothered to cut it. But he looked sexier in a rugged kind of way and it made Mila uneasy. She tried looking relaxed, angry, uncaring and unfeeling. Any emotion at all that she could find in her emotional bank to show that she didn't care that she had put him through hell would help her to be focused on the issue at hand right now.

Tunji was looking her directly in the eyes with his elbows resting on his knees and his chin on the back of his hands. His unwavering look made her uncomfortable and he knew it because, he noticed that she couldn't meet his gaze. He searched her face for an expression, anything at all that would assure him that the familiar Mila was in there somewhere but she looked cold and unfeeling. That shook him a bit but he wasn't deterred. He would make things right. He exhaled through his nose before saying,

"You look more beautiful than ever"

She didn't reply

"I've missed you terribly Mila"

Still no response from Mila

"I'm really sorry about everything Mila" he tried again

"What do you want from me Tunji?" Mila asked in a small voice she couldn't recognize as hers

"I want you back" Tunji said stretching out a hand to take hers but Mila shrank back and he retreated

"You've been married all along and you never said a word. Why did you do that to me?" her voice quavered

"Mila, I never planned to hurt you in any way. I'm sorry"

"Just shut the fuck up with the apologies and answer me! Why didn't you tell me you're married?" Mila screamed at him. She was glaring at him and shaking with rage now. She started crying. Hot tears she thought she had finished shedding streamed down her face and even when she put her hand to her mouth to stop the sobs that followed she couldn't control herself.

Tunji was shocked and pained. He had never seen this side of Mila and it scared him as he wondered how deeply he had hurt her. Had he lost her forever? he wondered. He held his head in his hands for some minutes as he tried pulling his chaotic thoughts together. He felt his heart burn as he watched her cry then he got up and went to her. He tried holding her but she pushed him away and her crying increased. That got to him and he forcefully held her in a tight hug that even when she struggled to be free of him again, she couldn't so she stopped and instead, snug into him as she allowed him comfort her.

"It's a long story Mila but I'll tell you all about it. I promise, no more secrets" Tunji said and he held her that way until her sobbing subsided.

Mila let him hold her much longer. She was tired and weak. All she wanted was the truth even if it would hurt her. She was ready now to hear the worse.

BURNT (EPISODE 16)

Coming back to Nigeria was sort of huge relief for Mila. No doubt; she had had fun and enjoyed being spoilt by the first class hospitality of the Cokers especially from Simi and Bode but somehow, she longed for Lagos. She longed for her job as well for in her job, she found solace. If she threw herself into it's intensity, she might succeed in getting her mind away from all of these plaguing thoughts about Tunji. She still hadn't read or even replied his messages. She still wasn't ready to. She already knew what he would say.

He would say that he was sorry for hurting her. His apology would not be for not telling her that he was married, it would be for getting caught in the act of being deeply in love with his wife. He would be explaining himself from so many angles but it would all still bore down to one thing; he was married. And, there was no point in listening to whatever he had to say cos it wouldn't lead anywhere. It wasn't like he would leave his wife for her and the good Lord knows that that wasn't what she wanted. No way! She wasn't a home breaker and has never planned to be one. What happened with Nathan was a mistake but with Tunji, it was complete naivete and stupidity on her on part.

How naive could one be at the age of 25? Why didn't she ask Tunji the right questions? He was a 36 year old CEO with everything any human could ask for to live a comfortable life. Why did she ever think that he wouldn't have a girlfriend, fiancee or wife somewhere? "Oh Mila, you got served" Mila pinched herself for the hundredth time. She looked out the window of the aircraft, enjoying the beautiful display of the clouds gathered together as if acknowledging her return home. She looked down just as the pilot was announcing that the plane would land in fifteen minutes. Mila shuddered with dread at what lay in store for her. She tried reciting her new year resolution; something she never took serious. She shut her eyes and chanted it like a mantra over and over again as the plane took it's descent, "get over Tunji Jacobs and move on". 

.......................

She arrived the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, at about 5 pm Monday evening. The airport was crowded as throngs of people kept moving at a fast pace to either book a flight or catch their flight. It was the perfect scene of an organized chaos. Mila understood this; it was the Lagos style. Even when there's no rush, people just find themselves rushing naturally. "My Lagos, I have missed you" Mila mused to herself as she checked out her luggage and headed towards the parking lot.

She had called her mom before leaving London to inform her of her coming home so she hoped the usual Lagos traffic would be merciful enough to allow her get home early. Thankfully, she found a cab. She turned on her phone and scrolled through her social media apps. There wasn't anything serious going on save for the New Year festivities still ongoing. Then she moved on to her Whatsapp messages and replied Simi's, Bode's and some other people's messages, most of them New Year's wishes for her. She still had about fifty messages from Tunji she hadn't read.  "What's the worse that could happen if I read his messages?" she thought to herself. She took a deep breath before opening Tunji's chat and it said;

Dec. 15, 2015

Mila, I can explain
What you saw isn't what you think
Please, just take my calls

Mila, I'm so sorry, I never ever meant to hurt you

Please take my calls

I heard you collapsed. Please, I want to see you.
I need to see you Mila
I need to know you weren't hurt

I'm outside your house right now and the gate is locked. 
Please let me in.

I'm still here Mila. I'm not leaving anytime soon. (1:00 am)

Mila, I'm sorry.
Atleast, allow me in.
I have to see you and be sure that you're alright.


Mila...
It's 2: 00 am now. Please, take my calls

Dec. 16, 2015

Hey Sunshine, I hope you're well. 
May I come see you today?

Please, let's meet. 
I have a lot to tell you

Mila, please talk to me

I know what I did was horrible, but at least give me a chance to explain myself

I need to talk to you Mila

She paused as she felt the tears stinging her eyes then she read on. They were many so she quickly scrolled through some then she slowed down on the rest.

Dec. 25, 2015

Merry Christmas Mila.
I was at your place yesterday and your Mom told me you traveled with Simi 

Where are you?

Dec. 28, 2015

I'm in London right now Mila. I came with Leo but Simi's refusing to allow me see you.

Mila, who's Bode?
You've refused to talk to me or even see me and now, you've moved on with someone else?
Please, talk to me...

Jan 1, 2016

Mila, I've searched for you in most of the hotels around but none can identify you.
Leo just told me you're at Simi's.
Please send me Simi's address so I can come meet with you or meet me at Radisson Blu Edwardian Heathrow Hotel.
That's where I'm lodged.

Your silence is killing me Mila
I'm sorry about everything
All I ask for now is to see your face again and make things right with you.

I'm not giving you up for anyone Mila
I'm not letting you go

Jan 4, 2016

I'm at the Heathrow airport. I'm heading back to Nigeria now but I'll wait for you there

I know I messed up Mila but at least, give me a chance to see you and talk to you.

I love you Mila
I'll wait for you.

Mila was crying by the time she finished reading Tunji's chats. She was tearing up with so many emotions at the same time. She was angry, sad, and happy. She was angry that Tunji had come search for her in London and Simi and Bode had refused to allow him see her. They hadn't even told her that he was around, she was so pissed. But, she won't blame them cos they were only trying to help her through her healing process. She understood what they had done. She was sad that she had put Tunji through so much stress. No matter what he had done, she still loved him and didn't wish to make him feel just as miserable as she felt. She was happy because, he had gone out of his way to go search for her in London. He had mentioned that he loved her and would wait for her but was she ready to see him yet? She wasn't sure of anything anymore but she'd take her chances.

She clicked on Tunji's profile and dialed his number. He picked on the first ring.

..........................

"Where are you?" she asked without the usual curtsy

"At home. I need to see you Mila" Tunji said sounding weak

Mila melted at the sound of his voice. She exhaled slowly before saying,

"I'm on my way home from the airport now. Pick me up by 8 pm" then she hung up.

She would hear whatever he had to say when they saw each other.For now, she needed to strengthen her defenses against any impending distractions to their conversation.

She closed her eyes again and continued chanting her New Year's resolution;

"get over Tunji Jacobs and move on". 

BURNT (EPISODE 15)

Mila was  kidding herself when she thought that her trip to London would clear her head. The trip did her a lot of good as she was able to heal gradually but thoughts of Tunji still plagued her thoughts. Simi ensured that they engaged in a lot of activities that also involved her siblings. They went on a tour to the famous Tower of London and when Simi saw the nostalgic look on Mila's face, she took her to the Coca-Cola London Eye for a roller coaster ride hoping that it would shake her out of her misery. Simi also ensured that her elder brother Bode, spent a lot of quality time with Mila.

Bode was a 30 year old Medical Doctor who was already four years in practice. He had taken a liking to Mila the moment he saw her. According to him, she was like a fragile bird that needed to be taken care of and he wasted no time in volunteering to keep Mila company whenever he was available. Mila liked him as well more especially because, even though he is a quiet person, he talked a lot to her when he noticed her brooding.

On Christmas eve, Mila called her family and when she heard each of their voices as her siblings had converged at her parent's, she broke down finally. She missed them, she missed Nigeria and she missed Tunji terribly. Tunji had sent her more messages on Whatsapp but she had refused to open them for fear of what she would see. No doubt, the temptation to read them came mostly at night when her eyes refused to close but instead, she would put her phone far away from her. She had initially deleted his number from her phone but his digits were still stuck in her head just like he had left his imprint on her. She was scared by the mark of his love and betrayal.

She still couldn't understand how she had never gotten any sign at all that he was married. His house was clean of any feminine touch, his room was all masculine and his cook was male. He didn't live a complicated life that showed that he had any female influence whatsoever. So, where had his wife been all along? Is it that they weren't living together? Was she in the US? What could have made them stay apart that period? Mila kept racking her brains about these things.

....................

It was Thursday, the night before New year's eve and Simi had gone to meet up with Leo who had come into town the previous day to see her. So, Mila was in her room alone that evening. She had nothing to do as usual. So she lay on her bed, flipping through a magazine absentmindedly. She heard a knock on her door and went to open it. There stood Bode, looking handsome, dark and really tall in his black outfit, gray muffler wrapped around his neck and his black boots. He smiled at her fondly and said;

"What are you up to Mila?"

Mila smiled back weakly. She knew Bode knew the answer to that question already so she shrugged and he shook his head as he laughed and said again;

"Okay, dress up. We're going to see the fireworks. You surely don't want to miss out on that do you?"

Mila shook her head as she smiled back and replied,

"I'll be out in a moment"

She went back into her room, closed the door shut and started dressing up. She wasn't sure why but she was glad Bode had come to take her out. She was desperately in need of a fresh start for the new year. As she dressed up, she wondered what surprises the new year had in store for her. She was going back to Nigeria on Sunday and back to her reality. She prayed silently that things will turn out well.

...................

As they stood looking up at the fire works, Bode took Mila's gloved hand in his and squeezed it reassuringly. Then he asked her to do something significant. He asked her to make a wish and as Mila closed her eyes, she wished for the impossible.

THE "BESTIE" TAG: EXPECTATION VS REALITY

If you've got a "Bestie" say "YAY!"

Don't we all love having a friend that sticks closer than the closeness of other friends or family? I bet we all do. No matter how much of a recluse you claim to be, there's always that one person you love to spend time with, confide in, travel with, hangout with, fight, pray, laugh and cry with as well as gossip with (can't omit this one). Sometimes, relationships with such persons could have developed from childhood into adulthood, from teen years into adulthood or even in adulthood. It could take that long to finally find/meet that one person that you can truly trust. Note, your Bestie is not necessarily your spouse. Your Bestie could be male or female. A guy could have a girl as a Bestie and a girl could have a guy as a Bestie. It happens all the time and most times, we have a million reasons for being friends with such persons and other times, we can't even give a specific reason because, we just love them the way they are.

Now, as a result of such closeness we've developed overtime with our Besties, there are so many expectations we have of them that are sometimes realistic and unrealistic. A lot of times, these expectations could become problems because first of, I think it's wrong to expect too much from people. So, I'm gonna explain some of the realities that we get in against the expectations that we have of our Besties.

EXPECTATIONS VS REALITIES

1. Expectation: Bestie should always be available

Reality: Your Bestie cannot always be available because, he/she has their own life going on for them. "I'll always be there for you" doesn't mean that they'll always be there. Life happens every time and sometimes, life doesn't just afford you the luxury of being where you want when you want it. The sooner you get used to it, the better.

2. Expectation: Bestie should know how I feel

Reality:  Truth is, sometimes your Bestie could be one of the most insensitive and most self absorbed human alive who doesn't even care about how you feel until you've exhausted your emotional bank in feeding theirs. Sometimes, they don't even know they're like that because they either grew up receiving all the attention in their family or they grew into that character. Who knows? But the fact is, your Bestie might not always know how you feel or just don't care to know because, that's who they are. So, the sooner you understand this aspect of him/her the better for you. Sounds harsh right? That's life for you.

3. Expectation: We'll know all of each other's secret

Reality: Says who? This is where a lot of people get it wrong. As Besties, you both could have shared secrets but I assure you, there are some personal secrets that are better left unshared and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. A friend once complained to me about his Best friend. He felt the dude was really secretive. Another one complained that her bestie was the type that would listen to all of her gist but would go lips sealed about hers. Let's be frank for a minute; is your relationship with that person based on you knowing every single thing about them? Surely, something else made you choose that person as your closest pal instead of their private lives. Remember, they had a life and idiosyncrasy before they met you so why not allow them to have their secrets and decide if to share them with you or not.

4. Expectation: Bestie should Like what I like and Hate what I hate

Reality: Okay! That's a whole lot of expectations for one person to keep up with. That you are my best friend doesn't mean we've become a soul gelled together as one. Of course, we will definitely have a lot of shared interests but it can't be about everything! Even couples who claim to be soul mates still have their personal preferences. Lena (fake name) always feels like her Bestie isn't loyal because, she keeps saying "hello" to 'Stacy who she's (Lena) not on good terms with. To have such an expectation of a friend is so wrong! You can't turn your best friend into the worse version of you all because you expect them to prove their loyalty towards you. That's selfish if you ask me. The best bet is to focus on other good areas that your Bestie has proven their loyalty. Remember, they're closest to you but not as much as you are closest to yourself.

5. Expectation:  We'll both hang out together all the time

Reality: Boring! When you both are always together, it gets pretty boring and you start seeing faults where there isn't in each other. Other times, your Bestie might be the sort that likes to hang out with other people which isn't wrong so get used to it and quit being possessive.

These are my thoughts. What's yours? I'll love to know your own expectations and realities too. Feel free to share them in the comments box below.

Cheers!

6 WAYS TO ENJOY A GIRLS NIGHT OUT

Where my ladies at?!

If you've been struggling to organize and enjoy a girls night out with your girlfriends, this post is totally for you. As I wrote this post, I remembered a lot of events that happened in 2014 before I went for NYSC and I'm going to use one of them here so, brace yourselves with your popcorn and get ready as I bless you with 6 amazing ways to enjoy a girls night out.

First of, what's a girls night out? For the benefit of those who are talented in creating figurative definitions to things that should be understood literally, let's take a shot at giving a clear definition.

A Girls Night Out simply means, an evening or night that two or more girls have chosen and agreed to go somewhere (it could be a party, a club, a bar, an event, movies, etc) and have fun. Simple! Usually, the idea behind this arrangement is to unwind from the stress of their daily activities and to catch up on their various life events. This is supposed to be a good avenue to breathe, detox the mind and bond  but sometimes, it ends up turning out crazy as in place of the positive vibes that spurred the initiation of the arrangement, negative vibes are birthed. Relationships are either strengthened or weakened when such negativity sets in. So, how do you enjoy a girls night out?

1. Agree on a venue ahead of time

This is really important to avoid confusion. I've had an occasion where I and some course mates back in University decided on a girls night out. It a spur of the moment decision and that evening turned out to be a disaster. We kept touring from one bar to another looking for space. It was more frustrating cos, exams was over and students had taken over most of the happening (affordable) spots around. We ended up going back to the hostel in out party frocks like kids who had missed Santa.  It was crazy that day cos we couldn't afford to go to the more expensive spots in town.

2. Budget

You shouldn't be ashamed of talking about the money aspect instead of just the fun. Remember, quality fun doesn't come cheap except someone volunteers to foot the bill. But, where there's no "Miss big spender", please respect yourselves and prepare your money in advance. Some ladies go out and hope to catch the attention of a generous dude that will buy them drinks. Hmm, if only you know that the fairy god- mother of "oshofree" also gets pissed at ladies who like free things. Point is, plan ahead and save up some cash to have quality fun. You just might be lucky to meet someone who will pay the bills but still, have some cash.

3. Agree on a dress code

This might seem irrelevant but trust me, it is REALLY important. Us ladies know this too well. Admiration for a fellow woman's outfit could turn sour when the admirer feels less in her own outfit. I've seen situations where a group of girls would agree on a hang out and then one of them could go like "just wear what you like" and then when they meet, everyone might dress down save for the one that made that statement. She could be looking like she's going for a red carpet event while the rest would be looking like her glam squad. Lol.  Truth is, others would feel uncomfortable except the most dressed up who might also end up feeling out of place or overly dressed for the occasion. So, best thing to do is to agree if everyone should go on jeans, gowns, dresses, or whatever. Your outfits doesn't have to be the same, but it could either be casual or seriously sexy.

4. Please be cheerful, try not to outshine your girlfriends!

Now this is where I get to share my experience to back up this tip. I once visited my "Bestie" where she was serving cos I hadn't started serving then. I was a fresh graduate and working so, I would visit her on some weekends when I was bored. It happened that on one of those evenings I arrived at her house, she was preparing for a "girls night out" organized by one of her friends and neighbour. So my Bestie introduced me to her as well as a third girl who was present there and we all chattered excitedly like we had known one another for ages.

When we got to the location, Kim (fake name) changed her countenance all of a sudden. She became cold and all business like towards us. In fact, she left us at the gate and went straight inside the venue. Then after some minutes, she came out again and shouted "oya nau! you girls should hurry please. I don't have time for this" then she walked inside again. The three of us looked at one another, dumb founded. When we got inside, Kim never laughed or shared a joke with us.  The outing was a disaster and my Bestie was livid with anger for even bringing me out to witness such "nonsense" as she put it.

Morale of the story is; Dear Ladies, if you're gonna go for a night out, please be cheerful, smile and fine tune your mind to have fun!. Try not to out shine your girl friends and stop acting like you're all competing for attention. The idea is to pass around positive energy and not give anyone the impression that you're boss over your other girlfriends.

5. Avoid Emotional breakdowns

I know we each all have one issue or the other plaguing our hearts and sometimes, we just want to share our deepest hurts with our friends. Well, that's not a bad idea but it's a turn off if you're gonna do it in a girls night out. Come on, it's not the end of the world. Such times are reserved to breathe and not break down. The best thing to do instead, is to channel that energy you've reserved to break down and cry to the excitement before you. Trust me, you'll come back feeling refreshed.

6. Finally, feel free to be extra

Yas! feel free to be as crazy and outgoing as you want. You're not out to impress anyone or any guy around. That's why its called a "Girls Night Out". Be free to laugh out loud if you want, make jokes even if your're terrible at it, dance even if you've got no rhythm and have fun. Don't be too uptight cos you'll end up spoiling the mood.

And so darlings, those are my tips on how to enjoy a Girls Night Out. I'll love to read your comments on this. I want to know if you can relate. Also, feel free to share your experiences if you've faced the reverse of any of the cases I mentioned above.

Cheers!

BURNT (EPISODE 14)

She was standing outside Tunji's house and for some weird reason, she refused to press the door bell. She just stood there staring at the door. Then she heard footsteps; coming not from inside the house but from around the corner of the house. She turned to look and saw Kumbi in a black chiffon gown that stopped above her knees with a blonde weave that looked like her natural hair. She turned and started walking away but Kumbi's wicked laughter filled with scorn turned her walk into a run. She could hear Kumbi shouting behind her,

"Bitch! you'll be a side chick all your life!"

She didn't stop running. She continued as fast as her trembling legs could carry, then her legs buckled. She tripped on something and fell flat on her face, then she woke up with a start, panting heavily.

............................

Mila was sweating profusely even in her cold room. She looked around to be sure of her environment. Once assured that she was in the safety of her room, she removed her phone from under her pillow and switched it back on. She had switched it off to avoid calls from anyone, especially Tunji. She wasn't ready to face the world, or him just yet. She checked the date on her phone; it was still Monday but it was 9 pm already.  The beeps on her Whatsapp were deafening and when she checked, there were 50 messages. She saw chats from Simi, about twenty from Tunji and some of her colleagues. She didn't open the others except the one from Simi. Simi's message read;

"Sweetheart, I hope you're okay. Everyone's worried sick about you. You line's off and no one can call you. Mila, you passed out cold! I still can't understand why cos, one minute you were right there at my party and the next minute, we found you at the door way of COVA. What the hell happened?! 

I'll be  at yours  by 9:30pm. See you later love."

Mila shut her eyes, tightly closed. She didn't want Simi to come, she didn't want anyone to come around her just yet. She wanted to wallow in her misery alone and beat herself thoroughly for allowing this evil befall her a second time. She had been too carried away with Tunji's care and attention for her that she had failed to ask the pertinent questions that would have at least helped her define her relationship with him. He hadn't particularly lied to her but, he had omitted that simple most important information that he was married. Not just to a woman but, a goddess for a woman.

Seriously, what was wrong with his wife? She looked like the embodiment of all a man could ever ask for. Why did he cheat on his wife with her? Why did he put her in that position of the side chick? Where had the wife been all those times when he brought her over to the house to spend the weekend with him? Why didn't he ever mention the wife? Why did he keep assuring her of his affections for her if he was still deeply in love with his wife?

Mila kept asking herself so many questions she couldn't answer. She curled up on her bed as again, her phone started vibrating. She checked to see if it was more Whatsapp messages but this time, it was "Mine" that was calling. He called five times but she didn't pick and the sixth time Mila lost her temper and screamed as she grabbed the phone with anger and threw it at her door. Simi ducked as it was at that time  that Mila's Mom and her opened the door. The phone hit the side of the door and fell to the floor but it kept ringing. Mila was screaming wildly now.

"Shut up! Shut the fuck up! You truth omitting bastard! Shut the fuck up!"

Simi and Mrs. Bassey; already scared at the sight of Mila, stood still warily at the door in shock. Mila looked scary with her wig still on her head but all ruffled up like she had been engaged in a crazy fight, she had on just her black panties and a white cropped top. Her makeup was smeared all over her face making her look like one of those zombie teens in a horror movie. Their heart melted when Mila looked in their direction with realization on her face that they had witnessed her brief moment of madness. She crawled down from the bed to the floor to her pick up the phone.

Simi immediately bent to pick it while Mrs. Bassey rushed over to Mila on the floor and hugged her. The sobs that followed came out in heavy gasps as Mila's body spasmed violently. Mila couldn't breathe, she opened her mouth to try to but instead, hysteric wails came out. Simi couldn't comprehend the scene before her but Mila's disorientated state brought tears to her eyes as well and she too knelt beside her and simply put her hand on Mila's hair, straightening the waves into place. The room was silent save for the sound of  Mila's sobs and they stayed that way, allowing her to have her moment of purgation.

......................

Mrs. Bassey had left the girls to go and prepare some hot pepper soup for Mila. Mila hadn't eaten all day and her mom was bent on shoving some food down her throat rather than allow her starve to death. They stayed in silence for a while, each lost in their own thought. Then Simi broke the silence,

"Mila, what did Tunji do to you?" she asked softly

Mila sighed then shook her head in self pity before answering "Tunji is married and he never mentioned it."

Simi was shocked "No way! Leo would have said something. How did you know?"

Mila shrugged and answered "He was at COVA yesterday with his wife. He probably didn't know that your party will be held there"

"Oh shit! No wonder you had passed out. Thanks to Chucks and David from the Production department, they were the ones that had carried you to my car when we found you. We didn't even know when you left. I had to call your mom to get your home address" Simi said with a faraway look.

Mila was touched "Thanks Simi. I don't know what I would have done if you weren't there"

"Oh Mila, I'm so sorry this happened. It's all my fault." Simi said looking guilty

"Don't do that dear. Don't blame yourself. It's not your fault at all. It's my fault. I should have known that a successful, handsome, young man from a Royal home like Tunji couldn't be completely single. I was just too myopic to see the possibilities. I got carried away with the romance" Mila said feeling drained again.

"I'm gonna be so pissed with Leo. He should have mentioned it at least. What the hell is wrong with men?!" Simi was furious now.

"Do you know what even baffled me?" Mila asked Simi who shook her head clueless

Mila continued "Just on Wednesday of last week, he told me he was travelling for an urgent business meeting to the US and then yesterday, he shows up with this gorgeous woman who looked like she had been bathed in affluence all her life. I felt so small Simi" 

"What was his reaction when he saw you?" Simi asked trying to figure out where she had been when it was all happening

"He was shocked as well. I noticed that he tried coming after me when I stood up to leave  but, his wife stopped him. I mean, he's got some nerve. Now I know why he traveled for over three months without contacting me. He was probably still here in Nigeria, with his family. Oh Simi, I don't even know if he's got kids!" Mila felt her head throbbing with pain and head it between her hands

Simi was livid with anger as she asked "Where was I when all these was happening?"

"Oh Simi, never mind. It's happened we can't change all that now. I just wish I had never met Tunji. Like, this is the second time this is happening to me in two years already and the stupid nightmares just keeps coming. I feel cursed!" she exclaimed

Simi quickly took Mila's hands in hers and tried to comfort her "Shhh Mila. You're not cursed. The guys are just too blind to see what a beautiful soul you are. And believe me when I say that you're an amazing woman. Anyone would be lucky to have you" she finished and smiled affectionately

Mila felt the tears again on her cheeks. She was overwhelmed with so many emotions she couldn't describe and as much as they were, she felt empty. Simi made another attempt to cheer her up. Her face lit up with excitement as she swirled an idea in her head.

"I just thought of something Mila. Let's go away together. My flight leaves by 2 pm tomorrow and I've packed already before coming here. What do you say?"

Mila's head shot up, surprised. She hadn't expected that. She had never traveled out of Nigeria before but she had done her international passport immediately after her NYSC just in case the opportunity presented itself.She had always wished she could travel to Dubai to feed her eyes and shop and stroll along the beautiful streets but she was yet to get her wish. She didn't even know the cost of flight tickets but she had heard that they were quite expensive. She looked at Simi to see if she was joking but she wasn't.

"That's a great idea Simi but, I've never ever traveled out before, I don't even know the cost of the ticket, I don't know the procedures at the airport, I don't have where I'd stay when I get there and what about my parents, my job?"

Simi smiled like she already knew these questions would come " I'll take care of everything. Remember who my Dad is? Why should he be wealthy if I can't milk him as I want? You'll stay with me in London. My Dad's house is a mansion over there with enough rooms to house fifteen people. Just take it as an early Christmas present from me to you"

"Gosh Simi! I can't allow you spend your hard earned money that way. I'll ruin your holiday with my gloom!" Mila argued

"Come on Mila! You only live once! You won't be ruining anybody's holiday. In fact, this will be an opportunity for you to get away from all this drama for a while. Work is over for the year to resume in the second week of January remember? I even sent Mr. Duke an email earlier today telling him that, you were sick and might not show up today and tomorrow. He said no problem since there was nothing to be done in the office except the festivities. Your remunerations will be paid to your account. As for your parents, we'll talk to your Mom now. I'm sure she'll love the idea. About the money, just let me handle it. Now all you have to do is shut up, go fish out your international passport and let's start packing for a great London trip." with that, she left to go look for Mila's Mom.

Mila was surprised. This is just too much to take in. So, Tunji had to break her heart for her to travel abroad for the first time. Life is just one hell of a comic theater. She got up precariously and headed for her closet. Her phone started ringing again and she picked it up to see that "Mine" was still calling. She ignored it and when back to the task at hand.

"You only live once Mila" she echoed Simi's words to herself again and again.

BURNT (EPISODE 13)

She had started rummaging through her closet the moment she returned from Church, looking for the perfect outfit to wear to Simi's send forth party later in the evening. Most of her clothes were work clothes and corporate dinner wears but thanks to the "Boyfriend", her wardrobe had improved a lot. She found several new party wears she had never really worn cos, Tunji just kept buying them. Whenever they went out and he saw something he felt would look good on her, he would buy it so most of the time, she would suggest they stayed indoors or go for dinner where there wasn't a nearby mall.

Her shoe rack was another space that had been greatly affected by Tunji's Midas touch. To go with the clothes, he had also bought her some fancy shoes and she loved that they weren't work shoes. He had gotten her a pair of Christian Louboutine's brownish nude Iriza heels, Jimmy Choo's black ankle strap heels, a Schutz Kitty pearl stiletto heel that had a fancy fringe dangling from one of the straps and a Victoria Secret's perfect pumps in blush. She removed a bag from one of the drawers in her wardrobe and smiled. She had invested in a new hair wig. She loved the 24 inches wavy one she had seen at one of those expensive shops Tunji had taken her to shop for clothes and she had gone back on her own to buy it. She had gotten it for a hundred and fifty thousand Naira and had been waiting for a day to rock it.

Tunji loved her natural hair which was long, rich in texture and black. He would always say that her hair had flesh and blood. So, because of him, she had given more attention to her natural hair because, whenever they were together, he would run his fingers through her hair and would sniff the sweet oil she applied regularly to her scalp. So today, she would rock her human hair because, Tunji wouldn't be around and she was curious to see how she would look with something that expensive gracing her head. She looked through her jewelry case and noticed that, save for the jewelries Tunji had gifted her, she didn't even have a collection of her own she could boast of. What a life of luxury Tunji had introduced her to; she wondered to herself. With that thought running through her head, she slumped on the bed to rest her aching back. A short nap would do her a lot of good.

......................

At exactly 7pm, Mila woke up from her long nap and immediately dashed into the bathroom. The party was to start by 8 and she was supposed to be there at least thirty minutes earlier to assist Simi with whatever was left of the arrangements. She showered and brought out her makeup box. Today, she was going to glam up and have fun. She took extra care with her makeup by  creating a cut crease, light smoky eye look, with a bit of golden glitters on her lids. Then she used her favorite lip stick; a peachy nude with a bit of gloss smeared on it to perfect her glow. Satisfied with her face, she immediately requested for a cab online before going ahead to wear on the dress she finally selected. It was a sleeveless pearl coloured body con gown that settled a bit below her knees. It had slits on both sides that went from under her arm to her waist, enhancing her slight curves.

She sectioned her natural hair in two, weaved it all back and then wore her wig. She was shocked at her glamorous look as she adjusted the wig to a side parting on her head. It looked so natural and she loved it. Even Simi wouldn't recognize her. She wore one of the simple gold bracelets Tunji bought her on her left wrist, wore her gold studded  earrings, two plain knuckle rings on her right fingers and a simple gold choker that had a single extended chain that fell to her chest. Then she wore her Christian Louboutine's brownish nude Iriza heels because they were comfortable and classy. Finally, she wore on her Channel Coco Mademoiselle perfume, picked up her gold clutch purse and left at the beep of her phone that her ride had arrived.

.......................

COVA was bursting with activity already even by the 8: 30 pm when Mila arrived there. She started calling Simi to let her know that she had arrived and when Simi picked, it was so noisy, she couldn't really hear a thing. She had to send a text to Simi, asking her to come get her from outside the door. She loved the music that was playing now and couldn't help but move to it's rhythm and at that point, Simi opened the door and saw her. They both screamed in excitement at seeing each other. Simi looked as beautiful as ever in her black play suit that had a long slit at the back down to her waist line, revealing her smooth fair skin. She had on her luxurious weave as well and black strap up heels. She looked gorgeous but her attention was on Mila.

"Wow Mila, you look stunning! You look so different" she said in amazement

"Mila giggled excitedly ''Well, thank you! I'm also surprised I could pull this off"

"And to think that you've been hiding that gorgeous body beneath all those jeans and hard materials..." Simi continued, looking surprised. She just couldn't belief that Mila could look this hot.

Mila was laughing now and had to stop Simi from flooding her with compliments. She said,

"Okay Simi. It's your day. How about we go in there and pop all the drinks like we just don't care!"

They both screamed again in excitement and went into the crowded hall.

................

Drinks flowed, the music was cool and thrilling, the MC was giving shout outs to everyone that was either celebrating a birthday, a promotion or something else, their colleagues were having a good time, the Shisha pot never burnt out as it was continuously refilled, the "Asun" kept flowing in and the atmosphere was charged. She had danced with Simi for a while  but Simi was now with Leo and was giving him a lap dance at a corner of one of the seats. Mila had socialized with all of their colleagues that had come through for Simi, had turned down a lot of dance offers from the swarming guys that kept staring at her and she had to escape to the upper section of the area they were using for the party. There, she leaned against the rails of the roof top spot that looked out to the streets of Idowu Martins. She experimented with the Shisha and found that she loved the flavour. Then she continued taking intoxicating drags from the pipe.

Her eyes were closed and she was enjoying the moment. Then she opened her eyes gradually and then fully cos she had seen something that caught her interest.

First, she saw a beautiful woman. She looked white but she wasn't. She was a Nigerian that looked white. She looked so beautiful, with a flawless skin. She had on a straight blonde weave that looked like it were natural, a black chiffon shirt gown that stopped above her knees, revealing her perfect long legs and a natural makeup that looked like she wasn't wearing any makeup at all. She was obviously married as on her ring finger, she had on an expensive looking diamond ring that Mila could swear cost a fortune. She was slim like a model and tall; at least two inches taller than Mila.

Mila sighed with longing for Tunji as she noticed that the woman's spouse held her protectively while leading her to sit adjacent to Simi's party at a table with "RESERVED". She couldn't really see the spouse's face but it was obvious that they were deeply in love as he helped her to sit comfortably, bent down to kiss her fore head and then her lips before leaving again to probably order for their drinks. Mila kept staring at the woman. She looked too beautiful to be true and as if noticing that she was being watched, she looked up from her phone across the space at Mila and smiled like she was used to the attention. Mila smiled back and waved.

She was about turning to her shisha pot again when she saw the woman's spouse returning. At first, she couldn't see his face because of the precarious disco lights turning here and there in the room. But when he finally settled into his seat, he sat facing Mila but unlike his wife, he didn't seem to notice Mila staring. He had taken her hand in his and brushed her knuckle with a kiss. He also had on a wedding ring that looked pretty expensive too. Then their drinks arrived and as he poured it into their glasses, he conversed with his wife.

Mila had a feeling they were talking about her because, the man kept stealing glances in her direction but neither could see each other. Then finally, the white part of the disco light fell on their corner and everyone could see everyone's face. It was like a moment of revelation as at that point, Mila saw squarely that, the said spouse was Tunji, her own Tunji Jacobs. She was so shocked that she dropped the shisha pipe she was holding together with her glass of drink. Apparently, Tunji had seen her as well and had spilled the drink he was holding on his white shirt.

.........................

Mila didn't know how she had gotten home but when she woke up on Monday afternoon, she took some sleeping pills. She wasn't ready to wake up just yet. Maybe if she slept more, she would wake up back to the evening she had first approached Tunji. She probably wouldn't have bothered being a hero then. She probably wouldn't have even met him. She probably wouldn't be facing another day of trying to figure out what Tunji, who was supposed to be in the US  since Thursday, was doing with another woman; HIS WIFE! at COVA yesterday.

For now, sleep is just the best therapy.

BURNT (EPISODE 12) 18+

The second week of December started on a good note.The ACE Group had a lot to celebrate. They had finished all their projects for the year and Mr. Duke's mood was infectious. Usually, they closed for the year few days before Christmas because of the workload but this particular year turned out to be one of the best out of their 10 years of existence cos the annual target had been met and all that was left was for the staff to clear their desks and attend just two meetings to discuss the company's achievement as well as the expectations from the different departments for the next year. Most people were familiar with this protocol and so didn't see it as anything that'll be tedious. What everyone was really looking forward to was the bonus package. They would receive double their salary, dinner with management in a five star hotel to celebrate their achievements, as well as exchange of gifts among themselves and of course, a Christmas party.

Mila was happier cos this would be her first time experiencing all these with the company and to crown it up, she would have a partner to bring along to all the celebrations and for the first time, she won't be celebrating Christmas without a boyfriend. She sighed with contentment as she was clearing her desk and taking records of all the tasks she had completed for the year. 

Simi on the other hand had completed her 6 months internship and had been offered a job at the company but, she had refused to stay because, according to her, she wold travel to the UK to visit her Mom and her siblings and then pursue her dreams of becoming a CEO in whatever business venture that caught her interest. However, the company had given her a send forth party but she had planed another major one for herself at COVA. It was to happen that Sunday and the cards were out already. She strolled over to Mila in her usual seductive way of walking and Mila couldn't help but smile when she noticed Simi. She had to voice out her thoughts.

"If there's one thing I'm going to miss in this office about you Simi, it's the way you've turned this office into your personal run way. Girl, you really know how to work it!"

Simi giggled and then replied "honestly Mila, I'll miss the stares and the attention. But, I know I'll get more in the UK."

Mila laughed and shook her head fondly "you sure will"

"So Madam, do me a favour, please don't get too carried away with your lover man this weekend and then forget to attend my send forth party. I'll sue him if that happens" Simi said with a mock serious face

Mila flushed a bit and then hurriedly replied "Oh no! that won't happen. In fact, we'll come together." on seeing the frown on Simi's face, she added, "I promise"

"Nice!" Simi said excitedly before excusing herself to go talk to the other staff as that would be her last day in the office.

Mila decided to call Tunji and give him a heads up about Sunday as it was Wednesday already. She dialed his number but it was busy. She dialed for the second time but it still showed busy. So she decided to wait for him to return the call. He was probably busy as usual.

...............................

Mila was home already from work and was continuing her novel, "Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett. She had neglected the novel since she reunited with Tunji cos they were together most of her spare time. It was about 9 pm when her phone started ringing and she smiled at the caller ID that showed "Mine". She had changed Tunji's name to "Mine" while he called her "Sunshine". She picked up.

"Hello Sunshine!" Tunji's rich baritone boomed from the other end

"Hey Mine!" Mila giggled 

"I'm sorry I didn't take your calls. I had an emergency board meeting that went on for hours. How are you?"

"I'm alright Tee. Hope it's nothing serious?" 

"Well, not really. It's just... Are you home already?"

"Yes. Is everything alright Tee?" curiosity was eating up Mila  already

"Yes absolutely. I just want to see you" 

"That's not how you sound when you want to see me Tee. What's going on?" Mila sounded serious now and Tunji knew she wouldn't let it slide except he told her the truth so he gave in.

"Alright Sunshine. The thing is, I'll be travelling tomorrow morning but I'll be back before the new year. I just need to fix up some things in the states before the year runs out."

Mila wasn't happy about this but she had to accept it cos, he had to take care of things as the man that he is didn't he? She sighed and said;

"Okay. Just come around instead"

Tunji sighed with relief "Alright Sunshine, I'll be there in a bit" then he hung up.

.....................

When Tunji arrived, Mila opened the gate to the compound for him to drive in. He parked and got out of the car to hug her. She looked fragile in her one piece white nightie and her flip flops. Tunji held her head to his chest while his other hand went around her. Mila inhaled the sweet sent of his white shirt. He rarely wore suits but when he did, he had this air of the serious, no smiling CEO. But she liked him that way too.

They hadn't seen the previous weekend cos he had been busy but they had had dinner on Sunday and had been communicating as usual but Mila felt empty all of a sudden. She had hoped to spend Christmas with him and now, he was travelling. This really wasn't  nice to hear at all.

Tunji as if hearing her thoughts held her away from him to look at her before saying;

"I'm really sorry Sunshine, this one's beyond me at the moment. I'll be back before the New Year, I promise"

"And I was thinking of flaunting you at Simi's send forth party on Sunday, my company's dinner next week Wednesday and then the Christmas party on Friday. Now, I'll be single for another two or three weeks" she complained sulkily

Tunji laughed at the baby face she had made and then drew her back to him. Then he led her back to the car and opened the door for her to sit before going around to sit on the driver's seat. He leaned in closer to her and inhaled the  scent of her hair before saying;

"Now I feel bad. So many events for my little miss sunshine and I'll be missing all of it. I don't even want to think about the many greedy sharks that will be looking at you there in my absence. I'll make it up to you Mila"

"How?" she asked solemnly

"Don't worry. I'll surprise you" he said with his mouth already on one of her ears. 

He nibbled on the lobe and then trailed the outline to the her neck with his tongue as his hands went up to her already alert nipples. Mila was weak. They hadn't made love again since after the first time she went to his house. Tunji wasn't a sex freak but he loved teasing her like this every now and then, lighting up her desires and then quenching them quickly again. This time, she wouldn't let him do that to her again. 

She turned to face him and kissed him weakly at first, and then, deeply as if trying to store  up as much of him in her as she could, for Christmas. She allowed her fingers to move around his face, tracing his fine features,  his low cut wavy hair, his chest and then she whispered, with her voice thick with passion, 

"I want you Tee. Right here"

Tunji was surprised despite his incoherent thoughts "Are you sure?" he asked 

"yes, please..." Mila answered.

Gently, he detached himself from her and turned on the CD player. Then, Ed Sheeran's voice slowly seeped out of the stereo as he sang UNI from a selected songs collection. Tunji turned off the lights in the car and was surprised when he felt Mila's hand on his crotch. She unzipped his fly and looking at him through the darkness of the car, she she brought one, two then three of her fingers to her tongue, licked them erotically and then slowly laid one on the cap of his hardened maleness. She circled the tip and the surrounding flesh with light touches, still looking at Tunji to see his reaction. Tunji had leaned back with his mouth half opened, enjoying the maddening sensation that was building up in his system.

Mila continued teasing him as she gently and lightly massaged the sides of his maleness and would go back to circle and rub the cap. Then she shocked Tunji by taking him in her mouth. He was huge but she loved the thickness of him so, using her tongue, she pleasured him the way he had pleasured her. She drank from the little spurts he released to her thirsty mouth and with his grans spurring her on, she released him, stood up and sat on top of him, with her back facing him. She didn't want him to cum just yet.

She raised up her nightie and felt his hands on her breasts; fondling and caressing her hardened nipples. His lips were working their magic on the nape of her neck, throwing Mila into a frenzy. Moving her undergarment aside, she paved way for Tunji's eager maleness. They both paused for a second as each felt the other's territory opening to welcome a much missed friend.  

Mila was lost in the throes of passion as this was a first for her. Tunji was shocked at this other side of Mila. He was used to the reserved Mila who was an epitome of everything innocent. This wasn't innocence taking control of his senses and riding him erotically at all. This was a woman that had needs, cravings and yearnings that needed to be satisfied and he loved this part of her he was just discovering. He loved that her moans were driving him wild. He loved that she was past the point of caring if her parents would find them out. He loved that she was in control and truly exercising her powers over his body.

So he let her be in charge, doing her bidding, holding her where she led his hands, touching her where she whispered and kissing her when she turned to look at him. Mila held on tight to the steering wheel. She could feel the rush like an urgent pee, scurrying and spreading all over her. She held on, trying not to lose her balance from the explosion that was coming. She jerked as she felt Tunji jerking as well then they both found their release. They held on to each other for a while to catch their breath then at that point, Ed Sheeran's voice died down on his "Kiss Me" track that had been playing then.

Tunji turned on the dim light of the car and looked at Mila in awe, then he said

"What came over you? You just took advantage of me and I totally loved it." they both laughed lightly, then too tired to talk more, Tunji held Mila closer to him. They stayed that way for a bit; enjoying their even breathing  then, he whispered into her ears;

"I'll miss you Mila, but I'll be back before you know it"

She felt the tears sting her eyes and when one fell on her cheek, she answered

"I'll wait for you"