Hello everyone 🙌🏽

I know this update is long overdue! I have a whole lot of reasons that I can't list now. I'm so sorry

Mothers.... How do you wonderful people multitask? You're taking care of your children and you're still reading my updates??

Even if you're sick, you still have to take care of the children. I experienced mine with my nephews these past weeks.

"I don't want noodles, I want rice and stew"

"Me I want noodles"

You're torn in between, you're not completely fine but you have to make these three soldiers happy or they'll accuse you of showing favoritism😂

How do you guys do it? Abeg! I duff my hat to all mothers out there, including my Mom and I was very selective!

Two weeks more to go and it feels like the holiday should end like today😂🤣

For those who wants to know who played Ossy's character ..... I found this child actor on Instagram his Instagram handle is @fiyinfoluwaasenuga

If you check him out, you'll understand better 😂

Ossy_👆🏼

Chapter 32

Unedited

After dinner Buchi sprawled on the chair staring at the left over on the table then he picked a couple of toothpicks from a holder on the table. Then he started to pick his teeth in the most disgusting way while making making funny noises with his tongue.

"The new investments done settle well?" "Yes" Alonso replied while he continued making the funny noise as thoughhe was trying to catch a meat string with his tongue.

"Yes Boss"

"Una don do separation?"

"Yes"

He exhaled in relief HW had finally gotten the strings out of his teeth gap. Then instead of throwing the toothpick away, he held it in his mouth. "You sure? I no want any bad investment, make sure say their phones no dey their hand. Even though na to chook hand out inside their yansh I no send. Make sure say them no carry anything way go implicate us"

"We don check"

"Okay" He nods then he rose up, "I don go room" "Make I send one of the clean babes come inside your room?" Alonso asked and he smiled patting him, "No need for that one. I get who I dey deal with inside room" He grinned walking away and another guard walked close to Alonso.

"Abeg no vex oh, who be the person way Boss dey always dey knack for him room. I never see anybody commot for that room"

Alonso scoffed, "Wetin be your name again" "Razor... Short form na Ray"

"Well.. Mind your business"

"But.."

"Na you replace Nze shey?"

"The guard way being allow that babe escape?"

"You better mind your business and do your work well make your liver no go mistakenly find him way for cooler" Alonso snapped, "Una no get post to guard?" He snapped then he walked away and he swallowed hard staring at another guard.

"Shuu?? Wetin I talk for there?" He asked then he hissed loudly turning, "Wetin dey sup inside that room sef? E get anything way dey hidden at sky never see before?"

The man looked around, "I no know oh" "Faqua now... Shebi you na Faqua shey? Give me small scoop. I no go tell anybody oh. I be loyalist oh, my boys for street dey call me Loyal Ray. I no go tell"

He looked around to make sure no one was around,  "Lord Buchi Investment way escape" "Ehn hen..."  "Na she Boss dey sleep with her  every night.  Na so him go dey fuck her Anyhow " "Eweh... I think say she run"

Faqua responded with a look and Ray gasped in realization. "You don't mean it. See enjoyment"

"I swear, the thing dey sweet me die." He shrieked grabbed his crotch in excitement.  "Na wetin him wan do so oh.. Boss no dey lose investment, nobody fit escape from am, las las the girl go die. Na so him go start from now punish that girl, till she die"

"Na wa oh. Na so them go sentence person, death by fuvking"

Alonso returns back, "Una still dey here? Shebi boss don commot here. Abi una don ment?" He snapped and they both left towards different angle.

Buchi walked towards a table that had a whole lot of spiritual materials on it, from gourds to calash. He fortify himself, he laughed as he wore a gourd chain, "You think say you fit run from Buchi still survive am? Make I see how much you go fit take. That thing way you dey run from, na you ma go still collect."

His phone rang and then he answered it, "Chief Chief" "The one and only Buchi" "Wetin you want make Buchi do for you?" That thing we discussed about, I've been thinking of the excitement of spiritually having sex with another person while they have no choice. I've been thinking of it and I find exciting and I'm up for it. It's a fetish I'm willing to try"

"E go cost you alot oh"

"I'm never scared of the price. Forward the bills to me and when I'll get the chance to engage" "Yes Chief" He replied.

The caller ended the call and a grin curled his lips.

He wore a red wrist band then he lifted the gourd speaking into it, he tapped it twice against his forehead then he returned it back to close to his lips making incantations into It. He repeated the process thrice then he appeared in Sefa's room where Kilahi and Sefa were asleep.

"Thing one way na two come dey.." He whispered staring at Kilahi then he pressed his crotch once again. He licked his lips, "Na one i want oh but universe come give me Jara"

"Which one make I start with like this?" He asked in excitement then he took out a powder blowing it on the both of them. With so much excitement he unstrapped his belt half way.

Then he went ahead to unzip his trousers. The moment he placed on of his hands on the bed, it caught on fire.

He screamed in fear and Kilahi jerked up staring at the man with his hands burning, "Jesus" She muttered and in between the pain Buchi felt, he was surprised someone could see him.

With his left hand, he pressed his head the gourd against his head then he vanished In fear.

Kilahi sat there in shock, this was her first time encountering spiritual battle in the physical. Her hands vibrated in fear, she couldn't help it. "Oh my God!" She knelt down and started praying.

A few indoor guards heard painful scream from Buchi's room but all efforts to enter was proved difficult because of his charms. They had to put a call through to his personal herbalist.

5:55 am

Kilahi watched Sewuese get out of the bathroom in her towel. "I was about to come wake you up. Did you oversleep?" "No. I was reading today's devotional and praying. Good morning"

"Good morning. How's Sefa? Did she have any bad dream?"

"No. She's still sleeping" "Is Sefa sure of what she's saying? Maybe it's post traumatic stress, or she's imagining things because the man almost raped her"

Kilahi scoffed, "It's not her imagination. I saw him" "I don't understand, in the dream?" "No. I woke up and I saw him, his hands were burning" "Jesus Christ!" Her tone changed from shocked to curious,"That's good for him so how did it happen?"

"I heard the scream and I woke up in worry, Sefa was still sleeping. Mehn.. I was scared I will not lie, my heart started beating like I was seeing spiritual battles in real life. All those times Mom and Dad will go for deliverance and I'll hear all sorts of stories and now I saw it"

Sewuese sat down, "Are you sure?" "Yes!" Kilahi snapped opening up the wardrobe where she picked a chocolate short sleeve shirt and her infamous black palazzo.

"Wow.. At least he got burnt"

"He got burnt but he entered, that's where I'm anger and for a moment if I'm being honest, I was scared."

"Is your pride not too much like this? An idiot infiltrated your house and got burnt in the process, what do you expect" "If I had just right amount of spiritual lock position everywhere, there wouldn't have been any infiltration. No wonder the bible tells us to put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness in this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." She paused facing her.

"Let me iron this dress"

"Is Sefa safe being alone in that room?"

"She'll be fine"

6:10 am

Kilahi spoke on the phone with Gbadamosi while ironing her shirt, she had her phone in between her ear and shoulder. She groaned bitterly,  "I'm just angry in spirit that he walked into the room. I wish he got burnt just by merely stepping into that room, it would have sent home a lesson"

"He won't be alive to know that will he?"

"This guy entered into my room, I feel like I'm not fully spiritually fortified"

"Remind never to get you angry" Gbadamosi laughed and she chuckled too, "I find it annoying!"

"At least you saw him get burnt"

"We can't know if he got burnt in reality"

"Things that happen in the spiritual realm, goes beyond the physical. I'm sure the guy got burnt, he learnt the lesson the hard way never to touch God's anointed. Are you ready for work?"

"No. I'm ironing my shirt."

"Where is Sewuese?"

"She's here in the room" She turned back at Sewuese, "Oh. Okay"

"Can we address something?" "What?" "Yesterday. I'm sorry about refusing to collect money from you... I felt horrible"

"I was hurt by the rejection"

"I saw it. I'm sorry Choicest boo, my baby boo,"

"Okay"

"My lovey boo, my Pastor boo, my forever boo"

Gbadamosi giggled, "It's okay oh" "You know I love you. Its just this ideology" "Thoughts gone wrong, that should be in chapter three of the book I gave you. You need to drain them into a suck away"

"One day, maybe after i get married. Can you end the call? I'm oresisng my shirt and trying to be quick, I don't want to be late"

"So you don't want to speak to me"

Kilahi gasped and giggled, "Emotional blackmail, that's not fair. Some of us have work" "So it's me full time Pastor that doesn't have work. I don't have work and I'm employing you to be my Mama"

She chuckles, "You know i love speaking to you, it's just that.." "Some of us are jobless, we don't have anything to use our lives for other than listening to our girlfriend's voice"

"Well done Sir! I didn't mean it that way. Shey you're doing your own now cause when I start. Don't you have work to do today?"

"Exactly why i want to hear your voice. It's going to be a busy busy day. Let me leave you to what you're doing"

"Choicest" She called out pouting, "Huh?"

"I love you"

"I love you too"

"Assuming i wasn't dating too, I would have felt awful about my existence in this life" Sewuese blurted out and Kilahi laughed throwing her phone on the bed.

Good morning Sewuese

A message from Gbadamosi pops into Sewuese's phone and her widened her eyes in surprise then she responds back:

Good morning Sir

I hope you slept well

Yes Sir and you?

I did too. Sorry to slide into your DM

Whaaat??? It's a honour! Forget the fact that I'm dating your best friend. You are one of the men of God I follow on social media! If not for Kilahi, I wouldn't have known you.

Don't exaggerate it

😂
I hope there's no problem Sir

Can I get Kilahi's account details?

Sewuese paused in thought while Kilahi glance at her, "This one you're quiet and so serious like this? Is it work?" "Something like that aha" She replied then she continued typing.

Kilahi will kill me Sir!!!

You didn't ask what I wanted to use the details for. I might be saving it for a rainy day

😂

Okay.. I want to help her and I know she hates receiving help. She won't give me her account details if I ask for it and she'll probably call to warn you so I'm trying not to tip her off

She has your account detail, she'll send it back. That's the logical thing she'll do. Even when I decide to help her, she doesn't allow me

I'll take that as a 'No' then

Broke girls usually have pride but I've never seen a broke girl that has pride like Kilahi😂🤣. She'll get mad eventually but I don't care😂. I'm sending the account now to you now with joy!

"Sewuese" Kilahi called out, she had so much uncertainty in her tone. "Huh?" Sewuese answered turning her phone faced down against the bed.

"What is it?" Kilahi asked staring suspiciously at her then her gaze fell upon the phone, "Nothing... Just ... the way you call me, you tone. Is everything okay?" She played the worried card to escape the invoking interrogation.

"Um... " Kilahi turned off the switch. "I... Hei God, how will i say this?" She exhaled now clasping her hand. "Can you borrow me like ten k? I promise to return it back. I've used the little balance in my hand and i'm about to withdraw my last card. I don't want to ask Mom and Dad, this whole job thing and dating thing is giving me unnecessary shame to ask them for transport. With job comes responsibly and accountability."

"Babe... You're supposed to depend on us, at least until you gain stamina to stand on your own. You haven't even received your first real salary and you want to be claiming independent. It doesn't work that way. I still remember my first two months during NYSC, mom and Dad sponsored my transport until I started saving up."

Kilahi exhales sitting on the bed, "Toor, I don't have money but I don't know where this pride is coming from." "I pray the pride dies by fire" "The dreams that i have. I'm just having this burning passion to help people and it's just somehow sad when I look at my pocket and see that the content doesn't match with my dreams." Suddenly she looked over at the sticker on the wall.

Don't be scared to dream, all things are possible

Hilary laid in bed reading the devotional then she noticed her son open his eyes, "Morning Baby" "Mommy good morning" He whispered with a rough voice,  "What's the time?" "After six. You didn't wake too early today"

"What are you doing?" "I'm..." She paused looking into the devotional. "I'm reading the devotional for the day"

He quickly leaned to skim through the topic:

The Power of the Holy Spirit

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13
(NIV)

"Does the Holy Spirit walk around like ghosts do?"

Hilary laughed, "No." "Is the Holy spirit like breeze? The Pastor always say it like it's a wind" "How can I answer this.... " She trailed off, "God help me" "It's the Holyspirit that always make people scream in church right? I see them in Church, when the Pastor will say move like wind, everyone will start falling. children do not always fall oh, sometimes I'll be wondering is the breeze not supposed carry people without stamina like the children?"

She laughed rolling her eyes, "It's not necessary to fall. I fell once during the Valentine service, the Holy spirit is not a ghost per say, the reason why there's ghost there is because he's that personality we can't see but we feel His presence. The moment we give our life to Christ, we receive this gift, he starts to dwell in us, he comforts us but sometimes, we push him away through a lot of ways"

"So he's in me"

"Yes and he's your comforter and your friend. If you need someone to talk to, he's always there. You don't have to feel alone in anything you do okay?"

Ossy exhales, "I can talk to him like a friend, won't people think I'm going mad? " "Well..." You're not doing it public, when youre in that private place or when you're studying the word, he guides you, he tells you the right thing to do, the right decisions to make, sometimes who to trust, there's that moment when you just look at a person and it's so clear that you shouldn't trust the person. Even as a pupil or student he helps you remember stuff you've read before even the stuff you read in the bible."

"Well... I don't like that your friend Uncle Nicholas.... I think it's the Holy spirit that's speaking to me?"

"Come on! You barely know him! See, in the university, this guy saved my life. He was there to walk me through dark path, he'll leave whatever he's doing to come to my aid. Nicholas is not a bad person, at least that's how I knew him and if you can just get to know him too"

"How many years ago was this?"

"12, I knew him since year one! I know you're going to say 12 years is enough for someone to change but it's worth the shot. I don't want to jump into conclusion, give him a chance "

"Okay."

"We haven't prayed together before, do you want to pray?"

"Yes" He nods with a smile, "Ngwanu pray for us"

Ossy shut his eyes and then clasped his hands. "Are we not going to start with praise and worship first?" He asked with his eyes opened.

"Sorry Sir... You're the boss, take it away"

He smiled clapping his hands, "Mma Mma dirigi! Chineke! Mma dirigi Oyoma" "Are you not supposed to start with in the morning or good morning Jesus" "Mommy do you want to collect the microphone from my hand?"

"Mbanu (no)" She laughed, "Continue Sir"

Sefa stretched yawning in bed when Kilahi walked in clad in the brow shirt and black palazzo, she clutched  black hand bag.  "Someone is awake" "Good morning Aunty Kilahi" "I hope you slept well"

"Are you kidding me? I haven't felt this good in a long time and I don't feel violated. Normally I'll wake up and feel weird, not today. Are you sure you're not going to be sleeping with me from today?"

"Avoid me!" She chuckled unsure whether to let her know. "I'm leaving for work. Dont forget to pray, study the word and study for jamb"

"Thanks"

"Bye dear" She waved leaving the room.

Deja motioned into Bimbo's room clad in a singlet and a short, in her hands were two dresses dangling for a hanger. "Pick one, the yellow one or the green gown" "Shey you will at least greet when you enter into somebody's room. You don't have table manners"

"Good morning" She greeted rolling her eyes then she lifted it even more higher, "Make a choice, I dont have time and I need your opinion"

"When has my opinion ever count? Why don't you ask Bella?"

"Oh really? You want to go there this morning shey?" She snapped and Bimbo laughed finally taking notice of the red stick on her lips, "Wait.... It should not look as it I'm dreaming" She wiped her eyes clean then she circled her fingers over both eyes.
"I need to use my eye microscope for this one cause it's looking like pe I am sawing lipstick on your lips. Is it in this present time or  I've suddenly jumped into the past or future"

Deja suddenly felt uncomfortable, "I don't understand, don't I use lipstick to work?" "Ma bi mi (Ask me), i think in the past, abi are you not the one always telling me, who do I want to impress at work? You stopped being a make up person and the only time, I repeat the only time you wear make up is when you're trying to impress someone for example Papa"

Deja rolled her eyes, "That's not true" "You can deny it all you want. I wonder who is in your office that you're trying to impress. Did they employ a new person?" "Yellow or Green" "Wait... Is it Vincent? Are you trying to impress Vincent?"

"No. Why... Why will I try to impress him?" She replied clearing her throat, "Why is your voice shaking then?"

"Yellow or Green"

"This one you're calling yellow and green, It's like you want to cause traffic today cause the yellow is nice but it's giving yellow light, I am on the verge of moving but you can't move cause to ba move bayii? You'll pay fine but the green is giving green light, like you are on the go"

Deja rolled her eyes, "I'm not trying to give anyone any green light" "Really?" "Can you let me feel less uncomfortable cause I'm already weirding myself out from even thinking about getting close to Vincent so... Please don't rub it in"

"I will rub it in"

"Please don't"

"Even gan, I'll use Robb or Aboniki to rub it in"

"Green it is!" She snapped leaving the room, "Thanks for not helping me!" She screamed and Bimbo laughed then she opened her lips in awe, "Iro ni! (It's a lie)." She shook her head in doubt.

"Wonders shall never cease, hei God! A whole Deja dressing to Impress someone she doesn't like. Is it that I've jumped into the future cause Eleyi ma ya'mi lenu oh, (This one shocked me), this one have successfully tear my mouth, ah!" Her mouth remained agape, "Wo I think i need super glue to glue this one! Abi surgery!"

Vincent sees a pop up message from his facebook app just after entering into his office. It was an acceptance message, Deja just accepted his friend request.

He sat on his seat as his lips curled into a quick smile. When he remembered it took her so long to accept and how quick it took her to respond to a stranger and how insignificant he was to her, a frown occupied his entire face.

He was so sure if it was the guy who had sent her a friend request, she wouldn't have taken that long to accept! He couldn't deny it, he was jealous of the guy who managed to catch her attention.

REVIVE Foundation

Kilahi stepped into the lobby with a bright smile on her face. There were a few people at the waiting area including Garba who was seated reading a newspaper. She faced the receptionist leaning against the counter, "Good morning Moni"

"Good morning Ma"

Then she faced the people behind her,"Good morning everyone" She greeted then she sighted Garba, she wanted to look away and pretend like she didn't see him but the guy was already grinning like someone who had caught a criminal red handed. 

He rose up from his seat and she faced Mini almost rolling her eyes.

"Beauty Advocate" Moni teased from her desk and Kilahi laughed, "Don't even get me started with this morning. When are you guys going to let me rest? You all be making me feel like one small celebrity"

Moni handed a jotter to her, "Please sign me an autograph Ma" She teased and Kilahi frowned lifting her hands, "I always beat small children oh, it's like my reputation has not gotten to that part"

"Oshey! Celebrity Mama"

"Avoid me from now on! We are in our work place, people should see as us a serious people" She snapped playfully but Moni cackled looking into her log book.

"Is Mrs Bakare around?" "Yes Ma. But you have to join the queue, there are four people before you"

"Let me get to the office then, Is Miss Didi in?."

"Not yet. You have a package,"

Kilahi blushed, "What kind of package?" "It's a flower." "Do these flower guys resume this early?" "I'm sure your secret admirer must have placed an early order but who doesn't like such admiration and attention?"

"Me"

"Woman like Kilahi, please let my man give me attention any day!"

Kilahi chuckled and walked past Moni. She saw Garba in front holding a single flower. She suddenly felt embarrassed because she noticed one of two persons already shifting their gaze to the both of them. What was he doing with a flower as if he's coming to propose.

These people should not even get the wrong idea and start taking videos.

"What do you want?" She whispered, he could see the tension in her eyes.  She didn't even wait for him to respond when she added, "Is it to find out more things about me?"

He laughed then he took a quick glance at the flower and then back at her,  "The flower should speak louder than word" "Sorry I don't speak flower, only English, Hausa and Igede"

He chuckled softly, "Good one. Can we have a conversation in English then or Hausa anyone you prefer" "I'm in my work space and I don't need to remind you what people do in their work space. I work and you go around digging into people's past so their Future mother in law can use it against them"

"Kilahi, this is all a big misunderstanding"

"Is it?" She tried passing through but Garba blocked her real good, "Really Sir?" "I won't move until you agree to talk. I promise to make a scene here"

"You won't dare"

"Try me"

Kilahi rolled her eyes, "I don't have the time for all these" "Good morning everyone of you!" He waved facing the people who were waiting. Her eyes widened in surprise, is the man for real?

"Can you all help me beg this pretty woman to please pay attention to" "Shh!" She shushed him pulling him aside, "Thank God there are only mature minds there! What if someone had pulled up a camera?"

"Do I have your attention now?"

Kilahi huffed and folded her hands, "What do you want?" "Can we speak elsewhere" "This place is okay" "Okay... I saw you as a lot of things the last time we spoke but not as a grudge bearer"

"As a lot of things, did you also inform my future mother in law about those lots of things?" "Grudge bearer"

"I am not a grudge bearer. I didn't even remember what you did until I saw your face"

"You blocked me"

"Because you were disturbing me with your calls and I didn't want to listen to lies"

"Wow... Assume much?"

Kilahi inhaled and exhales sharply, of course she loves making assumptions but her conclusions were gotten from his replies that evening. "I didn't assume, i called you and you confirmed my suspicion" "Or you believed what you wanted to"

"Okay! Okay!" She waved her hands, "What excuse do you want to concoct for making an investigation about me?" "I didn't make any investigation about you." "Oh this better be good. How did you know so much about me? I had the most embarrassing dinner with my future mother in law only for her to speak up about me almost commiting suicide. She said she hired a private investigator and duh! You happen to be one"

"I must be the only private investigator in Nigeria then"

"Don't make me look stupid"

"I am not guilty of what you're accusing me of, I didn't make any investigation about you. Your file happened to land on my table"

"Really? More lies?" She rolled her eyes walking away but he dragged her back slowly, "I'm not lying..." "It's hard to believe you when part of your job requires you to lie" "I'm not here as a Private Investigator"

"What are you here as then?"

"As Garba, not an undercover agent, just a handsome guy who had been wrongfully accused for a crime he didn't commit and to sincerely apologize to you for screwing up"

"Why does that sound contradictory? Like you're denying and admitting at the same time"

Garba groaned rolling his eyes, "Ugh! I'm not admitting to anything, I'm the victim here. That file landed on my table, a friend of mine did the investigation and since your name sounded familiar because Aisha mentioned it to me, I went through it"

"Just like that?"

"Boom!"

"You said you know Mrs George"

"Yes! As an old friend of their son. You probably didn't know that Gbadamosi and I were one times friends" "He told me"

He widened his eyes in surprise and she chuckled, "I mentioned it to him then he opened up to me" "Wow... So what did he say about me? I'm sure he must have said some things" "Nothing you should worry your head about"

"So.... When am I going to get my apology?"

"What apology?"

"I'm the victim here. I had a horrible Sunday because of you, I couldn't think straight, I almost ran straight to your house but I had to stop when I remember you'lll probably be in church. I had somewhere to be in and i to put my flight on hold because of you. You should.... I think you should buy me lunch"

Kilahi scoffed, "Sure I'll buy you lunch then I'll end cleaning the restaurant to pay up." "Lunch on me then, then you'll sit there to apologize to me, I accept oral and written apology. You'll get to feed my ego while I feed myself"

"Wow.. You're so proud"

"What do you say?" He asked and she shrugged, "I'll pass. I have work , i'm sorry"

"It's okay"

"And I'm sorry, for making a silly assumption yet again"

"Tooor" He paused staring at her then he cleared his throat, "I need to see Aisha. I'm waiting for clearance. It's a queue of people who wants to see her" "Funny I wanted to head there until Miss Moni mentioned it to me. I'll just have to wait"

"Not if you follow me. I'm next on the list"

"Mr Garba, you can go in now" Moni announced and he flashed a smile at Kilahi, "Let's go" "I'll feel bad, these people are waiting too, I'm only going in to greet her"

Garba laughed, "Are you always this modest?" He asked pulling her by the hands towards Mrs Aisha's office then he knocked on the door and they both entered. Mrs Aisha took a first glance at his hand which was still clutching tightly to Kilahi.

Kilahi slipped her hands off, "Good morning Ma" "Good morning dear, how was your weekend?" "It was lovely Ma, how about yours?" "It was fine, simply amazing. Good morning Garba"

"I was beginning to wonder when you'll finally take notice of me but I don't mind you giving Kilahi the attention. She does have an eye-catching effect just like she's catching social media eyes"

"Oh God!" Kilahi slapped her face then she folded her hands glaring at him.

"I mean you sneezed and the whole world caught the Kilahi cold but the good thing about this cold Is that it melts your heart in a way that doesn't kill you"

Kilahi laughed, "Aren't you the flatterer?" She asked, "It's the truth" "Thank you"

Mrs Aisha cleared her throat sending a sharp message to him to back off! Then she picked interest in the topic,  "I happened to stumble upon that video of you dear"
"People have been talking about it, I have messages on my Facebook and I don't have the time to answer them. Everyone is making a big deal out of this"

"A big deal? That video deserves all the accolades it's getting. Besides there's nothing like bad publicity, this one is a good one for crying out loud. We'll be taking pictures today, definitely not a Viral one though but I want you to be there too"

"What picture?"

"We'll be giving Mr Okon the grant so he'll be coming down here to take pictures with us as a beneficiary"

Kilahi smiled, "Oh my God! I'm so happy, this is good news for that family" "It Is. I heard about what you did" "What did I do?" She asked completely clueless and Garba laughed, "Modest much?" He asked and she slapped his arm in realization.

"You told her? Why? That was supposed to be between us Ma and besides, I didn't do anything. Detective Garba did it all"

"Of which you were the master mind" He clapped his hands and she rolled her eyes staring at Mrs Aisha.

"Mr OKon will be coming today to take pictures so we can put It out on the company's website. You're a big part of this, we certainly can't leave you out"

"Thank you Ma. I'm honored"

"You're welcome dear"

"Ma have you seen to the promise you made to him to help his daughter secure a good PPA. You asked me to remind you"

"Yes! I called the young lady yesterday side they were no activities in camp. She'll be out of the camp this week, I already had my contact speak to one of the Platoon officers. She'll have a direct posting to my friend's law firm, I'm sure she'll have a interesting an educating experience there"

"That's amazing Ma."

"Well done Kilahi"

"Thank you Ma, I better leave you and the Detective alone" She bowed her head leaving the office.

Mrs Aisha frowned at him, "Garba what do you think you are you doing? I thought you wanted to stay away from her" "I only came to apologize for the mix up"

"What mix up? I'm lost and what about the flirting?"

"I wasn't flirting"

"Really? You say one thing with your lips but the bad boy in you just can't just help busting out right?"

Garba exhales, "It's not what it looks like" "Kilahi is one my staff and she's even more like a little sister and daughter to me. If you try anything stupid, any stupid move. I'm going to forget we're family, don't make me regret my choice"

"Should i remind you that she has a boyfriend, Gbadamosi George!"

"Maybe you're the one that needs that reminder! You should probably set it as an alarm everyday!"

Deja entered into Vincent's office with her laptop in her hand, "Good morning" She greeted suddenly feeling uncomfortable, his eyes lit up on seeing her, his heart danced in excitement. There was just something about her presence that made him tick! Even with his anger, her presence had a way of massaging the anger and at the same time fueling it.

"Can I come in?" She asked but he hesitated, "Technically, you're in already. What do you want?" "There's this um..." She cleared her throat, " Issue I encountered while trying to edit a document, I was hoping you'll" She cleared her throat again, "Help me out with the format, It just feels wrong. My brain is blocked, I can't think straight and it's making me angry"

She placed the laptop on his table and he moved his away, He stared at the laptop screen, "Okay...." He trailed off looking back at her, it was something anyone can do! Why will she need him to do it?

"Sometimes formatting can go wrong, causing text to look different than intended. So... To fix this, you can use the formatting tools in your word processing software to adjust font size, style, color, and alignment. You may also need to adjust spacing and margins too" He said then he cringed.

"These are normal functions... You know you could have just done it yourself right?"

"Sorry.... You know I don't work well under pressure"

"You do work well under pressure, I've seen you work under pressure. You get excessively angry and competitive but you always get the job done very well" He compliments and she flashed a smile at him.

"Really?"

Vincent looked away, "Yes. That said and done, I think you should leave" "Why?" "I'm done with it and I need to get back to what I was doing" "Oh true. Um... Thank you for your help, I'm really grateful"

"You're welcome"

Deja carried the laptop in her arms then she left the office.

GREY BRITISH SCHOOL

Hilary held Ossy's hand into the HRM's office, "Good morning Ma" She greeted the woman who was seated typing on her computer.  Ossy greeted too. Then he sniffed in a pungent odor with a blend of perfume. For some seconds the lady scanned Hilary and Ossy's dress before proceeding to tell them to have their seat.

"Okay..." Hilary sat down almost rolling her eyes. What's the point of staring at them as though they had feaces smeared all over them, meanwhile her office has a smell she can't even make sense of. If anyone deserves to cringe, It should be them.

Ossy pushed his lips towards his mother's ears, "Mummy, it's like this woman farted before we entered"

Hilary shut her eyes and witheld her laughter, "Shh" She whispered, "It's smelling" "Shh"

All the while the woman's undivided attention was fixed on the laptop screen typing away. It felt as though they were invisible. She didn't even respond to their greetings.

Hilary had to clear her throat to send a reminder to her " So what do you want? Are you here to apply for a job or...." She asked without sparing them a look. 

"I'm here with my son, don't you find that question rather unpleasant?"

Like the smell in the office! Which had suddenly evaporate at that moment.

She stopped typing and then tore her gaze from the screen now glancing at the mother and son, "I didn't mean to be abrupt but as you can see I'm too busy and I need to deal with stuff so forgive me if I was being too direct in order not to waste my time" She replied.

"You're forgiven"

"What do you want?"

"I'm here to make inquiries for my son, i was referred here and i want to enroll my boy into the school" She smiled, all the while she was gesticulating with her fingers.

The HR laughed, she had caught a glimpse of her fingers, there was no ring on It, probably a single Mom doing window school hunting.  "Ma are you married?" "No. I'm a single Mom"

"Where do you work?"

"Excuse you? Is that necessary?" "Yes Ma, I'm following standard procedure and saving us the stress of having this conversation"

Hilary blinked completely perplexed, "I don't understand" "What's there not to understand?" "Sorry, this school is not for your son" "I don't understand" "What's so hard that you don't understand? One? It's past midterm, two, how can I say this in a nice way... I don't think you'll able to afford the fees"

"Has anyone ever told you that you're rude?"

"Well.... You can say all you want, i mean check out the school standard, look at how your son is dressed. I can see the holes in his top"

Hilary scoffed, "You thought it wasn't visible?" "You're lucky that as mothers we try to act all mature so that our children don't behave in certain ways or else the only thing that will be visible is my fist on your face"

"Are you threatening me?"

"No."

"Well as the niece to the owner of this school, this prestigious institution is not for people like..." She batted her eyes at Ossy. "Don't you dare look at my son that way"
"Or else what?" "I'll show you what a mother hen does to anyone who tries to pick on its chicks"

"This woman is threatening me? I'm calling security right now"

"Wait..." Ossy said, "Aunty I have one question, did you fart before we entered?"

She scoffed trying to hide her embarrassment, "What kind of stupid question is that?" "It's just a question"

"A stupid question!"

"I'm asking because the smell that entered into our nose when we entered into this office ehn.. even the air freshener could not hide it"

"Ossy"  Hilary called out, "Mummy I'm saying it because it will not be good for security to enter and smell the mess. If they want to blame us, I'll just tell them it's their madam that did it" He pointed out watching the woman gasp.

Hilary rolled her eyes, "It's bad enough that we had to go through that horrific experience and we kept quiet through it but you had the nerves to treat us like mess." Hilary rose up holding Ossy's hands, "Baby let's leave this place. You don't need to be an environment like this" She hissed leaving the office then she exhaled looking down at Ossy.

"Sorry you had to hear that"

"Why are people like that? In her mind I look like a beggar right?"

"People like that that always look at outward appearance than what you have inside. Never do that dear, that's the worst way to judge people"

"They don't know that my mommy is a big woman"

"Amen" Hilary replied chuckling, "You're a big woman shey?" "I am in Jesus Name. It's not as if the school is fine sef" She replied, "Mommy it's fine oh" He countered and they both laughed.

"But they are the one at loss! They just missed having someone like me in their school. One day... One day, I'll be in a competition and if it's against this school, I'll make sure I win them, hands down"

Hilary chuckles running his hands across his head, "Awn cute. Just forget it, there are more people like her in the world, you can't start holding grudges against her or the school"

"Let's move to the next one, what's the next school"

Hilary pulled out her phone, "Excellence League Nursery and Primary school, hopefully they'll accept so we don't have to check out, Ephratha Nursery and Primary school"

Kilahi knocks on Aunty Abebi's office door then she wait for her to respond, "Come in" She replied and Kilahi walked in bowing her head respectfully. "Good morning Aunty Abebi"

"Good morning dear. How are you?"

"I'm fine and you Ma"

Aunty Abebi shrugged, "Just there" "How was your weekends Ma?"

"It was ..... I think boring will be an understatement" "Didn't you go out?" "Out to where? I didn't have any meeting with a client so I was indoors"

"You didn't go out to meet friends"

"I don't have friends"

"Or your friends are not here"

"No. I don't have that kind of friends, my friends invite me for events that I seldomly attend and because I watched their children grow from teenage hood to adulthood, they usually seek my help to straighten them up or get them help connect them with available jobs. Those are not friends in the real sense"

"Why?"

"Because.... Friends are baggages that i can't afford to hold on to."

"According to Aristotle, man by nature is a social animal, I was a solitary expert. I used to see friends as that too even family members were more like baggage to me too, not until my perspective changed and my life took a turn for good. Being alone can be quite depressing most times but when you have that person you can always talk to, vent to and just let all your feelings out to, it helps. It won't take the problems away but I can promise you it'll make you feel a lot better"

Aunty Abebi raise a brow in irritation, "I clearly never sought for advise, what gave you the right to use my response as a means to stick in a meaningless counsel as though I asked for it."

Kilahi's palm covered her lips , "Oh my God, I didn't mean it that way" "You've overstayed your welcome, get out" "Ma" "Get the hell out of my office" "I'm sorry Ma"

"Out!" Aunty Abebi sounded off and she walked out in guilt. Aunty Abebi shut her eyes then she picked a fresh A4 paper, squeezed and threw it towards the bin but she missed.
"Ugh!"

The question reminded her of her mother and how she'll always advice her to mingle more and stop isolating herself!

Excellent LEAGUE ACADEMY

"I'm sorry. We are not accepting pupils now. We started earlier than most school and we have less than four weeks to go. I'm sorry but you can apply next term" The Proprietor said to Hilary and Ossy.

Kilahi's phone beeped while Didi and her spoke to a client in the office, the moment she saw a credit alert on her phone her hands grew weak. Her concentration left the room.

Acct: xxxxxxxxxx
Amt: NGN200,000.00 CR
Desc: from GBADAMOSI GEORGE
Avail Bal: NGN 200,000.68
Date: 07-March-2022

Didi walked the woman out while Kilahi stayed back toconfirmed the name of the sender.

Gbadamosi George

She found herself fuming with anger, the only thing she could think of was how he got her account details, who must have given her? She asked then Sewuese crossed her mind.

Then she remember how weird she was acting that morning!

She exhales dialing Sewuese's phone number. "Hey boo" Sewuese called out in a chirpy voice, "Did you by any chance give my account details to Gbadamosi? I really don't want to start assuming"

"I did"

"Really Sewuese! I feel betrayed right now! I asked for money and you went straight to tell Gbadamosi! If you couldn't give me the money, why didn't you just say so?"

"Madam abeg! Don't even start getting angry at me, he requested for it just before you asked for my help." "And you gave him, you know I don't like these things"

"So what? Madam, you are broke, you need to start accepting help from people. He's your boyfriend!" "And so? Is he my father? Do you know how much he sent? Do you know how I feel?"

"You need the help and he actually realizes it and he's willing to help. Just accept it, you're not going to die" "I'm sending it back"

"Whatever! Do what pleases you then" Sewuese snapped ending the call.

Kilahi tapped her feet on the floor then she called Gbadamosi. "Hey Baby" He said, "Good morning again" She greeted, "Good morning, you don't sound so thrilled" "I just saw the alert"

"Sorry it came late, I was having network issues. Sorry it's not much"

"Its not... Who asked you for money?"

"I just felt you needed it, God laid it my heart" "Oh please don't give me that God laid it in your heart speech cause then it'll make me feel powerless. Gbadamosi I can't accept this, I'll return it back"

"If you do, I won't be happy with you."

"Are you going to play that card too"
"Kilahi I'm serious, I can't be your husband or friend if I can't buy you stuff without having to think if you'll accept it or not. You need to reconfigure this mentality of yours. When we ask for help from God, sometimes God sends men for our uplifting and the more you say no to help, what else can God do?"

Kilahi shrugged, "I've never done this... I feel somehow. I've never had this..." "Let me be your first then" "What should I say?" "A thank you and I love you will really make my day"

Kilahi bit her lower lips, "Thank you" "You're welcome" "And I love you" "I love you too" "I was really broke, to think I asked Sewuese to borrow me ten k, now I can lend to nations" She exaggerated and Gbadamosi laughs.

"I'm lost for words to say, I know my anointing is upcoming but God bless you" "Amen" "God bless you"

"Amen"

"Good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom" "Amen"

"Thank you"

"Thank God"

"I just had a fight with Sewuese over this, I need to apologize to her."

FLAG BEARERS

Hilary and Ossy looked up at the School sign then they both exhaled. It was the fourth school and the last school hunt for the day! "Fingers crossed" She muttered and Ossy crossed his fingers.

The Human Resource Manager, Mrs Okojie, a woman in her early fourties rose up on seeing the both of them. "Good morning Ma" She greeted and Hilary smiled looking down at Ossy. "That's a good sign" she whispered.

"Huh?" The woman asked with a brow raised but Hilary chuckled instead, "Sorry, I was talking to my son. Good morning Ma" "Good morning Ma" Ossy greeted as his eyes scattered in admiration of the woman's office.

Apart from the fact the interior looked nice, she had a shelf with a library of books and personal awards.

"Morning dearie. Ma, is he your son?"

"Yes" Hilary replied, she loved how polite the woman was.

"Awn... He's a handsome one, he probably looks like his father. Hey dear, how's daddy doing?"

"Daddy is doing fine in heaven" Ossy answered before Hilary could speak.

"Oh my God" Mrs Okojie paused, "Like my children will say, awkward! I'm sorry dear" She apologize facing Hilary, "That was too forward of me"

"It's fine Ma"

"You have a lovely school here"

"It's not mine oh, I'm just in charge of employing staffs and seeing to pupil's admission. Please sit and make yourself comfortable"

They both sat down smiling at her, "Should I turn off the AC? If you're not okay with it, I can turn it off" "It's fine" Hilary replied with a smile.

"Well... Welcome to Flag bearers International school," She paused handing the school Magazine to her, alongside a flyer. "We are an international educational institution committed to achieving all round excellence in the upbringing of children, drilling students with the right amount of knowledge and fear of God. This is the primary wing and we also have our secondary just opposite this building, it's quite conspicuous"

"We saw it"

"Mommy what's cons.... That word?" Ossy asked,  "It means something that catches the eyes, easy to notice perhaps because of the color" "Oh"

"Wow... He's the inquisitive type isn't he?"

"He is" Hilary replied flipping through the pictures and interview, her eyes shift between fixing her gaze at Mrs Okojie and the beautiful pictures of classrooms, library, the schoolyard, classrooms, music room, Art room, computer room and field"

"The school is just what I want. One with primary and secondary so i won't start searching again"

"Good. The Principal head is Mr and Mrs Ajayi , Mrs Ajayi stays in the Primary wing while Mr  Ajayi handles the secondary. We also do a lot outside the classroom ’activities that aid learning, recreational activities like sports, music, dancing and the likes. We have been able to make learning more interesting through our e-classroom with the various technological ideas implemented at each level. Our Diction is huge as we use the speak right or keep the quiet approach to curtail speaking out of turn while ensuring eloquence in our learner speaking skill. Demeanors, etiquette, diction, Coding, and robotic are Integral parts of our curriculum. We believe in grooming the child and achieving excellence. Apologies if I was being too forward, i didn't even ask you, are you here for inquiry for subsequent enrollment? Maybe in the future?"

"Now is the future"

"Oh. You do realize it's past midterm already, exams will be starting soon. I just thought you came in to check out the school and probably enroll him the following term" "My son needs to continue his studies, I don't want to start home schooling him"

"Well, what class?"

"Primary three"

"We usually don't accept student this late but however the standard procedure is that we'll need a transcript from his former school, at least this week, he'll have to write the school entrance examination and the school fee is non negotiable." She handed her a slip that had the school fee list on it.

"A sum of 10,000 will be paid for the purchase of entrance form. If he passes the exam, you are to make a non refundable sum of 200,000 naira but do not fret it's just for a start, this covers uniform fees, school bus fees and miscellaneous"

"I'm not worried about the school fees at this moment... It's the transcript. I can't go back to Ebonyi"

"What's transcript?" Ossy asked, "It's like a summary of your performance in your old school"

"You can have the school forward it to you via email" Mrs Okoie suggested but he shrugged instead,
"I don't think our school even has an email address" He replied and Mrs Okojie blinked giving a 'How is that possible' look.

"That can't be possible" "What he's trying to say is we don't know want to bank on that probability. Can't this be done without the transcript?"

"I'm sorry... We need to be sure of his mental capacity. We love to know our students performance in their previous school, including reviews from his class teachers. The transcript will help us to access his performance and hence we know whether he was a troublemaker or not"

"My son is not a troublemaker Ma"

"I'm sure but we can't break the school procedures, I'm sorry"

"The test should do. My son is a brilliant child"

"I don't doubt that Ma"

"P...p..please Ma" Ossy begged, the disappointment was beginning to make him stammer. "My dear...." She shut her eyes, "If we skip that procedure, you might have to go back to Primary two"

"No! I'm in Primary three! I'm more brilliant than everyone in my class"

"I dont doubt that dear. The most brilliant person in a school can actually leave that school to another school only to realize he's not so smart in that school"

"Give me any question Ma"

"Oh dear..." Mrs Okojie muttered, her heart breaking for him.

"Ma, I don't like when people try to make me look like I don't know anything"

"Ossy" Hilary called out.

The woman shut her eyes in remorse then she opened them,  "We shouldn't even be having the conversation in front of him" "I'm sorry." Hilary apologized, "This is the fourth school we've been to and its been a whole rollercoaster of no. The first was horrible"

"Poor child. We need to follow standard procedures, I'm sorry but I can speak to the Principal, I don't think she'll agree but... but I can refer you to another school" She tore out a page from a jotter scribbling a name on it.

Remarkable Group of Schools

No 3 Adenowo crescent

"It's just around the corner , it's a good school too, good standard except the Principal isn't as strict so she can bend the rules for you"

Ossy frowns and Mrs Okojie felt culpable, "Oh dear..... Can you make your son understand, I really don't like the way he's looking at me. I'm not the enemy here. I can call Mrs Peterson for you, she's the principal of Remarkable Group of Schools. Put in a good word"

"Yes Ma. Thank you Ma"

Ossy exhales, "Mummy let's go home, I'm tired and hungry" The exhaustion apparent in his face and sinking shoulders made her heart twist.

"Okay" Hilary rose up glancing back at Mrs Okojie then she picked the note, "Thank you Ma"

Kilahi sat in the office listening to Kufre talk about how her school ended up postponing the school fees deadline. "I am happy because of my friends who haven't paid too now have a chance to before this week and I owe so much thanks to you and your husband"

Kilahi laughed, "Garba is not my husband" "Really? That explains why you don't have a ring. Are you two cohabiting or what?" "No. We were pretending, his name isn't Mr Aliu AF he claimed" "No wonder the account name was different! But still, thank you. If I can get his contact and probably appreciate him too"

"I'm sorry I can't do that. He's a private person"

"Oh. There's no problem Ma"

"Don't you have a class?"

"I do, by three. I just decided to come in here to thank the foundation or the Granter and also thank you for being a wonderful person. Can I take pictures with you?" She pulled out her phone from her bag and Kilahi nods.

"God when?" Didi asked looking at the roof, "You better come and sign me an autograph before you blow"

"Miss Didi!" Kilahi snapped playfully then Kufre moved over to Kilahi's seat taking some quick shots before leaving the office.

Kilahi returned back to giving Didi a playful but questionable stare. "What?" Didi asked, "You have a star and it's shinning so you had better come and sign me an autograph before you become unavailable" "Avoid me!" She snapped laughing then she answered a call from Daddy Gbadamosi.

"Good morning Sir"

"Good morning dear. I hope I'm not bothering you"

"No Sir. How are you and Mrs George doing?"

"We're fine. You wanted embarrassing pictures of Gbadamosi right? I just sent you some on WhatsApp." "Oh my God, i can't wait to see it" "I already told Feyi and Ere to dig for more. I'll send it once they forward it to me"

Kilahi laughed harder, she never knew her future father in law was serious about getting embarrassing pictures of Gbadamosi.

"Thank you Sir." She replied then she watched Aunty Abebi walk into the office. "Um... I have to go Sir, work call" "Have a lovely day" "You too Sir" She replied ending the call.

"Miss Edidiong, I'll like too be left alone with Miss Kilahi" "Yes Ma" She replied giving Kilahi a look expressing her curiosity.

Then she left the office.

Kilahi rose up with her hands clasped, "Ma, Before you'll proceed to tell me what you want to do, I'll have to apologize for what I said. I didn't mean to be intrusive" "Exactly what I came here for"

"Jesus.... Are you here to fire me? I'm sorry Ma"

Aunty Abebi rolled her eyes then she sat on the free seat just across Kilahi, "I'm not here to..." She sighed in defeat, "But of course I'm the wicked witch who only wants the worst for everyone"

"That wasn't..."

"Oh please!" She paused waving her hands, of course she knows what people say when she passes beside them. "You think I don't know or see it from the stare"

"Fear is different thing"

"You don't fear a princess, you only fear a tyrant, a dragon or a troll"

"Ma"

"You don't have to explain yourself sit"

Kilahi sat down quietly and Aunty Abebi continued, "I know you all think I'm a horrible person and you're not completely wrong about it but I'm not a monster either"

"I know Ma, a monster wouldn't have gone all the way to help Hilary without charging a dime. You're a good person deep down but you don't like when people try to act like they have you all figured out like I'm doing right now and I'll shut my mouth immediately" She paused sucking her lips in.

Aunty Abebi rolled her eyes, "You don't have me all figured out though" "Yes. Because you're not that transparent, i do have a summary though. Underneath all that hard face and hardheadedness, I think you're softer than most people. That's one thing I've come to realize"

"And when did you realize this?"

"Can I speak?"

"You don't see me holding a dutch tape to your lips do you?"

Kilahi chuckles, "When i started working, i began to study your personality so I gain a wiser way to exist in the same company with you so we don't end up having issues. The day we clashed while I was pressing my phone, we were more concerned about preventing an accident than me clashing into you.   Sometimes I feel we're the same in a kind of way, like we have so much personal issues we need to deal with. So much within ourselves that we need to bring to an end. So much that's stopping us from flying. Almost like we're butterflies with feathers stuck in a web"

The imagination of a stuck butterflies played in Aunty Abebi mind then Kilahi continued, "And until we actually struggle to remove the obstacle or get someone to help us, we'll remain stuck forever"

"The buttefly might lost its feather and eventually die from the struggle"

"That's why everytime in life, we need God, most times we need friends or mentors to help get us out of bad places"

Aunty Abebi scoffed, "Friendship is overrated" "Why? Does it have to do with anything from the past?" "No, my best friend didn't steal my boyfriend, neither did she steal my fiancé"

Kilahi chuckles, "Okay... I'm guilty. I had that in mind" She admitted and Aunty Abebi laughed a bit. "I knew it! It's always the best friend stealing boyfriend story that usually gets women like us over protective about having friends"

"What's your story then?" She asked then Aunty Abebi shut her eyes in regret then she opened quickly, "You can ignore the question... If you want"

"I feel like I'm a therapy session. You should have been a psychologist! You can pry"

"I didn't used to be this outspoken"

"Well, i've always been unapologetically outspoken. During my secondary school days, I had a friend, it actually took time for me to open up to the idea of friendship but after Mom insisted, I decided to give a try? and... What happened again" She paused in thought. 

"Her name is Yinusa Rashida, I can never forget that name! We were close, she won't take a piss without me. We were that close, I was a tomb boy"

"That explains a lot"

Aunty Abebi laughed, "I'll hold back my story" "I'm sorry" Kilahi lets out a shriek laughter, "I'll be quiet from now on" She promised pinning her fingers over her lips then Aunty Abebi chuckled and continued where she left off.

"I was going through a whole lot at that point in my life and.... I'll always tell Rashida about everything, I'll cry over her shoulder, of course she was the only person I trusted until one day Rashida came up to me calling me all sorts of names. You know why?"

"Why?"

"Because of a stupid hearsay! She heard that I went behind her back to ask her crush out! I didn't even like the guy! I was talking to the guy, a random discussion where he walked me home and I got labelled a school slut by my own best friend. This girl told everyone my secret, she revealed it right there and before school ended everyone knew...." She trailed off then she scoffed.

"Like I said, friendship is overrated so I'd rather breed a kind of friendship where there isn't much familiarity but a lot of respect. I won't want someone spewing it to my face that I'm 45 and still single all because she had a mood swing"

Kilahi nods, "Just because one person hurt your feeling doesn't mean there aren't good people to mingle with"

"Yeah! That will back stab me! Hell no! I'm not going to make myself that vulnerable to anyone any longer"

"Wow... This is just like saying because someone called me ugly, then the whole world and the people in it are bad. That's a crazy generalization drawn from a bias speculation and unbaked thought process"

"Wow... You sound like a lawyer right now"

"Okay... Let's look at this in the angle of the law"

"This must be interesting"

"I know that most cases are sometimes judged based on judicial Precedents"

Aunty Abebi nods impressively, "Okay..." "These preceding cases makes it easy for the Judges to pass judgments based on a previous similar case. Since it happened in Case A and the man was sentence to ten years, let Case B be tried the same way. Now imagine a case where you've judged friendship as a baseless, overrated and expensive venture andeveryone should probably live like you. That means you'll be sentencing the whole world to not having friends"

Aunty Abebi laughed, "You'll make a fine lawyer. Why didn't you read law?" "I didn't think I was cut out for white and black" "Ouch! I love black by the way"

Kilahi laughed, "I do too but I didn't think I was cut out for it but I love philosophy too even though I wanted Mass communication." "I'm sure you would have been a very passionate lawyer"

"Thank you Ma. So in conclusion, generalization about people should not be Judged based on what someone did in the past did. Like someone hating all men because a man raped them. Fine the hurt might be quite devastating but the hate doesn't change anything. Or the woman that brought about all men are scum and as the day goes by, women, growing children, teenagers are beginning to live with the mentality, the more the word thrives that all men are scum, the more we see it manifest, I think there's a spirit behind that word that has blinded people's eyes. It fuels this negative energy In you and trust me Ma, bias generalization makes you feel empty" 

"I just don't like being vulnerable. Friendship does that to people, people get to know about you and then... I'm comfortable with people avoiding me, Miss Temi trying to gourd my eyes out. I've been expecting her all day, I know she's going to get all offensive because I didn't attend her wedding."

Kilahi laughed, "It's true" "I hate weddings" She replied, Kilahi wanted to ask why but she restrained her curiosity. "Just like you hate friendship."

"I just feel like the next person will use it against me"

"Take a leap of faith. Not even animal in the jungle is a predator" "But everyone of them is a prey, even to the king of the jungle"

Kilahi laughed, "I was making a good point there Ma"  "Forgive me for being a darn good lawyer. I saw a loophole and I went for it"

"Okay... I feel disoriented right now and I'll need a minute to pick myself back up" She paused and they both chuckled.

"I'm sorry about how I acted towards you earlier on" Aunty Abebi apologized.

"You had every right to be angry"

Aunty Abebi placed her palm over her chest, "Gosh you're so modest!"

Kilahi laughed, "Garba said the same thing" "Don't believe a thing that womanizer says, you two already went out when I was away. He's only trying to get into your pants" "Actually, he's not, he's really cool with me"

"Don't tell me you're falling for the charms"

"I can't be charmed twice"

"Ooh... Your form says you're single... I remember it clearly and that was just in February and this is March, the beginning of March"

"Well... February till now is a long time" She drummed her fingers on the table then she bursted into chuckles, "Okay..."

"Are you not going to ask who the person is?"

"I'm not intrusive"

"It's a good trait of friendship"

"Wait Friendship? I never remembered signing that contract with you"

"Well... I'm handing you the contract paper right now to sign."

"Don't I have to read the terms and conditions first?"

"Well... This tips I'm giving are the Preamble, Friends can be intrusive, they pummel till they get something out of their friends."

"Wow... So..you must be emphatical"

"Sometimes you give them space when you feel they need it but you have to be sensitive too to know when to pull and push."

Aunty Abebi scoffed, "You must be be emphatic and also empathetic. Wow you just managed to achieve a paradoxical and contradictory effect hence complicating this whole friendship thing. I don't know how you mortals do it"

Kilahi laughed, "Well..friendship is a course you study everyday. The man that has managed to swoon me is no other than" "I really don't have to know" "I know but as a new friend" "I'm supposed to be friends with my peers not a twenty six years old lady"

"I'll 27 soon and besides, my lecturer in school always quote this proverb that a young person who does not cultivate friendship with the elderly is like a tree without roots. So permit this mortal to be friends with this elderly one, I want to have roots. I mean there are one or two things I can learn from you"

Aunty Abebi laughed, "You're smart. I have to give that to you but you still don't have to tell me, it's your private life " "You're right. I probably should keep it to myself but i wont. It's Gbadamosi George, I believe you know him"

Aunty Abebi smiled, "You sure found yourself a good one with a calm head. That's good, I'm happy for you. You actually deserve the best" "That's nice coming from you"

"Yeah sure... Trolls only kidnaps the Princesses, they don't throw compliments now and then. I get it" "I didn't say that"

Aunty Abebi rose up, "Let me go back to trolling people like I usually do since it's part of my job description" "It was nice having this conversation with you Ma. We should do it some other time"

"No... It's weird enough that I've spoken more than I should and I'm not even in court"

"It's a normal friendship culture"

"I've always found it abominable"

"Or maybe we can have lunch of dinner someday, or I can invite you for dinner and cook something really nice. People say I'm a good cook and I can't agree less"

"She's conceited too" Aunty Abebi chipped in and they both laughed. "See, I'm not even a comedian and I'm making you laugh. What sign do you want? If coming over to my house isn't a good idea, i can always come over to your place"

"No. I've not had anyone come over except Aisha, sorry"

"Okay... My house is open"

"I'll think of it" She replied then she walked out of the office and Kilahi flashed a self fulfilling smile she quickly goes through the pictures Mr George sent.

She had a good laugh about I after which she forwarded It to Gbadamosi.

If they say God is good, all I just have to do is simple look at this picture and believe in it😂

Look at who someone' daughter is courting oh😝

Ossy chuckled to himself while watching the video of Kilahi on his mother's phone. Hilary walked in placing a plate of noodle on the table. "What's funny?" "I was just thinking of how that woman behaved"

"We left the office"

"You know how Isioma will poo and the whole place will be smelling, it will even enter the parlor"

Hilary laughed, "Why is it always Isioma?" "Even when Chinasa will use her perfume, nothing will work. That woman's be...b... Behavior is smells more than Isioma's poo, from when we walked in, she was just looking down at us"

"Don't think too much on it. Forget it"

"The mess reminded me of Isioma's bomb"

Hillary's phone rang and the caller ID made him frown, "Who is it?" "That your friend" "Who?" She grabbed the phone and answered the call. "Hello Nick"

"How lovely it is to hear your voice again. I couldn't help but think of you"

"Oh really?"

"Yes. How are you?"

"I'm fine and you? How's work?"

"Work is... I just  for home, I had an early start and I'm free for the day. How about you?"

"Um... I don't have a job for now"

"Why?"

"It's a long story"

"Why don't we talk about it over a dinner date?"

Hilary arced her brow in surprise, "Date?" "I believe I said that in English, yes a date, the both of us together on a sweet romantic date in a beautiful restaurant" "Okay..."

"Is that a yes?"

"I didn't say Yes"

"Come on, say Yes"

Hilary bit her bottom lip, "I can't leave Ossy alone" "You can give him to a friend, it's just for two hours or three? I'm sure you must have someone you can give"

"I'll have to make some calls. I can't dump the responsibility on anyone, I'll call you back to give you an answer"

"Can I speak to that handsome boy"

"Sure. Ossy" She Stretched the phone at him but he waved his hands In refusal and his mother placed the phone against his ears, "Good afternoon Sir" He replied now holding on the the phone.

"Hey boy how are you?" "I'm fine" "How was your day?" "Fine" "I'm planning on taking your Mom out on a date" "Like the movie? Is that not where people always propose to their girlfriend in movies?"

"But mine is strictly a date and who knows... Your Mom and I can become an item afterwards"

"What kind on item? Item 6 or 7"

Nicholas laughed, "You're so funny, boyfriend and girlfriend and then husband and wife" "Why?" "Because I like your Mummy, I hope she's listening right now"

"It's not on loud speaker. Thank God"

"She was supposed to hear that"

"Are you disappointed?"

"No. Cause she'll hear it all this night"

"Can't I come with you guys?"

"Its a date for two"

"If there's a date for two, then there can be a date for three"

Nicholas laughed nervously, "This one is just for two of us so i can catch up with her"

"Is she running before?"

He scoffed, "Cut us some slack, I mean I haven't seen your Mom in years"  "Let's catch up too, me i haven't seen her in years too, we can all have a dinner for three and catch up together"

He laughed nervously knowing Ossy was Intentionally proving difficult, "It's a date for two" "Make it a date for three"

Hilary whispered, "Why are you guys going in circles?" She asked and Nicholas laughed nervously again, "Hand  the phone back to your Mom" "Mommy" Ossy stretched the phone to Hilary then he began to eat his noodles.

"What's up? Is it a dinner for two or three?"

"Two. Where I have in mind is a private place, they don't accept kids. I can't think of any place now and besides I wanted it to be the two of us so we can play catch up"

Hilary exhales, "Okay... Let me make a few calls" "I will be waiting to get a positive response." "Give me five minutes or ten" She requested ending the call then she faced Ossy.

"What? I didn't say anything bad"

"Well it doesn't look like it, remember you only just met him"

"I just don't like him, my spirit does not like him and grandma always say that if your spirit does not go with someone, it means the person is a bad person"

"Her spirit didn't go with mine"

Ossy paused in thought, "Well... It was a bad spirit, she didn't use her Holy spirit"

"Wow..." Hilary blurted out in laughter. "You just met him, at least give him a chance"

"Are you going to go out with him?"

"Yes" She replied dialing Kilahi's number, "Hey twinnie" "Hey you! How far?" "I'm good jhoor, my jobless ass is fine"  "You're not completely jobless, you're taking care of my nephew.  How is he?"

"Ossy is being impossible right now"

"What did he do?"

"Nicholas asked me out on a date"

"Oh"

"Yes. Why did your oh sound that way?"

"What way?"

"Like you're not thrilled"

"I'm just indifferent, I don't know the guy. The only guy I know is Manny whom you like, I'm glad the guy asked you out. Of course you're a very hot woman but I don't see why you're considering it being that there's Manny on your mind"

"Well that's not fair"

Kilahi exhales, "Will you be going?" "I don't have anyone to take care of Ossy" "Ouch! I'm hurt, so I'm nobody" "Sorry.." Hilary chuckles nervously, "No... Don't cut through corners, just say it to my face, I am that invisible abi?"

"I don't want to impose, you might have plans with Papa"

"Well you're luck cause we have no plans. I can take care of Ossy even if you want me to do it for the whole  night" "Awn, really?"

"No oh fakely! What am I an Aunty for?"

Hilary pouts, "Thank you. I love you babe" "I love you too," "So I'll drop him off at the office just before heading out so you can take him home and then I'll stop by to pick him"

"Why go through that kind of stress when you can pick him up tomorrow morning."

"We have school hunt"

"Put in an extra cloth, rest and come back tomorrow morning. It's not going to be a big deal. We are going to be fine. It's like you like stress oh"

Hilary smiles, "Did I say I love you before" "Yes and you better find a boyfriend to say that to" "Oooookay... She's digging at me now shey?" "Yes" Kilahi replied laughing.

"Thank you so much"

"You're welcome. Send my kisses to Ossy"

"I will. Bye" She smiled ending the call, "Aunty Kilahi sends her kisses to you. She agreed to babysit you so....the date is on!"

Ossy groaned, "God why????"

Nicholas hissed in irritation throwing his phone on the couch then he clapped his hands in wonder, "Which kain person be this? Wetin Musa no go see for gate?"

"This Musa have suffered" His sister muttered stepping out from the kitchen then she dropped a tray containing his food on the dinning table. "What did you see of hear?"

"I just asked Hilary out on a date"

"Oh and what did he say?"

"She said she'll get back to me because she can't leave her son"

"Awn. She's a good mother now"

"That's not the issue. Its the boy, I'm suspecting that boy doesn't like me. He's so insolent and disrespectful. Imagine him asking me to include him in the date plan"

"Case solved! Duh!"

"Duh your head!"

"What did I say there?"

"Duh your dull head! I don't understand if it's your anus you always use to think. He wants to be included in a date meant for Hilary and I"

She blinked her eyes in rude shock, "Okay... You also want to be included in a life meant for her and her son" "I said it... Your anus naim you dey always use talk"

"When you get married to Hilary, is he not going to be included?" "We'll cross that bridge when we get there, we've not even gotten out of the street much less crossing a bridge"

"Well this date can actually be a way to get to know the mother and the son"

"Boy that doesn't want to know me?"

"It's normal for boys like that to get protective when another man want to come into the picture"

Nicholas clapped, "Weldone! Therapist and psychologist Nancy, you that didn't finish university. Stay here and be analyzing rubbish" "It's the truth"

He hissed, "All those kind of stubbornness, we know how to handle them now. I will take any shit he wants to show now but after the main thing, I will deal with him!  The pepper i will use his eyes to see"

"Eweh! Brother you've not married her and you're already planning the pepper you'll use to rub the boy's eyes nawa oh. If you know you want to suffer the boy then rest on top the matter now. Maybe she's not for you! A single mother deserves a husband that can take care of his wife's child as though he's the one that gave birth to him not a tyrant!"

"So I'm a tyrant"

"I didn't say so but your plans already gave it away. I'm a single mother, any man I marry must accept my daughter"

"What if the daughter doesn't like the man"

"There are ways to settle this than through force. Haba! You'll show him pepper, just know that he's someone's son"

Nicholas scoffed, "Is it me you're talking to like that?" "I'm only advising you, and as i'm looking at it, the only reason you're doing this Is out of guilt! If you want to use the hate you have for his father on him, then don't even attempt starting a fire you can't quench. Quench it now!"

"Get out of my house"

"And go where?"

"To the village, anywhere"

"I'm not going anywhere, I'll just call Mama cause she's the only reason I'm here! Always worried if you're eating or not," She pulled on her ears, "Better go find another woman to marry and leave someone's future wife alone. Even though she does not have a future husband, it's better for her to be alone with her son than be stuck with someone that doesn't have her best interest at heart"

Nicholas took off one of cover shoes then he threw it at her but she dodged it, "And you say you won't hit a woman with this your behavior. Let me kukuma call Mama, I have a daughter to attend to and not a big"

He threw the other shoe but she ran away. "Brother you're a big baby, I hope you know that!" She screamed from inside, "You had better leave.." His phone rang and he quickly moved towards it then he smiled on seeing the caller ID.

"Hey dear"

"Um... I already made arrangements with a friend so... have you changed your mind or is the date still on?"

Hilary ended the call and Manny's call trooped in, "Hey Manny" "Good afternoon Hilary" "How's your day?" "Great but I should be asking you, how did the search go?"

"Totally annoying" Hilary groaned, "We went to the first school, this lady completely looked down on us, he said we won't be able to pay the school fees"

"Are they paying a million naira per a child or what? What kind of person is that?" "I got mad and she almost called security on us"

"What's the name of the school?"

"One Grey British School"

"Did you report to the principal?"

"I left, I had to save Ossy and I the embarrassment, although she ended up being embarrassed over something my baby said"

Manny laughed, "What did he say... Forget it, I'll get the full gist from the horse's mouth himself. Chief Daddy part 2 is out in the cinema but because Ossy I was thinking maybe Puss in the boot. What do you think?"

"Um... When?"

"This evening"

Hilary shut her head, "Eeesh... Sorry, um... I have other plans" "Oh. What plan?" "I have a date" She replied through gritted teeth. "A date with.... Let me guess, the guy from yesterday"

"Yes, Nicholas"

"You just met him"

"At least I know him longer than know you" She snapped and kept quiet for a few seconds,"Okay. I deserve that. My regards to Ossy, is he close?" "Not really" 

"My regards to him then"

"Sure" She replied.

He ended the call and she heaved a long sigh of frustration.

Kilahi held Ossy's hand towards Aunty Abebi's office then she knocked on it. "Come in!" She screamed from inside and they both entered.

Her eyes lit up on seeing him, "Oh my" Before she could complete her sentence, Ossy was all over her embracing her tightly. "Hey young chap!" "Good evening Ma"

"Look at you! Two days and you look this good. I see Mommy is taking good care of you" "I ate noodles and fried eggs today. I can't remember the last time I ate it"

"That's good"

"See, I finally met you again in just how many days"

"What are you doing here? Where's your Mom?"

"On a date"

Aunty Abebi widened her eyes I. surprise, "Wow" She muttered looking up at Kilahi, "Wow" "I will be leaving now, I want to take Ossy home, Ossy what will you like to have for dinner?"

"Erm...Yam and eggs"

"Fried eggs! My favorite" Kilahi shrieked happily then she looked over at Aunty Abebi, "Do you mind joining us Ma?" She requested but Aunty Abebi blinked and swallowed hard.

"Um.. I can't"

"My parents are not bad people"

"I'm okay...Thank you but I'll pass"

"Objection your honour" Ossy snapped and she laughed, "Did you just object me? On what grounds?"

"Erm...." Ossy paused in deep thought, "Counsel does not want to eat yam and fried eggs with us, that's not fair"

"Objection sustained" Kilahi replied clapping her hands, she has always dreamt of saying that. Aunty Abebi laughed so hard.  "Wow... My answer still remains no on the ground that this woman has the right to make her choice and I can sue you two for duress and it's a crime"

Ossy looked up at Kilahi, "I don't understand anything she just said" "She wants to sell us using legal terms, in other words she wants to sue us for forcing her to eat yam that she hasn't eaten"

"At least let her eat the yam and then sue us after" 

Aunty Abebi chuckled. She couldn't believe the both of them that moment!

"Toor!" Kilahi replied watching Ossy raise his brow, "What's Toor?"

"It means a whole lot, just like we say Shey? Or okay?"

"Toor, Aunty Abebi Please?" Ossy faced her with a pouting lips and a blinking eyes.

"How can i say no to that puppy dog eyes? No!"

"Please? Pretty please" He stressed and she lets out an defeated sigh, "I... Okay fine, I won't be staying for long, five minutes and I'm gone" "It's a lie, you'll stay for more than five minutes" Ossy challenged.

"Wanna bet?"

Ossy lifted a curved index finger at her, "Oya let's cut it" "I haven't done that in a long time and I never knew young children still do that. You're an old man in a child's body"

"Are you going to cut it or not?"

"No! I won't do that, it's silly"

"Are you scared?"

"No!" Aunty Abebi curved an index finger, swinging across his own. "Deal!"

Kilahi clapped her hands, "Good job Ossy. Let me go get your stuff from my office and then we can go" Kilahi chipped in rushing out of the office.

Ossy dropped his hands smiling at Aunty Abebi, "How long has It been since you had yam and egg?" "Quite frankly?.... I can't remember, I think in January"

Kilahi's phone beeped the moment she stepped out of the office. It was a mesage from Gbadamosi.

😂🤣🤣🤣

Where did you get that picture from? You didn't take any picture that night. Who is the mole giving you this intimate information?

I don't reveal my source and I have more from where that came from

😂

I hope you're ready for this war

I'm born ready for anything! You won't get anything on me

Issokay! Don't say I didn't warn you oh.

Nicholas made a reservation in a beautiful restaurant. Hilary looked graceful in a navy blue wrap dress while he rocked a black stripe suit and trousers on a white shirt and red tie.  To her, it felt like he had been there before seeing how the waitress were with him as though he was their regular customer. 

Who is she to judge? He just have probably brought friends and exes  here too.

The waitress led them to the nicest table on the side facing the garden. Hilary loved the view

After thirty minutes into their conversation, Hilary crossed her legs and adjusted her wrap dress, "The search just proved futile but what can I say! Tomorrow is another day and I'm hopeful"

"I'm sorry you two had to go through that messy day. Especially your son, how did he cope with it?"

"He um.... Well, Ossy is a mature boy, a bit too mature for his age"

"Oh really?" He asked almost sarcastically.

"Yes. He's dealing with it in the most mature way but the fourth one really hurt his feelings. He wanted It badly!!" She brushed that off with a wave of her hand.

"That's already in the past"

"I'm sorry"

"Its fine"

"How come you don't have a job. I was shocked when you said it, you were the best that year"

"Shey? But I couldn't venture into surveying that early in my marriage so after everything that happened, my husband's death and how Ossy was taken away from me.... I got a job as an interior decorator where i actually began to learn some things with my experience in school had been helpful on the job. But weeks ago, what am I saying? A week ago when I requested for  week off in advance to get Ossy, my boss flipped and fired me"

"I'm so sorry"

"It's fine. I was due for a promotion and a raise but I didnt get one.  I've not even started searching for jobs yet. I want to get Ossy settled in first" "You're putting your life on hold for your son" Another sarcastic remark.

Hilary nods, "Yes. Why do you make it sound like it's a bad thing, I'm a mother" "Oh no it's not, I think it's beautiful. I've seen all sides of you before, the playful, the brilliant problem solver, the life saver, now I'm adding motherhood side to it and it's just absolutely beautiful"

"Awn. Thank you" She replied reaching out to the wine glass so Nicholas seized the opportunity to placed his hands on top of hers, "You're the most beautiful soul I ever knew then and you're still so beautiful. Funny thing is that my heart still beats for you the same way it did those years"

Hilary arced her brows, "You're surprised? Hilary I was in love with you! We were besties and I was just waiting for the right time to pull the move then he came and.... See, I'm not going to pretend, dull myself until another man snatches you away from me Hilary again. I made that mistake once and I won't do that again. I want you, I want us back together. When I saw you right there giving that testimony and when the Pastor said we're getting back whatsoever we've lost i just knew that moment it's you he was talking about."

Hilary blinked her eyes, for a moment, she wished Manny was the one making this confession to her. Her heart clenched in hurt. "That's sweet, I should say yes without blinking my eyes but I have Ossy"

"Who cares? I'll take him in as a son. Hilary, you're the woman i want to be the mother of my unborn children"

"Erm..." Hilary clears her throat, if it was Manny asking her that question, she wouldn't have hesitated to say Yes and give him a long kiss! There was just something bland about this proposal.

It's the same friendship Zone limit all over again! She has friend zoned this guy for life!

"It's hard to believe you don't have a girlfriend"

"I don't. I broke up with her last year"

"Oh really? Why?"

"She had this evil characteristics, always challenging and disgracing me in public. She was one of all these cha cha cha girls, she wasn't my type of girl. I haven't met anyone like you after our university days. You ruined the choice of women for me, I didn't see you in these women"

"Wow... Um... Can we start out as friends? Let's get to know each other better. I can't make this decision rashly, this is something that includes Ossy and.."

"He doesn't like me"

"No"

"It's actually normal for children like that to feel that way when they sense a man trying to win their mother's heart and I completely understand." He was now using his sister's approach. Perhaps, it will make him appear sensitive.

"I've been a boy once so... I understand and I don't pick offense dear, frankly.... When I saw him yesterday, I saw my future son"

Hilary smiles, "Really?" "Yes! 100%, I don't have any reason to lie to you. I can handle all his attitude but I'm sure he'll soon warm up to me eventually" "Sure. My son is my all, anyone that comes will have to love him. I'm missing him already, I'm sure he's missing me too"

Laughter broke out in the living room as Ossy played the role of Barrister Emmanuel during the court hearing. At this point, everyone were positioned at one corner, on the chair and on the floor eating boiled yam and egg.

Ossy had left his plate on center table to imitate Barrister Emmanuel.

"Look at grandma's lawyer oh, Objection my Lord! If Aunty Abebi just turn to him with that her eyes he'll be the one to use his own mouth to say, objection overruled"

Everyone laughed again including Aunty Abebi who shook her head feeling mocked, "Ossy you can have your seat now thank you" "It was as if he should pee on his body. I was now saying in my mind that Hey! Uncle Ebuka has found this one for Grandma, it's as if they want to use trouble to solve a problem"

"Ossy.. Approach the bench" Aunty Abebi ordered and he Ossy approached her, "Your honour, what should I do?" "Sit the hell down!" She pushed him on the seat and he chuckled watching everyone chuckle.

"Should I tell you want happened today when Mommy went in search of school for me"

Aunty Mabel nods eager to hear what he has to say, "What happened?" "So the first school we went to, when we entered the woman's office, guess what? Hm! This woman has already sprayed her office with fart gas

"Ooi!" Uncle Adzer screamed then he laughed afterwards, "Did they at least accept you afterwards as compensation for the damage done to you? It must have been traumatic" Sewuese asked and Ossy exhales shaking her head.

"She said we will not be able to afford the school fees"

"Did she even ask your Mom?"

"No! She just sized our pocket and said we should go"

Aunty Abebi rolled her eyes, "What's the name of the school and the person who did it?" She asked and Ossy kept quiet staring at her, "Tell me let me sue their ass" "It's as if you like suing everybody"

She chuckled and rolled her eyes, "I only sue people who deserve It, people who infringe on other people's right. She had no right to do that"

"What's infringe?"

"Like step on your rights like its a piece of floor rag"

"Oh. But I can't tell you the name of the school, let's leave them for God. That thing they're looking for, they will still find it. But when we went to Flag bearer international School, the person that attended to us was nice and I like the school but they did not accept me. Tomorrow we will check out one Remarkable school like that"

"I'm sure that will turn out good" Kilahi encouraged,  "It not as if I'm not happy, It's sad that what I want don't want me. I really liked that Flag Bearer now I'm feeling like, are you sure they won't say the same thing?"

"They won't. Do you believe that God can grant you your heart desire?" Kilahi asked and Sewuese cleared her throat along with Sefa, "Pastor in the making" They chanted and she rolled her eyes.

"Free me guys!"

"God gave me Mommy back, he answered Mommy's prayer so yes I believe so."

"Do you believe that God can change those people's heart? The ones from Flag bearer what what what school and"

"How? That woman said they need transcript. It was my first time of hearing it"

"With or without transcript, do you believe that if you pray, God can jump protocols for your sake?"

"What's Protocol?" Ossy and Sefa asked almost at the same time. "I knew he was going to ask!" Sefa affirmed.

"Protocol means guided steps to achieve a goal" Kilahi answered,  "Oh... It's true, they call God Protocol breaker, it's now coming to me. I'll like to see God jump the protocol!"

"Great! That's all I wanted to hear" She replied with a smile.

"Mummy said we should not judge a person by appearance but if I see a man holding a gun, am I not supposed to judge the person? He asked and Kilahi gasped, "Of course, you're supposed to do the needful and run"

Ossy shook his head giving a serious face, "No now... Then we'll be judging. Who knows, maybe he wants to use the gun to kill a bush animal or to tickle someone"

Aunty Abebi laughed, "I like this boy"

Kilahi dropped her plate then she jumped him tickling his armpit and he laughed without control. "Let me show you how the person will tickle you"

"It's okay oh! Don't tickle him again" Aunty Mabel yelled.

Kilahi withdrew throwing her head back in laughter, "Aunty Abebi, someone has infringe me, can I sue Aunty Kilahi?" He asked and Kilahi returned to tickle him again.

"Repeat what you say? You want to sue me" Kilahi asked and he laughed without control, "Wait, I said I want to buy you shoe"

"Kilahi!" Aunty Mabel screamed and she got off him again then he struggled to catch his breath. Suddenly he gasped in shock and everyone stared at him waiting for what the drama king had in store.
"Grandma has lied to me once again! She said that if someone farts while someone is tickling them, the person will die but I'm still alive" He blurted out and everyone stared at him in awe.

Sefa rose up moving far away, "I'm sorry, it's Aunty Kilahi's fault, I've been holding it, she's the one that forced it out"

Aunty Abebi cringed and glared at him, "I better not smell anything" "My mess does not smell, you can come and smell it" He teased and everyone laughed.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do it, it's Aunty Kilahi" "Ossy, you dont have loyalty, you're still blaming me"

Aunty Mabel smiled, "Who wants more yam?" "Me!" Sefa lifted her hands, "Are you a guest?" "So the yam is only for guest" "Yes! Aunty Abebi, do you care for more?"

Aunty Abebi shook her head, "I'm satisfied, thank you Ma and I'll be leaving in two minutes time or so. I was supposed to stay for five minutes only"

Ossy smiled, "I told you" "Whatever!" She chuckles rolling her eyes then lifted the empty plate up, "Where can i wash this?" She asked and Sefa received it from her.

"I'll help you" She collected heading towards the kitchen.

"Oh thanks dear. When I was young, my mother will always insist i wash my plate even if I'm someone's house. You can't go to people's house and leave dirty plates but I never liked going to people's house"

"You're welcome here anytime" Uncle adzer proposed, "I wish I got the catfish, Kilahi would have made her special catfish peppersoup. Maybe some other time"

"Maybe"

Uncle adzer swung his head towards the headline news on the television, the volume of the television had been reduced but the headline was enough to spur anger in him.

"Look at this stupid people! Please increase the volume, look at!" He pointed to the screen and Seweuse increased the volume. "How can a government convince me that they're investing so much money on agricultural sector but yet we can't see anything. Sometimes I wonder how much it will cost them to invest more on refineries. Before you know now, there'll be fuel hike and inflation everywhere, the other day I got a call from a friend only to find out he's out of the country. Why won't people flee to be social service workers in another man's land? I remember when fuel was bought at 65 naira"

Aunty Abebi scoffed, "I don't know which is more annoying, we buying fuel at such ridiculous amount but still driving it on a bad road and having to constantly visit the mechanic because of the bad road."

"Oh oh!"

After another hour talk on politics, Aunty Abebi finally stepped out of the house with Kilahi. "I can't believe I said I was going to leave an hour ago"  "To think you were only going to stay for five minutes. I told you my parents are good people"

"It's hard to even know they're not your real parents. Thank you for the invitation, I really enjoyed myself. I don't think I've laughed this much like I did today"

Kilahi smiled, "And you look beautiful when you do Ma'am" "Thank you. I've never ever had dinner this way, it has always been me and my Mom" "Don't you go to her place once in a while"

"I wish I can"

"Why? She doesn't stay here?"

"She's in the realms beyond"

"Oh. I'm sorry Ma"

"It's fine, she died a long time ago, I'm over it" "You're never over the death of a parent. When I remember the incidence, it brings back the pain. You've gotten over the fact they're dead but you don't completely get over it cause when those good memories of them come in, you can't help but let the tears out"

"My mom sold Akara then in Kano before we moved to ilaro in Ogun state she makes the best Akara, she had a Nickname, being a Yoruba woman in the barracks then! It was.... She trained me with it. No akara tastes great like hers, I've tried to use her recipe but... I just miss her own." A lone tears rolled down her cheeks and she wiped it off with her finger.

"I really don't speak about it though"

"It's what friends do"

Aunty Abebi chuckled and leaned against her car. "Thank you for this and good night Kilahi" "Good night Ma."

Buchi laid on the bed groaning in pain with one part of his hands bandage. Nurse Perpetual unwraps the bandage so she can use wrap it with another bandage. Meanwhile the herbalist walked in chanting and  dancing with his Totem in his hand.

"Small small now!" Buchi complained, "Nah person body you dey touch so. You no see say the thing dey pain me?" He cried out and she rolled her eyes. "Na small small I dey do am"

"Abeg stop.. I no do again"

A man entered announcing that one of the women in the baby making factory was in labour and the she gave Buchi a look as though seeking permission to leave. "Why you dey look me? You no go commot here go bring my investment come out?"

Perpetual nods leaving the room.

Buchi continued groaning in pain then he looked up at Alonso, "Check list who dey appointment to collect pikin" "Yes Boss"

He raised his arm then he screamed in pain, "Argh!" "Sorry Boss" "I say make you tell me sorry?" "Sorry Boss"

He hissed staring at the herbalist.

"Since morning way you come, na now you just know say you go show"

"I no save your life in the morning?"

"If with all the dance way you dey dance since, nothing done show. I go just vex. I go just assume say your juju no potent"

"Mechie ọnụ gị ruru unyi (Shut your stinking mouth)" He snapped, "You run this place because of my charm" "Person escape and see my hand"

"If my charm no potent, then why none your boys no fit open the door until I come. Maybe I for don delay make you done die! You for no use that dirty mouth take talk to me"

"Oya no vex. Eye dey red"

"Na me give you cigar smoke?"

He exhaled, "Any news? You don see the girl" "Yes" "And? Kill her now! I want her dead, see wetin she do me now!" He groaned staring at his bandaged wound.

"Who she be? For on top which level sef? Kpai her, Kpai her family join make she know say nobody dey mess with Buchi"

"E no possible oh"

"I no understand, how?"

"Them no tell you say no be everybody dem touch? You sef know say no be everybody them dey touch"

"Who she be? Na witch abi na Mani water. I no care, I want make she die. You supposed get power pass them, try am" He squirmed, "If i try, I fit end up like you so wetin we go come gain if two people end up like as you dey"

"She no fit escape! Her hand must burn too"

"Try am and e go be the end of you. You sef go join kpai! This one na warning, you even get luck escape. I go advise make you leave her and the girl"

"My investment? Never!"

"Fly way follow dead body dey always find himself inside grave so if you know wetin good for you, you go wash your hand commot for those people matter.  I see her but I also see fire around her body anybody cow wan play with fire go surely end like Suya so unless you no wan end up like Suya, throway eyes commot for that matter'

"My investment"

"Even big company dey lose, forget am"

"Make I test am on top another person before I go believe, who make i send? If them burn am, fine! If nothing happen, them go pay. Where that new guy?" He asked turning towards Alonso, "He's on duty at the baby shelter"

"Hm.. Na that one for be my scape goat, I no like as the guy dey do. Where Faqua, make we use am as scape goat now."

Alonso arced his brow, "Call Faqua for me, tell am say i get job for am this night. You better no tell am anything way we talk for here" "Yes Boss"

He struggled to hide his irritation, "Yes Boss!" He repeated leaving the room. 

What do you guys think of today's update?

Who was disappointed to see Buchi alive?
😂

Nicholas be shooting shot!💔

Looks like Kilahi is slowly winning Aunty Abebi's heart.

Let me know your thoughts.

Have a lovely day guys!!