Grace went to the Zenith Bank automated teller machine close to her new apartment to withdraw. Slipping her card into the ATM, she checked on the amount left. It was only #7,000. The big smile on her face dropped when she realized this. Immediately, she picked up her phone and called Mrs. Njoku. Luckily, she picked up.

“Good afternoon, ma.” Grace began.

“Afternoon, dear. How are you?” Mrs. Njoku replied to her greeting.

“I’m fine, ma. I’ve got a fine house at Agwan Wuru.”

“Good.” she appealed over the phone with a light chuckle.

“But the cost is a bit high. It’s #50,000. Could you lend me the money until the end of this year?”

“Sure, I will. But you can pay me back whenever you’ve earned enough, okay?”

“Okay, ma. Thanks so much, m-,” she said, and an electronic voice from her phone interrupted. “You have one minute remaining. Dial *606# to borrow #500 from MTN, otherwise, hang up now.”

Grace clicked on the end call button and sighed. She knew she had to pay her new landlord, Chinedu, to avoid any future controversy. And it was best to pay for it once.

‘Ping! Ping!’ Grace’s buttoned phone alerted her to a new message.

She checked and Mrs. Njoku just sent her #50, 000. The corner of her lips lifted as it formed a smile.

Just then, another customer came to queue behind Grace.

She pressed her lips together and pulled out her card from the arm machine. Then slut it in again to transfer her complete house rent to Chinedu. She got the slip for evidence.

Grace used the remaining cash to buy foodstuff and important cleaning equipment like new buckets, brooms, and dustbins. It was hectic at the market, though; she got home before 4:00 p.m.

Looking upward, the sky seemed gloomy. The sun shone brighter as if battling for space. Who would have thought that something as colourless as water could make clouds so dark? It calmed Grace that she had an apartment of her own now. Luckily, she got home before the drizzle.

Getting home from the market with three heavy bags, Grace imagined how she would prepare dinner and have a rest of her mind. She struggled to climb upstairs and finally got to her door. What she saw completely shattered get heart in an instant. All her bags were outside. Including her plates, pots, and suitcase.

‘Was I robbed? Who would have access to the room if not Chinedu, the landlord?’ Grace pondered. ‘Why would he throw my belongings out?’

Happiness drained out of her face, replaced by terror. Her hand dug into her handbag for the key to the flat. She found and fixed it in the keyhole at the doorknob. Grace turned it loose severally, but it wasn’t working. Just then, the door slid open from within. Grace’s eyes met with an aged woman and wheezed in total shock.

“Who are you?” the woman questioned with a hardened expression.

“I’m the new tenant of this flat, ma,” Grace mumbled. “Who are you?”

“I am Mrs. Arinze, the owner of this entire building.”

“What?” a flush crept up Grace’s face as it contorted.

“Don’t tell me that Chinedu is up to it again.” The woman protested with a tired sigh and rolled her close-set eyes skyward. “I own this entire building. It was what my late husband left me with. You see, I rent out other rooms except this one, and visit my children from time to time. Making Chinedu the caretaker is the worst decision I’ve ever made. He dupes people and despite all my efforts to make him leave, he just wouldn’t.”

“That’s impossible, ma. An agent introduced me to him yesterday.”

“Chinedu tricked you, miss. He is my tenant and an untrustworthy caretaker.” She admitted. “He became the landlord by relying on his work in the housing agency. The agent might not be aware of Chinedu’s fraudulent behavior. I've apprehended him multiple times, but he always posts bail, vanishes, and deceives another person. No matter how much I change my key door, it always has its lock. I suggest you visit the police and report this case.”

The small patches of blue sky shrank and disappeared as the gray blanket of clouds spread. Two tiny droplets landed on Grace's cheek, causing dark spots to form around her on the pavement. The clouds began sharing their gift of water in a drizzle. Grace gazed up at the spray of tiny beads headed her way. It was about to rain and she had to leave. Grace had to pack up every single belonging she had out of the apartment. She had fantasized about living in the developed part of the town and was about to start her life afresh. She had just borrowed a huge amount of money from Mrs. Njoku. Unbearable tears ran down her cheeks as she busted into painful sobs.

‘How would I figure it out? When and where? I am utterly penniless at this moment.’ Her eyes balled under the splitting rain.

Susanne posed in a dry corridor with a customized umbrella at hand while she watched Grace struggle with her luggage. Her bags tumbled and fell, but she dragged them up. The goods and foodstuffs Grace bought from the market tore through the polyester leather bag she carried. Walking along the empty street, Grace found somewhere to sit in the dark corner, behind an uncompleted building. Though some passersby hid under the shade, she attracted no attention, as no one knew she was even crying. A few moments later, she sat shell-shocked and drenched, her poised demeanor melted away with the downpour. 

She, who was happy to live in the city, was now homeless. Memories of how Mr. Shina humiliated her flooded her mind. “Dear Grace. As of this moment, I formally inform you that I do not accept your marriage with my son. From now henceforth, you and Ore are no longer in a relationship. And I hope I’ve made myself clear!”

“Did you hear that? She even has the guts to lie to our faces and call my daughter a liar! Oh, it was you they sent to take my daughter’s life! You witch!” She remembered how Mrs. Ebok accused her of kidnapping her daughter and slapped her at the police station. The enigmas in her eyes when she told her it wasn’t over and for that, she had to leave Ability school. And now, she got duped by a stranger. Grace cried out, her eyes in the dark.

‘How can this happen within a month?’

A dangerous thought played in her mind. Consuming poison might just be the only option, because what was the point of living where no one wants you? Where happiness was nothing but a dream. Ore, who was dying on her case barely a week ago, didn’t even show up. ‘He must have traveled out by now! He never even called once!’ Grace cried out bitter tears as she clutched her suitcase in a plaintive moan, shivering at the effect of the thundering downpour.

It was a Nigerian belief that when the sun shines and it rains, a great king is born. Well, to Grace, this was another, worse day of her life.

Susanne, who had followed Grace to the spot where she sat, watched her through the transparent side window of her car. The flash from her headlight died once she switched off its engines.

She wound up all the side windows so she wouldn't feel the effect of the cold. Worry filled her eyes as she felt bad for her twin sister. Susanne then walked up to Grace and placed a warm hand against her cold shoulder.

“I feel your pain, sister.”

Hearing the voice made Grace pause in her tears. She knew she didn’t speak.

‘Who has the same voice as me?’

She wondered, gently raising her head from the suitcase she had tilted her heavy head to. Her eyes met her high glittering heels and rolled up to her face.

Susanne, who stood tall before her, had little pouted lips covered in velvet red. Her slender body and pert tiny rumps were like a model out of Vogue magazine.  Her melanin popped through the surreal weather, like a fresh mango resisting getting wet.

She was indeed identical. A replica of herself. Unease unfurled in Grace’s chest as she wondered if this was another dream.

Susanne met her with a small smile, knowing that night, she would guest Grace in the Balogun’s mansion.

“Who are you?”

“I’m Susanne Balogun. Come, let’s go home.”

Dumbfounded, Grace grabbed her suitcase, while Susanne helped her pack the three leather bags into her car. They had a silent drive from Lugbe, to Maitama, where Susanne lived. Susanne was concerned so much about the effect of such disappointment would have on Grace, and how miserable she felt that instant.

It was Susanne who opened the door for Grace. She looked pale, and she had somehow lost her voice from the heavy rain and unpredictable ambush.

“Come in.” She mused. “Don’t just stand there? You're shivering. I’ll find you something to wear, but first, you need a warm shower.” Susanne took her hand and led her in, then turned to her standing mirror, taking off her earnings while watching the awe on Grace’s face.

“Thank you.”

“I should be the one thanking you.” She smiled genially. “This way.”

The ladies walked down a long carpeted corridor. They entered the sitting room. It was a large and lavishly furnished apartment, just like the ones she saw in foreign movies she had occasionally watched on Ada’s Android phone. In the living room corner, there was a white piano that caught her attention. Then the twinkling chandeliers and furniture. The entire place was antique.

The upholstery was rich and grimly showy. Two paintings of landscape hung on the wall and one wedding portrait of Susanne and Micheal stood between them. Grace didn’t know who Susanne was, but from the look of things, she was wealthy enough to buy her happiness. And afford masterpieces.

Susanne poured hot water from a golden, electric jar into an executive glass cup and prepared ginger and honey coffee for her. It was an imported beverage from Thailand that had a strong fragrance and a rich taste. Then she placed a spoon into the cup and stored the drink. Susanne placed the cup right before Grace and flashed her a bright smile. “Treat this as your home. I know you must be curious about a lot of things. Let’s take things gradually.”

“The bathroom is that way.”

Grace stepped into the bathroom and closed its door. Wait, what’s happening? She shut her eyes right and opened it. Realizing that it wasn’t a dream. Grace couldn’t help but blush. She chuckled to herself and gazed up. The chandelier in the toilet was magnificent. She wondered if they were of ice or diamond. The whole place felt like a castle. Who would have imagined that she would spend the night in such a place? Grace twirled and suddenly paused. Her eyes met her reflection in the wide wall mirror. Around it were white-marble carvings of cupids and angel-like artistries. Her fingers splayed about its beauty in astonishment. If this was a dream, it was a good one. Grace wished that it would never end, at least for now. The around-the-bath tube was the best bath soap and lotions. And the shower. She has never had a bath under one.

“Grace, I’m in a hurry. I’ll have to go now.” Susanne muttered from the living room. “I’ll go to the main building, but you must not leave here. I’ll check on you in the morning. There’s a lot to eat and drink in the refrigerator!”
Grace heard the door close as she gently took off her clothes and tied a towel around her chest.

She washed herself and got dressed. Upon realizing that Susanne had locked the door and taken the keys, she found herself unable to go out. Grace didn’t feel the need to. She put on a pajamas Susanne picked for her. Though they had the same height and size.

Barring the bathroom door, Grace gently walked around the living room. She guessed that it was a massive apartment connected to the house. It was the guest room which had other rooms in it, but no one used the place. Grace watched the enormous portrait of Susanne and Micheal. Somehow, she felt she knew him from somewhere, but she nodded at the idea out of her mind.

As she walked up to the table, she met with an envelope. Grace unwrapped it and saw an old photograph that struck her. In it was a woman who held two identical-looking baby girls in both arms.

There was a letter attached to it. Which read: Finally, I’ve met my twin sister.

Grace glimpsed to the photograph again. While staring, a frown appeared on her face. Her gaze contorted as if she recognized the woman carrying them. In pain, yet with admiration in her eyes, Grace placed the photograph back in the envelope.

“How come I never met Susanne until today? Why... Why was I abandoned at the orphanage?” She stuttered, nodding silently, her forehead wrinkling.

Unable to eat, drink, or sleep.

Getting into the main building, Susanne met Musimbi, cleaning the wine cellar and arranging new bottles on the shelves. It startled Susanne to meet her there. Her thought was that everyone had gone to bed.

“You are finally back.” Musimbi mused. “Mr. Micheal is in his room and must have slept by now.”

“What my husband is back? Why didn’t you inform me earlier?” Susanne hissed and walked further.

“Woah!” Crystabelle, who was watching television, turned to Susanne in mockery. “My action sister-in-law is back! Where have you been? Is there anything more important to you than my brother?”

“Cryst! Just watch your movie and if you are bored, go to bed, okay?”

Crystabelle’s muscles stiffened as she jolted up from the sofa. Are you deliberately changing the subject? What has gotten over you? She stormed and threw her balled fist. Guilty! She must be up to something again. Crystabelle snapped and continued watching her movie.

Getting to her room, Susanne took off her clothes and wiped out her makeup. Then, she took a warm shower and put on a white silky night dress. It revealed her mango-shaped bosom and her pointed nibble pierced through the light material. Her wavy, black wig flowered down her slim shoulders. The pink lip gloss on her like brought out its softness, like freshly baked candy about to be eaten.

Standing by the door of Micheal’s room, Susanne thought about her last encounter with her husband. She needed to make up for her previous mistake.

‘I need to sleep with him today else. I won’t be able to hide this pregnancy.’ Her eyes shut as she briefly inhaled and exhaled. Susanne let her eyes open, then she gently rapped on his door.

‘Tap! Tap! Tap!’

“Yeah, who is it?”

It’s me. She replied, and he flung open the door. Micheal’s eyes met Susanne and with just her look, he could tell what she came for.

His eyes fell on her chest and he wiped off the wave of temptation off them.

“What is the matter? Let’s talk about it tomorrow morning!”

About to leave, she held back his hand. “I feel scared, Micheal. I think there are rats in my room.” Susanne complained, in her most child-like voice.

“Rats?” Micheal frowned.

“Yes.” she sniffed. “I saw one just now. And I can’t sleep knowing they are there.”

Starting through her glittering eyes, Micheal could tell if she was telling the truth or lies.

“Can I spend the night with you?” Susanne tried to force her way in but Micheal blocked her. His right hand deepened into the side of his trousers. Micheal picked up his mobile phone, scrolled through its screen, and telephoned a contact.

Susanne nibbled on her lower lip, and ran a finger through her hair, hoping he would change his mind. She left the door while he held the phone toward his ear.

“Musimbi, where are you?”

“Great! Susanne couldn’t sleep. Can you come to the bedroom to accompany her?” Micheal waited a bit, listening to her reply.

“Good.” He ended the call and Susanne felt nauseous. As if to puke. She held on to her mouth and stomach.

“Are you alright?” Micheal raised, her glittering eyes turned dill in a blink. He could read the anger in it, but there was something more than anger in her eyes.

“Don’t forget to Aunty Orpah for your medication,” Micheal reminded her. “It’s been a while since we last went for a checkup.”

“Are you okay, madam?” worry filled Musimbi’s eyes as she whispered. Susan gave him a blank stare.

“I am fine!” She hissed and stored out of their sight into her room. It was nothing but a waste of time to lure her husband to bed it with her.

“I’m busy with office work. Just check on her.” Micheal ordered and jammed the door in his maid’s face. Startled at what to do, Musimbi hurried towards Susanne’s room, but she locked the door.

Susanne held onto the closet, puking out the toasted bread, tea, and chicken she had for lunch. Her stomach contorted with sharp pains as more vomit splashed into the closet again. She struggled with it and choked on a hard cough, while Musimbi knocked on her door.

“Are you alright, madam?”

“Are you deaf? I said I’m fine, idiot!” Susanne’s voice echoed as she slammed at her maid. Her eyes darkened as she drove down in tears. I’m fine, okay? I’m perfectly fine!"

Calmly, Musimbi walked away, leaving Susanne to face her mystery.

Trapped by her circumstances, her face scrunched up and she mistakenly swallowed the puke that wanted to pour. Susanne held to her throat and rasped in a low, painful moan.

“What am I going to do? Susanne, what are you going to do? No one can find out that you’re pregnant. No one!”