Chapter 7

Dara knelt before her bible and daily devotional then she raised a worship songs as led by the spirit.

🎶Do something new in my life, something new in my life, something new in my life oh Lord🎶

Then she went further to make the declarations from the devotional.

"My family will not lack this year! I decree and I proclaim marriage in this family this year! Move us from oblivion to the limelight! Let people see us and believe that we're serving a God doesn't fail or disappointed. Turn my reproach around for my good!" She stated then busted into tongues.  

"In Jesus name I pray" she finally said then she heard a voice say "Amen"

Dara gasped turning towards Brenda who was kneeling with her. She didn't even notice her come in because her eyes were closed while she prayed. "Are you trying to give me a heart attack?"

"Look at somebody that just prayed, scared over nothing."

Dara hissed rising up but Brenda remained on the floor. "Did you pray for God to forgive me?" She asked and Dara shrugged. "For what exactly?" "For being disrespectful at the diner and many other sins"
"You didn't tell him did you?" "No. He asked me if I had anything i wanted to tell him"

"That was an open cheque to let him know you're not the boss of S and A"

"You think I didn't realize it? I almost told him but I couldn't. I like him and we kissed"

Dara sighed. "I can't be lying to my boss. What it blows over, it'll blow on my face too" "Please just let me handle it myself" "Till when Brenda? The funny thing about lies is that, it keeps accumulating and if I know it's going to keep on building till you have a skyscraper of lies"

"Geez!"

"Does he even know you have a son?"

Stella got out from the bathroom in towel only to find Andy holding a tray consisting of two pieces of sliced bread, a fried egg and a tea. "Breakfast after shower, done out of love for you darling" he dropped it on the bed then he walked up to her wrapping his hands around her waist.

"What's got you all happy?"

"Nothing in particular" he replied and Stella shook her head. "Huh huh, it has to be something"

"Can you give me some cash? I'm kind of in need of it"

"Like how much?"

"Two hundred"

"Two hundred what? Naira?"

"You know what I meant"

"What? Baby, I can't do that. I'm saving towards our wedding in case you still don't have a job when the time comes"

"Come on Babe, it's for a good course. I'll get a good job and then I'll repay you back. I'll spoil you like I always do" he caressed her and she pulled back.

"What's is it for?"

"Remember when I said I had a plan, well yesterday I executed the plan"

"Babe, I didn't give you the go ahead to"

"Come on! You're always so serious. It worked, according to Efe" "Wait Efe? The gigolo? You want to fix my sister with someone that strips for a living? You couldn't find a better person"

"Well I believe in his Ministry to move your sister's ministry and I need to give him starting pay. According to him, your sister  already likes him. Why won't she? Your sister will like anyone who appreciates the beauty she doesn't have" he snapped laughing to himself and Stella frowned.

"I was just joking, cheer up babe" he pleaded and she moved away.

"At least send me the money now. Should I do it myself?" He asked picking up her phone from the bed then she hissed out loud.

Chris raised a glass of wine up to his mouth discussing with Funsho who was sitting across from him in the Duncan's restaurant. "She's something I have to say, right from the moment I saw her, she took my breath away" "You sound like you're already in love"

"Not in love sha, i'm just fascinated by her. There's nothing really special, I don't even know how to describe it. You're even looking at me in a strange way, I feel uncomfortable right now"

Funsho laughed, "I understand how you feel" "How about your...." He trialed off knowing Funsho hated talking about his life.  He scoffed pinching his nose in disinterest.

"I know you don't like to talk but... How is it going?"

"It's been great"

"And how do you feel?"

"I'll be fine, it's not been easy, I'll admit but I'll be fine. The women in my life aren't even making it even easy"

"They're still pestering you?"

"Yes, couple with the drama surrounding my life already. They don't even understand what I'm going through" Funsho answered looking into his phone.

"That's a cue for you'll be leaving soon. I almost forgot you're a time keeper"

Funsho laughed looking away from him. "I don't want to be late, you know how these things are"

"I get it. I'll be off to work in a jiffy"

Portia, Boma sneered at Brenda after Dara explained her ordeal to them. "Thunder fire you for where you stand" "Han han" Brenda looked up to the ceiling as though a thunder was coming then she moved away.

"That's why i don't like this your friends, she loves adding thunder and violence to every situation. I mean it's just a mild thing"

"Mild? So when the guy comes looking for the Boss of S and A, should I show myself as one" Portia asked and Brenda shook her head. "No now" she moved closer.

"See ehn, it was the devil that caused it" "Oh please Brenda!" Boma snapped, "Are you not tired of making excuses for your flops?" She snapped and Brenda shut her eyes.

"Are you guys here to criticize me or help me out?"

"If you want me to lie, you'll have to take a job learning Fashion designing at my shop"

"Nibo? (Where?)" Brenda hissed, "One, fashion designing is not what I love doing. Sitting on the machine and paddling that thing ir whatever it's called, it's for your type. I still wonder why you're not reducing"

"Look at somebody that i want to help" Portia slapped her on the head. "Ouch. You guys like bullying a lot. I was just joking. Are you going to help me or not?"

"What do you now want from me?"

"When I'll need your help like your office for example, I'll let you know then we can just script out a scene...like act something out"

"Shey you're one who studied theatre arts, why will be acting with you? What won't I see in this life? Dara are you listening to your sister? Do you agree with this bullshit she's spilling out of her mouth cause I don't. There's no point starting a relationship with lies, it's no good foundation to start up anything"

"That sermon has already being preached already. You all know Brenda now, coconut head, only filled with nothing but water, nothing goes in"

Brenda rolled her eyes, "Babes, in right here in you guys presence and i have ears! Are you guys going to help me or not?"

Chief Duncan walked into the Bishop's law firm alone while his escort waited by the car according to his order. He walked in and Bosco Bishop rose up smiling at him. "Good morning Chief" he greeted, "Good morning son" he replied taking his seat.

"How's the family?" Chief asked, "They're fine"

"How's your wife and baby?"

"They're doing fine Sir; and your family too?" He asked and he adjusted his sitting position. "Well... the whole gang are fine. What can I say? They're doing well."

"You don't sound so sure?"

"Well... They're fine as a family but individually, the problems they have is so big and sometimes, I do wish I can help them but can a man help his children carry their cross? They have to do it themselves. Ko se se (It's impossible?) "

"What's the problem Sir? Why are you here Sir?"

"Anthony was a very good friend of mine. Good to the core, I trusted him with everything I had and in the same vein, I trust you. I came concerning my will and i need your advice"

"Are we safe?"

A week later

14th of February

Mrs Igwe's woke up after her alarm rang that morning. "Thank you Jesus for a brand new day" she yawned then She turned right to find her husband reading the Bible in bed. "Good morning dear" she greeted and he smiled at her taking off his glasses.

"Good morning. Hope you slept well"

"I did dear and you?" She asked and he smiled. "I did. Happy Valentine's day" he wished and she chuckled giving him a kiss on the lips.

"It's our daughter's birthday"
Her husband threw his face away and Mrs Igwe frowned. "Don't react that way. She's our daughter"  "Im not denying that fact but I'm equally  tired of her."  "Equally? I'm not tired"

"You are!"

"Well... True but.... I still love her as much as you do"

"What went wrong? Where did we go wrong? I still remember the day she was given birth to. Remember we thought she was going to be a boy, I saw a beautiful girl and I named her Brenda"

"You were so happy, I was expecting you to be disappointed but you were happy in the midst of it"

"I never knew she would end up being a real disappointment"

"My dear"

"Maybe I shouldn't have allowed her study theatre arts"

"We agreed to her choice. We already agreed not to influence our children's choice of study.She's our daughter, her baggage is our baggage. We can only pray to God to change her for good. Let's not get tired of praying"

Dara held a small cake entering into   Brenda's room. Ruby, Kelvin and her mother followed her in. They all stared at Brenda who was still deep in her sleep. "On the count of three," Mrs Igwe whispered and they all agreed.

"One... two.... Three"

"Happy birthday!!!!" They all screamed and Brenda jerked out of her sleep. "Blood of Jesus!!!" She screamed and her sisters laughed.

"I can't believe you still remember the blood of Jesus" Dara teased sitting on the bed and Brenda exhaled loudly finally taking notice of the cake.

"Happy birthday big Ishi (big head)

  "OMG" She screamed. "Are you guys serious? Awwwn... You guys planned a surprise package for me. Thank you" she placed her hands on her chest  then she leaned in to hug Dara.

"Happy birthday to you Brenda" her mother hugged her from the back and she smiled.

"Good morning Mom. Thank you"

"Happy birthday Mommy" Kelvin jumped on the bed and Brenda smiled.

"Awwwn" she got emotional as tears poured down. 

Dara walked into the gym which had the whole Valentine's spirit going on from the red and white concept to it's employees all dressed in red and white. She had a grey sweat pants and a white top with a school bag hung across her shoulder.

The sight of couples working out made her uneasy. She sighed to get a grip of herselfso she won't have to weaher feelings on her face.  She finally making her way to an empty room where she began her exercise.

A call came in from her gym instructor so she picked it up smiling, "Good morning Oise" "Good morning Miss Dara," "Would it kill you to call me Dara?"

"No but my boss will kill me. See, it's work ethics and there are no two ways about it. You can't go about calling your boss by his name can you?"

"Im not your boss"

"Urgh! This woman and her wahala. I'm not calling you by your name Sha.  Well, I'm calling to cancel for today"

"Awwwn why? I'm already at the gym. You could have called earlier on, I'm here already"

"I'm sorry, something came up"

"Valentine something shey?"

"Something like that. I'll be proposing to my girlfriend and I'm planning on doing it in public so.... I'm making plans"

"Awwn... That's nice, congratulations"

"Thanks. I already called the boss, see you tomorrow then"

"Sure" she ended the call and another call trooped in from Efe. "Happy Valentine's day to you Dara"

"Happy Valentine's day to you too."

"Are you free for the night?" He asked and her heart thumped in anticipation. It sure sounded as though he's going to ask her out.

"There's this Valentine's special program in church" she answered literally crossing her fingers for him to bring up a topic about a date elsewhere.

For the first time, she would really love to spend her Valentine's day elsewhere apart from church!

"Oh. I take it you're packed for the night then"

"That depends..." She dragged, "Were you going to say something?"
"I was going to ask you out on a date. There's this um.... Are you free for a date? A date tonight. It would be swell to be on a date with my very own Juliet"

Dara giggled, "You do realize, Valentine's day isn't about Romeo and Juliet right?" "Sure" Efe scoffed. "Why not? I'm not that stupid" he added.

"Well I'm free for a date with this Romeo. Thank you very much"

"See you at the Duncan's"

"Duncan's? Why must it be the Duncan's? Why is everyone going there? It's like they're sharing money there."

"Come on! What's there not to love. This people's have the best scenery, their food taste like heaven on Earth, let's not even talk about their live music. Besides, Johnny Drille will be performing live today. I already booked a spot for us"

"That's sweet of you. See you there"

"You too" he replied hanging up then he hung up looking at his cousin who was playing game on the laptop. "Wait oh.... I just confuse for here, no be Romeo die for Juliet make people dey celebrate Valentine's day?" He asked and Odion laughed.

"Ask Google"

"Guy I'm serious"

"No, you can't be serious. I mean, isn't this the girl you've been paid to impress? The girl that has read all novels and you can't get your Valentine's fact right. What if she brings up the discussion tonight? You had better start asking Google now" he snapped and Efe squinted his eyes as though still unsure of what Valentine was all about.

"Mehn it's depressing you don't know the story behind Valentine. How you take manage form Shakespeare way she believe am? Geez! Some girls sha. Well my guy,
No too reason am. Use your phone check the story. I hear say pidgin version dey sef" he added and
Efe threw one of his slippers at him and Odion dodged it laughing.

Funsho walked past the section where Dara was so he took a step back watching her do  her Bridge exercise wrongly once again . "5" she lifted her body up, "6, 7..." She counted. "12" she skipped to the last falling to the ground where she took a deep breath.

"God I'm dead! I'm not dead in Jesus name! I reject death! It's not my portion! Jesus! Abeg who send me?" She asked then she noticed Funsho's presence.

She began to wonder how long he had been standing there. "How long have you been standing there?" She asked taking off the earpiece in her ears 

"Long enough"

"Long enough what?"

"To learn that after 7 comes 12" he answered and Dara shut her eyes in shame then she opened it back. "It's a new development" she joked but he kept a straight face even though he wanted to laugh.

"Your posture...." He hesistated,  "What again?" She asked,  "Did I do it wrongly again?" She asked and he scoffed turning his back to leave. 

"Happy Valentine's day" she said to him and he nodded.

"Happy Valentine's day to you too"

"Smile sometimes, it's healthy. It does help to curb aging too"

"What? Do I look old?" He asked and she stuck her earpiece back into her ears playing then she pressed play on her phone. She continued her exercise to Fireboy's Flenjo.

Funsho walked past her laughing to himself. "Whatever" he muttered to himself then his phone rang. "Hey sweetie" was the first thing he said.

"Guess what plan i made for our night?"

Brenda's phone rang while she did her make up. "Morning Baby" she greeted and Chris laughed. "I'm lost for words to describe a girlfriend that forgot to mention today was her birthday. Can you describe her in one word?"

"Considerate should be the word"

"Have you ever opened your dictionary? How's that considerate? I had to find out from your little status." "What would you have done?"

"I could have been awake to be the first to wish you a happy birthday. You're a horrible horrible girlfriend." "I'm sorry, I just didn't want to say it."

"It's kinda sudden but I would really like to make your day so what are your plans for the day?"

"Work"  she answered convinced she wasn't lying. After all, she had taken a job at Timmy's diner as a server.

"Apart from work?"

"Nothing."

"Okay...." He replied arousing some sort of curiousity from her. "What?" She asked, "Nothing, it's a surprise"

"You can't be serious. Tell me now"

"It won't be a surprise then would it?"

Brenda laughed, "It better be worth it or I swear I'll break up with you" "I doubt that" Chris chuckled and she giggled biting her lower lips. "Shouldn't you be preparing for work?"

"Just doing my makeup"

"I'll call you later" he promised hanging up then she placed the phone on her chest.

If only there was a way to by pass falling for him! So help me God!

"For those that are just tuning it, this is 95.5 fm, mood FM and this is me saying Happy Valentine's day and Happy birthday once again to one fish like that. Remember I told you happy birthday Brenda, if you don't call in on my program on my birthday, yawa go gas" she answered laughing to herself.

"That'll be all eith morning Amebo from Boma. You know how we do it, stay tuned for more next week. Let me just drop this one by Tiwa and Korede Bello, Mr. Romantic" she added and someone sent her a note.

Person dey wait you for outside oh

Boma rushed outside from the Station on being told that someone wanted to see her. She went out to see, a lady leaning against a car at the parking lot. "Good morning" she greeted and Ireti smiled at her. 

"Boma Davis"

"Who are you?"

"I'm someone who's interested in helping you get what you want"

"What is it you think I want? But firstly, what's your name?"

"Iretiola Brooks"

"What do you think I want?"

"I've been reading your articles about the Duncans. I've been with them, and you're not wrong. They're exactly what you paint them as, everyone of them from Chief Duncan to the last child. Bloody Ritualists!"

"I'm searching for proof"

"Well...I can't give you that proof but I want to discuss with you concerning the death at the party. I read the article and you're right, the lady was killed but the police reported something different right? No autospy was done, you know why? Because they all know who killed the girl"

"Who did?"

"Gbade Duncan." Ireti answered and Boma creased her brow in thought. "I knew the girl who died, she's a very close friend. She was going to meet up with Gbade that night. Gbade was the last person to see him"

"Why would he want her dead?"

"Rosemary knew some serious shit  about him and was ready to use it again him"

Don't shout at me, I'll be with you shortly. Where are you?

Boma recalleed the words she heard from him at the party while he made his call. Could It be that Gbade Duncan could have murdered the lady?

"I'm just telling you so you will do something real quick about it. Expose Gbade and have him arrested, in fact why don't you just post it on your blog now? No Mercy for these ritualist, let them pay dearly for the hearts they've broken"

Dunni called Winny's number but it didn't go through so she called Shade's number instead. "Hey dear" "Good morning Aunt Dunni, how are you?" "I'm fine dear, I just want to know if you're with Winny"

"No I'm not. I'm at home, have you called her?"

"Her number isn't going through," "I'm kind of busy with the baby right now, I can't really leave home"

"It's fine. Do you know where I can find her?"

"Yes. Timmy's diner"

"Where in the world is Timmy's diner?"

"It's our go to place, it's close to the gym"

"Oh. Great then, I'll see if can meet her there"

"I'll call you when I get to her"

"I'll really really appreciate it. Thank you dear, I'll check the.... Whatever diner"

"Timmy's diner" Shade noted and Dunni waved her hands, totally unconcerned.  "Yeah...Yep. That"

"You carry this typo enter this new month, I no complain, you still dey carry am enter Valentine's day. Na wa to you oh. You no get shame?" Henry one of Timmy's customer asked and Timmy laughed at his rants. 

"I don tell the guy make him come change am... You know how Uche sabi give excuse shey?" He responded then Henry hissed.  "Happy valentine now"

"Same to you"

"How your Valentine go be now?"

"Same old. I'll just chill here and then go back home"

"Mehn guy, your life boring die! How you go just dey live life like Pope ? It's like you've forgotten how to flex"

"The last time I checked, I don't have a girlfriend"

"Of the girls that keeps throwing themselves at you. Guy If i had your face, not this useless face God gave me. Things I would have done ehn!" He wished and a girl walked up to the counter dropping a gift wrap for Timmy.

"Happy Valentine's day Timmy" she winked at him then she shoved a note into his breast pocket. "Happy Valentine's day baby" she winked again, "Call me" she mouthed before leaving.

"Oh God!" Henry placed his hands over his head. "See booty call, that's definitely an invitation in that note.  Tell me you're going"

"I'm not going anywhere. I don't like her, Charity is not my type"

"Jesus!" He turned back at the buttocks of the lady who just made way out the diner.  "Jesus! He said she's not his type, my father, my father, please open our dear Timmy's eyes to see his type. Amen"

Timmy heard the door shut and Brenda rushed in dressed in a red top and a blue jean. "I know I am late but it's not my fault" she said looking at Timmy who hissed.

"Who's fault is it?"

"Lagos traffic"

"And it had nothing to do with the make up on your face"

"Make up that didn't even take me ten minutes."

"Always coming late!" Henry stated and Brenda glared at him. " This is a business between my boss and I. Who are you to me again?"

"Your ex"

"Just keep silent Henry. Me I will not say anything, she'll feel it from your salary"

"How much are you paying me gan that you will now have that mind to remove from my salary. Have the fear of God in you now, at least do it in the spirit of valentine"

"Happy birthday dear" Timmy wished and Brenda smiled. "Thank you" she went into the counter corner to hug him and Henry chuckled.

"Happy birthday Brendy"

"Thank you Henry" she replied and the door to rhe entrance shut loudly making Time turned towards the direction.

He saw Dunni walk in dressed in a purple chiffon gown. Kizz Daniel's 'Pak and Go' instantly played from the background and a sweet smile crept through Timi's cheeks as the whole scene played in slow motion in his head.

Henry and Brenda traced his look to her. "Do you know her?" Henry asked,   "I was about to ask same, do you know her?" Brenda repeated, "Maybe in my former life, mehn she's fine"

"Seriously?" Henry asked, "What? She's fine" 

"Man, I'm not saying she's not fine, but she looks mature"

"What's mature about her?"

Dunni flip her hair on walking in then she exhaled loudly looking around for Winny. She hissed then she put a call through to her again. 'The number you're trying to reach is unavailable at the moment' she heard then she hissed walking towards a female waitress, Onome. "Hello, good morning"

"Good morning Ma, can I help you"

"Yes. I'm looking for my daughter"

"Did you lose her or something? Were you careless?" Onome asked thinking Dunni was looking for a little child.

"No!" Dunni shook her head, "She's not little. She's seventeen, her name is Winner or Winny, I don't know if you'll know her" "Why not? Winny that walks around with Shade right? She even looks like you"

"Really?" Dunni smiled, "I'm glad you think that way dear"

Onome smiled, Dunni appeared to be nicer than her daughter. "She hasn't been here yet but you can wait for her at the counter" "Thank you" she replied walking towards the counter.

"She's coming" Timmy whispered, "So?" "The two of you better Fashi (go)"

"Ehn?"

"Fashi"

"I thought you're never into girls" Brenda asked and Timmy rolled his eyes. "Girls, not pretty women, you guys should abeg fashi before...." he whispered, before he could complete his sentence, Dunni sat on one of the chairs then she instantly began fiddling with her phone. She wasn't doing anything interesting but she preferred fiddling it than feeling lonely.

Timmy eyed Henry who scratched his hair, smiling at her. "Aunty good afternoon oh" He greeted and Dunni smiled at him.

"Hey" she waved and Brenda pulled him away by the ears.

"Forgive my friend, Henry can be stupid atimes" Timmy apologized and Dunni raised a brow at her.

"Ouch" she replied,  "Sorry, but he's stupid everyday of the week except on Sunday" he replied and she chuckled softly.

"It's still harsh, what has he done?"

"Referring to you as Aunty, that's a wrong name for anyone"

Dunni chuckled, "I guess I'm used to it, this is Nigeria"  "Still, you don't use those terms, they're derogatory. You don't look like Aunty"

"I'm not that young"

"Who says you're not?"

"My date of birth, my wrinkles"

"Where are the wrinkles? Cause I don't see any" he replied and she chuckled. "My name is Timilehin Akande," "Timmy... Like Timmy's diner?" She asked and he gave a gently nod.

"I'm the entrepreneur behind this small business"

"It's nice. My Mom cooks too, she's a chef"

"You must be aone hell of a cook too"  he replied and she laughed so hard. "Quite the contrary, I'm not. I'm not even close to being a cook. I can make a decent custard though, I can fry eggs and make tea" She stalled bringing out a pack of cigarette from her bag. She pushed out a stick from it then she dipped her hands back into her bag searching for a lighter.

"Do you have a lighter?" She asked Timmy who only gave her a disapproving look then he pointed at the no smoking sign.

"Oh. I'm sorry" she shoved it back into the pack then she put it back into her hand bag.

There was a long pause and Timmy looked away. He has always been the kind to frown upon smoking, especially women who pick up such habit. "I didn't see the sign" Dunni said then she cleared her throat afterwards.

"It's okay. I didn't get your name"

"I never gave it to you"

"You wouldn't mind telling me would you?"

"Adunni,The name is Adunni....." She hesitated on giving the surname. She had never been a fan of the topic that accompanied the name 'Duncan'.

"I prefer being called Dunni though"

"Nice name. I've never seen any ugly person with the name Adunni before" 

"Seriously? How many have you met?"

"A couple, it's a nice name"

"Thank you" she replied with a smile. She recognized flirting when she sees one, she just didn't understand why a hot guy as himself would be flirting with her?

"What should I offer you?"

"I'll love a cup of coffee please with sugar. That'll be all"

"Coming right up!" He prepared the coffee placing on the surface of the counter for her. 

"Thanks"

"Happy Valentine's day" he wished with a smile and she smiled back sipping from the coffee.

"Wish you same" 

Timi looked over at his wrist watch. "My favourite show is on" he said tuning to 95.5

"I don't like this Valentine's day celebration of a thing" one of the callers from the radio station complained, "It's a day that people always misuse. In my street where I come from around that Agege side. They will hold val day parties and by the time you'll walk around the following morning, you'll be seeing erm, used condoms up and down on the floor. Haba! It's always too much and later after nine months you'll see the result and evidence of val day. The atrocities on Valentine's day is always too much"

"I agree with you sir" Dara said while Ehiz laughed quietly.

"My advise is that the government should do something about it"

"What does the Government have  to  with this Sir? This thing is personal choice"

"Let the government cancel bash parties held that day. They should station policemen to catch awon agbero, awon omota (street guys). They are the ones that always impregnate girls anyhow!"

Dara witheld her laughter. "Why is it that when things go wrong, the government takes the fall for it?" "Because it is in their function to safeguard us."

" We've heard you Sir" Dara cuts in, "They should also have facilities so that girls can go and get drugs to prevent them from getting pregnant after this day cause this matter is becoming alarming oh. Today as we are seeing so, they're going to be upcoming mothers. I'm sure of it"

"Thank you very much Mr. Ajao for those opinion. We really appreciate it." She said ending the call. " I couldn't agree more with him on the part that many of us misuse the purpose of Valentine's day"

"True Sha" Ehiz agreed looking into his laptop,  "Let's check out what Greg from Ikorodu said, he said If we take sex out of Valentine's day? Then where is the Valentine's day? Dara abeg, do you agree with him?"

"I totally disagree with him. This is a day of love. A day to show love to your family, to your neighbor, to strangers, not about sex."

"Speak for yourself" he whispered and Dara chuckled tapping him playfully.

"Today I entered into a bus where i had to pay for the entire passengers. It wasn't my regular move but i had to do it because of the significance of this day and I still have a lot of give aways that i want to do, like recharge cards give away too. Let's show love and not demonstrate it through sex"

Dunni chuckled as a result of a comment made by one of the callers on Dara's show and Timmy chuckled too. "What's your take on the show" "It's actually a first time listening to it. I don't listen to radio that often"

"It's Dara's corner on 95.5 mood FM. It usually runs from 10 am - 11. It's hosted by Dara Igwe. I seriously don't know why I'm advertising on this girl's behalf" he laughed to himself.

"Because she's your girlfriend"

Timmy laughed, "She's not... She's my best friend." He answered and Dunni scoffed in disbelief and he noticed. "You don't believe me do you?" "What's my business?"

"She's not my girlfriend. I don't even have a girlfriend" Timi replied, he didn't even know why he said that. Dunni rolled her eyes this time, how could a good looking young man like himself be single?

Definitely one of the lies men tell!

"What's your take on Valentine's day?" He asked and she shrugged.

"I don't know... Not like I care anymore"

"Why?"

"Well...." She dragged, then she scoffed. "Personal reasons" she brought out a hip flask containing alcohol then she drank it. Timi watched her put the drink back in to her bag.  "Sorry.... I didn't mean to intrude" he cleared his throat and Dunni quickly read the judgemental look on his face.

"It's water"

"And I'm supposed to believed that cause I'm two years old"

"Don't give me the judgement day look, I'm not doing anything wrong"

"Why then did you lie about it? I haven't said anything, why is your conscience pricked if you're not doing anything wrong?" He asked and she sighed shutting her eyes. "People do things based on how they feel and I took what I just did because I felt the need to"

"How do you feel?"

"Lonely" she replied exhaling loudly.

"Ouch to the guy that has been here all these while talking to you" he replied and she busted out laughing. "I'm sorry. No offense, generally that's how I feel, that's the only way I feel lately. You want to know what I think about Valentine's day? I think it's a hoarse, a sham, it's overrated, exaggerated. It's a day that makes you hate yourself"

"For what?"

"For a whole lot of reasons..." She stalled then she faked a chuckle. "The aura of the environment just got tensed didn't it? That's what I do. I do that a lot, I shouldn't even speak"

"You should, I'm serious Adunni, I really want to know what you have to say. I'm hooked, I'm sure you have many more to say"

"You're a stranger, I shouldn't even be speaking to you"

"I have that effect on most people so you can't really blame me. You're still withdrawn though"

"Because you're still a stranger"

"Fair enough" Timmy raised his hands, "I'm not going to say a word again. I'm just going to mind my business"

Another young lady walked up to him handing a gift wrap to him and he smiled. "Happy Valentine's day Tee"   "Thanks dear" "How's tonight going to look like? Should I come over?" She asked and he opened his mouth stammering but nothing came out of it.

"See you tonight" she winked leaving and Timmy groaned keeping the gift. "Whoa" Dunni said, "That's the second one I've seen today, tough choice huh? I don't even want to be you right now"

"They're not even alternatives"

"Ouch on their behalfs, I feel their pains. They're hot, I'm not into women but they're pretty good looking"

"They don't have the spice"

"What's your definition of spice?"

"Are you asking that as a friend or a stranger? I'd like to know, I'm really not keen on talking to strangers" he answered and she chuckled then she shrugged.

"I don't know yet"

"Spice is just something that makes life complete, that makes me attracted to a woman. I look at you and I'm instantly blown away by your beauty, your character, your smile. Beauty, character and smile. Those are the spices to me"

Dunni smiled, "Seriously?" She asked and Timmy gently nodded then he stared dreamily at her. "You have no idea, did I mention you have a wonderful smile?" "Are you teasing me right now?"

"I'm serious. God's honest truth" Timi raised his palm up and Dunni chuckled softly. "Thank you"

"You're welcome. What are you doing here?"

"Well.... I'm in search of my daughter and no I didn't lose her. She's all grown up or rather she feels she's all grown up but to me she's still my little baby"

Timi smile turned faint, he guessed Dunni was married already although there was no wedding ring in her fingers.  "Oh. Um... Are you waiting for her? What's her name? I know virtually all of my customers"

Her phone rang and she picked it up. "Lara dear, good morning" "Iwo na good morning. I'm at your house and I can't find you. Where are you?"

"When did you get back from the states?"

"I just did. Where are you?"

"I'm at a diner....." She stalled, "it's called Timmy's diner close to Funsho's gym"

"Can you come meet me here? I'm here because I heard my friend's not doing so well" "I'm waiting for my daughter.... It's Valentine's day and I'm worried"

"Okay listen up dear, you're going to meet me at your Mom's restaurant ASAP, so ti gbo? (Have you heard?)"

"Sure" she answered ending the call then she looked up at Timmy.

"I have to go now"

"What about your daughter?"

"I'll just keep on calling her"

"Okay. See you around"

"Yeah"

"Happy Valentine's day again and please do well to bless someone with your beautiful smile"

"Thanks" she said with a smile and they both chuckled afterwards. Dunni left despite being reluctant to. Henry strolled back to meet Timmy.

"I supposed it was a nice chat"

Winny entered into the diner shortly after her mother left. She had a gift wrap in her hands. "How far Winny, no be small valentine something oh." Onome said to her, "Abi oh." "Your Mom came looking for you a while ago. She just left"

"How did she find out i hang out here?" She asked then she cussed Shade under her breathe. She hissed out loud before walking up to Timmy.

"Hey Tee, Hey Henry" she smiled stretching the gift to him.

"Happy Valentine's day to you"

"Wow. A gift for me and I don't have anything for you. I feel bad"

"You don't have to, just seeing you is more than enough"

"Awwwn that's sweet"

"See you in the evening"

"You too" Timmy replied back and she winked at him walking away from him and Henry scoffed. "See small pikin, familiarity dey make her call me Henry. Oga you better find how to let these teenagers off before you get sued for harassment or molestation especially this Winny babe"

"It's just a harmless relationship. Winny understands that I'm an adult so therefore, there are some things that can't exist between us."

"You sure? Cause I'm seeing this thing so, this babe is in love with you, I mean she's growing. Look at all that big body and those raging teenage hormones. You don't even want to imagine what's going on there"

"What's your point"

"Talk to the babe and make things clear. Stop making assumptions!"

Gbade walked into the hospital, the Valentine's day theme churned him in his stomach. He has never been a fan of Valentine's day, the fact the day made him look like the only lonely man on Earth was enough to hate the day.

He rushed towards an elevator that was about closing then he entered  only to find Boma in it.

"Oh God" Boma muttered then she rolled her eyes, letting out a loud hiss. Gbade hissed too in respective of how childish it was.

Boma hissed afterwards and he hissed again, "Oga you're disturbing my ears oh. Are we competing or something. Even if I hissed first, maybe it was because I had something in my mouth couldn't you be the bigger one?" she complained and he dipped his hands into his pocket and she moved away from him as though he was planning to bring out a gun.

She wasn't comfortable being with someone that could be a murderer.

"What?" He asked while her eyes remained glued to his hands. He brought it out and she screamed. She had to compose herself when she realized there were no weapons in his hands.

Dunni sat on a table for three with her two friends Lara and Omotoyosi. "I'm just worried for my daughter, its Valentine's day and anything can happen" "What's the worst thing that can happen?"

"Losing her virginity. I don't even know if she's still a virgin" Dunni replied and Lara scoffed. "Has it gotten to that level? Don't you talk to her?"

"Winny doesn't even want to listen to anything that doesn't have to do with me reuniting with her father."

"What's there? The girl wants her family back"

"You know I can't get back with Thomas. I don't picture myself doing it ever!"

"Do you picture yourself with another?" She asked and Dunni hesistated. "No" she replied and Lara scoffed again. "Kini? (What?) You think I didn't notice your hesistation. You better speaking"

"No one. I'm serious, I'm old already, what do I want?"

"Who says you're old?" You're just fourty"

"You make fourty sound like it's 27, I have a seventeen years old girl. She clocked seventeen in December. I'm divorced and I haven't had sex in years"

"Remind me again, why?"

"I haven't found anyone to spark up that interest like....." She stalled and Lara rolled her eyes finishing Dunni's sentence,  "like Thomas did"

"Are you still in love with him?"

"No"

"So who's the guy you met?"

"What?"

"I know you my friend. I know you so well, Who did you meet?"

"He's very young, he might be in his late twenties. We had a conversation and.." she chuckled as though recalling their conversation. "It sounded as though he was flirting most of the time. I'm too old for all these things jare!"

"And who said you're old? Come on Toyo, tell this woman she isn't too old to do anything" Lara advised and Omotoyosi smiled dropping her phone on the table.

"You aren't too old to do anything my dear. Take it from me, I have a date with Oko mi tonight. My one and only sugar, my one and only Funsho Duncan. Any other Funsho is a counterfeit"

"Seriously?"

"Yes ke, is there anything wrong with that?"

So I decided to drop a long episode today 😁.

How was this chapter? ☺️

Is Funsho married? You may ask🤔

Who's wants to know how the Valentine evening will turn out? ☝️ 😂😁

Stay blessed

Love ya 😘

I'm sorry for the scattered chapters, it's beyond what I can correct. But I started rectifying it from chapter 5...

I'm so sorry 🙏