her purse and went to the sitting room,"Hey girls i'm done." She said turning around for Hannah to have A̶̲̥̅ better view.
"No way! Are you kidding me or what?" Hannah screamed making Adetoun to rush in."What's the matter,is everything alright?" She asked looking at both girls.
"Everything is not fine,take A̶̲̥̅ look at Rekia is she on A̶̲̥̅ mission to seduce my boyfriend with that skimpy dress is wearing."Hannah said looking att Toun,who in turn took A̶̲̥̅ good look at Rekia.
Adetoun sighed,"You scared me girl,and moreover there's nothing wrong with D̶̲̥̅̊ɪ̣̝̇s˚˚˚° dress,its okay."She said."Are you two on A̶̲̥̅ mission to snatch my boyfriend?" Hannah eyed her friends.
"Snatch dagger? Oh no stop being sarcastic dear,i have only agreed to meet him because,i want to know who to hold responsible when you return home with A̶̲̥̅ bloody face." Adetoun laughed at Hannah."You're simply jealous dear." Hannah replied her.
"I can't be,because i've got kelvin,and ten daggers are nothing compared to my sweetheart." Detoun returned inside to get her purse.
The girls got into the car,with Hannah on the wheels,she wanted her friends to meet Damola.It didn't take long to arrive at Konga estate.It was A̶̲̥̅ beautiful environment that smelt of money.
The gateman opened the gate and Hannah drove in,they got down and walked into the house.Hannah opened the door and they stepped in.she offered them A̶̲̥̅ seat and climbed up the stairs to get her boyfriend.
"Baby boo boo Dagger boo boo." She sang as she climbed up.
A̶̲̥̅ tall man in his early thirties stood magnificently against the door,"I saw you girls climb down the car." He said coming closer,he pulled her into his embrace and kissed her on the lips."How are you today?"
"I'm good." Hannah smiled as she led the way down the stairs with damola following behind her.
"Here is Damola,i call him dagger but his friends call him Damola Dagger DD for short,he's into real estate management and he's my boyfriend.Dear meet my friends." Hannah said when they arrived at the sitting room,as both girls got up."̶̲̥̅̊ɪ̣̝̇s˚˚˚° is Ade..."
"Toun Adepoju." Damola finished for her."I've heard enough about you to know who you are."
Adetoun looked at Rekia surprised,"Nice meeting you sir."She smiled against her wish not to do so.
"And i'm sure the other lady here is Rekia,the cook."He lifted her hands and kissed them."Permit me sweetheart to say your friends are beautiful and gorgeous looking too." He said his eyes travelling up Rekia's leg,he stopped where her gown stopped,licking his lips he faced his girlfriend.
"They are."Hannah smiled."So girls let's get in the car,my darling is taking us out."
"Where we can lunch and chat better."Damola said,A̶̲̥̅ seductive look in his eyes as he glared at Adetoun.As the girls climbed down the stairs,he shaked Adetoun again gently placing his business card in her palm.he smiled and held Hannah by the waist."We're going to catch some real fun today."
..................
Jane perused through the menu card,she lifted her head as her friends did the same thing with their card too."Fried rice and chicken with some garnishing."She said to the waiter who received the card from her.
"Item 8." Ajoke and Cynthia said at the same time,causing Jane to burst into laughter."That's the same thing i ordered."
"Its alright then,i'll be back soon." The waiter curtsied and walked away.
It was Jane's idea that they all have lunch together D̶̲̥̅̊ɪ̣̝̇s˚˚˚°saturday,Lucy was also invited but she declined the invitation.It was A̶̲̥̅ beautiful saturday afternoon and she invited her friends to eat out so they could catch some fun together with their kids.
"I discovered D̶̲̥̅̊ɪ̣̝̇s˚˚˚° restaurant four weeks ago when my husband wanted us to go out,i called A̶̲̥̅ friend who mentioned D̶̲̥̅̊ɪ̣̝̇s˚˚˚° place and it was just fantastic. "Cynthia said excited.
"I'm new here,and i'm just getting to know some places too,i think i like D̶̲̥̅̊ɪ̣̝̇s˚˚˚° place too."Ajoke said placing A̶̲̥̅ toy in her baby's hand.
"Crum....crim..clm." Adora said tugging at her mother's dress.
Jane smiled,"What's she asking for?"
"Ice cream." Cynthia interpreted,the waiter brought their food and served them,placing two bowls of ice cream on the table.Without permission Adora lifted one of the bowl almost pouring it's content away.
"Easy." Cynthia said helping her to balance it on the table so she could feed herself.When the kids were settled,the adults began to eat too.
"You know i have always thought marriage was A̶̲̥̅ bed of roses until my mother-in-law came into the scene with her malicious backbiting."Ajoke said between mouthful.
Jane exclaimed,"Really?what did you do to offend her?"
"My only offence was serving her two large chunk of meat in her food."Ajoke said,"She began to file all manner of complaints against me,if not for the relationship that exist between i and my husband,i would have found myself A̶̲̥̅ single woman again."
Jane was surprised,she thanked God in her heart for making Funmi her mother-in-law,perhaps her head would have been under water by now.
"These mother in laws can be troublesome when they want to,i'm quite lucky Jaiye's mother is A̶̲̥̅ full time politician and she doesn't have time to go sniffing around my kitchen or any of our affairs."Cynthia said taking A̶̲̥̅ sip from her glass of water,and cleaning Adora's stained dress.
"Even at that my dear." Cynthia continued."My husband is A̶̲̥̅ pain in the neck,his eye trails anything in skirt." Jane almost choked on her food when Cynthia said that."He satisfies me with anything money can purchase,and on the bed he's A̶̲̥̅ tiger."
Jane felt embarrassed but she smiled all the same."I didn't hear that please." Ajoke laughed.
"But i want more,i need him to be by my side,his presence is all i need,and he starves me with that."Cynthia sighed.
"You just have to take things easy,you're married to him already,all we can do is pray." Ajoke said,her son was dozing and she gently placed him on her laps to make him more comfortable.
Jane knew it was her turn to say something,she dropped her fork and stared at her friends and their kids,"I love my husband and he loves me too,but all our effort at making A̶̲̥̅ child has proven abortive."She expected the tears to climb dowwn her cheeks but they didn't.
Ajoke and Cynthia had stopped eating too,and the table grew silent,"Faith my dear is all you need."Ajoke said carefully.
"Faith?Prayer?tears?i've had enough of those,i have come to accept that i'm barren."Jane mumbled looking down at her hands.
"God forbid,you're not barren,i have D̶̲̥̅̊ɪ̣̝̇s˚˚˚° conviction that you'll be fruitful,just don't lose hope."Cynthia comforted her friend.
"I won't.....i won't."
"Let me officially invite you to Olayinka's birthday party,its taking place nextweek."Ajoke said to lighten the tension around the table.
"Wow..that's his third birthday if i'm not mistaken."Jane said doing A̶̲̥̅ mental calculation.
"You're right." Ajoke answered.
"Adora will be his girlfriend for the day." Jane laughed.
"Totally cool." Cynthia joined in the joke,the atmosphere was relaxed now and they ate amidst their chatter.
"I have really enjoyed myself D̶̲̥̅̊ɪ̣̝̇s˚˚˚° afternoon,i'm hoping we can do D̶̲̥̅̊ɪ̣̝̇s˚˚˚° again." Ajoke asked her friends.
"Soon...i'm glad i was able to unburden my heart."Jane said in agreement.
"I feel happy too,i'm glad i was invited..oh sorry we were invited." Cynthia laughed.
Jane signalled to the waiter,she paid their bill leaving A̶̲̥̅ generous tip to the water who in returned dozed out A̶̲̥̅ beautiful smile in appreciation.Ajoke lifted her son onto her shoulder,while Jane helped her carry her bag.Cynthia got up and held her daughters hand as they walked out of the restaurant.They each got into their cars and Jane waved at them as they drove off.She had sure enjoyed herself than any of her friends did.
...............
Rekia stood by the entrance to the bathroom and watched as Adetoun grinded her cloths in the basin."You enjoy washing." It sounded more as A̶̲̥̅ statement.
Adetoun looked at her friend and continued washing,"I started washing when i was very young,its A̶̲̥̅ long story." She answered,dipping the cloths in A̶̲̥̅ bucket full of water.Some words are better left unsaid,only if Rekia knew her better and some of the things she had gone through.
"I'm just amazed at the way you wash,iron and clean,you're too domesticated.I'm sure you'll never need an househelp."Rekia said scrolling through her phone.
Adetoun smiled and examined her hands carefully,these very hands have worked very hard in the past,unlike now."That's A̶̲̥̅ story for another day my dear."
Rekia left and went inside only to return after A̶̲̥̅ minute,"Did i tell you Damola gave me his card to call him?" She said looking at her friend.
Adetoun rinsed her hand and wiped them with A̶̲̥̅ cloth,"Are you saying our darling loverboy gave you his card so that you can call and probably hangout with him sometime later." She asked bewildered.
"Yeah..he did while we were at the eatery." Rekia said.
Adetoun got up,"Wait i'm coming." She said walking to her bedroom.she returned some minutes later."Open your hands."
Rekia opened her palm and Adetoun dropped the business card Damola gave to her in Rekia's palm."I hope D̶̲̥̅̊ɪ̣̝̇s˚˚˚° is not what i'm thinking."
"It is."
"What! that guy is A̶̲̥̅ crazy player,he gave both of us his card to call him,Hannah must never hear of D̶̲̥̅̊ɪ̣̝̇s˚˚˚°." Rekia said covering her mouth as she spoke.
"That's why i pity Hannah,she's in for A̶̲̥̅ surprise from our darling DD." Adetoun said shaking her head."Do you think we should tell her about it?"
"Never........please don't try it."Rekia pleaded,she collected the card from Toun and returned inside to keep it.
...............
The weeks were being ferried away. By days,and everything was moving on fine with the smiths.Jane plunged herself in to work,giving every of her. Free time to her store.Jacob's birthday was days away,he usually celebrated with his mum but D̶̲̥̅̊ɪ̣̝̇s˚˚˚° time around,he wanted something small and personal.
She was relieved anyway because she couldn't bear those scrugy looks from their friends,she looked radiant. D̶̲̥̅̊ɪ̣̝̇s˚˚˚° days and her beauty shone like wild fire.
She packed their dirty clothes and stacked them in A̶̲̥̅ bag,before calling Nnamdi to take it to the dry cleaner.she moved to the kitchen and opened thhe fridge,bringing out A̶̲̥̅ jug of home made juice.she poured herself A̶̲̥̅ glass she was closing the fridge when she felt A̶̲̥̅ hand on her shoulder,she froze as she stood rooted to the spot."Hey baby." Jacob's voice spoke close to her ears.
Jane turned around to face her husband,who was wearing A̶̲̥̅ fitted. Shirt over black trousers,he looked tired,she could see it in his eyes."You scared me dear,i didn't hear you drive in,what happened to your car?". She asked dropping the glass by the sink.
"Jaiye just dropped me outside the gate."He said,cupping her face in his hands."I missed you dear,how was your day,and by the way you look radiant D̶̲̥̅̊ɪ̣̝̇s˚˚˚° evening." He smiled pecking her.They moved to the sitting room and she helped him pull off his shirt,she set the table and they had dinner.
It was during dinner that he informed her that he would be taking A̶̲̥̅ business trip to London amounting to three days absence."Can i come with you?" She asked.
"Its just three days,and i'm booked with appointments and meeting already,but don't worry i'll find time for us take A̶̲̥̅ good vacation." If Jane was satisfied she didn't show it.
She helped him pack his bag before going to bed and saw him off to the car the next morning after A̶̲̥̅ good breakfast and hearty love making session.
She fell into A̶̲̥̅ deep sleep when she returned inside,she was surprised when she woke up some minutes past eleven with A̶̲̥̅ slightt headache.she dressed up,picked her purse and got into her car.
Jane drove out of the compound,and the gateman closed the big black gate,she didn't notice the 2010 black Range rover that drove past her,it was when she glanced at her side mirror she saw the car park in front of their gate,she drove slowly to check who it was,that was when she saw that the car was parked in front of the next gate not ttheirs.
There had been rumorgoing on that the big compound next to ttheirs was going up for sale since the original occupant,A̶̲̥̅n old woman with manygrandchild had died andto their surprise she requested the house to be sold.Jane wonderedabout it for A̶̲̥̅ while before letting her mind stroll off it.
........
"I think we've done enough cleaning,i'm just so tired."Rekia said falling on the rug in the sitting room,salt water drizzled down her face.she placed her hands on her laps,eyes darting to and fro the well cleaned sitting room.
Detoun also joined her on the rug,"I'm equally tired." She said cleaning her hands on her already dirty cloth.
"I brought you girls something nice to feedyour mouthon." Hannah appeared from the door way carrying A̶̲̥̅ tray,on it wasthree cups and spoon.the girls looked up hunger on their face.
Hannah dropped the tray and handed each of them A̶̲̥̅ cup."Garri!"Rekia shouted,"̶̲̥̅̊ɪ̣̝̇s˚˚˚° is garri."She laughed.
"Not just garri,there's milk,sugar,coconut and groundnut in it,i bet you've never tasted something as delicious as D̶̲̥̅̊ɪ̣̝̇s˚˚˚° before."Hannah laughed,as she watched Detoun drinking it in good faith.
She glanced around the sitting room,it was well cleaned to her satisfaction,all this work she was putting her friends through was to make their house look good when he came visiting.Although she didn't tell them,"DD is coming over tomorrow."She said angling her head to A̶̲̥̅ corner."What!" The other girls chorused.Rekia was the first to speak,"Don't tell me that was why you initiated this cleaning of A̶̲̥̅ thing."She said dropping her empty cup by her side.Hannah smiled in return."I should have known,all this work just to please Mr dagger,its not worth it." Detoun spewed,got up and walked out of the sitting.Hannah released her clenched first,she took A̶̲̥̅ deep breath and bowed her head."Just ignore her."Rekia spoke to break the icy silence that enveloped the room.she also got up,picked her cup before excusing herself.
.........
For the one hundreth time,he glanced around the bedroom.it was open and beautiful as always,he would give her A̶̲̥̅ 90 over 100 for A̶̲̥̅ clean and neatly arranged room.he scanned the wardrobe perhaps she was hiding his gift there.
He had A̶̲̥̅ swell time with his friends at the club this evening and Jane had looked sweet and sexy all through flashing her beautiful teeth as she joked and laughed with the women.Not only would she make the covers of A̶̲̥̅ exquisite international magazine,she had something in her head too,he enjoyed the look his friends gave him and how their faces read surprise each time she made A̶̲̥̅ contribution.When they returned home she was all smiles as they had dinner,laughing heartily and being romantic with him.he kept waiting for her to disappear and return with his gift,but that never happened.
His patience was waning out already,he had expected her to give him A̶̲̥̅ gift for his birthday,but she hadn't turned up with A̶̲̥̅ thing,that annoyed him more as he mumbled some incoherent words as he lay there on bed,listening to her shower.He would have joined her but hejust wasn't in the mood.he sat up in bed preparing his mind for A̶̲̥̅ serious tongue lashing for her inexplainable stupidity.Even as he thought of this,another part of his mind cautiously warned him to be gentle with her,perhaps she was planning A̶̲̥̅ surprise.But what surprise package wasn't due by 9.00pm in the night.
Finally the long awaited moment arrived,the door creaked open.Jacob turned in time to see her step out,water drizzling from her body,the white nightie she had on was made of sheer lace,giving him A̶̲̥̅ good look of those firm boobs that lay underneath,and her delicate skin was just beautiful to stare at she flashed him A̶̲̥̅ smile and all his pent up anger disappeared.
He tried to speak,but found no word to express himself with,"Jane.i...i..."He stammered,he had become A̶̲̥̅ stammerer in the space of few seconds.His body aroused with A̶̲̥̅ new delight as Jane walked towards him seductively one step at A̶̲̥̅ time.when she got to his side of the bed,she sat down and placed A̶̲̥̅ finger to his shaking lips."Shhhh" she whispered seductively.Every move she made drove him crazy by the seconds.He held her hands and pulled her to himself,lowering his head to meet her,but she was faster,she placed A̶̲̥̅ firm kiss on his lips sending cold shivers down his spine.He grabbed her hand but she stopped him.she stretched her hand towards his side lamp and produced A̶̲̥̅ wrapped box.
She placed it on his laps,for A̶̲̥̅ seconds he was dazed to think that the much awaited gift lay behind him all this while.He picked the wrapped box and lifted it carefully,it was light.he glanced at her and she urged him to open it.Shredding the red wrapper from it,he opened the small box and peered in.Jane surpressed her excitement and the laughter that threatened to explode in A̶̲̥̅ few moments.
With faith he emptied its content,it was A̶̲̥̅ pair of sky blue socks,he touched it,and it was soft made from wool.he raised his head to stare at her.Jane understood the unspoken question in his glare,collecting the socks from him she stared at it deeply,and two water balls rolled softly down her cheeks onto the socks in her hands.
She opened her mouths,but her tongue made shame of her as it stuck to the roof of her mouth.Her silents sobs soon generated into hot tears,Jacob was at A̶̲̥̅ loss,he didn't understand why she was crying.,he held her hands and she fell in his arms.
"I'm carrying your baby." She whispered amidst the sobs,for A̶̲̥̅ split seconds he pretended not to have heard her."What did you just say?" His voice quaked as he spoke.
"I'm pregnant." Jane said,her hand on her stomach."Wow" he let out A̶̲̥̅ piercing scream holding her to himself with all of the strength in him.he knelt down and looked up to the heavens,words were not enough to describe how he felt this night.
Lifting her up,he whirled around their spacious bedroom dancing as he plastered kisses all over her body."This is the best birthday present in the world." He smiled,as he peered into his wife's beautiful face,radiant and full of colour.
"I love you" he whispered.Jane saw A̶̲̥̅ tiny drop of water climb down his face.He dropped her carefully on the bed."I just want to make love to you over and again." He said as he removed the lacy gown from her body,baring it all for himself to enjoy.Tonight would be special he said to himself as he climbed into bed for A̶̲̥̅ sexfull moment.
..........
"He's here." Hannah closed the blinds and rushed out to open the gate.Detoun and Rekia looked at each other without saying A̶̲̥̅ word."Please don't do anything that can cause trouble,i beg of you."Rekia pleaded with Toun.
"I won't,as long as our beloveth boyfriend doesn't stir trouble."She said crossing her leg as she adjusted her yellow shiffon top.The door to the sitting room flung open to reveal Hannah and Damola.Hannah was all smiles,as she walked hand in hand with him.
"Good afternoon ladies." His deep baritone voice had A̶̲̥̅ sexy ring to it,from his wavy hair to his expensive shirt down to his tucked in jean and shoe,he screamed money.
They exchanged pleasantries and he was offered A̶̲̥̅ seat,after A̶̲̥̅ while Rekia and Hannah left for the market,leaving Detoun to keep him company.
After what seemed like A̶̲̥̅ eternity of silence,"You look good." Damola spoke out,he adjusted in his seat,taking A̶̲̥̅ glance at her.
Detoun nodded her head and concentrated on the movie being displayed on the TV screen."Its obvious you don't like me."He said this time his voice was cool and he drawled on it."Is it that i do not catch your fancy or you're being immune to my manly charms." This led to A̶̲̥̅ bout of laughter from Adetoun,just what Damola intended to achieve,she was quite A̶̲̥̅ beauty to behold.
She glanced at him and for the first time she realised that her hatred had blinded her to see his real feature,he was indeed handsome and polished."You're A̶̲̥̅ dreamer." She laughed again.
Damola seemed to be enjoying this newly found interest,he stoood up with his drink and came to sit by her."I like your confidence." He said,watching her carefully,he didn't fail to see the flustered look on her face and how her eyes blinked before making for her lips.
Damola coughed and she realised she had been staring,"I love the way you smile,your teeth...your eyes,you're... ... ... .... you're beautiful." He said his eyes on her lips.Adetoun stood up in one swift movement."Pls excuse me." She said about to leave but Damola caught her by the wrist.she was too dumbfounded to say A̶̲̥̅ word.And when he had his arms around her waist it felt magical,yes it felt foolishly magical.
He looked into her eyes and she shut them afaid that he would see her uneasiness and her weakness therein.It was too late to stop when he kissed her lips and groaned sweetly but when his hands mouldded her face and climbed down from her neck to the mould of her bosom,she broke free.
Damola watched her disappear into the corridor and he wiped away the gloss that was smudged over his lips and cheeks.he was about taken his seats when the door creaked open,both Hannah and Rekia stepped in carrying A̶̲̥̅ bag of groceries."Oh my God,where is Toun,she's such A̶̲̥̅ bad host,i hope you weren't feeling lonely."Hannah asked in one breath as she flung her arms around his neck.
Damola smiled before removing her hands from his neck,"I'm sorry but i need to be on my way." He said.Hannah was surprised,he'd̶̲̥̅̊ promised to stay for dinner tonight,she hoped that Adetoun hadn't said anything to hurt him,knowing how much she despised him."Are you sure you're okay?" She asked.
"Yes i am." He answered,Hannah saw him off to his car,she would come back for Adetoun,and she hoped that by the time she was back she had A̶̲̥̅ pretty good explanation for whatever happened during her absence.
......................
Jacob made it A̶̲̥̅ date with his friends at the club that weekend,filling their table to the brim with assorted drinks and roasted chicken.It was very hard to hide his happiness.He drank as many bottles of wine as he could.Now he was proud to tell the whole world that his manhood is still alive.
"You still haven't told us the reason for this celebration." Paul smiled dropping his glass on the table.he relaxed in his seat and looked at his friend.
Jaiye laughed hard pouring himself another glass of wine,"You didn't tell me you were bidding for any contract,so tell us how much are we talking about here."He asked sipping his drink.
There was silence at the table,as Jacob cleared his thought,he sipped his drink and folded his arms heightening the level of suspence."Hmm hmm."
"I am now A̶̲̥̅ man,because my wife is carrying our baby." He let out with A̶̲̥̅ scream,he emptied the remaining content of his drink on the floor.
Paul jumped up and embraced him tight,"I'm so happy for you man."He said happily."You finally made it happen."
Jaiye was more surprised than dazed as he stared into Jacob's eye."This calls for celebration indeed." He laughed shaking his friend before embracing him.
In no time their table was filled to the brim and the celebration began afresh.
.........
Adetoun refused to utter A̶̲̥̅ word to her friend,even when she questioned her about what she said to make her boyfriend leave.she was ashamed of herself and detested her very behaviour that afternoon,she was yet to fathom what came over her.
After Damola left she had scrubbed her mouth and teeth non stop,hoping to wash away the memories that hung atop her heart.But it was merely A̶̲̥̅ futile effort.she had received the shock of her life when Damola called her and invited her out for dinner.she lashed out at him and warned him never to call her again.
..................
"I'm glad you could make it." Jane said softly pumping strenght into Lucy's finger under the table.Lucy smiled happily trying as much as she could to enjoy herself under the watchful gaze of the others.
She picked her fork and played with the mashed potatoes before lifting it to her mouth,if only they knew what she was risking just to hang out with her.Jane had been so helpful to her and she just couldn't afford to turn down her invite again.
To be continued at 5pm
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