Tag: love

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Of Voices And Vermin

Of Voices and Vermin #11

New week, new mercies. New episodes of OVAV!!!

So last week had a pretty frightening end. Razzie did something pretty horrible. Certainly not what we expected. Let’s see if Nii and Ewurabena are OK…

I shook my head, covering my mouth in disbelief as Kessewaa started to cry softly, her husband immediately coming to her side to console her.

“I can’t believe it. Razzie actually killed him.”

This weekend has been insane. If it wasn’t for the rest of the squad, I swear, Kwabena and I would be guilty of murder by now.

I don’t like Razzie, and I’ve given that fool a hell of a beatdown before, but… this guy went to some unbelievable levels.

Nii suffered broken ribs and a concussion from that ambush sprung on them. Ewurabena only got a nasty slap, so not too much damage. Razzie thought everything he did was in the view of only he and those two useless thugs he managed to get to help him. But just as he and the thugs got into the car to bolt, a police vehicle came around. They tried to speed off, but it was futile. The police car easily overtook and blocked them and arrested them.

I promise, Kwabena and I wanted to see Razzie at the police station, but Jesse, Steel, Kessewaa and Bambi convinced us not to. If we had gone to see him, we wouldn’t have left the station without making him bleed.

Such a volatile period it’s been. Just when I’m preparing for the best day of my life, and now my little brother gets attacked? Crap.

And as we sat there, Jesse received a call. A pretty devastating one.

It was a distraught Daniel.

Apparently, Ali had gone missing about two days before the attack on Nii and Ewurabena.

And just that afternoon, after getting one of his police guys involved in a brief search for his whereabouts, his body was discovered in some abandoned corner bi not far from where Razzie lives. The guy was gagged, with a couple of stab wounds to the stomach, and two gun wounds in his head.

Sickening.

Obviously, the first suspect was Razzie, and upon confrontation, he admitted to being the killer.

“I have no idea who the Ali guy is, but chale, this is just awful,” I said in a low tone.

“It’s terrible,” Jesse agreed, his bride’s face buried in his shoulder. “Daniel is just devastated right now. He was so concerned about Ali. You could see the worry was so authentic, chale. He just felt it, that that creep was gonna do something overly drastic.”

We were sitting outside the ward in which Nii was. The door opened, and the Afriyie couple and Bambi came out. The ladies were immediately concerned by the sight of Kessewaa’s face on her husband’s shoulder, clearly in a fit of sobs as he stroked the back of her head gently and whispered into her ear.

“What’s up?” Kwabena asked.

I dropped the hand that covered my mouth. “Horrible news. The Daniel guy just call Jesse. That stupid boy go murder the Ali guy.”

Kwabena’s eyes widened in shock. “WHHAAATT!” he exclaimed.

“Chale. Them say he go missing on Wednesday. Just now, Daniel say them find the body. Razzie too confess sey ibi am.”

“Eii! So the things he talk, na inobi joke!”

“Never, chale!”

“Herh, like inobi you people, like by now, that boy go lose at least three teeth. Bastard! To lay his filthy hands on my wife! Shameless murderer like him! Condemning poor Nii for that mistake when he’s the real heartless pig! Ahhh!”

“Sssshhhh, baby, don’t raise your voice,” Ewurabena said softly, rubbing his chest, noting the rise in temper. “What matters is that he’s in police custody and will be dealt with. I know, it’s just horrible to hear this. But calm down, baby. Please.”

He drew her in for a tight hug, choosing to say nothing more as he pondered on the unfortunate news.

“Well, it’s time for us to go now. Lemme just tell Nii we’re off,” I said, grabbing Bambi’s hand as we went in to the room.

“Kessewa and I will take the lead,” said Jesse.

“Sure, sure.”

Nii remained on the bed, trying to get some sleep. As Bambi and I walked towards him, he opened his eyes.

“Chale, we have to go now. Visiting time almost up.”

“Alright. No problem. The ibuprofen is starting to work, so I’m feeling less pain now. I should be good for the rest of the evening.”

“Great, thank God,” I said, gently squeezing his hand.

“Hmmm. Guys.”

“What’s up?”

He hesitated for a moment, then stuttered. “I… I…. I don’t know if life is gonna get worse from here or what. I really don’t know. This has just been insane, guys. I don’t know…”

“Bro, bro, bro,” I gently cut in, still holding on to hi hand. “Calm down…. please, Nii, listen to me. It is not going to get worse. I can’t explain why all this is happening, but please… this is as bad as it will get. Nothing more than this. If there’s any way we can ensure it, we can.”

“We know it’s been traumatizing, Nii,” Bambi added. “But please, don’t lose hope. We love you. We need you. We need you to hold on.”

Nii sighed. I could understand his frustration and his desire to throw in the towel. I could understand his confusion. To be honest, I was confused myself. But I had to encourage him.

“What if someone comes to kill me in this hospital?”

“Please, Nii, I beg you,” Bambi pleaded, practically going on her knees, “don’t think that way. Please. It’s not gonna end like this. Don’t say that. Nobody will do that.”

Nii just shut his eyes, letting out a deep sigh. After a few seconds of silence, he said, “I’ll do my best. See you guys later.”

I nodded, helping Bambi to her feet as I said, “Take it easy, bro.”

We left the room, and slightly froze midway. We definitely weren’t expecting what we saw.

Kwabena and Ewurabena sitting on the visitors couch, in a pretty passionate liplock.

As their lips parted, Kwabena whispered, “I love you, my queen. I love you. I don’t know what I’d do without you.” I could hear so much passion, fear and relief in his voice as he leaned against her, forehead to forehead, Ewurabena also whispering, “I love you, my king, I love you,” as tears ran down her cheeks.

I guess the reality that she could have been killed really hit him with the news about Ali. I know how devastating it would’ve been to Kwabena. I’ve known him for a long time, and for the period when they weren’t together, he always made it clear that she was the only woman he wanted. If that guy had raped or killed Ewurabena… Kwabena would never, ever be the same. So I understood him, as he stared into his bride’s eyes and reaffirmed his undying love for her.

We walked away without a word as his lips found hers yet again. Nobody was near them as they continued to kiss. And frankly, they wouldn’t have cared less if there were witnesses.

*****

“Sidney, this isn’t necessary!” Bambi protested. “Let’s just go home. Please.”

I stubbornly looked forward, refusing to yield to her pleas. I looked ahead. A few kilometres away stood the police station where Razzie was currently being held on remand. She had been wondering where we were going for a while, and as soon as I turned the curve to that station, she demanded I stop the car. I hadn’t been ready to, but it only made her louder. So I had to stop.

“That slimy piece of filth has done enough. This is the last straw,” I muttered through clenched teeth. Seeing Nii in that state of despair had really snapped something in me, especially with that question about dying. Seeing him reduced to a state of pain and hopelessness led me to feel this was enough. All I wanted to do at that point was grab Razzie and turn every bone in his body into powder.

“Sidney, we’ve been through this. Beating him up will not solve any issue. At this point, you’ll simply get yourself into trouble. You think the policemen will allow you to beat him?”

“I don’t care about them. I just wanna teach that fool a lesson.”

“Sidney, he’s in the arms of the law right now… Sidney, don’t do it, please…”

I ignored her and proceeded to get out of the car.

“SIDNEY, WILL YOU STOP THIS!! JUST STOP IT!”

Bambi rarely has outbursts like this. But when she does, they’re pretty scary. I froze for a second, and just sat in the car.

“What is wrong with you, Sidney? This thing you’re so hung up on isn’t worth it! Going to beat him doesn’t restore Nii’s ribs or take him out of the current state he’s in. Beating him only satisfies your temporary bout of anger. And it’s understandable that you’re angry; you have every right to be. But goodness, Sidney, are you thinking about the consequences? Do you think you can just waltz in there, grab the keys, pull him out and starting punching away? Of course not! You can’t! It won’t be allowed! For goodness sake, Sidney, stop letting your anger be your master. This isn’t you!”

This strong rebuke from my queen slapped me back to my senses. I bowed my head in shame. “I’m sorry, baby. I’m sorry. I just… feel so frustrated right now. It’s so hard… my brother’s been through so much. The accident… prison… this whole dark period… now this.” I placed my face in my hands. I was just too tired and confused at that point.

I felt a rub on my back. “Babyyyy, I know you’re hurting. I know. I’ve been with you all this time. I know how low it’s brought you. And it hurts me too. I love Nii too, he’s an amazing guy. I can never forget how he saved me from that creep. And I can’t imagine life without you two disturbing me about Kojo Antwi stuff. I understand you, my love. Please, take it easy.”

She leaned on my shoulder. “I don’t know how or where, but I promise you, Nii’s gonna get through this. I promise you, he will.”

Just then, my phone rang.

I looked at the number. Not familiar with it.

I hesitated for a moment, wondering whether it was one of these Mobile Money scammers. Then I answered. “Hello?”

I heard a thick Fante accent on the other end of the line, speaking the language. “Fine evening ooo. Please, is this Nii’s brother?”

I took a deep breath. “Yes. This is Nii’s brother.”

“Thank God. Please, I heard about him recently, and it’s important that I see him…”

Hmmmmm…. I wonder who this person might be, and what he/she wants with Nii. Well, we’re pretty much at the end of this lovely series, y’all. Let’s wait till Friday to see what possible surprises will spring up!

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Of Voices And Vermin

Of Voices and Vermin #6

How’s your week been? Good, I hope. Well, whatever it is, it’s time for Friday’s edition of #OVAV!

Well, for today’s episode, let’s just say it’s gonna be kinda raw. Put on your seat belt and let’s ride!!

“Come here, girl.”

I heard Sidney’s voice from inside the house. Shaking my head as I continued to read my book, I heard a giggle follow a few seconds later. Then I heard him again. Maintaining the low tone he had already used.

“Why you gotta be so fine, babe?”

The giggles started again. I could easily guess what was going on. He had his arms around her waist and was murmuring sweet distins into her ear. I couldn’t hear the rest of whatever he was murmuring, but I knew one title would be in there. One title he loves using on her.

Cute Caramel Cupcake.

Sounds extremely corny to me. But hey, I’m not Miss Bambi Darkwah, and it’s not meant for me to get ‘flushed and flustered’, as she usually says, so lemme mind my business.

“Sidney, stop that! You know how flushed and flustered I get whenever you do this.”

My point proven right there.

“Hehe, I know. Just reminding you how I can’t wait till you’re finally mine.”

“Awww, baby boy. I can’t wait, too. Won’t be too long till you’re my king for life…”

“And I’ll step up this little thing I’m doing, and oh, what an experience it’ll be.”

“Oh, you naughty man!”

Sidney and Bambi with their lovi-lovi escapades.

I cleared my throat pretty loud, just to let them know I could hear them.

Both voices rang out. “WE DON’T CARE!!”

Whenever they start getting all comfy and romantic and all, I do that as a way of telling them, “Get a room!” Yeah, they get cozy a lot. It’s pretty amazing how they’ve managed to keep away from second base.

Anyways… so the past few days have been slightly better. Sleeping used to be close to impossible, with the constant internal accusations and the overwhelming weight on my shoulders, but it’s getting lesser. Seeing all those horrible words from Razzie had me slipping back, but Ewurabena has been helping me to rationalize the whole situation. Reminding me that the whole incident was a mistake that just ended up really badly, and there’s no point in dwelling over it and letting it rule my future. She gave me this verse that she said has helped her so much: Isaiah 43:18-19. Pretty mind-blowing scripture, I must say. God saying He’ll make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert?! Sensational!

It hasn’t exactly been easy getting it through my head, though. There’s always this pulling force that tries to convince me it’s all poppycock, and I’m never getting out of this dark hole. I guess it’s not meant to be easy. Hopefully, I’ll get through it.

As I sat outside, half continuing the John Grisham book and half eavesdropping on their little lovi-lovi talk (I know I previously said I don’t like eavesdropping, but… these two are sometimes an exception), I got a buzz from my phone. I checked it. A certain group chat on Whatsapp had a message I’d been waiting for. Upon checking it, I hopped up from the chair I was on, ready to go inside and get ready to meet a few peeps at the mall.

Entering the house, I saw the two lovebirds on the couch, Bambi leaning on one side of the couch. She was shaking her head as I passed by, hearing Sidney crooning the chorus to Kojo Antwi’s ‘Bome Nkomo De’.

As soon as I stopped to listen to my big brother, a grin of approval on my face, his lady immediately said, “Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey! Issokay. Don’t come and turn this into another Mr. MusicMan for President campaign, I beg.”

Mr and Mrs Allotey successfully turned their three children (yeah, we have a younger sister. Daisy. Based in the UK at the moment) into hardcore Kojo Antwi fans, and Sid and I never cease to remind Bambi about it. In outlandish ways. And she’s pretty tired of it. Too bad we’re not. I once said the beginning of Afofanto massages my muscles, and she gave me a serious Squidward look. You know, that classic ‘you canNOT be serious’ kind of look.

squidward

“Chale, quick confirmation, Nii,”Sidney said. “Between Ed Sheeran’s ‘Perfect’ and Kojo’s ‘Medofo Pa‘, which one is a better choice for our first dance?”

“Oh, brother,” Bambi groaned, doing the facepalm as she already knew what was coming.

“Ah, Sid, this isn’t even up for debate. Kojo all the way! Most underrated love song of all time. I don’t even understand…”

*******

“Alright, I’ll be in touch then. All the best!” my old mate Nessa said as she waved and went back up the escalator.

“Sure thing. Later!” I replied as I walked out of the Marina Mall. I managed to meet an old friend who works with Jobberman. A pretty fruitful meeting, and hopefully, I can get out of the unemployment phase. It’s not been easy since I got out of prison.

As I walked to the car, I noticed a moderately tall guy walking in my direction. I looked at his face.

It looked like the Ali guy I had heard in the Papaye restaurant.

As I opened the car door, I heard someone shout “HEY! HEY!”, but my attention wasn’t on that. I got into the car and slammed the door shut. As I turned the key in the ignition, however, I got a pretty scary surprise.

I was startled by a pounding on the other window.

Frightened, I looked to see an angry face staring at me.

It was Razzie!!

“Hey you, you good-for-nothing murderer, what the hell are you doing here?”

I was not just frightened, but seriously confused. Why in the world was he so hung up on turning me into a heartless monster?

I just stared at him, totally befuddled, unsure of what to do or say. He screamed a few more obscenities.

Just then, I heard another “Hey!” and within a few seconds, the dude who looked like the Ali guy came up and shoved Razzie away from the car.

As I opened the door, I heard him say, “Massa, what be your problem? Hoh! Why, the kiddie e die be your son or what? Shun this your foolish life then lef am!”

“Oh wow, Ali,” Razzie said, looking genuinely surprised at the interruption. “So you too dey defend this killer?”

“Commot for there! This no be defense matter. Ibi sense matter. This madness no dey hia.”

WMT no dey hia! Aboa taa!”

I was taken aback by that. Razzie hated that expression back then. Now here he was, using it so freely.

The look on Ali’s face made it pretty clear he was not happy with the use of that expression at all.

And you know what solidified it? The subsequent punch he delivered to Razzie’s face that, if I should be honest, reminded me of the Mayweather v Ortiz fight.

mayweatherortiz

I quickly rushed to stop the fight. Which, in reality, was actually a pummeling. Razzie was already dazzled by that first punch, and couldn’t do anything about the three or four other shots to his face. As I struggled to keep Ali from delivering further damage to his face, two security guards also came around, and helped to separate the two.

As one of them dragged Ali away from the scene, he yelled, “Kwasia boy! Grow up, Razzie! Stop being jealous of the guy and magnifying his errors! Get a life!”

Razzie, who was also being escorted out of the parking area by the other guard, drowsily responded, “Fuck you and fuck that murderer.”

As I walked away from the scene, I took a few deep breaths and reminded myself not to let his words take me down.

But as I sat back in the car, I was in a state of confusion. Why did Ali say he should stop being jealous of me? Why in the world would Razzie be jealous of me?

I shook my head as I moved out of the parking lot, the little crowd that had witnessed the fight starting to disperse. All I could wonder as I drove away…

Why would Razzie be jealous of me?

Chale! Things got pretty ugly. Looks like the Ali dude and Razzie are really on bad terms with each other now. But… is jealousy really the reason for all this outlandish behaviour? Indeed, why would he be jealous of Nii? And do you agree with the Allotey boys on their love for Kojo Antwi? Loooool. Well, have a blessed weekend, and remember you’ll know more to the story on Monday

Categories
Of Voices And Vermin

Of Voices And Vermin #1

The day has arrived!!! After soooo long, your MCM is back with the series thing. It shall be an interesting one. Captivating, riveting, all the brofo you can think of that applies to this.

Shout out to all my Naija people, by the way. Henson, Chiderah, Angel, Sylvia, Helen… God bless your country!! I wanted to raise the jollof issue, but never mind. Hehe… it’s your day.

Okayyyy, time to dig in!!!

“So the people were insulting him after he jumped the red light?” I asked.

“Yes oo! Especially the guys at the back. It was so heated, eh! Never experienced anything like it before. Especially when the mate was cutting in and telling people to stop talking plenty. Oh, the insults they rained on him… I’m sure if a policeman had caught him mpo, he’ll prefer it.”

I grinned, shaking my head as I looked at Nii Ajei in the passenger seat, who had a slightly smaller smirk on his face. The phone was connected to the car’s Bluetooth, so of course it was on speaker. I whispered to him, “When dadabees experience the normal trotro life.”

He covered his mouth as he burst into laughter.

Oh, sorry. Man hasn’t introduced himself yet. My name is Sidney Allotey. And Nii Ajei is my younger brother. We’re separated by 3 years, but the bond we share? Tight. Extremely tight. So tight that he’s like the unofficial fifth member of my clique from university. But you’ll find out about that later.

So, we were on our way back from Cape Coast. My boss just had to throw a spanner in the works for Saturday when he gave me this assignment on Friday evening to go meet one of our major clients. I had plans of spending it with Nii, Bambi and Jerome! Arrgh! Well, Nii had nothing to do, so he was happy to tag along.

By the way, Bambi is my fiancé. And Jerome is her younger brother. He’s the one I was talking to. The boy is a typical dadaba; always been moved around by his parent’s drivers. It was somewhere last year when they decided he should be moving around by himself. He’s fourteen years old, by the way. And as you can tell by the conversation we were having, the boy seems quite enchanted by the experiences he’s having. He already told me about the time this huge lady took the seat next to the mate, and the mate complained about her taking up too much space, and the third time, the lady didn’t take kindly to his plenty talk, and blasted the daylight out of him.

According to him, she’s from my tribe. So… if you know, you know. Haha! 😆😆 I love my people.

Anyways, he continued rattling off all the experiences he had had the past week, which took another five minutes and fifty-two seconds. He clearly is yet to get used to the shortcuts and the annoying driving skills of these trotro drivers. But of course, small boys are young. He’ll get used to it.

He handed the phone to his sister.

“Bra Jerome is done with this week’s edition of Trotro Diaries, eh?” Bambi laughed.

“Yep! All juicy details downloaded into my ears,” I responded.

Sigh, Bambi Darkwah. 😘😘😘 The cutest girl I’ve ever set my eyes upon. Chanced upon her at a chibom joint not too far from her hostel, got smitten hard, chased her relentlessly, wrestled past all the “Gimme some time”, “I need to think about it” and “I’m not sure what I want” and won her heart. Even then, it was sweet all right, but a lot of stuff threatened to keep us away from each other. I don’t need to bore you with all the details of that. What matters for the meantime is that I finally get to put a ring on it in a few months time!! Sigh, Bambi. My caramel blessing!

“Hahaha! He’s getting the experience. I’ve told him there’s more in store kraaa. Like when he’ll one day have some kokonsa passenger watching his phone as he’s chatting on Whatsapp…”

“Herh, that thing is so annoying!” Nii Ajei blurted out. “Then they’ll be reading your conversation. Like, warris dat?”

“Shocks me kraa,” I added. “That thing is witchcraft pɛɛɛ!”

“Tell me about it. There was one time I was chatting with Mabel, and this guy sitting next to me suddenly started leaning in my direction…”

I noticed Nii Ajei’s grimace as Bambi started her own story. He mouthed, “We’re missing the game on Citi!”

Hand on my forehead, I mouthed back, “I knowwwwww!!!”

*****************

Two hours later, we had safely arrived at our Regimanuel Gray estate home, after all that intense traffic. Ugh! Thank God for automatic cars, honestly. I like the good old manual and all, but let’s be serious. Half-clutch in that insane pile-up? Chale, chale, stop. I do enough exercise.

So we were ready to get in and take out the stuff and relax. Until…

“Oh crap! You didn’t remind me to get the Ideal milk?” I groaned out loud, just as I stopped.

Nii placed his right hand over his face. “Arrrrrrrgghhhh! Escaped my mind from the moment that Mr. Music Man hour began, honestly.”

I gave him a side eye. “Blame it on Kojo Antwi, abi?”

He gave me a silly grin in return. “Our old folks taught us well.”

I shook my head. Yep, all those family journeys in the past, with Kojo Antwi on heavy rotation, has definitely made a mark on us. “You diɛɛ, no worries. Let me go to the supermarket down the road. You can take the Fante kenkey inside and check if the Premier League highlights is on, na the way these commentators were screaming over that Dele Alli goal diɛɛ, man has to see it.”

“Mm-hmm,” Nii Ajei said as he reached over to the back to take the two bags of Fante kenkey.

Yamoransa Fante kenkey!! ❤❤ That junction is a legendary one. Dotted with all those Fante kenkey sellers, ever ready to rush upon any car that stops so they can make some sales. Anyone who’s schooled in the Central Region knows that place too well. The way three of them rushed to the car when we stopped. The plenty “ebei, bra” and things. If we didn’t exercise a good level of firmness and gentleness, we’d probably have the back seat filled up with those blue rubber bags filled with the Fante kenkey. No kidding. Those ladies can give pressure!!

“Chale, then blend about three of them in the meantime, so when I come, we just add the milk and have our mashke for the evening,” I told him.

“Okay, no problem,” he responded.

He stepped out of the car and entered through the gate as I turned the car to move to the supermarket.

**********************

As I took my change from the shop attendant, my phone started to ring. I looked at the caller ID.

It was Kwabena.

So Kwabena is my unofficial ‘brother’. My roommate from university. He’s the first… no, wait. Second member of the university clique I mentioned. I’m the first one, after all. And among the four (five-ish) of us, he is the loudest and most unpredictable. If I were to be given 1 cedi for every single time that guy said stuff that left my mouth hanging… chale, I’d build a sensational mansion for myself.

I’ll give one example. Back in school, I was a huge Grey’s Anatomy fan. He wasn’t. One day, I’m watching my thing, and this boy passes by my laptop, sees Cristina Yang and says, “Ah, wey lady too this, wey ihn face check like confused duck?”

S-M-H. 🤦🏾‍♂🤦🏾‍♂🤦🏾‍♂🤦🏾‍♂🤦🏾‍♂🤦🏾‍♂🤦🏾‍♂🤦🏾‍♂🤦🏾‍♂🤦🏾‍♂🤦🏾‍♂🤦🏾‍♂

To this day, I still can’t understand how that nonsensical statement entered his brain. Like, how????

Ah well, I thank God for Ewurabena. His wife. She knows how to somehow neutralize that foolishness in him. They’ve been together for so long (although there was a break-up in there at some point), and they complement each other so well (if only you could see their pictures! Goodness, they’ll make you melt, I promise!) even though they’re so different (Ewurabena is so quiet and gentle, and Kwabena… well, I already mentioned it).

He’s a handful, alright, but I wouldn’t exchange him for any other ‘well-behaved’ guy. He’s a wonderful friend. And a very loyal one, too.

“Chale, wassup?” I asked.

“I dey oo, Sid. You return from Cape?”

“Yeah, I dey Accra now. We return not too long ago. I just go buy some Ideal milk for the supermarket. Nii dey house.”

“Oh, cool. So chale, he be OK now?”

I hesitated, not too sure what answer to give. “Chaleeee, ibi difficult to tell. He dey act happy and all, but I no know whether ibi mask or he’s really getting over it.”

“Hmmm… dicey issue… Ewurabena won talk plus you.”

“Sure, sure.”

As I sat in the car, I held on, listening to the couple as Kwabena gave the phone and, from the sounds of it, took Jemima from her.

Yeah, I’m sure you can tell. Jemima is their daughter. Their one year old daughter. It still amuses me sometimes to know this cannonball friend of mine is a husband and a father. He’s a great one, though.

“Ei, Daddy Kwabena on duty!” I said teasingly.

Ewurabena’s gentle laughter was the next thing I heard. “Most amazing daddy in the world. Jemmy couldn’t have had a better man to call Daddy. How are you, by the way?”

Vintage Mrs. Afriyie. The way this girl loves him so deeply eh, it’s not a joking distin. Always got something sweet to say about her king.

“I’m good oo. Just still unsure what to do about Nii. The last time we spoke about it, he fiercely insisted he was fine. Since then, I’m just treating him normally. But the sagging shoulders and the quiet periods still persist.”

“Hmmmm. I think we should give him a bit of time. There’s a lot I’d want to ask, but I’m thinking it’ll be better if we meet you and get more info. So do we meet after church tomorrow?”

“As long as Kwabena is staying home, taking care of Jemmy. I’m fine.”

She laughed. “Don’t do that to him.”

“Tomorrow is fine by me.”

“Great,” she responded. “Have a good night, then, and send my regards to Nii.”

“Yes, Mrs. Afriyie. Good night to you too, and your husband and daughter.”

I hung up, started the engine and moved back home.

Sigh. Nii Ajei Allotey. My younger brother.

He means a lot to me.

That’s why I’m so worried about him.

Hmmm… 🤔🤔🧐🧐 I wonder what it could be that has Sidney worried for his brother. He seemed pretty fine throughout this episode to me. Well, things aren’t always as they seem, so let’s see what comes on Friday!!

Categories
Start Over?

Start Over? Epilogue

So now we know what’s happened. At the end of it all, Marcus stuck to the Zambian. I don’t wanna leave it hanging at just that, though. Something a lil more finna be added (why am I even using that word ‘finna’? Smh at myself. lol). So, this episode draws the curtain on what has been two months of following the story of this little group of peeps..

It had been a long and pretty tough eighteen months.

Within this time, there had been many temptations to call it quits, to find pleasure in someone else, and to even call up Allison and start over. But he had now learned to master his feelings, so he kept them in check.

Now, at the airport, Marcus waited for his sweet girlfriend Temwani to arrive.

Standing at the arrival space, he remembered it all. How her father had informed him of the short stay and his approval of their relationship, the bitter feedback from Allison over his choice, the disapproval of it from quite a number of friends, especially Jerry… it hadn’t been easy at all. With the help of his parents and friends who approved of the union, though, as well as his own willpower, keeping the fire with Temwani stoked through Skype chats and long-distance calls was enough. After the hassle of the past few months, he had been fully persuaded that this was the right route.

Patiently waiting for the moment she would come out, he stood behind the few family members who were awaiting her as well, chatting with the latest married couple in town.

Basit and Sefakor.

Their engagement – which had been done just as they had planned that day in Basit’s living room – right up to their pretty lavish wedding, had been one of the highlights of this waiting season. Having known Basit since their days back at St. Augustine’s, it was more than a pleasure to help out the many ways he could. Sefakor would have loved to have Temwani’s input in the preparations, but the Zambian was more than enough help in her own way, especially on the night before the wedding, where she stayed up late enough to have a pretty long Skype chat with the bride-to-be to quell her pre-wedding jitters. Now, as Marcus spoke and laughed with them, they had had one of the most exciting weddings held that year. They had just completed the second half of their honeymoon in the United States. The first half was enjoyed at Akosombo.

Listening to Sefakor narrate one of their experiences, he shook his head and grinned, because Sefakor was being… Sefakor. The spontaneous, hilarious lady they all knew her to be.

In the middle of her speech, she stopped, her eyes fixed on the door through which the people arrived. She pointed. “Look, she’s in.”

The two guys turned to look.

There she was, walking out of the exit, wearing a black blouse and black leggings. Marcus was spellbound as he watched her walk in their direction. Oh, Lord, look at her! I’ve missed her so much…

“Herh, look at Temwani’s hips!” Sefakor said in a slow, childlike tone of voice. Nudging Marcus with a mischievous grin on her face, she continued, “Now Marcus is going to handle some serious things!”

Snapping out of his trance, Marcus gave her that mocking harsh look, making zipping motions with his right hand. Then he faced Basit and said, “Massa, I no dey like what you dey do ooo.”

“AH??!! Na me, what I do?” Basit responded, looking confused.

“The two shall become one. Therefore if your missus dey fool about, then automatically, you too dey fool some,” Marcus quipped, laughing as his friend dismissed his statement.

Meeting her relatives who were in front of them, Temwani did a lot of hugging and pecking as she greeted them. After hugging Joy, she looked ahead and saw the three. She looked stunned for a moment.

Then, leaving her trolley with her beloved younger cousin, she walked quickly towards them, loudly whimpering, “Marcus! Oh my goodness, Marcus!”

Stepping forward, he opened wide his arms. She flew straight into them. Sobbing, she said, “Oh, Lord, Marcus, I’ve missed you so much!! I can’t believe I nearly let this go! I’m so sorry…”

“Sssshhh, it’s alright, baby girl,” Marcus gently said. “Look at me.”

She tilted her head back from his shoulder to look at him. Their foreheads touched as they stared into each other’s eyes.

“Temmy, no need to apologize. It was my fault, remember? And in any case, it’s over now, okay? That chapter is over. If there’s anything I’ve learnt, it’s how mastering your emotions is so important. I’ve learnt it’s so important for life in general. I can’t afford to be tossed to and fro by what I feel.  I won’t be telling you the truth if I said I’ve not had thoughts of ending this relationship. That I didn’t consider an Allison comeback, or no other girl appealed to me throughout this time. I didn’t let those fleeting feelings take control. Because I’m thoroughly persuaded and steadfast in the fact that, it’s you I want.”

She smiled, a tear running down her cheek.

“You’re the one I wanna continue to go on Pinocchio dates with. You’re the one I want to introduce to the world as the wonderful, intelligent creative that I’m ready to support no matter what. You’re the one I wanna see being walked down the aisle to join me at the altar. You’re the one I wanna go world-tripping with, discovering the beauty of this world. You’re the one I wanna have squabbles with and make sweet love to afterwards. I wanna kiss your belly when it protrudes with the arrival of our beautiful babies, and feed you all the ice cream cakes and kelewele your heart desires. You’re the one I want to spend my life with. I mean every word of this, Temwani. Even if my mind lingers a little bit, even if we experience a little friction here and there, I know this is what I want. I wanna be with you, through sweet and sour moments. God is my witness. I love you, girl.”

Wiping her eyes, she took a deep breath. “Oh, Marcus. That’s so wonderful. I love you too, and I want it all. I want it all. It’s you and you alone I wanna be with.” She wrapped her arms around his neck again, burying her face in his shoulder.

It was a truly magical feeling for them. All those months of having to wait and remain satisfied with Skype sessions suddenly felt like the 1800s as they remained in that embrace. This must be how Jacob felt when he finally got married to Rachel, Marcus thought in amusement.

The newly married couple just stood by, overjoyed to witness the fruit of Marcus’ painful but clearly worthwhile wait: a beautiful reunion with the lady of his life.

“Mmmm. By the way, Temmy, good Lord, you’re looking stunning! Papa Joe and Mama Stella have really been doing you good,” he murmured flirtatiously in her ear.

That giggle he had only been hearing over the phone and laptop resonated in his ears. “Hush, baby boy, hush,” she scolded teasingly as she let go of him to embrace the new couple and congratulate them. Of course, the missus wouldn’t let her off without a tease.

“Eiiiiiiii, Temwani, look at how big your hips have become. Please, I am in love with you and want to snatch you from Marcus. What do you say?”

The three of them looked to the sky in mock frustration as she laughed at her own madness. “I say you’re a crazy little girl,” Temwani laughed, giving her a playful slap on the head.

“Woah, girl! Put some respeck on the ring, girl!” Sefakor shot back in a sassy, Americanized accent, showing off her wedding band.

Temwani laughed and saluted. “Yes, Mrs. Alhassan! Still feeling happy?”

“Oh yeah, shawty! I’m still happeeeeeeeee!” Sefakor responded, snapping her fingers and swaying from side to side. She and Basit had almost perfectly executed their own choreography of the popular song at their wedding, and the video was going quite viral.

“Listen, chale,” Basit said, “we need to get back to Sefa’s house and get the last of her stuff.”

“No problem. Excuse me for a minute, though. Let me just get my stuff from my folks. I have to talk to you guys later about the ideas I showed you for your living room. My wedding gift to you,” Temwani replied before walking towards her cousin.

As Marcus watched her go, he felt the couple move to stand beside him, Sefakor on the right and Basit on the left. Sefakor patted him on the shoulder and said gently, “All those things you told her, Marc, that was so beautiful. I’m so happy for you.”

“Thank you, Sefa,” he said, putting his arm around her. Putting his other arm around Basit, he continued, “I owe you guys a whole lot. You’re a major reason I got through this season. You’re Godsent friends for real, no jokes.”

Basit patted him at the back. “It’s for moments like these, chale. I no get much talk, but… the future is now.”

Marcus nodded. “Yes indeed. Time to get serious. I’m going to help her establish the business and get grounded, then I can start plans of making her mine. God, I’m so thankful I have her.”

Another pat from his friend. “Everything cool now?”

He nodded and smiled. “Everything cool now.”

“Wait!” Sefakor said, hands up, as if she was stopping a car from moving. She had a serious look on her face, as if she had just discovered something groundbreaking. “Pidgin is a spectacular language. The question and the answer can be the same thing. ‘Everything cool now?’ ‘Everything cool now.’ Amazing!”

“Herh, see, Basit, get this your crazy wife out of here!”

They all laughed as Basit dragged her away, calling out to Temwani and waving at her. Taking her handbag from the trolley, she walked up to him, that evergreen sweet smile on her face. Marcus said, “Hey ma, what’s up?”

She let out that equally evergreen giggle. “I was thinking, I’ll leave my stuff with Joy and the others. They’ll take it to their place later. I wanna go see your parents. I’ve missed them, and I want them to know I’m back now. What do you say?”

Marcus shrugged. “Not a problem, Temmy. As long as I can be with you, I’m good. Shall we move, my Zambian empress?”

She smiled and curtsied. “Yes, my GH king.”

As he took her hand, she seemed to remember something. “Oh, lest I forget.” She brushed his cheeks with her fingernails. “Territory duly marked.”

Marcus grinned and kissed her on the forehead. “Ditto, love. Ditto.”

Squeezing each other’s hands affectionately, they walked out onto the car park and headed towards Marcus’ car.

THE END (for real! lol)

Special thanks to my sister Efyah. She assisted me in her own ways in doing this series. Sharing in my sovereignty. hehehe. I definitely wouldn’t be a good person if I didn’t acknowledge her help.

Appreciation to all of y’all who followed the story with eagerness. The regular commenters: Stacy, Baddy (winner of the Best Comment Award. That ‘Choices’ comment, eh!) and Reuben, y’all are appreciated!

Thanks for reading!!!

Categories
Start Over?

Start Over? 9

New week, and the journey is pretty much over *sigh*. So, after last week, this is pretty much how the reaction of y’all was like…

And just like Mario, I had a smug smirk on my face. I was loving every moment of it. 😆😆😆 I told y’all a twist was coming. Well, this situation finna be resolved swiftly, so, without much ado (I hate it when MCs make it sound like ‘I do’), let’s get into it…

Marcus rose from his bed. It was a beautiful Saturday morning, but the brightness was nowhere near a reflection of what was going on within his heart. The past month had been an awful one.

Ever since Temwani had decided she was going to pursue her career back in Zambia, their relationship had grown quite sour. Her cute little giggle was something he hadn’t seen in ages, their outings decreased totally, and their conversations were filled more with vitriol than sweetness.

She had left on Wednesday, and even on the way to the airport, a nasty argument arose between the two of them. As she walked into the terminal with her belongings, he drove away, his heart filled with anger and bitterness, and mind focused on all the annoyances and fights they had had.

When he got home, though, as he lay on his bed, he went through pictures on his phone. As he saw the pictures he had taken with her, from their last ‘civil’ date to the early days of their relationship, he started to ponder over what had happened. Memories came flooding in. Reminiscing on their relationship, he realized how messed up the last few weeks had been. The pang of regret struck him hard, and he rolled over and started to weep.

What a fool I’ve been! How could I have ended this beautiful thing on such a bad note? Temwani was one of the most beautiful gifts God has ever given me! How could I have messed this up?

Spending at least fifteen minutes in tears, he was soaked in remorse. His indecisiveness and double-mindedness had played a huge part in this. Despite still harbouring feelings for Allison, the reality of losing Temwani had sent his panic hormones into overdrive, thus the reason for his sour and irrational attitude that had been the source of many fights. In all of this, the truth about his resurging feelings for Allison was revealed, which only served as fuel to the fire. At a point, he had sarcastically suggested that he’d go back to her straight after she left. Even as he had lain there sobbing, he knew it was the love Temwani had for him that made her slap him when he said that, instead of dealing with him the way she did that lawyer.

Wiping his tears, he had decided that it was no longer wise to keep mute about the confusion within, so he called his father and poured out his heart to him. His father had not been amused at all.

“Marcus, you haven’t dealt with this issue well at all. You’ve messed with these girls’ emotions with this indecisive behavior. Now look at how you’ve ended this. You should have made a firm decision and stuck by it. You can’t live your life constantly swayed by emotions and feelings, else you’re heading for disaster. I don’t know what you’re going to do, now that she’s gone, but I think you owe her an apology. And Allison too. At this rate, I’m sure you may have to go with Allison. It’s not like you have a choice, anyway…”

***

“…and so I’ve realized how foolish and immature my attitude was. I shouldn’t have kept a double mind. I should have been firm in my resolutions. I’m sorry,” Marcus said to the laptop in front of him, finally getting to talk to Temwani via Skype.

On the screen, she sighed, arms folded. “Okay, Marcus. I’ve heard you.” The tone of her voice and the look on her face made it quite obvious she still wasn’t happy with him. The ugliness of the past month had taken quite a toll on her.

“Temwani, please. I know you’re angry with me. I accept that I’ve made a mess of things. My attitude was crap. Absolute crap. And a queen like you didn’t deserve that. Not one bit. I’m sorry, babe. Ever since you left, especially with the way we parted, my mind won’t rest. I can’t believe I was such an ass to you. I can’t stop thinking about how beautiful it used to be. I remember the way you giggled when I asked you to be my girlfriend. I remember the first time I held you close to me, the chills I felt that night were so awesome. Our dates at Pinocchio. The first time you came to meet my parents. Those silly wrestling matches. Our talks about African history. I miss it all. I miss you. I love you, Temwani. I love you so much. Believe me when I say this. I always have and I always will. I’m sorry it had to end this way, but I can’t live with myself knowing you’re still hurt and mad at me. Please, forgive me.”

Tears formed in his eyes as he said all this. By the time he was done, Temwani’s stiff defenses were broken down. The way tears streamed down her face relayed the obvious message: in spite of the anger, the love was not gone.

Between sniffs and wiping her eyes, she mumbled, “Marcus… baby, listen…”

An elderly man appeared on the screen next to her chair. Marcus was startled.

“Hello, Marcus. I am Joseph Mutale. I’m Temwani’s father.”

***

Allison hung up, feeling excited. Marcus had called, and said he wanted to meet her that evening in the church.

Ever since that scary encounter with Temwani, she had decided to withdraw and resort to praying that somehow, a way would be made. The Zambian was a lot daunting and intimidating than she had expected, and the sweetness that covered it up made it all the more terrifying. So when the news of her rival having to go back to her homeland reached her ears, the first reaction was to go on her knees and raise her fingers to the sky in gratitude. Now hopefully, something good would come out of this. She got up and opened her wardrobe.

“Gotta find something good to wear.”

***

Marcus walked by the closed restaurant on the church premises, looking at his reflection in the window. The restaurant ended operations at three o’ clock on Saturdays, so he could admire himself without worry of having people staring at him. He looked at the time on his phone. 5:43 pm. He told Allison to be in thirteen minutes earlier. Oh, well, he’d continue to wait…

“Marcus!” a familiar voice called out to him.

He turned. It was Sefakor.

The look on her face made it obvious she was not in comedian mode. She approached him and upon getting close to him, softly commented, “You miss her, don’t you?”

He nodded.

She rubbed his arm. “Coming to unwind around here for a while? Just to get your mind off things?”

He shook his head. “Um, no. I’m here to see somebody.”

“Who?”

With a sigh, he answered, “Allison.”

He looked just in time to see the petite lady’s eyes grow wide with shock. “You mean you’re going to…”

Placing a hand on her shoulder, he signaled for her to be calm. “Sefa, easy. Please, I know what I’m doing. I’ve prayed about this, sought counsel about this, and I’ve made my decision. It’s for the best.”

Sefakor looked up at him, her eyes conveying unhappiness. He put an arm around her and hugged her tight. “I know you miss her, Sefa. I know. I miss her more than you can imagine. But I have to do what needs be done.”

His phone vibrated. He took it out, and nodded.

***

He came to find her leaning next to his car. In a simple yellow blouse and jeans, she was somehow looking cuter than usual. That sharp burn emerged in his tummy.

Wow! She looks stunning!

“Hi, Allison. Thanks for coming.”

“No problem, Marcus,” she responded, doing her best to keep her excitement under control. If she could do a better job at hiding it than she did her dislike for Temwani, that would be good.

“Listen, this is something I have to release, and I won’t waste too much time. I’ve been playing around too much, time to be a man about this. Ally, before we hooked up at the housewarming party, I was convinced I was totally over you, but I was wrong. The feelings never truly went away. Unfortunately, I kept letting my confusion bounce me around; I neglected to take control of my feelings and rule over my thoughts. So I caused a lot of confusion for you girls, and that was so wrong of me.”

“I’ve spoken to Temwani, and she’s forgiven me now. I kinda owed her a bigger apology, because I really hurt her. So I ask that you forgive me for the confusion and insecurity I put you through. I know what I want now.”

That last statement got her excited. She nodded enthusiastically. “Don’t worry, Marcus. You were forgiven a long time.”

“Thank you so much.” He rubbed his hands together and sighed. “So, after much prayer and contemplation, I’ve made my decision.”

This is it! This is the moment I’ve been waiting for.

She leaned over, eagerly awaiting the good news.

“I have decided…”

Yes? Yes?? Yes???

“… that I am staying with Temwani.”

Huh? What did he just say?

Allison looked so confused. She stuttered, “Wh-wh-wh-wh-whuh? What did you say?”

“I’m gonna keep on with Temwani.”

At a loss for words, Allison looked to and fro, looking helpless for a moment. Fixing her eyes back on Marcus, she blurted out, almost wrathfully, “But she’s gone! She’s no longer here! She’s not coming back!”

“Yeah, that’s what we all thought, herself included. See, I spoke to her father, and he said she’s gonna be working at her place for about a year and a half before coming back to establish a branch here in GH. He was made aware of our relationship when she got there, and they’re looking to go continental, so it gelled perfectly. It was the answer to my prayers, to be honest.”

Allison couldn’t believe this. She looked dazed and confused, her head full of swear words that couldn’t be released right then.

“I’m sorry, Allison. I never should have led you on the way I did. I’ve been a fool about it, and I know you’re hurt. I don’t take any pleasure in it, I assure you of that. But… I’m convinced beyond all reasonable doubt that it’s Temwani I see myself truly being happy with. If I have to wait another year and a half before I’m with her again, I’m ready for it. I’m really sorry, Allison. But there’s just no you and me.”

***

Mensima sighed as she endured the vocal tsunami of anger and disappointment rushing through her phone. She remained silent, then when there was silence, she gently spoke.

“Well, Allison, I knew there was some indecisiveness in him. I told you from the onset not to get your hopes too high, though. Looks like you didn’t listen to me. I understand your disappointment, but if he’s really made up his mind this time… there’s nothing you can do about it, really. He says he’ll wait for the Zambia girl to come back. Personally, I wouldn’t be able to, but some people handle the long-distance thing well. Honestly, sister, let it go. Let it go.”

“But I don’t –”

“Azayy, sister geh, listen to me! Stop! If the girl has gone back to Zambia and he’s decided to wait for her, then it’s obvious he’s dead serious. You’ll only make yourself an enemy at this rate. Just stop. Let it go.”

Silence on the other end.

“I’m sorry, Allison. You’re not winning this fight. It’s not gonna happen. Put up the white flag. There’s no start-over here. It’s over…”

THE END

Or is it? …… not exactly! Hehehe…

Quite a few questions in your mind, I’m sure. So, I’ll tell you what. Epilogue of this whole story comes your way this Friday. So you had better stay tuned!!! 

Categories
Start Over?

Start Over? 6

We keep moving on with this story! So what is happening with the whole Marcus saga. Last week, we saw that the boy is confused. I know some o y’all wish you could deliver some slaps to him (Nii, he for chop persuasion slap, you no dey see? lol). Well, let’s continue to follow this story with its twists and turns you love so much…

“Marcus, I beg, make we do exchange, eh. Na the way your lady sing for church today diԑԑ, my heart,” Basit joked.

“You dey craze! Keep your off-tune chic!” Marcus shot back, laughing as Sefakor gave him a side eye. She put up her hand dismissively. “Talk to the hand, Negro. Talk to the hand.”

The four of them laughed.

Temwani had come to visit their church for the first time, and quite a number of people had warmed up to her immediately. Her exquisite voice in particular had caught their attention, and they were enthralled by the Zambian beauty’s singing. Some of the choristers had already approached her and asked if she would join the choir.

As Basit and Sefakor went to the parking lot, a voice rang out, “MARCUS!”

It was the music director. He signaled that he wanted to see Marcus in person. Marcus held Temwani’s hand and said, “Wait right here, Temmy. Be back in a jiffy. I’m going to sign your contract for you. I’m your manager!”

“You’re crazy!” Temwani laughed as he rushed off to meet the guy. She looked around, waving back to a few people who gave a friendly greeting. Looking at the stand where drinks were being sold, she noticed a familiar shape.

“Oh, that’s Allison! I remember her from the party. Lemme go say hello to her,” Temwani said as she walked toward her.

***

“Hello, Allison!”

She turned to see Temwani, beaming with a friendly smile.

Ever since she had officially met her at the party, Allison couldn’t help but have quite a bit animosity in her heart towards her. The jealousy within had taken full effect, and she really had no intention of being very nice to her. Ignoring her at this place, however, would be a terribly bad idea, so she forced a smile and made herself tap Temwani on the shoulder, saying, “Hi, Temwani. How are you?”

“I’m good, I’m good. I’m so glad I came to visit your church today. I love the atmosphere here.”

Allison nodded. “Indeed. It’s awesome here.”

“Uh-huh. I’m already being invited to join the choir, can you imagine? Haha!”

Allison’s fake smile was wearing off by the minute. She was in no mood whatsoever to get any conversation going. She nodded again. “Interesting.”

“I’ll definitely be coming around another time. By all means. Or maybe I might just pass by with Marcus on Wednesday. Do you come around on Wednesdays?”

By this time, there was a rather cold look on her face. She wasn’t going to be all-out nasty towards Temwani, but she certainly did not want to be nice. She shook her head and turned away. “No,” she murmured, oblivious to the look of confusion on her rival’s face.

A brief silence of awkwardness followed, then she heard, “Ummm, okay. Sooo, I’m going to wait for Marcus over there. I guess I’ll see you another time.”

“Sure. Bye.”

***

“You need to gi-vi-na. Had a spotty night. It’s not hard to see, the boy is mine,” Sefakor sang in her usual deliberate off-key voice as she watched the short conversation between the two in the car. Basit looked up from his phone, giving her the ‘Ugh, you again’ look. “There you go again. Destroying songs as usual. In this era where finding lyrics to a song is so easy. And why that song anyway?”

“Because I’m watching Brandy and Monica at the drink stand over there. I’m placing my bet on Temwani. First blow, GH¢250. MTV Celebrity Deathmatch things. Torn tendons and dislocated ligaments!”

Basit sighed. “People figure sey I fool, but you diԑԑ, ah! You torch too much!”

“I torch like torture chamber?” Sefakor cheekily asked. Her eyes still on the scene, she giggled as her boyfriend did a facepalm behind the steering wheel and muttered, “Lord have mercy on her soul.”

As she saw Temwani walk away, looking rather confused, her tone of voice changed. “But Basit, on a serious note, I sense animosity. On Allison’s part. Considering what I saw, I think Allison is really jealous, and she’s not hiding it.”

Basit looked quite annoyed. “What? Seriously?”

“Yeah. This one diԑԑ, I make serious. I know a jealous chic when I see one. And Allison right now just put up the attitude of a very jealous girl with that facial expression and the stiff way she brushed Temmy off.”

“That’s stupid! Ah, we were all here when Temwani was nowhere in the picture. You were the one Marcus wanted, but you do your body titanium girl. You no dey like. Now he get woman, you bore. Ah! Ibi nonsense kraaa she dey do. Make she go chew terrazzo. Rubbish!”

“Baby, relax!” Sefakor hushed, rubbing her boyfriend’s shoulders. “I know. It’s ridiculous. But calm down. I’m sure Marcus will have this under control.”

“I hope so. Coz this comeback she dey search, massa, make she forget. She lose guard. That be all. W’ayԑ late. Period. She no get any reason why Marcus for lef Temwani. None. Like he allow sef, me naa, I go take my pen pluck e eyeballs!”

“Ebei!! Wey evil thoughts too that? You be very wicked guy… But yeah, chale. We’ve not known Temwani long enough. Personally, I think she’s a bit of a trimudԑ, but that aside, a very sweet lady, and I can see she’s very happy with him. And chale, Marcus loves her too. For him to dump her is way too unfair and unforeseeable, in my opinion. I would be angry with him myself if he went back to Allison.”

“Oh, but if by strange twist of fate, he do, wey I stab am finish, I go take Temwani then make am my main lady. You go be wifey no. 2.”

“Idiot!”

***

Marcus stopped in front of his parent’s house, killing the engine. He looked at Temwani. “Honey, it’s alright. Here’s my hanky,” he said, giving it to her.

That afternoon had been quite eventful for her. And not in a good way.

She had gone to meet a few of her cousins and her uncle at the law firm at which he worked. He had asked them to help him with some quick work. During the job, one of her cousins, Joy, was nowhere to be found. Being the only one who noticed, Temwani left the floor to find out where Joy was. At the basement ground, she passed by a door, but stopped when she heard what sounded like giggling, gasps and moans. She opened the door…

…And found Joy and Jackson Herman, one of the young lawyers in the firm, having a steamy quickie.

The fact that Jackson was a married man with a child, coupled with the unpleasant sight of him excitedly fondling and humping her cousin against the wall, was probably what fueled the rage in Temwani as she delivered a knuckle sandwich to him as he hurriedly zipped up. With a bloodied nose and a red face, he cowardly made a dash for it, leaving Joy to face her older cousin’s wrath.

By the time Marcus arrived at the basement car park to pick her up for their date at his parents’ place, he came to find an angry Temwani raging at an obviously embarrassed, half-dressed and distraught Joy, tears rolling down both faces. Calming the situation down, he got the two to regain their composure, then waited as they returned to the firm and Temwani got permission to leave. On the way, she told him the whole story and broke down again. Now as they sat in the car, he looked on as she wiped her tears, obviously a mess of emotions.

“Temwani, listen. I know you’re upset. And you have every right to be. I mean, that’s a pretty disturbing scene to walk in on. And the fact that they’ve been having a fling for like 2 months is pretty sickening. I feel your anger. But please, honey, get yourself together. You’ll have to talk to Joy again, at a time when you’re not so emotionally charged, because I’m sure she’s feeling more than awful right now. Yes, she’s messed up big time, but let’s settle this properly.”

Temwani sniffed as she wiped her eyes. She sighed as she leaned back. “I know. I know I probably went too far with the screaming at Joy and all. It’s just… I’m so angry and upset. Angry with that lawyer and upset with her. I mean, why?? Doesn’t she realize what he’s doing to her? She thinks it’s all sweetness and pleasure when he’s sleeping with her. But he’s just using her as his sex toy! That’s it: a sex toy. That man won’t leave his wife for anything. I know that. His wife is gorgeous, a wonderful mother to their son, and he’s not going to divorce her for Joy or any other girl. She’s just his little toy that he’s screwing to satisfy his selfish little libido. I’m shattered because she’s my baby! I love Joy! So much. She’s my little sister. She’s so much more than just some living doll that you can insert your little soldier into and get a whiff of illegitimate enjoyment. She’s so much more than that, and it breaks me to have found her in that situation. I just snapped.

“And that aside, I’ve grown up hating the whole infidelity thing. My parents were so faithful to each other. Not that they were perfect, but they always made it clear to me and my siblings that they took their vows seriously. To this day, they have eyes for each other alone. So it really frustrates me to see this happening. I just can’t stand cheating. Why?? Why do you choose to hurt your wife this way? Why do you give the middle finger to your vows? Why can’t you honour relationships as it was made to be? Why??”

“It’s alright, darling, take it easy,” Marcus said soothingly, letting her place her head on his shoulder. “I understand. Totally. You’re right. Just calm down. We’ll go to their place this week and know just how to solve this.”

She went calm in his arms for a couple of minutes. “Thank you, Marc,” she whispered. “You’re a blessing. I love you.”

“Love you too, Temmy.”

Brief period of silence.

After a while, she raised her head. “Umm, Marcus. I dunno if it’s right to ask, but uhh… what’s up with Allison?”

A sudden sharp burn emerged in Marcus’ stomach. He swallowed nervously. “Umm… why do you ask?”

“Well, I spoke to her when you were speaking to the music director, and honestly, she didn’t seem happy to see me. It felt like she was trying to be nice and failing at it.”

Still nervous, but unhappy with what he was hearing, he shook his head. “Well… that’s not cool. I’ll make sure I deal with that.”

She sat up straight. “Well, good if you do. I know you had a history of some sort with her, and I’m not in the know about dealing with exes since you’re my very first boyfriend, but I detest competition when it comes to my man. I always thought you said she had absolutely no interest in relationships whatsoever.”

“She didn’t. Margaret Thatcher things back then. The whole ‘I don’t need a man’ thing back then.”

“I see. Oh well, I guess it’s one of those things. But in any case, if she’s now getting interested, she had better back off. It’s me that’s the queen now, and I’m not vacating my seat for anyone. Certainly not her. And if she’s thinking of taking you away from me, then it’s gonna get pretty ugly between us.” She reached out and gently brushed his cheeks with her acrylic nails.

A raised eyebrow from Marcus attracted a laugh and a kiss on the cheek. “Just marking my territory, darling,” she said sweetly. “Now let’s go. I’m sure your parents are wondering why we’ve kept so long.”

Well well well, Temwani is not playing around! I wonder where this is going. Do you think there’s gonna be a confrontation between the two ladies? When is Marcus going to stop his nonsense tins and get serious? And how does Basit deal with Sefakor with all that craziness in her system? lol. Stay tuned for next week…

Categories
Start Over?

Start Over? 2

So, last week’s story was meant to be just a one-off. But after talking to quite a number of y’all, I could see the interest was that deep, so, it’s now officially a ‘series’ sort of thingy. lol. I noticed two major teams along the way: those who feel sorry for Allison and wish she’d get a chance (I call them #TeamOneMoreNight. Think of the Busy Signal version of that song) and those who do not feel sorry for her one bit (#TeamAyԑLate). Some are not really on either team. Well, dear teams, and those on the fences, strap up and let’s see how this story pans out…

Marcus walked back to the building and entered the hall where Allison had come to call him. Most of the people he had been with had scattered. Two of his closer friends, Basit and Jerry, were still around.

“Chale, Allison say what?” Basit asked. They had been aware of Marcus’ former interest in Allison.

Marcus sighed as he slumped onto a chair next to him. “Just some issue bi she wanted to ask about.”

“Chale, Marcus, I didn’t want to bring it up till a little later on, but I have to be honest, I think the girl is changing oo. For like three weeks now, I’ve noticed her demeanour has become less stiff. I seriously believe there’s some change somewhere. Plus, she’s looking even more beautiful. I think you can start over with her. Second chance,” Jerry said.

Marcus shot him a dirty look. “Massa. Please. Don’t go there. It’s over. End of story.” He took his seat, and thought to himself, in any case, if you’re referring to beauty, Temwani is an absolute gem.

“Oh, Marcus, don’t do that. There’s no need to be bitter about the past…”

“AH!” Basit responded incredulously. “Bitter? What you dey talk about? The guy has moved on from the past, you are there saying bitter. Ma guy, shon what you dey talk!”

Marcus shook his head. “I don’t understand where that’s coming from. The girl never dissed me or anything like that. She just made her stance clear, and I advised myself. Now I have moved on from the whole thing and I don’t intend to go back and you’re saying bitter.”

Jerry pulled up a chair and sat next to the two. “But Marc, let’s be honest; you never actually asked her out. I mean, despite everything, you could have just asked. There’s no harm in trying. Boy, this life is all about taking risks oo. That Craig David lifestyle of always walking away doesn’t help. She might have accepted. You never know.”

Those last couple of sentences had Marcus and Basit wide-eyed with mouths agape. They looked at him as if he had just announced to them that he was going to be on the next episode of Fear Factor.

Basit clasped his hands together. “Ei! Jerry! For one, that be very bad punchline. Make you never use again. Number two, you make I shock paaa. Herh! Why? You no know this Allison girl or something? See, rewind briefly. You dey kai the day she come from Kumasi, straight from the bus yard to this place, wey like you dey go hug am?”

Marcus stifled a giggle. The memory of the outstretched hand that plainly sent a ‘NO, don’t do it’ message to the oncoming Jerry was quite a funny, yet embarrassing one. Allison in her element clearly had a very strict way of dealing with guys.

“I sure sey the memory alone go make your ears burn right now. Aside that embarrassment, I have seen with my own two eyes the reaction when Marc tried to hold her hand when we were walking to the National Theatre one time. Somebody go figure sey acid dey Marcus e hand top. Ah, these things all, you dey tell we sey she might accept any romantic advance? This girl wey she dey behave like Pentecostal hug be foreplay? Hoh!”

That remark made the two laugh. Basit had a penchant for saying the silliest things. It had only been a matter of time until something that crazy came forth from his mouth.

“In any case, you forget the gathering at the mall? On Dede’s birthday? You forget the guy?”

Jerry paused for a moment, then reluctantly shook his head. “I no forget. I dey kai paaaa.”

“Very good. What did she say after the guy left? If my memory serves me correctly, she unequivocally stated that she was not impressed by the guy’s approach, and that men in general and their ways of trying to get with girls does not amuse her, and that any guy who approaches her will get the bouncing of his life. Do you remember what I teasingly asked? ‘Ei, so you mean any guy?’ What was her response? ANY guy. Special emphasis on the word ‘any’. Non-exclusive function here. Meaning there is no special exception in the aforementioned case. Once a guy, bouncing go dey. Take this argument go any courtroom, them go tell you the same thing.”

Jerry shook his head. “See, Basit, you dey forget one thing. There is always an exception to the rule. Always. There’s the likelihood that she was testing Marcus. You know how girls can be. Saying one thing and meaning the opposite. He should have deciphered the thing. There are different ways of the ‘hard to get’ game they play.”

Marcus sighed. “Please don’t take that route. Girls are a lot more straightforward these days oo. Look at opana,” nodding in Basit’s direction, “and Sefakor. Was she doing long complicated things? No, it was opana she liked, and she didn’t waste time in accepting. Slight stretching, but nothing ridiculously radical. Allie was, and always has been fiery about her convictions. No teasing. No coyness. She is serious.”

“Exactly!” Basit added. “And anyway, difference dey between red light and brick wall oo. First one, small delay dey inside. The other one bi denial ankasa. This be straightforward denial. We no dey prod around this thing, we dey respect the decision. Women fit make dema own decisions. If she no wan marry, fine! Nobody bore. It’s your life, it’s your choice.”

“And now that you’ve made me talk plenty, I might as well say this. The reason she called me was that she wants us to possibly start over and probably become a couple. And I said no.”

Jerry looked shocked. “Ah! But why? She’s come around, and you’re rejecting her?”

“Oh, and P.S. I asked if she would’ve accepted my proposal 2 years ago, and guess what? She said no. So I hope that answers your question.”

“Ma guy, that’s all. If your time pass, your time pass. Move on. Isn’t that what we sang in church today? ‘I won’t go back, I can’t go back, to the way it used to be?’ Like ibi me, I go tell am sey I get woman make e eye die,” Basit added.

Another sigh from Marcus. “Ummm, I’ve been waiting for a while to do this, but since this popped up, I guess I have to let it out since I told her anyway, but I’ve got a lady in my life.”

His two friends just looked at him, stunned. As he took out his phone, he continued. “I met her at Sharon’s monthly function. You know, that function my company does every month? The finance officer invited her. We started talking, we got close, I fell for her, I proposed, she said yes, we’re a couple now.”

Finding the picture he was looking for, he showed it to them.

Basit put his hand over his mouth. “Heeeeeerrrrrrrrhhhhhh!!! Guy, this girl fine ooo! Where she from?”

Marcus grinned. “She’s actually not a Ghanaian. Zambian chic.”

“Sosket! Chale, those East African ladies too, the beauty level be some unique thing kraaa o! Kwԑԑ! This one diԑԑ, double for your trouble oo!”

Jerry looked at the picture and stood upright, shades of disapproval on his face. “She’s beautiful, chale. Very beautiful. But… I’m not really feeling it. I dunno. I just feel you and Allison look better together. In my opinion, you’re a perfect fit together.”

“Massa, commot for there!” Basit snapped. “Wasn’t that the same thing you said when Manchester United appointed David Moyes as manager?”

Marcus fell off his chair in a bout of laughter. Trust Basit to say something like that. The master of ‘trailer jamming’.

“Eeeei, this boy go kill me ooo!” he laughed as he got back up, eyes already filled with tears of laughter. “Herh, why you messop like that?”

“Ibi truth I dey talk. But chale, look at the girl. What be e name?”

“Temwani.”

“Temwani. Beautiful name. Like I be you, I go take this pic show Allison, then I go talk, ‘hwԑ wo watch, hwԑ wo time, ayԑ late!”

Just then, another picture of Temwani appeared, with Lionel Richie’s voice an accompaniment. “Hello… is it me you’re looking for?”

Marcus grinned sheepishly as he excused himself. “Chale, make I take this call.”

Basit’s mouth was wide open as he watched his friend retreat to answer his call. “Herh! Awo’a! You this boy!”

Categories
Start Over?

Start Over?

“Um, Marcus, could I see you for a moment?”

“Sure,” he responded, excusing himself from the group gathering of his friends as he followed Allison outside the building onto the car park.

The place was still packed with cars, as it was only about thirty minutes since service had ended. The place would only really become bare after about an hour or so, with all the after-service meetings, official and unofficial, coming to an end by then.

The two came to stand by one rather old Toyota Corolla. Marcus had his hands in his pocket, wondering what it was that made Allison want to have a private conversation with him. They barely ever spoke to each other; he could boast of having a deep bond with his colleagues at work than her.

“Um, Marcus. There’s something I wanted to ask you. I just feel like it’s necessary I do. Umm… do you have feelings for me?”

Marcus was taken aback. If there was anything he didn’t expect, it was her asking such a question.

“Uhhh…”

“Okay, scratch that. Have you ever had feelings for me? Like the time we worked together? Did you like me?”

Marcus really didn’t want to answer the question, but that would probably make things ugly, and he had no intention to spark up anything of that sort. So he nodded his head. “Yeah, I once did.”

“But why didn’t you ever tell me?”

He sighed. “Simple. We spent quite an amount of time together, and you said enough for me to know that what I wanted would not work. What I desired is a long-term relationship; I’m not a fan of just falling in love for the sake of it. But every time the concept of relationships came up, you expressed a straight-up personal non-preference for it. You mentioned how you don’t want to marry, how intolerant you are of proposals from guys and how you’d bluntly shoot them down. Then that period where you just stopped talking to me, with that reason you gave? Come on! It was obvious.”

“Okay, just answer me this question. Assuming I had said something, that I had officially proposed to you. Would you have said yes?”

“That’s not the –“

“Please, Ally, please. I answered your question quite smoothly. It’s as much of a yes/no answer I require as you did. Would you have said yes?”

Now it was Allison’s turn to sigh. She looked up briefly, then said, “I definitely would have said no.”

Marcus shrugged. “See? I could see it plainly. I mean, your words were more than enough to advise me that this would not end well.”

Allison then took a hold of his hand. “But… isn’t there a chance to start over?”

Marcus was now really puzzled. He wasn’t expecting this sort of behavior from Allison. She was the type of girl who wouldn’t even hug a guy, and on a number of occasions where he had tried what she was doing, she had briskly whisked away her hand. She took the “Don’t Touch Me” mantra to a whole new level when she was in her element, so this was quite confusing.

And that’s what he said. “Uh, Allison, I’m confused. What’s going on? Start over as in?”

“As in how we once were quite close. And maybe go down that path. I was pretty radical back then, I admit it, but things are slowly changing. And I was wondering if…” she trailed off.

No need for her to finish the sentence, though. Marcus knew what she was getting at.

He sighed within himself this time.

“Allison, I won’t lie, I was pretty crazy about you back then. I remember all the time we spent together, even as just friends, and it was always a highlight of some sort for me. It was great. But things have changed. It’s been almost 2 years since the fire died, and really, I have no intentions of going back. In any case, I already have a lady in my life.”

The soft grip on his hand grew limp with that last statement. Her face was a portrait of disappointment.


“Look, Allison, I don’t wanna be a jerk, that won’t get me anywhere profitable. But after the attitude and all, I really lost it all for you. I’m glad if you’ve changed, but the truth is, I love Temwani. She’s a wonderful girl, and life is amazing with her. Yeah, by the way, she’s Zambian. Never thought I’d date a non-Ghanaian! But really, it’s too late. When I wanted you so bad, you had shut your heart off totally. Now it’s too late to start over. Maybe we can talk more, but nothing more than that. I’m sorry.”

She nodded, head down. “I understand……. I guess I should be going now.”

He wanted to tell her to wait, but, that statement had suddenly activated an awkward atmosphere that was not strange to either party. Staying there any longer would only cause more discomfiture between the two. So he muttered, “Sure. Uh… next week then.”

She mumbled a response, and the two went their ways.