Episode 31
Sparrow was infront with the Volvo…Uche was at the back with the Hilux..we were at the middle..i was keeping malice with him, I didn’t talk to him or even tell him thanks, after he helped me with my bags…but he didn’t seem to notice…
Jafar : are you hungry?
I ignored him.
Jafar: have you called Timi?…
I crossed my hands around my chest, I wasn’t going to answer him..
He laughed out..i looked at his fine features, his strong chin and well groomed goatee…
Me: just take me to Ijebu-Ode..
Jafar : yes boss…
He reached across his car’s cd player and pressed the play button.. It was Britney spears…”Everytime”…one of my best songs… why should this guy play this song now?…As he sang along, I joined him….in no time we were singing and smiling…that is how my malice ended o…chai…
Notice me
Take my hand
Why are we
Strangers when
Our love is strong
Why carry on without me?
Everytime I try to fly
I fall without my wings
I feel so small
I guess I need you baby
And everytime I see you in my dreams
I see your face, it’s haunting me
I guess I need you baby
I make believe
That you are here
It’s the only way
I see clear
What have I done
You seem to move on easy
And everytime I try to fly
I fall without my wings
I feel so small
I guess I need you baby
And everytime I see you in my dreams
I see your face, you’re haunting me
I guess I need you baby
I may have made it rain
Please forgive me
My weakness caused you pain
And this song is my sorry
Ohhhh
At night I pray
That soon your face
Will fade away
And everytime I try to fly
I fall without my wings
I feel so small
I guess I need you baby
And everytime I see you in my dreams
I see your face, you’re haunting me
I guess I need you baby
When we got to the sharp turn that ushered us into Ijebu-Ode…I stretched my left hand to meet his right hand…
Me: I will miss you…don’t die…you dare not die!
Jafar : I will miss you too…I will always be around…
Me: you know I like you, abi?
Jafar: I figured that out…
Me: you like me?
Jafar: No!..
I was elated until I saw him grinning…
Jafar: ofcourse I like you…
Me: how much?
Jafar: very much…
Me: ‘how’ is very much?
He blarred his horn and turned right into a filling-station, where he parked, the Volvo anf Hilux did same..…He relaxed my seat, so that it was almost flat…then he brought his lips closer…I met it half-way…i had been yearning for it since the last time we kissed…I wanted to taste him so that his flavor will remain in my mouth long after he was gone…I wrapped my arms round his neck and pulled him down…felt his chest grind my boobz…I bit his neck gently…ran my hand down his arm…his back…I was wet..i pulled him closer…then we stopped…we had to breath…we hadn’t been breathing…
He returned my seat to the normal position…and drove out of the filling station…. I was still breathing deeply…the kiss took my breathe away..
Jafar : was that enough?…
I looked at him…I wanted to run my hand round his face…I wanted to tell him that the past few minutes will last in my memory forever..
Me: kindha…
At night I pray
That soon your face
Will fade away
Timi was waiting in front of the eatery when we got there…My bags were transferred to the Starlet….After few pleasantries…Jafar and his guys drove off…
I was moody.
I was glad I was with Timi, I expect him to make me feel better in no time. Although I kept replaying everything that happened between Jafar and myself, I had to focus on the present. As Timi drove along, I tried figuring out the best time to tell him that I kissed Jafar..
Timi : are you okay? You look sad…
Me: I am good Timi, how far is the apartment?
Timi: It’s just the next street. Dapo, the guy who owns the place has travelled to Dubai, I have the keys…
Me: oh..thats good..
Timi: we are going to have so much fun…I know we are mourning but I will try to make you enjoy yourself..
Me: thank you, Timi.
Timi: don’t thank me, you know I love you…
I gave him a squeeze on the shoulder.
The apartment was a two-bedroom flat, sparsely decorated. As soon as we entered the room, Timi held me close..
TImi: you are the most important person to me…
Me: I am glad dear..
TImi: I know we are not where we should be now, but I have no doubt we will get there.
I remained in his arms for a while, I looked at his eyes and I saw love and admiration. I told myself I was at the right place..
Me: let me take my bath…
Timi: can I join you?…
Me: hahahahaha…rubbish boy…
I was in the bathroom, as the water splattered against my skin, I found myself thinking about Jafar again, the way he kissed me…held me…
I realized I was touching myself so I stopped. When I got back to the bedroom.. Timi had two wraps of beef-burger, a plastic bottle of coke and a plastic bottle of Sprite. I wore an over-sized jersey that Timi had given me, I was naked beneath…
Timi : Coke or Sprite?
Me: Sprite…
I initially enjoyed the Burger, but I soon got tired of it. Timi was done with his and proceeded to take a shower. I wanted to text Jafar, but I decided against it. I had to make a confession to Timi, that was my priority..i skimmed the Tv for programs to watch, Galaxy TV was the only clear station…I abandoned the Tv.
Timi entered the room with only a Towel around his waist.
Me: Fine boy…
He came to me, pushed me so that my back was pressed to the bed. The Jersey I was wearing slid up my thighs..He was on me, I had to spread my legs to accommodate his body. He rested on his elbows…
Our faces were inches apart…he wanted to kiss me, but I had to tell him what happened between Jafar and myself before I let him..
Me: Timi I have to tell you something…
He raised his head up, his waist was still on mine, I could still feel the rod-like hardness on me..
Timi: is it about Jafar?
Me: yes..
Timi: oh my God, don’t tell me you have slept with him…
Me: No….but I kissed him…twice…
Timi: thank God you didn’t ….
Me: you don’t mind that I kissed him?
Timi: I do but…I know you like him..i just hope I can win all your affection back that you don’t go back to him…I don’t deserve you…I know that…but I want to fight for you..
Me : awwwww…so sweet…
He came down and kissed me…his hands pressed against my breast until he found my nipples…
TImi: I miss this…
His other hand went beneath the Jersey…he started stroking me…
Me: Timi , I have something else to tell you…
Timi: cant we talk later?
Me: now…
TImi: what is it, my love?
Me: I am sorry but I have to break up with you…
Timi: what?
Me: I love you…I will always do…you know this…but I am not inlove with you anymore…
Timi: Jafar right?
I nodded…
He stood up with his arms held akimbo.
Timi: we can work through this..i understand…let us just build what we had from the scratch..
Me: my mind is made up , Timileyin..
Timi: over a cultist?
Me: I am sorry…
Timi: you are not thinking straight..
Me: I am…for the first time in a while…
Timi: so whats next?
Me: I have to go back to him, I belong with him…
Timi: what if he doesn’t want you?
Me: that’s the difference I guess…I love him not because I want him to love me in return…its enough for me just to love him..
I didn’t expect Timi to drive me back to Ago, but I didn’t expect him to dress up and just leave the house like that…
I took my bag, wore my slippers and went to look for Taxi, to take me to Ago…to Jafar..
Episode 32
]The taxi that stopped to pick me wasn’t the type of taxi I would have gotten into but at that time of the night, I had no choice. I placed my bags on the bag seat, and joined him in front. I was careful while entering the front seat, I didn’t want the Jersey to expose my nakedness.
On the way to Ago, I kept calling Timi but he didn’t pick up the phone. I didn’t call Jafar because I knew he was going to scold me. I started a conversation with the driver, he seemed about my age, I noticed he was staring at my chest, the cold night was having an effect on my nips.
Me: are you ACN or PDP?
Driver : madam I swear, na whoever give me money I go support…all of them be thieves
Me: that money go turn your belle o…
Driver: na lie, na my own part of the national cake. Everybody know say na Gbenga Daniel go win, but if ACN wan waste their money, wetin concern me?
Me: are you married?
Driver: yes, I get three pikin sef..
Me: no vex o, how old are you?
Driver: 24 yrs, this December.
Me: hmmmm..how is madam?
Driver: she dey fine…
I decided to discontinue the conversation, he probably wouldn’t understand if I told him he had probably spoilt his life before it even started.
Due to the recent student killings, the town was scanty, even the indigenes of Ago-iwoye stayed indoors after dark. I told the driver to take me to Aiyegbami, but as we approached Jafar’s house, he stopped.
Me: take me closer na..
Driver: no vex madam, around this time I no fit carry you reach that side. The guys wey dey stay there whoski!
Me: just go front small…
Driver: abeg no vex, na here I go turn back.
I took a look at the three bags at the bag seat, Jafar’s house was still about 70m from our position. But the driver wasn’t moving an inch. So I got down and started the agonizing walk to his house.
It was dark, the path leading to the house had wild bourgenvilla growing at opposite ends. The pink flowers was an irony to the kind of guys that they led to. I must have been very stupid to have left Timi’s house like this, I looked at myself with only a Jersey on. At least I would have put on panties. As I approached the house I heard footsteps behind me. I was scared…
Voice: who goes there?
I kept walking, forgetting how heavy the bags were, I walked faster..
Voice: stop, you they crase!
I had to stop at that point, the voice wasn’t joking. In no time, two guys were infront of me, they shone a light on my face that temporarily blinded me…
Guy (Voice): Oh madam! Na you…you for talk na…
I looked at the guy talking, he was light skinned in complexion, he wore a black over-all , the other guy with him wore the same, but he was dark in complexion. I didn’t know them.
Me: I am going to the house.
I pointed to Jafar’s crib.
They insisted in helping me carry a bag each, I noticed that they quicky put something around their waste…guns
I thanked them after we got to the front of the house, they dropped the bags and disappeared into the night..I knocked for about 3 minutes with no response..
Me: Hellooooooo!..
The curtain beside the door, shifted abit…I couldn’t make out the face but it peeked at me. The door opened, as I entered, I was surrounded by about twelve guys, they were all trying to hide their guys…I saw it..
It occurred to me that my knocking must have alerted them of an intruder…the smell of cigarette and marijuana was faintly hidden. Uche was standing at the corner, his pump-action was too large to hide, he gave up and placed it on the snooker table…
Uche : welcome..wetin you buy come for us?
Me: myself…
I realized the statement looked awkward, especially with the way I was dressed…some of the guys tried to hide their smiles with a cough or two…I was slightly embarrassed..
Uche: Jafar dey him room..
And with that, they turned their back on me and started saying things I didn’t bother to comprehend…
I knocked on Jafar’s door…
Jafar : come in!..
As I entered the room, I didn’t see anybody…until I felt a cold metal on my cheek..
I turned in the metal holder’s direction..
Jafar : Tana…what are you doing here?
Me: nothing…I just came to say “hi”
He laughed as he lowered his gun….i had missed his laugh..
Jafar : Seriously, isn’t it too late?
Me: oya, lemme go back to where I am coming from..
I acted like I wanted to walk out of the room, he didn’t move an inch..
Me: you won’t call me back?
Jafar: your bags are still here..
That was true, I looked at him, frowned my face and pouted.
Jafar: its dangerous out there…I am not impressed..
Me: I am sorry, I couldn’t stay with Timi..
He led me to the bed, we sat…
Jafar: are you okay though?
Me: yes I am…
Jafar: we will talk later, the guys and I have to go out now?
Me: Ahn ahn…this late?
Jafar: yes…I will see you later…
Me: later when?
Jafar: we should be back before sunrise…
Me: where are you going to?
The look he gave me told me I had just asked a stupid question..
Jafar: when I get back we will talk..
Me: ok..
Jafar: You would have to stay here, Uche stays in the room you and Toun vacated..
I frowned my face like I didn’t plan to stay in his room..
Me: ok..
He changed his clothes into a darker one, and in no time, the house was relatively empty…
I said a silent prayer, that whatever he was going to do, wherever he was going, God should bring him back in one piece. I tried Timi’s number one more time, he didn’t pick my call..i fell ontop of his bed and slept.
I was in the middle of the street, I was surrounded by people…I was screaming but nobody came to my aid, infront of me, sprawled on the floor with blood gushing out of his side was a dead Jafar..Eli was in the crowd too, grinning sheepishly…Toun later came to my side and started crying with me…I was crying when I woke up…it was a dream, I could hear somebody knocking the door but I was too paralyzed to stand..The person kept knocking…
Jafar: Tana, open the door…
I heard his voice…the kind of happiness I felt was overwhelming…I rushed to open the door, I almost tripped as I got there…
Jafar: sorry I woke u up, it’s about 3am..
Me: keep waking me up…as long as you keep coming back
Jafar: huh?
I forced a hug from him…
Me: welcome…how was it…you look tired…
He walked into the room and pulled his shirt and trouser…I helped him hang them in his wardrobe…
Jafar: you should got to sleep now, I will take my bath now…
Me: Okay…
I went back to bed and started thinking about the dream. I couldn’t stop myself from crying, I felt so terrible…the stupid Evanescence song “my immortal” was playing in his speakers, my pain and the pain of the song got to me…
Jafar: what is wrong?
I didn’t know when he had finished taking his bath, he was on a boxer shot, a towel was round his neck.
Me: nothing…
Jafar: tell me…pls…you are crying…
He removed the towel from his neck and lay down beside me…
Me: I had a dream…
Jafar: tell me what it was about…
Me: you died in the dream, and I was crying…I was surrounded by people…Eli killed you…
I started crying again…he cleaned my tears with his palm..
Jafar: stop crying, it’s just a dream…it won’t happen…
Me: my dreams come to pass…
Jafar: this one won’t….
Me: promise?
Jafar: I promise…
I cleaned my eyes..he was looking at me like I was a little crazy…so I laughed…
Jafar: you are beautiful…laughing with tears in your eyes…
Me: I am?
He bent down and kissed me…he started with the tip of my lips…then I spread my lips open..the warmth of his mouth was heavenly….he raised the Jersey over my head, he was pleasantly surprised when he realized I was naked…he came on top of me…the full length of him…tasted my neck…then my nips…my hands where spread wide like I was an eagle…I was making sounds I have never made before…it was like he was rolling his tongue…I was trembling…I pushed him to his back, then I climbed him…I kissed every part of his unique face…his goatee pressed against my cheek as I kissed his adam’s apple…my fingers went to his nips…before my lips joined them…my bum was shot upward, like he was a power bike…my vee was moist in anticipation…I ran my hand down his hard abdomen till it got to his boxers, my lips returned to his lips…I caressed his d–k, the thin cotton material of his boxer short was finding it hard to hold on to the hardness that was trying to breakout…the more I caressed, the harder it got…I found the buttons that covered the opening infront of the boxers, freeing it, I dipped my hand inside to bring out his d–k…he let out a controlled sound…I started grinding my hips on his…his d–k was pressed against my vee, the lips of my vee..partly swollen now with heightened excitement, the fluid was rubbing against the top of his d–k, the wet slopping sound audible…I wanted him inside of me…I wanted it then more than I wanted anything in the world…he held my hands and gently placed me on the bed…He gave me a look like he was asking for my consent before he proceeded..
Me: I want you…
I spread my legs, reached out for his d–k and guided it to the entrance of my vee..as he leaned closer…the lips spread open…soaking and warm..he stopped again and looked at me…i pulled him by the neck so that his face was on the bed, beside my face…my right hand held the back of his head, his chest was pressed against my breasts…my left hand was at his back…
Me: make love to me….
He entered me.
Episode 33
We made love two more times that night.
We both remained naked beneath the blanket, exhausted from the sex we had. I didn’t feel guilty, with someone like Jafar, I didn’t know how much time I would have with him, Toun and Abayomi’s ish taught me that you should go for whatever you want, no one knows tomorrow..
I was awake but I was sure he was asleep. Even as he slept, he was so desirable. In another place, another time and in another world, I would have been happy lying next to him. But I had my fears, especially with the dream. I didn’t want him to die, he meant the world to me…I was the harshest judge of myself, but in Jafar’s case, I would rather be guilty being with him.
When I opened my eyes again, he was not in bed. I checked my phone to see if he had left a message but he hadn’t. I called his phone, it rang close to me..i was glad he was still around. I wore the Jersey again, went to the bathroom to clean up then decided to call Timi..
Timi: hey..
Me: you haven’t been picking my calls
Timi: I was busy…
Me: Timi, look I am sorry…
Timi: its alright, I guess the heart wants what it wants…
Me: we can still be close friends?
Timi: I would like that..
Me: don’t forget to wear black tomorrow…
Timi: sure, my regards to Jafar..
Me: Timi…stop..
Timi: seriously..if he hurts you…tell him I will come for him..
Me: he won’t…
Timi: bye …
Me: bye dear…
I felt a weight lifted from my chest after I had spoken to Timi…I called Toun…
Toun: babes..
Me: how are you faring?
Toun: I am better o…I cry less now..
Me: I am glad…
Toun: don’t forget to wear black tomorrow..
Me: never…
Toun: how is Timi and Jafar?
Me: hmmmm
Toun: what has been happening?
Me: I broke up with Timi..
Toun: I expected this…
Me: I slept with Jafar last night…
Toun: wow!..you guys are together now?
Me: not really…I don’t know…I suspect he will tell me I am not safe in his house and I will have to vacate…but I am inlove with him…
Toun: does he love you?
Me: how will I know, I know he likes me though..
Toun: are you happy?
Me: I am happy, but I am scared…I don’t want him to die…
Toun: he won’t die…
Me: are you sure?
Toun: yes…
Me: thank you dear, it’s such a relief talking to you..
Toun: I would be going to Zenon house on Monday, to pick my passport
Me: that’s for your UK Visa?
Toun: yes…mumsi said I need a change in environment…
Me: what if school resumes?
Toun: fvck school!
Me: Just take care of yourself dear..
Toun: you too Tee…
Jafar came in with a cup of tea, two slices of bread and a boiled egg…
Jafar : breakfast for the lady!
Me: I have not brushed yet…I think I left my brush in Ijebu-ode..you have a spare…?
Jafar: smelly mouth….you can use mine…
Me: you can be romantic sometimes o…
Jafar smiled..
Me: I would be going to Sagamu tomorrow to stay with a friend..
Jafar: when?
Me: Tomorrow..
Jafar: what happened between Timi and yourself…
I walked to his bathroom, he followed me..
Me: nothing…
Jafar: you guys had a fight?
Me: no..
Jafar: sooo?
Me: He kissed me and I realized I couldn’t kiss him back
Jafar: oh…
Me: what?
Jafar: nothing
Me: talk jor…
Jafar: i’m glad you didn’t kiss him…
He went out with his guys, he told me he wouldn’t be going far, so I spent my time taking my bath and cooking Jollof rice. I was wearing a blue jean and a purple top, I went through his wardrobe until I found his body spray…I wanted to smell like him so I sprayed myself tiny puffs of his “King” deodorant.
Few hours later, the guys were munching the Jollof rice like they hadn’t eaten in a while..
Jafar: The guys are grateful, they haven’t eaten something as nice as this in a while..
Me: who does the cooking here?
Jafar: I do..
Me: what of all the girls that flock this place…?
Jafar: Na u sabi…
Me: would you be going out later today?
Jafar: nope…
Me: good…because I have only today to stay with you before I leave..
Jafar: you are really excited about going?
He was eating on the floor, while I sat on the bed with his TV remote control…
Me: not really, I would have gone to Lagos but I don’t think it would help my state of mind..
Jafar: stay with me here…
Me: No…you know it is not proper at this time…
Jafar: true…
Me: when you finish eating, join me in the bed; I want to know about your childhood…
He soon finished eating and joined me in bed…
Me: oya, tell me everything…
Jafar: I really never had an interesting childhood
Me: how?
Jafar: my father was into Contracts with the Military…I was his only child and my mother was dead. He couldn’t carry me all over the country with him as he travelled…so he brought me to Ogun-state, Mayflower Junior school. I was enrolled in 1 special…Holidays was spent with my matrons. He came by once in a while with a lot of money and stuff, but he soon disappeared…I was enrolled into Mayflower secondary school years later, unfortunately, he was a business partner of General Diya, so when Diya was arrested, he went into hiding. Even after Abacha died, I saw only his money..That’s my child hood..
Me: is that why you are schooling in the west?
Jafar: yes….
Me: do you miss your mum?
Jafar: nope, I really never knew her..
His phone rang…
After talking for a while, he hung up…
Jafar: I have to go now..
Me: why?…you said you will stay here….
Jafar: someone has been killed close to the market…
Me: your guy?
Jafar: yep..
Me: I am sorry…
He nodded as he left the room with his white vest and khaki short.
I was sleeping when he came back…the other guys came in quietly too.
Me: how was it?
I said this after I opened the door to see his sad face…
Jafar: He is dead alright…
Me: how did they kill him?
Jafar: you really want to know?
Me: yes…I want to know all that is in your head…
Jafar: he was shot in the head. We carried his body before the police and school authorities got to it..
Me: why?
Jafar: when a Confra member is killed, the school sends the body to the medical school in Sagamu, where 2nd and 3rd year medical students use the body as cadaver.
Me: hmmmm, without the parents being aware?
Jafar: yes…Tana, I don’t know what tomorrow holds, but if I should die, I should be buried that night…I have told Uche but you know….he might be killed too…
Me: chai, which type of stupid talk is this?…you promised you would not die…
Jafar: I wont…I am just saying should incase…
Me: there is power in the tongue, shut up!
Jafar: have I ever told you, you are so lovely?
Me: nope…
Jafar: you are..
Me: why are you all mushy mushy now?
Jafar: death puts a guy in perspective…
Me: stop talking about death…
We were both in bed…
Jafar: I have liked you since the first time I saw you…
Me: when was that?
Jafar: During GNS 103, I was in your class, I saw you answer a question once and you got stuck in my head…
Me: why didn’t you ever tell me…
Jafar: because of Timi…plus someone like you doesn’t deserve just a fling…
Me: that is so sweet…
Jafar: come let me show you something….
Me : where?
Jafar: Just come…
It was past 9pm when I entered his benz with him, and he drove us into the night…
Episode 34
Me: isn’t it dangerous?
Jafar: nope, we are not going far…
It was a cold night, even after he put off the car’s AC, it was still cold, I embraced myself to fight it. He didn’t drive into the main road, instead he continued driving along a rough path until we got to an open space. This space was surrounded by a thick bush. The space was almost circle in shape, we were in the middle.
Me: what is this place?
Jafar: I really don’t know, I stumbled on it some months ago..
Me: what were you doing that you stumbled on it..
Jafar: in times of relative peace, I like to drive around close to mid-night. It helps me think and process ideas..
Me: so you were driving and you got here, what’s so special about this place? Although I like the circular thingy…
Jafar: are you ready?
Me: yes…
He turned off the car’s engine and lights.
Jafar: shhhhhh
We remained quiet in the car…I looked at him after a while and almost giggled out. He must have been talking about a spiritual experience because I wasn’t seeing another physical.
Then it start…a fire-fly put on its light on the right side of the bush, then a group put on theirs on the left..then a couple more put on theirs. Before long, the entire bush was filled with light emitting fire-flies…it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen…we were the darkness surrounded by light….
Me: this is nice…
Jafar: I come here everytime…
Me: you haven’t brought any other person here before?
Jafar: no..just you..
Me: thanks…
Jafar: Lets go outside…
Me: I don’t want them to leave…
Jafar: they won’t…
We laid down on the car bonnet…facing the sky, surrounded by God’s light…
Me: after all these ends, what becomes of us?
Jafar: I thought about it too…
Me: so?
Jafar: I really don’t know, a day at a time I guess…
Me: I will be going to Lagos soon, probably after I leave Sagamu.
He didn’t say anything…dew was falling on the car, making the cold night even colder. I drew closer to him to tap some warmth..
Jafar: I love you Tana…
My heart skipped several beats as he said those words..i kept looking at the stars that filled the sky. Now that he had said he loved me, this guy just made it very hard for me. What if we are forced to say our goodbyes…what will happen to me…I would be broken…
Jafar: look there..
He pointed at a building from a far, with lights at the top…
Jafar: that is the Ebumawe’s palace..
Me: I love you too…
And then I started crying again..how did I get here? How did I get to fall in love with someone like Jafar.
Me: can I ask for a favor?
Jafar: sure…
Me: can you just remain on the low-key till we graduate. Forget about Eli and all…lets just be..
He didn’t reply…
Me: can you?
Jafar : its not a one way thing, we are fighting an evil…if we don’t…it would be the end of us all..
Me: then be careful…
Jafar: Eli worries you…
Me: yes..
Jafar: don’t worry…
I started shivering after a while so we went back inside the car. Hoobastank’s “the reason” blarred from his speakers…He switched the gear into drive and once again…we eased into the night…
I woke up without remembering how I got to the bed. I was alone, I didn’t like the feeling. I was also hungry. I walked out of the room and found Jafar and Uche shooting pool in the parlor..
Me: was looking for you…
Uche: howfar madam Tana?
Me: Uche, I dey o…
Jafar: I will be with you soon….
I went to the kitchen, there was no food besides bread, so I made myself a cold cup of Milo and took two slices from the loaf.
Jafar: you should be sleeping instead of eating, its 4am…
He came inside the room and sat on the bed..
Me: how did we get inside, last I remembered we were on our way…
Jafar: you slept off…I had to carry you in…
Me: awwww…thank you…
Jafar: something came up, I would have to leave very soon…when I come back…you can leave for Sagamu..
Me: what came up?
Jafar: can’t tell you, but we would need all the hands we can get, one of the guys will stay with you here..
Me: okay…
He helped me take the empty cup back to the kitchen, then joined me beneath the blanket.
Jafar: when you wake up in the morning, I will be gone..
Me: just come back….for me…
Jafar: sure…
Just as he predicted, I woke up to an empty bed..the house was eerily silent. I called Toun…
Toun: how are you?
Me: I am good o..i will be going to Sagamu today…
Toun: nice, Ago is dangerous now…
Me: how are you feeling?
Toun: I have dreams of him everytime…
Me: he is in a better place…
Toun: how is Jafar?
Me: he is fine, he told me he loves me…
Toun: awwwww, I like that guy…cultist and all..
I didn’t even bother correcting her…
Toun: Timi nko?
Me: I will call him as soon as I hang up..
Toun: he called me last night…said he still loves you and all..
Me: I will try to see him soon….
Toun: I will call you later during the day…
Me: thanks babe…
Toun: bye…
Me: bye…
I called Timi but he didn’t pick up…
I put on one of Jafar’s shirt and went to the bathroom to brush my teeth….my phone rang, it must be Timi..
It was Jafar..
Me: hey J!
Jafar: Tana, lock up the door to the room, look into my wardrobe, you would see a black shoe box, open it, there is a loaded gun inside…take it to the bathroom and lock yourself in with it.
Me: what is happening?
Jafar: Just do as I say…I am on my way back….
Me: I am scared…
Jafar: I am with you…
He hung up…
My heart was beating fast..i considered bolting outside the house to the nearest public place, but it was risky..i decided to just obey Jafar.
I was at the corner of the bathroom, with the heavy metallic object on my lap…my phone rang again…
Me: Jafar, I am scared..
Jafar: I am on my way…hope you are in the bathroom?
Me: yes..
He hung up…
The water dropping gently from the tap was coinciding with the beating of my heart…in no time, Jafar will be around and it will be alright…I kept telling myself..
Then I heard the big bang!
The guy in the apartment seemed to dash into a room and ran back out…another shot was heard. This one shattered the sitting room windows. The guy returned fire…my ears were exploding…I held on tight to the gun..
Then I heard a crash…the front door was broken…there was a brief exchange of fire…then silence…
I was hoping our guy had won, then I heard Eli’s unmistakable laughter…
Eli : Tanatolo…Tanatolo…I know say you dey hear me…
He started knocking on the door of the rooms…
Eli: come out!…
I started praying to God…I was shaking like a fish out of water..
I heard him break open a door; he wasn’t the only one from the foot-steps I heard. Then he broke another door..mine was next….
I wanted to call Jafar but Eli would have heard my voice…
He broke open the door…
Eli: Tana…I know say you dey inside here…na your bag be dis…come out of the bathroom!
I started sobbing…
Then he broke open the bathroom door…
Eli : Ahn..Ahn…princess like you come dey hide inside bathroom…
The gun he was holding was the biggest I had ever seen. The shades he was wearing made his look even deadlier..
Me: Eli…please…don’t hurt me…
Eli: that time don pass…
He leveled the gun at me…
Eli: pull your clothes..
Me: no!..
I didn’t know a human being could be so fast, his smack crushed my face..
Eli : Jafar don dey give you mind abi?…i say make you pull your cloth, you dey do shakara?
The gun was laying useless by my side…
I pulled off the shirt, leaving me with my bra and panties…
Eli: chai…you go sweet o…after I fvck you…I go waste you…
Me: Go to hell!
I tried picking up the gun again, but his leg was faster..kicked my dropped hand…
The pain was unbearable, I screamed…He came untop of me…
Eli: pull your pant!
Me: No!
Eli dropped his gun and dragged started trying to drag down my panties..i tried to poke his eyes but he moved his head at the nick of time..He slapped me hard!
Jafar: Eli, stand up and raise your hands..
The only person more surprised than I was, was Eli…
He turned slowly, his gun was on the floor..but he didn’t raise up his hand…I quickly put on Jafar’s shirt…as I attempted to run to Jafar, Eli pulled me back and held me in a death grip…
Eli: Jafar…drop your gun…except you wan kill me and Tana together…
Jafar didn’t lower the gun, but Eli started moving with his hand around my neck. He kept me infront of himself as he faced Jafar…As he stepped forward, Jafar stepped backward until we got to the parlour.
There were two dead dead guys lying awkwardly on the floor..
Jafar: Leave her…and I will allow you go…
Eli: you dey see me as mumu abi?
Jafar: you have my word..
Eli: oya drop the gun and I drop the girl…
Jafar: deal…
Eli smiled…
Jafar: leave her first…
Eli: throw your gun on the floor first..
I heard sounds of cars pulling closer to the building. Then it was pandemonium outside…gunshots everywhere…
Eli: I change my mind…E be like say my people don show….Tana goes with me…
Jafar: I go shoot you for here…
Eli: you no fit try am…and you know…
Using his back, he dragged me outside…
Uche’s Hilux was on the driveway…two of Eli’s people were on the sandy floor…gun shots at different parts of their body….Uche was also on the floor..his top was soaked with blood..Eli guy was standing close to him, his gun was pointing at Uche’s head…
Eli: hehehehehehehehehe….i too like my people!
Jafar was alone, defenseless against this beasts…
Eli: change of plans, throw the gun here…kneel down…I promise say I no go kill Tana, but I go kill you…
Jafar’s shoulder dropped…
Me: Jafar…don’t…
Jafar: I have no choice…
I started crying….Eli pulled me closer and ran his tongue along my neck..
I gave up as Jafar threw his gun to Eli…
Eli : I win….you lose…
Eli bent down to pick the gun, the event that followed happened in less than 3 seconds..
Jafar brought out a gun from the back of his trouser. It must have been held in place by his belt but covered by his shirt. One shot rang out that drilled a hole in Eli’s head…his brain matter splashed over my legs…The second shot hit the guy over Uche on the chest…it brought him down…
I sat down on the floor and screamed. Jafar walked up to the guy and shot him on the head…lying infront of me was Eli…the gun-shot had forced his eyes and tongue to bulge out…it was a terrible sight..
Jafar came back and carried me to Uche’s Hilux… He also assisted Uche inside, I didn’t know if Uche was dead or alive, but he was motionless and must have lost a lot of blood…
Jafar: I am taking you guys to the hospital…I hope he makes it…
I didn’t bother to answer him…in my head they were all the same..Jafar, Eli and Uche…
I just wanted to disappear..
Episode 35
Blood from Uche was sipping to the car seat; the aura of death was everywhere. My face was swollen and bruised..i was still putting on an over-sized shirt with just bra and panties beneath, but that didn’t matter, I was praying for uche…
Me: why not take him to Best-care hospital, its closer?
Jafar: The doctors there would not treat gun-shot wound patients until they get a report from the police, that’s the normal practice..
Me: so where are you taking him to?
Jafar: there is another hospital in Ago, the doctor was one of us before he graduated…
Me: A cultist?
I said that on purpose, I wanted him to hurt. He didn’t look at me, or act like I had taken a swipe at him..
Jafar: yes, a cultist like me..
The hospital/Clinic was a small building; painted beige outside without any sign-board showing it was a hospital. We were met outside by some nurses, Uche was swiftly taken inside.
While Jafar waited at the lobby, I was examined by the doctor who prescribed some drugs for me and told me I was lucky not to have broken a bone. I walked out of his office with him to meet Jafar. The way their crew greeted themselves that used to amaze me before became revolting. The doctor and Jafar exchanged a brief hailing before they excused themselves and went to a corner to talk.
Soon the hospital was filled with the other guys, the doctor had gone to work on Uche, when he came back out, you could see the fear in their eyes…they were quiet..
Doctor : He is going to be fine!
The idiots started with their chants again, the doctor smiled, proud of his brothers…I looked at Jafar, he looked like a dad that had lost children but glad that one had survived. I was pitying him then I remembered how he had killed those guys…I excused myself and went to throw-up..
The doctor said they would have to donate blood for Uche, and he might be admitted for up to a week. We all knew it was unsafe for a spirit man to be left in a hospital.
On our way back to the house, I sat at the back of the Hilux with Sparrow, Jafar sat with another guy infront..
Jafar : The doctor said you would have to rest for a while, so I suggest you chill a bit before you go to Sagamu.
I ignored him.
As soon as we got to the house, I noticed the corpse had been carried to the living room. Five bodies in total. One of Jafar’s, Four of theirs. They were covered with clothes. I easily identified Eli, he was at the centre.
I walked into the room, Jafar followed me close behind..
Jafar : I am sorry about what happened..
Me: where did you guys go to?
Jafar: we got info that the government wanted to drop off some weapons for them at Aiyepe by dawn, so we decided to set an ambush…but I sensed trouble when I didn’t see Eli among them. While the other guys engaged, I called you and came back as soon as I could..
Me: The snitch set you guys up?
Jafar: I don’t know, all I knew was that Eli was not to be taken lightly, I am glad I followed my hunch..
He approached me, wanting to hold me..
Me : Jafar stop!
He looked at me, confused.
Me: the door is broken so I cannot lock it, but I want you to leave me alone…
Jafar: you are sending me out of my room?
Me: yes!
He wanted to talk but stopped; He picked up his and some other items and left…
I started crying…I picked up my phone to call Toun…
To tell her Jafar had killed Eli.
As instructed, nobody disturbed me in the room, I was curled in bed like a cat. I wondered what they were doing with the corpses lying in the parlor. Eli’s face was still haunting me. In as much as I hated him and was glad that he was dead. Murder was best imagined and not seen, from how loud the gun was, to the tongue and eyes…the brain matter on my body ,grey with flecks of blood. The only thing Toun said after I finished narrating my tale was “Thank God”..
Jafar’s house was isolated at Aiyegbami, so whenever cars approached, they were clearly perceptible. There were a lot of cars that approached the compound that night. Then the sounds stopped, I started hearing people hitting objects on bottles. Out of fear I ran outside of the room, the corpse was still there…the guys could here the bottles too…but they weren’t perturbed. I saw Jafar sit all alone, I ignored him and went to look through the window. The guys I saw outside were more than fifty, around their head was a white piece of cloth..Soon divided into two columns, then Orisa walked to the front..
Orisa: Jafar!
Jafar walked outside to meet him..
Me: are you guys crazy! Wont you go and protect him?
They did not answer me, so I ran outside to stand beside Jafar…
Jafar: Orisa!…
Orisa walked up to Jafar and brought out a bottle of Schnapps and two tiny cups…
Orisa: we come in peace…
They both took two gulps with the cup…
Jafar : you are welcome…
Orisa: the bodies?
Jafar: well and Gallant…
Orisa: thank you.
Jafar’s men had formed two files from the parlor to the edge of the veranda. Orisa’s men continued the file to a bus that was parked. Then one after the other, the three bodies of Eli’s fallen men were carried between the files to the bus. Eli’s body was the last to be carried, Jafar and Orisa were the ones that carried it. As they passed through the file, Jafar’s men on each side bowed down, when they got to where Orisa’s men were, they started hitting their bottles again…they continued until the body was dropped in the bus..
The guys on both sides exchanged drinks, and in no time…they were gone..
To be continued
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