Queen was lying on the bed and was answering call. Mmasi, her roommate was busy sorting some clothes from her Ecolac box and dropping the dirty ones on the floor.
They were in a one-bedroom apartment, scantily but neatly furnished. Two sets of NYSC khaki uniforms that were well-ironed were hung on the wall.
“I’m serious, you stopped visiting us since you got married,” Queen said.
“Not really dear. It was because I relocated to a new environment,” Ego said over the phone.
“You relocated to heaven.”
Ego laughed.
“Okay, I’ll come and see you guys soon,” Ego continued.
“That’s what you keep saying but you wouldn’t come. I wonder how you cope with staying alone in that your new place. Anyways, if the mountain won’t come to Muhammad, Muhammad must go to the mountain. I want to inform you that we will be coming to your place tomorrow.”
“Yesoooo, I’ll be glad to have you guys. I’ve missed you two.”
“You are happy now abi, but you don’t want to come to see us.”
“My dear, you won’t understand.”
“What is it that I won’t understand, anyways, this isn’t the first time you are saying this. Expect us tomorrow, have a nice day.”
“You too. My regards to Mmasi.”
“She will hear,” Queen said and ended the call.
Queen turned to Mmasi.
“Ego sent her regards.”
“Alright, hope she’s fine.”
“Yes.”
The three friends had been together since their university days. They studied different courses but lived together off camp throughout their stay at the university.
After their graduation, they were all mobilised for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Queen and Mmasi were posted to the same state and local government. They rented an apartment close to the town because they didn’t like the accommodations that were provided by their different places of primary assignment.
Ego was posted to a neighbouring state. She gladly stayed at the accommodation her ppa provided but immediately she got married to her abroad-based husband, she relocated to a better apartment still within her ppa. Her husband left the country after their honeymoon and had promised to come for her at the end of her service year.
“Mmasi, you see what I’ve been saying, I will not marry until I’m done enjoying my spinsterhood. There are things you miss when you marry early. Our friend no longer feels like seeing us.”
“I think she’s busy with something.”
“Busy with what? Are we all not Corp members? What other thing does she do that we don’t do?”
“I think you are taking this too personally.”
“I’m not dear,” Queen said and started pressing her phone.
After a little while, she turned to Mmasi.
“How far your bobo?”
“He’s fine.”
“I saw him on my way to the market yesterday. I don’t know what you saw in that guy. A charge and bail lawyer who’s only good at speaking big grammar. He’s not rich or even handsome. Hope you will not end up with him.”
“Abeg leave him for me. I love him like that.”
“If I were you, I’d keep looking out for other men. If I see a better man, I’ll just leave him. Because if he marries you, you will live in regrets.”
“How?”
“He cannot provide for you. You will still be depending on your parents when you are supposed to be giving back to them.”
“Really, I don’t blame you. You are just not lucky with relationship.”
“No darling, I don’t give a hoot. If I’m not gaining anything from the man am dating, I’ll just call it quits. I don’t want any man to waste my time. I want to enjoy myself now that I’m still in my prime. And when I’m ready to marry, I’ll get a fine, rich guy. Not all these ugly faces that we see around here.”
Mmasi laughed.
“Sounds easy. Do what soots you dear but don’t forget that women have their ripe period.”
“Story, that was during my grandma’s time not in this age dear. Wake up from your slumber.”
“Okay oo. When are we leaving for Ego’s place?”
“Tomorrow.”
“When are we coming back?”
“Maybe in a week.”
“Is it not too long?”
“Let’s get there first.”
“Okay,” Mmasi said and started zipping her box.
Afterwards, she carried it into the wardrobe.
She then carried the dirty ones outside to be washed.
The following day, Queen and Mmasi got prepared and set out to go for Ego’s place.
Ego had earlier sent her address to Queen before they left the house.
So, about an hour later, Queen and Mmasi got to the location that Ego sent. They saw a magnificent house and a fine car in a compound, secluded with a beautifully designed fence and gate.
“Are you sure we are at the right place?” Mmasi asked.
“This is no 8 Yoke Street. It’s the right place. Let me knock,” Queen said as she got closer to the gate and knocked gently.
“Who be that?” A male voice shouted from the gatehouse.
Queen and Mmasi were quiet.
The man came out.
The girls greeted him.
“Who you dey find?”
“Ego, she gave us this address as hers,” Queen responded smartly.
“Who are you to her?”
“We are her friends,” Queen and Mmasi chorused.
“I dey come,” the man said and left for the mansion.
A few minutes later, he came back, opened the gate, and asked the girls to go in.
Ego was already coming outside to meet them.
As soon as Ego saw her friends, she was so excited. She rushed and hugged them.
They exchanged pleasantries and walked into the living room.
“You are welcome to my house. Make yourself comfortable,” Ego said and sat on the couch.
Mmasi sat.
Queen was still standing and admiring the beautiful furniture and finishes in the living room.
“Ego! You are now a big madam oo. Money is good oo. See the beautiful place that you stay in. You are enjoying oo.”
Ego smiled.
“Enhen, lest I forget. Are you the owner of that car outside?”
“Yes.”
“Chineke meeeh! Ego has left us behind! I must marry a rich man. Abeg, come and show us around this mansion joor.”
“Queen, calm down now. We just came,” Mmasi interrupted.
“Are we not here to stay? Abeg don’t mind Mmasi. I love good things. Come and show us around.”
Ego smiled and stood up.
“Now you are talking,” Queen continued.
They carried their bags and followed her.
They chatted and giggled around as Ego showed them around the whole building.
A few minutes later, they got to a bedroom.
“This is where you guys will stay,” Ego said.
“Thank you,” they chorused happily as they entered the bedroom.
Queen went and threw herself on the bed.
“Oh my God, this foam is so soft. Heaven on earth,” Queen said while taking a deep breath.
“Drama Queen,” Mmasi said and they all laughed.
“That’s the bathroom. You guys should freshen up so you can eat. We have a lot to talk about.”
“Ok, thank you,” Mmasi said.
Ego turned and left.
Later on, when the girls had freshened up and changed, they left for the dining room.
Ego had already served them hot pasta and sauce.
They went and ate to their satisfaction.
When they were done, they appreciated Ego for the food and later joined her in the living room where she was watching a movie.
“You stay alone in this building? Don’t you feel lonely here?” Queen asked.
“I’m getting used to it dear,” Ego replied.
“You are trying. At least you should have someone staying with you.,” Mmasi added.
“Not yet oo. Maybe when I put to bed, I’ll get someone.”
“Are we expecting?” Queen asked inquisitively.
Ego nodded.
The girls shouted for joy.
“No wonder, you no longer come out,” Queen continued.
“Yes, my husband said I shouldn’t go to faraway places for now.”
“Hmmm. Asa Odogwu. I’m happy for you oo. I will soon be called Aunty.”
They all laughed.
Later on, they continued discussing and watching movies.
A few days later, the girls complained of being bored inside. They had just eaten their breakfast and were in the living room about to see another movie.
“I’m tired of staying indoors and watching movies. You will show us around oo,” Queen said.
“I don’t know much places here. You know I’m not an outgoing person,” Ego said.
“We can just stroll around,” Mmasi supported.
“Okay, let me get my car key. I’ll use this opportunity to know places in this town.”
“You see. You should thank me for bringing it up.”
Ego laughed.
She brought the key and they changed into better dresses and left the house.
Ego drove around the town, stopping at places they considered beautiful.
A couple of hours later, they got exhausted and decided to go back to the house.
Ego reversed the car to go back to the house.
“Wait! Wait! I saw something,” Queen shouted.
Ego drove to a safe part of the road and stopped.
“What did you see?” Ego asked.
“A river, wow I love water.”
“Are we going to see it?”
“We aren’t just seeing, I want to swim.”
“I can’t remember the last time I swam. Have you swum there before?” Mmasi asked Ego.
“You know I’m scared of water. Besides, the only people I usually see there are those white garment prophets and prophetesses.”
“That’s common in riverine areas,” Queen said, sounding convincing.
“That shows it’s safe for swimming. At least people are going there,” Mmasi added.
“If I had known earlier, I would have come with my swimsuit. Let’s go to any supermarket around and check for swimsuits,” Queen said.
“I’m tired already. Let’s go tomorrow,” Mmasi said.
“Supported,” Ego shouted.
“Let’s buy the swimsuits against tomorrow,” Queen continued.
“Ok.”
Ego then drove to a popular supermarket in that area. They got the swimsuits and other items and left for the house.
The following day, they prepared and left for the river.
When they got there, there was nobody around the river but there were rubber plates containing eggs, soft drinks and some coins at one part of the river bank.
So they moved to another part that had cleaner water. Queen and Mmasi changed into their swimsuits jumped into the river and started swimming while Ego sat under a tree, watching over their clothes and pressing her phone.
They swam and played in the water.
Some minutes later, they started hearing voices of people approaching.
Mmasi turned to Queen.
“I think it’s time for us to leave. People are coming and I don’t want anyone to see my nakedness.”
Queen chuckled
“Is this not how you dress to the swimming pool.”
“This is not a swimming pool. Let’s go. We can come back some other time.”
“You know we came to this town on a visit. I want to enjoy myself to the fullest.”
“I hear you. Please we will come back tomorrow.”
They both swam to the shore and went to where Ego was seated. They quickly dressed up and were about to leave.
Suddenly a man in a white garment holding a local fowl came. He was shocked to see the girls at that corner of the water. He walked towards the part of the river with those rubber plates.
Later on, the girls greeted him and walked past him.
The man stood still watching them as they left the area discussing happily.
“I am feeling strange right now,” Mmasi said as they were about to enter the car to leave.
“You too dey complain. Were you not the one who said you haven’t swum for some years now?” Queen asked.
“I said that but I’m feeling different, unlike the way I usually feel after swimming.”
“Have you swam in a river before?”
“No.”
“You see, that’s the reason you are feeling that way. I’m not feeling any different.”
“Did you notice how that man was watching us?”
“I noticed it,” Ego agreed.
“You know how all these fake prophets behave. Forget about his attitude,” Queen reiterated.
Afterwards, they entered the car and drove off.
Some minutes later, they got back to the house.
As soon as they entered the house, Ego rushed to the restroom in the visitor’s room.
“I’m hungry, let me get some food so we can eat and have some rest. In the evening, we will go back to the river,” Queen said looking exhausted.
“Haba Queen! Have some rest.”
“I’m doing that dear, mind you we may not have this kind of opportunity next time.”
We’re not going again today.
Okay
Afterwards, Queen went into the kitchen and later came out with a tray containing three plates of food.
She carried the tray to the dining room and set the plates on the table. Mmasi was already seated, so Queen joined her as they waited for Ego to come back.
“Queen, do you know we should be talking about going back to our place?”
“Stop reminding me, I don’t want to leave this place, are you not enjoying yourself here?”
“I am but remember the last CDS of the month is in three days and it’s compulsory, unlike other ones.”
“I can’t wait to finish this nonsense service.”
“We have just one month to go.”
“Let me one month pass already, I feel like terminating this Nysc thing.”
“Queen, easy oo!” Ego shouted as she was coming out of the restroom.
They all laughed
“Seriously, you don’t know how I feel each time I remember that I’m still serving,” Ego continued.
“Let’s eat abeg,” Ego said.
They blessed the food and started eating.
Some minutes later, they were done eating. Mmasi carried the plates to the kitchen and washed them.
Later on, she joined Ego and Queen who were in the living room discussing.
“Mmasi, let’s forget about this CDS and relax our minds.”
“I don’t want to answer a query.”
“You are always scared of queries. Something that they will not even use.”
“I don’t want any problem with our LGI. You know how she behaves.”
“Okay, accepted. When are we leaving?”
“Tomorrow.”
“No, let’s leave it to the day after tomorrow.”
All the while they were talking, Ego was quiet. She was enjoying the moment with them but when they started talking about leaving, she became silent.
“I wish you guys wouldn’t leave,” Ego said looking emotional.
“I feel the same,” Queen cut in.
“At least you both stay together and I’m all alone here.”
“Abeg, you are enjoying. You have everything you need,” Queen continued.
“I’ll miss you guys when you leave.”
“Take permission from your husband and visit us then,” Mmasi said.
They laughed.
The following day, they went to a local market in that area and bought some foodstuffs and ingredients.
Queen and Mmasi helped Ego and made some soups and stews to be preserved in the freezer.
Later in the evening, after having dinner, they freshened up and went to the living room.
They watched movies all through the night and slept off in the early hours of the morning.
Later in the morning, when they had had their breakfast, Queen and Mmasi dressed up and were with their bags about to leave.
Ego gave each of them a gift bag containing some clothes and toiletries.
They were both happy and appreciated Ego for the gifts.
“Let me drop you at the park,” Ego said as she reached for her car key on the table.
Afterwards, Ego left and they followed her to her car.
They all entered and drove off.
When they got to the park, Ego boarded a cab for them and paid the driver.
They appreciated her.
They all hugged passionately, expressing their emotions.
Afterwards, Queen and Mmasi entered the cab and left.
Ego entered her car and drove back to the house.
About an hour later, the girls got to their place. As soon as they carried their bags into their room, Mmasi called Ego to inform her that they had gotten back to their place. Ego thanked them once again for coming around.
Later on, they started cleaning their room because it was dusty.
“Money is good. If not because you were disturbing, we would have stayed back and enjoyed ourselves,” Queen lamented as she swept the floor.
“We can go some other time. When the service is over, we can go and stay as long as we like,” Mmasi suggested while removing some cobwebs.
“As if I don’t have a life. By then I should be looking for or even gotten a good-paying job.”
“What is even your problem? I thought you were seeking enjoyment.”
“At the detriment of my future? Don’t you know that when I have a nice paying job with my beauty, I can get any man of my choice?”
“Really.”
“Yes! Forget that I want to enjoy myself now. Immediately after our passing out, I’ll get myself a job.”
“It’s not that easy dear.”
“I’ll work towards that.”
“I love your positivity and I pray it works for us.”
When they were done cleaning the room, they freshened up and left to get some food.
A few days later, in the early hours of the morning, both of them were sleeping and suddenly, Mmasi shouted and jumped off the bed as if something was after her.
Queen woke up immediately.
“Mmasi! What is it?” Queen asked looking terrified.
“Jesus! It was so real!” Mmasi said with a shaky voice.
“What’s so real?”
“Python, I saw a big python on top of me,” Mmasi said in a rather subtle voice.
“Where is it?” Queen said as she rushed out of bed and went close to Mmasi.
“No, it was in my dream.”
“Ooooh, your dream. Is that why you woke me up from sleep?”
“It was so real, I felt it until I woke up, I’m scared.”
“It’s just a dream Mmasi,” Queen said as she felt Mmasi’s body temperature.
“Your body is hot, you must be having malaria,” Queen continued.
“Hmmm. I’ve never seen such a thing in my dream before.”
“It’s malaria, let’s go to bed. You can buy some medications in the morning before we leave. Remember we are supposed to leave early for clearance, so we need this sleep.”
“That’s true,” Mmasi agreed.
They both went back to bed and slept off afterwards.
In the morning, Mmasi bought some malaria medications as Queen suggested. She took them after breakfast.
Later on, they prepared and left for the local government office for their clearance.
Later on, Mmasi completed the dosage of the malaria medications.
A couple of weeks later, Mmasi had the same dream again. She got up scared. She woke Queen up and told her about it.
“I think it’s your subconscious that’s playing games on you. Clear it from your mind.”
“How? I don’t even think about snakes. How come I’m seeing it in my dreams?”
“Thank goodness I rarely see dreams. Even if I do they don’t mean anything and they don’t bother me. Stop bothering yourself over things that don’t exist because I know you will start connecting this to something.”
Mmasi was calm.
Later on, both of them got back to bed. Mmasi prayed against every python spirit around her and later made up her mind to talk to her boyfriend about it.
So in the morning, she called her boyfriend but he didn’t pick up. She tried more times but he didn’t pick.
Later in the day, Mmasi dressed up and was about to leave the house.
“Mmasi, where to?” Queen asked.
“I want to see my boyfriend, he’s not taking my calls and hasn’t returned them either.”
“Hmmm, okay. See you later.”
“Alright,” she said and left the house.
Some minutes later, Mmasi came back looking worried.
“You are back, did you not see him at his house?” Queen asked inquisitively.
“He’s in his house. He’s behaving strangely.”
“How?”
“I think he’s avoiding me. But I didn’t do anything wrong.”
“What happened?”
“He was behaving as if he detests my presence. He wasn’t happy seeing me in his house, he hardly spoke to me and was finding it difficult to reply to me when I asked him what was wrong. Like he just wants me out of his face. After receiving the cold welcome, I decided to leave. I stood up and left and he didn’t bother to call me back.”
“You should be happy. I don’t know what you saw in him.”
“I love him so much.”
“Replace him, you are too beautiful for that kind of man.”
“But he hasn’t broken up with me. I just don’t know what came over him today.”
“How else do you want him to show you he doesn’t want you? Maybe he’s even cheating on you and you’re here complaining.”
“Abi?”
“Yes, give him the same energy and move on.
I pity the girl that would accept him.”
Mmasi went and laid on the bed sulking over what her boyfriend did to her.
Mmasi’s boyfriend continued avoiding her. She stopped bothering him and moved on with her life.
Later on, Queen and Mmasi made up their minds that after their service year, they would stay back and look for jobs in that town instead of going back to the village to stay with their parents.
A few weeks later, it was their passing out day as corp members. Close relatives and loved ones of some corp members came around for the passing out ceremony.
The atmosphere was saturated with intense feelings of euphoria.
It was also an emotional day. Most people exchanged contacts to stay in touch with one another.
Officials of the scheme addressed the Corp members, and afterwards, they collected their certificates.
Queen and Mmasi weren’t left out of that day’s activities.
They collected their certificates, and after taking a number of pictures, they went home happily.
After that day, the girls were all out to face the realities of Nigerian graduates.
They started applying for jobs.
Meanwhile, Mmasi still experienced similar dreams, but she decided to keep them to herself because Queen seemed not to think in the same direction as her.
One afternoon, they were both in the room checking their emails when Mmasi’s phone rang. She was so excited seeing the caller. She picked it up and started speaking with the caller.
She smiled all through their discussion.
Queen watched her gently.
When Mmasi was done answering the call, Queen turned to her.
“Are you guys back together?”
“No.”
Queen smiled
“Your new catch!”
“He’s just a friend. We exchanged contacts on the day of our passing out.”
“Just a friend you said, you are in love again my dear. It’s written all over you.”
“Seriously?”
“Yes. Was he a corper.”
“No, he came to see his cousin who also passed out that day. He is an engineer at a construction firm in the metropolis.”
“Omo! Hold him tight oo. I haven’t seen him but I must say he’s rich. Have you guys met after that day?”
“No, we mostly chat online.”
“Ok, I’m happy for you. Don’t let this one slip off.”
“I told you he’s just a friend.”
“I hear you, ma.”
They laughed.
The following day, Mmasi was in the kitchen preparing the breakfast when Queen shouted in excitement.
Mmasi left what she was doing and ran to the bedroom to find out what the excitement was all about.
“What’s the good news!” Mmasi shouted.
“Invitation for an interview in a bank.”
“Are you serious? Wow, I’m happy for you. When is it taking place?”
“Tomorrow by 9 am.”
“I wish you good luck. This is the very first time any of us have been invited for an interview, and I pray it will be a success.”
“Amen oo.”
“Which position did you apply for?”
“Marketer.”
“You need to start preparing for it, this is a huge opportunity for you.”
“I’ll try my possible best.”
“I wish you good luck.”
As they were still conversing, a smokey smell of burnt started emanating from the kitchen.
“My food is burning oo,” Mmasi said and ran off to the kitchen.
Later on, they ate the food.
Queen started preparing herself for the interview while Mmasi continued with her job search online. Queen’s interview invitation was a big encouragement for her not to give up applying.
So the following day, Mmasi got up early to prepare the breakfast.
When she was done and didn’t see Queen, she went to wake her up.
She quickly got into the room and saw her already seated on the bed looking perturbed.
“Queen, is everything alright?”
“Ooh, yes! I was just thinking about my interview. Good morning.”
“Good morning, I don’t want you to be late for the interview. Go and freshen up. The breakfast is also ready.”
“Thank you so much,” Queen said and dashed into the bathroom.
Queen was seated on the lavatory bowl and was lost in thought.
“I can’t believe this is happening again. S3x in the dream with an unknown man. Am I this starved that I do it in the dream? Today’s own felt so real, I’m even wet.”
She checked her underwear again.
“I’ll not tell Mmasi about this, she would turn it upside down as if it’s not normal.
Come to think of it, if I feel this satisfied from the harmless actions in my dreams, what then is the need for boyfriends that would even break my heart.”
Afterwards, she took her time and washed her body.
After that, she went into the room to dress up.
Queen later left the house for the venue of the interview. The bank was a few kilometres away from her house. So she took a tricycle and got there in a few minutes.
It was just half past 8, and many people were already there. The number of persons present at that time was quite discouraging, but it was Queen’s first time attending an interview. So she waited to experience it.
When she got seated, she noticed that some young men were stealing a glance at her. One who sat close to her tapped her and requested to meet her after the interview.
Those men’s reactions made her uncomfortable at first time but when that one requested to meet her, she felt it was because of her beauty.
It seemed there was a kind of aura oozing around her that was attracting the opposite gender towards her.
Some minutes later, the person coordinating the interview came to meet the candidates.
He stood in front of the crowd, addressing them and looking around.
On sighting Queen, his attention was focused on and around her.
After addressing the candidates, he went back to his office.
A few minutes later, a security man came and tapped Queen.
“Oga wants to see you,” the man said in a low tone.
“Who is oga, please?”
“That man that addressed you people.”
“Okay.”
Queen then stood up and followed the security man to the coordinator’s office.
When they got there, the security man opened the door for Queen and when she entered, he closed the door and left.
“Hello, pretty lady,” the coordinator said, smiling.
“Good morning, sir,” Queen greeted as she reciprocated the smile.
“How are you?”
“I’m fine, sir.”
“Have a seat.”
“Thank you, sir,” Queen said and sat down.
“I’m the Human Resource Manager of this bank. I’m the one in charge of recruiting new staff. I think I like you. You have all it takes to be a marketer of this notable establishment. Let me see your credentials.”
“Thank you, sir,” Queen said and happily handed him her credentials.
The man went through them and nodded his head in the affirmative.
“I’d like you to be one of us,” the man continued.
“Wow, I’ll be glad to be part of this organisation.”
He handed her back the documents.
“Go and make photocopies of them and bring back a copy to me.”
“Thank you so much, sir. I’ll be right back,” Queen said and quickly stood up and left.
A few minutes later, she came back with an extra copy of her documents and handed it over to the man.
“You are hired but you have to go back and stay with the candidates. Join them in the recruitment processes. I’ll get two more persons from there to join you.”
“Okay. Thank you, sir, I appreciate sir.:
Queen stood up and went back to where she was seated.
Two hours later, after going through the interview processes, the candidates were dismissed.
Queen left for the house happily.
As soon as she entered the house, Mmasi rushed to meet her.
“How did it go?” Mmasi asked, looking inquisitive.
“Gist dey,” Queen said as she entered inside the room.
She started removing her shoes and clothes.
“My dear, grace found me,” Queen said.
“Please gist me what happened. “
Queen went ahead to tell her all that happened at the establishment.
“See grace oo. Congratulations, I’m happy for you my dear,” Mmasi said excitedly.
“I’m still waiting for confirmation oo.”
“Which other confirmation do you need when the recruiter had collected your credentials and offered you the job even before the interview. “
“I can’t be sure yet.”
“Ok oo, let’s wait for confirmation.”
“I’m famished,” Queen said as she rushed to the kitchen to get some food.
A few days later, Queen got an email from the bank notifying her that she had been selected for the advertised position. The mail was followed by an offer letter.
Queen shouted at the top of her voice as she saw the messages.
“Mmasi, it has happened! I have officially been notified of the job offer.”
“Wow, thank God. At least our decision to stay back isn’t in vain.”
“Yes oo, I suggest you should also inform your engineer friend about your job hunt.”
“I’ll do that, it never crossed my mind to inform him. He requested that we see this weekend.”
“At his place?”
“No, in an eatery.”
“Okay, I’ll be leaving for the market to get some cooperate wear for my new job.”
“Aah ah! So soon?”
“Yes, I had set some money aside for this particular purpose. I was just waiting for the confirmation.”
“Okay.”
Afterwards, Queen left for the market.
On Saturday afternoon, Queen was busy ironing her clothes and Mmasi was eagerly preparing to leave the house.
Mmasi had spent a couple of hours in the mirror working on her look, she made sure she looked her best.
Finally, she was ready to leave.
“Na today this single life pain me.”
Mmasi laughed.
“Na you wey wan remain single. Not like men don’t come around you.”
“I don’t have their time now.”
“You see, you are single by choice,” Mmasi said as she stepped out of the house.
“Abeg oo, buy me meatpie while coming back.”
“Ok,” Mmasi said and smiled as she left the house.
Later on, as Queen was still ironing her clothes, her phone started ringing.
She checked it and quickly picked it up.
“Ego oyibo!” Queen hailed the caller.
“Queen you are not doing well oo,” Ego said over the phone.
“What have I done wrong?”
“Mmasi told me that you got a job and you never wanted to let me know about it.”
“Ooh sorry my dear, it wasn’t intentional. Please don’t be offended, it slipped my mind.”
“Ok, congratulations.”
“Thank you. I didn’t tell you about it the last time we spoke because I wasn’t sure about the appointment yet.”
“It’s ok. When are you resuming?”
“On Monday.”
“There’s no point asking you guys again to come around again. Anyways, my due date is getting nearer.”
“Wow, I pray the baby comes on a weekend.”
Ego laughed.
“Always let us know whenever you need us around even if I’m not available, Mmasi will come,” Queen assured.
“Alright. My husband said he’s coming next month.”
“Wow, that’s good news. Soon you will fly to Obodo Oyibo and leave us in this country to suffer.”
“If I hear, a working class lady like you is talking about suffering.”
“Who’s working class? Work wey I never start.”
Both of them laughed.
“How is Mmasi?” Ego continued.
“She went out.”
“Ok, I was just calling to congratulate you on your appointment.”
“Thanks once again.”
“You are welcome, talk to you later.”
“Ok bye.”
Ego ended the call afterwards.
Later on, Mmasi walked into an exquisite eatery where her engineer friend was already seated and waiting for her.
She looked around and saw where he was seated. She quickly walked to him.
“Good afternoon Jake.” Mmasi greeted and sat on a chair opposite him.
“Go-od afternoon,” Jake slowly replied, his face looking slightly frowned.
“Is everything alright?” Mmasi asked.
Jake was mute.
“You are acting weird Jake,” Mmasi continued as she tried to hold his hand.
He quickly pulled his hand off the table.
“What is the problem?”
Jake stood up and quickly left without saying a word.
Mmasi was embarrassed and equally terrified. She looked around to see if people noticed what happened but everyone seemed to be minding their businesses.
She was devastated. She stood up and left.
Some minutes later, Queen was on the bed pressing her phone, when Mmasi opened the door and entered.
“Mmasi, you are back. Is everything alright?” Queen asked as she got up to meet Mmasi.
“No, Queen, I don’t know what is wrong with me.”
“What do you mean? What happened?”
“Jake’s mood suddenly changed as soon as I got close to him. He detests me. How can someone that I’ve been speaking to on the phone behave that way towards me? I’m beginning to think this isn’t ordinary.”
“I’m sorry about that but I think he’s not meant for you. He showed you his true colour, every disappointment is a blessing. What if he had continued pretending with you and finally married you? Hmm, he will turn you into his punching bag.”
“Queen am I not beautiful enough?” Mmasi asked with tears rolling down her cheek.
“You are beautiful Mmasi. It’s in the nature of men to disappoint. It’s not your fault. I advise you to forget about them and face your career.”
“I couldn’t even talk to him about my job hunt.”
“How can such a person be of help to you? Leave him alone, he’s not worth your tears,” Queen said as she consoled her.
Later on, on Monday morning, Queen prepared early and left for her place of work.
As Queen resumed, she discovered that there were three existing marketers, with two other ladies that were taken alongside her.
On that first week of Queen’s resumption at the bank, she and other new intakes went through some drills and orientation.
They were taken through the rudiments of getting excellent results in their work. They were also told that their job was easy as long as they followed the principles involved.
All the marketers in the establishment were later assigned in twos to different areas of that town to get people into opening accounts with the bank. They were also given monthly targets of some huge amounts.
Queen and Nkechi, one of the existing marketers, were in the same area. Queen was given a target of 10 million naira in a month.
Queen wasn’t scared of the target. She had assured herself she would do all it takes to reach the target. After all, some ladies had been meeting the targets even before she was taken.
So the following week after the orientation, Queen and Nkechi left the bank to source for wealthy customers.
Nkechi took her to the places they usually go for marketing. They went to the major markets, shopping malls, and different offices.
As time went on, people started opening accounts with them, but more attention was given to Queen. One CEO who had promised to open an account with the bank through Nkechi diverted to Queen and paid a sum of 30 million naira through her.
This didn’t go down well with Nkechi.
All her prospective customers were beginning to divert to Queen, and it was a big threat to her stay in the establishment.
They later went back to the office to report for the day.
Meanwhile, Mmasi had been worried about her latest disappointment. She had made up her mind to get the solutions to her problem. She didn’t inform Queen about her decision because she felt she had a different point of view on the matter.
There’s a church around their place that usually holds vigils. With their sound systems targeting the residential zone, they would be blasting into the microphone with tongues of fire. Mmasi believed she would find solutions to her problems in that church because of the way they pray.
The following morning, Mmasi waited for Queen to go to work before she prepared and left for the church. She believed she would meet someone at the church because she heard their usual prayers the previous night.
The church wasn’t far from their place, so she trekked.
After a few minutes, she got into the church and requested to see the man of God in charge. Fortunately for her, the man was still around. She was then asked to wait.
She sat on one of the plastic chairs inside the church.
Some minutes later, the man of God came to meet her.
She greeted him.
The man brought another chair and sat before her.
“Daughter of Zion, what can I do for you?” the asked.
“I have a problem, I’m suffering a series of heartbreaks.”
“Don’t say that, suffering is not for children of God,” the man cut in.
“Yes sir, I know that but mine is a serious matter.”
“Ok, tell me.”
Mmasi went ahead to narrate the issues she had been having with her relationships.
After narrating the problem to him, the man was quiet for a little while. He then bent his head and started speaking in tongues in a low tone.
After a few minutes, he looked up to Mmasi.
“I saw darkness all around you at where you stay. Do you live alone?”
“No, I live with my friend.”
“Hmmmm, you need to avoid her. I see darkness all over the room, and this darkness is responsible for your predicament.”
“Jesus!!”
“The Bible says that light does not have fellowship with darkness. Children of God, kneel, let me pray for you.”
Mmasi quickly went to her knees, and the man stood up and started praying for her.
After some minutes of prayer, he told Mmasi to stand.
Mmasi stood.
The man stretched his hand in a handshake.
“Congratulations, you are free.”
“Thank you, sir,” Mmasi said as she held his hand.
“As you have been made free in the spiritual realm, you need to physically disconnect yourself from any form of darkness in your life. I advise you to move out of that room as soon as possible. Don’t tell that your friend that you want to leave.”
“I will do that as soon as possible. Thank you, sir. God bless you for this revelation.”
“It’s nothing, I am just doing the work that my father sent me. After moving out of that place, remember to always come and worship with us.”
“Okay. Thank you, sir.”
The man got a piece of paper, wrote down his phone numbers on it and handed it to Mmasi.
“These are my phone numbers. Call me when you need prayers and counselling.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“You are blessed.”
Afterwards, Mmasi quickly left the church for the house.
As soon as she stepped into the house, she became terrified. At every slightest noise in the room, she felt spooked.
She went to the wardrobe and quickly started packing her clothes.
When Mmasi had finished packing her things, she picked up her phone and dialled her mother’s number.
In no time, her mother picked up the call.
“Good morning mama.”
“Morning my daughter, how are you?”
“Fine mama, I’m coming home.”
“You are coming home, when?”
“Today, I’m about to leave the house now.”
“Mmasi, is everything alright?”
“Mama, I’ll tell you everything when I come back.”
“Tell me what the problem is.”
“I said I’ll tell you when I come back na.”
“I want to know what the problem is now.”
Mmasi after some moments of grudging, opened up to her mother.
She told her the problems she was having that led her to going to meet the man of God and as well what the man said to her.
“Hmmmm, who else is staying with you?”
“Just Queen.”
“Mmasi, if this is why you are leaving, then you are not getting it right. So, Queen isn’t aware you are leaving the house.”
“Yes.”
“You must inform her that you are leaving.”
“But the pastor said I shouldn’t tell her.”
“Did you consider how she would feel if she came back and saw that you moved out without informing her? I know that evil things happen and I’m not saying you should despise what the man of God said but you should evaluate all he said.”
“How do I do that Mama?”
“First, inform Queen that something came up and you need to go to the village. When you come back, we will discuss about it.”
“Ok. I’ll do that.”
“Alright, my daughter, safe journey as you come back.”
“Thank you, Mama,” Mmasi said and ended the call.
After that, she called Queen and informed her as her mother had directed.
“Mmasi, hope everything is alright,” Queen said, sounding worried.
“Yes.”
“What’s it that came up that’s this urgent?”
Mmasi kept mute.
“When are you coming back?”
Mmasi ended the call without responding to her.
Afterwards, Mmasi went out with her bags, locked the apartment, and kept the key in its usual place.
At Queen’s workplace, Nkechi was in her senior colleague’s office discussing.
Nkechi informed her how Queen had collected all her prospective customers and she became furious.
“Who is she? She cannot try that rubbish with me. You know you are too gentle. You are not supposed to remain calm when this type of thing happens.”
“My dear, I don’t know what to do. That’s why I’m here.”
“Does she sleep with the customers?”
“No, I can bet she doesn’t do that.”
“Really, then you have something you can use to beat her. If you want to remain in charge of your territory, offer yourself to those big guns.”
“God forbid. I can’t do that.”
“Then stop complaining.”
“Please, I’m bothered but I can’t go that far. Please help me.”
“If you can’t offer yourself to your customers, then she needs to leave your territory.”
“Is that possible?”
“Yes, I’ll tell the head of marketing to bring her to my territory and the new person working with me will join you. What if it continues in your territory?”
“It can not! I’ve been in this marketing unit for more than 5 years, and I have won several awards for meeting unbelievable targets. She would join me soon, let me see her try that with me.”
“Wow, I’ll be so grateful if this happens.”
“Consider it done.”
“Mama! I trust you!”
They both laughed.
Afterwards, Nkechi left for her workspace.
Later that day, Queen got to the house and opened the door.
She was surprised to see that Mmasi had removed every item that was hers.
“Why would Mmasi leave with all her items to the village,” she soliloquized.
She then brought out her phone from her bag and started calling Mmasi but she wasn’t picking up. She called more times but nobody picked up.
“Her reason is still not clear to me. I hope nobody died, but if someone died, she wouldn’t take her time to pack everything. I think she purposely wants to leave, but why?”
Later on, Queen left for the bathroom to freshen up.
The following day, at Queen’s workplace. The head of the marketing unit requested to see Queen.
In no time, Queen left what she was doing and quickly went to the man’s office.
“I’m here sir,” Queen said immediately after she entered the man’s office.
“Get seated,” the man said.
Queen sat down.
“Queen, I just want to inform you that you will be working with Jane from next week.”
“Any problem, sir?”
“Not at all, you are doing wonderfully well in your territory, I just want you to get some knowledge from Jane.”
“Okay, sir, that would be great.”
“You will get a memo concerning this later.”
“Okay sir.”
“You can go back to your workspace.”
“Thank you, sir.”
Queen stood up and left.
Queen wasn’t scared of changing territory, she had so far noticed how she attracted the opposite gender. She had also promised herself to learn new strategies that Jane always used that made her stand out among her colleagues.
Moving to another territory was more of an adventure for her.
The following week, on Monday morning, the marketers were preparing to leave to source for customers. Their drivers were in the cars waiting for them outside.
Later on, all the marketers went out and entered the awaiting vehicles depending on their territories.
Queen and Jane entered their awaiting vehicle and left.
Jane’s territory was made up of several conglomerates, which were owned by top politicians and businessmen and women.
Later on, they got into a premises housing a company. Their driver drove to the parking lot and parked the vehicle.
Jane and Queen alighted and left for the reception while the driver stayed in the car.
As soon as they entered, they explained to the receptionist their purpose of coming, and they were referred to the account officer upstairs, who later asked them to sit and wait for a little while.
The account officer then rang the CEO. When she dropped the phone, she faced them.
“You can go now. The first room on your left.”
“Thank you,” they chorused and left for the CEO’s office.
In no time, they got to the place. Jane knocked, and the man asked them to come in. They opened the door and went in.
They greeted the man.
“You are welcome beautiful ladies, have seats.”
“Thank you, sir,” they chorused and sat before him.
“What do I owe this special visit.”
Jane quickly started speaking, marketing all the services of their bank. But as she was speaking, the man’s attention was focused more on Queen.
Jane wasn’t comfortable with that, so she concluded and asked the man to open an account with the bank.
The man accepted.
Jane quickly gave him her own form and surprisingly he opened an account and deposited some amount into it.
They appreciated him.
The man then faced Queen and started discussing with her. He asked her about herself and she provided the answers.
When they were done discussing, the man exchanged contact with Queen and afterwards, they stood up and left the office.
Queen was in front while Jane followed her behind.
Jane was visibly angry.
“Imagine this stup!d man, someone that I’ve been following up for months, is just opening an account simply because he saw Queen. See the little amount he deposited because he was talking to this girl, what would 100k do to my target? I think this is what Nkechi was talking about. I think it’s high time I show her the stuff I’m made of,” Jane pondered as she gently walked down the stairs.
Soon after, they got into their car and left.
Jane didn’t speak to Queen again. She remained cold until they got to their next location.
When they got there, they were directed to the office of the manager of that establishment. Afterwards, a similar occurrence took place.
Queen was still the centre of attraction. The man refused to open an account with them, he asked Queen to come and see him some other times.
Jane became mád.
They went back to the car and left.
The two more places they went to afterwards, Jane didn’t allow Queen to follow her to meet the heads.
After that, they went back to the office to do some documentation and later on, closed for the day.
Queen was aware of all the things that happened and as well understood the game Jane was playing.
So the following day, they left again for prospects.
Jane directed the driver to go to a certain company as they left.
Some minutes later, they got to the place. It was a major manufacturing company in that area. It is situated in a large compound with many facilities and employees.
When they walked into the reception, the few workers they met were friendly with Jane suggesting they had met a number of times.
Queen had earlier on assured herself that she wouldn’t allow Jane to leave her in the dark again. So she followed her wherever she entered.
Jane refused to give up.
When they got to the lobby leading to the CEO’s office, Jane stopped.
“Queen, stay here. Let me see someone,” Jane said.
“Are going to see the CEO?” Queen asked.
“Yes, but not for business. He is our old customer already. There’s no point going to market our bank again, I just want to finalise a deal with him.”
“Don’t you think it’s necessary for me to meet him?”
“It’s not necessary. I’ll be right back,” she said bluntly and left for the office.
“Hmmm. This woman thinks I’m a f00l, let me just wait sha,” Queen mused as she sat on a bench at the lobby.
About 15 minutes later, Queen became tired of waiting. She decided to go to the man’s office and remind Jane that she was still waiting.
She got up snd moved to the door and wanted to knock. Suddenly, she started hearing funny sounds.
She decided to confirm what her instinct was suggesting, and gently opened the door. She was shocked at what she saw.
Jane and the CEO were passionately sm00ching. They were so lost in emotion that they didn’t notice that someone opened the door.
Queen gently closed the door and went back to where she was seated.
She was in awe about what she saw. She was no longer in haste as before.
Meanwhile, some minutes later, inside the CEO’s office, the two were adjusting their clothes.
Afterwards, they both sat down to discuss.
“I’ve missed you so badly, you are always sweet,” the man said, trying to maintain eye contact with Jane.
“I know,” Jane added, feeling proud.
“You know I promised to link you to my senator friend.”
“Yes, I was about to ask you about it.”
“I told him you would be here today and he promised to come around.”
“Really.”
“Yes, he will be here before you leave.”
“Thank you so much, you don’t know what this means to me.”
Later on, Queen was still seated in the lobby, waiting in despair when a man came in. He was handsome, huge, and well-dressed.
He walked up to Queen, and she stood up to greet him.
“Good day, sir.”
“Good day pretty lady, are you a staff member here?” the man asked.
“No sir, I’m a marketer from Ace Bank.”
“Ace bank?”
“Yes sir.”
“Interesting! You must be the one my friend told me about.”
Queen smiled.
“My friend must have told you about me.”
“Not yet, sir.”
“Ok, I am Senator Mark, you will know more about me soon. Why are you seated here?”
“I’m waiting for my colleague who’s inside the CEO’s office.”
“Inside? Who else could be better than the pretty damsel,” the man muttered.
“Sir,” Queen said looking attentive.
“Never mind. Let me see my friend.”
“Sir, please don’t go now.”
Senator Mark smiled.
“Let me give him a call,” he said.
He brought out his phone and called the CEO, who later permitted him to enter his office.
He ended the call and smiled.
“The coast is clear, let me see my friend. I’ll get back to you. Don’t leave.”
“Okay sir.”
The senator opened the door and entered the CEO’s office.
He met Jane and his friend discussing but as soon as they saw him, both of them stood up and welcomed him.
“I was just telling Jane about you. Jane this is my friend, Senator Mark. Senator this is the marketer that I told you about,” the CEO said.
“Nice meeting you Jane,” senator said as he stretched his hand in a handshake.
They shook hands.
Senator then faced his friend.
“I have already met her colleague and I’d like to do business with her.”
Jane’s countenance changed immediately.
“Which colleague, you went to their office?”
“No, her colleague is seated outside.”
“Jane, you came with someone and you never cared to let me know. I should have ended our discussion long ago because we may be wasting her time,” the CEO complained.
“She isn’t complaining,” Jane cut in.
“Let her in then.”
“Don’t worry, we will see some other time,” Jane said and left the office immediately.
She quickly walked up to Queen and pulled her by the hand.
“Let’s leave here,” She said while dragging Queen.
“Hey! Stop!” Senator shouted.
The ladies stopped.
Senator walked to Queen.
“I thought I asked you to wait.”
“Ehm- ehm, sir, we are in a haste.”
“Yes, sir, our attention is needed at the office immediately,” Jane added.
“You can go, I want to have a word with Queen.”
He held her by the hand and went down to where she was sitting.
Jane angrily left.
“Is it not obvious that your colleague is overshadowing you? She doesn’t want you to meet your potential customers. My friend told me about your bank and I promised him that I would open a fixed deposit account with your bank.”
“Really?”
“Yes, I am Senator Mark Okuche. Beautiful ladies from different banks chase me around with their offers but I turn them down because my friend told me that you people can deliver in every aspect. You know what I mean,” Senator said, smiling mischievously.
Queen smiled shyly.
“And I just like you in particular,” Senator continued.
“Thank you, sir.”
“I will open an account with your bank and will deposit 100 million naira into the account and give a million naira for your personal needs.”
“What! Thank you, sir,” Queen shouted in excitement.
“But not now, I want to see you tomorrow so I can deposit the money.”
“Okay, sir, I’ll come, where is your office located?”
“Meet me at the Guda Hotel at 8 pm.
Meanwhile, the CEO came out to see the person that his senator friend was referring to.
He was quickly captivated by Queen’s beauty but he didn’t want to distract their conversation. So he went back to his office.
Soon after, Senator gave Queen his business card.
“Call me when you get to the hotel and I’ll tell you where to meet me.”
“Okay, sir,” she said and collected the card.
Senator went back to his friend’s office while Queen went outside.
She joined Jane in the awaiting vehicle and they left afterwards.
They couldn’t go to any other place that day because they spent so much time at the CEO’s office, so they went back to the office.
Throughout their trip back to the office, Queen and Jane didn’t speak to each other. So Jane wasn’t aware of the conversation between Queen and senator.
After their documentation at the office, Queen left for her house.
She had made up her mind to meet senator at his hotel room no matter what happens, she believed that if meeting him would beat Jane in her game, she would do it.
So the following day, at the office, the marketers left for prospects.
Queen and Jane faced their territory. Their job was gradually becoming a tug of war because Queen wouldn’t let Jane ghost her again, although it wasn’t noticeable to others.
They visited a few places and closed for the day.
Later in the evening, Queen prepared and left for Guda Hotel.
Some minutes later, Queen got to the Guda hotel. It was an enormous building situated in a cool private area of that town.
Queen then brought out her phone and called Senator Mark, he picked it up and told her his room number.
Queen left for the room immediately.
When she got to the room, she knocked. Senator opened the door and welcomed her.
They discussed a little and went down to their main business of meeting at the hotel. Senator requested that she warm his bed.
Queen didn’t give it a second thought when he requested that. She believed it was one of the secrets of marketing that her senior colleague was keeping away from her.
So they both got undressed and had it off.
About an hour later, after the act, senator fulfilled his promises of opening an account with the bank with a fixed deposit of 100 million naira and also credited Queen’s personal account with one million naira.
They both started putting on their clothes.
“You are such a good rider. I don’t know the last time I had it this good,” Senator commended.
Queen blushed.
“I will pay your boyfriend off just to have you all by myself.”
“You are funny,” Queen said smiling.
“I’m serious baby.”
“Ok, for your information, I don’t have a boyfriend.”
“Really, this is good news. You are now mine. From now onwards, you can call me whenever you need anything. For your job, you will soon beat your colleagues because I’ll keep on funding that account as long as you remain mine.”
“Wow! Thank you, sir.”
“You can call me Mark.”
“Thank you, Senator Mark.”
They laughed.
Later on, when they had both finished dressing up. Queen begged to take her leave.
“It’s getting darker out there. Let me run.”
“Alright. Remember what I told you.”
“Ok, sir.”
“Should I tell my driver to drop you off?”
“No, thank you.”
“Ok. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Ok,” Queen said and left for her house.
The following day which was Saturday, Mmasi and her mother were walking down a footpath in their village and conversing.
“I just hope we will get a solution there,” Mmasi said looking doubtful.
“I hope so, my daughter,” her mother added.
“I have almost spent all my savings because of this issue,” Mmasi continued.
They had earlier met a prophet who told Mmasi that she had a spirit husband. The prophet said that Mmasi would undergo water cleansing and appeasement of the spirit.
She paid a certain amount and bought some items that the prophet listed for the procedure.
She later underwent the cleansing and appeasement process.
After the procedures, Mmasi was surprised that her problems became worse. She would wake up wet, with some sticky discharge in her private area.
Someone had directed them to meet a man of God who has a small church around their village square. He was known for his regular outreach around the village, so they were in doubt of a solution but they had no other choice.
When they got to the church, they met the pastor with a small group of persons praying. They joined the prayer.
While they were praying, the pastor started prophesying and mentioning people’s cases. In no time, he mentioned Mmasi’s case.
To her greatest surprise, the pastor said everything as it was, he even mentioned the origin of her problems which was swimming in that river. She was shocked at those revelations.
She had never met the pastor one on one, didn’t pay any consultation fee and the place wasn’t even a popular church.
She became attentive when the man started listing out the solutions. He gave her a 21-day prayer with some passages in the bible to pray with. He also instructed her to fetch sea water, recite some bible passages, and make some declaration on it within 21 days, and afterwards sprinkle the water around her home and wherever she sleeps.
Mmasi and her mother appreciated the man for the prophesy and after the prayer, the group members dispersed.
Mmasi and her mother decided to still meet the man of God. They walked up to him where he was seated inside the church.
“Good day man of God,” Mmasi’s mother greeted.
“Good day madam,” the man replied.
“Sorry for asking, we just need clarification on what you told us during prophecy.”
The man of God repeated what he said earlier.
“Don’t we need to pay or buy any material for this?”
“No madam, in the book of Matthew, Jesus says, “Freely you have received. Freely give.’ So, I don’t collect a dime whenever I pass the message that the spirit of God ministered to me. Let her do what I asked her to do and come back on the last day so I can close it for her.”
“Thank you, sir, God bless you,” Mmasi and her mother chorused.
They left afterwards.
Mmasi started the prayer that day as the man of God had directed.
The following week, on Monday morning, the marketers were preparing to leave the office.
The bank’s manager walked in with his briefcase and all of a sudden, his phone started ringing.
He stepped aside and pick the call.
“Chief chief, good morning,” the manager greeted.
“Good morning,” Chief Uba, Senator’s friend replied in a low tone, over the phone.
“I hope all is well, you sound different.”
“I’m calling to inform you that my friend, Senator Mark is dead.”
“What!? When? What happened to him.”
“His wife said he had a terrible seizure in the early hours of Saturday and was rushed to the hospital immediately. The doctors tried all they could and he later passed out last night.”
“What type of bad news is this one this morning?”
“My brother, na so we see am. I’ll talk to you later, ” Chief uba said and ended the call.
Meanwhile, everyone there was eagerly listening to know who the manager was speaking to and what happened.
So, one of the staff members walked up to him to enquire why he looked sad.
“Sir, I hope all is well.”
“It’s Senator, our newest customer. His friend said he died yesterday.”
“Chai!! may God accept his soul.”
Queen and Jane were shocked on hearing the news.
Even though the ladies were shocked at the news, they had different things going on in their minds. Queen was sad that a potential customer was gone. All the promises he made to her would be unfulfilled.
“It’s so sad. Even though I’ve met my monthly target already, if he were alive, I wouldn’t bother myself about meeting the targets for the following months. All the same, I will still meet a bigger customer. Thank goodness I now know the secrets to marketing. Life is for the living. We keep moving regardless,” she pondered.
Jane, on the other hand, was happy inwardly. She felt threatened when senator requested to meet Queen.
“God just moved the man to one side, Queen thought she had collected my client. Senator is gone and can never do any business with her. I just wish this would happen to every man who started diverting attention towards her. If they continue diverting, I don’t have any other option than to request her change,” Jane thought.
“Let’s leave,” Jane said as she left the office. Queen followed her.
They got outside and entered the awaiting vehicle, and then left.
Soon after, they got into a big construction company and requested to see their head.
The HR told them that he was in a business meeting with different managers from different companies.
Queen and Jane stayed back and waited for the meeting to end. They were directed to the waiting room, where they sat and waited.
Later on, the meeting ended and the invitees started leaving.
As soon as Jane saw them, she quickly stood up and went to one and engaged him. Both of them started discussing. Others feigned aloof and were leaving.
Jane got up and started observing the men leaving.
Since she made up her mind to do like her colleague, she was beginning to consider the appearance of her prospective customers. So she saw amongst the managers, a tall, handsome young man who she also believed would be wealthy.
She quickly walked up to him as he was about to enter his car.
She greeted him and introduced herself. The man introduced himself as Engr Dave. Afterwards, Queen started telling him about their services.
The man smiled.
“I already have a bank,” he said.
“I know, but one person can accounts with different banks and even multiple accounts in one bank, you know.”
“I understand, give me more reasons to open an account with your bank. I don’t need those services you mentioned earlier.”
“What about a room service with a happy ending?” Queen said making a seductive face on him.
The man smiled.
“Now you are talking, I have a meeting with another establishment in an hour. So, we can meet after work today by 7 pm.”
“Sir, how much are we looking at,” Queen asked inquisitively.
“20 million naira.”
” Ok, no problem.”
The man gave her his private number and his business card.
“Call me when you are ready,” he said.
“Ok, sir, see you later.”
Engr Dave entered his vehicle and drove off while Queen went back to that waiting room.
When Jane was done speaking to the man, it seemed it didn’t yield a positive result because the man angrily left, she went back to the waiting room and sat down.
Later on, Jane and Queen were called into the manager’s office.
When they got there, the man didn’t show much interest in what they were saying, so they ended their conversation.
Afterwards, they left for their office.
Later, at the office, Jane was seated alone and was musing.
“I’m gradually losing it, I haven’t gotten any tangible amount this month. This girl is a bad market for me. Let me call Chief Uba and know if he can link me to any of his friends again. If he does, I wouldn’t even go to see the person on a weekday.”
She picked up her phone and called Chief who picked up the call immediately.
“Chief, good afternoon sir.”
“Good afternoon Jane, how are you?”
“I’m fine.”
“How is that your colleague that came with you the other day?”
“Fine, Chief this month is almost coming to an end and I haven’t met my targets.”
“Come with your colleague, so we can discuss it. “
Jane ended the call immediately.
“Nonsense, I’m talking about not reaching my targets and he’s saying something else. Stupid man.”
Later that day, Queen called Engr Dave and he directed her on where to meet him.
Queen dressed up and left.
Some minutes later, Queen got to the man’s hotel room.
In no time, they went down to their purpose of meeting in that hotel.
A few minutes later, they were done and were adjusting their clothes.
Later on, Queen brought out a form and pen from her handbag.
“See the form, sir.”
“Ok,” he said and collected the form.
“You know I promised to open with 20 million naira but something came up and I used part of the money. So I’m going to open an account with 5 million naira now, and I’ll complete it in a few days. Just keep on reminding me.”
“Ok,” Queen agreed, looking disappointed.
The man then filled out the form and gave it back to Queen.
Afterwards, she left for her place.
Some days later, Queen picked up her phone to call Engr because she had waited severally but hadn’t heard from him.
She dialled almost all his numbers but they weren’t going through. One of the numbers rang but afterwards was switched off.
“I’m not surprised. I know his type, I rather blame myself for approaching him first. I won’t try his number again. Stingy man.”
On Friday evening, Queen was resting on her bed when her phone started ringing.
She checked and it was Ego. She picked it up.
“Ego oyibo!”
“Queen dear, I gave birth to a baby boy some minutes ago,” Ego said, sounding frail.
“Wow!! Congratulations!!!”
“Thank you.”
“I will be coming tomorrow.”
“Thank you, I’ll send you the location of the hospital.”
“Alright, dear, congratulations again.”
“Thank you, good night.”
“Good night.”
Ego then ended the call.
The following morning, Queen had finished dressing up and was ready to leave. She closed up the windows and went outside with her mini travelling bag.
She then locked the door and left for the park.
About an hour later, Queen got to the city where Ego stays and was headed to the hospital.
Ego had earlier sent the hospital location to her.
In a few minutes, Queen got to the hospital and was directed to the ward where Ego was.
Ego was seated on the bed and her baby was lying in a crib beside her.
Immediately Queen saw her, she went and hugged her gently.
They were so happy to see each other.
Queen sat on the visitor’s chair in the room and they conversed happily.
“I thought I would meet your mother here,” Queen said.
“She’s coming tomorrow, so Mmasi isn’t yet back,” Ego said.
“Yes.”
“Have you spoken with her in recent times?”
“No, but she said she was going home. Why should I be worried when she was in her father’s house and she wasn’t even picking up my calls? Besides, is she not also your friend? You can call her too.”
“But she’s your roommate.”
“You know, I don’t have much time these days. I’m a busy lady biko.”
“Working class babe!”
“Abeg leave me. I no dey find who no find me.”
“I will call her soon. The last time I tried her number, it was switched off.”
“Ok.”
“That’s by the way, thank goodness you were here earlier. The doctor said I need to stay back till Sunday evening.”
“Why?”
“I had some complications while giving birth, so he said I would be under watch for a couple of days.”
“Ok.”
“Please, I need a few of my clothes and a flask from the house. My husband is taking too long.”
“Your husband? Is he in town?”
“Yes, he came back a week ago but left for the village to see his people the day before yesterday.”
“Why did he travel knowing that your due date was close?”
“It was urgent, besides I wasn’t getting any strong sign of labour at that time.”
“Ok.”
“So my husband said he was on his way back, but I haven’t heard from him. I need my hot water flask.”
“Call him now.”
“His number isn’t going through, he must be in the village. I don’t think he’s coming anytime soon. Please go and get the items for me. The flask is in my kitchen.
Please get me the hot water.”
“Ok, I’ll do that.”
Queen then kept her bag under the hospital bed, collected the house keys from Ego, and left.
A few minutes later, she got to the house and opened the entrance door.
She went to Ego’s room and from her wardrobe, she picked a few of her clothes. She arranged them into a bag and carried it to the living room.
She then went to the kitchen, got a kettle, and filled it with water. Put it on the gas burner and switch on the light.
She picked up the flask, rinsed it, and waited for the water to boil.
Later on, she turned the boiled water into the flask and started mopping the drops of water off the floor.
Suddenly, she heard sounds indicating that the door was opened, followed by footsteps. She quickly cleaned the floor and kept the mopping stick aside. She then carried the flask and left for the living room.
She got there and saw a man walking towards the visitor’s room and looking around as if he wanted to know who was in the house.
“Excuse me, sir,” “Queen said.
The man turned, and it was Ego’s husband.
“Oh, good morning, sir. You are here,” Queen said, feeling familiar.
“Yes, please, who are you,” Ego’s husband said, looking captivated.
“I’m Queen, Ego’s friend. I came to get her clothes and flask.”
“That’s so nice of you. That’s why I’m here.”
“See them there,” Queen said, pointing at the bag of clothes and flask on the centre table but the man wasn’t looking at them.
He was gazing helplessly at Queen.
Queen felt awful.
The man was handsome and could pass her speck but he barely knew her and Queen wasn’t comfortable with it.
The man got closer and held her hands. He then brushed his lips against hers. Queen was almost carried away but she quickly withdrew herself from him.
“What’s the problem?” the man asked.
“You are just seeing me, sir.”
“Don’t you know?”
“Sir, this is just the first time I’m seeing you after your wedding.”
“Does it matter?”
“Yes and I can’t betray my friend, Ego is a very close friend of mine. How will she feel if she hears this?”
“Will you tell her?”
“I can’t do this sir. It’s not right.”
As they were still talking, the man was getting stiffy.
He got closer to Queen again and held her tight but she continued resisting him. His strong rod was ready for action. Queen felt it on her skirt, around her private zone. She was almost carried away but she quickly repulsed.
She rushed to the table, carried those items and dashed outside.
She walked fast but didn’t want anyone outside to notice what happened inside.
When she got to the gate, she called the attention of the gatekeeper to come and open the gate.
As the gatekeeper was coming to open it, a man outside walked towards the gate and was also waiting for the gatekeeper to come.
“Oga! Welcome oo,” the gatekeeper said as he opened the gate.
Queen greeted the man too and walked out.
The man turned and followed her.
“Hello, beautiful,” the man called.
“Hi,” Queen replied, looking nonchalant.
“Pardon my manners. Can I talk to you, please?”
“No, maybe some other times. I’m in a haste.”
“OK. Just tell me your name.”
“I’m Queen.”
As he was trying to introduce himself, Queen stopped a tricycle, entered and left for the hospital.
A few minutes later, Queen got to the hospital. She carried the items to where Ego and her baby were.
Ego happily thanked her for the errand.
Queen used the hot water to prepare tea for Ego. She sipped as they discussed.
Queen was careful not to mention the experience she had with Ego’s husband.
They were still conversing when Ego’s husband and the man that Queen met at the gate walked in.
They all exchanged greetings.
Ego introduced them to Queen.
Ego’s husband pretended not to have met Queen before, Queen on the other hand played along with him.
“She came earlier and I asked her to help me get the clothes and flask from the house because you were taking too long,” Ego explained.
“Thanks so much. That’s so nice of you,” Ego’s husband thanked Queen.
Queen smiled
Suddenly Ego’s husband’s phone started ringing, he picked up the call and stepped aside. Later on, he went outside and continued with the call.
“So this is where you were rushing to when I stopped you that time,” Emeka, the second man said.
“Yes,” Queen replied, looking uninterested.
“You should have waited for us,” Emeka continued.
“Did you guys meet earlier?” Ego cut in.
“Yes, we met at the gate on her way out,” Emeka replied.
“Ok,” Ego said.
“I guess she’s the one you told me about,” Emeka continued.
“Yes, please excuse us for a moment,” Ego begged Emeka.
Emeka went outside.
Ego turned to Queen
“I’ve been telling him about you. I’m sorry I didn’t inform you earlier. I was waiting for the right time.”
“Are you for real?”
“Yes, he’s a nice person. He’s from this town, he had been my husband’s friend even before he married me.”
“Ok, so what do you want me to do now?” Queen said, looking nonchalant.
“Is it not time for you to start thinking about serious relationships that would lead to marriage?”
“I don’t have time for that now. Ego, you know me now.”
“Give him a chance, remember that you are not going to manufacture a man by that time you would be ready.”
“Getting a man isn’t a problem for me.”
“I know, but please just try and start talking with him even if you are not ready. I have told him so much about you. Please give him a chance.”
“Hmmm, I’ll try.”
“He’s based in Australia and will be going back in a few days.”
“Wow. I think I like this one.”
“You too like better thing.”
“Na you wey no like better thing, abi?”
They laughed.
Meanwhile, as they were discussing, the men were outside talking.
“Guy, why are you talking about a lady like this? Have you forgotten that you are a married man?”
“I haven’t oo, I can’t just get my mind off her.”
“Please, leave her for me. I pray she accepts me. It’s not easy to find a nice person who has something meaningful doing.
“That’s true, good luck to you.”
As they were still discussing, Emeka’s phone beeped. He checked and it was Ego.
“Let’s go in,” Emeka said.
“Ok.”
Both of them stood up and went back to the ward.
A little while after they got to the ward, Queen and Emeka left the ward while Ego’s husband stayed back.
Queen and Emeka conversed as they walked down the hospital corridor. They got to know themselves more.
“When are you going back to your workplace?” Emeka asked.
“Tomorrow,” Queen replied.
“So soon?”
“Yes.”
“I was thinking, you are on a leave kinda.”
“No, I would go back to work on Monday morning.”
“That means we have a little time to spend together.”
“Yeah.”
“After tomorrow, I may not see you again.”
“We can talk over the phone.”
“That’s good. I would like you to see my mother.”
“Your mother?”
“Yes, it’s because you will be leaving tomorrow. I don’t know when else you will meet her if not this period.”
“Ok, when are we going?”
“Before you go back, anytime you are free.”
“We can go in the evening.”
“Okay.”
They continued discussing as they walked around, admiring the environment.
Afterwards, Emeka and Ego’s husband left the hospital while Queen stayed with Ego.
Queen, aside from staying with her friend, had made up her mind never to go back to Ego’s house alone. So, she stayed and helped Ego out in the ways she could.
Later in the evening, Emeka came back to the hospital to pick Queen up.
Queen had finished dressing up and was waiting for him to come.
He walked into the ward and exchanged pleasantries with the ladies. Afterwards, he left with Queen.
Some minutes later, they got to Emeka’s place but his mother wasn’t around yet.
“You are welcome to my father’s house. Have a sit,” Emeka said.
Queen went and sat on the couch.
“Where did she go to?” Queen asked.
“She attended her friend’s daughter’s wedding.
As they were talking, a middle-aged woman who was Emeka’s mother walked in.
They greeted her.
The woman stood at one corner gazing meticulously at Queen.
“Queen,” Emeka’s mother said gently.
“Yes, ma,” Queen answered, believing that Emeka had told his mother about her.
“Oh, you know.”
“Know what, ma?”
“That you are a Queen.”
Queen smiled, but the woman wasn’t reciprocating.
“My name is Queen Ma,” Queen continued.
“Son, can I have a word with you?”
“Ok, mum.”
His mother left for the bedroom, and he followed her.
“I’ll be back soon,” he said to Queen as he was leaving.
They got to the bedroom, and both sat on the bed.
“Mama, is everything alright?”
“Everything is not alright. Where did you get her from?”
“She’s a friend of Chudi’s wife. Have you met her before? How come you know her name?”
“She’s a Queen in the river.”
“Ah, Mummy, river kwa.”
“You know me. I don’t just say things for saying sake.”
“And I want to marry her, that’s why I brought her to meet you.”
“Never! My son, run as fast as your legs can carry you. She attracts men for favour, but her king kills any man that sleeps with her.”
“What!? Is she aware?”
“I don’t know.”
Emeka was silent for a little while.
“But Mummy, what’s the solution to this because I love her.”
“The only solution is to leave her, I’m telling you what I’m seeing because I don’t want you to fall victim. She has a very powerful spirit husband who wouldn’t let her go easily. She had gained so much favour from him that it would not be easy for her to untangle herself from him.”
“This is serious oo.”
“Let her go now, please.”
“Hmmm, I’ll be right back,” he said and left for the living room.
He stayed a little with Queen and later told her to get up so they would leave.
“What about your mother?” Queen asked.
“She must be fast asleep by now. She complained of being so tired.”
“OK, let’s not disturb her then.”
They went outside, entered the car, and left for the hospital.
“You have told your mother about me already,” Queen asked.
“Ehm-m, yes I did.”
“Okay, I was wondering how she knew my name. You look so much like her.”
Emeka smiled.
“How is your boyfriend?”
“I don’t have a boyfriend currently.”
“What happened to your last boyfriend?”
“Nothing, we went our separate ways after breaking up.”
“Have you communicated with him recently?”
“No, but I used to see him on social media. Why do you ask?”
“Nothing, I just want to be sure he’s alive.”
“Ahh! He’s very much alive. Why did you say that?”
“I just want to confirm something.”
“What do you want to confirm?”
“Have you noticed any man who slept with and died afterwards?”
“No, why all these questions?”
“Never mind, I’m just curious.”
“Ok.”
When they got inside the hospital, Queen alighted from the car, and Emeka drove off.
Queen pondered over Emeka’s statements for a moment and, later on, dismissed them from her mind.
The following morning, the doctor came to check on Ego. He examined her body and confirmed that she was healing.
He left afterwards.
Queen had already informed Ego that she would be leaving that day, so she was gradually arranging her things in her bag while they discussed.
“I haven’t heard from Emeka since he dropped me off last night,” Queen complained.
“He supposed to have called really, but it’s not too late. He must be busy, you know he will be going back to Australia soon.”
“That’s true. He mentioned that to me yesterday. Do you know his mother very well?”
“It’s my husband who knows her. I haven’t even met her before. Any problem?”
“I just want to know her behaviour. I followed Emeka to go and see her, but it seemed she didn’t want to see me.”
“But she hadn’t met you before? You can talk to my husband about that, he knows her better.”
“OK.”
Queen didn’t want anything that would make her meet Ego’s husband one-on-one. She decided not to talk to him about it.
They were still talking when Ego’s mother came in accompanied by Ego’s husband.
“Mama!!” Ego exclaimed.
Her mother quickly went and hugged her.
They exchanged greetings.
“Sorry, nwam, I know the pains that come with childbirth. I hope you are feeling better?”
“Yes Mama, but it was very painful. Is it this same pain you felt and gave birth to me and my siblings.”
“You will get used to it, my daughter.”
“Use to what? I’m not getting pregnant any time soon again.”
They all laughed.
“I said the same thing when I gave birth to your elder sister. Don’t delay too much oo because I need more grandchildren.”
“Not from me oo.”
“Don’t say that again.”
Ego laughed.
“Let me go and keep Mama’s luggage in the house. I’ll be right back,” Ego’s husband said.
“OK,” Ego replied.
“Queen, how are you?” Mama asked.
“I’m fine, ma.”
“Your friend is telling me how you are taking care of her. God bless you, nwam.”
“Thank you, ma.”
Mama opened her handbag and brought out some fruits and two translucent rubber containers.
She gave the fruits to Ego, who shared some with Queen.
Mama held the two rubber containers in her both hands.
“This one is coconut water for your baby’s stomach, I’ll give it to him later, and this one is bitter leave water, for you.”
“Mama, what will I do with it?”
“You will drink it, it’s for milk production. You complained the milk isn’t coming out well.”
Ego squeezed her face in disgust.
“You have been starving your baby. Drink it now, you will see the difference.”
Ego grudgingly collected it and started drinking while squeezing her face.
Soon after taking the liquid, she quickly took one of those fruits and started eating to subdue the bitter taste in her mouth.
Queen stood up to leave.
“Let me go now,” she said.
“Am I the one chasing you?” Mama asked.
“No, ma, I was preparing to leave when you came in.”
“Ok.”
“Please wait for my husband to come back so he can take you to the park,” Ego said.
“No, I can’t wait anymore.”
“Ok.”
Ego and her mother thanked her for her helping out.
She carried her back and left.
An hour later, Queen arrived at her house. She opened the door and went in. In no time, her phone started ringing, she checked and it was Ego. She then picked it up.
“Queen, it’s like you’re already in the house,” Ego said over the phone.
“Yes, I came in just now.”
“Thank God for safety. I just want to confirm that you’ve reached the house. Thank you for coming around.”
“You’re welcome, my regards to Mama.”
“She will hear,” Ego said and ended the call.
Queen dropped her bag in the wardrobe.
She had earlier bought a plate of jollof rice on her way back. So she kept the packaged food on the table.
She then removed her dress, picked up a towel, tied it around her chest, and left for the bathroom.
Some minutes later, she came out of the bathroom and changed into casual wear.
Afterwards, she brought out the packaged food, ate and soon after, lay down on the bed to rest.
The following day, she prepared and left for work.
When she got to the office, she started preparing herself for that day’s marketing.
While in the office, she got a call from the director, requesting to see her.
Queen left immediately to the director’s office.
When she got there, she met the director smiling and holding a letter.
“Good morning, sir. You requested to see me, sir,” Queen said.
“Yes, take this,” the director said, handing the letter to her.
Queen collected it and was feeling nervous.
“S-i-r, wh-at what is it for?” Queen stuttered.
“Open it,” the man replied.
Queen quickly opened it and read through it.
“Wow!!! I’m promoted to segment manager!!! What?!!” She shouted in excitement.
“You deserve it, dear.”
“Thank you, sir, God bless you, sir.”
“You are welcome. You may leave now.”
“Thank you, sir.”
Immediately after she left, a promotion announcement email was sent to other staff members.
As soon as she got to her workspace, her colleagues started coming to congratulate her. Some called and sent texts to her.
Jane was so furious when she got the mail. It pained her more when others congratulated Queen. She refused to congratulate her.
As she couldn’t hold her rage anymore, she left for the office of their head.
She opened the door and badged in.
“Jane, what’s the problem?” the man asked politely.
“What is this I’m hearing?”
“What are you hearing, pleased?”
“That Queen has been promoted to segment manager.”
“OK, I saw that.”
“You saw it, that’s all you could say. I’ve been here for the past 5 years, and I wasn’t recognised for the position. Why Queen? This is someone who joined us in less than six months, why would she be given such a position? It means I’ll be answerable to her.”
“Jane, I can’t do anything about it. Truth be told, she deserves that position. It’s not about the number of years spent. It’s the result that matters.”
“You disappoint me,” she said and angrily left the office.
Queen, in her new position, would monitor the activities of all the marketers in different territories. She would visit any of the territories at will, and most importantly, wouldn’t go out like before to look for prospects.
A few days later, Queen was seated in her office, gazing at her phone.
She had called Emeka several times, but he wasn’t picking up.
Emeka hasn’t called back or texted her.
She promised herself not to beg a man to love her, but it hurt her badly because she was beginning to love him.
Later in the evening, Queen was at home preparing to go to bed when her phone started ringing.
She checked, and it was Ego, she then picked up the call.
“Ego! How far?”
“Fine.”
“Is everything alright? This one you are calling by this time of the night.”
“There’s something I want to tell you.:
“What is it, please?”
“You said Emeka had stopped calling. I know his reason.”
“Please tell me.”
“I overheard him telling my husband what his mother said about you.”
“What did she say?”
“That you are a queen from the river, and you have a powerful spirit husband. And that the spirit husband would attack her son if he decided to continue with you.”
Queen laughed hysterically.
“You know, I asked you about that woman then. So this is the stupid thing she was telling him when she called him into the room.”
“Queen, I think you should think about it,” Ego advised.
“Think about what? So, you even believed that superstitious thing.”
“I just want you to be aware.”
“Thank you for this, I’m done with him. Just imagine their mindsets. I think they were educated. He is simply a Mummy’s boy, I’ll never end up with such a person.”
“Just think about it, his mother, who hasn’t met you before, wouldn’t just cook up such a story against you.”
“Oh, I don hear.”
“Good night.”
“Good night.”
Ego then ended the call.
“What nonsense! Who still believes such in this modern time? At least I now know the stupid reason why he stopped calling. Mtcheew, ” Queen soliloquized and afterwards went to bed.
Jane was asked to vacate her personal office for Queen as soon as possible.
She took over the office not by merit but because of her personal relationship with the head of marketing, she only wanted to differentiate herself as a senior colleague from other marketers. So, Jane was to join other marketers at the general office.
She was seated alone in the office, wearing a long face and lost in thought.
“So now, a whole me, Jane, an older staff, will be answerable to that idiot. She will now be controlling where I’ll be and where I won’t be. Is this not an insult? This means I can’t manoeuvre her like before. All my prospects will turn to her and I won’t be able to stop her. Soon, nothing will be left for me. I will never submit to her,” she thought.
So the following morning, Jane came to the office with her mind all made up.
She didn’t bother herself preparing for going to source for customers. She only waited for the director to come.
As soon as the man arrived, Jane left for his office.
When she got there, she handed him her resignation letter and left immediately. She didn’t bother waiting to explain the contents of the letter and the director didn’t call her back either.
Later on, two more persons were employed within a short period to fill in the vacate positions.
As time went on, Queen resumed fully in her new position and was overseeing other marketers’ activities.
She easily meets her targets by visiting any territory of her choice and her old customers never fail to credit their accounts from time to time.
She no longer stresses herself going the extra mile to get a prospective customer.
A few days later, Mmasi and her mother were in their outdoor kitchen preparing a meal and discussing.
“Mama, I think that prayer is working oo. I haven’t seen any snake or a man meeting me in my dreams.”
“Alleluia! Are you serious?”
“Yes, Mama. You know he said last week that I should look out for signs of a breakthrough.”
“Yes, my daughter. “
Mmasi had gone back to the church for the conclusion of the 21-day prayer. She obeyed every instruction that the man of God gave her for the deliverance prayer. The man then concluded the prayer and asked her to look out for signs of a breakthrough in her life.
“I thank God for the liberation. I think it’s time to call your friend and apologise for the way you left,” Mmasi’s mother continued.
“Mama, I’m feeling so bad right now. How do I face her again?”
“Remember it’s not your fault. Just call and make peace with her. No time is too late for reconciliation.”
“Ok, I’ll do that. I keep wondering what that pastor told me about swimming in that river. Queen and I swam in the river but I’m the one that got the evil spirit.”
“Things like that happen at times, it shows she has a strong spirit.”
“Let me get my phone and call her.”
Mmasi went into the house and brought her phone. She dialled Queen’s number and placed the phone on her ear.
“Hello Queen. Good afternoon.”
“Hmmm, Mmasi, you remembered me today. Is this truly you?”
“Yes, it’s me.”
“What happened then? Why the sudden strange behaviour towards me?”
“I’m sorry, it wasn’t intentional. I’ll try and come to the house, I’ll explain to you everything that happened to me. Please forgive me for misbehaving.”
“I don’t hold any grudges against you.”
“Thank you.”
“How is Mama?”
“She’s fine.”
“Are you aware that Ego has given birth?”
“Wow! I’m not aware oo. I’ve missed a lot oo. I will come over to the house soon.”
“Alright, see you soon.”
“Ok, bye,” Mmasi said and ended the call.
Later that day, in the evening, Queen was lying on the bed engrossed in her phone and smiling.
Suddenly her phone started ringing and she picked it up immediately.
“My Queen,” a soft male voice called over the phone.
“Who is your Queen? Tom, I thought you’ve forgotten about me,” Queen said smiling.
“I tried but I couldn’t get my mind off you since the time you uploaded those pictures. You look so beautiful now.”
“You mean it?”
“I swear, you look so attractive now. I know you must have forgotten everything about me.”
“I have not, I was just naive then.”
“I would have still loved us to be together but you have moved on.”
“Moved on to where?”
“Moved on with a boyfriend or fiance.”
“I don’t have any of those.”
“Are you kidding me?”
“No, I’m serious.”
“Why? Don’t you want to settle down?”
“I want, you know me with relationships now. You were the only person I spent a longer time with.”
“And you left me because I had nothing.”
“Was that not what pushed you to hustle? Now you are working in Germany. You should be grateful to me.”
Tom laughed hysterically.
“Queen, you can never change,” Tom continued.
“At least you have made it now, and I’m also working and earning good money.”
“I still love you, Queen.”
Queen became mute.
“Are you still there?” Tom asked.
“Yes,” Queen replied gently.
“I said I love you.”
“I love you too but what of your girlfriend.”
“I don’t have any girl here.”
“If I here!”
“I don’t even have time for myself, let alone build a relationship with a new girl.”
“Okay.”
“I just want to hear your voice after a long time.”
“I feel so good hearing your voice again.”
“Thanks so much, we will talk later.”
“Ok, bye.”
“Bye,” Tom said and ended the call.
Ego and her husband were in the living room watching a television show and conversing.
“Babe, there’s something that I’ve been nursing in my mind for a while, and I’ve decided to let you know about it,” Ego’s husband said.
“What is it, honey?”
“It’s about your friend Queen.”
“What happened to her?”
“Are you aware that my friend had stopped communicating with her?”
“She said something like that the last time we spoke.”
“Emeka told me the reason for his attitude towards her.”
“Please tell me,” Ego said.
She pretended not to have heard them talking about it.
Her husband narrated all that Emeka told him.
“Hmmm, honey, do you think what Emeka said is true?” Ego asked.
“Y-e-s I think it’s true.”
“Why do you think so?”
“Something happened here that day you sent her to get some items for you from the house.”
Ego was calm and inquisitive.
“Immediately, I set my eyes on her, I lost control,” Ego’s husband continued.
“What?! You met her here?” Ego asked, looking tense.
“Yes, nothing happened oo but..”
“But what?”
“Calm down, am I not the one that brought it up.”
“Ok, go on..”
“I couldn’t resist her. I felt like getting intimate with her. Seriously, I don’t know what came over me. You know I told you that Emeka said she possesses that strong power that attracts the opposite gender towards her.”
“Yes,” Ego said in a low tone.
She was pondering over what her husband said. She believed her husband was somewhat truthful.
“What do we do about it?” Ego asked after being silent for a little while.
“I think she’s not aware of that problem. Has she been that way all along?”
“I’m not too sure.”
“Maybe you should talk to her about it.”
“Okay, I will.”
Suddenly, Ego’s phone began to ring.
She checked, and it was Mmasi. She picked it up.
“Hello Mmasi, longest time!”
“No see, no call. Congratulations on the arrival of your baby,” Mmasi complemented over the phone.
“Thanks so much. How did you know?”
“Queen told me.”
“OK, I said I’d call you but it slipped my mind. Queen said you went to the village, when are you coming back?”
“Soon.”
“Ok, why did you leave in the first place?”
“I had problems, spiritual problems.”
“Hmm, you didn’t care to tell any of us about it before leaving.”
“I’m sorry, then I was instructed not to tell anyone about it.”
“What type of spiritual problem was that?”
Mmasi started narrating her experiences to her, from the time she noticed the problem till when she found a solution.
“Jesus Christ! This is serious. But it was you and Queen that swam in that river.”
“Yes, Queen has a strong spirit.”
“Hmmm, I think she needs to know about this. Did you tell her?”
“I didn’t tell her because she wasn’t experiencing any similar issues with me. So I believe it didn’t affect her.”
“She came here some weeks ago, and someone confirmed she had a spirit husband, but when I told her, she didn’t take it seriously.”
“It won’t be easy to convince her to seek solutions if it’s true.”
“I’ll try.”
“Ok, how is your mother?”
“She’s fine.”
“Are your siblings also there or is it just your mother who’s with you.?”
“My husband is around.”
“Wow! He’s back!”
“Yes.”
“That’s great. My regards to everyone.”
“Thank you, my regards to your mother.”
“Thanks, bye,” Mmasi said and ended the call.
Ego dropped her phone and turned to her husband.
“This is more than serious,” Ego said.
“Who was that?” Her husband asked.
“Mmasi, my friend, you haven’t met her. She was Queen’s roommate. She moved out without informing anybody.”
“Why?
“That’s what she’s telling me.”
Ego went ahead to narrate what Mmasi told her to her husband.
“You see what I was saying. Queen is possessed,” Her husband assured.
“Ok. I’ll talk to her so she can seek solutions to the problem.”
In the evening of that day, Ego called Queen and explained to her what Mmasi said as well as that of her husband.
Queen was still nonchalant.
“I don’t believe those things,” Queen rebuffed.
“But have you noticed any special force from you that attracts the opposite gender?”
“What are you guys now trying to insinuate? Can’t someone be naturally attractive?”
“But my husband complained about the force.”
“Which force, I’m sorry to say this, but your husband lacks self-control. If not that I forced myself out from him, he would have r@ped me. I just decided not to tell you, but you brought it up.”
Ego became silent.
“I’m sorry for what I said. Let’s not talk about this again.”
“Ok,” Ego gently said in agreement.
Afterwards, she ended the call.
Ego felt insulted by the way Queen spoke to her. She was beginning to feel her husband was lying to her. She made up her mind never to bring up the issue again to Queen.
Meanwhile, Queen and Tom had fully gotten back together. They speak to each other each passing day, and their love waxed stronger.
One evening, when Queen came back from work, Tom called her on the phone. She quickly up the call, and they exchanged pleasantries.
“How was work today?” Tom asked over the phone.
“So stressful, I’m feeling so tired. Just coming back from work,” Queen replied.
“You guys over there stress yourselves over a little pay.”
“Do we have any options?”
“What if I present you with an option?”
“Please, what is the option?”
“You can come over to this place and work.”
“Heeeeeh!!! Are you for real??”
“Yes.”
“I’m ready oo.”
“As soon as we get married, we will come back together as couples.”
“Please come and marry me already. What are you waiting for?”
“I thought you wouldn’t agree. Let me make it official then: Would you be my wife?”
“Yes! Yes!! Yes!!!” Queen shouted excitedly.
“Thanks, babe, I love you.”
“I love you too.”
“When are you coming to Nigeria?”
Tom laughed.
“My statutory leave is coming up in a month.”
“I can’t wait to see you, I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you too.”
“We will talk later. Okay.”
“Okay,” he said and ended the call.
Queen was so happy.
“Soon, I’ll get married and leave this country. I’ll leave this stressful and competitive job, and also this part of the world for good,” Queen soliloquized on her bed.
The following day, in the morning, Queen had finished preparing for work and was about to leave. She locked the door and hid the key in its regular safe place.
Mmasi told her that she would visit her that day and would be leaving the following day.
In the afternoon, Mmasi arrived with a small nylon bag and her handbag. She took the key from where Queen kept it and opened the door.
She called Queen and informed her that she was around.
“You are welcome, Mmasi. I’ll be back in the evening,” Queen said over the phone.
“I know.”
“There’s food remaining in the pot. You can warm it and eat.
“Alright. Till you come back.”
“OK, bye.”
“Bye,” Mmasi said and ended the call.
Later on, she freshened up, did as Queen had instructed, and ate some food. Afterwards, she lay on the bed to rest.
In the evening, Queen came back from work. Mmasi welcomed her with a hug.
“I’m perceiving some sweet aroma,” Queen said breathing in.
“I made your favourite food, Abacha and fried fish.”
“Oh my God! I’ve missed this meal.”
“I brought it from the village because I know you love it.”
Thanks so much, “she said and dashed to the kitchen.
Ah ah, remove your clothes now. The food isn’t running away,” Mmasi complained.
“No, Mmasi, you don’t know how I’ve craved this food and wouldn’t find anyone that prepares it like you do.”
In a moment, Queen came back with a full plate of the African salad garnished with vegetables and fried fish. She ate like a criminal before Mmasi.
When she was done eating, she carried the plate to the kitchen and washed her hands.
“I can now remove my clothes,” Queen said as she came from the kitchen.
Mmasi laughed.
“How is work?” Mmasi asked.
“Fine, I didn’t tell you that I was promoted.”
“Are you serious?”
“Yes.”
“Congratulations!!”
“Thank you. How is Mama?”
“She’s fine.”
Later on, Queen tied a towel around her chest and left for the bathroom.
When she was done bathing, she came into the room, dressed up and they continued discussing.
“You know I told you that I’ll tell you all that happened to me.”
“Yea. Please, what happened?”
Mmasi started telling her all that happened.
“Hmm, I’m sorry about that, but I think such happened because you believed it. I don’t believe that such a thing exists,” Queen assured.
“I would like you to also check yourself because we both swam in that river.”
“Mmasi, please forget that. I’m fine. I have reasonable gists for you.”
“I’m all ears!”
“Tom is back in my life.”
“Which Tom please?”
“My ex-boyfriend.”
“Oh, but you left because he couldn’t provide for you.”
“Hmmm, that was then, Tom is now in Germany. He’s in money.”
“Really??”
“Yes, the most interesting part of this is that Tom proposed to me, and I accepted.”
Mmasi jumped up in excitement.
“Congratulations, Queen. You are truly a lucky girl, unlike people like us.”
“Yours is coming.”
“Amen oo.”
Queen continued telling her about Tom and his achievements. Later on, they both discussed what Queen’s upcoming wedding would look like.
They continued conversing till they fell asleep.
The following morning, they were both busy preparing to leave the house.
“Mmasi, why can’t you stay longer?” Queen asked, looking sober.
“My mother said I should stay with her for a little more time.”
“Hope you still apply for jobs.”
“Yes, very well.”
“Ok, let’s go.”
They both left the house.
Queen took a cab to the office while Mmasi entered a tricycle going through the park route.
When they got close to the park, Mmasi informed the driver to stop her. The driver stopped, she alighted and paid him.
She then crossed the main road and was walking to the park.
A car horn started hooting repeatedly.
Mmasi moved away from the road and continued walking.
As she was going to buy a ticket for her travel, someone tapped her from behind.
She turned and was shocked. It was Jake, her last date that walked out on her in a restaurant.
“Mmasi, how are you?” Jake asked.
“Jake, what are you doing here?”
“I was going to work and all of a sudden, I saw someone that looked like you. I hooted, but you didn’t notice me, so I stopped the car and followed you.
Mmasi was speechless.
“I lost your contacts and didn’t know how else to reach you. Thank goodness I found you again. I’m sorry about the way I spoke to you the last time we met, I don’t know what came over me. Please, I still want you.”
Mmasi remained quiet.
“Where are you going?”
“Village.”
“Hope everything is alright with your family?”
“Yes.”
“Please can I have your number again?”
Mmasi agreed and exchanged numbers with him.
Jake paid for Mmasi’s ticket and gave her some money.
“Thank you so much,” Mmasi said and sat in the waiting bus.
“You are welcome. We will talk later, I’m already late for work.”
“Ok, bye.”
Jake left.
Mmasi gazed at him while he left.
The following week, around the evening when Queen was back from work, her phone started ringing. She already knew who it was even without checking her phone. It has become a new normal for her phone to ring at that hour, Tom never misses to call her every evening. Queen, on the other hand, was conversant with the time because it wasn’t her working hour so they could talk at length.
So Queen picked up the call.
“Hi, darling,” Queen said, smiling and twirling her hair.
“My love, how was today’s work?” Tom said over the phone.
“Fine.”
“I want you to inform your people about me.”
“They are aware of you already, but I’ll make it official to them.”
“I’ll send my uncles to come and see your people.”
“Awwwwn, thanks so much.”
“I would like us to wed as soon as I come back. I’m more concerned about the wedding because of the certificate. It’s one of the major documents you will need to join me.”
“I can’t wait to leave this country.”
“I want you to start making plans towards that. I want you to resign from your work.”
“Resign from my work?”
“Yes, how would you run around for the wedding? Remember you will need some documents for your travel. You would get all those before the wedding because we would leave a few days after the wedding day.”
Queen became quiet.
“Baby, do you still want to stay in Nigeria?”
“No, but..”
“If it’s about the money, I’ll send you some money. Getting a job here is not a problem, I’ll get you one before I come back for our wedding,” Tom cut in.
“OK, I don’t know why I’m feeling strange about this decision.”
“It’s because it’s hard to find a job over there. Here, you can even work at two different places, just to tell you that there are jobs everywhere here.”
“Are you serious? One person working for two different establishments?”
“Yes, and the pay for each is far better than what you receive there at the end of the month.”
“I’ll do exactly as you said. I’ll resign soon.”
“Do it this week.”
“Ok, I will. When is your uncle coming to see my people.”
“Next week.”
“I’ll go home for it.”
“You see why I said you should resign. When you don’t, you wouldn’t have such an opportunity to move around.”
“That’s true.”
“I’ll talk to you later.”
“OK.”
Tom ended the call afterwards.
As he ended the call, Queen sat on the bed and was lost in thought.
She started having bittersweet emotions.
She wasn’t happy about her decision to resign but only wanted to do it just to please her husband-to-be.
On second thought, she felt what Tom said was the best, after all, she had nothing to lose.
“Why am I even bothering myself? Do you know what it means here to have an abroad-based husband and even relocate abroad? I’m dropping my resignation letter tomorrow unfailingly. He’s right, I was sticking to this stressful work because I had no other choice. Now I have a choice.”
As she was still pondering about her decision, her phone beeped, indicating a text message.
She checked and shouted.
“500,000 naira!!! Oh my God, this guy is dead serious. Oh, I love you, Tom!!” She shouted and hugged one of her pillows.
She was so excited that she started drafting her resignation letter immediately. The reason she stated for her resignation was that she was relocating to Germany to be with her husband.
She slept off afterwards.
The next morning, Queen prepared for work and left with the resignation letter in her handbag.
A few minutes later, she got to her office. She waited for a little while and later on, left for their director’s office with the letter.
When she got there, she greeted the man and presented the letter to him.
He went through the letter and became sad.
“Queen, this is a short notice. I would have loved you to stay with us, but you are going to join your husband,” the director complained.
“Yes, I’ll miss you guys. I could have loved to stay too, but I needed to start building a home with my husband over there.”
“It’s necessary. Congratulations.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“You are one of the exceptional staff we have here, we will feel your absence. All the same, we can’t stop you from joining your husband. I wish you good luck in your life endeavours.”
“Thank you so much, sir,” Queen said and left for her office.
She used that day to clear her desk and also handed over some documents to her director before she closed for the day.
Queen stopped going to work the following day. The establishment doesn’t have a resignation policy that requires an employee to stay for some time before leaving at last.
Some days later, she left for the village to officially inform her people about Tom.
She doesn’t have a problem with her mother, she knows all the updates about her conversation with Tom but her father would like to know every detail to be convinced about a person.
So when she got home, her parents welcomed her and she presented them with the items she got for them.
Later in the evening, Queen’s father was seated alone in the living room. Queen went to meet him.
“Papa, there’s something I want to tell you.”
“Go ahead.”
Queen told him about Tom and the relationship she had with him. She tried as much as she could to convince her father about Tom.
“Queen, you said you know him well,” her father asked.
“Yes, he was my boyfriend before he travelled out of the country.”
“Are you sure he’s coming for the marriage?”
“Yes, I’m sure. His uncles will be coming next week to see you and Mama.”
“I’m asking because it’s sudden.”
“Papa, don’t worry yourself, I trust him. He wants me to join him immediately, that’s why he’s rushing everything.”
“Hmmm. Okay. How was work?”
“Fine, I’m on leave.”
Queen didn’t want to tell her father about her resignation because of what he would say.
A week later, two middle-aged men came to see Queen’s parents.
They introduced themselves as Tom’s uncles and declared their purpose of visiting.
Queen’s parents presented them with kolanuts, drinks and some food.
Later on, the men told Queen’s parents that they would handle everything concerning the traditional marriage and that Tom would only come home during the wedding.
“I would like to see him. N this town, we recognise traditional marriage more than church weddings. So please tell him that he will do the traditional marriage first before any other.”
The men tried convincing him but he stood by what he said.
“Ok, we will inform him,” one of the men said.
When they had eaten to their satisfaction, they thanked the household and left.
Meanwhile, Queen’s mother was eavesdropping on the men’s conversation.
Queen’s mother quickly got into the room where Queen was.
“I don’t know why your father is always stubborn. People do it in this village, ours is always different.”
“What is the problem?”
“He said Tom must come for the traditional marriage.”
“I’m not even surprised.”
“Enhhe, you mean he’s in Germany,” Queen’s mother said in a low tone.
“Yes, Mama.”
She smiled.
“Don’t worry yourself. Let’s wait first for Tom’s reaction to what your father said.”
“Ok, Mama. “
One of Tom’s uncles later reached out to him concerning Queen’s father’s response.
So in the evening, Tom called Queen on the phone, she picked it up and they started discussing.
“My uncles told me about their visit to your house. Thank you for the hospitality.”
“You are welcome.”
“They told me that your father insisted on my coming. What about your mother? What was her opinion on this issue?”
“She didn’t support my father.”
“Ok, can I talk to her?”
“OK, she’s in the kitchen. Let me take the phone to her.”
Queen quickly left her room for the outdoor kitchen where her mother was.
“Mama, it’s Tom,” she said as she handed her the phone.
Her mother collected the phone.
“My inlaw, ” she hailed.
“Good evening, Mama,” Tom greeted over the phone.
“Good evening, my son. How is work?”
“Fine, mama.”
They talked for a little while before she gave the phone back to Queen. Queen’s mother smiled all through their discussion.
The following day, around noon, Queen’s father came back from the farm with a hoe and a cutlass.
His wife came out, greeted him, and collected those farming tools from him.
He left for the backyard to fetch water and freshen up.
Queen’s mother then left for the kitchen to get some food for her husband.
Later on, Queen’s father was done bathing and was in the room. His wife brought in a tray containing two covered plates of food and a cup of water.
She kept it on a table before her husband.
He opened the covered plates and smiled.
“You made my favourite, pounded yam and egusi soup! Thank you, obidiya.”
Queen’s mother smiled.
She knew the best way to win her husband’s heart.
She brought a bowl containing some water, and he washed his hands and started eating.
His wife was quiet as he ate.
When he was done eating, she carried the tray and the bowl of water away.
A few minutes later, she came back and sat with him in the room.
“Nnanyi, there’s something I want to discuss with you.”
“What is it?”
“It’s about Queen’s suitor.”
He became silent.
“I spoke to him yesterday. He’s a nice person and I believe our daughter made the right decision,” Queen’s mother said.
“Queen is my only child. That’s why I’m being careful here.”
“Remember she’s also my daughter, and I know what is good for her.”
“So, another person will come on his behalf to marry our daughter.”
“No oo, he will come. He said he would wed first in the town and then come to the village for traditional marriage. His people will come again by the weekend to pay Queen’s bride price.”
“I haven’t set my eyes on the person I’m giving out my daughter to. Is it not embarrassing to me?”
“This is someone that our daughter had dated for years before he left for Germany. People do it. He is far away in Obodo Oyibo, and you should understand how things work now. He can only come back during the wedding and traditional marriage.”
“Why am I feeling like something is wrong with this whole thing? Who are his parents?”
“Nothing is wrong, Nnanyi. He said his parents were late. You are just too attached to your daughter that you don’t want her to leave. When he calls again, you’ll speak to him and even do a video call with him so you can be convinced.”
Queen’s father heaved a huge sigh.
On Sunday afternoon, those two men came again to pay Queen’s bride price on behalf of Tom. They provided the necessary items as their tradition demanded.
After that day, Queen started preparing for her wedding. She informed Ego, Mmasi, and a few of her friends in the village.
A few days later, she went back to her base in the city.
She made arrangements with the church she attended, and a date for the wedding was fixed to be held in three weeks.
Queen was eagerly making arrangements and giving excuses whenever questions about her partner’s absence in the process arose. She was more concerned about the wedding certificate which she would use to travel out. Every other thought was none of her business.
Later on, Tom came back a day to the wedding day.
Mmasi was already at Queen’s place then.
Soon after Tom landed, he called Queen, who came to meet him at the airport.
They were so happy to see each other after some years.
They got a cab that carried them to one of the most expensive hotels around the town.
Tom booked a room there, and they stayed there discussing about themselves
Queen called her parents, and they both spoke with Tom.
“I just want my father to know that you are real.”
“If not that tomorrow is the wedding, I would have gone to the village to see them.”
“Everyone will see you tomorrow.”
“Yeah, they will all know who I am.”
Queen smiled.
Later on, they left to eat out at a restaurant within the hotel vicinity.
After eating, they went back to the room.
Later in the evening, Queen carried her bag to leave but Tom stopped her.
“I thought you said you missed me so much.”
“Yes, I do.”
“And you are behaving as if you don’t.”
“I’m sorry, the thought of my wedding day filled my head. Besides, I’ll soon be your wife, and you will have me whenever you want.”
Tom got closer and held her from behind.
“Please don’t leave me like this, I’ve missed you so very much,” he whispered into her ears as she touched her sensitive areas.
In no time, Queen wanted him as much as he did and they were finally in bed.
About an hour later, Queen was looking tired under the duvet while Tom was petting her.
“One more time, please,” Tom begged.
“No, you know I need some rest for tomorrow. I have to go now. You are just behaving as if I wouldn’t go with you tomorrow.”
“It’s because I’ve missed you so much. I’m so obsessed with your body. I can’t wait for you to be mine forever.”
Queen got up and dressed up.
“Let me run, I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Not even a hug?”
Queen went and hugged him and left for her house.
The following day, Queen had finished making up and was dressed up in a full wedding gown and its accessories. She picked up her phone to call Tom.
She dialled the number, but no one was picking.
Later on, they left for the church. When they got there, he wasn’t in the church.
Queen became worried.
He wasn’t in the church, and none of his relatives were there, not even his two uncles.
People started asking questions.
Her father was seated at one corner of the church observing what was happening.
Queen then provided the hotel name and the room number.
Two men were sent to go and check on Tom at the hotel.
They left for the hotel immediately.
When the men got to the hotel, they informed the receptionist about the person they had come to see.
“Sorry sirs, the man left last night.”
“Left for where?” One of the men asked.
“I don’t know. He had checked out. Do you know any Queen that’s close to him?”
“Yes, his wife. She sent us to him.”
“There’s a letter for her.”
The receptionist brought out a white envelope and gave it to the man.
He collected it and they went back to the church.
Immediately they got to the church, Queen rushed to know the message they brought.
The man brought out the envelope.
“The hotel receptionist gave me this letter for you.”
Queen quickly collected it from him and opened it.
The letter read:
‘Who the h£ll do you think you are, that I would come back for you? I just want you to have a taste of the pa!n from the heartbreak that you gave me five years ago. Now that I’ve made it, you came to reap where you did not sour. I wish I was here to see you shed those tears. I’m leaving for the airport and by the time you get this letter, I’ll be in flight. Congratulations on your wedding b!tch.’
Immediately Queen started losing strength. Mmasi, her chief bridesmaid held her.
She then dropped the letter and cried her heart out.
In no time, the contents of the letter started flying around the church and people began to murmur. They started leaving afterwards.
After most of the attendees had left, Queen was left with Mmasi and her parents. Ego her friend didn’t show up at all because her kid was still tender.
So, they were seated at the back of the church.
Queen was still in tears, and Mmasi sat close to her to support her emotionally.
They all waited for Queen to be a little bit stable before they could leave for the house.
Her mother was feeling so ashámed of herself.
“I brought this upon my daughter. I could have listened to my husband. See what this boy did to my daughter, I’m sorry nwam. I take the blame for this,” Queen’s mother lamented.
Her husband cut in.
“It’s true that I kicked against it at first but the did has been done. It may be a lesson for us but I won’t let him go scot-free. This is an embarrassment for me and my family. Get up let’s leave this place,” Queen’s father stated and stood up to leave.
Mmasi was the one holding Queen’s phone ever since the incident happened. All of a sudden, the phone started ringing, interrupting them all. Mmasi looked at the number and ignored the call.
Queen’s father looked and saw it was Queen’s phone.
“Who was that?” he asked.
“I don’t know, the person had been calling. Queen isn’t in the mood to take calls now,” Mmasi said.
“If the call comes again, pick it up.”
“Ok, sir.”
In no time, the call came again and Mmasi picked it up.
“Hello, who is this?” Mmasi asked.
“It’s Mr Frank, from Doga police station.”
“Police?”
“Yes.”
Mmasi gently handed the phone to Queen and Queen placed it on her ear.
“Do you know Mr Thomas Oji?” The officer continued.
“Yes,” Queen answered.
“He passed away at the airport terminal in the early hours of today. We are investigating his de@th and as well establishing his identity. Your number was the last number he dialled. Please what’s your relationship with him?”
Queen became speechless.
“Hello, can you come to the station? Hello.”
Queen ended the call.
The number called again but Queen refused to take the call.
“Who was that?” Her father asked.
“The police, he said Tom is de@d.”
“What!!!!” They shouted.
“Is this a prank or something, what is all this?” Queen’s mother grumbled.
“I need to go and confirm what the police officer said. Let’s leave this place first.”
“Don’t go, papa, that serves him right. Is he not the one that wrote that letter?” Queen ranted amidst tears.
“I’ll go, I need to get to the root of the matter. I need to know what brought about his de@th. When we get to your house, you will give me the directions to the police station.”
Queen started crying again.
“Mama, I’m so ash@med of myself. I feel like ending it all. What will people say?”
“We are here for you. It’s just a trying moment which will soon be over.”
Queen wiped her tears.
Mmasi went down the road and got a taxi.
Afterwards, they all went out, entered the taxi and left for Queen’s House.
Later on, Queen’s father left for the police station.
When he got there, he explained to them who he was and was led to the police m0rtuary which was just a stone’s throw from the police station.
He saw the c0rpse and later on, the police showed him other documents recovered from the dece@sed. Queen’s father later confirmed it was Tom.
The officer led Queen’s father back to their general office.
“What happened to him?” Queen’s father asked the officer.
As the officer was about to answer the question, a middle-aged man walked in.
“Who’s Officer Frank?” The middle-aged man asked authoritatively.
“What do you want, sir?”
“Officer Frank called me that my son is de@d. I just want to clear my doubts because my son is supposed to be in Germany and he never told me about coming to Nigeria. I’m sure it’s not him.”
“Oh! Are you Mr. Oji? The father of Thomas Oji. “
“Yes.”
“We got your contact from his details.”
Queen’s father became confused.
“But he said his parents were late, is this man truly his father?” Queen’s father pondered.
“Come with me, let me show you where he is,” Officer continued.
The officer stood up and walked out while Mr Oji followed him.
Queen’s father sat back and waited for them.
A few minutes later, both of them came back. Mr. Oji was lamenting at the top of his voice.
“Find whoever did this to my son, they brought him back to k!ll him. He didn’t inform me before coming. It means he was brought back just to be ass#ssinated. Please find out who did this to my son. Who and who was he with when he came back?”
“We examined his body and we believed it was from a natural cause. We also confirmed from an eyewitness that he developed a seizure for some minutes and passed away even before help could come.”
“How do you mean? So who did he come to see?”
“However, there was a number he called before he got to the airport.”
“Who was that?!”
“His daughter,” the Officer said, pointing at Queen’s father.
“What did you do to my son?!!” Mr. Oji shouted to Queen’s father.
“Take it easy, I never knew his parents were alive. He told us his parents were late. We believed him because he had dated my daughter for years. He was to wed my daughter today but refused to show up in the church. We became worried and later sent some people to check his hotel room. They came back with a letter that your son addressed to my daughter.”
Tom’s father was shocked. He suddenly became keen.
“What was the content of the letter,” the Officer asked.
Queen’s father dipped his hand in his pocket and brought out the letter and then handed it to the officer.
He went through it and handed it to Tom’s father to read too.
“Who gave them this letter?” Officer asked.
“The hotel receptionist gave it to them.”
They paused for a while.
The hotel receptionist was then summoned and she confirmed it was Tom who dropped the letter. She left afterwards.
“From all indications, the planned wedding was clearly a revenge mission but why did he d!e after carrying out the act? We didn’t find any po!son in his system.”
Tom’s father felt awkward at the narration.
Afterwards, Queen’s father was allowed to go.
When he got back to his daughter’s house, he told them all he saw and heard.
They were shocked.
Queen was obviously happy that Tom d!ed but what k!lled him?
A question that everyone asked.
The following day, Mmasi left for her village while Queen and her parents left for their village.
A few days after Queen and her parents’ arrival in the village, Queen’s mother became worried about her.
Queen hasn’t left their compound since their return. She stayed indoors and would only come out to bathe and loo.
She felt like everyone was aware of her predicament.
So one morning, Queen was lying in bed still depressed. Her mother walked in and sat on the bed.
She looked pitifully at Queen.
“My daughter, you need to let go of what happened. I know it hurts but how long will you remain like this?”
“Mama, I can’t believe that a man I loved did this to me.”
“But he’s dead remember.”
“Even at that, he made mockery of me. No man had ever disrespected me before. “
“Just move on. I suggest you go back to your workplace.”
“That’s my greatest regret right now,” Queen said and started shedding tears.
“What happened?”
“He asked me to resign and I did.”
“My God. That was a big mistake, you shouldn’t have done that. How did you make such a decision?”
Queen continued crying.
“It is well my daughter, God will provide another job. I need you to cheer up, it’s not the end of the world.”
While she was speaking, her husband entered. He stood by the door gazing at his daughter without saying a word.
After some seconds he turned and left. His wife followed him.
He went outside and sat on a bench in front of the house. His wife sat with him.
“Nnanyi I’m trying my best, I believe she would be fine soon.”
Queen’s father heaved a huge sigh and afterwards cleared his throat.
“I’m just coming back from dibia afa’s place.”
“Oh, you later went. I told you Queen would be fine, she was just unlucky. Anyways what did she say?”
“The d£ath of that young man wasn’t ordinary. A spirit connected to Queen k!lled him.”
“What! Which spirit? Is my daughter an ogbanje?”
“Woman, calm down. She has a spirit spouse, which makes her attract men but whoever eventually sleeps with her d!es before day breaks. It happened that Tom sl£pt with her before leaving for the airport and that was what k!lled him.”
“Are you serious!?”
“Dibia said so and I believe her.”
“What do we do now, it may still happen to another person if nothing is done about it?”
“There’s a solution but I need to confirm something from Queen before proceeding with what the man said.”
“Should I call her?”
“Let me go and meet her,” he said and left for Queen’s room. His wife followed him.
When they got there, Queen on sighting them sat up from the bed.
“Queen, did Tom sle£p with you before leaving for the airport?”
Queen nodded in affirmative.
“I went to see a diviner about your case. She said you have a spiritual problem, in fact, she said it’s a strong spirit husband.”
Queen was calm and didn’t react like she heard something new.
“My daughter, are you aware of this?” Her mother asked.
“My friends had been telling me but I didn’t believe them.”
“What did they say?”
The same thing that Papa said.
“And you didn’t mention it to any of us.”
“I thought those things didn’t exist.”
“They do my daughter, if you had paid attention to yourself you should have seen the signs yourself.”
“It’s ok. We need to proceed with the solutions immediately before you go back to the city,” Queen’s father cut in.
“Ok,” Queen agreed.
She didn’t want to tell her father about her resignation at that moment.
“I’ll take you to the woman’s place tomorrow morning.”
“Ok papa.”
Her Parents left the room afterwards.
The following morning, Queen and her father set out for the diviner’s place. It was the first time Queen was leaving the compound since their return.
She had forgotten that she was humil!ated, her mind was busy with the realities of her life. She was trying to put together all the comments that people made concerning the situation.
They walked some kilometres through a footpath before getting to the diviner’s place.
The compound looked medieval but neat, it housed two small huts with decorated exteriors.
They walked into the open compound and met the middle-aged woman seated in front of one of the huts cutting some roots.
They greeted her and she offered them a dwarf bench as a seat. They gently sat on it, while the woman carried the roots and her cutting instrument into the hut.
She came out and sat on a similar chair opposite them.
Immediately the woman recognised Queen.
“Oh you brought her,” she said smiling.
“Yes, nne,” Queen’s father replied.
Right before Queen, the diviner repeated all that she had told her father concerning the spiritual problem.
“For the solutions, you need to be separated from the spirit husband. You will stay here for seven days. I’ll perform spiritual work for you for seven nights and on the 7th night we will go to the river for cleansing. So whenever you are ready you will come for the ritual.”
Queen wanted to complain about staying there but her father hushed her.
“Ok, we will start immediately,” Queen’s father assured.
He then faced Queen.
“I’ll take you home to get a few things and then bring you back afterwards.”
“Good,” the woman agreed.
They thanked the woman and then stood up and left.
“Papa, you should have seek my opinion before telling that woman that I’ll do the spiritual work,” Queen said grudgingly.
“Which opinion? Oh! Do you know the damages this has caused or are you enjoying it when a man dies for being with you? Don’t you want to marry and have your own family? Do you enjoy being a wife to a strange being?”
Queen was speechless and remorseful.
They continued going home.
When they got to the house, Queen explained to her mother the outcome of their visit, and her mother supported her husband’s decision.
Later on, she picked up a few clothes and some of her personal effects, dropped her phone and they went back to the woman’s place.
When they got there, Queen’s father advised her on the importance of the work and also encouraged her to stay till the end. He left afterwards.
The woman took Queen to the second hut and she dropped her bag. There was nothing entertaining inside the hut though it was neat.
So Queen came out to help the woman with the few things she was doing.
Later that day, around midnight, Queen was told to remove every clothing item she was putting on and she did.
The woman brought a watery substance in a calabash and started rubbing the substance all over Queen’s body. When she was done, she told Queen to go into the hut and wait for the substance to dry on her body. Three hours later, the woman held her by the hand, brought her to the middle of the compound and washed the substance off while making incantations.
She did it for seven nights, and on the seventh night, after the substance had stayed for three hours on Queen’s body, she covered herself with a white cloth that the woman provided. The woman then brought out a small calabash with some edible items in it and gave it to Queen to carry on her head. Queen placed it on her head and they left for the river that night.
When they got there, they both stood on the river bank and the woman summoned the water spirits. She threw some coins into the river and floated the calabash.
She then held Queen’s hand and they walked a bit into the river.
The woman untied the white cloth from Queen’s body and washed off the substance with the river water while making incantations.
After that, the white cloth was left behind in the river while they walked out. The woman then covered her with a new wrapper and instructed her not to look back.
They left the river immediately for the woman’s house.
On getting to the woman’s place, Queen went into the hut lay on the mat and slept off. When it was dawn, the woman opened the door to the hut to check on Queen.
Queen woke up immediately and sat up on the mat.
They exchanged greetings.
The woman sat with her on the mat and started admonishing her.
“Always be careful at what you do in a new environment. Always pay close attention to what happens to you in your dreams and around you.”
“Thank you, mama.”
That is how she had been doing since Queen came. She also wanted to curb some behaviours she noticed about Queen.
Queen had crushed her pride and had become more humble. She eats whatever the woman provides. She was restricted from communicating with others and would only talk with the woman.
During Queen’s free time, she would either be sleeping or meditating on what the woman told her.
Queen was beginning to think that her father didn’t just bring her to be delivered from evil spirits. She made great use of the opportunity though.
After that morning’s admonishment, the woman left. Queen took a broom and started sweeping that room. Afterwards, she went outside and started sweeping the compound.
She was still sweeping the compound when her father walked in.
Queen on sighting her father, dropped the broom, rushed and hugged him.
“Good morning papa.”
“Morning my daughter, how are you?”
“I’m fine papa.”
“Where is Nne?”
“She’s at the back of the house.”
“Ok, continued sweeping. Let me go and see her.”
“Ok,” Queen said and continued sweeping while her father left for the back of the hut.
A few minutes later, Queen’s father and the woman came in front of the house and sat on the bench. Queen had finished sweeping, she went into the hut, changed her clothes and came out with her bag.
“She has been liberated. She should just be mindful of her behaviour in order not to call the spirit back. She should also remain fervent in your belief system.
Queen’s father thanked her and afterwards left with Queen for their house.
After that day, it was like something changed about her.
She had stopped thinking about what people would say, she accepted the changes and embraced her new self.
A few days later, Queen and her mother were in the kitchen making dinner and discussing.
“Mama, I’m so craving for this meal. I don’t know the last time I made nsala soup,” Queen said.
“It’s not that hard to prepare.”
“I know but no matter how good I prepare mine it doesn’t taste like yours so I stopped.”
“If you follow my recipe, yours will taste like mine.”
“I think cooking with firewood also contributes to the taste.”
“Start cooking with firewood then.”
They both laughed.
“Mama, I will be going back to the city anytime soon.”
“Why, you can stay with us here and learn a skill while waiting for another job.”
“I want to go and look for another job but first I’ll call my director to ask if someone has replaced me. I made a silly mistake by resigning from my position.”
“Don’t blame yourself again.”
“OK mama.”
When they were done preparing the meal, they took their portion and ate to their satisfaction.
The following day, Queen called her director and opened up to him about her predicament. The man felt pity for her.
“What about my position sir?”
“I’m sorry you have been replaced.”
Tears start dropping from Queen’s eyes.
“Hello,” the man continued.
“Yes, I’m here,” Queen said tearfully.
“I’m sorry about that. Where are you now?”
“I’m in the village.”
“Hmmmm, a friend of mine from GLT enterprise put up an advert online just a few days ago but I don’t think you will like the position advertised.”
“I can do any job anywhere sir.”
“The positions advertised were for a driver and a front desk officer.”
“I can work as a front desk officer. I’m available sir. I know the place.”
“OK. I’ll talk to him about you. I have your details and you are more than qualified for the job.”
“Thank you so much, sir.”
“You are welcome, I’ll call you when I’ve spoken with him.”
“OK sir,” she said and ended the call.
Later that day, the director called and informed her that his friend wanted to see her the following day.
Queen was excited.
She informed her parents about her movement.
The following day, Queen left the house for the city.
Immediately she got to the city, she went to her house, dropped her bag and quickly left for the GLT enterprise office.
Later on, she met the man and after speaking with him, she was offered the job and was instructed to resume the following day.
Queen resumed work the following day as she was instructed.
A few days later, around evening, Queen’s phone started ringing. She checked and it was Mmasi, she picked it up.
“Good evening Queen,” Mmasi said over the phone.
“Good evening Mmasi.”
“What happened to your phone? I tried your number several times some days ago but it was switched off.”
“Yes, I switched it off because I was somewhere.”
“Where was that?”
“I will gist you when next we meet.”
“Ok, I want to tell you that I’ll be getting married to Engr Dave in a month.”
“Wow! That’s awesome, congratulations!”
“Thank you. I was calling that time to tell you that he came with his people.”
“I’m so happy for you Mmasi.”
“Thank you, where are you now?”
“I came back to the city last week. I got another job.”
“Congratulations, I’ll come and see you by the weekend.”
“OK, see you soon then. Good night.”
“Good night,” Mmasi said and ended the call.
Later in the weekend, Mmasi came as she promised. They discussed at length and Queen narrated to her all that happened to her at the village.
“I’m happy for you. Those spirits can be stubborn but once you are delivered, you will start seeing the results. See me now, I’m getting married soon. Me that men run away from.”
“I’m telling you. Mine attracts but strikes anyone who sleeps with me. It was when I admitted that I had the problem that I discovered that about two persons died from sleeping with me when I was still working as a marketer.”
“Are you serious!”
“Yes.”
“I pray your testimonies come soon.”
“I’m seeing testimonies already. Do you know that before, men were all over me both married and unmarried? I indeed enjoyed the attention but I was beginning to be uncomfortable about it. Now, I have my sanity back, they rarely notice me, just a few. At least I’ll know that whoever approaches me is coming genuinely not under the influence of something.”
“Thank God for that,” Mmasi said and brought out some fabrics from a black nylon bag.
“I brought these clothes for you, I want you and Ego to wear the same uniform that day. I’ll send hers to her soon.”
“Oh, Ego. I offended her. I spoke to her wrongly about her husband.”
“You need to apologise to her as soon as possible. I know it will hurt her.”
“I’ll do that soon.”
Later that night, they went to bed.
The following day, Mmasi left for her fiancé’s place.
Later that day, Queen called Ego and apologised for the way she spoke to her about her husband.
Ego accepted the apology and as well informed her husband about her discussion with Queen.
As time went on, the three friends continued reaching out to one another.
Ego’s husband informed Emeka, his friend, about Queen’s state.
Afterwards, Emeka made peace with Queen and they started talking again.
Later on, Mmasi and Dave got married to the witness of both families, friends, and well-wishers. The three friends reunited once again that day.
Emeka’s mother later made peace with Queen and also confirmed that she had been delivered from the spirit husband. She later accepted her into her family.
A month later, Ego and her child relocated abroad with her husband.
Six months later, Queen and Emeka got married.
*****************************************
Be mindful of what you do in a new environment. Don’t joke with water. The marine world is not a mere fallacy or exaggeration. It does exist. One can invite these spirits unknowingly by their actions. Just like swimming in a spiritually contaminated river, one can invite them by sleeping n@ked, watching p0rn, etc.
You can know you are possessed when you have: several broken relationships, s£xual mol£station in dreams, sleep paralysis, no affection or s£xual drive for your human spouse, etc.
Check yourself well when you have some of these signs. If you think they are not normal, go for spiritual deliverance in a good church or place of worship and remain fervent in prayer.
THE END
