We arrived at Jumi's house at six on the dot. I was beyond exhausted as I sat hunched in the backseat. Tope honked to alert the gateman. I found myself straightening up while reaching for my bags and purses that sat leisurely on the floor, thanks to the sound.
After five blasts of the horn, the gateman finally emerged from the safety of the compound. When he noted who we were, he retreated into the compound and opened the gates for us to drive in.
"Welcome!" He spoke as Tope drove into the compound.
I smiled at him through the glass. Tope parked in front of the house, not the garage. I didn't wait for them to get out, but quickly jumped out of the car, with my bags secured firmly in my hands. I walked briskly into the house; my eyes trained on the stairs that would lead me to my room.
"Adanna."
I sighed as I turned around to face Jumoke. She was perched on the sofa in the living area, look
PART TWO-BARE- This is the second half of the book. This part will concentrate on Adanna's journey as a prostitute and the stumbling she had on her way to be a mother. I hope you enjoy it. 😍 CHAPTER FOURTEEN NINE MONTHS LATER "You need to see the way this guy was acting," I said as I sipped my beer. "I know you've got him caged, girl," Pelummi said through a haze of cigarette smoke. We were sitting at an isiewu joint. It was our go-to when we needed to entertain ourselves and catch fresh fish without Jumi knowing of it. I gluttonously took every opportunity to make extra cash. No one ever says no to money. Today, we
Today is Thursday. I've been counting the minutes to this day. This is the day I get to leave this hospital. I would be free at last and I was honestly so excited about this. I needed to move forward and been stuck to this bed wasn't the way to go. Pelummi agreed to pick me up today and I couldn't be more grateful for that. For now, I needed to focus on getting all my things in order so I wouldn't waste much time when Pelummi arrives.The nurse on duty was aiding me with that. She was snobbish and smelt of paracetamol. The concentrated on wearing off the smell as I pulled off the hospital gown, but it seemed to worsen and not subside. All at once, the thoughts of cuddling my baby engulfed me."Nurse, could you please bring my baby?" I asked calmly."No." She practically snapped at me
I woke up earlier than usual thanks to my neck resting in an awkward position on the baby's cradle in an unreal posture. I carefully straightened my strained neck, but the crying knots proved as painful as tiny needles."Oh, dear." I groaned. I carefully kneading the kinks, hoping to unknit them. I hated this type of thing. They were the absolute worst. After a few successful knead, I felt more like myself.My sleeping beauty was oblivious to my presence and I couldn't be more thankful she didn't break down in tears every minute. I hated crying babies. A sigh escaped my lips as I got up gingerly. I hadn't noticed how my lips felt like bubble gum until that sigh. The aftermath of smoking wasn't pretty. I smacked my lips twice to soften and moisten it even more in the hope I could pull it back to its original texture. It hardly worked. Wa
Thoughts of the previous night assuaged my thoughts as the taxi driver dropped me off at the main gate. I paid my fare using theTAXIFY APP.This improved technology made it easier for me to navigate my nights and impromptu mornings and I was excessively grateful for it today.I was in no mood to haggle fees with these people. All I needed right now was some peace and quiet with Success in my arms. I smiled a bit, knowing it would be next to impossible to get that quietness with Success in the picture. She will wail and whine till I had exhausted all the energy I had left. She was nothing short of a miracle. A miracle that was the only reason I stuck to this job and still tried to put up with Jumoke's excesses in this house. Anything for my princess.I gritted my teeth as I walked into the compound, moving past the ga
Pelummi would be here at any moment. I need to hurry. I checked the tons of outfits lying carelessly on the bed, wondering which one would serve its purpose judiciously this hot afternoon. I flung the camisole aside impatiently. The scorching heat this afternoon would peel off my skin if I ever wore this, plus it would never make a good fashion statement for the runs I'm about to do. Contrary to popular opinion, a prostitute got more leverage in the afternoon. Some men were not nocturnal creatures. They preferred to move during the day. It was only the smartest of us who made good with such opportunities. And I was smart. A sparkly blue dress caught my eyes. Is this not my bumper gown that always knocked men off when I wore it? I grabbed it from its hidden spot underneath my grey sweatshirt. I was right. This was it.
Pelummi would be here at any moment. I need to hurry. I checked the tons of outfits lying carelessly on the bed, wondering which one would serve its purpose judiciously this hot afternoon. I flung the camisole aside impatiently. The scorching heat this afternoon would peel off my skin if I ever wore this, plus it would never make a good fashion statement for the runs I'm about to do. Contrary to popular opinion, a prostitute got more leverage in the afternoon. Some men were not nocturnal creatures. They preferred to move during the day. It was only the smartest of us who made good with such opportunities. And I was smart. A sparkly blue dress caught my eyes. Is this not my bumper gown that always knocked men off when I wore it? I grabbed it from its hidden spot underneath my grey sweatshirt. I was right. This was it.
I stared at the wall that enclosed I and Ade in this room, away from prying eyes and ears, my mind going awol. I had arrived at this hotel fifteen minutes ago, but I was still feeling woozy and so worried. I was worried about leaving my baby, Success at the pub. I honestly hope, Pelummi has left that place. Should I call her?"Babe, I'm hungry for you." Ade's voice was dangerously close to my ear, jolting me upright. His hands caressed my arms roughly. "You've been staring at this wall. How can I be like CR7, if you're like this." He whined.I rolled my eyes. "A little wait won't hurt." I teased.In one slight movement, I pushed him on the bed, then climbed up on him. His hand grabbed my bare butt greedily. I stilled myself in other not to show how cringe this whole thing was. Ye
Three weeks passed without much event. I was getting antsy every passing minute. I wasn't used to waiting around for something to happen. Though, there was nothing I could do in this case. I just needed to pull all my resources into moving out of this house. Though, so far, it has proven abortive. My resources were falling short at every turn. Although, I loved staying with my baby, I wasn't oblivious to the fact that my business has suffered as a result. I wasn't making as much money as I used to before Success was born. I don't want to think this way, but I can't help it. There was so much to do. The fees were cutthroats. It was my fear that moving out of here wouldn't be easy, and it was slowly turning into a reality. I let my eyes rove the expanse of the compound, as I took a drag from the cancer stick. Why was it that only Jumoke could enjoy all these with peace of mind, and we, taking the brunt of the work gets showered with peanuts? It's not fair at all.
The journey of Adanna continues in this thrilling backstory. We’d learnt so far that she wishes to make a U-turn, but the question is: Is it that simple? In this sequel, you will see that it’s a whole thing to preach change and another thing to walk the talk.There are so many habits that she needs to let go of, that almost crippled her growth. There was also, healing that she didn’t let herself go through in the first sequel, but she would be forced to search it out. When you love with such abandonment, it becomes a falsehood and when it’s with restrictions, it becomes a sham. This is what Adanna would be forced to come to terms with.Coupled with that, she meets Emeka in this journey, and the paths are etched in pain, tears and remorse. Emeka doesn’t own up to his mistakes and does all he could to make her life hell. Thanks to Antonio, she is shielded from the worst of the blows. But, when Emeka finds out he is a father, things seem to
There are times that we note the way our lives undergoes a sharp curve. That was the reality for me when I finally found Antonio and a part of his family. I was forced to see life differently! I was forced to take a leap of faith.The mire in my life which was a product of rape, parental neglect and wrong decisions could only be surmounted through my conscious effort to improve, and grow. Thanks to Antonio, I’ve realised that I can make good decisions.I had given up on meeting true life-changers. But, now I can see that they are everywhere. I just needed to open my eyes to them. To see things clearly, and learn the art of saying no. Some so many people wanted to help, either for their benefit or my growth. If I’d learned to say no to half of them, maybe my life would have turned out differently.Nevertheless, my story is the true definition of a leap out of the mire. I dined with sin, I ate with sin,
“You look so angelic!” Jasmine exclaimed.I rolled my eyes. “I can’t even see what you’ve done to my face.” I pointed out.Jasmine made my seat away from the mirror. She claimed that if I watched my reflection at every turn, it would distract her. She wanted me to look and feel like magic today. Her cousin was taking me out for the first time, so it would be a sin if I didn’t look my best. “I’m the mirror.” She said smugly.“You’re the artist.” I contradicted. “It’s quite natural that you would hype yourself up. If I look at my reflection myself, I might be convinced.” I teased.She combed my wig, which I had worn for this night with such fervour. I knew I’d strike a nerve. Jasmine didn’t understand sarcasm. That was her only shortcoming. She felt I was being rude instead and not appreciating her efforts.“Take it easy on the wig.” I
Outside, kids gathered around in twos or threes playing a timeless game. It brought on a smile as I remembered that I have also played those games too; Tinko tinko and the likes of them. Life was a strange thing. One day you are laughing, the next minute you are sorrowful. I extracted my thoughts from its gloomy cocoon to the present world. Adults were chatting about one thing or the other while those who owned dogs took them on strolls. I was amused when I saw a little boy of about seven pulling a big bulldog. It was as though the dog was dragging him and not the other way round. I bit my lip from laughing. Then there were the hawkers, displaying different types of things under the sun.If one could watch these activities with concentration, it could belie the gross environment. Empty water bottles were strewn around like graffiti and other disgusting things. When the sun was high in the sky, the place was dirty. You can't imagine when it's been soiled with rain.I cl
Two days later, I was still shaking from the encounter with Uncle David. I was beyond shocked by it all. Is it me that is this? After I thought all hope was gone for me and I would die in my prostitution business, my life started making more meaning.I have enrolled at Brainstorm centre to undergo my tutorials. It was located at the Military zone in Ejigbo. I was scared I wouldn't be able to meet up as a student and a mother. Now, those fears looked unfounded, thanks to Uncle David. He sent his daughter to babysit Success. Jasmine is a very good girl, though her heritage couldn't be hidden. She is a white girl. The way she treats Success as her younger sister places me at ease.You know, I was stunned when Uncle David encouraged me as a single mother. He didn’t ask many questions surprisingly. I had expected much criticism, but nothing of the sort happened. I still think all these were a dream.All these are petty when it comes to my rock, Antonio. In as much as
My eyes shone in excitement as those words tumbled out of my lips. It was so strange but real. I could practically see the dream all over again like I was still asleep. It was so cute and real. I had felt it was happening live, and when Antonio shook me awake with that stunt he’d pulled, I’d been disappointed.Now, I just wanted to share it with him. I wanted him to know about the dream and share in my dreams. It was a natural emotion that engulfed me. I looked at him and he was looking at me curiously like he hadn’t grabbed what I’d said previously. I opened my mouth to speak, but he beat me to it.“What you’re saying is you want to read medicine because you had a dream?” He asked again like he wanted to be sure of what I’d said.I nodded rapidly. “Yes, that is right. I know how it sounds, but trust me when I tell you that I’m sure of my guts.” I said firmly.He cradled my face in his hands. &ldqu
His presence seemed to make the room heated to a hundred degrees. The tension was palpable, and he didn’t seem bothered about it. Not once, did he look at me? His attention was fixed on Inspector David, his uncle.“Antonio, my boy, we don’t do things this way. And, how exactly do you know this young lady?” The IG queried.I bit my lips as I waited anxiously for his response. With the situation on the ground, I’m pretty sure things would get worse from here.“Uncle, is this the time to talk about this? I know that whatever happened, wasn’t her fault. I hope you will let her go.” He said once more.Inspector turned his gaze to me, observing me closely. I wondered what he was thinking. Maybe, he was imagining a way to torture me once more for entrapping his nephew. Finally, he looked away from me to Antonio.
I fiddled with my handbag as I looked out of the window, my mind was a whirlwind. If Jeremy worked for Madam Apple, then it was only natural that he had been sent by her, right? He couldn’t just pick me out of the blue. No matter what he had claimed about me easily getting contracts, it didn’t just add up. I wasn’t the only one getting contracts in spades and I wasn’t under Madam Apple but Jumoke. Yes, Jumoke answered her, but I didn’t. So, how did he know about the job I went out to do. It didn’t make sense at all.“Stop the car.” I snapped at Jeremy.He gave me a sideways look that showed how irritated he was. The car was moving at a snail’s pace, thanks to the heavy traffic. But, still, I was locked in by Jeremy, so I couldn’t just get out of the car even if I’d dared to perform such a fit.“Why?” He queried.I gritted my teeth. “Don’t ask me any q
I was on the bus going to the Chicken Republic at Okota. The bus was half-filled with passengers, but still, the driver wouldn’t make a move, claiming it wasn’t filled up yet. We just needed three more passengers for the bus to be filled up. This was one of the reasons I didn’t vibe with commercial buses. But, what to do in this situation?Some of the passengers were complaining severely about the delay, but the driver was unperturbed about the situation. He gave it to them as hot as they gave it to him. I sighed in frustration at the whole thing. While a few passengers were buying drinks from hawkers and others were fast asleep. There was nothing I wanted more than for the bus to get moving, but there was nothing I could do. Finally, two market women stepped onto the bus with a teen coming behind them. The conductor hit the car in response and jumped on the bus so quickly, the passenger nearest to him, had to shove him forward. I gritted my