EPISODE ELEVEN
Theme: Sharp Tongue
Arike’s POV
"Is he gone?" Dayo asked.
I grabbed a throw pillow and slapped his head from behind.
"Ouch! Why did you do that?!"
"That's for being too hard on Bamidele!"
"Oh now..you're taking sides."
"No!"
"Trying to defend your boyfriend?!"
I eyed him. "You were too harsh on him!"
"Like I care.."
"One day you'll kill someone with your words."
"I wish he had died."
"Dayo!"
"What?!"
I shook my head. "You should have allowed him have dinner before talking about him being gay. Now my food is going to waste." I hissed.
"I will have dinner with you. And if we can't finish it, I'll pay you for the waste." He stood up.
"And I'm throwing the groceries away."
I grabbed the bags on the table before he reached for it.
"You'll keep it?"
"Yes.."
"Whatever..just stay away from him."
"Don't tell me what to do!" I snapped at him.
"Okay." He raised his hands up. "I am hungry." He motioned towards the dinning area.
Dayo and I had dinner and talked till around 11pm.
"When are you leaving?" I asked for the umpteenth time.
"Soon." His phone beeped.
"Okay o." I focused on the work which I was tending to on my laptop.
"Hey..." He said. I couldn't hear what Shalewa was saying on the other end.
"I am with Arike. No..no I am not coming over to your place. And you can't visit me at my place too."
"I have work to do. And I don't think Arike would like to have you at her place by this time."
I looked up at him. "Whatever happens is your fault...not mine. I will talk to you later." He disconnected the call.
"Is something wrong?" I asked.
"No."
"So why did you do that?" I asked
"What did I do?"
"Don't give that Innocent face."
"I haven't done anything wrong."
"Are you fighting with your fiancee?"
"No.. we're good." He shrugged.
"So why don't you want to see her?"
He stared intently at me. "You're too sensitive,Arike."
"No..I can tell some -"
"I am spending the night here."
"Why?"
"Why ask me why?"
"Don't you have work to do at your place anymore?"
"Babe do I have a job?" He laughed.
"No." I answered. He doesn't have a job but he is richer than those who are working.
And it seems like Dayo was trying to avoid Shalewa. Something must have happened between them.
"Can you stop trying to figure out if we're good or not." He jolted me out of thought.
"I am not trying to -"
"Can I spend the night here?" He cuts in.
"Ask politely."
"Have been asking rudely?"
"Oya comman be going."
"Okay..fine. please ma, can I spend the night at your place?"
I didn't give any response.
"Should I call you mommy?"
"Yes." I nodded.
"Mommy wa, ejor na." He gave me a puppy face that made me burst into laughter.
"Okay..it's your time enjoy it while it last o."
"You can spend the night. But I want you out of my house in the morning."
"Won't you offer me breakfast?"
"Are you talking to me?" I eyed him.
He looked around. "Yes na."
"No breakfast."
"That's not fair." He mumbled. "I'll go and take a shower now."
"I am not giving you my bed tonight."
"Why?"
"It's my bed." I grinned.
"I am not sleeping on the couch. We'll share the bed."
"That's not going to happen."
"I won't touch you, I promise." He chuckled.
I laughed. "You're a clown. The last time we shared a bed, I didn't get a good sleep. Those long legs tormented me through out the night."
"You can sleep on the couch then." He said to me.
"No."
"Let's wait and see." He moved to the bedroom.
"Dayo!!!!!"
_Phone Conversation_
"Ahhhh..babe..I am surprised o. Bamidele is gay! One would never imagine it!" Busayomi exclaimed.
"At first I thought Dayo was joking about it. Like he wanted to use it to make me stay away from Bamidele."
Busayomi sighed. "Hmmmm...what are you going to do now?"
"Sister mi, I don't know o. Like I don't even know how to approach him. As in he was embarrassed."
"If I was in his shoes,I would have prayed for the ground to open up and swallow me. Ah! Poor boy...I can imagine Adedayo spilling words on him."
"As if you were there. What do you think I should do?"
"Have you tried calling him?" I sighed.
"No, I haven't called or texted him I am afraid that he won't want to pick up or reply the texts."
"I feel bad for him but we have to be sure he isn't gay anymore." She said.
"So I am thinking -" I paused.
"What are you thinking?"
"I don't want to avoid Bamidele because of his sexuality."
"I suggest you set up a meeting with him. I feel there's a reason for being gay."
"You think so too?"
She hummed a positive response. "Okay... I'll text him."
"Please do and get back to me."
"Okay sister mi."
"Take care." I disconnected the call. I should text Bamidele on WhatsApp, fortunately he's online.
"Can we talk about -" I paused. No, I shouldn't send this. I concluded on deleting it.
"Do you remember what happened at my place?"
Of course he would remember! I shouldn't start like this. Think! think!
"I'll like to see you so -" I paused again. It doesn't sound right as I read out loud.
I sighed in frustration after three attempts what should I type? How do I make it less embarassing?
Oh! Yes! I have an idea! I picked up my phone again and began to type.
"Good afternoon Bamidele, I hope you've been good? Well I think I need your help on a case I am working on. Let me know when you are less busy so I can bring the files to you." I read it three times before pressing the send button.
I hope he replies my message soonest. I understand that Bamidele might be feeling ashamed but I don't want to stay away from him because of his sexuality. Aside from him being gay, Bamidele was a very good attorney. He has been a great help to my cases since I met him.
I reached for my phone Immediately it beeped hoping it was a message from Bamidele. But I rolled my eyes when I read the message from Adedayo.
"Let's have dinner together today."
Having dinner with him means Adedayo is coming over to my place and might sleep over again. No! I don't want Shalewa's trouble again. The last time Adedayo spent the night at my place, she called the next morning and said some mean things to me. She asked if I would be happy if my fiance was sleeping at his female bestie house. To be honest,I wouldn't accept it! But come on! It wast my fault! I am in no position to kick him out of my house at that hour. And she kept asking if he said anything about her to me. Hello! Is everything okay? I have a feeling something is wrong with their relationship! But Adedayo doesn't want to discuss with me.
EPISODE TWELVETheme: Talk to meArike’s POVA ring on my phone jolted me out of thought. Adedayo was calling again."Hello." I said."Did you get my message?" He asked."So rude, you can't even say Hi!" I hissed."Oh sorry...Hi." he said."Good I got your message.""So should I come over?""No.""Why?" He asked in a surprised tone.I hate to admit it but I think Shalewa was right. I shouldn't give Dayo the chance to be spending the night at my place again. If I don't stop it then I won't he able to prove to Shalewa that Dayo and I aren't having an affair. We are just bestfriends. And if he get married will he be coming to my place?"Arike are you there?""Yes...Yes..I can't have dinner with you anymore.""Why?"
EPISODE THIRTEENTheme: Gay uncleArike's POV"Wait...Arike.." he grabbed my elbow before I reached for the door. I looked down at his hold on me."Bamidele.." I placed my hand on his. "You don't have to open up to me if you don't want to." I said but hoping he would just tell me everything.He shook his head. "I will tell you everything. Please stay with me." His eyes pleaded with me."Okay..okay..let's seat down." I said.He motioned towards the couch to sit down.Bamidele heaved a sigh as he started off. "My parents died in a plane when I was 12.""Oh..I am sorry about that..." I mumbled.He nodded in acknowledgement. "They were out for a vacation out of the country.""You survived the crash?" I asked without thin
EPISODE FOURTEENTheme: Keeping spaceArike’s POVHe gave me a shocked expression. He was taken aback by my expression."I..I...am..sorry. I..I.. didn't mean to raise my voice at you." I apologized to him."It's alright." He mumbled."Look Dayo...we can't do the things we used to do together as best friends anymore." I stuttered."But why?" He asked."You're getting married in few weeks time."He sighed. "That shouldn't affect us.""You should be with your wife to be and not me.""I know Shalewa called you. Tell me what she said to you that made you change towards me?"I shook my head in disagreement. "I am not sharing it with you.""Keeping space between us isn't right...and you know that!""But everything Shalewa said was right. If I were in
EPISODE FIFTEENTheme: ConfessionArike’s POVONE WEEK LATERSo I am going on a date with Bamidele. Hey! I know what you are thinking! Hanging out with an Ex-Gay! Come of it! Bamidele is normal now! Lol! And we've been going out for a while now. We aren't dating yet. No! Let me rephrase it. I am not in a relationship with Bamidele. We are still trying to figure if things can work out between us.My phone beeped as I apply make up to my face. I was kinda excited to see Bamidele. Honestly I enjoy Bamidele's company. And guess what? We have decided to attend Dayo's wedding together. Thank God I won't be alone at the party,just watching my best friend get married."Hello.""Are you ready?" Bamidele asked."Yes...I am ready.""Okay...I am waiting outside your home.""Oh really?!"
EPISODE SIXTEENTheme: Pregnancy TestArike's POVI settled in my bed after taking a hot shower. I grabbed my phone from the drawer next to my bed.(Hi. I have been trying to reach you but you didn't pick my calls. I was hoping that you could help me check out my suit. They delivered it today)Dayo's message popped up as soon as I switched on my data.(I was busy) I replied(Okay, Leo already helped me and it looked good on me)He texted back and before I could type, pictures of himself on suit together with his best man Leo came in.(Wow! The suit looks nice on you,Bes.)(Thanks. I am a bit nervous about the wedding.)(You need to calm down. Let your mind be at peace and prepare for the big day.)(Okay. So wha
EPISODE SEVENTEENTheme: His babyArike’s POV“No..no..no..my heart beat skipped two beats at a time. Suddenly I went into hyperventilating mode! And I couldn't control it."Hey..Arike...Arike.." she shook my shoulders. "Can you hear me?!"She sprinkled water on my face and held me tight so I wouldn't hit the ground."Pull yourself together! Relax...breathe in breathe out.." I did as she instructed until my breathing returned back to normal."Are you okay now?" She asked with a worried look."Come..you need to relax." She led me out of the bathroom."We..we..need to talk." I whispered."Yes..yes..I know..but we will do that after you get enough rest. You don't need to stress yourself because of the baby."The mention of _baby_ brought tears to my eyes as I lay back in bed.
EPISODE EIGHTEENTheme: Hard TimeArike’s POV(Flashback Continues)"Arike? You have to -""I promise. I won't engage in premarital sex.""Pinky promise?" She smiled."Pinky promise." She locked our fingers."I will buy you a big house and a car too when I have a lot of money.""The I can't wait for you to grow up..my baby." She kissed me on my cheeks.(FLASHBACK ENDS)She didn't stay alive for me to buy her a car or a house. My mom died a year after and she didn't get to fulfill some promises she made to me like telling me who my father was, attending my graduations and buying my law outfits.And what about me? I failed her! I only got to become a Lawyer but I didn't fulfill my promise of not engaging in Pre-Marital Sex. That promise has be the reason why I never had a boyfriend. I
EPISODE NINETEENTheme: Making LoveArike’s POV"What are you going to do?" A tear slipped from my eyes."I don't know what to do." He mumbled as he hugged me back.I couldn't bear to see him hurting. It felt like I was the one hurting badly anytime he was like this. And the reason wasn't far-fetched. I love him! But I never wanted to admit my feelings because I can't stand a chance.I have been hiding my feelings since high school. To be honest, it had hurt me to see him date several women. I know I would just remain as a best friend in his life and nothing more so I didn't try to get my hopes him."But..I wish I could just end everything." He pulled away from me. I could see tears at the corners of his eyes."Hey.." he placed both hands on your cheeks. "I know..I look pitiful but I don't want you to cry for me."I shook my head bu
HER BABY’S SECRETFINAL EPILOGUE (2)Arike’s POV“Mommy..you haven’t told me who we are seeing today?” Iteoluwa jumped by my side as we made our way toward Dayo’s apartment.“Iteoluwa, I told you that we are meeting someone special to us.” I answered.“Perhaps is it grandma? She promised to attend big mommy’s wedding.” She said.Iteoluwa refused to let me help her up the staircase. My child has really changed ever since Busayomi made her realize the essence of having a mother. She was starting to do things herself without needing much of my help.We were meeting her father but I didn’t mention it to her. Busayomi had suggested that it would be fun to surprise her.“Mom..is this the place where they sell ice cream?” She asked.Iteoluwa was really anxious to know.“Baby..you
HER BABY’S SECRETEPILOGUE (1)Arike’s POVMrs Moyosoreoluwa and I walked out of the courtroom. I met Dayo exchanging a handshake with Bamidele and then he moved on to barrister prosper. No doubt, Adedayo must have made up his mind to forgive Bamidele for what he did to him in the past. And I was glad to see them reconciling after all these years.Adedayo’s eyes met mine and he flashed me a smile that was filled with happiness and endearment. Slowly he started towards me while I walked at a close run and threw my hands around him for an embrace.“Arike...” he embraced me tightly.Tears streamed down my cheeks as we stayed hugging for several seconds before Adedayo pulled away from me. He had tears in his eyes when I looked up at him.“Adedayo...” my hand shot out to his face.“Please don’t cry...” we
FINAL EPISODE SEVENTY THREETheme: A disguised sponsor Arike’s POV“Arike...” a familiar feminine voice called my name.I turned to see Mrs Moyosoreoluwa there in the court room.“I thought you didn’t attend until I saw you when I was about to leave with my family.” She folded her arms.I just nodded my head. “Where is Dayo?” I asked.“He is reconciling with barrister Bamidele, settling issues from the past.” She answered.“Alright..well I have been thinking -“ she interrupted me.“How I found out about your daughter.” She completed my intended statement.“Yes.” I said.She walked closer to me. “How did you find out about my child?” I asked.“I think about two years ago.” Mrs Moyosoreoluwa answered.My head s
HER BABY’S SECRETTheme: Victory at last Arike’s POV •••15 MINUTES LATER•••“All rise the court is now in session.” The bailiff announced.The judge entered the courtroom and sat at the bench and then she told everyone to be seated.She called out the counsels to give their closing statements. The prosecuting counsel pointed out that justice be served for his client while the defense attorney pleaded not guilty and asked the judge for a fair verdict for his client.The female judge cleared her throat. “In all things, justice must be served. I have the statements of the counsels and I have also looked into the evidences presented by the defense counsel. And this is my verdict.” The judge paused and the whole courtroom was silent.She cleared her throat and spoke up after som
HER BABY’S SECRETEPISODE SEVENTY ONETheme: The only witness Arike’s POVA loud gasp was heard in the court from the spectators and even the prosecuting attorney was speechless. I was sure that Shalewa would be shocked to find out that I had recorded our conversation that day.“It is clear that Mrs Shalewa framed her husband just to enact revenge on him and she doesn’t feel remorseful about her deeds. My lord, with your permission I shall now call a witness to confirm the facts of text messages and test results. I call Doctor Nelson.” Bamidele said.“Doctor Nelson!” The court bailiff called out.Doctor Nelson stood up from where he was seated and went to the witness box. The court bailiff came to the front of the box.“What’s your religion?” He asked.“Christianity.” Doctor Nelson replied.The bailiff handed him a Bible and Doctor Nelson took it in his right hand.“Please rep
HER BABY’S SECRETEPISODE SEVENTYTheme: Court in session Arike’s POVFinally the day to prove Adedayo’s innocence was here. We all hoped and believed that he would be acquitted and declared not guilty.I left home as early as 7:00am with the plan of meeting Bamidele and barrister Prosper at the law firm but I was delayed by a stand still traffic.Bamidele and Barrister Prosper had successfully processed Dayo’s bail yesterday and I was told that Mrs Moyosoreoluwa was around at the station to bring Adedayo to her home.I didn’t get a chance to talk to Adedayo yesterday because I was nervous and a bit scared. I was also bothered if Mrs Moyosoreoluwa already told Adedayo about my child.I arrived late at the court. The Lagos State Judicary High Court was full of reporters and spectators attracted by the sensational nature of this case. I managed to get into the courtroom and found an empty space at
HER BABY’S SECRETTheme: He just wants to be free Arike’s POVAfter Bamidele disconnected the call, I sat down on the bed slowly and reached out to wipe my face clean from tears.“Hey..what’s up?” Busayomi asked.“They can now process Dayo’s bail.” I answered with tears threatening to spill again.“Ah! Thank God! He will put our enemies to shame over this case!” She danced around.I just let the tears flow when I couldn’t control it and a feeling of relief washed over me.“Dayo would be free to go home.” Those words echoed on my mind.I was excited that we were getting close to rounding off this case. Tomorrow would be the day everything would end.If Shalewa believe that she has everything to fight Adedayo in court and the law was in her side, I am sure she would be terrified now. She doesn&rsq
HER BABY’S SECRETEPISODE SIXTY EIGHTTheme: Who gave out the recording? Arike’s POVThe handful of comments by the viewers on Instablog naija still got me thinking if it was right for Moyosoreoluwa to have posted the recording online. A strong evidence we wanted to use to fight Shalewa in court and I also pondered on how she got the recording.“Omo..Arike..see comments we can’t even read it. Jesus! This reactions are hot! I need to visit Shalewa’s page..that stupid sly. Arike, this is what I suggested to you the other day. I said leak the recording online and let everybody know the true criminal but you decided to do things in a lawful way. Omo! I love Mrs Moyosoreoluwa...no dulling.” She scrolled up and down her phone.“This stupid woman didn’t post any video! Why can’t she come out now and make another video to counter Mrs Moyosoreoluwa’s video!” She hissed out loudly.
HER BABY’S SECRETEPISODE SIXTY SEVENTheme: Viral Video Arike’s POVThe video stopped playing and I couldn’t help but exchanged glances with Busayomi. There was a picture of Dayo, Shalewa and Jamal pasted in the video too.“Oh...this stupid network has started nonsense now.” Busayomi complained.Some seconds later the video resumed playing.“Everybody is blaming Adedayo for a crime he didn’t commit. My brother has never raised his hands to hit any woman before and everything Shalewa Oriola told the police were all lies. We will be in court in two days time but before that I want to reveal the truth because I don’t trust our country’s judicial system. As it is now Shalewa is ready to do anything to send my brother to jail for some family related reasons which I am going to tell you now. I am sure you watching this video must know act