Episode 14
The Devil who Loved me - Owolabi Adenola (Davidflo)
He started singing Danfo Driver's Jogodo song as he drove into Ijebu-Igbo. No matter how many times i entered that town, i never got used to the smell of Cows being slaughtered around the market. His car pulled into a paintless compound on the left..The smell of weed was everywhere...guys with bloodshot eyes loitered around, some dirty looking girls with cheap tattoos were also around..
Eli : Una go dey here till Abayomi get sense
Me : but we already assured you..let us go Eli...
Eli : hehehehe..
Some guys surrounded the car as we stepped down, chants of 'Baba, Eruku,' filled the air...
We were led into the one story building that smelled worse of weed. I noticed some guys i knew in campus that i didnt even know where cultists..
Me : Eli, atleast let Toun go...
Toun : No, i am staying here with you...
Eli : una don dey bore me...
He turned to Orisa and instructed him to keep us in a room...he had urgent business to attend to..
My phone rang, it was Timi. He must be on his way to pick me up from mini-campus..
Timi : babe howfar...
me : im good
Timi : where u dey?
me : somewhere not too far, you have your keys yh?...i will meet you soon...
i didnt wait for him to reply before i hung up...
Toun and i were kept in a dirty looking room with a mattress without bedsheets and cigarette marks all over..
Toun : Tana, dont you think you guys should really step down?
Me : I think so Toun...i dont wanna lose my life for this ish...
Toun : Lets just graduate and get out of this school....
Me : i am sure Naetochukwu will be worried now...
she smiled at what i said, i realised she actually liked the guy...
Toun's phone rang some minutes later, as i suspected, it was Naetochukwu...He wanted to know when they would see later..,she told him she would meet him at his place...
We had been trying to call Abayomi but his number was switched off..we had no other option than to sit and wait. Orisa came in Later to tell us that Eli wanted us at the veranda...Streams of fear washed over me....
He was standing at the veranda, wearing a green towel around his waist. His chest and six-packs had been formed by life rather than the gym..His only eye stared at us as we joined him..He was holding a stainless steel cup and sipping from it.
Eli : Tanatolo....Hwfar omo ibo toh sexy...
Me : Eli it is getting late, Abayomi is unreachable...please let us go...
Toun : Please..
Eli looked on as if we were talking to ourselves. Downstairs, some guys were arguing about something they were passionate about....
He had a slow smile on his lips, seemed like he hoped it was going to lead to a fight...
Eli : hunger wan kill me...Tanatolo...u too?
Me : No...i am good...
Eli : beta chop...because when i handle that your succulent yansh this night..you go need gather strenght o...walahi!..
i trembeled....
Me : Eli...you cant be serious...
Toun : Bros, you want To molest her?
Eli : No be rape until u report am na...
Toun : Jafar nko?
Eli laughed till his towel almost pulled off....
Eli : Jafar Papa! when him still be Jambite, i don dey mount parade for this skul...
I knew Toun didnt mean harm mentioning Jafar's name, but she just dug my grave..
Eli : na two of una o....hehehehe...no blame me, na Abayomi ignore us....i need tender love to feel better....hehehehe...
I wish once again, Jafar would perform a miracle..Toun was crying again...it was dark in the dark, smelly house....
Eli : Orisha...abeg organise Amala for me from that woman wey dey garage and buy Opa-eyin 50 naira..
i sent a text to Jafar...
I looked around the compound, but it was too dark for me to picture our way out..Toun and i had our phones on us, i wondered if i should call the police...
I decided to talk to him to while away time till Abayomi picks..
Me : What year are you?
Eli : Year 2000...
He started laughing again. Toun, who was beside me didnt share in the humour..
Me : what about your girlfriend?
Eli : Spirit man doesnt need a girlfriend....
So it is To Molest girls that you need abi, idiot...
Me : oh,...You never had one?
Eli : E get one girl like that, Favor...chai...that girl worry...Na her toto be the sweetest wey i don ever taste...e be like honey...
The imbercile was smacking his lips...
Me : So where is she now?...
Eli : Ah...she don graduate since '05...married to a pastor...
Me : im sorry
Eli : hehehe...you dey form caring Tanatolo?..Favor dey always complain say my thing too big...say i no dey do pre-intimacy...tell me...man wey don shayo dey remember pre-intimacy?
Me : i get your point Eli...
Eli : Abi Jafar dey do pre-intimacy before him hammer u?
Me : Jafar is not my boyfriend...
Eli : so u wan tell me say na only your boyfriend you dey straff?...fine girl like you...
I kept quiet..The discussion wasnt going as planned...
Me : whats up with you and Jafar?
Eli : Jafar?...that boy na bastard!..na me bam the idiot for this school..him come dey carry chest for me now...na the idiot commot my eye....emi!...oju olorun...infact as i dey remember the guy i dey vex...
Me : but you look nice like this o...bad boy nice...
Eli : you dey crase...maybe i go chuck your own commot too...
Me : if u initiated Jafar, why are you people not brothers...?
Eli : Oya shut up...E don do...I no knw why Orisa dey tey like this...
I called Abayomi's number, it was switched off...
Eli brought out a stick if cigarette and smoked....
Eli : who be your boyfriend for this school..
ofcourse i couldnt tell him i was dating Timi, but i kindha suspected that he knew...
Me : i just broke up with him...
Eli : oh.. mean say ur toto go don dey wither now.? i will bring it to life...
Me : Eli, i am ok...
Eli : Tana friend, i know say na Abayomi be your bobo...i go leave remain for am no worry....
He was getting impatient so he called Orisa again...He didnt pick up...
Eli : Oya make we go inside....
He turned to face Toun and I....we hesitated until he unleashed his pistol again...
Eli : Abi make i call those boys make dem join us?...i must warn you, most of their prick na shakabula o..
I tried to make eye contact with Toun, but she was looking down dejected...i wanted to make a run for it...i doubted if we would escape but we had to try...
Eli's phone rang...
Eli : Orisa, u don go drink Shepe forget wetin i send you abi?
i didnt hear what the other person said, but it was clear it wasnt Orisa...
Eli : Wetin u do with my guy?...i swear you get mind o...
........Ehen...inside Ijebu-Igbo?...ur territory reach here abi...
.......You go kill am if i touch the girls?
.,.......your papa na rapist!...
..........Oya release Orisa...
i dey bring them come now...
I have never seen a guy so angry before...Eli went inside to wear his clothes...already 12 guys were at his side...He told them to go to Oru, and wait for him at Ajebo...
Two guys pushed us into his car...then he drove towards Oru/Ago axis...
On getting to Ajebo, He and his crew met infront of a buckateria.. Some came with cars,others were with bikes...The students and indigenes around the area fled to safety when they noticed the congregation...
Then i saw the Hilux from a distancs, then the volvo, Jafar's Benz was inbetween, it was like in the movies. Guys started joining from all over...there was a wide divide between the two groups....
Eli led us out...with two guys by our side...Uche brought Orisa out, with his hands tied...Jafar came out of his benz, dressed in a shirt and pant like he was on official duty....
Eli looked at him with venom....Jafar stared back...the other guys looked alert like a single gawking could seperate life from death....
Eli : Jafar, you get mind come Ijebu Igbo, carry my guy?
Jafar : Eli, u took my girls.....
was this the time for impeccable English? eh Jafar?...i said to myself...
Eli : So you for kill am if i touch this things?
He was pointing at us with a gun,choi....
Jafar remained mute....Eli signalled to the guys to step back....He told us to go...
Walking from Eli to where Uche stood was like North Korea to South...Scanty led us into the Benz...Orisa moved the other way, with a Nylon of amala and boxed plate of stew....He looked pathetic...
Eli : Jafar, tell your people....una don price marker o...and una must pay...
Jafar : things don change mehn....this is 2007....We rule this skul now.....
Eli : we go see....U go regret say u enter Ijebu-Igbo....walahi!
Jafar : which eye you go take see?....oh...d right....
Jafar's guys laughed....the divide became smaller....
Eli signalled for his boys to fall back...Jafar had chosen Oru because he had the advantage...He turned back and enteredhis car....Jafar joined us in the benz...
The two groups faced each other, even after Eli drove towards Ijebu-igbo and Jafar turned towards Ago-iwoye...
******
The cold night added to the chills i felt in my body as we approached Ago. I wanted to thank Jafar yet again for the timely rescue but his face didnt look inviting, he had a frown on his face like he was concentrating on an invisible problem...
Jafar : You guys would not be safe in ur house until after the elections...
His left hand was on the steering wheel, his right hand caressed the gear stick.
Me : whats your suggestion?
Jafar : Lime-light hotel...Abayomi, you and Toun would be have to stay there..Sparrow and Aji will have the adjourning room..
Toun : Have you told Abayomi?
Jafar : He is already in the hotel, with your things. Tana, Timi is waiting for you there with your things also.
Me : You had everything planned...
Toun : Jafar, Abayomi and i are no more together...
He turned to look at her for a split second...
Jafar : It doesnt matter, you are still valuable to Eli...
Toun : Thank you for everything Jafar, i dnt knw how i can ever pay you back...
i dont know why but it sounded sexual..
Me : Jafar i am very grateful too...
Jafar : its nothing...
Getting to the secluded hotel, We were led to the rooms. The happiness in Abayomi's eyes on seeing his ex was beautiful..He approached her to hug her but she gently pushed him back. Timi lifted me off my feet, i was equally glad to see him but i felt Jafar's eyes on me. I wondered if he felt bad...i wanted him to feel bad..i loved Timi but i wanted Jafar to love me...i admitted that much to myself..
Timi : Jafar, thanks
Jafar : Just take care of her...
Toun was at the corner talking to Naetochukwu, apologising for the rain-check...Abayomi could hear it all...
Jafar : I gotta bounce now, you guys remain on the lowkey...
As he stepped out of the premises to his car, i followed...
Jafar : You should be with your peeps inside
Me : Jafar i am scared...
Jafar : You are protected...dont be scared..
Me : Not for me....for you...
He smiled lazily with that well groomed goatee of his...
Jafar : I am guarded...dont be scared...
Me : Jafar ?
Jafar : Tana....
Me : can i hug you?
I met his outstretched hand and fell into his embrace. It should be brief but i held on a little longer, i felt him...smelled him...my head on his chest...his right arm was around my shoulder...
Me : You are cool...
He laughed gently, freeing me from his arms. i tiptoed and quickly pecked him on the cheek..
Jafar : Goodnight Tana...
Me : Stay safe....for me...
I watched his car drive out, i didnt like the feeling....i was scared...
Getting back to the room, i saw Abayomi, Timi and Toun standing with unease...
Me : whats happening?
Abayomi : I told Toun to come with me to my room,but she refused...
Toun : Tana, i dont want to sleep in the same room with him, Timi can stay with him, either i stay with you or i stay alone!..
Timi : Toun relax na, its just for a little while...
Toun : Na konji dey worry you Timi? i will excuse you guys if u want to straff....
Me : Toun small small...
Timi : ma binu...
Abayomi sat down, looking lost....
Toun : Tana, help me lets pack my things together from this room to your...
We lay in bed silently, or i thought it was silent until i heard Toun mutter Abayomi's name, amidst being choked with tears..
In school the next day, people were talking about a cult clash that happened the night before. Although i was 100% sure that no death was recorded, students were saying 4-3, 5-2 blaaablaaa...counting phantom deaths..The school was filled with color flaunting. The different groups were showing each other that they were gallant..
Our new residence was not to be mentioned to anyone, even our movement around campus was restricted to public places. We had just a week to the Election and the fever was spreading like fire...
The campaigns was on full throttle now, only if these guys dancing up and down knew what was happening behind the scenes. Most people didnt even attribute the cult clashes to the elections.
Timi and i had texted all night...He told me how much he loved me and how we should travel to Lome after our exams on holiday. He kept trying to convince me to leave the room and meet him at the passage for tender, love and care. Though it sounded appetizing, i coudnt leave Toun...
Abayomi and Timi came for us after classes, interestingly they were not the only ones...sparrow and Aji were waiting with the Volvo too...Some weeks ago i would have felt trapped...but i was glad with the extra security...i was tempted to call Jafar to just check up on him...but it sounded silly...
Toun declined following us, she said Naetochukwu would be coming for her...and that she would join me in the hotel later..
In the hotel, Abayomi went to his room while Timi followed me to mine...he didnt wait for me to drop my bags before he pounced on me...I thought he wanted a quick kiss but the way he was breathing suggested that he wanted more...I was all sweaty and sticky from class but Timi was having none of that.
Timi : baby i have missed you...
Me : Ahn ahn..you and i have been together na...
Timi : You know what i mean....
Me : tell me na...
Timi : i want to feel the inside of you...
i ran my fingers through his cute face, i couldnt stop marveling on how handsome he looked...
Me : Oya lemme havd my bath first....
Timi : i can join you na...
Me : Shut up...ashewo boy....
He laughed as i left him and undressed to take my bath.. When i finished, Timi was sprawled on the bed, sleeping. Though i was hungry, i decided to wait to Toun before i ate. so i found a free space on the bed and slept too..
It was getting dark when i woke to the sounds of someone knocking the door, Timi was still sleeping. I opened the door to see Toun, her face was blank. I tapped Timi, who stood up and greeted Toun before vacating the room...she didnt even bother replying him.
Me : Toun , whats wrong with you?...
she went into the bathroom without replying. After waiting for about 30 minutes without hearing from her, i entered the bathroom too...
she was beneath the shower crying her eyes out...
Me : Toun talk to me, is it about Eli?
Toun : No...
Me : Talk to me...
Toun : just leave me alone....
i stepped closer, i didnt care that the gown i was on was getting wet...
Me : I am not going anywhere...
Toun : Fine, stay there!
Me : Please Toun...
She turned to me and stared for a while....
Me : You dont have a shower cap on...
Toun : Naetochukwu Fuccked me....
I gasped.
Toun : He fuucked me in his car!...oh i feel so filthy....
i hugged her....her heart was breaking....
Me : Let it be between us.....
Toun : too late for that.....i called Abayomi and told him...I couldnt keep that away from him...
Me : what did he say?
Toun : He hung up....
Me : i am so sorry...
Toun : i just wanted to get back at him....i thought i would
feel better....i dont....i feel like drowning.....
I led her back to the room and ordered Tea and fried plantain for us....i assured her that everything would be alright...
Trying to sleep, i got a call. i intended ignoring the call but with the elections fast approaching, everybody was important...so i picked up..
Me : Hello?
caller : Tanatolo....
Me: Eli?
Eli: you no dey your house...hehehehe...Why you dey hide when you knw say i go find you?
Me : Eli, leave me alone, you and i have no business
Eli : You tell me say you and Abayomi go step down, na me all of una dey use play, ba?
Me : How did you get my number?
Eli : When i finish with una, then i move to Jafar...na una i go use remind everybody who runs this town...
Me : Eli please...
Eli : As it stands now, even if una step down, or lose...them don pay for una blood...hehehehehe...
Me : who?
...he hung up...
I decided to keep the call to myself, no need to add to Toun's problem. I wondered if Timi was part of the people that could be harmed..then i thought of Jafar and decided it was right to call him..
Jafar : Tana whats good, isnt it really late?
Me : sorry, Eli just called me..
Jafar : How did he get your digits?
Me : i dont know...
Jafar : what did he say?
i told him everything...
Jafar : go back to sleep now, there is nothing to worry about...
Me : Aii, thanks Jafar...
Jafar : cool..
thr next question i asked was very silly, only God knows how i think sometimes....
Me : are you sleeping alone?
Jafar : eeeerm....why?
I was embarrassed...so i flipped the script...
Me : wanted to know if you were alright...
Jafar : By sleeping alone?
Me : Nevermind na...you sef!
Jafar: Haha ....goodnight Tee...
Me: did you just call me Tee?
Jafar : yes....i hear your friends call you that...you have a prob with that?
Me : Not at all o...it just sounded cool...
my phone cranked, showing there was a call waiting....it was Timi...
Jafar : Sleep well...
Me : wait!
Jafar : what?
Me : You did not tell me if you were sleeping alone...
Jafar : thought we had forgotten about this...
Me : i havent...sooooooooo?
Jafar : Yes i am...
Me : simple answer you cannot say since....
He laughes and hung up...
i answered Timi's call...
Timi : hmmmm, you phone has turned to business centre...
Me : sorry, was talking to a friend...
Timi : who?
Me : Jafar..
He kept quiet for some seconds....
Timi : i guess he has the right, afterall he is your savior....
He sounded sarcastic...
Me : so how are you, Oluwatimileyin?
Timi : Abayomi is really down, Toun slept with that guy...
Me : Yea..i know...
Timi : its all messed up...they didnt even roll out for long...she don pull pant...
Me : dont talk about Toun like that!
Timi : i am sorry...thus confinement and not being able to hold you even with our close proximity is killing me....
Me : sorry baby....
Timi : Tomorrow you will give me some sugar?
Me : Yeye boy...goodnight jor...
Timi : goodnight wifey...
I tried sleeping that night, but my mind d kept rotating among images of Eli...i was still scared....
The next morning, still sleepy eyed...i quickly showered, Toun was already dressed up and waiting for me...She sounded better though i knew she was in pains..
Abayomi and Timi took us to school, through the ride, Timi and i were the only ones talking..Abayomi didnt even bother greeting Toun...Infront of the mini-campus school gate, a large group of people gathered. I was sure it was National,campaign people saying plenty sweet things, but the closer we got, it was apparent that something in the middle was the centre of attraction. something tragic that made some students put their hands on their head..Timi parked beside the school gate, as he and Abayomi strolled to take a look.. I was curious so i got down i followed them, my heart disadvantage made me have to squeeze myself before i got to a vintage position. I regretted i did..
Lying in a thick pool of blood was Aji...with a bullet hole on his head...and his left hand almost detached with something very sharp...He must have been dead for a while because flies had started perching on him...His right index finger was gone....That was Eli's signature...He cut's his victims index finger and put it in his pocket...
At that point...the earth started spinning
•••
😘•••
The Devil who Loved me - Owolabi Adenola (Davidflo)
He started singing Danfo Driver's Jogodo song as he drove into Ijebu-Igbo. No matter how many times i entered that town, i never got used to the smell of Cows being slaughtered around the market. His car pulled into a paintless compound on the left..The smell of weed was everywhere...guys with bloodshot eyes loitered around, some dirty looking girls with cheap tattoos were also around..
Eli : Una go dey here till Abayomi get sense
Me : but we already assured you..let us go Eli...
Eli : hehehehe..
Some guys surrounded the car as we stepped down, chants of 'Baba, Eruku,' filled the air...
We were led into the one story building that smelled worse of weed. I noticed some guys i knew in campus that i didnt even know where cultists..
Me : Eli, atleast let Toun go...
Toun : No, i am staying here with you...
Eli : una don dey bore me...
He turned to Orisa and instructed him to keep us in a room...he had urgent business to attend to..
My phone rang, it was Timi. He must be on his way to pick me up from mini-campus..
Timi : babe howfar...
me : im good
Timi : where u dey?
me : somewhere not too far, you have your keys yh?...i will meet you soon...
i didnt wait for him to reply before i hung up...
Toun and i were kept in a dirty looking room with a mattress without bedsheets and cigarette marks all over..
Toun : Tana, dont you think you guys should really step down?
Me : I think so Toun...i dont wanna lose my life for this ish...
Toun : Lets just graduate and get out of this school....
Me : i am sure Naetochukwu will be worried now...
she smiled at what i said, i realised she actually liked the guy...
Toun's phone rang some minutes later, as i suspected, it was Naetochukwu...He wanted to know when they would see later..,she told him she would meet him at his place...
We had been trying to call Abayomi but his number was switched off..we had no other option than to sit and wait. Orisa came in Later to tell us that Eli wanted us at the veranda...Streams of fear washed over me....
He was standing at the veranda, wearing a green towel around his waist. His chest and six-packs had been formed by life rather than the gym..His only eye stared at us as we joined him..He was holding a stainless steel cup and sipping from it.
Eli : Tanatolo....Hwfar omo ibo toh sexy...
Me : Eli it is getting late, Abayomi is unreachable...please let us go...
Toun : Please..
Eli looked on as if we were talking to ourselves. Downstairs, some guys were arguing about something they were passionate about....
He had a slow smile on his lips, seemed like he hoped it was going to lead to a fight...
Eli : hunger wan kill me...Tanatolo...u too?
Me : No...i am good...
Eli : beta chop...because when i handle that your succulent yansh this night..you go need gather strenght o...walahi!..
i trembeled....
Me : Eli...you cant be serious...
Toun : Bros, you want To molest her?
Eli : No be rape until u report am na...
Toun : Jafar nko?
Eli laughed till his towel almost pulled off....
Eli : Jafar Papa! when him still be Jambite, i don dey mount parade for this skul...
I knew Toun didnt mean harm mentioning Jafar's name, but she just dug my grave..
Eli : na two of una o....hehehehe...no blame me, na Abayomi ignore us....i need tender love to feel better....hehehehe...
I wish once again, Jafar would perform a miracle..Toun was crying again...it was dark in the dark, smelly house....
Eli : Orisha...abeg organise Amala for me from that woman wey dey garage and buy Opa-eyin 50 naira..
i sent a text to Jafar...
I looked around the compound, but it was too dark for me to picture our way out..Toun and i had our phones on us, i wondered if i should call the police...
I decided to talk to him to while away time till Abayomi picks..
Me : What year are you?
Eli : Year 2000...
He started laughing again. Toun, who was beside me didnt share in the humour..
Me : what about your girlfriend?
Eli : Spirit man doesnt need a girlfriend....
So it is To Molest girls that you need abi, idiot...
Me : oh,...You never had one?
Eli : E get one girl like that, Favor...chai...that girl worry...Na her toto be the sweetest wey i don ever taste...e be like honey...
The imbercile was smacking his lips...
Me : So where is she now?...
Eli : Ah...she don graduate since '05...married to a pastor...
Me : im sorry
Eli : hehehe...you dey form caring Tanatolo?..Favor dey always complain say my thing too big...say i no dey do pre-intimacy...tell me...man wey don shayo dey remember pre-intimacy?
Me : i get your point Eli...
Eli : Abi Jafar dey do pre-intimacy before him hammer u?
Me : Jafar is not my boyfriend...
Eli : so u wan tell me say na only your boyfriend you dey straff?...fine girl like you...
I kept quiet..The discussion wasnt going as planned...
Me : whats up with you and Jafar?
Eli : Jafar?...that boy na bastard!..na me bam the idiot for this school..him come dey carry chest for me now...na the idiot commot my eye....emi!...oju olorun...infact as i dey remember the guy i dey vex...
Me : but you look nice like this o...bad boy nice...
Eli : you dey crase...maybe i go chuck your own commot too...
Me : if u initiated Jafar, why are you people not brothers...?
Eli : Oya shut up...E don do...I no knw why Orisa dey tey like this...
I called Abayomi's number, it was switched off...
Eli brought out a stick if cigarette and smoked....
Eli : who be your boyfriend for this school..
ofcourse i couldnt tell him i was dating Timi, but i kindha suspected that he knew...
Me : i just broke up with him...
Eli : oh.. mean say ur toto go don dey wither now.? i will bring it to life...
Me : Eli, i am ok...
Eli : Tana friend, i know say na Abayomi be your bobo...i go leave remain for am no worry....
He was getting impatient so he called Orisa again...He didnt pick up...
Eli : Oya make we go inside....
He turned to face Toun and I....we hesitated until he unleashed his pistol again...
Eli : Abi make i call those boys make dem join us?...i must warn you, most of their prick na shakabula o..
I tried to make eye contact with Toun, but she was looking down dejected...i wanted to make a run for it...i doubted if we would escape but we had to try...
Eli's phone rang...
Eli : Orisa, u don go drink Shepe forget wetin i send you abi?
i didnt hear what the other person said, but it was clear it wasnt Orisa...
Eli : Wetin u do with my guy?...i swear you get mind o...
........Ehen...inside Ijebu-Igbo?...ur territory reach here abi...
.......You go kill am if i touch the girls?
.,.......your papa na rapist!...
..........Oya release Orisa...
i dey bring them come now...
I have never seen a guy so angry before...Eli went inside to wear his clothes...already 12 guys were at his side...He told them to go to Oru, and wait for him at Ajebo...
Two guys pushed us into his car...then he drove towards Oru/Ago axis...
On getting to Ajebo, He and his crew met infront of a buckateria.. Some came with cars,others were with bikes...The students and indigenes around the area fled to safety when they noticed the congregation...
Then i saw the Hilux from a distancs, then the volvo, Jafar's Benz was inbetween, it was like in the movies. Guys started joining from all over...there was a wide divide between the two groups....
Eli led us out...with two guys by our side...Uche brought Orisa out, with his hands tied...Jafar came out of his benz, dressed in a shirt and pant like he was on official duty....
Eli looked at him with venom....Jafar stared back...the other guys looked alert like a single gawking could seperate life from death....
Eli : Jafar, you get mind come Ijebu Igbo, carry my guy?
Jafar : Eli, u took my girls.....
was this the time for impeccable English? eh Jafar?...i said to myself...
Eli : So you for kill am if i touch this things?
He was pointing at us with a gun,choi....
Jafar remained mute....Eli signalled to the guys to step back....He told us to go...
Walking from Eli to where Uche stood was like North Korea to South...Scanty led us into the Benz...Orisa moved the other way, with a Nylon of amala and boxed plate of stew....He looked pathetic...
Eli : Jafar, tell your people....una don price marker o...and una must pay...
Jafar : things don change mehn....this is 2007....We rule this skul now.....
Eli : we go see....U go regret say u enter Ijebu-Igbo....walahi!
Jafar : which eye you go take see?....oh...d right....
Jafar's guys laughed....the divide became smaller....
Eli signalled for his boys to fall back...Jafar had chosen Oru because he had the advantage...He turned back and enteredhis car....Jafar joined us in the benz...
The two groups faced each other, even after Eli drove towards Ijebu-igbo and Jafar turned towards Ago-iwoye...
******
The cold night added to the chills i felt in my body as we approached Ago. I wanted to thank Jafar yet again for the timely rescue but his face didnt look inviting, he had a frown on his face like he was concentrating on an invisible problem...
Jafar : You guys would not be safe in ur house until after the elections...
His left hand was on the steering wheel, his right hand caressed the gear stick.
Me : whats your suggestion?
Jafar : Lime-light hotel...Abayomi, you and Toun would be have to stay there..Sparrow and Aji will have the adjourning room..
Toun : Have you told Abayomi?
Jafar : He is already in the hotel, with your things. Tana, Timi is waiting for you there with your things also.
Me : You had everything planned...
Toun : Jafar, Abayomi and i are no more together...
He turned to look at her for a split second...
Jafar : It doesnt matter, you are still valuable to Eli...
Toun : Thank you for everything Jafar, i dnt knw how i can ever pay you back...
i dont know why but it sounded sexual..
Me : Jafar i am very grateful too...
Jafar : its nothing...
Getting to the secluded hotel, We were led to the rooms. The happiness in Abayomi's eyes on seeing his ex was beautiful..He approached her to hug her but she gently pushed him back. Timi lifted me off my feet, i was equally glad to see him but i felt Jafar's eyes on me. I wondered if he felt bad...i wanted him to feel bad..i loved Timi but i wanted Jafar to love me...i admitted that much to myself..
Timi : Jafar, thanks
Jafar : Just take care of her...
Toun was at the corner talking to Naetochukwu, apologising for the rain-check...Abayomi could hear it all...
Jafar : I gotta bounce now, you guys remain on the lowkey...
As he stepped out of the premises to his car, i followed...
Jafar : You should be with your peeps inside
Me : Jafar i am scared...
Jafar : You are protected...dont be scared..
Me : Not for me....for you...
He smiled lazily with that well groomed goatee of his...
Jafar : I am guarded...dont be scared...
Me : Jafar ?
Jafar : Tana....
Me : can i hug you?
I met his outstretched hand and fell into his embrace. It should be brief but i held on a little longer, i felt him...smelled him...my head on his chest...his right arm was around my shoulder...
Me : You are cool...
He laughed gently, freeing me from his arms. i tiptoed and quickly pecked him on the cheek..
Jafar : Goodnight Tana...
Me : Stay safe....for me...
I watched his car drive out, i didnt like the feeling....i was scared...
Getting back to the room, i saw Abayomi, Timi and Toun standing with unease...
Me : whats happening?
Abayomi : I told Toun to come with me to my room,but she refused...
Toun : Tana, i dont want to sleep in the same room with him, Timi can stay with him, either i stay with you or i stay alone!..
Timi : Toun relax na, its just for a little while...
Toun : Na konji dey worry you Timi? i will excuse you guys if u want to straff....
Me : Toun small small...
Timi : ma binu...
Abayomi sat down, looking lost....
Toun : Tana, help me lets pack my things together from this room to your...
We lay in bed silently, or i thought it was silent until i heard Toun mutter Abayomi's name, amidst being choked with tears..
In school the next day, people were talking about a cult clash that happened the night before. Although i was 100% sure that no death was recorded, students were saying 4-3, 5-2 blaaablaaa...counting phantom deaths..The school was filled with color flaunting. The different groups were showing each other that they were gallant..
Our new residence was not to be mentioned to anyone, even our movement around campus was restricted to public places. We had just a week to the Election and the fever was spreading like fire...
The campaigns was on full throttle now, only if these guys dancing up and down knew what was happening behind the scenes. Most people didnt even attribute the cult clashes to the elections.
Timi and i had texted all night...He told me how much he loved me and how we should travel to Lome after our exams on holiday. He kept trying to convince me to leave the room and meet him at the passage for tender, love and care. Though it sounded appetizing, i coudnt leave Toun...
Abayomi and Timi came for us after classes, interestingly they were not the only ones...sparrow and Aji were waiting with the Volvo too...Some weeks ago i would have felt trapped...but i was glad with the extra security...i was tempted to call Jafar to just check up on him...but it sounded silly...
Toun declined following us, she said Naetochukwu would be coming for her...and that she would join me in the hotel later..
In the hotel, Abayomi went to his room while Timi followed me to mine...he didnt wait for me to drop my bags before he pounced on me...I thought he wanted a quick kiss but the way he was breathing suggested that he wanted more...I was all sweaty and sticky from class but Timi was having none of that.
Timi : baby i have missed you...
Me : Ahn ahn..you and i have been together na...
Timi : You know what i mean....
Me : tell me na...
Timi : i want to feel the inside of you...
i ran my fingers through his cute face, i couldnt stop marveling on how handsome he looked...
Me : Oya lemme havd my bath first....
Timi : i can join you na...
Me : Shut up...ashewo boy....
He laughed as i left him and undressed to take my bath.. When i finished, Timi was sprawled on the bed, sleeping. Though i was hungry, i decided to wait to Toun before i ate. so i found a free space on the bed and slept too..
It was getting dark when i woke to the sounds of someone knocking the door, Timi was still sleeping. I opened the door to see Toun, her face was blank. I tapped Timi, who stood up and greeted Toun before vacating the room...she didnt even bother replying him.
Me : Toun , whats wrong with you?...
she went into the bathroom without replying. After waiting for about 30 minutes without hearing from her, i entered the bathroom too...
she was beneath the shower crying her eyes out...
Me : Toun talk to me, is it about Eli?
Toun : No...
Me : Talk to me...
Toun : just leave me alone....
i stepped closer, i didnt care that the gown i was on was getting wet...
Me : I am not going anywhere...
Toun : Fine, stay there!
Me : Please Toun...
She turned to me and stared for a while....
Me : You dont have a shower cap on...
Toun : Naetochukwu Fuccked me....
I gasped.
Toun : He fuucked me in his car!...oh i feel so filthy....
i hugged her....her heart was breaking....
Me : Let it be between us.....
Toun : too late for that.....i called Abayomi and told him...I couldnt keep that away from him...
Me : what did he say?
Toun : He hung up....
Me : i am so sorry...
Toun : i just wanted to get back at him....i thought i would
feel better....i dont....i feel like drowning.....
I led her back to the room and ordered Tea and fried plantain for us....i assured her that everything would be alright...
Trying to sleep, i got a call. i intended ignoring the call but with the elections fast approaching, everybody was important...so i picked up..
Me : Hello?
caller : Tanatolo....
Me: Eli?
Eli: you no dey your house...hehehehe...Why you dey hide when you knw say i go find you?
Me : Eli, leave me alone, you and i have no business
Eli : You tell me say you and Abayomi go step down, na me all of una dey use play, ba?
Me : How did you get my number?
Eli : When i finish with una, then i move to Jafar...na una i go use remind everybody who runs this town...
Me : Eli please...
Eli : As it stands now, even if una step down, or lose...them don pay for una blood...hehehehehe...
Me : who?
...he hung up...
I decided to keep the call to myself, no need to add to Toun's problem. I wondered if Timi was part of the people that could be harmed..then i thought of Jafar and decided it was right to call him..
Jafar : Tana whats good, isnt it really late?
Me : sorry, Eli just called me..
Jafar : How did he get your digits?
Me : i dont know...
Jafar : what did he say?
i told him everything...
Jafar : go back to sleep now, there is nothing to worry about...
Me : Aii, thanks Jafar...
Jafar : cool..
thr next question i asked was very silly, only God knows how i think sometimes....
Me : are you sleeping alone?
Jafar : eeeerm....why?
I was embarrassed...so i flipped the script...
Me : wanted to know if you were alright...
Jafar : By sleeping alone?
Me : Nevermind na...you sef!
Jafar: Haha ....goodnight Tee...
Me: did you just call me Tee?
Jafar : yes....i hear your friends call you that...you have a prob with that?
Me : Not at all o...it just sounded cool...
my phone cranked, showing there was a call waiting....it was Timi...
Jafar : Sleep well...
Me : wait!
Jafar : what?
Me : You did not tell me if you were sleeping alone...
Jafar : thought we had forgotten about this...
Me : i havent...sooooooooo?
Jafar : Yes i am...
Me : simple answer you cannot say since....
He laughes and hung up...
i answered Timi's call...
Timi : hmmmm, you phone has turned to business centre...
Me : sorry, was talking to a friend...
Timi : who?
Me : Jafar..
He kept quiet for some seconds....
Timi : i guess he has the right, afterall he is your savior....
He sounded sarcastic...
Me : so how are you, Oluwatimileyin?
Timi : Abayomi is really down, Toun slept with that guy...
Me : Yea..i know...
Timi : its all messed up...they didnt even roll out for long...she don pull pant...
Me : dont talk about Toun like that!
Timi : i am sorry...thus confinement and not being able to hold you even with our close proximity is killing me....
Me : sorry baby....
Timi : Tomorrow you will give me some sugar?
Me : Yeye boy...goodnight jor...
Timi : goodnight wifey...
I tried sleeping that night, but my mind d kept rotating among images of Eli...i was still scared....
The next morning, still sleepy eyed...i quickly showered, Toun was already dressed up and waiting for me...She sounded better though i knew she was in pains..
Abayomi and Timi took us to school, through the ride, Timi and i were the only ones talking..Abayomi didnt even bother greeting Toun...Infront of the mini-campus school gate, a large group of people gathered. I was sure it was National,campaign people saying plenty sweet things, but the closer we got, it was apparent that something in the middle was the centre of attraction. something tragic that made some students put their hands on their head..Timi parked beside the school gate, as he and Abayomi strolled to take a look.. I was curious so i got down i followed them, my heart disadvantage made me have to squeeze myself before i got to a vintage position. I regretted i did..
Lying in a thick pool of blood was Aji...with a bullet hole on his head...and his left hand almost detached with something very sharp...He must have been dead for a while because flies had started perching on him...His right index finger was gone....That was Eli's signature...He cut's his victims index finger and put it in his pocket...
At that point...the earth started spinning
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