Episode 19.
*By Opeyemi Ojerinde Akintunde
Desmond arrived there and saw the environment was calm, driving the car inside Rachel came out and hugged him.
"What happened here? Everywhere is calm, Desmond said.
"They left already, she replied.
"That soon? and the environment is this way? The cops didn't arrive? He asked.
"Let's go in first, she said taking him inside.
"Tell me the truth Rachel, there was no robbery right? He asked.
'What kind of question is that? She asked.
"Because I know you are lying, look everywhere is normal like nothing happened how is that possible? He shouted.
"Oh oh oh fine there was no robbery, so? She asked and he paced around the house rubbing his head.
"You don't want to be with me right? Its obvious okay call the engagement off so you'll be at peace! She shouted.
"Must you always lie to be with me? This is not fair always making me scared for nothing, he said.
"Will you blame me when your darling wife is at home and she's controlling you, she said.
"She is not controlling me, for once I beg you please stop this. If this is how you will behave there will be no peace in that house, Desmond said.
"Oh so I'll be the one to cause trouble in the home right? How sweet, She said smiling.
"That was not funny, now let's go to bed since you've succeeded, he said dragging her in..................
The next day Matthew came out of his room and surprisedly saw Veronica setting the table already, "your breakfast is ready, she said without looking at him.
"You shouldn't have bothered dear, I would have gotten something for myself, he said.
"Fine, she said and wanted leaving but Joy ran down with Marvel, "daddy when are you taking us out? Joy asked.
"Daddy can we go going out today? Marvel came in..
"Stop that okay, you two haven't opened your books since the holiday began, Veronica said..
"Its okay honey, I'll come back early so we'll go out okay, Matthew said.
"Thats not necessary, Veronica said.
"But mommy why? Don't you always want us to be happy? Joy asked.
"What did you just say? Veronica asked.
"Can't we all be happy again mommy? Marvel asked and ran back while Joy followed.
"Honey please let the kids be I beg you, you're slowly taking them back from me, its not like I'll run away with them, Matthew said.
"You took yourself back from them first okay, stop including me in your mess you should be grateful they still calls you daddy, she said.
"And I want things to be back, i am trying my best can't you see? Matthew asked.
"Of course I can see that, Veronica said and left....................
Debbie retuned in the morning ignoring Prisca and was checking out a dress to wear, "you slept at his place? Prisca asked but Debbie ignored.
"Are you really thinking right at all? Not all that glitters is gold, Prisca said again but Debbie took the dress she wanted, took a pair of shoe and her make up bag and left saying nothing to Prisca.
Prisca got up from the bed and peeped outside to see Gideon was waiting for her and she heaved at that, "they can't be serious about this, she murmured under her breath.....................
Desmond returned with Rachel and helped carry her bag in.
They went in for few minutes and noticed Princess wasn't out yet, "is your wife in? Rachel asked.
"I'll go check out, he said and left to the room but saw Princess cuddled on the cold tiles shivering.
"Honey what's wrong? He asked carrying her up from the floor and noticed she was soaked wet.
"What happened to you? Why are you doing this to yourself! Rachel! He shouted and Rachel ran in.
"Get me a towel please, he said and she took it giving it to him to clean her up.
"Why are you doing this honey why? Desmond kept saying while Rachel looked angrily and left the room.
"Wise woman trying to bring up tricks to gain his affection,it wont be when I'm in this house, Rachel said and called her mom up immediately.
"She's pretending to be sick? Her mom asked after Rachel told her everything.
"Thats it, he's carrying and petting her like a child, what can I do for this woman to go na, Rachel said.
"You can't do anything now you're not married to him yet, you need to charge him up to do something fast so you'll take over properly. Didn't you tell me any little thing he mentions his wife? That is to tell you do don't have the full charge yet, her mom said.
"Oh mommy do something fast na, I cant be a second wife na there's no levels in that, Rachel said.
"Shut up your mouth at least you'll be married and your levels will be when you give him a child, my dear you can kick her out with just your finger. But for now show her pepper and try to get Desmond away from her okay, her mom said.
"Okay I'll do just that, bye let me go see what is going on there in that room, Rachel said and ended the call....................
Debbie arrived with Gideon at her mom place, Sandra came out surprised looking at them and Debbie smiled hugging her.
"I hope all is well? Sandra asked still lost after Gideon greeted her.
"Mommy let's go in first abeg I know you'll ask questions, Debbie said taking her in.
"OK what should I offer........... "Nothing mommy because we won't waste time. Gideon proposed to me and I said yes, Debbie said smiling holding his hand and Sandra got up on her feet.
"And you said what? Sandra asked and Debbie rolled her eyes.
"Ma please i mean it and I know what you're thinking, if I'm not serious I won't bring up marriage here, Gideon came in..
"What do you know about marriage? You haven't known her for a full week yet and you are talking about marriage eh? Sandra asked.
"I don't understand, did you expect us to go to a marriage school and collect the certificate before we marry? Debbie asked.
"Debbie shut up what do you know! Sandra shouted.
"We both know nothing about marriage and please let us be, why is my thing always disturbing you why? Debbie asked.
"Please calm down, Gideon said holding Debbie.
"No please because I am tired with all of this, for once be happy for me, this is all mothers dream for their daughters, Debbie said.
"You want to get married ba? Fine after all i know nothing about marriage right, Don't worry go ahead, Sandra said.
"Thank you, now you are sounding like my mother, Debbie said.
"Ma I am very sorry and i don't know how to begin to show you that i am real, please I'm not a bad person, Gideon said and Sandra nodded.
"I said you two can get married but know that I will have no business with what ever will happen in your home, Sandra said and Debbie scoffed.
"Mommy thank you and don't worry there will be no regrets. We bought some things for you, its in the car, Debbie said..................
TBC
MY OWN KARMA
Episode 20.
"Honey let's go she's sleeping, Rachel said holding Desmond away from her.
"What do you mean? I have to be by her side, He replied.
"To do what? Common let's go have something to eat, she said dragging him.
"I am not hungry okay just leave me alone, Desmond said taking his hand off from her and looked at Princess sadly while Rachel stood looking at him and left the room.
Princess slowly opened her eyes, "you can go I'm fine, she calmly said.
"Is there anything you want? Can I bring a cup of coffee for you? Desmond asked.
"Don't worry I'm fine, am on fast and I haven't forgotten about that, Princess said.
"What's the meaning of that? Look at you and you're here talking about fast, who does that? Desmond angrily said.
"Can you please stop worrying about me, I just said I'll be fine, Princess said and closed her eyes back which Desmond shook his head and left the room..
He met Rachel in the kitchen trying to get lunch prepared, seeing him she purposely let the knife slide through her hand and let a big shout which Desmond ran to her.
"Why were you not careful? He asked while washing the wound.
'Is that all you can say? The cut is deep can't you see? Rachel asked.
"Of course i can clearly see that you need to be careful next time, he said taking her out to give her a first aid treatment.
"When are we getting married? Rachel asked.
"Why are you asking this? He asked.
"I have every right to know, engagement isn't marriage and you know that, Rachel said.
"Are you thinking I won't get married to you? He asked.
"You haven't answered my question, we are not kids and I don't see why this should take time okay. I don't feel secured in this relationship seriously knowing right now I can be called your Mistress, Rachel said and he looked at her.
"What's bringing all this discussion? You've forgotten I am waiting for my mom to return from the states to witness our wedding, now why all this? Desmond asked.
"I'm sorry, Rachel slowly said.
"That's better, now will you let me treat this injury in peace? Desmond asked....................
Matthew returned from work early as he promised and found Veronica helping the kids with their books.
"Daddy is back! Matthew shouted and they got up to welcome him.
"Thanks darling, you all need to dress up for we are going out, He said.
"Really daddy? Is mommy coming also? Joy asked.
"No, Veronica replied.
"Mommy why? They chorused.
"I can't take your brother to anywhere now, he's still too tender for that, She replied.
"Are you sure you'll be fine here? He asked.
"Just make sure you bring my kids in one piece, she replied and he heaved.
"Dress up and meet me downstairs okay, I'll be waiting, Matthew said.
"Okay daddy, the girls chorused.
Minutes later they came down and Veronica escorted them outside.
Driving the car out of the compound Veronica heaved and called up Princess line again but it was still switched off.
"What's wrong with my friend? Her number has been off since morning, Veronica worriedly said to her self, went in took her baby and drove out to her place.
She got in and met another woman cuddled with Desmond on the sofa laughing happily, "sorry can we help you? Rachel asked seeing Veronica.
"No dear she's my wife friend, Desmond told Rachel getting up.
"Congratulations Veronica, sorry I've been too busy to visit, awnnn he's so adorable, Desmond said getting the baby from her.
"Thank you. Sorry is my friend in? Veronica asked.
"Yes she is but she's a little bit sick and please can you help me talk to your friend? Desmond asked.
"I'll try my best, where is she? Veronica asked.
"In the room, please go in, Desmond said and Veronica nodded getting her baby from him and left.
She knocked on the door twice and opened up to see Princess covered up with blanket.
"Honey what's wrong? Veronica asked standing by the door and Princess turned and saw her.
"You came? She asked and Veronica walked up other.
"Is this the Best way to handle this? You've lost hope already honey look at you, Veronica said and Princess smiled.
"I'm fine sis believe me, she replied.
"No you are not don't say that, i can barely recognize you and with this attitude you're giving that lady a broad way to take your husband from you, Veronica said and Princess scoffed.
"For the first time in my life sis my hands are tied, she has full control over my husband and I can't do anything about it and that is killing me more. But i'll be fine, Princess said.
"Honey you are more than this, loosing hope wont help you at all and I am beginning to wonder how she's going to use you now you are this weak, Veronica said but Princess stretched out her hand and got the baby from her.
"Given him a name yet? Princess asked.
"I know you want to divert from this important issue, Veronica replied.
"I just want to ease some boredom away, you know I have so many names I planned to give my children so in case you don't have names i can help you with one to call my handsome sweetheart, Princess said smiling at the baby.
"But I know you will surely name your kids those names, Veronica said.
"What should i offer for............ "Stop this doubts Princess, if you don't have faith then what are you praying for then? Common! Veronica shouted and Princess countenance fell.
"Its not that I don't have faith, but when I try building it up I fall to the lowest degree of it seeing my present condition. Can't God just do something even in this my state of unbelief? Princess asked as her eyes welled up with tears.
"Don't let that tears drop, I want you to cheer up and put on the bold and lively Princess I use to know. You will surely get through this okay, Veronica said........................
"When are you taking me to your parents? Debbie asked on their way home.
"They don't base here, he replied.
"OK but you will inform them about us right? She asked.
"Of course I will, he replied.
"I don't understand, why do you want us to get married in one month time? there isn't enough time for the preparations, Debbie said.
"Debbie I understand you have so many plans and dreams of how you want that day to be, I'll give you any amount of money you want and everything will still be taken care of, Gideon replied.
"But can we take it slowly? Its like we are rushing it, she said.
"Does it matter? I just want to get married that's all or don't you like it? He asked.
"Its okay, she replied and his phone began to ring which he ignored it.
"Aren't you picking the call? She asked after the 3rd ring.
"I don't pick calls while driving, he replied.
"But you do........ "Its okay Debbie, I'll call whoever it is back alright, Gideon cut In and she swallowed.
"I've been wondering, will your parents accept me or will they behave like my mom did? she asked.
"My family can't be like yours of course, but where is your father? He asked.
"His dead, she lied.
"Sorry about that, he said and she nodded which the call came again.
"What if its important? Debbie asked and he angrily looked at her.
"Are you this stubborn? I said the call can wait till i get settled okay! He shouted shocking Debbie.....................
# Tbc.
MY OWN KARMA
Episode 21.
Minutes later Veronica came out with Princess and Desmond was surprised with what he saw.
"Wow, he said getting up from Rachel mouth opened.
"What's the problem? Princess asked.
"You look so stunning and better dear. Thanks Veronica, Desmond said.
"I didn't do anything, Veronica said.
"But I think your presence did, she looks like the Princess I use to know can't you see? Desmond asked.
"Yea my friend will be fine, just give her some time. We'll be going out and we need your permission please, Veronica said.
"Its okay there's no problem. Bye honey, Desmond said giving Princess a peck and watched her leave with Veronica smiling.
"You can eat her up with your smiles okay, go ahead, Rachel angrily said to him.
"What's wrong with smiling at my wife? He asked and she scoffed.
"Here we go again with the my wife my wife blabbing. Bullshit! Rachel said and left for her room.
"Did you just say bullshit! Desmond shouted on her................
Debbie was silent in the car as he drove, another call came on his phone and he picked it up, "yes, Gideon said.
"Yes I'm just back from seeing her mother, I noticed its going to be simple because her father is dead and she has no uncles. I'll get the list from her mom next week but the preparation for the church wedding should be on, Its gonna be in a month time, He later said.
"Yes make it simple but unique, I'll call you back, bye, Gideon said and dropped the call and looked at Debbie who looked away.
"I'm sorry okay, I didn't mean to shout on you, Gideon said but Debbie was quiet.
"Honey I said I'm sorry, that call was from an annoying dude I am trying to avoid. You know I'm driving and there are certain calls i shouldn't attend to avoid mood swings, He said and she looked at him.
"Then you should have just told me rather than shouting on me the way you did, she said.
"That's why I'm apologizing, seeing the call already got me angry and I couldn't control it, he said.
"Its alright, at least its a dude calling and not a lady, she said with a frown which he laughed.
"I knew that was what you were thinking, you ladies will never change. OK to make my apology sweet we are going out, I'll get you some wears okay, he said touching her chin while she smiled.............
Rachel dressed up and left the house while Desmond just looked at her saying nothing.
Reaching her place she called her mom bitterly complaining to her, "that woman is cooking her charm hard mama and I think her friend is helping her out, Rachel said.
"What charm again? Her Mom asked.
"Earlier today i told you she pretended to be sick so she can have him. I played my own part and I had him for myself but then her friend visited, few minutes later she came out shining and more beautiful like nothing ever happened. Look at the way Desmond was so foolish when he saw her, ah mama I can't stand her o her charm looks strong, Rachel said.
"You are a very stupid girl. You and princess who is more beautiful and sexy? Instead of you to dress up too and look beautiful you are here complaining rubbish. My friend cook your own charm strong too and win him, rubbish girl, her mom said and dropped the call.
"You must be joking o, looks like You are no longer interested in me getting married to him again. Don't worry I won't ask for your help anymore, I'll do it my own way, she said and drove out............
......
Veronica took Princess out to her favorite boutique while Princess just shook her head not interested with what she's seeing.
"Honey You are dulling my hand o, what's the problem? You don't like the clothes? Can we go for another? Veronica asked.
"Nothing sis, clothes is not my problem I tell you the truth. You know very well I can go shopping anytime I want to, but in this case things are different. I so much appreciate you are trying to light up my mood or make me win my husband from from lady. But it won't change the fact they will still get married when once my mother in law comes down, this clothes, makeup and seduction won't help anything let's just go please, Princess said.
Veronica heaved and paid for the few wears she bought and Princess helped with the bags.
Going out of the boutique they met with Debbie holding hands with Gideon.
"Erm Honey can you wait for me inside i'll be back soon, Debbie whispered to Gideon who nodded and got in.
Debbie walked up to them as they were about entering their car, "I can see you have finally delivered the bastard that made you almost kill me, and oh I was so right you had something to do with what happened to me because i can clearly recognize this bitch! But don't worry I've let your half baked and shameless husband for you because I'll soon be getting married to mine who is far better than him. Have fun and know that I'll get back for you two, Debbie never forgets! She shouted and left while they just looked at themselves.
"Isn't that Gideon? What is he doing with her? Princess asked while Veronica just shook her head and got into the car................
Veronica got home and soon Her husband car drove in. She heaved and dropped her boy upstairs and came down to see her daughters helping Matthew out of the car with a crying face.
She rushed out immediately and held him, "what happened to him? She asked.
"We were eating and he suddenly said his stomach hurts, Joy replied.
"Should i take you to the hospital? She asked him but he shook his head.
"Take me in first, he slowly said and she called out to the gateman for help.
"Uncle can you please check in the car there's something there, Joy said to the gateman and he quickly left to check it out.
"I'll get you a glass of water then, but are You sure you are fine? Let's go to the hospital please, Veronica said scared.
"Please just say you love me just one more time, he said.
"What are you saying? I'll call the doctor immediately, she said and wanted to leave but he held her.
"Please just do it, he slowly said with his eyes closing.
"Mommy please say It, her children chorused while she looked at them confused with such a drama.
"OK fine i love you Matthew, can i call the doctor now? She asked and Matthew smiled getting on his knees and brought out a rose flower he hid at his back.
She turned to see her daughters laughing at her as she stood surprised, "so this was a big joke huh? She asked.
"I love you too sweetheart, please I want to want renew the vows we did again, I broke it at first but i am ready to start over to show how much i love you. Please forgive me sweetheart, I'm sincerely sorry Matthew said..........
Tbc