Too Late

Read Story: SEASON 1 EPISODE 22

Stanley eyes became clearer after Rosa left. He banged on the gate of his former house several times before it was opened.

“Why did you lock me outside? And who are you?” He asked “This is my house!”

“This house is mine” a man told him. You and one lady sold it to me”

“It’s not possible”

“Well the house is mine”

The new occupant asked him to come in. Stanley followed him in and he was shown the documents of the house.

“You handed over the document to me after I paid you”

“How will I do that and I didn’t know” he asked confused.

“I shouldn’t be the one to answer that question. You can leave now”

Stanley left the compound without a fight. It dawned on him that something was wrong.

He boarded a bike to his brother’s house. Austin shouted when he finished explaining himself.

“Hey!, Rosa used juju on you oo” His brother lamented

“How come?, Where is your wife?” Austin asked.

“I don’t know oo” Stanley began to cry.

“But I told you to stick to your wife. I never supported your relationship with Rosa. She has used you, mess you up and then dump you.All your efforts have gone down the drain” He said.

“Nooo!, I am going to look for Chioma. Ahhh! She’s my wife. I have wronged her oo”

Austin nodded his head sadly.

“I pity you Stanley. May God help Chioma to forgive you. You’re looking for her because you’re now broke. Rosa had dumped you.”

Stanley began the search. He went to places he used to meet Rosa before they married, but it seems no one knows her. For weeks he searched for her until he was tired. His search was futile. If he had seen her, he would have beaten her.

Then he resolved to look for his wife, Chioma. He went to Chioma’s former place of work but none could tell him where Chioma is.

“She just did not show up for work again” The proprietor said “And she refused to pick my calls”

Stanley returned home dejected. If Chioma would go anywhere, it would be her sister’s place. Then he started planning his next move.

———————————–

Charles smiled as he kept chatting with Elena on WhatsApp. She was humourous and down to earth. A day never passes without both of them communicating with each other. He was very happy because in a week time, Elena would be passing out of service. That means she would return to Abuja. This excited him. He had never ceased to ask God to protect her.

He was also worried. What he was particularly worried about was if Elena feels the same way about him. He vowed that as soon as she returns, he would propose to her before those brothers devour her with their eyes.

Charles had even thought of employing her if possible. He wouldn’t want her to be stressed or stranded in the labour market.

He looked up as his secretary came in to drop a file. After she left, he glanced through the file. Commented on it before returning to his phone. Then he remembered he was to meet a church member at home. He looked at his wristwatch, the time was far spent. He picked his briefcase and left the office.

His driver drove to the address he gave him. Ikenna, whom Charles went to visit was waiting outside and as soon as he saw Charles, He joined him in the car. Ikenna directed Charles’driver to another location. The driver drove for close to an hour before he parked in an empty space.

They all highlighted except the driver. Mr Ikenna showed him some plots of land in NELSON ESTATE. Charles showed interest. He likes the estate. Before he left, he promised Mr Ikenna he would get in touch.

Two days later Charles and his lawyer sat in Ikenna’s office. To pay for two plots of land. Then he proceeded to an eatery where he treated his driver and his lawyer to a sumptuous meal and drink.

———————————–

Daniel helped Lily to scout for a good place with affordable rent. It took few weeks but they saw a place in the heart of the city.

He helped her get the place set for business. Daniel also ensured Lily employed the best hands.

Lily had the problem of naming her restaurant. She thought about it for a time, then came up with:

“Best Hand Kitchen”

“It’s too local Lily” Daniel told him.

They sat down and began to write names. They would write and then cancel, until she came up with:

“Lily’s delicacies”

“Lily’s delicacies. I love it.” Daniel said.

Lily was all joy when it was opened for business. So excited was she that she forgot to eat. She was on her feet most of the day welcoming people. She was really commended for coming out with special dishes.

By noon Lily was going to the restroom frequently and when she comes out, she would look so tired. Daniel noticed and drew her aside.

“You are not looking well” He said.

“I am just excited”

“Alright!”

By the time Lily would close for business, she could barely talk. Daniel, after ensuring the place was closed for the night, he drove her to the hospital after giving out instructions to Lily’s employees.

“Call your husband, he needs to know you are in the hospital” He said to Lily.

Lily managed to dial Kam’s line. His phone rang severally but he didn’t pick neither did he return the call.

“Don’t lose hope Lily. I will be here first thing tomorrow morning” He said

He prayed for her before leaving the hospital. As soon as he turned his back to leave, Lily started crying. In tears, she kept looking at her phone whether Kam would return her call, but he never did.

She was married but alone. Kam had practically neglected her. Whether she was at home or not, no one cares. She was the one who went to Kam’s room one night. The light was already switched off before she entered the room. She entered and slept beside her husband. That night Kam slept with her. Before dawn, Karen had entered his room and discovered Lily on the bed. She fought lily and tore her night gown.

Infact both Kam and Karen humiliated her.

Kam had claimed he didn’t know it was Lily. Before Karen, he warned Lily never to enter his room again.

“I don’t want anything that will disturb Karen. By now you should know she’s pregnant. This bed is for both of us, not you and I”

He also warned her never to prepare his breakfast.

“Avoid Karen. Anytime you raise your hand or voice on her, know for sure I will kick you out of the house” He threatened.

How she cried. It was as if the ground should open and swallow her. In shame she ran to her room.

Since then, Lily has been very careful. To avoid problems, she leaves home before they wake and return home late. The only time she comes in contact with Karen or Kam was on Sundays, when she is returning from church. She would meet them in the sitting room watching television or gisting. Lily would greet Kam but he would ignore her.

Was Lily not bothered?. She was!. It was difficult praying for Kam when he treats her like that, but Daniel had encouraged her to continue.

“Pray for him, your marriage and even yourself. Tell the holy spirit to help you” He would tell her and no matter how difficult it was, she persisted in prayer.

Lily sighed deeply, she wiped her tears as she began to drift to sleep. By the time Daniel would visit in the morning, she was up on the bed smiling. He told her that since Lily only just opened for business the previous day, it’s not nice the restaurant be closed. He would go over and ensure the restaurant is opened and the staff doing the right thing.

“Thank you Daniel. I wouldn’t have been able to open the restaurant if not for your encouragement”

Daniel smiled.

“We should be able to help one another in life”

Lily thanked him again. Just then the doctor came in smiling. He shook his hand.

“I bring both of you good news. Congratulations, your wife is pregnant” He said.

Daniel looked at Lily and laughed hilariously. The expression on Lily’s face called for laughter. The doctor stood there confused.

“Sorry for my manners” Daniel said “She is not my wife, but my sister in Christ”

“Ooh!” He doctor exclaimed.

“Say something Lily” Daniel said.

“Is it true?. How many months?. I have never missed my period. Please I don’t want my hopes to be raised for nothing” She said softly.

“You are six weeks pregnant madam.

Lily began to cry.

“Why are you crying?” Daniel asked.

“I don’t even know why” She said amidst tears.

Daniel hugged her.

“I understand Lily. You should be thanking God rather than crying” He said

Daniel stayed with her for a while. By the time he would leave the hospital, she was asleep.

She spent three days in the hospital before being discharged. Before she was discharged, the doctor gave her certain instructions to follow and she agreed, for her health and that of the unborn child.