TIDES OF LUST (Episode 59)

 The next morning brought a palpable sense of excitement, as the entire camp was abuzz with the knowledge that freedom was just four days away. I woke up feeling strangely invigorated, though I couldn't quite put my finger on why. 

Meanwhile, Yamani was already up and running, his eyes glued to his phone's screen.

“Guy how far Na, good morning”.......I greeted with a yawn.

“Pasky boy good morning, how you dey na?”.......he replied.

“I just dey oh......that reminds me, how far with you and your babe? Una don unite?”........I inquired.

“Which one?”.......he asked, looking down from his bed.

“Wait oh, so they are more than one sef.....I mean that your platoon girl. The one you told me to talk to on your behalf Na, see this guy oh”.........I yelled.

“Oh,that one? She dey one side abeg. I don pack from her matter.......There is this new chick from your platoon that is on point now.....the babe too correct”.........He described, also demonstrating with his hands.

I clutched my forehead in frustration, utterly perplexed by Yamani's antics. 

Where did he even come from? His behavior was like a puzzle I couldn't solve, and I couldn't help but wonder what went on in that mysterious mind of his.

“Which kind wahala be dis? Guy what's your problem na? Why did you ask me to help you talk to the babe, when you know fully well that you both won't come back together again? Which kind play be that one na?”..........I blasted.

“Guy free me abeg, let's just forget that babe, she is playing too hard to get. Does she think I have all the time in this world to waste on her elusive self?”.........He asked, with a scornful tone.

I exhaled heavily, regret washing over me for getting involved in Yamani's mess. I should have just kept to myself, but no, I had to go and try to help him repair things with his girlfriend. And this was the thanks I got? Him diminishing my efforts and leaving me feeling used and unvalued.

“Now let me warn you, don't you ever try to involve me in your affairs again”.........I warned seriously.

“E never reach like that Na, No vex abeg”........He apologized.

“Na you Sabi, I have something important to discuss with you later sha”........I mentioned.

“What's that?”.......He asked inquisitively.

“I said later, Shey you no dey hear word?”.......I cursed.

With some time to spare before the clarion's blast, we squeezed in a quick shower.

Soon, the clarion's loud call pierced the air, and we fell into line, making our way to the parade ground.

I pulled Yamani along to my platoon, eager for him to identify the girl who had caught his eye. He nodded discreetly towards Simisola, a girl from the Yoruba tribe, and I couldn't help but take a closer look.

Simisola was an enigmatic figure, so soft-spoken that I often found myself wondering if she ever spoke at all. Her beauty was undeniable, but her slender frame didn't quite align with my personal taste.

What really caught my attention, though, was the perpetual smile that adorned her face, leaving me to ponder whether her life was as picture-perfect as she seemed.

“I can't believe my eyes, are you sure you aren't joking with me?”........I asked 

Yamani, after he pointed to Simisola as his new girl.

“I can't joke with you naw. You suppose don trust your guy by now”........he said playfully.

“Taaaar! If I trust you Make I die. In fact, seeing is believing in this your case. Until I see a valid prove, just know that I don’t believe a word of what you have told me”.........I said bluntly.

“Ok fine, just wait and see something”........he said in a low tone, then he went up to Simisola, and led her behind our platoon. They started talking about what I couldn’t hear.

Before long, he escorted her over to where I was standing and introduced her as his girlfriend. She greeted me with a demure smile as we exchanged polite small talk. 

After a brief moment, she excused herself and returned to her post, leaving Yamani to shoot me a knowing, sidelong grin.

“Guy no dey doubt me again if I dey tell you something......This one no be just mouth, I go chop her like yam before the end of camp, then we go continue after camp”........He said proudly, and I chuckled at his foolish remarks.

“See let me just advice you as my guy man.....Don't try this rubbish thing you just told me, with this girl......If you want to have her trust, just respect yourself jejely until after camp......If not, be ready to tell me another story that touches the heart”.........I advised him solemnly.

“Abeg Forget that thing. No level, just dey watch”........he bragged.

“Okay oh, if you say so. Just don't cry to me again when yawa gas oh”......I warned, drawing one of my ears.

“Pasky forget, everywhere good”.......He said nonchalantly, and I shrugged.

“Ennhheenn, abeg show first make I reason you something”........I said in a low tone, leading him to the back.

“There is this link to work posting that a friend of mine told me about. I don’t know if you are interested”........I announced.

“Forget that runsing thing.....I have heard many of that story and I know they are all scam. Didn't you heard the State Coordinator saying that all those posting things are scam? They will only end up taking your money and bail on you”..........he advised.

“So that means you are not interested?”........I asked.

“Abeg, I no dey interested oh, I don't have money to spend on thieves”.......he retorted.

As Yamani and I continued to chat, his gaze drifted past me and locked onto Pascaline, who was making her way towards us.

“Your second babe don show”.......he announced, and turned his back to leave.

“Oya na later”........I replied.

“I am surprised to see you on parade this morning, what happened?”.........Pascaline asked, as she got to where I was.

“I have been serving punishment for three days now. I was among those caught three days ago in the hostel”.........I replied.

“Are you serious?”.......She asked, and bursted out laughing.

“No wonder everybody has been asking for your whereabouts. By the way, hope you are now ok?

Gave you a couple of missed calls yesterday but you never called back”.........she complained, after laughing.

“I’m sorry about that and about yesterday. Sorry for the way I reacted towards you. It was with no intent to make you feel bad”.........I apologized.

“No problems, I understand. You have to go and talk to her. From what I can discern, nothing is happening between the two of them. The guy has been on her matter for a while now and I am sure she must have told him about you”.......she muttered, sounding convincingly.

“I don’t give a flying fuçk about the two of them......And I don’t want to talk about them now or later”.........I said coldly.

“Hmm! Coming from someone that advised me to reconsider my vow and I actually listened to him but now my own words sounds like nothing to his ears”.........she sneered.

“This has nothing to do with you so don’t even bring it up”........I retorted.

“You are damn right, it has nothing to do with me anyway. Have a lovely day”........She said sadly and walked away from me.

Once she was gone, our commander arrived, and we commenced the morning parade.

Following a series of drills, we finished with a jog around the parade ground. As our commander departed, I caught up with Pascaline, who was heading towards her hostel.

“I am sorry for the way I sounded towards you earlier. I will surely go and talk to her”.......I apologized sincerely.

“That’s cool. I have an idea, why don’t we all go and have breakfast together? It has been a while”........She suggested.

“Sounds good to me though, but I doubt if she will come”........I muttered.

“Just call her first and find out”.......she suggested.

I instantly dialed Sandra's number, and she answered immediately, on the very first ring.

“Good morning”........I greeted.

“Good morning. How was your night?”.......she responded.

“Fine and yours?”........I asked.

“Mine was cool”.......she replied.

“Don’t know if you have sometime let’s have breakfast together?”.........I requested, feeling a bit nervous.

“The normal place right?”.........she asked.

“Yeah”......I replied.

“I will meet you there soon”.......she said, and rang off.

“She said she is coming”.......I said to Pascaline as she smiled.

To be continued.........

TIDES OF LUST (Episode 58)

 

“I know because there is no need to doubt it”........She replied confidently.

“But that is not convincing enough. I need something very convincing because I don’t want to hang my fate on a balance”........I said, with a bit of doubt.

We were still dragging our feet on the matter when Evelyn suddenly nudged me, pointing out two figures approaching the eatery. I turned to look, and to my surprise, Sandra and Kennedy were walking towards us, their presence catching me off guard.

A surge of unexplained fury welled up inside me, triggering a familiar sensation of suffocation. I lifted my head, gasping for air, and simultaneously took a long, calming swig from the water bottle on my table, trying to quell the rising storm within me.

I averted my gaze as they approached the entrance, knowing that our table's proximity to the door made it inevitable that they'd spot us. 

They entered and made their way to a vacant table on the opposite side of the eatery. Sandra's eyes met mine, but she quickly looked away, avoiding eye contact.

“Remember you asked how legit my source is?

Come on let me show you”.........Evelyn muttered, drawing my mind back.

I trailed behind Evelyn, speechless and seething with anger. The confirmation I had been trying to avoid hit me like a ton of bricks: it was clear that something had indeed been brewing between Sandra and Kennedy.

The icy glint in Sandra's eyes as she glanced at me was unmistakable, and her complete disregard for Evelyn and I was palpable, she couldn't even muster a greeting, let alone a word of acknowledgement.

“You don’t have to allow what you are seeing right now eat you up, just let it go”..........Evelyn said, holding my hand as we walked out from Mami market.

As we neared the Pavilion, Evelyn retrieved her phone from her waist pouch and made a quick call to someone, inquiring if they were available. Apparently receiving an affirmative response, she ended the call with a brief assurance that she was on her way.

Evelyn asked me to tag along with her to the army barracks, explaining that she had to meet with her platoon commander for a pressing matter.

“Is he your source?”.........I asked, as we made our way towards the army quarters.

“Just wait and see”........she replied.

Evelyn guided me to a specific room within the quarters and rapped gently on the door.

A feminine voice from inside invited us to come in. I was taken aback, having expected a male platoon commander, as the soft, female tone granted us entry.

I stepped inside, and my eyes landed on the stunning female army officer, renowned for captivating the hearts of many men. Evelyn warmly greeted her, taking a seat beside the officer, and introduced me as her "school son", a term of endearment that conveyed a close, familial bond.

I exchanged warm greetings with the army officer, who graciously offered me a seat.

Evelyn and the officer then engaged in a hushed conversation that lasted several minutes.

As their discussion drew to a close, the officer gathered her belongings, including her keys and lunch flask, and exited the room, the sound of the door locking into place echoing through the air as she closed it behind her.

“Who is she?”........I asked, walking to the bed and looking around the room which is self -contained and fairly furnished with a 10 by 12 inches bed.

The vibrant floral carpet perfectly complemented the soothing blue hue of the room. In a cozy corner, a sturdy reading table stood alongside a matching chair, adorned with a thoughtful selection of books and a Bible, creating a peaceful retreat for quiet contemplation.

A tall wardrobe stood sentinel at the foot of the bed, while atop the bed itself, a pair of rugged military boots lay proudly displayed, a testament to the officer's profession.

“She is my platoon commander”......... Evelyn replied.

“And what has she got to do with how legit your……” Just as I was about to utter my final word, our lips collided in a tender kiss, silencing me.

The familiar sensation was like a homecoming, and I couldn't help but acknowledge how deeply I'd missed the softness of her lips.

I felt a faint hesitation, but my deeper desire propelled me forward, and in that instant, I craved the intimacy. Our lips devoured each other with reckless abandon, as the pent-up emotions burst forth in a torrent of passion. We kissed with the fervor of two star-crossed lovers reunited after an eternity apart.

As our lips remained entwined, I gently guided her down onto the bed, lowering myself beside her. As our passion intensified, our clothes became a hindrance, and we hastily discarded our tops, sending them flying across the room. 

We resumed our ardent kissing, and I deftly slipped a hand behind her, releasing the clasp of her bra.

Breaking our kiss, I dipped my head and enveloped her taut, swollen nipples in my mouth, sucking with unbridled intensity, as if I sought to extract her very essence through the sensitive tips.

While I suckled on one of her boobs, I was teasing the other tip with my finger, she held tight to my head pushing it down hard to her Boobs.

When I felt I had feasted enough on her Boobs, I kissed my way through her tummy downed to her shorts. Dragging it down to her foot, I slipped in a finger and felt her dripping Kitty.

I tickled her already swollen clit before pulling down my shorts, setting my rod free.

She had her eyes closed, lost in the world of pleasure. I continued tickling her clit, while smearing the already leaked prêcum over my Rod's cap.

Gently I guided my rod into her warm tight kitty, with her walls clinching to my rod. She squirmed and covered her head with the pillow in other not to attract attention to the room.

I began moving inside her with a slow, deliberate rhythm, gradually building up to a more fervent pace. I sustained this intense cadence until I felt my passion reaching its peak, my body tensing in anticipation of release.

I tried to withdraw to delay the inevitable, but her legs were firmly wrapped around my waist, holding me in place. Instead, I intensified my movements, delivering deeper, more passionate thrusts until I reached the point of no return, and my release followed.

She let out a deep, satisfied sigh, biting into the pillow as her fist pressed into my waist, urging me deeper. Afterwards, I rose and began gathering my clothes, while she remained sprawled across the bed, her eyes closed in serene contentment.

No sooner had I finished dressing than a knock at the door broke the silence. I chose to ignore it, but Evelyn quickly sat up, wrapping herself modestly in the bedsheet. The knock came again, and this time she responded, her voice barely above a whisper, before the lock clicked and the lady re-entered the room.

A faint smile flickered across her face, but she swiftly suppressed it, her expression turning neutral as she took in the scene of Evelyn hastily covering herself with the bedspread.

“You have to go to your hostel, they are already chasing people in”.........she said to me, placing the food flask on the table.

I glanced over at Evelyn, and she nodded discreetly, her eyes conveying a "go ahead" message. I then turned to the army lady, who seemed blissfully aware of the intimate moment Evelyn and I just shared. 

I muttered a hasty "thank you" before beating a quick retreat from the room.

As I made my way out, I encountered a group of army personnel who cast curious glances my way, but didn't detain or question me. I continued on, leaving the quarters behind and breaking into a jog as I joined the throngs of corpers hastening towards their respective hostels.

Upon returning to the hostel, I flopped onto my bed, weighed down by a nagging sense of guilt. Lost in introspection, I was jolted back to reality by the ringing of my phone, Evelyn's name flashing on the screen.

“Are you in the hostel?”........she asked me “Yeah, and you?”......I inquired.

“Will be going in later. That’s how legit my link is”.........she replied with a giggle.

“I will still have to see how sure the other one is but meanwhile your link is undoubtedly sure. I also need to rope Sandra in, don't know if it’s cool with you?”........I requested, and she kept mute for a while before replying.

“Well let me talk to her and see if she is cool with it, but while I do that, try and get in touch with your girlfriend and know her take on it. And while doing that don’t let your emotions do the talking”..........she advised.

“Thank you so much”........I muttered.

“Anything for you my baby”.......she replied.

I ended the call and shouted out for Yamani, but I knew it was a pointless attempt, as he was already fast asleep, his snores a clear indication that he was oblivious to my summons.

To be continued..........

TIDES OF LUST (Episode 57)

 

I slowly opened my eyes to find it was already 8pm, feeling invigorated after a long nap that had started at 4pm. 

Reaching for my phone, which had slipped under the covers, I saw that I had missed a few calls from Pascaline, as well as some other notifications that needed my attention.

I lay awake, my mind racing with thoughts of the dynamics between Sandra and Kennedy. After some intense contemplation, I resigned myself to accepting the situation, deciding that if that's the path Sandra had chosen, then I should respect her decision and give her the space she seemed to want.

That's how resolute I can be when it comes to making up my mind. With my decision settled, I threw off the covers, grabbed the bucket of water stored under my bed, and headed to freshen up with a shower.

Following my shower, I slipped into a crisp new white outfit and bundled up the soiled clothes in a nylon bag, intending to drop them off at the dry cleaners in Mami market. As I stepped out of my hostel, I dialed Evelyn's number to check in on her whereabouts, and she informed me that she was hanging out with some friends at Mami market.

I let Evelyn know that I was actually on my way to Mami market as well, and that we'd catch up soon. After dropping off my laundry at the dry cleaners, I strolled over to my go -to eatery and secured a table, ready to grab a bite.

I wasn't in the mood for anything heavy, so I opted for a light meal, ordering a plate of food and a bottle of water. Just as I was savoring the first bites, my phone rang. It was Evelyn calling.

Evelyn inquired about my whereabouts, and I provided her with my location before she quickly hung up. Within a few minutes, I spotted Evelyn making her way towards my table, a welcoming smile on her face.

“This one you called me today, hope I’m safe?”.........she asked, as I pulled out a seat beside me for her.

“Are you saying that I don’t call you?”.........I replied.

“The last time I saw your call was like ages and I know how you can be, if you stay a while without calling me and all of a sudden decides to call without waiting for me to call, then there is something hanging over your head”..........she remarked.

“Nothing is hanging over my head, just missed you, that's why I called. And before you continue ranting trash, what would you want to take?”.........I asked.

“Nothing, I’m filled already”.........she replied.

“Come on, I can’t just allow you stare at me while I eat”.......I retorted.

“Guy rest, I’m fine. I just left my friends up there where I had something to eat already”.........she muttered.

I conceded, focusing my attention on my meal instead. Once I'd finished eating, I took a refreshing swig from the water bottle and slid the tray away. Leaning back, I began to pick at my teeth, relaxing as Evelyn continued to tap away on her phone.

“You are worried about her right?”..........she asked, jolting me back from my mind journey.

“Worried about who?”.........I retorted, not sure whether she was talking to me or her phone.

“You are worried about Sandra and that guy right?”.........she asked again.

“And how did you know about them?”.........I sneered.

“Have seen them a couple of times and I know it’s either you have seen them or someone told you. Either way, I know it wouldn’t be far from what is disturbing your mind”..........she outlined.

“If at all something is disturbing my mind, believe me, you just pointed in the very wrong direction because that doesn’t even make me beat an eye lid”..........I blurted out, trying to hide the truth.

“You know what, acting all manly, strong and unperturbed doesn’t make you more human than you already are. Sometimes it’s good to share your worries. It wouldn’t kill you. Bundling it all up in your mind like you always do and making rash decisions doesn’t solve it for you, you know that”.........She remarked solemnly.

“But at least it keeps me safe within my own walls”.........I said before I could realize that I just slipped.

“When are you ever going to let that wall fall?”........she asked.

“It's not ever going to fall. Sometimes that is where my sanity comes from”........I replied.

“From shutting people out of your life and problems. I think the right thing you should have said is that from there comes your insanity”.........she muttered.

“Fine, fine, I’m worried about them. I don’t know for how long but I think something is going on between the both of them. We had a little misunderstanding about him this afternoon and it wasn’t up to five minutes after she walked out on me that I saw the both of them walking down her hostel holding hands. But the truth is at this moment, I don’t care whatever is going on between them, it’s none of my business”.........I explained sadly.

“Wow! Typical Pascal. That last line is what I have been waiting to hear. And that goes a long way to prove that you are still who you are”........she teased.

“Thanks, I will take that as a compliment”........I replied.

“Have you called her to talk about it?”.......she asked.

“I’m not calling her to talk about anything. And by the way there is this guy that has been on your matter for a while. Do I have to worry that someone is taking you away from me?”.........I asked, trying to divert the discussion.

“You can play smart all you want, but I need you to call her and mend the walls”.........She suggested.

“Okay, so answer my question”.......I insisted.

“Don’t mind him. He wan take style show me say them get money small. Imagine that small boy already talking love and marriage to me when we aren’t even through with camp. I have warned him to stay off my face”........She grumbled.

“Although I’m jealous but come on, don’t you think you should give him a chance. He might be serious you know. Majority of serious relationship, started like a joke”..........I suggested to her.

“Give him a chance and leave you for who?”.........she asked, making a face of mock seriousness.

“Oh! And you want me to go and make peace with Sandra, and leave you for who?”..........I teased.

“No mother supports the son leaving the wife because they are having issues so that he could come back to her, she will always want him to make peace and hold his family together. So that’s what I want from you”..........She muttered.

“Yes mommy”.........I said playfully, and threw her a salute.

“But you know if you ever need to go get some succor from somewhere, you can always run to me”........she said gently, and dimmed her eyes.

“I’ve got that in mind”........I replied.

“By the way, there is someone who wants to help me with my posting, don't know if you are interested, I can add your details. You don’t have to worry about the money just let me know if you are interested”..........She offered.

“Was just about telling you same. Someone told me she has a link so I wanted to know if you are interested”.......I offered too.

“Who is that person? You have to be careful. Many people claiming to have sure link are just scam. They will collect your money and do nothing because they know that after the posting, you are never going to see them again”.........She advised.

“So how sure are you that your own link is legit?”........I inquired.

To be continued........

TIDES OF LUST(Episode 56)

“Come on, you know he is not like that.....He is my friend and I know him better.

Sometimes when we guys are drunk, we tend to misbehave. but that doesn’t excuse his actions. He is a good guy and you know that. Don’t judge him because of one single mistake which he made unconsciously please, I won’t be happy if you guys just end things like this. You guys look very cool and cute together, why end something so good because of one little mistake? You know it’s not fair”.........I counselled solemnly.

“Pascal we have not talked for like two days now.....Yesterday I saw him with one girl, so I guess he is not interested in the relationship any more, so let’s just leave it like that”........She said nonchalantly.

“To be sincere with you, the girl you saw him with is one of our friends, they don’t have anything together. They were coming to meet me that yesterday at Mami market.....Trust me I’m going to scold Yamani. He will come back to plead with you, please don’t turn him down again. If you do, you and I will start our own round of quarrel”.........I said playfully, and she laughed.

“No na, God no go allow us quarrel oh, you know that. You be my personal person oh”.......She said amidst laughter.

We chatted for a bit before she took her leave, and I headed to my hostel. After a refreshing shower, I drifted off to sleep. I was in a deep slumber when my phone suddenly began ringing, jolting me awake. 

I rummaged under my pillow to grab the phone and checked the caller ID, and it was Sandra calling.

“Hello?”.......I croaked into the phone.

“Good afternoon”.........she greeted.

“Good afternoon, how are you?”........I asked sternly.

“I’m not fine, where are you?”.........she inquired, like one under duress.

“In my hostel, I was sleeping before you called.

What’s wrong with you?”...........I asked worriedly, sitting up on the bed.

“I miss you, so much”........She said with a calm emotional tune.

I took a deep breath, knowing that nothing bad was happening to her. A sly smile crept on my face as I replied to her.

“I miss you more, Mon Cheri”........I whispered.

“It’s a lie you didn't miss me, if you did, you would have called me.......For two days now, we have not talked, neither have we seen each other and I know that if I didn’t call you now, you wouldn’t mind not calling me till camping ends”........she complained, and I smiled.

“You know that is not true. I would have called you if you didn’t call after today. Not like I was waiting for you to call though”.........I replied, in a calm manner.

“I know that’s what you will say....The great liar of the universe”.........She sneered, and I laughed.

“Its okay abeg, are you busy? let’s meet na”........I requested.

“I’m not meeting with you anywhere, leave me alone”.......she retorted.

I was aware that she wanted me to beg her, so I chose to humor her and play along. It was a tactic she often employed when she wanted some extra attention and affection from me.

“See Shakara oh, should I sing a poem for you?”........I asked playfully.

“Leave me jhoor”........She replied, but I could tell she was trying to hold back her laughter.

“My Shakara Baby, please na.......Okay I am sorry for not calling you all these while.

Knock my head when you see me”.........I said playfully, and she started laughing.

“Of course you know I will do just that, but tell me sorry again”.........she replied, after laughing.

I apologized once again, and after much persuasion, she finally consented to meet up with me. I suggested we convene at the Pavilion, and from there, we could head to Mami market for a relaxing time together.

We settled into our favorite café in Mami market, and I ordered two plates of catfish pepper soup. While we waited for our meal to be served, our conversation flowed easily.

“So what happened between you and Pascaline, because she has been in an elated spirit since three days ago?”.........she asked.

“Nothing much. Daisy came to tell me what happened and why Pascaline was the way she was and pleaded that I talk to her, since she tried and it never yielded”.........I explained.

“What did she said was her problem?”.........she inquired.

“She told me she had a bad relationship three years ago and promised herself that she won't date anyone except he was her namesake”.........I explained.

“Hmmm!! So she was acting up because she can’t have you, is that it?”.........she asked, feeling unconcerned even after I narrated Pascaline's predicament to her.

“Not really, according to her, she said you are her very good friend, and she can’t for anything try coming close to me knowing you will be hurt”........I replied.

“She is seriously funny and insane. Does she think that even if I wasn't friends with her, that she stands a chance with you when I am involved? That would only happen in her dreams”..........She said sarcastically.

“Calm down Sandy, I already told her to get over the vow she made, and there are chances that she is never going to meet someone that bears similar names to her again and meeting the person might end up causing her more Disaster”.........I explained.

“This is even crazy, I mean, why would she even make such a vow? I think she is going psycho”........She sneered.

“Sandra, you have to understand that she was hurt. Some people don’t handle heart breaks pretty well you know”........I replied, trying to sound calm, even though I was already getting pissed by her tantrums.

“Oh please spare me that crap, Is she a kid?......If everyone decided to keep making unreasonable vows just because we are hurt, believe me, all girls will end up at the convent just as the guys will all become priests”..........She blurted out, without remorse.

“You are just too impossible......So tell me, have you joined the Kennedy group now?”.........I inquired, not even hiding my jealousy.

She let out a gentle laugh, and then her expression transformed into a thoughtful gaze, her eyes locking intensely onto mine as if lost in a profound contemplation.

“So you saw me with them that day?”........she finally asked.

“Is that a yes or no to my question?”........I retorted.

“It’s nothing to your question”.......She replied, staring into space.

“Okay then, if you say so”.........I replied, holding myself back from asking further questions.

Our food arrived, and we dove in with gusto, savoring every bite. The catfish pepper soup was incredibly flavorful and spicy, and we made a show of focusing intently on our meal, pretending to be completely absorbed in it to avoid any, ahem, uncomfortable repercussions. Once we finished, I ordered two bottles of malt to round off our meal.

“I have this connect that could help us work our posting to a very good PPA (Place of Primary Assignment), don’t know if you are interested”.......I announced, breaking the silence after taking a gulp from my bottle.

“Hmmm!! Who or what is this connect?”........she inquired.

“You don’t have to worry yourself about that, just indicate your interest and leave the rest to me”.........I said boastfully.

“I am asking because someone already sold that idea to me which I didn’t buy. I wanted to confirm your interest before giving the person a reply”.........She replied.

“Who is that person?”........I asked curiously.

“Okay you are now asking for my source but just a few seconds ago you refused telling me yours, how fair is that?”.........She snapped.

“Are we now playing a game of fairness here?”........I fired back.

“Exactly who you are, always trying to exonerate yourself from situations which you created while expecting every other person to be held back into it......Well it’s Kennedy.

He wants to help me with the posting”........She explained rudely.

“Pull out your phone now and tell him to hell with him, and you aren't interested in his cheap disgusting connect for posting”.........I grumbled.

“This is exactly the reason why I didn’t want to tell you the source in the first place, I know you are going to push it into the trash can”.......she retorted.

“You are damn right, the trash can, that’s where I just pushed it and that’s where it would be......Any offer from Kennedy isn't welcome, it should be trashed immediately”.........I annoyingly retorted.

“Well, before we leave it in the trash can according to you, why not tell me the market from which you are buying yours and we can compare the credibility and legitimacy......As for me, I so much trust Kennedy's source”.........She said nonchalantly.

“Just for the record, there is no way I am going down with you on Kennedy's link. Call it my pride or whatever you think, but if that’s the only link left in this world, then I will rather leave my fate with NYSC to post me where they like”..........I spat.

“Noted, that's your own cup of coffee. But first tell me who is selling you this link”.........She inquired.

“There is this friend I recently met, that’s how I got to know about it”........I replied.

“And who is this friend you recently met?”........she asked anxiously.

“Does it matter who the person is?”........I sneered.

“You can just stop trying to play smart with me because if it’s what my mind is telling me, then be rest assured that there is no way that I am buying it”..........She said coldly.

“And what is your mind telling you? I know it’s telling you shits right now”.......I said sarcastically, She looked at me with disdain and scoffed.

“Is this your link not coming from Evelyn?”........she asked, and I scoffed too.

“Your mind always has a funny way of roaming around.......Sorry to disappoint you, it has nothing to do with Evelyn, or anyone you even know”.........I replied, using a tone of mockery.

“Then who the hell is this person? If you aren’t going to talk, then be rest assured that I am going with Kennedy, with or without your consent”........She yelled, and stood up to leave.

“Don’t you dare walk out on me, don’t try it”........I grumbled.

“And if I do so, what will you do? You know what? Get the fûck out of my head. If you are ready to talk, let me know”........She spoke in a frosty tone and turned her back on me, walking away.

I settled the bill for the drinks and pepper soup, then departed. Although I can be defensive at times, I chose to hold back, otherwise I would have pointed out the person who initially suggested the idea to me.

Ironically, I was aware that she would never tolerate such a suggestion from another woman, just as I wouldn't accept it from a man associated with her.

As I strolled towards my hostel, deep in contemplation, my attention was abruptly diverted by a familiar sight. Glancing in that direction, I spotted Kennedy and Sandra walking hand in hand, heading towards her hostel.

I froze in astonishment, my eyes fixed on the pair as I struggled to process what I was seeing. Just moments before, she had walked away from me, and now she was strolling hand in hand with him towards her hostel.

A surge of indignation swept through me as my pride took a hit. How could she move on so quickly? Did she always run to him at the slightest hint of trouble?

“What are you staring at?”.........Pascaline asked, interrupting my thoughts as she stood beside me.

“Errmm!!….nothing”........I replied, drawing my gaze away from them.

“Don’t tell me that, you have been looking towards that direction for over five minutes”.......she retorted.

“Please not now”........I said out of frustration.

“Not now what? I just asked what you are staring at and you are telling me not now, is that an answer?”.........she pressed on.

“I am not in the mood for this now please”........I replied, walking away towards my hostel.

“Then get in the mood and tell me what the problem is”.......she pestered, walking behind me.

“Not now and probably not today so please leave me be”........I said coldly.

“Is it about them? I mean Sandra and Kennedy?”........she inquired.

“So you know already? congrats. Can you now let me be, I don’t want to talk about it, thanks”........I retorted.

“If it’s going to make you feel better, then go on ahead and talk to your bed”........she fired back and turned around.

I didn't bother to watch her go; instead, I chose to retreat into solitude, needing some time and space to gather my thoughts and untangle my emotions.

It was clear that there was a connection between Sandra and Kennedy, but even if they weren't involved, her sudden rush to him raised my suspicions. What was behind her instinctive decision to turn to him?

I trudged into my hostel, exhausted, and collapsed onto the bed. Before drifting off to sleep, I carefully stowed my waist pouch and phone beneath the bed sheet, securing them safely out of sight.

To be continued........

TIDES OF LUST (Episode 55)

 

 The constant compound cleaning duties in camp, which seemed to stretch on endlessly, were starting to exhaust me, both physically and mentally, and I couldn't help but feel like I was trapped in some kind of never-ending cycle of drudgery.

It had been two days since Sandra and I last spoke, and our encounter at Mami market had left us avoiding each other, barely exchanging glances.

Despite my lingering anger, I still had Sandra's best interests at heart, which is why I had discreetly given Daisy some money to pass along to her, just in case she found herself in a tight financial spot.

I couldn't shake off the feeling of puzzlement, constantly wondering what had driven Sandra to act the way she did, given that I was completely innocent when it came to Pascaline.

While I acknowledged that my anger had prevented me from clearing the air with her, I still felt that Sandra's reaction had been disproportionate and completely over the top.

We had just wrapped up the morning's attendance check, following our group's compound cleaning duties, when Racheal approached me; as a member of my same cleaning group, we had spent the morning working together.

Initially, Racheal was hesitant about participating in the compound cleaning, much like everyone else. However, by the second day, we had all loosened up and begun to appreciate the benefits of our collective efforts.

As others participated in the morning parade, we took a more relaxed approach, casually strolling around the compound under the guise of performing our cleaning duties.

“What’s up na?”........she asked, adjusting her tag on her neck.

“Babe I dey oh, how are you doing?”........I asked.

“I’m good......I noticed that you've been going solo since the beginning of today, what’s the problem?”........she asked gently.

“Nothing much, just having a little problem with my babe”.......I said sincerely.

“Awwwnn! Lovers fight......Don’t kill yourself over it, she will come around trust me”.........she advised.

“No problems, where are you headed?”.........I asked, as we approached the Pavilion.

“I am heading to the Hostel jarreee, let me go and wash off......Ennhheenn, that reminds me, there is this connect that I have, actually someone gave it to me though. He helps people work their posting to any place of their choice......I don’t know if you are interested”...........she suggested.

At first, her proposal seemed appealing and generous, but as I gave it more thought, I started to harbor reservations about its authenticity.

“It's not as if I am not interested in this connect oh, but how legit is this person?”........I asked, my uncertainty being visible.

“My uncle that influenced my posting to this place gave me the contact. So I know that it is a sure link.......Though I haven’t called the man but my uncle talked to him about me so I guess he is waiting for my call”..........she explained.

“I think I’m interested, but first you have to talk to him let’s know the requirements. After that, we can now proceed from there”........I replied.

“Okay then, but keep this to yourself. You know how things are here”........she warned.

“Sure, it’s safe with me”.........I muttered, almost in a whisper.

Racheal and I went our separate ways, each heading to our respective hostels. As I approached the turn that led to mine, I caught sight of Yamani's girlfriend walking with a friend.

I recalled Yamani's earlier request for me to intervene on his behalf with his girlfriend, which I had declined. However, I couldn't shake the notion that, as friends, we should have each other's backs, no matter what.

I called out to Yamani's girlfriend, trying to catch her attention since she seemed oblivious to my presence. She turned around, a hint of surprise followed by a warm smile spreading across her face, and walked back in my direction to exchange greetings.

“Good morning”........She greeted, stretching her palm for a handshake, but I embraced her instead.

“Nawa oh! So it’s only Yamani that you like going out with these days abi? You don’t even ask after me anymore, it’s not fair you know”........I teased, while pulling away from her.

“Come on, it’s not like that. I do ask after you maybe he is the one who doesn’t tell you”........She replied.

“It’s a lie, the last time he told me that you asked after me was like three or four days ago”.......I retorted.

“Hmmm!! I think that’s about the last time we saw each other.....As a matter of fact, we aren't even together again”........she said coldly.

“You are joking right?”.........I asked in disbelief.

“No, I’m not joking. He did something really stupid, so I had to walk away”.........she said sarcastically.

“Are you busy right now? I want us to discuss”.........I requested.

She bid her friend farewell, and then we strolled down together, eventually settling onto a concrete slab to sit and chat.

“Now tell me, What did he do to you?”........I asked.

“I don’t know if he thinks I'm a courtesan or too cheap.......The last night we were together, he was trying out something funny with me, not minding the people around us.

Even after I told him to stop, he didn’t listen”.........she explained.

“Something silly like what? Was he trying to kiss you?”.......I inquired.

“That’s not it. We've already kissed in the past, so that is not an issue.......He was trying to dip his hand into my pants to finger me. I told him to stop it but he refused......At first I thought he was tipsy because we had a couple of drinks that night, but he persisted and it was turning into a struggle between us, so I left.

I wasn’t pissed because he was trying to do that, but why would he do that when everybody was seeing us?”........she lamented. 

I heaved a big sigh before replying to her “I know that was very foolish of him, but believe me, for him to do that he must have been very tipsy.......Yamani is not someone that can do such consciously and I know he will be very sorry by now”..........I said solemnly.

“Yeah he has apologized, but I don’t think I can continue with him anymore. He might spring up another surprise one day that may leave me so embarrassed”........she retorted.

To be continued.......