TIDES OF LUST (Episode 44)

 

 It was on the third day after our arrival at camp that we held the much-anticipated induction ceremony.

The event was made even more memorable and significant by the distinguished presence of the state Governor, who graced the occasion with his attendance.

His presence not only added an air of prestige and importance to the ceremony but also served as a testament to the value and impact of the program we were embarking on.

The induction, meticulously planned and conducted, marked an important milestone for us as we prepared to fully immerse ourselves in the experiences that awaited us in the weeks to come.

The induction ceremony turned out to be a physically challenging experience for many of us, as several corps members collapsed from exhaustion while standing under the relentless heat of the scorching sun.

We had been waiting patiently for the arrival of the dignitaries, whose presence was integral to the event. The lack of shade, combined with the intense temperature and prolonged standing, took a toll on many, leading to visible signs of discomfort among the participants.

Despite the organiser's efforts to maintain order and ensure everyone's well-being, the unforgiving weather proved overwhelming for some, underscoring the challenging conditions we had to endure that day.

The day proved to be extremely demanding and exhausting for the Red Cross and Emergency Response Team, as they tirelessly attended to numerous emergencies and worked relentlessly to ensure everyone’s safety.

The induction ceremony began promptly at 8 a.m. and stretched on until 2 p.m., testing our stamina and patience as we endured the long hours under the sun.

By the time the event finally came to an end, there was an undeniable sense of relief among everyone, as we eagerly dispersed and made our way back to the hostels.

The exhaustion from the day's activities was almost palpable, but it was overshadowed by the excitement of what lay ahead. That evening, the welcome party was set to take place, a much-talked-about event that promised to be full of music, dancing, and celebration.

Since the moment I set foot in the camp, I realized that, almost unconsciously, I had been keeping an eye out for any sign of Evelyn, unknown to Sandra.

Whether it was during morning drills, the induction ceremony, or even casual moments at the cafeteria, my gaze often wandered, hoping to spot her in the sea of unfamiliar faces.

It wasn’t something I planned or did intentionally, but the thought of running into her seemed to linger quietly in my mind. Yet, despite my subtle, almost instinctive efforts to find her, there had been no trace of her so far, leaving me to wonder whether she was even here at all or if fate had other plans.

A part of me couldn't shake the thought that maybe Evelyn had somehow pulled a few strings or leveraged some connections, successfully getting herself reassigned to Abuja.

It seemed like the kind of thing she might do, navigating the system with her usual resourcefulness.

I couldn't help but wonder if she had somehow pressed the right buttons, and secured a transfer to a place where things might be more to her liking.

It was just a theory, and of course, it lingered in my mind, almost as if I were trying to make sense of the situation and justify her absence.

After trying the camp food on the first day, I immediately decided that I wouldn’t be eating from the kitchen again. It didn’t take long for other corpers to come to the same conclusion, and soon we were all united in our resolve to avoid the camp meals in the future.

Sandra and I eventually turned to Mami Market for our meals, and after I paid for our food and drinks for the first two days, Sandra insisted I no longer needed to pay.

We decided to take turns covering the cost of our meals and drinks. I would take care of the bill for the day, while the responsibility would shift to Sandra the following day.

It became a normal routine for Sandra and I. Since we arrived at camp, she made sure to find every possible moment to let those around us know that we were a couple, often proudly sharing the news with anyone who showed the slightest interest.

It was no longer a secret to Pascaline and Daisy that Sandra and I were now officially in a committed relationship.

Sandra’s place beside me was unquestionably solid and non-negotiable. 

In the brief time we had been in camp, it was clear that her presence had caught the attention of many.

Within just a few days, half of the more influential and well-established guys in her platoon had started making moves to get closer to her, each one eager to make their acquaintance and win her attention.

Even her platoon commander wasn’t exempt, subtly finding ways to engage with her more frequently. Despite all of this, Sandra remained firmly by my side, and her position beside me was never in doubt, no matter how many attempts were made to get in her favor.

Initially, it was a matter of concern for me, especially seeing how much attention Sandra was receiving from others, both within her platoon and beyond.

However, Sandra noticed my discomfort and took the time to reassure me. She firmly convinced me that I had nothing to worry about, reminding me that I was the only person she had eyes for.

With a gentle smile and sincerity in her voice, she eased my concerns, making it clear that no matter how many people tried to get close to her, her attention and affection were solely directed towards me.

Her words, coupled with the certainty in her eyes, put my fears to rest, and I soon realized there was no need to be jealous or anxious.

Every evening, after we left Mami Market, Sandra and I would always find a way to excuse ourselves from the group of other corpers, carving out a bit of time just for the two of us.

One evening, during one of those quiet moments, Sandra confided in me that she felt somewhat uneasy about the growing closeness between Pascaline and I.

She mentioned that she had noticed the way Pascaline looked at me and how my name seemed to be constantly on her lips, even when they were back in their hostel.

I calmly assured her that there was no need to worry, as there was nothing between Pascaline and I, and nothing would ever develop between us.

I went on to explain to Sandra that the only connection I had with Pascaline was being in the same platoon, and the fact that our fellow platoon members had jokingly started calling us "twins" instead of using our actual names.

Sandra and I had made it a habit to openly discuss our imperfections with each other, and it was Sandra who had introduced this practice. She believed that being candid about our flaws was an important way to foster trust and maintain clear communication between us.

The spot we frequented for our late-night meetings was under a mango tree, nestled in a quiet corner, far from the harsh glare of the surrounding lights.

The mango tree was surrounded by a few weathered benches, where we would often sit and share quiet, intimate moments, indulging in romantic gestures before heading to bed.

Before entering camp, all Corps members were advised to bring plenty of cash, as we wouldn't be permitted to leave the camp to make withdrawals, most of us arrived with cash in hand, myself included.

Sandra entrusted all the money she brought to camp with me. Whenever she needed to purchase something, she would either call or message me, and we would meet. Either I would go to her or she would come to where I was, to collect cash for her use.

In my waist pouch, I carried over three hundred and fifty thousand naira, which was meant for both Sandra and I. 

However, the majority of the money belonged to Sandra, as her share was the largest.

I would be lying if I claimed not to have noticed Pascaline’s growing closeness to me. It was impossible to ignore, as it was clearly evident.

Every morning during the parade, she would lean on my shoulder, and whenever we were in our platoon, she was constantly by my side, always clinging to me.

Pascaline has an amazing personality, one that exudes a strong and authoritative vibe, making any guy who might consider approaching her think twice before doing so.

Beneath that tough exterior, there is a deeply emotional side to Pascaline. I've tried to figure out why she maintains such a dual personality, but I can't quite pinpoint the reason behind it.

She always carries this calm demeanor when she’s around me, but I didn’t make much of it. After all, we had met before coming to camp, so I assumed that was the reason for the closeness between us.

Daisy, on the other hand, is a free-spirited individual. She's cheerful and approachable with everyone, yet she knows where to draw the line.

She is a very outspoken person who easily engages in conversations, leaving no space for awkward silences when she's around.

One thing that caught my attention was that whenever her twin sister Pascaline started pestering me, Daisy would smile and often use some humorous phrases in a language I couldn’t quite make sense of.

By observing the lifestyle of Pascaline and Daisy, it was evident that they hailed from an affluent family.

It’s no surprise that one of the fellow corps members, named Yamani, once commented that Pascaline seemed to be well out of his league, because he couldn't approach her.

Yamani, on the other hand, comes from a prosperous and well established Muslim family. He embodies a free spirited nature, always full of energy and eager to enjoy life to the fullest.

While he is charming in many ways, one particular trait that tends to stand out is his tendency to talk excessively and boast about his accomplishments, sometimes to the point of annoyance.

His constant chatter often centers around his family’s wealth and his own achievements, which although may be true, can come across as overly proud and somewhat inconsiderate to those around him.

Despite this flaw, his outgoing and carefree personality still makes him an interesting and lively individual to hang around with.

I observed that Yamani was always eyeing Daisy with admiration, but whenever they were in each other's company, he seemed to lose his words, getting completely tongue tied. It made me curious as to why it was happening.

To be continued........

TIDES OF LUST (Episode 43)

 

 The morning calm was shattered by a knock at the door, rousing me from sleep at 6:30 am. As I stirred, I felt Sandra's gentle grip around my waist, her head nestled comfortably against my chest, seemingly oblivious to the interruption.

Carefully extracting myself from Sandra's embrace, I slid out of bed and made my way to the door, doing my best to discreetly navigate a rather inconvenient and awkward morning arousal.

I discreetly peered through the peephole, and the distorted image resolved into the outline of a woman standing patiently on the other side of the door.

“Who is there?”........I asked.

“It’s me, Daisy”.......she replied, and I instantly recognised the voice.

“Ooohh!”......I exclaimed, before opening the door, I totally forgot that I was still hard down there.

“Good morning ladies”........I greeted, as I saw the two girls already dressed ready to leave with their bags.

“Good morning”.......they both chorused.

“You are still sleeping?”.......Daisy asked.

“Yes, we retired late last night”........I replied.

“Did your girl come in with you too?”........Pascaline asked.

“Yeah”......I replied.

“Let’s say hi to her”........she requested.

“She is still sleeping, maybe some other time”........I replied, making way for them to see Sandra culled under the duvet, still sleeping.

“We are ready to leave, maybe we can beat the queue as everybody will try to come in today”.......Pascaline announced, and I nodded.

“Thats great, we will soon be ready too. Do you guys have someone that will drive you to the Camp?”........I inquired.

“Not really, we will try and see if we can get a cab outside, though it’s still too early”........Daisy replied.

“Okay, you guys should give me a minute, let me call my cab man, maybe he will come around and pick you guys up, and then come back for us here”.........I suggested, and they nodded in agreement.

I returned to the room, still awkwardly navigating my morning arousal, which persisted despite my attempts to subtly conceal it by pressing my legs together, all while trying to maintain a composed demeanor.

My efforts to hide my morning glory were futile, and as I turned back, I caught Pascaline and Daisy sharing a quirky, knowing smile, their eyes sparkling with amusement. At that point, I figured there was no use trying to hide it anymore.

I quickly grabbed my phone and called my cab driver, who assured me he'd arrive within 15 minutes. I instructed him to first pick up two girls waiting at the bar and drop them off, then return for me.

As I wrapped up my call with the cab driver, Sandra stirred awake, taking in her surroundings before spotting the girls at the door. A warm smile spread across her face as she locked eyes with them.

Before I even ended the call, the girls had already slipped inside, and the room was filled with the sound of cheerful greetings. 

Sandra warmly exchanged pleasantries with them, as Daisy took the opportunity to introduce herself and her twin sister, Pascaline.

After Sandra exchanged pleasantries with Pascaline and Daisy, I directed them to wait at the bar for the driver's arrival and kindly requested they secure a spot for us in case of a crowd at the camp. Thanking me, they took their leave.

After the girls left, I stood by the door, engrossed in my phone. But the sensation of being observed grew stronger. I looked up to find Sandra's intense gaze locked onto me, her eyes burning with an unreadable expression.

“What?”......I asked.

“What is this you are walking around with? Don't you have some shame?”........she sneered.

Sandra rose from the bed, her eyes locked on mine, and sauntered over to me. She pressed her lips to mine in a tender kiss, her hands roaming downward to caress me intimately through my briefs.

“It belongs to you, do what you want with it baby”........I replied, reciprocating her kiss.

“Then why are you showing off my property for all to see? It should be kept hidden you know.....I have missed you”........She whispered, slipping her hand into my brief and pulling out my rod.

Adjusting herself, she bent down and enveloped it into her mouth. I watched as she licked my precum before licking round the cap continuously.

She eventually placed her tongue on the tip of my Rod, and was flickering it with her tongue. My shaft wasn't left out, her hands walked Wonder's around it.

I shivered as waves of pleasure simmered through me to my brain.

She gobbled on for a while, before pulling my Rod out from her mouth.

Sandra sashayed towards the bed, her movements exuding confidence and allure.

Reaching the bed, she bent down, elegantly lifting her nightie, and positioned herself in a provocative pose, inviting me to join her with a subtle beckon of her finger.

Her dripping Kitty lips looked so tempting from that view. I walked slowly towards her and guided my rod into her Kitty.

She pushed back her waist to welcome my Rod while I adjusted before thrusting in and out slowly.

Her waist kept pushing back, meeting my thrust half way. It was fun and more arousing watching her from that angle pushing her waist back.

I kept on with the slow thrust for a long while before deciding to increase the tempo.

Her mõans were already resounding through the room while I increased the speed of my ramming into her.

When the pressure of my movements became too much for her to handle, she collapsed onto the bed, gripping the sheets tightly, her waist still lifted high.

I kept pushing into her with a steady increase in speed, noticing her reactions growing more intense.

After we both reached climax, we went to the bathroom together, with the intention of having our bath, and we had one more round inside the bathroom.

After bathing and dressing up, before we were done arranging our things, the cab man called me to inform me that he is back from dropping off Pascaline and Daisy. I told him to give us five minutes, and we would be out of the hotel room.

Sandra and I were done arranging our things, then we left the hotel room, and the cab man took us straight to the camp.

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

TIDES OF LUST ( Episode 42)

 I instantly froze, the moment i read Evelyn's text message. My heart sank as i stared at the screen, the weight of my own lie crashing down on me.

I had been so sure that my plan to create distance between Evelyn and I was foolproof, but now it seemed fate was playing a cruel joke on me.

Panic crept into my chest as i re-read her message, disbelief mingling with regret. I realized the magnitude of the mess i had created and felt a knot tighten in my stomach.

My mind raced as i tried to figure out what to do next. Should i come clean about my lie, or should i attempt to fabricate an even bigger story to cover up the situation?

The latter seemed dangerous, but the thought of facing Evelyn and admitting my deceit was terrifying. As I deliberated, my palms grew sweaty, and I felt trapped by my own web of dishonesty. How would Evelyn react if she discovered the truth?

My thoughts turned to Evelyn's persistence and sincerity. She had no idea that my announcement about being redeployed to Akwa Ibom was a ploy to keep her at arm’s length.

I hadn’t anticipated her matching my supposed location, and now, the irony of our closeness was inescapable.

Her excitement about being posted to the same place as me was evident in her message, and it made me feel even worse. Guilt began to replace the panic in my heart.

After a while, I decided to compose a reply, but my fingers hovered over the keyboard indecisively.

Should I express surprise and feign happiness, or maintain a neutral tone? The idea of pretending further exhausted me, but I feared Evelyn might notice if my tone seemed off.

With hesitation, I crafted a short message congratulating her on her posting while leaving the conversation open-ended, stalling for more time to think of a long-term solution.

Despite sending the message to her, my anxiety lingered. My mind remained a whirlwind of regret and uncertainty.

I couldn’t shake the fear of our inevitable meeting, nor the consequences of Evelyn learning the truth. As the hours ticked by, I resolved to confront my mistake eventually but struggled with the courage to take the first step.

The very thought of Evelyn’s reaction left me restless, consumed by the complications I had brought upon myself.

I informed Jenny about the posting, she advised me to be cautious with the two girls I was traveling to Akwa Ibom to camp with.

She had also teased me, joking that I shouldn’t come back home with a pregnant woman after my service year, as if implying I might get myself into some unexpected situation while I was away.

Her playful tone, however, held a hint of concern, and I couldn’t help but laugh at the thought of such a thing happening.

In contrast, my sisters had often shared how enjoyable camp would be, and it was something I had been eagerly anticipating.

The night before I left for camp, my family gathered for a meeting in my honor, offering a constant stream of advice and prayers from every direction. By the time the meeting was over, I felt a sense of relief, finally heading to bed.

The next day, I arrived in Akwa Ibom a day before the NYSC camp resumed. I took a cab from the park and inquired about a place to stay.

The amicable cab driver took me to a hotel close to the NYSC camp, making it convenient for me to reach the camp when it opened the next day.

After dropping me off at the hotel, I paid the driver and took his contact information, as I would need his services later that evening and the next day.

I checked into the hotel, got settled, took a shower, and lay down to rest, setting my phone alarm for 6 p.m. Instead of resting, I became lost in thoughts.

The thought of being posted to the same state as Evelyn and Sandra sent shivers down my spine, as I could already anticipate potential drama ahead.

I considered telling Sandra when she came, but ultimately decided against it. It felt better to let it be a surprise for both of us when we met at camp. Besides, I wasn’t sure how she would react, would she even believe me if I told her?

Evelyn had been calling me for a few days, but I intentionally avoided answering her calls. I wanted us all to be genuinely surprised when we eventually met at the camp.

Since we were required to report to camp a week after printing our call-up letters, I knew it wouldn't be long before the drama unfolded.

Sandra had mentioned to me earlier that her flight from Lagos would be landing at Akwa Ibom airport around 6pm. After much thought, I soon drifted off to sleep.

I was awakened by the ringing of my phone; it was my mum calling. We talked for a little while, but afterward, sleep seemed to slip away from me.

It wasn't even 6pm yet, so I took a shower and headed down to the hotel bar. I grabbed a bottle of Heineken and took in the surroundings of the hotel.

Many taxis were arriving, bringing what I assumed were prospective corps members as well. Given the hotel's proximity to the Camp, it was perfectly situated.

I was still observing my surroundings when two girls walked into the bar. They had enviable height, both fair-skinned with a glow that radiated in the soft evening light.

One was lean, the kind who could eat a massive meal without showing any sign of weight gain, while the other was curvier, with well-rounded proportions that complemented her figure.

They took a seat at the table across from me. The curvier girl went to place their order, leaving the slimmer one engrossed in her phone. I was mesmerized by their striking beauty and remarkable resemblance. There was no doubt they were twins.

As I glanced around the bar, her eyes caught mine. She smiled and nodded, and I did the same in return. What a gorgeous smile she had.

It would be a disgrace to my honor if I let these girls leave without making an effort to become friends with them.

I was still deciding on my next move when the curvier girl returned with a pack of Hollandia yoghurt, a small bottle of Smirnoff vodka, and two glasses. 

Grabbing my bottle, I made my way over to their table.

“Hello sweeties! Do you ladies mind if I join here?”........I requested politely.

“Sure no problem, please make yourself comfy with us”........the slim girl replied with a smile while the plump girl also smiled too.

“Thanks. Are you both corps members?”.........I asked curiously, while settling down.

“Prospective”........the curvy one replied, stressing the prospective as she giggled.

“Come on, once you are mobilized, you are a corps member already”........I said playfully.

“You can’t be so sure until you are done with the camp registration without any issue”.......The plump girl said amidst pouring their drink.

“By the way, I’m Pascal, a prospective corps member”.........I muttered, making sure to stress the prospective.

“Pascal?”........the slim girl asked while the plump girl smiled.

“Yes, any problems?”........I asked curiously, surprised at their reaction.

“Is that your real name or a nickname?”........she further inquired.

“It’s my real name, are you surprised? Haven't you heard of the name before?”........I inquired, a bit surprised by her ignorance.

“Of course I have been hearing of the name, anyways, I’m Pascaline and this is my twin sister Daisy?”........she responded, referring to the curvy girl as Daisy.

“You are joking right? So there's a feminine name for Pascal?”........I asked in disbelief, and they both giggled.

“Yes of course”.......she replied.

Right as I was about to speak again, my phone rang, and it was Sandra calling. I apologized to the ladies and stepped away to take the call from Sandra.

Sandra let me know she had arrived at the airport, and I told her to give me a few minutes before I came to pick her up.

After finishing my phone conversation with Sandra, I made my way back to the ladies, who were still chatting. I took a moment to gather my thoughts before informing them that I needed to leave.

I explained to them that my girlfriend had arrived at the airport and I had to go pick her up. They understood, and I made sure to thank them for the time spent together before heading out of the bar.

While in front of the hotel, I called the cab man that dropped me at the hotel, earlier that day. He came to pick me up, and we left for the airport.

After picking Sandra up from the airport, we headed straight to the hotel where I was staying. She appeared exhausted and drained, and I could tell it was due to the long journey she had just completed.

Sandra exchanged only a few words with me before heading straight for a shower and then going to bed without having any dinner.

After freshening up, I slipped into bed beside her, enveloping her in a gentle hug, and soon let the warmth of the moment lull me into a peaceful slumber.

To be continued........

TIDES OF LUST (Episode 41)

 I stood near the window of my room, my hands shoved deep into my pockets.The moon filtered through the thin curtains, casting uneven patterns on the floor.

I was deep in contemplation, struggling with a cloud of confusion, while Evelyn continued to plead with me, offering heartfelt reasons why our relationship deserved another chance.

In essence, she refused to accept that our relationship was ending, no matter how much I tried to explain it to her.

Evelyn sat at the edge of my bed, her hands clasped tightly on her lap. The air was heavy with unspoken words, tension building like an approaching storm.

“Pascal”........she called gently, and I turned to look at her.

“We've been together for years, and you want to throw all that away? Why now?”........She inquired, her large, expressive eyes brimmed with unshed tears as she searched my face for answers.

I avoided looking at her directly, afraid of what her pain might do to my resolve.

“Look Evelyn, by now you should understand that I don't love you. I don't think I can bring myself to fall in love with you......I can't”.........I said, almost in a whisper.

My words sounded rehearsed, hollow even to me, but I didn’t know how else to express the turmoil in my heart.

Evelyn's tears spilled freely now, and the room filled with the sound of her muffled sobs.

Her shoulders shook violently, and she buried her face in her hands, unable to hold back the torrent of emotions.

I stood frozen for a moment, guilt gnawing at my insides. I had rehearsed this conversation in my head countless times, but seeing Evelyn break down shattered my carefully built walls.

Slowly, I moved toward her and sank to my knees in front of her, so as to console her. I wasn't comfortable with her tears.

“Evelyn, Please don't cry.......I didn't want to hurt you”........I said softly, my voice cracking with emotion.

“Then why? Why end something so beautiful, Pascal? Was I not good for you enough?”........she demanded through her tears, her voice rising in anguish.

Her words were laced with vulnerability, and I felt a pang of regret I hadn't expected. I reached out tentatively, placing my hands on her trembling shoulders.

“You are more than enough, Evelyn, You deserve someone who truly love's you wholeheartedly, someone who won’t doubt what they want......Right now, I’m not that person”.........I said earnestly.

Evelyn’s crying slowed as she searched my eyes for sincerity. Her heartache mingled with an overwhelming yearning to hold onto me, to feel that the connection we once shared, wasn’t completely gone.

“You don't mean that right?”....…..she whispered, her voice soft but determined.

I didn’t respond immediately, my throat tightening as her tear streaked face loomed closer to mine.

Before I could think it through, I reached out, wiping the tears from her cheeks with the pad of my thumb. The simple gesture ignited a spark neither of us had expected.

Time seemed to stand still as Evelyn leaned into my touch, her lips brushing against my fingers. I hesitated, my heart pounding.

It was as though an invisible force was pulling us together, erasing all logic. 

Gently, I cupped her face, my thumb tracing the curve of her jaw.

Our eyes met, and for a moment, the unspoken emotions between us, bridged the gap. I leaned in slowly, and when our lips met, it was tentative at first, then deepened into something urgent and raw.

The kiss ignited a wave of passion neither of us could control. I stood, pulling Evelyn up with myself, and our bodies pressed together as the intensity grew.

Hands roamed freely, exploring familiar yet electrifying territories as we surrendered to the moment.

My fingers worked to unbutton her blouse, while Evelyn tugged at my shirt, her desperation evident. The room grew warmer as our breaths intermingled, hearts racing in unison.

We found ourselves tangled on the bed, our movements both hurried and tender. My touch was deliberate, each caress eliciting a soft gasp from Evelyn.

She responded with equal fervor, her nails grazing my back as our bodies moved in perfect synchronization. Our intimacy was a mix of rediscovery and unbridled emotion, a moment suspended outside of time.

When it was over, we lay entwined, our breaths heavy but content. The room was quiet except for the hum of our steady breathing.

The following morning, we woke up feeling rejuvenated. The night before had been unforgettable, a time of deep connection and fiery passion that left us both utterly fulfilled.

Evelyn whipped up a hearty breakfast, and after we'd eaten our fill, we set out to collect her belongings, but what I encountered left me stunned, she'd been residing in a hotel the entire time, a revelation that caught me utterly off guard.

After settling back in at home, I reached out to Sandra with an update, letting her know that Evelyn and I had worked things out and were no longer together. Her response arrived promptly, and I opened the message to read.

“I’m happy you have made peace with her. I still want us to be apart from each other for a while” I was perplexed by Sandra's suggestion that we needed space, and my curiosity got the better of me. I dialed her number, and after two rings, she answered on the third, her voice filling the line.

“What is the problem? Are you fed up with us or something?”........I asked.

“Come to my house let’s talk”.......she replied and dropped the call.

I concocted a convincing excuse for Evelyn, claiming a school task required my attention, before making my way to Sandra's residence. Upon arrival, I found her seated at the table, savoring a bite to eat.

As we wrapped up our warm greetings, I patiently waited for her to finish eating before broaching the subject. But as I did, the atmosphere between us began to shift, taking on an awkwardness that was unfamiliar to our usual easy rapport.

She returned from clearing the table and settled in beside me on the bed, her presence marked by a comfortable silence.

“I have ended things with Evelyn peacefully. We aren't dating anymore, not like we were dating before sha”........I said nervously.

“Okay then, I’m happy to hear that”........she said coldly.

“Sandra, nothing should stop us from dating now, please I don’t want us to be apart”.......I pleaded.

“Pascal, listen to me. A lot of things have happened of which we both know. There is this part of me that wants to accept your proposal, but another part of me is telling me to be careful and I’m heeding to that part, I don’t want us to rush into this”.......she outlined.

“Common Sandra, you've given me enough excuses already, don't you love me anymore?”........I asked, feeling a bit angered.

“Yes I still love you, but if I want to start something with you, it’s not something that I want to just last for a couple of months. Now that you have sorted things out with Evelyn, I want you to use this remaining time for your academics while I focus on mine. We have a few months left to stay here, let’s use that for our studies”.........she advised.

“Sandra, I don’t want something that will last a few months with you, I also want something serious, not a fling”........I muttered.

“Pascal, I have thought about this, what if we don’t see each other again after graduation? I can’t do a phone relationship. I can’t have a distant relationship”.........she said worriedly.

“We can always find a way to see each other, after graduation. I know it’s going to be difficult but if we try our best we can pull it through”........I assured her.

“Okay then. This is the plan I have, after graduation, let us work our NYSC posting to the same state. That way we can be together and build a relationship, but until then, Pascal please let’s be apart”...........she demanded.

“And what if we don’t end up in the same state?”.........I asked curiously.

“Then we were never meant to be.......Pascal I’m sorry, but this was a hard decision for me to make. Please don’t push it any further. I don’t want you to make me change my mind which I know you can do if you press on. Just do this for me”.........she said politely.

I relented, accepting that she wouldn't budge, and surrendered to her wishes. She further proposed that we establish a temporary divide, abstaining from communication for the remainder of the semester and deliberately avoiding each other whenever possible.

We made plans to relocate to Lagos for our National Youth Service Corps assignment after graduation. As I prepared to leave her apartment, we shared one final, fervent intimacy, savoring the moment before our impending separation.

Two months following our graduation, the NYSC posting results were released. Prior to our departure from school, I informed Evelyn of my intention to re-deploy to Akwa-Ibom State for my service year, while she revealed her plans to re-deploy to Abuja.

I sought to maintain a deliberate distance between Evelyn and I, avoiding any chance encounters that might rekindle our past.

My desire was to initiate a new chapter with Sandra, untainted by remnants of my previous relationships, and free from the potential complications of a lingering connection.

I stepped into the cyber café, intent on printing my call-up letter, when my phone suddenly lit up with a message from Sandra.

“Pascal I’m very sorry, maybe we are not meant to be together. I am posted to Akwa-Ibom. Even if we never get to see again, just don’t forget that I love you”........she wrote.

As I finished reading the message, a cold sweat broke out all over me. My heart racing, I mechanically jotted down the necessary details on a scrap of paper and handed it to the cyber café attendant when my turn arrived, my mind still reeling from Sandra's text.

I shifted my gaze away as the attendant accessed the NYSC portal, my mind racing with a flurry of thoughts that left me momentarily distracted.

“What if I was posted to another state? Does it mean that this working of NYSC posting is a scam? What if I was posted to Borno or any of these distressed states? What will now happen to Sandra and I?”........I wondered.

I remained absorbed in my thoughts until the attendant's gentle tap broke the spell.

“Akwa-Ibom, ayaya oh” she said, to which I turned, slightly disoriented, and asked her to repeat herself.

“You are posted to Akwa-Ibom State”.........she announced, with a warm smile on her face.

Overwhelmed with excitement, I let out a triumphant shout, sweeping the attendant into a tight hug and kissing her cheek. The café's patrons swiveled to stare, while the girl's face turned bright red, her eyes cast downward in embarrassment.

As I regained my composure, I sheepishly collected the letter from the attendant, who now avoided eye contact with me. I settled the bill, then I discreetly pressed ₦5,000 Cash into her hand as a token of appreciation before making a quiet exit.

“Sorry for the kiss”........I whispered to her and left.

As soon as I stepped out of the café, I grabbed my phone and dialed Sandra's number.

The moment she answered, I let out a loud, excited shout.

“We are meant to be. I’m posted to Akwa-Ibom too oooohhh”.........I said excitedly.

Sandra's stunned silence greeted me on the other end of the line. I repeated "Hello?"

twice before she finally cleared her throat, her voice shaky. I detected the faint sound of sniffles, hinting that she was fighting back tears.

“What is the problem? Are you crying?”........I asked.

“No, no I’m not, I’m just so happy”........she said amidst sniffing.

“Now you see, I told you that we are meant to be, we are meant to be”........I yelled, punching the air and jumping around in front of the café.

“Yes, yes we are”........she replied, now laughing.

No sooner had I wrapped up my conversation with Sandra and I left the cyber cafè, heading to my house. When I got home I reached for my phone to dial Sandra's number again.

But before I could even unlock the screen, a text message from Evelyn suddenly popped up, catching my attention and temporarily putting my plans to call Sandra on hold.

As I opened the message, I was met with a revelation that left me breathless and reeling in shock.

“Hey Baby, good news! They posted me to Akwa-Ibom.

I have been trying to call you but your number has been busy. Please try and call me, hope you have checked your posting?”.........she wrote.

Life has a way of circling back, and just when you think you've escaped the shadows of your past, fate steps in and forces you to confront what you've been trying to leave behind.

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

TIDES OF LUST (Episode 39&40)

 After speaking with Sandra on the phone, I chose to surf the internet for a bit. As I was scrolling through Instagram, something really intriguing grabbed my attention.

I stumbled upon the most breathtaking set of jewelry I’ve ever seen in a long time. It included a pair of elegant earrings, a beautifully designed necklace, and a delicate bracelet that complemented the set perfectly.

The intricate craftsmanship and dazzling details caught my eye immediately, and it was so captivating that I found myself unable to simply scroll past without admiring it for a while.

As I gazed at the stunning jewelry set, an idea suddenly came to mind. I thought it would be a thoughtful and meaningful gesture to buy it for Sandra.

The set of jewelry was beautiful, just like her, and I realized it could serve as more than just a gift. It would be a perfect opportunity to apologize for the stress I had caused her when I got drunk.

Reflecting on how much she had to endure during that incident, I felt this would be a way to not only make amends but also show her how much I truly care and appreciate her.

I couldn’t help but grin at the brilliance of my plan, silently patting myself on the back for coming up with such a thoughtful idea. Without delay, I checked the price of the jewelry and saw that it was listed at 120,000₦.

I let out a heavy sigh, seeing that my bank account only held 160,000₦, which I had earmarked for my living expenses and project work. Suddenly, I found myself unsure and hesitant about buying the jewelry.

As I continued to gaze at the jewelry, my thoughts shifted to Sandra and how authentic and carefree she had always been around me. In that instant, I was certain she deserved not only the jewelry but so much more.

Without hesitation, I quickly got in touch with the vendor selling the jewelry and made the payment without second guessing myself. I was determined to make sure I could get the set to Sandra as soon as possible.

Luckily for me, I was in the same location as the jewelry vendor. I sent them my address, and they assured me of getting my order, in less than an hour.

Less than an hour later, there was a knock at my door, and a dispatch rider handed me the package. The jewelry had arrived promptly, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment and excitement as I held it in my hands.

As soon as the package was delivered, I eagerly unwrapped it and opened the jewelry box with great anticipation. Inside, I found the jewelry set just as I had seen it online, only this time, it was even more dazzling and exquisite than I had imagined.

The intricate details and craftsmanship were far more breathtaking in person, and I couldn’t help but admire it for a moment. I felt a wave of relief and excitement, knowing I had made the perfect choice.

I could already picture Sandra wearing the jewelry. It seemed like it was designed just for her, complementing her style and grace beautifully. The thought of how delighted she would be filled me with joy, and I felt truly glad for my decision to get it for her.

I looked at the wall clock in my room, and I discovered the time was 4:34pm. I gently covered the jewelry box, laid it on my reading table, and then I dashed into the bathroom to have my bath so I can start getting prepared to meet with Sandra.

After I was done bathing, I stepped out of the bathroom, my skin glowing from the refreshing shower I had.

A faint trace of steam lingered in the air as I grabbed a towel and patted myself dry, my mind entirely focused on the special evening ahead.

This wasn't just any night, it was a dinner date with Sandra, and I was determined to make the best impression possible. With a deep breath, I straightened up and walked confidently toward my wardrobe, intent on choosing the perfect outfit to match the occasion.

As I opened the wardrobe doors, I paused for a moment, surveying my collection of clothes. The rows of neatly arranged shirts, jackets, trousers, and shoes reflected my meticulous nature.

I ran my fingers across the fabrics, contemplating my options. Tonight called for something classic yet stylish, something that struck the right balance between sophistication and charm.

A small smile played on my lips as I pulled out a crisp white button up shirt, a tailored navy blue blazer, and a pair of slim fit black trousers. A perfect combination for a formal outing.

Satisfied with my choices, I laid the clothes out on my neatly made bed. I then walked to the corner of my room, where a full length mirror stood, and glanced at my reflection.

Returning to the bed, I picked up the shirt and began slipping it on. The cool fabric felt reassuring against my skin as I fastened each button with care, making sure everything was aligned perfectly.

I tucked the shirt into my trousers and cinched them at the waist with a sleek, brown leather belt.

Next came the blazer. I slipped my arms into the tailored sleeves, feeling the confidence it provided as it hugged my frame. The navy blue color contrasted strikingly with the white shirt, exuding an air of understated elegance.

I walked back to the mirror, turning from side to side as I made slight adjustments, ensuring the outfit fit me flawlessly. I knew Sandra had an eye for detail, and I wanted everything to be perfect.

For my footwear, I opted for the well polished black Oxford shoes which Evelyn bought for me some months ago.

Sitting on the edge of my bed, I carefully slipped them on, tying the laces with practiced ease. The shoes added a finishing touch to my ensemble, reflecting the importance I placed on the evening.

I then selected a silver wristwatch from my wardrobe, one of my prized possessions, and fastened it around my wrist. It was subtle but refined, just the way I liked my accessories.

Afterward, I moved to my grooming routine. Standing before the mirror again, I ran a comb through my damp hair, styling it neatly with a small dab of pomade for a glossy finish.

I trimmed and tidied my scanty beard, ensuring it looked well groomed but natural.

Lastly, I dabbed on a bit of my favorite cologne, the woodsy notes lingering softly around me, adding an alluring yet not overpowering touch.

Stepping back to admire my reflection, I gave myself a nod of approval. My outfit exuded confidence, elegance, and a touch of charm, just what I wanted for the dinner date.

Satisfied, I turned toward my reading table and I grabbed my wallet and phone, slipping them into the pockets of my trousers. A quick glance at the time on my watch, and I discovered it was 5:20pm.

I brought out my phone from my pocket, and I called my cab man to come pick me up.

After the call, I picked up the jewelry box, and left my apartment.

I pulled up in front of Sandra’s apartment, my heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. Clutching the carefully wrapped jewelry box in my hand, I stepped out of the cab and adjusted my blazer, making sure everything about my appearance was impeccable.

As I walked up to her door and rang the bell, I took a deep breath, preparing myself for the moment.

The door creaked open, revealing Sandra standing there in a casual but elegant dress, her face lighting up with surprise and delight as her eyes landed on me.

For a moment, she stood still, taking in my appearance. My perfectly tailored blazer, crisp white shirt, and polished shoes.

A warm smile spread across her face, and her cheeks flushed slightly.

“Wow, Pascal. You look amazing tonight. I could barely recognise you”........she complimented, her voice filled with genuine admiration.

I chuckled softly, running my hand through my neatly combed hair, awkwardly. I didn't even know how I was going to present my gift to her.

“Well, I guess I had to dress extra, considering who I’m about to spend the evening with”........I replied, my tone playful yet sincere.

Sandra laughed and shook her head, clearly flattered. Her eyes then darted to the small, neatly wrapped box in my hand. Curiosity danced across her face as she gestured toward it.

“What’s in the box?”........she asked with a raised brow.

“Atleast let me in first, before asking questions”........I replied politely.

“Oh, I'm sorry, I was carried away by your extraordinary appearance”.........she teased, and then she stepped aside so I could walk into her apartment.

After I had sat down on a chair, I smiled at Sandra, holding the box out toward her.

“I brought this for you, I saw this and immediately thought of you. It’s a little something to show how much I appreciate you, and to make up for the stress I caused you last time”....... I whispered, my voice carrying a hint of apology and affection, watching her expression shift to one of surprise and excitement.

Sandra hesitated for a moment, clearly touched by my words. She carefully took the box from my hands, her eyes wide with anticipation.

“Pascal, you didn’t have to…..I was only being of help to you, because of the relationship we have, I don't......”.........she wanted to speak further, but I interrupted her gently.

“Just open it please”.......I said, with a grin on my face.

Slowly, she unwrapped the package, her fingers trembling slightly. When the lid of the jewelry box popped open, her eyes widened in awe.

Inside was the stunning jewelry set, a delicate necklace, sparkling earrings, and an elegant bracelet, all glimmering under the soft lighting in the room.

Sandra gasped, her hand flying to her mouth as she stared at the pieces. Her eyes darted towards me, and I noticed it glistened with emotion.

“Oh my goodness, Pascal......this is lovely, I mean, this is absolutely too beautiful.....I can’t believe you got this for me”..........She muttered, her voice slightly above a whisper.

I smiled warmly, my heart swelling at her reaction. I was excited that she loved the gift.

“I knew it would suit you perfectly. You deserve it, Sandra.....I just wanted you to have something that matches how extraordinary you are”.......I muttered, my tone steady and heartfelt Sandra’s cheeks turned a deeper shade of pink as she smiled back, clearly touched by my words.

For a moment, we both held each other's gaze, the air filled with warmth and emotion. I could easily listen to our hearts, as it pounded inside our chest.

“Thank you so much Pascal....This means so much to me. You didn’t have to, but it really shows how much you care. I’m so lucky to have someone as thoughtful as you in my life”.........She appreciated, her voice soft but sincere, and I shrugged with a playful grin.

“Well, I guess I’ll just have to keep raising the bar, then.......Who knows, I might buy you a house next”.........I said playfully.

We both laughed together, the awkwardness of the moment dissolving into the comfort of our connection. Sandra invited me to sit close to her, on the bed so as to admire the jewelry together with her.

She joked about how hard it would be to match an outfit to such dazzling jewelry, but I reassured her that she could pull off anything effortlessly.

Our conversation flowed naturally, filled with laughter, gratitude, and subtle admiration.

After a few more minutes of heartfelt words and light hearted jokes, Sandra carefully placed the jewelry back in its box and promised to treasure it.

Just then, as if she had a rethink, she opened the jewelry box again, and told me she would be wearing it for our date, and I agreed with her.

I gladly helped her wear every piece of the jewelry, and after I was done, I was impressed with how she looked, wearing the jewelry. I couldn't help but compliment her.

“You radiate elegance and sophistication my lady”........I complimented, and she blushed.

“Leave me jhoor, you are determined to burst my head this evening Abi?”.........she teased, and I grinned in response.

Together, we left her apartment for our dinner date, the glow of our exchange still lingering in the air. We were excited for the night ahead, grateful for each other and the deepening bond we shared.

We left her place and headed to Perk Up Café, though it was a little quiet when we arrived. I found a table and guided Sandra over to it.

Once we were seated, we placed our order when the waiter approached. We continued chatting and laughing until our meals were served.

“You know this is the first time I’m actually taking you out on a date”.......I started, after we ate for a while.

“Yeah, and I’m surprised with your romantic moves this evening”.......she replied, staring at me intently.

“There is something I wish to tell you, hope you wouldn’t find it offensive”.........I requested politely.

“Why should I? Please go on with what you want to say, I'm all ears”........she assured me.

Before heading to Sandra's house, I had rehearsed the words I planned to say in my mind. I was preparing to officially ask her to be my girlfriend.

At times, within the comfort of our own space, everything feels effortless, but when confronted with reality, it often proves to be quite the opposite.

All the words I had memorized vanished from my mind when I needed them most. I found myself staring at my food, desperately trying to recall the lines I had practiced over and over, but they just wouldn't come to me. To make things even more difficult, every time I lifted my head, she was looking right at me.

“Why are you staring at me like that?”.......I asked, as that was the only thing that came to my mind.

“What do you mean? Hope you are okay? You are sweating profusely”.........she said worriedly.

I didn't even notice how much I was sweating, despite the cool air from the café's air conditioner. It wasn’t just my forehead, it was my palms as well, a telltale sign that I was nervous.

“Yes I’m fine......Sandra, I’m feeling nervous because for some hours now, I have been reciting a speech which I prepared to present to you but I can’t even find my words any more”........I muttered, smiling sheepishly.

“Come on, is that why you are sweating under this air condition? whatever it is, say it out anyhow you want?”........she encouraged me, with a smile on her face.

This was someone I had grown so comfortable with, yet now I couldn’t even bring myself to look at her. To ease my nerves, I took a sip of my drink, hoping it would help calm me down before I went on.

“Sandra, Over time I have found myself thinking more about you.......There is this happiness and comfort that I feel whenever I’m around you.......I want us to redefine this friendship. I want a relationship with you”........I paused for a while, searching her face for any reaction, but her expression was blank. Then I continued.

“I know I have done a lot of shît which you know. There is an adage that says, ‘sometimes we tend to lose a diamond while picking stones’. I don’t want to tow that line........Sandra, You are my diamond, and I don’t want to lose you while picking stones. I don’t know if I deserve you, but if you still find me worthy, please be my girlfriend”........I concluded.

I felt a sense of relief wash over me as soon as I spoke my mind. Leaning back in my chair, we locked eyes in a moment of silence. After a brief pause, she cleared her throat and smiled.

“There is no smoke without fire, I already knew there was something behind your romantic approach this evening. Believe me you caught me unawares though........I was expecting the opposite of what you just told me now” 

“Pascal, you have enough girl drama in your hands already, do you think adding me to it won’t cause you more trouble? I think what you should do now is to sort yourself out first. When that is done, then you can know where you stand”

 “I don’t want to bring more troubles to your life. Don’t see this as a rejection of your offer, I pray you understand me. I want the best for you. I prefer us being just friends, than being in a romantic relationship”..........she responded, but I wasn't having it.

“You are not going to cause me any trouble Sandra. I don’t have girl issues anymore.

The only girl I still have something to do with is Evelyn, who right now I don’t know where I stand with her”........I explained.

“Then go and settle things with her. Evelyn alone is enough trouble for you. Go and get things straight with her. Remember what I told you before, a bird at hand is worth more than ten in the bush. Go and make peace with her”..........She advised me, with a warm smile on her face.

I gazed at Sandra, wondering what kind of person she really is beneath the surface.

“Where in the name of God is this girl from?”........I thought.

We spent the rest of the time talking about various things. I invited her to spend the weekend at my place, but she declined. 

She explained that it was important for us to have some space apart so I could make the right decision.

I escorted Sandra to her apartment, then I called my cab to meet me there, so as to take me home.

When I got home, Sandra’s words replayed in my mind. She was right, I had to get my life in order. It was clear that I needed to make things right with Evelyn. 

That night, I decided I would finally take the step to resolve things with her.

I took out my phone and dialed her number. As it rang, it occurred to me that I hadn’t even asked her where she was staying or who she was with. After she didn’t answer the first time, I quickly redialed.

“Hello, good evening”........she greeted.

Evelyn only greets me when she’s upset with me. It's always been her way of showing that something's wrong between us.

“Good evening, how are you?”........I asked.

“I’m fine, sorry I missed your first call”.........she apologized.

“It’s ok, where are you?”........I asked.

“Why did you ask? Like you even care”.......she sneered.

“Evelyn please I want us to settle some things between us once and for all. Please where are you?”.........I asked curiously.

“Don’t worry I will come to your place If you want us to see”........she retorted.

“Okay then, Can you come around now? I want us to talk about this instance”.........I requested.

“Okay, I will call you when I get to the gate”........she replied, and dropped the call.

That’s just like Evelyn, she turns all formal when she’s angry. About an hour later, she called, and I went down to the gate to pick her.

We hardly exchanged any words on the way back to my place. As soon as we arrived, she made her way to my reading table, sat down on it, and started scrolling through her phone.

She turned down everything I offered her. After several minutes of silence, she finally decided to break it.

“You needed us to talk, here I am”.......she said coldly.

“First of all, why are you acting this way?”........I asked politely.

“Pascal, forget the way I’m acting, and let’s talk”........she retorted.

“We can’t talk with you acting like this.......I know this past week has been very unpleasant for us. I know a lot of things must have been going through your mind. I’m sorry for not asking where you have been staying all these while. With the whole thing that has been happening, it seriously escaped my mind. I’m very sorry”.........I apologized.

“Pascal, since almost two weeks now, you have not cared to ask where I have been staying, so much for someone that claims to care”.........She retorted.

“I’m very sorry”.........I apologized.

“It’s okay then, what is it you want us to discuss?”..........she asked, and I breathed deeply before speaking up.

“Evelyn, I want us to stop all this. I don’t want us doing this believing that one day feelings will grow. I can’t give you that love which you want from me. I have tried my best several times to develop that feeling, but unfortunately it’s not forthcoming. Please let’s just end this once and for all”.........I explained.

“Pascal, I have two questions to ask you”.........she muttered.

“Go on please”........I replied.

“Are you doing this because of Mirabel?”.........she asked.

“No, I already ended things with Mirabel a very long time ago. This has nothing to do with her”.........I replied.

“Okay. Secondly, am I being a disturbance to you?”........she asked.

“No, I already ended things with Mirabel a very long time ago. This has nothing to do with her”.........I replied.

“Okay. Secondly, am I being a disturbance to you?”........she asked.

“No, come on. You are not and can never be. I just want us to stop deceiving ourselves.

The more we are into this, the more we might prevent each other from meeting the right people. Don’t get me wrong, if only the hands of time could be turned, I know we would have made the best pair”..........I explained.

She got up from the table and walked over to the bed where I was sitting. Gently, she kissed my forehead before wrapping her arms around me in an embrace. We held each other for a while, and then she leaned in to whisper softly in my ear.

“Can I at least pass the night here for the last time?”........she requested.

“You are not just going to pass the night here, we are going to fetch your bag from wherever you are staying, back to this place”.........I replied to her.

Evelyn started crying quietly behind me, and I turned to hold her gently, softly patting her back.

Despite all the challenges we've faced, I couldn’t forget the journey we’ve shared. If circumstances had been different, I truly believe we could have built something extraordinary together.

To Be Continued...........

TIDES OF LUST (Episode 38)

 

I found myself awake in the middle of the night, filled with an unexpected burst of energy. Not knowing where it came from, I turned on my laptop and dove into my project.

I stayed up working on my project until late morning, finishing chapters one and two. My class didn't start until 12 o'clock, but I intended to submit my chapters to my supervisor before the lecture.

I completed my morning workout and got ready for school, still in high spirits. Once I arrived at school, I printed my work and made my way to my supervisor's office.

My supervisor was a laid-back person. 

Rather than asking me to return later, like most lecturers would, she quickly reviewed my work, made a few corrections, and handed it back to me.

She provided me with some advice on how to tackle the next chapter before sending me on my way. I left her office feeling very pleased.

After my lectures, I decided to hang out with a few friends. We were heading to a well known pub near the Faculty of Arts called GOLDEN PINT to grab some drinks and, for the other guys, maybe check out some girls from the Faculty of Arts.

I’m not really fond of that place, but since it had been some time since I last hung out with my friends, I didn’t have much of a choice.

We had hardly gotten comfortable in the pub when my phone began to ring. I took it out of my pocket, and saw that it was Charlotte calling. I hesitated for a while, before picking the call.

“Do you mind if I join you guys?”.........she asked, immediately I picked the call.

“Where are you?”........I asked nervously, knowing that she must have seen me.

“Just answer me first, my friend”........she sneered.

As she spoke, I noticed her walking in, smiling as she headed toward our table. At that moment, my friends began cheering for me. She reached our table and greeted everyone.

“You should have told me you were following me”.........I retorted, as she sat beside me.

“So that you will tell me to go back right?”.........she fired back.

“Suit yourself then”.........I said, with an aloof response.

“By the way, why have you not been taking my calls?”........she inquired.

“Must I take your call?”........I responded sharply.

She let out a sigh and settled into scrolling through her phone. We all hung out together until late in the evening before finally heading out of the pub.

Charlotte insisted on coming home with me, but I firmly rejected her. She attempted all her feminine tactics to persuade me, but when I stood my ground, she left, visibly upset.

For the remainder of the week, I kept my distance from Evelyn. To my surprise, Sandra hadn't called me at all since the last time I left her house.

I tried calling her twice during the week, but she didn’t pick up, nor did she return the calls. Mirabel only reached out once since we last met. I suppose that's why things have been a bit more peaceful in my life.

Eventually I decided to give Sandra another call, hoping she would pick this time, and fortunately she picked.

“What did I ever do wrong?”........I asked, immediately she picked the phone.

“You didn’t do anything”........she replied, giggling alongside.

“What is funny? since Sunday that I left your place, you didn't bother to check on me and even when I called you twice, you neither picked nor returned the call. Is that the latest attitude now?”........I sneered.

“Come on my guy, okay I’m sorry. I have been very busy though, how are you doing?”.........she inquired.

“I’m fine, How about you?”........I asked.

“I’m good. How is it with you and your wives na? Thought they would have killed you by now and shared your body parts among themselves”.........she teased, and laughed loudly.

“Well, by the grace of God I’m still alive. And no one would share my body parts in Jesus name”.........I replied, with a bit of anger.

“Na you Sabi, I thought you are a Superman that can handle several women at a time......now e don choke you abii”.........she teased, and we both laughed heartily.

“ How far Na, I have missed you sha oh. Let’s try and hang out if you aren't occupied this evening”........I requested, praying she wouldn’t say no.

“You want to take me out?”........she asked with a playful tone.

“Yes oh, my baby”........I replied.

“You know I’m a very busy person. So let me check my schedule and see if I have some free hours this evening”..........she replied, and I heard her chuckling.

“Okay ma, I will be coming around to your house by 6pm, just be ready by then oh, you know I won't take NO for an answer”..........I said playfully, and we both laughed.

We chatted for a while longer before I ended the call. I couldn't help but realize how much I missed Sandra, even after just a few days without any communication.

To Be Continued.........

TIDES OF LUST (Episode 37)

 

Evelyn earnestly begged me as though everything depended on it, but I ignored her completely. Her words felt like a forbidden tune I refused to entertain at that time.

Noticing that I was giving her no attention, she began to cry out loudly, like someone grieving a deep and personal loss.

Evelyn was getting under my skin, and it annoyed me. Did she really have to cry over every minor issue? I was the one who was lied to, the one who was betrayed. If anyone had a reason to shed tears, it was me, not her.

“Now tell me the reason you are crying......Must you cry about everything?”.........I asked sternly.

“Pascal please forgive me, I beg you in the name of God”.........she replied, amidst tears.

I drew a deep breath. While her tears tugged at me, they couldn’t undo the reality that she had concealed such a profound secret for so long. How could I ever trust her again?

I felt compelled to say something, just to make her stop crying, even if my words weren’t genuine.

“Alright then, I have forgiven you, just stop crying”........I said coldly.

I thought my words would calm her, but instead, they only made her cry harder. 

Pulling her into my arms, I wrapped them around her neck and held her close.

My anger had faded, and now here I was, comforting the very person who should have been offering me support.

“It's alright, I have forgiven you, and I want you to stop crying”........I said gently.

“I am sorry, I didn’t want you to get hurt, that's why I kept it away from you all this while”........she replied, amidst sobbing.

“It's fine my dear, I understand.....I know you were only trying to help”.........I muttered calmly, and gently caressed her.

We stayed in that embrace until her sobs ceased. The rest of the night was quiet, with little conversation between us. Come morning, we both prepared for school and left my apartment in silence.

Even though I hoped to forget the whole ordeal, a part of me couldn’t shake the desire to see Mirabel. I felt this overwhelming urge to release my frustration on her, to confront her and say the things that had been weighing on me.

I reached out to her after my classes and told her to meet me at the quadrangle by my department.

I sat on the curb, focused on my phone, waiting for Mirabel. Around twenty minutes later, she arrived and sat down next to me.

“Good evening, what’s up?”........she greeted.

“I’m good. How are you?”.......I asked nonchalantly, still typing on my phone.

“I’m fine”.......she replied.

“You had lectures today?”........I asked, trying to ease the anger building up inside me.

“Yes, just one. Are you ok?”.......she asked, noticing my gloomy expression.

“Yes I’m fine”........I said sternly.

“Is he the guy you are still with?”.........I suddenly blurted out, and she was taken aback by my question.

I knew that was probably the furthest thing from what she expected me to ask. Her expression gave it all away.

“Who are you talking about Pascal?”........she asked, confused.

“The guy you were having sêx with behind my back in first year, or rather the guy you were mating along with me”........I snapped.

“I guess she has finally told you everything isn't it? Anyways, I'm not surprised”........she mumbled.

“That is not the answer to my question”........I barked.

“No, I’m not with him anymore. We ended things a long time ago”.........she muttered.

“Why did you do that? You should have told me that you were tired of me instead of fooling me”.........I snapped.

“Pascal, you have to understand that I didn’t fool you......I really feel bad for what I did, but I don’t regret it. And just for the records, you pushed me into it”..........she fired back, and I stared at her in disbelief.

“You are joking right? How did I push you into it? But you know I loved you with my life then, how could you say that I pushed you into cheating on me?”.........I said, feeling heartbroken.

“Pascal, we need to put an end to this. What happened between us is in the past......We shouldn't reopen old wounds. We were both immature back then. Let's focus on making things right from here on out”..........she suggested, but I wasn't cooperating with her.

“I don't agree with you Mirabel, you have to explain to me how I pushed you into having affairs behind my back?”.........I demanded.

“You pushed me away when you started giving all your attention to Evelyn. You pushed me away when you started fûcking her behind my back, or you think I won't find out?”.........she outlined.

“See Mirabel I.....”

I tried to defend myself when she got to the part where she said I was sleeping with Evelyn behind her back, but she cut me short immediately.

“You have to let me finish Pascal, I never interrupted you since I came here”.........she said rudely.

“You pushed me away when she started doing what I was supposed to be doing for you and you never objected.......Pascal I’m a girl, and also a human. I have feelings too........You were my boyfriend and not hers. Even when I complained, you never heeded my complaints”..........she concluded.

“I never made out with Evelyn when you and I were together......She knew you were my girlfriend and she even had a boyfriend then......So was that an excuse for you to start frolicking with another guy? What happened to communication?........I said coldly.

“Its not my fault Pascal, it's yours. I was lonely and depressed. You stopped giving me attention and focused on Evelyn......That guy then was always there for me. But even at that I still cared about you”.........she muttered soberly.

“So, is that supposed to make up for what you did?”........I said sarcastically.

“Absolutely no, the guy and I were only close mutual friends, and we made out just once........I eventually severed ties with the guy, when Evelyn made me end things with you”...........she clarified.

“You know, the truth is, I wanted you to refute it. I expected you to tell me it was all a misunderstanding. It may be in the past, but knowing it now still hurts. I wanted you to say something else, even though I already knew the truth”..........I lamented, feeling deeply hurt.

“Unfortunately, I can’t deny it or lie to you about it........its best I come clean before you and say it as it is”.........she mumbled.

“Very well then, When Evelyn told me everything, I felt bad and hurt. I had many hurtful things I wanted to say to you, but now I guess there's no point saying them anymore”.........I mumbled.

“Pascal, I'm really sorry. Maybe you should express your feelings. It could help you feel better”........she advised.

I’m not sure why, but out of nowhere, tears began to well up in my eyes. I wanted to say something, but the words just wouldn’t come.

The tears were coming so quickly that I had to lift my head to stop them from spilling. It was the last thing I expected to happen at that moment.

I wiped my nose and averted my gaze, trying to avoid disappointing myself any more.

I was eager to end things with Mirabel and walk away, but my emotions were holding me back. I cleared my throat twice before I was able to find my words.

“I guess this is where we truly call it quits. I've always felt guilty, thinking I ended what we had, but now that I know it was you who dumped me, it somehow gives me some relief”.......I said coldly.

“Pascal please listen to me.......Ever since the dispute between us, I have always wanted to make things right since we parted”

 “My heart always skips a beat, each time I see your call. I have always wanted to come back and tell you the truth, but I guess I never found the courage to, not until recently”

“I want to make things right between us if you would allow me. But if not, then I guess she has won me again and for the last time”.......she concluded.

Before she could finish speaking, tears were already streaming down my face. I couldn’t believe I was responding like this.

“I wish our paths would never cross again, Good bye”........I said coldly, and hurriedly walked away before she could say anything else.

Our emotions can easily spiral out of control. It can either break us down or bring us closer, shaping the way we connect with others.

I trudged back home, feeling like the world was out to get me. Once I got to my apartment, I ate the leftover food Evelyn had prepared the day before.

It was still early, around 6 p.m., but I didn’t mind. I turned off my phone without a second thought and quickly fell asleep.

To Be Continued...........

TIDES OF LUST (Episode 36)

 We leaned back on the bed, our eyes fixed on the ceiling. After a stretch of silence, she broke it by clearing her throat.

“Everything is true”........she mumbled.

“What is true?”........I asked curiously.

“Something went down between Mirabel and I........I actually threatened her to leave you alone”..........she confessed.

I didn't think she'd bring up the topic again. 

I know something went down between them, but I suppose I wasn't ready for her to admit that she had threatened Mirabel.

“Why did you do it?”.........I said coldly, as I sat up on the bed.

I had this urge to shout at Evelyn at that moment, but for some reason, I couldn't. I only glared at her with rage filled eyes.

Mirabel and I had something special growing back then. People called us the "social science couple." Even Evelyn appeared to be supportive at the time, or so I thought.

Mirabel had a calm, caring nature that made everything feel effortless.

I fought back the urge to yell at Evelyn and instead chose to find out why she did what she did. Regardless of her explanation, she had no right to end my relationship on my behalf.

“If this incident never came up, I wouldn’t have ever told you this. I kept it away from you because I didn’t want something that would hurt you”........she said soberly.

“Tell me everything that happened, this instant”.........I demanded rudely.

“That time we met, you already know I had a boyfriend then. But I had this special fondness for you. I was happy with your relationship with Mirabel, until I found out that she wasn’t the faithful girl she claimed to be”

 “It all started when I went to a friend’s party off campus. I saw Mirabel with a guy who happened to be my friend. It was a party that progressed into the night and I know there was no way Mirabel would have gone back to her hostel that night” 

“I wanted to be sure that something was happening between them so I inquired from another friend of mine who was close to the guy, and he told me that they were dating” 

“After my investigation, I met with Mirabel and asked her what was going on between her and the guy, but she denied knowing the guy. I allowed that to slide and told her to stop whatever she was doing behind you. If not I will tell you” 

“After some weeks, I met her again with the same guy in a club with the guy’s friends.

Immediately she saw me around, she became very uncomfortable and didn’t stay long before she left the venue” 

“Unknowingly for her I already took pictures of them. It was from then that she started avoiding me. That time you were always complaining about her behavior, I already knew the cause”

 “I watched you loving her stupidly and showing her off not knowing what was going down behind your back.

The last straw that broke the camel’s back was on Valentine's Day when you weren’t feeling well” 

“If you remember, you told me that Mirabel travelled home when I asked after her. That night, I went to a show that was hosted at Bulox hotel. It was in the middle of the show that I saw Mirabel with the same guy” “This time around, I saw them kissing. I discreetly videoed them. After that I showed her the video and told her to leave you quietly, else I will show you the video” 

“She didn’t want you to see the video neither did I, so I promised her that I won’t show you the video if she walks away. She also made me promise to take care of you, which I did”

 “So that is what happened. I’m sorry for keeping you in the dark”.......she concluded remorsefully.

I stared at Evelyn for a while, not knowing if I should believe the cock and bull story she just narrated to me. Eventually, I let out a chuckle, and then I responded to her.

“This whole story you just narrated, sounds funny to me. Do you expect me to believe you?”..........I said sarcastically.

“I stand to gain nothing by lying to you”........she replied.

I sighed deeply, slipping into my thoughts. It's strange how the truth can sometimes feel almost amusing.

When you anticipate it for so long, and it finally comes to light, it can catch you off guard in the oddest way. That’s exactly what happened to me.

Suddenly, laughter burst out of me. I laughed so hard that I rolled off the bed and onto the floor. I couldn’t even pinpoint what was so funny, but I found myself laughing uncontrollably.

Eventually, self-pity set in. I had been pretending to be the confident, sharp guy, but the truth was my fate had already been determined behind my back.

So I wasn’t enough for Mirabel. All that time, I thought I was proudly calling her my girlfriend, unaware that she was involved with someone else.

After the self-pity, came the anger. I was furious with myself for being oblivious to the fact that I was being played. I was even angrier with Mirabel for pretending to be mine while she was sleeping with someone else.

I was also furious with Evelyn for acting without telling me what was happening. I resented her for keeping me in the dark.

I was upset with her for not allowing me to end the relationship on my terms. I was furious with both of them for turning me into a fool.

Look at me thinking that I ended things between I and Mirabel, not knowing that they had already reached a truce behind me and ended things.

Fury seethed within me like a raging inferno, my gaze locking onto Evelyn's as I struggled to find the words to express the turmoil brewing inside, but my voice caught in my throat, silenced by the intensity of my emotions.

I strode to the fridge, yanked out a chilled water bottle, and drained it in swift, desperate gulps, hoping the icy liquid would douse the flames of rage burning within me.

I knew from past mistakes that speaking in anger only led to regrettable words, so I waited until my emotions had cooled before returning to the bed, where I sat beside her with a clearer mind and a softer heart.

“Why didn’t you tell me this all these while?”........I asked, staring into space.

“I didn’t want you to get hurt. I knew how you loved her. I know how sentimental and emotional you are when it comes to things pertaining to her. That was the reason I didn't deem it fit to expose her to you”..........she explained.

“You should have allowed me to be the judge of that. How dare you make decisions for me? It was my relationship, you should have allowed me to make the decisions. You should have allowed me to decide what will hurt me or not”..........I snapped, glaring at her.

“Pascal I’m sorry, I truly am, please forgive me, It wasn't intentional”........she pleaded, about going on her knees, but I prevented her from doing so.

To Be Continued...........

TIDES OF LUST (Episode 35)

 

 Before heading to my lectures on Monday, I called Evelyn and informed her that we would meet after my classes. My lectures concluded at 5 p.m., so I went back home afterward.

When I got home, I found Evelyn cooking. 

There was a slight tension between us, which was understandable given that we had some unresolved issues.

After we finished eating and had some time to relax, I decided to address the incident from two days ago.

“Evelyn, let me be completely open with you, and I hope you’ll do the same with me.......I’m sorry for what happened. 

There’s absolutely nothing between Mirabel and I, whatever we had ended a long time ago. She stayed over that night because we went to a party, got back late, and she couldn’t leave. Nothing happened”........I explained.

“But she was wearing your briefs”........she mentioned.

“Did you expect her to sleep over Unclad or in her party clothes?”.........I replied sarcastically.

“If there is nothing going down between you guys, she would have left first thing in the morning. But no, you allowed her to stay back until afternoon.......Which means it is either something went down or you were planning on something going down. I’m not a kid Pascal, I know all those stuffs but that is in the past now it shouldn’t happen again”.........she warned.

“Now you have made your conclusion without even trying to give me the benefit of doubt. That’s okay. I want to ask you something and please be truthful to me”...........I requested.

“Okay, go on”........she replied.

“What happened between you and Mirabel back then?”.........I inquired.

“What happened as how?”........she asked.

“I don’t know, but you were here yesterday and heard everything she said. So I’m asking you, what happened? I don’t want to ask her yet. If something happened between you guys, I want to hear it from you first”.........I demanded.

“Pascal, whatever happened between Mirabel and I happened in the past......Believe me, it’s nothing that should get you worried. It is just some girl issues and we settled it then.

I guess she reacted that way because she felt I threatened her”........she exclaimed.

“It doesn’t seem that way to me. I feel there is more to it than you are telling me. So, I implore you to tell me the truth. Did you threaten Mirabel to leave me back then?”.........I asked.

“You are very funny Pascal. Threaten her for what? Why would I stoop so low to do that, what do I stand to gain?”.........she retorted.

“How do I know?”.......I replied.

“It is just funny how you could believe the words of your ex over that of your girlfriend”........she said mockingly.

“Don’t even try to play the victim here with me. I know something went down between the two of you. But since you aren’t ready to tell me, I’m going to ask Mirabel myself”.........I snapped, feeling irritated.

“So you are going back to her? You can as well tell me that it is over between us since you are going back to your ex. I don’t know why I keep being the one always receiving the short end of you” 

“Now you want to go back to your ex who left you in the first year because she said something that doesn’t mean anything. I don’t know how long I’m going to take other girls meddling into our affairs and you see it as nothing?”........She lamented, tears rolling down her eyes.

“Women sef, Must everything always end in tears? Can’t conflicts be resolved without someone feeling hurt or playing the victim?”........I wondered.

“Okay I've heard you, I won't be asking Mirabel any questions”........I muttered, letting go of the topic.

Women always have an impressive ability to navigate situations skillfully, often finding ways to turn circumstances to align with their interests or desired outcomes.

To Be Continued........